With the drama now over, Toyohiko, turned to look at his guests.
"I apologize for the scene you had to witness, Lady Utsunomiya." He said and bowed. "Are you still willing to continue?"
Ayame was mostly stunned, her eyes darted from the mess in the room to Itō being dragged away, then back to the Boutique owner.
"Yes," She said after a moment. "Yes, I am."
As she followed Toyohiko to the private room, Ayame could only think the scene where her mother had fought Tokinada's. It was embarrassing, the two grown women fighting like feral animals and clawing at one another.
What was even more embarrassing was the words they threw at one another, bringing up the past and family issues.
Ayame clenched her eyes shut and exhaled slowly, trying to push the scene out of her mind. While behind her, Natsu was holding the now quiet infant.
Toyohiko, stopped for a moment and looked back at the pair, giving a sympathetic look to the now shaken woman.
"Don't worry, this happens a lot between nobles who visit my boutique
... Weddings, after all, are a high time for out bursts of drama and unresolved grudges." He said in a reassuring tone. "Please don't take what Madame Tsunayashiro said to heart."
"Thank you." She gave him a soft smile, still trying to compose herself. "But it's alright, I know that old woman holds a grudge against everyone for just existing, besides herself."
Ayame inhaled deeply before exhaling. "And the fact that I'm marrying her son is just adding to fuel to the fire of her hatred."
"No offence to you, miss." He replied as he stopped in front of the fitting room. "I personally believe you shouldn't let that woman get the better of you on your wedding day. There's no use fretting over her words, you hold the higher ground now."
The boutique owner gave her one final bow before he stood straight. "The room is all yours, just ring the bell when you're done the initial measurements and I'll send for you."
Ayeme nodded and thanked him again as he left. She slipped through the door and was hit with the overwhelming smell of fabric and perfumes. She looked around for a moment. It was a simple room, with a stool in the middle and a large full body mirror near the back. A small curtained off section in the corner is provided for privacey.
She walked further into the room and sat down on the stool. Ayame sat down and exhaled, a sigh was escaping her lips. She closed her eyes for a moment before reopening them.
A wave of nostalgia rushed her as familiar childhood memories passed. She remembers sitting through a fitting for a kimono to wear to a birthday, sitting quietly on a stool just like the one she was currently sitting on.
She remembered sitting on a stool with Tsuyoi and Natsu helping her get dressed. The fitting was for one of many kimonos she'd have to wear to Byakuya's birthday the following weekend.
Ayame could recall how bored and quiet she had been that day, while her mother and the two hand maidens discussed the latest rumors about noble society.
She could remember the way that the handmaids and ladies had gossiped amongst themselves, how quiet and envious they were over her engagement to Byakuya Kuchiki.
Ayame remembered their hushed whispers as they spoke of how pretty and lucky she was to marry him.
"Imagine, marrying a noble man so young and handsome... It's just not fair."
"She's so lucky to be betrothed to Lord Kuchiki, I envy her."
Those whispered statements sent jealousy through the female household staff and other young noblewomen, all of them were envious of the Utsunomiya princess. In return, Her parents were more than joyful about being able to marry their daughter off to a close friend's son.
Thinking back on the situation, Ayame almost wanted to scoff in spite. Had they known to whom she was now engaged to marry... She doubted they would even try to hide their disdain.
The thought crossed her mind on what would the household staff would think of her if they knew she was marrying the one Tokinada Tsunayashiro. They would probably faint, before pitying and condemning her in the same breath.
She could hear them in her head, whispering and gossiping amongst themselves. Ayame knew what they would probably say about her:
"If she wasn't the sacred heir she would be chastised for bearing a bastard."
"I can't believe she's married down the social ladder, what a shame."
"She was lucky to marry the twenty eighth head of Kuchiki, but now she ruins her reputation by falling into such a lowly marriage with a noble criminal."
"Lady Ayame is marrying and bearing the child of the wife-murderer... She'll be his next victim for sure... I bet it's what she wants."
The young woman shut her eyes tightly, as if she could shut out the thoughts by doing so. She could feel a sharp pang of hurt in her chest, the imaginary statements from her peers felt like daggers.
Ayame clenched her hands, trying to will herself not to react. She inhaled and exhaled slowly, as if to calm herself.
Ayame suddenly found herself wondering if she was going mad. Why was she getting so worked up over what others thought of her? Were these thoughts self-reflective?
Ayame suddenly came back to reality as she heard Natsu's voice behind her.
"Are you okay, My Lady?" She asked. "You looked like you were spacing out a bit."
Ayame took a moment to collect herself before replying. "I'm fine, Natsu." She reassured her. "Just lost in thought for a moment."
Natsu gave her a slightly worried look, clearly not believing her reply. However, she said nothing and instead turned her attention to the infant in her arms.
The other woman gently rocked the baby in her arms as she sat down on a couch. The infant still slept, blissfully unaware of the world.
Ayame watched Natsu rocking the infant, a warm smile slowly made its way across her face. She had always loved children.
They were so innocent and pure, with no concept of reality in the world. Sometimes, Ayame longed that she could go back into that state of being blissfully unaware of the world.
As Natsu continued to rock the infant, she thought about what her fiancé had said about his own childhood.
Tokinada said he had been a wild and chaotic youth, who caused mischief.
By the way Tokinada described himself, he had sounded like quite a rebel. The very opposite of herself, who even as a teenager, had been extremely obedient and never did anything that would upset her parents.
Ayame knew she was far too polite, and perhaps too submissive for her own good. She never questioned her father or mother's wishes, never raised her voice in an argument or in general. She never even disobeyed the strict curfew that was placed on her.
In a way, Ayame found herself wondering what it would be like to be as carefree as Tokinada had been in his youth. She wished she could've been carefree back then.
The image of the older woman, Tokinada's mother sprung to mind. Itō Tsunayashiro was a cold, ambitious woman, who cared little about those who were of no benefit to her. She was more focused on her status in the nobility and control she had over her family.
Ayame remembered how that woman looked at her, with pure and open disdain. To the Tsunayashiro matriarch this marriage was open rebellion.
Ayame clenched her jaw as she remembered the scene at the boutique. The argument between Itō Tsunayashiro and her mother.
