Anyone who continues to check up on this story, it IS still alive and will be updated shortly. Thank you for your patience and I apologize for such a long wait.

Based on Itazura na kiss (Playful kiss)

YAOI, AU, Slight OOC.

Rating: M - Language, future lemons, male x male situations.

Summary:

A single kiss made Byakuya the object of Ichigo's desires. But when his confession is bluntly turned down; Ichigo is subject to live with the pain of an unrequited love. But what will happen when unforeseen circumstances leave Ichigo's family homeless and living with none other than Byakuya Kuchiki himself?

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Bleach or Itazura na kiss.

Enjoy!

Playful Kiss: Paradise Bliss

Chapter 1: Confession

Ichigo leaned his back against the large white pillar connecting a small bridge to the eastern section of the school. The breeze blew gently across his skin, the branches swayed lightly in tune with it; he could hear the subtle chirps of the small birds melding harmoniously with the beautiful backdrop of the morning sun, its gentle rays canopied the overhead of the bridge and warmed his skin. An absolutely beautiful day.

This was it. Ichigo had dreamt of this moment for the past couple of years, the day where he would finally confess his love to the person that was constantly perched in his mind. The person whose face repeatedly haunted his dreams, and made him love them, more than reality itself. The one person whose mere name sent countless shivers down his spine, whose mere image seemed to knock the air right out of him. Byakuya Kuchiki. This was it.

Ichigo's grip on the small envelop tightened, as the anxiety finally caught up with him. In a few minutes the object of his affection would walk by and he would finally confess the feelings that have been enveloping him ever since that fateful day, seven years ago.

"I wonder if he remembers it..."

*.*.*.*. *

"They're leaving us behind!" Byakuya exclaimed as he ran back to the struggling orange-haired boy and grabbed one of the straps from his knapsack to wrap it around his arm. He tugged it slightly, before he noticed that the boy had stopped walking altogether and was now hunched over heaving and panting wildly.

"Hey, are you ok?" He nudged Ichigo's shoulder; the boy began wheezing and gripped onto Byakuya's arm tightly. He lifted his head and Byakuya gasped when he saw the paleness of the boy's skin and the color surfacing onto his lips.

Ichigo rapidly pulled the bag off of him and began to frantically dig through its contents. A stunned Byakuya stood back and watched as the boy dug around his bag, panic swelling in him.

"My..my.." the boy heaved, his eyes hectically surveying the inside of the bag.

Byakuya's eyes widened when he realized what was happening. He rushed toward the knapsack and began to open the front pockets of the bag; he dug his hand inside and felt the small plastic mechanism. He pulled the inhaler out and handed it to Ichigo, who took it immediately, pressed it to his mouth, and inhaled deeply.

Byakuya stood by and watched as the boy began to slowly regain control. His breathing steadied and he finally looked up to meet Byakuya's gaze, a faint smile on his face.

"Phew, that was a close one," he said while giving a small nervous giggle. Byakuya stared at the boy blankly and raised an eyebrow.

"That was a close one? You almost suffocated and that's all you can say?"

He continued his nervous laugh and scratched the back of his head "well I didn't, that's all that matters," Realizing that they were the only two around He looked up and raised an eyebrow "Hey, where did everybody go?"

"They're gone." Byakuya sighed and tossed his own bag against a tall oak beside him and slumped himself against the trunk of the large tree.

"What do you mean they're gone?" Ichigo asked incredulously, his hands drawn before him in disbelieve.

"Exactly that," Byakuya closed his eyes as he rested his head against the hard trunk of the large oak he was currently in front of and crossed his arms before him. If they were to be stuck here, might as well make the best of it, in this case some well desired relaxation time. Having spent the entire day trailing along the mountaneous outskirts of the woods he was in desperate need of some rest and tranquility. Perhaps he should thank the male.

The thought quickly lapsed when the orange-head seemed to deem rest and silence unecessary thus his squeaky and indubitably irritating voice rang out once more.

"What are you so calm about? They left us! What are we gonna do?" Ichigo exclaimed pacing back and forth in utter panic before halting in front of the male who seemed to be taking a leisurely nap. "Byakuya!"

Byakuya sighed and slit an eye open. "What?"

