A Woman Behind These Clothes

Summary: After concealing her true gender for years, Juushiro Ukitake thought she had the art of hiding mastered...but then Ichigo, in all his brash glory, happened to stumble across her secret. Is there a way to keep the loud orange-hair substitute soul-reaper quiet? Probably not...

Pairings: Ichigo/Ukitake, Renji/Byakuya. Friendship: Kyouraku and Ukitake, Rukia and Ukitake.

Disclaimer: Don't own any of the characters associated with the Anime of Bleach.

Warnings: Juushiro Ukitake is dictated as a female in gender in this story. Yes, I am well aware that he is male in both Manga and anime, but work with me here. Yaoi is featured in this story as well. Don't like? Then back out now...

AN: A couple of announcements today. First, updates are going to be less frequent for a while as I have been through a series of medical tests and it has been confirmed that I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I'm epically annoyed about that, but there's very little I can do about it. I'm not using it as an excuse and I don't want any pity, I just thought I'd let you know that updates are going to be slower, unfortunately. This fic is my pride and joy, so I will finish it.

Secondly; this fic is slowly coming to an end. But don't fret, there will definitely be more Female!Ukitake fics from me in the future. Who knows, maybe even a sequel.

Thirdly, there is Yaoi featured in this chapter; yes, Renji and Byakuya make another appearance. Don't like, then I suggest you skip the first half of this chapter. But then again, it's only very light, so it would be best that you didn't. I'm not making much sense, but that's how it is. And sorry, not IchiUki in this chapter; I'm mean that way. Next one is full of it, I promise.

Fourthly, thanks so very much; animegamemaster6, Grinja, Kratos181, GameDemonKing, InugamiGod, Crazy Hyper Lady, CleverPhoenix, Orchamus, Aldo Montoya, librarycat9, stormcrowley, ironjaw, AznPuffyHair, itachiluver397, RunicSiren, xx1ofAKindxx, Garyu, PaperBagGhost, bleachfan78, shadowgouf, Basil, Harteramo, ramenwriter15 and dragon king for reviewing! I really appreciate it.

Comments and reviews are always welcomed. So don't be afraid to drop me a line, ok?

Chapter 21:

"I'm sorry, Captain Kuchiki," the dark hair male, Sentaro or something, apologized with a low bow. "Captain Ukitake isn't present at the moment."

"When will he be returning?" Byakuya asked coolly, a sense of irritation in his voice.

"I'm afraid I don't know," Sentaro replied and then fell into silence. He made no attempt to explain his Captain's absence or make an excuse of any kind. He simple fell into this rather guarded silence, something like he would do when Captain Ukitake had fallen ill and needed rest.

Interesting.

"I see," Byakuya said slowly, drawing out the words long enough to cause an irrational shiver of discomfort to radiate through the male before him before he turned away abruptly. "Very well. Inform your captain of my visit when he returns."

"Yes, of course, sir!"

Not bothering to give Captain Ukitake's third seat an indication that he had heard him, Byakuya walked away from Division 13 barracks with an air of sophistication and noble dignity, doing his best to hide the small sense of concern that was now beginning to take residency within his chest.

He had been in search for Captain Ukitake all morning. Rumours regarding his sempei had been growing radically as days drew on and he knew that such stresses were detrimental to her health.

It might help ease some of the rumours if Captain Ukitake would just announce officially that she was in fact a woman. But then again, it would probably only draw more unwanted chit-chat in her direction. It was bad enough that everyday reapers off the streets were talking about Ukitake and Ichigo's so-called forbidden relationship. If the noble families found out that Ukitake was actually a woman and was being pursued by a Substitute Soul Reaper, imagine the scandals that would emerge from that.

Truly, he didn't want it to come to that. They talk about her enough, about her vulnerability and fragility; never mind the fact that she had been a captain for two thousand years.

Byakuya knew firsthand how petty the upper crust could be.

Thankfully, though, the majority of his family had become quite fond of Captain Ukitake, a friend and confident to his grandfather when he was captain of Division Six.

He had known for quite some time that his former Sempei was actually female in gender, his grandfather informing him of this fact. The motherly hugs he would receive at random intervals were also a dead giveaway. He never questioned her about it and she never said anything, and with all the other stresses going on it really didn't matter.

Yoruichi would often tease him about that, mind you. She loved nothing more than to provoke him and then coo at him when Ukitake tried to calm him down, teasing him by saying that Ukitake was actually more like his mother than his Sempei. Sometimes, he will admit only to himself, that he had stalked Ukitake down to rant –discuss civilly- with her about that evil cat woman as he was closer to her than his own mother and father.