The image of that older woman was imprinted in her mind, that haughty look and condescending way she spoke down to her mother.
Those two had so much disdain and hatred for each other, and now they would be connected through Ayame's own marriage to Tokinada.
Ayame suddenly laughed out loud after realizing how amusing this all was.
She could imagine the reaction of her fiancé when he found out about the scuffle at the boutique between their respective mothers.
Tokinada would find this event comical, she knew he would.
Ayame could picture him, that devilish smirk of his plastered on his face. And then he would do that quiet little impish chuckle.
She could just picture that sly, amused look of his as she explained what had happened at the boutique. He was going to love every moment of this.
Ayame shook her head, as she stopped herself from daydreaming. As much as she wanted to think more about how her would-be-husband would react, she had to focus on the present. Now was not the time for daydreams and whimsical nonsense, especially with the fitting.
Ayame took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, calming and centering herself. She sat back on the stool, focusing on the here and now. She turned her attention to Natsu, and saw the other woman still holding the sleeping infant in her arms.
"How is he doing?" She asked Natsu, her voice was steady.
Natsu looked down at the infant for a moment, before looking back to Ayame with a gentle smile on her face.
"He's doing very well," Natsu replied in a kind tone. "Yoshitora tired himself out from his fussing earlier."
Ayame nodded in response, a warm smile crossed her face. She reached out a hand to brush a strand of black hair away from the baby's face.
He was a fine, healthy infant, she thought. His soft breaths were slow and even as he slept blissfully.
Natsu's thoughts went to the conversation between Tsuyoi and Itō, how the older woman had been surprised about the topic.
It was common knowledge that the Tsunayashiro clan had a great number of illegitimate children, but their names were unknown in the Seireitei. There was always discussion about them and who they were, but it was never brought up in public.
That exchange in the boutique, between the two noble women, was the first time Natsu could remember the bastard children of the Tsunayashiro clan had been talked about in public.
"The Tsunayashiro clan has a lot of bastard children," She said quietly, as she watched the infant sleep. "But no one has ever figured out who any of them are."
Ayame nodded a little in response. "I've heard the same thing," She said quietly. "Whenever a mother of a Tsunayashiro bastard child is discovered, they are usually found dead. The child is never to be found as well, so I think most people just assume that the child is dead too-"
"It is rather strange, though," Ayame continued, her voice was soft as she watched Natsu rocking the infant. "It's like they are erasing all of these bastards from existence... Like they never existed in the first place."
Natsu nodded, looking over at Ayame as she replied. "It's probably because they don't want some bastard with power taking over the clan in the future," She said in a hushed voice. "It's a smart idea to get rid of the children and the mothers."
"That's true," Ayame said in a quiet tone. "I've heard most, if not all, of the mothers are usually prostitutes or low class women," She said, her eyes trained on the infant. "They say they were never important to begin with."
"The noble families consider it a stain against the name," Ayame sighed quietly, as she continued. "If a high class man has a bastard child, usually they try to avoid making it known, especially if the mother of the bastard child is one of low standing." Ayame paused for a moment, shaking her head with a slight frown on her face. "It is rather unfair, in my opinion. It's not the child's fault, after all."
Ayame let out another sigh as she looked down at her white shiromuku. She remembered her mother talking about the regalia and the timeless beauty it represented.
It was a simple, yet elegant robe. The flowing white silk seemed to glow under the light, and the colorful motifs of white flowers and cherry blossom petals that decorated the fabric gave it a whimsical touch.
Ayame reached out a hand to touch the fabric of her shiromuku, running her fingers over the soft material as the memories flooded her mind.
She remembered this garment was originally supposed to be the garb she would wear when marrying Byakuya Kuchiki. But that was before the engagement was broken.
Now the shiromuku was never to be worn at the ceremony. Instead, it was relegated to be a reminder of a broken future.
As Ayame's fingers continued to idly brush against her shiromuku, Natsu noticed a sad look cross her friend's haunted face.
She asked quietly, concerned for her. "Is something wrong, Ayame?"
Ayame looked up from her shiromuku, a small sigh escaped her lips as she met Natsu's gaze.
"It's just… this shiromuku was supposed to be the one I would wear when I married Byakuya." She said quietly. "Now it feels odd now to wear such a masterpiece and marrying another than the intended…"
Ayame looked down at her shiromuku, her eyes gazing at the soft and pale white cloth. "It's a perfect piece," She continued in a soft, almost mournful voice. "Every intricate detail is meticulously made. The flowing silk is as soft as a whisper, and the delicate cherry blossom petals are so realistically depicted, almost as if they came to life."
She paused for a moment, her eyes never leaving the garment. "It's sad though, that it was never to serve its true purpose, to be worn at the intended wedding..."
Natsu watched as Ayame's fingers gripped the shiromuku. She knew the look of melancholy in her good friend's eyes. Quietly, she made a suggestion. "Ayame, there's another outer robe over there... if this one makes you uncomfortable, how about you try on a different one..?"
Ayame nodded slowly, as she heard Natsu's suggestion.
"Perhaps another outer robe will be better," she agreed, her voice was still soft and quiet. She stood up carefully from the stool, and made her way over to the racks of garments laid out for her.
Ayame looked over all the outer robes and coats, and her eyes settled on a white uchikake with silver lilies and butterflies embroidered into the cloth.
"How about this one?" She said, picking up the uchikake from the rack, her face showing a small, tentative smile.
Natsu was silent as she looked at the uchikake in Ayame's hands. The embroidered butterflies in flight were beautifully embellishments, each silver thread made to appear like delicate wings of various sizes. The silver threads were also used to outline the white lilies, and on the collar, sleeves and hem.
"It's very extravagant-" Natsu said, her voice was soft. "Why don't you try it on."
Ayame nodded a little in response to Natsu's words. She held up the uchikake, and began to slip it on.
The weight of the heavy garment was immediately apparent, the embroidered silk and brocade fabric was just as heavy as it was elegant. She carefully arranged the uchikake on her shoulders, then turned to look at her reflection in the mirrors.
Ayame stood in front of the full-length mirror, admiring her reflection. The uchikake was a beauty to behold. The silver embroidery shimmered in the light, and the butterflies in flight were in the perfect position.