"How are we gonna get back to camp?" He shrieked, jumping when he heard the shuffling of leaves and quickly turned to face behind him. He watched as a small squirrel passed by with an acorn. He exhaled as his eyes darted side to side.

"We're not."

"What are you saying!"

"They'll realize were gone and come looking for us. Besides if we continue on by ourselves we will only get lost," Byakuya answered nonchalantly and closed his eyes again, clearly indicating the end of the conversation. Ichigo apparently missed the memo. He huffed and lowered himself beside Byakuya, jumping as another noise rang out of the unsuspecting wilderness.

"W-what if a wild animal attacks us?" He mumbled and continued surveying their surroundings. Countless trees stretched out before them and around them. He squirmed and flinched when he felt something crawling along his arm and looked to see a large caterpillar.

"Ahhhh!" he shrieked and shook his arm violently. The small caterpillar fell atop a moss covered rock situated beside the large oak they were currently leaning on. Ichigo cringed and scooted over beside Byakuya.

"Damn bugs! Geez how long is it going to take them to come looking for us!" The young male whined and nudged Byakuya who inhaled deeply and turned to scowl at the boy beside him.

"You seem to have forgotten that this is your fault." Byakuya sneered and realizing that he would not be left alone to relax, fixed his posture and sat upright.

"My fault? How is it my fault?" Ichigo bellowed out, refusing to acknowledge how any of this could be his fault. Oh yeah, he chose to get a fucking asthma attack and almost die!

Byakuya simply glared at him forcing the orange-head to lower his head at the intensity of it. The scrutiny enough to make his tone change drastically.

"Well …you didn't have to come back for me," He mumbled and stared at the ground where his fingers fidgeted with small crumpled leaf.

"And then where would you be?"

Ichigo blushed and turned his gaze to the rock beside him. He knew he was right. What would have happened if Byakuya hadn't been there to help him find his inhaler? He was in such a panic he had completely blanked out on were he'd put the damn thing.

"DAMN IT!" Ichigo screeched again as a frog jumped passed his arm. He scurried away from Byakuya and jumped once more when he realized he was now beside the rock encrusted with moss and the slimy caterpillar.

Byakuya snorted and turned to face forward before beginning, "What's a guy like you doing at camp anyways?"

Ichigo scowled and rolled his eyes. "For your information I come here every year. The question is why you're here. I don't remember ever seeing you in this camp before,"

"My dad thought this would be a good way for me to socialize with other boys my age,"

"Why would he do that?"

"I don't tend to associate with guys, their stupidity is insulting."

Ichigo scrunched his brows feeling strangely insulted.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He snarled unable to hide the anger welling in him at the male's monotonous tone.

Byakuya simply sighed and lifted his knee to rest his shoulder atop it.

"Hey I'm talking to you!" Ichigo continued, not enjoying being completely ignored. "Are you liste―"

"Do you always talk this much?" Byakuya interrupted, his gaze caught on a passing small black bird; its head yellow with tints of red spread across the feathers nearing its beak, as it flew from oak to oak.

"Are you always this unpleasant?" Ichigo snapped and crossed his arms. Byakuya turned his face slightly to glance over at the pouting boy. "If you didn't want to talk you could've just said so!"

"Oh, it wasn't obvious?" Byakuya retorted sarcastically. Ichigo snorted and crossed his arms.

"You know you really need to learn to be m―"

Byakuya sighed and turned to face the yammering boy who refused to put an end to the conversation, growing incessantly irritating, more than he had been, which in a thought seemed almost impossible.

"―people won't really want to b―"

Byakuya leaned forward towards the boy, intent on cutting of the almost sickening grating of his voice.

" ―you, besides―" Ichigo was cut short when two lips pressed themselves against his. His eyes widened and he unconsciously snapped his eyes shut.

After few seconds Byakuya pulled away and awaited the reaction of the stunned male. When he saw the young male open his eyes, and blankly lean against the same rock he had previosuly been so disgusted by, he gave an almost nonexistent smirk and leaned back against the tree trunk to at last rest his eyelids.

*.*.*.*.*

Of course Ichigo was aware of the fact that the kiss, most likely held no real substance to Byakuya, and it was done to merely silence the shattering male. But damn did it work. It worked a bit too well. For it had been Ichigo's first kiss and from it a root sprouted that would in time continue to grow.

