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WHEN THE SNOW FALLS
by Yih

Chapter Thirty-nine
The Compromise

"He said you would be accomodating, will you?" Takahiro inquired, staring intently into Ukitake's solemn eyes.

The Taichou of Squad 13 was sickly and Takahiro could see that Ukitake was not well, his face was pale and his breathing was shallow. Takahiro was a little uncertain now. It was clear that Ukitake could not fulfill his entire duty as Taichou. Rumor had it that his fukutaichou, Shiba Kaien held the daily responsibities of Squad 13. If that were so and given what Byakuya-sama had told him about Rukia-sama's duties as de facto teacher to the incoming shinigami… it was likely she was like a fukutaichou within Squad 13.

Could she handle the responsibilities that would go with her role as the wife of the Head of the Kuchiki clan along with her duties as 3rd seat of Squad 13?

It would be difficult and Byakuya-sama certainly held his two posts well, as did Ginrei-sama before him, but they were men and did not have a woman's fragility. Rukia-sama was surprisingly healthy compared to her sister, but that did not mean that her health would continue after the hardship of child-bearing. But the converse was true as well. Rukia-sama could very well handle doing both and he had grown fond of the her in the intervening years. She was worthy of being Lady Kuchiki.

It had taken him years to realize that, but better late than never, Takahiro thought. It was all surprising, after all. She came from Rukongai – it was only natural to oppose her joining the family – as it had been before with her sister, but Rukia-sama had proven different than Hisana-sama and if she was the mother of the Kuchiki Clan's future… all would be well.

But how to keep her content and the future safe?

"I have heard rumors," Ukitake remarked, "that Rukia will likely be retiring after this mission."

"You must understand, she is Lady Kuchiki and our clan needs an heir," Takahiro stated. "That supercedes all matters, even though she is the 3rd seat of Squad 13."

Ukitake inclined his head. "What is the discussion then?"

"It is possible for her to resume her shinigami duties after a few years of leave if she were to only partake in a role that would keep her undeniably safe from harm," Takahiro responded. "You must understand the importance of a child's mother."

"I do."

"Then will you agree to this, if I manage to persuade the other Elders to agree to this proposition?"

"Agree to restrict her role as 3rd seat to duties even a green shinigami could handle?" Ukitake murmured. "That will be hard, but I am sure I can work my way around it. Rukia will understand how many depend on her."

"Thank you, Ukitake-taichou," Takahiro said, bowing deeply in respect.

"No," Ukitake said, motioning for Takahiro to rise, "thank you."

-

It was lonely going to sleep without Rukia by his side, Byakuya thought as he stared up at the ceiling. It was also hard to sleep without her warmth and her soft breathing to lull him into unconsciousness. Byakuya sighed and rolled over onto his side, imagining that Rukia was next to him, her back against his.

It was no use… he wasn't going to be able to sleep again tonight.

Byakuya rose from the bed and picked up Senbonzakura. As soon as the familiar weight of his zanpakuto was in his hand, he felt more calm and less worried about Rukia. As he and she were connected, Senbonzakura was linked to Sode no Shirayuki. When had it happened?

The first time they had made love… the night of their wedding.

"They are fine," Senbonzakura spoke to him, a little mischief in the lilt of her voice.

Byakuya narrowed his eyes. "You're up to something."

"Not me."

"What is Rukia doing?" he asked suspiciously.

"Finishing her mission."

"When will she be done?"

Senbonzakura paused, thinking – probably feeling the connection she had to Sode no Shirayuki. "Tomorrow perhaps, or mayhap the day after."

Byakuya grumbled and Sebonzakura was lightly chuckling, much to his annoyance.

"There were more Hollows than expected, but don't worry they are handling it well. He is taking care of her and he is miffed you would doubt him."

"Tell them to hurry," he said exasperatedly, then bit his bottom lip. "Tell her… I miss her."

Sebonzakura smiled. "The latter I will certainly pass on. The former, I think we'll keep to ourselves. You know how he is."

Byakuya didn't exactly know how Sode no Shirayuki was, but from what he gleaned from Sebonzakura and a little from Rukia – he was prickly and aloof, not someone to mess with and deeply attached to Rukia – as all zanpakuto were to their partners.

"Shall we practice?" Byakuya asked. "To pass the time?"

"Yes," she said, "let's."

They said nothing further between themselves, instead letting their combined powers flow through the air with a dazzling display of raw strength and beauty from the innocent, yet deadly cherry blossoms. Byakuya's heart ached from Rukia and he pushed himself to his limit and he was certain that Sebonzakura also missed Sode no Shirayuki – as much as she would comment he never discussed his feelings to her – because she was putting on an impressive spectacle that was truly exhausting.

When they were done, when they were spent, Byakuya sat down on the ground, leaning against a tree, Sebonzakura cradled on his lap and his hand caressing her hilt, and he closed his eyes and dreamt those beautiful dreams of Rukia with his baby in her arms, smiling up at him with her radiant smile.

A/N: What do you think about the idea of Sode no Shirayuki & Sebonzakura?I have exams for the next three weeks, starting on Monday, it is highly unlikely I will release anything for the duration of my exams and finals. Please be patient! And please, please keep reviewing! It was mildly disappointing to barely get 10 reviews after having received 15+ consistently for the last 7 chapters, and 20+ for the last 3 chapters. The reviews are what have made this story as successful as it is.

Also, I have published a science fantasy e-book called "The Glasshouse," if you would like to support my writing endeavors, please check it out. It's only 3 USD!

Released: 4/18/2009