Slowly, she began to lift her arms again and admire the embroidery, the flowing sleeves seemed to transform into a pair of butterflies slowly flapping their wings.
Ayame exited the changing room, as she carefully adjusted the uchikake on her shoulders. The large showcase that was outside the changing room was packed with people, and she could hear several gasps of awe from the attendants and the guests.
She felt a flush of warmth on her cheeks from being the center of attention. However, she tried to remind herself to remain calm and collected as she made her way to the center of the showcase.
Ayame took a few steps into the showcasing area, trying to ignore the many eyes focused on her. She could also sense the presence of other people, and her eyes immediately darted over to them.
Ayame recognized Hisana and Byakuya, a wave of shock rippling through her at the sight of her former fiancé. Her heart skipped a beat as she felt the blood rushing to her face, and she quickly tried to compose herself.
Ayame swallowed hard, her eyes still fixated on Hisana and Byakuya. A strange mixture of emotions was running through her - surprise, hurt and a hint of anger, all blending together.
She averted her gaze, trying to keep herself from staring at him. Meanwhile, she noticed several attendants coming over to her, fussing over the uchikake and making adjustments here and there, while still continuing conversations among themselves.
As the attendants made a few adjustments to the uchikake, Ayame caught a few words from their conversation.
"- It looks good on her -"
"- The butterflies in flight, a symbol of new beginnings -"
She tried to pay attention to them, but her thoughts kept turning to Byakuya. Every fiber of her being wanted to look over at him and Hisana again, but her pride and shame stopped her from doing so.
As the attendants continued to fuss around her, Ayame took a deep breath and reminded herself of her position.
"I'm a noble woman," she thought, keeping her voice steady and strong. "I am a mother and daughter of a great noble family, pride and shame are luxuries I cannot afford…"
She tried to push aside her emotions, forcing a small smile on her face. Ayame allowed her eyes to glance over at Hisana, her gaze falling on the young woman's kimono.
The kimono Hisana wore was a pale pink color, with small floral patterns of cherry blossoms decorating the sleeves and the hem. It was a very simple design, but there was something very gentle and demure in the way it suited her.
Ayame felt a mixture of emotions as she looked at Hisana's kimono. A part of her was surprised at how pretty the garment looked on the other woman, while another felt a twinge of envy.
Ayame's mind went back to her last encounter with Hisana, a memory that still haunted her. The other woman's last words at her still echoed in her mind as if it was a cursed whisper.
"You're too afraid to let it go. Too afraid to break away from the role you've spent your life playing. To afraid to be... Real."
Ayame felt a wave of anger and bitterness as she reflected on her past. Her life had always been designed and orchestrated for her, from the moment she was born into the Utsunomiya family. She was born with a single guarantee, to become the wife of the future Kuchiki head.
As she remembered her childhood, Ayame thought of the expectations laid upon her as the "sacred heir" to her family. She was raised and trained to become the eventual successor to her family's leadership, but deep inside she knew she didn't want it. Even if she was the cosmic reincarnation of Taiyohime herself. She wanted a more simpler life but her duties tended to override her wants.
However, Ayame knew that her duties to her family and her society came first. A part of her tried to convince herself that it was her destiny to follow the path laid out for her, that as the "sacred heir" of her family she did not have a choice.
But another part of her yearned for a life different from the one her family had given her. She yearned for a life where she could make her own choices, where she could be more than just a piece in her family's elaborate plan.
Ayame's heart ached as she remembered Hisana's words. The other woman's last words to her, that she was "too afraid to be... Real" echoed in her mind.
She knew Hisana was right. Her entire life, she had been playing a role that someone else had created for her. Even her engagement to Byakuya was a part of that act.
Ayame realized that her own fears and insecurities had stopped her from being truly honest with herself. She had allowed herself to be trapped in a web of expectations and roles that had been set out for her, and she had never tried to break free.
She let out a weary sigh. Ayame did not want to be the sacred heir, she did not want to be the head of a household. Hell, Even her role as a teacher and shinigami came second. The only reason she adorned such a position because her intelligence and vast reiryoku made her perfect for the role by others who saw her value. In her heart, She just wanted to live a life that was most tangible.
As she stood there in her uchikake, surrounded by people and the chatter of conversation, she knew she had spent her entire life hiding behind a mask. Too afraid to let anyone see the "real" her beneath the facade.
Ayame felt a wave of shame and guilt wash over her as she finally acknowledged her own cowardice. She had allowed herself to be used and manipulated by her family, never questioning the roles and expectations that had been set out for her.
She knew she had been living a lie. A life that was filled with superficiality and fakeness. As she stood in the uchikake, she remembers how Tokinada went against his family's wishes to pursue her.
As she stood there, she thought of how he had chosen her, even though their relationship was a forbidden one. He had gone against his family's expectations and traditions, just to have her.
In that moment, Ayame realized that she had never had the courage to do something like that. To stand up for herself and what she truly wanted, in the way Tokinada did. She had been too afraid to do anything that could go against her family's plans for her future.
Her mind went back to the time when Tokinada had revealed their marriage to the entire world. It was a bold move on his part, declaring their marriage, even while he was under supposed house arrest.
She remembered how he had declared their marriage in the newsletter with such a prideful and bold manner that stunned her. At the time, she had never expected him to be that direct about their relationship.
As she recalled the memory, Ayame felt a wave of confusion wash over her. She remembered how Tokinada's actions had been so unexpected and even a little perplexing to her.
Why had he been so willing to risk his own family's fury and disappoint them by marrying her? And why had he been so determined to announce their union to the whole soul society?
Ah, Yes, His tendency for exhibition.
It was because he could. Tokinada was fearless and reckless in that sense, bold and unafraid to go against conventions and expectations.
He had always done whatever he wanted without thinking of the consequences. Just as he said he had just seen what he wanted, and then seized the opportunity without hesitation. Just as Kaien warned; all Tsunayashiro are opportunists.
That was just part of his act, he had always been sly and manipulative that way. The idea he had married her just out of the goodness of his heart or from some deep love for her was laughable.
As she thought about the reasons behind his actions, Ayame recalled the strange interest that Tokinada had always taken in her.
In particular, his obsession with her "sinless" soul. It had always seemed a little too deliberate and suspicious.
