Kurosaki Ichigo || 黒崎 一護 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
saviorcomplexed) wrote2025-03-17 12:16 pm
saviorcomplexed) wrote2025-03-17 12:16 pm
[ It seems redundant, somehow, to regret the tea.
Giving the small cup with its pre-boiled water a blank stare, Byakuya sets it aside carefully on the low table top and folds his hands in his lap instead. He's chosen a somewhat deserted area for this small break and consequently, there are at least three tables between him and the nearest visitors. He doesn't hold any hopes, however, that the luxury of personal space will last for long - during the viewing season, the gardens of Kitano Tenmangu are quite busy with guests and at this moment, he's just one out of many. Somewhere off to his right, a family with two small children are settling down for teas and sweets and along the trails leading to and from the gardens, people come and go steadfastly, a seemingly never-ending stream of disturbances.
Evidently, if he must have any regrets, he needs to go back to the moment he'd agreed to Renji's idea about visiting Kyoto for the sake of getting close to practice - theoretically, they're to swap places tomorrow and then evaluate but already, the idea seems asinine and unworthy of any further deliberation.
Byakuya hasn't visited Kyoto since before his captaincy. Time has brought no improvements to the city, as far as he's concerned.
The temple grounds, at least, he can stomach. The maple trees are objectively beautiful, a sea of red and orange flowing across the pathways, taking up the air, the bright space between ground and sky. If he leaves his gigai somewhere none-too-unfortunate, perhaps he can cheat and simply stay here for the night - or return earlier than planned, if he finds himself somehow unable to humour Renji any further which is not... an unlikely scenario, really, considering the place he's been booked to sleep for his stay.
Another half-glance towards his tea.
Patience, he thinks. ]
Giving the small cup with its pre-boiled water a blank stare, Byakuya sets it aside carefully on the low table top and folds his hands in his lap instead. He's chosen a somewhat deserted area for this small break and consequently, there are at least three tables between him and the nearest visitors. He doesn't hold any hopes, however, that the luxury of personal space will last for long - during the viewing season, the gardens of Kitano Tenmangu are quite busy with guests and at this moment, he's just one out of many. Somewhere off to his right, a family with two small children are settling down for teas and sweets and along the trails leading to and from the gardens, people come and go steadfastly, a seemingly never-ending stream of disturbances.
Evidently, if he must have any regrets, he needs to go back to the moment he'd agreed to Renji's idea about visiting Kyoto for the sake of getting close to practice - theoretically, they're to swap places tomorrow and then evaluate but already, the idea seems asinine and unworthy of any further deliberation.
Byakuya hasn't visited Kyoto since before his captaincy. Time has brought no improvements to the city, as far as he's concerned.
The temple grounds, at least, he can stomach. The maple trees are objectively beautiful, a sea of red and orange flowing across the pathways, taking up the air, the bright space between ground and sky. If he leaves his gigai somewhere none-too-unfortunate, perhaps he can cheat and simply stay here for the night - or return earlier than planned, if he finds himself somehow unable to humour Renji any further which is not... an unlikely scenario, really, considering the place he's been booked to sleep for his stay.
Another half-glance towards his tea.
Patience, he thinks. ]
[ Tanaka had insisted they went here, it was her idea and Ichigo had warned her, she'd take the blame if it turned out a disaster with their small group of American exchange students who, if you asked Ichigo, were probably more into the whole Kyoto-idea for the Gion districts and maybe to take a selfie in front of Fushimi Inari Taisha than some lesser known local temple, but since Tanaka had been really eager about the excursion, Ichigo had let her take the lead on it. He was only here for the extra points to his grades, anyway.
In the end, he'd give her that much, Kitano Tenmangu hadn't been too bad an idea. Between Jamie, Gil and Liz, maybe Liz was the one who'd embraced the setting with the most excitement, but both Jamie and Gil had been amenable enough. They'd made their way through the temple grounds and now, they're on their way back towards the exit, Jamie walking on Ichigo's right and Tanaka on his left, boxing him in well and truly, huh.
He knows what they're both on about, right? It's getting to be a real pain in the ass.
They're passing by some benches with appertaining tables when Ichigo catches a glimpse of something that looks familiar in an honestly gut-wrenching way and his head snaps to the side, staring at what does really prove to be Kuchiki Byakuya sitting peacefully at the bench farthest away, definitely in a gigai and with a cup of purchased tea in front of him.
Ichigo doesn't believe it. What the hell...
Drawing slowly to a halt, letting the other four get ahead of him, he just stares at the other man for a moment, his heart beating fast in his chest. What is Byakuya doing here? Is something --
Up ahead, Tanaka notices that he's fallen behind and turns towards him with an inquiring, Kurosaki-kun, that he doesn't respond to beyond waving his hand at all of them, as they're now just standing there and looking at him, collectively. ]
You just go ahead, I'll catch up later, it's back to the hotel after this, yeah?
[ Without waiting for a confirmation, because Ichigo knows he doesn't remember it wrong, he crosses over to where Byakuya is sitting, his steps a little too fast. Is something -- Stopping right in front of the other man, Ichigo looks down at him, hands curled into fists at his sides. ]
Byakuya. Is something wrong?
[ As far as greetings go, Ichigo could do worse. Granted, he could probably also do a lot better. ]
In the end, he'd give her that much, Kitano Tenmangu hadn't been too bad an idea. Between Jamie, Gil and Liz, maybe Liz was the one who'd embraced the setting with the most excitement, but both Jamie and Gil had been amenable enough. They'd made their way through the temple grounds and now, they're on their way back towards the exit, Jamie walking on Ichigo's right and Tanaka on his left, boxing him in well and truly, huh.
He knows what they're both on about, right? It's getting to be a real pain in the ass.
They're passing by some benches with appertaining tables when Ichigo catches a glimpse of something that looks familiar in an honestly gut-wrenching way and his head snaps to the side, staring at what does really prove to be Kuchiki Byakuya sitting peacefully at the bench farthest away, definitely in a gigai and with a cup of purchased tea in front of him.
Ichigo doesn't believe it. What the hell...
Drawing slowly to a halt, letting the other four get ahead of him, he just stares at the other man for a moment, his heart beating fast in his chest. What is Byakuya doing here? Is something --
Up ahead, Tanaka notices that he's fallen behind and turns towards him with an inquiring, Kurosaki-kun, that he doesn't respond to beyond waving his hand at all of them, as they're now just standing there and looking at him, collectively. ]
You just go ahead, I'll catch up later, it's back to the hotel after this, yeah?
[ Without waiting for a confirmation, because Ichigo knows he doesn't remember it wrong, he crosses over to where Byakuya is sitting, his steps a little too fast. Is something -- Stopping right in front of the other man, Ichigo looks down at him, hands curled into fists at his sides. ]
Byakuya. Is something wrong?
[ As far as greetings go, Ichigo could do worse. Granted, he could probably also do a lot better. ]
[ There's a familiar burst of rieatsu off to the side and Byakuya gets about five seconds to adjust his expectations to this trip - because seeing Kurosaki Ichigo in Kyoto definitely doesn't match up to anything he'd thought he'd be dealing with before leaving. Then, there he is, popping into view in front of him with his hands clenched into fists and his expression decidedly... agitated. Byakuya looks up at him slowly, taking in the tension more or less emanating from his frame and realises only then that perhaps, beneath that lanky posture and overbearing attitude, Ichigo is in fact, a little highly strung.
