Disclaimer: Although I would very much want Ukitake Juushirou or Byakkun to be real and mine, but sadly they are not and they belong to Kubo Tite who also owns BLEACH and all the other gorgeous characters. Only the OCs Kuroki Yuu and Tsubasa are mine.
Visitor who left a question at the reviews section: Hi! Thanks for visiting Noble, Regal! I think you are referring to this sentence in Chapter 2?
"Lugging a few large bags which consisted of her heavy uniforms, some of her own and Tsubasa's casuals, Tsubasa's formal clothing, piles of reports, her Zanpakutou and Tsubasa's sword…..."
Here I purposely differentiate between a Zanpakutou and a sword, because a sword does not equate to a Zanpakutou. The same goes to any other chapters where I mentioned about Tsubasa and swords, like in the fifth paragraph of Chapter 3. I apologize if I'm not able to convey the meaning behind it correctly and caused confusion, and thank you for raising this question! (^_^) Because there might be others out there who are confused as well.
(All thoughts of the characters are in 'this is thinking' this single inverted comma and italic format. New words in Japanese are explained at the end of the chapter. Emphasizes are bolded and in italics.)
Chapter 10 – Weird Interests.
"I believe it is rather dangerous to assume that Kuchiki-Taichou alone is able to take on any of the enemies' attack." Yuu says to Yamamoto Soutaichou in a serious tone. "He might be a very skilled Shinigami, he might be of captain class, but if the enemies were to grow in number…" Yuu shakes her head at the thought of what might happen to not only Byakuya, but her friends and the citizens.
"Did you point it out to Kuchiki-Taichou?" Ukitake asks. "What was his opinion?"
"He said he will discuss this with the Soutaichou soon."
"We will put this discuss till Kuchiki-Taichou finishes his report then." Yamamoto clears his throat. "I might be sending more Shinigami over for regular patrols, so it is advised that you not risk your life again, Kuroki-Taishi. For matters that are of a Shinigami's duty, leave it to the Shinigami."
Yuu stared at Yamamoto Soutaichou blankly with a slanted mouth. "Put my rank aside, Soutaichou. I only helped Rukia because my moral told me to. I can't just watch her get attacked and not do a thing."
"I understand your kindness. But if any mishaps were to happen to you, we the Gotei 13 will be held responsible."
"Fine, fine. I'll just be careful and not die." Yuu grumbled and shrugged. "Let's drop this subject. I have a favour to ask, Soutaichou…"
"And what might that be?" Yamamoto raises a brow, surprise at how Yuu would even ask a favour from the Gotei 13. "Speak your mind Kuroki-Taishi."
Yuu smiles sheepishly as she scratches the back of her head. "Well, you see, it's about my boy, Tsubasa…"
"I'm really thankful for your help, Kuroki-Taishi." Ukitake was walking Yuu back to his manor after the meeting. They both figured if both Yuu and Tsubasa were to stay overnight at the Seireitei, it would be back at the Ugendo again. "Rukia is a talented Shinigami, and the squad can't afford to lose her."
"It's really nothing, Ukitake-Taichou." Yuu laughs as she warms her hands by rubbing them together. "You've been thanking me nonstop ever since we left Soutaichou's office. I'll be intruding your house again anyway, so we're equal now."
"If you say so. Are you very cold? I'll get the servants to prepare you some warm tea and snacks when we get back." Ukitake chuckles when Yuu nodded firmly and repeatedly like a child wanting sweets. "Anyway, are you sure about Tsubasa-san's enrolment into the academy?"
"Uh-huh." Yuu nodded. "It's not helping that a young man like him gets stuck serving me forever. He should be persuading dreams and getting chances to do things that he likes. I believe this is part of growing up. So after seeing youngsters like Renji and Rukia, I've made up my mind."
"But he's so loyal to you. Will he agree to stay here in Soul Society while you are on your own in the real world?"
"High chance is that he won't." Yuu laughs, a smirk forming on her face. "But no worries! I'll force him to one way or another."
"F-Force? Why not just… talk him to it?"
"It's no use. This person we're talking about is Tsu-" Yuu paused when a black horse with a carriage comes into sight, coming at their direction. She squinted in order to see the horse clearer. "Hm? Hey isn't that my horse!"
