Chapter Two
The Next Day: Saturday
Byakuya started early in the morning making preparations for Myssa to begin her research for hunting down the Kuchiki relics. He sent messages to clan elders, asking them for their co-operation. He talked to Ginrei, who was glad to help. By mid-afternoon he decided to pay a visit to Shunsui to gain some information about Myssa.
Shunsui was surprised to see Byakuya standing in his living room. "Well, hello, Captain Kuchiki. What brings you here?"
"I have come seeking advice. Myssa Starjax will be spending a great deal of time at my home."
Shunsui smiled, "She told me all about it this morning over breakfast."
"Since you know her so well," which rankled him for some reason, "I thought you could give me some ideas about her favorite things. I wish to make her visits comfortable."
Shunsui rubbed his chin, "Hmm…let's see…Well, her favorite color is burgundy, although she likes dark purple almost as much. She likes dark tea over green, but still likes green tea and doesn't make a fuss. Come to think of it, she doesn't make a fuss about much of anything. She drinks only water or mineral water mostly. She's funny about modern drinks, says the chemicals are nasty and bad for your body. She loves flowers. Apparently, all dragons have an affinity for flowers." He snapped his fingers, "Oh, that reminds me, you should meet her dragon…" He whistled loudly, "Tamor!"
Byakuya was reeling mentally. Shunsui had just said "dragon" like it was the most common thing to discuss. "Did you just say 'dragon'?"
Shunsui chuckled, "See for yourself." He indicated the open doors to the garden. Moving across the grassy lawn, Byakuya could see a small, black dragon galloping toward them. It was the size of a small dog. As it got closer, it spread its wings and took flight, stopping to hover near Shunsui. Byakuya was astounded at how expressive the dragon's face was; it was clearly perturbed with Shunsui.
The dragon spoke with a voice that was deep and rumbling, "How many times have I asked you to stop whistling for me like a dog?"
"Sorry 'bout that," Shunsui said, "I thought you were around back with Myssa."
Tamor huffed a puff of smoke before he turned his golden eyes to Byakuya. "Ah! This must be Lord Kuchiki!" He gave a low bow in midair, "Myssa speaks very highly of you. It is my deepest honor to make your acquaintance. I am Tamor of Dragon Realm, the king's champion, and guardian of Myssa Starjax."
Shunsui snorted, "King's champion? Really? You're the best of the best?"
Tamor cut him a dirty look then returned his gaze respectfully to Byakuya who said, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Tamor."
Tamor gave Byakuya another deep bow then flew back out into the garden. Shunsui watched Tamor leave, "He's a prickly one." He turned back to Byakuya, "Myssa is out in the garden if you'd like to visit her."
"No, I do not wish to disturb her."
Shunsui paused to offer Byakuya some tea. He poured two cups and the two men sat down in the living room. Once he settled, Shunsui said "By now I would imagine that you may have heard a bit about Myssa's reputation around the Seireitei."
"I have heard nothing. However, I assume you are referring to her many admirers."
Shunsui chuckled a bit, "Yeah, she's got quite the following. They call her the most beautiful woman in the Soul Society, if the cards and love letters are anything to go by."
"That would explain all the gifts at your front gate."
"All of the attention makes her uncomfortable and sends her into hiding." He took a sip of tea. "All she really wants is for people to like her for who she is as a person, not how she looks or what she is." His eyes met and held Byakuya's, "Try to look past all that. She really is an amazing person."
"What is she other than a relic hunter? She is very reluctant to say anything about her past."
Shunsui glanced over his shoulder to make sure no one would overhear him. "She'd kill me if she knew I'd told you any of this." His voice dropped a bit. "Her past is filled with more pain than anyone should be made to bear and her family is right at the heart of most of it. There will come a time when she'll be comfortable enough to tell you who and what she is and about her past. Until then, enjoy getting to know the real Myssa because that is what she's offering you. No titles, no pre-conceived notions, no filters, no judgments." He smiled, "You have no idea how lucky you are, but you are about to find out."
Myssa's voice wafted in on the breeze. She was laughing and picking on Tamor. Byakuya still loved the sound of her laughter. He stood, "I will take my leave. Thank you for the advice and the tea, Shunsui."
