Chapter 9
It was turning out to be another absurdly hot day, as the sun had already warmed the Seireitei well into heat that was usually reserved for the heat of the day in the dead of Summer. Without a cloud in the sky, the sun's rays were left unchecked and with the danger of heat exhaustion a real possibility, Captain Byakuya Kuchiki had dismissed the squad so they could focus on staying cool and hydrated.
Sitting in his office, with the window and office door open to coax a cross breeze to cut through the heat, Byakuya plugged away on a borrowed laptop. After he had finished his conversation with the Captain of Squad 12, he had gone to the lieutenant of Squad 9 to rent the device, since he very much was not willing to handwrite the entire report for both the Royal family, as well as for Central 46. The lieutenant had offered to give him a small class on the device's operation, but Byakuya was already versed in its abilities, such were all the captains.
His fingers floated effortlessly over the keyboard, hitting the correct keys without him even having to look where they were falling. Instead, his eyes followed the dancing cursor as it raced across the screen, laying each word, each sentence as he thought what to write for his report about Zaya Dejan'Ra.
He had been working for quite some time, evident in the achy sting in his eyes from focusing on the screen in front of him for so long. He saved his work and drew in a deep breath as he rubbed his eyes with his thumb and forefinger, instantly relieving the sting that hovered in the inside corner of each silver eye.
"Shouldn't you be wearing your reading glasses?" Said an amused sounding voice through the forced darkness produced by his fingers.
Without even having to look, Byakuya knew whom the voice belonged to and simply continued rubbing his eyes as he spoke.
"Pulling the 'father' card are we?" He asked, not at all angry at the welcomed distraction from his work.
Jūshirō Ukitake softly laughed as he sat down across from the Captain of Squad 6, still smiling despite the noticeable bags beneath his chocolate eyes from his unrestful nights as of late.
"No, but you'll get a focus headache if you don't. You've always been stubborn about wearing them." Ukitake said, releasing a long breath.
Byakuya finally finished rubbing his eyes, simply to glare at the white haired captain.
"And for good reason, Jūshirō. I am not a fan of wearing them." Byakuya said, leaning back in his chair to release some building tension in his lower back.
"I'm not either, but I still wear mine when working on those things." Ukitake said with a point at the laptop.
Byakuya pursed his lips together as he opened the drawer to his right and plucked a small, black and hard case from inside. He opened it and pulled out the thin wire framed reading glasses and delicately slipped them on and positioned them on his nose.
"Is that better?" Byakuya smirked as he slowly shook his head and returned to his work.
"Quite. You get grouchy when you have a headache." Ukitake snickered.
"So does everyone I would imagine." Byakuya said as he typed.
"You a little more so." Ukitake nearly mumbled.
Byakuya's eyes flicked up to glare over the top of the laptop for a moment before looking back to the screen, all while he continued to type without missing a beat.
"I would have figured you would be resting considering you spent the night training with Nyruki. You look as if you've stayed awake for days." Byakuya said, never stuttering in his soft pressing of the keys.
"If I could get some more rest, I would, but it appears every time I close my eyes, I see the desires her Zanpakutō shows me." Ukitake said with his smile fading.
"Are they the same as they were?" Byakuya asked.
"For the most part, but there are some recent additions." Ukitake said with a sigh.
Byakuya's eyes flicked up again, "Oh? Shareable additions?"
Ukitake smiled tiredly, "Yes, it's shareable. Recently, you and Nyruki have been apart of my illusions."
"I see." Byakuya said, returning his eyes to the screen.
"I will say this... Any children you two have are going to be downright adorable." Ukitake said with a low chuckle.
Byakuya huffed a crooked grin, "Is that so? Well, it is a bit... early to be thinking about that." He continued typing.
"Perhaps, but it is a welcomed thought." Ukitake said, crossing his legs.
"I would have to agree," He sighed, "Speaking of, where is Nyruki? I would have thought she would have accompanied you here." He added after a moment to allow his brain to finish its thought.
