Matters of Family [Hitoshi/Byakuya]

Meticulous planning allowed recent actions to come off successful. Certain moves had been made, and he was waiting for very specific results. What he was not waiting for, or expecting, was another request from the Kurata to meet with Hitoshi. Byakuya made a couple of assumptions about the meeting before sending of the acceptance letter. Had the Kurata made their first plan? Maybe they planned to present it. It also could have been a simple update since their last meeting.

Like their last meeting, tea was set up for each of them in the same private room. Hitoshi Kurata would be led by a servant through the halls of the manor to a room where Byakuya was already waiting. Any guards were instructed to stay outside the door while they talked. Before taking his seat, Byakuya bowed politely to the fellow nobleman. "I was surprised to receive a request so soon after the last."

There were certain subjects that even Byakuya Kuchiki could not hold every ounce of emotion back from. At the mention of siblings, there was the briefest freeze in his movements. He was reaching for his tea and momentarily stopped before taking up the cup. Closing his eyes, he took a sip and set it back down. It was the shift in Hitoshi's voice that brought about questions. For now, Byakuya would listen.

This man's sister did not immediately come to mind. It took him a few seconds to think back and remember some of the Kurata line. Right, Shura. He had not heard much about her in recent years, but news regarding Gotei members would not easily catch his attention these days, not unless he was intentionally looking for them. And Shura, he was not... yet. "What actions are you referring to?"

Vague answer. Not surprising. However, if you seek someone out for advice, keeping your answers vague did make it all seem like a waste of time. What was the point if you did not give any details on what was happening? Or at least elaborate enough for the advisor to speak on. Byakuya took another sip.

"A sibling that has been overlooked in the eyes of tradition. Of course, some traditions are proving detrimental to society. I've heard some about your sister; she's chaotic. But what exactly do you mean by seeking out trouble?"

Byakuya's words were not meant to insult Hitoshi's sister. Maybe it was the fact that they both had sisters they worried for or just the desire to help another nobleman save face, but Byakuya did come off with the desire to help Hitoshi.

Byakuya let silence befall the room as he took the time to think. Advice on siblings was not a specialty of his. His relationship with his adopted sibling had failed, and the likelihood of that recovering was abysmal. What exactly did Hitoshi expect from him? Setting his tea back down, Byakuya brought his gaze back to his guest.

"Unless your sister has broken any laws of the Soul Society, I doubt there is much you can do to calm her chaotic behavior, unless force is something you're willing to utilize. And I do recommend against such action. You could also denounce her behavior and shun her from family; that will at least lessen damage to your reputation. Allowing the Gotei manage her may be your least problematic bet."

Byakuya was an observant man. Having grown up in noble circles, just like his guest, he was keen on the tricks and masks that their kind often put on. Though he said nothing, it was pretty clear that Hitoshi cared very little for his sister or her behavior, at least not beyond what may reflect on him and his own status. Noble families were a common breeding ground for the selfish and psychotic.

In hearing Hitosih's news, Byakuya called out for something more celebratory. Within a minute, a servant returned with an excellently brewed sake, poured them each a drink, and then left. "Just one, in celebration of your rise to lead your family." Byakuya said. He would not drink without Hitoshi's agreement though. If he agreed, Byakuya'd toast to Hitoshi and his family, and then take a drink