Report to the Clan Head [Private/Byakuya]

Sat Jan 11, 2020 1:31 pm

Kuchiki Keiko

This sort of thing always made her nervous. Keiko wouldn't ever play hooky with family affairs, but that didn't mean she wanted to do these things. Whatever, this is something she'd have to do in the future all the time. Better to get used to it now.

Keiko reached into one of her sleeves and pulled out a small sucker to shake her nerves and keep her occupied. She preferred to keep multiple on her, but the maids dressing her in a formal kimono fit to meet the head in an official setting took away the rest of the candy. To not form any bumps or creases in the clothes, the maids said she could only keep one. But, would the clan head actually notice or care about any of that stuff? After all, Keiko was waiting in seiza before the closed bamboo door to the clan head's office; there was bound to be creases formed at her knees and hips. She figured the elders were the type to worry about that sort of stuff way more than him.

The world of adults is so complicated. So many things that seem so pointless, but are actually really important, or something like that.

END POST

Wed Jan 15, 2020 6:01 am

Report to the Clan Head [Private/Byakuya] 6EdIfMt

ANGEL OF THE CHERRY BLOSSOM

Artist: Anselm Japan - Song: Alpha

It was good to see so much progress within the Kuchiki. Byakuya sat at his desk, quietly taking notes on what the young man had told him. There wasn't anything he was too concerned about, he was doing well at the moment. His studies at Shin'o Academy were doing fine and his grades were serviceable. So, dismissing him, Byakuya took a deep breath, allowing a rare smile to come to his face as he nodded to himself, the grin fading just as quickly as it came.

He was proud of the progress that his family was making. Everyone was on their way to becoming proper Shinigami, and it was no surprise, given where they hailed from. He would have nothing less. So, checking the list of members that were left, Byakuya's came across the next name in the list: Keiko Kuchiki. One of the members that did a lot of volunteer work for the Seventh Division, despite her natural talents leaning more towards the Stealth Force.

Regardless of that, Byakuya took a deep breath as his hands rested on his desk, his eyes turned to face the bamboo sliding doors.

"Keiko Kuchiki, you may enter."

The doors opened, and Keiko stepped inside. Almost immediately, he noticed the lollipop sticking out of her mouth, though, he made no comment about it. She was young, and so it was almost expected for her to have a sweet tooth -- or, an equally likely scenario, to calm herself down, something he didn't really have a problem with. Nevertheless, he had called her in for a reason.

"Let's begin. How is your internship in the Seventh Division coming along?"

Thu Jan 16, 2020 12:27 pm

Kuchiki Keiko

One of the Kuchiki clansmen still in the academy walked out of the Clan Head's office. His exit had Keiko's heart drop, because it meant that her turn to enter was coming up. There was probably a lot to be said, between her missed lessons from meeting Ulv Auber--the first time Keiko's ever missed anything scheduled--to her fight with Takehiko during her zanjutsu course at the academy, to her fight with Kintori from the Shihouin clan, and even the desire to meet a previous Captain Commander, Suika Ibiki. All these things were in deviance to Keiko's normal day to day life, and it all happened within a short time frame, so the anxiety that these things might be brought up flared in her chest. Were some of these things points of reprimand for her? Was he going to say no to introducing her to Suika-sama?

The sound of his voice calling for her to enter had the dropped heart turn to a sharp pain, like ice was filling her chest. As best she tried to shake the nerves, her heart refused to calm down. Keiko forced herself to adhere and stood up from the ground to enter his office. She felt his eyes fall onto her lollipop, and the sharpness flared. She immediately took the lollipop out of her mouth, put it back into the wrapper, and put it back in her sleeve in a panic. The girl offered a respectful greeting through a bow, and stood back up to attention.

"Yes, Kuchiki-sama. The internship is progressing well, I've consistently fulfilled all my duties. I have made relationships that allow me to learn a great deal, with people who are willing to help me in my studies. I believe my internship is contributing to my progress in the academy as well, and I aim to finish all courses within the year and set the record for graduation."

She was sure to be concise, to let him understand that she was focused on the future by developing her network, and that she was on track for success. The better she was doing, the better she felt about her chances to be well-received, and hopefully to be introduced to Ibiki. Or was she being too much? What if he thought she was just being full of herself and arrogant--that would be bad, wouldn't it? Maybe she should've just waited for him to ask more questions instead of answering things he didn't ask for? Damn it! Why is it always so hard to come up with the right answer?

END POST

Sun Jan 19, 2020 3:28 pm

ANGEL OF THE CHERRY BLOSSOM

Artist: Anselm Japan - Song: Memory

He could tell that she was nervous, and that she had a lot on her mind. Likely topics that he was already made aware of, but he would get into that later. Silently nodding in response, Byakuya took a glance away to check his notes and the reports that had already been filed for Keiko, before turning back to face her.

"Good. I expect nothing less but your absolute best in that regard. You are doing well to keep up with your studies, despite these conditions."

Pausing, he gave another solemn nod, another rare smile passing over him as he took a moment to think. He had no doubt in his mind that she would be able to graduate within the year, considering her progress already. Her internship was something that, at first, Byakuya was concerned about. But, after Keiko showing dedication to her strict schedule and her studies, the concern had quickly faded.

"I would have brought up your grades and your studies, but you have already done that. Yes, the internship has certainly contributed to your progress in the academy, your grades reflect that. I do not have a doubt in my mind that you are capable of this, not only as a Kuchiki Clan member but as a future Shinigami."

Generally, it wasn't like him to be so long-winded, given how brief and concise he liked to keep things. But, in this case, there was quite a lot that needed to be said from both sides. So, in this moment of silence, Byakuya began to write down notes on her report, detailing the events of this meeting. After he finished, he made a brief gesture toward Keiko.

