Chapter Text
Byakuya eventually passed the astronaut selection, and in two months, he is set to depart for the ISS along with two other astronauts. However, he faced one problem: Byakuya has an adoptive daughter named Senku, who is only seven years old. Although Senku is still young, she is incredibly bright for her age. She also loves science and is just as passionate about space as Byakuya himself.
For the duration of his absence, he decided to ask an acquaintance of his to look after her. His name was Xeno Wingfield, a scientist working at NASA. They had known each other for a long time, though they weren't particularly close. Xeno had no idea that Byakuya had a daughter, yet he understood that Byakuya had very few people he could turn to. He also learned that Senku’s biological parents had died in a car accident when she was very small, and Byakuya’s own parents had passed away long ago from old age. Therefore, he agreed to watch over her, but he did not yet realize what this might lead to...
Xeno had never met Senku before, but he had already heard Byakuya speak of her in high regard. Tomorrow, Byakuya is supposed to bring Senku over from Japan.
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It was the middle of the night, and Xeno was waiting for them at the airport. In the crowd, he spotted a familiar silhouette — it was Byakuya, and he seemed to be carrying something in his arms; no, someone. Apparently, it was Senku. Xeno waved his hand to catch his attention. Just as he was about to say hello, Byakuya pressed an index finger to his lips, signaling him to be quiet.
Xeno understood immediately and asked softly:
-How was the flight?
-Good. It looks like she got overtired and fell asleep. Byakuya whispered quietly.
Senku had long white hair with green tips, tied into small, messy pigtails on the sides. She was wearing a white shirt and jeans, peacefully dozing in Byakuya's arms.
Xeno helped carry the suitcases to the car, and they all headed to his place.
Xeno had a small mansion in Houston, located not far from the Johnson Space Center where he worked. While the exterior looked rather ostentatious, the inside had a surprisingly cozy atmosphere.
When they arrived, Byakuya decided not to wake Senku and instead put her straight to bed. He and Byakuya had dinner and went to bed as well. Xeno allowed him to stay the night, but the next day Byakuya had to leave for the astronaut training center.
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Sunlight streamed across Senku’s face. She blinked her eyes open, propped herself up in bed, and looked around. Everything was unfamiliar: the room was small, with gray wallpaper and white floor tiles. The bed was small but very soft. Next to it stood a desk with a lamp and a laptop, and by the headboard was a wardrobe where her bag was kept. On the wall hung a large, black-framed photograph of the Space Shuttle Columbia.
Senku got out of bed and began rummaging through her bag for her toothbrush. She realized immediately that she must be at the home of Byakuya’s acquaintance and that they had already arrived in Houston. Leaving the room, she caught the aroma of the ramen they often made at home; apparently, Byakuya had brought some along.
The girl headed toward the source of the scent. She opened the door and saw Byakuya sitting at the table with a man who had white hair styled in a strange way and eyes as black as night. They both turned toward the door, realizing that Senku was finally awake.
- Good morning, Senku! Byakuya said, turning to the man sitting next to him. - Meet Xeno Wingfield. He’ll be looking after you while I’m in space.
- Hello, Senku. It's a pleasure to meet you! I hope you'll enjoy staying here. Make yourself at home. Xeno said with a mysterious smile.
- Good morning. It’s a pleasure to meet you, too. Xeno, could you please tell me where the bathroom is? Senku asked.
- Go straight and then left, at the very end of the hallway. Xeno replied.
She nodded and walked away.
- Hmm... she’s quite polite for her age. Xeno remarked. Suddenly, Byakuya gave him a light slap on the back, making him flinch from the unexpected touch.
- I told you, my little girl is incredibly bright! Byakuya proclaimed loudly.
- Good grief, old man, keep it down. You nearly burst my eardrums," Xeno muttered.
They continued their breakfast.
Five minutes later:
Senku had brushed her teeth, tidied her hair, and changed into black shorts and a red flannel shirt. Returning to the kitchen, she saw a bowl of freshly made ramen and a glass of cranberry juice on the table. Byakuya and Xeno had apparently already finished eating.
As she sat down at the table, Xeno walked back into the kitchen.
-Good morning again, Senku. Enjoy your meal. He said, reaching for a mug with the NASA logo to make some coffee. Senku gave him a thankful nod and went back to devouring her ramen.
- I heard you want to become an astronaut, just like your father. That is a very elegant goal. Xeno said, taking a sip of his fresh coffee. Senku nodded with her mouth full. "She looks like a little rabbit," Xeno thought with a faint smile on his face.
- I am going to study the entire universe from top to bottom to achieve that goal! She declared, a brilliant spark in her eyes.
At those words, Xeno suddenly remembered himself as a child, burning with that same desire to understand everything he could reach. After a year at NASA, his radical ideas had often led to him being sidelined from government projects, and his proposals were frequently rejected. In her words, he heard the echo of his own childhood promises.
Xeno set his empty mug on the table. For the first time in a long while, he felt more than just a fleeting interest — he felt a sincere desire to help. Perhaps, within this little "rabbit" lay the very ally he had been searching for to cha
llenge the system.
To be continued...