A/N: Okay guys, so this is going to be one of those notes where I ramble. Bare with me. No one said anything about it, but it's bothering me, so I'll touch on it quickly. I don't want anyone to think that this soul lock situation is going to bastardize all Byakuya goes through with his blindness. I don't want anyone to think, 'Oh, he can just soul lock with Ichigo and see, so none of this really matters.' It's not like that, there are sever limits on it's usage which you'll find out more about later in the story. Even though it does become a part of the plot later, for the most part, it's more of a way to show snippets of Senbonzakuras and Zangetsues relationship. I like the idea of them paralleling Byakuya and Ichigo throughout the story.
So a little cannon fact you may not know about Ichigo(Because it was in a character book and not the manga/anime) he really likes Shakespeare! So I head cannon that he really enjoys reading.(I also use this as my justification as of why Ichigo can speak some English, plus, in Japan, I'm pretty sure they learn English all throughout their schooling like they do in many other countries.) He also really likes spicy food. Similarly, though a lot of people characterize Byakuya as not being able to cook because of his servents, he actually makes seaweed ambassadors bake goods in the cannon of the series, and apparently, their really good. (Ichigo says so himself! Look at him, supporting his bae.) I bring this up because I mention these things in this chapter.
The song Byakuya is playing on the piano in this chapter is Bon Ivor's "I can't make you love me/in the nick of time." (Beautiful song!)
I wrote a skeleton out for this story so I could figure out how many chapters it will have, and it's looking like there will be about 26. I'm not sure if this is impressive or just sad. lol Don't worry though, I'm not cruel, so I won't make you wait all 26 chapters for them to confess their feelings.
This chapter actually only took me so long because I've been writing a three shot called Drowning In the Blue. If you want to read another ByaIchi story, or if you just want to support me, check it out.
Terms/things to know
'Kuyakik: In japan, its typical for people to combine their last and first names to get a nickname. This is the last part of both Byakuya's first and surname. I thought it sounded really cute.
hachibantai: Eighth division
ryoka: An outsider who does not aline themselves with S.S
san-seki: Third seat
Song: Ben Howard "The Fire."
Good Vibes ~ Ashes.
The Trouble He Couldn't See Coming
xXx
"Be my shelter, and I'll be your storm."
Three weeks later.
Amongst the soft breeze and limpid sky, Byakuya and Ichigo enjoyed their short yet eagerly anticipated lunch hour, which the two always spent together, feasting on whatever divine cuisine Byakuya's personal chefs concocted that day. It was always something different and always a surprise to the Kuchiki lord. Ichigo learned that Byakuya actually liked for his meals to be a constant mystery, explaining that it mixed up his sometimes banal, day-to-day routine, even if that routine had been sent spinning into a jumbled, snafu of post-war noble duties, special training, braille lessons, and spring days spent with the brash yet enjoyable Ichigo Kurosaki.
Today they received the hellishly spicy geki kara miso ramen, which was basically a bowl of noodles floating in a good half inch of chili oil. It was perfected with a goulash of whatever ambrosial ingredients the chefs added, and It was also a strenuous workout for both one's taste buds and digestive system. Ichigo had learned that they both had an affinity for spicy food, though while Ichigo was but a novice at ingesting such dishes, Byakuya was a master at the feat, not a drop of sweat glistening on his ivory skin. Ichigo, on the other hand, looked as if he just sprinted ten miles without seize and had already had Fujita bring him three whole glasses of milk in the ten minutes the two had been eating - which did nothing for the torrid tingling of his lips.
The second in command noticed the way his captain's petal-soft, pink lips would purse, always a smirk or some other unceremonious expression just begging to be teased, tempted, or agitated out. Though he rarely gave into the prodding. Ichigo could see the way his lips twitched with a desire to crack an amused smile at Ichigo's valiant attempts to stomach the editable lava, all without the need for goading.
Just through their usual back and forth that the two had become accustomed too, Byakuya and Ichigo began to share and learn more about each other without any conscious effort on their parts. Personal quirks and memories flowed out naturally in this comforting companionship the two had created over the last couple of weeks. For instance, they learned about each other's families. Byakuya divulged the few fond moments he had with his father and described the warm person he knew Sōjun to be with an animation and affection that could only be detected if you knew the Kuchiki lord and his subtle mannerisms well. Likewise, Ichigo talked about growing up with "goat face" as a father, and though he spoke with a certain degree of hostility and vexation towards the older Kurosaki, Byakuya could ascertain the substantial bond that existed between the two men by the almost comically nostalgic grin he could hear in Ichigo's voice when he chronicled his father's antics. When Ichigo spoke about his sisters, however, with a tender and almost wistful dissipation, it exhibited such a charming and blatantly sensitive side of the young man that the noble got so few glances of.
They chatted casually about many things and traded antidotes from their lives previous of each other. Byakuya talked neutrally on his strenuously focused childhood and the ways of which he'd been cultivated from birth to be the epitome of nobility, cultured and well-rounded with his rigorous schedule and forced lessons, of which ranged from archery, foreign languages, fine arts, and the performing arts, not to mention his regular training and schooling. From all the subjects he was made to invest his time in, now in his adulthood, Byakuya found his zest preserved by the arts and history.
Despite the equitable manner of which Byakuya delved into his past, Ichigo couldn't help but to gain a deeper compassion and understanding for the person Byakuya was. His every moment had been planned out for him in this stringent and high stakes life he'd been born into. With no choice in the matter, since birth, Byakuya had to live this dogmatic, rule bound existence, a lofty weight of the continuation and insurance of a whole clan and it's traditions falling on his shoulders. This only left Ichigo with great admiration at the noble's ability to balance this and still hold true to himself when he rebelled against such oppression for the sake of his wife. Even when he lost his way and gave into the decree of Rukia's sentence, he still found his way back. It put a lot in perspective for Ichigo, and he now knew Byakuya to be quite the man, one someone could aspire too.
Ichigo, too, talked about his life, which at times, seemed the direct antithesis to Byakuya's. Other than seeing ghost, he had the typical and expected life of a young boy, marked by it's own unique trials and tribulation. Briefly, yet yearningly, he spoke on his mother before her death and his self imposed quest of protection afterwards. Though this was a no news to the Kuchiki lord, as he found the young man as admirable as always. Ichigo was just a boy who's normal life betrayed his distinctively powerful lineage. He had merely stumbled into his destiny, and there was no rhyme or reason for Ichigo to exhibit an other-worldly, pernicious strength and resolve usually reserved for those who were born into such a demanding life other than the fact he was Ichigo Kurosaki. Like always, Byakuya found him a spectacle to behold.
In ways they differed vastly, but both found satisfaction in hearing and experiencing those contrasting idiosyncrasies, like Ichigo's love for soccer, or the way Byakuya once enjoyed baking with his father even if he would never eat the sweets they made. Byakuya especially appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the World of the Living. Mutually, they could always relate on their esteem and aesthetic sense towards reading and music, which was one of the reason's the record player was now permanently stationed under the overhang on the deck.