-Two Days Later: Monday—
Myssa arrived at the Kuchiki estate at 9 a.m. She was halfway across the courtyard when Byakuya stepped out to greet her with an older man two steps behind him. His face was its usual calm indifference. "Welcome to my home, Myssa."
She bowed, "Good morning, Lord Kuchiki. Thank you."
"This is my grandfather, Ginrei Kuchiki, former head of the clan and former captain of squad six."
She bowed to him, "It is a true honor to meet such an esteemed member of the clan, my lord Ginrei." She knew the proper way to address his grandfather and had given a very courtly greeting. Byakuya was exceedingly pleased.
He was even more pleased be able to really see her beauty. She had chosen black jeans and a white blouse, simple but nice. Today, she wasn't soaking wet so he was able to see her hair. It was glorious. A lovely chestnut hue with the sun revealing highlights of gold and copper. She wasn't just the most beautiful woman in the Soul Society. No, to him she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. "Where is Tamor?" he asked, trying to stop staring at her.
"A lot of people are ill at ease around a dragon so I thought it best to leave him with Jushiro which I will probably regret it because Tam eats too much sugar and goes crazy. I didn't want to upset anyone in your household. Those with low or no reiatsu are very prone to dragonfear. Dragons give off the stifling power naturally. It's one of the reasons dragons stay away from the world of the living."
"That was very considerate, but unnecessary. Tamor is welcome here any time."
She smiled, "He will be thrilled. You should have seen the sulking I had to deal with all morning after I told him he couldn't come along today."
He held back a smile. Why was it that when she smiled, he wanted to smile too? It was unsettling. "I have a few duties to attend to this morning, but I will be back this afternoon to help you get started with your research."
"Really? Most people find what I do boring until the hunt. No one likes the real work, they only want the adventure."
"I enjoy challenges in all forms."
Was she reading his face correctly? That statement was meant to be general, but the way his eyes were burning made it seem personal.
"My grandfather will show you around the estate. Two elders will meet you today to answer any questions you have about the relics."
"Thank you, you're making my job easy."
Ginrei stepped forward and offered his arm to her, "Shall we, my dear?"
She smiled brightly and slipped her arm in his. She turned that smile on Byakuya, "Have a good morning." Then, she walked into the mansion with Ginrei. Byakuya watch her walk away, his eyes glued to her denim-clad butt. He imagined what it would feel like to hug her close and run his hand down over that lovely backside. He really hoped that the elders were nice to her.
Ginrei took Myssa on an extensive tour of the estate. They talked about many things, mostly about the history of the clan and the estate. Ginrei wove some of his history into the conversation as well. The more he talked to Myssa, the more he liked her. She was very intelligent and charming.
When the first Kuchiki elder arrived, Ginrei was impressed with how poised and respectful Myssa treated him. The formal nature and speech she used wasn't indicative of Soul Society nobility, it went beyond it. She was charming and the elder not only enjoyed talking with her, he told her and Ginrei that he wished he were younger so he could marry her.
The second elder was a woman named Ginrikku. She was Ginrei's sister. She was instantly haughty and demanded that Myssa perform a tea ceremony for her before she would even consider engaging in any conversation. Ginrei sent a servant for the items. Myssa sat respectfully with her eyes closed and head bowed slightly until everything was ready for the ceremony. She then explained before she began that she was taught tea ceremonies of her home realm and that she hoped that any differences would be pleasant surprises and not offensive. Old Ginrikku wasn't disappointed. The tea ceremony was elegant, graceful, and included artistic flourishes that made the old woman smile. Ginrikku drank her tea then treated Myssa like she was a family friend. Myssa's easy way with people shined through and Ginrikku settled into conversation with her.
When Byakuya returned from work around 2 p.m., he found Myssa still talking to Ginrikku. Ginrei was reading a book in the room across the hall from the ladies. "How long has Aunt Ginny been here?" Byakuya asked.
Ginrei closed his book. "Three hours. She is very taken with Myssa. Quite frankly, I'm stunned. You should have seen the tea ceremony she performed for Ginny, it was beautiful."
His brows rose. Hearing high praise from his grandfather was rare and knowing that Ginny was obviously impressed too, Byakuya was secretly very proud of Myssa. "How did she do with Kugashi?"
