A/N: Hey guys, here is the 6th chapter in my story! We get more action and fighting in this chapter along with more development between Ichigo and Byakuya. This has been one of my favorite chapters to write.

Disclaimer: There is a scene in here that involves pot smoking. If you don't like it then don't read it. It's used as a way to set up a funny/sweet scene with Ichigo and Byakuya and since Ichigo is around 22 in this story I don't think its out of place for his character to indulge in substances like alcohol and pot, once in a while.

Enjoy! Good vibes!

After cooling down a little, Ichigo sat in his office, wallowing in how easily he could lose his composure. Even though he'd made grandiose claims of being so mature, he was still the same audacious foolhardy kid he's always was the clear difference between Ichigo and Byakuya's core personalities. Byakuya has always been poised, unflappable, and just generally composed. He never let emotions get in the way, and was always able to analyze a situation to the fullest before jumping to action, which was a quality that was one of the noble's best and worst, and though his inability to read the noble infuriated him, Ichigo wanted him no other way. Ichigo's brash manner was similar, innate and unavoidable, a part of him, for better or worse. Even though Ichigo felt as if it was usually for the better, today…not so much. If he had repressed his temper for just a moment, he would have realized that Byakuya wasn't going on an power trip with disregard to Ichigo's feelings. Byakuya had been standing up for him.

The realization hit the boy in the stomach like a ton of bricks. Again, he had been so dense. Byakuya seemed to care for Ichigo, and it was as foreign a notion as learning a new language. Somewhere along the line, they had become friends. It was like putting on a new shirt for the first time; It fit, but it had to be stretched out a little bit before it became fully comfortable. It was peculiar and new to Ichigo.

The worst part of all of this was that Ichigo was the one who had declared it his personal mission to get Byakuya to open up to him, to befriend him. With only being himself, Byakuya had started doing just that, if only just a miniscule bit, and here Ichigo was, so engulfed in his own life that he was pushing Byakuya away.

That line of thinking only added to the man's agitation. Why was he being like this? He didn't want to be. Was it silly for him to assume that Byakuya really even cared that much? He certainly didn't anymore, not after Ichigo had called him out in front of everyone like that.

Ichigo's pity party was cut short by a light knock on his door. "Enter," he demanded.

Much to his surprise, Byakuya stepped through the door, with all the regal composure and the unreadable demeanor that one expected from a man like him.

"Mister Kurosaki, may I sit?" Byakuya asked, almost sarcastically.

As easy as it was for Byakuya to compose himself, it was even easier to read Ichigo. A look of relief could be seen coming over him. Almost spontaneously, his muscles relaxed, his breathing slowed, his brow settled and a look of tranquility came over him. Byakuya couldn't help but find Ichigo's ability to wear his heart on his sleeve admirable and precious. He allowed himself to smile at the boy's sudden change in disposition.

"Byakuya." The longing could almost be heard in his voice. "I'm sorry ab-"

Byakuya, who was now sitting in the chair opposite of Ichigo, put a hand up in opposition. "There's no need for apologies. In fact." The man reached into his satchel and pulled out two containers. "I came because I figured you'd build up an appetite wallowing in your own self-pity." He placed a container of fried rice mixed with shrimp and vegetables in front of the boy.

Feeling even more guilty and yet in wonder at the man's act of kindness, Ichigo looked up in bewilderment. "And I thought I was the one who could read you."

Straight faced, Byakuya explained,. "I've known you for a long time. Even though I hate to admit it at times, we are friends."

There was a pause, and Ichigo could have sworn a slight flush ran across the noble's face, but then discarded it as a wishful delusion.

Byakuya continued, "I've gotten to know you fairly well."

Ichigo smiled at how Byakuya always talked in a formal manner, even when he wasn't trying to. It was just his nature.

"Despite your best efforts?" Ichigo smiled wryly.

Ignoring the question, Byakuya went on. "I knew that after you'd had a while to sort your thoughts, you'd realize that I'd only been trying to be helpful, even if my methods were not…" He thought for a moment. "Usual. I'm not saying it was rash; I thought out all of the possibilities, and at the time, I figured standing up for you was worth the repercussions. That doesn't make it correct. It's obvious you don't need my protection. Even if you did, it's not my right to step in that way."

Looking sheepishly up from his food, the boy mumbled something almost incoherently. "Um, I like that you feel the need to protect me."

Seeing the slight shock come over the usually composed man's face, Ichigo quickly added another confession. "What I mean is, we're comrades. I'll always be there for my comrades to lean on and I expect them to do the same when the time comes. Isn't that what friends are for?" Ichigo desperately tried to remove any romantic intentions or undertones from him previous statement, even if there were those intentions and hopes there.

Raising a skeptical eyebrow, Byakuya questioned the boy. "You? Leaning on others? I didn't think such a thing was in your skill set."

"You're one to talk," teased Ichigo.

Letting a placid smile pull at his lips, Byakuya adjusted himself in the chair for more comfort. "I guess that's something we both need to work on. We're both prideful creatures by nature."

Putting on a shit-eating grin, the reply came. "Maybe that's why you find me so annoying, because we're both alike in that way."

Rolling his eyes playfully, he replied stoically, "One of many reasons." Trying to keep to the subject, he backpedaled. "Speaking of leaning on people, when were you going to tell me about the hospital and your funding being taken away?."

