It's finally the day of Byakuya and Akane's anniversary ball and everyone in the manor was bustling about to finish all the preparations for tonight.
Needing to get both Akane and Akihiko ready for tonight's festivities, Hajime woke up early to prepare them both a light breakfast and proceeded to do their hair and makeup, which took a total of six hours.
Dressing Akihiko first, she wore a grand gold and white kimono with cranes painted on the lower half. Her hair was placed in a traditional updo with various gold ornaments and lavish gold jewelry. Though Hajime didn't want to admit it, she emanated a regal aura.
As for Akane, it took a bit longer to get her dressed. Her kimono was deep red and lined with gold and beaded accents. Her hair was in a half updo and the only hair accessory she chose to wear was the one gifted by Hiro. Wearing custom jewelry pieces designed to compliment her kimono, they were adorned with beautiful ruby crystals and gold accents.
Looking to make sure the ballroom was all set for the arrival of the guests, Akihiko stepped away while Akane was still getting ready.
As Akihiko was heading to the ballroom, she made a quick stop in the kitchen to find a maidservant she could easily influence. Many of the staff members have served the Kuchiki Clan for years, unyielding in their loyalty. However, Akihiko was able to gather information on one of the newest maidservants that arrived before Hajime did.
"Tomiko-Chan, may I have a word with you?"
Tomiko Yuki has been serving under the Kuchiki Clan for a little over three years now. With a quiet personality, she has always kept her head down and focused on completing her daily chores. However, Akihiko found out that she would invite her fiancé to her quarters once a month breaking one of the staff rules. It is clearly written in the contract that maidservants are prohibited from inviting over any guests to the manor unless permitted.
"Akihiko-Sama, how may I help you?" she bowed.
Taking out the elixir from her sleeve pocket, Akihiko discreetly placed it into Tomiko's hand, "Tonight at the ball," she whispered, "You are to add this elixir to two glasses of champagne and serve it directly to Byakuya-Sama and Akane. Once you see the two of them drink from the glasses, you are to immediately dispose of this and this conversation never happened, do you understand?"
"May I ask what it does? Will it harm them?"
"Of course not, you idiot. Just do as I say. Or would you rather I disclose your secret rendezvous with your lover to Mikasa?" she smirked.
Gulping, Tomiko tightly gripped the vial and agreed to do as told, no questions asked.
. . .
The guests for the ball were all arriving, and Hajime had very little time to get herself ready. Since Hajime was unfamiliar with wearing a traditional kimono, one of the maidservants helped her get dressed as she attempted to do her makeup. As for her hair, she decided to keep it simple and created soft waves as it flowed down her back. Rushing to the front gate, she saw Hiro waiting for her dressed in an extravagant pale blue kimono. Noticing her by the gate, he waved to her and gave her a smile.
"Wow, Hajime-Chan. For a pretend date, you look stunning."
"You don't look too bad yourself," she winked, "let's go. They will be making their entrance soon."
Making their way to the ballroom, many of the guests were already settling in. As they were about to enter, Hiro held out his arm for Hajime.
"The least I could do is escort you in like a gentleman," he said with a playful smile.
"You're quite a flirt," Smiling, she wrapped her arm around his, "You'd get along well with a friend of mine," she giggled.
Entering the ballroom, Hajime spotted Rukia and Renji by the dessert table. Making her way over to them, she couldn't help but admire their matching dark colored kimonos.
"Yo Hajime, it's been a while, hasn't it?" Renji greeted with a large smile.
Pulling Hajime into a hug, Rukia apologized for not visiting as often as before, her and Renji's schedule has gotten extremely busy as of late.
"It's no problem," Hajime assured her, "I'm just glad to see that you two are doing well!" she giggled.
Walking over to the group with two glasses of punch, Rukia and Renji were intrigued by Hajime's guest.
"And who is this, Hajime?" Rukia asked with a playful smile.
Before Hajime could answer, Hiro stepped in and introduced himself, "It's a pleasure to meet you both," he spoke as he shook Rukia and Renji's hands, "You can call me Hiro. Hajime-Chan here is a good friend of mine."
Inching closer behind Hajime, Rukia whispered, "Ah, a good friend, huh?" She teased.
"It's not like that," Hajime whispered back, embarrassed, as Rukia simply held in her laughter.
At that moment, the sound of a spoon clinking against glass was heard, "Everyone, if I could have your attention, please." Akihiko, who was standing at the top of the staircase, commanded everyone's interest. "I want to thank all of you for taking the time to celebrate with us today. It is my pleasure to announce the arrival of Kuchiki Byakuya and his wife, Kuchiki Akane."