Throughout their meal, while a melodic song swirled around the two, there was a tense, deliberate silence that hung heavy with something unspoken on the noble's part. This weight was only intensified by a plum hue that burned in his eyes.
If Ichigo didn't know any better, he'd say Byakuya had purposefully chose such a meal so he could humor himself with the knowledge that Ichigo was writhing in pain.
Finally, a good fifteen minutes into their meal, Byakuya gingerly sat aside his utensils, overlapped his hands, and asked, "Will you please refrain from addressing me so formally in front of one of my clan elders?"
Ichigo wore his obvious confusion on his face as he tried to recall what exactly Byakuya was going on about. Eventually it came to him, the instant he found so trivial that it was practically forgotten the moment it came out of his mouth. As the pair were heading to the garden for their lunch, Byakuya was approached by one of the elders. When he told Ichigo to go ahead, Ichigo said okay, and like he'd done a dozen times prior to that, he addressed the noble as Byakuya.
It wasn't as if he didn't remember telling Byakuya he'd address him formally in front of others, but it was merely a slip of the tongue, a habit of which the young man had become accustomed to. To Ichigo, getting worked up over something so frivolous seemed petty.
"What," he tutted as he put aside his half empty bowl for Fujita's disposal, "you don't want anyone to know we're friends?"
Byakuya sighed and responded curtly, "That is not the point."
Ichigo leaned back on one palm and used his free hand to drink some milk in hopes to negate the last of his sweltering. After he finished, he asked, "Then what is?" Scowling, he added, "And what's this about anyway? If you were pissed, why'd you just sit there for so long and not say anything?"
Byakuya had been asking himself the same question for the majority of their delicious, albeit stifling meal. His censorship, though tempestuous, was rather obvious, and even though he did not want to explain himself to the man, he supposed it was only fair. "That is simple. While I wish for you to regard me formally, at the very least, in front of my elders, I empathize with the fact that it may be difficult for you to remember when you call me by my given name so freely." As Fujita came to retrieve their bowls, he paused until she retreated. "I attempted to let it go, however, that does not make it any less important to me, and If I said nothing, It would continue to be a problem. I'm not attempting to reprimanded you, but merely reminding you," he clarified before picking up his cup of ginger tea and taking a sip.
The devil-may-care teen shifted his weight on his palms and put one flat down on his stuffed stomach "I still don't get why it matters so much what those guys think."
The Kuchiki lord perked an eyebrow on his otherwise listless face. "As I have explained, I am not ashamed, however I am also not a flagrant man. A man in my position must not only play politics, but I am also scrutinized in all of my actions. Without discretion, my life would have little peace. Perhaps you do not understand my reasoning, but I had hoped with our mutual grounding, you would have a least found compassion in our dissimilarities as I have with you. At least enough to take consideration on what I embark upon you as important." Sniffing haughtily, Byakuya concluded, "I guess not. Since you find yourself hard pressed to regard such a thing, I believe it would be better if you were to call me Kuchiki Taichou consistently."
Byakuya lifted his cup once more as his thick lashes eclipsed light years of constellations that were staunch in his eyes, connecting together to tell the story of his sadness. Like a tattle ready child, his eyes betrayed the truths his hardened face tried to conceal.
Only Ichigo didn't need those dysphoric star clusters to realize he hurt the man's feelings, nor to make him glower with unabashed guilt. Without fuss, Byakuya endured Ichigo's lack of formalities, because he knew such things weren't the way the young man expressed his respect for a person. If anything, he'd been accommodating if not charmed by Ichigo's lack of restraint. Still, Byakuya had explained to him - in so many words - the manner of which his elders inspected his personal ongoings with a fine tooth comb and used any abnormalities to their favor. More so, some often liked to mold Byakuya as if he was malleable clay, ready to shape him into whatever form they so desired. Flagrant sentiments with his subordinates did not make for the flawless, marble statue they attempted to chisel the noble into, and though Ichigo didn't always understand why he put up with it, he also understood that he could never really get the stress and expectations of what it meant to bare the Kuchiki prestige.
"I'm sorry, Byakuya," Ichigo atoned, prompting the other man to look up curiously. "I don't always get why you put up with their crap, but I don't have to. If it's important to you, it's important to me." Ichigo gave a half hearted chuckle. "I know I can be an ass sometimes, but I always get there."
With one sincere apologize, Byakuya's body noticeably relaxed, as if he'd been taunting his posture in an effort to feign sternly displeased. His eye's were burnished with yellow orange specks which shined brighter than the sun that permeated through the foliage of the surrounding plum trees. "You are just a foolish boy, so I should expect you to be a bit slow on the upstart," he rebutted with a playful intent, causing Ichigo to snort and roll his eyes in response.
Smirking mischievously, Ichigo poised, "Maybe we can meet in the middle. How about I call you 'Kuyakik?" Gauging the mortified magenta that flushed the noble's eyes, Ichigo felt rather pleased by the reaction he caused. He made a mental note to keep that one in his arsenal.
"How about you do not, and I allow you to keep all of your limbs attached to your body?"
"I'm shaking with fear, 'Kuyakik," Ichigo mocked dryly.
"How did your father raise you?"
Ichigo waved his hand flippantly. "Don't worry, I don't respect him either."
Before he could press the porcelain rim of his cup to his lips, Byakuya let out a sigh of constricted amusement. "I have met your father, so I can not fault you there." Ichigo let out a laugh, and as the gleeful sound usually did, it caused Byakuya's ears to smile. The young noble wondered when he started coveting those rare, authentic sounds of joy.
After blinking thoughtfully to himself, Byakuya inquired, "Would you like to do some light reading before we must resume our work?"
Ichigo, who ruffled away some wayward petals that had gotten stuck in his carelessly tousled locks, asked, "What do you have in mind?"
The young man couldn't remember when, but this, too, had become a regular activity the two indulged in. While Byakuya was learning braille, he wasn't able to read, something he use to do daily. Then one day, Ichigo was reading, and he just began to read out loud for no other reason than wanting to noble to experience the felicity literature brought them both.
"Hmm. Perhaps Shakespeare, I know you enjoy his works."
Ichigo snorted. "You call that light reading?"
"Just wait until you read War and Peace," Byakuya said. "Though, you would probably find the English of such a text much too arduous."
"Hey! I'm not dense, ya' know? I'm actually pretty damn smart."
Unable to help some of that typical Kuchiki dryness from coming out, Byakuya deadpanned, "I know you have quite the brain, just not if you use it."
"Fine!" Ichigo hissed, standing to his feet, "see If I read with you now."
"I was merely taunting you, Kurosaki Ichigo," Byakuya condoned, hardly managing to curb the disappointment that struck him.
