Chapter 3- Byakuya Kuchiki Part 2
Byakuya stared at the picture of his former wife, feeling nothing but guilt in that moment. Not for having remarried, no. For thinking of the dead while he made love to the living. Masami deserved better than that. She deserved better than him.
He stared into the picture and for once, felt angry. 'How dare you leave me alone. Now I have memories of you when I lay with another woman. She deserves better. I deserve better than this!' He barely kept his lip from curling up into a snarl.
He turned and pressed his head into the wall and could just imagine Masami all alone in their marital bed. He gritted his teeth tightly and turned to leave.
"This is the last time I'm coming here, Hisana. I need to leave you behind, before I mess up and leave Masami behind." He whispered. "I refuse to let her feel that alone."
Masami forced herself to get out of bed only hours after it hard risen. No one really expected her for a while longer, she was sure, still. . . She couldn't sleep.
She walked over to her vanity and set down, glaring at her red lined eyes before setting out the makeup she would need for the day.
It took her a good half hour to find a look that suited her for the day, and though she had to exaggerate her eye makeup more than she liked, the look was okay. She stood from the table just as the bedroom door slid open and Byakuya walked inside.
"I was coming to see if you were up to eating breakfast." He said, meeting her eyes through the mirror. They were calm, cold, calculating as always.
Two could play at that game.
Returning the look, she said, "No, thank you. I have a lot to do today and wallowed away in bed far to long as it were."
He looked slightly perplexed, but nodded his head once and left.
Masami bit her lip, almost hoping he'd come back and say something, kiss her hand, hug her. . .She'd even let him make love to her again, as long as the awkwardness he had brought upon them would disappear.
He didn't.
She dressed for the day, left the marital room, and made her way down the hall. Her office should be set up, and she was anxious to get her mind off of it all.
THREE MONTHS LATER
Masami woke up alone in the marital bed again. She had come to really call it her room. Byakuya would join her as they went to bed for the evening, have sex with her. . .she refused to call it making love. He was gentle, considerate, always made sure he got her pleasure. On his end though, it seemed so cold. Like some kind of chore.
She got up and reached for the glass of water by her bed. Immediately, she felt the need to puke.
She ran as fast as she could to the bathroom and threw up.
Byakuya found her there, much later, laying on the ground in front of the toilet, sobbing softly and holding her stomach.
"Masami-san." He whispered, scooping her up into his arms. "What's wrong?"
"I think all that sex paid off." She managed to reply without puking again. There was nothing left though, still, the illness didn't go away.
It was hours later that her pregnancy was confirmed, and she felt no joy.
'I'll love this child until my very last breath. But Byakuya. . .Will he treat the child the same way as he does me? Some duty to be carried out? The Kuchiki Clan has demanded that the first born boy be heir to the Kuchiki family. . .I selfishly hope for a little girl. . .and the next to be a girl. . .and the next. If he's with me long enough, maybe one day, he won't be so cold. . .Maybe one day, he'll really love the children the way he should.'
Byakuya watched as Masami cried, all while holding onto her stomach. He wished he could say that they were tears of joy, but he would be lying to himself.
He wanted to comfort her, hold her, kiss her and tell her it was all right. . .But he couldn't. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't force himself any closer to her. He couldn't be the husband she deserved.
'Damn you Hisana. I feel as if some spell is cast over me!' Byakuya mentally cursed as he turned to leave. Part of him cried out for him to stay, so he would in a way, be supportive.
His other half though, won out, as always. It told him to run away, and he did. Like a coward.
He stopped a servant in the hall who was heading toward Masami's room. "Make sure she has everything she needs or wants. If she wishes to sleep the day away, let her. She's carrying my child, and I won't have her anymore stressed than she already is." He growled out the orders.
"Of course, Byakuya-sama!" The servant squeaked before scurrying off.
Byakuya entered Masami's office when he came to it, sliding the door closed silently behind him. He took in the room that she had decorated to fit her wants and needs. It was simply, but wholly elegant, so much like her. Beautiful, and not even trying.
He breathed in deeply through his nose, catching the faintest whiff of her scent, the perfume she wore. . .Cherry Blossom. He sighed and walked around her desk, sitting in the chair there. Documents were stacked neatly into separate piles, labeled, and dated.
