Asunder

Chapter 4: If I thought it would help I'd carve my name into your heart

Kuchiki Admiral Industries Headquarters

1142 Seventh Street West

Downtown Yokohama

I was thoroughly entrenched with work, pouring over a number of important contracts pertaining to my company's pending takeover of four joint ventures, all specialising in foreign investment and trade. For a solid calendar month I have not seen her, as I have been so inundated with company and Kuchiki clan matters both.

My back was straight in my office chair, situated appropriately at my solid and heavy polished oak legal desk. The computer monitor was to my right, contracts in front of me and overflowing from my in trays. This is not how I had envisioned spending so many of my evenings of late.

As I turned to page 14 of the Manning-Clarke & Associates contract, immersing myself in clause 10.1, my Chief of Security, Abarai Renji, knocked particularly loudly at my open office door. I signalled with a slight nod of my head for him to come in. Abarai had become accustomed to my slight gestures over his eight years of service.

'What say you, Abarai?' I asked, continuing to peruse clause 10.1. I must familiarise myself with all four contracts before sending them to our legal department for further scrutiny in the morning. Definitely not what I'd rather be doing. Burnt orange tresses fanning out on dark charcoal Egyptian cotton sheets is what races to the forefront of my mind…

'Well er Kuchiki-sama, it seems Rukia, ah no – Rukia-sama – has er received some upsetting news,' his words eventually splutter out. Abarai is not known to be the most articulate of my personal staff. Lifting my head from my work I notice that he quite literally looks to be sweating bullets.

'The point, Abarai?' I query, letting a hint of my annoyance show with a raised brow. The sooner I get through these contracts, the sooner I can return home. One month is simply an unsatisfactory amount of time to be away from my home.

'Ah, well you see it involves that Kurosaki. You know, that Doctor…' Abarai stalls, before growling out most fiercely, 'That strawberry haired school mate of hers...' A look of utter annoyance crosses Abarai's features, his mouth set in a hard line.

'I care not for that buffoon. If that is all this matter pertains to, I would rather hear no more on the subject,' I said, going back to my work, effectively dismissing whatever trivial happenings he has been referring to.

A noise somewhere between a sigh of exasperation and a squeak sounds. Clearly Abarai has more to say.

'It's just that Rukia, er Rukia-sama has heard from Kurosaki that he has been dating one of his co-workers at Ishida Memorial – a redheaded beauty from the Records department – it seems,' and with that Abarai most certainly has gained my attention.

'I see. Does this redheaded beauty have a name, Abarai?' although I already know the answer. There is only one redhead in that particular department.

'Inoue, sir. It's Inoue.' His voice low, his stance braced for some unspoken yet expected reaction.

'Abarai, call my Grandfather. I will be taking a break,' I say as I remove myself from my desk, shut down my computer and gather the contracts together neatly. 'Effective immediately,' I say as I obtain my suit jacket from its position atop my chair.

'Have Hitsugaya organise for these documents to be couriered to my Grandfather this night. I will deal with Grandfather tomorrow. Also, advise Hitsugaya that I will be corresponding with him in relation to a number of important matters that are to be delegated to him tomorrow. I am going home.'

Orders relayed, Abarai is unsurprisingly quick to his most pressing task, calling Grandfather. I hear his firm voice, 'Kuchiki-sama, Abarai here Sir…'

Knowing that Abarai will relay my delegated task to Hitsugaya, and having full confidence in his and Hitsugaya's abilities, I soundlessly brush past him as I pull on my suit jacket. As I stride toward the elevator on the 17th level of Kuchiki Admiral Industries, I take my personal phone from my briefcase to check the time.

11:04pm.

She had better still be awake.

…

It took an hour and forty-two minutes to get from my office in Yokohama to my apartment door in Karakura. Thoughts of that wretched Kurosaki kept saturating my mind along the journey. My princess would not involve herself with another. She is simply too kind for her own good. Kurosaki must be mistaken if he thinks he is even in the same league as my Orihime, the delusional brat.

My town car dropped me at our apartment building's opulent entrance. Regardless the time of night, the dazzling lights never dimmed. I swiped my security fob and the automatic doors opened effortlessly. I was greeted with a simple nod by the night clerk, situated behind the grand main desk in the lobby. I made my way across the polished imported Spanish tile towards the elevator.

I again swiped my fob over the sensor before pressing the appropriate button for our floor. The elevator doors opened without a sound, I stepped inside. In no time at all I had arrived at our door. I swiftly entered my key into the lock, opened the door, stepped inside and locked the door behind me.

Our apartment was bathed in near complete darkness. The feeling of home and comfort engulfed me as I crept silently down the hallway toward our bedroom. I had missed this comfort, this warmth, this feeling of utter contentment and peace. Our bedroom door was ajar. It was exactly as I had expected.

I set my briefcase down beside the doorway, closing the door quietly behind me.

