Chapter 2- Byakuya Kuchiki Part 1
No sooner than Byakuya had left the meeting, he was home at his family estate, speaking with the Elders within his home. They were overjoyed with the idea of him re-marrying and giving an heir. In his case, two children. More joy.
"I will search out a bride for myself." He told them, much to their obvious displeasure. They would surely try to find the best match for him in the upper social circles, to afraid he would marry a lowly commoner again. He wouldn't do that again though. He would search out higher class women for a wife. He would do so on his own merit.
What his family wanted in a woman would come down to a few things: Good breeding, money, and beauty.
None of this particularly mattered to him. He wanted her to be healthy, kind, and well versed in how to work social circles. Hisana had been eaten alive the first social gathering he had ever taken her to. She never went to one again, and many considered this a victory of some sort. His family was shamed by it. Holding no sympathy for her.
"Compile a list for me of all the family's that have eligible daughters. I will visit them in time." Byakuya ordered, before standing. "And I do mean all."
Byakuya looked through the list of at least forty women that his family had compiled for him and bit back the need to sigh aloud. They all watched him as his eyes scanned over each name.
"Brush and ink." He said, holding his hand out. When the items were put in his hand, he slashed out over half of the names. Those women had picked on Hisana mercilessly, and he would be damned before he married a single one of them.
"Those are noble houses!" One elder cried when he seen the revised list.
"No, these are noble houses." Byakuya said, skimming over the remaining names.
"Most of those are minor families! We had hoped you to marry a large, wealthy family." Another elder spoke.
"We have enough wealthy as it is." Byakuya put in. "Bringing honor to a minor family would be better suited, I think." His tone broke no argument.
The Elders bowed stiffly to him and he in turn, stood. "Set up meetings immediately. I will take the next three days off to meet with these women. They have an hour a piece to convince me to marry them."
Byakuya felt the urge to draw Senbonzakura to drive the sixteenth girl from his home. His family seemed to really like her family, so this girl was trying everything in her power to land him as a husband. Including, stripping down to nothing to show her that she had an excellent body.
"Put your clothes back on, and get out." He said, coldly. "If I wanted a whore, I'd go to a whore house."
The girl hurriedly put back on her clothes and ran from the room, tears in her eyes.
"What was wrong with this girl?" The Elders sighed later.
"She stripped before me thinking her body was pleasing enough to win me over into a marriage. I showed her how wrong she was, simply." Byakuya answered.
"The girl claims you bid her strip." One Elder put in.
"Oh? Is she so quick to bring shame to her family?" Byakuya asked. "I can certainly prove her wrong."
"No!" Another Elder cried. "We have enough families angry at us for your inability to choose a wife!"
"Tch. Send the next girl that arrives to the sitting room. I'll be there. And have fresh tea brought when she arrives. Who is it?" Byakuya ordered.
"Masami Kawaguchi. Her family owns a large port. Wealthy in their own right. They supply us with a lot of the fish, clams, oysters, eel, octopus, and other foods from the sea." One Elder supplied.
Byakuya raised an eyebrow briefly before he disappeared from the room to go and wait.
Masami knelt before Byakuya Kuchiki and bowed. "Greetings Kuchiki-sama. It is the honor of the Kawaguchi family to meet you. My name is Masami."
She rose to her knees, sitting across the small table from him as a servant laid out tea and small cookies for them to sip and eat. Once the servant had gone, Byakuya poured her a cup of tea, ignoring her protests that she should be doing it for him.
She took the glass when he held it out to her, motioning toward the sugar and milk set out.
Masami ignored both and took a small sip of her tea.
"Tell me, Kawaguchi-san, why I should consider you for marriage." Byakuya asked after a few moments.
Masami set down her tea and clasped her hands in her lap, poised and elegant. Why she considered her answer, Byakuya took the time to look her over. Her name meant elegant beauty. Her mother had chosen wisely when she named her. Her dark brown hair was piled a top of her head, held in place by several elegant hair chopsticks, adored with jewels. Her eyes were a warm amber color, and slanted upwards just slightly. Her skin was milky white, and she stood no more than five foot six inches tall, and her build was slim and slight, but she had curves in all the right places. Her nose was small, slender, and turned up slightly at the tip, and her mouth was full, pouting even. She wore an elegant black kimono set off by a pale pink obi. She was beautiful. . .But beauty didn't make her the right choice.
"I was hoping you could save me." She answered at last.
"I don't understand." Byakuya intoned, meeting her eyes.
Masami took a deep breath and said, "I must leave my home, soon, Kuchiki-sama, or I am sure I will die. The threat comes from within, and from a source that I'm afraid no one is going to believe."
Byakuya raised his eyebrow at her slightly. "Is this the plan your parents came up with to get me to marry you?"
"No!" Masami cried out, obviously upset over the allegation. "I mean what I say, Kuchiki-sama. I can show you, something, to help prove to you . .but I heard that the young woman before you. . .she tried to win you with body. I'm not trying to do that. . .but. . ." She trailed off before turning, giving him her back. Carefully, she slid her elegant kimono off her shoulders, revealing scars and even fresh lash marks. The black kimono was so thick, any blood that managed to soak through did not show.
Byakuya moved to her side, touching one of the old scars carefully. "Explain."