He had always been so fascinated by the idea of her pure and untainted nature. It still puzzled her why he was so fascinated with her purity, to the point where it appeared almost obsessive.
Perhaps there was more to it than just an innocent curiosity. Perhaps there was some darker intention or purpose behind his need to possess her, his fixation on her sin-less nature.
As Ayame continued to reflect on Tokinada's possible motives, she felt a sudden urge to glance up and look at the Kuchiki couple again, who were in the middle of conversing.
The sight of him, still as handsome and dignified as ever, brought back a flood of memories that she had spent months trying to bury and forget.
The memories of their past relationship, their engagement, and the promise of a future together, all came rushing back to her like a tidal wave.
As she continued to stare at Byakuya, a wave of painful emotions washed over Ayame, threatening to overpower her. She wanted to punch herself in the face. But then, a thought suddenly broke through her tumultuous thoughts. She has moved on, She told herself, She has a child with Tsunayashiro.
The words brought her back to reality, like a cold splash of water in the face.
'Get it together, she thought to herself, be real.'
With a deep breath, she attempted to compose herself and push aside her personal feelings.
After a few moments, Ayame managed to suppress her emotions and push them to the back of her mind. She focused on keeping a neutral and poised expression on her face. To anyone looking at her, she seemed calm and collected, but only she knew the inner turmoil she was experiencing.
She took a few more deep breaths, trying to steady her racing heart. After a while she managed to compose herself and look over at Hisana and Byakuya again, her expression betraying nothing of the maelstrom of emotions she was feeling inside.
On one hand, she could not help but feel a pang of jealousy that her former fiancé had chosen a friend of her's from the rukon. A part of her wondered what she did to make him turn to Hisana instead of her. But at the same time, she also felt a sense of resignation. She knew that her time with Byakuya was over and that she had to accept it, no matter how painful it was.
As Ayame continued to contemplate her feelings towards Byakuya, she suddenly came to a decision. She knew that she needed to move on and get a hold of herself.
She turned the Natsu, her attendee, who was holding her child in her arms.
"Natsu," Ayame said, her voice firm and composed.
"Yes, my lady?" Natsu replied, shifting the child in her arms.
"Give me Yoshitora for a moment."
"Of course, my lady," Natsu said, nodded.
Ayame watched as Natsu carefully handed her young son, Yoshitora, over to her.
Her gaze softened as she held her baby boy in her arms, all the pain and heartache she felt before melting away at the sight of him.
As Ayame held Yoshitora in her arms, she felt a sense of peace and warmth wash over her. She gazed down at her son, taking in his delicate features and soft skin.
His little eyes looked up at her, curious and innocent, completely unaware of the storm of emotions she was experiencing.
She gently caressed his cheek with her finger, feeling the softness of his skin, and for a moment, all her worries and pain were forgotten. He bestowed her confidence.
As Ayame held her son, Yoshitora, in her arms, she couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment in that moment.
She felt as though all the pain and heartbreak she had been feeling just moments earlier had melted away in the presence of her child. She held him close, feeling his small body against hers, and for a brief moment, it was as if the rest of the world didn't matter. All that mattered was the little person in her arms, who was counting on her for everything.
Ayame took a moment to compose herself before turning to Byakuya, who was still engaged in conversation with Hisana. As she approached the couple, she noticed his eyes darted to her son, and a hint of surprise flickered across his face.
Hisana, noticing Byakuya's gaze, turned to see Ayame and the small child in her arms. A soft smile graced her face, and she extended a hand to gently touch Yoshitora's cheek.
Ayame watched as Hisana's hand gently stroked her son's cheek. The gesture was so tender and loving, She suppressed the negative feelings and forced a smile. Quickly she allowed Hisana to hold her son.
"Byakuya," Ayame said, her voice calm and composed, "I'd like you to meet my son, Yoshitora."
Byakuya's gaze went from Ayame to her son and back again, his expression unreadable. There was a moment of silence before he spoke.
"He looks just like you," Byakuya said, his tone neutral, yet there was a hint of something else in his voice that Ayame couldn't quite place.
As Byakuya made his comment, Ayame's breath hitched slightly in her throat. She had not expected him to say that. But she quickly composed herself and replied, her voice steady.
"Really? I always thought he looked more like his father," Ayame said, trying to keep her emotions in check.
Byakuya's gaze flickered to Yoshitora's face for a moment before coming back up to meet Ayame's eyes. He didn't say anything in response, but his expression seemed almost troubled for a brief instant.
As Byakuya continued to look at Yoshitora, Ayame could sense a strange mix of emotion in his gaze. It was a look of curiosity, with a hint of sadness and a tinge of something else.
For a moment, they stood in silence, awkwardly staring at each other, each lost in their own thoughts.
As the silence between them grew, Ayame realized that she had to break it. She couldn't stand the tension for much longer. So, she forced a smile and said:
"He's a handful, that's for sure. But I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world."
Byakuya's face softened slightly at her words, but still, there was something in his expression that made Ayame wonder if he was hiding something. He nodded in acknowledgment before replying:
"I can imagine." Byakuya responded, a moment of silence fell upon them again. But this time, it was less uncomfortable.
Ayame couldn't help but notice how different he seemed from the last time they had spoken. He now was reserved and distant, but there was something in his eyes that she couldn't quite place. It was as if he was carrying a heavy weight on his shoulders.
As the silence between them continued to linger, Ayame found herself unable to tear her gaze away from Byakuya. She studied his face carefully, trying to decipher the emotions that were hidden behind his stoic expression.
His eyes, which used to be full of life and passion, looked heavy and distant.
"You look tired," Ayame said before she could stop herself.
Byakuya's eyes flicked up to meet Ayame's, and she could tell that her comment had caught him off guard. For a moment, his composure wavered, and a flicker of something - was it pain? - crossed his face. But just as quickly, he composed himself and answered in a calm, emotionless tone:
"That's hardly your concern."
As Byakuya spoke, Ayame was suddenly hurled back to a memory of him as a teenager - a time when his arrogance and sharp tongue had always been a source of frustration and amusement. She had forgotten how much of a hothead he used to be, and how his quick tongue always cut right through people.
