Proofing this took me a while longer this time, and there was a bunch of things distracting me, so this ended up taking longer than I would have liked.
I want to thank Starscape91, darkmachines, taity, and "RG-Guest" for all their wonderful feedback on the last chapter. And to RG-Guest: it would be great if you created a profile on this site, so I can send you a pm and get in touch with you.
TO FORGE A
BETTER TOMORROW
Chapter XXVI:
"Ballad of the White Wolf, Part 2"
Soul Society, The Ukitake Estate...
When Lillynette returned to the Ukitake Estate, she made her way to the backyard, where she was met by the last thing she expected to see... Stark, awake.
Her counterpart, the larger male half of them, was seated on the patio deck. He'd turned his head to her as she slid the back door open. Lillynette was greeted by the figure of Stark, along with Shiro-san and Unohana, all three of them gathered around a tea set. "W-what's going on?" The small Arrancar asked, suddenly worried. "I-is something wrong?" She asked uncertainly.
"Quite the contrary, Lilly-chan." Jushiro began, with a smile. "Please, join us," he invited. "Something very important is happening, and we didn't want you be left out."
"Um, okay, Shiro-san." She replied, moving to join them. "So... What's up, then?" Lillynette asked as she folded her legs and rested on her closed fists, not sure of what to make of the situation, considering that all three of them were gathered there together - almost as if they had been waiting for her to return to the Ukitake Estate. "Something has to be up, since Unohana is here, and Stark's awake."
"Indeed, Lillynette." Unohana began, smiling as she exchanged glances with Ukitake, receiving a nod from the white-haired man. "You see," the woman continued. "something very important has happened, and not long from now, there's going to be a... new addition to Jushiro-san and myself's lives."
The smaller, female half of the Primera perked up at this, as the Captain continued. "...I'm pregnant."
A singular rose-colored eye widened at the news. "Serious?!" Lillynette exclaimed. "If you- then, then that means that you and Shiro-san are expecting a- a cub?!" She asked, excitedly.
Unohana nodded, smiling serenely. "I had a feeling you would be pleased with this news."
"Just as expected." Captain Ukitake added, smiling. "You really do where your heart on your sleeves, Lilly-chan, I knew you would be happy to learn of this."
The Arrancar leapt up to her feet. "Omigod! A cub- you two are seriously having a cub?!" Lillynette half-declared/half-asked with a smile. "Th- that's amazing news, you guys!"
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Division Eight HQ...
"Nanao-chan!" Shunsui exclaimed enthusiastically.
His tall, broad frame came baring down at the bespectacled woman, forcing her to hold up her hands in order to block his larger frame. "Captain, please!" Nanao protested "This is highly inappropriate at the moment, we're both on duty!" She added hastily, blushing darkly.
However, the considerable difference in their sizes left the two of them off-balance, resulting in Nanao toppling backwards, onto the floor- along with Shunsui. The slender woman grunted as her back hit the floor, with the towering figure of the Captain crashing down upon her. The Lieutenant let out a grunt of discomfort, still blushing, while the scruffy-faced man just smiled at her.
Further conversation between the two of them was cut off as a dark black butterfly appeared, the edges of it's fluttering wings glowing. Without bothering to extricate himself, Shunsui adjusted the brim of his hat and regarded it for a moment. "Wuzzis, A message, now?"
Seizing upon his distracted state, Nanao thrust her palm directly against Shunsui- sending him flying as she rose up to check the message. "It's from Captain Ukitake... and... Captain Unohana?"
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Division Four HQ...
The Following Morning...
Captain Unohana looked up from her desk, as the door to her office slid open, revealing the figure of the Twelfth Division's Lieutenant, Nemu Kurotsuchi.
The purple-haired woman stepped forward, sliding the door shut behind her, then bowed at a perfect forty-five degree angle, before moving to address her. "Captain Unohana, forgive the abruptness of my visit," she began evenly. "But upon learning of recent... developments, I wish to offer my sincerest congratulations, and the services of the Twelfth Division to you." Nemu announced formally.
While Captain Unohana made a point of maintaining a smiling, serene expression, the younger woman outdid her "poker face" with a near-constant emotionless expression on her. And, like herself, there was more to the construct than her outward appearance often let on. And while here tone was still somewhat lacking in emotion (even after a close to a year of freedom from her creator), the older Shinigami was struck by the polite deference of her words when she addressed her.