Emerging from the double doors with arms interlocked were Byakuya and Akane in matching red kimonos. As the guests erupted in applause, Hiro was in awe at Akane's beauty. As he looked over to Hajime, he recognized the look in her eyes and softened his gaze.
"A beautiful woman such as yourself should not wear such a forlorn expression," he remarked. As her eyes locked with his, he understood. He understood the pain of loving someone he could not have.
"Now please join me in raising our glasses to toast to their everlasting love," Akihiko exclaimed as she held up her glass of champagne, "to Byakuya and Akane!"
"To Byakuya and Akane!" The guests echoed.
As the two descended the stairs, the band played a slow song for them to dance to. As they danced, many other couples gathered on the dance floor, including Rukia and Renji.
Putting down his glass of punch, Hiro also grabbed Hajime's from her and guided her to the dance floor, catching her by surprise. "It's not every day we are invited to such a lavish ball; we should try and at least have fun." Smiling, Hajime agreed and danced with him.
As Akane was dancing, she laid her head on Byakuya's chest, full of happiness. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Hajime on the dance floor and remarked, "It looks like that piece of trash found something appropriate to wear after all." Observing Hajime for a moment longer, she thought she saw Hiro's face and grew frantic. As she tried to get a better look, another couple blocked her field of vision. There's no way, she thought to herself as she was looking around furiously, I must be seeing things.
"Akane, is everything all right?" Byakuya asked, worriedly.
"Yes, of course," she said as she regained her composure and put her hand against Byakuya's cheek, "Everything couldn't be more perfect."
As the song came to an end, many of the couples either bowed to their partner or kissed them. Akane took advantage and pulled Byakuya in for an intimate kiss, which caused the crowd to cheer and applaud them. As she pulled away, Akane wore a cunning smile and remarked, "Happy anniversary, darling."
"Happy anniversary, Akane."
As the night went on, Akane pushed back the thought of seeing Hiro as she didn't see him again through the crowd. As the two were mingling with the guests, Byakuya spotted Rukia and Renji in the corner of the ballroom and started to make their way toward them.
"Nii-Sama," Rukia greeted as she raised her glass, "Akane-Nee-Sama. Happy anniversary, the ball is fantastic."
"Akane put a lot of effort into planning this, I'm glad to hear you both are enjoying yourselves," Byakuya said happily.
Hajime, who was helping the maidservants replenish the hors d'oeuvre table, spotted Byakuya and Akane speaking with Rukia and gulped. Looking over to Hiro, who was happily helping himself to the newly laid-out food, she asked if he was ready to finally speak to Akane. Looking over at the noble couple, Hiro took a deep breath and collected himself. Holding out his arm to guide her, Hajime wrapped hers around his and smiled. As they slowly made their way over to the group, you could feel a sudden tension developing in the air.
"Kuchiki-Sama, Akane-Sama," Hajime greeted as she lightly curtsied with Hiro bowing next to her.
The moment Hiro's face clearly came into view, Akane grew tense.
"Ah, Kisumoto-San, I hope you are enjoying your night off," Byakuya stated with a smile. Looking over to Hiro he asked, "and who is your guest?"
"You can call me Hiro, Kuchiki-Sama," Hiro spoke as he took Byakuya's hand and shook it. "And Akane-Sama, it's a pleasure to meet you," taking her hand in his, he gently kissed the top of her hand, "words do not do your beauty justice."
Unconsciously blushing, Akane gave a shy smile and thanked him for his compliment. Then, as if right on cue, Tomiko came over to the group and offered two glasses of champagne to Byakuya and Akane.
"It would be rude of us to not serve our guests first," Akane remarked, "please help yourselves."
As Hiro grabbed the two glasses for himself and Hajime, Tomiko grew frantic, "Ah-" she called out which surprised the group.
"Is something wrong, Tomiko-San?" Byakuya asked.
"Uh, no, of course not," she smiled nervously, "we can't leave the two of you empty-handed either, I'll fetch you both some glasses right away!" Scurrying back to the kitchen, Tomiko prepared two new glasses of champagne with the elixir mixed in. It should be okay, right?