Despite her mixed emotions, a small, sad smile played on her lips. "You've gotten better at hiding your feelings," she said.
Byakuya's eyes narrowed slightly at her statement, and a hint of annoyance flickered across his face. But he quickly masked it with his learnt stoic expression.
"And you've gotten better at making unnecessary observations," he replied, his voice with a pinch of sarcasm.
As Byakuya's sarcastic reply left his lips, Ayame couldn't help but let out a laugh. It was a sudden, unexpected outburst, but it felt like a much-needed release from the tension between them.
"You haven't changed at all," she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're still as charming as ever."
Byakuya's face betrayed a slight flicker of surprise at her response. It was clear that he had not expected her to find anything about him charming, let alone laugh at his sarcastic comment..
But he quickly regained his composure, and a hint of a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "And here I was, thinking I'd grown into a decent mature adult."
Ayame chuckled, finding his attempt at a joke endearing. She raised an eyebrow and shook her head slightly. "Sure, you're a decent mature adult, but deep down, you're still that hotheaded child that couldn't control his temper."
Byakuya's face darkened slightly at her words, but he couldn't deny the truth in them. He had been quite the reckless and impulsive teenager, always quick to anger, and never quite under control of his emotions.
He took a deep breath, his eyes still meeting hers. "Perhaps you're right. I have made a few improvements since then."
As Byakuya spoke, Ayame felt a pang of nostalgia in her chest. She remembered all the times he had lost his temper when they were younger, how his anger would flare, and how she had always been the one to calm him down.
"I suppose you being around always kept me from going too far."
He said it without thinking, and they both were silent for a moment, letting the words hang in the air between them. It was true, but Byakuya was a bit surprised that he'd said it out loud like that.
He didn't like admitting that he needed anyone's help or support, but it was the truth. Having her around had definitely mellowed him when he was younger.
Ayame smirked slightly, her violet eyes sparkling with a hint of mischievousness. "Ah, is that an admission that you needed me back then? I knew I was the only one who could handle that short temper of yours."
Byakuya's face darkened again at her comment, though his eyes held a glimmer of irritation at being teased. "You still know how to push my buttons, don't you?"
He didn't deny what she said, though. The truth was, she did always know how to handle him back then, even when he was being the most stubborn.
Ayame's smirk widened, her tone playful. "Ah, but your button's so easy to push! It's almost too much fun to resist."
She chuckled softly, enjoying the way his expression changed in reaction. He looked annoyed, but if she knew him well, she could tell he was holding back an amused smile.
Byakuya's eyes narrowed slightly, but his lips twitched subtly, betraying a hint of amusement. He knew that she was enjoying this, and despite himself, he found her teasing somewhat endearing.
He took a step forward, his voice dry. "You definitely haven't changed, have you? Still cheeky as ever."
Ayame's smile widened, her head tipping to one side. "And you've gotten even more serious since we were younger. You really should loosen up a bit, Byakuya."
She chuckled again, her tone light, but there was a hint of a challenge in her eyes. She knew his tendency to be a bit uptight, and it was always so easy to tease him about it.
Byakuya's serious expression never wavered, but there was a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. He knew she was just trying to get a rise out of him, and usually he would just ignore her, but for some reason, he couldn't help responding.
He took another step closer to her. "Perhaps I need some reminders on how to 'loosen up', huh? Are you volunteering, Ayame?"
Ayame's smirk remained, unfazed by his nearness. She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling. "You're forgetting you're a married man now, Hisana can help you with that, Yes?"
She kept her tone casual, but there was a hint of daring in her eyes. They were close enough that she could see the subtle changes in his expression, the slight narrowing of his eyes, the firm set of his jaw.
Hisana stood nearby, still doting on Yoshitora. She had been watching the exchange between Byakuya and Ayame silently, a smile on her lips.
Her eyes flicked from her husband to Ayame thoughtfully, almost like she was sensing the change in atmosphere between the two. The baby in her arms gave a slight coo as if feeling his mother's attention.
Byakuya glanced over to Hisana, noticing the slight change in her expression. He knew she had been listening to his banter with Ayame, and he could almost hear her thoughts in the way her eyes narrowed slightly.
He met her gaze and held it for a moment, hoping to convey that there was nothing untoward in his interaction with Ayame. But he also knew Hisana could be quite perceptive, perhaps even more than he gave her credit for.
Ayame saw the silent exchange between Byakuya and Hisana, and a pang of guilt shot through her. She had been so caught up in the moment, in their bantering, that she had momentarily forgotten about Hisana standing right there.
She winced inwardly, berating herself mentally. She knew how much Hisana had gone through, how much she had lost, and yet here she was, blatantly flirting with her husband in front of her.
Unwilling to give up so easily, Ayame decided to double down on her teasing, despite the guilt she was feeling. She looked back up at Byakuya, her smile still in place.
"You know, if Hisana isn't doing a good job of 'loosing you up', I could always help you with that."
She leaned closer to him, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "It's a specialty of mine, after all."
Byakuya's eyes widened at her suggestive words, the subtle accusation causing his expression to darken slightly. He took a small step back, distancing himself from her a bit, careful not to look at Hisana.
"Your flirting won't work on me, Ayame. I'm not lord Tsunayashiro."
He could barely keep his tone even, a hint of irritation in his voice. He wasn't falling for it this time.
As Ayame leaned closer to Byakuya, her voice dripping with sultry innuendo, the conversation was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Tokinada. He sauntered over to them, eyes flickering with a mixture of amusement and possessiveness.
"Ah, I see you're already up to your usual tricks, Ayame." Tokinada slung an arm around her shoulder, his touch possessive and proprietary.
He smirked, looking between Ayame and Byakuya with a knowing look. "My dear, don't waste your time."
Ayame rolled her eyes playfully, leaning into Tokinada's touch. She knew he was just being protective, which was both endearing and a little annoying.
"Oh, but Tokinada, it's never a waste of time when I'm getting under Byakuya's skin," she replied, a hint of challenge in her voice as she glanced at Byakuya.
Tokinada chuckled, tightening his grip around her. "Ah, my beloved is nothing if not incorrigible."
Byakuya's expression remained stoic, his usual mask of indifference in place. He shifted his gaze from Tokinada to Ayame, taking in the casual display of possessiveness.