He picked up the one on the pile closest to him and skimmed over it. A letter from her mother describing how the divorce with her father was going. Not well, apparently, as he had to be forcibly removed from the estate and his family was siding with him. Too bad with the Kuchiki Clan backing up the Tachibana's, Masami's father's word was nothing but empty words on everyone's ears but their own.
"What are you doing?"
Masami stood in the door way of her office, eyes rimmed with a slight red, but otherwise, put together in her usual elegant self.
"I was going to bring you anything that looked important enough to be dealt with immediately. I thought that you might like to spend the day in your. . .our bedroom." Byakuya lied, almost smoothly.
Masami let out a soft snort, looking away with a slight glare. "You can't even call it our bedroom. For all you did for me, Byakuya-sama, I thought maybe I'd get the fairy tale ending. . .But marriage to you has caused me nothing but misery. . .And you know what. I find myself hoping I give you nothing but girls so you are stuck with me. . .and might get to know me." She laughed softly, a tear spilling down her cheek. "You married a crazy woman. Great, huh?"
Byakuya stood and walked around the desk to her. Gently, he tilted her face up and brushed his lips against hers, enjoying the red stain that crossed her cheeks. "I am a hard man to know. I am cold and I know this. I'm afraid the memory of my last wife has me. . .confused on rather I am pushing myself from you in guilt, or fear."
Masami's amber eyes blinked up into his and he found his lips pressed against hers again. The whimper that escaped her throat was like music to him.
"Give me twenty daughters, I care not." He murmured when he pulled away. "I'm sure there will be a tomboy in there somewhere I can teach sword play too."
Masami laughed and pulled away from him, ducking her head. "You should teach them all. Then we wouldn't have to fear them coming of dating age and boys trying anything."
Byakuya let his lips curl into the softest of smiles. He wondered briefly if his face would shatter, given the length of time it had been since he had smiled truly.
Masami's face still was tipped down toward the ground, but he did not miss the answering smile that curved her lips.
Masami rubbed at her swollen stomach, not believing that six months had passed already since the day she discovered she was pregnant. Six months since Byakuya and she had talked and things had slowly started to improve between them.
She sighed softly and stretched, rising from her desk, ignoring the few documents she had left to look over, sign, or issue orders through. As far as she was concerned, they could wait another day.
Byakuya and she were going out to pick clothes and such for the baby that would be in their lives in a little more than a month.
"Masami?"
She looked up with a smile as Byakuya entered her office, dressed in his full Captain's uniform, and looking as handsome as ever. He didn't smile much, but when he did, it was for her alone. Not even his younger sister had seen the stern man smile, she was sure.
"I'm ready to go whenever you are." She told him, smiling broadly. "It will be just a moment longer. Renji has something he wishes to ask me. Perhaps you'd like to change into something more comfortable for our trek through town?" Byakuya suggested.
"Sure." Masami agreed, suddenly feeling something in the pit of her stomach. She always was good at knowing when something was about to go down. . .at least, since moving into the Kuchiki Mansion. She always knew which of her mother's letters were going to be good or bad just be the feeling she got.
Byakuya walked down the hall with Renji behind him, the red-headed man looking nervous, but his eyes were focused.
As the two men rounded the corner, Rukia snuck out from a different one, obviously following.
"Rukia?" Masami said, causing the younger woman to jump.
"Masami-san." Rukia said, her eyes flitting nervously to where the men had disappeared too.
It dawned on Masami suddenly. "Is Renji about to ask your brother for permission to marry?"
Rukia shuffled her feet nervously. "Yes, I didn't want to, but as soon as we went to the Captain-Commander, he said I needed the Clan's permission as I still lived with him. He also didn't want a target on his back put by the Kuchiki Clan as he has been friends to them for several generations."
Masami felt her gut quench again. Surely Byakuya wouldn't. . .
Renji walked from around the corner again, and his look said it all. As she switched her gaze to Rukia, she didn't miss the tears trailing down the girls face.
"Oh Rukia. . ." Masami whispered, gathering the younger girl close to her as she could and holding her while she sobbed.
Renji stopped for only a moment, but walked away when Byakuya's spiritual pressure made itself known. Once the red-headed man was gone, Rukia tore away from her and snarled at Byakuya.
"Why! Why can't we marry?" She cried.
"Because you can do better." Byakuya said. "He barely makes it from day to day, and we both know this. You would want to be tied down to that?"
