A/N: another chapter is here! (crickets chirping). Anyways, you guys/gals continue to be awesome and please read/review!

The rest of the week passed much the same way. Ichigo would wake up, be surprised-less and less by Yoruichi's presence in his bed, but more and more by her gradual lack of clothing-they would get up, train, relax in the springs and talk.

Ichigo's powers were increasing at an enormous rate. By the fifth day, his reiatsu levels were the same as when he'd first arrived in the fake Karakura town. The only reason they weren't higher was because he had made no more progress with his soul 'un-scattering'. Zangetsu had tried to encourage him, telling him that he was close, but Ichigo found little consolation as he had no clue how to continue.

Though he was feeling discouraged about his task from his inner parts, he found himself being able to unwind a bit. A natural byproduct of their near constant proximity, Ichigo was getting more and more comfortable around Yoruichi. He found that her constant presence had quite the calming effect for him. He still couldn't seem to handle her taking her clothes off near him, but the first morning at the mansion had been...interesting:

Flashback
Yoruichi awoke feeling great. She was warm and had slept like a baby. She woke up to a muscular chest rising and falling gently under her cheek. As she rose, she was again surprised that Ichigo's arms tightened around her, giving her a little mobility but no chance of escape. She smiled and relaxed, content to run her fingers through his hair as she watched him sleep. 'I really like it longer like this,' she thought.

As she rubbed his scalp, Ichigo shifted, drawing her close again like that first morning together. His face was in her neck, and she felt him breathing gently on her exposed skin. Goosebumps ran up and down her skin as she shivered from the delicious feeling, and she nearly melted when he breathily sighed, "Yoruichi".

Feeling herself warming to his touch, she felt his morning arousal pressing into the leg that she had over his. Shifting uncomfortably, she thought hungrily, 'Wow. This is torture. He needs to wake up, NOW, or I won't be responsible for what i do to him.' She was relieved and also disappointed as amber eyes snapped open, widening at what they saw.

Ichigo's eyes grew large and he began to stammer, "Y-Yoruichi! What are you doing here?! Wait, I didn't...," he looked down, seeing her with a tank top and shorts. He exhaled slowly, relaxing a bit. "You're wearing clothes," he said, relief evident in his voice.

"We can change that, if you'd prefer," she purred.

"It just wouldn't be a good day for you if you didn't tease me, eh?", he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Funny you should say that, berry," she began. "I came in here because I couldn't sleep. I have gotten familiar with your scent and couldn't get comfortable in my own room without it. As far as our position...well, you latched on when I laid down and it was just too warm to move."

It was at this moment that Ichigo noticed his arms around her. "Sorry," he muttered, blushing as he let her go, instantly missing her warmth. "I didn't mean to...well, you know...sorry...," he kept muttering.

"No need to apologize. I quite enjoyed it," she said with a wink. 'Quite a bit, in fact.'

"Pervert," Ichigo muttered, denying to himself that he also enjoyed it.

"Now that's not nice! I just meant that I got a very good nights sleep. Didn't you?", she asked, a little miffed.

"Actually, I did. I feel really rested," he quickly confessed when he saw her pout.

"Good! Time for a little tag! Get your berry ass up and lets go!"

"Geez, you're as bad as my dad! He always tries to kill me waking me up too. A little differently, though."

"I should hope so! Now get moving! Lots to do," she said as she rolled him out of the bed and dumped him onto the floor.
End Flashback

By the morning of the fifth day she had progressed to wearing...nothing actually. Ichigo woke up to a naked Yoruichi with her ample chest pressed to his. He had stuttered and flushed until he fell out of bed, growling about perverted neko women and refusing to turn around until she had put clothes on.

However, Ichigo was in high spirits by he end of the that same day. He was recovering his powers beautifully. He was able to, somewhat, control his wild reiatsu through some of the stealth squad techniques that Yoruichi taught him, and his fighting skills were coming back at an incredible rate.

While he was making great progress, Zangetsu and Shiro had made it clear that his powers return would most likely come before he actually could use his higher releases.

"While you will not have to attain bankai again, you must first develop a stronger control of your reiatsu. Unleashing it now could prove catastrophic until you can control the power."

"And you don't get my Resurrecion until you can find some way to pull your head out of your ass. Good luck with that."

A more interesting development was when he learned that he was somewhat of a kido prodigy. Yoruichi had convinced Rukia to come and help train ichigo in the discipline during the first few days when she had had to attend to various clan duties and needs. While not a master, he was able to nail down many hado and bakudo spells within a few days, pleasing his teacher, and surprising himself.

