Waking up with a sense of loss, she realized her father had already gone. Getting ready herself, she knew what awaited her. Putting on a dark red kimono, she frowned having to wear something so long restrictive, but the dark red would hide bloodstains and the length would cover bruises. Etsuko didn't want anyone to know the extent of her 'checkup.'
Byakuya entered the assembly hall on time. He focused on the man in the front of the room. Cold grey eyes filled with defiance for the man that imprisoned Etsuko. He hurt her too. His eyes flashed anger for himself. Byakuya could not hide from those brown eyes; in the day he saw them accusing him and at night they haunted him. They looked at him with hopelessness and sorrow. He cursed himself for not seeing it before he buried his released zanpakuto throughout her body. He had not released his sword since that day. All he saw if he attempted it was his only friend falling to the ground with blood spilling from every inch of her body.
Kurotsuchi's sly voice brought him back to the meeting.
"Sorry I'm late, head captain," the man with the painted face said without a hint of sincerity. "I was in the middle of a test, and it was yielding interesting results."
"And?" The head captain pressed on.
"No luck. I could not get the results I wanted within the parameters set." He seemed disappointed.
It wasn't long before the head captain dismissed them. Byakuya heard snippets of conversation as he left the room. Shinji was complaining that Hitsugaya had been taking up too much of Etsuko's time. Ukitake and Kyoraku were planning a trip to see fireworks with Etsuko. Kensei and Rose joined in their complaints to Hitsugaya as he tried and failed telling them that she liked going on missions and he wasn't working her to death.
All the conversations he heard were about her. Maybe he only paid attention to the ones that concerned her. Mechanically making his way back on the Kuchiki Manor, he didn't bother to stop by the 6th Division headquarters. He had already given Renji instructions for the week. There were too many people there. None of them were in danger from Etsuko. She had bound them for their own safety. Had they went after her, they would have been injured by either her reiatsu or zanpakuto. That zanpakuto; he could remember the loathing at which her sword directed at him. He was to blame. At the time he had not realized what he was doing. He wrote about his life when she was all alone. How could he write letters that taunted her with his freedom and happiness with no regard for her feelings? He ignored the words his guard spoke as he entered the courtyard. It was most likely a greeting. He replied to have a good day and walked on.
As he always did when he walked towards the grove of cherry trees, he stared at the one Etsuko had slept under inadvertently making the petals dance about her the first day he met her. It was her favorite of all the trees; she said it was the easiest one to climb. Thinking back on the first time he met her, that scene had been the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.
Rubbing his eyes, he had to make sure it wasn't a hallucination. Etsuko sat with her back to the knotty trunk under the rather bare tree. The sakura blooming month was at an end. The last few blossoms that were stubbornly clinging to the tree were slowly losing their strength. A few petals danced about her sleeping frame. It was exactly the same as that time. Though there were far fewer petals, they danced about her as if lulling her into sleep. Etsuko somehow belonged under that tree with the falling petals; it was as if those blooms held on just to fall for her. From where he stood, it was as if someone placed a pretty doll under the tree.
Byakuya could not believe his eyes. She was really there! Suddenly, he hadn't the faintest idea of what to do or say. Did he even have the right to apologize? Moving closer to her, he realized she wasn't sleeping. Her breathing was ragged, the heaving of her full bosom was erratic; there was something wrong. In an instant, he was beside her.
"Etsuko!" He called her name frantically. Please be alright! "Etsuko!"
Dazed eyes fluttered opened and looked into his before widening in fear.
Etsuko had not remembered coming to the Kuchiki Manor. She opened her mouth, before closing it again. Flashes of memory told her that she did indeed find her way there. Mayuri did terrible things to her again. This time, it was for a different reason. He wanted her zanpakuto to manifest itself. He wanted to study it and its limits. He went to the obvious method; harming its user to coax the spirit to come to its owner's defense. No matter what she experienced, she denied him the zanpakuto's name and release command. Etsuko made sure that no matter what happened to her, her spirit would not manifest itself like they did the last time. With no headway, the man had given up for the day.