Bracingly, Byakuya felt the tepid breath of Ichigo rolling across his ear, the spicy ginger mix making the noble's breathing space humid, and his head was whirling as a side effect. "I know, I was too," he uttered with an impish smirk, the sharp diction of his words prickling at the nobles neck until a wave of heat crept over him. Byakuya's eyes liquefied into pools of silver as he caught his breath against the contagious airborne sensation. "I'm going to get the book. I'll be right back, 'Kuyakik."
As Ichigo retreated towards the library, Byakuya shook off the foreign reaction. 'I have never...felt something like that before. Perhaps with Ichigo, but never to such a degree. The noble sighed and put it to the back of his head. 'It is not so odd, I suppose. Of course, I react to him differently than I do anyone else because he is like no one else. I do not have a relationship as the one I have with him with anyone else, so it makes sense that the feelings he imbues from me are unique.'
xXx
The next day, while Ichigo was spending the early morning working with the division, Byakuya sat in a special sanctum, a place only he ventured. The grounds that surrounded the Kuchiki estate were much more than a mere garden. They were a fanciful torsion, a paradisiacal labyrinth for one in search of being lost within the throws of nature. From a single grass carpeted path veered many avenues, each with discoveries to be marveled. Every section had been handled by the meticulous, life rearing hands of a different clan head, and strolling amongst them was like walking back in time.
From the rose garden that stung with it's lively red, to the stretch of mossy meadows teeming with wildflowers, to the vineyards dripping with succulent reapings, one could practically feel the souls of their forefathers lingering in the soil.
Byakuya often wondered what value each clan head held in their fragment of the garden and if it meant as much as sakura's did to him. He wondered what plagued these powerful men. Did they share their woes with the bluebells and whisper their secrets to the wind? Did they give their tears to the bobbing koi's in the oasis? He wondered how much sorrow lived within such beauty, and if they sometimes fantasized about forever dwelling amongst their own creations like he once did.
If he was silent and still, sometimes he could sense the answers. He could feel the force of all those who came before him and all those who would come afterwards sprouting in every corner.
The noble walked down a tunnel of geiko trees so vibrantly golden in their umbrage that they put the sky shame. At the end of the pathway laid a gilded sanctuary for all of the Kuchiki clan's personal Jigokucho. Legions of butterflies sliced the air with the soft fluctuating of their wings as they sat unperturbed in their idle drift.
With his walking cane, the noble glided to the middle of the room where a grand piano sat. He took a seat and folded his cane before placing it against the music rack. Delicately, he lifted the fall bored and skimmed his fingers over the ivory teeth of the instrument.
Since the end of the war, since he was born, really, nothing had been easy, but this was the way the Kuchiki lord liked it. Surly he lived a privileged life, one of servants and luxuries not known to most men, but such privilege came with a rigor that most couldn't handle. However, this was anything but extraordinary, as he was born with much of his life already plotted before him. In this regard, difficult was his easy, and all he had to do was go with the grain if he wanted to continue on this leveled path.
He supposed it was only in his nature to choose the road less worn, though scabrous it might be, because when his path split, and he had to choose between marrying the woman he loved and straying from his predestined path or keeping straight ahead, he didn't think twice before his feet deviated.
Now this road felt more like a tightrope, a balancing act that could destroy him with one fumbled foot fall. At a time, he tried to turn back around, reclaim his old, comfortable path, but he found his heart just didn't live there. Or more so, Ichigo showed him that. So he continued on with the trek, every step a difficulty he chose long ago, and now, visionless, he stood at his biggest pothole yet.
He had to ponder if one day he'd get to the end and every difficulty would be worth it, if he would get a piece of serenity to call his own. These thoughts stayed with him lately. His old friend, hope, once more sat cruelly on his heart, and he couldn't be certain as to why. Maybe it was the heir he was to bare in a year's time making him question if it was too idealistic or too much to dream for something precious to call his own. A family, perhaps. He dared not even muttered the words or give credence to the thought. Last time he had reached out for such a thing, it all withered away in his possessive grasp. Hope, as it always did, slapped his hand away, and he should've known better by now.
Still, despite his attempts to suffocate these thoughts, something inside of him wouldn't rest. It twitched with the idea that maybe one day hope wouldn't be so ruthless.
Byakuya let his fingers float over the keys in consideration. Being blind, well, there was nothing he could really compare it too. It was not as if he didn't find himself facing the challenges well. He'd picked up tricks here and there that made everyday task simpler, such a always keeping a grasp on something, even when he set it down, or having Ichigo crease the signature line of his paperwork so he could use it as a guid. He wore a tactile watch so he could always tell the time without the assistance of another, and he found himself getting around with much more confidence. However, that was not to say that these stumbling motions did not wear on him.
Honestly, he was tired. The constant exertion to just do basic task could get overwhelmingly exasperating at times, and he found himself yearning for just one thing that did not require his maximum effort, just one thing to make him not feel completely imbecilic. For that reason, he found himself here.
Piano had been one of the talents he kept up with since he was a child, and it required no sight on his part. All he had to do was close his eyes and let his fingers do the rest. It was as if his muscles just remembered, and it flowed out with dexterity.
Usually he'd play a classical selection, but today he wanted to play a song Ichigo had shown him. About a week ago, Ichigo had asked to take a day off and return to the Living World, considering he left so abruptly. Byakuya was more than inclined to agree, seeing as he felt both guilty for Ichigo being here in the first place and sympathetic towards what it meant to miss one's family. A part of him wished Ichigo had decided to stay in the Living World, while another part of him, a selfish and perhaps bigger part, wanted him to return. Which, of course, he did, hauling a tote of books and records his friends and family sent back with him.
He had records from a wide range of musicians, encompassing many different nationalities. The young man was actually rather eclectic, Byakuya found out. Ichigo showed Byakuya some of the music he thought he'd enjoy, and while it was different from the more traditional style of music Byakuya listened to, he liked the soothing melodies and colorful lyrics.
Tentatively, Byakuya pressed on a few keys to work out the structure of the song, but with his masterful ear, he was able to mimic it quickly.
"Turn down the light.
Turn down the bed.
Turn down these voices inside my head.
Lay down with me.
Tell me no lies.
Just hold me close.
Don't patronize me..."
He had been thinking of Hisana more fervently of late, but not so much of his love for her or their short lived union. No, he'd been only able to concentrate on the love she had never been able to return, where they went wrong, where he went wrong. He was unsure of why he seemed to be punishing himself with these incessant thoughts lately, but none the less, it was one of the reasons he found himself drawn to this particular song.
"Cause I can't make you love me if you don't
You can't make your heart feel something it won't
Here in the dark, in these final hours I will lay down my heart, and I'll feel the power, but you won't..
No, you won't. 'Cause I can't make you love me, if you don't"
So invested in his playing he became, the Kuchiki lord didn't seem to notice when Ichigo, who had been given direction via Fujita, flashed upon his performance and stood in vigil.
"Here in the dark, In these final hours I will lay down my heart, and I'll feel the power, but you don't.