That simple insignificant kiss changed everything.

Byakuya, however, did not seem to have the same views. After the incident, the two had no other type of communication. And when summer ended, they each parted ways.

It was when Ichigo entered his first year of high school where he crossed paths with the male again. During the entrance ceremony, the individual who delivered the welcoming speech to the incoming students was none other than Byakuya Kuchiki, and since then Ichigo had been utterly asphyxiated with him. Not only was he the most attractive male he felt he'd ever lay eyes on, but he was impossibly intelligent and a fantastic athlete. Ichigo's first three years of high school, were spent observing and admiring the male, it was unfathomable how much he seemed to be the epitome of perfection.

Ichigo shortly after realized that the male probably held no recollection about him. They had crossed paths during various occasions and Byakuya never gave as much as a passing glance or any form of acknowledgement in that case, and so Ichigo became content with simply admiring from afar. But he could no longer go on like this; his infatuation with the male was eating at him from inside, knowing that his feelings might never be heard.

The school bell's ring snapped Ichigo out of his thoughts. His heart began to race when he noticed a male approaching the bridge. The male looked stunning in his V-neck cashmere navy blue sweater and khakis. His raven locks tied back into a ponytail, his bangs waving freely along his beautifully contoured face. Ichigo gulped and turned away from the incoming male.

"Crap, crap, crap I can't do this, I can't do this," He took a deep breath and steadily released it. He was not going to let himself back down. He'd waited for this moment long enough, and he knew if it wasn't now then it'd be never. He took another large breathe and fixed his stance. He turned to face Byakuya and froze when the male walked straight passed him without a single look.

Ichigo gulped and quickly pivoted his feet to turn them towards Byakuya who was already several feet behind him.

"B-Byakuya-san" He was able to call out, his voice sounded dry and raspy. He cleared his throat and almost melted when the male turned around to face him, his cool steel grey eyes connecting with his warm chocolate ones.

"B-Byakuya..I..I don't know if you remember me but I.." He began unable to control the nervousness that was enveloping him at that moment.

"I.. my name is..I-Ichigo K-Kurosaki and you..and I.. we were.." Fuck he probably should've practiced more. He thought he had everything nailed down, he had practiced long enough with his sister's stuffed monkey but apparently a stuffed doll doesn't provide much feedback when it came to confessions.

He finally resolved to hand the male the letter, thus he knew his words would get him nowhere in his current state.

He stretched his hands out in front of him, displaying the small taupe tinged envelope where he had poured his entire being.

"P..Please accept th―!"

"I don't want it." Answered a cold and callous voice, before the source of it turned back towards his original direction and continued on his way.

Ichigo stood frozen and dumbfounded. His mind in circles trying to process what had just happened. Rejected. He was rejected. Ichigo's hands lost the grip they had on the small envelope and it slowly drifted towards the tiled floor.

The day he'd dreamt so much of, the person he'd longed off for so many years. All the time and effort it had taken for him to finally gain the courage to express his feelings and all the nights spent lying in bed practicing just how he would be able to convey everything in him, had been utterly destroyed with four words.

And now he stood, completely crushed and empty.

"I think I have to barf…"

"How cruel," An ebony-haired girl with a pixie cut said as she rubbed Ichigo's back tentatively.

"That bastard! I'll fucking massacre him!" Came a male's harsh voice from the opposite side, as the male, with blindingly neon blue hair slammed a hard fist at the bedside table.

"Grimmjow, relax, it's not the furniture's fault."

"Shut the hell up Tatsuki!" Grimmjow snapped unable to control his anger. "How could he do that to him?"

Tatsuki removed her hand from behind Ichigo's back and hurled it towards Grimmjow connecting straight with his jaw.

"I told you to relax! You're not helping him when you're like this!" She exclaimed, standing from her seat beside Ichigo and hovering over the blue-haired male who was now rubbing his cheek and scowling at her.

"You know you're pretty lucky you're a girl," He hissed before returning his attention to his sore face, now beginning to throb.

"Yeah yeah, look how much I'm shaking," She rolled her eyes and returned her focus to Ichigo whose blank face was stuck to the wooden drawer.

