A/N: Hey readers! A little back story, this takes place right after the 1000 year blood arc. If you're following the manga, then you know Ichigo may not be able to return to the living world once the war is over. Something about him being to powerful, I'm really unsure, but yeah, this is basically a story of what happens if he does have to stay in the soul society. This story is just a little side project, I'm spending most of my time writing my main story and planning the sequel. That being said, this story will be much shorter. It'll probably only have seven chapters at most, each which will be pretty short.

Good vibes!

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"I don't need your love,

I just need a friend." -El Vy "need a friend."

Apathy

Ichigo sat deep in thought, glaring past his chatty companions. Rukia and Renji were laughing and joking in-between bites of their meal, about what Ichigo was unsure. Admittedly, he didn't care, his mind was elsewhere.

Three weeks had passed since his inauguration into the Gotie Thirteen, now he was not just a full fledged soul reaper, but the captain of the eight division. At first, things were so chaotic that the new captain barely had time to adjust to his new life, everyday was simply going through the motions, and trying to stay above water, which was harder said than done. Ichigo was fresh to this whole leadership role, and found that his youth and somewhat rash nature didn't make the job any easier. Yes, Ichigo was surely a natural born protecter, but he'd always chosen to take that burden on him self, always ahead of the pack instead of falling in line, people just tended to follow him. That was the aura he gave off, one that people believed in and followed behind, having no doubt it would lead to greatness. Despite Ichigo emitting this aura of a natural leader, he'd never been in the position of giving demands and following rules. In fact, the reason he and his team in the living world worked so well together was because of how comfortable they were with each other, and because each individual's competence. Most of the time, when Uryu or Chad were helping Ichigo save the world, they were doing their own thing, always backing up Ichigo without needing his instruction. So, this was different. Now a whole division counted on his ability to make the best decisions for all of them, not just him self.

The pressure was stifling, and seemed to consume all of his thoughts. Though, after some time passed, and Ichgio began adapting, his thoughts became fixated on a much bleaker matter. While the young man was still in the world of the living, he took no matter to the future. He constantly obsessed over the protection of his friends and family that everything else had fallen to the sidelines. Never did he think of what kind of future he would have or the things he may have one day wanted out of life, he was single minded in his determination to protect. It wasn't until it was to late that Ichigo started wondering what life he could of possibly had, what things he would have wanted if he was still in the living world, what person he may have became.

Maybe he would of been a doctor, or possibly a teacher, it was anyones guess now. He had always thought it would be cool to visit another country, he wondered which one he might have wanted to go visit, if only he had thought about things like that more. Now thoughts like that seemed worthless, what was the point of even considering such things when he could never have them. Now he no possibilities besides a future with the Gotie, his whole life's worth would go into the protection of the soul society. Not that he minded, but not having the choice to do anything else with his life was leaving him to feel a great hiraeth, only made worse by an accompanied emptiness. It seemed as if he didn't feel like he truly belonged in this world. Ironically enough, Ichigo always thought he had an ethereal aura of him in the living world, never truly belonging, yet he didn't seem to quite belong here either. This made him feel a sting of indifference towards most everything, giving everything a gray film over it.

One thought he couldn't evade was knowing he'd probably never have a normal family of his own. Something he'd never even considered in the living world. It wasn't as if souls couldn't get married or have children in this world, although, with the constant fighting, and the protection of the soul society at top priority, most members of the Gotie didn't have much time for those things. Besides, even if they did, it wasn't as if this was a normal way to bring up a family. Still, it made him think about what it may have been like to have those things. What kind of person he would of been attracted to, what kind of husband or father he may have one day been. Before, he never wanted any of that, or at least he never thought about it, it was always just something he figured would happen one day. As they say, you don't truly realize what you had until it's gone. Now that it was no longer an option, he found him self pinning for the human life he once rejected in all forms.

Not to mention his friends and family, he missed them greatly. Sure, they came and visited, his sisters and father more than most, but it wasn't the same. They all had their own lives in the human word to attend to, sooner or later, he knew the visit would become less frequent as they grew numb to his missing presence. All the things he had taken for granted previously, the smell of his sister's home cooked meals as he returned home, exterminating hallows with his fiends, he now yearned for those simplicities. Now, they seemed like fading memories from a dream, the thoughts of a person who no longer existed.

"Hey, strawberry," Renji snapped his fingers in front of Ichigo's glazed over eyes. "Drink up before your beer get's lukewarm, I fucking spent money on that, ya know."