The young woman knew that the others would not let this situation pass without stirring up trouble. She could not go to either Kyoraku or Ukitake. The Visoreds and Hitsugaya were also out of the question. It only left the man she stared at. He would not go against Soul Society no matter who had to be sacrifice. Upholding the law was his sole ambition. No, it wasn't just that. In the deepest part of herself, she wanted to believe that Byakuya would make her better; he always made her feel better. She was staring at Byakuya's face. It was different, more grown up, mature. His long black hair was styled differently and hung loose. He really looked like a noble prince she had always joked about when they were children. His eyes filled with concern hurt her.
"No…" Fear overcame her. He tried to kill her; he hated her. She couldn't be by his side again; it would hurt again. All the band aids plastered on her heart by her family and friends would be ripped out and it would crumble. That couldn't happen. She moved on instinct, using flash step. Why did I even come here?!
Byakuya caught her before she fell. He could barely see her face inches away from his. Why was water coming out of his eyes? Before he knew it he was trembling. She was real. She was there. He held her in his arms. Feelings that he had numbed over the years rushed back into him. "You idiot…your flash step is still horrendous…"
"Sorry." Her voice made a pained attempt to speak. "But what I lack, I make up for in Kido and swordplay…" She barely managed to reply the same line she used every time he would criticize her Hoho. The last attempt at using flash step depleted her energy as she fainted in his arms.
The man came to a realization. "Kurotsuchi Mayuri did something to you, didn't he? He was late to the meeting. You were the test he conducted, weren't you?" He tried his best to not tighten his grip on her body as he carried her into the house. She had gotten heavier; she had become an adult not the same small child she was so long ago.
Setting her down in his bed, he regretted excusing his servants. Not wanting to be bothered at home, he dismissed them. People reminded him that the only one he had wanted to see would never want to see him again. How many times had he tried to talk to her and she acted as if he didn't exist? It was his own error that caused the problem and he lived with the consequences. His thoughts raced in his mind frenetically; it moved from wanted to tear Kurotsuchi Mayuri apart, concern for Etsuko's wellbeing, guilt for what he did to her, and a glimmer of hope that maybe she would forgive him. It wasn't long before he found the things he needed and returned to the room.
Gently turning her on her side, he undid her obi. He hadn't done that since Hisana. She would be happy for him that he was reunited with his best friend again. He would often speak about the girl with his wife. It was the reason they had bonded and fell in love; both of them were searching for the loved ones they lost. He placed her on her back and undid the under-sash and opened the kimono. His hand froze; his eyes would not comprehend what he saw. Her body was covered in bruises and cuts. He wondered if that's why she chose to wear a kimono and that particular color. It was a long piece of clothing and covered her up completely and any blood would dry and blend into the color.
Just focusing on cleaning and dressing her injuries, he pushed all anger for that horrid man he had the displeasure of having to call captain. Taking the hot damp towel, he worked on cleaning the cuts. He winced every time the cloth passed over the abrasions. Gently grazing his long fingers over her body as he applied a poultice that would heal her injuries, he noticed the absence of any old scars. Her zanpakuto had healed her very well. It was for the best; Byakuya didn't think he would be able to handle seeing scars that Senbonzakura inflicted. Finding a yukata he used to wear when he was younger, he dressed her carefully. It was still too big for her, though the top fit snugly across her breasts.
Breathing a sigh of relief at the crude medical treatment he gave her, he sat by her side watching her unconscious body heal itself. Etsuko hadn't changed. It was he who did. Byakuya wondered why she came to him instead of the others. She was closer to them and more likely to ask for their help. The nagging thought in his mind he didn't want to acknowledge was probably the right one. She came because she knew that he wouldn't act out in her defense. The others were sure to attack Kurotsuchi, causing a break in the ranks of Gotei 13. Had he become so cold that even she knew he wouldn't endanger Seireitei with dissention?