Rukia ran down the hall, her tears and sobs seen and heard for a while.
"You're a bastard, you know that right?" Masami said, turning to her husband.
"You honestly think I should have said yes?" Byakuya asked, obviously surprised that she wasn't taking his side, for once. "Or is this just the pregnancy hormones talking?"
Masami felt her lip curl into a sneer for a moment before she composed herself again. "I married a man who had once defied his family by marrying someone the family thought wasn't good enough for him. He was torn asunder by her death, and still isn't put back together completely. And yet, this same man, is denying someone else the same chance to love like that."
Byakuya looked away for only a moment before he turned back, eyes as cold as ever. "I have given my answer."
Masami turned away from him, going toward Rukia's rooms. "I don't feel quite well enough to go out today. Maybe some other time. Maybe with someone else completely. That might quell the sick feeling I have."
Byakuya didn't retort, but she could feel his anger, burning her back almost like flames licking across her skin.
Masami entered Rukia's room without knocking, knowing the younger woman would deny entrance to anyone at this hard time.
"He's not going to change his mind, is he?" Rukia asked with a choked sob.
"Your brother, and my husband, is a hard man. Sometimes, he comes across as cruel, but he is always looking out for the best interest of those he cares about." Masami murmured.
"So you are siding with him?" Rukia asked, miserably.
"I never said that. Sometimes, what someone thinks is best for someone, isn't. You said that Captain Yamamoto said that someone of the Kuchiki Clan had to sign. He never said your brother himself, had to sign?" Masami asked, holding her hand out for the paper she was sure Rukia herself had. Nothing so important would have been handed to Renji, just in case Byakuya tried to kill him before saying yes.
Rukia looked mildly shocked before reaching into her Shinigami robes and pulling out the document.
Masami read over it carefully then motioned for Rukia to get her a brush and ink.
She had it read within moments and Masami signed her name along the dotted line. "Come, I will go with you to deliver this document. Fetch Renji along the way. I will meet you just outside Captain Yamamoto's office. Look miserable, and if Byakuya stops you, we are going out because I deemed you needed away from Kuchiki Manor for a little while, yes?"
Masami laid the document on Captain Yamamoto's desk, her signature prominent on the piece of paper.
"It was my intention for Byakuya to sign this." the old man said, glancing down at the document.
"Then you should have worded your letter better. As it stands, it says any Kuchiki can sign off on the document. That includes a whole wide range of people. It just so happens that, I, Wife of Byakuya Kuchiki signed this letter. You will marry these two, yes?" She said with a dark smile. "Or I'm sure I can cause hell for you."
Yamamoto opened an eye to stare at her, seemingly unnerved by her small threat. "You have big words for one so small and with no martial training in fighting at all."
"Who needs martial training when you have the biggest port in this known world?" Masami said cheerfully. "Marry them?"
"You would really cut off all trade to us, to see these two married?" Yamamoto asked.
"Everyone deserves a chance at happiness." Masami stated, in all seriousness now. "Byakuya may hate me for this, but so be it. He'll forgive me, eventually."
Yamamoto sighed and motioned for Renji and Rukia to approach. "I shall marry you two now with Masami standing in as your witness." The old man turned toward Masami. "Byakuya will know of this. . ."
Masami shrugged and smiled as she watched Renji and Rukia hold hands, both a blush with happiness that they had not felt some two hours earlier.
Masami walked around the Seireitei as long as she could before her aching feet told her she could go no more. She sat down on a small stone bench, somewhere near the Fourth Division, happy enough to spend the night outside if she needed too.
However, there was no doubt that Byakuya would find her and force her to answer for her 'crimes' against him and his word.
"Masami-san?" Masami looked up and smiled as Captain Unohana joined her on the bench. "What are you doing out here?"
"I'm hiding from Byakuya, of course." Masami said cheerfully. "What about you?"
"I was getting away from all the women coming in getting check-ups, pregnancy tests, and overall just the hormones." Retsu replied with a smile. "And please, call me Retsu."
"Of course, Retsu-san." Masami smiled. "So you tried to get away from all of that, and yet you are sitting with me? Am I the lesser of the evils, or the last open bench?"
"Neither. I consider you a friend. Our small visits when you come to the Fourth Squad for your checkups have always been a small blessing. You are always even tempered, a good sport for whatever tests we must do, and most of all, kind to my subordinates."