"She's at the Squad 13 training grounds with Rukia." Ukitake said simply.
"Ah. Training I presume?" Byakuya asked.
"Yes... What are you working on?" Ukitake asked, lightly furrowing his black brows.
"My report I plan on sending to the Royal family." Byakuya said with a quick glance over the laptop at his visitor once more.
Ukitake's eyes widened, "Oh?... Clan business, or something else?"
"Both, actually. Something ill involving clan business." Byakuya said.
"Sounds entertaining." Ukitake shrugged.
"Quite, but not a tale I wish to dive into at present." Byakuya said with a roll of his eyes.
"No worries. I understand when things need to be kept private." Ukitake said simply.
"Thank you, Jūshirō."
The two fell silent as Byakuya's fingers continued their coordinated dance over the keyboard, softly tapping and never stuttering in their fluidity. The heat was beginning to weigh down on them both and a small, nearly invisible bead of sweat began to trickle down Byakuya's temple.
"You should do what the rest of your squad is doing, Byakuya." Ukitake said as he dabbed his forehead with his sleeve to rid it of some of his own sweat.
"I'm afraid I do not have that luxury, Jūshirō. This, as well as the report for Central 46 needs to be finished as soon as possible." Byakuya said, this time with no glance up from the laptop.
"On top of worrying about the upcoming battle against Nyruki? That is quickly approaching, Byakuya." Ukitake said.
"I am well aware. There is just too much that needs to be done with the remaining time and since I have already experienced gaining my freedom from Nyruki's Zanpakutō, I decided these reports garnished more of my attention." Byakuya said, rapping a stronger finger against the Enter key to begin a new paragraph.
"I hope that was a wise decision. Shunsui and I are having real issues breaking free. I don't think we'll be able to succeed in stopping Nyruki before she reaches the Head-Captain." Ukitake said with a frown.
"And since none of the other captains are resuming their training, it is still left up to me. Those are dreadfully small odds." Byakuya sighed.
"I don't like it, Byakuya. After all this hard work, is her fate to be discharged from the Gotei 13? She has nowhere else to go." Ukitake said quietly.
"She has two places to go. Either your Ugendo, or my estate. I happen to know that neither of us would shut her out should this battle royale not end how we wish it to." Byakuya said as he ceased his typing to work the small mouse that was no bigger than the palm of his hand.
"I know, but you can't deny that it would be heartbreaking." Ukitake sighed again as his shoulders slouched forward.
"It would be, but if that is to be the case, then both you and I, and I imagine Captain Kyōraku as well, would all be there to provide our support." Byakuya said, his brows furrowing as he glared at the screen.
"That I never doubted." Ukitake said softly.
Byakuya grumbled as he glared at the screen, clicking through several menus as he searched for the application he needed in order to send the report to his chosen printer.
"Where in the realms is the export feature." He grumbled lowly to himself, but it was still loud enough for Ukitake to hear.
With a smirk, Ukitake stood and stepped around the desk, taking the mouse from Byakuya and went straight for the correct menu with that very feature.
"You could have just told me." Byakuya glared up as he slipped off his reading glasses and set them down on the desk next to the laptop.
"And miss a chance to be slightly better than you at something? Not even going to come close to happening." Ukitake grinned as he went back to his chair.
Byakuya huffed a breath through his nose, "That is not surprising."
"Now are you going to take a break and consider taking Nyruki on that date?" Ukitake asked with a sheepish grin.
Byakuya rolled his eyes, "She told you, did she?"
"Yup. Then the Head-Captain had to go and ruin it. Any idea what you're going to do?" Ukitake asked bluntly.
Byakuya drew in a long breath and decided that it was time to take a break from his work. He picked up an insulated water bottle from the desk that rattled from the ice inside and took a long drink from it, relishing in the feeling of the ice cold water as it fell down his throat and hit his stomach with a cooling splash.
"I was thinking of starting small with taking her out to dinner. It was something I never did with Hisana." Byakuya said, holding the chilled bottle in his lap as he leaned back to relax in the chair.
