[ The other man is so openly expressive that Byakuya gets to follow the entire progression of emotions as he considers his words in depth - from protest to frustration to that moment when he understands that no danger is present and from there... He exhales slowly as Ichigo visibly calms down, apparently reaching the appropriate conclusion without further assistance. For a moment, he's actually... somewhat relieved. He wouldn't have known how to elaborate without giving away too much and he knows from experience how well (or rather, how badly) the other man takes to having information withheld from him when he thinks he's entitled to it.
No wonder, really, if he gets worried this easily.
However, in this case apparently his subtlety isn't wasted on him and Byakuya takes a moment to reflect upon this strange, new reality in which he's drinking tea with someone who doesn't necessarily need to have everything spelled out to them. Then, he further reflects on the fact that the person in question is Kurosaki Ichigo and decides to save this whole contemplation for another day.
Instead, he sips his tea again. Can't help but follow the motion of Ichigo's spoon as it goes into the cup, then back up to his lips. Blink. Blink.
Well. ]
Of course.
[ Under normal circumstances, Byakuya is in absolutely no need to smalltalk, ever, with anyone. Consequently, he's out of practice (by several decades, as it were). For a few long, out-stretched seconds, silence descends between them, not necessarily heavy or uncomfortable but all the same, it feels... like he ought to take the chance. To get to know something about this man, seeing as he very clearly knows next to nothing. ]
What do you study?
[ Just the thought of Ichigo actually sitting in a classroom, listening, participating - well, Byakuya obviously wouldn't know how that goes, seeing as he's never had the misfortune himself but it's hard to believe the other man would have the submissiveness it requires to not just learn but to learn at someone else's pace. ]
no subject
No wonder, really, if he gets worried this easily.
However, in this case apparently his subtlety isn't wasted on him and Byakuya takes a moment to reflect upon this strange, new reality in which he's drinking tea with someone who doesn't necessarily need to have everything spelled out to them. Then, he further reflects on the fact that the person in question is Kurosaki Ichigo and decides to save this whole contemplation for another day.
Instead, he sips his tea again. Can't help but follow the motion of Ichigo's spoon as it goes into the cup, then back up to his lips. Blink. Blink.
Well. ]
Of course.
[ Under normal circumstances, Byakuya is in absolutely no need to smalltalk, ever, with anyone. Consequently, he's out of practice (by several decades, as it were). For a few long, out-stretched seconds, silence descends between them, not necessarily heavy or uncomfortable but all the same, it feels... like he ought to take the chance. To get to know something about this man, seeing as he very clearly knows next to nothing. ]
What do you study?
[ Just the thought of Ichigo actually sitting in a classroom, listening, participating - well, Byakuya obviously wouldn't know how that goes, seeing as he's never had the misfortune himself but it's hard to believe the other man would have the submissiveness it requires to not just learn but to learn at someone else's pace. ]