Masami smiled and reached over, patting Retsu's hand. "I was always taught to lead by example. Maybe you should do a giant class to show the girls how they should act when it comes to their visits."
"Tempting." As the two giggled and set about talking about small things, Masami hadn't realized Byakuya had approached the pair.
"Masami, home, now." Those three clipped words made a small shiver of fear crawl up her spine, but she stood slowly, not bothering to hide the small wince as her feet screamed at her for doing so. She turned to Retsu and smiled.
"Thank you for visiting with me Retsu-san. You wanted to see me tomorrow for that visit, yes?" She couldn't keep the tremor out of her voice. She feared that one day, Byakuya might turn to a fiend like her father . . .And she had certainly done something to warrant getting hit. . .
"Yes, I'll get some of my more. . .troublesome patients there as well." Retsu replied with a smile, but her eyes were locked on Byakuya. A threat between Captains, and even Masami picked up on it.
Byakuya placed a hand on the small of her back, and pushed her toward there home. When she gave a small stumble, her simply scooped her up into his arms and flash stepped them home.
Byakuya had felt her fear the moment he had made himself known to her. And though he had wanted her fear when he began to seek her out, now it sickened him. She was scared enough to get Retsu to help back her up. A smart move, but desperate as well. How could either one of them think he would ever hurt her?
When they got home, he flash stepped them into their room, where he set her on the bed, plumping up pillows behind her so she could recline easily and be in comfort. Next, he removed her shoes, and started massaging her feet, which were swollen.
"You went against my wishes." He stated, never taking his eyes from her feet as he rubbed them.
"It had to be done, Byakuya." Her voice was small, a thread of a sound. Almost as if not wanting to alert a monster to your presence.
He lifted his eyes to her, his anger deep and burning within them, he knew. "You betrayed my wishes. You know why I said no."
"Sometimes, Byakuya, you have to be given a chance to show someone how wrong they were. I did that for them. And I'd do it again, and again." Her voice was gaining some confidence. "And I swear, if you do anything to break them up, you will regret it!"
Byakuya dropped her feet and crawled up the bed, menacing, as he placed a hand on either side of her. "When I heard, I was so furious. I wanted to drag you back and punish you. No one has even made me this furious." He hissed. She shrank back from him, pressing herself tighter to the pillows. "Now. . ."
He couldn't help himself. Watching her cringe away from him in fear sicken him, but elated him as well. Her defiance though. . .
He pressed his lips to her own in a deep and demanding kiss. Within a minute, she attentively returned it.
"No one has even defied me like that." He gasped, breaking away from the kiss to trail wet ones down her neck. He began to untie her obi from her kimono to get at the rest of her body. He opened the kimono fully, revealing her swollen breasts and stomach to his viewing pleasure.
"My Masami, so beautiful." He growled before dropping his head down to her breasts.
Masami threaded her fingers through his hair, carefully removing the decorations as he attended her aching breasts. She gasped in pleasure when he took a swollen bud into her mouth, sucking gently, while he kneaded the other.
He had never been like this. . .so demanding of her. . .Yet he was still gentle with her, despite the ferocity she felt thrumming through his body. She had caused this. . .and she was enjoying it!
"Masami. . ." He groaned, raising back up to taste her lips while he ripped away his own clothing.
His hair fell about them like a thick curtain, and though she could barely make out his features, she knew his eyes were boring into hers. . .So she held them, unyielding. She wouldn't cower away from him now. . .She couldn't. Her gut told her so. If she did, it would break something in him. . .
His hand snaked over her rounded stomach to sink into the nest of curls at the apex of her thighs, finding her wet and ready for him.
"I want. . ." He panted, breaking the kiss.
"I'm ready, please." She whimpered raising her hips to him.
When he sank into her, it was fast, furious, but oh-so pleasurable.
She cried out his name late into the night, as he continued to punish her body with his own. . .
"I'll have to make you angry more often." She murmured into his ear as he held her close, both exhausted from the activities.
Byakuya let out a hoarse chuckle, pressing a kiss to her brow.
"You had me worried." Retsu admitted when Masami walked into the patient room where a few other girls were.
"I'm fine. Perfectly okay. . ." Masami said, knowing she probably had some sort of stupid dreamy smile on her face.