Ichigo gave a look that asked,'you know?', but before the noble could reply, he said, "It wasn't like I was trying not to tell you. I was going to, I just…" A long pause ensued. "I guess I didn't want to bother you. I figured you didn't care about my personal issues…

With complete detachment in his eyes, the noble replied, "Ah."

With just one word, Ichigo felt the remorse inside it immediately. Although, to the untrained ear, Byakuya's voice came across as indifferent, Ichigo could hear the concealed melancholy.

In that moment, he got it. He finally understood why he was so close-fisted about a lot of his personal ongoings when it came to Byakuya. Yes, he'd always had trouble being vulnerable and relying on other people, just like Byakuya. Maybe the death of his mother had made him overly protective and fearful of losing the people he loved, ultimately resulting in him pushing those people away. However, over the years he'd become more accepting of letting those people in. Rukia, Renji, Uryu, and Orihime; they had budged their way into his heart and melted away parts of the 'cool guy with a chip on his shoulder' mask he had donned.

Parts of it.

However, they could only do so much, since that day with his mother was as ingrained in his begin as craters in the earth. Though time would erode that damage, it would always be present. So he could never completely let people in, and for some reason, with Byakuya, it was just that more difficult. It wasn't because of his growing affection for the man. No, if it was anyone else that he was so enamored with, things would probably be different.

It was because he knew that for Byakuya to feel the same way back would mean some out of this world anomaly had occurred. The stars would all have to align and a black hole would have to suck them into an alternate universe for such an phenomenon to occur. At least, that's what he told himself. Even if there were times where Ichigo indulged in the fantasy and let himself believe that Byakuya could possibly feel something, it just seemed so intangible. To Byakuya, Ichigo was just a rash kid that he could be friendly with. Besides, Byakuya came from nobility; a part of him would always care about status, not as much as he let on but it was still a part of him. Even if Byakuya didn't want to be with someone who had the same status and cultivated manner that he did, he would do it anyway for the sake of his house.

These were the assumptions Ichigo made, which caused him to be terrified to get close to Byakuya. This newfound friendship was so intoxicating though, and Ichigo could see himself getting way too comfortable, all for Byakuya to go back to the soul society and leave him grief-stricken.

But Ichigo was never a selfish person. It was unfair for him to think only of his own sorrow. Here Byakuya was, a man who had more in common with a glacier than a human at times, actually giving his friendship freely and trying. Maybe Byakuya was unconscious of what he was doing, but he was in fact doing it. This made Ichigo feel contrite. He'd made a self-oath to be a friend worthy of Byakuya, to help him open up, and he was failing, at least on his end. How did he expect to keep any progress when he didn't even tell the noble simple things about himself?

He decided that from that moment on, that he would try to be more open to the beautiful man sitting in front of him. Of course, there were things he still wanted to keep to himself for now. He wasn't ready to open up completely.

"I was wrong," Ichigo proclaimed passionately, earning him an inquisitive look from Byakuya. "I did feel that way, but I was wrong. I should have known better. You're not that type of person."

This seemed to pacify, if not brighten, Byakuya's demeanor. "I'm here to help you if you need anything, Kurosaki." With an amused smile, he added. "As long as it doesn't involve tears, I'm fine."

Ichigo scoffed. "Leave it to you to turn something sentimental into something insulting."

"You can't change a zebra's stripes, as they say."

"Yeah, if you're any animal, it's a jack ass," Ichigo teased.

Byakuya, now getting up from his seat and retreating towards the door, replied, "I'm way more graceful than that."

Turning his head before his departure, he said, "I'll see you later, Mister Kurosaki."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

After work, Ichigo and Byakuya were supposed to do rounds. Ichigo had to make a sudden disappearance that Byakuya tried not to question. All Ichigo had told him was that he should go with Orihime and Uryu and that he'd do a quick round with Rukia later that night. Byakuya didn't argue, in fact, he enjoyed the company of Uryu and Orihime, to his surprise. They did most of the talking, but that was fine. Unlike a lot of people Byakuya encountered, they were genuine and kind-hearted souls. It also helped that they weren't completely obnoxious and boring. Keeping the affair interesting, they told Byakuya anecdotes concerning their lives as doctors and the trials of being engaged.

More so, it was clear to see their unwavering love for each other. Byakuya couldn't help but feel slightly envious. How nice it much be for two people to love each other so freely, without any of the hang-ups, baggage, or responsibilities in the way. It became clear to Byakuya that he was just not destined for such things.

Even as his affection grew in correlation with his friendship with Ichigo, it only deepened his resolve. More than ever, he knew he was right in his decision to forbid any romantic notions of him and Ichigo. Though it seemed to be all he wanted, he knew now that putting those feelings on Ichigo would ruin the wonderful friendship they'd cultivated. This was just one reason out of many that he couldn't be with Ichigo, and the list seemed to grow daily.

As he did rounds, he found himself fascinated by the charming little town and its inhabitants. Unlike most souls, Byakuya had never been human, so every trip to the living world was filled with new discoveries. Overall, humans lived fairly different lives than souls did; they had a whole world at their disposal, so many paths they could take. Unlike Byakuya, they had a choice in what became of them. They got to create themselves, an option that the nobleman had given up on a long time prior, for it was delusional. He had been born a noble who was destined to lay down his life for the soul society; he knew this to be his greatest truth. However, when he was in the world of the living, in the privacy of his own thoughts, he let the romanticized notion of having those same freedoms come to him. Though they were merely delusions, they comforted him greatly.

