A/N: So here is the second chapter. I am going to introduce the new OC in this one. I hope you enjoy.

Rating: PG

Warning: Not really any, maybe some language

Characters in Chapter: Ichigo, Kuraime, Byakuya, Rukia

Current Song Stuck in Head: Audience of One – Rise Against

Chapter Two: Protagonist

The air was thick with moisture, the clouds begging to let the heavy rain, like lead in their cushions, descend to the dry, thirsty earth below, bursting forth with overwhelming might and purpose. The night was nearly upon them, the frigid breeze of evening air catching their robes and billowing them with a gentle, invisible hand.

The long slender piece of wood and metal in his callused hands was firmly held erect before him as his tired eyes hid beneath their tan lids, awaiting the next catalyst that would break his meditation and evoke the rush of excitement that always accompanied a thoroughly refreshing spar.

The moment brought with it an onslaught of adrenaline as metal clashed with steel and the metallic 'clang' echoed through the small, wall-less, outdoor dojo that the two Shinigami were occupying. It was only now that the younger of the two allowed his blade to extend and match his opponent's parry, his lids retreating to reveal bold, sapphire jewels, flashing with determination and purpose as they met the slate-grey orbs of his counterpart.

The 'ring' of swordplay was heard once more, bouncing off of the roof and floor with a chiming resonance as the duo continued to pass the attack from one blade to the other. As the match ensued, the older, more seasoned of the warriors, sliced through the air, narrowly missing the left cheekbone of his sparring mate, instead sending tiny particles of condensation spraying over the young man's face as his blade swooped horizontally in an attempt at mock decapitation, only to have his move fail as the agile youth ducked gracefully away from impending doom.

The back and forth dance of the evening spar had once been a routine for many years, a welcome distraction at the end of the day. Tonight was the first time in nearly a month that they were allowed the privileged free time to partake in such revelry. As their bodies moved in tandem, ducking, spinning, and attacking, all was silent, save for the sound of metal on metal and the quickened breath of the two participants. There were no grunts of exertion, mudslinging insults, or gasps of surprise, for both Shinigami were much too disciplined fighters to show weakness in battle.

With one final move, the dark haired Captain of the 6th Division spun about and pounced upon the one weak spot of the silver-haired 3rd seat of Squad 5, his blue scarf and haori billowing in the breeze. With practiced ease and regal grace, he connected his katana with the stunned Shinigami's left ankle, but only with enough power to leave a small slit in his white tabi. Said Shinigami tripped and landed unceremoniously on his back, his breath coming in labored pants as he slid his eyes shut, head thrown back in defeat, "Still as smooth with that blade as every, brother," came the soft complement, followed closely with a nearly indiscernible chuckle from the addressed.

"Much thanks, Kuraime, you have definitely improved since last we sparred. Have you been training with Captain Ukitake again? You should really give the ill man a break, you will spar him to his death one of these days," was the reply from the older warrior, dripping with humor that was reserved for the young man before him alone, the stoic mask falling effortlessly.

Extending a hand, the normally stone-faced Captain pulled his baby brother from the dusty ground below, brushing some of the sweat-slicked hair from in front of his shining oceanic orbs. "Thank you, Byakuya. It is always enjoyable to witness the last remnants of your more relaxed side. You should really step away from that paperwork more often. It is starting to squelch what little light you still have in your eyes," came the smooth, softly spoken words of the blue-eyed Kuchiki as he rested a hand on his older brother's left shoulder.

Byakuya re-sheathed his zanpakuto and smirked softly at the young man before reverting to his usual icy exterior, "Get yourself cleaned up. Dinner will be served in half and hour. I expect to see you there."

And with that, he turned over his shoulder and retreated into the depths of the Kuchiki mansion. Kuraime chuckled slightly and rolled his eyes at the transformation of his brother, "Well, at least he knows how to take a break from it every once in a while…"

Re-sheathing his katana, he ran his free hand through his shoulder-length silver hair, feeling the icy wind cool his heated skin. The peaceful silence was interrupted by the distinct rumbling sound of his stomach, protesting for a meal. Laughing to himself, he turned back to the ornate mansion, "Well, I guess I should go get ready for dinner. No sense in keeping an empty stomach waiting when there are talented cooks that have been slaving away for the last few hours."

