It would be really nice to know your thoughts on the last chapter because I really gave it my lifetime worth of energy. You all seem so quiet. On holidays, perhaps? I miss hearing from you. I am trying to finish this off as soon as possible. I am probably overworking my dear beta! Oops.
The starting point is a bit odd because I am pretending that HM arc has never taken place because when I started this story things had barely started. This is a partial AU fic. Odd, I know!
I do not know how many of you actually check, but I have changed the genre. If you support them in a 'siblingship' way, I would still suggest you keep on reading (coming this far!). I plan to keep them in character despite whatever may transpire. No horror! Perhaps, you might even buy it! :P
~=Questions That Remain=~
The very first thing that Rukia knew was the strong wind sweeping past her cheeks without mercy. She looked around to find herself back where she came from. The sky, a gloomy grey. A dark sea churned and roared up against the coast. Foam and flotsam littered the cold beach.
The tide lapped against her bare feet, leaving her chilled. Her hair was fiercely fluttering and flying everywhere, and the waves were wild in the chest of the sea in front of her.
Rukia scanned the coastline. There was hardly anyone around. So she was back after all.
Without letting a second thought enter her mind, she hurriedly headed for the brilliant white bungalow that adorned the cliff top, hugging her form as she walked against the wind.
She felt a bit apprehensive as she reached her yard, still not letting it invade her mind.
It.
The ex-reaper did not want to give it a name because she was afraid that it might just be real. Names added meaning to things that were invisible.
Walking past the tea-room, she went for her bedroom. The house was made ominous by dead silence. The wind was howling across the roof, causing the rice paper doors to the back garden to shake. It whistled from moment to moment. The curtains billowed frantically.
She was alone. That did not ease her mind at all.
The forlorn maiden passed down the hall and looked into Miki's room to find it empty.
Hmpf. And what was she expecting? For everything to be like the last few days had never happened? Time could not be undone; even a certain self-aggrandizing lunatic wouldn't try to challenge that.
Assured of this, she went for her bedroom to check on its condition. Opening the door, she entered.
Only to freeze in her step.
That window.
The same spot.
It was right there.
And it all came rushing back to her.
A name. Rukia refused to give what she felt a name. But some things could not be denied.
It was Ai…
NO! Don't think it or he might appear!
As if following her thoughts, a foreign sensation invaded her person.
A hand now encircled her wrist. The memory of something like this, happening so many times while living in this home, almost gave her reason to hope.
But those were just memories. And these were warm, living fingers that could not, and probably never would be… hers.
A surge of panic rushed to her mind.
It was not meant to end this way!
She turned around, jerking back on impulse. The intruder was no less shocked from this than she was.
"Rukia-san?"
She was panting as a wave of shivers traveled down her body. It was all just too much.
"Rukia-san?" The voice called again.
It was only Ururu. Well, at least that's what she was made to believe.
"Is that really you, Ururu?" she asked hesitantly, half-narrowing her eyes.
The girl seemed confused at Rukia's absurd question. "Did something happen?"
"NO!" She retorted. Then, in a more even tone when Ururu cringed slightly, "Nothing. Nothing at all." Was this really whom it appeared to be?
"You are not well."
Ururu approached her and reached out a hand. She snapped her head away from that unwelcome gesture.
"DON'T COME NEAR ME!"
Shrieking, she now stood in a defensive stance. When the girl did nothing but stare at her, arm still outstretched to offer comfort, Rukia felt something in her give way. The next thing she knew, she was down on her knees as though all the strength had left her body.
"It's me. Ururu Tsumugiya." Totally at a loss, the sad-eyed brunette leaned forward slightly, zooming in towards Rukia's face. "Do you not remember me?"
"Tell me…" Rukia tried to calm her breathing. Her mind clutched desperately for something to reassure her that this was not just another damned monster hiding under an illusion. Inspiration came then. "Tell me what Miki said in our last dinner together!"
Yes, that should give her what she needed.
The young girl looked at her with a puzzled expression.
"Um, let me see..." she said, wondering.
'Come on, Ururu.' Rukia wanted to be proven wrong in her suspicions.
"Medicine."
"Yes, and?" Rukia seemed slightly happy. Almost.
"Didn't Miki-chan say… it was Captain Kuchiki who bought it or something along that line?" Ururu stared at her, like a person looking at a cloudy sky hoping for the sun to suddenly peek out and shine through.
