Chapter 12: Telling Truths

(Thanks to everyone reading and reviewing! My gratitude to reviewers Purple Light Snow (Isn't that always the case? I think so many things could be fixed between people much faster if they just talked! Ah, but people are foolish!), Picklez80 (Minori's father has a story too, which we will find in this chapter!), Willowmere (Awww, thank you and your friend so much! :) I am blessed to encounter people like you! Your message was so very touching! You are very, very sweet.), Jambalaya (I keep myself guessing too!), Winterheart2000 (Something good will happen to brighten Tetsuya's world, but it's always calm before the storm, right? Oh dear, is that a cloud on the horizon?), and TehWonderer (Chapter is delivered!) Enjoy! Love Spunky)

"Hey," a friendly voice called softly, breaking into the haze around Minori and making his pretty, jade colored eyes open and squint, "you gonna wake up sometime? Or should I just plan on sitting here all day, waiting?"

"I-ichigo?" Minori whispered, blinking and gazing up at the other young man in surprise.

"Yeah," the ginger-haired youth answered, squeezing his hand, "I told you I wasn't letting you go anywhere, didn't I?"

"And it is because of Kurosaki-san's quick actions that you are still with us," Unohana taichou confirmed as he checked Minori's vital signs and examined them briefly, then left the two alone to talk.

Minori looked briefly around the room, then back at Ichigo.

"Where is Byakuya?" he asked softly, "Are he and Tetsuya all right?"

"Byakuya got patched up here and is going to be fine. But he had to leave because he heard that Tetsuya refused to come to the healing center and he went back to talk some sense into him. He'll be back as soon as he makes sure his cousin is taken care of. He didn't want to go, but he knew Tetsuya really needed healing and he won't listen to anyone but Byakuya when something like this happens. He's stubborn that way. Nothing matters more to him than Byakuya's safety."

Ichigo went silent, watching as Minori sat up slowly, agony reflected on his pale face as he struggled with something weighty. His smile faded and he squeezed Minori's hand reassuringly.

"Hey, Byakuya will be back soon, okay? Don't worry."

Minori bit at his lips, fighting tears as his shaky voice sounded again.

"I know. It is just that...Ichigo, I don't know if I can do this anymore! I could accept an arranged marriage before, but that was because I didn't understand what love is! Wh-when I met Byakuya and Tetsuya and saw how much they love each other, what passion burns between them, and how they are falling apart as they try to separate, I started to see that it wasn't going to work."

"But you and Byakuya are..."

"We can never fall in love," Minori sobbed softly, "And having witnessed the love they have, I cannot bear the thought of breaking that love apart and living forever with Byakuya...the two of us never being able to fall in love."

"Yeah," Ichigo answered softly, "I know. I'm having a hard time with other people trying to run that part of my life too, although my clan will let me marry who I choose. They just want to give their opinion about it all of the time. But I get it. Byakuya and Tetsuya had something really special. That's why Tetsuya's such a mess right now. But he'll be okay. He's going to..."

"Don't you understand?" Minori managed, brushing away a tear, "I confided in you about Tetsuya's condition. Tetsuya is a Breeder male, just like me! He and Byakuya are bonded and the only way that bond will break and Byakuya will be able to have a child with me will be if Tetsuya dies. Ichigo, if anyone finds out..."

"Don't worry. I won't say anything," Ichigo promised, "That secret is safe with me."

"That secret isn't safe at all, Ichigo! I wasn't saying anything, because I was scared of what would happen. But when I discovered the baby, I kept it a secret, not knowing that Tetsuya could die from trying to carry a child! Think about what you know of Tetsuya and the way he is now. He won't be able to think straight. He will have to run away, and if he does, who knows what will happen! And if he stays, even if Byakuya convinces him to abort the pregnancy to save his life, someone will eventually find out and they will kill Tetsuya! I cannot bear it, Ichigo! It's just too horrible! I don't know what to do! And...and when we were there at the party and it became obvious that neither one of them can let go really, I felt my heart sinking. But what made everything clear in my mind and told me this can't go on, is when you put your arms around me and protected me, Ichigo!"

