Continued from: Gathering (Irritating) Intel
Byakuya didn't send a hell butterfly to Captain Ukitake immediately after returning to Soul Society. It could be intercepted by Aizen, which might lead him to change his plans. Walking up and confronting the kind captain in public could also rouse suspicion or undue worry for those around them since he didn't often talk to his fellow captains unless it was vital to the success of his missions. (He pushed aside the option of writing to him for the same reason.) There was enough unrest already rampant with Hitsugaya labeled as a traitor and the strange loss and return of all the zanpakutos. As a Captain of the Gotei 13, it would wrong for him to add to it.
Therefore, he could only lay in wait for a quiet moment. And at last, two afternoons later, one arrived. Carrying books, as usual, Captain Ukitake passed through the side door of the 13th division's grounds, unaccompanied. The Captain of the sixth division followed behind.
Hearing coughs quickly stifled, he narrowed his eyes and increased his pace. When he rounded the bend, Juushiro was leaning back against the wall with a whimsical smile, smudges of ink on his forehead and the fingers held to his head.
"Maybe I need to take a short break," the white-haired captain murmured quietly to himself.
"And maybe you should watch your back better if you are unwell," Byakuya called out from a couple respectful steps away.
"Kuchiki-san," Juushiro exclaimed. He stood up and chuckled, "I'm sure it's just dust. I've been reading old books again, and they don't get cleaned as often. Some tea will straighten me up, but thank you for worrying."
Byakuya sighed. "Considering that we are already short on captains, I thought it proper to inquire about it. That is all."
Juushiro smiled. "I am sure that is why you spoke up. To what do I owe this a rare visit from you, Kuchiki-san?"
"I don't intend to speak about it in the open air," Byakuya interrupted, getting to the point before Ukitake got any friendlier.
Juushiro frowned slightly then offered, "If you will give me a minute then, I will have Kiyone prepare some tea and we can meet in my study.
"I would prefer if no one else knew I was here."
"I trust my people, Kuchiki. They won't gossip."
"Yes, you do trust them in that regard much more than you should," Byakuya murmured; "however, you won't let your trust endanger them."
"That's true...." Juushiro hesitated then breathed in deeply, "If your reason is that serious, then I suppose I can't delay it any further. I will prepare the tea. Come this way, Kuchiki."
Byakuya followed behind the older captain, taking a seat when indicated at the low table by the window, the side not occupied by books and paper. Waiting, he watched the shadows cast by the light.
"I don't think it has gotten to the point where you need to watch the shadows in a captain's quarters, Kuchiki," Juushiro commented gently, carrying the tray with their tea and a couple onigiri wrapped in leaves into the room from the side kitchen. "And my division knows not to disturb me when the door is closed unless it is an emergency."
"It is not as peaceful as you seem to think."
"I know it's not," Juushiro admitted with another sad half smile as he set the tray down in the middle, "but the illusion is still in place for those who need it." The aroma of jasmine blossoms curled upwards.
For some reason he refused to analyze, the sorrow on Ukitake's face bothered the Kuchiki heir. Byakuya sipped at tea. "How is Rukia?"
Juushiro's smile warmed into a true one. "She is well, and she was among the first to retrieve her zanpakuto from the Riddler."
Byakuya nodded his approval.
"I'm sure she will be glad to hear you inquired after her, too," Juushiro added after another moment of silence.
