![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dracoqueen22The wonderful thing about my Seireitei Monogatari drabble series is that they can, in most cases, standalone. So I don't have to go back and add in the previous 162 chapters. *grin*
But, in case you were curious about the other 162 unrelated pieces, you can find them here (http://crya2evans.tripod.com/id576.html) and here (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3405332/1/Seireitei_Monogatari)
With that, I hope you enjoy this drabble/oneshot.
Title: Silver Lining
Characters: Byakuya, Ulquiorra
Rating: K+
Warning: slight spoilers, AU, hints to possible pairings
Words: 1475
Description: Byakuya hopes that he hasn’t just made the biggest mistake of his life.
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, Tite Kubo does, nor do I make any profit from the writing of this fic.
Dedication: The Sorrowful Vampress, for which this was a fic exchange. She wrote Renji/Kira for me; I give her Byakuya/Ulquiorra. Or the beginnings of one anyway.
Byakuya has never considered himself much of a people person. In fact, if he were to be perfectly honest with himself, he doesn't like people. Persons on a singular level, yes, but people? No. In fact, he tends to avoid all contact with those beneath his notice. Or to be more precise, he attempts to avoid such contact but they usually end up in his face anyway, like Zaraki Kenpachi.
That, however, is a story for another time.
Right now, Byakuya is more concerned with the burden that the captain-commander and Chamber 46 have laid upon him. Of course, he's not the only one who has to suffer under this assignment. Kyouraku-taichou has been saddled with the first Espada, a suitable pairing if one were to ask Byakuya. Though he's a bit hesitant to inquire into the relationship that Kyouraku, Ukitake, and Stark-san have seemed to adopt.
And Hitsugaya-taichou has been forced to take the lone female Espada under his frosty supervision. Granted, they seem to be getting along well, though Halibel-san and Matsumoto-fukutaichou are playing a woman's game of staking their respective territories.
Zaraki all too easily welcomed that menace Grimmjow in his fold. And it wasn't long before the former Espada bit, kicked, and clawed his way to the vacant fourth-seat that Ayasegawa still finds so revolting. He even seems to be eyeing the third-seat with a veracity that makes Madarame grin. Although he appears half-afraid of touching the lieutenant’s post and the bubbly abomination that inhabits it.
Urahara-taichou – having recently returned and taken over the fifth – has been fawning over his pink-haired acquisition since the moment the assignments were handed out. Not to mention the bragging rights he carries in having Kurosaki Ichigo as his vice-captain, something the orange-haired brat finds rather irritating.
It appears only Byakuya is none too pleased with the decision of the higher ups. And as he looks at his charge – Ulquiorra Schiffer – he can't help but think that this must have been planned in some way. There is a distant, emptiness to the boy's cyan gaze. And an open disdain in his features that suggests a sneer would be found if he were to allow himself to show any sort of emotion.
It is Schiffer's introduction to the ranks of the Shinigami that Byakuya doubts the most stridently. He has always been the one considered most loyal to Aizen, and so Byakuya wonders what this Arrancar must think of his current circumstances.
“You will serve as my fukutaichou,” Byakuya explains, another order he can't justify to himself just yet. “There is a recent opening for the position, and your skills dictate that you are qualified to handle the responsibilities required of one.”
The fact that he has traded Renji for this former Espada rankles on him. He is proud that his former lieutenant has been given a captain's position – much like the one Muguruma returned to at the ninth and Urahara gleefully accepted upon his return, taking over Aizen's former division. But Byakuya doesn't believe that acquiring Ulquiorra in Renji's place is an appropriate exchange.
Why have they given him the most troublesome Hollow of the lot?
Ulquiorra says nothing. Just inclines his head in understanding of Byakuya's instructions, looking pale and fragile in the black of the Shinigami. If he is discomfited by the change of attire or the fact that he will now serve the Shinigami all Hollow loathe, Ulquiorra does not show it.
Unnerved by the boy's silence and empty glare, Byakuya turns back around. He barely hears the footsteps as Ulquiorra follows him.
“Normally, as fukutaichou, you would reside in your own quarters. But circumstances as they are, you will be required to remain in my custody until I or Yamamoto-soutaichou decide otherwise.”
