Charmaine's choice of attire this day was an Off Shoulder, Flounce Sleeve, Drawstring, Ruched Bust, Dress. Knee length skirt with a short hemline and Drawstring, Knot, Ruffle, Ruched Bust in a black coloring was quite revealing. Her bare shoulders popped out and the clear view of her legs crossed at the knee from where she sat. Corner spot of the desk was where she planted herself as she waited for Byakuya after just showing up with Kurozakuro. Her eyes on the writing implements being used for official paperwork had her smiling widely. Crossing her legs to the point she had to adjust her mini length skirt a few times since it hiked up. Leaving little to the imagination with the exposure of her well mentioned, bare, legs.
Doors opening had her looking toward the direction of Byakuya with her best smile and suddenly straightening her posture. She perked up at the thought of seeing Byakuya in his official captain mode when addressing a subordinate. That person beside him was none other than the former 27th head of the Kuchiki clan, Ginrei. Who went wide eyed at the sight of the women sitting on the corner of his grandson's desk. He was quite displeased with her appearance when he and Byakuya stopped a few feet away. He stood his ground with a single eyebrow raised when he looked Charmaine slowly over.
"Ojīsan this is Charmaine Gifty Joye Duana Reeves," Byakuya thought to introduce them, "Koibito this Ginrei Kuchiki."
"Konnichiwa Reeves- San," Ginrei looked Charmaine right in her eyes, "I hear you from out of western branch?"
"Borned and raised until I met my late husband," She happily informed him, "From what I was told by your grandson, you're the former Captain of this division and head of the clan."
"Here to see these technological changes," He spoke of the reason why he was here, "I hear a few of the divisions are being installed."
"They have been wonderful," Charmaine loved what was happening, "I plan to update the cafe when I save up enough."
Her comment seemed to strike a wrong chord with Ginrei when the expression of disdain appeared on his face. One that told Charmaine that her unplanned visit to share a meal with Byakuya and chat wasn't happening.
"I think I should go?" She looked to Byakuya for an answer.
"Then our usual meeting place?" He asked her.
"See you then," Kurozakura ended up scurrying to her, "I'll wear something a little more conservative."
She kneeled down to allow her Broombuggy up her arm when she was making her way out of Captain's office. Making sure to properly say her farewells to Ginrei- Shi with the correct bow recalling their social rank. The elder Shinigami took that asa sign of her learning her place with a slight bow to her in return. Only turned around abruptly when he heard Byakuya address Charmaine by her first name when he stepped toward her. He gently reached toward his face with his own as he stepped close to her. Affect alone in that one moment told Ginrei that this woman was just as loved as his grandson's first wife from their smiles. He sighed and waited for her grandson to be done so that he would bring up his great- granddaughter with him.
"Actually Ojīsan," Byakuya thought he also needed to bring up Ichika, "Charmaine and myself met, when I visited her place of business to find out why Ichika was repeatedly visiting her. "
"The answer?" Ginrei inquired.
"Ichika was angry with Charmaine's eldest son turning down positions within the Division Six and eleven after graduating Spiritual Arts Academy," Byakuya explained, "He's a gifted young man that has chosen to support his family."
"Is my great- granddaughter still harnessing these people?" Ginrei asked him.
Right before Charmaine mounted Kurozakura to take off into the air before she was shot down by Renji. Ginrei yelling left her rather amused with her turning down Renji's offer to escort her home. Informing him to rely a message to his daughter to come by her cafe tomorrow morning. Gave him a mild form of shock before he had to go back in as into the air Kurozakura took. Leaving the drama of that night to spill over that morning, when a few expected visitors showed up. Dressed casually was Ginrei and his great- granddaughter being greeted by a shocked Korikio.
Who showed them inside just when Valarie and Harlee were finishing up inside morning set up duties. Had them clearing a path for what would be their first customers before officially opening. Left Victor to meet Ginrei when he was coming from the second floor with Delmare on his shoulders. Remembering to greet him before his mood went sour at the clear sight of Ichika. Asking where they would like to sit looked like he was a bit annoyed as Delmare squealed at them. This caught Ichika's attention to the point she ended up almost reaching to the Broombuggy to pet. To only have a newly established sign being pointed out to her by Harlee when he passes her.
"Go take a seat," Ginrei looked to Ichika, "I want to speak to the young man. Alone."
"Hai Sōsofu." She stiffly bowed to him.
Off she went after a second or two of hesitating before she headed to the table picked out for her by Koshi. Leaving Ginrei to seek an audience with the eldest child found about to get behind the counter. Down went Delmare for him to lay near the small counter of the kitchen where a cushion lay.
"Your family has them well trained." Ginrei watched Delmare.
"All credit goes to my mom," Attention was turned to Charmaine, "She hand chose each Broombuggy for my siblings."
