Byakuya's Question
By: Crim
Disclaimer: Bleach characters belong to Kubo Tite.
Author's Notes: This was written for the 7 Day Drabble Challenge at the IchiRuki Community on LiveJournal. The theme was "My brother wants to speak with you."
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As usual, Ichigo found himself doing more Shinigami work. This time it didn't involve Hollows or obligatory villains attempting to take over the world. Rukia had asked him to accompany her to Seireitei so she can bring back some goodies from the human world. Ichigo carried all the bags, of course.
"I don't see why you volunteered to do this," Ichigo whined.
"Not everyone is always given a mission to the mortal world and since I spend the most time there, it only makes sense for me to do this for them," Rukia explained as they made it through the gates.
"I could be sleeping right about now…" the Shinigami Representative mumbled under his breath.
"Quit complaining. Listen. I'll bring the stuff for the Shinigami Women's Association. You deliver the stuff for the men. You won't have to give anything to my brother. I already sent him a package a few days ago."
That was sort of a relief. It wasn't that Ichigo was afraid of the Kuchiki heir, but he could tell Byakuya disliked him. He could tell by the way those ice cold eyes leered in Ichigo's direction whenever he was around Rukia. It was better that they didn't confront each other anyway.
A few hours later, Ichigo managed to hunt down each Shinigami on the list and gave them whatever random item they asked for. His last stop was at the 8th Division's headquarters. While waiting for Rukia, Ichigo had to watch as Shunsui-taicho gleamed at the contents of the adult magazine he requested.
A voice in the distance called out Ichigo's name. Rukia was back from the meeting, as well as Nanao who had drenched her captain with a bucket full of water for being the lecher that he was.
"Ichigo, my brother wants to speak with you."
Not too long after those words were said, the young Shinigami found himself within the confines of the Kuchiki manor. Not even Rukia was sure what her brother wanted from her partner. Ichigo was more nervous about what he could have possibly have done to offend Byakuya. He just wants to make more excuses for hating me.
An attendant of the household gave permission for Ichigo to step into the main quarters. Ichigo made sure to bow and be respectful despite the fact that he referred to the heir without a proper title. "So, Byakuya. What's this all about?"
Byakuya was as indifferent and calm as ever. He started to grow accustom to Ichigo's lack of proper courtesy towards his high title. "The last time Rukia was here, she left without explaining something to me so I thought I should ask you."
Ichigo placed his hands at his hips and tilted his head. "Yeah, so what is it?"
Byakuya reached inside the pockets of his sleeve and pulled out a small box with a picture of an apple on the front. "This 'juice box…' how do you open it?"
End.
