The last of the suns' rays faded in glorious red and gold streaks that cut across the horizon. Blue sky turned purple where the night had begun to overtake the remnants of day. Rayna stood in her room watching it from the open door that led into a garden. Longing to be out in it, she would have left long ago if she had not given her word. There was always one of many gardens but then she didn't want to take the chance of running into one very alluring raven haired captain.
Rayna had spent the last two days avoiding Byakuya. With the exception of the required morning tea, she had stayed far away from anywhere he might be. The self imposed confinement was starting to wear on her. Closing her eyes she silently begged for Yarinju to return and take her away. She would not be able to keep herself caged and away from the man much longer.
A slight breeze blew through the window and Rayna was tempted once again. Venturing into the garden couldn't hurt. Rukia had told her earlier that her brother had a new training regiment that lasted far into the evening. If Rayna remembered to not take too long then she could avoid him and have her way.
Carefully she stepped out of her room, off of a wooden terrace and into a well manicured garden. There was a grass path that wound around several trees that eventually led to a coy pond. On either side of the path plants and flowers were allowed to grow freely in manicured chaos. Rayna guessed that the trees had been around for several generations of the Kuchiki clan. Branches sprawled out creating a canopy of leaves everywhere. They were not unlike the one that she and the Captain had spent the night under.
Stepping lightly onto the grass, she allowed the curve of the path to lead her away from her rooms. Rayna began reflect on the events of that night. Lying against Byakuya under the large cedar tree, was a sensation that had not stopped haunting her. After relaxing into him she allowed her Reiatsu to increase. Sensing the increase, he accepted its power and increased his own to offer additional control. Her spiritual pressure flowed from one to the other wrapping them in a warm entrancing purity.
Neither spoke for a time, instead just reveled in the presence of one another. When the sky became its blackest Rayna felt the dawn about to break and turned to nuzzle her face into his neck. One of the hands around her waist tightened as the other came up to trace a path down the side of her face. "We have to go, you will be missed." Rayna said aware that a man of his stature had much to attend to.
Regretfully she pulled herself and her spiritual pressure away from him. Suddenly cold she made her way to stand up. Stiff unhealthy muscles resisted the process. A sure hand reached under her arm and helped Rayna to her feet. Byakuya had stood up dexterously and was now facing her. Careful not to look at him she brushed the loose dirt from herself. After she was done, silently she made her way to head back to his estate.
Taking her hand in his Byakuya led them back. His speed was not overwhelming and Rayna appreciated the stimulating motions. Muscles still ached in protest but the activity filled her with exhilaration. The estate encroached on them quickly and Rayna suddenly found herself standing in front of the garden entrance to her rooms.
Turning to face her, Byakuya still held her hand captive. "You still need rest. True sleep should finish the healing process," he said in a low tone. Thinking it best to remind her of their previous arrangement he continued. Stepping closer her reached down and lifted her face so that he could peer into it. "Our new arrangement does not absolve you from morning tea or training when you are well enough." To lessen the harshness of the order he gently rubbed his thumb over her lips as his mouth soon followed. The response he received was a silken whisper. Regretfully Byakuya pulled himself away as the sky began to streak with blue. The sun had begun to present itself.
The light from outside torches cast off shadows but did not allow Rayna to see the dark blue of Byakuyas' eyes. Regrettably, it was time to break the spell that had been cast. Wishing for time to stop around them Rayna said, "I will be leaving soon if. Yarinju has already stated as much. Tea and training will not be necessary. I will keep to my word and stay within the confines of your manor." The only defense she had against his gaze was to lower her eyelids.
"You would go back on previously made agreements?" Byakuya asked not surprised that she would find a way to defy him. Releasing her from his touch he backed away from her. The aloof captain cursed the lack of light, because he could not read the emotion in her eyes.
"No, I…" the redhead trailed off backing down from her own resolve. "I will do as agreed upon." That was the instant that Rayna realized it was too late to save herself from his enthrallment. A new ache arose from deep within her. This could never be, and for her it was all or nothing. She already knew that about her own nature. That free spirited passion was about to cause her a lot of heart ache. "I will see you shortly, Captain," she said turning away. Without looking back she left him standing there looking after her.
Coming back to the present Rayna found herself gazing into the coy pond. A clear reflection of herself assessed her in smooth water. The ache in her soul was more acute after dwelling on the night they had shared together. Bending down she carefully trailed her hands in the smooth water creating tiny ripples. She fallowed them with her eyes trying to force her thoughts in another direction.
If Yarinju didn't return soon she would have to go against her word or decorum. Rayna contemplated both. The living world might offer more freedom and she could easily hide from the captain there until Yarinju came. Then there was the option of disgrace. She could tell him about her past and let his honor overrule him. It would be a certainty that he would have her removed from him and his house. At least she would be allowed to wait in the soul society for her companion. The latter choice did not appeal to her because she was certain she would break under the disdain he would have for her. The final choice was to tell him the truth about the pull of her spiritual pressure. Crouching down further she hugged her knees to herself, rested her chin on them, and just stared at the water.
