Chapter Text
Hisana stood bracing her shoulder against the casing of the window. Her eyes were trained on the small leafless cherry tree in the middle of the grass. The sky above loomed heavy and grey – threatening to burst at any minute – above the earth.
She could hardly believe it. Shaking her head at the memory of their meeting that morning, Hisana unconsciously placed the back of her hand against her lips, and breathed a chuckle against her cool skin.
'He's really something to think that I would be flattered by those words…'
She didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the thought. Byakuya in all of his austere arrogance had spoken words of affection during their encounter – or at least words that Hisana thought were supposed to express affection. Hisana was sure that she should have been complimented by his sentiment instead of feeling a wave of bitter amusement at his expression. Most sane women, whether or not they reciprocate the feelings, at least feel touched by the expressions of love. But, then again, most men usually weren't so rude in delivering their proposals.
Feeling her lips lightly brush against the back of her hand, Hisana realized that she was now grinning madly as she thought further about the event…
Byakuya was standing poised next to the large ceiling-to-floor wall of glass. The contour of his figure was outlined by a pale white luminescence coming from the outside. Even donning pedestriangarb, he looked so… untouchable
Hisana eyed her companion quietly as she began placing the black and white board game pieces into a velvet purse. She was careful not to make a sound as she gently set each stone, one-by-one, inside the bag. She did not wish to interrupt whatever Byakuya was thinking about as he stared off into the middle distance. Tying the bag after setting the last piece in the purse, Hisana leaned over and placed the bag on the board, and then straightened her posture as she observed Byakuya.
'He looks so pensive,' she thought to herself, cocking her head to the side. 'Like there is a great weight on his mind.'
Before she realized it, her mouth had engaged conversation. "You look troubled." Hisana fought back the urge to cringe the moment she heard her voice. It sounded so abrasive and loud against the silence that had filled the room.
Byakuya's response was a silent one as turned his head just enough to look at her. His gaze, even though sidelong, was soft and probing. His face remained expressionless as he stared at her intently.
He looked at her with the familiarity of an old acquaintance, and for some strange reason, Hisana's breath hitched in her throat.
She wanted to shiver. She felt naked and vulnerable under those penetrating eyes – eyes that she was sure saw everything. Clutching for a metaphorical robe to shield her from his stare, Hisana's lips parted. "You beat me soundly. The least you could do is gloat," she said, forcing a slight giggle.
"You're too humble," he noted, turning his attention back to the bleak scenery. The comment should have been a compliment, but his delivery was too curt and brusque to allow for such an interpretation.
Hisana lowered her gaze and inhaled deeply. 'He's waiting for me to make my decision,' she thought sourly.
"You look like you have something to say," his said in a soft tenor.
She rocked her weight back slightly on the balls of her feet, managing enough momentum to stand. As she stood, she was careful to shift her weight from her injured ankle which still ached in horrible pain if she was too careless.
He stirred briefly before settling back into his straight-as-a-board posture. And, in that instance – that moment of disarray – Hisana's breath was stolen from her. Her head instinctively tilted to the side, and her eyes fixed their focus on him. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but something about him seemed different. And, for a second, she was sure she had witnessed the lowering of his defenses as he turned to face her. No longer did he seem so austere or so above reproach as he lowered his gaze to meet hers. His eyes were no longer guarded, for now they shone a gleam of sadness or regret, Hisana wasn't certain.
"What happened in the woods? With that girl?" Unconsciously, she drew closer. Her eyes remained hungrily trained on his as she neared, stopping only an arm's length from him. She inclined her head slightly to maintain eye contact, and he reciprocated the action by lowering his head.
The maelstrom of emotions emanating from his eyes belied his otherwise placid expression. He still remained in control, she noted to herself despite her transfixion. He really was extraordinary, she thought somberly. An uncommon feeling of easiness washed over her, bathing her normally tense and fragmented soul in calmness. The experience was beautiful and utterly raw. Intoxicated by the feeling of his attention so fully directed on her, she wanted so much to reach out and touch him then. She wanted to do or say something – something perfect – but realized that she fell short of perfection on all accounts. And, before her musing had the chance of ruining her, Hisana broke from his gaze – his hypnotic gaze.
Byakuya cocked his head slightly as he observed the despondent look in her eyes as they trailed to the wooden floor. He could feel the soft, almost imperceptible, wave of her spiritual pressure pulsing in a gentle rhythm against him. She was weak, undeniably so, he noted to himself. But, even despite this, she would defend those close to her, and there was honor in that.
"She is dead," he finally answered.
Hisana looked up to find that his gaze had not relented and that his eyes still shone with the same intensity as before. It was then that she fully realized how close they were in proximity to one another.
'So close,' she thought dreamily.
'So far away,' the more rational part of her responded quickly before she did something to make a fool of herself.
