Defying Gravity [Byakuya Kuchiki]

Chapter 18

        "Yes! I'll be leaving now!" The girl left the room, Katrien close behind.

        There was an evaluation meeting with the Head Captain, followed by another with the crazy Captain, where he spewed some harsh remarks at the Eleventh Division Captain and spoke about the decrease in Hollow attacks, and finally a session with Unohana, wanting Katrien to train some of the recently graduated Academy students. Byakuya and her had only seen each other once and it wasn't until late at night did Katrien drag her feet towards the Sixth Division.

        She retook her position as the Household head doctor, requested by Ginrei. It was Byakuya who asked Katrien to stay in their House, wanting her to be close to the ex-Captain who was getting old. She accepted both offers, moving most of her stuff into the Kuchiki Household. However, her bedroom in the Fifth Division was still available to her. If work lasted long into the night the woman would sleep there instead.

        Living with Byakuya became better, his advisors warming up to her slowly. Most mornings Takumi would join Katrien for breakfast, Isane and Kiyone sometimes dropping by on weekends. Byakuya was always seen around her when both were present in the Household, either louging in one of the many rooms or taking walks through the gardens.

        The house was quiet when the Squad Five Captain entered, removing her shoes at the front door. As the woman headed towards her permanent room, the soft glow of a light illuminated from another room. Curious, Katrien headed for the source silently. Byakuya sat at a low table Indian style, back towards the rice paper doors. He was wearing a sleep kimono, a large robe draped over it.

        Katrien entered from behind, sitting right behind him. "You're up late," she muttered.

        "Couldn't sleep," he answered.

        "So you're practicing calligraphy?"

        "It helps calm me. You should try it."

        "You know I'm not one for writing." He chuckled in response.

        "You seemed busy today."

        "Ugh! The meetings were endless!" she complained flopping down on the ground chest first. "I thought they were never going to end. The Head Captain's wasn't so bad, but Mayuri, all he did was complain about how he hated the Eleventh Division and how stupid we are compared to him. Unohana at least let me have some fun by training the new Soul Reapers from the Academy. However, one of them were so nervous that they passed out. Then we had a mission squad come in with critical conditions so I helped out the Division."

        "Sounds like quite a day. Mine was less exciting."

        "Did you at least give Renji a hard time?"

        "Naturally."

        Sighing heavily Katrien snuggld her face into her crossed arms. "So tired..."

        "Then go to bed."

        "Mmm... Too much effort to get up," she complained, eyes closing.

        It was quiet for another few minutes. "Katrien?" Byakuya asked, looking over his shoulder. The Captain had fallen asleep, sprawled out on the floor, looking very peaceful. The man couldn't help but smile, taking his robe and covering the sleeping woman. As he continued to write, Katrien would move every so often, trying to find a more comfortable position. It was past midnight, and the Witch had her back pressed firmly against the side of his leg. Her child-like way of sleeping could not stop the light smile that came to his lips.

        Walking down the hall, Byakuya carried Katrien bridal style to her room. Placing the woman on her bed, he couldn't help but pull up the covers and kiss her forehead before leaving.