Rukia was in a trance. There was something wrong with her. She just could not shake it off. Just less than an hour ago she was fine.
Nii-sama.
That was it. She should not have let him go.
And yet, it was unlike her to depend on someone like that.
Aiz…
"Are you alright?"
Snapping back to the present situation, Rukia waved reassuringly. "I am sorry. It is nothing." Forming a smile, she said, "Thank you. I really appreciate it, Ururu."
The anti-reaper girl saw right through that hollow smile.
"How long it has been!" Rukia exclaimed, suddenly changing into a more bright forced mood, exiting her room as soon as possible. Ururu tagged along.
"So how are things around here?" The mistress of the house led them to Miki's bedroom.
"We have all been busy fighting the hollows," Ururu informed her.
The fallen princess nodded. "There must have been a lot of them." Her duties as a host, or perhaps a mother figure, took over then. "Have you eaten, Ururu?" Rukia asked now, softly.
"Yes. Should I bring something for you?" She noticed Rukia seemed very pale.
"No, thank you. I just want to sleep." The young woman sat down on Miki's bed.
As soon as Ururu turned to leave, Rukia called out.
"Please." She was not sure how to admit this but said it anyway. "Would you mind staying here?"
The girl was convinced that something had definitely happened to this lady. She was not her usual strong self.
"I will. Please rest."
Pulling up her legs onto the bed, Rukia lay down, her back facing the wall underneath the window.
"Oh, and wake me up when… Nii-sama and Miki are here."
Seeing Ururu remain silent, she decided to explain as her eyes rested on the door of the bedroom, "Captain Kuchiki, I mean."
Ururu decided not to ask though she had a question wandering in her head. "Ok."
As her companion took up position by the door, Rukia also added, almost as if to herself. "They will be here soon."
Ururu was not the type to dwell on others' affairs, but seeing the lady's current expression, it almost broke her heart. The once exiled woman was trying too hard in turning her eyes into icy-marbles, yet failing.
Before they could melt, those once vibrant violet eyes disappeared behind their lids.
Urahara's assistant resolved to remain here as asked. There was little more she could think of. All she could do for the distressed woman was to stay by her side.
The night was magnificent, though the moon was not shining brightly.
It was not shining at all, to be precise.
The clouds floated about the dark navy backdrop that was dotted with countless tiny sources of nocturnal light. Some of them announced themselves with their twinkling voices, while others rested silently.
She could topple onto the ground and watch the night away.
Oh, how beautiful Shirayuki would have looked! Flaunting her much-rumoured glamour and the ice-cold nature, where every life would lose their will, yet elegance could survive even the toughest of her conditions.
Her mind could dance without bounds, while Shirayuki only echoed the steps.
The first dance.
Then, the second… and finally, the last.
Oh, how she could…
"Rukia."
That was not Shirayuki calling, the spellbound mistress realised, biting her tongue.
That was…
"Nii-sama." She turned around to see his figure and immediately brought her outspread hands to herself. Gracefully, as they should be.
"Are you not well?" She was not sure if he was genuinely concerned or simply implying that she had gone mental, in his own noble way.
"I am absolutely fine, Nii-sama. Thank you," she said softly.
Both of them gazed at the night sky for a while, crickets chirping in the distance.
"Rukia." He spoke, breaking their silence.
She turned her head in his direction.
"I wish to teach you some advanced kidou."
Shock was the very first feeling. Now she wondered if it was someone else but with his voice.
"Kidou?" Rukia wanted to clarify, just to make sure this hypnotic night was not fooling her senses.
"Pay close attention," her noble guardian said as he held out his arm, fingers pointing towards an invisible target.
With his collected tone, he uttered, "Carriage of thunder. Bridge of a spinning wheel. With light, divide this into six."
And voila! The light did divide into six, creating blades of beaming prisons that traveled swiftly across the distance…
"Nii-sama!"
And she found herself wrapped around by them.
"Relax," he supplied.
Relax? How could she when she was under the influence of an uncomfortable kidou?
Then Rukia came to the conclusion that Kuchiki Byakuya was far more dangerous than he let the world around him believe. He took a sword right to his heart for her after all, be it out of his promise to Hisana or not.
She knew since then that he was no ordinary man.
"Rukia?" He brought her out of her daze.
"Yes!"