"Then I suppose you have come to claim your pound of flesh." A small lugubrious smile played across her face as she spoke the words. Hisana extended her arms forward slightly; palms facing upwards exposing her wrists.
"I cannot accept your offer," he stated so lowly, Hisana had to struggle to comprehend what he had just said. When she finally did, her eyes shot up, wide and panicked.
"You must. My offense is far greater than any arrangement Azumi made. I am the one who carried out the action. I am the one who should be taken."
Byakuya inclined his head, turning his gaze to the adjacent wall in front of him. His muscles tightened, making his expression appear hard and stern. But, Hisana knew what lay beneath his external mask of apathy.
"Azumi was the spy, and thus it has been mandated that she be punished. Commander Takahashi's men will be by tomorrow-"
"Mandated by whom?" Hisana interrupted, her voice cracking.
"The law."
She slowly lowered her arms upon feeling every muscle in her body contract. Curling her fingers into a fist, Hisana felt her whole body shudder with tension. And, with every passing moment, and with every heartbeat, she felt her frustration increase tenfold.
"The law?" she yelled, finally releasing the anger, hurt, and tension that had built within those silent minutes. "How could you do this to her? Her offense was but a mere trifle compared to what I was about to do!"
His expression remained unchanging as he turned towards the door to the room.
Feeling a sob climbing up the back of her throat, Hisana clenched her jaws and pursed her lips tightly. Tears were beginning to distort her vision when she firmly shut her eyes, and shrinking in stature she managed one last protest. "You are blinded by your laws!"
"I am beaten down by them!" Her cry must have struck a nerve, for Byakuya had stopped dead to throw his statement at her.
His face was stern as ever, but his eyes – they flashed anger. She had somehow managed to unsettle him, and he did not know how. He should have walked away. He ordinarily would have walked away, yet for some strange reason he could not turn his back on her. Some flight of fancy had overtaken him and possessed him so thoroughly.
Hisana shook her head, incredulous. "You're truly heartless. Azumi has a future before her."
"And you do not?" he asked, conjuring a calm and even tone despite himself.
"Everything I could possibly have to look forward to has been tainted and ruined by a very painful past," she choked out, holding back the tears. She refused to expose herself so thoroughly in front of him. Instead, she stood straightly, trying to summon whatever composure she could as she fought through the crippling sensations of vulnerability and despair.
"Are you so unfeeling?" Her brows lowered and her eyes probed his questioningly.
"No." Byakuya inhaled deeply, feeling the raw sting of her words. It shouldn't have hurt, he thought to himself bitterly.
"Then prove it!" she spat. Her eyes burned with the radiance of a thousand diamonds, and her fists shook with tension.
Stiffly, Byakuya raised his head, and turned on his heel.
Hisana shook her head angrily. "As I thought," she growled bitterly, turning her gaze to the glass wall to her left.
Feeling a torrent of emotion overcome her, she quickly pressed her lips together and shut her eyes in an attempt to reign in her feelings. She was stifling a sob when she felt the force of his hands seize her and the warmth of his mouth against hers.
He had answered her challenge despite every fiber of his being urging him not to. It was all so wrong, yet then, as he stood pressed against her, nothing really mattered.
Hisana had tried to break free but was instantly stayed either by his arms or by the feeling of drunken intoxication that had dulled her senses. Instinctively, Hisana ran her hands up the rough fabric of his robe until they reached his shoulders where she buried her fingers into the folds of the material. With eyes still firmly shut, Hisana felt the warmth of tears spill from them and trailed down her cheeks. She was overwhelmed by conflicting emotions, and she was certain that he was as well. Feeling the roughness of his hold and lips subside, Hisana pressed closer and quickly rekindled the intensity in a vain attempt at staving off the sensation of guilt churning in her stomach.
Slowly opening her eyes, she turned her gaze to the window to view the path leading to the street.
'Dr. Toya…'
A sudden pang of shame pierced her heart the moment her thoughts drifted to the doctor. Immediately, Hisana pushed Byakuya away with such force that once parted she stumbled to the floor in a sobbing heap.
"What have I done?" she managed between gasps. How could she ever face her "fiancé" having given herself so unabashedly to the man standing before her? "My honor."
"Honor?" he murmured, looking down at her perplexed and somewhat mortified by his own actions.
Hisana hesitantly inclined her head, turning her gaze to Byakuya apologetically. "Do you think I should rejoice in such an act?" she asked, quickly putting her hand to her mouth, feeling his warmth and taste on her lips.
"And I?" he asked distantly. His complexion was blanched and he wore a perturbed expression. "How could I rejoice in a match that is so beneath my rank and station?" he remarked aloud to himself. "How could I have allowed myself to…"
Hisana turned her cheek to his biting statement. "To what?" she snapped; her voice harsh and raw as she spoke the question.