"Ichigo…" She whispered softly and resumed her caress over the male's back.

Tatsuki and Grimmjow were Ichigo's closest friends. Tatsuki and Ichigo had been raised together and Grimmjow and him had met in middle school and had become inseparable since. They were his source of support and comfort when he needed it, and they were the only people who actually knew the real him. He confided in them for most everything, and their advice and guidance always seemed to help him in his dilemmas. But not today. Nothing could help him today.

"He didn't even remember me…" He voiced slowly unable to hold back the pain that seemed to be crushing every single part of him. "That kiss… it changed me," He leaned his elbow atop his knees and moved his hands to cover his face. "I didn't want to be like this…he did this to me…"

Tatsuki leaned in towards her friend and embraced him tightly. She wished that her hug would wipe away all the pain he felt. She hated seeing him like this. The pain he must be feeling.

She tightened her eyes and her grasp on Ichigo. Tatsuki and him had been together for as long as she could remember. Their mothers were business partners and best friends. It seemed almost planned how closely they became pregnant with both of them. Tatsuki was two month's older than Ichigo. More than friends they were raised as practically siblings.

"Look Ichigo, he's not worth all you have to offer, at least now you know this, and you can finally erase him from your system," She tried to soothe her friend, to no avail. It was not that easy. As much as he'd want to, he knew it wouldn't just happen.

"She's right Ichi," Grimmjow joined, still rubbing his sore cheek. "but that doesn't mean we can't go beat the crap out of him, I'll destroy that little prick!"

Tatsuki rolled her eyes. "As amusing as that sounds, I think it's best you stay out of it." The girl murmured and stood over to the drawer on her left. She grabbed the small envelope and frowned before turning to Ichigo.

"Why do you still have it?" She asked curiously, knowing if it was her she'd have burnt the damn thing a long time ago. Grimmjow looked up and quickly leaped to snatch the envelope away from her before Ichigo had a chance to speak.

"Who cares, I'll take care of it." The almost menacing-looking individual grinned and grabbed both ends of the small envelope, beginning to push them towards opposite directions attempting to rip the thing in half.

Ichigo jumped up from the bed and yanked the letter away from the male before pressing it tight against his chest.

His friends stared at him stupidly. He blushed and turned his gaze to the carpeted floor.

"I-I'll do it myself…but not now..."

Tatsuki shook her head slightly, then nodded.

"As you please... " The female looked around the room for a few seconds before her eyes widened and a smile curved its way onto her petite lips.

"What's so funny Tat's?" The bluenette asked confused over the sudden expression that had crossed over the teens face.

"Arcade!" She said joyously and waltz towards Ichigo, placing both hands atop his shoulders. "Let's go to the arcade!That place always makes you happy,"

"She's right Ichi, let's go! It never gets old whooping you guy's asses!" Grimmjow joined and froze when he was greeted by another death glare from Tatsuki. "I-I mean..yeah let's go make you feel…better?"

Ichigo couldn't help but chuckle. He sighed and looked up to both of his friends and gave them a small smile, probably the biggest sham of a smile they'd ever seen.

"Sure, let's go..." He said softly before his eyes suddenly sprang wide when he realized that he was supposed to be watching the stove. His dad had left to run an errand with his sister's and had told him to watch over the pot he had simmering for dinner.

"Come on guy's I left the stove on," He muttered and made to stand up, using his arms to lift his body off of the bed.

"Hell yeah let's go get some grub! Then later we can go T.P that prick's house!" Grimmjow grinned as he stood from the bed and walked towards the door making sure to be the first to reach it.

Tatsuki stood and wacked Grimmjow beside the head.

"What the hell was that for?" The bluentte winced in pain.

"Your stupidity," The girl sighed and opened the bedroom door, before coming to a hault when a strange odor seeped into her nostrils. She girl began sniffing the air around her."Do you smell that?"

Ichigo raised an eyebrow and walked past her to exit the bedroom, before he properly exited to the hallway, the smell hit him. "smells like―!"His eye's widened in horror and he dashed downstairs to the kitchen.

"Shit!" The stunned male yelled as he entered the kitchen and saw the pan of boiling water, set atop the stove, dripping from the outside of the pan, enlarging the flames beneath it. The dishcloth that had been beside it was on the burning on the floor, encasing the kitchens wooden counter top. Smoke engulfed the entire kitchen and he coughed angrily as his lungs began to take in the awful smoke.