"I see. Have you decided on where yet?" Ukitake asked as he slipped off his sleeved captain's haori to help him vent the heat.
"I'm afraid not. I haven't had the time to even think about it. Not with all this going on." Byakuya said, taking another sip of water.
"Why not that lovely little place near Squad 1?" Ukitake offered as he sat back down from placing his captain's haori over the armrest of the couch.
"You can't be serious, Jūshirō! They wrap their dishes in gold leaf! Don't you think that is a bit extravagant for a first date?" Byakuya reeled with his mouth actually hanging agape at the thought of just how expensive that would be.
Ukitake shrugged, "Alright. Hmm-" he tapped his chin, "That little deli next to my squad is a bit too informal... Oh! What about that bistro next to Squad 3?"
"Oh, realms, no. That place smells of marigolds and it is a fowl stench." Byakuya visibly shuttered.
"Hmm... You're not making this easy, Byakuya." Ukitake glared.
"I apologize for wanting something fitting for someone from such humble beginnings." Byakuya said, rolling his eyes as he offered some of his water to Ukitake.
Ukitake reached for the water bottle and took a long drag, pulling several gulps that crashed like an icy wave into the pit of his stomach. Each helped to lift the weight of the crushing heat and eased the dull ache in his chest from having to breath in the hot, sticky air.
"Humble isn't the word I'd use, Byakuya." Ukitake said, passing the water bottle back to the younger man and drying his mouth on his sleeve.
"You know what I meant." Byakuya sighed, taking a few gulps for himself.
"Oh! I've got it! What about that restaurant next to your squad?" Ukitake beamed with wide, excited eyes.
"She's already been there."
"Damn!" Ukitake frowned and slumped in his chair.
"No wonder I only ever invited Hisana to dinner at my estate; It was easier." Byakuya huffed a low laugh.
"You only say that because you're picky." Ukitake said.
Byakuya sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "I suppose you're right. Maybe I'll just let Nyruki choose."
"And apparently, you're just as bad at dating." Ukitake snickered.
Byakuya arced a brow, "Must you?"
"I only speak the truth. You pick the place and surprise her." Ukitake said, waving his hands in defense.
"Like you are one to talk. I certainly don't see you going out on dates every week." Byakuya smiled and took a sip from the water bottle.
"Do we not know the same man that is Shunsui Kyōraku?" Ukitake grinned.
"He is hardly a raining endorsement for what to do in regards to women." Byakuya said, rubbing his neck.
"Fair point, but he does, at least, have some good advice." Ukitake sighed.
"I'm not going to speak with him about it." Byakuya shook his head.
"I wouldn't. He is most likely being scolded and beat by Nanao by now." Ukitake cringed.
"I shutter to ask why."
"The usual." Ukitake said as he pulled his hair up off his neck to allow the soft breeze coming through to brush over the sweat clammed skin.
"Ah." Byakuya said as he closed the water bottle and set it down on the desk.
"Well, why not take her to a place in the World of the Living? I'm sure they have some nice, quiet little places to go in Karakura town." Ukitake said as he tied his hair's length into a loose knot to keep it up off his neck.
Byakuya sighed, "I would rather avoid Grimmjow for the time being until I have something to show for my efforts. He was less than thrilled with Central 46's decision."
"I know. Well, then I suppose you have your work cut out for you. If I were you though, I would consider taking her out tonight. Tomorrow and the day after, you won't be given a chance." Ukitake said with all amusement gone.
"I don't know if I can afford the time." Byakuya said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"You're the head of your clan, Byakuya. You can afford the time." Ukitake said simply.
Byakuya couldn't stop the smile from spreading across his face. In all honesty, a night out that was void of work and worry was all too tantalizing to fully ignore. To simply relax, sit back and enjoy some time with the woman he had quickly come to love would be a welcomed change from the hustle and uncertainty that had become his norm. In fact, it had become all of their norms until not only Grimmjow's future was secured, but Nyruki's as well.