With an equally offend scowl, Rukia added,"yeah, and you're being ruder than usual, Ichigo. Gz, you can at least pretend to enjoy your self."

Ichigo looked down at his beer begrudgingly. He wasn't legally allowed to drink in the living world, and with his priorities, he missed out on the rebellious teenager stage of his life. Yet, in the soul society, they didn't check I.D for obvious reasons. Because of this, Ichigo still wasn't use to the taste of alcohol or the pace of which his comrades could down a beer. Picking his beer up, before downing it he muffled out, "I have a feeling I'm going to be needing to drink a lot of these to keep my sanity, better get use to it now."

Renji gave a half hearted smile,"..erm..thats the..spirit, I guess," he stammered, watching his orange haired friend chug the beer before slamming down the empty bottle.

Ichigo let out a belch before wiping his mouth and declaring,"I need another."

After giving Renji a sideways glance, she turned her concerned eyes back on Ichgio. "Um, Ichigo, are you okay? You seem a little..cranky."

Putting on an obviously counterfeit smile, Ichigo retorted,"Fucking peachy, but ya know what would make be better, another beer." Ichigo knew he was being extremely unpleasant and unnecessarily sarcastic, and not in the playful way, yet he couldn't seem to stop him self. It flowed out of him like word vomit, unable to bite back his snark. For his agitation was to great of late, and he was unfairly taking it out on his friends, friends who had been so kind to him since his arrival.

"If you don't chill with that fucking attitude, getting drunk will be the least of your worries." Popping his knuckles in an intimidating manner, Renji speculated, "maybe a good fight will help you blow off some stem, but don't take it out on Rukia."

Before Ichigo could reply, Rukia waved her hand dismissively,"I don't need you standing up for me, gzz." Now turning her intense glare on Ichigo,"And you, forget Renji, if you don't tell me what's bothering you, you'll have to fight me."

"Or she'll make you sit for an hour as she shows you her horrible fucking drawings," Renji teased, earning him a smack from the tiny soul reaper.

This actually made Ichigo smirked slightly, through his internal plight and indifference, he forgot how much he enjoyed his friends company. Surely he was depressed, and he didn't feel like like putting that on his friends was fair, but maybe if he talked about it, maybe it would help with some of the emptiness.

Grimacing slightly, Ichigo said, "I don't know, I guess I'm just missing the living world more than I thought I would." He shook his head slightly, "It's funny, I was never really an active part of life when I was in the living world..but now.." His words trailed off to a whisper as he adverted his eyes, ending the sentence with a slight scowl.

Immediately, Rukia spoke up. "We get it, Ichigo, they call this the after life for a reason. I'm sure you wanted to live a fuller life before this happened, and you always thought you had time. It's kind of like dying young, right? Unexpectedly, your life ends in a flash, and now everything you wanted to do is out of reach."

Smirking slightly, Ichigo said sarcastically while he rolled his eyes, "You're making me feel so much better.

"If you let me finish!" Rukia boomed out before continuing. "I get it, I died as a baby, I had no life before this..but trust me, it get's better and you'll realize you can have a life here." She paused and spoke more coyly and blushed slightly."You'd be surprised just how many things you can have here that you could have in the living world."

"Yeah," Renji interjected. "Like friends who pay for your meals and beer, broke ass." The spiky haired man gave a slight scowl,"Come on, it cant be that bad being here with us."

Ichigo shook his head in disagreement. "Nah, it's not that. It's just…there were things in life I wanted to do that I didn't even know I wanted before." He stared off for a moment, he thought about saying more but bite his tongue, not wanting to come off as weak or whiny.

His trance was broken by Renji's unusually serious voice."Well, would you have changed anything?"

Ichigo looked down pensively. Renji's words seemed to put somethings into perspective. No, he wouldn't of changed anything. If he could go back to the day he received his powers, he would make the same decision every time. This was the consequence of the choices he made, and despite wishing things had ended differently, Ichigo was at peace with the decisions he had to make.

"No, I wouldn't, I just wish it played out differently," he responded honestly, noting his friends somber faces, he tired to lighten the mood, "Eh, but it's not all bad, I get to kick your ass as much as I want now."

Putting on a challenging smile, Renji declared, "Yeah, we'll see who gets their ass handed to them.

Putting her face in her palm, Rukia reminded,"Guys, were all on the same team. Is that all you two care about? It's always one giant pissing contest between you two." At her friends snickers and teasing, Rukia sighed while taking note of the clock on the wall.