As always, the Lieutenant's appearance was meticulous: Her long violet tresses braided into a ponytail in the back, with forelocks framing her face and blunt-cut bangs stopping just above her brow and deep green eyes. And of course, she was dressed in that "short" kimono that showed off the pearlescent skin of her legs, which ended in a pair of ankle socks and black heels. The crisp fabric of her robes hugged her figure, the collar creating a shallow "V" below the scarlet choker she wore on her neck. Grasped in her hands, folded neatly in front of her, was a tan file-folder.
The Captain sometimes wondered how the woman's rather possessive captain was perfectly fine with her 'cavorting' around like that... And could only conclude that he saw it as a form of 'showing her off' to the rest of Soul Society (chiefly to the men, she suspected).
Putting aside the line of thought, she offered a polite smile and beckoned for Nemu to take a seat. The Lieutenant nodded and moved to kneel down on the cushion before the desk.
"I take it that there's more to this visit than simple well-wishing?" Unohana inquired. She was also somewhat curious as to how the Lieutenant knew of her pregnancy, but decided not to push the matter, preferring to allow that answer to that question to reveal itself in conversation.
"Yes," Nemu replied. "The other day, the Primera Espada paid a visit to the Twelfth Division, to speak personally with our captain." She continued, already enlightening the other woman. "He requested that Szayel-sama begin work on equipment to better facilitate your pregnancy- specifically, an ultrasound machine for the purpose of monitoring the prenatal growth of the child." The woman explained. "My Captain is prepared to begin work. However, as the mother, you're participation is purely voluntary. And so, he sent me to relay this information to you, Unohana-san, in regard to your consent."
Unohana gave a faint chuckle. "Goodness, that Stark," she murmured to herself. "Well, I suppose I can't fault him for 'looking out for his own'." She went on. "Before I give my answer, I must admit to feeling somewhat curious as your own Captain's motives in agreeing so readily."
Nemu nodded. "Since taking over the Twelfth Division," she began. "It has been Szayel-sama's intent that Soul Society should become more modern in its views, that science and technology can be utilized to improve the overall quality of life throughout the Soul Realm."
"Well said." Unohana answered thoughtfully. "I'm inclined to agree with the sentiment. Soul Society is woefully behind the times- not just scientifically, but medically." She replied. "Given the relatively low birth-rate amongst our kind, it would be of great benefit to further our understanding... So, if I can be of some help, than please inform Grantz-san that I would be prepared to participate."
"Of course." The violet-haired woman answered, then hesitated. "Captain Unohana..." She began, her tone peaking the other woman's interest. "May I speak with you in regards to a... personal matter?"
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Elsewhere...
"You're never gonna believe this, Taro-kun." Lillynette explained, following the dark-haired Third Seat Officer as he made his way across the courtyard of the Fourth Division. "But first, you have to promise not to tell anyone what I'm about to tell you, got it?"
The young Shinigami smirked at her conspiratorial tone. "Sure, I promise, I won't tell anyone."
The Arrancar took a breath, collecting herself. "You'd better not..." She began, putting a hand on his shoulder and pulling him in close. "Anyway, it's about Unohana..." Lillynette continued in a low tone as he listened intently. "She's pregnant, with Shiro-san's cub."
Hanataro's eyes went wide for a moment, then he smiled. "Captain Unohana... and Captain Ukitake... That's great news, they must be so excited!" The Shinigami replied.
"Hell yeah!" Lillynette confided. "But as far as you're concerned, this conversation never happened, so don't let Unohana know that you know about the cub."
"Hey, Lilly-chan, what's with all the secrecy?" He asked.
She glared at him. "C'mon, think about it..." Lillynette started. "The cub she's carrying is the offspring of two powerful Alphas- it's special- so its safety is super important!" The Arrancar replied insistantly. "Before long, Unahana won't be around. And Isane'll be in charge... And the only way she'll be okay with leaving her pack for so long is if Unohana-san knows you guys are gonna be alright."
"And that means you're gotta step your game and carry your share of the weight." The smaller half of the Primera continued intently. "That way, she can go be safe in Shiro-san's den, and she can relax and focus her energy on delivering his cub, nice n' healthy." She finished in a matter-of-fact tone.
Again, Hanataro smiled. "You sure do care a lot about Captain Ukitake and Captain Unohana."
The young female Arrancar blushed faintly, then became indignant. "Yeah, well, um, maybe, if you're really lucky," Lillynette managed. "One day, you'll be lucky enough to meet someone truly worthy of respect... someone who's both strong and kind, that you can be free to admire." She insisted, glaring at the Shinigami before her. "And maybe, then you'll understand my position."