"Unlike zanpakuto, there is no command for dispelling a kidou."
Rukia nodded knowingly and added, "Unless the person has high spiritual energy." That was basic soul reaper knowledge. What was he trying to teach her?
"Break my attack," the white prince said flatly.
"But…" she protested.
"Try it."
Rukia wrestled for the first five minutes, and then gave up.
"I cannot. I am not as strong as you." It was true.
Byakuya did not make any move for the next few seconds and she could not quite tell what he was thinking from the shadows that the night clouds were casting upon them. Well, she was probably glowing yellow from the light of the flower prison that was still clinging to her body. Her anxiousness was no doubt very noticeable.
"Am I going to be like this forever?" She would look like one of those living-drawing animals in a jungle. She remembered seeing them on the motion box at Ichigo's house though she could not understand the foreign language well.
"No. Exercise patience." The Kuchiki leader seemed completely at peace.
Would an enemy be in his right mind to be patient?
"So… now?" she said with hope, but the captain still made no move.
"Do the same." It seemed as though he really knew what exactly he was expecting her to achieve.
"What do you mean?"
Was he playing a joke on her?
"Try to trap me," he said, as if it was the most natural thing to do.
"What? But, Nii-sama…" That would be disrespectful. There was no way she would ever do that to him.
"Do as I instruct you." He did not sound angry but she could tell she was testing his patience now.
This was so strange.
"I will try," she said hesitantly.
She could not do it. If only someone would interrupt them…
"You will do it. Concentrate," Byakuya said in a deep tone. Clearly there was no way out tonight but to comply with him.
"Carriage of thunder. Bridge of a spinning wheel. With light, divide this into…uh six." Rukia whispered with uncertainty, almost scared that the spell really would fly out of her hand.
Their situation remained identical to just moments ago, except that she was still the one with a constrictive flower attached to her waist.
"Hesitation is not allowed. I will let you try one last time; otherwise you will remain as you are forever." The challenge was directed without a single hint of hesitation.
"No! Forgive me, I mean I will do it." The student closed her eyes and concentrated. "Carriage of thunder. Bridge of a spinning wheel. With light, divide this into six!"
She really did her best.
Six shining petals went towards her target. Yes, she had done it after all! She would be out of her ludicrous position soon.
But before that could happen, the well-cast blades dissipated just as they came into contact with her target.
Rukia sat flabbergasted. What was that? "You did something to it, right?" she speculated, searching for an excuse.
"I will see you tomorrow." He started walking away from the chained captive.
"Nii-sama!"
He made no effort to halt.
She tried moving from her position but the kidou kept her bound in place. He had a very strong spiritual strength, so it would not be surprising if she did remain like that for a long time. He was of captain level, after all.
Staying in one place was not the prime issue, but he was.
"Wait! No!" And he kept getting further and further.
"Nii-sama!" She called out to him desperately. Should have known it was too good to be true, for them to spend quality time together.
"Don't leave me!" Rukia held out her hand… he was soon out of sight completely. She begged, hoping that it might just travel the wind to reach him and change everything.
"Please…"
Clasping her chest tightly, she shot up to be met with the darkness of her room. Her breathing was dangerously erratic. Rukia wiped her face to realise she had been crying in her sleep.
Dream. It was just another dream. Was her mind so uncertain of what reality held that it made her dreams so very real?
"Why?"
Her heart was now beating at a more steady pace.
It was just like the time when he had taught her his favourite kidou spell. The one that she had come to love but never had enough opportunity to execute in a real battle.
Just like before, she could not even do it on him, but he had not abandoned her like he did in that dream.
Instead, he had taught her.
She remembered it clearly now, still as fresh as her fallen tears.
"It is willpower that determines if you succeed in breaking the enchantment more than if you wait for the effect to naturally wear off. Watch closely." Later on she found out that higher level soul reapers were well aware of that knowledge. However, soul reapers of her level believed kidou to just disperse sooner or later depending on how powerful the summoning of the individual spiritual energy was.
She had expected him to close his eyes, but his attention was all directed towards her.
In less than a second, she was free, without him making even a whisper. She could not even hear him breathe!
"As expected of Nii-sama!" she chirped.
Some memories die hard.
Now she found that tears were dripping without any restraint.
Why was she crying so much over a dream? She was far too emotional for her own good.
