The room fell into a silence once more as Tokinada finished his lullaby. He quietly studied the sleeping baby in his arms, The small infant now fast asleep.
He let out a breath, As if he had been holding it in for a long time. He then suddenly looked up at his wife, As if he had forgotten something.
Tokinada leaned back against the couch, One arm holding the baby close to his chest. He huffed softly, Remembering the encounter he had at the market. He glanced up at his wife before speaking.
"I had a rather interesting interaction with a man at the market earlier."
Tokinada paused for a moment as he thought back to the meeting, A small smirk pulling at the corners of his mouth before he continued, "My old classmate was there... Your captain Ukitake, It seemed he was a bit protective of you."
A puzzled look came over Ayame's face, A slight blush on her cheeks at the thought of her captain, "Really…? Ukitake-taichō was protective of me…?"
She hadn't expected him to be at the market. She then realized that something must have happened between him and Tokinada, Judging by the way he was smirking.
Tokinada chuckled a bit at her reaction, Enjoying the sight of her slightly confused expression. He leaned forward in the couch, Still holding the baby close to him.
"Oh yes. He was very protective of you. He even made sure I had the correct intentions when it came to our marriage." A small snort escaped Tokinada as spoke, A hint of dark humor in his voice. He could just imagine the shock on Ukitake's face as he said that to him. "I even told him he could've added his name to the list of suitors. I said he would've made a better husband for you than I could ever be."
Ayame's face flushed at his words, Her eyes wide in surprise. No matter how much he jokingly teased her, It always caught her off guard.
She looked off to the side and coughed lightly. "…What did he say to that?"
Tokinada chuckled softly, He was enjoying the shocked look on her face, "He was quite surprised at my words, At first. He then lectured me for a few minutes, Saying how it would be inappropriate given the past you both share. He did not want to break that dynamic."
Tokinada gave a slight shrug as he spoke, His voice still holding a note of dark humor. He shifted slightly on the couch, As he adjusted the baby in his arms. Tokinada glanced over at his fiancee, A hint of amusement in his gaze. "He said, That he hopes this marriage will help me become a better person." He paused for a moment, His eyes studying her every reaction. "He hopes you can change me, For the better. What do you think of that?"
Ayame looked down for a moment, A flush still on her cheeks at Tokinada's words. She glanced back up at him, Her expression becoming serious.
"I do think you can be a better person, You just choose not to be."
She was sure Ukitake had been right to think that, Yet she wasn't sure if it would change Tokinada. She knew her betrothed wasn't the nicest person.
Tokinada cherished her words. He knew her well enough to know she would think that way. She wouldn't believe anything different. He was also aware that she had her doubts on him. He could see it in her neutral expression. As if there was some part of her that didn't believe anything she said, Or that her person wouldn't have any kind of effect on him.
He paused for a moment, His hand gently moving over the baby's head, "Oh come on now. You have no faith in me?"
She hesitated for a moment before answering him. Her heart felt conflicted. She didn't entirely believe what she would say. Yet, She still felt the need to speak.
"I do have faith in you. Sometimes." She admitted, Still sounding somewhat troubled. Her violet eyes looked down at the ground for a moment before looking back up at him.
A smile tugged at his lips, As he listened to her answer. Hearing her admit that she had somewhat faith in him, Amused him. He still expected her response. She always had good intentions for others. Even a man she couldn't bring herself to trust entirely.
He watched her for a moment, A small hint of mischievousness in his eyes as he spoke, "Sometimes? Not entirely? That hurts, Darling."
She wasn't surprised he was taking pleasure in her answer. She could see the mirth in his eyes, As if he expected her to answer that way.
"I'm not sorry for hurting your feelings with the truth." She retorted, Her tone a bit sarcastic as she spoke.
He grinned enjoying her response. She always got sassy when he teased her like this.
"That's not very kind of you." Tokinada replied lightly. His eyes never leaving her.
"Here I am, Being kind enough to hold our child. Yet your words only hurt my feelings." He said, In a rather dramatic tone.
Her cheeks flushed as he continued to speak. He always did this. He knew exactly the buttons to push, And she would snap back each time.
But when it came down to their child? She couldn't do it. So she held her ground as she replied, Even though her tone was becoming light.
"Stop it, I'm not apologizing. Don't use our son against me."
He smirked, Knowing that he won this small back and forth with her. He knew she couldn't be mad at him, As long as he was holding the child.
"That's rather harsh. All I did was speak the truth." He replied smoothly, A hint of amusement in his eyes as his gaze drifted down towards the sleeping infant.