"I have time to escort the Lady if she wishes." A familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
Visibly stiffening, Rayna was almost afraid to move. If she looked at him now he would see all the raw emotion on her face. Wishing she was not so easily read she uncurled herself and faced the water. "I absolve you of any obligation to me captain, it is not necessary."
Byakuya stood several feet away trying to guess at her mood. Yesterday morning as the sun came up she all but sent him away. The captain had seen little of her since then because her manner was to avoid him. Even the tea they shared went beyond a strained silence. The previous morning she had served him and made excuses about being tired. Allowing that she needed more rest he gave in. This mornings tea was not better even if it was short lived. Moments after she had arrived, a butterfly appeared with an urgent message for him. Duty immediately called him away. When he did return to his study, he did note that his plates had been prepared and her portion of the food had gone untouched.
Obligations and schedules had kept him occupied for the entire day. The bond that they shared allowed him to be aware of Rayna and he was surprised that she had not left her rooms these past two days. Noticing her appearance he wondered if she had planned to run, because she looked ready for it.
Today she wore Hakama with a loose fitting black shirt that looked like it had come from the living world. Short sleeves exposed toned arms. Her Zanpakuto was sheathed across her back hilt side down. Unruly hair had been tamed into a neatly pinned bun. The teenage boy disguise was nearly complete.
"Have you rescinded on our agreement?" he asked somewhat irked that she would consider going against her word.
"What are you talking about?" Rayna asked annoyed at his aloof tone and question. "I have held to my word." Turning, she was finally able to face him without showing the turmoil she felt on her face. Byakuya stood facing her. Despite not wearing his Hiaori, he wasn't any less imposing. Raven hair blew around aristocratic features and dark eyes assessed her. The sun had faded and the garden was dim with twilight, so the true color of his eyes was lost. Yet they were there hidden deep within the darkened irises.
"You are prepared to leave." It was a statement not a question.
"I was prepared for training, only no opponent put forth a challenge." Rayna said annoyed that he has so little faith in her. It was impossible to be mad because she had just been considering leaving only moments ago.
"Unfortunately your partner for today found himself overextended with obligations." Byakuya said relaxing inwardly, because he did not want another confrontation with Rayna.
"Then I will expect a rematch tomorrow." Rayna said ending the idea of running. That left only the truth she would have to tell him, sooner was better than later. Wishing she could muster the strength she again lost her resolve. She felt unlike herself, clumsy and cowardly were not her usual traits. Stepping forward she made her way to leave. "Until then, captain," she said curtly.
Placing himself directly in her path, Byakuya made her stop short. "Why are you threatened by my presence?"
"I am not threatened by you." Rayna said taking a step backward as if to prove his point. The usually expressionless man did something unusual and raised an eyebrow at her questioningly. That simple gesture raised her level of annoyance and she asked, "Why are you here?"
"Beyond the fact that this is my estate?" he questioned.
"Ok, then why do you seek me out? Better still, do you know why you are here?"
"I came to offer an escort," Byakuya answered simply.
"…And you have been told that an escort will not be needed. Yet, here you are forcing your presence." Rayna said as she folded her arms in front of her.
"Then you are threatened?" He asked again, noting the very feminine gesture of anger.
"I don't intimidate or take threat easily Captain do not mistake annoyance for either. Instead I ask again what compels you to my presence?" This part of the truth was going to be painful it always was. Rayna had to rein in her temper, or she would hurt him without meaning to.
Pausing Rayna took a moment to collect her courage. "Captain I should tell you that you are not the first to seek the comfort of my Reiatsu I know that it has appeal."
Silently, Byakuya watched as she sighed outwardly and dropped her arms. Slowly she came forward until she was so close to him he merely had to lean in and he would be touching her. Rayna looked at him directly when she brought her hand up. Sensation filled him when she reached up with a warm hand, rested it on his cheek trailing a path down the side of his jaw. "I am sorry I should have been more careful." Drawing her hand back she stepped back looking down. "Please understand that it is not my intention to hurt you or visit a past that may be painful."
When she looked up liquid green eyes held him in a compassionate gaze as she began what she had to say. "The reason you are here is because you seek comfort. That is the true power of my blood trait it heals the very soul filling the sorrow and pain of loneliness and loss. You have lost a wife, I am aware of your past there is not much that goes on within the soul society or the Seireitei that Yarinju doesn't keep me apprised of. I am sorry for you pain and even sadder for your loss."