At this, the Shinigami nodded in understanding. "And I'm sure you'll help me along the way."
"Hell yes!" Lillynette fired back with a smile. "Anyway, Taro-kun, right now, what's most important is to make sure that Shiro-san's den is safe and protected." She added conspiratorially.
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
"I confess to harboring feelings of my own in this matter." Nemu continued. "Thoughts of parenthood, that I might one day be capable of this." She revealed.
"Nemu-san," Unohana inquired. "Is this... the first time you've thought on this matter?"
"Of motherhood? Yes." She answered. "Since I was freed from... Mayuri, I have had time to reflect on the nature of what I am, of who I am." Nemu continued. "Am I nothing more than the 'sum' total of the constituent parts that form me, a simulacrum of life, a construct?"
Unohana remained silent as she continued. "Am I no more than what I was created to be... Is 'this' all that I am?" She recalled, her dark green eyes moving to meet the muted blue ones of the other woman seated before her. "Is this the end, or is there more?"
Once more, Captain Unohana nodded quietly. "At the risk of being blunt... Nemu, are you even capable of such biological functions?" She asked the the violet-haired woman.
Nemu appeared to consider the question. "I don't know." She replied. "Though, it is something that I would not be adverse to." The female Shinigami continued. "My feelings are based purely on my own speculations, and nothing more..." The Lieutenant paused. "I was... created with the intent that I should perfectly mimic a natural Soul- both in form and function."
"Beyond that, I think I would like be able to experience it one day." She went on. "It's my desire to to be able to fully experience life... Surely then, the desire to create something- something that is part of me- would that not then be the truest proof that I am indeed alive?"
"That depends," Unohana replied after a moment. "Some would argue that biology alone isn't sufficient to define existence." She continued thoughtfully. "Even as a physician, I myself am inclined to believe that free will is the true basis of sentient life." The Captain explained. "But that's just an opinion... Tell me, Nemu, if you never find any concrete proof- beyond your own intuition- that you are 'alive', what then? What will you chose to do?" The older woman asked.
Again, after some thought, Nemu answered. "A year ago, had you asked me such a question, I would have replied that I can only act upon what I know is real... But now, after everything that's happened, I've learned to better understand my own feelings, to live..." She paused. "And that realization must mean something, so I have made the choice to believe in myself."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
District 1, North Quadrant...
Captain Shunsui Kyoraku of the Eighth Division and Captain Jushiro Ukitake of the Thirteenth were seated in a small cafe. The white-haired man had been quick to flag down a server, ordering a heated bottle of sake and cups to be delivered to their table.
"You know, Jushiro," Shunsui began. "When you first contacted me, and I learned of the situation with you and Retsu... I was at a loss as how to process the news." The scruffy-faced swordsman admitted to the other man as they made themselves comfortable. "To say that my darling Nanao-chan and I were shocked by the news... Well, that would be quite an understatement."
"And I really must hand it to you, Jushiro," he went on. "You must have more energy than you let on, to have accomplished such as a feat as you have!" Shunsui declared.
"Really now..." The other man muttered.
"Never the less," Shunsui continued, adjusting the brim of his straw hat. "All joking aside, this really is wonderful news... And I have no doubt you'll be a wonderful father."
"Thank you, Shunsui." Jushiro replied with a smile. "Throughout all my hardships, you have been my constant friend and companion." The Captain explained softly. "And just as I couldn't think of a better wife and mother of my child than Retsu, I couldn't think of a better friend than you."
Shunsui almost blushed at this. "Thank you, Jushiro, I- oh, the drinks are ready..." He observed as the waitress arrived with a bottle of hot sake and cups. "Sorry, continue." He added as the woman, dressed in a kimono and apron, set the items down on the table.
"Well, as you can imagine, her pregnancy came as quite a surprise." Ukitake resumed as he picked up the white ceramic bottle and filled their cups. "I can only imagine how shocked Retsu must have been when the symptoms started to manifest..." He continued, still smiling. "After all, we're not as young as we once were... Combine that with the fact that pure-born souls are uncommon."
"Yes, well," the other man started, bringing his cup to his lips. "once you've gotten to around our age, thoughts children and family are secondary to our careers." He remarked before drinking from the cup. "Speaking of which, given that Retsu is carrying the future heir to one of the most illustrious families in the realm, I am curious about your future plans."