"As you might know, the Kawaguchi family is ran by my mother. The first born child always rules the family, regardless of sex. When my mother married my father, a second born son from a very minor noble family, he wanted her to have a son. The child would carry his name, and thus, the Kawaguchi's would no longer exist. We only managed to keep our family name for as long as we have, by marry female heir's off to distance cousin's of the same name. There were none to be had when my mother came of age." Masami took a shaky breath. "My father's family believes that a woman's place is. . .to bear children only. She has no right's ruling a family, or even speaking her mind. I was born first, and that put a stop to his plans. So he began beating me early on, a tradition in his family. Mother doesn't know. He said if she ever found out. . .he'd kill me. If I marry off, my brother will rule. . .and the Kawaguchi's exist no more. . ."
"You fear for you life, truly." Byakuya said, a little surprised himself. None of this could have been done to win him over. Some of the scars were old, thick, horrible looking. Kawaguchi-san needed his position and power to hide behind. . .
"I will marry you, but you will retain your family fortune as your own. Once you are mine, you father would be a fool to touch you. Your family is going to disappear either way. Might as well do it for a better reason than your father's, correct?" Byakuya intoned, helping her pull her kimono back up and over her shoulders, settling it in place.
"But he will find a way. . ." She argued weakly.
"I've met your mother before, Kawaguchi-san, and she is a strong woman. Be her. Don't let anyone ever tell you what to do. I don't expect you to roll over and just give me children as your father thinks you should. I expect you to be active in your own life, and now learning how to rule your family, and lead mine. A lot of work for a noble wife."
"I can do it." She said, vehemently.
"We shall see." Byakuya said, standing. He walked to the door and opened it. "Send for Kawaguchi-san mother only, as well as the Kuchiki Elders. We have a marriage to arrange." He told a servant who was walking down the hall.
Within an hour, the last girl that Byakuya had left to meet with had arrived and left, in tears and shouting angrily that he'd regret not marrying her. Kawaguchi-san's mother and the Kuchiki Elder's had all been assembled.
Etsuko Kawaguchi-Tachibana was a beautiful woman, and just as young looking and vibrant as her daughter. Masami clearly favored her mother in looks, all except for the hair. Kawaguchi-Tachibana-san's hair was a deep golden color.
"It would honor me to take your daughter for my bride, Kawaguchi-Tachibana-san." Byakuya began. "I think you would benefit from having the Head of the Kuchiki Clan as your son-in-law. However, I understand in such marriages, there will be negotiations. I will hear your side now."
Etsuko bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement before saying in a low but lovely voice, "It would be a great benefit to have you, Kuchiki-sama, as a son-in-law. However, my Masami has yet to tell me why she has tried to give up her position as my heir. It was a time honored tradition in my family that the first born rule, rather they marry up or down. And my daughter, being first born, carries my maiden name, not her father's. I will have this knowledge before I say yes to even letting her marry off."
Byakuya glanced quickly at Masami and noticed the brief look of panic in her eyes.
"Need not fear. I ask that in return for Kawaguchi-san's hand in marriage, that she still rule over her family as was her right. She agreed to accept the terms." Byakuya supplied before Masami could stutter out an answer.
"Is this true, my Masami?" Etsuko asked of her daughter.
"Yes, mother. I am sorry for the distress I caused you. I suppose that I had a brief panic when the summons came for eligible women came for the House of Kuchiki. I thought it would be a great honor for me to marry him, more so than my ruling. I should have talked things threw with you. Kuchiki-sama helped me make the right choice in the end though." Masami lied smoothly to her mother. She hated doing so, but years of hiding what her father had done to her made her a pro at it.
Etsuko nodded her head at her daughter, turning back to Byakuya said, "Negotiations? My daughter obviously won't be able to split her time between the two house holds. She'll have to rule from her, and trust her siblings to carry out her orders as she wills them. However, if I know my son, who has somehow gotten it into his head that he was going to rule instead of my Masami, this cannot be so. My son will be married off here shortly. He is of age. It will be throw my youngest daughter that Masami will rule. My daughter will need her own office, and trusted staff to deliver messages between the households."
"Done." Byakuya said, easily. "My only request, as we are merging the families of Kuchiki and Kawaguchi, is that someone other than Kawaguchi-san's father walk her down the aisle. Tachibana is not the household we are marrying into."
"Understood completely, Kuchiki-sama. My brother shall walk my daughter on her wedding day. Is the acceptable, my Masami?" Etsuko asked her daughter.
"Yes mother." Masami replied, smiling. She could nearly jump for joy. Her wedding day, arranged as it was, per say, would not be marred by an ugly memory of her father giving her away on the most special of days for a woman.
Byakuya slid his eyes to the Elders and they spoke, lies for him, and said, "We would like to take your daughter until the time of the wedding. She will stay on an estate away from Byakuya-sama, and will learn what she needs to on how to run the Kuchiki household. She will also be purified and pampered for the day of her marriage."
"That is fine. Will her family be able to visit her?" Etsuko asked.
"Females only. The estate is a retreat for the women of the Kuchiki clan. No man may enter but a few male servants who do maintenance. When they are there, the women are taken else where. The purity of the place is not to be defiled." A female Elder spoke.