Upon coming back to the loft, Byakuya came home to find Ichigo shirtless in front of his gallery of windows. The atmosphere was electrifying, made so by the flickering candles illuminating the tranquil features of Ichigo's beautiful face. Hypnotic music poured from the record player, the haunting sounds of pounding drums, cello bows scraping guitar strings, and an explosion of piano chords pulling Byakuya into a deeper trance, expanding mere seconds into what seemed like lifetimes, lifetimes of feeling the same nostalgic warmth in Ichigo's presence, lifetimes of watching that beautiful man from a far.

If only he could stay like that; it would be enough, but he knew he could not.

For the first time since he'd met the man, he noticed something: a large tattoo on Ichigo's back. He'd seen him shirtless previously, but had never taken notice.

They were two familiar looking swords running parallel to each other, each on either side of Ichigo's defined shoulder blades. Finally, Byakuya realized that they were tattoos depicting Ichigo's zanpakutou.

He walked slowly over to Ichigo and stood beside him, taking notice at what looked like a cigarette settled in between his fingers. Leaning on his elbows, Ichigo blew smoke out of an open window. For the first time, he looked over and noticed his companion, giving him a sultry grin.

"Well look who's home. Have fun?"

Trading his regal posture for a more relaxed one, Byakuya let himself come to the comfort of Ichigo's presence. "We ran into a few low-grade hollows. It wouldn't even be worth calling a warm-up."

"I bet you miss the rush of a good fight," Ichigo added, taking another hit of his joint. "If you want, I'll let you have a go at me."

Giving an amused sideways glance, Byakuya chuckled lightly. "I'm not a savage like Zaraki and his ragtag gang of brutes. I don't feel the need to fight just to fight." Now donning a challenging expression, Byakuya said, "Besides, I would hate to cause my sister the agony of losing her best friend, especially by the hands of her own brother."

Ichigo smiled brilliantly. "What a smart ass."

Now changing the subject, he looked blank-faced at Ichigo. "I noticed you have a pretty intricate tattoo on your back."

"I'm glad to know your eyes are working. Now if only we can teach you to smile more," Ichigo teased.

"And I thought you liked me how I was," Byakuya proclaimed with no particular malice behind to comment. If anything, there was a slight amusement.

"Of course, if everyone was allowed to see that rare smile, I wouldn't be special, would I?" Ichigo looked up at the man with the same wide-eyed, simple, sincere expression he always donned.

'You'll always be special to me, Ichigo.'

Ignoring the thought, he backpedaled. "Are you going to tell me why you have your zanpakutou tattooed on you?"

"Why?" Ichigo gave him a puzzled look, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "They're such a huge part of me. No, they are me." The tremble of the young man's voice was deadly serious. "I can never be without them. No matter what I do in this life, I believe they will travel with me forever. It's a metaphysical experience, like, if I were to live five lives after this one, they would be there for each one. I guess, keeping them tattooed on me keeps me anchored and reminds me of who I truly am."

"I didn't know being a soul reaper was that important to you," Byakuya proclaimed in a breathy tenor.

Shaking his head slightly, Ichigo gave a light-hearted laugh. "It's not really about being a soul reaper. Don't get me wrong, that's an important part of me, but I've realized within the last few years that it's only one aspect of me. It's more of what they represent. If I weren't a soul reaper, my swords would still reside within in my soul, because their apart of me. They're my will to fight and protect. They're every sacrifice someone had to make for me to be here. They're the people I care about. Soul reaper or not, you can't get rid of that."

The words resonated with the older soul reaper; he too felt a similar sensation for his sakura blossoms. However, unlike Ichigo, he wasn't so sure who he was. He knew who he was supposed to be, but the more time he spent with Ichigo, the more he questioned if that was who he wanted to be. Under the flicker of the candle light, Byakuya starred at the boy with wonderment and adoration. Ichigo's mind was as beautiful as his outward appearance, which came as no surprise to the noble. He wanted to pick it apart and examine it, right in that moment. If he could touch his lips with Ichigo's and somehow learn his every thought,opinion, value and dream, it would be the most tempting thing Byakuya could ever encounter, for in that moment, he wanted nothing more than to just know the young man standing enticingly before him.

As the words hung between them and electricity filled the empty space, as if to draw them closer to each other, a rush of energy filled with tantalizing urgency was all the noble could focus on. For just a moment, Byakuya could just barely sense Ichigo feeling the same inclination, the same perplexing draw on his lips, bringing them closer to the noble's.

Shaking away the enticing thought, Byakuya looked down at the joint in Ichigo's hand. "Do you mind if I smoke some of that?"

Wide-eyed, the boy looked as if he'd seen a ghost. "What? You really want to smoke this?" Unbeknownst to Ichigo, Byakuya thought this was a tobacco cigarette, and unbeknownst to Byakuya, it was, in fact, a blunt. "But-you just don't seem like the type. Do you even know what this stuff is?"

Almost looking offended, the young noble went on arrogantly. "Of course I do! I know you consider me an old man, but I haven't always been so straight-laced, you know. In fact, my grandfather use to let me smoke with him occasionally, in my younger days."

