Part 8 "Consequences and Orders"
Using flash-step Byakuya was at his manor in seconds. With the new information he had been given, it was time to test a theory. If the girl was truly of noble birth and bloodline, then she would have a sense of honor. The astute captain had not missed the commanding presence she taken on earlier when she insulted him. This information could be useful. Honor was something he was well practiced at. If the girl had any then, he would make sure to use it in his favor.
Passing silently by vigilant guards, Byakuya carried the sleeping woman into his study. Rayna stirred as they entered into the brightly lit room. Quickly making his way to a solitary couch, the dark eyed captain carefully laid the redhead down. When he pulled his hands from underneath her she stirred again. As she rolled her body so that it was cradled against the back of the couch, the Kosode fell off her shoulder. Pale soft skin was exposed in an almost indecent manner.
Hastily the nobleman removed his Hiaori to cover her. A long jagged mark escaping from her Kosode caught his eye. Kneeling down carefully, Byakuya examined the pale white scar. It was an old injury, long ago healed. The experienced captain knew this type of injury. The touch of a Hollow left with a very identifiable mark. The jagged scar started from her shoulder and disappeared down the soft skin of her chest. It was partially covered, but the captain was certain the injury had almost taken the woman's life. If the lights in the study had not been so bright, the astute captain would have never noticed the pallid scar.
Without thinking he reached out and touched the blemish that flawed soft skin. Raynas Reiatsu exploded into him. The power of it was absolute and alluring. As it overtook him the captain savored it. Euphoria filled him and he had to fight to control it. Returning his attention to the woman that held such power, he traced the path of the mark with his fingers. When it ended his fingers didn't stop. Of their own accord, they fallowed the contours of her neck. Warm silky skin enticed him to gently rub his fingers over her jaw line.
Rayna suddenly gasped and rolled away from him. When the contact with her skin was broken the Reiatsu that filled Byakuya was suddenly extinguished. Admonishing himself for his actions, he stood. Quickly covering the girl, he dimmed the lights in his study and left. Seeking solace, the honorable captain found himself in Hisanas' tomb.
Rayna could sense the sun streaming across her face even though her eyes were closed. Her stomach lurched at the smells of food. Opening her eyes she quickly closed them again as a pain ravished her head. Pulling the covers up over her head she let a groan escape her lips. Scenes from the previous evening began to flash in her minds eye.
"Yarinju, I think it's time we moved on. I may have dishonored myself last night." Rayna said aloud, hoping that her friend was not mad at her for her disgraceful behavior. As memories of what she said and did came back she pursed the cloth to her face trying to hide from her own folly. "Better still, you may just want to go ahead and leave me at the 6th division prison. I have a feeling I am going to end up there any way." Rolling away from the sun, Rayna decided to stay in bed until the pain went away.
"I have had some orange tea brought for you. I understand it is best in these situations." An unwelcome voice said.
Another groan escaped Rayna, did the captain have to witness the aftermath of her indiscretions. Curling into a ball she brought her covers tighter around her. If her head had not hurt so badly she would have noticed the difference in spiritual pressure. Where exactly was she? It was not uncommon for her to sleep on the couch in her room because it offered more security. This could only go one of two ways. Either, he was in her room or…. 'Oh crap, please don't let me be in his.'
Opening her eyes, she carefully pulled back the cover and poked her head out. Moving slowly she turned to look over her shoulder. Happily she flopped back down on the couch pulling the cover back over her face. Letting out a held breath, she sighed with relief at finding herself in what appeared to be a study. The relief didn't last long as she realized that she was using his Hiaori as a blanket.
Slowly, and with as much dignity she could muster, Rayna got up from the couch. Facing away from him, she quickly fixed her clothing and disheveled state. Once she was done with that she picked up his Hiaori from the couch and carefully folded and smoothed it before placing it on a nearby table. Taking the sparest of glances at him she was glad to note he wasn't staring at her.
The room was large and very neat. In one corner there was a large ornate desk that held several neat stacks of papers. The wall behind it was a covered in book shelves filled with books. The captain was sitting at a long table in front of a large window. The only other piece of furniture in the room was the large couch she had slept on. The man himself sat reading one of many papers in front of him as sunlight streamed in. To his right there was a tray with some tea and food. It appeared that he expected her to take tea with him this morning.
Trying unsuccessfully to keep her embarrassment from showing, she faced him. "Captain Kuchiki, I apologize for imposing on your house." Rayna said as she bowed her most contrite bow.
Byakuya took a sideways glance at Rayna. Hair spilled over her shoulders and around her face, so it made her expression impossible to see. Not knowing exactly what she was thinking, he wondered how much of last night she remembered. The decision not to place her in prison may have turned the tide in his favor. As far as he could tell she was contrite instead of defiant.