"Despite the fact that your station is so below that of my own, and despite all good reason and judgment, I -"
The clack of the door being slung back did not distract Hisana's gaze from Byakuya. The two stared at one another, not heeding either Dr. Toya or Mr. Hideyoshi as both flew into the room upon seeing Hisana on the ground and Byakuya standing over her.
Dr. Toya drew to Hisana's side, taking a kneeling position as he wrapped his coat protectively around her. "What did he do to you?" Dr. Toya asked, gently adjusting the coat over her.
She shook her head wordlessly in response as she continued to stare at Byakuya, whose gaze was also locked on her.
"Mr. Kuchiki, I believe Hisana has grown weary, please take your leave of her," Mr. Hideyoshi's words seemed to demand more than request.
Byakuya shot one last look in Hisana's direction before he calmly turned on his heels and left the room.
Hisana watched his departure intently, not really noticing either Dr. Toya or Mr. Hideyoshi until Byakuya was gone.
"Are you alright, Hisana?" the good doctor asked, but before he had gotten the words out, she collapsed tiredly.
Dr. Toya was quick to catch her and pull her close. Hisana looked up at him through her half-lidded eyes. "I'm so sorry, Dr. Toya," she whispered softly before drifting to sleep.
Pulling herself from the memory of the morning's events, reality hit her hard. Her hand was still clasped against her mouth where she was sure she could still feel the heat from the kiss that she had shared with Byakuya.
'Forget it ever happened,' she said, chastising herself for fooling herself into believing that he could actually care for her. Even if she neglected the fact that Byakuya Kuchiki was devoid of a heart, she could not deny the issues he so candidly spoke of before his departure. She was so low, so terribly common, that even if she did find favor with him, a relationship was beyond all realms of possibility. It simply was unheard of – a noble taking a common wife.
'What are you doing to yourself?' she rebuked herself. 'Wife? You were pushing your luck with Dr. Toya.'
Hisana looked out onto the distance with worried eyes. Feeling chilled to the bone, she drew the shawl wrapped about her shoulders tightly against her body. "What have I done?"
Just as she was pondering the consequences of her actions, Hisana was alerted to a soft rapping noise at the small window to her left. Shifting her weight from the window casing, Hisana glanced over to her left to see Azumi's little messenger bird, Froo, pecking at the window sill. Even from her distance, Hisana could tell that tied and wrapped around the bird's leg was a note.
"Azumi must have her window closed," Hisana muttered to herself as she crossed the floor and cracked the window open enough to let the bird hop onto the inside ledge.
"Froo," she greeted softly. Gently petting the top of the bird's head with a gentle touch, Hisana untied the note from the fowl's leg with her other hand.
Hisana was just about to roll the letter back up when it escaped her grasp and fell on the floor. Hisana bent to retrieve the piece of paper when she caught of glimpse of Byakuya's name written in calligraphy. Madness must have gripped her, for she quickly unfurled the note and hungrily read the letter.
"If I do not return then my efforts to take Kuchiki's captainship from him were in vain.
If my plans go accordingly, I will be waiting for you on the Moonstruck Bridge.
- Kenji T."
Hisana cupped her mouth in horror as she reread the first line of the letter. "Azumi, what have you done?" she cried through her hand.
Without another moment's hesitation, Hisana hurriedly limped out of her room and made haste out into the diner. 'I have to take the note to Captain Kuchiki,' she thought to herself as she scurried out into the diner's entryway.
"Where are you going, Hisana?" Koda shrieked the moment she saw her friend hobbling towards the door.
Hisana clutched her shawl around her tightly as she braced for the chill of the outside air when she opened the door. "I'll be back," she said, feigning cheer as she crossed over the House's threshold.
Once outside, the realization that she had no idea where Byakuya was staying in town hit her like a ton of bricks. Scanning back and forth, Hisana bit her lip. There were only three inns in town, she thought to herself.
'Three inns all on the opposite ends of town… Which one would he stay at? Which one is the best?' Hisana glanced down the road on her right. The Lotus Inn was the closest and probably the nicest. She sighed and glanced to her left down the street where the Talisman resided. It was better known for its bar, and quite frankly, Hisana did not picture Byakuya as the type to drown his miseries in a good bottle of wine. The last inn was the farthest away and also housed a brothel which she severely doubted he would be staying…
Hisana pulled her shawl closer against her and took the right path towards the Lotus, hoping against hope that she had selected the right inn. Hurriedly limping toward her destination, Hisana glanced up skyward to see that dusk was quickly falling. 'I hope he's staying here,' she thought miserably to herself. 'I'd hate to be wrong and have to travel to either of the other two in the dark.' The very idea made her shiver. Bad things happened at night…
Upon reaching her destination, Hisana quickly shuffled inside the inn. She made a preliminary survey of the entrance before moving to the check-in counter.