Ayame raised an eyebrow at his response, A small scoff leaving her as she looked around. She knew he would never drop the matter. He liked to push her buttons, She would never give him the satisfaction of letting him know he won.
Her gaze glanced towards their son, And for a moment, her expression softened as she looked down softly at the child in his father's arms.
However, She then snapped her gaze back towards him. Her expression now cold, As she tried to hide the feeling of her heart melting as she looked at them.
He watched her expression soften for a moment. It was always so amusing how her expression would change around him, As if her body gave her away too easily. Despite how hard she tried to hide it.
He chuckled softly, Amusement in his eyes as he spoke, "Your reactions give everything away."
She scowled slightly, Her cheeks flushing as she heard him speak. He had seen her change of expression. She hated that he always saw through her facade that she had no hope of hiding.
"I hate it when you do that." She muttered softly, A small hint of irritation in her voice.
As he sat there, His eyes were full of amusement. Her facade falling away quickly. She tried so hard to keep it up, Just to give in to his words. It was honestly so amusing.
"I'm just stating the truth." He replied lightly. "It's adorable, How your eyes always gives you away."
Her cheeks flushed at his words, A small huff escaping her. She hated it when he used words like that so openly, But it also made her heart flutter.
"I have a fitting for my shiromuku at the tailor tomorrow..." She informed him. She knew she didn't need to tell him such a thing, However, She knew he would ask anyway.
"I see." He replied softly, A small smirk staying on his face. He could tell she wanted to change the subject. And he was more than happy to keep pushing her buttons.
He moved one arm, Holding the baby a bit closer to his shoulder as he slept. He hummed softly, Studying her expression.
"Baby Yoshitora is coming? or are you leaving him with his loving father?" He asked casually.
She rolled her eyes softly at his tone. She had a feeling he would ask something like that. His words were always playful, Yet they were slightly sarcastic. She knew he knew that she would take the baby.
"Of course I'm taking him." She responded easily, A hint of sarcasm in her voice as she replied.
He expected her answer, She was too overprotective to let someone else take care of their child. But he couldn't help by tease her anyway.
"Oh? I thought you would've had a nanny take care of him by now." He spoke teasingly.
She raised an eyebrow at his words, Her expression showing her slight annoyance at his teasing. She knew he was mocking her for wanting to take care of their child. But he knew how important it was to her.
"I want to raise my child. Not have him be spoiled by a milk mother." She replied pointedly, Her tone sounding slightly annoyed.
Tokinada let out a scoff, A small chuckle leaving him as well. He could already imagine the gossip about her behaviour.
"Other nobles would find your behaviour extremely strange. To personally care for a child as you're doing. They would find it beneath a noble woman to do such a thing."
The ends of his lip turned up slightly as she spoke. He could see it in her face, The sincerity in her words. He knew she was right. He did appreciate the fact she decided to take prolonged leave and care for their child.
"I know you're actually pleased with the fact I'm raising our child. Rather than the alternative." She pressed on.
He paused for a moment, Studying her piercing expression. She saw right through him. Of course he approved, He just liked to take jabs at her about it. He replied lightly, "You are very right, My dear."
She sighed softly, "I knew I was. You're just purposefully annoying."
"Don't say that." He teased, Using his free hand to poke her side. His smirk still in place.
He added, mischief still lacing his tone. "I'm just a loving partner who can't help but tease his lady love."
She scowled softly, Not liking his poking. She was rather sensitive to being touched on her sides. She swatted his hand away with a roll of her eyes.
"I need to feed Yoshitora. He'll be hungry soon." She tried to ignore his teasing, Her tone serious.
His smirk grew, Amusement dancing in his eyes as he watched her swat his hand away. She was so cute when she got annoyed over him teasing her.
"Ah, The joys of breastfeeding." He quips, His eyes leering down at her chest. His mind had gone straight into the gutter.
Her cheeks reddened a bit at his words, Her expression becoming slightly scandalized at the innuendo he implied. She knew he would say something crude to make fun of the situation. She wasn't surprised really, But it still made her irritated.
"Stop it. I don't need to hear your innuendos." She hissed softly, A hint of embarrassment in her tone.
Her reaction was just as he expected.He spoke, His eyes glinting.
"Are you sure you want me to stop? Your bosom is definitely bigger than normal." He teased, His tone low with a hint of dark humor.
She huffed at his words, Flushing a bit more at his tone as she rolled her eyes, "Because I had a baby. Of course they are bigger, Idiot. Why are you soo set on my breasts?"
He chuckled lowly, His smirk still in place. Her flush told him everything, "Just because. I can't enjoy talking about my woman's body?"