No, you don't. I can't make you love me, if you don't…"
With splendor, the young man watched the nimble fingers dance across the keys with breeze as such an enthralled expression flashed across the Kuchiki lord's face. It was trance inducing to watch someone be so arrested that they shut out the world around them. He watched intently, captured by Byakuya's captivation as he both played and sung beautifully, and with such a lull that even the butterflies landed on his shoulders and lightly flapped their wings as if drumming along to the beat.
Despite all the sorrow invoked in the lyrics, it was the last verse - which resonated with hopefulness - that really drew the man to the song.
'I found love darling...
I found love darling...
I found love darling, yeah…
I found love darling, darling, love in the nick of time…
I found love darling, yeah, love in the nick of time…'
The last note echoed against the bars and left behind a ringing. Byakuya let out a content sigh, only to jolt his eyes open at the sound of a slow, steady clap. "Kurosaki Ichigo, I did not know I had an audience"
Usually, Byakuya would have sensed him, so the fact he didn't illustrated how absorbed in his playing he'd became. "As you should," Ichigo grinned as he walked over. "Playing that good should be experienced by people who can appreciate it."
"I merely dabble," Byakuya said as he closed the fall board.
Ichigo sat backwards on the bench and leaned his elbows against the instrument.
"Phf, " he scoffed, "You say that, but you just learned that song recently. I could tell you were playing by ear."
"Oh yes? And how would you know that?"
After giving a smug hum, Ichigo spun around and lifted the fall bar back up. He interlaced his fingers and stretched them against each other before playing a few riffs.
"I did not know you played also." Ichigo smirked.
"I merely dabble."
Byakuya gave an almost non existent smirk in return.
"You are full of surprises, Kurosaki Ichigo. How did you learn?"
"My mom. I really only remember a few things, because I didn't keep it up after awhile."
"Why?" asked Byakuya Ichigo shrugged a shoulder aloofly. "I gave up a lot of things after her death. Guess I didn't want to think about it more than I had too, but looking back on it, I wish I kept up with it." Running his fingers across the keys just barely, he sighed, "I use to be really into it."
Byakuya hummed thoughtfully and found himself wondering what face the young man was wearing. He wondered if it would demonstrate the sadness he could tell such memories brought to Ichigo, or if it run and hide like a fearful child trembling underneath their bed. Somehow he knew it wouldn't matter, because Ichigo gifted the noble with the burdens that weighed on him, and Byakuya saw it as just that, a gift, a honor. He didn't understand how he gained such a trust, a trust that ascended that of a comrade or even most friendships, a trust that granted him access to nothing as shallow as skin nor body but of soul. A trust that, if abused, could puncture him deeper than any blade. It could taint his vulnerability, poison his blood with wariness, harden him from the inside out until no key nor loving smile could pervade such fortified walls.
That was the quickest way to kill a man, watching them tentatively bare their heart for you and taking the opportunity to stab them right through it, only reinforcing what made them doubt opening it to begin with. Ichigo Kurosaki knew nothing of the word weakness, but he handled his feelings cautiously, suspicious of clumsy hands that could not handle the weight of something much more fragile than his body. It was not out of a loss of trust, but a loss of people. Protectors guarded others and themselves by speaking nothing of their pain, because they needed the strength of a bolder to shoulder the weight of the world, but there was always someone protectors forgot to save: themselves.
What Ichigo leaned quickly about Byakuya was, he didn't need protecting, nor did he allow Ichigo to cramp himself in a box and label it hero. He unpacked him, unfolded him, dusted him off, and saw him as so much more than a savior of the Soul Society. Because of that, Ichigo knew his fallibilities were safe in the sheltering and accepting company of the Kuchiki lord, and he did not fear being considered weak or judged. Nor did he fear bringing him down, being pitied, or being scolded for sympathizing with his own sadness - like many others often did. Around this man, he felt free to let his sorrow breath, take big, gasping breaths after being smothered for so long, to just be, because to Byakuya, it was more than accepted, it was golden.
"While I doubt you will be selling out concert halls anytime soon, you are not as rusty as you may believe."
"Between you and me," Ichigo whispered, nudging him playfully, "I would still play some when I was feeling sentimental."
"Your secret is safe with me. I would not want to ruin your aloof reputation." Vaguely, Byakuya added, "When something touches your heart, it never leaves you, even if you leave it. Trust that I know."
"Always so mysterious. You even have a place like this hidden away in secret."
"It is no secret. The grounds are rather large, and I'm sure there is still plenty you have not seen," he explained. "Though, I suppose this is where I enjoy going when I like to be alone."
"Ah, well, I don't mean to intrude on your special place like this. I can leave," Ichigo offered, "if you like."
"I take no issue with your presence. Trust that if I did not want you here, I would let you know," said Byakuya.
Ichigo looked into those vast, hooded globes oxidizing like the brightest star he'd ever seen. They pulled him with their gravity.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say that's your round about way of saying you want me here," he taunted.
"You may be corrected," Byakuya mused, "Or perhaps I have just learned to tolerate your vicinity. You can be charming in a rather obtuse way."
The scintilla of a curve on Byakuya's lips made Ichigo drop his scowl and snort. "Well whatever the reason," he fanned his gaze across the space before looking back into Byakuya's eyes, "thanks for letting me stay, Byakuya. I really like it here."
"My pleasure," Byakuya said softly, earning him a peaceful sigh.
Byakuya turned his head and broke the silence. "Besides, you must have came here to speak with me about something, yes?" "Yeah," Ichigo said, coiling his first resolutely. "Ishida and I are going in front of Central tomorrow with Urahara and Kyoraku to talk about our plans at peace with the Quincys and revising the law, which you know already."
Byakuya gave a promoting nod. "Well I've been thinking about when I become a taichou, and I was thinking of opening a subdivision for all the variants. Arrancars, Visored, maybe even Fullbringers." Taking note of Byakuya's unreadable face, he continued, "You know as well as I do that some of the Shinigami have a really bad attitude towards anyone different after the war, an-
"And you think doing something like this will be an impetus for tolerance, show the other Shinigami that we can all coexist."
Ichigo smiled softly. "Yeah, plus, while Hueco Mundo has become hard to live in, some of the Arrancars have been given asylum here. They need something to do instead of just hiding out in Urahara's training ground. But I know Central won't be that easy to convince, and It'll be awhile before I'm a taichou anyway. So in the meantime, as sort've a trial bases, we were thinking of placing Grimmjow and Nel in divisions, since their in the charge of Seritite for the time being."
Smirking, he said, "Grimmjow was an easy placement."
Byakuya's eyebrows creased knowingly. "I am sure Kenpachi Taichou is sharpening his blade as we speak."
"Heh," Ichigo chuckled nervously, "He's the only taichou who would even think to let Grimm near his squad. I just hope they don't end up making a case against me with how destructive they can be."
"Perhaps Kenpachi Taichou is the only one capable of reining him in. At least this gives him an outlet for his pugnacious ways."
Ichigo agreed before shifting in trepidation. Byakuya could sense his apprehension.
"I shudder to think what could make Kurosaki Ichigo speechless."