Retsu got the hint, and hid her laugh by coughing, covering her mouth with a sleeve and turning away from everyone. "Ladies, this is Masami Tachibana-Kuchiki, wife to Captain Byakuya Kuchiki." Retsu introduced when she had recovered. "She is one of my best patients, and I thought you should learn proper patient etiquette from her."
"You brought us here for what?" Rangiku Matsumoto said, raising an eyebrow. "Because we hate shots?"
"More like your attitude toward my squad. Some of you are less than gracious to those of us who treat you. It may be our job, and often thankless. However, that doesn't give you the right to walk over us." Retsu continued.
"Did you get us mixed up with an appointment with Squad Eleven?" Rangiku asked now.
As the girls all chuckled, Retsu said, "No, there's no teaching some dogs."
Byakuya was surprised when Masami walked into his study, a happy smile on her face, and perched on the edge of his desk.
"I take it the little appointment you had went well?" He asked.
"After the meeting, I went on a walk with Retsu, and she ran into a guy. . .literally." Masami laughed. "They seemed to be hitting it off though. The guy looked at her like she was some kind of goddess, while Retsu apologized over and over to him. Doesn't seem to talk much, but. . ." She shrugged and smiled.
"Let's hope this is the guy for her then. She has barely over three months to find someone as it is." Byakuya murmured, standing and walking around the desk to her. He placed a kiss on the side of neck, for once okay with openly showing her affection. "Would you like to go look at baby things today?"
Her smile out shined the sun in that moment. "Are you sure you don't have stuff to do here, or in the Sixth Squad Barracks?"
"I'm quite sure." He replied, helping her off the desk carefully. "We'll even eat supper out."
"So people can watch me consume enough food to feed an army?" Masami asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No, so people can watch you eat for you and our child." He replied with a small smile. "You aren't the only woman in the Seireitei who is pregnant at the moment, my Masami."
She flushed under being called his and pushed closer to him, wrapping her arms around him as best she could in a hug.
He held her back, burying his face into her hair. "I'll keep you forever. I won't let you abandon me like Hisana did. You'll never get away from me, my Masami."
She placed a feather like kiss on his own throat, purring in happiness at the contact she was receiving.
"I want a house full of children Byakuya. More than the required two." She whispered.
"You shall have them." Was his simple reply.
"It's so busy. I've never seen it this busy." Masami murmured to Byakuya as they walked down the street. She lifted her parasol slightly to look at the sky. "And it's way past even lunch time."
"The Soul Society has opened its doors to anyone. With so many pouring in with the chance of marrying a Captain or Lieutenant, more money needed to be brought in as well. Vendors from all over are here. As well as hopeful brides and grooms to be." Byakuya said, stopping at a table to look at toys a man was selling. He picked up a stuffed rabbit and handed it to her. "Of course, many of the poor are here too, hoping to get some extra money." He placed money in the vendors hand and continued to walk on.
Masami grinned down at the bunny then followed her husband. "You best keep me away from any needy children. I tend to either bring them into the house to earn a way, and to be taught."
"Is that such a bad thing?" Byakuya asked, glancing over his shoulder.
"If you're okay with it, I suppose not. Oh look! It's that man Retsu bumped in to earlier today. . .and he's creeping me out." Masami murmured, stepping closer to Byakuya. She shivered, clutching the stuffed rabbit tighter to her. "I feel like I'm looking into my own grave suddenly."
Byakuya reached for the Zanpakuto but the man just simply vanished, leaving the Captain and his wife wary.
"Do you want to go home?" Byakuya asked.
"No, I want to continue shopping for our baby. . .I'll be okay, I'm just a little shaken. Something about the man just. . .for a moment it felt evil." Masami whispered, her eyes coming to meet his. "What was that I felt?"
"A stained soul." Both turned to find Retsu approaching them, smiling sadly. "A soul that has done terrible, horrible things. He was here to kill you, as he was hired to do. However, he's had a change of heart. He will not do it. Maybe because you're pregnant, or maybe because he can see that you do not deserve it. Either way, he is seeking out those who hired them. He will kill them. And do it without remorse."
"Do you know this man, Captain Unohana?" Byakuya asked, pulling Masami to his side, an arm around her shoulders.