The heat was like a vampire, sucking the energy right from them, robbing them of the ability to continue with their sparing match.
Nyruki and Rukia had spent the late morning and early afternoon sparing in the Squad 13 training grounds, mastering their skills, but more so for Nyruki. Having to keep up and fend off attacks from Sode no Shirayuki was a monumental task, as they were wide spread and solid, not like dodging the billions of blades from Senbonzakura that she had gotten used to.
However, their sparing was a double edged sword as it were. Where the heat was sucking away their energy, Sode no Shirayuki's attacks blasted both of them with energy renewing ice and snow that allowed them to keep on going.
Nyruki, having entered her Shikai long ago, was still attempting to turn Rukia into a thrall, as per their terms of engagement. Rukia would attack while Nyruki would attempt to turn.
"Some no mai; Tsukishiro!" Rukia called out as she slashed the ground with her glowing, pure white blade.
Nyruki's eyes widened as she looked down at her feet, just as a radiating circle of ice began to form beneath her. She leapt backwards with a flip just as the completely solid pillar of ice screamed upwards, crackling with cold snaps that licked at the exposed skin of Nyruki's arms. Her body had cleared the ice pillar in time, but the braid of her hair had not.
With a tight yank, Nyruki fell to the ground with her hair trapped within the ice of Rukia's attack.
"Son of a! Goddammit!" Nyruki hissed as she gripped her braid to relieve the tension on her scalp.
"Nyruki!" Rukia gasped as she instantly sheathed her Zanpakutō and ran over.
Nyruki grunted as she tried to yank her hair free of the ice, but the last five inches that was tipped with the golden O ring wouldn't budge.
Rukia skidded to a halt next to her and knelt down, "Are you alright?" She asked with a cringe at the sight of Nyruki's braid caught in the ice pillar.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I swear to all that is holy, I'm about to cut it." Nyruki grumbled as she released her hair to allow Rukia to free her.
Rukia held Nyruki's braid as she placed her hand on the ice pillar, causing it to sizzle and melt around the thick rope. It only took a moment before the O ring was freed and Nyruki tugged it free, freeing herself to stand up straight.
"Thanks." Nyruki sighed as she checked the end to make sure the O ring was still there.
"Sure... You should leave your hair long. Nii-Sama really likes it." Rukia said as she offered a sweet smile.
"I'm starting to think I'm not cut out for one on one combat." Nyruki sighed as she tossed her braid back behind her, satisfied that it hadn't received any lasting damage.
"Don't feel bad. Neither is Renji. He's a master at crowd control, but bites it on one on one." Rukia said, crossing her arms.
"That's because he's a whip user. I'm a... uh... mist... user?" Nyruki cringed.
Rukia lowly chuckled, "Close enough."
Nyruki rubbed the back of her neck as her cheeks lightly colored pink, "Wanna keep going, or take a break?"
"Lets take a break. It's almost too hot to keep going." Rukia said as the pair started towards a large, nearby tree for its equally large swatch of shade.
"Yeah." Nyruki sighed heavily.
"Is everything ok? You seem really distracted." Rukia said as they reached the shade and sat down, leaning back against the thick trunk.
"Not really distracted, but nervous about this battle between the captains and I. There's a real, real chance I'll be forced out." Nyruki admitted as she scrubbed her face with both hands.
"I thought Nii-Sama's been able to break free of your Zanpakutō." Rukia said.
"He has, but... Nevermind. It's complicated." Nyruki gave a crooked, but sad smile.
"Complicated is something we Shinigami can handle." Rukia smirked.
Nyruki grunted a laugh, "Yeah, I guess so." She smiled.
The massive ice pillar protruding from the center of the training ground began to crack, spreading in all directions in long, jagged crags that looked like frozen lightning bolts.
"So! I guess I might as well do the lieutenant thing and teach." Rukia said, slapping her hands down on her thighs.
"Lay it on me, Boss." Nyruki said, leaning her head back against the tree's trunk.