A look of amused confusion was even more apparent than ever upon Ichigo's face. "WHAT?!" Ichigo shouted. "Your grandfather smoked this? And he let you? As a child no less? Wait, they grow this in the soul society?" Ichigo ranted through his confusion.

Not knowing why Ichigo found this so odd, he gave him a sideway glance. "Of course they do. It's just a plant, after all. And maybe I was technically a child, but at the time, I had been alive for decades."

Feeling slightly embarrassed by his own reaction, Ichigo recoiled. "You're right, it is just a plant. I guess I was just surprised. You really don't seem like the type." With that, he handed the joint over to the noble, who promptly put in to his mouth.

Before inhaling, he said, "Sometimes being wrong is a good thing."

One hit of the joint and Byakuya was doubled over, coughing his lungs out. "This stuff is a lot stronger than they used to make it." He managed to get words out through violent coughs.

"Well yeah, they've definitely made some advances in the potency of this little green plant since you were a tyke."

Before Byakuya could question what Ichigo meant by green, he understood. As his coughing subsided, an unfamiliar feeling of euphoria came over him, a sensation he'd only read about in books caused by a plant that only grew in the most remote parts of the Rukongai district.

It was such an intense sensation. His composure was slipping from his hand, which should have made him panic, but surprisingly, the wonder and euphoria negated the panic. Every sense was warped. It felt as if time was just an obscure concept that meant nothing. More than anything though, he wanted to laugh, really laugh.

With his hands buried in his face, he groaned. "I'm high, aren't I?" But he couldn't even finish his sentence before turning to bouts of laughter.

Looking up with ghastly concern, Ichigo asked, "You didn't know?"

Still laughing, Byakuya managed to get out the words. "God no, I thought it was tobacco. Only people like those Shibas go around smoking this stuff, like that crazy Kuukaku with her pipe."

"Hey! I'm technically a Shiba, ya' know?"

"And look what's in your hand," Byakuya bursted out, unable to contain his laughter.

At that moment, the hilarity of the situation overtook Ichigo and he fell into a fit of laughter too. He and Byakuya doubled over, leaning on each other trying to catch their breaths, it was a sight to see. Ichigo managed to compose himself enough to grab a still laughing Byakuya by his shirtsleeve and drag him to the couch. "Here, I have a feeling that gravity and us are a bad combination at the moment."

"I feel like I've been drugged," Byakuya managed to groan out through laughs.

"Yeah, by yourself." Ichigo smiled helplessly at the man. He was enjoying every moment of this very rare sight.

"That's the worst part! How laughable is it that the captain of the 6th division and head of my household, accidentally drugged himself? I swear, Ichigo, every day spent with you is an adventure."

"Oi, you called me Ichigo!" Ichigo noted, smiling like crazy, but Byakuya's head just spun. Ichigo laughed a little more.

Byakuya was finally able to compose himself enough to stop the laughter erupting from his vocal chords, yet, there was still a dorky smile plastered on his face. More than anything, he was glad that Ichigo kept any sarcastic or snarky comments to himself, for it wasn't in his nature to do so, but he must of understand how out of place the noble felt about this. A man who prided himself on composure was completely under the will of a plant and could not contain his intense emotions. He wasn't even sure if he wanted to. He used the same haunting music from before to anchor him. The sobering vocals kept him focused on reality.

"I really enjoy this music," Byakuya proclaimed, sitting on the couch with his knees pulled up to his chest.

Ichigo, someone who obviously had more experience in this department, was amazed that he was seeing such a thing, a noble and a member of the Gotie 13, completely blitzed on his couch. Was this real life?

"You don't seem like the type to enjoy music."

Too high to be offended, Byakuya replied, "Do you really find me that boring?" His voice was dragged out and playful.

"That was the wrong way to word it. I guess you always try and come off as the type who isn't passionate about things, who's miserable, so it's not that I can't see you that way, I just never have."

Looking at him with playful eyes, Ichigo continued, "But now that I think about it, I could totally see you lavishly drinking sake, soaking in a tub, listing to Mozart's Symphony No. 25." Ichigo spoke in an exaggerated voice and theatrically waved his hand around, as a king would do to his servant.

Leaning closer to Ichigo so his pot-scented breath was merely millimeters from Ichigo's heated face, Byakuya replied, "I'm actually more of a Bach 'Toccata and Fugu in D minor' type of man, but close. You'd even be surprised to find out that I have a book collection that would put yours to shame."

"I would expect nothing less from you." The young man beamed through hazed eyes.

Remembering his self-proclamation of wanting to know the man better, mixed with his state of impairment, Byakuya decided to act on his new bravado. "Tell me about what you enjoy, Ichigo. I'm interested."

"Really?" Ichigo gave a look of reluctant joy.

"Yes, you never know. We may have more in common than we thought, and if we don't, then even better. I get to learn new things and possibly pick up something I enjoy more. That's why I like you, Ichigo, because of our differences. If you were just like me then you'd be boring."

Ichigo sat there for a moment too long, silently taking in the fact that Byakuya kept saying his first name. Finally, unable to resist, he teased Byakuya by saying, "Tell me about it," winking at him.

"Yes, we- Hey wait, that was not what I meant!"

"Byakuya, there are tons of words I'd use to describe you, and boring is not one of them."

