DanganChat & One-shots

I'm Here~Part 5

A/N: Okay, so. I don't know how this happened but... I neglected to update, even though. I already wrote three more parts and just somehow didn't realize that I only posted up to part 4. So, I'll be playing catch up this weekend! 

Makoto wandered through the elegant dining hall. Multiple tables were occupied men and women in equally elegant and extravagant apparel. "Pardon me," he stopped one of the bustling servers, who gave a dismissive glance at Makoto obviously inexpensive attire. "I'm looking for a woman named Adeline Blanc".

"You're seated with the Togamis'?"

"Yes, he is," Byakuya's mother waved the server away. "And Byakuya must have sent you". Adeline led Makoto to the lounge area of the massive dining hall. "He's never been one to express emotions, but a mother can always tell". She picked up her half-full glass of wine, sipping carefully. "Compared to his...father, I'm glad you're here. I've only ever wanted my son to smile again".

"Can I...ask you a couple of questions?" Makoto hesitated, but Adeline seemed to welcome the inquisition.

"About the files, right? And the 'expectations' that Byakuya has to live up to?"

"How do you always know? Am I really that easy to read?" Makoto asked, partly to himself.

"I almost finished my doctorate in psychology, so you could say that I have an advantage," she chuckled, taking another sip of wine. "It pains me to explain it, but the Togami name isn't built from traditional methods. Rather, polygamous, if you will. Has he told you about his half-siblings?"

"I've met Shinobu when we started attended the Academy, but I didn't know he had more than one".

"There were thirteen others who fought for Byakuya's spot. Shinobu included," Adeline laughed pitifully. "He's the youngest amongst Touma's children if he even calls them that". The more wine she sipped, the more information and emotion mixed together. "I should be glad that my child turned out to be the Togami heir, but...I haven't seen or even spoken to him in years. He's changed so much," unclasping her purse latch, her hand dug around until uncovering a small wallet. Beyond the several platinum and black cards, a slightly yellowed picture poked out. "Don't tell him I showed this to you," she smiled adoringly at the small frame.

Makoto gingerly took the picture; a younger, bright-eyed Adeline held a much younger Byakuya in her arms. Makoto guessed Byakuya to be around five or so, noticing how the resemblance was still uncanny. Even when he smiled, Byakuya looked just like his mother. "The expectations...do the files have something to do with that?" Makoto asked, still staring at the picture.

"Unfortunately, yes. The heir is to have several children and therefore choose an heir amongst the group". Adeline grimaced at Makoto's horrified expression. "They cannot marry, nor have a suitor. The main priority is lineage, not familial integrity".

Makoto slowly placed the photo back into the woman's hand, desperately trying to process this information. "So those files are...of women, he has to...," even verbalizing the truth filled Makoto with nausea. "But why would he tell me not to leave his side then?"

Adeline nearly fell to her knees in reaching to take Makoto's hands. "Please. I know this news is terrible, but please don't leave my son alone. He barely trusts his own parents, let only anyone else in the world". Her eyes pleaded with tears, "Ever since I first saw his eyes open, I've only ever wanted him to be happy. I lost all sense of caring about him taking the place as heir when he first laughed. If it makes him happy to love you, I'd give him anything to allow him to follow his heart".

The memories of the last few days flashed through Makoto's mind. Remembering how Byakuya appreciated his attempts to break him away from work, how Byakuya enjoyed spending time with him and the others. Makoto returned the grip on Adeline's hands, "He already has followed his heart once. I don't plan on leaving any time soon," he grinned at Byakuya's mother, who tried to retract her already falling tears.