"Hisana is here with us. Stop being so lewd in the living room." She murmured, Glaring daggers at him.
He glanced towards Hisana, Who remained completely silent. She had been silent for the majority of time. He watched her for a moment, His expression amused. He raised an eyebrow at Hisana, As if he was mocking her silence, "Oh, Lady Kuchiki! I forgot you were here! You're oh soo very quiet."
Hisana jumped at his words. She had been staying so silent, She hadn't realised Tokinada would suddenly direct attention on her. Her body flinching slightly from being caught off guard.
"Tokinada-sama. I-I apologize..." She murmured softly, Her voice not giving away her thoughts. She kept everything in check, As always. Hisana's soft, almost mouse like voice broke the silence as she spoke, "I-I'm sure Lady Ayame enjoys your teasing, Tokinada-sama.. " She replied with a hint of nerves, It wasn't really hard to tell.
A smirk tugged at his lips, His eyes dancing with mirth as he spoke.
"That's right. She absolutely loves it." He replied, Glancing towards his wife for a moment. His amusement was plain on his face as he looked at the clearly embarrassed Ayame.
The next morning Ayame made it down to the temple which housed Ō'Chō, The butterfly fae who acted as her family's zanpakuto. Trailing behind her was the brunette woman Ukitake Natsu, her friend and companion. Bundled up in a blanket and his new clothes was Yoshitora who looked up at the woman quizzically.
Ayame entered through the doors and closed them behind her. The room was silent and the shrine bear.
The shrine was very quiet. The morning light shone through the translucent screen doors and onto the tatami mats. The light was muted by the curtains, leaving most of the shrine in shadows. The only light that glowed was from the shrine itself that held Ō'Chō's sword. The sword seemed to give off a radiant golden glow.
Ayame stood still before the shrine which house the sword of the butterfly fae. She inhaled the quietness of the room that seemed to be filled with the faint scent of incense and roses. The golden blade of the sword that shone brightly.
'It had been months since I came to visit him. He's probably feeling butthurt.'
Ayame thought to herself with a hint of hesitation. But the thought didn't last for long.
"Ō'Chō... Please appear to me." She ordered with a strong, clear command.
There was a flicker of movement in the darkness of the shrine. A figure stepped out of the darkness. At first glance, It was just a silhouette. Many would mistaken this entity to be a man at first, However his aura and fey features would give away his true nature upon closer inspection. The fey monarch was tall, well built and was covered in a silken golden shang outfit. His tawny hair was messy yet free flowing, shimmering butterflies hiding behind each strand. Wisened golden eyes stared down at Ayame. There was a subtle twitch of his thin lips, as if the faerie was hiding a scowl.
"Ayame, You finally remembered I existed." The fae said coldly, His voice light like chimes.
"I never forgot about you." Ayame stated with a quiet sincerity, but also a little embarrassed. "I have been... very busy these past months... I had a baby..."
She avoided eye contact with the fae.
"A baby..." The butterfly fae repeated. "So that's why you hadn't bothered to come visit..." He said, almost like he was scolding her. The fae walked around her then stopped. His golden eyes never left Ayame. He stopped a couple of feet in front of her.
"Have you come here to introduce your child?" He asked. It seem the fae was curious to see such a thing.
"Yes actually, That's the reason I'm here." Ayame confirmed. She turned to look toward Yoshitora, she took him from Natsu's arms.
"This is my son Yoshitora, Who'll be a future heir of the house." She explained softly while cradling him in her arms.
He looked at the little one with a critical eye, as if he was sizing up the child before he turned to look at Ayame.
"You chose Tokinada Tsunayashiro as your child's father... Why?" He asked, tilting his chin towards her. "You know what kind of person he is, why did you agree to marry him?"
"I was concerned for the well-being of a noble house. A lot of the members of the Tsunayashiro family started to die without a known reason why, or by conveniently placed accidents..." Ayame murmured, her voice drifting along as she gently rocked her child in her arms. "If they all ended up dead tomorrow, My child will be important."
The fae didn't seem at all pleased to hear such an answer. The butterfly fae let out a dry scoff and stared at her with a rather cold, unreadable expression.
"So. It's a power scheme. How... Clever." He murmured. There was a tinge of bitterness in his tone.
Ō'Chō turned from her before pacing a couple of circles around the woman.
"You do realize what you're getting into? The danger you and your child are facing by marrying that man?" He asked, a hint of genuine worry lacing his tone.