No doubt, he's already preparing mentally for another battle that isn't his.
The things they've done to this man. ]
Aside from Renji's assumption that visiting modern Kyoto would be illuminating - [ His gaze slips sideways, the closest he gets to actively rolling his eyes in public. ] - no. Nothing is wrong.
[ Eyes narrowing a fraction in thought, he glances back at Ichigo, taking him in properly - he can't remember seeing him in modern, casual clothes before. Always, the shihakusho. Always, the badge and the gleam of his zanpakuto slung over his shoulder. Even during the wedding, he'd been more formally dressed. Against the backdrop of the temple grounds, quite some distance from Karakura Town, he looks oddly misplaced, somehow - a ridiculous thought, of course, seeing as Ichigo hails from the world of the living and is free to move around within it as he pleases, surely, it's only...
Well. It makes you remember, doesn't it, that he's a human first, even with all the rest. ]
Why are you here?
No doubt, he's already preparing mentally for another battle that isn't his.
The things they've done to this man. ]
Aside from Renji's assumption that visiting modern Kyoto would be illuminating - [ His gaze slips sideways, the closest he gets to actively rolling his eyes in public. ] - no. Nothing is wrong.
[ Eyes narrowing a fraction in thought, he glances back at Ichigo, taking him in properly - he can't remember seeing him in modern, casual clothes before. Always, the shihakusho. Always, the badge and the gleam of his zanpakuto slung over his shoulder. Even during the wedding, he'd been more formally dressed. Against the backdrop of the temple grounds, quite some distance from Karakura Town, he looks oddly misplaced, somehow - a ridiculous thought, of course, seeing as Ichigo hails from the world of the living and is free to move around within it as he pleases, surely, it's only...
Well. It makes you remember, doesn't it, that he's a human first, even with all the rest. ]
Why are you here?
[ His shoulders visibly slump at Byakuya's unfazed, nothing is wrong, all expectations of a new battle, the next war, deflating a bit like a balloon inside him. His hands unfurl, hanging loosely and a bit uselessly by his sides. The man's attitude is as insolent as ever. Inarticulate. Something about Renji... Renji made him come to Kyoto? How do you make a man like Byakuya do anything he obviously wouldn't have done on his own? Isn't Byakuya too proud for something like that? Must be work-related, then... Anyway, should Ichigo feel a newfound respect for Renji for getting him here? Like, should he congratulate him next time they see each other or something? I heard you made Byakuya do something he didn't like the idea of, well done.
Right now, it doesn't feel like something you'd congratulate any of them for, though.
Why are you here, Byakuya wants to know, fully aware that Ichigo lives in Karakura Town and is, at least, a good hour by the Shinkansen away from home. Something about the other man knowing how Ichigo's kinda off-track, while so undeniably being off-track himself makes Ichigo relax for real, stretching once before casually folding his hands behind his head. Behind him, his group's getting out of view.
Not that he cares much. ]
Field trip. [ His voice is even, easy. He turns to look after the others but they're gone now, absorbed by the crowds. So Ichigo turns back to Byakuya and makes a quick sweep of the bench he's sitting on, the tea he's drinking that's probably gone cold now. What's he sitting around for, huh? What's modern Kyoto to him?
Shifting from one foot to the other, distributing his weight for a better balance, he meets Byakuya's cool, calm eyes. ] What're you doing here if you weren't looking for me?
[ What are you looking for in this place, it means. Ichigo finally sighs and lets his hands drop back to his sides, kicking a pebble with one shoe, remembering belatedly that he can stuff his hands in his pockets this time when he's in clothes with the actual damn things attached. ]
Right now, it doesn't feel like something you'd congratulate any of them for, though.
Why are you here, Byakuya wants to know, fully aware that Ichigo lives in Karakura Town and is, at least, a good hour by the Shinkansen away from home. Something about the other man knowing how Ichigo's kinda off-track, while so undeniably being off-track himself makes Ichigo relax for real, stretching once before casually folding his hands behind his head. Behind him, his group's getting out of view.
Not that he cares much. ]
Field trip. [ His voice is even, easy. He turns to look after the others but they're gone now, absorbed by the crowds. So Ichigo turns back to Byakuya and makes a quick sweep of the bench he's sitting on, the tea he's drinking that's probably gone cold now. What's he sitting around for, huh? What's modern Kyoto to him?
Shifting from one foot to the other, distributing his weight for a better balance, he meets Byakuya's cool, calm eyes. ] What're you doing here if you weren't looking for me?
[ What are you looking for in this place, it means. Ichigo finally sighs and lets his hands drop back to his sides, kicking a pebble with one shoe, remembering belatedly that he can stuff his hands in his pockets this time when he's in clothes with the actual damn things attached. ]
[ Byakuya follows Ichigo's look as he searches behind himself very briefly. A field trip. So, he's here with... friends, presumably, or a study group in any case and rather than rushing back to them, knowing that no crisis is imminent, Ichigo chooses to ask him another question, meeting Byakuya's gaze with his own. His body seems to be moving constantly, like it doesn't quite know how to remain in the same place, still, for any period of time. It should probably irritate him. Perhaps back in Soul Society, it would have. No one in the army fidgetes unless they're in the fourth division and even then...
But here, in modern-day Kyoto, it feels more like Ichigo's restlessness is simply a product of his busy, noisy surroundings. It goes with the rest, somehow.
Byakuya watches the pebble skitter away across the ground. Then, fluently, he gets to his feet, his long, dark coat rustling around his knees. The path through the gardens is full of people still but the main road past the shrine towards the entrance looks less obnoxious. He turns in that direction, then glances at Ichigo askance. ]
Kyoto has become quite loud over the past two hundred years. The temple, I thought, would be more serene.
[ Clearly, I was wrong, he doesn't say. He's not in the habit of stating the obvious. Instead, he frowns and brushes past Ichigo, close enough that their shoulders touch for a split second. Immediately, he's reminded of Ichigo doing the same back in his garden, settling his mother's flowers in the borrowed Kuchiki vase. It's still there, of course, on the bench. Being cared for by his servants. He pauses in his step. ]
But here, in modern-day Kyoto, it feels more like Ichigo's restlessness is simply a product of his busy, noisy surroundings. It goes with the rest, somehow.
Byakuya watches the pebble skitter away across the ground. Then, fluently, he gets to his feet, his long, dark coat rustling around his knees. The path through the gardens is full of people still but the main road past the shrine towards the entrance looks less obnoxious. He turns in that direction, then glances at Ichigo askance. ]
Kyoto has become quite loud over the past two hundred years. The temple, I thought, would be more serene.
[ Clearly, I was wrong, he doesn't say. He's not in the habit of stating the obvious. Instead, he frowns and brushes past Ichigo, close enough that their shoulders touch for a split second. Immediately, he's reminded of Ichigo doing the same back in his garden, settling his mother's flowers in the borrowed Kuchiki vase. It's still there, of course, on the bench. Being cared for by his servants. He pauses in his step. ]
[ For some reason, as Byakuya gets up and brushes past him, telling him that 200 years ago, Kyoto was a different place - and you don't say, that was the frickin' edo period(!), Ichigo's first thought is of Rukia asking him how to open the juice box back when she'd first found him at school. Seems like a long time ago, but even more than being a reminder of the time that has passed in Ichigo's life, it's a sudden, stark reminder of the time that must have passed in hers. In her brother's. They're so old, huh. They've seen the edo period with their own eyes, they're ancient. Relics.