Tapping Renji on the shoulder, she gestured towards the clock on the wall. "Oh shit," Renji scowled. "I almost forgot, I have to go back to the division, I have ton's of the captain's paperwork to do." Renji mumbled something about his captain being a lazy ass, which earned death looks from Rukia and mocking comments about how Byakuya had Renji on a tight rope, from Ichigo.

After Renji left, Ichigo and Rukia took their time walking back to the Kuchiki manner. The new captain enjoyed the company and the breezy conversation. He always enjoyed how simple things were between the two of them, their relationship flowed like the tide. Ichigo had a connection to Rukia that most couldn't understand, he himself didn't even get it. It was like a familiar warmness, comforting and easy, like with family, yet some how deeper. It was to be expected, considering she was the reason behind his power. Still stuck in his inner plight, he enjoyed the company and the usual laughter shared between the two, he found him self grateful for her presence in his life, sure that having her there would make this transition much easier.

Entering the Kukichiki manner, the pair walked through long labyrinth like corridors. Looking around the dimly lighted hallways, he jumped slightly every time he'd see a servant.

Giving the boy a bewildered look, she took note of his peculiar behavior. "What are you doing?" she asked flatly.

Looking around his shoulder, Ichigo said just above a whisper, "I'm scared Byakuya's going to come jumping out like a fucking vampire or something, gezz this house is huge."

Smacking her gums, she rolled her eyes at the man before turning her attention back towards the hall in front of her. "Don't talk about Ni-sam like he's some kind of demonic creature or something."

Smirking slightly, Ichigo teased,"Wait, so Byakuya isnt the devil?" This earned him a stern look and a back hand from his tiny, yet strong, friend. "Ahh, god-I was just kidding. I'm just worried, you're brother treats me like a fucking virus that needs cleaning, and I'm sure he'd be so thrilled seeing me alone in his sisters bed room." He muttered under his breath,"Gz, if he cached me, he'd have my balls on a platter."

Not missing a beat, Rukia quipped, "What balls? I haven't seen them." She gave the man a huge grin, now turning to a door way.

"Ha-very funny. It's a exspession, Rukia," he replied, now entering the girl's room.

Rukia had a room at the Kuchiki manner, but she also had one at her squad barracks. She often stayed at the barracks because of work keeping her late, but when she had company, she often brought them to the mansion."Yeah, brother would much more likely put your head on a stick." She tapped her chin lightly, pretending to be deep in thought. "Yeah, that sounds more like his style. He's not sick or something, he's not into genital mutilation."

Ichigo gulped nervously at the idea of an altercation with Byakuya, though he knew he was strong enough to deal with him physically, that man was extremely powerful and influential. Getting on his bad side would only hinder Ichigo's transition into the soul society."You should be a motivational speaker, Rukia." Ichigo sat on the edge of her bed, flinging him self backwards in exasperation.

"Relax." She said, now taking a seat beside him. "First off, this mansion his huge, you could both walk around here for hours and never run into each other. Secondly, it's not like I didn't stay in your bedroom for months at a time."

Ichigo's eye's widened with shock as he sat up. "Please tell me he doesn't know about that!"

Chuckling slightly, Rukia responded, "Not directly, but I'm sure he assumed. It doesn't matter anyway, Byakuay doesn't get involved in those aspects of my life."

Now returning to his laying position, Ichigo countered, "No brother wants his sister alone with some guy, not in their bed room. Plus, it doesn't help that Byakuay all but hates me.

Rukia shook her head back in froth while rolling her eyes. "You really know nothing, Byakuya actually respects you quite a bit, he just has a hard time showing gratification." She paused momentarily, looking at Ichigo's honey orbs, which were now dawning a slight look of surprise. "You just have to know him, I know he's like a stone wall when it comes to emotions, but he's more complex than that. He thinks highly of you, ya know? He just can't admit it, but if you took the time to see past those walls, you'd see it too."

Ichigo rolled his eyes in response. "He has to want to get to know me."

Rukia just shook her head. "He more complex than that, he doesn't want to get to know anyone, he just doesn't like to get close to anyone, someone has to push him into it, like I did. It took time, and even now he can be totally glacier like, but he's a pretty amazing guy, ya know? It's worth the work it takes to get close to him."

