I'm back again and thanks for adding me to your story alert and favorite story but I really do want to kno wat u think even if its bad so please review. Anyway remember that italic mean thoughts, quotations means they are talking, and italics and quotations is memories. Well thats all folks hope you like!!!
Preview: Hisoka busted into the room only to freeze gaping in horror…
"Ahhhhh get your hands off of her you hentai!" Hisoka shrieked from the doorway.
"Arigatou goziamasu Katsumi…it feels better." Katsumi smiled at her for the first time as they both ignored Hisoka.
"We can start now on giving you more courage to talk to people and make friends." Kiyomi said.
"I would like that very much…arigatou."
"Maa maa, really its ok!" Kiyomi says waving her hand from side to side.
"OI! Get Your Hands Off Her!" Hisoka screamed.
"Hisoka I think I heard you the first time." Katsumi said in his usual nonchalant voice causing Hisoka to turn red and Kiyomi to sweat drop.
"Then why haven't you taken your hands off her yet!" Hisoka pointed out disapprovingly at the non reaction she was receiving from Katsumi.
"Hisoka really it's ok…" Kiyomi started.
"No it's not ok, I never seen you allow nii-sama to touch you in that intimate sort of way."
"INTIMATE!" Katsumi said frowning up and showing emotion for the second time that day in Hisoka's presence.
"That's what I said besides I liked you better when you were a non threatening stone." Hisoka said with her head lifted proudly as she defended her nii-sama's honor.
Neither of them notice Kiyomi get quiet and look down hiding her face behind her hair until she spoke in a deadly calm voice.
"Hisoka that is enough…I appreciate your intentions but this is my body and I will have say over who touches me in what way…besides He doesn't really want me around much anyway."
"Hai!" Hisoka said in a small voice while her and Katsumi sweat dropped.
"You know…you have to sleep with Him tonight…how will you manage if you two don't want to be near each other?" Katsumi pointed out earning a glare from Hisoka.
"I can tell you right now she's not staying with you." Hisoka said with a warning tone.
"I'll manage…actually I'm glad you asked because honesty is the beginning of a new friendship." After concluding that Kiyomi got up despite protests from both Hisoka and Katsumi and shunpoed to the stairs before pausing.
"Hisoka please prep our room please."
"HAI!" Hisoka said rushing to do as she was told before pausing in mid step. Our room….demo…
"Hisoka is there a problem?" Kiyomi said in a sweet but deadly voice.
"Iie nee-chan Yoshi*!" Kiyomi shunpoed up to her and Byakuya's room while Hisoka rushed to her and her sister's room.
Meanwhile
It's just as I thought! Makoto thought shaking her head.
She had come upon a cliff that hung over the lake and gave a nice view of all the blooming sakura trees. There on the edge was Byakuya.
"It's getting late….and a little cold…you should come inside it looks like it's going to storm." At the word storm Byakuya perked up.
"I'll be along shortly." He said in his usual nonchalant voice looking back towards the scenery in a way that told Makoto she was dismissed.
Who the hell does he think he is that bastard! Makoto thought gritting her teeth slightly. I should have known…although….I hope he's really ok… she cast one more worried glance back at Byakuya before going back towards the house.
Upon her arrival she had a bad gut feeling.
It's awfully quiet in here where is everyone? Makoto wondered as she made her way to her and Hisoka's room.
Her feeling was affirmed as soon as she opened the door. She froze in silent horror watching as Kiyomi sloppily dumped her stuff in their room. That wasn't the bad part, the bad part was that it was her bed that was suffering these tortures. She watched as Hisoka flailed her arms around madly trying to get Kiyomi to listen to reason.
"Demo…nee-chan…nii-sama will get lonely…he needs you!" Hisoka shrieked in an exasperated voice.
But her pleas fell on deaf ears as Kiyomi disappeared in the bathroom only to reappear with more stuff. The maids were running around trying to arrange all of it with silent protesting looks set on their faces and Katsumi was dragging his overly excited brother off to bed while he protested.
"NOOOOOOOO…this is my GOLDEN opportunity to comfort a maiden when she's in need…Iwoa- chan you're so cruel no da…YAMETE*! IYA*!"
The maids were the ones who had neatly placed Kiyomi's things in her old room upon her arrival and they didn't seem too happy that she was dumping it in Hisoka and Makoto's room. Makoto sighed and began directing the maids on where to put Kiyomi's stuff earning her a grateful look from Kiyomi and a horrified look from her sister who clearly wanted Kiyomi to stay in the room with Byakuya and sort out their problems with love.
She obviously doesn't know much about love yet…how could she…she's just a kid...like I was. Makoto thought bitterly as fresh memories pierced reminding her of her stolen innocence. Yea they both are just kids.
So caught up in thought she didn't notice that Byakuya had just walked in and shunpoed to his room. Byakuya froze as he watched in horror as Kiyomi appeared through the bathroom and went to the drawer removing the last of her things not even glancing his way.
"Well I think that's everything." She dusted her hands before disappearing in the bathroom.
Byakuya could hear her shut and lock the door signifying that what he had just seen was in fact real.
"She….moved….out!?" Byakuya said out loud in shock.
It felt as though all the life drained out of him once again and he went to lay on the bed on his back not even caring once more. He felt some sort of completeness just lifelessly gazing at the blank ceiling. It didn't help that all his thoughts surrounded her.
