Chapter 1- Byakuya

It was late on summer night. The full moon shone on Ichigo, who was lying in bed, thinking about Rukia, who lived in his closet at the time. However, Rukia did not sleep in the closet for most of the night, for curled up against Ichigo's bare chest was the relatively tiny frame of Rukia. She lay there, Ichigo's arms closed around her protectively.

As she lay there, she thought about her relationship with Ichigo. It had only begun recently, and she knew Byakuya wouldn't accept it. He would probably force Rukia away from Ichigo. But that didn't matter now. All that mattered was Ichigo. His presence. His warmth. His love.

Rukia let out a small sigh, and looked at the time. Six o'clock. Time to start getting ready for school. Rukia switched off the alarm, which was set for six fifteen. She the shook Ichigo lightly, who stirred, opening his eyes and smiling softly at Rukia.

"Good morning, Rukia" Ichigo whispered, holding her closer against his chest. Ichigo brushed his lips against Rukia's, then released her. Ichigo sat up in his bed, rubbing his eyes and letting out a large yawn. He climbed out of bed, and Rukia went into the closet. Ichigo dressed himself, and waited for Rukia to come out of her closet.

Ichigo and Rukia arrived simultaneously at the school. It was the last day of school, so everyone was excited. To add to their excitement, they were all seniors in high school, so it was their last day of high school altogether. Ichigo and Rukia were close to each other all day. Everyone in school already knew about their relationship. It was an uneventful day at school though, but Ichigo and Rukia didn't care.

They arrived home without any trouble. They retreated to Ichigo's room to put away their textbooks and other school things that they no longer needed, and had to take home. Inside the room they were shocked to see Byakuya standing there, waiting for them like Death.

"Rukia." Byakuya said firmly "You are leaving with me."
"What?" Rukia asked, shocked "Why?"
"You have grown too close to this... thing." Byakuya growled, glaring at Ichigo "You are coming home with me, now."
"Will I ever see Ichigo again?" Rukia asked innocently. Byakuya did not answer her question.
"Gather your things and say your goodbyes." Byakuya ordered "We are leaving."
"No." Ichigo said firmly, standing between Byakuya and Rukia "She doesn't belong with you. Her place is with me. She is old enough to do as she chooses. You're her brother, you should respect her decisions, not force her to do what you want her to. She's not a puppet you can control, she's a person, she can do as she chooses!"
"Ichigo..." Rukia murmured, walking past him "Stay out of this."
"Fool." Byakuya growled, kicking Ichigo to the ground "Know your place. Come, Rukia."
"Wait!" Rukia pleaded "Can I have just one last night here? It's getting late anyway."
"Fine." Byakuya said grudgingly "If you so insist. But you are to sleep in a separate room as Ichigo. I will be in your closet Ichigo, to assure you do not get up."
"Good luck fitting." Ichigo muttered.

It was late that night that Ichigo rose up from his bed. He was not awake, though, but he was carrying a knife. Byakuya had, despite his warning to Ichigo, fallen asleep, and did not wake up when the closet door was opened. Byakuya's eyes flew open as he felt the dagger thrust into his heart. His lips moved, but no sound came out. Byakuya's eyes glazed over as the door was shut on him, and Ichigo returned to his bed.

Ichigo yawned as he woke up the next day. He glanced at the clock, seeing that it was already half past noon, and Byakuya and Rukia were leaving at noon. Ichigo rushed out of his room, still wearing only his underwear, as that was what he had been sleeping in recently due to the weather. Ichigo ran to Rukia's room, but found it to be empty. He then frantically checked the other rooms, coming down to the kitchen to find her crying, being comforted by Yuzu and Isshin.

"What happened?" Ichigo asked, confused by Rukia's tears.
"Her brother was dead when she went to wake him up." Yuzu said sadly "He had the deboning knife in his heart, and blood was everywhere, so he must have been murdered."
"What?" Ichigo shouted in surprise "Why?"
"I don't know." Yuzu said "It's all a mystery."
"I should be sad," Ichigo thought "But... I'm not. This means that Rukia won't have to leave." Ichigo silently walked over to Rukia to comfort her as well.