"You're too hesitant with your attacks. You need to react faster, almost instinctually and without thought. You're thinking about them too long and too hard about which one to use." Rukia started.
Nyruki grimaced, "That bad, huh?"
"Not actually bad, but just needs improvement. If you can pick up the speed, you'll do better. Now, don't get me wrong, your hand to hand and standard sword play are on par with your Kidō. I'm simply referring to your Zanpakutō abilities." Rukia said as she leaned back on her hands and crossed her ankles.
"Makes sense. I technically only got full control of my Zanpakutō a few weeks ago." Nyruki said as she ran the back of her hand across her forehead to dry it.
"Which would be why you need work." Rukia said with a sidelong glance.
Nyruki whined as she brought her knees to her chest and buried her face, "How the hell am I supposed to pull this off if I can't even turn you during combat? I have no hope with a captain."
"Well, I suppose it's good news that you're having such trouble. It means that the captains will have a better chance at stopping you before you reach the Head-Captain." Rukia said with a pleased smile.
Nyruki lifted her head just enough to peak at her out of the corner of her eye.
"I highly doubt it's that easy. Central 46 could see it as me tanking and void the whole thing if I don't give it my all. I know all the captains will and especially Byakuya." Nyruki said as she hid her face once more.
"That is true. Nii-Sama is going to push you. Getting close enough to him to turn him is going to be your challenge." Rukia said with a half shrug.
"Getting close isn't going to be hard. I've done it before." Nyruki said with a heavy, groan laced sigh.
"Oh yeah! I remember hearing about that." Rukia said quietly.
A breeze as hot as the sun's rays came blowing through, not at all easing the sucking heat that continued to cling to their skin. Both the woman grimaced from the sticky heat until another shadow joined them beneath the tree.
"Nii-Sama?" Rukia asked, squinting hard as she shielded her eyes from the sun just enough to allow her to see the silhouette that resembled her brother.
"Good afternoon, Rukia. How is training going?" Byakuya asked, having clasped his hands behind his back.
"I think we're done. It's getting too hot." Rukia said as she rose to her feet, closely followed by Nyruki.
"I was going to recommend as such. What are your plans for the day since all squad activity has been suspended?" Byakuya asked, having come into view for both now that they were standing.
"Go change into something not black and maybe torture Renji by playing keep away with a popsicle. That sounds fun." Rukia grinned mischievously.
"Give him hell." Byakuya said with an approving nod.
Rukia snickered as she headed off, leaving Nyruki alone beneath the large tree. She smiled up at him as she took a step closer, but dared not go any further because of the heat.
"You almost had to cut your hair." Byakuya said lowly, returning the smile as he reached out and brushed a white lock behind her ear.
"You saw that, huh?" Nyruki blushed.
"I will admit that I watched for a short while. Rukia speaks the truth regarding your decisions in combat. Stop thinking so hard." He said as he took his hand back.
"I'll try." She smiled as she bit the corner of her bottom lip.
"With that said... I was hoping you would be interested in cashing in that rain check for our date." He said after a moment.
Nyruki's eyes widened, "Really?" Her smile grew.
Byakuya nodded once.
The noise the emanated from Nyruki's throat was just shy of a squeal as she lunged and wrapped her arms around Byakuya's neck. Their noses touched as he caught and held her, smiling wide at her enthusiasm to go out. Her smile had reached her eyes that he only just then, noticed were different colors.
"You're still in Shikai." He said as he set her down on her feet.
"Oh, yeah... One sec." Nryuki said with a coy grin.
She pulled the handle of her Zanpakutō from her obi sash and held it close to her lips as she exhaled, expelling the mist from her body to reform into the fine silver blade. He watched as the color of her one crimson eye began to swirl, circling her pupil like water does a drain to be replaced with the proper gold.
"That's much better." Byakuya said as his smile softened.
Nyruki lightly blushed as she sheathed her Zanpakutō, "So where to and when?"
"The when is tonight, but the where is a secret." He said with the barest widening of his smile as he rapped a finger against her nose.