Etsuko stirred. Her eyes opened staring at the ceiling of a strange room. She looked around to see Byakuya sleeping in a chair next to the bed. He looked drained, but that didn't stop her from wanting to run. Trying to get up, she realized she couldn't. She had no strength left to move, but she felt a thousand times better. Her gaze would not move from him. Byakuya was in front of her, if she reached out she could touch him. He was right there and her heart would not stop pounding. Each beat reverberated sending pain throughout her body. Etsuko knew the boy she knew was all but gone. He had become someone else in her absence. She clutched her heart, hoping the pain would stop. Looking at him made her want to cry tears of joy and sorrow.
Byakuya awoke to the sound of quiet crying. "Etsuko, I'll send a guard for Captain Ukitake." He knew she wouldn't talk to him now that she was awake.
Without a thought, she reached for his wrist, holding him back. It was the weakest grip that he could have easily broken, but Byakuya remained sitting. "I don't want to worry them."
"I'll speak to the head captain about Kurotsuchi Mayuri's conduct. It is unbecoming of the Gotei 13." He didn't know how else to convey that he was angry too for what was done to her. He wanted to act on those emotions like the others would.
"There is no need, Captain Kuchiki." Etsuko replied. No matter how much she wanted to hear the man say something he would have said one hundred years ago, B-chan was gone. "He went easy on me this time. I can feel my zanpakuto healing me, so I'll be out of your way in a few hours." She tried giving him a small smile. "Sorry for the inconvenience."
Byakuya couldn't believe that she spoke to him. It was the first time since she was freed that she acknowledged his presence. "It is no inconvenience. It fact it is the least I can do. I have wrongly injured you. Both in the past and just recently. There will never be anything I could ever do to make it right, but I want you to hear my words: I am truly sorry for what I have done to you. "
Etsuko fought herself. She wanted to speak with him and hear his voice. She wanted to reach out and touch him again. But her heart had up a wall between them and fear would not let her cross it. If she let her guard down, he would steal her heart again and then he would crush it again. Deep down she knew that her heart was never her own; he had never returned it to her and did as he pleased with it while she bore the pain. Yet she still clung to the futile belief that her heart belonged to herself.
"I will take your leave then." Byakuya felt his heart drop when she didn't reply to his apology. He moved to get up. He didn't think she wanted him there.
Her frail hand reached for his wrist again. Etsuko didn't want him to leave. She wouldn't speak to him, but she wanted to be by his side. Even if it was only for a short while before she could make her escape.
Byakuya felt her clammy hand touch his wrist. He didn't know what to do but to sit back down. Internally he smiled. She didn't completely hate him. Taking her hand in his own, he watched her face relax, knowing that he would stay. It was silent, but what a wonderful silence it was. In that silence, they fell asleep still holding hands.
As night began to fall, Byakuya pleaded with her that she should eat something. "I won't take long. I'll be right back."
Etsuko saw it as her chance to leave; being near him made it impossible for her to leave. It was like he was the brightest flame and she, the moth, felt his pull so strongly. She nodded solemnly and he left. Getting out of bed, Etsuko was surprised that Fujin hadn't healed her quickly. She winced standing up; her muscles ached.
Fujin? It doesn't take you this long for my recovery. Is everything alright?
She heard her zanpakuto's voice in her head. No, Etsuko. It's because your internal organs are injured. He's become craftier now that he can't leave physical scars. We can't bring you into this world for a while. It's too dangerous now that you're always with others.
How long will it take, Fujin? Etsuko reached for the door and slid it open. She hung along the walls and grasped in her memory of the Kuchiki Manor to find a way out.
Half a day at least. You'll be fine by the morning. Take this time to stop running away. We told you didn't we? Live in the freedom we asked of you; hold nothing back. You said you'd follow your feelings. That's what made you come back to these people. Why are you running now?