Ichigo's eyes widened, but he remained silent, letting Minori go on.

"You were so wonderful to me the day I came to the solstice party, and I never enjoyed myself so much as when you taught me to dance like you do. Then...at the dignitaries dinner, when the bombs went off and your arms wrapped around me, I felt something I have never felt before. Ichigo...the truth is...I wanted to die in your arms! Because you are someone I could have fallen in love with, and now I never will! I am forced to marry a man who I cannot love and who will never love me!"

Ichigo's eyes softened and his hand reached up to touch Minori's face gently.

"I felt something beautiful when I protected you too," he confessed, "I know it's not right because you're going to marry Byakuya, but you're the kind of person I could love too."

"But what do we do now? Ichigo, what can we do?" Minori pleaded, his voice breaking.

"I don't know," Ichigo sighed, sliding his arms around Minori, "but whatever happens, I'll still at least be your friend, Minori. You can count on that."

"I know...but...what I feel for you is dangerous, Ichigo. And things are already dangerous enough as it is. Still, watching Byakuya and Tetsuya as I have makes me wonder if we can stop love even if we try. Love is such a beautiful and tormenting thing, Ichigo. Part of me wishes I had never come to understand, and part of me just wants to give in and feel that emotion burn inside me! And even though I must never give in, I am selfish. I want to know it, even if it is just for the length of one kiss!"

He leaned forward, impulsively bringing his lips to meet Ichigo's. Ichigo stiffened in surprise for a moment, then sank deeply into Minori's warm, hungry mouth, savoring that one long moment for as long as it lasted.

"Minori."

The two young men broke away from each other as Aomori Hisoka stepped into the room.

"F-father," Minori stammered, paling, "I didn't know you were here."

"You were injured and in serious condition, I heard," Hisoka answered, his darkened eyes fixed on Ichigo, "Where else would I be?"

"I was worried that you might have come into the Shiba clan hall while I was out of the room and you might have been injured, Father. I am glad you were not hurt."

"Yes, fortunately for us, we were delayed and weren't at the dinner. But, I need to speak with you privately."

"I'll go...and get you some tea, okay?" Ichigo said, standing.

"Arigatou, Ichigo."

Minori and Hisoka watched quietly as the Shiba heir left the room.

"I am sorry," Minori whispered, lowering his head, "I did a disgraceful thing. I know I shouldn't have."

"That?" Hisoka answered, shaking his head, "My son, you have a lot to learn. It is not bad to know love, but sometimes you don't get to have it the way you want it."

"Wh-what?" Minori asked, looking confused, "What are you saying to me?"

Hisoka smiled and sat down at his son's bedside.

"I am saying that if you love that Shiba boy, you should act on it. Just...be cautious that you never let on. Scandals, my boy, will break families apart. These things are best kept quiet, if you know what I mean."

Minori's face took on a guarded look.

"You mean that you...?"

"I married because I was told to do so," his father answered, "but my heart went where it willed. I was only careful to make sure that it was always kept private and that no children were ever born of the others...save one."

Minori's breath caught softly and his eyes closed for a moment, then opened and looked down at his hands.

"She was beautiful and she had your eyes, Minori," Hisoka went on, "but she was a servant. I knew that we would never be allowed to wed. We accepted that, and we saw each other privately. My wife never knew about her...not until we had been together for a long time. I didn't know that she was descended of the Breeders. If I had, I would have been more careful. And I would have made sure that if she did have a child, that it was female, not male. But I did not know that when she had you."

"When...she had me?" Minori queried, a look of devastation in his eyes, "Then...?"

"You are the bastard child of the servant woman, Ena...not my wife, Ayumi. And it is because of you that I lost Ena forever."