"I-" Ichigo blurted, "I want you to take Nel. Into your squad, I mean. Kyoraku said he'd do it, but his squad has the most members as is, and I know you're pretty influential with them, and well, I hate asking favors from you, because you've already gave me a lot of advice, and I don't want you to think I'm taking advantage of your position or anything," he bumbled on, "because you're my friend and all. So I-"
"Kurosaki Ichigo, your ramblings are not necessary. I know this is not a request that comes from a selfish place. You understand that I, too, agree with your mission of prosperity." The noble paused, and the specks in his eyes glistened with a milky diffraction of greens and reds. Against the inky hue of his iris, Byakuya's eyes took on that of the most precious of black opal. "However, If I stand in front of Central 46 and declare that the Arrancar girl will be in my charge, I do so not with just my name but as the head of my clan. So if it goes awry, it will be a mark against my clan. Knowing this, I know my elders will disapprove. I am sorry, but I can not help you with this."
It was unusual for Ichigo to give up so quickly, however, when Byakuya looked towards him with pigments dancing across his midnight orbs, those electrically charged particles colliding like atoms with the atmosphere of his eyes and making them eerily agleam, Ichigo haltingly bit his lip. Something about those eyes shook him with their uncertainty. They could not find peace, as they looked to him as if they were trying to color in between the blurred lines of what was accepted and what was right, lines they couldn't even pinpoint. They reflected a doubt, and their conflict was not lost on Ichigo.
"It's fine, Byakuya. I shouldn't of asked anyway," Ichigo poised as he got to his feet.
Though it was unlike Byakuya to vindicate his actions more than necessary, something nagging compelled him. "This is not because I do not trust you."
"You don't have to feel guilty on my account."
Byakuya's face hardened marginally. "I feel nothing of the sort. I do not feel guilt when I know I am doing the right thing."
Ichigo pursed his lips and cocked an eyebrow. "Well then, maybe you're not doing the right thing."
Byakuya went to rebuke this, but as he opened his mouth, he found no words. As Ichigo went to exit the sanctuary, he added, "Just don't let the opinions of some old, stuffy guys stop you from doing what's important to you. You're better than that, Byakuya."
With a gust of wind and the scuffing of warjir, Byakuya was left with nothing but pensive silence. "Am I?" Byakuya asked himself, hoping the answer would unearth itself from the depths of his uncertainty
Byakuya reminisced on all the times since Ichigo had thrusted himself into his life, exploded his compliancy, and revived a volition the noble had buried with his wife and child, that Byakuya's pertinaciousness refused to let him settle. For so long, he'd fallen into line, but since that faithful clashing of swords, he could no longer numb his own desires or have a passive position in the direction of his life, even if such free will caused him nothing but trouble. Remarkably, Byakuya thought he liked trouble. Trouble was what he needed.
'Yes, Ichigo, you are troublesome.'
With no time to waste, Byakuya stood up with a mission in mind.
xXx
Outside Central 46's headquarters, Ishida stood beside a not so patient Ichigo who paced back and forth with an annoyed scowl plastered on his face.
"Will you stop moving around so much?" Ishida scolded, "You're giving me a headache."
"What's taking those two so long?!" asked Ichigo as he crossed his arms petulantly. "And why's Urahara gotta' be here anyway?"
"To explain the semantics behind altering the Quincy bows." Ishida gave a placating sigh. "I'm sure they will be here shortly."
Raking a hand through his hair compulsively, Ichigo said, "Yeah, I know. I'm sorry, I'm just a bit nervous here."
"I believe we are all a bit out of our depths here, Kurosaki-san."
Ichigo snorted at the understatement. "You think? We didn't even graduate high school, and now we're attempting to get into other worldly politics. What the hell was I thinking?"
"Like usual, I believe you were not." At Ichigo's scowl setting deeper on his face, Ishida said, "As long as you don't start yelling at them, we should be fine."
Before Ichigo could form a reply, indigent or the likewise, a breezy, familiar voice drew his attention. "He's right, Kurosaki-san. Central wants peace just as much as we do. No need to be so stressed," Kyoraku assured, tipping his hat in greeting.
Beside him stood the enduringly impish Urahara, his own hat furtively shadowing the crooked grin he adorned. "What's got you so testy today, Kurosaki-san? Kuchiki-Taichou give you a hard time this morning?"
"Maybe he accidentally put sugar in his tea, and Bya-kun let loose Senbonzakura on him," Kyoraku mused as he gave his counterpart a playful grin.
"Or maybe h-"
"Will you two shut your traps!" Ichigo interjected their childish speculation. "We have more important things to do than stand out here and listen to your antics."
"For once I agree with Kurosaki-san," said Ishida.
The two seasoned soldiers shared an amused sideways look before Kyoraku stepped up and said, "Ah, well I guess we better get this show on the road, Kisuke-san. Kid's these days can't appreciate our pace." The commander administered a comforting pat to Ichigo's back as he headed the group towards the estuary of the impressive and rather daunting Central headquarters. "Relax, Kurosaki-san. It'll help when dealing with this lot."
Following behind the commander, Urahara concealed a chuckle with his open fan. "They can smell fear," he said.
"I don't see how," Ichigo muttered, falling in line with the group, "with you reeking of aftershave and Kyoraku smelling like he mouthwashes with a bottle of sake."
As the group entered through the massive, marble doorways of the headquarters, Ichigo forced his stiff posture to unwind marginally. The interior of the spacious hall was rather minimal and lacked any grandiose embellishment. If anything, the aura emanated was one of consequence and influence, a caliber of which Ichigo had never felt before. He became itchy with nerves, seeing as he was use to working against such an authority, not with it, and found himself wishing Byakuya was there with him. None the less, he pushed down the thought, for it do him little good now. He'd always had a deftness at overcoming obstacles, today would be no different, and at the very least, Byakuya was with him in spirit, since he had the experienced advice of the nobel to fall back on.
The four men stood expectantly among the rows of pedestals arching across the back wall of the space. All forty six member say quietly, each wearing varying degrees of introspection on their faces. In the middle of these rows, one stand was lifted higher than the others. At it sat a plain looking man with lifeless black hair splayed over his dull features, his disposition displaying none of the weight implied by his position.
"Hello gentleman," the man finally spoke up, his voice as monotonous as his appearance. "If I am correct, you four are here to speak on the issue of future relations between the Quincys and the Shinigamis?"
"You would be correct, Grandmaster Akimoto." With a cordial tip of his hat, the commander said, "You are looking well, as always."
The flattery seemingly did nothing for the man, as his eyes glazed over in a tedious fashion. "I am sure. Now let's skip any further formalities and get on with it, yes?"
"Right," nodded the commander. "As you know, the world of the Quincies exist within our own. Of late, there has been a lot of upheave on the part of the Shinigamis. Many want retribution, but most of the more seasoned members can see that this will only lead to further bloodshed." Giving a prompting look toward Uryu, the commander said, "Ishida-san is the rightful heir to the throne. Also, he was paramount in taking out the previous Quincy King, and he is more than willing to work together with the Shinigami's to abate the issues that gave rise to the last two wars."
