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"Random Subject Prompts"

Chapter 106: Byakuya Kuchiki

Anime: Bleach

Prompt: Tea

Chapter Warning(s): Byakuya never married Hisana and, instead of coming from poverty, she (and Rukia) was born into a noble family.

Author's Note:

BK*KH*BK

~Kuchiki Residence~

Byakuya quietly observed his guest, both sitting patiently at the low table while the servant poured freshly brewed tea. He nodded as he was served, while his guest gave a quiet 'thank you.' He waited until they were alone before speaking.

"It's not often you grace the Soul Society with your presence, Lady Kagome."

Kagome's amethyst eyes sparkled with humor. "Am I not allowed to be here?" she teased.

He took a graceful sip of tea before answering. "I am sure you have other important business to attend to. You are, after all, the very being that shaped the Soul Society into what it is today."

Her legend had been passed down, generation after generation. Over five-hundred years ago, she'd made the ultimate sacrifice in order to stop the reign of terror known as Naraku. She had saved the world, her actions and sheer power molding and shaping the Soul Society into what it currently was. Byakuya knew from personal experience that just a fraction of her spiritual pressure could bring him to his knees.

He could only imagine the sheer destruction her full power could cause.

"I like to check on things here from time to time," she replied, waving away his concerns. She smiled charmingly at the noble. "Besides, if I didn't stop by to see you, all you would do is work. You need to take a break once in a while, Byakuya."

If he had the emotional capacity, he would've rolled his eyes. Instead, he settled for softly scoffing. "Your worry is misplaced."

Kagome took a sip of tea, humming at the flavor that slid warmly across her taste buds. "You know," she casually began, "if you were married, you probably wouldn't have this issue."

His slate-gray eyes narrowed sharply. "And what would make you say that?"

The smile on her beautiful face was mysterious. "When you travel around as much as I do, you hear things from all over the place. So, who is she?"

"There is no one." Byakuya went back to his tea, taking a sip. It was a clear sign that he meant his words and he wasn't romantically entangled with anyone. If he had to be tied down to someone, his first and only choice was currently sitting across from him. But he would never say so out loud, let alone to her face. That wasn't his style, that wasn't his way of doing things.

"I heard her name is Hisana. She comes from a noble family, though it's not as prestigious as the Kuchiki name. From the information I gathered, she has a gentle and quiet personality. She has a younger sister named Rukia, and they seem rather close. She's also not a Shinigami. Who knows? She might be a good match for you."

His mind conjured up an image of a noble lady with delicate features and a petite frame. Her hair and clothing were always styled just-so, elegant and refined. He vaguely remembered her soft-spoken personality, unassuming and quiet. She didn't have the appearance of someone capable of hurting even a fly.

But when he looked at Kagome, everyone and everything fell away into blurred images. While she had all the characteristics of a noble lady, she also displayed a hidden fire that proved she wasn't a pushover. She was more than capable of handling herself in battle. He would never have to worry about her.

Slate-grey connected with amethyst. "You need not worry. I have already found a good match for myself, Lady Kagome."

Intrigued, she leaned forward in her seat. Dropping her voice down to a whisper, as if trading secrets, she asked, "Really? Who is she, then?"

Byakuya let a small smile curve the corner of his lips. He took another drink from his tea, his eyes never leaving hers. "Perhaps I will tell you the next time you visit for tea," he said.

Kagome pouted but nodded in acceptance. "Very well, Byakuya. We'll play it your way. For now." In the next moment, she released a deep sigh. "But it might be a while. Kenpachi is aware that I'm back. He's been running all over Soul Society trying to find me just to pick a fight. Can you believe that guy?" Shaking her head, she took a gulp of tea like it was a shot of whiskey. "He's lucky I absolutely adore Yachiru. If I didn't, I'd avoid his barracks altogether. I'm semi-retired, damn it. Unlike him, I don't go around picking fights with everyone I see."

As he continued to listen to her adorable grumbles, he picked up the teapot the servant had left earlier and refilled her cup before doing the same for himself. Taking a sip, he contentedly closed his eyes. Maybe Kagome was right, he thought.

Perhaps getting married and having her as his wife would make him take more breaks from work. The idea definitely appealed to him.

"Oh, and there's Jushiro! Retsu has been updating me on his health. That's another man who needs to learn how to take a break. Just the other day…"

Byakuya softly sighed, taking another sip of tea.