For some unknown reason, that made them both lively. For the next two hours, they spent time immersed in each other's worlds. Ichigo showed Byakuya different records he'd never heard of: Sigur Ros, The Smiths, Broken Social Society, and more. They shared their favorite books, the one's that changed their lives, the ones that ruined their lives,and the ones that made them feel alive. Byakuya would share stories of his time as a child, running around the soul society. Ichigo would talk about growing up and what life was like with his dad. They mapped each other's lives diligently. Under the dim glow of candle light, they shared all the things that never mattered. They shared stories they'd never told anyone, not because they were personal, but long forgotten through the turmoil and chaotic nature of the lives they'd chosen. They shared all the little things that people write off as unimportant: favorite foods and first kisses, embarrassing childhood stories and adventures of a simpler time. Every once in a while, a story would lead down a direction of something more personal, something darker. When that would happen, each would maneuver and backpedal their way out of the conversation. Both men wanted to share these things, but each knew, without saying a word, that the time wasn't right. Neither of them had enough trust or vulnerability built up to spill out the darker aspects of themselves, at least not yet. And though those horrible life experiences, the one's they avoided talking about like the black death, had molded them into the people they were today, who was to say that all the little experiences hadn't molded them too? All those little things became overshadowed by the colossal fuck-ups in their lives, but those atrocities were merely that: shadows. They concealed and consumed but they did not destroy. For instance, Byakuya's secret love for cooking and his fear of horses after a bad accident were just as big a part of him as the weight he carried on his shoulders. Sadly, they were hidden behind the shadow that was Byakuya's grand tragedy.

For now, both men were content knowing just these things. In this moment, even though neither said it out loud, both felt a deep connection with the other, one that couldn't be rivaled.

The found themselves sitting on the couch, sharing lo mein, swapping stories and laughing fiercely.

"Do you remember last New Year's, that party they had for the Gotei 13?"

"How could I forget?" Byakuya bursted out throughout laughter. "Matsumoto had so much to drink that her uniform came undone and we all saw a different side of her. You could almost hear the simultaneous sound of every male member of the Gotei 13's jaw hit the floor."

Wiping tear-filled eyes, Ichigo reminisced. "Especially Zaraki. I think he would've picked her up and taken her back to the squad eleven barracks if no one had stopped him."

Making a sound of disgust, Byakuya shook his head. "I don't even want to imagine the sadistic things that animal does behind closed doors."

Making a mischievous face, Ichigo teased, "Well you never know. They say if you're dominant in real life, then you're usually submissive in the bedroom. Maybe he's the one who likes the sadistic stuff done to him." Seeing the disgusted look on Byakuya's face only egged him on. "Imagine him, all leather bound and ha-"

"That's enough, Ichigo! I swear, if you make me endure that mental image then you'll never enjoy my divine cooking again," the man warned without much seriousness.

Dropping the subject, Ichigo moved on. "So Byakuya, there's something I've always wanted to know."

Giving the young man a skeptical look, he replied, "What's that?"

"Rukia told me that the elite members of your house hold, because of their status, get bathed by servants. Is that true?" The boy had a look of pure amusement on his face. Byakuya knew he was getting ready to mock him in his endearing Ichigo-way.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but I haven't practiced that since I was a mere boy. As I got older, it made me uncomfortable."

"I can see why. I could never let someone wash me when I'm bodily able to do so myself, not when there are people in this world who don't even have arms. I would feel ashamed."

There was no accusatory judgment in the boy's tone. He was just sharing another opinion from the brain Byakuya found so marvelous. It didn't surprise him that Ichigo felt this way, since he was always thinking of others. Byakuya could only hope that some of Ichigo's purity of spirit would rub onto him. Ichigo brought out the better person within Byakuya.

Merely shrugging his shoulder, the noble responded, "That's just the way of a noble, I suppose."

Ichigo shook his head side to side. "I don't think so. I think being noble is about a lot more that rank and tradition."

Looking almost shocked, Byakuya inquired on what he meant.

"Being noble, to me, is about standing up for your morals, what you believe in, and who you care for. It's about taking a stand no matter what is thrown at you, and always being true to yourself."

There were no words for Byakuya. Ichigo's words had hit a little too close to home for the noble. A part of him knew that Ichigo was right, that being noble had nothing to do with archaic traditions that were put in place for 'the good of the soul society'. However, Byakuya had to tell himself that those archaic traditions and hypocritical decrees were in place for a higher justice. He had to believe, more than anything, that his self-sacrifice was just and that banning a life of love was truly for a higher cause. Even so, parts of him knew that these beliefs stemmed from paralyzing fear of what could be, for Byakuya knew, he could never be as strong as Ichigo was.

Finally, the noble muttered out a question. "So Kurosaki Ichigo, what do you stand up for?" His voice was meek and emotionless but with a glint of light in his eye.

Memories of Milly flooded the orange-haired boy's mind. He thought of his mission to protect her, to keep her safe from than anything, he wanted to stand up for that little girl in the way no one had before. Of course, Ichigo couldn't find the bravado to explain such things at that moment.

Looking down at the watch on his wrist, he gave Byakuya a smile. "That's a story for another day. It's getting late."

"I suppose it is."

With that, the two quietly retreated to their sleep, for Byakuya knew he'd see Ichigo again as soon as he fell asleep.

