Matters of Family [Hitoshi/Byakuya]

As years had passed, Hitoshi became more entrenched in his own self, his own actions. To the point where his familial relationships had strained, although he had considered that as the point at one time or another. Life had other plans, and the Kurata had recently come to reassess some of his 'closer' relationships. In particular, one troubled him.

Not for how he saw her, or how she saw him. Nothing so personal, so vain - if not for how she carried herself, there was significant doubt that he'd consider anything. Of course, there's always been temptation. Getting rid of her for potential liability has always been an option, messy as it is. The damage she could do is too much for the stage everything is in, which means we can't draw the attention for that.

The arguments, redundancies, planning; it circled and circled, treading water in the ocean of Hitoshi's thoughts. It was only when reviewing the plans for his alliance that he had an epiphany, a letter shortly thereafter sent to the Kuchiki estate, requesting an audience with the former Captain.

Fantastic consideration, Hitoshi-denka. Sanzukiko chimed as he closed near the property's gate. Your last showing will be naked in comparison.

Meticulous planning allowed recent actions to come off successful. Certain moves had been made, and he was waiting for very specific results. What he was not waiting for, or expecting, was another request from the Kurata to meet with Hitoshi. Byakuya made a couple of assumptions about the meeting before sending of the acceptance letter. Had the Kurata made their first plan? Maybe they planned to present it. It also could have been a simple update since their last meeting.

Like their last meeting, tea was set up for each of them in the same private room. Hitoshi Kurata would be led by a servant through the halls of the manor to a room where Byakuya was already waiting. Any guards were instructed to stay outside the door while they talked. Before taking his seat, Byakuya bowed politely to the fellow nobleman. "I was surprised to receive a request so soon after the last."

Bowing in turn, Hitoshi sat as his host did, languishing once again underneath his parasol. Slowly breathing out from his nose, the sigh ended as the Kuchiki spoke.

"Nor would we. However, some things have changed." Leaning forward, the man took a sip from his tea, clearing his throat before straightening himself back up. "Two matters, in particular. That we would come to you, well. For one of them, we hope to hear your advice."

Hitoshi's eyes stayed glued to the man, careful in the words he chose. "We are aware of some difficulties in your past. Regarding siblings."

Frankly, it was the last thing Hitoshi wanted to bring into their conversations. From what he had heard in whispers, the man was not fond of reliving that time.

But you've come vulnerable. There is trust to be had, trust to be taken. And you, denka, can take whatever you please. You only have to reach out. Sanzukiko's words of encouragement their own burden as he continued - a change in his speech, his voice, not so easily noticed.

"I am worried for my sister's current actions. That they will do harm she cannot even imagine."

There were certain subjects that even Byakuya Kuchiki could not hold every ounce of emotion back from. At the mention of siblings, there was the briefest freeze in his movements. He was reaching for his tea and momentarily stopped before taking up the cup. Closing his eyes, he took a sip and set it back down. It was the shift in Hitoshi's voice that brought about questions. For now, Byakuya would listen.

This man's sister did not immediately come to mind. It took him a few seconds to think back and remember some of the Kurata line. Right, Shura. He had not heard much about her in recent years, but news regarding Gotei members would not easily catch his attention these days, not unless he was intentionally looking for them. And Shura, he was not... yet. "What actions are you referring to?"

"Seeking out trouble. Some idea of bravado, I imagine." Hitoshi's head shifted slightly, the clink of metal soft with a breeze. "Some part of her has always resented that I will be the next head of the family. Despite not being the first born."

His gaze turned away from Byakuya for a moment, noting the man's reaction as he reached for the tea himself. Sipping lightly, the clink of porcelain sounded his continued speech. "And, knowing her as a brother does, I can tell when she's lashing out about it in turn."

Vague answer. Not surprising. However, if you seek someone out for advice, keeping your answers vague did make it all seem like a waste of time. What was the point if you did not give any details on what was happening? Or at least elaborate enough for the advisor to speak on. Byakuya took another sip.

"A sibling that has been overlooked in the eyes of tradition. Of course, some traditions are proving detrimental to society. I've heard some about your sister; she's chaotic. But what exactly do you mean by seeking out trouble?"

Byakuya's words were not meant to insult Hitoshi's sister. Maybe it was the fact that they both had sisters they worried for or just the desire to help another nobleman save face, but Byakuya did come off with the desire to help Hitoshi.

HItoshi recognized Byakuya's response, stepping the line of inaction where possible. One he had given himself hundreds of times, the Kuchiki's felt different.

Any desire he had to help was genuine. Hitoshi could scarcely believe it, but he would not pass the opportunity. "Chaotic would be a good way to describe it. I'd go so far as to say reckless, thoughtless. She's in the combat division, and one can easily imagine how that affects what decisions one makes when it comes to issues in life. 'A hammer will only ever see a nail', I have seen it time and again."

Posturing slightly, his upper lip drew upwards in a constrained frown, passing with a sigh after he spoke. "So far she's taken to try and challenge multiple divisions, along with being generally difficult to handle at the best of times."

You see, Hitoshi-dono. Even he falls under your guile.

Byakuya let silence befall the room as he took the time to think. Advice on siblings was not a specialty of his. His relationship with his adopted sibling had failed, and the likelihood of that recovering was abysmal. What exactly did Hitoshi expect from him? Setting his tea back down, Byakuya brought his gaze back to his guest.

"Unless your sister has broken any laws of the Soul Society, I doubt there is much you can do to calm her chaotic behavior, unless force is something you're willing to utilize. And I do recommend against such action. You could also denounce her behavior and shun her from family; that will at least lessen damage to your reputation. Allowing the Gotei manage her may be your least problematic bet."

"It has been considered, I must admit." A fake display of concern, of regret. The twisting of facial expression felt alien even as he did it, although it would pass for what Hitoshi wanted. Shifting in his seat, his gaze would shift back to Byakuya as his face returned to stillness.

"I appreciate your advice. A decision will be made, when the time suits it." Pausing, his eyes slipped downward as he reached for his tea.

"The other matter, I admit, is pleasant." Drinking lightly, the clatter of porcelain would sound before he continued.

"As of yesterday, I am the fourth head of the Kurata."

Byakuya was an observant man. Having grown up in noble circles, just like his guest, he was keen on the tricks and masks that their kind often put on. Though he said nothing, it was pretty clear that Hitoshi cared very little for his sister or her behavior, at least not beyond what may reflect on him and his own status. Noble families were a common breeding ground for the selfish and psychotic.

In hearing Hitosih's news, Byakuya called out for something more celebratory. Within a minute, a servant returned with an excellently brewed sake, poured them each a drink, and then left. "Just one, in celebration of your rise to lead your family." Byakuya said. He would not drink without Hitoshi's agreement though. If he agreed, Byakuya'd toast to Hitoshi and his family, and then take a drink