Ichigo stepped back when the harsh grey smoke slapped him straight across the face, making his eyes water fiercely and his coughing intensify. He moved his hand towards his face trying to block some of the smoke out. "Fuck, fuck, fuck, what do I do?" He hurriedly thought as he began to take notice of just how big the flames had become.

Before he realized, two hands were grabbing him from behind and began tugging him away from the enflamed kitchen.

"Crap, we have to get out of here!" He heard Grimmjow yell from the roaring of the flames that seemed to quickly pick up speed.

"B-but the house…" He began but was quickly grabbed by another pair of hands and was tugged out of the living room area. Tatsuki pulled at him and opened the front door as they led their way out of the house. She quickly took out her cell-phone and dialed 911.

Ichigo stood dazed as he watched his house become engulfed in smoke. Various neighbors had already exited their own homes and were standing beside him watching the house. Firefighters quickly arrived and began to try and suppress the quickly spreading flames.

"What have I done…" He gasped and felt his knees begin to give out on him. He fell onto them and stared at the hectic sight in front of him.

"Ichigo!"

Ichigo quickly swiveled his face to the source of the voice and saw his dad and sister's rushing towards him, their faces as confused and surprised as his own.

"Oh no…"

Ichigo smiled when he felt a soft satin blanket drape across his back. He hugged his knees with one arm and grabbed the cup of warm tea that lay beside him, with the other.

"Thank you for allowing us to stay the night here Mrs. Arisawa," Ichigo's father said as he took a sip from his own cup.

The fire had destroyed the entire kitchen and most of the living room and dining room area. Luckily not all was lost and the house's damages would able to be fixed in time. However because of the large amount of debris and the wreck leftover from the fire as well as the serious damages, the Kurosaki's would be unable to remain in their home until the proper reparations were made.

Tonight they were spending the night in Tatsuki's home.

"It's no problem at all, You know you guys are family. I only apologize that because of our limited space I cannot offer you a longer stay," Mrs. Arisawa

responded sympathetically as she handed Yuzu and Karin both a cup of the warm beverage. The small girls smiled and bowed their heads slightly before taking a small sip and sighing in bliss.

"Dad…I'm so sorry, I completely forgot about the stove," Ichigo began. Because of his carelessness they were practically homeless. "I didn't…"

"It's ok son. These things happen and it's no one's fault," He placed a hand on Ichigo's shoulder "I'm just glad you are ok."

Ichigo looked up at his dad who was shooting him a reassuring smile, but he could see through it. He knew the stress his dad must be under at this moment. Where would they stay? What would they do?

After the flames were finally extinguished, they were able to recuperate some of their belongings. Many were tattered and burned to crisps. But some of their personal clothing and items, that had been on the top floors remained intact.

Tatsuki plopped herself beside Ichigo and rested her head on his shoulder,beginning a gentle caress over his arms.

"I wish you guys could stay here," Tatsuki said softly and darted her eyes up to stare at Ichigo, who was blankly focusing on the wall at his direct forefront before tilting his face down and smiling at the teen.

"So do I."

After some time in silence and after everyone had finished their drinks, drowsiness began quickly envelop them. It was now 12:45 and after all the rummaging and stress they had all faced tonight, sleep was welcomed with open arms in fact it was now a dire necessity.

Mrs. Arisawa spread several futons across the living room area, after moving around a lot of the furniture creating some space.

Ichigo crossed his arms behind his head and rested on his mat.

Yuzu and Karin slept in Tatsuki's room. Tatsuki had refused to let them sleep on the floor, and allowed both girls to share her bed, as she took out her sleeping bag and set it beside them.

Ichigo's eyes began to slowly drift close. He gazed at his dad pacing back and forth; he had been making several calls, maybe trying to figure out their next move? He yawned as his father's movements were somehow making him even more tired, strangely hypnotizing. Sleep finally overtook him.

"ICHIGOO!" Was the first thing that the orange-haired teen heard before he felt two fists pummel at his stomach. He gagged and his eyes sprang open, before slitting close again, as he glared at his father grinning wildly back at him.