"She died of fever," Minori remembered.

"She died of slow poisoning!" Hisoka hissed, "My wife found out about us and in her jealousy, poisoned Ena. And you should have died with her! But she went into labor as she was dying and Ayumi couldn't harm you once she saw you. She confessed what she had done and pleaded with me to forgive her and to protect her from the consequences of her actions. We lied to everyone that Ayumi had given birth to you, but in reality, you were Ena's child and mine...and the reason that I know it is not wise to let your heart overtake your head. You will marry Byakuya and you will see that other boy in private if you wish. But...be cautious. Scorned lovers are a dangerous thing."

Minori's face paled even more and he nodded briefly.

"Now, I know that you are rather naive, but you know that Byakuya also has a lover...and it seems that he may be behind the attempts on your life, first setting himself up to save you to allay suspicion, then attempting the more devastating event at the Shiba clan hall."

What?" Minori objected, looking alarmed, "Father, Tetsuya would never hurt us! You can't mean you think he would..."

"I think he is behind the attacks," Hisoka insisted, "so to protect you our council has insisted that Byakuya send that young man far away from here. And instead of having a large, public wedding, you and Byakuya will be married quietly at Kuchiki Manor tonight. The reason Byakuya is not here is because of the special council meeting that we called to confront him. I imagine he has gone back to his home to set that half-blood cousin of his packing. We will go and join him there now."

"What? Minori gasped, "Tonight? But I just had surgery, and I am not supposed to..."

"I know, and I am terribly sorry for this. But I am taking you to Kuchiki Manor with me and preparations are being made. You will be able to rest after you are married and your union is consummated."

"No," Minori said, shaking his head firmly, "Father, I cannot go through with the wedding to Byakuya. Tetsuya loves him and he loves Tetsuya. They should be together."

"You fool!" Hisoka hissed, grabbing the younger man by the front of his yukata, "They are never going to be together! Never! Don't you understand, it doesn't matter that they love each other, Tetsuya is a half-blood! Even if Byakuya could convince their elders to let them be married, it wouldn't last long. It didn't when he defied them to marry Hisana."

"She died of..."

"Slow poisoning," Hisoka intoned softly, "And after, Byakuya knew better than to be that foolish again. He won't marry Tetsuya, not ever."

"So...he didn't agree to marry me out of obedience," Minori mused softly, "He took my hand and not Tetsuya's because he wanted to protect him."

"Then, you understand."

"Yes," Minori answered, his green eyes burning with new determination.

"And you will marry Byakuya tonight?"

"Yes, Father."

"Good. Then, gather your things. I will have an attendant come to take you over."

Minori watched as his father left the room, his mind working quickly.

"I will marry Byakuya...and I will convince him that I can help Tetsuya to give birth to his child safely. We can raise the child as our heir and the elders will never know that the child isn't mine. That way, Byakuya, Tetsuya and the baby can be protected!"

"You okay?" Ichigo asked, re-entering the room.

"Yes," Minori assured him, "But I have to go soon. For my protection, Byakuya and I are being married secretly tonight."

"What? You mean, now you're okay with going through with it? Why? You were so..."

"I thought that marrying Byakuya was only going to destroy their love, Ichigo, but now I see that I may be the only one who can protect it!"

Yes, Minori thought, climbing out of the bed and onto shaky legs, I will marry Byakuya and we will protect Tetsuya and raise his child as ours! I will tell Byakuya then, after the wedding. We must consummate the marriage to make it binding, but after that, we can both be free to love who we will! I know we can make this work!

XXXXXXXXXX

"Tetsuya, may I have a word with...?" Byakuya began, pausing as he spotted his cousin not in bed, but in the dressing area, "Watashi no koi, what are you doing? You are supposed to be resting."

"I know," Tetsuya answered calmly, "I just...noticed that something was going on and was going to go and see what it was. I wasn't informed that anything was happening here."