Akimoto steepled his hands and burrowed his muted eyes into the new Quincy kings. "And in what manner do you plan to go about this, Ishida-san?"
Ishida, calm and collective, nodded his head amicably.
"The biggest issue that divides Shinigami and Quincy are the essence of our powers. While Shinigami purge hallows, Quincy's kill them. Yhwach, the creator of all the Quincys, was the one who created our weapons to work as such. Possibly because, since his inception, it was always his aim to corrupt the balance of our worlds. With the help of Urahara-san, we believe we can fix the way our weapons work against hollows.
Akimoto fretted his brow dubiously. "What about the events prior to the war? If you knew this, why did you still continue to kill Hollows? More so, is it not in a Quincys nature to dislike the Shinigami?"
Ishida gave a concurring nod. "If that's so, it is because of the influence of Yhwach. I will not lie," Ishida confessed, "because of the circumstances revolving the death of my ojii-san, I never liked Shinigami. Even after Mayuri admitted to me that the blame lies on him alone for delaying the squad members meant to protect him, I still harbored a hatred for you beings." With a fierce glare that refused to yield, he continued, "However, since then, I've made friends of quite a few Shinigamis. I also have seen first hand how hasty generalizations can turn deadly. My ojii-san was the man I respected the most, and it was his fervent desire for Shinigamis and Quincy's to coexist peacefully. That's what I want the Quincy legacy to be. As for before the war, I really didn't understand the full weight of what it meant to kill Hollows."
After sitting on that for a while, the Grandmaster asked, "What do we get out of this now, working with you Quincys?"
"Well, first off, the Shinigamis are depleted beyond their limits, and having our help with Hollow exterminations and other duties would be beneficial to you. Also, we have land and agriculture that could provide for some favorable trade."
"And working together will help us better understand each other," Ichigo added, "and hopefully, we can prevent what happened here from ever happening again."
Akimoto gave a look similar to the one people make when staring at the sun, confusingly blinded. "Though I have no issue with the savior of the three worlds being in my court, I must ask, what are you doing here, Kurosaki-san?"
Ichigo gave a quick glance to his three companions, who all nodded in encouragement. "As you know, I'm part Quincy."
The Grandmaster cocked an eyebrow. "I did not."
Looking over to the commander, Ichigo shot him a dirty look, and he simply repaid the gesture with an innocent smile.
"Well, I am," he stated matter of factly. "I have a unique bloodline, and I am friends with Ishida-san, and because of that, I want to be an ambassador for our lands."
Soft murmurs echoed through the room as the Grandmaster looked on confoundedly. "What makes you think we need an ambassador?"
As he contemplated his answer, some of Byakuya's advice came back to him.
"You must be patronizing and domineering, but in a tactful and formal manner. Let them know you will not be pushed around and exsert your control, but also stay collected and seemingly polite. This gives them the least amount of ground to push back on.'
"That sounds really complicated."
"It is an art, really."
'Here goes nothing…'
"If I may be so bold to say so, Grandmaster Akimoto-san, keeping peace isn't Central 46's strongest area of expertise, unless you consider three large scale wars under this institution's watch an impressive track record. More so, this monarchy style government does not lend itself to corporation."
Ichigo was silently thanking Byakuya in his head for the days they spend during their lunch having mock debates. He'd ask Ichigo question after question, in which he practiced coming up with quick and savvy rebuttals. By the end, the noble was rather impressed, and it seemed it hadn't been all for nothing.
"As an outsider to this land, who started off as a mere ryoka and holds lineage from the three main races of spiritually inclined beings, I believe I would be more apt to build relations than the honorable yet, at times, outdated members of this court who's particular regime did little to prevent these wars."
The commander pursed his lips and gave an impressed nod towards Urahara, only perfected by the A-Okay symbol he held up.
Urahara whispered, "It looks like division duties aren't the only things our Kuchiki Taichou is teaching Kurosaki-san."
Sandwiched between the two jabber mouths and Ichigo, Ishida sent the two a steely look as pondering murmurs became increasingly louder.
Finally, the thoughtful Grandmaster leaned forward on his elbows and prompted, "You have my attention, Kurosaki-san."
"The fact of the matter is, simply drawing up peace treaties isn't going to change the Shinigamis attitude. You need someone they can listen to, someone who's willing to lead by examples and push them from their zones of comfort."
"And how would you do this?"
"Working in conjunction with the Quincys is a good start, but I also would like to start a subdivision for variants when I become the Taichou of the hachibantai."
"Variants?"
"Yeah, like the Arrancar currently here under asylum, any surviving members of the Visored who may want to return. There are Fullbringers currently in Soul Society I'd like to enlist as well.
Incredulously, Akimoto echoed, "Arrancar?"
"I see you're good at repeating things, but that's not going to get us anywhere, is it, Grandmaster Akimoto?"
At the saucy comment slathered with such a fraudulently polite tone, the commander coughed in his fist to stifle a chuckle, Urahara hid a grin behind his trusty fan, and even Ishida had to bite back a smirk.
Eye's widening marginally, Akimoto said, "You want Hollows walking amongst our Shinigamis, the very creatures they live to purge?!
"Arrancars, not Hollows," Ichigo clipped, sounding more vexed than he intended.
'When having a formal debate or meeting, anger is a weakness. The one who starts yelling and cursing usually does so because they feel frustrated and are losing ground. They resort to yelling over the other to hide their own shortcomings. Do not let them antagonize you, because no matter how right you are, they'll use this against you. Remember you are the one winning and have no reason to rise to their taunting. Be smug, but most importantly, stay composed, Kurosaki Ichigo.'
Composure was one thing Byakuya would always have over Ichigo, but still, he tried.
"Don't you think this will make things more tense?"
Ichigo nodded slightly. "Things have to get worse before they get better. Frankly, I could care less about the Shinigamis comfort zones. The only way for someone to become comfortable around different types of people is having to interact with them, and by interacting with variants, we can learn their perspectives and work towards a more stable peace. I'm not saying it will be easy or a quick process, but it'll be worth the work."
By now there was a clamerous goulash of responses and opinions flying around the room, but the Grandmaster seemed to voice the consensus.
"I do not like this idea. Working with Quincys is one thing, but Arrancars in our own divisions?" He scoffed, "Preposterous! What Taichou would even want these creatures?"
"There aren't that many Taichou now as is, but Zaraki Taichou has already agreed to take Grimmjow under his charge if this court so allows it, Grandmaster," Ichigo's explained, clutching his fist at the disgusting way he referred to the Arrancar.
"Ha!" he mocked, "He would be the only one. That man is more like a Hollow than he is Shinigami."
"You're just proving my point," Ichigo said. "Shinigami have the capability to be wicked, just as Arrancars have the capability to be virtuous."
"And what of the girl?" He lifted a patronizing eyebrow, "Will no one accept her?"