With new glasses in tow, Hiro suggested a toast to the happy couple, "To Kuchiki-Sama and Akane-Sama, may your love be everlasting…" The group of six all clinked their glasses and drank in celebration. As they drank from their glasses, Hiro and Akane's eyes were furiously locked on to one another, as were Hajime and Byakuya's. Noticing the tension, Rukia and Renji looked at one another questioningly.
"So," Akane spoke, "Have you two known each other long?"
"We only recently got to know each other," Hajime explained, "we bonded over mutual interests."
"I see," Akane's tone was harsh, "And you thought it was a good idea to bring a stranger you barely know to a high-profile event such as this? What if he had malicious intent?"
"Akane," Byakuya spoke, trying to calm her down, "Hiro is a guest and I trust Kisumoto-San's judgment."
Interrupting the conversation and getting Byakuya's attention from behind was a fellow nobleman who already had a little too much to drink and wanted to introduce Byakuya to his family. Excusing himself from the group, Akane quickly chugged down the rest of the champagne in her glass before slamming it on the table.
"What is the meaning of this?" She demanded to know.
"Don't be too mad at Hajime-Chan here, Akane. I was the one that wished to talk to you." Hiro explained.
Ignoring him, she inched her face closer to Hajime's and spoke coldly, "You're lucky Byakuya-Sama oversees your position here. Otherwise, I'd fire you on the spot."
"Please just hear him out," Hajime pleaded, "he only wishes to speak with you."
"I don't know what he's told you and whatever you think you know, you don't." Turning back to face Hiro, her eyes were stinging as she was fighting back her tears, "Leave now, or I'll have you forcibly removed." Upset, Akane left the ballroom. Handing Hajime his champagne glass, Hiro quickly ran after her.
Watching the two leave the ballroom, Hajime drank the rest of her champagne and sighed heavily. Walking over to her and putting his elbow on her shoulder, Renji asked, "So, you want to explain all that just now?"
Looking at Renji and over to Rukia who was just as intrigued, Hajime sighed and gulped down the rest of Hiro's champagne as well. Telling them everything Hajime only recently learned herself, Rukia and Renji were shocked to learn about Akane's past.
"You say he's here to tell her the truth and to say his goodbyes," Rukia spoke, "but what if him being here makes Akane fall in love with him again?"
"I doubt she'll leave even if she does," Hajime commented, "with her mother's influence on her and that fortune reading, she'll have the family with Kuchiki-Sama that she's been wishing for."
. . .
Making her way back to the main house, Akane refused to stop and listen to Hiro. He finally caught up to her and tried to explain himself.
"I don't want to hear your lies!" Akane exclaimed.
"Akane, please," Hiro pleaded, "please listen to what I have to say and if you don't wish to see me anymore after this, I will leave. But please. You deserve to know the truth."
Gritting her teeth, she was about to agree when she heard a few maidservants walking down the hall. Rushing to her room, she pulled Hiro inside along with her. Pacing back and forth for a few seconds, all Akane's past emotions were taking over. Hiro couldn't bear to see her in such agony.
"You have five minutes," she spoke as her eyes burned brightly in the dark room, "Why are you here? What do you want?"
Taking a seat in one of the chairs in her room, Hiro began to clarify what exactly happened that day seven years ago. After finishing his story, Akane was silent. "I understand you're married now and that your future is different, but I wanted you to know the truth," he explained. "Hajime-Chan was kind enough to help me see you one last time and free you from some of that pain I caused you. I have no other intentions, only to say goodbye."
"She said you abandoned me," Akane finally spoke as she was choking on her tears, "You left without saying goodbye…"
Slowly walking up to her, he gently wiped away her tears, "I never would have left you. I love you; I always have. It's always been you."
The two stood in silence as they continued to gaze into one another's eyes. Slowly, they inched toward one another until they kissed. And this wasn't a simple peck on the lips, it was a deep kiss full of pain, longing, and desire. As their passion grew, so did their longing for one another. What was only meant to be a final goodbye turned into the two of them spending the rest of the night together.
. . .
Back in the ballroom, it was almost close to midnight but many of the guests were still enjoying themselves as they were eating, drinking, and dancing the night away. Rukia and Renji left the party not too long ago as Rukia has an early morning training session and the two made their way back to Renji's Barracks for the night.
Hajime, who had a little more to drink than she usually does, decided to stay, and eat some desserts to try and sober up. As she observed the couples on the dance floor, she couldn't help but smile and hope that things were going well between Hiro and Akane. As the lights in the ballroom dimmed, the band played a slow song for the guests.