"So it appears that you do have some manners." Without directly looking at her he motioned to the chair closest to him. "Sit and we will discuss your training." It was an order.
Rayna slowly made her way to the table. Feeling like penitent child, she pulled the chair out and sat down. Clasping her hands in her lap she bowed her head.
A servant appeared from out of nowhere and began to poor tea for them. The girl must have been new because her hands shook. Feeling sorry for her, Rayna gently placed her hand over the girls stopping her motions. "It is best to let those with experience handle these matters." Rayna dismissed the girl with a smile and took over her duties. Tea with her father used to be a morning ritual and she easily fell back into it and prepared the tea for herself and the captain.
Byakuya watched over his papers as Rayna stood and began to prepare tea. That answered one question. The girl had had some noble training. Paupers were not educated on such customs. He watched as the contrite woman ceremoniously performed duties that were given to a noblewoman. Gracefully, she placed two plates beside him. One held a cup of tea that had been sweetened with honey. The other held some sweet rolls. Serving herself after him, she quietly sat down. It was interesting to see a docile woman in her. Since encountering her he had met nothing but defiance.
Rayna bowed her head again staring at the hands clasped in her lap. Her courage failed her and she was afraid to take even a sideways glance at him. "My house has been ordered to secrecy about your identity. Unless you are in my presence I insist you resume your guise as a young boy." Byakuya said as he took a sip of the tea that had been prepared for him.
"I apologize captain, but it is best you go to the head captain and have me removed from your house." Rayna said taking on a formal manner.
"Unless, there is good reason for you to leave I decline your request." Setting down his cup he picked up one of many papers wrote something on it and set it aside neatly.
"I apologize Captain, I cannot offer such a reason." Rayna continued to stare at her hands.
There was a long silent moment. It seemed her request to leave was a warning. After last nights happenings he had several reasons for needing to know exactly who and what she was. The silence he was met with told him that the lady would not be giving up any of her secrets today. What was needed was time alone with her. "Since you seem to have found your manners, you will be taking tea with me every morning while you reside in my house." This order he delivered looking directly at her down turned head. He continued, "Lieutenant Matsumoto will be here later to start your training. It is best to replenish your spiritual energy." Still there was no response from her "Now eat, Lady Rayna."
Raynas head came up at the use of her title. Staring at him she held his gaze and instant before turning away. Yarinju would not tell, perhaps Rukia? If she had he would clearly use her sir name. Had she given part of her secrets away last night? If he knew the all of it, certainly, he would assess her as a threat and place her in prison.
It was too late to deny it. Rayna seeing an opportunity turned her gaze to him. "That title long ago ceased to apply. Captain as I have stated it is best for your house to send me away as soon as possible." Rayna continued confident that she had a valid excuse. "I will dishonor your family. My previous actions are evidence of my lack of breeding and manners."
"Very well then, Rayna, I do not intend to allow you the freedom to dishonor this house." This news was delivered as he took another sip of his tea. Byakuya watched the expression on her face change from humble to tenacious. Hazel eyes flashed with green. Byakuya did not miss the warning. If he pushed harder he would encounter her anger.
"Taking away my freedom will most certainly bring it about." Rayna said losing her formal tone. Raynas manner changed again to the commanding presence she carried from the night before. Intelligent hazel eyes scrutinized him prepared to do battle.
Taking a last sip of his tea Byakuya stood up. 'So much for contrite', he thought. Time to tread carefully or he would lose the battle and never gain her trust. "I am only following the orders as they have been handed down. However, you must understand I will protect my family." He stood up looking down at her face, noting its loveliness in the morning sun. "I have no interest in your activities beyond which that affect your safety or this house."
Relief flashed in the hazel eyes that stared back at him. It is easier to tame a caged bird if it has the illusion of freedom. Breaking her gaze Byakuya made his way over to where Rayna had left his Hiaori.
Turning Rayna watched as he donned insignia of his rank. "I expect you have no issues with training. As I am told that is your purpose for being here." It was less of a question and more of an order. Rayna had to give the man credit, his commanding presence could be intimidating. With a curt nod she recognized his order. Byakuya turned and left. The image of Rayna sitting bathed in morning sunlight stayed with him for the rest of the day.
It is a little short today sorry.. but had to split a really long chapter into two... Atleast I am happy with it.. Todays background noise was just '30 Seconds to Mars'... Jared Leto commands all my attention so no T.V. today. As always I don't own Bleach Tite Kubo does... Lets face it T.K. is awesome!!! (I do not seek profit for what I have done... It is just for fun)
I had a cool link to some awesome art my friend did... but due to security... well you know.. anyway just know that my friend tombbabe on deviantart made me some lustworthy art of Byakuya... I am certain a persistent person could find it. (and no she doesn't own Bleach either... we are just obsessed fans.. who do this for fun)