Proceed

This is the world you come to for solace, for tranquility. You wouldn't have bothered going into a meditative state if you didn't want to be here.

The petals dance higher and caress your fingers--instinctively you reach out and grasp them gently in your palm. Senbonzakura has always been your pride and joy, the one thing that has been constant in your life, never faltered, never betrayed you. You are fond of him, take special care of his blade and never allow another to touch him.

The path slopes upwards just slightly, unbroken, paved and still very smooth, but more and more petals dance about your feet and beckon you onward. It's been a little while since you lasted visited him and you know that it's quite possible that his pride and emotions may be a way to drag you here simply so he can hide from you again, but there's nothing you can't handle. He's dedicated to you and if you have a wish, he will grant it, no matter his mood.

You don't know what it is you seek, but as you approach the most elegant tree of all, standing above all others, you know you don't have to worry about it, that things will unfold as they come to pass, whether you establish it or not. Here you are nothing but Byakuya-sama and here, your spirit will allow you to confide in him, will serve his master however the master pleases and you'll be released from some duty for a little while.

Your hand touches the tree gingerly, the petals escaping your grasp. This is your sanctuary. You've come here during your times of weakness and even if there's a slight hesitation in you, you know Senbonzakura will never turn you away. There's an elegant screech from above, but you don't look up. No, rather, you place the palms of both your hands more fully against the delicate looking cherry blossom tree and the petals that guided you here swirl around you and up, clinging to the branches and glowing brighter than ever.

"Byakuya-sama..." It sounds breathless in your ear, and you wonder just what it is that makes you shiver just the slightest about the way your name is said. Even with his pride, Senbonzakura still recognizes you for who you are, still shows you respect. You've heard about stories of a bodyguard and his charge falling in love, but you've already sworn yourself from such a thing. Perhaps it's because you know he's just like you, yet is what you cannot be. He has outbursts and says things you could never dream of saying. He doesn't hesitate when he makes a decision but he is always keeping in mind your wishes.

He's dedicated himself to you and it's invigorating because unlike the guards who protect you at home, Senbonzakura has cannot leave you, cannot betray you. He's stuck with you, but he also doesn't have to constantly obey you. He doesn't have to answer when you call.

You are silent for a moment, feeling the warmth of a presence beneath your fingertips. He will do anything you ask. Anything. That single thought transfers the warmth from your fingers to the rest of your body, and you're unsure of your tonuge. Your pride doesn't want to ask but your body and heart need something more than this simple contact. You need him, even if you aren't sure of what to say.

"Don't look like that, Byakuya-sama." He says harshly, and it feels almost as if a hand has cupped your cheek. "I will do it, whatever it may be. Don't let something foolish take from you your pride."