In the hesitant breath between the question and Ichigo's response, the doors of the headquarters opened, and looking as regal and imposing as ever, Byakuya Kuchiki strolled in with the aid of his walking cane. At his side was the vibrant haired Nelliel Odelschwanck dressed in a shihakushō with her zanpakuto, Gamuza, tied to her obi.
Everyone went silent to watch the pair as they move across the hall, and all members present are wearing flagrant expressions, ranging from shocked, confused, and amused. All you can hear was the pairs footfalls resonating through the vault ceiling.
Under his breath, the commander said, "We've got this in the bag."
"I'd say this is a checkmate," Urahara agreed with a smirk.
Both confused, Ichigo and Ishida ask what they meant.
"Let's just say the moment Kuchiki Taichou walked through the door, we entered his territory.
"He's probably the most cut throat politician in all of the noble clans. If Kuchiki Byakuya want's something, he get's it." Winking at the two men, the commander said, "Watch and learn, boys."
As Byakuya walked up and stopped a few inches beside and in front of the commander, watch they did.
Leaning forward marginally, the commander said, "You're late for the party, Kuchiki Tachiou, I didn't know you were one for dramatic entrances."
"You say dramatic, and I say good timing," Byakuya rebutted while he kept his unseeing glare straight ahead.
A tension became prevalent in the assemblage, and the Grandmaster's posture stiffened. "Lord Kuchiki, what do we owe the privilege?" he asked, wafting his eyes between the noble and the woman at his side.
"Quite the pleasure, Grandmaster Akimoto-san. I am here to tell you of my newly instated san-seki, Odelschwanck-san"
There was a measured pause before the Grandmaster said, "If you truly believe this to be a good idea, then I must say, you have gone blind in more ways than one, Lord Kuchiki.
"Is that so?" Byakuya asked calmly. "I find this ironic, seeing as this court's lack of ability nor desire to see and understand the thoughts of so called enemies is, in portion, the reason for almost two thousand dead soldiers and the upheaval of our land, or did your lack of cooperation with Ishida Souken plans for Quincies and Shinigami to work together years ago slip your mind, Grandmaster Akimoto-san? One could assume that, if you had agreed to such a partnership, perhaps things would have never fallen as they did, or Bach's reign would have been damped with ease, considering the entail Ishida Souken could have provided. Years of service must be weighing on you, yes? I imagine you've grown tiresome." Not letting the man finish, he went on, "Along with this overlook, you've continuously made hasty generalizations and judgments that have lead to unjust executions or the lose of proficient taichou, such as Urahara Kisuke. Perhaps," he continued, voice full of stern mockery, "your complete lack of military service has caused your vision to be lacking. Of course, by no fault of your own, Grandmaster Akimoto-san."
Not letting the man get a word in inch wise, Byakuya said, "With the permission of Soutaichou Kyoraku, I already made Odelschwanck-san my san-seki. On a trial basis, of course. If it all goes well by the time Kurosaki-Fukutaichou is promoted, we can reconvene about these law changes. Do you not agree, Grandmaster Akimoto-san?"
Urahara leaned in closely to the commander. "Did he actually ask you?" he whispered.
Head dipped and smirk firmly in place, the commander gave a sharp yet almost unnoticeable sideways shake of the head.
Urahara snorted. "Looks like our rebellious little Bya-Kun is back."
"Maybe Kurosaki-san is a good influence on him too," the commander said.
Ichigo sideswiped Ishida with little furtiveness and forcibly took his place beside Urahara. "How is he getting away with this?" he whispered. "I mean, he's being formal, and he sounds respectful, but it's pretty obvious what's going on."
"This is a power play, Kurosaki-san," Urahara explained, holding his fan in front of their faces in the most conspicuous way possible. "The Kuchiki clan holds much weight in the dictations of Central, and in their own way, they influence policy change more than this group of old guys. Basically, they can make the lives of Central's members difficult if they so choose. It's a whole politics thing, but showing up with Nel-san already instated is was a huge assertion of dominance, and the way he's talking without respite, well that's a pretty common psychological move that can push someone into doing what they want with more ease." He smirked, "Mind games, Kurosaki-san, mind games."
The muttering was still in place, but it had dimmed to mere utterances, and most members of Central were looking ruffled, but none as much as the Grandmaster himself.
With a fraudulently brave face, Akimoto asked, "Do you not think, as head of the Kuchiki clan, you should be upholding the law better?
It was a subtle change, but the temperature dropped several degrees and the air became sharp to the touch. Everyone's muscles constricted and not a single sound could be heard in the space. Even Ichigo shivered.
With a composed lethality backing his every word, Byakuya asked, "Are you questioning my pride, Grandmaster Akimoto-san?"
"I-well I-"
"I would never break a law, but the law is not always perfect," he explained. "It is the duty of those who implicate these laws to evaluate them and stand against laws that need to be changed." His voice became thicker, more dangerous in it's control as he warned, "Question my pride again, and it will be only the law that protects you from my blade, but nothing will protect you from my influence."
The Grandmaster cleared his throat and shifted his eyes uncomfortably. Underneath his stand, he wiped his moistened hands against the fabric of his garment. With one more desperate attempt to prove a point, he continued with shaky voice, "What about konso? This is an imperative part of being a Shinigami, and Arrancars can not do such."
Byakuya cocked an eyebrow at that. "How do you know?" he asked matter of factly.
"Excuse me?"
"I asked, how do you know," he said, enunciating each word. "Arrancars are Hollow Shinigami hybrids, each of which have a zanpakuto like our very own. As far as we know, their weapons are capable of the same feats as a full fledged Shinigami. Furthermore, the Jūichibantai has not done a single konso since Zaraki Taichou was instated."
Akimoto gaped and looked towards the commander. "Is this true, Kyoraku Soutaichou?"
With a nod of his head, the commander said, "It is."
Byakuya let out a measured sigh. "I can not say I am surprised you do not know this, Grandmaster Akimoto-san, because, you see, this is not your Seritie, but the Gotei 13s." Surprising everyone in the room, he added, "It is Kurosaki Ichigo's, because as it stands, from my perspective, when it comes to who is better at starting wars and stopping them in this room, I would say he takes the latter. From the inception of this institution, it has never changed more than it has from the actions of this one man."
With a considerably lighter tone, he added, "However, it can be yours too. This will not be an easy change, but think of it as an opportunity, a challenge. You are not an antiquated man, Grandmaster Akimoto-san, and you have the ability to make great change within our land."
Holding up his fan once again, Urahara explained to Ichigo that this, too, was a mind game. That when putting something in terms of gain and the ability to learn a new skill, it played on a person's primordial mind, making them more apt to do what the other wanted.
Ichigo looked at the noble through heavy eyes, and his chest began to ache happily.
'You did all this because you believe in me, and you're probably really putting yourself out with your clan. Byakuya…I won't let you down.'
