Nightly walks that took place within the Seireitei between Charmaine and Byakuya were quiet. They walked side by side on random paths that don't go anywhere for the two. Talking about their everyday lives and current events within the Soul Society at times. Made catching up with each other without the need of subordinates or reading field reports. Sometimes a joke or a silly pun was shared that brought a laugh. Ended like always with them coming to the entrance of the barracks for 6th division, Kuchiki estate, or Charmaine's cafe.

"Another night comes to an end," Charmaine was stepping away, "Same place as usual if you're not busy."

"Actually," Byakuya wasn't ready to step away from her, "I wonder if your eldest is coming back? Being that I heard you recently paid a visit to him in the World of the Living."

"Ready to come home after saying his farewells and help run the cafe with his siblings," She shared her Eldest's plans, "He and my children want to meet you."

"I look forward to doing so when that time comes for me," He was taken back by her answer, "I hope in time they are ready to meet mine."

"Your niece is already well versed with my staff and children," She didn't like being reminded, "Your lieutenant and captain of 13th division have become regular customers at my cafe. They always came around lunch time or during evening hours for tea and a meal combo."

This was where Byakuya became quiet over the shock of how close Charmaine had become to him. She already knew his family so well through interactions of her business and her children. Had him feeling unprepared in the stages of this new relationship with her.

"Byakuya?" He heard her say his name when he went unresponsive, "Everything ok? Something wrong?"

"No," He felt her hand grip one of his own, "Just the shock of how close we have just soaking in."

"Oh," She felt his hand tighten around her own, " … what are the results?"

Their moment came to a crushing end when the door to the 6th division slid open and Byakuya was greeted. Instead of separating with Charmaine walking away without an escort to her cafe. She was pulled forward by having her hand gently tugged by Byakuya. Not noticing how close she would be from feeling his breath upon her face. Made her slowly take her time to look into those serene eyes with her own.

"Your foreign beauty is the only thing that plagued my dreams when I couldn't visit you or be in your presence," He confessed so low that Shinigami waiting for him couldn't hear, "I was worried about your safety since you didn't take anyone with you and left without informing me."

" … " She felt her knees buckle.

Byakuya used his speed and reflexes to adjust his hold on her without paying attention to their closeness. An exchange of scents also took place when they both inhaled with a quicken pulse. Scent of her perfume reminded him of a blooming cherry blossom. His natural musk that built up on him when fulfilling his duties from all day long. Stimulated the amorous mood between them when slate gray and crystal blue met. His chafed and dry lips brushed her cream covered ones with earl gray flavor, softly, delicately, like Jigokuchō's wings. Lated for a second with the world around them being completely ignored. To a point, there were only two in Soul Society in those passing seconds. Jointly felt until they separated with him returning her to her feet and giving her space.

" … next time," She found her voice, "I'll have a Denreishinki or a Jigokuchō with me."

"Will I need to inform the 12th of you needing either one?" Byakuya offered.

"No and I think you're needed," She pointed out the nameless Shinigami, "So I am seeing you?"

"Hai," Byakuya turned away from her, "I will be seeing you."

Away from barracks she would start to walk at a quicken pace with kiss still within her mind. Knowing Byakuya could easily catch up with her using Flash Steps within a few minutes. Didn't calm the beating of her heart when she brought her hands to her lips. Blush that spread across her face at what happened had her reaching toward her lips. Trancing them as her pace slowly went down when she recalled the kiss. Not knowing with the division sixth barracks, Byakuya was lost in thought of his own. His own fingers upon his lips as he was reminded of a Soul Society marriage law, and how relieved Charmaine wasn't from the Rukongai. Which caught him off guard since the thought of marriage shocked him as he reclined in his seat.

One hand still on his lips as he started to plan on the next romantic outings he could take Charmaine on. Knowing she had enjoyed the plays and musical concerts he did take her on. Gave a wide variety to work with since she wasn't picky about where they went. Showed him how open minded she was toward his personal likes and interests. As how he decided to have her attend the next calligraphy club gathering with him. In hopes the traditional Japanese kanji being written out on bamboo paper. Would capture her eyes since she only saw him wield his Zanpakutō as rescue aid.