"He wanted to marry her." No surprise there, Kugashi was an infamous ladies man in his youth and prime.
"Has she said anything at all about her lineage?"
"Not that I heard, but her etiquette and the way she holds herself – she has been trained beyond what nobility demands. If I had to place a bet, my money would be on royalty. She could be a princess, a courtier, or even a courtesan. All would have that level of training."
They both heard Ginrikku laughing. Byakuya opened the door to see her in the hall, hugging Myssa. He was shocked to his toes. His aunt saw him and smiled at him, "My dear Byakuya."
He gave her a small, soft smile. "Hello, Aunt Ginny. I understand that you had a very pleasant visit with our guest."
"Indeed! It's been a long time since I laughed so much! When you come to my garden party next month, you must bring Myssa with you."
His eyes lifted to Myssa, "If she wishes to go."
She bowed, "I would be honored."
Ginrikku looped her arm through Byakuya's. "Come, walk me to the gate." She spoke to Myssa, "You, my dear, will find those relics, I have faith in you."
"Thank you, my lady Ginrikku."
Byakuya and Ginrikku walked away. Myssa had Ginrei lead her to the library so she could get started going through the books available there.
Outside, Ginrikku paused at the gate to give Byakuya a very serious look. "That is a special young woman you have as a guest."
"High praise coming from you, Aunt Ginny."
"I know you don't want to hear this, but you are long overdue to get married again." He sighed, but she pressed on, "It has been 70 years, Byakuya. While I never approved of Hisana's lack of nobility, I did like her. She would be terribly upset to find you have not moved on. She would want you to find love again, to have a family to carry on your lineage."
"I am too busy to even think of courtship let alone marriage."
Ginrikku sniffed, "Tch! You bury yourself in work as an excuse. Delegate, Byakuya. Spend the time to get to know this Myssa Starjax. She's obviously well bred and such a beauty. I think she would be good for you."
He scowled. The thought of marrying anyone didn't sit well with him. However, he had to admit that he was becoming painfully aware of how long it had been since he had touched a woman. He'd had plenty of opportunities to date beautiful women, but no one had appealed to him beyond their looks. The last time he'd had sex was 20 years after Hisana's death. He'd gotten very drunk and payed for the services of a courtesan. Afterwards, he'd felt horrible emotionally. He promised himself he'd never touch another woman unless by some miracle he fell in love again. The last 50 years had been long and hard. He had tried to stamp out every hint of any soft emotion in himself. He failed miserably. The best he could do was to bottle everything up and shove it down deep where it seethed in raging torrents. No one really knew him. He wouldn't allow it. He often wished for someone to share those emotions with, to break down the walls he kept around his heart, to just be Byakuya, not Lord or Captain.
Ginrikku kissed his cheek and said "good-bye" then got into her carriage to be taken home. Byakuya watched the carriage until it was out of sight, using the time to mull over her words and the fact that she had given Myssa such praise so quickly.
Inside, Ginrei told him that Myssa was in the library. He told Ginrei to have a servant bring everything for a tea ceremony to the library. Ginrei walked away, Byakuya didn't see the knowing smile on his grandfather's face.
-In the Library—
Byakuya felt an odd surge of warmth when he saw Myssa browsing the shelves in the library. She stood on her toes trying to reach a book that was just out of her reach. He moved up behind her and reached for the book, his arm and hand brushing against hers. His mind went somewhere he never expected…an image of him holding her against the wall, her legs around his waist, his hakama on the floor and his body slamming into hers in the throes of passion. His body responded so fast he had to quickly take a step back from her.
"Perfect timing, Byakuya, thank you!" She said as he handed the book to her. She smiled at him and he had to fight the urge to pull her into his arms. That smile of hers cut straight through him. So far, her most dangerous weapon. Was that the sound of a chisel and hammer on the walls around his heart? Or were his ears just ringing?
"I see you've wasted no time getting to work."
"Some preliminary selections." She paused slightly, "How was your day?"
"Productive. How was your day with my relatives?"
"Enlightening." She grinned at him, "You were a gorgeous kid, Byakuya Kuchiki."
He scowled, "My grandfather and great aunt showed you my childhood pictures?"
"Yep. It's no wonder you're such a gorgeous man." He quirked a brow. "Oh, please, you know you're gorgeous. Stars in heaven help me if you ever decide to start smiling."