During those sessions, he had been able to reconnect with Rukia, whom he had really missed in his time without powers. Though they never actually discussed it, each was the 'annoying same-age spiritual-world sibling' type that they both felt that they needed. Both also found it easy to open up and relax due to the lack of any attraction or romantic feelings that Ichigo found sometimes stifled his conversations with Yoruichi.

During breaks, they would often talk of their mutual friends in the living world, Ichigo's family, Ichigo's possible plans for the future, Rukias training, and other topics that, while not pressing or immediately important, provided the other with a way to unwind and simply talk. Both found these chats to be quite cathartic, as it allowed them a chance to finally express themselves with someone who could understand the others mindset from a purely platonic point of view.

These sessions were very uplifting to Ichigo for several reasons. First, he was very pleased that he was as capable as he was with kido. While nowhere near Rukias proficiency, his learning rate was incredible. Another reason was because he discovered, quite by accident, that Rukia had gotten much stronger.

In the course of one of his lessons, Ichigo had found himself on the business end of a particularly nasty binding spell following a comment on her height. While initially pissing him off, this actually made him very happy to know that she hadn't just rested on her laurels since his sacrifice had removed the threat, rather she had been working to improve herself for the future. He had held no particular expectations, as it was his nature to shoulder all burdens himself, but the fact remained that he was pleased that she continued to push herself.

Also, the sessions were uplifting to Ichigo because he was getting even better at controlling his reiatsu by using the control required for kido, as well as the different techniques Yoruichi taught him. He was even getting to the point to where he could mildly suppress it, and by the arrival of the fifth day, he could conceal up to half of his reiatsu, which Yoruichi had claimed was quite the achievement.

A lesson that particularly lifted his spirits, happened on the fifth day when Kisuke had shown up. He had taken over Ichigo's training for the day as Yoruichi had an important errand to run. After hearing about Ichigo's encounters with the teasing and flirtatious noble, Kisuke couldn't pass up the opportunity to "help their progress" as he had thought.

"You know, you could always tease her back," he had said behind his fan, his eyes dancing with mischief.

"What do you mean?", Ichigo asked dumbly. "She would think I'm a pervert. She only teases me because I'm easy prey." 'How could I possibly tease her?'

"Is that so?," Urahara asked, still behind his fan. "So she teases others? Does she also train other people? Did she go visit anyone else on her rare days off?"

Unable to give a response, or let himself ponder the implications, Ichigo simply shook his head. "I thought not," urahara continued. "Now...the best way to counter Yoruichi's teasing is to..."

After a while, Ichigo was grinning, 'that's gotta work! Haha, see how she likes it!' He smirked as he planned out his teasing revenge. He decided to save it for one of the morning greetings she gave, as he was far too fond of his time spent talking with her after training in the springs to risk pissing her off.

Along with his various forms of "progress", through his talks with Yoruichi, he had come to know quite a bit more about her. They talked about interests, passions, jokes, traded stories, and more in every break and each evening. Ichigo couldn't help his increasingly powerful infatuation with her as the mystery that was the 'Goddess of Flash' became gradually clearer to him with each conversation.

Very quickly, Ichigo realized (even more than he already believed) that Yoruichi was...she was incredible. So smart, incredibly funny and her spirit drew him to her like a moth to a flame. Not to mention she was incredibly beautiful, as ichigo was finding himself more and more physically aware of the purple-haired goddess. His overactive mind kept forcing her smiles and seductive smirks into his thoughts most moments of the day.

Seeming to exacerbate his increasingly active imagination, each morning and each trip to the hot springs became harder and harder to keep his eyes and mind averted from increasingly wayward thoughts as Yoruichi's warm, soft skin, intoxicating scent, and mesmerizing eyes constantly assaulted his senses.

Ichigo constantly berated himself for thinking those thoughts, as he knew he was incredibly unworthy of her attentions in any manner other than as her student. She was a veritable goddess, and while he was called the hero of the winter war, he knew he was nothing compared to her brilliance. Just a commoner kid with a huge amount of reiatsu and an inner hollow that wanted to take over. Not really much to offer a noble princess who was perfect in every aspect that he could define.

Ichigo somewhat admitted his infatuation within himself, but would never say aloud what he really felt. He couldn't say that word. To admit that would be to invite soul-crushing rejection, and he knew he couldn't handle that. Fear was something he had never really had time to deal with, yet when he considered the possibility of life without her again, his chest would tighten and his heart would pound erratically, causing him to stop whatever line of thought he was currently on.

Zangetsu had adamantly refuted his claims of unworthiness, not wanting him to believe so poorly in himself, while Shiro constantly told him to take advantage of the teasing and skin showings and get laid. He ignored that, knowing that he could never settle for a simple fling. Not that it mattered, as Ichigo was sure Yoruichi was just teasing him, and he wasn't going to push it over that line. Overall, it had been a tough week in that sense.