"Hello, ma'am," the clerk greeted.
"I am looking for a Sir Byakuya Kuchiki. I have an urgent message to deliver."
The clerk appeared worried as she looked Hisana over. "I…" she began softly, looking torn between observing common courtesy and duty.
"Oh, tell the poor girl that Captain Kuchiki has left to meet Commander Takahashi to pick up some baggage," a gruff male voice called from the backroom of the inn.
Hisana's eyes widened in horror the moment she heard the news. "Oh, no!" she cried softly to herself.
"What's the matter, ma'am? You look like you've gone white!" the female clerk exclaimed, quizzically leaning forward to get a better examination of Hisana.
Hisana shook her head as she tried to apprehend a solution to her problem. "Where was Captain Kuchiki to meet Commander Takahashi?" she asked, praying that she had enough time to intercept Byakuya before he walked blindly into whatever trap Kenji had set for him.
"On the bridge leading into town from Arbol. Why? What's wrong?"
Hisana made a small dismissive wave of her hand. "Nothing. Don't worry. I just need to give him something before he leaves," she said feigning cheer, but fell short in her effort.
With as much speed as she could muster on a bad ankle and in a kimono, Hisana made haste toward the bridge leading into town. Her heart hammered in her chest and her breathing became labored as she jogged forward, feeling the wind blow cold against her face. "Please, please, please, be near."
Closing her eyes as she ran, Hisana tried to focus what little energy she had on detecting his essence, but to no avail. She was either too weak or he was too far away… "You still must try," she reminded herself even though the endeavor was becoming increasingly hopeless with each passing footfall.
Hisana wasn't sure what would become of him. She knew he possessed immense strength, but she also knew that the Commander was probably not exactly a pushover. The students had posed no problem for him to subdue, but Takahashi wasn't a mere student… She shook the thought of the impending battle out of her head as she raced through the small shopping district, weaving in and out of the crowd of pedestrians. She thought she was almost clear when she heard a familiar voice echo in her ears.
"Hisana!"
She reflexively hit the brakes and spun around to face the disembodied voice. 'Could it be?' she thought, frantically looking the market place over. 'No, his voice is deeper, and more formal,' she reflected to herself on further analysis. 'Then, who was it?' The moment the thought popped into her head, she found herself staring into the face of the answer.
"Dr. Toya," she cried in shock.
The good doctor was holding a parcel of medication as he stood before her, looking down concerned by her being out in the damp cold weather. "Shouldn't you be back at the Serenity House, Hisana? You are not well," he said in an almost fatherly voice. "Let me escort you back."
Before Hisana could open her mouth to launch a protest, Dr. Toya had taken her arm and was beginning to lead her back in the direction in which she had come. "I – I," she stammered, trying to find the words that had escaped her. "I have to go," she rattled out as she attempted to untangle herself from his hold.
"Are you alright, Hisana?" he asked, concern glazing his eyes as he turned his attention downwards at her. "You sound upset." He quickly pressed the back of his hand against her forehead. "You're warm. Come, I don't want infection to set in those wounds you have, and I can't think of a better way for that to happen then for you to go traipsing through this terribly unsterile environment."
"I can't, Dr. Toya -"
"Dai, please. Call me Dai," he interrupted, still pulling her forward in the direction of the Serenity House.
"Dr. Toya – Dai - I have to go. I," she prattled on frantic to find a way to break free from his grasp.
"What is the matter, Hisana?" He looked slightly worried by her lack of coherency.
"I have to get a message to a friend. He is in dire need of it or else I wouldn't be wandering around town so late at night and in my condition," she assured him; her voice wavering as she spoke the words.
Dr. Toya stiffened the moment he heard the pronoun she used to reference her friend. "I see," he said, lowering his brow skeptically. Gently releasing her arm, he stopped short and observed her expression. Hisana's head was lowered respectfully, and her eyes were glued to the cobblestones lining the ground.
"Does this have anything to do with the gentleman from this morning?" he asked evenly, although she was sure his words were tinged with dismay.
She looked up at him. Her eyes pleading and glistening with melancholy the moment she saw his expression. "I'm sorry," she said softly.
He managed a small smile. "Then go," he stated.
Just before he turned to part ways with her, he paused. "Hisana, my offer still remains unchanged."
She halted mid-step as a pang of guilt resound in her heart. "Dai," she uttered softly, feeling her shoulders slacken. Hearing the light sounds his sandals made against the cobblestones, Hisana bowed her head sadly before pressing onward.
'I'm so sorry, Dr. Toya,' she thought with great sorrow.