And why did he walk away and leave her? Could it be that he was injured wherever he was now?
What if…?
No.
"I will see you soon, Rukia."
That had to be a promise. He never failed any of his vows.
He was Byakuya Kuchiki. He would make it through with Miki.
He would…
At this point, she slumped back onto her pillow. She could not possibly lose either of them.
"Ladyma."
Miki had nothing to do with Soul Society. Surely, there would be no reason to bring any harm upon her. But knowing Ai… him, she corrected straight away, he had no doubt ordered Gin to kill her merely because he had no use for her.
No, he would not.
Then again, would Byakuya have saved her on that day if it was not for Hisana's promise? She would have been dead right now otherwise.
Why could not she detest him then?
Though what she was thinking was true, instead Rukia found herself coming up with more than one reason in defence of him.
He was the embodiment of law and had been so for a very long time, except when he married Hisana. He had the vow to his parents to keep. But he also lost his fight with Ichigo. She knew he could have won, but he did not.
He was tied down, even to the last fiber of his being.
It was also true that no one was aware of Aizen's betrayal until the eleventh hour. Then he whisked her away, along with her frozen fear and brimming despair, from that monster's hold.
And she cried out to him, asking him.
"Why did you protect me?"
In the middle of the night, the troubled maiden remained seated, a hand firmly placed above her heart.
Why was she feeling something in there? It was just an organ in her body that pumped blood. If heart was born from every new bond, then she should feel the same for all of them, right?
It was totally different when she thought about Byakuya than when she recalled her little angel. Both were the people that she deeply cared about, so then why was it so much more painful when it came to him? It was deeper than she could decipher it.
"I do not think you have taught me all, Kaien-dono. Baka!"
"You…" She whimpered, not knowing what was going on. And he was not there to answer her questions this time.
The sea roared, while the world around her stood still, like the heavens above.
Admiration was indeed furthest from understanding. In that, at least, the demon had been right.
It was her admiration for this man that she could not understand.
She doubted if even he could help her this time.
Suddenly Rukia jerked up, remembering.
"There's something that has been weighing heavily on my heart…" Never had she heard him speak that way before.
That's exactly how she felt! Could it also be… that's exactly how he had been feeling for fifty long years, probably 'til this day?
"Oh, Nii-sama…"
Sleep was long gone from her eyes.
Her weary gaze swept across the vision in front of her. The evening sea was so calm in nature right now, as opposed to the drama that ensued here recently. Some damage had been inflicted on the small shops by the shore but everybody accounted it to the recent 'storm'. Thankfully, no human souls had been harmed and all was well.
That is, of course, except for the fact that she did not know where the two most dearest people in the world to her were.
It had been a week since Aizen's betrayal and a few days since Ichigo and company had returned to their homeland. Soul Society had started their own investigation into the whole matter while Ichigo and the group had been busy exterminating all the hollows in Karakura that were attracted to the world of the living following the incident.
She had been waiting on her balcony gazing absently into the sea, sometimes catching sight of a family strolling along beneath the cliff. Nothing more had happened since, but Rukia Kuchiki was prepared to wait forever if necessary.
"Rukia-san, look!" Ururu exclaimed while pointing towards the cherry-hued sky.
She did as directed. A blue orb seemed to be descending towards the shore. Immediately its purpose became clear.
It was a spirit orb, the kind used for transportation.
Rukia stood up from her rocking chair, not daring to hope or even breathe for fear that this might prove to be yet another disturbing nightmare.
"Is that…?"
As the features of the occupant started to come closer and thus more visible to her naked eye, she recognized it.
"Nii-sama!"
Without bothering to consider, knowing only that she had to reach him as soon as possible, Rukia concentrated energy into her feet to enable her to fly like a spirit to greet him.
But nothing happened at all, and then she remembered.
She could not flash step anymore, or walk on air. She was human.
As this was made painfully clear once more, the glowing ball touched earth, and its caster collapsed onto the sand.
After that, nothing else mattered. Human, spirit or something in between. She had two legs, and that would have to do.
"Ururu, let's go!" The two of them dashed out of the bungalow and down the slope.
She could see his fallen figure not too far away, heedless of the few eyes that turned in her direction as she hurried across the distance between them. Her whole being was occupied with the ghost who sprawled upon the shore, desperately trying to figure out if he was somehow alright.