Then, just as his brother had done, Kuraime closed his eyes and relinquished his boyish persona, adopting a rigid facade that nearly rivaled the Head of the Kuchiki clan's. His jaw set squarely, eyes focused intensely, shoulders back, chin forward - he took his first steps toward the mansion. As he left the silent dojo, any who might have been there to see would have noticed how, with the mere closing of his sapphire eyes, Kuraime had shed the attitude of a teenager, leaving in it's place an upright and serious adult. The transformation could be likened to that of a snake, shedding its skin...but no one could say that, because no one ever saw.

His feet dragged heavily against the straw mats that made up the sidewalks of Seiretei, his shoulders slumping slightly and his eyes glistening with sadness as he made his way to the 13th Division headquarters. Running a slender hand through his downy orange hair, Ichigo sighed heavily, not really knowing what to do anymore. His mind kept spinning around the contradicting actions and words of the frosty captain of the 10th Squad. You would think after all of this time…

He came to the bridge that divided the 11th and 13th Divisions, turning to look out over the groves of white and pink sakura trees, now in full bloom despite the frigid weather, resting his elbows on the cherry wood railing, a deep sigh escaping him. He hung his head slightly, his eyes drooping as he nibbled on his lower lip, his brain still twirling around as he tried to sort out where he was supposed to go from here. He didn't understand how, after all of this time that they had been together, Hitsugaya could still be as stone-faced and timid as he was in the very beginning.

It was true that to begin with, Hitsugaya's personality was a bit different from everyone else's, not to mention, ironic. While his physical appearance was that of a teenager, about seventeen: sweet and innocent, he acted like a grown, responsible adult; sometimes he even seemed more mature than some of his fellow captains who were adults themselves. Hitsugaya was someone who was wise far beyond his years, and he'd better face it; he wasn't exactly an open book. He could sometimes be extremely stern, and introverted, making those around him uncomfortable, and he rarely showed happiness; hell, he rarely showed much emotion at all; but when he did, Ichigo never missed it.

It was true that he loved that icy prodigy, willing to sacrifice his own life to protect him if need be. Toshirou had never really been one to show affection, always treating it as something that was a sign of weakness or dependency. Ichigo frowned deeply at the thoughts... Of course he'd noticed his boyfriend tense up with every hug and kiss; he'd have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to. But it was something that he had learned to overlook and push past the longer he had been with the icy captain. He couldn't decide if taking a break from their relationship to sort things out was the right thing to do or not…

Sighing deeply once more, he pushed himself off of the railing and continued his walk to the 13th Division. Maybe talking with Rukia about this would help clear some things up and get his mind right again. She always knew what to do…

As the younger Kuchiki stood from his seat at the quaint dining table; the meal having been a delicious combination of steaming pots of ramen, dumplings, and sashimi before the attendees, he made his way down the elaborately crafted hallways, exiting the entryway and plunging himself into the cold night air. Snow fell lightly around him, catching in his silver hair and settling on the shoulders of his black robes. The chilled air bit at his ears, leaving them burning and his breath swirled in front of him, creating clouds of moisture billowing away from him like smoke without a trace of nicotine.

The night was dark, but not unsettlingly so; and he wasn't sure if that was because of the small amount of alcohol warming in his stomach or just the sentimentality and anticipation at seeing his adopted sister for the first time in over a month. She had been away on a scouting mission as the new lieutenant of Squad 13, her first large-scale assignment since she had taken on her new duties.

It was nearly pitch black and far, far too cold for this time of year, he thought as he approached the 13th Division barracks, weak moonlight and pale snow beginning to settle over the archway as he passed through.