"It was rather sudden," Byakuya explained, "but before we get to that, I need to speak to you alone. Come with me, please."

"Where are we going?"

"Please, just come with me."

Tetsuya left the dressing and followed Byakuya down the hallway and into his bedroom. He hesitated in the doorway, then stepped inside, pausing as Byakuya closed the door behind them.

"Byakuya-sama we shouldn't be alone here together. It isn't proper."

"I know, but I wanted privacy. Don't worry, I won't dishonor us with bad behavior. I really do want to tell you something."

He led Tetsuya to the bed they had shared and the two sat down together.

"What is it?" Tetsuya asked, "Are you all right?"

"You are a fine one to ask if I am all right," Byakuya chided him, his lips curving upward as he spoke, "But I am fine. This concerns a lie that I told you...one that has had some very serious consequences. I want to give you the truth now. I think that you need to know it."

Tetsuya went still, his blue eyes focused on Byakuya's troubled face.

"I gave you a bit of the truth when I told you that...I didn't fall in love with you after Hisana died. I was in love with you from that first moment when you threw yourself at my feet, Tetsuya. Yes, you are a half-blood, and you were wild and uncivilized and carrying another man's child. But you were, as you are now, spirited and beautiful, using strength that belies the look of your delicate body, and protecting fiercely the ones you love."

"But Byakuya-sama, you cannot have been in love with me before," Tetsuya mused, frowning, "Why would you have married Hisana?"

"Hisana was a friend...only ever a friend."

"What?" Tetsuya queried softly, his dark eyes widening.

"I met Hisana while on duty in Inuzuri, that much is true. We became friends and I was worried about leaving her there, but...she was worried about something too."

"She was? What was it?"

"I told her about our love, and that I wanted to make it possible for you to marry me openly. Together we decided that the safest way to do that would be to have me marry her and try to change perceptions of that kind of marriage."

"You..." Tetsuya said, blinking in confusion.

"I couldn't risk you, Tetsuya," Byakuya confessed, "I love you too much and I was afraid of what could happen to you if the elders tried something. Hisana was in a difficult place in Inuzuri, and she knew already that she had a terminal illness. She insisted on being the one to take the risk. She married me and we went to work together to change perceptions about mixed bloods, all in preparation for me to confess my love to you. We knew that Hisana was going to die...we just...did not realize that the elders would hasten her death as they did."

"What?" Tetsuya gasped softly, his face paling, "But Hisana..."

"I received this after she died," Byakuya said, handing Tetsuya a folded slip of paper.

"Our condolences for your loss," Tetsuya read, "We hope that there will never be a need for a repeat of this...that your obedience is assured."

"I was beside myself. I was horrified that I had hastened Hisana's death and that instead of making the way for you and me to be together, I only learned why it could never be. And still, so deep in grief at losing my friend and fearing for your safety, I turned to you, Tetsuya. I couldn't hold back, and I set us on this course, lying and saying that I would not marry you because of that promise to my parents. The reason I cannot marry you is that I love you too much to have you stolen from me by their intolerance. I love you and only you, Tetsuya. That is not going to change...ever. I have to send you away now, for that reason, for your protection, and I am asking you to please respect my wishes. I could not bear for you to be hurt anymore or to die because of me."

He captured Tetsuya's comely face in his hands and kissed him warmly on the smiling mouth.

"Do you hate me?" he asked softly, "Do you regret falling in love with me?"

"No," Tetsuya answered, returning his kiss with one equally warm and loving, "How could I hate you for protecting me, Byakuya-sama? Before, it was hard because I thought you were leaving me because of that vow you made. I understand now. You only made that vow because you wanted to protect me. I understand. And if you ask me to leave, I will go, of course."