Byakuya's body was now lying near the corner of the cliff, just off the sea current. His hands were wrapped around a small form…
"Miki!"
She knew he would never fail her.
Rukia slowed to keep from falling over them. For a while all she wanted to do was stare down at those two cherished faces. Let me have this moment, before I learn the truth.
"Nii-sama!"
His eyes were closed, shut as if in a peaceful slumber.
Had the worst fate befallen her? Was this a message from him?
"Nii-sama?" she called carefully. "Say something, both of you."
Only then did she notice a small river of blood seeping out from Byakuya's right side and staining the sand beneath.
Emergency!
"Ururu, help me lift him, quickly!"
They dropped down beside Byakuya. His breathing seemed quite laboured and his spirit body was freezing cold. Rukia was just wondering how best to move him when Ururu picked up one of his arms and draped it over her shoulder.
"I will do fine carrying him," the tiny helper told her. "You take care of Miki."
"He will be too heavy for you!"
But she was proven wrong as the one-girl assault force lifted him up as though he was that large talisman-wrapped cannon of hers. Contrary to what everyone thought, she was probably stronger than any human currently alive.
The only problem was that Byakuya was taller than her by quite a bit. Instead of walking on the ground and letting him drag, Ururu unobtrusively raised herself by a few inches in the air with the captain draped over her awkwardly. While some of the onlookers were curious as to what the sad-eyed waif might be doing, acting as though she were carrying something heavy when clearly nothing was there, they chose not to inquire, and so the matter of levitation also did not come up.
Seeing Byakuya off with her companion, Rukia turned towards Miki.
"Miki, can you hear me?" Rukia took the little girl in her lap to inspect her for any injury, and was relieved to find that she was unharmed. She drew the cold form close in an attempt to transfer some of herown warmth.
"You are home," the grateful guardian murmured, delighting in the words even as they came out of her mouth. "Wake up, dear."
Soft eyes fluttered open soon. They seemed very confused.
"It's me, Miki," Rukia said, smiling in gratitude.
Those beautiful hands took hold of her kimono. "Lady-ma? Is it morning already?"
Rukia chuckled.
Her ward looked around and saw the coastline. "Why are we outside?"
Her guardian then realised with relief that her adopted daughter had been asleep for the whole time. It was a relief to know she had no direct knowledge of how much danger she had been in. Miki had gone through enough of that since she was little.
Enough. Rukia was glad that Miki did not have to witness any bloodshed or unwanted scenes. She would make sure to give her a normal life from now on.
Being a human, that was the most normal thing to do, she decided half-heartedly.
Rukia took the adorable soul into a loving embrace. "Never leave my sight from now on." She gave her a kiss on the forehead, though she was not normally the type to display her affections so freely. But Miki was an exception.
"Did I do something I was not supposed to?" Miki could hear her Lady-ma whimpering now. What had happened?
"No. You never do, Miki," Rukia stated, holding her close, chin resting on her head as she gazed absently at the sea.
The innocent soul was confused but nodded as she snuggled closer to Rukia. "I promise. Please don't be sad now." Jerking back her head, she looked up at her guardian. "I don't like it."
"Hn." Rukia nodded. "Let's go." She then helped her up and led them towards their home.
Reaching their abode with Miki's hand in hers, she saw Ururu coming from her bedroom.
"Will Nii-sama be alright?" she asked instantly.
"It will take a few days for him to heal. His right hand is severely injured, and he has lost a lot of blood." The meager medic seemed slightly unsure.
"I see…"
Ururu decided not to worry Rukia anymore.
"Where is Urahara? He was supposed to arrive with Nii-sama." Rukia looked outside the window for any telltale sign of the obnoxious showman. She hoped he was alright. Did they succeed?
Ururu just shrugged.
Sighing, Rukia sat down next to the bed Byakuya was resting on. He looked pale, but that was nothing new. His color was never high anyway.
"I can hardly see him." Miki said, coming around the bed to gaze at her slumbering rescuer.
"He is not in his gigai yet." Rukia rested her gaze on his face, wondering when he would wake up.
"Mister?" Miki looked at her to confirm. When Rukia nodded, she stepped closer to the bed, and narrowed her eyes. "What's wrong with him?"
"He just caught a fever," she lied.
"Because he was outside?" Miki thought back to when she had woken up to find her Lady-ma acting all strange.
"Right."