"I know nothing more than was allowed to me today. That man is looking for an end to the life he has led. He seeks a new life, free of the violence he has known for so long. I plan on courting him, giving that new life to him. The healer in me can't stand to see him hurt so." Retsu replied, "Have no fear Captain Kuchiki. He will never come after your wife again."
"I'm glad you're so sure, Captain Unohana, but just the same, he should stay away from us. I will kill him."
Retsu nodded her head and turned away from them, walking back the way she came.
"Be careful you don't make an enemy of a man who just gave me a free pass to live." Masami told Byakuya. "He can be a very powerful ally in the future."
Byakuya opened his mouth to say something but stopped, his eyes narrowing in a glare.
Masami turned to see what he was looking at and found a tall, muscular man with long braided black hair walking down the road, also browsing through the stalls. Despite his obvious power and ferocity, Masami could see the stress in his eyes, and his cheeks looked a little gaunt. In short, the man wasn't sleeping and eating enough.
"Who is that?" She asked, touching Byakuya's sleeve to bring his attention to her.
"Captain of Squad Five, Takeshi Maki. He's a fiend." Byakuya hissed out. "He was chosen to be the husband of Squad Five Lieutenant Momo Hinamori."
"Chosen? Did she not get to seek out a husband?"
Byakuya closed his eyes briefly and shook his head. "His squad seems to really like him, which we are all grateful for, considering the last Captain. However, we've heard things about him and Lieutenant Hinamori. She lives in absolute fear of him. I don't know what to make of it. You hear things but. . ." He trailed off with a shake of his head. "Put on a smile, he comes this way."
Takeshi Maki was an impressive man, that was for sure. When he greeted them, his voice was deep, almost making Masami feel like she should have vibrated with the low baritone.
"Captain Maki, this is my wife, Masami." Byakuya introduced, a little coldly.
"An honor, Lady Kuchiki. I was actually hoping your wife might help me. There is two sets of necklaces and earrings at that stall there, and I was hoping a woman might help me make a better choice." Takeshi said with a smile, pointing at a stall behind him.
"I would love to help." Masami beamed. Despite Byakuya's warnings, there was something immensely likeable about the man.
Captain Maki lead her to a table where he pointed out two beautiful necklaces he thought about buying his wife.
"What kind of girl is she?" Masami asked the Captain.
"She's. . .beautiful. Quiet, soft spoken, gentle. . .pure." Captain Maki whispered. And while his words where beautiful and spoke of a pure devotion, the look on his face spoke of pain and misery.
". . .This one." Masami whispered at last, pointing at the simpler of the two necklaces with emeralds.
Captain Maki bowed his hand in thanks before taking his purchase and leaving.
"He's a disturbing man." Byakuya muttered when he was out of ear shot.
"No, he's a sad man who just happens to be disturbed with something dealing with the woman in his life. He obviously loves her." Masami corrected.
With a gentle tug on her arm, Byakuya led her back to do more shopping.
Masami cried out in pain as another contraction hit her. Her water had broken during the night as she got up to use the restroom.
Byakuya had been at her side with one call, but since then, he was pretty much useless to her. He flitted around helplessly as a one woman spoke encouraging words to her (that she should shove up her ass, as far as she was concerned), while another mopped her brow.
"I can't do it!" Masami cried, "It hurts!"
"You can and you will. You wanted a house full of children, remember?" Byakuya said, shoving the woman mopping her brow out of the way. "And if you think you are leaving me, you are wrong."
Masami snarled at Byakuya. "This is your fault! You are never ever getting your cock anywhere near me again!"
He had the nerve to smile at her, brushing hair from her face. "If you say so, love."
"Kimiko." Masami cooed at the small girl that laid in her arms. Byakuya was knelt beside the bed, watching his small daughter nurse from her mother for the first time.
"It's a beautiful name." He murmured, reaching up and touching the soft black hair that fluffed up from his daughters head. "My little empress child. My beautiful daughter."
A scream cut through the happiness though, and had Byakuya on his feet in seconds, his zanpakuto drawn.
A servant opened the door, whispering to Byakuya swiftly.
"I'll be back quickly Masami. Stay here." Byakuya ordered her.
Masami raised an eyebrow in amusement and watching her husband leave the room swiftly. Seconds later, her mother entered, her face pale, but brightening when she saw her granddaughter nestled in her daughter's arms.
"Mother!" Masami said happily, "Meet your granddaughter, Kimiko."