"What's your problem?" He muttered as he began to rub his abdomen. His dad's grin widened and began to whistle frilly songs. Ichigo raised an eyebrow and stared around him to see that everyone was already up and dressed.

"Guess what Ichi-ni," Yuzu called out from the dining room table, as she lowered a spoonful of cereal back to her bowl.

"Dad found a place for us to stay!" she chirped and shoved the spoon into her mouth.

"What? Really? Where?" Ichigo began, relief resurfacing in his face. He stared at his dad awaiting an answer and his only response was a high pitched whistle. Ichigo scowled, grabbed the pillow behind him and tossed it harshly towards his dad who was caught off guard by the flying cushion. "Dad!"

"Heh heh, things are looking up my boy," He chimed and tossed the pillow back at Ichigo who grabbed it before it hit his face. "My dear old friend Sojun has offered us refuge at his home until we are able to fix the house damages. He's even planning on assisting me in the project!" He explained and grabbed an apple that was on the dining room table before moving it to his mouth and taking a big chunk.

"Wow dad that's great!" Ichigo said, ecstatic that things were beginning to look up.

"We will be heading over there soon, so get ready. No school today guys," He said as he began to make his way out of the living room. Karin and Yuzu shot each other thumbs up and continued enjoying their breakfast.

Ichigo stood from his futon and pulled his arms out to give a long stretch, his muscles cracked as the fatigue dissolved. Tatsuki was making her way downstairs and Ichigo grinned when he saw her.

"What?" She asked confused. He grinned even harder and pointed at her. She looked down and scrunched her eyebrows when she noticed what he was getting at. "Is there a problem with my PJ's?" The girl growled and was responded with a chuckle.

"No…not at all. I'll make sure to redirect mother duck to her ducklings when I see her," he laughed and wiped a tear that had begun to run out of his eyes. Tatsuki glared at him for a few seconds before she too broke out in laughter.

"Whatever," She chuckled and punched him in the shoulder. "Why are you so cheery today?"

"Dad found us a place to stay; we're heading over there, in a few."

"Oh…" The girl whispered almost inaudible as her gaze was now stuck to the floor beneath her feet.

Ichigo swore that he saw a small pang of disappointment spread across Tatsuki's face before she quickly covered it up and smiled.

"That's great Ichigo."

"Which house is it dad?" Yuzu asked as she stared at the various house stretching past them, as they strode by on the taxi.

"Hmm…" He began before quickly widening his eyes and smiling, "Ahh, there it is" He pointed to a large bricked house at the end of the block. It was absolutely huge.

Ichigo gasped when he saw it and any worry about how they'd all be able to fit, vanished.

The taxi stopped in front of the large home and they each made their way out. Ichigo stood in wonder at the mansion-like home in front of him; it was three times as big as their own home.

"Ichigo, come and help me with the bags," His dad called out to him as he began to pull out their luggage from the trunk of the taxi cab. Ichigo went to lend him a hand, tearing his gaze from the house before them.

"Ok guy's lets go." Ichin said as he began to head towards the large white gates at the entrance of the residence.

They entered the large gates and made their way up the few stairs that resided in front of the house.

Before his father had the opportunity to ring the bell, a tall male with black medium onyx length hair opened the door and yelled out "Ichin-chan!"

"Sojun-chan!" Ichigo's dad exclaimed and both men went in for a quick "man" hug, which consisted of slapping each other, harshly on the back. When they parted the man waved towards the two girls and male.

Ichigo couldn't help but feel like the man looked rather familiar. His jet-black hair, pale skin and―

"Sojun, these are my children. Ichigo, Karin and Yuzu. Children this is my old friend Sojun Kuc―!"

Before he could finish, a short haired female appeared at the doorway and pushed passed the two males to stand before Ichigo and his sister's, a huge grin on her face.

"Hello there!" She greeted joyously and waved fiercely at the stunned siblings. She knelt on one knee and grabbed Yuzu and Karin's cheek, giving a quick pinch, before standing back up and doing the same to Ichigo. "Why, if you guys aren't the cutest little things!" She wailed out in excitement, her eyes surveying every inch of the three siblings.

"Come in, come in, come in!" The female grabbed them by their arms and began to tug them inside.

