Disclaimer: I do not own BLEACH.
Warnings: language, violence. I think. Also yaoi so if you don't like it, don't read it. I mean it!
Byakuya stormed away from the room where just moment ago captain's meeting ended. It seemed that Supreme captain's speeches were getting longer and longer. Byakuya sighed inwardly. He still had much work to do. After... loosing Hisana, work filled Byakuya's empty days. It was proven, effective manner of escape from everything. Until now.
"Byakuya!"
Byakuya didn't stop, didn't even faltered in his tracks, ignoring the call.
"Dammit! I'm talking to you, Byakuya!"
As expected, Ichigo Kurosaki have not gave up.
"What is it, Kurosaki-fukutaichou?" Byakuya asked in perfectly emotionless voice, turning to face the loud lieutenant. Ichigo shot him a glare.
"Don't give me that crap. I just want to know if you have any more informations about Rukia's missing."
Byakuya's brows narrowed, slightly. Who send the boy anyway? Ukitake? If he wanted to know anything more about whereabouts of his 3rd seat he could ask himself.
"There is no reason..."
Ichigo stepped forward, true concern shining in his eyes. "Please, tell me! I need to know."
Byakuya again sighed inwardly at Ichigo's choice of words. Ichigo and Rukia have been close, young lieutenant deserved better than to be simply brush off. Simultaneously, Byakuya felt pang of jealousy. He cursed the feeling. Lately, it was getting harder and harder for him to get rid of the feelings, images that were inspired within him, simply by Ichigo's presence. By his smile, his ... "Stop this!" Byakuya rebuked himself inwardly "There were more important things at the hand. Rukia ..."
4 days later recognition squad (and Rukia among it) was send to check out rumors about disturbance in Seiken district. For 2 days now (since reaching the place) there was no message from squad and they were found as missing.
"No new facts emerged." Byakuya declared aloud, his mask firmly in place.
He opened his mouths to add something, feeling on him curious eyes of numerous Shinigami, passing them.
Ichigo has to felt it too because he suddenly rushed forward, not noticing Byakuya's intention and sending glare at one of passers-by. Byakuya was forced to swiftly move aside, in effort to avoid physical contact. Ichigo went few steps before he noticed that Byakuya was not accompaning him. He turned and looked expectantly at the captain.
"Well, are you going or not?"
Byakuya hestitated but joined Ichigo. He needed to get to his office, anyway.
"Old man will labour the point for ages before he makes some sensible decision and we can't waste any more time." Impatience was now evident in Ichigo's tone.
Byakuya bowed slightly his head and closed his eyes. That was the hard part.
"Supreme Commander has not allowed to send reinforcements. We lost too many people already."
"Lost? You think Rukia's already dead." realization dawned on Ichigo and he stopped. "What are you hiding, Byakuya?"
Byakuya suppressed his annoyance. He tried to say it but Ichigo didn't give him the chance.
"What haven't you told me?"
If only you knew... Shivers went down Byakuya's spine. It would be so easy (tempting) to just loose control around Ichigo, to tell him EVERYTHING but Byakuya knew that he couldn't effort even one reckless word or move because consequences would be drastic. Ichigo didn't return his feelings, Byakuya knew that. And so far only his pride prevented him from doing something ill-considered. Not for the first time, too. Why did he have to fell in love with the only person he couldn't have? Frustration echoed in Byakuya. Why did he have to fell in love at all?
"There is a serious suspicion that the Yari clan is accountable for Rukia and recognition squad's disappearing."
"You mean one of 4 great clans of Seireitei? Why would you think that?"
"It's personal matter." said Byakuya in cold tone.
"Whoa! Don't go all ballistic on me. I'm just surprised that they did something like this. I didn't think they have so powerful influence in Seiken. I heard that the clan's leader... I forgot his name... can leave his mansion only under escort because he is not liked by inhabitants."
Byakuya was surprised by Ichigo's logic. "He's right." he realized " They wouldn't risk attacking in such a dangerous region unless they would felt secure there. Yari Reikou is to much coward for that."
"Powerful alliances won't help them to preserve punishment."
"You planning to get revenge on them?" Ichigo frowned even more than usual.
Their conversation was interrupted by arriving Ichigo's captain, Ukitake Jyuushiro, his inseparable companion, captain of 8th division, Kyouraku Shunsui and 10th division lieutenant Matsumoto Rangiku.