Sorry, Fujin. She moved forward, her legs started to give way. If you want me to survive to gain true freedom, let me run here or it will be our downfall. She couldn't move any further and she was lost.
Run here and freedom will mean nothing. You will be in chains though they will give you your freedom.
Those words echoed in her head as she just sat on the floor and hung her head. Why was Fujin always right?
Byakuya returned to an empty room. Setting down the food, he ran through the corridors. She couldn't have gotten far. Does she hate me that much to leave in her condition?
Byakuya stopped. Etsuko was sitting on the floor staring up at him with apologetic eyes. She spoke sheepishly. "Sorry, Captain Kuchiki. I guess I can't move any further than this."
He picked her up and carried her back to the room.
Etsuko wondered when he had gotten so strong. He easily lifted her and she noticed how wide his shoulders had gotten. He grew into a strong young man. She blushed, pushing away the thought, and tried to harden her emotions.
Back in the bed, Etsuko was offered rice balls. It was the only thing that Byakuya could make on short notice. She picked one up and examined it. It was in the perfect triangular prism. Of course, Byakuya had become so much more competent than he had been.
With a smile, she held it out for him. Etsuko wanted him to eat. He had been taking care of her all day. Even though he broke their bonds; even though he broke the unbreakable vow as they ate that cake and drank sake from the same cup; Fujin was right. She couldn't ignore him anymore or else she would always be held back by these feelings she had. It would be her regret that would bind her forever.
Byakuya picked up one of the rice balls and mimicked her gesture. They ate in silence. From the window, he noticed it had gotten darker. Stars appeared one after the other.
"Let me redress your bandages." Byakuya had already gotten them out.
"It's alright." Etsuko replied quickly. She turned red even at the thought he did so already when she was unconscious. "My samurai-sama will fix me up in no time. But thank you for your offer."
"In that case, I'll be in the room next door. Just tap on the wall if you need anything." Byakuya stated as a matter of factly. She did seem to be doing better. "Goodni-"
Etsuko grabbed his arm again and held onto to it with both hands. She didn't look at him, but whispered loud enough so he could hear. "I can't sleep alone at night…I get nightmares…"
Byakuya froze. His heart nearly stopped. She had nightmares. All he felt he wanted to do was to make her feel safe.
"Please don't leave," Etsuko continued in a hushed tone. She tightened her grip on his arm.
"If it's what you wish." Byakuya got up from the chair and took off his haori unsteadily as Etsuko shifted to the far side of the bed.
Byakuya remembered their sleepovers as children. They would sleep side by side on twin futons and spend the night chatting away and in the end Etsuko would always wind up on his futon wildly flailing about in her sleep or nuzzled up next to him. It was different now. His bed could easily fit two people, but he was afraid to lie down. Now they spoke in silences. Now she had grown into a young woman and he had become a man. Now his guilt was at the forefront of any emotions.
"I'm sorry, Captain Kuchiki," Etsuko nervously apologized as he got into the bed. Suddenly it seemed so small and the room got so warm. "And thank you for doing this."
"You do not have to apologize." Byakuya answered.
The silence became uncomfortable for Estuko. Fujin's suggestion was the only thing on her mind. She wondered if she would feel better if she did let everything out. Would her heart stop hurting to see him, to know he was there, to speak to him?
She turned to face the wall instead of looking at him. Maybe it would help to know he wasn't staring at her. She knew Byakuya was the only one she could speak these words to and she would leave this world soon enough so it wouldn't even matter that she spoke her mind.