Picking up the pace, Hisana turned her gaze briefly to the sky. Stars were beginning to illuminate the dark velvety sky as heavy, rich blues and blacks fell around her. Night was quickly claiming its rightful place, sending its spidery shadows to scatter across the landscape.
Hisana shook her head sourly, and steadied her pace as she crossed into a thicket. "Not much farther," she murmured. The bridge was partially obscured by the tangled growth of limbs and brush, but it was still within eyeshot. Seeing the small creek it hung over fueled Hisana's efforts, and despite the bramble, despite the kimono, and despite her wounded ankle, a burst of acceleration overtook her.
"Hisana?"
She didn't need to look up to know it was Byakuya's voice that called her name. The moment she stepped foot on the bridge, Hisana quickly wrapped her fingers around the coarse wooden railing. Bracing herself, Hisana bent slightly at the waist, panting as she tried to catch her breath.
"What are you doing here?" Byakuya asked; his question was low and softly spoken.
She responded by looking up at him; her chest still heaving as she gulped down copious amounts of air. He looked quizzical – not the expression she imagined he would be wearing. In truth, Hisana was expecting him to be angry with her from the morning. She was just waiting for him to rebuke her for coming, yet he did nothing of the sort. Instead, he seemed vaguely amused that she was there.
"I – I," she began in broken gasps. Unable to calm her internal state, she extended her right arm forward, exposing the small note that she held clasped between her index and middle fingers.
Byakuya lowered his brow as he inspected the small white piece of paper from afar. "What's wrong?" he asked, noticing her distress when she finally reclaimed her breath.
"Your friend…" The name of the commander had escaped her, and Hisana quickly glanced down at the note. "Kenji – he's going to -" before she had the chance to get the words out properly, Hisana felt the cold grip of a hand cup her mouth.
Icy fingers pressed against her lips as hard nails dug into her cheek. Hisana jerked violently from the man's clutches, resorting to jabbing the stranger with her elbow. She could feel the man's grip and muscles tighten against her in response to her act of self-defense, but her efforts were in vain. He held her fast and close – so close, Hisana could feel the heat of his breath graze her neck, and she let out a muffled shriek in response.
"Ah, I see why you like her. She's a spirited one." Hisana could feel the tiny vibrations of his words hit her neck as he spoke, and shifted forcefully against him. Again, her hand was blocked, as he pulled her tighter yet.
"Relinquish your hold on her, Kido," Byakuya stated in a low tenor. "She's of no use to you."
"But, she is to you, correct?" He laughed menacingly as he lowered his head just enough to let his lips caress the side of her jaw. He lifted his gaze to his opponent as he pressed his lips firmly against her. Hisana screamed and wrestled against him. This, however, only worked to exhilarate Kido. But, what really excited him was the response he got from his opponent.
Byakuya's impassive expression was only tarnished by the tightening of his jaw. It was a simple act that would have gone unnoticed if his expression hadn't been so blank.
"I believe I have my answer," he hissed. "You killed Joy, and now I will repay you the favor." With those words, Kido withdrew his zanpakutō. With a steady hand, he held the blade out in front of Hisana.
She squinted reflexively the moment her eyes glimpsed the harsh metallic glare of the sword reflecting the above starlight. Adjusting to the unpleasant brightness, Hisana looked the blade over, pausing to take note of her visage reflected in the metal. Hisana had to admit that she was looking pretty rough right then. At the observation, Hisana smiled, and then closed her eyes tightly, bracing for certain death.
"Cowardice I expected from your lackeys," Byakuya said deadpan, "but not from the student who was to be assigned as my Third Seat."
Kido gave a harsh laugh in return. "I prefer to call it payback."
Hisana's eyes opened the moment she heard Byakuya's voice. She kept her eyes trained on the Captain, observing him resting his hand against the hilt of his weapon. Making eye contact with Hisana, Byakuya slowly slid his weapon free, almost willing her not to look as he did so.
Maintaining eye contact, Byakuya slowly raised his zanpakutō in front of him. He had never had to protect another, and he was still not convinced a weapon, especially a zanpakutō, had the capability of protection. It only had the capacity for devastation. Yet, right then, he had to believe that along with the power of destruction, he could also shield another from harm with Senbonzakura.
"Do you trust me, Hisana?" he asked softly.
Clearly alarmed, she furrowed her brows. Her breath caught in her throat, and her heart hammered away in her chest. A surge of adrenaline flooded through her, slowly awakening every fiber in her body. She shut her eyes in peaceful resignation, and gave a slight nod of her head. In that moment, he was the only thing she could trust that would save her, and she gave him her confidence without a second thought. She was sure that if her death was inevitable, it would be a calmer journey at his hands.