Ichigo turns after Byakuya, feeling the brush of his shoulder like a whisper of warmth against his upper arm, hands relaxing into his pockets for a moment, before he withdraws them and kinda unceremoniously points in the opposite direction. Towards the exit. The way Jamie and the others went and where there's no risk, he'll run into them now. Way ahead of him there. He'll see them tonight when they're no doubt gonna hang in the bar. Tanaka trying to sit on his lap. Jamie trying to get him to sit on his.
Ugh. ]
Sorry, it's a tourist hotspot now. [ He sounds too indifferent to really come off apologetic. It's not his call where Byakuya goes, really, it never has been, but he can try talk some sense into him - it's worked before, right? Ichigo lets his arm fall and rolls both shoulders, turning to go in the direction he's just indicated. ] If you're looking for 'serene', you're gonna need someplace fewer people know about.
[ Noticing, then, Byakuya's abandoned cup of tea, Ichigo calls to mind the small, authentic tea shop his group came upon on their way from the hotel and he could probably find that, even now. Only room for a small handful of people. Not sure what Byakuya would consider 'serene', but there's a better chance, at least. ]
You want a new cup of tea?
Ichigo turns after Byakuya, feeling the brush of his shoulder like a whisper of warmth against his upper arm, hands relaxing into his pockets for a moment, before he withdraws them and kinda unceremoniously points in the opposite direction. Towards the exit. The way Jamie and the others went and where there's no risk, he'll run into them now. Way ahead of him there. He'll see them tonight when they're no doubt gonna hang in the bar. Tanaka trying to sit on his lap. Jamie trying to get him to sit on his.
Ugh. ]
Sorry, it's a tourist hotspot now. [ He sounds too indifferent to really come off apologetic. It's not his call where Byakuya goes, really, it never has been, but he can try talk some sense into him - it's worked before, right? Ichigo lets his arm fall and rolls both shoulders, turning to go in the direction he's just indicated. ] If you're looking for 'serene', you're gonna need someplace fewer people know about.
[ Noticing, then, Byakuya's abandoned cup of tea, Ichigo calls to mind the small, authentic tea shop his group came upon on their way from the hotel and he could probably find that, even now. Only room for a small handful of people. Not sure what Byakuya would consider 'serene', but there's a better chance, at least. ]
You want a new cup of tea?
[ Ichigo points towards the exit and Byakuya turns very slightly to look at him. Sorry, he says, though he doesn't sound apologetic at all which is, of course, his particular way - after years of getting puzzled over his behaviour, Byakuya has come to understand that what he'd originally perceived as arrogance is more along the line of directness, something about refusing to go in unnecessary circles when there's a clear path forward.
Thinking about it like that, it doesn't feel quite as aggravating. The next, obvious question would be why - after all, Byakuya was brought up to navigate the established system, not plow right through it. Then again, he was also taught to have his own opinions and thoughts (at least, no one stopped him from having them which in his family amounts to the same) and perhaps, perhaps, a man who brings his mother flowers even whilst far away from home and out of his comfort zone has a right to be direct.
Perhaps, despite everything, that is sensible.
He looks at Ichigo for a long moment, contemplating his question, his own gaze slipping back to his abandoned tea cup automatically before he blinks and looks away. He wonders whether Ichigo's just made him an invitation or whether he'll simply be shown the most serene tea shop in the area and left to his own devices. You can never quite tell with this man. ]
I do.
[ Possibly, he should prefer and encourage the second option. Indeed, there are many things he should do and many that he shouldn't.
As red and golden maple leaves drift through the air around them, Byakuya waits for Ichigo to lead the way. ]
Thinking about it like that, it doesn't feel quite as aggravating. The next, obvious question would be why - after all, Byakuya was brought up to navigate the established system, not plow right through it. Then again, he was also taught to have his own opinions and thoughts (at least, no one stopped him from having them which in his family amounts to the same) and perhaps, perhaps, a man who brings his mother flowers even whilst far away from home and out of his comfort zone has a right to be direct.
Perhaps, despite everything, that is sensible.
He looks at Ichigo for a long moment, contemplating his question, his own gaze slipping back to his abandoned tea cup automatically before he blinks and looks away. He wonders whether Ichigo's just made him an invitation or whether he'll simply be shown the most serene tea shop in the area and left to his own devices. You can never quite tell with this man. ]
I do.
[ Possibly, he should prefer and encourage the second option. Indeed, there are many things he should do and many that he shouldn't.
As red and golden maple leaves drift through the air around them, Byakuya waits for Ichigo to lead the way. ]
[ When crossing town to get to the temple, Ichigo and the others had passed by this nice tea place just a couple of streets out of the doors of their hotel. They hadn't stopped for tea at the time, because they were on a schedule (Tanaka insisted, Ichigo leaving the headache up to her), but he'd called it to mind when seeing Byakuya's abandoned tea cup earlier. That's why he'd asked.
Now they're here. Sitting opposite each other on pillows at one of the small, low leg tables, Byakuya with matcha in his cup and Ichigo, not really feeling like tea, having placed an order for hot chocolate, something that had made the girl behind the counter flush slightly. Chocolate, she'd said, so you must like sweet things.
I like chocolate, Ichigo had replied.
The cup is pretty big and full of whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. He stirs it with his long, golden spoon slowly, glancing over at Byakuya without saying anything. It's dawned on him somewhere on the way between there and here, that he honestly doesn't know Byakuya that well. For someone whose intestines he's seen on full display - and he still swallows slightly at the memory, right, he knows little else about him. except that sight. That moment.
That, and how Renji's sent him to Kyoto today or all days. Really. ]
Renji must be doing all right, if he's bossing you around to the World of the Living.
[ Raising his gaze, Ichigo meets Byakuya's eyes, thinking the tone of his voice, neutral, inquiring, makes up for the directness of his words. Rukia would hit him, if she heard him talk this way to Byakuya, but he thinks the man might understand things more rationally. If nothing else, he doesn't look at himself with hearts in his eyes, it seems.
And it's just a question. Implicit, but there. ]
Now they're here. Sitting opposite each other on pillows at one of the small, low leg tables, Byakuya with matcha in his cup and Ichigo, not really feeling like tea, having placed an order for hot chocolate, something that had made the girl behind the counter flush slightly. Chocolate, she'd said, so you must like sweet things.
I like chocolate, Ichigo had replied.
The cup is pretty big and full of whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. He stirs it with his long, golden spoon slowly, glancing over at Byakuya without saying anything. It's dawned on him somewhere on the way between there and here, that he honestly doesn't know Byakuya that well. For someone whose intestines he's seen on full display - and he still swallows slightly at the memory, right, he knows little else about him. except that sight. That moment.
That, and how Renji's sent him to Kyoto today or all days. Really. ]
Renji must be doing all right, if he's bossing you around to the World of the Living.
[ Raising his gaze, Ichigo meets Byakuya's eyes, thinking the tone of his voice, neutral, inquiring, makes up for the directness of his words. Rukia would hit him, if she heard him talk this way to Byakuya, but he thinks the man might understand things more rationally. If nothing else, he doesn't look at himself with hearts in his eyes, it seems.