Byakuya raised an eyebrow, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "I did not think I'd see you here, Tsunayashiro, I'm surprised you have the patience to handle Ayame."
He took note of the way Tokinada wrapped his arm around Ayame, the possessive gesture not lost on him. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't help but feel a small pang of irritation at the sight.
Ayame smiled widely, enjoying the slight reaction she could sense from Byakuya. She relished any opportunity to tease him, even after all this time. But her attention shifted to Tokinada as she patted his hand affectionately.
"Isn't that right, Toki?" she said, her voice laced with sweetness.
Tokinada chuckled again, meeting Byakuya's gaze with a charming smile. "Oh, Ayame is quite the handful... but I wouldn't have her any other way."
Byakuya nodded slightly, his expression unchanged, but his eyes darkened slightly. He could sense the underlying meaning in Tokinada's words, the subtle jab at his marriage. He knew Ayame well enough to understand her playfulness, but there was something about Tokinada that always put him on edge.
Ayame, sensing the undercurrent of tension, decided to add fuel to the fire. She leaned into Tokinada, her voice dripping with mock innocence.
"You're always were, Toki."
Tokinada chuckles at Ayame's words, his eyes darkening slightly with wicked humor. He pulled her closer, his voice dropping to a low murmur.
"Oh-ho, my dear, you definitely handle me in many ways, and they're all delightful."
He chuckled softly, his words dripping with innuendo. His gaze flickered over to Byakuya, taking note of the slight stiffness in his expression.
Ayame chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the game she was playing with both men. She leaned into Tokinada, her voice equally low.
"You have no idea, Toki," she whispered with a coy smile.
She glanced at Byakuya, her eyes sparkling with mischief. It was evident she was enjoying herself immensely, seeing how their interaction was affecting him.
Byakuya's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly at Ayame's words. He clenched his jaw, fighting to keep his composure. The back-and-forth banter between Ayame and Tokinada was starting to wear on his nerves.
Meanwhile, Tokinada chuckled, his eyes twinkling. He seemed to be enjoying himself thoroughly, and the fact that Byakuya was getting irritated only added to his pleasure.
"Ah, my love, your subtlety is truly admirable," he quipped, a hint of mockery in his tone.
Byakuya's jaw tightened further at Tokinada's mocking tone. He knew he was being baited, but the irritation was growing too great to ignore.
He met Tokinada's gaze directly, his voice cold and measured. "Your sarcasm is tiresome, Tsunayashiro."
Byakuya's eyes momentarily flicked to Ayame, silently conveying a mixture of annoyance and concern, wishing she would let up on her antics.
Ayame, noticing Byakuya's look, felt a pang of guilt. She knew she was pushing his buttons, but that was part of their dynamic: she teased, he bristled. It was a game they'd played since they were younger.
But this time, the edge in Byakuya's voice made her pause. The thought that she might be crossing a line was starting to sink in.
Tokinada, on the other hand, seemed to relish in the tension. He tightened his grip on Ayame, his smirk growing wider.
Tokinada, sensing the slight tension, decided to switch tactics. He leaned down, burying his face against Ayame's neck, his smirk softening into a small smile.
He nuzzled against her skin, his breath warm against her cheek. His eyes flickered over to Byakuya, watching his reaction carefully, the possessive gesture unmistakeable.
Tokinada continued to nuzzle against her neck, his tone low and husky. He pulled back slightly, admiring the way the elegant uchikake hugged her figure.
"You look absolutely ravishing, my dear," he murmured, his eyes tracing the lines of the intricate white fabric. "But then again, you always do."
Ayame couldn't help but feel a slight flush at Tokinada's compliment. She leaned into his touch, the tension from before momentarily forgotten.
"You always know just what to say," she responded, her voice soft.
Ayame glanced over at Byakuya, seeing the subtle tightening of his jaw. Guilt tugged at her again, but she pushed it aside, focusing on Tokinada's affectionate attention.
Tokinada smirked against her skin, his breath hot against her ear. He pulled her closer, his voice a low murmur.
"And I'll certainly enjoy disrobing you on our wedding night," he whispered, his words deliberately suggestive. He glanced at Byakuya once more, taking note of the way his expression darkened at his words.
An uncharacteristic flush coloured Ayame's cheeks at Tokinada's words. She knew he was mostly just trying to rile Byakuya up, but there was a part of her that still enjoyed it.
Byakuya's expression darkened further, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. He could sense the underlying message in Tokinada's tone, and it was taking considerable effort to hold his tongue.
Tokinada pulled back from Ayame, reluctantly releasing his hold on her. He gave her one last fond smile.
"Ah, Yes!" he said, his voice delightful. "My mother has gotten herself into a bit of a predicament at the constabulary. She seems to have gotten into a fight with your mother... Ah, Pre-wedding family brawls are all the joy."
Ayame rolled her eyes, a hint of amusement in her expression.
"It was actually right here at the boutique," she stated, sounding more weary than surprised. "Mother can be quite the hot-tempered one, especially when she's defending her daughters and grandchildren."
Tokinada chuckled, shaking his head slightly; "Oh, I can only imagine the absolute scene my dear mother made in order to get herself arrested," he said, a hint of mock-exasperation in his tone. "She's never been one to hold back her opinions, especially when it comes to family disagreements."
Tokinada turned his gaze towards their son Yoshitora, who was clutched in Byakuya's wife, Hisana's arms. He let out a soft chuckle, a fond look coming into his eyes as he watched his son.
"Seems our little one is being entertained," he remarked, his voice affectionate. "Though I have to say, I never imagined my son would be handled by Kuchiki's wife."
Ayame smiled at the sight of their son in Hisana's arms. She knew Hisana adored Yoshitora, and the baby was clearly reciprocating those feelings.
"Hisana has always been great with children," Ayame noted. "She practically raised her little sister until they were split, and I'm sure Yoshitora loves the attention from her."
"At this rate, our little one is going to be utterly spoiled," Tokinada chuckled, shaking his head lightly. He said, a hint of playful mocking in his tone. "Between you, Hisana, his grandmothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins, he'll likely end up the most pampered bastard in all of Soul Society."
"Well, considering who his parents are, I doubt there's any help to it," she quipped. "He's practically destined to be raised spoiled, what with you and me as his role models."
