xxi.
There is little else to do but fall asleep.
Read perfumed letters, perhaps. Gaze at the outside world, at the soft blurs of blues and greens, the darkness and light, if he wished. Toushirou could listen to the horses, even, the sound of their hooves hitting the ground, or the turning carriage wheels.
Then again, with not much to do, and having no desire to sleep, Toushirou thinks on old thoughts.
Karin will be fine, he knows, his concern eased by the knowledge that she is in good hands. Kiyone likes her well enough now, beginning to rile the former princess up just to display her affection. Sometimes, it almost seems that Karin even enjoys Kiyone's company. Not that she'd admit to it, Toushirou thinks with a smirk. Even Hanatarou seemed to not stutter quite as much in Karin's company; he doesn't vanish quite as instantaneously as before.
Still. He can't help but worry.
He dreams of summers and upturned smiles, the loud guffaw of his uncle that runs bone-deep through Toushirou, his unruly hair tossed back as he laughed at the sun. He dreams of his parent's embrace, the reckless rambles in the woods, the notches of his growing height in an old magnolia tree, one final time. He dreams of running through the orchard, and stumbling for breath, pausing until he hears his name being called and grins, looking up and—
Jolted awake, it almost escapes his attention that he said her name aloud, as the carriage treads over some rocks. He curses under his breath.
Only a dream, Toushirou tells himself, feeling disgruntled as his heartbeat races recklessly, it's only a dream.
"Toushirou!" Ukitake Juushirou greets him at the ball with an easy smile and a generous embrace, which time and time again, Toushirou finds he can never escape. Ukitake has always been more cunning than people realize, effectively trapping Toushirou by placing his hands on his shoulders after the embrace has ended. "How have you been?"
"Good," Toushirou states plainly, not quite adjusted just yet. Three days travelling, three days sleeping, is tiresome work. He might not be up to par with conversing at the required level at the moment, but it helps that he has known Ukitake since he was a boy. "Kiyone and Sentarou are excellent as always."
"I'm glad to hear it," Ukitake beams, eyes bright and sparkling. "You've had a safe journey, I hope?"
"Three days of peace," Toushirou replies effortlessly. Tilting his head, he frowns, staring at the young woman who had accompanied Ukitake. He looks at her, considering, then looks back at Ukitake. "Perhaps you'd introduce me to your acquaintance."
He supposes he could have added adornments of flattery, but his nature dictates that compliments and half-truths come later, all for the sake of a smile and half-meant sincerity.
Nevertheless, Toushirou smiles, gazing upon her approvingly.
"Of course. Hitsugaya Toushirou, this is the lovely Kuchiki Rukia," Ukitake says, lifting his hands off Toushirou's shoulders, although he still cannot walk away. Not when introductions are in place. The older noble turns, as his companion steps closer.
There's a smile on Kuchiki Rukia's face, fixed in place, denoting a serene and sweet disposition, the bright lights of the ball illuminating her face well.
"A pleasure," Toushirou says, with a nod, which she mirrors just as cordially. Upon further inspection, he inquires, "Kuchiki. Are you connected to Kuchiki Byakuya, perchance?"
"Indeed I am. He is my brother," Kuchiki Rukia informs him with a demure smile, violet eyes alight with pride.
He considers her a moment longer, gazing on her charming features, her ebony tresses, the air of intelligence that she carries. The corner of his mouth twitches, a failed smile.
"I admire him very much. I hope that one day I can hold you in such high regard," Toushirou offers instead, aware that the silence lasted a beat longer than intended.
She arches a brow. "Are you to mean that you do not hold me in high regard now?"
"Toushirou," Ukitake says, amused, watching them both with fondness.
"Not at all," Toushirou says, smiling despite himself, enjoying this turn of events, and elaborates. This is comfortable terrain. "You have made a favourable first impression, and I can only hope that extended time with your company will only improve my opinion of you. Perhaps even, dare I say, a friendship."
"I see," Kuchiki says, glancing at him with deliberation. "You wish to know my true character."
"How else am I meant to hold you in high esteem?" Toushirou asks, smirking slightly. "First impressions can only take you so far. Would learning your true character be so bad?"
"I didn't say that," Kuchiki banters back, evidently also enjoying herself in this exchange. "There is also your true character to consider."
"Then we're at an impasse," Toushirou says lightly, "How can we know each other's true character unless we become better accustomed to each other? Though, for my part, I am sure I would enjoy your company."
"You say that now," Kuchiki says, smiling.
"Might I ask where your brother is?" Toushirou enquires, changing topic abruptly.
Kuchiki shares a glance with Ukitake, then responds, "Not here, I'm afraid. However, since I enjoy such invitations, Ukitake offered to take me and be my guardian."
"You have always been considerate," Toushirou remarks, much to the delight of Ukitake. The older man beams at him. "I must admit I envy you for such generosity."
"You mustn't be so self-depreciative, Toushirou!" Ukitake admonishes, concern creasing the lines of his forehead. "You have plenty of virtues that any young man would hope to attain."
The words of comfort feel like condemnation instead, a reminder instead.
"Thank you," Toushirou says, eventually, evenly. He opens to mouth to speak further and continue the pleasantries, before a familiar sight catches at the corner of his eyes, and he turns, abandoning the thought of conversation at an instant.
"Toushirou?" Ukitake says, the sound of his voice pulling him back, and Toushirou blinks, trying to focus his attention on his present company. There's a knowing expression on Ukitake's face, much to Toushirou's annoyance.
"My apologies," He says, flustering. "I was… I was…"
"Distracted?" Kuchiki offers helpfully, the picture of innocence. She follows his former line of sight a second later.
Shoulders slumped, he nods, hoping that they hadn't discerned the identity of the person who drew his attention so flawlessly. "Unfortunately so. Forgive me; I caught sight of someone who I haven't seen in a long time. I didn't mean to be so… affected by it."
"I'll think about it," Kuchiki says, almost playful, turning to Ukitake with a smile.
"It happens to all of us," Ukitake says, smiling triumphantly now. No matter how kind and understanding he might be, there's something irritating about it. "As it happens, I believe I have caught sight of Shunsui myself, so I believe we will take our leave. If you'll excuse us."
He feels his face go red, and promises that they'll talk later. When he is less distracted.
"I'll look forward to it," Rukia says with a delicate smile, about to say more before deciding against it, and follows Ukitake.
Toushirou sighs to himself, free of company for the moment. The music plays on, the people dance, and he is glad to be alone.
"I had hoped you'd come," she says, her voice as beautiful as a starlit night. And he looks up, inhaling air, meeting her brown eyes that gaze at only him. With warmth. Inviting him to step closer to her.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Toushirou admits, softly smiling, as he drinks in the sight of his dearest, most cherished friend.
"I should think not," Hinamori Momo says, pink pleasure softening the curve of her cheeks. She smiles, and she is radiant. "Now, should I wait for you to ask me for a dance, or should I ask you instead to dance with me?"