And it's just a question. Implicit, but there. ]
[ The tea shop is quite small, though there's enough distance between the tables to afford an illusion of privacy that Byakuya appreciates. He rarely goes out like this - with Rukia sometimes, yes, on special occasions but even now, with their relationship being as it is, those times are still few and far between. He looks around at the other visitors, at the decor, without turning his head, managing to be discreet about it only through years and years of ingrained habit. Overall, whilst not exactly reverent, the mood in the shop is quiet and respectful. People are following no particular rules concerning tea but they aren't talking loudly either. It's fine.
Opposite him, Ichigo has chosen to drink... hot chocolate, apparently. He's quite certain he would have never guessed him to be the type to choose such a drink when he'd faced him on the battle field and the few times he's seen him under other circumstances... no. It's oddly innocent. Again, he's reminded of the flowers, the vase, the bench. Ichigo, stance rigid and tense, having picked only the least impressive flowers in the garden.
His expression actually tightens maybe half a fraction at Ichigo's word choice, though. Bossing around, like he wouldn't just ignore something like that if it happened at all - which it doesn't. But on the other hand, if he's being honest with himself (and he tries to be these days), he's not here in Kyoto because he desperately wanted to be, is he? He's here because Renji is not just his second in command - he's Rukia's husband and Byakuya's brother in his own way and gone are the days when he'd shoot down Renji's suggestions just to watch the man crawl his way back into the dirt.
Swallowing, he looks down at his tea. ]
They are both doing fine.
[ He frowns, considering. Then, glancing back up at Ichigo, he just brings it up; if nothing else, the man is a trusted friend to both of them: ]
You haven't been informed?
[ It seems a ridiculous notion to even consider. Surely, Ichigo would be the first to know. Surely, he'd know before Byakuya, at any rate, who's been much less of a brother to Rukia. ]
Opposite him, Ichigo has chosen to drink... hot chocolate, apparently. He's quite certain he would have never guessed him to be the type to choose such a drink when he'd faced him on the battle field and the few times he's seen him under other circumstances... no. It's oddly innocent. Again, he's reminded of the flowers, the vase, the bench. Ichigo, stance rigid and tense, having picked only the least impressive flowers in the garden.
His expression actually tightens maybe half a fraction at Ichigo's word choice, though. Bossing around, like he wouldn't just ignore something like that if it happened at all - which it doesn't. But on the other hand, if he's being honest with himself (and he tries to be these days), he's not here in Kyoto because he desperately wanted to be, is he? He's here because Renji is not just his second in command - he's Rukia's husband and Byakuya's brother in his own way and gone are the days when he'd shoot down Renji's suggestions just to watch the man crawl his way back into the dirt.
Swallowing, he looks down at his tea. ]
They are both doing fine.
[ He frowns, considering. Then, glancing back up at Ichigo, he just brings it up; if nothing else, the man is a trusted friend to both of them: ]
You haven't been informed?
[ It seems a ridiculous notion to even consider. Surely, Ichigo would be the first to know. Surely, he'd know before Byakuya, at any rate, who's been much less of a brother to Rukia. ]
Mm.
[ At first, he just makes a non-committal sound at Byakuya's quick reassurance about Rukia's and Renji's well-being, relieved in some weird way that the man could read his mind and knew what was coming next. Then, at what follows, Ichigo halts mid-motion, staring up at Byakuya's face, his own gaze sharpening, growing focused, growing ready. For whatever it is he should apparently have been informed about. Rukia hasn't contacted him for weeks now, not on their group chat and not in private either. It's fine, it's like that sometimes, when you live in different worlds and besides, he knows she's busy.
At least it's not 17 months of silence and invisibility, right?
With a hard shrug, he pushes the thought away forcibly, it's a long time ago now and it never mattered in the first place. ]
Informed of what?
[ His voice is casual, but to the skilled listener, it's probably evident that he's suddenly feeling extremely worried. What hasn't Rukia told him? He thought they were close enough that she'd trust him with anything, they've fought together, they've won together. Shouldn't that --
Ichigo stops himself and looks down again, into the swirl of melting cream in his hot chocolate, listening intently for Byakuya's next breath and the words on it. ]
You said they were fine.
[ This time it's more of a reassurance to himself. ]
[ At first, he just makes a non-committal sound at Byakuya's quick reassurance about Rukia's and Renji's well-being, relieved in some weird way that the man could read his mind and knew what was coming next. Then, at what follows, Ichigo halts mid-motion, staring up at Byakuya's face, his own gaze sharpening, growing focused, growing ready. For whatever it is he should apparently have been informed about. Rukia hasn't contacted him for weeks now, not on their group chat and not in private either. It's fine, it's like that sometimes, when you live in different worlds and besides, he knows she's busy.
At least it's not 17 months of silence and invisibility, right?
With a hard shrug, he pushes the thought away forcibly, it's a long time ago now and it never mattered in the first place. ]
Informed of what?
[ His voice is casual, but to the skilled listener, it's probably evident that he's suddenly feeling extremely worried. What hasn't Rukia told him? He thought they were close enough that she'd trust him with anything, they've fought together, they've won together. Shouldn't that --
Ichigo stops himself and looks down again, into the swirl of melting cream in his hot chocolate, listening intently for Byakuya's next breath and the words on it. ]
You said they were fine.
[ This time it's more of a reassurance to himself. ]
[ 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. ]
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. ]
[ Maybe, sitting opposite someone else, Ichigo would have protested. What's that supposed to mean anyway, they will tell you soon, what? What will they tell him? He shifts a bit on his pillow and abandons the long spoon in his chocolate, leaning back on his hands to stare, affronted, at Byakuya for a long moment, about to say all these things to him, complain loudly about how utterly inarticulate and uninformative he's being, shit. Then, he is met by the other man's firm, steady gaze and something in Ichigo's head clicks into place, so he ends up just sitting there. Staring.
They will tell him soon enough. And they are very happy.
Oh.
Ichigo's eyes widen comically for a moment, then his whole expression softens and he actually smiles slightly, leaning forward again to poke about in his hot chocolate with his spoon, considering what to say. How much of what he's feeling to give away. It kinda feels like it should be Rukia's to see, but supposedly she would just think he should be honoured to be able to express himself at all in Byakuya's vicinity.
Rukia... who's going to be... Renji, too... ]
I see.
[ Just that, for a long moment.
Then, he shrugs one shoulder, inclining his head so he can glance back up at Byakuya without actively raising his face. Thud, thud, thud goes the spoon in the cup. He lifts it casually and sucks the thin layer of whipped cream and chocolate off of it, before muttering: ]
I'm happy for them. Rukia deserves to have that kind of joy.
They will tell him soon enough. And they are very happy.
Oh.
Ichigo's eyes widen comically for a moment, then his whole expression softens and he actually smiles slightly, leaning forward again to poke about in his hot chocolate with his spoon, considering what to say. How much of what he's feeling to give away. It kinda feels like it should be Rukia's to see, but supposedly she would just think he should be honoured to be able to express himself at all in Byakuya's vicinity.
Rukia... who's going to be... Renji, too... ]
I see.
[ Just that, for a long moment.
Then, he shrugs one shoulder, inclining his head so he can glance back up at Byakuya without actively raising his face. Thud, thud, thud goes the spoon in the cup. He lifts it casually and sucks the thin layer of whipped cream and chocolate off of it, before muttering: ]
I'm happy for them. Rukia deserves to have that kind of joy.