Ichigo silently contemplated her words. For unknown reasons, he found himself feeling a slight warmness at the idea of Byakuya being proud of him. He wasn't sure why, maybe it was because Byakuya was such a hard guy to impress, but that one praise made him feel a tinge of fire within him. Of the abundance of praises Ichigo had received since his arrival, non had penetrated his cain link armor of apathy, non but this one. It almost made him want to get to know the guy, knowing that Byakuya wasn't all hate, and disgust when it came to him. The man had always been such an enigma, it almost seemed like a challenge, getting under his skin, getting to know him. The thought tantalized the man, it was the first idea that didn't immediately bore him, if anything, it was compelling.

The pair sat in silence for a while as Rukia read a manga and Ichigo stared out the window thoughtfully. Fo a while, he could feel Rukia's gaze on him, yet he didn't pay much attention, once again lost in his thoughts. Suddenly, Rukia shut her book firmly, and let out a slight sight. "Ichigo," she said meekly. "What are you thinking about?"

Swinging his stare in her direction, the boy hesitated, caught off gaurd by the question. "Oh-um, I was just thinking about how my sisters were doing right now," he responded, adverting his nostalgic eyes briefly.

This seemed to sadden Rukia, as her whole demeanor slumped. "Ichigo..," she muttered out. "Is being here really that bad..isnt there something..?" She adverted her eyes while blushing slightly. "Isn't there something that makes it a little easier?"

Taking in the girl's nervous and sheepish demeanor, the aloof Ichigo gave her an confused look. "Well yeah..you..and Renji, and all the soul reapers, but..I don't know, theres still a hole there.

Rukia clenched her eyes and fist tightly, building up all the courage she had, she stood up abruptly. She boomed out, quickly, yet loudly, "I want to help you fill that void, if you let me!"

"Rukia, what-" the confused Ichigo was cut off by the girl climbing on top of him, straddling his waist. He was so shocked that he merely laid there paralyzed, completely flustered.

Now looking more confident, Rukia looked down with a mix of lust and nervousness. "Ichigo..like I said earlier, there are things you can have here just like in the living world..I didn't mean to surprise you like this, I just..didnt want to lose my resolve." She took in the confused, yet curious face, she couldn't help but falter at how handsome he was in the dim lighting of her bed room. "I just…I've been in love with you for a long time, I guess I just didn't realize it, or maybe I didn't think it was possible for us to be together…but, when I heard you were going to be living in the soul society, I thought that this could be our chance." She bit her lip before continuing. "We've always had this strong connection, you feel it too..,,right?"

For whatever reason, Ichigo's face could not emote any other emotion other than shock. This was something he could not of seen coming from a mile a way..right? Maybe he was just that dense, And did he feel their connection too? Of course, he felt it clearly. Although, was it romantic? He never thought of it that way, when he woe-ing over the prospects of never having a normal family, he never once thought of Rukia. When he was thinking of the type of person he'd end up with, Rukia never once crossed his mind. When they were around each other, it felt more like a warm hug rather than a-house-on-fire, her presence was equated with comfort, not lust. However, Ichigo had never had those feeling for anyone, he was unsure of what they felt like or how one even gets them. At this point, he was unsure if he could even feel such things. Maybe what he felt for Rukia was romantic, or the beginning stages of romance, maybe if he tried..

He thought back to his fears of never having this, never finding someone to love and have a normal life with. Face to face with such a deep limerence, Ichigo couldn't help but to consider the possibility. Maybe these feelings could develop, maybe there was more than he thought.

Seeing the hesitance on the boys face, she spoke for him. "I know you may not know how to feel about this, just…try.." She leaned in to kiss the boy, seeing that he didn't look repulsed or extremely hesitant, she continued.

She kissed the boy for quite some time, bring his hand up the her chest, signaling him to touch her more. The young man was a fish out of water, all of his movements were tense and awkward, the opposite of lust filled. Still, he tried. That was until Rukia unzipped his pants and began rubbing his member. For a brief moment, he became half hard, but in the complete uncomfortableness of the moment, he lost it.

Rukia took Ichigo's lack of response for complete disinterest, and to a certain extent, she was right. Yes, he was trying, but for what ever reason, he just didn't enjoy it. A red hue filled her face as she immediately jumped off of him, turning away feeling completely humiliated.

Eye's widening, Ichigo jumped up and buttoned his pants, preparing to cajole his long time friend. "Rukia, I'm sorry- I don't know why-

His franticness was cut off by Rukia's cold serious words. "It's fine, could you just leave. This is kind of humiliating, and I'd really like to be alone."

Ichigo went to say something else, but cut him self off. He simply walked to the door and said, "I'm sorry," before leaving the room.