"You know, I've lived a hundred years in the dark, but it's only now that I can't stand the darkness. When I was in that place, I never thought about what it was like to be free again. Each day that passed, the thought seemed farther and farther away. But now that I'm out here again, all I can think about when I go to sleep is that I'll wake up there and I'll forget what it's like to live in the light," Etsuko began softly. She feared to voice her feelings, but she couldn't hold onto them anymore. "When I felt sad and I couldn't reach my zanpakuto, I used to think about the days we spent together. You were the only friend I had. I was so happy when we forged our unbreakable bond. Cake, sake, it didn't matter; we made that bond and it was the strength of that I depended on in the darkest of days. Kaien lifted my spirit with each of his letters and you lifted my heart with yours. It didn't matter if your letters became like pages of your journal. They were proof that you still thought of me and depended on me to help you with your burden. That even in the darkness, there was someone who remembered I was alive, that I existed. That even in the darkness with the passing of the years, our bond had not broken. Then you stopped writing and broke it. There was something more important than the vow we made and the bond we forged. I know you didn't want to, but you did. It probably didn't mean much to you to give up writing a letter, but for me it was the world. Those letters painted a world that even I could see in the dark. Then Yamamoto let me out. Those years of darkness were a mistake. There was nothing wrong with me. Kisuke wasn't bad; Aizen was the culprit behind everything. Kaien died and no one told me. Kaien died and I wasn't there. Kaien's gone now and I'm here. I needed B-chan because B-chan would help me. B-chan always helped me. But I didn't realize that B-chan died when you stopped writing. Instead of B-chan, I got you and you wanted to cut me down before even finding out the reason I came. I understand why. You couldn't let anything happen to Rukia on the off chance that I might not have come to kill her…but even then you were still my B-chan…but I guess I wasn't your Et-chan."
"Etsuko…" Byakuya stared at her back in the dark, but he could tell tears were streaming down her face. It was exactly what her zanpakuto spirit had told them. His guilt made it hard to breathe. "I can never make that up to you. There will never be a word or even I sentence that I could give voice to that would erase any of that. All I ever wanted since you were taken away from me was to have you back. I wasn't strong enough to get you back. We were robbed of our childhood together, but I was the one who let you down. I became the man you see now and now that you're here, I've messed it all up again. I guess I didn't grow up the way I would have with you. I'm sorry that the B-chan you want isn't here anymore. You don't have to forgive me, but please accept my apology. It has been and will always be the only regret I will know. If it means you'll accept my apology, I will gladly give my titles away. My name and even my life isn't enough to balance the injustice I have done to you. If there is even the chance that you may one day forgive me, I will spend the rest of my life becoming the B-chan you want."
Etsuko heard his words. They echoed in the silence of the night. She turned around. She was afraid of what would happen if she looked into his eyes. Would they really be sincere, or just pretending to care? Wanting to comfort him regardless of his motive, she moved closer to him. The young woman looked into the grey eyes she had wished to look into for a hundred years and knew that B-chan wasn't gone. She cupped his face with her hand and smiled warmly at him. The boy she had realized so long ago she had loved was looking back at her. The same grey eyes with the ambition to lead his family and become strong; the same grey eyes that would only shine for her; the same grey eyes that she saw her best self reflected in. Even though she wanted to run and not say the words she knew she had to, she gave in to her feelings. "I was wrong, Byakuya. You didn't break our bonds. You really didn't forget me, did you B-chan?"
The moonbeams illuminated her smiling face as they flowed through the open window. Byakuya's heart worked in overdrive at 'B-chan'. His mind had no thoughts running through it. He drew her close to him and embraced her with trembling arms; he needed to know it wasn't a dream.
"I'm back, B-chan," she spoke softly in his embrace. Etsuko was thankful they were lying down, because she was afraid if they were standing, her legs would give out.
"Welcome back, Et-chan." Byakuya tightened his arms around her. His heart seemed to beat out of his chest. He would never let her go. Etsuko was back and he would never let anyone take her away again. His heart raced faster as the thought ran through his mind.