Again, Ulquiorra says nothing. Byakuya begins to feel like he is talking to himself. By Kami, he wishes he could just thrust this burden onto someone else. But no, his Kuchiki pride will not allow him to concede such a defeat. Besides, who would he send Ulquiorra to anyway? Renji is not capable. Soifon's people skills are even worse than Byakuya's. And he is sure that Ulquiorra is in no way suitable for the fourth division. Causing damage seems more his forte, though perhaps not in the same manner as Grimmjow. Not to mention that Ukitake has already made his preference of vice-captain known. And even Byakuya can’t find it within himself to fight Rukia’s well-deserved promotion.
“Unohana-taichou has assured me that you are fit for duty. You will begin tomorrow,” Byakuya continues, the roads mostly silent as he directs the both of them towards his manor.
Won't his servants be surprised by the stray he has brought home this time? If anything, this will certainly get tongues to wagging. Never mind that it is his responsibility as captain of the sixth division.
“I trust that you agree with her assessment?” Byakuya asks, wondering if a direct query will finally garner some kind of reaction from the stoic Arrancar.
Ulquiorra shifts as though to nod again before deciding on verbal confirmation. “Yes, sir.”
Ah, he does speak. Byakuya had begun to wonder if the former Espada would only open his mouth for Aizen. And well, he probably shouldn't put it in those words aloud because then it has entirely different connotations altogether.
The rest of the short walk is made in silence, Byakuya content to let his unwanted charge stew in his own thoughts as Byakuya himself contemplates what he should do with the one-time Espada.
He suspects that if Ulquiorra's loyalties have truly shifted the Arrancar will actually be of some use. He carries a certain degree of intelligence, and he is quiet, something vastly different from Byakuya's former lieutenants. He doesn't think he'll have a discipline problem, but still... Ulquiorra is an Arrancar and Aizen's former favorite to boot. Byakuya supposes he has no choice but to handle this day by day.
They enter by the front gate. What few servants Byakuya tolerates greet him on his return, casting confused glances to the sullen creature trailing along behind their master.
“Schiffer-fukutaichou will be staying here for an undetermined time,” Byakuya informs them, voice steady. There is no need to carry warning in his tone. His servants have served the Kuchiki faithfully for quite some time. They know what is expected of him. “Treat him as a guest.”
They bow and nod in understanding. Murmuring a series of “yes, sir” and “as you will it” across the board. They begin to disperse, but Byakuya gestures one of the younger women towards him.
“Show him to a room,” he says, already pondering where he should place the Arrancar.
Near to his quarters in case of a possible disturbance? Or far away for worry of a zanpakutou through his back? Ulquiorra hasn’t shown any disdain for his circumstances… yet. Byakuya doesn’t think him foolish enough to attempt murder on a Kuchiki in the middle of Seireitei. Still, there is a cautious side of him that is unwilling to trust Ulquiorra entirely.
“Byakuya-sama?”
He shakes himself out of his musings. “Use the guest room in the east wing,” Byakuya says, refraining from issuing the sigh that threatens to spill from his lips.
From the startled look on his servant’s face, Byakuya knows he has surprised the woman. The east wing is Byakuya’s, and that particular guest room is usually reserved for honored guests. But Byakuya doesn’t think he can rest comfortably knowing Ulquiorra is on the other side of the manor and farther from his senses. He’d prefer to keep an eye on the Arrancar himself.
The woman knows far better than to argue different, however, and gives Byakuya a shallow bow. “Follow me, honored guest,” she says stiffly, and gestures for Ulquiorra to come along.
Ulquiorra doesn’t seem bothered by the fact everything has been decided for him. He doesn’t move immediately, watching Byakuya with a look the Kuchiki heir can’t quite interpret, before he blinks slowly and moves to follow Byakuya’s servant. Steps completely inaudible and reiatsu tightly contained. His hand hovers near his right side, and Byakuya frowns.
At some point, they will have to return Ulquiorra’s zanpakutou to him. The blade practically hums at Byakuya’s side where he has kept it on his person. But not now. Not just yet. Byakuya can’t justify that level of trust.
Suppressing yet another sigh, Byakuya heads back to his personal quarters with the intention of indulging in a long bath before crawling into bed. The stress of the day has crowded on his shoulders like a heavy weight and he wants nothing more than to forget about it. To chase away his thoughts and lingering impressions of green, green eyes in the back of his mind.
He can only hope that Yamamoto-soutaichou knows what he’s doing. That having an Arrancar as his vice-captain won’t turn out to be as disastrous as simply saying it aloud sounds.