[ 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 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. ]
[ A not uncomfortable silence falls between them. Neither will Ichigo go as far as to call it 'comfortable', not exactly, they're both a bit too ill at ease at the newness of the situation, Byakuya and him, sitting together this way, but it isn't awkward or tense, at least. It just kind of is. Ichigo leaves it that way, shoveling up more hot chocolate with his spoon and sucking it up, not rude enough to make a lot of sound doing it, but not well-mannered enough to drink it out of his cup like a normal person either. Byakuya doesn't comment on it anyway, so it mustn't bother him.
Instead, he looks at him, their eyes meeting over the rim of their respective cups, and asks what he studies, like that's a thing Kuchiki Byakuya cares about, it's not even something that concerns him in any practical sense. Nor in any way that makes Ichigo's answer matter much, right, because he'll just go back to Soul Society where, as far as Ichigo knows, no one studies the humanities or different languages or anything like that.
Still, he straightens up slightly and raises his chin, answering in a casual, throw-away kinda way: ]
english. [ Remembering having to explain how a straw worked to Rukia, Ichigo explains without even assuming Byakuya would know what that is: ] It's a language, like if I wanted to introduce myself and be polite about it, I'd say... [ And he switches to english seamlessly. ] I'm Ichigo Kurosaki, it's my pleasure to make your acquaintance.
[ A pause, this time slightly awkward. Self-aware, as if he's revealed something rather intimate about himself, when it's just a skill. But it isn't a fighting skill, is it, or a skill for the battlefield. There, it would be freaking useless. If english ever killed anyone, it definitely wasn't like that. ]
Don't expect me to go around showing those kinds of manners in Japanese, though. It'd ruin my image.
Instead, he looks at him, their eyes meeting over the rim of their respective cups, and asks what he studies, like that's a thing Kuchiki Byakuya cares about, it's not even something that concerns him in any practical sense. Nor in any way that makes Ichigo's answer matter much, right, because he'll just go back to Soul Society where, as far as Ichigo knows, no one studies the humanities or different languages or anything like that.
Still, he straightens up slightly and raises his chin, answering in a casual, throw-away kinda way: ]
english. [ Remembering having to explain how a straw worked to Rukia, Ichigo explains without even assuming Byakuya would know what that is: ] It's a language, like if I wanted to introduce myself and be polite about it, I'd say... [ And he switches to english seamlessly. ] I'm Ichigo Kurosaki, it's my pleasure to make your acquaintance.
[ A pause, this time slightly awkward. Self-aware, as if he's revealed something rather intimate about himself, when it's just a skill. But it isn't a fighting skill, is it, or a skill for the battlefield. There, it would be freaking useless. If english ever killed anyone, it definitely wasn't like that. ]
Don't expect me to go around showing those kinds of manners in Japanese, though. It'd ruin my image.
Edited 2025-03-23 04:47 (UTC)
[ He makes a mistake, then, by sipping his tea just as Ichigo tells him English and then, proceeding to - oh. He pauses, eyes widening very slightly as his gaze snaps back to the other man. He forgets entirely to swallow the tea for at least three seconds. Perhaps he should have expected - with how determinedly Ichigo straddles many worlds simultaneously, it seems logically fitting, somehow, that he'd do the same with languages - but all the same... Thoughts stuttering whilst his brain tries to remember the proper sequence of actions from this point on, the tea growing progressively cooler on the back of his tongue, he finally forces himself to look away just to give himself a (badly needed) reprieve, a chance to collect himself.
So. Kurosaki Ichigo is an intellectual in his own right, isn't he. He respects his mother's spirit enough to carry her along even past the boundaries of worlds; he studies, not for the sake of fighting but to learn languages and of course, it goes with his prowess on the battlefield because stupid people seldom survive for long - yes, it shouldn't surprise him at all but somehow, it does.
He doesn't know what to do with that, with this new, fuller picture of Ichigo that's slowly shaping itself within his mind.
So he swallows the tea, finally remembering how, then says, voice perhaps a little rough: ]
If not for the sake of showing off - [ Because certainly, he could if he wanted to. ] - what will you do with it?
[ Distractingly, the sound of Ichigo speaking English at him keeps running on repeat at the back of his mind. It's not nearly as bothersome as it ought to be, either, which is probably where the true issue lies. ]
So. Kurosaki Ichigo is an intellectual in his own right, isn't he. He respects his mother's spirit enough to carry her along even past the boundaries of worlds; he studies, not for the sake of fighting but to learn languages and of course, it goes with his prowess on the battlefield because stupid people seldom survive for long - yes, it shouldn't surprise him at all but somehow, it does.
He doesn't know what to do with that, with this new, fuller picture of Ichigo that's slowly shaping itself within his mind.
So he swallows the tea, finally remembering how, then says, voice perhaps a little rough: ]
If not for the sake of showing off - [ Because certainly, he could if he wanted to. ] - what will you do with it?
[ Distractingly, the sound of Ichigo speaking English at him keeps running on repeat at the back of his mind. It's not nearly as bothersome as it ought to be, either, which is probably where the true issue lies. ]
Not showing off.
[ It's said mostly as a mutter under his breath, a little off to the side as he turns his head away from Byakuya's eyes - his eyes and his voice, sounding weirdly rough around the edges and it's that roughnes that makes Ichigo realize, maybe he was showing off, just somewhat. Maybe he was trying to get that reaction out of the other man and why would he? Why the heck would it matter?
He studies this language about half the day, every day, he wakes up to the sound of it and falls asleep across his books at his desk sometimes. It shouldn't be necessary to show it off, right? Anymore than he'd show off his Zanpakuto.
Still, a Reiatsu flare isn't just for warning, is it? It's for calling attention to yourself, too, the right kind.
He purses his lips and considers Byakuya's question a long moment, a frown on his face. It's not like he doesn't know what he'll do with it, it's not like he doesn't know what all this work will amount to.
It's more that it still seems like so little compared to what has gone before. ]
Probably work as a translator. Possibly a teacher, though I'm not sure I've got the temper for that. [ A long shrug. Ichigo picks up the cup of, at this point, lukewarm chocolate and finally sips it like a grown person. ] More Ishida's thing.
[ It's said mostly as a mutter under his breath, a little off to the side as he turns his head away from Byakuya's eyes - his eyes and his voice, sounding weirdly rough around the edges and it's that roughnes that makes Ichigo realize, maybe he was showing off, just somewhat. Maybe he was trying to get that reaction out of the other man and why would he? Why the heck would it matter?
He studies this language about half the day, every day, he wakes up to the sound of it and falls asleep across his books at his desk sometimes. It shouldn't be necessary to show it off, right? Anymore than he'd show off his Zanpakuto.
Still, a Reiatsu flare isn't just for warning, is it? It's for calling attention to yourself, too, the right kind.
He purses his lips and considers Byakuya's question a long moment, a frown on his face. It's not like he doesn't know what he'll do with it, it's not like he doesn't know what all this work will amount to.
It's more that it still seems like so little compared to what has gone before. ]
Probably work as a translator. Possibly a teacher, though I'm not sure I've got the temper for that. [ A long shrug. Ichigo picks up the cup of, at this point, lukewarm chocolate and finally sips it like a grown person. ] More Ishida's thing.