Etsuko nodded again. "Perfect. My daughter could use some pampering. She has always been such a tense and serious child. Maybe this will help her relax."
Masami was in heaven by the time she reached the private Kuchiki estate. She didn't have to worry about her father, nor even her brother anymore. One hour speaking with Kuchiki-sama had changed her life. For the better, she thought. Unless Kuchiki-sama was also the kind to beat women, she doubted there was anything he could really do that would make her life as miserable as her father made her feel.
The women of the Kuchiki clan weren't exactly warm to her, but they were a lot kinder then what she was used to. Her father's family treated her with a cold disdain. Mostly because they either hated for being female and next to rule her family, or for being female and having power. She hated her father's family. She hated that they'd be at the wedding.
"Kawaguchi-san, we've prepared a hot bath for you to soak in. After you have soaked long enough, a healing will come in to look at your back. She will help heal the cuts you have, and try and reduce the scarring on the old ones." A servant spoke from behind her.
Masami knew she didn't manage to keep the surprised look from her face.
"Lord Kuchiki sent orders to have them looked at, and to use the most utmost discretion possible. Has this angered you, Kawaguchi-san?" The servant asked. "Kuchiki-sama wished to know if this bothered you that he has done this, and you are allowed to deny the treatment if you want to."
"I. . .no, I'm not angry. Simply surprised. Tell Kuchiki-sama thank you for his kindness, for me, please. I will take that bath now."
The servant bowed at the waist and motioned her out of the room and down a hallway.
Masami found the room with the bath set out for her. The tub easily could have fit her family and most of their household. She gaped at the size of it for only a moment before she began to disrobe, folding her clothes and setting them neatly to the side. She removed all the decorations from her hair then laid them atop her clothes.
Finally, she stepped into the deep pool and sighed happily. The water was hot and soothing. She submersed herself slowly, mindful of the cuts on her back.
She sighed in pleasure once the brief sting disappeared, and allowed herself a moment to float in the water. Freedom had never felt so good.
"I'm coming in."
Masami splashed about and managed to swallow a mouth full of water when Byakuya's voice cut through her solitude.
The door slid open just barely after she submerged herself to her chin.
"The Elders said no men came here except for. . ." Masami started, heat rushing to her face.
"They said exactly as I instructed them to tell your family. Besides, do you really think I wouldn't be here, visiting you, at times before our wedding? Do you really want to marry a stranger?" Byakuya asked, his eyes never leaving hers.
"N. . no." Masami murmured, looking away. "Of course not, Kuchiki-sama."
"Byakuya."
"What?" Masami asked, meeting his eyes again.
"You will be my wife, call me Byakuya." He told her.
"Of course, Byakuya-sama, thank you. Please, call me Masami." She replied, casting her eyes back to the water. It was then that she noticed the water was so clear, it didn't matter that she was hiding in it, he could see everything, if he looked. Heat flared through her face once more and she lowered her head.
"The healer is right outside, and I am going to be here while she looks you over." Byakuya told her. "Are you ready to get out of the bath?"
Truly, she wasn't. However, she wasn't about to tell the Head of the Kuchiki house hold to wait on her so she could play.
"Take a few more minutes. I'm going to get the healer set up in a room. When I return, we shall go see her, together." Byakuya said, before she could answer. With that, he left, leaving Masami to wonder if she had let her face or eyes betray her want. If so, she would have to work harder on keeping her emotions in check.
She let herself fall back into the floating position, her hair streaming about her in the water. Her eyes slid close and she blocked out all sounds except for her own breathing. For the first time in what seemed like an eternity, she fully relaxed.
She stayed like that for so long, she didn't even realize Byakuya had came back into the room until a hand touched her shoulder. She snapped her eyes open and found herself near the edge of the small pool, him kneeling down, arm outstretched.
She let herself fall into the water so she could stand, and she came up, Byakuya had his hand still held out to help her from the pool.
"Let's go." He murmured, pulling her out, and wrapping her in a huge, thick, and fluffy towel.
Byakuya kept his eyes straight ahead as he led Masami to the healer. Burned into his mind was the image of her body, floating in the water, hair haloed out around her. Beautiful wasn't even a word to describe her. She surpassed human beauty in that instant, and left something for goddesses to be jealous of. Even Hisana wouldn't have been able to ever compare to her.
Byakuya swallowed thickly and dared a glance at her. She clutched the towel around her tightly, her cheeks flushed red, and eyes downcast. She hadn't said a single word since he had made his presence known to her. She was probably mortified beyond belief in that instant.
He cursed to himself, slightly, turning his eyes back ahead. High bred women were raised to keep themselves covered and never show their bodies to anyone but their husbands. Betrothed he may be, but not a husband yet. If she knew that he had spent a good five minutes, just staring at her, she might have called the marriage off, shamed at his soon to be husband's blatant perversions.
He opened a door and motioned her inside.
The old woman who awaited them had been with his family for far, far longer than he had been alive. And his grandfather claimed to have known her when he was a child, and she had been with them even longer still.
"Masami-san, this is the Healer. She is going to look at your back. She also has be the one who helps you through the birthing process later." Byakuya introduced.
"Greetings." Masami said, bowing deeply as she could in a towel. "Thank you for taking the time to come and see me. It means a lot."
