Noble Love - Bleach (Kuchiki Byakuya x Oc x A bit of Various)

四十六

"Thank you!" said the receptionist with a bow. "Please come again next time!"

Asa thanked her in the same manner before leaving the building, where Byakuya was waiting outside carrying the bag of clothes. Once the fresh air hit her, she raised her arms up high and stretched. "I haven't felt this rejuvenated like this in a while!" she said. Heaving a sigh, she lowered her arms and smiled at the man. "Thank you for joining me, Byakuya. It means a lot to be able to spend some time with you." The said man didn't say anything, but held her hand and gave it a light squeeze. Asa stared at their hands intertwined before looking back at him with a smile, returning the gesture. She didn't need to urge him to say anything, for everything was clear in his slate grey eyes, as well as that small smile plastered on his face.

One thing she'd noticed was that he was becoming more open about his feelings, particularly his affection towards her. From the beginning, she knew that he wasn't one who openly expressed his emotions, and always seemed serene and apathetic towards others, even though there were times when he was conflicted. It was always his pride and calm demeanor that made everyone think he didn't care about her or Rukia or everyone else; but Asa knew otherwise. She knew that he deeply cared for her and Rukia and others close to him, but it's just that he didn't know how to express it probably due to the fact that he was trained to behave aristocratically. So for him to make improvements such as holding her hand, smiling, and kissing her, had shown how much he'd changed since she'd met him. She wouldn't know how and why he changed, but as long as he was doing out of his own will, she was happy.

"Shall we go back?" she suggested, earning a nod from him. With his hand still holding hers, they left the hot spring hotel together, walking down the stone path that eventually led them back to the main road.

But they didn't expect to see the purple-haired man standing at the exit, leaning against the lamp post with his hands in the pockets of his black hooded-sweater. "Tadashi? What are you doing here?"

The said man didn't respond to her at first. Instead, he looked at them with an unreadable expression and asked, "Can I talk to you both for a moment?"

Byakuya and Asa exchanged glances. It wasn't that they were bothered by his presence or anything. It was because of the tone in his voice. Besides the seriousness, there was so much of uncertainty that it seemed like he really needed their advice. If that was the case, then might as well they hear him out.

"Very well." said the former. "We'll listen to what you have to say."

Relief was written all over Tadashi's face as he smiled at them. "Thanks!" he said, turning around towards the direction where they came from on the previous day. "Let's go to my house. I'll tell you everything along the way." Without a word, Asa and Byakuya followed him down the streets of Karakura Town.

"So, what is it that you need to talk to us?" questioned Asa when he hadn't spoken a word.

Tadashi hesitated for a moment before he blurted, "I received a message from Genryusai-sensei to return to Soul Society and continue my duty as the 5th Seat of the 8th Division."

That was all it took for the two to halt in their tracks as they were halfway crossing the bridge. Tadashi somehow expected such a reaction, turning around to be greeted by their startled looks. It was silent between them, with the occasion of cars driving past them on the road next to the walkway. "E-Eh?" was all the woman could say, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

"Captain-Commander requests that you are to resume your duties as a Shinigami?" clarified Byakuya, who was as shocked as her, earning a nod from the younger man. "What was the reason?"

"I don't know." said Tadashi while shaking his head.

When she was able to gather her thoughts, she asked, "When did you know about this?"