"Ooo... Sounds exciting. Though, I don't have anything to wear." She said as her smile instantly vanished at the thought.
"That is not something you need to worry yourself with. The place I have picked is not so high class where that will not suffice." He said, hooking a finger on the hem of her top.
"Ah... I'm suddenly really looking forward to this." She said with a lopsided grin.
Byakuya released his finger from her top and clasped his hands once more behind his back, "As am I. This is, perhaps, been a long time coming. However, there is a risk involved."
Nyruki's brows furrowed, "A risk? How so?"
Byakuya drew in a long breath that filled his chest and released it in a heavy sigh as his cheeks colored themselves a soft shade of pink. He was actually blushing.
"As I am the young, eligible bachelor of the Kuchiki clan, there comes a bit of... fame, and you and I are no longer a secret." He said as his shoulders began to hop with an airy laugh.
"That surely didn't take long." Nyruki said lowly as her own blush colored her cheeks.
"Nothing ever does. It is already spreading like wildfire that someone has captured the eye of the great Byakuya Kuchiki." He said, again brushing aside that persistent lock of white hair that refused to stay behind her ear with the rest of her black strands.
"That kind of inflates my ego." Nyruki chuckled.
Byakuya huffed a smile as he leaned down closer to her, bringing his lips to her ear where he placed a soft, lingering kiss that Nyruki shied into.
"I will see you tonight, my love." He whispered, sending a visible shiver down Nyruki's spine.
Nyruki softly bit her bottom lip as Byakuya stood up straight and winked before turning away. She stayed beneath the tree as she watched him leave, mesmerized by the fluidity of his movements and just how graceful, yet masculine he looked. Her heart floated on Cloud 9 as she smiled wider, but that very smile vanished when she heard a distant shutter click sound from the row of bushes nearby.
Her brows furrowed as she looked in that direction, waiting, watching for any sign of movement, but there was nothing after she had heard the sound; No rustling, no hushed whispers, no more shutters. There was just the silence of the heated day.
She shrugged it off as she headed for her room with the plan to bathe and clean away the heavy sheen of sweat from training in the ridiculous heat. She had yet to finish organizing her things, so everything she owned was still packed into a modest sized box in the corner of the small room. She dug through it for her extra Shihakushō and her bathing bag, and headed for the Squad 13 bathhouse that was incredibly crowded and packed with people looking to cool off.
It had taken quite some time for her to get in and find a spot to sit down, and even longer to wash her hair as she used the products given to her by that very head of the clan she was going out on a date with.
After a couple hours, she had finished and dressed, but her hair was loose and soaked. She had gone back to her room to contemplate what to do with it, but she genuinely had no idea, as she was completely incapable of braiding it herself. She tried throwing it up in a bun, but that was too informal. She tried her standard high ponytail, but decided it too plain. She tried letting it hang long, but it was far too hot for that and with an exasperated sigh, she frowned at herself in the mirror with a huff and crossed her arms.
Just as she was reserved to just accept one of her normal hairstyles, albeit reluctantly, a knock at her door gave her a much needed break. With another sigh, she went and answered.
"Is this an official visit, or a personal visit?" Nyruki asked as she stepped aside to allow Rukia to step in.
"Personal." Rukia smiled.
"Sweet. Rukia it is." Nyruki chuckled as she shut her door.
"I came by to see if I could help you get ready for your date with Nii-Sama." Rukia said with a wide, toothy smile that betrayed her excitement.
"Can you braid?" Nyruki joked as she plopped back down in front of the mirror.
"Like a boss." Rukia clapped her hands together and rubbed them vigorously as she knelt behind Nyruki.
She plucked Nyruki's hairbrush from beside her and began to brush the long, jet black locks with care, plucking the white strands loose so they hung free along the left side of her face. What Nyruki didn't know however, was that Rukia was even better at braiding than her brother. In a matter of only a few minutes, she had braided its entire length into a double French style that melded into one, just above the nape of her neck. It flowed effortlessly and the light weight from the O ring that Rukia had tied at the end made sure that it hung right down the middle of her back.