"Nonsense. I'm doing my job. Rise, rise little girl. Forget formalities when it comes to me. I don't expect you to do such greetings when you are ripe with child, so let's put a stop to it now. Lie on this table, face down. You may lower the towel to cover your backside, and legs. Nothing more." The Healer said, down to business.
Masami walked over to the table, and lowered the towel to cover her backside before climbing up on it as the Healer bid. She pillowed her head on her arms and faced Byakuya, watching him closely as the Healer came to her, touching her back gently.
"Some of these scars are very, very old. I cannot remove most of them. I have a chance with the fresh ones. . .Nothing more. I am very sorry Byakuya." the Healer said, turning to face the Head of the Kuchiki House. "Perhaps Captain Kurotsuchi, and his science might be able to do something for her, but not I. Nor will Captain Unohana be able to do anything, I think."
Byakuya shook his head. "You have nothing to be sorry for. We were simply seeing if it were possible, and it is not. As for Captain Kurotsuchi, no. I wouldn't let him touch her. Her blood would be on my hands then, if he did something to her. Nothing is worth going to that man for help."
Masami buried her face in her arms to hide her disappointment. She had so hoped that the scars would be gone forever, and the reminder of her father with them. It was not to be, though.
The Healer began to rub a salve on her back that burned and stung like the whip that had been used to put the very wounds there.
Masami hissed and turned to see what the Healer was doing, but Byakuya was there, putting a hand on the top of her head, to keep from raising it. "You don't want to see." He murmured.
"What's happening?" Masami asked, trying to distract herself from the pain.
"You are healing. The salve forces the healing process. It's worse for you, because your father always let them go untreated. Your body is pushing out the infections that had settled into the wounds. After that, the skin will begin to knit itself back together, then the salve will eat the scar tissue." Byakuya explained. "This is considered a very primal healing. The Forth Divisions doesn't use it, as they have learned other ways of healing. This way, though, guarantees no scars. We also use it after our women have given birth. It repairs the skin and inside of the woman quickly, so she can be fully healthy in no time."
Masami bit her lip as a fresh wave of pain set itself ablaze in her back. Tears leaked out of her eyes, and she almost wanted to run from the room and jump back into the pool to wash the stuff off. She would rather deal with the scars than this. It burned worse now, than any lashes ever did.
Byakuya's hand left her head and clasped itself over one of her clenched fists. "You are doing well."
Years of beatings had taught her not to make a single noise. One noise and she might get a beating worse than she had before. She didn't make noise then, and she wouldn't make a single one now. She was strong, in this way, at least.
He wiped sweat from her brow in the next few hours as her back healed itself. He held her hair back as the salve began to eat the scar tissue, causing her to get sick from the pain, and the smell of burning flesh.
When it was over, she was covered in a sheen of sweat and shaking like a new born colt. Byakuya simply wrapped her up in her towel and lifted her into his arms.
She blacked out before she could ever see where he was taking her.
Byakuya set across from Etsuko, sipping tea, and waiting for the leader of the Kawaguchi Clan to speak.
"My daughter is an accomplished liar, Kuchiki-sama. She does only one thing when she's lying, that tells me that she's doing it. She will glance away, just briefly. Any other time, my daughter never looks away from someone's eyes when she speaks to them. My daughter has been lying to me for years now, Kuchiki-sama. As a mother, I ask that you find out why she lies so. . ."
"I already know." Byakuya said, placing down the cup of tea, barely touched. "And it is not my place to tell. It is hers."
Etsuko sighed and looked down into her tea cup. "My husband is most upset that Masami is still going to rule the Clan. He believes I should pass on leadership to my son. He said Masami wanted to do that, that she doesn't want to rule. He said that she told him she would sell out the business if she had to. . ."
"Do you believe him?" Byakuya asked, keeping his face blank.
"I. . .don't know. My husband and I have never really gotten along. His marriage to me was set up by my parents and his. I never had the luxury of searching out my own husband. His family. . .his family believes that women don't have a place ruling. It was a rude wake up call for him when he realized that he would never be anything but the means for giving me heirs. He was more upset when he realized that our daughter, our firstborn, would rule and not a son." Etsuko trailed off.
"Was he. . .happy when you had a son?" Byakuya asked.
"Yes, he was. He always coddled our son, and he accused me of coddling our daughter when I would train her to take over the family. I'm afraid Masami really doesn't know her siblings that well since she was raised away from them. They had different tutors, Masami always ate with the adults and family, learning always from us, while her brother and sister ate with their father in the family wing." Etsuko murmured, sitting her own tea down on the table and pushing it away.
"Perhaps, you should help attend your daughter before her wedding day? I'm sure every bride loves having her mother at her side before her big day." Byakuya suggested. "It would also give you time to lay your worries at rest."
"Perhaps so, Kuchiki-sama, perhaps so. I'm sorry for taking up your time. I'm sure you'd like to get back to my daughter." Etsuko said, rising.
Byakuya did nothing to hide the look of surprise on his face.
"I'm a mother, and despite my fragile appearance, I am also a skilled fighter. I was able to track your movements to my daughter. I trust the Kuchiki Clan enough to believe you are doing nothing to dishonor my daughter, and I trust my daughter not to dishonor herself. Have a care, Kuchiki-sama, that no one else finds out. Names get ruined through vile whispers, as you well know."