However, when he woke up to a nude Yoruichi in his arms on the sixth day, instead of going through his routine of blushing and turning away, he decided to give Uraharas teasing tricks a try. 'Yoruichi will balk if you call her bluff. She'll be too shocked to retaliate, so next time you wake up, go on the offensive and see what happens!'

When Yoruichi stirred awake in Ichigo's arms, she looked up at him with her trademark smirk, "Mmm, good morning berry. Now you wouldn't want a morning like this to go to waste, would you Ichigo?", she said in her most seductive purr as she moved herself up, coming eye to eye with him. 'Let's get that blush going early!'

Motioning like he was going to move her off of him while holding her arms still, he began to roll, yet as he did, he pulled her arms over her head and rolled on top of her, resting his body against the contours of hers. Huskily whispering in her ear with his breath tickling her neck, he asked, "How could we stop it from being wasted, kitten?"

Yoruichi's breath caught as she froze, 'Please, let this be real,' she thought as her heart began to beat furiously. She had been waiting for him to respond to her flirting for so long, she couldn't believe his sudden turnaround.

Pausing, she began to think,' Wait...Kisuke was training him yesterday...and Ichigo NEVER even acts like he knows I am a woman...son of a bitch! Oh, I am so going to win this one!

Ichigo began to smirk at her shocked expression, thinking he'd finally won a teasing victory. However, as he began get off of the bed, Yoruichi shunpoed, carrying him with her as she pressed him to the door of the room. She wrapped one of her legs around his waist and pressing her naked body to him, purred, "Stay, Ichigo. I can already feel you ready for me, lets try some different training."

Ichigo looked into her eyes, almost giving in to his thoughts and Shiro's suggestions. The look in her eyes made him desperately want to...'wait a second. She's supposed to be shellshocked, not pinning me to the door! Oh shit, shit, shit! Kisuke is full of shit! I gotta get out of here or I'm going to do something to her and she will kill me!'

"Dammit!", he shouted. As he got out of her grasp, he opened and slid out the door, refusing to open it until the hysterically laughing Yoruichi put clothes on.

Once she did, she told him to meet her in the front hallway, as was her usual routine. When he dressed and finally came down, he saw she wasn't dressed for training, but in a simple kimono. "Are we not training today?", he asked, surprised.

"WE are not training today, YOU are," she clarified. 'Since nothing else works on your dense ass, I'll try a different approach'. Ichigo looked up, confused.

"Since you've done so well this week, tonight I am having you accompany me to a gala event. Many nobles from the clans will be here, as well as most of the captains. You'll officially be going as my bodyguard, but its something that I thought would be fun!", she said, her eyes alight with excitement.

'How can I say no to that face?', he thought. Remembering his manners-or lack thereof- he said, "Umm, Yoruichi, while I would love to go with you...I'm not really what you'd call 'noble material'. I have absolutely no idea how to act at something like that," he finished, terrified of embarrassing her in front of her clan.

"I figured you would say as much, that's why I have arranged for you to receive noble training!", she smirked deviously. "You're going to report to the Kuchiki mansion today where Bya-bo has graciously agreed to show you how to properly behave around nobility!"

Ichigo sweatdropped, "...tell me you're joking," he said as a look of horror crossed his face. Byakuya Kuchiki had made it clear that he had nothing but disdain for the former substitute shinigami ever since they had met.

"Don't worry, he's not as bad as he seems. He's been at this a long time and has a lot of experience that you can learn from. Pleeeeeeease, Ichigo?", she asked, looking up with sad, large, golden eyes.

"Awwwww, do I have to?", he whined, knowing the battle was lost. He was powerless against her eyes as it was, but when she gave him that pitiful look, he knew he never stood a chance of saying no.

"It's either that, or tag in which every time I get you, you have to take off a piece of clothing," she purred, looking him up and down hungrily.

"Ok ok, I'm going I'm going!", he huffed. Yoruichi smiled, 'piece of cake'.

Ichigo's dread increased as he approached the massive Kuchiki estate. As he approached the gate, the guards stopped him. "State your name and business," one barked.

Ichigo fought the urge to roll his eyes. "Ichigo Kurosaki. I am here to see Byakuya Kuchiki. He is expecting me." The guards were visibly displeased at the way he so casually used Kuchiki-samas name, but let him pass.

As he entered the front foyer, a well dressed servant came up to him, "Ichigo Kurosaki, I presume?" The servant was well spoken and had a kind expression. Ichigo nodded and was led to a set of double doors. As the servant knocked, Ichigo heard a voice he had thought he had forgotten coldly say, "Enter."