The white-haired captain downed the contents of his cup. "Well, obviously, I plan on having her move into the estate once she's far enough along." Ukitake explained. "And with any luck, she'll understand that it's the safest place, for both of them..." He continued. "For both the duration of the pregnancy, and as she recovers- she'll be protected, not just by myself, but by Stark-san and Lilly-chan."
The two men refilled their sake cups before continuing.
"You know," Shunsui began. "Given all the circumstances, I would think it would be logical for Retsu to permanently move in with you." He remarked. "After all, the Matriarch of the Ukitake really should reside within the grounds of the family Estate." The swordsman reasoned.
Jushiro was silent for a moment. "We've only been married for a few months now. Though, we've been together for more years than I can remember..." He paused. "Still, given the circumstances, the prospect of formally inducting her into the family would make sense." He continued. "And the more that I think about it, the more exciting it all seems... a chance to fully recognize her as my wife." The white-haired Captain admitted- partly to himself- in a thoughtful tone, as he smiled.
Shunsui grinned goofily. "Yes, well, they say a man's gotta be bold." The Captain replied, holding his sake cup up in a 'salute' to the other man as he spoke. "And any man who knocks up the Captain of the Fourth would have to be pretty bold!" He added slyly.
Jushiro almost choked in response...
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Division Twelve HQ...
"I must say," Szayel began smoothly. "To be visited by not one, but both halves of the Primera Espada, and within the same week... Well, it's an unusual occurrence, to say the least." The pink-haired Arrancar remarked with a small smile, adjusting his glasses. "Never the less, how may I be of assistance?"
Lillynette nodded. "It's my mask." She began, as she gestured towards the helmet-like bone fragment that covered more than half of her head. "I heard that it was possible to alter it... And I figured that you, being a science-y type, might know something about that."
Szayel arched a slender brow. "How interesting." The Octavio replied. "Well, it's certainly possible to change ones mask- after all, Obberschank's two Fraccions changed their mask." The Arrancar remarked with an almost thoughtful expression. "But before we continue down this line of thought any further, I am curious about one point- is this a functional concern, or an aesthetic one?"
"Aez-what?" The small female Hollow replied, a look of confusion on her face.
"It means 'for looks'." Szayel replied simply.
Lillynette blushed. "Er, actually, a bit of both..." She admitted after a moment. "I hate the fact that this thing covers up so much of me..." The Arrancar revealed. "I hate having this helmet stuck to my head, I want... to be able to run my hands through my hair like any other g- er, woman would."
The pink-haired Arrancar crossed his arms. "A fair concern, I suppose." He began. "While I happen to be stricken with a pair of glasses that- no matter how stylish they might be- I can't remove, I can only begin to imagine the frustration of your predicament." Szayel offered. "However, I would advise you not to despair, as you have your whole life ahead of you, and a lot of growing to do."
"W-what do you mean?" The young female asked.
Szayel reached up to adjust his spectacles. "How best to explain... Well, you see, as your powers grow, so too will you evolve, and likely shed more of your mask." He explained. "And, given that we are now at peace with the Shinigami, it's not something that needs to be rushed into..." The pink-haired Hollow paused, chuckling. "Actually, it's a bit like 'youth'... or so I'm told."
"Szayel-sama is correct."
The smaller half of the Primera nearly leapt from her chair at the sound of Nemu's voice behind her as the purple-haired woman entered the office. Lillynette wondered how she could have failed to register the woman's entry- especially given the 'hiss' of the sliding door as it opened and closed.
Nemu greeted the 'younger' female with a smile and a polite nod. "Given the nature of how I came to be, I was never able to experience the life you currently are in." She remarked. "The freedom to... grow along non-predetermined lines. For this reason, I envy you, Gingerback-san."
"She's correct." Szayel interjected, flashing her a broad smile. "One's youth is something to be savored, after all," he offered. "So take your time and experience it up to the fullest."
Lillynette blushed, but eventually nodded...
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Division Four HQ...
As the Captain of the Fourth Division and the Senior Medical Officer of Soul Society, Retsu Unohana had a number of responsibilities to occupy her time...
And now she had one more!
She was less than a month along, but already she would need to plan out the gradual handover of duties to Isane as she progressed further along in her pregnancy. And while she would have liked to defer her departure for as long as possible, she knew the strict rules regarding pregnant women- especially, as she had helped define them! Partially out of medical/health concerns, as well as because of how uncommon naturally-born souls were, the 'maternity exclusions' were quite encompassing in scope.