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Groaning and wiping the sleep from her eyes, Orihime grabbed a cup of coffee from her equally as sleepy fiancé.

Without a word, she yanked it from his hands and gulped in down with haste.

After she finished, she gracelessly placed the cup on the counter and let out a nonsensical array of yawns and grunts.

"These double-shifts are turning my beautiful fiancé into a bad-mannered 're turning into Renji." He placed his dainty hand on her forehead playfully. "Should I be concerned?"

She shot him a ruthless scowl. "I'm this sleepy and you really want to insult me?" Her voice was barely a mumble but still just as threatening.

Laughing nervously, Uryu replied, "But you're still a beautiful brute."

Yanking the coffee cup back up and turning away, she retorted, "That's better."

"So why are you working these extra shifts again? I know money is tight, but I don't want you to kill yourself."

"No, no, no, it's not anything like that." She turned back, now with a full cup of coffee. "Let's just say Yourichi isn't the only one who can play match-maker." She let out a bubbly chirp.

"Oh god, not you too." Uryu prepared to reprimand the girl. "I thought we all agreed that-"

Orihime cut Uryu off by wrapping her arms around his waist. "Calm down, I traded some shifts so I could get some tickets to a show for all of us! All the soul reapers involved in this mission, even Urahara and Yourichi. I figured it'd be fun for us all to hang out together. Plus, Byakuya and Ichi would have even more time to spend together. See, I'm killing two birds with one stone." She paused, thinking. "Well, three actually, since you really like this band too!"

Uryu smiled down adoringly at his benevolent love. How he admired her kindness and never ending reservoir of empathy. It was truly beautiful.

"I love you," the man said adoringly, moving his lips to kiss his love.

She turned her head. "I have morning breath."

"I don't care," he growled playfully.

Within the next ten minutes, Uryu was taking a shower while Orihime made breakfast. Picking up two plates, she walked towards the living area. Placing the plates on the table, she turned to walk back to the kitchen when she heard an unfamiliar voice, clearing its throat.

Turning her head quickly, Orihime saw a green-haired man clad in a black suit with a sword dangling at his side sitting, legs crossed, on her couch.

"You know, when you have guests, you should really offer them some tea. It's the polite thing to do."

Taking a defensive stance, she demanded, "Who are you?"

Chuckling and throwing his long braid behind his shoulder, he stood up. "You don't know? You've all been looking for me and you don't even know what I look like? How troublesome. Well, never mind that." He took a step closer , making Orihime instinctively step closer to the bedroom. "I figured since I'm such a nice guy, I'd help end your search. Here I am." He fanned his arms out as if he was revealing himself as a consolation prize. "Now what are you going to do about it?"

Scowling, her voice was ridged and harsh. Her hate was emphasized with each syllable. "Did you come here first because you think I'm the weakest?" She spoke each word with clear slow enunciations, as if daring him to answer.

With the same contemptuous and derisive grin on his face, he let the fingers of his dominant hand tickle the base of his sword hilt. "Oh, I know you're not weak, but you are considerably weaker than the rest in your group. Just the fact alone that you're a mere human makes you less of a challenge."

The patronizing glare in the mysterious man's eyes only made her anger smolder within her. The arrogance of this man to come into her home and assume it would be so easy. Did he really think Orihime would let him destroy everything she'd spent years building? No, she was no longer the same weak girl, and if she had to die to save Uryu, she'd gladly do so.

"Uryu is here too, you know."

"Ah, but that's the glory of my power. I'm so quick, it only takes an instant to graze you with my sword." He drew his zanpakutou and let his eyes trace the steel blade in admiration. "And once I do, your loved ones never suspect a thing, not until they're lying on the floor dying. See?" A sadistic grin grew cheek to cheek. "How easy it is to turn an emotion that's supposed to be beautiful into a deadly weapon? It absolutely breathtaking how easy you people are to manipulate, so easy that killing you simply isn't enough. No, I want to destroy every inkling of love that has every resided in the living world and the soul society!" Now raising his sword in the girl's direction, he shouted, "And I'll start with you. I know your powers, this should be quick."

Quickly, Orihime pushed aside the disgust she felt for the abhorrent man. There were not enough words in any language to describe the hatred she felt for this man. He took the most beautiful thing in a person's life and used it to destroy them. How could someone be such a monster? However, now was not the time to let emotions stand in the way or flood her judgement. If she wasn't careful, in just a flash, she could lose.

Orihime let out an out of character laugh, barely audible, but highlighted by the challenging glint in her eye and the sly smile on her face. "So, you've been watching me, huh? Then you know I train constantly and have plenty of battle experience, yet I bet there's still some things up my sleeve you haven't seen yet.

Almost thrown off by the girl's new change in attitude, he let out a mocking huff. "Ha! Why are you laughing? You're right. I have been watching you. Well, my subordinates have been watching your battles, and it's easy to say they weren't impressed."

Still smiling, she lifted the middle and index fingers of both her hands to her hair pins. "I wouldn't be so quick to underestimate me. It may be the last thing you do," she fired back with provocation.

Without any incantations or chants, four of Orihime's fairies appeared under a dim yellow light. "Hinahuiku, Lily, Baigon, Tsubaki!" she proclaimed without breaking eye contact with the mysterious man. "You remembered what we learned, right?"