"Your mother is quite a woman," Ginrei noted, "Now … "
8*8
Ichika was sentenced to work within Charmaine's cafe until she made up for her intrusions. Since she couldn't cook or do dishes by hand when asked what her skills were. Meant wearing a miniature version of a Cheongsam- like maid outfit with matching accessories. She would have objected to it since she didn't like the feminine appeal. Never good around what happened since she was getting a basic lecture on behavior. This included how hospitality toward fellow staff and visiting customers came in. What to say when greeting and taking orders with opening/ closing duties. Followed by a list of rules customers had to follow and adhere to when in attendance.
"What?" She was staring at him from across the room, "You knew this was going to happen."
She knew she could have discontinued bothering him in wanting an answer or having a duel. Since her answer to why he didn't want to join either divisions run by her uncle or mom. Came in the form of him wanting to stay as an employee of his family. She would have fought before discovering nobody else in his father to run the cafe. Then his siblings and his mother since father's side of his family were all dead. Only two Shinigami from fifth division were allowed by the current Captain-Commander.
P
"You look different from the Shihakushō you wore," She looked at his clothes, "Want to share."
"Hakama pants strapped with a sash belt and tucked with Kyahan," He checked for order slips, "I prefer more morden shoji style sandals."
"Someone knows what he's doing." She liked what she heard.
She then watched him put together the contents of the order to the way he prepared the food. From chopping to plating was a display for her to watch in those minutes.
"Five pieces of Sakura Sweet Bean Yokan Jelly and unsweetened green tea," He placed them on a trey, "Order up."
This was where the training she went through on how to carry a tray. Would be put to the test since she was on duty now. She took a calming breath with Valarie's eyes on her as she took hold of the trey.
"Need help?" Valarie asked her, "I could see if Kiriko is available."
Up went that trey without much trouble from Ichika in one motion. Making her relieved she didn't drop it like the last few attempts.
"I got this," Ichika snuggly answered her, "Off I go."
She made sure not to rush or run when she put one foot in front of the other. Making her way toward the table with her best smile. To put down the order this Shinigami ordered from her. Only be pressed when she also paid them farewell without losing her temper.
"How long will she be able to play nice before losing it?" Valarie asked her brother.
" … Without too much pressure … if she discovered working here," He figured, "I can't say for sure."
"Lucky me," She didn't like his answer, "Wish me luck."
Having work with a daughter from a noble family just didn't feel right with Valarie. Didn't mean she allowed it to show in her work when beside Ichika. She just smiled and went on her way when Kiriko wasn't around.
"Smash it, love." He called after her.
"Nice One." She walked away.
He could only smirk before getting back to work on the finish putting the afternoon delivery together. Most of the food was packaged and prepared in usual containers. Just the drinks he had to mix since a few of them were fruit based teas.
8*8
Charmaine made afternoon delivery in a more conservative dress than her usual ones. This one was all black, Contrast Mesh, Backless, Mock Neck Belted Dress. Flared, a- line skirt with long Bishop sleeves and Stand Collar that was all tailored to her form. The black ballet flats she wore and simple updo of her hair hadn't changed when Kurozakura and she landed. There to greet her was a rather quiet Byakuya just taking in what she changed into.
"Does my Ojīsan have anything to do with your outfit?" He asked rather bothered.
"Maybe since I don't own a pair of stockings to cover up my legs," She lifted her skirt to show her bare ankles, "I felt rather unproper before him."
This was when he took one of her hands in his own to draw her close to his form. Had making sure her basket was securely snug on her arm. When she was pulled into his personal space with another lifted to her face. Where he traced the outline of her face with his third knuckle.
"Its your beauty I see." He kept his eyes on her.
This earned him a spontaneous kiss upon his lips from her when she step further to him just enough. Also bringing their lips more closer together for what would be their second kiss between them. His lips were warm and soft. They parted slightly, allowing her tongue to slip inside. To him, her lips tasted like peaches and honey when he lost himself in them. Finding himself moving his hand from the outline of the cheek his fingertips were learning. To trancing the contours of her face and neck to middle of her back. Where he placed his whole hand flatly in a secure manner when bodies pressed together heatedly against one another.
Kurozakura Was the one that broke them apart by head butting Byakuya away from his master without mercy. Which Byakuya understood as he disconnected their lips and reached toward her shoulders. Allowing his fingertips to brush against a small snout without being rejected. Which got him nuzzled in a friendly manner instead of further head butted.
"I think he likes you," She spoke of Kurozakura warming up to Byakuya, "Which is rare."
"I am honored," Byakuya didn't remove his hand, "I am glad to be your friend."
Where he as nuzzled by flaring nostrils that took in light notes of lilac, rose, and magnolia with a powdery vanilla note and almond-like aroma. Further acted in Byakuya's favor with getting Kurozakura to like him to be near Charmaine. Which worked since he wondered what she brought to these barracks.
"Since your niece told me you like spicy foods," Charmaine spoke what was inside, "I thought I treat you after the surprise lunch was ruined by your grandfather."
Inside the basket was made made wasabi from her kitchen made to pair with what she packed for him. Earned her a smile from him before he offered her his other arm to escort her to his office. Ready to enjoy her and Kurozakura company like he wanted the first time around.