Entering the room, he saw that Byakuya had changed from his usual (at least to ichigos memory) attire with the blue scarf that Ichigo remembered wanting to strangle him with, to a high-necked haori and his hair down to his shoulders. Ichigo sweatdropped as Byakuya coldly looked at him and, pointing to a chair in front of his desk, ordered, "sit."

Not wanting to disappoint Yoruichi, he begrudgingly sat. "From what I gather," the Kuchiki head stoically began, "your manners have not improved since we last met, and I am to help remedy that problem."

Ichigo scowled as he thought he saw a smug gleam in Byakuyas eyes as he said this. 'Stuck up bastard,' Ichigo thought.

"Look, I know you don't like me and all, but I just don't want to embarrass Yoruichi in front of the clans. She said that you were experienced in interacting with nobility, which I of course know is true, so she thought I could learn from you," Ichigo said, ending with a sigh.

"Saying that you could learn from me is quite the understatement, however," he paused, "I do not dislike you entirely, Ichigo Kurosaki."

Ichigo's head snapped up, "Huh? You've openly hated me since I first came to Soul Society."

"Not quite. At first, I will admit that I...misunderstood you. However, seeing your character shine through time and again, no matter the situation you faced, you have earned my respect. I do not approve of your lack of manners, however I do not judge you based on that fact alone. You have sacrificed your life and happiness for people and realms that you weren't even aware of, and you saved my sister. Not to mention what you did for Yoruichi even in human form. So again I say, I do not dislike you, Ichigo Kurosaki."

Ichigo was floored. He had never expected this type of treatment from Byakuya. "Umm...t-thanks, Byakuya."

Nodding in acknowledgement, the stoic clan leader began, "Let us begin. The first thing to understand is that Yoruichi is high nobility. No matter your relationship with her, in public you must always address her as Lady Shihoin or Yoruichi-sama. To do otherwise would be disrespectful to her and her position."

Ichigo nodded, he had figured as much. With as many times as Byakuya and Toshiro demanded to be called by their titles, he assumed it could only be worse in the world of nobility.

"As such," Byakuya continued, " all of your behaviors must follow this same principle. When walking, always do so behind her. Never sit before her, never eat, drink or speak before her, unless answering a direct question. Treat her as humans would royalty. However, as her bodyguard, she is your responsibility. While she is more than capable of defending herself, this is your responsibility tonight. Though you are not to enter a gala of this nature armed, I believe that your fighting skills shall suffice-not that there would be a need."

The lessons went on for hours. Everything from acceptable greetings, conversation topics, posture, eating (what the hell was up with so many utensils?!) and more. By the end, Ichigo's head was swimming with information. He understood it all, yet it was still a lot to take in.

"Lastly, you must be extremely careful of how you act around those who interact with Yoruichi. I understand that you and she are quite close, however you must keep your wits about you. There will be clan members who will not be happy with her ascension. Her honor is under your guard, but you need to keep your temper in check. Rash outbursts would be detrimental to her status, even with your own as the Hero of the Winter War. Also," Byakuya hesitated-this will tell me a lot-,"there will be many potential suitors there, all vying for Yoruichi's attention." He noticed Ichigo visibly tense, his scowl deepening.

Hardening his gaze, Byakuya stated, "You are not to interfere. To do so could be considered a political move at worst, a commoners infatuation at best. Simply 'grit and bear it', as the saying goes. This is critical. Understood?" Ichigo's blood was boiling at the thought, but he nodded.

Relenting, he added, "Yoruichi is according you a great honor by permitting you to attend, and if you follow what I have shown you, you will not disappoint her. I will be in attendance as well, and will try to keep an eye out and make sure all goes well."

Ichigo let out a loud breath. "Thank you, Byakuya. Seriously, I do appreciate the help."

Byakuya nodded, saying,"You will do well if you keep your temper in check. Also, you must address me as Kuchiki-sama tonight as well. I am clan leader, after all," he said with a small smirk. '

Shocked, ichigo thought, Did he just smile?! Hell, for that...I'll do it.'

"Just for tonight, I don't want you to think that I've developed manners or anything," Ichigo smirked.

"Indeed not. Very well, Kurosaki, return to the Shihoin manor where I believe your clothes for this evening will be waiting for you." Ichigo raised an eyebrow, but bowed slightly and left, once again thanking the Kuchiki leader for his help.