What have I done…she doesn't even want to be near me.
He ignored the intruding maids who let themselves in to close all the vacant drawers before exciting. The rain started to drizzle before pelting down on the house. Byakuya lost track of time as he laid there. Finally he forced himself up to take a shower and change into his night clothes. Lightening started to flash lighting up the sky and the house. He laid back down comfortably in his same spot and his thoughts began to revolve around her once again.
It's almost as if she's here…I can smell her scent…the scent of sakura blossoms.
He turned his head slightly to take in more of the scent only to realize that he was laying on her blanket. He sat up and picked her blanket up gently before burying his face in it allowing himself to be assaulted by her scent and everything that was Kiyomi.
She must miss this especially on a day like this…I shall return it to her….I know it will make her feel safe.
He then left out of his room and shunpoed across the hall to Makoto and Hisoka's room. He raised his hand to knock on the door hesitantly when the door flung open.
"Nii-sama it's nee-chan she needs you…QUICK you must go to her!" Hisoka shouted highly concerned opening the door wide enough for Byakuya to fit through.
He could make out Kiyomi halfway under the covers in Makoto's bed against the wall hugging her knees to herself trembling badly tears evident in her eyes as they rolled down her cheek. Byakuya took a step foreword yearning to go to her only to be halted by Makoto's hand on his chest.
"Hisoka go comfort Kiyomi I'll handle this." Makoto said in an authoritative voice causing Hisoka to glare at her before rushing to Kiyomi and attempting to comfort her the best way she could.
Makoto had a distressed look on her face for what she was about to do but she kept on anyway.
"I'll see to it that she gets this." She takes the blanket and walks over to hand it Kiyomi who immediately hugs it close and stops shaking.
She looks to the door gratefully only for her eyes to meet Byakuya's. They stare at each other as time seemed to stop and everyone holds their breath.
I won't say thank you. Kiyomi thought.
Thank you isn't something I deserve it was the least I could do. Byakuya answered her thought unknowingly.
Byakuya broke their stare first turning to walk back to his room while Kiyomi continued to stare at the spot where Byakuya just was.
Nanda…did he help me…does he care?
Hisoka and Makoto held their breath for a few minutes longer to see if anything would happen. After a long wait Hisoka let out a disappointed sigh before hoping up to shut the door.
Great these two are more stubborn than I thought…all they need to do is kiss and make up then everyone will be happy again. Hisoka thought.
You'll never understand little one…love isn't that easy…if it was I'd still be thinking like you. Makoto thought unknowingly answering her sister's thoughts.
As millions of questions assaulted Kiyomi's mind she hugged her blanket once again this time burying her face in its softness yearning for the comfort it usually always provided her only to be engulfed in his scent. She couldn't help her reaction to his scent as she felt herself automatically relaxing and she was able to finally lay down before slowly falling to sleep wrapped in her blanket and his scent. Hisoka climbed in the bed with her snuggling under her before falling to sleep as well. Makoto hugged Hisoka's stuffed teddy wishing it was her sister instead before falling asleep last.
Midnight
BOOM!
Kiyomi jolted upright in the bed gritting her teeth in her failing effort not to scream. The thunder was fierce and she felt herself automatically begin to shake uncontrollably as tears fell formed on the corners of her eyes. She tried to unsuccessfully snuggle under Hisoka but she gave up miserably.
It's not going to work….she's too little…I feel like I'm protecting her and at this point in time in this frame of mind I can't protect anyone.
Kiyomi made up her mind in that instant. She carefully lifted Hisoka placing her in the bed with Makoto. Hisoka automatically scooted closer to her sister while Makoto wrapped her arms around her in a loving embrace. If she wasn't scared shitless she would have stayed there staring at them.
They seemed so close in their sleep one wouldn't have known the truth from looking at them in that instant. Kiyomi thought sadly.
Meanwhile
Byakuya was back in the bed under the covers this time yet still gazing at the ceiling. He heard the thunder…seen the lightening….and felt useless and empty…cold. That was until he sensed her. His eyes widened in surprise as he sat up looking toward the door and there she was in her white night gown, her eyes wide in fear, her hair disheveled on her head, and clutching her blanket. He felt a strange vibe of déjà vu. He blinked furiously hoping that he wasn't dreaming. It was confirmed that she wasn't a dream when the thunder shook the sky with a loud BOOM and she jumped in the bed. If it was under different circumstances he probably would have laughed at her yet he could do nothing but stare at her as he felt his heart speed up. Especially when she snuggled up next to him claiming her usual spot on his chest and in his arms causing him to lay down to allow her to get comfortable. She buried her face in his chest listening to his heart beat as it began to settle back to its normal pace. She relaxed and immediately fell into a sound sleep. Byakuya took this time to memorize her…he didn't realize it but she had become one of the most important people in his life beside Ginrei, but somehow she seemed more treasured to him even than Ginrei.
How is it that I feel so happy now that she's here…what is she to me?….Byakuya thought.
He gently ran his fingers through her hair bringing the ends up to his nose as he welcomed the familiar scent of sakura. In fact it was becoming his favorite scent…one he preferred to smell all the time. He tightened his grip around her pulling her closer to him. Finally he fell into a sound sleep after reassuring himself for the umpteenth time that night that she was indeed there in his arms.
Morning- Day 3
Byakuya woke to find Kiyomi gone and in her place a pillow.