That still didn't explain the blood loss mentioned earlier, but oh well.
"Is he awake?" Miki chirped.
"No, we should leave and let him sleep." Her voice had lost every shred of life. She led Miki out of the room and closed the door shut after sending one long glance at his direction.
His features remained the same. Drained, but undeniably there.
Rukia decided to have something ready for him to eat when he woke up. Finally, things could go back to normal.
His presence was like a purification spell against all her fears.
Byakuya's head felt like rock as he slowly opened his eyes. He realised his gigai had taken it upon himself to incorporate with his spirit soul.
A white ceiling. He recognized this place. Looking around he recalled being here before. It was Rukia's bedroom. His body felt really warm and for the first time, he was… hungry.
However, half of his frame did not feel like it belonged to him. He glanced down to see some bandages wrapped around his upper arm and chest. He could hear a persistent loud ringing noise inside his head. Was the headache that bad?
Much to his relief, it soon stopped. Then an all-too-familiar voice wafted past his ears.
"Why did you leave Nii-sama on his own? Did you not see his injury? He has been practically comatose for the past four hours!"
Now he was sure to get a headache. So it had been four hours, and from the sound of it Rukia had returned here before him. With his eyes half open and ears fully alert, he could tell his sister-in-law was very worried over his well-being. It almost made him feel flustered. He was not a weakling, after all. But even so, he could not deny the warm feeling that floated inside of him, almost making him uneasy.
To know someone was worried over him…
He felt the throbbing pain again.
It was that good-for-nothing salesman speaking then, cheerful but too faint to hear. His nosy self was alive and well? Excellent. Byakuya needed a word with him, too.
"Of course he did!" came that familiar voice again.
With his head on the verge of exploding, it did not fail to escape him to wonder what exactly she was mentioning regarding him. Byakuya doubted that she knew she was actually being quite loud. Perhaps it was just his headache being sensitive to every sound.
The conversation ended soon. Finally, he could live.
Someone slid open his door and he knew immediately who it was.
It was unlike him, but he quickly closed his eyes, all the while trying to naturally maintain his breathing. He was surprised to have found that he was actually pretending to be asleep.
The Lord of the Kuchiki was not prepared to see his sister make a commotion over him just yet.
The whole world around him turned completely silent. The rustling of her clothes soon stopped and he could tell that he was being watched now.
And some more time passed.
One… two… three… He started to count in his head to keep himself from giving it away. He could not let himself be caught off guard. Not like this.
It would be more logical to just open his eyes and let her know that he was fully awake and very much aware. That lousy conversation was to be blamed for this. And his head felt like it was going to shrink and become extinct soon.
Just when he was going to lift his eyelids, an odd sensation intruded upon his person. It was Rukia's hand against his forehead. What was she doing without his permission?
He realized suddenly she was checking his temperature. He should have had more faith in her. He knew Rukia was nothing like those undignified women of the Gotei 13. Even before learning her relation to the late Lady Kuchiki, she had always respected and obeyed the distance that he had kept from her without complaint. She was practically the only woman he could trust.
He wondered absently if she would trust him the same way. Trust was such a fickle thing, after all, and could shatter just as easily. But if there, it could carry the weight of the whole universe without hesitation.
The feigning sleeper heard her mumble something under her breath and she soon left his side.
Phew!
Just when had his heart stopped beating?
He, Kuchiki Byakuya, had never taken part in hide-and-seek nor played dead. But he admitted it distracted his mind from the chaotic routine that his life had become.
Swiftly opening his eyes, his gaze traveled towards the door. After a while, it seemed that Rukia would not visit him anytime soon and now his stomach was growling shamelessly. As long as she had not heard it, his dignity might just survive the night.
He tried to sit up but his right side gave way. Maybe later. He really did not like the windows of the world of the living. What was the point in having them if one could not even enjoy the sight because of the curtains? Reluctantly, he opted to just stare blankly at the ceiling.
If only he could keep on gazing like this and life would still go on…
Then he remembered. Was he able to return Miki? Rukia had not said anything about that earlier. Then again, she would have thrown a tantrum if he had not and would have asked that old geezer about it.
He should have asked that when she was here. Why had he pretended to be asleep? Children did things like that, not him. It was only Rukia, after all.
He brushed his hair with his unscathed hand. It was not as silky and light as it usually was. The headpiece was gone, and he soon noticed, so was his kimono. Well, he was wrapped up in bandages all over.