With that, Etsuko disappeared, and Byakuya swore to find out a little more about his soon to be in-laws. They were not as so harmless as they seemed.
The day of the wedding had Masami's heart fluttering in her chest, almost like a bird in a cage. She breathed slowly, in through her nose, and out through her mouth. Calm, she told herself. She poised herself slowly as a horse drawn carriage took her to the Kuchiki Manor, where she would be prepared for the wedding.
She had been woken up early, before the sun even made itself known in the sky, and was soaked in a milk bath with honey. Her hair was washed and scented oils placed within in. They brushed it until it fell like a silken waterfall around her. She wore her hair up so often, she nearly forgot how long it was at times. As she had walked, nude, down the hallways to the next room where scented oils were rubbed into her skin, her hair had caressed the backs of her thighs, swinging with each step.
The entire walk, her servants that were preparing her gushed over her beauty. She had always been told she was beautiful, even as a small child, but never had so many went on and on about it.
The women had absolutely gushed more when a blush spread across her cheeks, and then they were on about the makeup they would do when they reached Kuchiki Manor. They never mentioned her scars. Rather if it was by order, or respect, she'd never know.
Hours of pampering her had led to them slipping her into a lovely pale pink kimono, and loaded into the carriage to be shown to the Kuchiki Manor.
"It's always the Kuchiki family that picks out what the bride wears, what the decorations are, and what the guests will eat. It's sort of sad, in a way, because it's never your dream wedding, but its sure to be a dream none the same." One girl servant chatted to her. "They spare no expense, so I'm sure you will take Kuchiki-sama's breath away when he sees you."
Masami smiled gently at the girl and said, "We can only hope so, yes?"
When the carriage finally came to a halt, it was Byakuya himself who opened the door and helped her out.
"Greetings, Byakuya-sama." Masami said with a small smile.
Byakuya inclined his head to her and led her into the Manor, her servants following. "Your father is making a spectacle of himself, angry that he is not the one to walk you down the aisle. He is even more angry when I denied him the right to see you before you become my wife."
"Thank you." Masami murmured.
Byakuya stopped outside a door and opened it enough for her to go through, and not looking in it himself. "I shall see you in a few hours. Until then, Masami-san."
Masami entered the room but halted immediately, seeing her mother kneeling there, waiting. "Mother?"
"I am here to help you prepare for your wedding day. Also, so we can talk." Etsuko said, standing and hugging her daughter tightly. "There is much to talk about, I am afraid."
"It's not nice to stress the bride before her wedding day, mother." Masami joked weakly. "If it is business, it can surely wait, right?"
"Business, no. This is a talk you and I have needed to have for a long while." Etsuko said, turning Masami around and beginning to take off the obi and then slid the kimono off her shoulders. "All this hair! You would never let us cut it!" Etsuko swept it to the side and gasped.
"He was going to kill me." Masami said, miserably, and casting her eyes to the floor.
The servants in the room stayed silent, each not daring to intrude on this moment with mother and daughter.
"Your father? He did this, didn't he!" Etsuko demanded, spinning her daughter around to face her, looking her in the eyes.
Masami nodded.
"He wanted you to renounce your claim as the next head of the Kawaguchi Clan, didn't he? It would naturally go to your brother, the next oldest." Etsuko said, and when Masami nodded, she continued. "And since your brother carries your father's name, the Kawaguchi Clan would cease to be."
"Yes." Masami whispered.
Etsuko released Masami suddenly and stumbled to the wall, one hand clutched over her heart, and tears pouring down her face. "I can't even protect my daughter. What kind of mother am I? How could I have not known? I took that bastards word and never thought to question it! And yet he questioned every action I have ever done. Bastard!"
"Mother. . .It's okay. When I rule the family, he will be sent away. Byakuya-sama will keep my safe, this marriage, is keeping me safe!" Masami tried to assure her mother.
"You won't have to wait that long, I will send that bastard packing before dawn has even made itself known tomorrow. His word against mine is nothing. Even attempting to slander the Kawaguchi or Kuchiki name will land him in the poorest of districts within the Soul Society." Etsuko hissed. "And your brother, he having without a doubt known of this, will have to make a choice. Submit himself to you, and spend the rest of his life making up for what he has taken part in, or go with his father. Even your father's family won't take him back with you now baring the name Kuchiki."
"Well, until these actions have taken place, today is supposed to by a happy day, mother. I am getting married." Masami said, with a small smile, trying to distract her mother from her anger and pain. "Let us prepare."
Etsuko nodded. "Of course, my Masami. Let us prepare."
Masami was set before a vanity and the servants began to apply makeup to her face. They emphasized her high cheekbones with a pale pink blush, brushed her eyelids with a liquid silver, and lined her bottom eyelid with black. They brushed the palest of pinks just below her eyebrows, nearly unseen, but emphasized the silver.
"Traditionally, we like to paint the lips a deep red," A servant told her and her mother. "But with the wedding kimono, your complexion, and the makeup we have already applied, I think just a pink will do. Red will take away from your natural beauty."
"I couldn't agree more." Etsuko smiled at her from the mirror's reflection.
Once the make up was finished, and a light shimmer was added to her face, neck, and in her cleavage, the servants moved away.