"I'd hardly call myself a good role model for our son," Tokinada chuckled, a flicker of self-consciousness passing through his eyes. He admitted. "But I suppose that's where you come in to counteract my wicked influence."
He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her lips, "I must excuse myself, my love. My mother is no doubt causing a scene in the constabulary as we speak."
Tokinada chuckled, imagining the scene at the constabulary. He could easily picture his mother, Itō, raising hell and giving the authorities a hard time.
"Knowing my mother, she's no doubt giving the officers an earful," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "She probably can't believe the audacity of the police to have the nerve to lock up the prestigious Tsunayashiro matriarch."
"Send Tsuchimikado, Going to the constabulary yourself is not the best idea... You're supposed to be under house arrest but here you are, My dear." Ayame said in his defense.
Tokinada thought for a moment, considering Ayame's suggestion.
"You're right," he agreed. "I suppose I could have Tsuchimikado come and pick up our mother. He'd be better equipped to deal with her, given our.. unique circumstances."
He chuckled lightly. "As for house arrest, well, you know how my family is. They'll turn a blind eye, especially now that the wedding is so close. Soon people will forget that I even had a first wife."
Tokinada nodded, making his decision. He leaned in, pressing a light kiss to Ayame's temple.
"I'll go fetch my mother and see to it that she behaves herself," he murmured. "But I assure you, I'll be back before the fitting finishes."
With a final affectionate look, Tokinada turned and made his way out of the boutique, heading towards the constabulary to deal with his mother's antics.
Tokinada walked through the streets of Soul Society, his mind on the scene he was likely to find at the constabulary. He knew his mother well enough to know that she wouldn't go quietly, especially now.
He pushed open the door to the constabulary, bracing himself for what awaited him inside.
As Tokinada entered the constabulary, he saw exactly what he'd expected: his mother, Itō, standing in the middle of the room, arguing with the officers who'd arrested her. Her face was set in a scowl, and she held herself with an air of authority that brooked no argument.
The officers looked visibly relieved to see Tokinada enter, but Itō's expression turned venomous upon seeing her son. Itō's eyes narrowed as she saw Tokinada approach. She gave a scornful snort, folding her arms across her chest.
"Ah, finally decided to make an appearance, have you?" she snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "And what exactly took you so long? I've been locked up here for over an hour!"
Tokinada rolled his eyes at his mother's tone, responding with a sharp retort.
"Oh, do forgive me, Mother," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I was a tad preoccupied with my impending wedding. You know, trivial things like marrying the love of my life?"
Itō sneered, her tone dismissive.
"The love of your life, he says. Ha!" she scoffed. "The sacred whore of house Utsunomiya, married to the disgraced fifth son of Tsunayashiro."
Tokinada's eyes narrowed at Itō's insult towards Ayame. He took a step forward, his voice hard.
"That 'whore' is the love of my life and the mother of my child," he said through gritted teeth. "And that 'whore' will soon be your daughter-in-law, whether you like it or not. So I suggest you watch your tongue, Mother."
The officers watched the scene cautiously, not sure how far the argument would escalate. But thankfully, Tokinada's intervention had the desired effect.
Itō scowled but said nothing more against Ayame, though the displeasure was evident on her face.
Tokinada took his mother's arm, firmly leading her out of the constabulary, the tension between them still palpable. Once they were outside, Itō couldn't keep her thoughts to herself any longer. She turned to Tokinada, her eyes narrow and assessing.
"This Utsunomiya child you've sired with that... woman," she began, her tone sharp. "You refuse to give him his paternal name... Was it nothing more than a product of your impulsive nature?"
Tokinada nodded slightly, acknowledging his mother's point.
"True," Tokinada nodded slightly, acknowledging his mother's point. He said, his tone thoughtful. "It was undoubtedly an impulsive decision. But there was more to it than that. I wanted to test the waters... to see how the Soul Society would react. It's an experiment, in a way."
Itō nodded, a calculating gleam in her eyes.
"Ah, yes. The Tsunayashiro experiment... The endeavour of our ancestors..." Itō nodded, a calculating gleam in her eyes. She mused, her voice carefully nonchalant. "Ayame has an impressive amount of reiryoku... the perfect candidate for producing the ideal shinigami material."
Tokinada considered his mother's words, a flicker of memory stirring as he remembered the legends.
"Ah, Taiyohime," he said, his voice low. "The tales of her birthing a son of the gods... Perhaps we might achieve a similar result from her reincarnation if we play our cards right."
Itō gave a sharp nod, her expression serious.
"You mustn't speak of this around the servants, or your brother Tsuchimikado," she warned, eyeing Tokinada intently. "The fewer people who know our plans within the family, the better. We don't want to risk this information getting out and endangering our house's goals."
Tokinada nodded in agreement, understanding the need for discretion.
"Ah, Mother dearest," he reassured her. "I know better than to discuss this with others. I'll handle things on my end. We mustn't give the other families any advantage or insight into our plans."
"Very well," she said briskly, her features resuming their usual sternness. "See to it that you keep a tight lip. And don't go getting soft now that you're married to the reincarnation of that wanton slut. You've still got a role to play in the Tsunayashiro's grand scheme."
Tokinada fought to keep his expression neutral as his mother spoke. Deep down, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of irritation at her words. While he was well aware of the role he had to play as a Tsunayashiro, the way Itō described Ayame sat ill with him.
"I assure you, Itō," he said, his voice calm. "I have no intention of letting any sentimental attachment interfere with my duties. The Tsunayashiro agenda comes first, always."
Itō scrutinized her son, searching for any hint of dishonesty in his eyes. But he met her gaze unflinchingly, his expression resolute.
"See that you don't," she said at last, her tone laced with warning. "No sentimentality, remember. This family's future must come first. And now, more than ever, our plans are dependent upon your actions, and upon that Utsunomiya woman."
Tokinada gave a subtle nod, acknowledging the weight of his responsibility.
"I understand," he replied, his voice steady. "The stakes are high, and I won't let anything jeopardize the Tsunayashiro's goals. Ayame will remain a key part of it."