He gave her a genuine smile, "Well, with you around perhaps I'll have reasons to smile."
That smile…She was lost and it was written all over her face for him to see. She couldn't tear her gaze away from that handsome face. Something fluttered in her belly, a warning…
His finger twitched as he fought the need to reach for her. What the hell was this woman doing to him? One look of naked desire from her and he was ready to press her against the wall to make that earlier fantasy come true.
A servant arrived with a tray of items for a tea ceremony. The spell between Byakuya and Myssa was broken. "I heard about your tea ceremony and would like for you to perform it for me."
"The exact one that I did for your aunt or would you prefer one that is performed for males of high nobility?"
"What is the difference?" He asked.
"One is sensual, the other is not."
His eyes widened slightly. He really wanted the sensual one. "We've only known each other for a few days, best to stick with the non-sensual."
She settled and began. He quickly understood why Ginrei had given her compliments. She moved with elegance and grace. The look in her eyes whenever she looked at him had him believing that no matter how much she tried, the sensual undercurrent was present and accounted for. The artistic flourishes were entertaining and lovely. His focus volleyed between her hands and her face, enjoying every moment. When she bent over to place his tea in front of him, her blouse fell open enough that he had a clear view right into her cleavage. Another image flashed…his tongue and lips trailing in that valley on their way to rosy peaks.
He waited until after he finished his tea to speak. "That was beautiful. Where did you learn such skill?"
"My step-mother trained me."
Finally, he thought, an opening. "What is she like, your step-mother?"
"Beautiful, intelligent, all told, a truly wonderful woman." She paused, considering if she should speak her next thought. Deciding to be honest, she still fidgeted when she spoke. "She was the most famous courtesan in all of Dragon Realm."
He took the information like a punch in the gut. His hope that Myssa was nobility or royalty died a fast death when he heard the word "courtesan". No one of nobility, let alone royalty would ever marry a courtesan. That meant Myssa's father was probably a wealthy merchant or scholar. He looked at her, really looked at her. Did it really matter? Why was it bothering him that she would be deemed unsuitable by Aunt Ginny and Ginrei? Then it dawned on him…he didn't want his grandfather or aunt to change their opinion of her. What would it matter? They were only supposed to be friends. Who was he kidding? He wanted her in his bed, under him, with his name singing from her lips in ecstasy. And since when did he care about what anyone thought about his choices? He was Byakuya Kuchiki, and he always got what he wanted.
Satisfied that he had figured out all he needed to know, he relaxed into his usual calm, cool demeanor.
Myssa had to fight down a giggle as she watched everything play out over his face while he digested that tidbit of information. Part of her training from her step-mother had included how to read people. Poor Byakuya had no idea that she could practically see the wheels turning in his head. She wanted very badly to tell him everything about her past, see the look of shock on his face. But, she stayed silent. Now was not the time. She was determined to get him to take the nobility stick out of his ass and accept her just as a regular person. She wanted the same thing from him, for him to just be himself. She knew that was going to take time.
"Will you stay for dinner? Your company would be most welcome." He had surprised her, he saw it in her eyes.
"Thank you, I would like that." Maybe there was hope for him after all.
A knock on the door drew their attention. A servant opened the door after Byakuya said, "Come." The servant, a young man, bobbed a bow, "There is a messenger at the gate for Myssa Starjax."
She sighed and stood. "Haiko Fujiama, no doubt."
He stood too, "Come, I will put an end to this."
They both went to the front gate. The messenger handed over a written message to Myssa and waited for her response. Her face went from irritation to anger. She handed the letter to Byakuya. He read it. It was bordering on obscene in the descriptions of how Haiko wanted to pleasure Myssa and fulfill all her needs. It made Byakuya angry. "Tell Haiko Fujiama that Myssa Starjax is under the protection of the Kuchiki clan and that I ask him to cease further personal pursuit of her." The "or else…" was implied by the edge of his tone.
Myssa knew a threat when she heard it, veiled or not. The messenger left. "Are you sure that was wise? He's going to take offense."
"That is his problem, not mine." His hand at the small of her back guided her back toward the mansion.
"Thank you for that, Byakuya." She sounded relieved.
"You are welcome, Myssa."