Kimiko choose the moment to release Masami's nipple, letting out a small cry.
"My, what a pretty little cry she has!" Etsuko laughed. "She'll be a perfect little lady. Tea ceremonies, the best of dresses, flawless make up and skin!"
"No." Masami said, the smile leaving her lips. "My daughter might be that, if she wants too, but Byakuya and I have already discussed giving her martial training, and even letting her go to the Academy when she's old enough, if she wants too. My daughter won't be helpless like her mother. Father won't hurt her. No one will."
Etsuko glanced toward the door and swallowed thickly. "You don't have to worry about your father. Someone left his severed head in a box. The scream. . .a servant found it just as I arrived. I don't think it was done to be malicious. . .As anyone would know that you bore your father no love."
Byakuya entered the room and the look on his face confirmed all Etsuko had just said. "He's gone from us forever."
Masami looked down at her small daughter and smiled. "The future is more bright then, now, isn't it?"
100 years later. . .
"Be careful Hiroki!" Masami called to her son. The boy was barely eight years old and trying to defeat his oldest sister, Kimiko in a mock sword fight.
Byakuya knelt beside her, watching their nine children run around, practicing their sword skills or playing.
"Did you know that there was a bet as to if I would have more than two children. Once we had our third, the bet changed to, 'How many will Byakuya have?'." He said as he watched Hiroki get knocked down by a rather gentle blow from Kimiko.
The young boy began to tear up and cry.
"You handle it. . .since all I do is coddle him." Masami smirked at her husband.
Byakuya smirked back, stood, and walked over to his son.
As father and son talked, Masami took the chance to glance at her family, then over her shoulder at the large portrait that Izuru Kira's wife, Koemi had painted of her family. While the portrait showed them to be the Noble family everyone expected them to be, nothing was further from the true.
Years ago, Masami gave up on being a proper lady all the time in favor of being a ruthless business woman, and to always ensure her family's prosperity and safety.
Byakuya, while still cold and aloof in public, he couldn't be further from such behind closed door. He had even gone as far as to move most of the Byakuya Elders into a house far away from them. He wanted his children to grow up how they wished, and not how others wished them to be.
The Soul Society was prospering under the marriages, children being born. . .Soon, even Kimiko would be marrying off. She smirked at the thought of her daughter's suitor, Michio.
Neither mother or daughter had informed Byakuya of the young man suddenly in Kimiko's life, and they really didn't plan on doing so until a later date. . .Until Masami could make sure Byakuya wouldn't do something stupid. . .like he almost did to Rukia and Renji.
Speaking of the boy Michio. . .
"My mother wanted me to bring these to you and your daughters. She said they helped her learn hand to hand combat, and is meant to be learned by women." Michio said as he handed the books off to her.
"Tell your mother thank you, Michio." Masami smiled up at the boy. He was build like a mountain, and could lift a building with no effort. . .Then again, giving who his father was. . . "I'm afraid Byakuya is home for the day, so you don't really have time to spend with Kimiko today. . .However, you could always challenge her to a friendly match." Masami whispered.
Michio smiled and glanced to Kimiko who was watching him out of the corner of her eye. "Maybe another time. I just needed to see her face and get out of the house. You know how mom and dad get."
Masami nodded softly and reached up to squeeze the boys massive hand. "You are always welcome here."
"Like Hell." Byakuya muttered, walking up.
Michio stiffened but held Byakuya's gaze, going as far as to smirk in the Captain's face.
"Dad told me to tell the pretty boy Captain hello." Michio teased as he turned to leave. "Enjoy those books Masami!"
"Thank you Michio!" Masami called back.
"The boy has no respect, like his father." Byakuya spat.
"I like him." Masami grinned, her eyes sparking with mischief.
Author's Note: Okay, this is the end of Byakuya's and Masami's story. You will see glimpses of them in other chapters, and probably see a good bit of them in Renji and Rukia's story.
I must say though, Byakuya is a pain in the butt to work with! He is the reason I haven't really posted anything! I finally just sat down, began typing and said, "Meh, it'll have to work."
So, next will either be Mayuri and his girl, Takeshi and Momo, or possible even Komamura and his girl. Each of these couples like to hound me. I honestly should have worked on some of them while Byakuya was being a pain in my ass.
Anywho, hope you enjoyed the chapter!