"Scatter…"
Hisana's eyes immediately opened to see his sword dissipate in a flurry of bright lights. She stood entranced by the spectacle, intently watching the display of what looked like a thousand cherry blossom petals disperse around her. Her moment of peace, however, was quickly disrupted when Kido shifted his weight erratically behind her.
Tense, Hisana quickly eyed Kido's weapon to see that it was now glowing bright blue in front of her. He quickly twirled the blade before him, summoning the power of his zanpakutō. With baited breath, Hisana shrunk in stature. Waiting for some horrible fate to befall her, she closed her eyes tightly the moment she felt a strong wind build force around her, drowning out all sound. The gust, however, quickly subsided, and Hisana was shoved to the ground.
Opening her eyes after feeling her body crash against the hard bridge, Hisana looked up to see the two men were battling on the bank in front of her. Kido was looking rather beaten and bloody, yet he still pressed on, staggering forward trying to brace against Byakuya.
Hisana couldn't watch it, and instinctively averted her gaze to the movement she caught in her periphery. When she adjusted her eyes to the darkness shading the left of the bank, she felt her blood run icy in response.
"Captain Kuchiki," she called out distantly.
Byakuya had finally eased the student into a quiet submission and bound the kid's spiritual energy before feeling the presence of another moving nearby.
Still keeping his eyes trained on the battered and unconscious body of Kido who lay sprawled out indignantly on the ground, Byakuya tightened his grip on the hilt of his zanpakutō which he had already replaced in its scabbard.
"Captain!" he heard Hisana shriek, alerting him to the imminent threat.
With one fell motion, he released Senbonzakura.
Upon feeling his zanpakutō make contact, his body immediately went rigid and his eyes widened in horror.
"Hisana…"
Jerkily, he turned his head to look over his shoulder. His heart stopped cold.
Kenji smiled, blood spilling from the corners of his mouth. His sword slowly slid from his calloused hands. "She was a good girl," he managed before going numb.
Byakuya could feel his pulse beating in his throat. He quickly released his weapon once he realized what he had done…
It was Azumi who cracked back the door to the diner.
"What is… Hisana!" she screamed.
Byakuya cradled her friend's limp body in his arms as he crossed the threshold. She looked so fragile, like a small child, Azumi thought somberly to herself. "What did you do to her?" she demanded, quickly lighting a lantern as she cleared a space on the mat to put her down.
Azumi quickly glanced over her friend. Hisana was deathly pale, and her robes were bloodstained. She had suffered a terrible blow to the side of her abdomen, Azumi noted as she silently located the origin of the bloodshed.
Shaking her head, Azumi quickly grabbed her sandals and slipped into them. "I'll go fetch Dr. Toya." She was out the door before the words had left her mouth.
Byakuya drew to Hisana's side, and watched over her. Her breathing was almost imperceptible to the eye, and her already faint spiritual pressure was swiftly fading from existence.
The time it took for Dr. Toya to arrive at the Serenity House felt like eternity, especially considering that with each passing second, Hisana was quickly slipping away.
Dr. Toya scarce said two words when he entered the diner and made his way to Hisana. He nimbly unclasped his medical bag and went to work. He asked no questions, and he made no accusations. He only concentrated on the task at hand. With skillful hands, he went to work, addressing the wound. He paused only occasionally to wipe a bead of sweat from his brow and then went back to work. When he had done all he could, he turned to look at Byakuya. Dr. Toya's complexion was ashen, and he had a grave expression etched into his face.
"She's going to die unless we can get her more advanced medical help."
Azumi shook frantically. "What – what do you mean? You can't? You can't cure her?" she sputtered, feeling the world shake from under her.
"If only there was a way to get her to one of the higher districts," he said, grimacing. "I have a contact in the First District… If only it weren't so hard to travel freely from district to district…"
"How long do you think she has?" Byakuya's question came off sounding cold and calculated which only worked to rattle the already fraying Azumi more.
Dr. Toya stared at the man, wondering if he interpreted the stranger's meaning correctly. "She has long enough to get her to better care."
Byakuya turned his sullen gaze to the doctor, and gave a slight nod of his head. "What will I need to get her to safety?"
Dr. Toya grinned widely, and quickly penned out a few notes. "Here," he said, handing the sheets of paper to Byakuya. "These are the medications you will need at the apothecary. I'll give you as many of these items that I have on me currently," he said, sifting through his black bag of things.
"Azumi, will you fetch this gentleman a satchel?" Dr. Toya asked politely.
She nodded, and like an obedient nurse, she scurried to collect the item and hurried back with it in hand. Dr. Toya filled the bag with all the medicine he could spare with instructions on how to take them.
"I put the contact's name and address in there should you need it," he said, handing the satchel to Byakuya. "Time is truly of the essence," he said soberly as he drew to his feet.
Byakuya gathered Hisana in his arms along with the satchel, and looked the doctor over one last time.