"This... This is perfect." Nyruki beamed as she flipped her white bangs to the side for a swept look.
"I'm glad you like it. I happen to know Nii-Sama will like it too." Rukia chuckled before she began to fumble around in her pockets.
Nyruki's cheeks colored pink again as she watched Rukia search her pockets in the mirror, curious as to what the small woman was looking for. Only a moment passed before she pulled a thin, but sparkling bracelet from her pocket that gleaned the color of violet that was near the same color as Rukia's eyes.
"Wow. That's really pretty." Nyruki said with a soft smile as she studied the piece in Rukia's hands.
"Thank you. Nii-Sama gave it to me as a birthday gift a couple years back. It hasn't gotten worn much, so I figured you could borrow it for tonight." Rukia said as she slipped it around Nyruki's right wrist.
Nyruki's eyes widened, "Oh gods... Um, I don't know-"
"Nonsense. You're going on a date with my brother. You need something sparkly." Rukia smiled.
Nyruki's blush deepened, "Um... Alright."
Rukia took another moment to connect the two ends together and spun the bracelet around so that her wrist was entirely adorned with the small violet gems.
"You lose it, I'll freeze you." Rukia pointed and no longer smiling.
"It's a thousand degrees outside. Don't tempt me." Nyruki grinned.
Both woman snickered at the joke, and it was welcomed to help her relax from the rising nerves of her upcoming date. She was excited, but nervous, not sure how to act, let alone present herself since her company for said date was such a well known and high ranking noble and captain. This was entirely new territory for her, but she wouldn't shy away, as she was adding a good memory to her starry sky.
However, just as fast as they had chuckled, Nyruki went stiff when another shutter click sounded off from right next to her.
It wasn't often that Byakuya Kuchiki was nervous, but on this young evening, his stomach was doing mild flips.
With a heavy sigh, he stood in front of his bathroom mirror as he clipped in the four pronged silver hair piece onto the crown of his head. Having done it a thousand times before, it took no time at all until the piece was secured where he brushed his bangs aside so they weren't attempting to poke him in the eye. He stood up as straight as his shoulders would allow and adjusted the gold trimmed captain's haori so that it sat perfectly square and jostled the golden tassels along the high collar so that the loose threads weren't knotted together.
Another sigh left his lungs as he studied himself for a moment longer, satisfied that his appearance was as ready as it was going to get. He left his large bathroom and went to his dresser, opening the top drawer that housed a large, flat oak box.
The hinges softly creaked as he opened it and set his silver eyes on the small collection of jewelry; being plain silver bracelets, a couple rings and a few high end watches.
"I recommend the one I gave you last winter." Came a voice at the door.
He glanced back over his shoulder to see Rukia leaning against the frame with her hands behind her back, wearing a soft smile that clearly told him she was enjoying herself far too much.
"That one is modest. Perhaps it is the best choice." He said as he picked up a simply designed, silver watch from the box that had a face only as big around as if one had curled their pointer finger down to join their thumb.
"I know it is." Rukia grinned.
Byakuya arced a brow at her as he slipped the watch onto his left wrist and clasped the folding hinge together so that it rested perfectly around his wrist.
"You're awfully excited." He said as he closed the oak box and shut the top drawer.
"Of course... My brother is going on a date." Rukia grinned as she stepped into the master bedroom, still keeping her hands behind her back.
His eyes narrowed as he studied his sister, getting more nervous about the mischievous grin on her face than his approaching date. He had lived with her for far too long for her to be able to hide anything from him, and as such, it was easy for him to tell when she was up to no good.
And he was right.
Rukia brought her hands out from behind her back, revealing the black camera she held as she began snapping pictures in rapid succession before his brain could make the connection. It wasn't until after the first few that he realized she was taking his picture and his eyes shot wide with the shock that she was working in cahoots with the Women's Association.
"Got it!" Rukia beamed as she spun around to make a break for it.