Byakuya watched as Rayna twisted her hands together uncomfortably. To her credit she never withdrew her gaze from his it was her way of offering tenderness and understanding. "I felt your sorrow the night that I cured you of the poison. For you, my spiritual pressure reminds you of what was lost. For lack of a better word ,Captain, it is love. That is what you feel and I remind you of it. The portions of soul that I cured will remain whole but the pull you feel will fade. Had I not been injured or weakened I would have been better able to control my Reaitsu and the allure you feel would have already abated."
Finishing what she had to say Rayna broke eye contact. "I will be leaving when Yarinju returns that should make things easier. Again I apologize captain my… nature is somewhat untamed which makes it harder to control my spiritual pressure."
Stunned was not something Byakuya felt often, but now he was. Rayna was right but only about a small portion of it. "Then, perhaps I should tell you of Hisana so that you will understand." Purposefully he took a step forward taking Raynas hand in his before he began. "Hisana had strength in gentleness. I had never been acquainted with anyone as compassionate as her until I met you." Passively he raised his other hand and tilted her head up so that he could see into her eyes. There was nothing unnatural about telling her of Hisana, because through him would be the only way the two women would ever know one another. "That is the only thing the two of you have in common the rest is absolute opposite."
It was now Raynas turn to be astounded. Never expecting him to reveal so much of himself, she listened silently. He told her of how they met, and how he had gone against his family to make her his wife. When he talked of their short marriage wistfully she clasped the hand that held hers tighter. Pain filled his voice when he spoke about her death. All Rayna could do was allow her spiritual pressure to flow into him to offer comfort. After that he fell into silence and Rayna could honestly say she loved Hisana through his eyes and felt the loss acutely.
Despite being afraid he may reject her Rayna stepped closer and wound her arms around him resting her forehead against his chin. It was the only other comfort she could give. When he folded his arms around her, she knew that he had accepted what was offered.
Byakuya remained silent for some time after he finished. It was so easy being here with this noblewoman and speaking about his wife. Rayna would never take anything away from how he felt about Hisana. Tears had filled green hued eyes when he had spoken of losing her. That was the moment that he knew. That single defining moment that he was certain he would sacrifice everything for Rayna. Not that she would ever ask, but he would gladly give his life to protect her. The reality of it was that protecting her meant sending her away from him. The question was what happens next?
The study was surprisingly empty the next morning when Byakuya entered it. Rayna was not there and the tea service had not been brought in yet. The feeling of her Reiatsu coming closer told him she would soon be joining him.
They had not been allowed to spend the evening together as he had planned. Soon after he could finally allow himself to withdraw from her embrace a butterfly had shown up with a message. The Arrancar were back in the soul society. He was forced to leave her, call his division, and set them on the hunt. Byakuya had chosen to join his division on patrol, hoping to catch and eliminate the threat to the noblewoman. The mission was unsuccessful. By dawn it was determined that the threat had extricated itself from the soul society and the captains' unease grew. Aizens creations were coming and going at will and he was certain that they looked for Rayna.
Taking his usual seat at the end of the table he began sorting through the household paper work. It was mundane and tiresome at best but these were all things that needed to be seen to. As he signed off on yet another account that had to be paid Rayna entered the room.
The sight of her in the mornings was one that he had come to appreciate. Today she wore her traditional Hakama and a form fitting white shirt. Again, it resembled something from the living world. The sleeves that fell at her elbows had been slit all the way to her shoulders revealing enticing skin. It was hard not to appreciate the voluptuous figure before him. Soft golden streaked auburn hair had been freed and accentuated her beauty. Today he did not miss the silk ribbon in her hair and there was a glimpse of a tiny gold chain around her neck. Whatever trinket it held would remain a mystery because it disappeared beneath the white shirt she wore. Finally catching they yellow sparks in her eyes, Byakuya asked carefully, "what troubles the Lady?"
Fury had taken hold and Rayna was on the verge of exploding with Reiatsu. "What offense could a child have done that would merit placing him in prison?" She had just come from speaking with Rukia about the condition of the children that she was forced to abandon. The relief that she felt at hearing they had been moved in order to protect them didn't last long. Everyone had been placed in new homes with the exception of Runi who now resided in prison. Nonus' whereabouts was unknown. The bond that Rayna had shared with them had become weak and she could not track their souls. But, if they had been separated they would both suffer unmercifully.
"The boy became troublesome when we tried to place him elsewhere. His attacks against the 9th division could not go unpunished." Despite knowing this information would anger her further he felt obligated to tell her the truth.
A servant came in bringing the tea service, interrupting their conversation. Byakuya was distracted when the clumsy girl accidentally spilled the tray. When he turned his gaze back to Rayna he watched as hazel eyes turned yellow. The warning was noted and he stood approaching her as if she was a wild animal he was about to try and capture.
"Where is Nonu?" Rayna asked with a deadly calm that came when her brain had gone beyond the point of anger. No matter what had happened the boys were her responsibility that put any offense or suffering on her shoulders. The two needed to be together wherever they were. Runi would only attack earnestly if he felt threatened or they tried to separate him from Nonu.