"Is there anything else?"
Dr. Toya gave one last parting glance over at Hisana before turning his gaze to Byakuya and shaking his head. "Take good care of her," he said with the sort of finality one gives when they never expect to see another again.
Before either Azumi or he had the time to blink, Byakuya had disappeared in a blur.
Opening her weary eyes for the first time in what felt like eons, Hisana glanced up to find herself in unfamiliar surroundings. Reflexively, she shot up into a sitting position on the bed, ignoring the stabs of pain flooding down her right side as she did so. Feeling her breath catch in her throat, she scanned the room: It was small, white and sterile.
Feeling her heart drum heavily in her chest, Hisana became increasingly anxious as she examined every little niche in the room from her position on the bed. Nervously, she curled fingers around the folds of the covers and tightly clasped the fabric between her fingers.
"You're finally awake!" a nurse greeted as she crossed into the room. "How are you feeling, Miss Hisana?"
"Where am I?" she asked, eyes wide with shock.
The young nurse offered a kind smile. "You are at the infirmary, of course! Oh, wait… I suppose you really don't know where you are!" she chuckled lightly. "Lord Kuchiki brought you here to recover."
Hisana furrowed her brow. Just how long had she been out?
"You've been unconscious for quite some time now. It was only within the last few weeks that you started waking, but then you'd fall back asleep after a few minutes. So, it's good to see that you're finally up and alert. That means you can finally get out of bed and wander around a bit when the doctor gives you the okay!"
Hisana forced a small smile in return, but looked rather apprehensive about her current situation. "When may I return back home?"
"When the doctor says so," the nurse said cheerfully before departing.
Hisana clenched her jaws and leaned back against the headrest of the bed. 'Where the hell am I, again?' she asked herself.
"Captain Kuchiki," Dr. Nara greeted, bowing.
It had been a month since he last visited the First District infirmary. He had been trying to tie together the loose threads of his last mission, and had been rather busy.
"I'm sure you're here to see Miss Hisana?" she stated knowingly. "I believe she is with some of the children here."
"Children?" he echoed.
"Children can be more receptive than the adults," she said, kindly trying to gloss over the blatant classism that he was sure Hisana had to endure. "The little ones absolutely adore her," she added, leading him into a small garden.
"How has her condition been?"
"Better. She should be stable enough to be released in a few weeks I am sure. But…"
He narrowed his gaze; urging her to continue.
"But, her health will probably remain poor. The wound took a considerable toll on her spiritual energy. It is remarkable that she even survived."
The two paused short of a large blossoming cherry tree. There she was, bracing herself against the bole of a tree. She was heavily layered in robes despite the warmth of the day. And, she was surrounded by children. Two small girls performed a rather graceless little dance, while the others sat watching. In Hisana's lap rested a frail girl child, who clung to her affectionately.
Dr. Nara was just about to announce their presence when Byakuya stopped her with a small gesture. The doctor turned her gaze to the noble, trying to read his expression. He looked intrigued as he watched the whirl of activity in front of him.
"Perhaps I should return later," he said softly.
Dr. Nara lifted her brows at his observation. "I don't think Hisana would find your presence disruptive."
"I will return later tonight, before dusk. Please inform her of this," he said, giving a slight bow of his head before turning on his heels and leaving.
When Hisana returned to her room later in the day, she found a small handwritten note from one of the nurses. She unfolded the piece of paper and smiled. She had not seen him since that night on the bridge.
Carefully, she placed the note back down on the nightstand, and took to her bed for a light nap.
It was Dr. Nara who woke her up to take her readings.
"Your benefactor was here earlier today," the doctor informed as she politely went about her business.
'Mr. Hideyoshi?' Hisana thought to herself on hearing the word "benefactor", but she quickly corrected herself, and shook her head.
"Captain Kuchiki?" she asked softly, trying not to disturb the monitoring devices.
"Indeed."
"Why didn't I see him?"
Dr. Nara smiled. "He did not wish to intrude on your time with the children."
Hisana's lips thinned at the thought. "That was very considerate of him," she remarked softly.
"He said he would be back later today."
"I got the note," Hisana informed, making a small gesture with her hand over to the nightstand.
"Ah, we're all done," the doctor said, documenting the readings and offering a kind smile.
"When will I be able to leave, Dr. Nara?"
She chuckled. "Two weeks. Do you find it so offensive here?"
Hisana felt her cheeks heat at the insinuation. "No. It is very lovely here, but I have duties at home."
"Understandable," she replied politely before taking her leave.