"Rukia! Get back here!" Byakuya growled as he ran after her, flashing stepping to close the distance.
However, with her being so small and petite, she was harder to catch than he thought as she ducked out of his arms reach every time he flash stepped close enough to grab her.
"Rukia! Give me that damn thing!" He demanded with another flash step as he chased her around the garden.
"Nope! Never gonna happen, Nii-Sama!" Rukia sang, continuing to manage to keep just out of his reach.
Byakuya's brows furrowed and his teeth lightly bared as he flash stepped again, this time appearing directly in front of her that caused Rukia to skid to a screaming halt.
"Got you!" He hissed as he reached for the camera.
However, his hand fell on empty space as Rukia vanished from sight, having flash stepped at the last second. He looked around for her, but saw nothing until a pair of chuckles came down from above him.
He spun around and looked up at the top of the thick wall that surrounded his estate, seeing Rukia being set back down on her feet by the tall redhead that was his lieutenant.
"Renji!" Byakuya boomed as he clenched his fists.
"Hey! I'm getting paid to help! She's doing it for fun!" Renji grinned wide with a cheeky smile.
Before Byakuya could even voice another protest, both Renji and Rukia vanished, having thought they had gotten away with their treasure. He raised his hand with his middle finger pressed hard into the pad of his thumb in preparation to snap and command his private guard to go after them, but just as his fingers started to slip, a pair of soft hands wrapped themselves around his.
"It's too late." Nyruki said, keeping ahold of his hand as she lowered it down.
Byakuya sighed and slouched, "I have fended off the Women's Association for years, only to be defeated now because I'm distracted." He grumbled and glared at the wall.
"If it makes you feel better, she got me too." Nyruki said with a quiet chuckle, releasing his hand.
Byakuya sent her a sidelong glance, "Not particularly. You are aware this means that a photo spread will be forthcoming, correct?"
"Most likely... and we'll be the featured article." Nyruki sighed.
Byakuya groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose, "This is troublesome."
"I can see it now. 'The Sakura and the New Bloom'. It'll be the cover." She said as she swiped her hand in an arc like a rainbow out in front of them.
Byakuya arced a brow and crossed his arms, "Don't give them any ideas." He groaned.
Nyruki snickered as she threaded her arm through his, earning his gaze from the wall.
"You're assuming they already don't." She said with a gentle tug, coaxing him to step away from the wall and walk with her.
"That is a fair point. You do know, however, that this will likely happen again while we're out." He said, placing his hand on her's that rested in the crook of his elbow.
"Yeah. I know, but we'll make the best of it. Who knows... It may be a flattering article." Nyruki shrugged as she smiled up at him.
"Perhaps, but I have always been a private man and don't enjoy the idea of my love life being the feature of a serial publication." Byakuya said as he guided them towards the large front gate of his estate.
"You had to've known it was bound to happen someday." She said, resting her temple against his arm.
"And you would be correct, but that doesn't mean I want it to happen." He said, stopping them at the front gate.
"I know, but we'll make the best of it." She smiled.
Byakuya returned the smile as he brushed the back of his hand across her cheek, slightly tilting his head to the side as he admired the glow on her skin from the thin sheen of sweat that covered her arms. It sparkled like glitter against the deep orange above and that same sparkle covered her neck down to where the black bandaging covered and supported her chest.
His smile spread wider as he tilted her chin up and leaned down to capture her lips with his own for a stilled kiss. It only lasted a few breathless moments, but it was those moments that he greatly enjoyed. As always, her lips were silken and warm, feeling like sun warmed sheets that had been hung to dry on the line. He relished in the feeling and every time he got to feel her lips against his own, his heart would flutter in his chest.
He sucked in a long, lung filling breath as he broke the kiss and straightened himself, never once looking away from her soft golden eyes.
"You look wonderful this evening. Shall we go out?" He asked softly as he reached out and placed his hand on the gate in preparation for opening it.
"We shall." She smiled, still holding onto his arm as he opened the gate and lead her out, completely content to enjoy his evening out on a date.