"I will do your hair myself, just as I did once when you were a child. . ." Etsuko said, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "My beautiful little girl."
Etsuko pulled half her hair up into a very beautiful knot, adorning it with jeweled pins to hold it in place. The rest hung down her back.
"The gown falls off the shoulders. It was bare part of your back. The Kuchiki clan wanted all your hair pulled up, but I bet your soon to be husband can go tell them to suck an egg, right?" Etsuko told her daughter, making her stand.
Masami gaped at her mother, then laughed.
"I may be a proper lady in front of everyone's eyes, but I am still a hard headed woman inside." Etsuko said, smiling. "You can be the same way. If this Kuchiki-sama will learn to love you like I'm sure he will, he will love every part of you. Even the not so lady-like side."
The servants moved forward with more scented oils. They put a dab at the tip of each breast, behind her ears, on her inner elbows, behind her knees, and when they reached to place some in her womanhood, Masami squawked and leapt away. "I will be fine without any oils there, thank you."
The servant shrugged her shoulder and moved away from her, placing the oil down.
Next, a pale white, very see through under kimono was brought to her. She placed it on and tied it closed with the small strings. Then a pale pink kimono was brought, equally as thin. Then a silver, also thin and see through. Finally, a heavier white, and embroidered kimono was brought to her. She placed it on, and the weight of it dragged the other kimono's down, making them rest about her shoulders, and showing her upper back, and some cleavage.
The servants brought the a deep silver obi, and tied it in place. Countless diamonds sparkled from it, making Masami slightly nervous. The outer kimono was adorned with diamonds and pale pink crystals shaping up to be Sakura petals on diamond branches.
"You look so beautiful." Her mother told her.
"With the silver you wear, your eyes look more gold than amber. Very beautiful." An older servant told her.
"Now, we must walk you to another room." Her mother told her as the servants helped her slip on some silver slippers adorned with more jewels. "There, Kuchiki-sama will be waiting to give you your bride gift before the wedding."
"Bride gift? Was I supposed to give him a groom gift?" Masami asked, not panicked a little.
"Yes, and the Kuchiki clan thoughtfully provided you with one, however, it is also a custom to give another gift to each other after the ceremony and in front of all the guests, before receiving your wedding gifts from the guests. So, I decided that the Kawaguchi clan gift should go to him as the groom gift, and there's can wait to be gifted in front of the guests." Etsuko smiled, handing her daughter a long and slightly heavy box.
Masami opened it to reveal a ceremonial katana, the sheath made of silver and adorned with jewels. "He will wear this to the ceremony?"
"Yes, to honor you he will. A wedding is the one day a Shinigami will lay down the zanpakuto and carry up another blade. The Kuchiki family gift is another blade, much smaller, and meant to be for cutting the umbilical cord from your children you will bear him."
"That might embarrass him mother." Masami murmured.
"I know, right?" Etsuko laughed.
Masami smiled again, loving this side of her mother. She didn't think she would be as calm and as relaxed if her mother treated this like a cold arranged marriage that it technically was. . .even if she did pick a husband for herself. No, she reminded herself, he picked me.
Masami placed the lid back on the box and smiled at her mother. "Let us go then, so I may give this gift to Byakuya-sama."
They walked down endless hallways, led through many doors, all while not seeing a single soul.
"The wedding is being held in their formal room, it is huge! Easily seven or eight times the size of ours!" Her mother explained. "The reception will be held in their courtyard, also very big."
"Here we are." A servant said, stopping at a door. She opened it and Masami walked in, finding Byakuya in a black kimono set off by a few diamonds here and there. No where near as embellished as hers, but still beautiful none the less. The door closed behind her and Byakuya rose to his feet.
"You look beautiful, Masami-san." He murmured, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips.
"Thank you, Byakuya-sama. You look quiet handsome yourself." Masami replied, smiling.
His lips quirked up, just a bit, in what Masami would hold as a smile. He released her hand and reached into his kimono, pulling out a small box and handing it to her. He in turn, took the large box from her hands and held it.
"Please, open your gift." He told her.
Masami opened the small white box to find a small tiara within it. She swallowed hard and looked up at him, smiling. "It is very beautiful, thank you. Would you. . ."
Byakuya set down his gift and lifted the small tiara and placed it atop her head, carefully. Much to her surprise, he pressed a kiss to her brow before he stepped away.
He helped her kneel and he kneeled across from her, touching the box containing his gift with gentle finger tips. "May I?" He asked.
Masami nodded and Byakuya lifted the box into his lap, and pulled off the lid. He lifted the katana from inside the box and drew the blade slowly.
"It is very beautiful." He told her, turning the blade for her to see. Down the blade were her and his names. "As we have our children, their names will be added to the blade. A most thoughtful gift, thank you." He sheathed the blade and slid it into his obi to rest.
They spent the next hour talking, enjoying each other's company, and relaxing before they had to face the crowds.
Just before Byakuya had to leave and take his place at the alter, a knock sounded at the door. It opened before Byakuya could bid anyone to enter, and a man walked in.
Masami swallowed hard as her father walked into the room, eyes angry, but trying to remain poised. He failed.
"This room is reserved for the bride and groom only. You better have a good reason for being here." Byakuya growled, standing.