******
a/n: Another request completed. I’m on a roll!
But, in case you were curious about the other 162 unrelated pieces, you can find them here (http://crya2evans.tripod.com/id576.html) and here (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3405332/1/Seireitei_Monogatari)
With that, I hope you enjoy this drabble/oneshot.
Title: Silver Lining
Characters: Byakuya, Ulquiorra
Rating: K+
Warning: slight spoilers, AU, hints to possible pairings
Words: 1475
Description: Byakuya hopes that he hasn’t just made the biggest mistake of his life.
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, Tite Kubo does, nor do I make any profit from the writing of this fic.
Dedication: The Sorrowful Vampress, for which this was a fic exchange. She wrote Renji/Kira for me; I give her Byakuya/Ulquiorra. Or the beginnings of one anyway.
Byakuya has never considered himself much of a people person. In fact, if he were to be perfectly honest with himself, he doesn't like people. Persons on a singular level, yes, but people? No. In fact, he tends to avoid all contact with those beneath his notice. Or to be more precise, he attempts to avoid such contact but they usually end up in his face anyway, like Zaraki Kenpachi.
That, however, is a story for another time.
Right now, Byakuya is more concerned with the burden that the captain-commander and Chamber 46 have laid upon him. Of course, he's not the only one who has to suffer under this assignment. Kyouraku-taichou has been saddled with the first Espada, a suitable pairing if one were to ask Byakuya. Though he's a bit hesitant to inquire into the relationship that Kyouraku, Ukitake, and Stark-san have seemed to adopt.
And Hitsugaya-taichou has been forced to take the lone female Espada under his frosty supervision. Granted, they seem to be getting along well, though Halibel-san and Matsumoto-fukutaichou are playing a woman's game of staking their respective territories.
Zaraki all too easily welcomed that menace Grimmjow in his fold. And it wasn't long before the former Espada bit, kicked, and clawed his way to the vacant fourth-seat that Ayasegawa still finds so revolting. He even seems to be eyeing the third-seat with a veracity that makes Madarame grin. Although he appears half-afraid of touching the lieutenant’s post and the bubbly abomination that inhabits it.
Urahara-taichou – having recently returned and taken over the fifth – has been fawning over his pink-haired acquisition since the moment the assignments were handed out. Not to mention the bragging rights he carries in having Kurosaki Ichigo as his vice-captain, something the orange-haired brat finds rather irritating.
It appears only Byakuya is none too pleased with the decision of the higher ups. And as he looks at his charge – Ulquiorra Schiffer – he can't help but think that this must have been planned in some way. There is a distant, emptiness to the boy's cyan gaze. And an open disdain in his features that suggests a sneer would be found if he were to allow himself to show any sort of emotion.
It is Schiffer's introduction to the ranks of the Shinigami that Byakuya doubts the most stridently. He has always been the one considered most loyal to Aizen, and so Byakuya wonders what this Arrancar must think of his current circumstances.
“You will serve as my fukutaichou,” Byakuya explains, another order he can't justify to himself just yet. “There is a recent opening for the position, and your skills dictate that you are qualified to handle the responsibilities required of one.”
The fact that he has traded Renji for this former Espada rankles on him. He is proud that his former lieutenant has been given a captain's position – much like the one Muguruma returned to at the ninth and Urahara gleefully accepted upon his return, taking over Aizen's former division. But Byakuya doesn't believe that acquiring Ulquiorra in Renji's place is an appropriate exchange.
Why have they given him the most troublesome Hollow of the lot?
Ulquiorra says nothing. Just inclines his head in understanding of Byakuya's instructions, looking pale and fragile in the black of the Shinigami. If he is discomfited by the change of attire or the fact that he will now serve the Shinigami all Hollow loathe, Ulquiorra does not show it.
Unnerved by the boy's silence and empty glare, Byakuya turns back around. He barely hears the footsteps as Ulquiorra follows him.
“Normally, as fukutaichou, you would reside in your own quarters. But circumstances as they are, you will be required to remain in my custody until I or Yamamoto-soutaichou decide otherwise.”