[ He catches that mutter for what it is and lets him have it - after all, it was a rude implication in the first place, a rudeness born mostly from Byakuya's own surprise and thus, uncalled for. Then, he waits for Ichigo to answer his question, the other man pursing his lips and frowning like it troubles him. It's a fairly straightforward thing to ask, presumably. Byakuya sips his tea again, just to chase away the aftertaste of his last, disastrous attempt, and wonders why so many seemingly easy things seem to become hurdles or sources of resistance for the other man. He remembers... well, the weeks and months following the last war, they'd all been so preoccupied with planing ahead, figuring out reconstructive efforts and tallying their dead at the same time that in effect, it had felt as if they'd never truly finished the battles. When you walk through the Sereitei today, it still feels like that in a way - the ruins are there, after all, the scars and markings impossible to overlook.
The battlefield is a permanent fixture and he thinks, even with rebuilding, even when everything stands as they want it to, it will never truly disappear.
Then, there's this world. The bustling modernisation, the traffic, the noisiness, yet people are expected to simply live normal lives, to get... jobs, educations, families. There's no war to be fought, perhaps, except for whatever troubles you encounter on a personal level. Not sure I've got the temper, says Ichigo about teaching, mentioning - who is it, oh yes, the Quincy friend. Byakuya watches him for a long moment. The sense of alienation, he realises, is stark around Ichigo. It's him and the rest.
A translator, too, is a type of bridge between places. ]
That sounds worthwhile.
[ Perhaps in Soul Society, it wouldn't be, at least not now - after all, though certain norms are changing slowly but surely, outside influences remain rare. What little they take from the World of the Living are additions, assimilated into the ordinary, normal daily life that they lead. Nothing progresses from that. Nothing changes.
But Kyoto has certainly changed. ]
You bring change where you go, Ichigo. [ He looks at him over the rim of his cup, his gaze quiet. Calm. ] That requires a specific kind of temper, perhaps, just as teaching requires another.
The battlefield is a permanent fixture and he thinks, even with rebuilding, even when everything stands as they want it to, it will never truly disappear.
Then, there's this world. The bustling modernisation, the traffic, the noisiness, yet people are expected to simply live normal lives, to get... jobs, educations, families. There's no war to be fought, perhaps, except for whatever troubles you encounter on a personal level. Not sure I've got the temper, says Ichigo about teaching, mentioning - who is it, oh yes, the Quincy friend. Byakuya watches him for a long moment. The sense of alienation, he realises, is stark around Ichigo. It's him and the rest.
A translator, too, is a type of bridge between places. ]
That sounds worthwhile.
[ Perhaps in Soul Society, it wouldn't be, at least not now - after all, though certain norms are changing slowly but surely, outside influences remain rare. What little they take from the World of the Living are additions, assimilated into the ordinary, normal daily life that they lead. Nothing progresses from that. Nothing changes.
But Kyoto has certainly changed. ]
You bring change where you go, Ichigo. [ He looks at him over the rim of his cup, his gaze quiet. Calm. ] That requires a specific kind of temper, perhaps, just as teaching requires another.
[ It shouldn't matter, not here. In the World of the Living, Byakuya is just a visitor, in some forms just a ghost invisible to most people, even if Ichigo can see him no matter what. Dreams about him at night as well. It shouldn't mean anything when this man who almost had Rukia killed, and Ichigo too for that matter, says that sounds worthwhile, but still Ichigo pauses in his intake of hot chocolate, feeling his face heat up slightly, just across the bridge of his nose. He wrinkles it, trying to get rid of the feeling, hoping the motion will make it less noticeable, not more.
Still, because evidently he doesn't care, when all comes down to it, he bows his head and lets his bangs fall into his eyes, staring down at his own hands. Wrapped around the cup convulsively.
You bring change where you go, Byakuya says. And then his name. Somehow, Ichigo thinks, just his name like that would've been enough.
He takes a moment to identify the feeling inside of him. That's pride, huh. If nothing else, it's fitting that Byakuya of all people is the one to awaken that in him. Ichigo keeps looking down, but he's smiling now. Small, but undeniable. His whole face changes. ]
Is that so? [ After another second, he finally glances first up and across the table at Byakuya, then quickly to the side, out the window. ] Yeah, guess you're right.
[ In that slip of time, he feels, something changing. ]
Still, because evidently he doesn't care, when all comes down to it, he bows his head and lets his bangs fall into his eyes, staring down at his own hands. Wrapped around the cup convulsively.
You bring change where you go, Byakuya says. And then his name. Somehow, Ichigo thinks, just his name like that would've been enough.
He takes a moment to identify the feeling inside of him. That's pride, huh. If nothing else, it's fitting that Byakuya of all people is the one to awaken that in him. Ichigo keeps looking down, but he's smiling now. Small, but undeniable. His whole face changes. ]
Is that so? [ After another second, he finally glances first up and across the table at Byakuya, then quickly to the side, out the window. ] Yeah, guess you're right.
[ In that slip of time, he feels, something changing. ]
[ It's late in the afternoon when they head back to their respective hotels - Ichigo, apparently, is staying not too far from where Renji's booked him in which is obviously something that will never, ever happen again in any conceivable reality. The booking, that is, not the coincidental proximity. That part, he... can't be too certain of, actually, at this point in time. They'd finished their visit to the tea shop on a quiet but comfortable note and by rights, Byakuya should have no trouble at all, simply focusing on other things, on what comes next in this assignment. Because half-brained and undercooked as it is, it is an assignment and he should have something prepared for tomorrow when they switch places, him and Renji, yet all the data he's managed to collect pertain to Ichigo and his mind, for some reason, isn't entirely willing to put what he knows aside and recalibrate.
Perhaps a night at this awful excuse for a hotel will get his mind back on track. He pauses, leaving Ichigo to change his own step as he wishes, to stare down the small, derelict passage towards the dark, shabby building hiding near the end of the alleyway. It looks exactly as decrepit on the inside and from the roof, a strange light keeps blinking on and off behind blocked-out windows. He'd thought, perhaps a night club of some kind - but he's heard no music or seen no visitors coming or going.
Either way, yes, he'll have clarity or his gigai will be stolen for something utterly depraved like organ harvesting. An either-or situation, surely.
Sighing, he puts his hands in his pockets. The sounds of traffic and pedestrians from the main street make him feel restless, which doesn't improve his mood or his opinion on this whole situation. It's rather like having a barrage of flies buzzing around one's ears. ]
Perhaps the temple gardens would be preferable.
[ If nothing else, the maple leaves truly were a beautiful sight. Even at night, even if it rains, he's certain he'd rather have a soggy leaf landing on his nose than whatever might descend from above in that hotel. ]
Perhaps a night at this awful excuse for a hotel will get his mind back on track. He pauses, leaving Ichigo to change his own step as he wishes, to stare down the small, derelict passage towards the dark, shabby building hiding near the end of the alleyway. It looks exactly as decrepit on the inside and from the roof, a strange light keeps blinking on and off behind blocked-out windows. He'd thought, perhaps a night club of some kind - but he's heard no music or seen no visitors coming or going.
Either way, yes, he'll have clarity or his gigai will be stolen for something utterly depraved like organ harvesting. An either-or situation, surely.
Sighing, he puts his hands in his pockets. The sounds of traffic and pedestrians from the main street make him feel restless, which doesn't improve his mood or his opinion on this whole situation. It's rather like having a barrage of flies buzzing around one's ears. ]
Perhaps the temple gardens would be preferable.