Byakuya, who was mingling with the other guests, spotted a lonesome Hajime across the way and excused himself from their conversation. Making his way over to her, he held out his hand in front of her, "May I have this dance?"
"Kuchiki-Sama…" Ah, screw it, she thought to herself as she gulped down the glass of champagne in her hand. Placing her hand in his, he guided her to the dance floor and the two danced together.
"Has your guest left already Kisumoto-San?" He asked.
"Ah, yes. He's had quite a bit to drink tonight and thought it was best to turn in for the night."
"I'm glad he was able to enjoy himself. Does he treat you well?" Byakuya intrigued.
"He's just a friend," Hajime assured him, "but yes, he was very kind to me."
"I'm relieved to hear that," his voice was gentle.
Blushing, Hajime looked at Byakuya and smiled, "you know," she said, "I don't think I ever thanked you for this beautiful kimono set. Even in the World of the Living, I've never worn anything like this before."
"You deserve it," he remarked, "And besides, only you could pull this off. After all, it was made with you in mind."
Smiling at his compliment, Hajime treasured this moment between them. After finishing their dance, the two parted ways. As Hajime made her way back to the dessert table, she was approached by a drunken nobleman who was starting to get quite flirtatious.
"What's a beautiful girl like you doing here all alone?" he asked, his words slurring.
Trying to keep her composure and not embarrass herself or Byakuya, she chose her words carefully, "Well, sir, I serve the Kuchiki household and it's my job to make sure you're all enjoying yourselves. Are you having a good time, sir?" She asked with a welcoming smile.
"I'll have a better time if I can take you home with me tonight," stumbling over to Hajime, he put his arm around her waist and blew a kiss at her.
Smiling nervously, Hajime tried to release the man's grip, "I'm flattered, sir. But-" Hajime quickly took a flute of champagne off a passing maidservant's tray and handed it to him, "how about another drink to keep those hands of yours busy."
Gulping down the drink, the man placed the empty glass on the table and tried to pull Hajime into a kiss. Using her hands to push him back, Hajime insisted that the man stop but he wouldn't listen. Continuing to make a ruckus, the remaining guests were overlooking the incident with no intention to help. Noticing Hajime's predicament, Byakuya quickly made his way over to help her. However, before he could intervene, the man's date appeared behind him.
"I leave to the lady's room for five minutes and you're already wrapped around another woman?!"
Pulling her date off Hajime, it wasn't the man she was upset with. Slapping Hajime's cheek, the woman was furious, "You think just because you're young and beautiful you can seduce any man you see?"
"Ma'am, please, you're mistaken, I-"
"Know your place, maid." The woman remarked as she dragged her boyfriend out of the ballroom.
Sighing, Hajime took another glass of champagne from a serving tray and gulped it down. As she was leaving, she stumbled and almost fell. Luckily, Byakuya was able to grab onto her hand and help her up.
"It's quite late, Kisumoto-San. Let me help you to your room." Gently holding on to Hajime, the two made their way to her room. "Are you all right?" he asked as he examined her cheek where she was slapped, "I apologize for the behavior of some of our guests. They can get quite boisterous when it comes to events like these."
"It's not the first time any of that's happened, even the slap," Hajime chuckled, "I'm all right, thank you."
"Why don't you freshen up and get changed? I'll stay and help you with anything you need," He smiled.
"You really don't have to Kuchiki-Sama…"
"It's all right. They won't be missing me too much at the party."
Making her way to her en suite bathroom, she removed the makeup from her face and thoroughly washed it. As she was about to change, she realized she had no idea how to untie the obi around her waist. She was too preoccupied with making sure she got ready in time, she wasn't paying attention to how it was secured. Reaching for the back of her obi, she didn't feel it loosening at all.
"Kuchiki-Sama…?" She called out from the bathroom, embarrassingly.
"Are you feeling unstable? Let me help you to your bed."
As Byakuya walked over to the bathroom, Hajime emerged with her head looking down and her face flushed. With her hand behind her back, trying to figure out how to untie the obi, she softly spoke, "I'm not quite sure how to untie the obi…" her voice drowned out at the end due to embarrassment. Understanding the situation, he gave a slight chuckle.
"Here," he spoke gently, "let me help you." As she turned around, he helped loosen the obi around her waist, which caused the rest of her kimono to loosen up as well. Slowly, she turned around to thank him, making sure to hold on to the front of her kimono so that it wouldn't fall off. Catching a glimpse of her collarbone, Byakuya's face was starting to feel warm. Embarrassed at the silence, she quickly tried to escort Byakuya out of the room and ended up tripping on the fabric of her kimono. Catching her in his arms, the two of them didn't immediately break away. The two were so close to each other that they could feel the other's hot breath gently blowing against their skin and smell the alluring aroma of sweet champagne. As their chests were pressed against each other, they felt the warmth of their bodies radiating off one another.