Was I imaging her here with me? Wouldn't I have woken up if she moved…unless…
Ignoring his senses that verified that she was there, he believed that he had been imagining the whole thing. He got up to take his shower sulking once again.
Meanwhile
Kiyomi laid in bed thinking back to the night with Byakuya. She had woken to find herself snuggled tightly in his embrace. When she moved slightly he gripped her tighter pulling her closer to him. Her heart sped up at the close impact of her body against his and her breathing turned into small pants.
"Kiyomi!" He sighed causing her to hold her breath.
It didn't help that his chest was exposed revealing his solid six pack. She grit her teeth.
Damn this shouldn't be hard. She thought but then he mumbled something.
She leaned her face closer to his to better hear what he said.
"Kiyomi!" He sighed once again this time a small smile graced his peaceful face.
She felt herself leaning foreword once more against her will until her face was mere inches from his.
No stop…this is wrong…the man calls you an idiot and you repay him with a kiss…good going Kiyomi way to stand your ground. Her thoughts taunted her giving her reasons why she was mad at him yet her heart seem to tell her that he was already forgiven.
Then a memory flashed in her head:
"Okaa-san?" Kiyomi questioned her mother. "Kiyomi…don't be a fool…for the heart is easily deceived by sentimental things…the mind stays steady and true to reality…for love is the child of illusion and the parent of delusion."
She slowly slipped out of Byakuya's tight, warm, and protecting embrace replacing her warm body with a pillow. A strong yearning overcame her yet she scolded herself slipping just as quietly out of the room as she had came. Makoto woke up first and when she felt Hisoka in her arms she nuzzled her nose in her sister's hair before casting a grateful look at Kiyomi who in return gave a small smile.
I knew it she went to him. Makoto thought smiling inwardly at her cleverness.
Her thoughts were interrupted by an outraged Hisoka who had woken up to find herself in Makoto's arms and not Kiyomi.
"How did I get over here?" Hisoka yelled giving her sister an accusing look before jumping up and storming to the bathroom to take a shower.
"Let me help you." Makoto called after her.
"I got it…stop trying to pretend like you care about me cause you're just fooling yourself and making a fool of yourself…you don't have to ACT for nee-chan…just treat me like you used to at home!" Hisoka yelled before slamming the bathroom door.
Kiyomi cast a worried glance at Makoto only to catch her looking at the door with sadness and longing.
Just what is going on…this has got to stop.
"I'll go talk to her…she'll be ok…so will you." Kiyomi said before marching to the bathroom to confront Hisoka.
"Arigatou goziamasu…please take care of my imouto onegai-shimasu!" Makoto said before leaving to use the spare bathroom in the empty guest room.
"Un." Kiyomi said before she turned to bang on the bathroom door.
Hisoka why do you despise your own sister so?
"OI! It's me open up!" Hisoka cracked the door with moist tears in her eyes but Kiyomi would not be swayed so easily.
"Nanda kuso*…Wakarimasen…she just wants a relationship with you and you want to be a little brat!" Kiyomi says her face slightly frowned up the most she could muster up after seeing Hisoka's tear stained face.
"It's okay…think nothing of it." Hisoka said tensing up.
Kiyomi noticing this decided on a different approach. She sat down on the edge of the toilet pulling Hisoka into her arms.
"Daijouba…you can talk to me…remember I'm your other nee-chan." Hisoka looked up at Kiyomi with hopeful eyes before opening up finally.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"When I was a bit younger like two years old …
Makoto was very popular…she still is somewhat…
in school I was teased a lot…people pretended to be my friend…demo…when I turned my back they would call me the Kuchiki brat and say that I thought I was better than everybody.
They stared to play trick on me and then they isolated me completely. I was always quiet and reserved cause I had no one who liked me or wanted to be my friend until you…
my mother was overly protective and had those kids punished which isolated me more…
my sister was superficial and more concerned about her own life than to worry about me back then…
I mean there was a big age gap between us and she ignored me for the most part but nonetheless I loved my ane-ue* cause no matter what she never let her friends talk about me in her presence. They called me a bland rock and a puppy.
I didn't care cause she was my everything and I secretly wanted to be like her when I grew up…
I would copy some things she did…all that changed when HE came.
HE destroyed everything taking away the little time and attention she showed me and completely consumed her until there was nothing left. Then left her high and dry and married someone else who he was arranged to be married to since he was little.
What hurt me was THAT day…
with him around I barely saw her and my mom was always yelling and threatening her…they was always fighting…
our mom and dad began to fight and now they still don't talk until this day just living in an unhappy marriage…
demo on THAT day my sister came home and she was sneaking in her room to get clothes planning to runaway with him this time for good…
I came in the room just in time as she was sneaking out the window and I grabbed her leg…
"Ane-ue…kudasai…stay…onegai-shimasu!" I begged her then I heard him.
"Who is that…is that your rock of a sister…just push her off I'm sure she'll land unharmed like a rock…hurry we got to go!"
She didn't even glance back as she pushed me off of her and disappeared out the window. I kept thinking as I fell:
Tasukete* ane-ue…onegai-shimasu…
Hitting the floor made me realize that she was never coming back, that she didn't care about me, and the hardest lesson of all that I was alone in this world. We found her a week later distraught because he abandoned her.