"Yep! We're ready to fight, my lady!"

"Of course we do, do you think all that training was for nothing? Now stop asking dumb questions and let's pound this guy into dust!" the enthusiastic Tsubaki bellowed.

"Right! All of you, reproduction-mode!" And with that, each of her fairies started morphing until each had two identical clones of its self. Without hesitation, she put her hands back to her hair pins and summoned her Shiten Konshun. One of each of the cloned fairies made a barrier surrounding her bedroom's entrance, and one of each surrounded Orihime in a bubble-type fashion. Usually, this technique only required two defensive fairies and Tsubaki, but since it was now using three defensive fairies, the barrier would be stronger.

"Hinahuiku, Lily, Baigon, Tsubaki! Listen, no matter what happens here, no matter what I command you to do, don't take away the shield blocking the bedroom. Not until I finish this guy. It will keep Uryu in, and me out. If this guy gets me with his sword and I order you to return, I want you to fight against me, okay?"

"But my la-" Lily went to protest.

"This is no time for discussions, just do it." All three fairies and each of their clones unanimously agreed.

Taking in the spectacle with all the cocksure arrogance in the world, the rogue soul reaper mockingly clapped his hands together. "That's a cute parlor trick, and you're right; I haven't seen this new skill of yours." By the disgust in his tone, Orihime could tell he was intimidated, despite his attempts to hide it.

"I didn't want to use it until I perfected it." The Shiten Konshun shield she'd placed around herself started floatin until she was looking down at the intruder. "Even after I perfected it, once I heard about you…Well, I figured I'd save it for a special occasion." Her eyes stared down upon him, as if he were the lowest creature on the planet, and her voice boiled with confidence mixed with hatred.

To Orihime's surprise, the man put his zanpakutou back to his waist and gave the girl a farce of a smile. "I'm going to be honest with you, child.I didn't really come here to kill you or your lover boy. You can call this more of a reconnaissance mission, if you will. As my zanpakutou is one of the strongest in existence, if I do say so myself, it isn't really…compatible with your powers. No, I'm not going to waste my breath on you." He turned to face the opposite direction. "I could kill you now if I wanted, but why take the fun away from subjects who could do it without complication?" He paused. "Didn't you find it odd that I sat on your couch waiting for you, me, whose power comes from speed and the element of surprise?" The man let out an amused laugh. "And you played right into it, silly girl. I knew you were holding back the whole time. That's why I came here, to see what exactly that power was." Looking back over his shoulder, he smiled wickedly. "I wasn't very impressed."

"What kind of sick games are you playing? Why not just kill us and get it over with if it's so easy?"

"Simple," he replied with no hesitation. "Because someone of your healing abilities could be of great use to our team. Though you're not a fighter, your abilities to negate reality makes you one of the most powerful people I ever met. As for Uryu, he's probably the strongest fighter out of all of you. His intellect makes him a fierce opponent. I came here to stir the pot, not knock it over." He paused. "I'm not so arrogant to believe I could simply win against him without any trouble."

"I would never help you!" Chagrin was clear in her voice.

A playfully wicked smile grew across the man's face. "Trust me, if I decided I wanted you, there would be nothing you could do to stop it."

Orihime was seething. She couldn't believe this man had played her for a fool. More so, she couldn't believe that he thought he could just stand up and walk away from this situation without a fight, that she'd let him breathe another breath when those breaths threatened the very existence of everyone she loved. Composure melted from the girl as her frame began to shake. Fury was becoming all-consuming, a very unnatural sensation for the girl, but when she thought of this man and his capabilities and the sadistic way he used them, any equilibrium she had fled. The courage she had was replaced with a different type of fortitude, one backed up with a passionate rage.

"You forget one thing! My strongest power, the one you've never seen before, is my will!" she yelled loudly enough to alarm passing by neighbors. "The stronger my will to protect, the stronger I am." Suddenly, a surge of power ran through the girl and the yellow light surrounding her became blinding. With her palms upwards and arms out, the shielding bubble began to raise more and her hair blew uncontrollably in the presence of her heightened spiritual pressure.

"Tsubaki, reproduction." Without even placing her fingers to her pins, five Tsubaki clones surrounded the mysterious man, entrapping him within a pentagram of offensive power. Before the girl could release, she heard a large pounding behind her and a familiar voice pleading for her to let him out.

"Hime', let me out now, dammit! Listen to me, you don't need to do this!" More pounding. "I know you want to protect me, but if something happens to you…" The urgent voice fell off into a melancholy plea.

Ignoring the demands of her fiancé, her scornful eyes looked forward intensely. "I'll release you when I'm finished here." Her voice took on a hostility he'd never before encountered.

"Orihime, damnit-"

"No!" She snapped. "I'll let you out once he's dead."