[ If nothing else, the maple leaves truly were a beautiful sight. Even at night, even if it rains, he's certain he'd rather have a soggy leaf landing on his nose than whatever might descend from above in that hotel. ]
[ It kinda ended on a quiet note. After finishing tea, or half his hot chocolate, as far as Ichigo was concerned, they walked back to their hotels, that they'd accidentally discovered were situated pretty close to each other. Ichigo hadn't recognised the name of the hotel Byakuya was gonna stay at, but honestly, the amount of hotels in Kyoto - if lain down side by side, they'd reach into Soul Society, no problem.
Now, he realizes, standing next to a very tired-looking Byakuya, why the hotel name didn't ring any bells. It's crap. An utter shit place, are you kidding him? He looks for a long time from the hotel facade that looks rotten and inside it's probably even worse to Byakuya and back again.
What the hell was Renji thinking? That place has, like, one star at the most and doesn't Byakuya have, like, all the money in the world to find a stupid hotel for? Ichigo blinks, then he blinks again.
Then, he straightens up and rolls both shoulders, sighing loudly, audibly. ]
Really.
[ Turning to Byakuya, he looks up into his face, raising his chin to make sure the other man isn't gonna argue with him for his petty principles' sake. In this hotel, even principles can't survive. Should they live, they'd still get scabies, right? ]
You're sleeping with me tonight. No way I can allow you to go any closer to that rat's nest.
Now, he realizes, standing next to a very tired-looking Byakuya, why the hotel name didn't ring any bells. It's crap. An utter shit place, are you kidding him? He looks for a long time from the hotel facade that looks rotten and inside it's probably even worse to Byakuya and back again.
What the hell was Renji thinking? That place has, like, one star at the most and doesn't Byakuya have, like, all the money in the world to find a stupid hotel for? Ichigo blinks, then he blinks again.
Then, he straightens up and rolls both shoulders, sighing loudly, audibly. ]
Really.
[ Turning to Byakuya, he looks up into his face, raising his chin to make sure the other man isn't gonna argue with him for his petty principles' sake. In this hotel, even principles can't survive. Should they live, they'd still get scabies, right? ]
You're sleeping with me tonight. No way I can allow you to go any closer to that rat's nest.
[ He's resigning himself to sleeping outside for the night and leaving what little things he's brought for his gigai in the hotel as a parting gift for the criminals that are surely planning on ambushing him in his sleep when Ichigo straightens next to him, sighing loudly enough to make him glance sideways at him. He looks exactly as he tends to do before jumping into action and Byakuya is instantly on alert, perhaps slightly skeptical.
Then, Ichigo turns towards him, looking entirely too self-assured for what comes out of his mouth two seconds after. Byakuya blinks, again - for a long moment, he doesn't know how to say anything at all. It's one thing that the hotel is, objectively, generously speaking, a hole in the ground but though he's certainly used to luxury, Byakuya can potentially sleep in most places if he must. To make his lieutenant happy, no, he's not going to subject himself to the indignities of this hotel but there are options, surely, that he'd survive just fine.
Options that don't include - and when he says sleeping with, what exactly does he mean?
His mind chooses to punctuate that question with a re-wind of Ichigo licking cream off his spoon.
Sigh. ]
If you insist.
[ Clearly, they will require extra bedding and there'll be a couch, presumably, or something. If only he hadn't counted on Renji setting things up, he could have brought a way to get money for himself - next time, definitely. Assuming there'll be one.
He looks at Ichigo. Then, he looks away.
Probably, there will. ]
Then, Ichigo turns towards him, looking entirely too self-assured for what comes out of his mouth two seconds after. Byakuya blinks, again - for a long moment, he doesn't know how to say anything at all. It's one thing that the hotel is, objectively, generously speaking, a hole in the ground but though he's certainly used to luxury, Byakuya can potentially sleep in most places if he must. To make his lieutenant happy, no, he's not going to subject himself to the indignities of this hotel but there are options, surely, that he'd survive just fine.
Options that don't include - and when he says sleeping with, what exactly does he mean?
His mind chooses to punctuate that question with a re-wind of Ichigo licking cream off his spoon.
Sigh. ]
If you insist.
[ Clearly, they will require extra bedding and there'll be a couch, presumably, or something. If only he hadn't counted on Renji setting things up, he could have brought a way to get money for himself - next time, definitely. Assuming there'll be one.
He looks at Ichigo. Then, he looks away.
Probably, there will. ]
Edited 2025-03-23 14:23 (UTC)
[ Sure, there's gonna be some additional trouble they have to go to now, of course. Can't be helped.
Ichigo will need the reception ladies to fix him up with extra bedding and, naturally, he is gonna take the couch in his suite, since he's not any taller than it should be doable, even if he won't be able to swim in the space the way Rukia would, right? Yeah, Byakuya might be taller, he notices as he turns away and starts down the street towards his own hotel, a four-star deal with comfortable accommodations that Tanaka had scouted out for them, once Byakuya has accepted, no arguments. But their height difference is a head at most.
Since when did Ichigo start caring about these kinds of things anyway, huh? He can't remember how tall Jamie is, or Tanaka for that matter. Height never meant anything, he can beat most people at the height he's grown into. It's fine.
Still, he looks at Byakuya one extra time over one shoulder. ]
I insist, you know. If Rukia found out I let you fend for yourself all night, I'm in big trouble.
[ While it's said with his back turned, his expression as such obscured, Ichigo still sounds direct and unapologetic, his tone coming clearly through. He doesn't mind leading them back to his hotel and he wouldn't mind leading them anywhere else, and any instinct in him that thinks he shouldn't just has to recall Byakuya against that wall, falling apart, dying.
Swallowing, Ichigo thrusts his hands into his pockets and stares straight ahead.
In battle, height means nothing. But there are other venues, supposedly. What does he know? He's gonna take the couch. ]
Ichigo will need the reception ladies to fix him up with extra bedding and, naturally, he is gonna take the couch in his suite, since he's not any taller than it should be doable, even if he won't be able to swim in the space the way Rukia would, right? Yeah, Byakuya might be taller, he notices as he turns away and starts down the street towards his own hotel, a four-star deal with comfortable accommodations that Tanaka had scouted out for them, once Byakuya has accepted, no arguments. But their height difference is a head at most.
Since when did Ichigo start caring about these kinds of things anyway, huh? He can't remember how tall Jamie is, or Tanaka for that matter. Height never meant anything, he can beat most people at the height he's grown into. It's fine.
Still, he looks at Byakuya one extra time over one shoulder. ]
I insist, you know. If Rukia found out I let you fend for yourself all night, I'm in big trouble.
[ While it's said with his back turned, his expression as such obscured, Ichigo still sounds direct and unapologetic, his tone coming clearly through. He doesn't mind leading them back to his hotel and he wouldn't mind leading them anywhere else, and any instinct in him that thinks he shouldn't just has to recall Byakuya against that wall, falling apart, dying.
Swallowing, Ichigo thrusts his hands into his pockets and stares straight ahead.
In battle, height means nothing. But there are other venues, supposedly. What does he know? He's gonna take the couch. ]
[ The suite isn't huge, they're university students, not millionaires, but the quality is good and it's overlooking the street, so you get the sense of city lights and life outside. Ichigo liked that the first night he spent here. Watching Byakuya as he readies the bed, he wonders absent-mindedly whether he will like it, too.