"What? A father cannot see his daughter before she marries off?"
Byakuya lifted one finger and suddenly, the man was flying, out of the room and through a wall. "No."
Servants ran into the room and Byakuya motioned them toward the mess. "Fix that, and Tachibana would like to go home. He isn't feeling well enough to attend the wedding. If he tries to come back, use any force necessary to remove him."
Masami watched the brief flurry of activity all while Byakuya supervised.
"Are you okay?" He asked moments later.
"Uh. . .yes. I'm sorry. . . No, I'm not. If you hadn't had been here, I fear what would have happened. Either way, it wouldn't have been a happy day." Masami whispered, struggling to stand.
Byakuya leaned down and lifted her by the waist, hoisting her easily to her feet. He pressed a small kiss to her brow and turned to the servants waiting in the hallway. "Please escort, Masami-san to the final room to wait with her uncle until she walks the aisle. I must go take my place at the alter."
Masami felt like his kiss had burned her. She felt the place his lips had gently brushed way past the time she was handed off to her uncle.
"I was told your father tried to get to you." Her uncle said as a greeting.
"Yes," Masami answered. "But worry not uncle. Byakuya-sama handled him personally, and is having him escorted off the property. He will not be allowed in any part of the wedding, for which I am glad."
"Your mother told me. . ." Her uncle trailed off and let his eyes dart to her naked shoulder. "I wish to kill the bastard myself, little one."
"I think I've spilled enough blood on the floors of our family halls. Adding to it won't reverse what was done." Masami said, maybe a little sharply. "Soon, that man will have nothing left to call his own. He will know that he brought it upon himself. Maybe not at first, but in time. That's a good enough revenge as far as I am concerned."
Her uncle chucked her chin lightly. "Spoken like one who is meant to lead."
The moment ended when a servant opened the door, informing them it was time.
Masami's heart began to pound in her chest, and for a moment, she forgot how to breath. She forced her lungs to work again, taking in a deep breath and then letting it out. She took her uncle's offered arm and let herself be led from the room and down the hallway.
Ahead, music began to play, alerting all that the bride was making her way toward the room. Then the doors opened. . .
Masami laughed as another gift was presented before her. Byakuya didn't seem to share her amusement at seeing the garishly wrapped pink gift, no doubt containing something else for the day that Masami would bear him a child.
Masami opened it then promptly slammed the lid down on the box and passed it off to Byakuya.
Byakuya cocked an eyebrow and opened the box, peering inside at the contents. All kinds of sex toys, books on sex positions, and other items filled the medium sized box. He picked up the tag and wasn't surprised to see Yoruichi's name scrawled across it.
"An old friend with a bad sense of humor." Byakuya told Masami.
"What is it?" Someone in the crowd yelled, causing laughter to ripple through the large crowd.
"Nothing meant for the eyes of young people." Byakuya answered, passing the box off to a servant.
Masami accepted the next gift a lot more cautiously, causing Byakuya to be amused.
Finally, all the guests gift's had been opened and it was time for the pair to exchange gifts again.
Masami lifted the box that contained the gift that the Kuchiki Elders had provided for her. She handed him the box shyly, awaiting for him to open it.
Byakuya opened the box then shifted his eyes to hers. With a look, she knew that he knew she hadn't picked it out for him. "My family must have helped you pick this. It is most thoughtful, however, I think I love the blade that you yourself picked for me."
Masami saw his family shrink back, some glaring slightly at her, as he lifted the dagger from its box.
Masami turned her head slightly to hide the small grin that tugged at the corners of her mouth.
Some of the more drunk people in the crowd cheered at the site of the dagger, showing off their immaturity in such situations.
Byakuya lifted a small box from the inside of his wedding attire and placed it in her hands.
Masami carefully opened the box to find a jewel encrusted her comb in it. She smiled and at Byakuya, knowing her mother probably told him how much she adored hair combs. She lifted it for the crowd to see, while she thanked Byakuya.
They all set down to eat after that, enjoying the lavish meal, and some people enjoying more free alcohol.
Masami laughed at the antics of some of the guests, clapping when a few of them decided to get into a dance contest when a section was cleared out for such a reason.
Byakuya was surprised at how beautiful his bride was. She had nearly stolen his breath upon their first meeting, and now, on the wedding day, she successfully had robbed him of it. Only through his careful composure did he manage to keep up his façade. Watching her now, smiling, laughing, and enjoy herself made something tug at his heart strings.
He had thought a woman would never effect him like this. Not after Hisana. But this woman was so much more than Hisana was.
He had loved Hisana more than he could ever thought possible, but he also knew that he had partially married her as a rebellious act. One of the few he would ever pull. She hadn't loved him though. Not the way a husband and wife should love each other. It had been an easy way out for her, and she grasped it with both hands.
He didn't blame her, and never would. There would never be any anger toward her, when in the end, he had received something very precious to him, Rukia. As much a sister as she was almost a daughter to him, she was all he had lived for, for so long.
Now he had another, and she threatened to consume all he was. It frightened him, but there was an underlining thread of excitement. She would give to this union, as would he. . . But until he was able to put the memory of Hisana to rest completely, he would not be the best of husband to her, and he knew this.
How did you let go of someone you loved for so long? Certainly not as quickly as some would like.