"Ichigo!"
"Ah! There you are, Ichigo. Hello, Byakuya."
"Hey there, you two."
Byakuya answered with slight nod.
"Jyuushiro? Shunsui? Rangiku? Is something wrong?" Ichigo asked seeing this weird mix.
Byakuya almost winced at disrespect that Ichigo showed his captain. Then again it wasn't anything new. Besides obvious factor (Ichigo's attitude) that most likely caused the matter there was another - Ukitake wanted Kurosaki to feel at free in his new position as 13th division lieutenant and Ichigo was simply taking advantage of the situation.
"Oh, no." Ukitake-taichou said softly with amusement, tucking a lock of his white hair behind his ear. "We just wanted to have a word with you."
"Now?"
"Yes." Jyuushiro chuckled, giving a light cough as the motion jarred his insides.
Ichigo's eyes assumed a sincere, worried look.
"Captain, is it really ok for you to move around just after ...?"
"It's okay." Ukitake smiled, feeling his heart heat up because of care contained in Ichigo's words. "I feel fine."
"I wish there was something I could do about it." thought Ichigo before clenching his fist at his side and looking away. Ukitake's illness woried him more than he was daring to admit. His eyes met Byakuya's gaze and for a long moment Ichigo couldn't shake off the feeling that Byakuya observed his every, single move.
"Oh, great. Now I'm getting paranoid." thought Ichigo.
"Oh, hurry up already, Kurosaki." Jyuushiro sweatdropped when Rangiku tugged Ichigo by the arm and dragged him along.
"But ... " Ichigo tried to protest but then he gave up.
"All right. Sorry, Byakuya. We'll talk later."
Byakuya looked after receding figures and his grey eyes narrowed. What was that all about?
"Guys. What's this all about?" asked Ichigo, tired by heavy silence and glance exchange that suddenly reigned.
"Well, Ichigo-kun we'd like you to ... " Jyuushiro started, smilling down at him and Ichigo was once again reminded that he was one of the shrotest guys in Seireitei. Seriously, what was wrong with them all? Have they been finding tall height in packets of potato chips? Then he recollected Toushiro and Ichigo almost smirked. Well, at least he wasn't the shortest one.
"We?"
"I mean Shinigami Men's Association ..."
"Oh, no," Ukitake was cut off abruptly by Rangiku. "Ichigo will be too busy. He'll be helping US selling our superb snack food!" she said smilling.
"Hell no! Not ever again!" Ichigo yelled, making Rangiku pout.
"Aa. Come on, Ichigo." Rangiku whispered conspiratorially to Ichigo, leaning towards him while flashing grin at the two captains "Please, agree. We need you. You're popular! Last time even Captain Kuchiki and Hisagi bought something from you!"
"You're up to killing the few that survived last time?"
Rangiku looked thoughtfull for a moment but then her face flared again.
"In that case - option two!"
She reached for something and Ichigo nervously stiffed. It's better not be another set of pictures of her or worse, battle of sake.
Matsumoto pulled out large sheet of paper and passed it to Ichigo.
"Ta-dah!"
"You just won't quit, will you?"
Ichigo reluctantly took paper and looked at it. The paper proved to be brash poster that had his image (how they got it?) on it.
"Date-Auction? No way. I refuse!"
Shunsui would swear then that on words: "Date-Auction" Jyuushiro's ears twitched.
"Oh don't be that way, Ichigo. We'll share gain. 40 to 60 % what do you say?"
"I won't sell ... myself!"
"Only for one day! We already convinced Yumichika and Izuru." encouraged Rangiku sweetly.
Vein popped up on Ichigo's forehead.
"No." Ichigo looked away, crossing his arms over his chest and pouting. "Why they were bringing this up all of sudden?" thought popped suddenly in Ichigo's mind. He wasn't in mood to party. He wasn't in mood for a long time, Ichigo realized with guilt. Maybe, that's why ...
"I told you he wouldn't fall for it." said Shunsui, seeing Ichigo's gloomy face and Ichigo had impression that tall captain wasn't talking about trio's plan to convince him in helping the Associations. He opened his mouth to ask but suddenly nearly 12 black-dressed, armed persons appeared before them, quickly surrounding them. Four Shinigami instantly reached for theirs Zanpaktous. Strangers attacked without any other warning.