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Ichigo had found him self at a complete lose while trying to maneuver through the Kuchiki mansion. One needed a map and a tour guid just to exist the estate. Ichigo finally made his way out of an exist that lead to Byakuya's garden. Feeling drained and rather conflicted with him self, Ichigo decided to take a time out. Figuring he'd have a better chance of finding his way out once he cleared his head.

Sitting under a sakura tree, right beside the water line of a rather large pond, Ichigo stared off pensively. What was that early? His body completely failed him, he found no interest at all. Despite his brain telling him he wanted to try, his body just wasn't having it. He supposed that what he felt for Rukia was purely platonic after all. Apart of Ichigo felt defected, why couldn't he feel that way for anyone, not even the person he was the closest with? Perhaps, he just wasn't meant to have that in his life.

Interrupting his inner plight was a deep familiar voice,"Kurosaki, what are you doing here?"

The serious voice made Ichigo jump slightly, swinging his head around to see Byakuya Kuchiki standing in a deep purple yukata with a golden coy fish pattern. His face looking much to serious for how beautiful he was. "Shit-" Ichigo gasped out, putting a hand up to his chest urgently. "You scared me, Byakuya."

With a stone face, the man spoke flatly, "Well, this is my garden, and didn't I tell you to call me Captain Kuchiki?"

Ichigo gave a breathy scoff while standing, still keeping his attention towards the pond. "We've know each other for a long time now, arnt we pass that formal crap?"

"I'm sorry, I must have entered into some alternate dimension where you believe your self to be my equal," Byakuya responded just as flatly as before.

Though it was meant to be harsh and off putting, If Ichigo had of been in a better mood, he probably would have appreciated the man's sarcasm. For some unknown reason, he found it enjoyable, although, he'd enjoy it more if his sarcasm was more good humored and less malice filled. Though, for the moment, Ichigo was beside him self with internal conflict, he didn't feel like getting berated by Byakuya.

Shaking his head in defeat, he let out a more pronounced scoff, "What is it with you, anyway? Being equals has nothing to do with money or status, it's about the person you are and what you do in this world."

Byakuya's features gapped at the unexpected response, Ichigo was usually so easy going. Sure, he was hot headed and easy to provoke, but more times than not, the nobles hash words rolled right off his shoulders. In a way, he meant what he said, but in another way, he didn't. It was just a habitual response, almost automatically given. Surely, he didn't think Ichigo less than him, he was indebted to him in more ways than one, but something about the boy's presence drew out more of his coldness than most. Perhaps it was the embarrassment he felt at the respect he held for the man, a man he once proclaimed to hate, when in reality, his feelings of appreciation and pride were ineffable. There was even a tiny part of him that was hopping Ichgio would return the snarky quip, as he usually did. Byakuya had to admit, he enjoyed it, not many people challenged him, verbally or physically. So it was surprising when Ichigo seemed rather effected by the man's words.

When Ichigo stepped closer, the man could see why he had been so effected, Ichigo's face and eye's were red, he had been crying.

Straightening him self out, Ichigo shoved his hands in his pockets, and went to walk pass Byakuya."I'll be getting out of your hair now."

Almost instinctively, Byakuaya grabbed the boy's wrist, earning him quite the confused look. Byakuay wasn't quite sure what he was doing either. For reason unbeknown to him, it seemed wrong to just let Ichigo leave like that. Usually, Byakuya was unfazed by others feelings, but knowing how easy going Ichigo was with him, and how upset he must of been to be brought to tears, it seemed so wrong for him to leave in that way. It seemed wrong for him to take the noble's words as completely malice filled and heartless. Though he justified it with Ichigo being Rukia's friend, therefore he would have to see him often, if Byakuya was being honest with him self, he knew it was truly an abhorrent distaste for seeing the younger man so sullen.

Dropping his hand. the older man hesitated momentarily. "Um-Are you okay?" he asked with as much indifference as he could muster before adding on,"is Rukia okay? I'm assuming you're here with her."

'Gz, I'm the one who's crying, and he's assuming something's wrong with Rukia. Like I did something to hurt her, well, I guess he wouldn't be wrong, but still…' Scrunching his brow, Ichigo quipped,"no, I'm really secretly obsessed with you, and have been sneaking around your mansion all this time."

Byakuya gave a serious look that told Ichigo he would not abide his snark at the moment. "What happened?" he demanded to know.