"Seems like it… That's strange. I did not order my servants to bring it here." Ukitake raises his hand to stop the carriage.
"You're not working for me, aren't you?" Ukitake questions the driver who neither resembles any of his servants, nor a stablemen working for the Seireitei's main stable. "Who are you and where are you taking Kuroki-Taishi's horse?"
"I'm a driver working for the Kuchiki, Ukitake-sama." The driver got down of the horse and bowed. After that he walks to the carriage and opens the door. "I was told to pick Kuroki-Taishi up with her carriage and bring her back to the Kuchiki manor so she could take her rest."
"The Kuchiki?" Ukitake tilts his head. "Who gave you the order to-"
"It was me who gave the order, Ukitake-Taichou." Byakuya appears suddenly with flash step. "You should get into your carriage, Kuroki-Taishi. The wind is getting strong. My carriage driver will send you back to the manor."
"B-But why?" Yuu was a little confused. Even though she can't deny the fact that the Kuchiki manor is much larger and luxurious, but she do like the Ugendo a lot too. Plus Ukitake's company is much more pleasant than Byakuya's.
"I've already arranged a room for both you and Tsubasa. I'll get Rukia to bring Tsubasa to my manor. Warm soy milk and snacks will be served upon your arrival."
"Wow. That's… nice. But I think I'll just stay at the Ugen-"
"Help Kuroki-Taishi with the carriage." Byakuya ordered the driver, who then led Yuu to the carriage.
"Wait. I-" The driver closes the door after literally pushing Yuu into the carriage, not giving her any opportunity to speak as he drives off.
"I hope you are not offended, Ukitake-Taichou." Byakuya turns, expecting no words from the white haired captain and was about to leave when Ukitake spoke.
"Not at all. But you could have told me beforehand. It was rather rude of you to intrude my manor and move her belongings like that."
"Pardon me. But I thought that would be a rather inefficient way to do things as I was pressed for time. As the one who invited Kuroki-Taishi over this time, plus she was my host during my stay in the real world and helped Rukia, I should take this chance to return the favour."
"I still believe there are better ways to do things." Ukitake says firmly, not please at how Byakuya seems to be handling things recently.
"Just treat it as I'm helping you, Ukitake-Taichou." Byakuya adjusted his scarf a little. "The weather is getting cold and you should take good care of your health rather than worrying for others."
With that, Byakuya Shunpo away, leaving a frowning Ukitake alone.
Ukitake sighs. Byakuya seems to be back to his old self recently. The young, reckless and hot-headed teenager who used to addresses him as Sempai and who he doted on a lot. But yet the cold, apathetic Byakuya still lingers within. He figured he prefer the young Byakuya, who although reckless, but was still compassionate and approachable. He recalls the very uncaring Byakuya months ago during Rukia's execution and Ichigo's invasion.
"Hah…" He sighs again and shakes off the image, as he walks alone back to his manor, which had turned rather quiet and lifeless ever since winter came. He was actually anticipating Yuu and Tsubasa's arrival, as the previous time when they were here, the house was a lot warmer and he felt less lonely.
Back at the Kuchiki manor, Yuu was being surrounded and led by a whole group of maids down the hallway, like they were afraid she would actually escape.
"Erm… Did Bya- I mean, Kuchiki-sama ordered you guys to… serve me?"
"Yes Kuroki-sama." The group of maids replied in unison.
"The whole lot of you?" Yuu raises a brow as she counted, mouthing the word "four?!" when she found out the number of maids surrounding her right now.
"Yes Kuroki-sama." The group of maids replied in unison again.
"O-Okay." Yuu rubs her nose as she try to process why this unnecessary arrangement. "Any idea why?"
"So you would be well-taken care of, Kuroki-sama." One of the maids leading in front answered. She was dressed differently and had more say, so Yuu thought she must be the head housekeeper.
"Oh really?" Yuu laughs bitterly as she puts a hand on her face and rubs. "That's rather… thoughtful."
"Here we are." The head who was leading slides open the screen door, revealing a rather large and well furnished room.
"Wow." Yuu was at loss for words. This room is much larger than her room back in the palace, and also larger than the room she previously spent the night in when she fell ill here.
"Do have a seat, Kuroki-sama." The head led Yuu to the Kotatsu and nodded to another maid, who looks rather young and shy, signalling for her to serve the snacks. "We will serve your snacks soon."