"Who are you?" demanded Ichigo, blocking powerfull stabbing of one of attacker's BFS.
Orange-haired Shinigami growled when he didn't got any answer.
Ukitake gracefully flash stepped out of enemy attack's way. There was no need for them to use Bankai but something about the whole thing bothered Jyuushiro. There was something strange in the whole attack pattern.
"What are they truly after?"
"There!" Matsumoto casted Bakudo # 9, paralyzing opponent and pointed up at something. Ukitake barely caught glimpse of a figure holding something in its hands when arrow swished close to him, heading in Ichigo's direction, only to ... bounce off of Zangetsu's wide blade.
"Are you alright Ichigo?" asked Ukitake.
"Yeah."
His good reflexes have saved his life again.
Ichigo smoothly ended his fight and flash stepped towards assassin's hiding. Most of the attackers who survived, started to retreat from battle field. The other three Shinigami followed after Ichigo up to the hill, cutting down these few (stupid) who dared to get in their way. However they frozen instantly at the sight that greeted them.
Hidden in the shadows, assassin kept a close eye on lasting fights. He was not impressed by his associates' efforts. Fools. Theirs only task was to distract companions of orange"haired Shinigami and gave him a clear shot. Assassin growled irritated. Slowly, carefully he aimed at his target. He hissed when his finger suddenly stirred, and his sight become blured. Damn! Why was his body not cooperating? He managed to press trigger and arrow glided in Shinigami's direction. Then suddenly his weapon was knock out of his hand and he found himself looking into pair of blue"sky eyes. Stranger smirked.
"Who are you?" assassin managed to say only.
"Grimmjow!" Ichigo called seeing blue-haired Arrancar sitting nonchalantly on a rock with body of assassin laying not far from the spot.
"Took you long enough, Ichigo." Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez smirked.
"Look who's talking." Kurosaki smirked in return.
Through this few months their acquaintance was as unstable as it's possible, but somehow Ichigo has learned to trust Grimmjow. It wasn't the same hum... Arrancar as back then. And Grimmjow?
He was never able to keep his distance from Ichigo, anyway.
Ukitake, Matsumoto and Kyouraku were silent (but still understandably wary about the newcomer) while listening to two warrior's conversation when suddenly Byakuya flash stepped
gracefully on the ground beside Ukitake.
"Byakuya?"
Dark-haired captain ignored him temporary, cautiously watching Ichigo and Grimmjow.
"What has occurred here?" Byakuya asked, startling Jyuushiro.
"What do you mean by that?" Ichigo suddenly raised his voice, focusing everyone's attention on him.
"It's was a guess." said Grimmjow, looking bored.
"You could at least ask him some questions before you killed him." Ichigo grimaced at dead assassin's corpse. Grimmjow must broke his neck, Ichigo realized. Indeed, assassin's head was tilted at strange angle.
"What for? Stop bitching! Here."
Grimmjow throw to Ichigo some object taken from defeated enemy. Ichigo raised his hand to catch it but someone's hand grabbed his wrist, interrupting his action, which resultated in object hitting Ichigo right in centre of his forehead.
"Ow...Byakuya! What was that for?" he yelled seeing cold captain at his side.
Object fell on the ground and instantly disintegrated, but not before Ichigo noticed symbol placed on it. Yari clan's symbol. What they could possibly want with him?
Byakuya pulled Ichigo back, away from Grimmjow. Ukitake thought about helping his lieutenant, and looked at Shuunsui, but his friend only shook his head.
"You're not welcome here." Byakuya said looking coldly at the Arrancar.
"What's your problem, old man? Fucking jealous?" Grimmjow grinned mockingly.
Byakuya narrowed his eyes.
"Leave before I make you leave." Byakuya's hand threateningly moved to his Zanpaktou's handle.
Grimmjow only smirked and looked away, not moving from his place. Ichigo struggled his wrist free out of Byakuya's strong hold.
"Byakuya! Grimmjow is here because I asked him to."
Byakuya considered Ichigo's words only for moment, trying to subdue his anger. No Arrancar was allowed to move around his mansion, no matter whose acquaintance he'd be.
"Ichigo?" Ukitake went forward, frowning.
"I'm sorry for this chaos, Ukitake-taichou. " Ichigo pointed at blue-haired Arancar "He's the one I've been talking you about.
Sorry, beta-reading is still in-progress.