"I want you to protect him." Ayame said. She cradled Yoshitora to herself, gently tucking her fingers through her boy's thick locks of black hair. "The senior Tsunayashiro members already see my child as a threat and may try to remove him."
"You want me to protect the child." The faerie repeated. His eyebrow raised as he walked over to stand right before Ayame. The golden butterfly Fae peered down at her as if mulling over her request.
"And what do I get in return?"
"Anything you want, you can name the price." Ayame said with a steady certainty. Inwardly, she really didn't want to give anything up. But she was desperate and needed to protect her child no matter the cost.
The Fae seemed a bit satisfied at her answer. A small smirk tugged at his lips.
"Hmmm... " He murmured as he tapped a clawed finger to his lips, as if thinking of something.
"Anything? Even things like pastries and tasty souls?" He asked. The faerie moved closer to her now, his golden joyful eyes peering into her tired violet gaze.
"Anything, My King." Ayame said. "Even if it's sweets and souls." She confirmed, without hesitation.
The way he phrased his question rubbed against her nerves. It felt as if the fae was mocking something like a child asking for candy.
The Fae's golden eyes lit up with delight. His smirk had turned into a full grin at her quick answer.
"Anything I want, huh..." He murmured in a low voice. The butterflies flutter around him seemed to flutter a little faster, almost in a frenzy.
"Well. I'll hold you to your word." He answered with a soft trill.
"You're coming with me to the tailoring shop. I'm getting a Shiromuku made for the wedding and I want your opinion. " She said as she shifted and walked toward the door. "And stay quiet while there. No pranks."
The fae's grin widen when he heard that and a light laugh slipped from him. He followed behind Ayame closely, the butterflies flutter happily around him. "I'm not making any promises, My Lady. But I'll behave myself... For now." The Fae teased as they walked through the shrine's doors.
"I know what you're like, Ō'Chō." Ayame murmured with no bite to her tone. She stepped out of the shrine and into the morning sun.
The butterflies began to flutter away, before dispersing in shimmering lights as Ō'chō moved to hide within her. A soft tingling sensation emerged from her chest as the powerful fae's presence was felt within.
Ayame continued on her way with one hand on her chest, and the other cradling Yoshitora. She could feel the fae's presence within her, the powerful being was still and quiet but she could feel his subtle presence as subtle as a heartbeat.
Ayame stopped by Natsu and gently handed the bundled infant to her. The brunette woman raised an eyebrow at her boss but didn't say anything as she took Yoshitora into her arms.
"Natsu, Hold him tight." She muttered with a tired breath.
Natsu cradled the infant in her arms gently with a confused yet curious face. "Sure thing." She murmured quietly as she held the baby, keeping him nice and warm in his blanket.
Ayame gave a nod before she continued her walk to the town. She held onto to her hand still at her chest, the faeries subtle presence was still there. The day seemed relatively nice and bright, it was like the calm before the storm.
It didn't take them long to reach the Ashihara Toyohiko boutique, the building was quite fancy and well known for its beautiful Shiromuku's and kimono's for weddings. Its large entrance stood tall, it had white and silver decorations that seemed quite fancy and eye catching.
Ayame entered through the entrance, with Natsu and Yoshitora behind her.
Inside was just as fancy as the outside. The interior was nicely furnished and the attendants were ready to assist the customers. A blonde woman with green eyes walked out as if to greet the customers with a welcoming smile.
"Good morning Miss Utsunomiya. We have prepared a private room for your fitting. Please follow me." The female attendant said with a small bow.
As Ayame walked along following the attendant, she suddenly froze as she spotted a familiar woman. Itō Tsunayashiro. That woman's eyes seemed almost as cold and emotionless as the last encounter. The two mothers locked eyes which lasted for a good moment before both of their gazes turned sour.
"Tsunayashiro-San." Ayame greeted with a curt tone of voice, her shoulders seemed tensed.
The older woman only looked at her before her eyes moved toward the infant in Natsu arms. She raised a fine eyebrow, looking at the bundled baby before turning her cold gaze to Ayame once more.
"How fortunate." Itō Tsunayashiro said softly. "I see your child here." She glanced toward Natsu who was holding Yoshitora.
Ayame couldn't help the shiver that went down her spine.
"Can't trust Tokinada to be alone and care for his own son?" She jeered, her cold gaze boring into Ayame.
The comment was sharp and direct, it hit a nerve. Ayame could feel the faeries subtle presence grow within her. Yet she only frowned in return and kept a steady voice.
"He's cared for." She retorted, "Besides, it's not like you care about your own grandchild."
A small smile tugged at the corner of the older woman's lips, it seemed almost cruel and sinister.