"Thank you very much." Yuu was so glad to see the Kotatsu. When she was about to settle down, a maid rushes forward to lift the Kotatsu mat up so Yuu could hide her legs under. Another started helping Yuu with removing her jacket while the younger one has returned and is now serving her food.
"I-I'll be fine by myself here, I'm sure you guys have other chores to attend to."
"We were ordered to stay with you and serve you until your attendant returns." The head housekeeper bowed down low, while the others follow after. "We are honoured to serve you, Kuroki-sama."
Yuu scratches her head, wondering what she could actually do when this many pairs of eyes are staring at her like that. Sure, she has a servant too, but Tsubasa doesn't serve her to this extent. She would never allow that to happen. She's not handicapped!
"Erm, what if I order you guys to return to your daily chores? To be honest I have nothing to let you guys help me with."
The maids gasp.
"I can't allow that to happen, Kuroki-sama." The head housekeeper replied.
Yuu sighed and sipped on her soy milk while staring at the young girl who is actually helping her cut her snacks into bite size. "How about… just one of you stay then?"
The head housekeeper raises her head as she thought over Yuu's suggestion. "If that is what you would like…" She nodded to the three other maids, signalling for them to leave.
"Hey wait!" Yuu stops the young girl who was serving her food and smiled. "She will do just fine. You're the head housekeeper right? I'm sure you are busy and have to look over many things outside."
"But she's new and inexperienced, Kuroki-sama."
"Then the more she needs to stay and gain the experience! Plus she's adorable! Don't worry!"
The head housekeeper signed and bowed low, finally understanding what his master meant by following this lady's request no matter how absurd it sounded. "Very well then. I shall take my leave. Please don't hesitate to call for us should you need our assistance."
"Sure!" Yuu bows slightly to the head maid. "Thank you!"
"Serve Kuroki-sama well, Mai." The head housekeeper ordered the young girl, who looks petrified about being left alone with this Royal Servant.
When the rest of the maids had left, Yuu throws herself back onto the tatami floor and stretched with closed eyes. "Finally! I'm so tired!"
The young maid stood by the door, slightly surprised at Yuu's sudden action.
"Hm?" Yuu looks to the young girl and chuckled. "Sorry, my bad." She sat up straight again and pats on the Zabuton by her side. "Come, take a sit, I don't bite!"
The young girl gasps and shook her head. "That will be inappropriate, Kuroki-sama."
"It's an order! I'll tell Byakuya-sama on you if you don't come and sit down here by the count of three! Two! O-"
The young maid hurriedly sat down onto the Zabuton beside Yuu while Yuu just beams at the poor, young lady.
"So your name's Mai?" Yuu questions the young maid, while she picks up the small plate of snacks covered with suspicious green-coloured paste and examines it.
"H-Hai."
"Cute! Anyway, what is this, Mai?" With a pair of chopsticks, Yuu picks up a piece of the snack that Mai has cut into bite-sizes.
"Zundo Mochi, Kuroki-sama." Mai replied promptly.
"Mochi?! But this…" Yuu points to the green paste with furrowed brows. "Green thing?"
"It's a paste made from mashed fresh soybeans." Mai chuckles when she notices Yuu's bewildered expression. "Kuchiki-sama said you are fond of soy dishes so he ordered the kitchen to serve this. They are usually served only during summer."
"O-Oh… How thoughtful of him… again. I guess I'll have it…" Yuu puts the plate down on the table, pushing it away from her and shrugged. "Later."
"Sure." The young maid answered.
When the conversation ended, Yuu started rocking herself front and back while sitting on the Zabuton. The silence was killing her slowly.
"Erm…" She needs to find a topic. "Are you about Rukia's age?"
"Hai."
"Okay… So you're around Tsubasa's age too…" Yuu bits her bottom lip as she thinks about more questions. "Tsubasa is my attendant. I guess you haven't met him before. You're new here, eh?"
"Hai."
"So… How is the Kuchiki family treating you? Tell me if Byakuya-sama bullies you 'kay, I'll shave his head so he can't wear his white head pieces."
Mai gasps with widened eyes. "No! Not at all! Kuchiki-sama treats all the employers here well and equally. Please don't do that! The Kenseikan is-"
"Just joking! Why are all of you so serious?" Yuu pats Mai on her shoulders. "When I said I was going to break Byakuya-sama's legs yesterday, Tsubasa took me for real too."