Once inside the division, he made his way quickly to the Headquarters, locating the lieutenant's office and knocking once curtly on the door. There was a moment of shuffling sounds and a sharp, "Coming!" before the door slammed open and he was greeted with the wide-eyed face of his adopted sister Rukia.

It was only a moment before lean arms threw themselves around his neck and a squeal of excitement met his ears, Rukia bouncing energetically, "Kuraime! How have you been? It's been so long since I've seen you!"

Keeping his stern expression, he shuffled them the rest of the way inside her office, sliding the door shut behind him. Only then did he allow his mask to drop, an amused smile pulling at the sides of his mouth, as he returned the hug with equal excitement, though with considerably less bouncing. "I am well, Rukia. And I see that you are too. How did the mission go?"

Her eyes nearly sparkled at the question before she began babbling on about all the details of her first real mission as a seated officer. Though Kuraime held very little interest in all of the finer aspects, he still listened intently, glad that he was finally reunited with his best friend, taking a seat on the purple couch beside her, as she continued her report.

As he reached the entryway to the squad barracks, he entered silently, hoping to not draw any unwanted attention from any of the 3rd seats. He didn't think he could take their prattling at the moment. The air was heavy and chilly, the breeze biting at his already cool skin, sending shivers up his spine as he came to stand before the Lieutenant's office, raising his hand to knock upon the sliding door. Before he allowed his hand the contact of the wood, he listened as he heard Rukia's voice speaking animatedly to someone within the office.

He wondered for a moment if maybe he should just leave and come back later, finding dinner and giving her enough time to conclude whatever meeting she was caught up in. As he turned to leave he was halted by the sound of another, deeper voice piercing through her speech, "Why, Rukia, I believe you have another guest standing outside. You should invite them in."

Ichigo stiffened slightly, for this was a male voice that he definitely didn't recognize. There was a shuffling sound before the door behind him slid open partially, and Rukia's gaze fell on him before the wooden slab was slammed open and arms were around his neck with a fierce speed, "Ichigo!"

He grunted at the impact, blinking rapidly at the sudden assault, before returning the embrace with considerably less gusto. Turning his head, he noticed the previous guest seated on the large couch across the room, studying him briefly. Now he was sure he had never met this man before: a man with skin the color of caramel and hair as silver as the precious metal, eyes the color of the ocean and a build very similar to his own.

Before Ichigo could open his mouth to inquire as the to identity of the man, the figure stood slowly, walking to the substitute and coming to stand beside Rukia. Ichigo could tell that he was a shinigami, for he wore the black robes and his zanpakuto was stashed at his right hip. Oh, so he's left-handed. The robes, though standard black, were accented with an ice blue sash at his waist, in the place of the normally white obi, and matching fingerless hand covers and sheer scarf around his neck that were similar to the ones that stoic captain Byakuya wore, knowing he must be important. Heh, maybe they shop at the same store.

The man's height came to Ichigo's own eye-level, making him approximately the same stature, maybe even a little shorter, though something about the way he held himself and the energy surrounding him made the man before him seem miles taller than himself. Who is this guy…?

Before Ichigo could think any further on the subject, the shinigami bowed his head slightly to him before capturing his own brandy-colored eyes in an intense gaze, "Pleasure meeting you, Ichigo. I am Kuraime, 3rd Seat for Squad 5. You should come in and join our conversation. Vice-Captain Kuchiki was just telling me the details of her first mission as a seated officer. I'm sure she would love it if you would listen as well."

Ichigo blinked for a moment before relaxing into the warm atmosphere. "Yeah, sure," he agreed with a small smile in acquiescence before taking a seat on the other end of the couch. Sure, there was something about this new presence that was ominously commanding, but also surprisingly unpretentious. Though he couldn't help but feel slightly wary of the man, there was also, surrounding the serious and rigid persona, a warm and highly approachable aura.

As Ichigo pretended to listen intently to Rukia's recollections, he couldn't help glancing at the new acquaintance occasionally, feeling in his gut that things were about to get rather interesting.

…TBC…