As they lay there together, Byakuya could not help but remember how much he had dreamed they would reunite. From the day he learned of her imprisonment, to the day she returned, there was not a day in between that he had not thought of Etsuko. Often when he dreamed, it would be of her and of the things they used to do. In his flights of fancy, he imagined the things they would do if he ever had the chance to see her again. Even in his wildest dreams, never did he ever dream that she would be nestled in his arms like this after what happened. He felt like the luckiest man in the world. Etsuko could look past his wrongdoings and they could move forward together like how it was supposed to be all those years ago.
Falling asleep soundly with a smile on her face, she felt happy. He didn't hate her. It was enough. Etsuko silently thanked Fujin for his wisdom. He always looked out for her.
Byakuya woke up not knowing how he even fell asleep. He nearly laughed out loud for the first time in a long time when he realized that Etsuko was sleeping with her stomach down and her leg sprawled across his torso and her hand across his neck. She still slept in the weirdest positions. The moon was out and he watched the smiling face of the woman next to him as she slept. He wondered why he felt so happy. Of course he was happy that she was speaking to him and happy that she forgave him, but it was more than that. It felt like old times, but there was more to it than that too. Chalking it up to probably being normal to feel so overjoyed after such a long time without her, he dismissed the thought that was it was anything else.
Etsuko woke up as Byakuya tried drifting back to sleep for a few hours before the sun came up. She nearly shouted in surprise before she covered her mouth and took a few deep breaths. Remembering she made up with Byakuya, she suddenly realized how the situation looked. She couldn't bear to have an awkward encounter with him in the morning. She hadn't figured out how to act with him yet. They couldn't go back to how it was; both of them had become adults. Well he was more of an adult than she was, but they were grown up to say the least. He was a captain and couldn't goof around like old times. The gravity of how much had changed weighed down on her.
She had to climb over him without waking him up in order to get out of the room. Finding herself straddling him, she stared down at his sleeping face, not knowing that he hadn't fully fallen back asleep. He was so beautiful with the moonlight on his face. He was always handsome, but he had grown more so she thought. Hoping that only she could hear her heart beating, she couldn't move from on top of him. She wanted to look at his peaceful face a little longer, restraining herself from being drawn in by his lips. Putting the thought of what kissing would be like and thinking how it would look if he woke up, she hurried off him. As both her feet hit the floor, she felt a hand grasp hers. Byakuya must have felt her breath on his face.
Looking back, she saw Byakuya holding her wrist. He pulled her back into the bed and held her not saying a word as they both were facing each other on their sides.
"Sorry, Et-chan, but where do you think you're sneaking off to?" She heard him murmur sleepily as he opened one eye. Etsuko nearly died; he could not have been more perfect. "I need this dream for a little longer."
"Sorry B-chan." Estuko couldn't believe the words coming out of either of their mouths. "I'll stay a little while longer then. Sweet dreams."
"Now that you're with me again, how could it not be?" Byakuya felt her leg drape across his waist as she found a more comfortable way to embrace him. He smiled; it felt as if he was soaring.
There came a knock on the door as they both dropped into slumber. Etsuko bolted upright in a flash completely awake. Someone was at the door! She was in bed with a man! Her fathers were going to kill her!
Byakuya lazily got up. "Yes?"
"I've set out your clothes for today outside the bath. I have already washed and dried the red kimono; it's outside the door. We will have breakfast ready in fifteen minutes." An elderly woman's voice came through the door. She seemed to have a quick grasp of the situation, however mistaken she was by the woman's kimono.
"Thank you, I will be there shortly." He walked to the chair and put the captain's haori back on.
Etsuko got out of the bed, opened the door, grabbed her kimono, and shut it promptly. It was the first time she felt awkward changing in the same room as another person. She felt self conscious of her body. Remembering how Yoruichi would tease him, she wondered if he was scarred for life by breasts. If so, she had already lost.
"Are you okay?" Byakuya asked with an arched eyebrow.
Snapping out of her depressing thoughts she looked up at him and laughed nervously. "Y-yes!"