8*8

Flying back from the Purgatory Company on her Kurozakura was part of her weekly trip for Charmaine. Items that only came from Reverses London came to her through this place. Along with two extra things she bought from a novelty shop's custom selection. Carried within a special wagon attached to Broombuggy's tail and was made to glide through the air. Which made getting back to her cafe a lot easier on her then walking. Since she was already busy with a Saki tasting about to take place this afternoon. One that had to do with a saki she recently blended using her cherry blossoms. Was now going to be released in a limited batch among the Shinigami after trials and errors.

When she was able to land outside her cafe with help from Koshi and Harlee to unload her Broombuggy. Crates alone from the wagon were carefully carried in one by one by the two. The brown bag she refused to hand over when she dismounted from Kurozakura. Was kept in her arms the whole time she supervised them until every item was brought in. This was where she set the bag down and emptied the items from inside. One of them was added to the basket for a special afternoon delivery to the sixth division. Kiriko kept Valarie from asking why her mother was making a separate delivery.

"Allow your Okaasan to love another," Kiriko advised Valarie, "When she is ready to reveal to you who she loves, she will tell you."

Valarie huffed before she forced herself to calm down with her hands clenching on the serving tray. Leering at her mother and the way she smiled made her look away and bothered Kiriko.

"Something wrong with your Okaasan and falling in love with Byakuya- sama?" Kiriko asked her, "She seems to be happy."

The girls would have further spoken about why Valarie didn't like seeing her mother so happily. When Charmaine whistled to get their attention when the two weren't paying attention. Forward the girls would look to see Koshi and Harlee bring up the bottles. Small bottles were in the shape of orbs with pinkish liquid and single cherry blossom inside. Even the cork sealing the bottles matched the theme that Charmaine had.

"I need no foolish antics today," She addressed the four of them, "Sadie's everyone remember what they're roles are?"

When she got a nod from each one of them that she knew her cafe was going to be alright. Ended up getting ready for the private event that Charmaine had been planning for some time. Full clean of the dining area took place while ingredients were prepared. Choice between a seafood salad or trio of fried shrimp was to be served with a single bottle. Would have been prepared through the front if someone familiar didn't walk in.

"Brother!" Harlee and Valarie knew this person.

"Thought it was time for me to come back and help out," He bowed to them all as he set his bag down, "Seems mother's visit made the decision to come home easier for me."

"Ready to put up with Ichika?" Charmaine asked him.

"I can't keep hiding away forever," He sighed knowing Ichika would hear about his return, "Let the future come."

He was welcome home through a series of hugs from his family and formal introduction from his new coworkers. Before he was thanked for finally coming home by his mother with a smile. Before he made it to the second floor to refresh himself and change. Knowing he could take his time since he had three Broombuggies to keep his company. He accepted when he changed out of his clothes to when he took a long soak. Happy to be back with his family as he kept his ears opened as he took in the sounds. Mostly scrambling of everyone doing last minute touch ups and checking everything over. Had him somewhat proud of himself about coming back home in time. Since he quickly dried off and decided against wearing his Shihakushō for now.

Since he decided to put on a three piece suit without the jacket, embroidery was found on the edging of matching pieces. Made him feel nostalgic when buttoning up and fastening gs in place. Pausing when he pulled his shoes on and tied recalled how to tie them up. He didn't have time to admire himself in the mirror when he checked his mother's clock. He grabbed his gloves and welcomed the company of Broombuggies at his feet. Knowing they all couldn't come down stairs unless his mother allows it. Until he reached the last step and was greeted by his mother with a gift in her hands.

"I had this done up after collecting those images of you," She handed over a photo book to him, "Best ones I chose while others I hung up and then sent back home."

"I heard about the other two you had released besides one of Captain Byakuya," He accepted the book, "Still the business women through and through."

"Ready for a busy shift full of upper class officials and fellow captains?" Her question met this day.

"I'll stay in the kitchen and get a feel for everything," He already knew what he was doing, "You have fun chasing Captain Byakuya."

Kiss on the cheek from when he needed to feel like he was fully welcomed back into the fold. Since he was shown the kitchen by his mother as he watched her welcome Kurozakura to her shoulder. Basket in which she intended to take to her new love was carefully packed. Carried on her arm when she promised to be back after paying Byakuya a visit.