[ It's gradually becoming obvious to him that around this man, he must be more wary of ambiguity, even whilst unintentional. He watches as Ichigo's expression goes from relatively unmoved - neutral, observant - to something that feels entirely too familiar. The alertness of the battlefield, now in full effect in the midst of this peaceful little tea shop, just because Byakuya mentioned Rukia and left an opening for doubt. He looks at Ichigo, his own gaze sharpening briefly in response before he inhales, sips his tea just to take the edge off his own instinctive response - they haven't been at war for years, true, but neither his body nor Senbonzakura knows how to fully settle with that knowledge - and finally just says, voice calm: ]
And they are.
[ It occurs to him then that no, Ichigo has not been told. It's not his place to do so, of course. When Rukia told him, unfortunately she had not prepared him sufficiently beforehand and consequently, there'd been an open-mouthed servant in the near-vicinity who'd gone on to gossip with another and from there, the fire had spread. When Rukia had lived in the mansion under his explicit protection, such an embarrassing thing would not have happened.
However, the point is - the news travelled. Perhaps that's why Rukia has not bothered to share them with her close friend group; he thinks perhaps (sadly, unfortunately) she's a little tired of the whole thing. ]
They will tell you soon, I'm sure. [ He looks back at his tea. Licks his lips, just to make sure there's no foam left on them. ] But they are very happy. You have nothing to worry about.
[ He adds that last part with complete steadiness, catching Ichigo's gaze and holding it firmly. ]
no subject
And they are.
[ It occurs to him then that no, Ichigo has not been told. It's not his place to do so, of course. When Rukia told him, unfortunately she had not prepared him sufficiently beforehand and consequently, there'd been an open-mouthed servant in the near-vicinity who'd gone on to gossip with another and from there, the fire had spread. When Rukia had lived in the mansion under his explicit protection, such an embarrassing thing would not have happened.
However, the point is - the news travelled. Perhaps that's why Rukia has not bothered to share them with her close friend group; he thinks perhaps (sadly, unfortunately) she's a little tired of the whole thing. ]
They will tell you soon, I'm sure. [ He looks back at his tea. Licks his lips, just to make sure there's no foam left on them. ] But they are very happy. You have nothing to worry about.
[ He adds that last part with complete steadiness, catching Ichigo's gaze and holding it firmly. ]