As Ichigo made his way back to the Shihoin mansion, he felt a dull ache tugging at his heart after Byakuyas words concerning suitors. He cursed his fate, 'I get my powers back, I get to see her again, but now I have to see her pursued by Kami knows how many men? Sure, she may have called them peacocks, but she's a noble princess-she has to marry one of those pieces of shit, right? Why do I have to see this?' Yet, he would go for her. He would do anything for her, but tonight was going to be hard. As her 'bodyguard', he would have to stand close and take it.

He sighed, it couldn't be helped. He knew he would go, he would behave, and he would make her happy. He would put on the best smile he could and not ruin her night. Well, he wouldn't have to smile, as Byakuya had told him to try and blend in as much as possible, to not detract attention from Yoruichi. From what he'd seen of nobles, they always had haughty looks and their noses in the air, but seldom were there smiles.

"It will be alright, Ichigo. She is not doing this to punish you, rather she believes that she is treating you to a fun night after your hard work," Zangetsu consoled.

'I know, Zangetsu, I know. I'm just trying to rationalize all of these feelings. She's not mine, she never was going to be. I just couldn't help it. She's..."

"Quit being such a damn baby! You could have nailed her to the door this morning and you pussed out, so quit your bitching. She's not the only chick alive, jackass," Shiro shouted, while Ichigo did his best to ignore him.

As Ichigo entered the large mansion, he was greeted by the very golden-eyed goddess he had just been thinking of. She had makeup on, but was still wearing a simple kimono. "You were gone quite a while, berry! Come on!," she said, dragging him down the corridor to his room.

"Where are you dragging me?! I'm sure wherever it is I'll be better off there with both arms!", he yelled as she was pulling his arm behind her demanding pace.

"Oh hush! We have to get you into your clothes for tonight! We have to be ready to enter in a hour!", she said, not bothering to turn around or let go of his arm.

"What do you mean? What's wrong with what I'm wearing?", Ichigo huffed. He had never been one for dressing up.

"Ichigo, this is a formal event. You will be wearing a kimono, no question," she said, looking back at him sternly.

"The things I do for you," he muttered, letting himself be dragged along. As they reached his room, Yoruichi led him in.

She pushed him onto the bed while she pointed to the closet. "Your outfit for tonight is in there. I'm sure Byakuya told you that you have to leave Zangetsu in here?"

Ichigo nodded. "Don't look so nervous! It's not so bad. Just stay within 5 feet of me all night. If you do a good job, I might let you get a little closer," she added with a wink.

Ichigo blushed, "I won't disappoint you, Lady Shihoin."

Yoruichi frowned, narrowing her golden eyes at him. "That won't fly after tonight, got it?" Again Ichigo nodded. 'I sure wish he'd loosen up. I won't get many chances like this to show him off'. "Now I have to go finish getting ready. Get dressed and meet me in the main corridor in 30 minutes!", she said as she shunpoed out the door.

After dressing, Ichigo went down to the main corridor to wait for Yoruichi. He became more and more nervous with each passing moment. 'What the hell am I doing? I don't belong at an event like this! I know I'll just screw something up and embarrass Yoruichi. Shit! Add that to the fact that I have to watch a bunch of assholes clambering for her attention...this is going to be a long night. Why did I ev-...," he cut off mid thought as he saw...her.

She looked like something out of a dream. She was in a deep purple kimono with pale floral designs snaking their way up the side. Her violet hair was up in a elegant, attractive arrangement and her eyes...her eyes seemed to glow as they met up with Ichigo's. Ichigo's mouth went dry. He was in shock, stunned in awe of her beauty.

"Holy shit, kingy, kitty cleans up nice," Shiro said.

"Instead of rudely staring, Ichigo, it would be appropriate to compliment her," Zangetsu said, trying to keep Ichigo from embarrassing himself as Yoruichi approached him.

"Y-Yoruichi-sama...you are...I mean...you look so beautiful," he managed to get out, too stunned to even blush.

She was not in a much better state, "Ichigo, you look so...handsome."

Yoruichi POV
Yoruichi was back to her room as she had just left Ichigo's. Her attendants began putting the final touches on her hair and makeup. 'Why is he so nervous? I hope Byakuya didn't freak him out. I know he would have been thorough. I want him to have fun tonight...well ok, I know that this is not either of our main idea of fun, but still. Plus, I can't wait to see him in that kimono! I'll have to keep the women off of him all night! I wonder what his reaction to the suitors there will be. Hopefully...something.'

When she finished getting ready, she began the trek to the main corridor. As she approached, she saw him. His shocking orange hair stood out at all the crazy, shaggy angles it always did. His huge muscles were snugly covered by a long black jacket with deep red inner lining, under which he wore jet black hakama bottoms and black tabi.