Byakuya broke through his thoughts when Masami laid a hand on his arm. "Would you dance with me?" She asked hopefully.
Masami was slightly puzzled by Byakuya's sudden change. He seemed lost in his thoughts, and had pulled away from the rest of them, just slightly. Hoping to distract him from whatever was causing such a severe frown on his face, she asked him to dance.
Now, as he led her gracefully around the dance floor, he allowed his mouth to lift just slightly.
A smile, if anything was, Masami thought.
"Soon enough, I can promise that the Elders are going to force our early retirement." Byakuya whispered to her. "I hope it doesn't cause you to much embarrassment. They are just overjoyed at the thought of an heir."
Masami blushed slightly and looked away. She had been so focused on trying to enjoy her wedding, she had put all thoughts of the wedding night itself out of her head. Now she felt slightly miserable. She had no knowledge of what to do in the wedding chambers. Byakuya had at least been married before.
As he predicted, the Elders made the announcement that the bride and groom would have one last dance before they headed off to bed.
Byakuya led her around the dance floor one last time, with all the wedding guest watching.
When the dance ended, and everyone applauded them, Byakuya led her away.
Masami kept her head held up and a smile plastered on her face, though she felt like running for her life.
When they reached the wedding chamber, Byakuya watched as Masami busied herself removing her jewelry, hair pins, and makeup. She seemed to be fidgeting, and that gave way to how nervous she truly was.
Byakuya came up behind her, taking her hair brush from her hands that she had yet to use, and began combing her tresses carefully.
"Relax, Masami-san." He told her softly. "I'm going to do my best not to hurt you."
Her shoulders seemed to tense even more at his words. Sighing, he set the brush down, and helped her stand in the heavy wedding garb. Carefully, he began to undress her. Slowly, so slowly, so she wouldn't panic.
Once they were down to the final layer, Byakuya had site of her naked body once more. He removed the last piece and placed his hands on her shoulder, sliding them up to her neck, and tilting her face up to look at him. "I will be gentle with you. Trust me."
Heat climbed up her chest, into her neck, and finally her face. Byakuya never let his eyes leave hers though. His hands slid down her arms, reaching her hands. He brought them to his own wedding garments and left them there.
Shyly, she began to undo them. Item after item fell to the floor until he stood just as nude as she did.
Her eyes traveled his bodies, and widened considerably when she reached his hardening manhood. "How will it fit?" She choked out.
Byakuya felt a faint amusement at her words, but they bellied her fear. He took her hand and touched it to his face. His slid it down his neck, chest, stomach, and stopped just at the base of his manhood. "Touch it." He whispered. "Get used to it. Don't be afraid, Masami-san."
Her fingertips barely brushed him and he grit his teeth against the moan that threatened to leave his throat. So long. It had been so long since a woman had touched him and he felt ready to spend himself in seconds like some bumbling teenage boy.
"Is this okay?" She asked, her eyes flickering up to his.
He nodded his head, and brought his own hands to her face. He tilted her face up and pressed his lips softly to hers. The kiss was slow, languid, a show of care and trust.
When they broke apart, he took her hand from his manhood and led to her to the bed. Gently, he pushed her back until she laid in the center, her body laid out like some offering to him.
In a flash, he remembered Hisana in the same position so long ago. He squished the thought and busied himself nuzzling her breasts. It would do no good to let her know that he was thinking of another woman, of a different wedding from so long ago.
Masami's breaths came in soft pants as he let his lips trace lower down her body. When he forced her legs apart, she held her breath.
He kissed her thighs, soothing her, and waited for her to relax again before he brought a finger up to trace the lips of her womanhood.
She trembled at the contact, and gasped out loud when he sank a finger into her. Her body was wet, hot, and felt so silky.
Still though, he took his time preparing her. What seemed like ages later, he added a second finger, and she reached her first orgasm. Still though, he kept his fingers pumping, and added a third.
Even later still, and after another orgasm on her part, he raised himself to enter her. In her after shocks, she didn't notice he had entered her in a swift stroke until she found herself staring into his eyes, felt his lips pressed into hers, and felt the trickle of blood on her own thighs.
"Oh." She said softly, barely noticing the pain.
His strokes were soft, sure, steady.
And when he finished after she did, he simply rolled over, reached for a cloth, then cleaned her.
Then he was gone from the wedding chamber.
Masami watched Byakuya leave while her body still was quaking silently. She knew that he wasn't coming back. He had done his duty as her husband, and he would do it until she was with child, as was required of him.
He smiled bitterly as tears began to softly fall from her eyes.
"Stupid." She whispered, bringing a hand up to her mouth to catch a sob that wanted to escape. "It's an arranged marriage. Stupid. Thinking it was some fairy tale because he saved you from your evil father. Stupid."
When she stopped crying, the sun was rising.
No one would bother her though. And for that, she was happy. Who wanted to see the beautiful bride with red rimmed eyes and a tear stained face?
Authors Note: OMG! -falls over exhausted- I really did plan on these being one giant chapter per Captain or Lieutenant. But typing up seventeen pages made me re-think that. That and I think I owe you something. Enjoy! More to come. Maybe I can sum it up in another chapter or two. One I hope. Gah! Why did I have to do Byakuya first! -rips hair out-