"Of course I care." She said. "When will we be given the chance to see him?" She asked. Itō's eyes were locked onto the baby, as if staring to see if she could find anything familiar in him.
"You'll get to see him." Ayame replied in a rather cold tone. "You'll see him at our wedding." She said bluntly. Her eyes were fixed on the old woman, as if challenging her gaze.
Itō seemed to have gotten the message but her cold eyes remained the same.
"I see. And you'll continue to have a low ranking noble like Natsu handle your son?" She asked.
The two women turned to look at Natsu, who was standing there awkwardly. She held the child a little tighter in her arms, looking between them.
"Natsu is fine, she's a valuable aide of mine." Ayame said firmly while casting the woman an icy glare. "I don't need an old lady scolding my choice of attendees."
Itō remained rather expressionless but was growing clearly more agitated.
"What I meant to say is," She said, her voice cold in tone. "How do we know this child is really Tokinada's? We can't just take your word for it... Just because it looks like Tokinada doesn't mean it is his." She hissed. "It is a hasty wedding, we can't have the Tsunayashiro line soiled by some noble whore with a bastard child."
The room had fallen mostly quiet, while Ayame could feel her blood boiling slowly. Suddenly they heard a door slide open and in walked Tsuyoi with an exasperated expression on her face. Ayame's mother's gaze fixed on the two women.
"That's enough." She growled out while looking at Itō. "I won't have you slandering my daughter with your nonsense, Lady Itō. We have no doubts about the child's parentage."
Itō only raised a fine eyebrow while looking down to Tsuyoi. "How can you trust the word of your daughter?" She asked in a mocking tone. "She's nothing but a mischievous whore!"
Tsuyoi only snorted and crossed her arms, "How about you shut that trap of yours before I shut it for you!"
"Oh! Like you're any better." Itō said, mockingly with a roll of her eyes. "You married much above your station, Lady Tsuyoi. I guess spreading her legs will help any woman to raise in the social latter."
That comment seemed to struck a nerve for Tsuyoi and she took a step closer to Itō, her eyes narrowing with a dangerous glare.
"You're the one to talk, you're old enough to be a great - grandmother." She spat out with a sneer. "All that's left in the Tsunayashiro line from you are lecherous sons, a bunch of bastard grandchildren and dead daughter-in-laws."
Itō only glared down at her before suddenly, The older woman lunged and grabbed hold of Tsuyoi's hair.
"Shut your mouth!" She hissed as she tugged roughly on the dark tresses.
Tsuyoi, in return, tugged back at Itō's wrist before the two started bickering and clawing at one another like feral cats.
Natsu and Ayame both could only stand back as the two women fought like animals. Their screaming caused Yoshitora to cry.
"Don't talk about my daughter, like that!" Tsuyoi yelled as she struggled, trying to punch Itō.
Natsu winced in sympathy for the baby in her arms, while Ayame could only watch her mother.
Itō's grip was tightening on Tsuyoi's hair as she pulled back. "I'll say whatever I want! You're the whore who married a brute for his money!"
"At least he cares about the children!" Tsuyoi hissed out, clawing at Itō's hair. "He's better than your weak man of a husband!"
Itō growled and suddenly she punched Tsuyoi in the face making her stagger back. This only seemed to make them angrier and began clawing at one another more violently.
The loud racket and screaming from the brawl had caught the attention of those nearby. The well dressed owner and tailor, Toyohiko rushed into the hallway upon hearing the noise and saw the two middle aged women fighting.
"Please!" He yelled out over the din. "Stop! Ladies! Take this out of my building!"
Unfortunately, the women did not seem to hear his words as they ignored him completely. One woman was scratching the other's face with her nails and the other was clawing down on the other's dress.
Toyohiko shook his head out of frustration and called shinigami law enforcement.
After a few minutes later, two soul reapers entered the boutique and tried to break up the women. One of the shinigami managed to pull Tsuyoi off of Itō while the other managed to restrain The Tsunayashiro matriarch who had scratch the other across the check and arm.
The shinigami tried to calm the women down, the one that restrained Tsuyoi was having an easier time as she had stopped fighting. However Itō put up a fight and struggled against the shinigami.
"Take your hands off me! I'm Lady Tsunayashiro! Acting head of the great noble house!" She snapped as the shinigami dragged her out of the boutique.
The two shinigami had finally managed to get the women out of the establishment, while everyone in the room could only shake their heads. Toyohiko pinched the bridge of his purple tinted oval glasses, frustrated. It was going to take a lot of work to clean up the mess that two noble mothers made.