Bending down on one knee to my polished Italian Loafers, I swiftly removed them and the black socks adorning my feet, before precisely placing the footwear next to my briefcase. Standing once more, I loosened my tie, contemplating the conversation between myself and my grandfather only a few days ago – our conversation echoing through my mind…

Two Days Prior

14:22pm

Kuchiki Compound

Sakura-Yama, Yokohama

'The girl is not the right fit for the clan, Byakuya. I forbid you from continuing in this mere dalliance. You will end this relationship, and soon.' Kuchiki Ginrei ordered, eyes ablaze and his gaze completely focused on me, searching for a particular reaction. Grandfather is trying to bait me.

'My relationship with Inoue-san is no mere dalliance, Grandfather.' I calmly responded as I took a sip of Jasmine tea, facing him directly, ensuring no hint of emotion crosses my face.

'The Kuchiki clan's reputation is at stake. There will be no scandalous rumours in circulation even hinting at Kuchiki involvement, Byakuya.' Ah, the source of Grandfather's displeasure now evident. The truth of the matter and this meeting now aired in the open. I hid my discontent at Grandfather's underhanded accusation, his meaning clear in my mind.

Grandfather leaned back into his dark leather wing-backed chair with a tired sigh; he closed his eyes and scratched the bridge of his nose. 'I know that I am no longer the clan head, that responsibility and all associated obligations and decisions now rest with you.'

I remained silent. I had a feeling that Grandfather had more to say. I am none too sure that I like the direction this conversation between former and current clan head is taking.

'If I cannot persuade you to end this relationship Byakuya, I must strongly urge you to keep things contained, private. Do not think that I am unaware of your current living arrangements. Think of the potential fallout. This does not merely have implications for you and the clan…'

By no means was Grandfather an old fool. I did not for one minute think that he was ever unaware of my current living situation. I never hid it from him. I had hoped to have a decent amount of time with Orihime before introducing her to the insufferable politics of everything that came with being involved with a Kuchiki clan head, let alone my business endeavours. I wanted to spare her from any involvement in this never-ending political nightmare for as long as I possibly could.

Grandfather however had other ideas. He was clearly driving towards a particular outcome concerning my sweet, I did not want to hear it. Perhaps he thought he was trying to divert a merchant ship's course from a pending hurricane. I simply could not envision any complications or potential scandals in relation to my relationship with Orihime that would be her doing. Hindrances on our relationship from my position in both business and name were unfortunately another matter altogether.

I decided to end this conversation as I did not like the direction in which Grandfather was heading. I needed to get back to my office and continue with negotiations concerning a number of international take-overs. But before I could get a word in, Grandfather cut me off with a stern warning, 'You know what can go wrong Byakuya.'

'If this relationship is to continue, you must officially court the girl. I know that you are a grown man. You are 36 and make your own decisions. However I implore you to have some discretion. I will not have her being impregnated or something equally as disastrous becoming tabloid fodder.'

Ah, so that is the crux of this afternoon's meeting – Grandfather, and probably others in the clan, are afraid that there will be an illegitimate Kuchiki heir. Of course. I should have realised much sooner.

'There is no need to concern yourself with any possible tarnish or unsavoury repercussions upon the Kuchiki name from my actions or inactions, Grandfather.' I said to Grandfather with deep conviction.

'No need to concern yourself at all,' I reiterated, steadfast in my belief.

'I would much prefer to keep my relationship private, however I am under no illusion that those days are numbered.'

I was well aware that paparazzi had been following my movements much more closely of late. It made me feel uncomfortable, but I was more concerned with and admittedly somewhat anxious as to whether the paparazzi had any inklings pertaining to my personal life. A tightness formed in my chest. My left fist tensed in its place inside my trousers pocket. I certainly had no qualms about the leeches following me, it was part of being a Kuchiki, its legacy. My sweet Orihime however was another matter entirely.

My lips formed a straight line, my brows drew together; no, this would not do at all. Grandfather fixed me with a pointed look over the table we were situated at in the parlour, interrupting my thoughts. With that single look, many words were communicated through the stark silence.

'I will bring Inoue-san to the compound in less than two weeks' time, Saturday after next. I will ensure that Rukia makes the necessary arrangements.'

Present Time

As I walked over to the bed, for once dropping my dress shirt and trousers without a care onto the floor, my thoughts were consumed with enveloping myself in her smell, her warmth – just in her very essence.

I lifted the bedclothes on my side of the bed and slipped within my sheets. I made myself comfortable on my right side, unceremoniously draping my left thigh over her left hip, and pulling her into my chest with my left arm. Deciding to simply breathe her in, bask in her vanilla scent and warmth, disregarding all thoughts of that Kurosaki brat.

This is what is most important, my sweet Orihime and I, together.

The Next Morning

06:54am

'Orihime, my sweet, it's time to wake up. You have to be at work by 9:00am,' I implored, gently touching her shoulder to rouse her from sleep. No doubt she was currently dreaming about having a bionical leg and slowly becoming a cyborg. I could not help but shake my head and smile at the thought.

She was cocooned in the sheets. There were no signs of movement. I gently touched her shoulder with a small degree more force, trying again to wake her. My actions did not have the desired effect. Sighing quietly to myself I decided to simply pick her up and dump her in the already filled tub.