Mai chokes upon Yuu's words, wondering if her employer and she herself would be safe being around this lady.
"Ne, does Byakuya-sama have any weird habits?" Yuu sat up straight, looking at Mai with curious and serious eyes. "Does he drool during sleep? Hug a favourite stuff toy? Or any weird interests?"
"Not that I know of, Kuroki-sama." Mai tilts her head.
"Hmph!" Yuu crosses her arms. "I bet he has some, like putting expensive hair essence and skin lotion when nobody is looking. His hair and skin are always so silky and shiny!"
"Kuroki-sama." The head housekeeper voice calls from behind the screen door. "Your attendant and Rukia-sama are here."
Yuu's eyes brighten up upon hearing that her boy is back. She shifted herself and whispered something in Mai's ear, while Mai simply nodded.
"Come in!"
The screen door opens, revealing a smiling Tsubasa and Rukia by his side. Mai was already on her feet and bowing low to the new pair of visitors to the room, while Tsubasa and Rukia stayed near the door, bowing to Yuu instead.
"Okay you three, stop standing there, it looks silly. Come take a sit." Yuu ordered the three youngsters. "Mai, do pour Rukia and Tsubasa some drinks."
The young maid nodded and proceeds with her assigned task. Tsubasa look at the young stranger curiously and asked, "Who might this young lady be, Ojou-sama?"
"My new attendant, Tsubasa." Yuu sips on her drink calmly with closed eyes. "You're fired."
"EH?!" Tsubasa shifted himself quickly and knelt by Yuu's side, clinging to her arm. "W-Why Ojou-sama?!"
"Hm?" Yuu tilts her head and look at Tsubasa with innocent eyes. "She's adorable. I bet she will look like a doll in a cute dress."
"B-But!" Tsubasa was taking Yuu for real again, and is now trying hard to find reasons to let Yuu keep him. "You will need someone to ride Girlfriend! Someone strong to carry your shopping bags or luggages around different regions! Plus! You need a guy to act as your boyfriend when needed! And butler! Didn't you want one badly?"
"Ah… True, true..." Yuu hides her laughter and nodded firmly. "Okay! You can come and work for me again!"
"Thank you, Ojou-sama! Thank you!"
The screen door opens again, and Byakuya enters the room, wondering why Tsubasa is kneeling and bowing so low beside Yuu.
"Ni-sama." Rukia bows to greet her brother, while Mai was kneeling and bowing deeply to his employer.
Byakuya looks around, as if searching for something. "Where are the others, Mai?"
"K-Kuroki-sama had them return to their chores," Mai replied in a timid voice, "and had me stay to serve her."
"Why not the head housekeeper?" Byakuya glare at the young maid kneeling in front of him. "You should clearly know you are new."
"It was my idea, Byakuya-sama." Yuu stood up, ruffled Mai's hair and smiled at Byakuya. "She has performed very well as a newcomer. I'm very pleased with her company. I'm sure after today she will have more confidence and serve the house even better."
Byakuya sighed.
"Since Tsubasa is back, do let her return to her chores too." Yuu pats the small of Mai's back gently, telling her to stand up. Byakuya nodded to the young girl, and she hurriedly bowed to everyone in the room and left.
"I hope my servants were up to your standards." Byakuya settles himself down at the empty Zabuton.
"Way over my standards." Yuu chuckled. "I appreciate your kindness, but please don't do that again. Tsubasa alone is enough for me."
Byakuya nodded, while Tsubasa on the other hand looks rather confused.
"Wait Ojou-sama, you mean Mai-san is a servant employed by the Kuchiki house?"
"Uh-huh." Yuu sips calmly on her drink again. "You really thought I employed her to replace you?"
Tsubasa's jaw dropped. "O-Ojou-sama!!"
End of Chapter.
Sempai means senior.
Kotatsu is a low table where a heater is hidden under along with a blanket like mat covered on top so that people sitting there could keep themselves warm by hiding their legs under the blanket and table.
Hey! I updated! XD
But I might be on hiatus until… around 16th of Feb. That would be after my project and also Lunar New Year. So I'll be busy before that. Sorry about it! But I hope you had enjoyed this chapter!