"I'll take a quick shower and then we can have breakfast." Byakuya hoped that giving her the room to change would put her mind at ease. Even though she was still the same, she had become a woman; it wouldn't be proper.
"U-uh. If it's alright with you, Captain Kuchiki, I think I'll pass on breakfast. Dad is probably out of his mind when he finds out that I wasn't at Papa's." She gripped the kimono in her hands.
He stepped toward her as she instinctively stepped back, but he had a longer stride, so he was closer to her than she wanted. There was a slightly dangerous look in his eyes.
"Captain Kuchiki?" She squeaked.
"Et-chan?" His voice was firm, if a little playful. It was like he was a child again.
"Captain Kuchiki?" His face was too close to hers.
"Et-chan?" He would not back down. She would not revert to being cold to him again.
"B-chan." She let out a sigh as he raised his head when she said his name. "You shouldn't be so informal. You're a captain after all."
"Oh?" He asked surprised. "You never cared about titles before."
"Captain Hitsugaya gave me a piece of his mind. He said that he worked hard for his rank and that it was rude to not address someone by the title they've earned." Etsuko was relieved he had moved and changed the topic.
"But only in a professional setting." Byakuya set the parameters for their names like he did in the past. This time, it was he that was pushing for less formal names between them. "If I spend the rest of the day in this room with you, it would not be so bad, but I have a feeling the Gotei 13 needs us both to do our jobs."
Etsuko nodded feeling as if she was standing on the sun. Did Byakuya even know what his words sounded like to someone who wanted to take the meaning out of context?
Byakuya left the room after setting a time to meet in the evening after their shinigami duties. Etsuko quickly changed out of his old yukata and into her kimono.
Walking back to Ugendo, she caught herself wanting to skip all the way back. She settled for humming. Never in her wildest dreams had she thought the previous day would happen the way it did. Instead of being alone nursing her wounds, she was comforted by Byakuya. He said the words she wanted to hear and she told him her grievances she had against him. Nothing was left on the table but her love. Her love for him, for her fathers, her teachers, and her new companions.
"Thank you, Fujin." She stroked the hilt of her wakazashi before entering Ugendo. "You really are the best."
"Where have you been?" Rukia greeted her clearly on edge. They had become friends of sorts, sharing their stories of Kaien. "The Captain found out you weren't at Captain Kyoraku's place and thought the worst. I did my best to calm him down so he wouldn't send out a red alert to the entire Gotei 13 to look for you." Rukia examined her for overt injuries.
Fujin had healed her better than she had hoped. There would be no injuries, just a few yellow bruises that would fade by the end of the day. "I hope he won't be too mad. Should I go with the truth?"
"The truth usually works most of the time." She answered. "What truth are we talking about?"
"I was at Captain Kuchiki's house. I lost track of time talking to him and was tired so I stayed there." Etsuko stayed as close to the truth as possible.
Rukia's mouth would not shut as it hung open in obvious shock.
"Oh? Byakuya's house? You've reconciled then?" A voice came from behind her. It was unnerving to hear the usually kind voice sound so sinister.
"Dad!" She turned around at met Jushiro's parental glare. "I'm so sorry! I should have let you know before! I just go where the wind takes me! I can't help it!" She resorted to excuse making and hugged him hoping it would lessen the anger.
Jushiro sighed. She was safe. It was all that mattered. "You better be sorry," he sternly cut through her excuses before softening. "But I'm happy you made up with Byakuya. You seem a lot happier."
Etsuko nodded as they walked into the kitchen for breakfast. She was finally able to let go of her dark days. She made peace and had revealed her feelings to everyone she felt betrayed by. There would not be any more miscommunication. Nothing would hold her back from moving on. The trappings of negativity would not chain her anymore. There was no reason for holding grudges. It was better to let them all go. Eating breakfast with Jushiro and Rukia, Etsuko felt like she was finally at home again.