Chapter 47 (Shizuko)
Ten years later…
This child of theirs was incredible. I smiled at her and brushed away her red hair. So much of her reminded me of Renji…but of Rukia too. I glanced up at the proud parents and rocked the baby gently.
"Such a magnificent creation," I murmured as I guided her back into Rukia's arms, "You're both very clever."
"Thank you," Rukia smiled warmly and squeezed my hand. "It means a lot that you hosted her blessing ceremony."
I hugged my cousin one last time and gave Renji a terse nod, "I'll see you at the office, Lieutenant."
"Thank you, third-seat," He grinned at his wife and daughter.
I made my way from their little room in the Kuchiki manor to the Seireitei. I had dropped by to give Rukia my mother and Sachiko's present for the baby. My mother would have done it herself but since she had been promoted to lieutenant, she had been ridiculously busy despite having a partner in co-lieutenant Ikkaku. Still, she loved her much-deserved position in Squad Eleven.
Now I was on my way to work and arrived earlier than expected. The sun was just cresting over the buildings. I had woken up before even the birds today. Though I knew that there would be one person who would be here.
"Captain," I greeted Byakuya as he entered my office. He had a small stack of paperwork for me, and I took it from his hands, "I just saw your niece."
He watched me set my brush down and stand up to bow, "How are they doing?"
"Good—tired I can imagine," I smiled tightly. I had moved on from Renji's rejection a while ago, but the situation was still a bitter pill to swallow.
Byakuya opened his mouth to say something but soon shut it again. I was curious by what he had to say, but suddenly realized he looked like a fish out of water. Had he wanted to say something to distract me?
"Since the world is still asleep," I smiled and stepped up to him, "Would you like to get coffee with me?"
"Coffee?" He asked.
"I bought some from the third district the other day," I moved to where I had my kettle and mugs set up, "It's very good, especially if you have it with milk or cream. Dare I say, it might beat tea."
I paused when I felt him hovering beside me. His eyes were cast down on me, clinging onto every word I said. My cheeks flushed but I didn't look away from him. Instead, I continued to speak.
"Did you want?" The hushed, throaty tone I spoke with was only for him in times like these. When he was in my space and his composure was hanging by a thread. My self-control had dwindled long before, and I was only waiting for his cue to do any more.
But as always, he would simply smile at me or touch me for a brief moment. Today, he chose to move more boldly and run his thumb against my bottom lip. I quivered underneath his warm skin, but he did nothing more. Only moved away to allow me to finish making the coffee.
As we knelt down by the door, he spoke, "Rukia has been approved to become Captain of Squad Thirteen."
I nodded but didn't say more. I was proud of her…but felt a twang of envy. Rukia had worked hard for what she had earnt, but I still couldn't fully celebrate her success. It was the curse of growing up in a family where cousins and family members competed to be better than the other.
Still, I would be going to be promotion ceremony and support her. Unlike most of the family.
I looked at Byakuya and smiled, "You must be proud."
"I am," He studied me before adding, "Have you thought of taking the Captain's test?"
"I have…" I murmured, "Though I'm happy here. For now."
"For now?" He arched an eyebrow.
I grinned, "Well I can't be Captain of Squad Six. So I might look at going to Squad Two and snag it from Soi-Fon."
He scoffed a laugh, "You are definitely your mother's daughter. Ballsy as ever."
I burst out laughing with his word choice. It made his lips inch up again. I met his gaze and grinned widely at him. This was good enough for me…ambition was something to strive for, but so was this internal peace. And with Byakuya, I felt nothing but happy.
We had finally gone back to how we were before. I had a companion in him again.