Yoruichi had had this outfit custom made for Ichigo, in tribute to his outfit while in bankai. She had to admit, it was one of her favorite looks on him.

She took her eyes off of his body and looked at his face, her breath catching. He was staring, eyes slightly bulging, with open wonder. Yoruichi saw a hunger in them that made her joints feel slightly wobbly and her stomach tighten up. 'I know I am not mistaking this, he is attracted to me, at least.'

As if to affirm her assumption, Ichigo stuttered, "Y-Yoruichi-sama...you are...I mean...you look so beautiful."

Feeling just as tongue-tied, she said, "Ichigo, you look so...'yummy'...handsome."
End Yoruichi POV

Ichigo shook his head to clear his thoughts. Yoruichi was having a hard time herself, but she was used to putting on a mask for the crowd. "Are you ready, bodyguard of mine? It's show time", she smirked.

Ichigo couldn't help it. Smirking back, he said, "But of course, Lady Shihoin." She rolled her eyes at him before leading him to a hallway where he could see others entering what was obviously a large room.

He took a deep breath as they moved forward, stopping at the doorway as a guard stood straight and proclaimed, "Lady Yoruichi Shihoin!" Ichigo wanted to groan as the entire assembly turned to them and clapped loudly for her.

As she walked, Ichigo trailed quietly behind, trying to remain as inconspicuous as his six foot frame and bright orange hair would allow. After what seemed like thousands of "Yoruichi-sama's" and "Lady Shihoin's", they finally reached a group of people who looked incredibly similar to Yoruichi. While the hair colors were all different, each had what seemed to be trademark dark skin as well as large yellow eyes. 'Family trait, I see', Ichigo thought.

As two-a man and a woman- stepped forward, they both regarded Ichigo with appraising eyes. The woman was Yoruichi's height with deep blue hair. She was pretty, wearing a dark green kimono with red floral designs, and even Ichigo could see the relation between her and Yoruichi. The man was slightly taller, wearing a solid black kimono to match his pitch black hair.

Yoruichi bowed slightly, saying, "It is good to see you, mother, father. Ichigo, this is my mother Amaya and my father Takuya." Turning to them, she smiled as she said, "and this is Ichigo Kurosaki, Hero of the Winter War and my current pupil."

Ichigo bowed to them, saying, "It is an honor to meet you both."

"So this is the one that's kept you so busy lately," her mother said. "My my, he sure is a handsome one," she purred as she stepped forward to greet Ichigo. "It's nice to put a face to all of the stories you've generated. Quite the legend, here in Soul Society."

Ichigo could only nod in acknowledgement as Takuya had stepped forward, grasping Ichigo's hand in a very firm handshake. "I am most pleased to finally meet Yoruichi's pupil and the Hero of the Winter War. Quite the honor to have the great hero be not only a pupil of my daughter but her public bodyguard!", he chuckled good naturedly, however...Ichigo thought he saw a steel glint in his eyes. One that unmistakably said, "Allow harm to befall her and you're dead".

Well, at least Yoruichi comes by it honestly', he thought at Amaya's initial comment. "Thank you for your kind words. Yoruichi-sama has been an incredible teacher and I owe her a great debt," he said, drawing a smile from Amaya and an acknowledging nod from Takuya.

At this point, Yoruichi redirected Ichigo's attention, as he was then introduced to several of her family members. While all were polite, he couldn't help up feel like he was being appraised. He kept his answers and responses brief, but as friendly as he could manage to limit his chances of embarrassing himself.

Soon after, Yoruichi led Ichigo over to a group of people whom he recognized as captains Kyroaku, Ukitake, Unohana, Hitsugaya, Kuchiki and Soi Fon, with their respective lieutenants in another group beside them.

They spent most of the evening in this area, as she wanted Ichigo to be able to be around friends, but also those who could keep an eye on him. It was getting closer to the time of the evening where suitors always showed up to pester her, as well as those...not-so-well wishers within the clan. Her ascension back into prominence definitely did not sit well with all, and they of course liked to remind her of this.

As none had approached yet, Yoruichi and Ichigo were in conversations with the groups of captains and lieutenants respectively. She was giving the captains a rundown of Ichigos progress, bragging a little bit on how far he'd come. Yoruichi began to have a hard time concentrating, though, as a certain busty blonde fukutaichou was laughing loudly while trying to hang on Ichigo's arm.

She had been hearing bits and pieces of the conversation, some of it centered around Ichigo's training, yet most of it was about Ichigo's first experience in inebriation. There were frequent outbreaks of laughter as they recalled his various stunts, yet Yoruichi froze when she heard Matsumoto coo seductively, "He's lost his alcohol virginity, but it looks like we'll have to do something about the other type, ne, Ichigo?", eliciting a round of gasps and chuckles from the group.