The words hit Uryu like a ton of bricks. Orihime's whole essence was life. She was a beautiful goddess whose hands wouldn't be sullied by death. Even when she battled, never did she land the final blow. She was always able to hold her own, but if, for some reason, a life had to be taken, it was never at the healing goddess's hands. This was a girl who would heal her enemies just because she couldn't bear to know she had the ability to save a life and didn't. Orihime was the embodiment of love and life, so the vixen's venomousness words punctured a hole in Uryu spirt. Suddenly, he understood. He was frustrated that it had taken him this long to figure out. More than anyone, Orihime had taken the atrocities of this beast hard. While everyone found it disgusting, her abhorrence for the situation had always been on a different level than the rest of the team's. The reason was simple. This mysterious man not only attacked the people she cared about, but he did it using what Orihime considered to be the most powerful and beautiful thing in the world: love. Her love and compassion for her friends, patients, and humanity in general was what made Orihime special. It was all-enduring and an emotion she truly believed could save the world,so not only was she protecting her friends, but she was protecting love in general. This was the reason behind her resentful chagrin and death threats towards the man.

Uyru could see her battle through the doorway. Orihime, unmercifully and without discrimination, sent offensive blasts at the man. One after the other, he'd dodge each with ease. However, this wasn't a testament to her lack of aim, but a testament to this man's unnatural speed. Almost rivaling a bullet, he pounced back and forth around the now destroyed living room. Although he was quick and could dodge the attacks simply, Orihime's persistence and diligence began to wear him down, for he couldn't escape; Orihime's offensive attacks were all-encompassing. Her speed and aim also became taxing, for he had no choice but to dodge her with his full speed.

And then it happened. He was just a second too slow and was nicked in the legs by one of Tsubaki's attacks, sending him flying to the floor. With that, Orihime released the barrier surrounding herself and Uryu. With caution yet confidence, she walked up to the man who was writhing in pain.

She bent down on one knee and took on a softer tone. "I hope you know that it wasn't an accident that I hit you in such a non-damaging way." Her eyes filled with single-minded determination. "I could have killed you…but," she paused, "When I finally allowed myself to feel the hate inside of me, I knew I was doing exactly what you wanted. If I killed you, then you would have won. You would have succeeded in killing the love within me."

The mystery man's face was a mixture of exasperation and amusement. With widened eyes and a wry smile, he retorted, "I hope you know I could have killed you too. It just would've been such a waste."

If he was hoping to rattle Orihime, then he effected the wrong person. Suddenly, the man was dangling in the air, his breathing being obstructed by Uryu's fierce grip. "Now, now, you finally came out to play."

With all the malice and antipathy he could summon, his bloodthirsty eyes fell upon the dangling man. "Orihime has always been the light to my dark, shining a way for me to be a better person. In ways, she's succeeded, but trust me." Grit was obvious in the man's snarl. "Even though her light outshines my dark, it's still there, dormant. Don't think for a second that just because she won't kill you, I won't." He paused, voice becoming less sinister. "Luckily for you, we need information on your subordinates, so I won't kill you where you stand, but your sick game ends here. You didn't come here to kill us. Maybe to gather information, but it's more than that. I just think you like playing with your food before you eat. I know you're all about mind games, and this was just another one, am I right?"

Dangling in midair, the man let out a laugh, signifying that Uryu's attempt for intimidation wasn't working. It made the couple feel uneasy. How could he be so confident when he was hanging midair in the clutches of Uryu? What was going to happen?

"It may just be a game, Uryu, but remember, even a game has a winner."

"Wha-" Before he could finish his statement, Uryu felt a slight prick in his side in unison with a numbing sensation. First, his hand gave way to the assailant's throat. Next, his legs became jello and he dropped to his knees. Looking beside him, he saw his love, lying on the floor with the same look of confusion. Both of them were slowly realizing their situation. They were paralyzed.

"My-m-y Ransotengai, why- it's not working!"

Suddenly, a new voice appeared that made the couple look up. There stood a girl in a revealing red dress. On her arms were vines that twined from the shoulders down to her wrist. The base of the vines intertwined with thick wooden branches that merged into the base of her weapons. On one wrist, there was a long, slim, silver launching device with six separate barrels. Connected to that was a long silver chain entwined with thorny branches and connected to a miniature sickle on the opposite wrist.

"Aw." The girl's voice was dripping with fake sweetness. "You mean that little trick you do to stop paralysis?You obviously don't know who you're talking to." Doing a slight curtsey, she mockingly introduced herself. "How rude of me, and especially after you showed my master such a good time. I'm the queen of poison, but you can call me Poison Ivy. You see this cute little device? It produces all kinds of poisons, the kind that make you sleep, the kind that causes extreme pain or maybe temporary blindness…even death." Her casual mention of death made Orihime cringe. "As for your trick, this specific poison blocks a person's ability to absorb or output reiryoku, meaning your puppet trick won't work. You're powerless. My sickle is also drenched in a deadly poison. Isn't it so beautiful? This is the embodiment of my love for my master." Letting out a girly chirp, she patted her master on the head, who'd been catching his breath on the floor beside her.

"That bastard knows nothing of love," Uryu spat at the girl.

Frowning and putting out her bottom lip, she began to pout. "Don't say that! Master had so much fun with you, and I'm sure he wanted to again, really soon. I can't even believe you'd be so mean, even when we've decided to let you live. Tisk tisk, some people have no sense of gratitude."

"Salim." Her master's deep, serious voice commanded her. "It's time to leave."

"Of course, master!"

As the girl put one arm around the man and lifted him up, he struggled to find footing on his bad leg. Still, he had the same amused look on his face as before. "Don't worry, the poison will wear off soon."

Before the girl flash-stepped away, the man added one more thing. "This game was so much fun, wasn't it? I can't wait for the next round."