After a few short moments of deliberation, the Grandmaster said, "All those in favor of allowing Shinigami corporation with Quincy and Arrancar on a trial basis, say I." About three-fourths of the congregation gave their approval, prompting the Grandmaster to say, "Very well. This court shall allow it, and closer to Kurosaki Fukutaichou promotion, we will reconvene."
"Thank you for your time, Grandmaster," was all Byakuya said before he turned on his heels to exit the building, Nel still silently at his side.
Urahara turned to address the commander. "I guess I wasn't needed after all. Not that I mind, that was one hell of a show."
Turning an intrigued eye towards Ichigo, the commander said, "It looks like you're not the only fan."
Urahara looked towards the man too. He saw Ichigo looking on after the noble as he left. His eyes were hooded and almost dreamy, and he bit at his smirking lips.
"I think thats a look that's a little more than star stuck."
The commander grinned knowingly. "Now Kisuke-san, let's not make assumptions."
Urahara returned the grin in spades. "Just an observation, purely scientific."
With a shake of the head, the commander chuckled. "That would be something, wouldn't it? Those two."
"Crazier things have happened."
Though not listening to the two elders ramblings, Ishida looked at Ichigo with a similar thought. That look, it vaguely reminded him of how he looked at Orihime from time to time.
Ichigo was pulled from his reverie by another dull pang in his chest, and he clutched at the fabric that covered it. Feeling a pat on his back, he looked up to see Urahara and the other two men. As they began to walk forward, Urahara asked, "Everything alright, Kurosaki-san?"
"Uh, yeah," Ichigo said, rubbing at his chest with fretted brow. "My chest has just been feeling weird lately, that's all."
The two elders exchanged witting glares. "Maybe it's just acid reflux," Urahara mused, "or something else."
Ichigo was about the question his vagueness, only he was attacked by the green haired Arrancar no sooner than his foot hit the concrete of the Seritie.
"Ichi-go~" she sang, crushing the man with her amble chest.
Ichigo's cheeks flushed brightly at the crushing weight of the woman's breast against his throat.
"N-nel!" he stammered, unlatching himself as quickly as possible. "It's good to see you. I thought it was weird how quiet you were in there."
"That's because Kuchiki Taichou told me that If I wanted to be in the same squad as you, I'd need to behave. He told me I did good! And look," she said, holding up a Wakame Ambassador bake good, "He gave me a cookie!" She promptly bit down on it, and Ichigo couldn't help but to chuckle. "This is delicious! Oh, he's beautiful, and he can cook. I like him, Ichigo." Suddenly, her disposition reverted back to something resembling mature, as it usually stayed in her adult form. "I must head to the division now. I promise I'll be the best san-seki I can, Ichigo Fukutaichou."
"Uh- you can just call me Ichigo, Nel. I'll see you later, okay?"
With a nod of the head, she flashed away, and Urahara said, "Ah, I think that device I made to keep her in an adult form was my best creation yet."
"You damn henti," Ichigo growled.
"Whatever do you mean, Kurosaki-san?" Urahara asked as he feigned innocent.
"Don't think I don't know you did it because of her, well- her-" he colored even more, "assets."
"Is that such a bad thing?"
"It's just weird, for Kami sakes. She use to ride me."
Urahara's lewd grin stretched. "Interesting choice of words, Kurosaki-san."
At that, Ichigo's face resembled a strawberry, and he stammered, "I-I m-meant my shoulders! She use to ride on my shoulders when she was small!"
The two elders laughed heartily, and the commander tipped his hat at the flushing teen. "We've messed with you enough for one day." With his back turned to Ichigo and his feet moving forward, he said, "Why don't you go back to the Kuchiki mansion and give Kuchiki-Taichou a big kiss of gratitude on us, eh?"
"WHAT!?"
"Nothing~" Urahara singsonged, and before the two flashed away, he said, "You did good today, Kurosaki-san."
With a scowl, Ichigo asked himself, "What the hell is wrong with those guys?"
After some quick parting words with Ishida, Ichigo made his way back to the mansion in a flurry of shunpo.
…
Up Next: Training, test tube heirs, and celebrations.
xXx
Secret Companion: Hm, I'm excited to write Ichigo's reaction myself. I do not think he'll be very happy! ;) Thanks for the review, doll.
Ichkak: Hey love! Thank's for reading. I love to hear when new people get into this story. This is for sure a really slow, touchy feely relationship, and I hope you enjoy every moment of it. Hmmm, perhaps I can't give you a mpreg, but you never know what I have in store for these two. ;)
Tifanny91: That's so cool! I heard Japanese is actually a really hard language to learn, so good on you. I myself would love to learn some French. I pretty much hate the American education system, for a number of reasons, but one of those is that, unlike other countries, we don't grow up being taught two languages. Actually, we learn in psychology that its rather easy for children to learn different languages, but after a certain point in our brains development, it becomes really difficult to retain. Who knows, maybe one day I learn! I enjoy writing this story because the more I do, the more I realize they have in common. I actually didn't connect the dots that both Ichigo and Byakuya had died in extremely violent ways and had to be brought back(You'd be surprised how much I don't know until I start writing a chapter. That's why I love writing, because in a way, it writes itself.) So I was really happy about that connection, and I'm glade you enjoyed the way they help each other through it. You'd be right, it's still going to be a very bumpy ride before these two really get a grip on what their feeling, but I hope I can make it worth your wait. As aways, with love, Ashes. :)
Dust-of-moon: Hey dear! So I'll try to clear up the soul lock thing. Basically, as Senbonzakura said, it's not inherently romantic, but it lends itself to romance. Meaning you can soul lock with a friend or family, it doesn't have to be someone you're going to fall in love with, nor does it have to be forever like a soul mate bond implies. Though they do tend to lead to romance. I could understand your review fine. Actually, I know in French you give everything a gender pronoun, correct? You called the sentence a "she", and I was confused at first, but when I finally got it, I thought it was adorable. lol Anyway, I characterize Senbonzakura based on his character off the anime only arcs, and he's a total lush, pouty, destructive romantic, and I love it. :) Theres a scene where he get's drunk and he starts asking "Wheres the love at."
Siwon611: Hey there! I can't wait either. lol. Seriously, I'm impatient and it's my story. It'll be a while before they get there, but I hope you enjoy what I have planed. Chow Bella ~
LustfulAvarices: Let me tell you, love, my first story on here leaves much to be desired. Actually, I feel the way you do too. I think everyone does. We see people who we think do better than us, and it makes us feel like it's not even worth it, but If I didn't ever get over that, I wouldn't be writing these stories now. So I hope you do write one day, because no matter what, there will be someone who wants/needs your story, and you'll make them just a little bit happier by writing it! If you ever want any advice, you can always talk to me. I'm truly a novice, but I'll help in anyway I can.
Engkantada1905: Ah, I live to make fan girls squeal. hehe. Please don't hate me If I make you wait it out for their lovey dovey side to revel itself! I promise it'll be worth every minuet!
Beautiful-Liar13: Thank you for your comment and support! :) I hope you enjoyed this chapter!