The color scheme of the interior is kept simple, black with some blue accents to break up the monotony, though the room still feels pretty dark. Sombre.
Ichigo is spreading out his duvet and pillow on the couch which is just about long enough that he can lie there with his feet tugged up a little, not his favourite sleeping position, but he isn't picky either. Demanding. You try having two younger sisters climbing into your bed at midnight and insist on your favourite sprawl. Good freakin' luck.
As his hands work, tightening up the sheet he's wrapped over the couch, Ichigo is too aware of Byakuya behind him for some reason. And he's aware in some strange way he doesn't recognise, too. Kinda like a connect, part of him knowing a part of Byakuya, something like that. He doesn't like it and definitely didn't ask for it, right?
Suddenly, completely out of the blue, he remembers the vase Byakuya got for him, back at the Kuchiki Mansion, how he'd let him arrange his tiny bouquet in that. Ichigo wonders...
He wonders... ]
Hey, Byakuya. How long did you leave out the flowers for my mom?
[ It doesn't hurry, that question. Ichigo asks it with calmness and consideration.
And a terrible curiosity. ]
The color scheme of the interior is kept simple, black with some blue accents to break up the monotony, though the room still feels pretty dark. Sombre.
Ichigo is spreading out his duvet and pillow on the couch which is just about long enough that he can lie there with his feet tugged up a little, not his favourite sleeping position, but he isn't picky either. Demanding. You try having two younger sisters climbing into your bed at midnight and insist on your favourite sprawl. Good freakin' luck.
As his hands work, tightening up the sheet he's wrapped over the couch, Ichigo is too aware of Byakuya behind him for some reason. And he's aware in some strange way he doesn't recognise, too. Kinda like a connect, part of him knowing a part of Byakuya, something like that. He doesn't like it and definitely didn't ask for it, right?
Suddenly, completely out of the blue, he remembers the vase Byakuya got for him, back at the Kuchiki Mansion, how he'd let him arrange his tiny bouquet in that. Ichigo wonders...
He wonders... ]
Hey, Byakuya. How long did you leave out the flowers for my mom?
[ It doesn't hurry, that question. Ichigo asks it with calmness and consideration.
And a terrible curiosity. ]
[ As they'd drawn nearer and nearer to the hotel, Byakuya had considered the logistics of getting Renji to book him in, rather than occupy Ichigo's own room - practically, it wouldn't be much of an issue. On a different level, however, he would have to leave Renji flustered and uncomfortable with the knowledge that he'd done a bad job at preparing for what had been his own project to begin with. It seems the kind of discussion he'd prefer to have with him in person to avoid unnecessary dramatics, really.
Also, to avoid Rukia ever hearing about it at all.
Consequently, he'd ended up letting things happen until now, they're on the way to bed, Ichigo preparing to sleep on that, frankly, unacceptable couch (Byakuya had taken the chance to feel it out with his hand when Ichigo had been in the bathroom and promptly made another decision with regards to the bed). The bed is much more appropriate - it's too tall for his tastes but the mattress is fine and the sheets are... synthetic, yes, but they'll do for the night.
His borrowed hotel standard nightdress is equally synthetic but surely, certainly, it beats whatever would have awaited him in that hotel room down the seedy alleyway. He's content, if not particularly comfortable. Thus, he's getting into bed, taking up exactly one side of the bed and nothing more, when Ichigo asks him about his mother's flowers.
He brushes his hair away from his face. ]
They wilted within a day or two. [ He glances sideways at Ichigo. Then, he promptly glances away again because the man honestly isn't wearing much and he's got enough to ponder on his own when he gets home without adding to the chaos. ] My servants exchanged them for spider lilies. Hopefully, you won't mind.
[ He's not asking, exactly. But he'd made an assumption with regards to the small vase and the flowers, the bench that has now become a shrine in its own right. If Ichigo doesn't want that for his mother, he's in his rights to refuse. ]
Also, to avoid Rukia ever hearing about it at all.
Consequently, he'd ended up letting things happen until now, they're on the way to bed, Ichigo preparing to sleep on that, frankly, unacceptable couch (Byakuya had taken the chance to feel it out with his hand when Ichigo had been in the bathroom and promptly made another decision with regards to the bed). The bed is much more appropriate - it's too tall for his tastes but the mattress is fine and the sheets are... synthetic, yes, but they'll do for the night.
His borrowed hotel standard nightdress is equally synthetic but surely, certainly, it beats whatever would have awaited him in that hotel room down the seedy alleyway. He's content, if not particularly comfortable. Thus, he's getting into bed, taking up exactly one side of the bed and nothing more, when Ichigo asks him about his mother's flowers.
He brushes his hair away from his face. ]
They wilted within a day or two. [ He glances sideways at Ichigo. Then, he promptly glances away again because the man honestly isn't wearing much and he's got enough to ponder on his own when he gets home without adding to the chaos. ] My servants exchanged them for spider lilies. Hopefully, you won't mind.
[ He's not asking, exactly. But he'd made an assumption with regards to the small vase and the flowers, the bench that has now become a shrine in its own right. If Ichigo doesn't want that for his mother, he's in his rights to refuse. ]
[ exchanged them for spider lilies, Byakuya says from his place on the bed, far right side, like there isn't a whole half bed left for him to occupy. Ichigo, who was otherwise about to crawl onto the couch, halts completely, slowly turning his head towards the other man. His eyes are a little wide. Almost disbelieving.
He's made a place for Ichigo's mom on that stupid bench? In the middle of his private garden? There's something so casually thoughtful about it, Ichigo doesn't really know what to say in return. He can't remember... when last... He doesn't know.
So, he decides to be frank. ]
It doesn't intrude?
[ However, as soon as he's posed the question, Ichigo regrets it, because it's like sowing doubt about Byakuya's ability to make such calls on his own. It's Ichigo's mom, yeah, but it's the other man's garden and his flowers and his efforts. The way he knows Byakuya to be, he can administer those things just fine, right?
Under the right circumstances, he makes solid calls. The rest... Well, isn't that how it is for everybody? The rest gets you maimed and murdered. Nothing to be done about that but fight back, do something, put out spider lilies for a dead woman you don't even know.
Ichigo's cheeks flush. ]
Thanks, I mean.
[ He crawls halfway under the duvet, the couch hard as rock beneath him. Shit. ]
I appreciate it.
[ enough that the distance between them as he says that seems weird. ]
He's made a place for Ichigo's mom on that stupid bench? In the middle of his private garden? There's something so casually thoughtful about it, Ichigo doesn't really know what to say in return. He can't remember... when last... He doesn't know.
So, he decides to be frank. ]
It doesn't intrude?
[ However, as soon as he's posed the question, Ichigo regrets it, because it's like sowing doubt about Byakuya's ability to make such calls on his own. It's Ichigo's mom, yeah, but it's the other man's garden and his flowers and his efforts. The way he knows Byakuya to be, he can administer those things just fine, right?
Under the right circumstances, he makes solid calls. The rest... Well, isn't that how it is for everybody? The rest gets you maimed and murdered. Nothing to be done about that but fight back, do something, put out spider lilies for a dead woman you don't even know.
Ichigo's cheeks flush. ]
Thanks, I mean.
[ He crawls halfway under the duvet, the couch hard as rock beneath him. Shit. ]
I appreciate it.
[ enough that the distance between them as he says that seems weird. ]
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