Disentangling her from the sheet's embrace was a more difficult task than I had anticipated, but I managed, and still she slept. Arms unconsciously about my shoulders and legs firmly locked against my lower back, I made our way into our en-suite. A small nonsensical sound escaped her lips as she pressed her face against my neck, her breathing even. She can sleep through anything.

'Orihime. We are in the bathroom. I'm going to undress you. We will be taking a bath together,' I said into her ear. She finally stirred, tightening her arms and legs around my body.

'The Dark Lord has returned...' she said before she opened her eyes and pushed herself back with her hands bracing herself against my chest to face me.

'When did you – how did we…?' she trailed off as she took in her surroundings – our en-suite and the awaiting tub.

'Byakuya, we're in the bathroom!' she exclaimed as realisation finally hit her.

'Yes, my sweet, we are to take a bath together.' I replied, as I set her feet upon the cool tile and began to strip myself of my nightwear, black cotton boxer briefs. 'We have some things to talk about,' I elaborated, ensuring that my tone did not indicate any worry on my part, as I again tested the water's temperature. It was agreeable.

'We do have our best discussions in the bath. It's nothing bad, is it?' she asked as she removed her silk chemise and stepped out of her underwear, coming closer toward me.

'I mean, it's not anything I should be worried about, right?' she looked to me with hands clasped firmly in front of her beautiful breasts.

'Let's just soak for a short while,' I answered as I stepped into the tub, holding my hand out for her.

She unclasped her hands, took my own and let me draw her into the warm water with me. I settled against the end across from the shiny chrome taps and pulled her against my chest. I closed my eyes and just enjoyed this closeness, relishing in it really. Relishing in her.

I wrapped one arm around her shoulders, the other over her waist. My knees were bent and laid against the sides of the tub. She was settled nicely against me and was currently playing with the many bubbles. I just held her in the water, relaxing my body and enjoying simply being with her after so long. I knew I could not be away from her for so long again.

After a few more moments of silence, I rested my chin upon her right shoulder and bit the proverbial bullet, 'I need for you to come to the family compound this next Saturday.'

I awaited her thoughts on the matter. She shifted in her position against me and abruptly turned to face me, water sloshing over the sides. Her hands grasped my shoulders. My hands trailed soothing patters along her spine and the small of her back. Her eyes searched mine, she looked on the brim of tears.

'Who exactly will be there? Just your Grandfather and sister? No one else?' she softly, yet hopefully inquires.

Deciding to be completely upfront, 'I believe Grandfather has organised for most of the family to be in attendance. I am afraid I don't know more than that.'

A shocked gasp escaped her lips. 'I-it's not anything bad, is it, Byakuya?'

'Not that I am aware of. I understand that Grandfather wishes for you to be officially introduced to the family,' I take careful note of her reaction to this information.

I search her face for any hint of a reaction. Her face is a mask of shock, her mouth wide open. I nudge her gently with my shoulder. Her mouth closes and she shakes her head.

Taking a strand of long, auburn hair between my fingers I try my best to placate her many concerns – considering her lack of verbal communication, 'You won't be alone. I will be there with you, as will Abarai.' Still, she doesn't speak. I pull her to me in a hug, holding her close.

'I will not let anything happen to you.'

I feel her lips move against my neck, her hot breath warming me, despite the water's temperature.

'You can't promise such a thing, Byakuya,' she whispers against me, tightening her hold around my waist, situating herself in my lap. 'I am glad you're back though. It's been so hard without you here. I missed you so much.' There is much hurt and frustration in her voice.

I simply nod, knowing all too well the impact my position within my business and my family has had upon our relationship over the past three – no four – months.

'I am making some changes to my work schedule. Delegation to Hitsugaya in particular has already taken place. I've decided to take some time off, given Grandfather's wish to have you introduced to the family.' Her hold tightens around me and her body starts to shake.

'I'm so happy you've decided that.'

'I have delegated certain important tasks to Hitsugaya in my absence. I cannot promise that I will be completely free of work for the next two weeks, but I will be working from home for that period.'

'Alright then, I look forward to the time we will have together over the next two weeks. Although I do need to hurry up and get dressed for work, no matter how much I want to stay in here with you,' she said as she reached up and caressed my dark hair, then my face.

I have missed her touch.

'It is only 07:30,' looking over to the sleek, modern black and chrome clock hanging on the wall above the bathtub's taps. 'We've plenty of time before you need to ready yourself for work,' I said as I took her mouth in mine, invading her sweet cavern, conquering what was rightfully mine. She didn't resist my advances, instead opened herself up to me completely, in a way that I had not had enough of and feared I never would.

Author's Note:

Hello dear readers :) A big thank you to Nypsy again for her review. Multiple thank you's to those who have taken the time to firstly read this story, and those who have followed or favourited it - I appreciate you taking the time.

Let me know what you though of this chapter from Byakuya's point of view if you feel so inclined. Inspiration in musical form came from the Gaslight Anthem. I love that band :)