Before she could turn around to correct the blonde woman's obvious mistake in assuming she would be allowed to have Ichigo, Yoruichi's mother came to her side. "Yoruichi, come over and meet someone, he is a member of the Kasumioji clan, and quite a cute one, too," she finished with a sly whisper.

Ichigo stiffened, yet felt a mixture of dread and relief as he felt a small hand roughly jerk his arm, "We have to step away, Ichigo." He turned to see Yoruichi's golden eyes slightly glaring at him.

'What the hell? Is she mad at me? What the hell did I do, besides having to go watch her be fawned over?

Remaining calm, he said in a tone that conveyed his confusion, "yes, Lady Shihoin." Yoruichi said nothing, just turning and waking away with her mother, Ichigo following them to the edge of the room, next to an open door that led to a balcony.

The next-however long (neither could really keep track of time as they tried to hold onto sanity) was...hell. Hell for Yoruichi, because the 'peacocks' were so damn annoying. 'You are so lovely, Lady Yoruichi.' 'Ahh, rumors of your beauty do not do you justice.' Blah blah BLAH! They wouldn't stop. They. Just. Wouldn't. Stop. They had absolutely nothing for her and she was having a hard time just pretending to be interested.

Her mind kept wandering, back to Ichigo. She thought about how amazing he looked in the kimono she had designed for him. She thought about how good he'd look without that kimono. She thought about performing shunko on that big chested blonde bitch that had no idea of the fire she was playing with.

'I want Ichigo's virginity! I want...Ichigo. All of him...kami, I'm falling for him. I've FALLEN for him. Shit! I've fallen for someone who couldn't tell his ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to women. It could be years before he decides anything. Oh damn, better nod, looks like this one asked a question...'
...

Ichigo was in hell. The constant stream of reminders that he was simply a visitor, an outsider, in Yoruichis noble world was wearing his nerves thin. He tried to alleviate the stress by mocking the peacocks.

'Of course she's gorgeous, dipshit! You think she'll give you the time of day for that!? Ha! Still, I wish I could tell her that without ruining everything. If I said that, she wouldn't even want to train with me, or she'd turn the teasing up.'

"You suck, king. I'm ashamed to be a part of you," Shiro said.

"Why not give her the chance to decide? You cannot assume to speak for her, especially in these matters," Zangetsu said.

'I...I can't. I can't lose her. I don't have her, but I can't lose what I do have. I also don't want to be the sap she just teases into insanity. My silence is my last form of protection.'

"Are you blind!? Do you see what's going on here? YOU'RE LOSING HER! Do you think whatever piece of shit she marries will let you hang around? Everyone, but you and her, knows you have it bad for her. If she loves you, whatever. If she just wants to fuck you, take it and broom her to the curb after. I'm tired of this wish-upon-a-star bullshit! Grow a sack or get the hell over it!"

"He makes a point, Ichigo. No husband will let someone obviously infatuated with his wife stay. Whether you like it or not, one day Yoruichi WILL marry. Whether she does so for love or for the clan, you can help her decide. If she rejects you, she is merely exercising her right to do so. However, you cannot expect the status quo to remain. To do so is to assure failure, to guarantee heartbreak. We cannot decide for you, yet your decisions and lack thereof affect us. The clouds in here are growing, Ichigo."

Ichigo knew they were right, yet was distracted from his thoughts as a yellow eyed man sauntered in between himself and Yoruichi, giving ichigo his back.

"Hello, Kaito. It's nice to see you," she said, an edge in her voice. Ichigo was glaring at the back of 'Kaito's' head.

As Yoruichi had positioned herself with her back away from the open balcony door, Ichigo's deep scowl was cast in an eerie shadow from the moonlight that was peeking through the curtains over the door.

"Is it?", Kaito replied. "I would have to respectfully disagree, Lady Shihoin." Hearing the unfriendly inflection in his voice, Ichigo seemed to simply appear behind Yoruichi. The look of utter contempt, of loathing in the yellow-eyed man that was directed at Yoruichi angered Ichigo...it angered him a lot. However, Ichigo was thoroughly ignored as if he were no more than a fly.

Ichigo watched as Yoruichi seemed to gather herself for a moment before responding, "I am sorry you feel that way, however I do not see tonight as an appropriate occasion to air any grievances that you may have with the councils ideas. Maybe at the next.."

She was cut off mid-sentence, "How you hoodwinked those old fools is beyond me. You think you're something special when...oh? Something you would like to say, commoner?", Kaito said, finally having to acknowledge another presence as Ichigo had moved towards him.