She was lifeless, had lost all of her vigor but it didn't matter to me cause in my mind she was already dead to me. We were sent to this house shortly thereafter my mother feared that I would become like my sister not knowing that I wished to be the total opposite of my sister and that's when I met HIM!
My nii-sama.
He was amazing following behind Ginrei-sama with obedience and authority. I began to secretly copy his behavior. For a child I was very reserved and obedient.
Nii-sama approached me one day after ignoring me for a week and told me...
"Your behavior is adequate…slowly bridging the gap to becoming a fine woman one day."
Ever since then I would follow him around and he allowed it. He never pushed me away, never acknowledged me nor said I was annoying or even much of anything to me…he never talked much….demo…he was all I had so I clung to him as my lifeline…and I felt in my heart that he was lonely so I stayed by his side…
I hated when we had to leave but since then every summer we would come here and I would rejoice at the prospect of seeing my nii-sama and how much he'd grown and flourished."
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
At such a young age just like me…not prepared to have your dreams shattered….not ready for the real world nor the harsh lessons and reality of life.
"…"
"So you see she just wants to replace her failed love and I play second to no one I don't even need her remorse nor want her guilt around me cause she's dead to me."
Kiyomi looked down hiding her face behind her hair.
"YAMETE! She wants a relationship with you know that's all that should matter…you talk a lot about how she's dead to you…demo…you're missing an important point….that she's very much alive and no matter what she's done to you, at least you still have her around to hate or love, imagine if she was gone as well as your parents and you truly had no one…the pain of that loneliness is unbearable yet I…I mean people get through it and let go cause life's too short I tell YOU…you're just a kid…quit trying to grow up so fast and give your sister a second chance while you still have her or believe me you'll live to regret it."
Hisoka looked thoughtful for a few minutes then frowned up yelling "IIE!"
Kiyomi's eyes widened in shock before narrowing into slits.
"Fine…Hisoka…YURUSENAI!I forgave you for what you did to me…as long as you can't forgive her then I can't forgive you."
Hisoka's eyes widened in horror at Kiyomi's words before tears started to spill out of her eyes.
"Wakatta*!" Hisoka said through tears.
"Maa maa…it shouldn't be so bad just to try…your sister cares about you…that's what's important." Kiyomi said consoling Hisoka.
"Un!" Hisoka replied wiping her tears and going to the door.
"Where are you going?"
"To apologize of course!" Hisoka said smiling gratefully at Kiyomi.
"What about your shower?" Kiyomi called out watching Hisoka grab her wash up items.
"I was thinking of asking my ane-ue to help me."
Kiyomi smiled watching as Hisoka ran to the door only to pause.
"Arigatou goziamasu nee-chan…if I can forgive my sister and you can forgive me…then you can forgive nii-sama."
With that said Hisoka rushed out the bathroom leaving Kiyomi shocked.
"…."
Forgive him? She decided that a nice shower would do the trick to help clear her mind.
Meanwhile
Makoto ran the water in the tub testing it to make sure it wasn't too hot.
"Ano…can you help me?" Makoto froze in disbelief.
There was her sister standing in the doorway with her wash up items and a towel.
"Gomen nasai ane-ue…I was so cruel to you…watashi*…watashi…" Hisoka's sentence was cut off as Makoto embraced her.
"Gomen nasai!" Makoto kept repeating over and over causing Hisoka to look up from her embrace in confusion.
"Nanda?" Hisoka questioned her.
"I was cruel and self centered back then…never really realizing that it was affecting you so…I got what I deserved for what I did to you That day….I should've been a better older sister…too focused on other people and things when it should have been you…I don't deserve your apology nor your affections…demo…if you give me a chance I will do my best to be the sister you wanted me to be."
Makoto looked down hiding her face behind her hair. "I don't deserve to be called your ane-ue…I haven't been much of one."
Hisoka buried her face in her sister's embrace.
"Watashi daisuki desu*!" Hisoka said feeling her chest tighten.
"No matter what you'll always be my ane-ue from this moment foreword."
Makoto smiled happily. "Lets get you washed up eh!"
"Un!" Makoto gave her sister a bath with a smile on her face truly happy for the first time.
"You know operation fix the broken pieces of Kiyomi and Byakuya's relationship should be in effect." Makoto offered causing Hisoka to frown up slightly much to Makoto's confusion.
"That name's too long it should be called…Operation Reunite!"
"What a great idea why didn't I think of that!" Makoto said encouragingly.
"Now we just have to get Katsumi on our side." Hisoka said her eyes narrowed in suspicion regarding the recent friendship of Katsumi and Kiyomi.
"What about Kanaye?" Makoto asked curiously.
"Oh I can handle him." Hisoka said pounding her fist into her palm causing Makoto to laugh.
"OK…I'll leave it to you then."
L8ter On
Kiyomi was on her way to the kitchen when she spotted Katsumi.
"Ohayou goziamasu*!" She called out causing him to turn in her direction happy to hear her voice as a small blush crept up his cheeks.
"Ohayou! You going to breakfast…" He questioned.
"Un you?"
"Un..." He answered hesitantly before they both responded.
"May I accompany you?"
"Honto?"
They smiled shyly at each other as small blushes crept up their cheeks for saying the same thing.
"Un!" Katsumi replied stepping to the side to let her go past first.
"Iie…we're friends now…we will walk together." Kiyomi said offering her arm.