Depending on the specifics of her own pregnancy, since every case was different, Unohana realized she could end up being fully 'excused' from duties with a month or more to go. And the dark-haired Captain certainly didn't relish the idea of being totally idle for that long. Never the less, there were a great deal of things for her to consider in the lead-up to her leave of absence.
Just then, the door to her office slid open, prompting her to look up from her documents, in time to see Jushiro standing in the doorway. The white-haired Captain had an unreadable expression on face, as he closed the door behind him and approached her desk. "Jushiro?" The woman inquired in a neutral tone, mildly curious as to the reason for his visit, as his chocolate brown eyes looked into hers.
"Retsu," he began, his tone calm but serious. "I've doing a lot of thinking these last few days, since I learned you were pregnant." He began, sitting down across from her. "When I first proposed to you, I did so with the full intention that our private lives would remain separate from our public obligations." He continued steadily. "As a Captain, myself, I understand your position... Hence why I never pushed for you to take my name, so as not to undermine your authority."
Unohana was uncertain of what to say, instead remaining silent as he continued. "I've been blessed to know you as a lover for long time... before I asked you to become my wife." Ukitake went on. "Simply having the knowledge that you're my wife was enough, but now... now you're more than just my wife, you are the mother of our child." He paused. "A child that will one day be the next head of the Ukitake Clan... and as the mother of the next head of the family..."
There was a pause at this point. "...you are rightfully now the Matriarch of the Ukitake."
The woman felt breathless for a moment. "Jushiro, I... You..." She hesitated. "W-what's come over you, to cause you to bring this up now?" Unohana asked.
"The child you're carrying... will be the direct heir to everything." He replied. "That makes you more than just my wife, it's a direct blood link to the heart of the Ukitake. You are the Ukitake Matriarch, but more than that... I want you to be the Matriarch."
Unohana's cheeks flushed pink. "Jushiro...?"
"Retsu," Jushiro continued. "You are a woman without compare- powerful, respected, of pedigree- and you deserve to be recognized for all that you've given me... As a lover, a wife, and now as the mother of our child." The white-haired man reached across her desk to capture her hand with his, looking directly into her eyes. "I love you, Retsu, and I want to honor you in the only way I can..." He smiled. "I want to introduce you to my sisters and the rest of my family."
"Always the sweet-talker, Jushiro." Unohana replied after a moment, gripping his hand with hers, her lovely blue eyes watering slightly, even as she returned his smile. "You truly know my heart... As only you could word something so sweetly that I... that I couldn't possibly refuse." She replied, blushing as she met his intent gaze with her own. "I could have balanced my duties as a wife and a Captain... But now, as a mother-to-be, I have two lives to consider."
"Jushiro..." She continued, the two of them rising up to their feet. "How could I ever possibly refuse such an overture as the one you've extended me?" Unohana replied. "If you believe that it's in the best interests of the child... Then, I'm prepared to meet your family."
Jushiro smiled warmly at this. "You're an angle, Retsu." He began softly, running a hand through her dark brown hair. "I can think of no greater gift than having you at my side." The white-haired Captain added as he leaned in to capture the woman's lips in his.
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Twelfth Division, Research & Development...
Szayel was typing at a computer, looking over the schematics of an ultrasound machine, per the request of the Primera, as he planned to personally oversee it's construction. He looked away from the screen as he heard a buzzing sound, and turned to see as a man entered the room.
He instantly recognized him as a member of the Fourth Division, due to the green field medic's sash he wore around his waist. He had collar-length dark brown hair, parted on the right, plus a neatly mustache and goatee adorning his face. The man's brown eyes were visible behind a pair of black-framed glasses. He stepped inside, the door closing behind him, and offered a polite bow of his head.
"Captain Grantz," he began. "My name is Shinzo Abe, from the Fourth, I'm a recent graduate, so you probably don't know me." He explained in a professional tone. "Please forgive my interruption."
"Not at all." The Arrancar replied, slightly bemused. "What can I do for you, Cadet Abe?"
The man nodded and extended a tan folder to him. "Sir, these are Captain Unohana's medical records, as you requested." He explained as Szayel received the folder. "They contain her medical history, blood type, and other relevant data..." Abe then paused. "For safety concerns, the Captain requested that it be delivered directly to you sir, as it's considered need-to-know information."