"Due to his condition he is currently resides in the 4th division." Byakuya said as he got closer. Sensing her spiritual pressure rising, he knew it was time to intervene. "Lady Rayna I was unable to prevent what has taken place but I mean to rectify the situation as soon as my duties allow." Gently he reached out and touched one of the hands that she had clenched at her side. Reaitsu exploded into him with such force he almost staggered back. With all that he knew about her he was still not prepared for such power. It took a moment to increase his own spiritual pressure to match hers.
"I am going. Try and stop me if you like, but if you do you will force me to dishonor our agreement." Rayna said not pulling away from him. Her spiritual pressure lessoned and changed at his touch but the sparks in her eyes turned to lighter yellow.
"This is not something I can see to today the children are safe and will remain so." Byakuya responded trying to calm her further by rubbing his thumb over the top of her hand. Stepping in closer to her he brushed his fingers against the side of her face.
Rayna pulled away suddenly. The Reiatsu that had flooded into him abruptly died. The loss of it was felt acutely, and he had to fight to keep form reaching out again. Looking down at Rayna he watched as she took on the posture of her noble self. "This is not your responsibility if you cannot offer escort as per our agreement then find another." The redhead demanded in an unyielding tone placing her hands on her hips.
"Captain Kuchiki it seems that I may have convenient timing. If the lady needs an escort I am available." A new voice interjected. Both occupants in the room turned to see Captain Shunsui Kyoraku standing in the doorway with Nanao peeking over his left shoulder. The pink clad captain assessed them lazily. Nanao on the other hand was very interested in what was taking place. The vice captain tried to hide her interest by pushing her glasses further up on her face.
"That will not be necessary," Byakuya answered. "You are early Captain Kyoraku now is not an opportune moment." Stepping between the flirtatious captain and Rayna, he did not like the appraising look he gave the lady.
"I think Captain Kyoraku will make the perfect escort." Rayna said as she sidestepped around him. Byakuya caught a glimpse of hazel eyes. The dangerously mischievous look was there. The uninvited intrusion had just given the defiant redhead a way to get what she wanted. This meant she would not back down easily.
"The Captain has many other duties of his own to attend to. There is also the obligation that he has to me." Byakuya said not backing down from her challenge.
To Raynas credit she kept her emotions under control enough to have some decorum. "Captain Kyoraku may we have a moment?"
"Certainly" he stated very amused by the scene that he had intruded upon. It was not every day that you saw someone challenge Byakuya Kuchiki. "I will be waiting in the front gardens. The cherry blossoms there will make a good viewing, Come Nanao." Shunsui said sweeping away from them with an inert grace that only he could have. Nanao quickly followed behind.
Only waiting seconds after the two disappeared Rayna turned back to the raven haired captain. It was time to change tactics. "I understand your duties all too well, but Runi and Nonu are mine. I know it is most inconvenient but I have to go with or without escort." Letting out a deep breath, the noble woman looked up at him and added, "Please, Lord Kuchiki."
Byakuya was not fooled she had appealed to his sense of honor and purposefully addressed him with title to offer the illusion of submission. Clever woman, he had noticed that the expression in her eyes had not changed, just her strategy. Amused, he was willing to allow it but not for the reasons she thought. "Be patient, and Captain Kyoraku can accompany you to see to the children. It would be best if you continued your guise. Ready yourself we will be just a moment." The perceptive captain was further amused by the surprise on her face. It was apparent that Rayna had not expected to get her way so easily.
Unable to resist, Byakuya stepped closer and roughly pulled her to him. Both arms wrapped around her trapping her there. Without warning he covered her mouth with his demanding a response. Soft lips melded into his and Rayna opened her mouth to allow him access as her hands clutched at his Hiaori. A soft tongue teased and responded in kind. The already heightened spiritual pressure began to rise further and he was once again forced to pull himself away. Bringing up a hand to run through the soft locks of her hair he placed one last light kiss on her lips before he released her and stepped away leaving her stunned. Turning to leave, he paused and looked over his shoulder at her. "I am not a fooled by your methods Lady Rayna. I am allowing this, but I will demand acquiescence from you on other matters." With that last statement he left leaving Rayna to look after him.
Sorry this took so long again. The death of the MAC as affected me greatly. Still not a PC Person and I refuse to convert. So yes there are editing errors. Oh, and sorry for Spelling Zanpakuto wrong previously. I will go back and fix that.
Todays' soundtrack included AFI, and Evanessance. Television was unusually silent, But then I was also doing research for another project and working on some art at the same time. Even I can achieve sensory overload.
I don't own Bleach Tite Kubo does, I don't seek profit, and honestly lets face it if I did own Bleach it would end up in the Harliquinn section, so I am glad that Tite Kubo does write it.