"Hai!" He replied taking her arm and linking it with his happily.
When they entered the kitchen they came at the same time Hisoka and Makoto did and were surprised to see Byakuya and Kanaye already there. Byakuya was on edge ready to strangle his overly excited cousin when he turned to see Kiyomi and Katsumi arm in arm.
"What the hell is going on?" Byakuya questioned angrily not able to control his emotional outrage at seeing them arm in arm. Hisoka glares suspiciously at Katsumi while Makoto tries to calm her sister down.
"Took you all long enough I'm starving…it appears my brother is fully sustained with the new affections from Kiyomi no da?" Kanaya taunted Byakuya.
"He took your woman and now he's smiling in your face…what a day for you eh Byakuya-dono…you lost your cool and your girl!"
Byakuya drew his sword saying in a deadly calm voice, "Chire…Senbonzakura."
They all sweat dropped while Kanaye danced around the dining area dodging Byakuya's petals that chased him with a killing intent.
"Serves him right!" Hisoka said in a proud voice while her sister continually sweat dropped.
It looks like they made up…I never seen Makoto look so genuinely happy before. Kiyomi thought while sitting in the seat Katsumi offered for her totally ignoring Byakuya especially after his rude outburst.
After retrieving his sword he sheathed it while turning to glare at Kiyomi. After being uncomfortable knowing that he was glaring at her Kiyomi turned to glare at him in return neither of them noticing that everyone had taken their seats. Hisoka pushed Katsumi out the way sitting next to Kiyomi and of course Makoto sat next to her. To save room for Ginrei and Fumio, Katsumi was forced to sit on the other side of the table next to his brother who was one seat away from Byakuya. Only Ginrei was allowed to sit at the head of the table since he was head of the household and no one was allowed to sit on the other side at the other end of the table. That left Kiyomi stuck and forced to sit next to him. Gritting his teeth when Byakuya finally sat down tensions flared at the table as Kiyomi glared ahead waiting patiently for the food so she could busy herself.
I won't let him ruin my morning… Kiyomi repeated to herself over and over.
"I take it you're ignoring me now even though I ask you something directly?" Byakuya says through gritted teeth.
"Oh... when you say directly are you referring to before when you rudely yelled at US or did you expect me to know you were yelling directly at me?" Kiyomi replied in a sarcastic tone.
"I expected more classy behavior and a certain level of respect…your recent show of behavior I find unacceptable!" Byakuya said turning to glare at her now.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean…more classy behavior…respect…Honto so in respecting you I'm supposed to allow you to neglect giving me respect in return or is it only a one way thing?" Kiyomi responded turning to glare back at him.
"You're supposed to give it to get it and your earlier behavior was distasteful!" Byakuya said in a deadly clam voice pissing her off even more.
"Honto desu ka…and I suppose calling me everything out of my name was proper noble behavior and giving respect!" Kiyomi yelled shooting up from her chair standing over him.
"Guys…come on…" Hisoka said in a small voice holding up her hands that went unheard as they continued to argue causing everyone to sweat drop.
"Besides I didn't know it bothered you so much…I could've sworn I didn't belong to YOU in fact I could've sworn that it was YOU who told me to stay out of your life!" Kiyomi said pointing an accusing finger at Byakuya causing him to stand up now and tower over her.
"Ridiculous…it wasn't such a bad idea that way your short comings won't affect me any longer."
"FINE!" Kiyomi yelled.
"Fine!" Byakuya responded while they glared in each others face.
"Is there a problem?" Ginrei asked coming into the kitchen Fumio behind him and noticing the tense atmosphere as well as Byakuya and Kiyomi glaring in each others faces.
"Iie oji-chan me and Byakuya-san had just come to a mutual understanding of one another…in fact I believe we are getting along much better now that the air is clear between us."
What is she saying…they're clearly upset with each other. Hisoka thought becoming more confused by the second while everyone sweat dropped excluding Fumio who leaned back in his seat on his hands folded behind his head and Ginrei who looked thoughtful for a few minutes.
"Fine…I'm glad you two are getting along well and finally understanding one another." Ginrei replied smirking.
"Nani*!?" Hisoka yelled sitting foreword in her seat in shock at the obvious denseness of their head of household.
How could he not see that. She was given a warning look by Kiyomi which caused her to sit back in her seat and apologize for her outburst.
Gomen Hisoka but this is different…I just can't forgive him. Kiyomi thought as to her relief the food arrived ceasing any further questioning from Ginrei.
" Byakuya… you don't have to attend this meeting…in fact you are excused from this meeting and all others…I've realized we've been absorbing all of your vacation time…you are free to have fun with your cousins." Byakuya's eyes widened in shock making him feel like a deer trapped in car headlights.
The doom and dread evident in his eyes. Those meetings were his only sense of sanity since him and Kiyomi were warring. It didn't help that their recent argument made him feel even guiltier and confused at why he couldn't control his raging emotional outbursts when he was around her.
"Demo Ginrei-sama…" But his sentence was cut off short by Ginrei.
"Nonsense Byakuya it's okay…have fun." That tone of voice the playful yet authoritative tone let Byakuya know that the discussion was over.
"Itadakimasu!" Kiyomi said first followed by everyone else as they began to eat their food.
Byakuya stared at his untouched food with dread on his face.
A few minutes l8ter
Kiyomi stood up from the table having finished several plates of food.