"Yes, of course. Perfectly reasonable." The Octavio Espada replied with a nod. "Tell me something, if you don't mind," he began while looking over the information. "I notice that you're wearing the sash of a field medic..." Szayel looked up, directly at him. "As a recent addition, you're still rather 'green'- as it were- but do people with your qualifications normally run errands?" He asked with a grin.
Abe rubbed the back of his head and smiled. "Well, no sir, not normally." He replied. "Normally, sir, this sort of task would be delegated to one of the rookie Seated Officers... But, the Division hasn't yet fully restaffed those ranks, so..." He hesitated slightly.
"So until then, everyone has to pitch in and help bare the load, correct?" Szayel offered, still smiling.
Again, the medic nodded. "Yes sir." He replied. "Also, I'm still an initiate, so I can't work full-time as a medic until I've logged enough hours under the supervision of an experienced officers."
The pink-haired Hollow set the file down. "Well, don't worry too much about it." He offered the other man with a disarming smile. "I'm sure you'll become a full-fledged field medic in no time."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
The Ukitake Estate – Several Days Later...
Lillynette sported a wide grin as she watched the proceedings, flanked by Stark at her side- the larger Arrancar towering over her, even with his slouched postured.
In attendance, alongside the two halves of the Primera Espada, was the Captain and Lieutenant of the the Eighth Division, Shunsui Kyoraku and Nanao Ise. The tall, broad-shouldered man and the slender, narrow-framed woman providing a similar contrast to the two Arrancar.
Two other officers were in attendance, both from the Fourth Division- Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu and Third Seat Hanataro Yamada. The former being there because of her long professional association with Captain Unohana, while the latter was there because of his 'affiliation' with Lillynette. The tall silver-haired woman and the dark-haired young man both smiled as the scene played out...
Outside of the two Arrancar and the handful of Officers, Jushiro's two sisters- Junko (the elder) and Hikaru (the younger)- were present among those in attendance, along with the three sibling's maternal aunt, the venerable Lady Hanae. The two younger women were both graced with dark brown hair, the same shade their younger brother had shared with them in his 'youth' before he fell ill. The aunt's hair was well into the process of turning gray with age, with silver-white strands running through it.
There were shades of her brother in Junko's features, including the eye shape and color and her more angular face, inherited from their father, and was also fairly tall for a woman. While Hikaru's features, by comparison, were softer- including her eyes- and her face more rounded, and she was around eye-level with Unohana in terms of height. Both of the sisters wore dressed in fine elaborate kimonos, with Junko's hair bound up and held with floral pins, while Hikaru's hair hung free and sported blunt-cut bangs that uniformly stopped just above her eyebrows.
Instead of her Captain's uniform, Unohana was dressed in a layered kimono- a deep blue fabric, edged with emerald green, with a detailed gold floral-pattern embroidery in the plush material. Even the obi around her waist was immaculate. Rather than the usual front braid, her waist-length dark hair had been intricately pulled and bound up in a bun in the back, save for the lone forelocks that framed her features on either side. Her face was adorned lightly with make up: including pale foundation, muted pink eye shadow and light blush, along with soft red lipstick and dark eyeliner.
Jushiro's aunt moved in to great Unohana, the older woman took her hand in hers, smiling the whole time as she exchanged pleasantries with her. "It's so lovely to finally meet you." Hanae explained, still smiling as she spoke. "You're just as beautiful as my nephew described you when he wrote to me."
Retsu felt her cheeks go warm. "Please, Lady Hanae," she implored softly. "You really are too kind."
Hanae's smile deepened at this. "Come now, my dear, there's no need to be so formal." The matronly woman replied. "After all, Retsu," she continued. "You're family."
Lillynette quietly observed the scene unfold, watching as Jushiro and his aunt shared a smile, while Retsu could only smile bashfully at the declaration... She was so happy for the Shinigami Captain. And, she noted, that Hanataro seemed to share the sentiment- as smiled happily at the scene.
"Here, here." Shunsui spoke, smiling cheerfully. "I think that deserves a toast."
There was a rumbling of agreements from the assembled guests, followed by the people in attendance beginning to mingle. And the next thing Lillynette heard Jushiro's voice.
"Aunt Hanae, I'd like to introduce you to one of the other additions to the household..."
Lillynette felt a blush quickly creeping up her face as the white haired man gestured to her, especially as he when he referred to her as "Lilly-chan" to his aunt.
(- End of Chapter XXVI... -)
The next update will be an Interlude posted sometime next, followed by a regular chapter the week after.