Hisana quickly straightened her robes and wandered out into the gardens to wait. She had promised herself not to go far. It would be easier to spot her if she stayed nearby the main entrance, but alas! her wanderlust had gotten the better of her, and before she knew it, she was lost in a sea of flowers and cherry blossom trees. She had never seen anything quite so beautiful in all of her life. Where she had originally come from there were no gardens or flowers to speak of. Even at the Serenity House, they had one cherry tree, but the damn thing refused to bloom.
She gently reached out and touched one of the pink petals, and observed it with a keen eye. It was beautiful, yet a sadness befell her at the realization that the blossoms left just as suddenly as they appeared. She smiled as she turned her gaze to the tree as a whole. It was stunning. It was all so stunning. If there was anything to be missed in the First District, it was certainly the flora. She took a playful step backwards only to find that she had backed into someone.
Immediately, she felt two hands gently rest themselves on both of her shoulders, bracing her from losing her equilibrium. Once stabilized, Hisana turned to confirm her suspicions.
"Lord Kuchiki," the name left her lips in a soft murmur as she observed him. Her eyes lingered on him, hungrily taking in every detail and storing it for safe keeping for when she left. For, even as much as she loathed admitting it, part of her had grown terribly fond of his presence.
He looked at her intently. His eyes soft, and his expression almost gentle. "Did I startle you?"
Her lips thinned into a small grin. "Not at all."
"How are you feeling?"
Her lips split into a smile. Her eyes remained locked on his. She felt her body heat under the weight of his stare, yet she could not break the spell that his presence and the scent of flora had woven over her senses – numbing them into submission. She was drunk on the night air, on the beautiful spring flowers, and most of all him. It was silly, she had to admit. In all honesty, she hardly knew anything about him, but she couldn't help it.
"I am feeling better," she finally answered.
The two turned and began a slow meandering walk about the gardens. Byakuya offered her his arm, noticing that she still looked weak, and Hisana took it tentatively.
"It is lovely here, no?" she asked, attention glued to the scenery.
He looked the gardens over, and then turned his attention to Hisana. "Yes."
"Thank you," she said in a hushed voice, distancing herself from him as she said it.
Byakuya looked down at her. "For what?"
"For saving me from the consequences of my foolishness."
"Foolishness?"
"Thinking you needed to be saved."
"And you do not believe that I need to be saved?" he asked; his voice quiet and uncommonly gentle.
Hisana shamefully bowed her head, and stopped under one of the larger cherry trees in the garden. "I am sorry for all of the trouble I've -"
Byakuya gently tilted her head upward and lightly brushed his lips against hers before she had the chance to finish. Hisana melted against him, and for a fleeting moment she felt at peace.
Breaking away from his hold, Hisana looked up to see that the fallen blossoms had begun decorating their hair. She grinned, seeing the delicate petals collect in his dark tresses. Mindlessly, she gently reached out and plucked one of the petals from his hair, and as she did so, her hand accidently caressed his cheek. Byakuya quickly caught her hand before she had the chance the pull it away.
She felt so cold against him. So terribly cold and delicate – like one of those precious blossoms. Hisana was a fleeting thing of beauty. Her time spent with him was finite - just how finite was up to his discretion.
"How long are you staying here?" he asked.
She looked at him longingly. "Two weeks."
He averted his gaze from hers and his expression grew cold and unreadable as he released her hand.
Hisana frowned slightly at his action. "Is there something troubling you?" she said softly.
He did not respond, but began walking forward. "Is there anything that would entice you into staying longer?"
"I cannot stay long here. I have someone, someone special to me that I must find." Hisana resisted the urge to cover her mouth the moment the words were spoken. Instead she drew her arms protectively in front of her.
Byakuya glanced over at her inquiringly. "A family member?" he asked.
A small smile played across her lips, and she gave a nod of her head. "My sister," she revealed in a rare moment of self-disclosure. Although, really, what did she care if he knew? She would be but a distant memory to him in only a fortnight.
"You two were separated in Inuzuri?"
She shook her head. "I gave her up when she was a mere baby." Her countenance was stained by the regret of her actions as she spoke the words.
He watched her intently from the corner of his eye. "I could…"
"No," she interrupted, accurately predicting what he was about to say. "This, I must resolve on my own."
The two continued, silently observing the garden when Byakuya finally broke the stillness of the moment."Marry me," he stated matter-of-factly as they rounded a small bend in the garden.
Hisana stopped cold, not quite sure she heard what she thought she had. She looked up at him questioningly. She had no words, no words that could accurately describe the emotions flooding her senses as she stood there.
He turned, gazing at her, trying to read her. If there was anyone who had the nerve to reject his offer, it would be Hisana. If there was anyone else in this world who would speak their truth, it was her. She wasn't perfect, and he had no delusions of grandeur, yet he had never felt so moved to irrationality by someone before.
"I – I-I," she stammered. "Yes."
She could have fainted as she gave her answer.
He gave a half-grin in response, and the two continued their walk…