"May I be excused?" She asked Ginrei bowing her head.
"You may." She disappeared from the table heading towards the door.
Katsumi repeated her actions and followed after her after being excused. Kanaye was next not wanting to be out done for the affections of Kiyomi by his brother. He saw the new friendship between his brother and Kiyomi as competition.
"You all may leave if you want…our Kiyomi is an outgoing one." Ginrei declared sticking his chest out proudly.
Hisoka glanced suspiciously toward where Kiyomi and the two traitors disappeared to not trusting anyone around Kiyomi except for Byakuya. She then glanced at Byakuya's untouched food with concern and back again.
"You may go Hisoka…" Byakuya said with a sigh.
"Iie…daijouba…I'll stay with you Byakuya-sama." Makoto smiled at her sisters thoughtfulness as Ginrei and Fumio excused themselves and left for a meeting.
"You know with Katsumi's recent change in personality and Kanaye's womanizing ways Kiyomi doesn't stand a chance." Makoto said causing Hisoka's eyes to widen at the new evidence presented by her sister.
"Go ahead!" Makoto encouraged watching as determination set on her sister's face before Hisoka hoped up rushing after them.
Byakuya nodded gratefully at Makoto before rising and heading towards the door himself. Makoto watched his back tentatively before rising out of her seat. She felt the powerful riaetsu of their head of household in the dining area once again.
"I'll leave it to you then?" Ginrei questioned.
"Hai…Ginrei-sama!"
A Few minutes l8ter
Byakuya headed for the trees while Kiyomi headed for the village. Hisoka was glad Kiyomi had waited for her but watching her nii-sama disappear into the trees alone left her feeling guilty. Her conscience ate away at her especially since she felt like she had been betraying him and choosing Kiyomi over him. Her chivalrous nii-sama never scolded her about that.
"I'll go see if he's ok." Makoto said whispering so that only Hisoka could hear her.
Hisoka smiled to her sister gratefully watching as her sister disappeared into the trees after her nii-sama.
"Rule number 1: soften your facial features…if you look unapproachable people won't want to approach you…first impressions are everything." Kiyomi lectured.
Katsumi was finding it hard not to smile ever since he acquired a new friendship with Kiyomi….she just seemed to have that affect on people. She was attempting to have him introduce himself to some village girls.
"Why just girls?" Katsumi questioned dread on his face.
Kiyomi stopped with a thoughtful look on her face.
"Girls are the hardest to approach…you get that down packed and you can do anything." Kiyomi replied continuing to walk.
Believe me I would know. Kiyomi thought to herself referring to her own non relationships with the female gender except for Hisoka and Makoto recently.
She has a point demo…I really don't want to do this. Katsumi thought trying desperately to find a way out of his recent situation.
"OI! Come on you'll do just fine…I'll be here with you." Kiyomi said dragging Katsumi the rest of the way to the village.
While Hisoka followed earnestly keeping an eye on the sneaky Kanaye, suddenly Kiyomi stopped abruptly.
"THERE!" She shouted pointing into the direction of a group of girls almost causing Hisoka to crash into them.
"Where?" Kanaye said excitedly quickly jumping into charm mode.
"Not you!" Kiyomi said grabbing Kanaye by the shirt collar while sighing in annoyance.
"Well go ahead Katsumi…introduce yourself…we'll be right here."
Katsumi gulped in apprehension. Great just what I need…three girls and they all look kowaii…I can't do this.
Katsumi paused causing the three girls to look up at him in curiosity. Before he could chicken out he was being pushed foreword by a demented Hisoka who was bent on payback for his traitorous behavior.
He turned back only to receive a thumbs up from Kiyomi whom was holding his pouting brother. When he turned around all the girls were closely inspecting him curiously. When they saw his face they all blushed.
"Ano…Etto…Watashi K…Katsumi desu." One girl stepped foreword.
"Are you always this nervous…your very handsome…I just thought with you being so handsome and all that…well that you wouldn't be so nervous around girls." The girl said rambling on.
He smiled causing the girls to turn a deeper shade of red.
"Well you see I don't do this often." Katsumi says bringing his hand through his hair.
The girls surround him life vultures pouncing on him as they talk and argue amongst themselves at who gets to stand where next to him. Kiyomi watched the display with her chest poked out proudly.
"Great now you've done it." Kanaye said pouting.
"What's your problem…can't you let your brother get some attention once in a while?" Kiyomi said glaring at him.
"Are you always this selfish?"
Kanaye got really serious looking down and hiding his face behind his hair. "He always gets the attention…I wish I was him."
Kiyomi's eyes widened in surprise. "HUH!"
Kanaye smirked bitterly at her. "Is that so surprising…you gave him more attention than me from the beginning."
"Yea... demo…that makes no sense you're the outgoing one who always have girls surrounding him."
"That's only because they think that I would put them closer to my brother, always asking when can they meet my brother….I wish I had his elusiveness and calm demeanor."
"I like your personality you maybe a little over the top at times but that's what makes you…well you." Kanaye smiled genuinely at her.
"Arigatou."
Wow he's really handsome too. Kiyomi thought when suddenly she felt a presence behind her and a mischievous smirk graced her face.
"Wakarimasen*…why do you want to be your brother?"
"I told you…because girls want to be with him…guys think he's cool, and well even our father wish I was more like my brother…the one most likely to take over the family business."