Did Rukia do the dressing? His cheeks heated up in discomfort.
Probably not. Well, he hoped not, and decided then not to enquire.
Not too long after, the light switched on, making him squint in the process.
"Nii-sama."
Food. The fresh smell of a meal made his stomach feel cavernously empty. He turned his head to find Rukia approaching him with a tray.
"Have you been up for long?" she asked as she set down the contents beside him and took a seat next to his bed.
"What is the time?" Byakuya felt quite out of track without even knowing that.
"It's almost twelve." She picked up the bowl and gestured. "I have brought you your dinner since you have been asleep."
"How is the girl?" he asked carefully.
"As good as she ever was." A pause followed. "I do not know what I would do without her."
Although he was glad to hear it, he felt empty at the same time. "She is here now."
When Rukia said nothing, his eyes sought her out to find she was looking away. Did he say anything wrong? It seemed as though she might be searching for something.
"Just a simple 'thank you' would hardly show how grateful I am," his attendant murmured.
She remained perfectly still 'til his answer reached her. Unsure, he chose to go for a simple reply.
"There is no need." Perhaps that was not what she had wanted to hear, but it was what he could give.
"You have sustained so many injuries, and on top of that…"
"Ignore them." He could tell she was caught by surprise from the way her head turned in his direction. "I am a captain, and therefore my work requires me to go on missions as such."
For a moment, he could not read her mind at all.
"Another captain could have gone in your place, right?" As if suggesting he should do so, from now on.
"Perhaps," came his honest reply, with his eyes closed.
"But it was you, Nii-sama, and it was because of me."
He found himself at a loss for any excuse. "As I said…"
"If you had said that all those years ago, I would have complied. But things have changed, Nii-sama." She looked towards the wall at the other side of the room. "We have changed."
It was true. Then it struck him.
Something was definitely changing, yet so subtly.
"So, thank you." He saw those violet eyes looking at him fondly. He felt he would drown in their meanings.
Closing his eyes, he said the only thing that did not belong in the openhearted conversation that they were having or what he should have said instead.
"What is on the tray?"
It took a little while before she caught on. "Some miso soup." She leaned closer to him. "Let me help you."
He would have refused, but it would be foolish to try on his own. His right side was still quite numb, though there was no pain or ache anymore. He would end up spilling it all like this.
"It's your this side, isn't it?" Rukia was at a loss as to how to go about it. He realized she would not be able to lift him from his supine position.
"It is fine." But he knew she would probably try. He decided to just spare her the trouble for his meal.
Holding his right arm in place, Byakuya rolled towards his left, allowing Rukia to stack up the pillows as his backrest. He was careful to not move his injured arm to protect his shoulder; and quickly balanced himself with one hand and pushed with his legs to sit up against the pillows.
That took more effort than usual. Not to mention time.
"Are you alright, Nii-sama?" She could see him panting.
Calming himself, he nodded.
"Hand me the bowl."
She picked up the container, but kept it in her hands. "I am feeding you."
What?
"I am no child, Rukia." His eyes ordered her.
He always had to make things difficult for everyone, she thought.
"Say Ah-" And the spoon was dangerously close to his mouth.
"I said, I…" His mouth was blocked. He had no choice but to gulp it down to save them both the embarrassment.
"I know, Nii-sama." She dipped her spoon for a second one. "Please don't speak and rest."
Savouring the food, he reflected. It tasted different compared to the fare he was used to having back at the mansion. He would not call it delicious in particular, but there was something to it that made his mouth water.
Taking a second spoonful, he still failed to figure it out. Humans must use strange ingredients.
Byakuya heard the ceramic spoon clattering against the soup bowl, and was surprised to find that he had actually allowed someone to feed him an entire meal. He never let even Hisana do that. As a nobleman, he never liked to rely on others, but this was different.
Accepting the last spoonful of his dinner, he realised Rukia was not someone you could dissuade so easily. At least, he could not.
Not sure if he wanted to, at that.
She held a glass of water near his mouth awkwardly. "Here." Sipping from the extended glass and spilling only a little, he nodded. Rukia brought a napkin to him, waiting for his permission. Instead, he extended his left hand to accept it and dried himself.
"Thank you, Nii-sama." Picking up the tray, she stood. "I will be back in a minute." And she left him to wonder.