"I am sending you to our private retreat, Tetsuya. I will be able to come to you there and it will be staffed with only trustworthy people. In that place, you and I will be together as we wish. We will not hold back. Minori has already indicated that he wants to protect our love, Tetsuya. And this way, you needn't ever hide your feelings. In that place, we will express our love freely and we won't be hurting anyone or risking you. Is this acceptable to you?"

"Yes," Tetsuya said, a smile rising on his lips, "It isn't like what we were doing before. We all know and accept this, and no one is being dishonored if we are all in agreement."

"I must still marry Minori and consummate the marriage, but it will be the only time we are together sexually. And after that, I will look the other way if he, too, wishes to give his love to someone else."

"He deserves to find love," Tetsuya agreed, "Very well, if this is what you want, I will agree to it."

"There is one more thing, Tetsuya, and it might make you unhappy, but it is necessary. Our councils have decided that, in light of the attacks on Minori, they want us to marry tonight in secret. And...Minori's father insisted that you should not attend the wedding. You understand why."

"He knows," Tetsuya affirmed, "I think more than a few suspect."

"But they have no evidence of it. It is only suspicion."

"Won't it be even more suspicious if I disappear on the eve of your wedding?"

"It might. But, it is important if we are to calm things between our clans, that we go through with what we have promised and that we remove you from harms way. Leave this room through my study and go now to the retreat. I will have your things sent later."

"Of course, if that is your wish. When will I see you next?"

"As soon as I am sure that the elders are convinced of Minori's and my commitment, I will come to you. Wait for me there, Tetsuya."

"I will."

"I must go now. I sense Minori and his father are arriving."

Byakuya embraced Tetsuya tightly, sinking into his mouth for a long, enthralling kiss, then looked deeply into his lovely sapphire eyes.

"I love you with all of my heart," Tetsuya whispered, smiling up at him.

"I live and breathe to love you," Byakuya answered, meeting his lips again in parting.

Tetsuya watched as his cousin slipped out of the garden doors, then he turned towards the study. He opened the door into the study, then froze as Orochi appeared in front of him.

"What are you doing here?" Tetsuya demanded.

"I was about to ask you the same thing, Cousin," Orochi said, moving forward as Tetsuya backed away from him, "What are you doing in his bedroom? Reliving fond memories?"

"I was talking to Byakuya-sama, not that it is any of your business," Tetsuya answered calmly, "He thinks it is safer if I leave the manor and live elsewhere."

"Oh," Orochi said, arching an eyebrow, "I suppose that is best, isn't it?"

"He feels it is safest. And I happen to agree."

"Why don't you take me up on my offer from before and come to live with me?" Orochi asked, moving closer, "You would have a servant's position, but I am always open about what I am doing. Any wife I have would be informed as of my preferences."

He moved forward suddenly, capturing Tetsuya's lips in a powerful kiss. Tetsuya pulled free immediately, glaring at the other man.

"Not that you would care about how she might feel about it. And no. I told you when you asked me before that I would rather die than have you touch me again!"

"And what will you do, off in banishment, Tetsuya? Live alone and unloved? Or...will he be going to see you in secret?"

"Get out of my way!" Tetsuya snapped, "I have to leave."

"I don't think so," his black-eyed cousin said, backing him up against the wall.

"What are you doing?" Tetsuya gasped as a sudden flicker of kido jolted his body, making him start to collapse.

Orochi caught him and held him up against the wall, placing a heavy barrier that held him on his feet and left him facing the bed.

"You need to see the truth for what it is, Cousin," Orochi said in a low, angry voice, "He is no different than me, and he will show that to you. No one can see you or hear you within this barrier. And by the time to wake, they will be here for their consummation. You will watch them make love, and you will see the truth you don't want to believe. There is no such thing as love, Tetsuya. There are only lust...and lies! You are fooling yourself if you think he really loves you!"

He looked back over his shoulder as he started to leave the room.

"I will be back tomorrow to free you and to make that offer to you once again," he chuckled, "Goodnight, Tetsuya."