"…."
"Am I not that important?" Kanaye looked up to glare at Kiyomi when his eyes met the cobalt blue eyes of his brother that had shock written all over his face.
"How could you say that when I want to be you…your personality is amiable…your courage…why would you want to be me?"
"You want to be me why…you have everything…your good at everything…and everyone likes you?" Katsumi was surprised once again.
"You're the one with all the friends…not me…my elusiveness has kept me alone…even father pays you more attention."
"My outrageous behavior you find so amiable has caused me to be used…father only pays me more attention because he wish I was like you."
They both stood there looking at each other in shock.
"See you both have great attributes and if you work together you can both be fruitful in life…you'll always have each other…you're never really alone and will never be alone…those differences should make the bond between you two stronger." Kiyomi pointed out causing understanding to fill both of their eyes as they continued to stare at each other as if seeing each other truly for the first time.
In a crowd full of people you were always so alone…I had no idea you wanted to be me. Katsumi thought at the same time Kanaye thought.A crowd full of people at your feet yet you always stood to the side of them and never in the midst…I should have known you felt alone.
"Shall we?" Kanaye said gesturing to the three girls waiting patiently for Katsumi's return.
"Hai!" Katsumi replied following his brother before pausing.
"What's wrong Katsumi go ahead…" Kiyomi started only to be cut off as Katsumi pulled her into his arms burying his face in her hair.
"Arigatou goziamasu Kiyomi…you truly are an amazing woman…I like you a lot."
Kiyomi's whole face blushed red while Hisoka looked on with horror and Kanaye with pride. Kiyomi felt a familiar presence causing her to feel really uncomfortable in the arms of another.
"If you need anything…I'm here for you." Katsumi said releasing her.
"Ano…Etto…Un!" Kiyomi said stumbling over her words especially since guilt seemed to overweigh her at that familiar riaetsu she felt so close by. She watched as they walked over to entertain the females after Kanaye surprisingly just ruffled her hair instead of more outrageous behavior than what his brother just displayed.
"Yea you truly are sugoi Kiyomi."
Meanwhile
I knew it he's going back to that place…him and my sister are so predictable. Makoto thought silently following Byakuya.
When he made it to his destination he stood back on the cliff under the sakura tree. Makoto stayed hidden behind the other trees watching him silently.
"If you're going to spy on me try not to make so much noise." Byakuya announced not even bothering to glance disapprovingly at the very tree she was behind causing her to blush red.
Damn him being so articulate…I thought he didn't notice me but he knew I was there all along. She came out from behind the tree and stood next to him frowning slightly.
"Daijouka?" She questioned him hesitantly.
He sighed, "Daijouba…why did you come?"
Makoto smiled, "All you have to do is go apologize to her."
"Ridiculous."
"We sort of spied on you two and we heard what you said." Byakuya closed his eyes looking off to the side knowing exactly what she was talking about.
"You're still here with me after knowing what I said to her…you all should be disappointed in me by now…I'm disgusting…I let my emotions take over…I know she hates me."
"…."
The naivety of men. Makoto thought sighing.
"She doesn't hate you…she's just upset is all…if you just apologize I'm sure she'll forgive you."
"Honto desu ka?" Byakuya said looking at Makoto hopefully.
"I'm sure of it…demo…if you don't try she'll never forgive you."
Byakuya took on a thoughtful look before rising going towards the village through the forest where he sensed Kiyomi's riaetsu.
"I came because someone important to me is worried about you because you are important to her."
She walked past him before pausing.
"Don't forget you're important to me as well not just because you're the future head of household…you're my little cousin."
With that said she turned and continued to walk towards the village through the forest.
I am a gentleman after all… I couldn't possibly let her walk back through the forest to the village alone. Byakuya told himself.
When they made it to the village Byakuya suddenly stopped abruptly causing Makoto to looked at him with a confused look on her face until she turned to see what froze him.
There she saw a horrified look on her sister's face while Kiyomi was locked in an embrace with Katsumi.
"Ch...chotto matte Byakuya…" Makoto called out but her words fell on deaf ears as he shunpoed away.
After Katsumi and Kanaye left to entertain the girls a few minutes later Makoto caught up with Kiyomi and Hisoka. She had tried to find Byakuya only to find that he had gotten clever on her and was no where to be seen in his usual sulk spot. When she approached them Hisoka perked up.
"Nii-sa…where's nii-sama?" Makoto gave her a worried look shaking her head sadly.
"Is he ok?" Kiyomi asked surprising both of them.
"I don't know." Makoto responded a plan forming in her head yet causing Hisoka to be highly alarmed.
"Well we got to go to him…oh no!" Makoto grab her sister off to the side while Kiyomi's eyes widen as she try to sense Byakuya's riaetsu but couldn't.
"If she's worried then she's focused more on the right one ne Hisoka?"
"Hai ane-ue!"
"Oi Kiyomi we'll round the lover boys up while u look for Byakuya and we'll meet you back at the house." Makoto called out to Kiyomi.
"Hai!" Kiyomi said rushing off to find Byakuya.
Byakuya you baka where have you gone?
A few hours l8ter
Kiyomi went back to the house very disappointed. She had searched everywhere and hadn't found Byakuya. In the garden she was surprised to come upon Fumio alone. He was leaned back against the tree leaned against his arms that seemed to be his preferred method of hanging out.