"You seem to have a lot on your mind. Is there something you'd like to ask me? This could likely be the best moment to do so."

Sun Jan 19, 2020 9:58 pm

Kuchiki Keiko

Finally. It was here--a chance. The Clan Head was very perceptive--how scary... He clearly knew that she had something on her mind. Thankfully, it seemed her display of confidence and ambition was well received. Now comes the true hard part.

"Y-yes, well, there is one thing, Kuchiki-sama. Given that you are in the Veteran's Core, I was wondering if you were acquainted with Suika-sama?"

Keiko did her best to keep her heart-rate calmed and controlled, since it felt like it was contributing to the buckets being sweated out underneath her kimono.

"As you know, I have recently gained the opportunity to be under Auber-sama's tutelage. She has also encouraged me to broaden my sources of learning, such that she wants to introduce me to Everfrost-sama, from the Stealth Force. I was hoping to afford the same opportunity with Suika-sama--if I am allowed and worthy."

END POST

Wed Jan 29, 2020 9:19 am

ANGEL OF THE CHERRY BLOSSOM

Artist: RWBY - Song: Home

Ibiki Suika, the name that he wasn't too unsurprised to hear. Former Head Captain, now member of the Veteran's Core, Byakuya was well acqainted with her. So, nodding his head in response, Byakuya took a moment to think about her request. It was clear that she had this on her mind for a while, and was both eager and afraid of the answer that he might give.

"If you are able to manage the added time while keeping up with your studies and your schedule, I do not see a problem with it."

He paused, taking time to think once more. He called in one of the other Kuchiki Clan members, requesting a Hell Butterfly. As they left, his gaze returned to Keiko. The smallest hints of a smile passed over his face as he resumed.

"I will make arrangements with her. It is good that you wish to seek her tutelage."

The Clansman returned, holding out the small creature for him to take, to which he did, taking the butterfly to his finger.

"Is there anything else you would like to ask me?"

Wed Jan 29, 2020 1:00 pm

Kuchiki Keiko

When she finally built up the courage to blurt out her request, time stopped. Her heart stopped, her hands stopped, her eyes saw that everything froze. And then, a moment passed, and she felt her first heart beat. Her heart started, slow and loud, banging in her eardrums. It only calmed when he responded.

Thank god!

He agreed! He said it was fine! The corner of Keiko's lips quivered uncontrollably before breaking out into a beaming smile. As much as she tried to control herself, well, who could in this situation?! Keiko was soon going to meet Suika Ibiki, one of the most prolific users of Hakuda, well, ever!

"Yes, Kuchiki-sama. I will definitely be able to manage the time. Thank you very much for the opportunity."

Her face couldn't be stopped in its expressiveness, but the girl still wrested control over the rest of her body to stay composed and hold herself as a noble. She bowed deeply to express that gratitude. In her bow, she missed his smile, but Keiko probably wouldn't have seen it regardless. Her eyes were unfocused, and rather than seeing the present, they were dreaming about the training sessions with Ibiki. When she lifted her head up, it was just in time to catch wind of his next words.

"No, Kuchiki-sama. That is all I wished to ask. Once again, thank you very much for the opportunity."

And she bowed again.

END POST

Sat Feb 01, 2020 3:58 pm

ANGEL OF THE CHERRY BLOSSOM

Artist: Stardew Valley - Song: Dance of the Moonlight Jellies

Byakuya sat in silence as Keiko's emotions seemed to explode from her, as, even without being an empath, it wasn't hard for him to see her excitement and joy. There was still a degree of warmth that he felt, seeing Keiko this excited not only for teachings, but to meet someone that she respected and looked up to. It was slightly nostalgic to witness, reminding him somewhat of Rukia.

It was a stretch, yes, but there was, at the very least, a small similarity that he could see. Thus, as she expressed her gratitude and ability to manage the amount of time that would be added to her schedule, Byakuya nodded in reply, only saying a single word:

"Good."

Even with just that word, Keiko would be able to tell the amount of genuine sincerity and a hint of warmth in it.

She bowed, rising to respond, before bowing once more. However, rather than responding, Byakuya remained silent for a time. He let the Hell Butterfly down on his desk, any other members other than himself and Keiko to leave them as he rose from his seat, quietly walking around and soon coming in front of her. Their meeting was technically over. So, to him, there was no harm in what he did next.

He reached forward, giving Keiko a single, gentle pat on the head before his hand returned to his side.

"Do your best, Keiko. That's all I ask of you."

He walked back to his desk, taking the Hell Butterfly back to his finger.

"Thank you for your time. You're dismissed."

As he said those words, something nagged at the back of his head. Something felt off. Perhaps it was something of a bad omen? The idea of such a thing sprouting concern in the Royal Kuchiki. He kept the concern in mind as Keiko would begin to leave, and Byakuya proceeded to give the creature his message to the veteran.

Sat Feb 01, 2020 7:17 pm

Kuchiki Keiko

Keiko's mind instantly blanked. She was at a literal loss for words. The Clan Head was known for his stern and cold character, few and far between were the moments he did something affectionate. And, just now, that stern and cold character patted Keiko's head. It was... an odd feeling. Unusual and new, but not bad. It felt like... it felt like she was being recognised, definitely more than the usual as well.

"T-thank you, Kuchiki-sama. I will take my leave."

Keiko bowed again, this time in departure, but her bow stuttered a few times on the way down. Too many things went well today--could this have been a dream all along? The girl brought her sleeves together while walking out, pinching herself in the finger webbing while she turned around to make sure it wasn't.

[exit post]

END POST

Report to the Clan Head [Private/Byakuya]

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