He was surprised at the many things that were slowly revealing themselves, or rather the amount of things that he barely understood. To be honest, it was mainly Rukia that he could not comprehend. Byakuya thought he had known her, but it seemed as though either he had not paid attention or she was acting different than usual. She was more imposing.
Life certainly was strange.
But he was glad to see her doing well.
Next morning, the bedridden shinigami was faced with another strange choice. Namely, the question of bathing. Well, it no longer sounded like much of a choice when she had put it that way. If only they had servants around.
"It was bothering me, and so I thought you must feel the same." She stood by his bed all prepared, with a jug of warm water, a bowl and towels.
"I am fine," he said with his eyes closed. He was actually skeptical about making any eye contact and wind up submitting again like last night. That had been a once-in-a-lifetime situation. Not happening again.
"Very well, then. I will do so when you are asleep." Rukia said, sounding very serious.
She would… not.
He saw her starting to leave. It seemed very likely, but how would she manage, though? A very interesting question.
"Rukia."
He could have sworn she almost flashed a smile, but something was stopping it.
Could all this have had something to do with her becoming human? Perhaps she was trying to settle down. He decided he would let her have her way for now. In about a week or two, he would not tolerate it any more. Probably by that time he would be back in Soul Society again. Afterwards no one would ever have to know about it.
He could not let his thoughts run free anymore as she simply dropped to his side right away and waited for him to shift to a more comfortable position.
"You don't have to move so much." She placed the bowl on the floor.
Byakuya leaned on his left side and titled his head forward letting all the hair fall over the edge of the bed, flinching a bit.
"Just use water for now."
"I won't take long," Rukia insisted and quickly scooped up the jug.
He felt quite awkward in the state that he was in: neither lying nor sitting up, just balancing on his elbow. Her small hands worked their way through his hair and massaged the scalp. He would just let her finish without giving it too much thought. But to admit, it was very soothing and he would not be surprised if he fell asleep again.
The not-so-comfortable captain heard water trickling down and more flowing over his brow. Maybe it was a good idea to let her wash his hair for him since his headache could have been occurring because of this. And it also helped to circulate his thoughts properly.
Finally, she dried his gleaming black locks with the towel and announced that her job was done.
"Thank you, Nii-sama." And that was the second time, he counted; not sure what was going on when it should have been him saying it.
"I have laid down a towel on your pillow to make sure it does not get all soaked. Ururu will be here for your dressing."
Rukia left with her things. Upon further consideration, it became apparent why her soup had tasted the way it did, along with the reason for the strange feeling that was consuming him as she gently washed through his hair.
At that moment, the only sensible conclusion that Byakuya could make was that she was much like his deceased mother.
How long had it been since the last time he had recalled one of those buried memories from his childhood? Practically forever. So occupied minding his duties and the peace of Soul Society that he hardly had the time to reminisce over his distant past. Yes, he had vowed at his parents' graves to devote himself, but it was never the same. He could recall all of his memories with Hisana quite well, along with his grandfather. His parents had been quite young the last time he had seen them.
He was even younger. Too many years had passed to even remember their faces properly. But the image was there somewhere in the vision of his mind. And, for the very first time, he was grateful that someone was helping him restore it.
Rukia.
Shaking his head, he brought his attention once more to the ceiling as he had nowhere else to focus his mind on. His back was getting sore and he needed to get up as soon as possible. But right now, his mind was weighing down with numerous thoughts.
For starters, she was now a human.
A human.
Byakuya brushed his hair once more as thoughts consumed him. He had finally decided to see her after so many years, only to be met with this. He had not expected it in a thousand years but it had almost happened before, too.
Twice, in total.
"Protect my little sister."
He remembered clearly and without regret.
"I would like her to have someone."
He never quite understood it and never tried to. Byakuya knew he would lose.
"Please, let her call you brother…"
His thoughts lingered on that note. For the very first time, after over fifty-five years and many hurdles, he asked the golden question.
"What exactly am I …Hisana?" His voice was groggy.
Her reply never came.
The troubled noble let his judgment wander, to find that the answer would be the same all along.
Unknown.
Soon, he fell back into his silent world, devoid of all the matters that were beyond his understanding.
Peaceful.
I would like to know how my story is settling with you all so far... I am starting to think that my long chapters are putting people off.
Thank you.