"It's nothing, damn it." Ichigo spate out, frustrated at having to explain. Now more meekly, he continued…"Rukia and I, we just got into an argument..I guess you could call it that. She's angry at me." At the sight of Byakuya's death glare intensifying and chest puffing up, Ichigo put his hands up placidly. "Woe there, relax, no need to go gettin' all super big brother on me, I didn't do anything-I" Ichigo found it hard to find the words, he didn't want Byakuya mad at him, but still, there was no way he could tell him what happened between him and Rukia. "Um- It's nothing that could of been help, we just want different things, thats all. I think she's more hurt than angry."

Ichigo searched Byakuya's face for any sign of realization or anger, hopping he had been vague enough to keep him from asking to many questions. It seemingly pacified the man, as he responded flatly, "Ah, well, I'm sure she'll forgive you. I'm unsure why, but she seems to be quite fawned of you…despite the fact that you're a stalker with an obsession with her brother." Byakuya smirked slightly, trying to comfort the boy in his own way.

Ichigo felt a tinge of heat rise through him at the realization that Byakuya was actually trying to make him feel better. His face gapped with shock at the man, who had actually smirked slightly, something he was sure Byakuya was incapable of.

At Ichigo's surprised face, Byakuya continued,"and why she would have such sentiments about someone who'd be made to cry so easily is just as unexplainable."

Ichigo growled slightly before biting back,"yeah, well, some of us didn't have glaciers for senpai's. Us humans have a little something called emotions. Newest thing on the market, maybe you should give em' a try."

Byakuya smirked inwardly at the return of Ichigo's usual fire. Nodding his head, he continued, "I see you're already feeling better. I suppose, I can leave you now."

With that, Ichigo realized that Byakuya truly had been trying to make him feel better. Ichigo couldn't help but think back to Rukia's words earlier, about how Byakuya needed to be explored, not merely discovered. Or more so, to truly discover him, Ichigo would have to do a lot of exploring. He also remembered the enticing challenge it presented him. Taking on Byakuya was sure one hell of a way to spice up his life. Still, he now found it his turn to stop Byakuya from leaving.

"Hey, Byakuya," he called out. When the noble turned around, he continued,"You know, every other captain has taken me out for drinks, and gave me the whole congratulations spill…" He walked closer to the man,"Except for you..for someone who holds manners as such a top priority, wouldn't you call that rude?" Ichigo gave a smug smile to which Byakuay just scoffed.

"You know as much about manners as Kenpachi knows about silverware."

Ignoring the man, he walked past him, patting him on the back. "I'll let you make up for your ruddiness now and we'll call it square."

Byakuya scowled at the boy's capricious and bold behavior, though part of him secretly enjoyed it-a very minuscule part of him. "It's equally as rude to invite your self into someones home, Kurosaki."

Ichigo turned and gave the man a sly gin,"what? You got other plans?"

"Yes, i'm quite busy with work an-"

"Liar," Ichigo bluntly stated. "You have poor Renji doing your work why'll you take the night off." Seeing the man's hesitance, he continued. "Besides, it's six at night, what am I interrupting? Do you set aside an hour a night to scowl at the wall or something?"

"That would be more entertaining than baby sitting a drunk child," he bit back quickly. The problem was, Byakuya was sure that wasn't true. That was one of the reasons he was so off putted by the request, he didn't completely hate the idea of spending time with Ichigo, even when he hated most company. It wasn't as if he'd be any less adamant if it was someone else, but still, if it was someone else, they surely wouldn't be as adamant. Something about that made Ichigo different, the way he acted around Byakuay, completely unfazed by his arrogance or harshness, like a constant fiery presence that was only fueled, completely unpredictable and bold. That was Ichigo, and there was something about that the noble abhorred and found captivating all at the same time. Anyone who wouldn't abide to Byakuya's death glare was peculiar, that was certain. Still, Byakuay knew he shouldn't find such peculiar behavior so curious and tantalizing, but he did.

"Come on, it's been a bad day," Ichigo spoke honestly while trying to veil the underlying sadness in his voice. "It's hard adjusting to life here, ya know? Company helps. You're not really that heartless, huh?"

The same feeling of familiar guilt made the noble feel uneasy. It was a guilt he rarely felt when dealing with someones emotions. For a moment, he'd forgotten just what Ichigo had to give up to be in the soul society. He forgot that this was flung upon him, that he was ripped away from his life and family. Despite the younger man's casual way of putting it, Byakuya knew how important the company must had been to him. He could see the slight sting of loneliness in the man's gaze. With that, he was unable to be so cold. Something about that lonely gaze filled the man with sadness.

"Fine," he huffed out in defeat. "Follow me."

And with that, Byakuya retreated inside with Ichigo on his heels.