"Lookin for someone?"
"…"
"Is it anyone I know?" That was when she exploded.
"THAT BAKA HOW DARE HE INSULT ME THEN WORRY ME…EVERYTHING I DO FOR HIM AND THIS IS THE THANKS I GET!"
Fumio opened his eyes highly amused at her outburst. He had been around his stoic family for all his life so someone who seemed emotionally unstable and very impulsive to him was very interesting.
"Insult…Byakuya no way he isn't capable of such things…that's like getting a rock to show emotions…that's how he was raised."
"Well you should've seen him at that temple."
"Honto desu ka…which temple is this one your referring to?"
"The one in the center of the cemetery." Kiyomi pointed out.
"No…you wouldn't be talkin bout the one where his parents are buried."
"Yea, Yea that…WAIT WHAT!?"
"Oh Gomen... demo his parents are buried in that temple….you didn't know…he didn't tell you?"
His parents….I didn't even notice his chage of behavior he did seem more gloomy when we approached the temple…I was so busy being fascinated…I didn't know….I'm such a fool. Kiyomi's thoughts ran rampant as she hid her face behind her hair feeling embarrassed and disgusted at herself.
"…."
"I guess you wouldn't know eh…our Byakuya has a softer spot for you than we thought…you must be important to him for him to even allow you in there…more so to allow you to still be alive for ruining his parent's temple... besides he probably didn't tell ya cause he didn't want ya to be worried about em."
"…."
"Don't worry I heard everything and I could understand why you'd be upset."
"I didn't know…I'm so disgusting…" Kiyomi mumbled to herself but Fumio heard her.
"Well I was just waitin here to tell ya Ginrei-sama and I would be leaving tonight for a meeting and will not be back until tomorrow night…you kids can stay outta trouble until then eh?"
"I got to find him…have you seen him?" Kiyomi asked finally speaking directly to him for the first time.
"Iie but it's not safe for you to be out this late at night little lady you might catch a cold ad get sick it might be best to wait in the house for his return."
"Demo.." Kiyomi started prepared to argue him back down.
"Eh I'd b torn up to an pretty upset if I caught my women in the arms of another eh…besides imagine how worried he'd be if you were out here and you got sick…he doesn't even know how sorry you are an already he'd be feelin quite guilty I might add."
"…."
Kiyomi obliged and went into the house.
How much does this guy know…has he been spying on us? Byakuya…are you hurt…where could you have gone…I need to tell you I'm so so sorry. Kiyomi thought as she went into the house to do as Fumio bided.
"Kiyomi daijouka?" Hisoka and Katsumi said running up to her at the same time.
"Daijouba…why what's happening…did Byakuya come back yet?" She looked from Hisoka to Makoto to Katsumi to Kanaye all who exchanged worried looks but it was apparent to Kiyomi that he wasn't back yet since she still didn't sense him.
"It's going to storm tonight in fact the storm is approaching as we speak."
"NANI!" Kiyomi shouted becoming extremely anxious.
"I need to find him!" She said rushing to the door only to be blocked by Katsumi and Kanaye.
"We don't think that's such a good idea…"
"Move!" Kiyomi commanded reaching for her sword.
"You should be where it's safe." They finished.
"I think I liked you two better when you weren't so close."
"Kiyomi!" Makoto yelled surprised at her hurtful words and seeing the hurtful expressions that crossed both the twin's faces as they seemed to give in a little and move from the door.
"Gomen…demo…I caused him much pain…Why didn't you tell me about that temple I know you all were there?"
"….."
"Never mind it doesn't matter I always stay by his side…I'm his partner... in times of crisis it is important that we look out for each other and take care of each other…"
"And you going out there in that storm isn't going to do anything but destroy you both…how do you think he'll feel knowing that you went out there after him and got hurt…Do you want to place more GUILT on his shoulders?"
That stung Kiyomi as Makoto lectured her causing her to down cast her face.
"I thought so…did you think we all weren't hurt and wanting to be by his side….of course we do it is our duty to give our life for the next head of household to keep him safe…demo he's more than that to us…he's our flesh and blood…You think my little sister who had been by his side everyday of her life after the age of two up until this moment isn't itching to go after him? Don't make this about you and your lack of control…"
"…"
A few Minutes l8ter
Everyone sat in the front on the couch by the front door waiting for Byakuya to come home. The storm had come down hard and Byakuya still wasn't back. Everyone except for Kiyomi whose nerves were frazzled from both the storm and her consuming worrying about Byakuya. She was pacing back and forth while everyone followed her with their eyes while they sweat dropped.
Byakuya…where the hell are you…you bastard…please come home….I'm sorry…come home to me…
"Here try this it always helps me when I feel bad." Hisoka offered her a warm glass of milk cutting into Kiyomi's thoughts.
"Arigatou." Kiyomi thanked Hisoka.
She took one sip and her mind ceased to function.
Preview: The glass fell to the floor spilling the milk and glass all over the living room floor.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Yoshi- all right, lets do it, lets go
Yamete- stop
Iya- strong form of no like noooooooo
Nanda kuso- what the hell
Ane-ue- respectful term for older sister
Tasukete- save me/ help me
Wakatta- I get it/ I understand
Watashi- I
Watashi daisuki desu- I like you a lot
Ohayou goziamasu- good morning polite
Nani- What
Wakarimasen- I don't understand