Sojun rubbed the back of his neck and grinned, "This is my wife Hisana,"

"Hi,Hi!" She chimed as she waved a quick hand and tucked her hair behind her ears. "We are really excited to have you staying with us!"

"Thank you so much for allowing us to stay here during our time of need. Please pardon our intrusion," Ichin said gratefully and bowed at the female, who began to flick her wrist.

"Oh nonsense, it is no intrusion. We are glad to have you here. The more the merrier!" The small female smiled merrily and grabbed Yuzu and Karin by the arm to tug them towards the living room area.

"Come on, Come on, have a seat make yourselves at home. Rukia-chan come and greet our guests!" she called out and Ichigo turned around to see a female who so closely resembled her that it was scary. He recognized the uniform she wore.

The short raven-haired teen walked in, her face completely blank, devoid of emotion. She bowed slightly before lifting herself back up, standing pin-straight.

"Nice to meet you."

"This is my daughter Rukia," Hisana said, her focus on little Yuzu, as she seemed to be trying to stuff a cookie down the small girl's throat.

"Uh..Rukia? By any chance do you attend Sereitei Academy?" Ichigo asked curiously.

Rukia raised an eyebrow and gave a simple nod. Ichigo's eyes widened and he flashed the girl a smile.

"So do I!" Ichigo declared enthusiastically, finding it strange that he had never seen the girl around before.

"You must be so proud." she replied in a bleak and sarcastic tone. Ouch.

"Rukia don't be rude!" Hisana said as she wagged a finger at the girl who simply rolled her eyes and turned to go back from where she came.

"Where's your brother?" Sojun joined in as he took the luggage from Ichigo's arm.

Rukia shrugged and continued making her way out.

"Nii-san should be here soon." She concluded as she finished exiting the living room not daring another glance behind her.

Ichigo hoped her brother wouldn't have the same wonderful personality.

"Come here, Ichigo-kun," Hisana called out as she gestured to a seat on the couch beside a small table, that she had filled with treats. And with which she was stuffing his sister's like piñatas.

Ichigo walked over to the couch and sat down beside his sister Karin, who was enjoying the attention being giving by the kind female. Almost immediately Hisana held up a large cookie and gestured he take it. He smiled and grabbed the round treat. He was already seriously stuffed, but refused to turn down the kind gesture. He lifted the cookie to his lips and took a small bite. His eyes widened and he gave a huge grin.

"These are amazing!" He gasped as he took another bite of the wonderfully delicious cookies.

Hisana smiled, her face taking up a light blush.

"Thank you! I'm glad you guys like them. The kids do not usually enjoy sweets, so it makes me feel great that someone actually appreciates them for once!"

Ichigo finished devouring the cookie and stretched his hand out to grab another of the delicious treats.

"Hunny, we'll go carry the luggage's to the rooms." Sojun called out as he and Ishin climbed the large set of stairs located in front of the entrance. Hisana nodded and rested her elbow on the small table before setting her face to nest atop it, while she smiled serenely at the three enjoying the sweets.

Ichigo was stuffing a large chocolate chip cookie into his mouth when he heard the front door open.

"Oh sweety, come welcome our guests!" Hisana called out sweetly towards the door.

Ichigo looked over to the Raven-haired male that stood staring back at him from the entrance. He choked on the cookie and began to cough furiously, his insides suddenly fluttering wildly.

"Sweetheart are you ok?" Hisana asked worriedly as she moved up to him and rubbed his back tenderly while she pulled her hand out to take hold of a small cup that she had placed on the table and handed it to the male, whose face was beginning to take a light shade of pink.

Ichigo took the cup quickly and gulped it down in a fraction of a second before parting with it and gasping harshly for air, his gaze immediately darting back to the entrance where a blank face stared back at him.

"B-Bya..kuya..?"

Doesn't fate have a sense of humor?

P.S yes Hisana aka Byakuya Kuchiki's wife, will be playing his mother in this story. Kinda creepy. Yes I know, but hey they do have a very strong resemblance. And he did need a mother.

And Sojun...Well you guys can look him up.

Extra P.S The bit with sojun and Ichin, using -Chan to address each other , is just a cute little insider from the actuall anime so .. that's that.

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Next Chappy will be up soon!

Toodles!