Again, Ulquiorra says nothing. Byakuya begins to feel like he is talking to himself. By Kami, he wishes he could just thrust this burden onto someone else. But no, his Kuchiki pride will not allow him to concede such a defeat. Besides, who would he send Ulquiorra to anyway? Renji is not capable. Soifon's people skills are even worse than Byakuya's. And he is sure that Ulquiorra is in no way suitable for the fourth division. Causing damage seems more his forte, though perhaps not in the same manner as Grimmjow. Not to mention that Ukitake has already made his preference of vice-captain known. And even Byakuya can’t find it within himself to fight Rukia’s well-deserved promotion.
“Unohana-taichou has assured me that you are fit for duty. You will begin tomorrow,” Byakuya continues, the roads mostly silent as he directs the both of them towards his manor.
Won't his servants be surprised by the stray he has brought home this time? If anything, this will certainly get tongues to wagging. Never mind that it is his responsibility as captain of the sixth division.
“I trust that you agree with her assessment?” Byakuya asks, wondering if a direct query will finally garner some kind of reaction from the stoic Arrancar.
Ulquiorra shifts as though to nod again before deciding on verbal confirmation. “Yes, sir.”
Ah, he does speak. Byakuya had begun to wonder if the former Espada would only open his mouth for Aizen. And well, he probably shouldn't put it in those words aloud because then it has entirely different connotations altogether.
The rest of the short walk is made in silence, Byakuya content to let his unwanted charge stew in his own thoughts as Byakuya himself contemplates what he should do with the one-time Espada.
He suspects that if Ulquiorra's loyalties have truly shifted the Arrancar will actually be of some use. He carries a certain degree of intelligence, and he is quiet, something vastly different from Byakuya's former lieutenants. He doesn't think he'll have a discipline problem, but still... Ulquiorra is an Arrancar and Aizen's former favorite to boot. Byakuya supposes he has no choice but to handle this day by day.
They enter by the front gate. What few servants Byakuya tolerates greet him on his return, casting confused glances to the sullen creature trailing along behind their master.
“Schiffer-fukutaichou will be staying here for an undetermined time,” Byakuya informs them, voice steady. There is no need to carry warning in his tone. His servants have served the Kuchiki faithfully for quite some time. They know what is expected of him. “Treat him as a guest.”
They bow and nod in understanding. Murmuring a series of “yes, sir” and “as you will it” across the board. They begin to disperse, but Byakuya gestures one of the younger women towards him.
“Show him to a room,” he says, already pondering where he should place the Arrancar.
Near to his quarters in case of a possible disturbance? Or far away for worry of a zanpakutou through his back? Ulquiorra hasn’t shown any disdain for his circumstances… yet. Byakuya doesn’t think him foolish enough to attempt murder on a Kuchiki in the middle of Seireitei. Still, there is a cautious side of him that is unwilling to trust Ulquiorra entirely.
“Byakuya-sama?”
He shakes himself out of his musings. “Use the guest room in the east wing,” Byakuya says, refraining from issuing the sigh that threatens to spill from his lips.
From the startled look on his servant’s face, Byakuya knows he has surprised the woman. The east wing is Byakuya’s, and that particular guest room is usually reserved for honored guests. But Byakuya doesn’t think he can rest comfortably knowing Ulquiorra is on the other side of the manor and farther from his senses. He’d prefer to keep an eye on the Arrancar himself.
The woman knows far better than to argue different, however, and gives Byakuya a shallow bow. “Follow me, honored guest,” she says stiffly, and gestures for Ulquiorra to come along.
Ulquiorra doesn’t seem bothered by the fact everything has been decided for him. He doesn’t move immediately, watching Byakuya with a look the Kuchiki heir can’t quite interpret, before he blinks slowly and moves to follow Byakuya’s servant. Steps completely inaudible and reiatsu tightly contained. His hand hovers near his right side, and Byakuya frowns.
At some point, they will have to return Ulquiorra’s zanpakutou to him. The blade practically hums at Byakuya’s side where he has kept it on his person. But not now. Not just yet. Byakuya can’t justify that level of trust.
Suppressing yet another sigh, Byakuya heads back to his personal quarters with the intention of indulging in a long bath before crawling into bed. The stress of the day has crowded on his shoulders like a heavy weight and he wants nothing more than to forget about it. To chase away his thoughts and lingering impressions of green, green eyes in the back of his mind.
He can only hope that Yamamoto-soutaichou knows what he’s doing. That having an Arrancar as his vice-captain won’t turn out to be as disastrous as simply saying it aloud sounds.
a/n: Another request completed. I’m on a roll!