Just before Ichigo opened his mouth, Yoruichi's hand gently found his arm, stopping him. She gave him a quick shake of the head, then turned back to the yellow eyed man as Ichigo stepped back, never removing his glare from him.

"My my, you certainly train your commoner toys well," Kaito began, pointing at Ichigo. "So shameful, fraternizing with low-life common filth such as this." He continued, "the infamous Yoruichi, traitorous whore of the Shihoin clan, trying to-AAACCCCKKK".

Ichigo growled as his hand clamped around Kaitos throat and he shunpoed out onto the balcony. When he had stopped, he was holding the bastard by his throat over the edge of the balcony, his eyes changing as the irises turned gold and his sclera bled to black. A cold fury was taking over him, allowing him to appear unnaturally calm as he held the mans life in his hand.

"I am quite protective of Lady Shihoin and her honor. Should I ever hear you speak to her in that manner again, I will rip your tongue out of your face. Do you understand?", Ichigo calmly asked in his terrifying double timbre. The terrified Kaito could only shake his head as his face was darkening and his eyes were bulging.

Reality of the situation finally set in as Ichigo suddenly felt hands on his shoulders, "Ichigo Kurosaki, put him down," Byakuya said in a low but firm tone.

"Ichigo, let him go," Yoruichi commanded softly.

"Yare yare, that is no way to speak to a lady, Kaito. You should know better than that. And to offend the Hero of the Winter War? Unwise, I should think," Kyroaku said in his usual nonchalant voice.

As Ichigo dropped Kaito on the balcony, watching him gasp for air, he turned to see a stunned looking Yoruichi.

Yoruichi POV
Yoruichi was nearing her limit. These assholes were getting too annoying. She looked over at Ichigo briefly. He was looking down, a heavy frown on his face. 'Whats wrong? This must suck for him too. Probably boring the hell out of him.'

Ichigo's body suddenly disappeared as someone moved into her line of sight. Someone with yellow eyes. 'Shit, if there are fireworks, this is where they'll be.' "Hello Kaito. It is nice to see you."

The man in front of her just looked down his nose in contempt. "Is it? I would have to respectfully disagree, Lady Shihoin." Yoruichi fought the urge to flinch as Ichigo seemed to materialize behind her.

"I am sorry you feel that way, however I do not see tonight as an appropriate occasion to air any grievances that you may have with the councils ideas. Maybe at the next.."

She was cut off mid-sentence, "How you hoodwinked those old fools is beyond me. You think you're something special when...oh? Something you would like to say, commoner?", Kaito said as Ichigo had moved towards him.

'Shit, he's too protective for this conversation'. Yoruichi reached out and touched his arm, shaking her head at him. 'Just calm down, let him rant and then he'll leave.'

"My my, you certainly train your commoner toys well," Kaito began, pointing at Ichigo, "So shameful, fraternizing with low-life common filth such as this."

Yoruichis eyes narrowed, 'Nobody talks about ichigo that way.'

Kaito continued, "the infamous Yoruichi, traitorous whore of the Shihoin clan, trying to-AAACCCCKKK".

Hearing a familiar growl, as well as enormous wave of reiatsu, even Yoruichi barely had time to see Ichigo's hand clamp around Kaitos throat as he shunpoed out onto the balcony and Soi Fon appearing where he had just been, eyes livid, but confused as to where he had disappeared to. When ichigo had stopped, he was holding the man by his throat over the edge of the balcony.

"I am quite protective of Lady Shihoin and her honor. Should I ever hear you speak to her in that manner again, I will rip your tongue out of your face. Do you understand?", she heard Ichigo ask in his terrifyingly calm double timbre. The terrified Kaito could only shake his head as his face was darkening and his eyes were bulging.

Thankfully, Byakuya and Shunsui appeared behind him, clasping his shoulders. "Ichigo Kurosaki, put him down," Byakuya said.

I am so glad he was watching for this.' "Ichigo, let him go," Yoruichi managed to get out. 'Don't you dare get in trouble over that bastard!'

As soon as Shunsui spoke to Kaito, he turned to Ichigo, "how about we go grab a drink to settle down? We will be back in a little while, Lady Yoruichi," he finished with a wink.

As the three shinigami men turned to go, Yoruichi caught a glimpse of Ichigo's eyes. They were slowly returning to normal, allowing her to breathe a bit easier.

That was close! The bastard deserved it, but Ichigo could have gotten into serious trouble if he'd actually hurt him'.

Sending everyone away, she turned to look off of the balcony, a small smile crossing her lips. 'Berry-boy protecting my honor, he has to feel something.'