"Just be careful, Tokinada," she cautioned. "Love and marriage can be a dangerous combination for a man of your status. Stay vigilant, don't let your emotions cloud your judgement. And remember, she's a Utsunomiya; they're a duplicitous bunch."
Tokinada smiled wryly at his mother's words. "Oh, Mother dearest," he said, a hint of amusement in his tone. "Your concern for my well-being is truly touching. But have a little faith in me, won't you? Can't you see I have everything perfectly under control?"
Itō's gaze remained sceptical, her eyes narrowing again.
"Oh, please." she huffed, her voice laced with a hint of disdain. "We both know how... impulsive you can be. I still remember the countless disasters you caused in your youth. The murder of a useful wife being one."
"Ah, Kakyō," Tokinada let out a short, dismissive scoff. He said, his tone nonchalant, "You'll never let me live that one down... Let's be honest, Mother. She would've met the same fate one day or another, regardless of my involvement. I merely expedited the inevitable."
Itō's eyes flashed in anger, her voice rising as she scolded him.
"Oh, you reckless fool!" she exclaimed. "You thoughtless fool! You destroyed a crucial experiment by acting like a petulant child, all because you couldn't handle being married to a commoner. You had no right to end her life prematurely. She was necessary for the family's advancement. But no, you couldn't control yourself, could you? You and your foolish ego!"
Tokinada's calm exterior wavered slightly at his mother's scathing words, a hint of irritation creeping into his voice.
"Oh, come now." he said, his tone slightly defensive. "You make it sound like her life was some irreplaceable commodity. In the grand scheme of things, she was a minor sacrifice. You know as well as I do that nothing is more important than the advancement of our family."
"And don't get me started on the child," she said, her voice hardening. "A child borne from that woman's reiryoku would've been invaluable to our experiment. Your carelessness denied us a chance to further our research. You wasted potential, just because you couldn't control your own ego."
"Oh, Mother, you're acting as if Kakyō was a saint." Tokinada rolled his eyes, his irritation with the conversation mounting. He retorted, his voice tinged with sarcasm. "As if she was a paragon of virtue. She may have been a suitable candidate for the experiment, but she wasn't without her flaws. Despite my attempts, She failed to conceive a new soul even once, and she was starting to catch onto the family's schemes."
"And how do you think she started noticing your little schemes, hmm?" she questioned, her voice laced with contempt. "It wasn't because she was clairvoyant. It was because your 'attempts' to make her pregnant were too obvious. You were too impatient, too careless. Even a blind fool could've seen what you were up to."
Tokinada's jaw clenched slightly at his mother's criticism, a muscle twitching in frustration.
"Oh, very well," Tokinada's jaw clenched slightly at his mother's criticism, a muscle twitching in frustration. He bit out. "Maybe I could've been more discreet. Maybe I could've waited. But hindsight is always 20/20, isn't it? And I simply couldn't bear to endure another night spent with that woman. It was like making love to a motionless statue."
"Ah, yes, your wedding in three weeks," she said. "I suppose I should ask what makes this Ayame Utsunomiya different from Kakyō? Another failed attempt, waiting to happen? Or do you truly think you'll be having a more... satisfactory time?"
Tokinada smirked, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.
"I must say," Tokinada smirked, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. He replied. "My time with Ayame has been much more enjoyable compared to my time with Kakyō. It seems that my so-called 'impulsiveness' had its benefits after all. After all, our beloved Yoshitora wouldn't exist if it weren't for my so-called shortcomings, would he?"
"Well, I suppose even your rashness can lead to fortunate outcomes sometimes," she nodded begrudgingly. "Yoshitora is indeed a testament to that. But that still doesn't excuse your recklessness when dealing with your previous wife, or the potential risks you take with your new one."
Tokinada chuckled, his expression turning thoughtful, "Ayame is like the sun, burning bright and radiant, her very presence illuminating everything around her," he declared with a dignified hand over his heart. "In comparison, I am nothing but a lowly cloud, obstructing her radiant light. But it is the clouds that bring the rain necessary for the sun to nurture the world, is it not?"
Itō rolled her eyes slightly at her son's poetic musings, but her tone was slightly amused; "I swear, you and your flowery metaphors," she said, shaking her head. "Always trying to make things sound more profound than they are."
Tokinada chuckled at his mother's remark, his expression turning somewhat mocking.
"Too flowery, you say, Mother dearest?" he replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Well, it seems my poetic tendencies have offended your refined taste yet again."
"Oh, don't you start with your smart mouth, Tokinada," she warned, her voice sharp. "A little respect wouldn't kill you."
"Ah, Itō, Now that I've rescued you from the constable..." he addressed, feigning weariness. "Perhaps you should head home now. We can continue this fascinating conversation another time."
Itō nodded, though she looked somewhat amused at her son's dismissive tone.
"Very well," she said, a small smile playing at the corner of her lips. "I shall leave you to your Utsunomiya princess, shall we say. Do try not to let that young wife of yours tire you out too much."
Tokinada watched silently as his mother walked away, her back straight and dignified even as she disappeared down the street towards the noble district. He lingered for a moment, his thoughts swirling in his mind.
As he watched his mother disappear, Tokinada's mind began to wander, his thoughts taking him to the one who he would soon return to: Ayame.
"Ayame..." he mused silently, her name a soft whisper on his lips.
Tokinada felt a strange flutter in his chest as he thought of Ayame. Her vibrant presence, her sparkling eyes, the stinging burn of her slap, the warmth of her intimate embrace and the bluntness of her words. He shook his head slightly, a hint of disbelief coloring his thoughts.
'Is this...love?' he wondered, feeling a mixture of bemusement and confusion. 'But I never thought myself capable of such sentimental feelings.'
He had always considered himself above the petty emotions and entanglements of love, believing that such things only weakened a person. But as he thought of Ayame, the way she challenged him, and even physically slapped him, it was as if a dam within him was slowly crumbling.
He found himself strangely drawn to her, not just because of her allure and beauty, but because she was the one person who truly seemed to see through his layers.
Tokinada's lips curled into a smirk as he made his decision. 'Perhaps...' he mused, 'I'll play this little love game for now. It could be interesting, at least.'
He started walking with a certain purposefulness back in the direction to the boutique. He couldn't deny that the thought of seeing her again filled him with a strange excitement.