"Kuchiki-Sama…" Her voice was enticing, and she was starting to feel hot. While part of her knew to back away, another part of her couldn't resist his touch.
He continued to look at her, admired her, as her face was flushed and pink. His desire could no longer be contained, "You…" his voice was sweet and made her heart skip a beat. As his voice was echoing in her ears, he gently slid his hand up her back and placed it gently against the back of her head, "can call me Byakuya." Pulling her into a fierce kiss, their lips crashed as they craved the taste of one another's lips. There was the taste of champagne and the delectable taste of sweetness. Breaking apart for a moment, breathing heavily, their lips wanted more.
"Byakuya-Sama," she whispered under her breath.
"Hajime…"
Unable to resist any longer, the two kissed again. Their bodies continued to crave one another and as Byakuya picked her up and gently guided her to the bed, their passion was uncontrollable. The two continued to spend the rest of the night together.
. . .
The Next Day
As Hajime was waking up, she could feel how lightheaded she was. Slowly sitting up, she realized that she was undressed under her covers. Panic rushed through her mind as she desperately tried to replay the events of last night and she remembered it all; how Byakuya helped her with her obi, their kiss, and the passion. Oh, the sweet, sweet passion.
"It seems," Byakuya spoke as he placed a glass of water on her nightstand, "that we both had a little too much to drink last night, Kisumoto-San."
Byakuya's hair was messy, set loose, and freely flowing. He wore the thin bottom layer of his kimono from yesterday, but he didn't secure it tightly, his chest was exposed, showing off his supple skin and some of his abs. Red from embarrassment, Hajime gathered her covers and immediately knelt on all fours, her head to the ground. "I-I-I-I take full responsibility for what happened, Kuchiki-Sama! I completely seduced you and sullied your name!"
As she continued to ramble on with her apology, Byakuya was trying to help her up off the floor, "Kisumoto-San," she didn't listen, "Kisumoto-San, please…" Again, she continued apologizing to him, refusing to get up, "Hajime…" he gently spoke which brought her back to the multiple times he gently called for her last night. Slowly lifting her head, she looked into his eyes and knew that whatever happened last night couldn't possibly happen again.
Helping her to her feet, Byakuya grabbed the bathrobe he spotted in her bathroom and handed it to her. Turning around so he wouldn't see, she quickly got herself dressed.
"Kisumoto-San… About last night…"
"Don't worry," she assured him, "I know…"
Before Hajime could speak again, there was a sudden knock on the door and in a panic, she rushed over to cover Byakuya's mouth with her hand. "Kisumoto-San! Are you awake, Kisumoto-San?" A fellow maidservant called out from behind the door.
"Yes!" Hajime yelled back, "is there something you need?"
"I'm sorry for bothering you so early but Akane-Sama has noted that she will not be needing your services today. So, when you're up and settled, could you please help with the cleaning of the ballroom?"
"Of course. After I take a shower and get dressed, I will head to the ballroom immediately!"
"Wonderful, thank you Kisumoto-San!" As the woman's footsteps faded into the hall, Hajime sighed in relief and remembered that her hand was still on Byakuya's mouth. Gasping and quickly moving her hand away, she noticed how close they were to each other. With her other hand pressed up against Byakuya's chest, she could feel how warm his body was. Looking into each other's eyes, they shared no words. Intoxicated by her scent, Byakuya leaned in closer and gently wrapped his arm around her waist. Slowly, they inched closer and closer as the tips of their lips barely touched. They both craved it; one last kiss. However, they stopped themselves short and sighed as they pressed their foreheads together.
"Byakuya-Sama," she accidentally let slip out, her voice desperate.
Her voice, her touch, and how she called his name, drove him mad. Just the desperation in her voice took him back to last night when she called for him. Taking her hand in his, he kissed it and looked into her eyes once more, "In another lifetime… Hajime." As he whispered her name, he shunpo-ed out the window.
As Hajime cleaned up her room and got dressed to do her chores, she buried the events of last night deep within her heart.
Since this fic is rated 'T', I didn't want to get into too much detail about what happened with our two couples. I'll gladly leave it to your imagination ;)