Disclaimer: same as in previous chapters

A/N: This takes place in chapter 180, after Ichigo leaves Byakuya's room. Sorry if Byakuya and Renji seem OOC

The conversation

Renji stared at the orange haired brat and his friend running out of the Kuchiki estate compound. Despite his rescue of Rukia, Renji was feeling like killing him, he had interrupted the perfect moment! He was about to ask his taichou something very important. He sighed audibly and went to sit by his captain's bedside who was eyeing him curiously, almost meanly. Renji was confused, what had happened to the warm atmosphere? But he was determined to get over with it.

Renji: Ano, Kuchiki taichou, I've got something important to ask you? Could I…?

Byakuya: No! (in a very definite manner)

Renji: No? You don't even knowwhat I was going to ask you…

Byakuya: I will not allow you to court my sister.

Renji stared at the older man; apparently the sneaky bastard had known the purpose of his visit all along and he stood up in anger and indignation. After all what he'd been through recently this additional torture was too much for him.

Renji: What the hell! Rukia is a grown woman and I don't need your permission to ask her out. Geez, you don't change do you? Still as stuck up and snob, aren't you? I actually thought that we could be friends.

Byakuya: The only reason you aren't dead yet for thinking about Rukia in that way is because I'm grateful you rescued her. If you still remember our last fight you'll realise that you've got no chance against me, so stay away from my little sister.

Renji was growing angrier by the second:

What about Ichigo then? Haven't you noticed how he looks at her? Just because he kicked your ass once (in a faux victory too), you'll allow him to date her? That's so unfair.

Byakuya looked thoughtful for a moment and replied cautiously:

Renji, now that you consider me as your friend, would you help me to beat Ichigo black and blue if he tries something on Rukia (at least until senbonzakura heals itself)?

He could not believe the nerve of the guy but Byakuya was no longer the only obstacle in the way of his love. He now had a loudmouthed orange head rival and not to mention the ghost of Kaien still hanging in Rukia's mind and according to what Ichigo had told him about his teacher he had serious suspicions concerning that Urahara's intentions towards Rukia.

Why, why had he not confessed his love fifty years ago? Oh yeah! He had been scared to death of Rukia's kicks which still had not faded away but now he had an even greater fear of losing her. He now had to pay a really large tribute for his cowardice.

Renji sat down looking at his captain wearily thinking of the long fight ahead to win his ladylove and said:

That's the only one thing that I can agree on with you.

Meanwhile Ichigo who was still running all over the sereitei sneezed thrice in a row.

"Kurosaki- kun. Apparently someone really hates you her" Orihime told him laughingly.