He refused to admit that he would run to her, though. Captain Ukitake just happened to always take the same paths he did whenever Yoruichi did something to infuriate him in his youth. It wasn't like he would ask her to keep that devil woman away from him long enough to finish his training.

What he will admit, again only to himself, was that Yoruichi was right about one thing; he was closer to Ukitake than any of his other family members.

While he knew of Ukitake's gender, most others seemed oblivious. People thought what they wanted and Ukitake was popular with both sexes anyway. Most thought she was beautiful and would make a great spouse and lover, while they do something useful like taking care of her. However, there were others who thought it would be incredible to have a captain submit to their advances and perverted intentions.

Byakuya would promptly maim those kinds of people. If Kyouraku and Unohana didn't get to them first, that was. Yoruichi could be pretty vicious when she wanted to be, as well.

He wasn't even going to mention the time Head-Captain Yamamoto almost suffocated an unruly group of Reapers when he overheard them sneering suggestively that they wouldn't mind hitting that ass in regards to Captain Ukitake with his Spiritual Pressure alone.

Yes, he will admit that he might be a little protective of his Sempei, then again who those close to her wasn't?

He had heard that she wasn't feeling well from Rukia and he immediately wondered who was responsible for her decline in health; the rumours, the Women's Association or Kurosaki himself?

That was why he had been searching for Ukitake all morning. He wanted to know just what was going on between her and Ichigo, what kind of relationship they held and what it was truly doing to her health.

A warm hand suddenly clasped onto his shoulder, but it did nothing to startle him for he knew the owner of said hand and simply turned to face him. His gaze immediately locked onto that of his lieutenant's that held a sense of worry to them.

"Any luck?" Renji asked him in genuine concern.

Byakuya shook his head, mildly noting that Renji's hand lingered on his shoulder for a moment before reluctantly dropping away. "No, Captain Ukitake isn't at his residence nor his Division barracks."

"Man," Renji mumbled as he scratched the back of his head roughly. "Where could he have gone?"

Byakuya wished he knew. He had tried the Ugendo, Kyouraku's residency and his division barracks. He even tried Division Four to no avail. No one seemed to know where she was currently at or appeared reluctant to tell.

"I don't know," he admitted with a soft, remorseful sigh.

"I really wish I knew what was going on here," Renji said as he dropped his arm to fall lazily by his side, a scowl marring his face. "I mean, do you think the rumours are true? About Captain Ukitake and Ichigo?"

"Hm," Byakuya simply hummed in response.

Truthfully, he didn't know what to think. Despite numerous Reapers' protectiveness toward her, Ukitake was more than capable of looking after herself. She had spent countless years knocking back courting gestures and marriage proposals, while still remaining courteous and gracious. If Ichigo had been truly courting her for this long then Ukitake must be enjoying his attention.

But really, Kurosaki? He had no respect for authority, was outrageously informal, reckless and incredible loud and straightforward. Surely, his talented Sempei could do better than that fool?

"Ichigo isn't a bad person, ya know?" Renji suddenly stated, sounding also as if he had somehow overheard his thoughts. No, actually by the grin on his lips he guessed what he was thinking. When did Renji become so observing? Then again, it was due to Renji constantly surprising him to drew him to him in the first place.

"Sure, he's a dumbass who's a little bit too reckless, but he means well," Renji carried onto say, his grin widening a little. "At least being with Captain Ukitake will be good for him, right?"

That could be true. She might teach him some manners and how to show some well earned respect.

"Maybe so."

Renji suddenly made a sound that was a cross between a chuckle and a snort of amusement. "Heh."

Byakuya granted him a warily glance. "What?"

"Nah, it's nothing," Renji replied with his most toothiest grin. "I just think it's sweet."

"What is?" Byakuya questioned, his eyes narrowing just so in an accusing why. He didn't like the look on his face; it was like he just knew something interesting.

"You," he replied quickly, one of his hands moving up to play with a strand of his hair in a rather loving and tender manner. "You're worried about Captain Ukitake, aren't you?"

Byakuya opted to say nothing in regards of that, a part of his noble personality and teachings was still very uncomfortable with admitting that he cared for anyone for reasons other than mutual obligations. He was also still fairly uncomfortable with public displays of affections so he promptly swatted Renji's hand away from his hair.

He could play with his hair in private, just not in public with the fear of someone totally untrustworthy discovering them.

"I've always noticed how you look at him," Renji carried on to say, sounding somewhat serious. "And to be honest, I once thought that maybe there was something more going on."

Byakuya unwillingly allowed his head to reel back ever so slightly in surprise and shock, yet also feeling a tiny bit indignant at those words. "Between me and Ukitake?"

"Yeah," Renji said with a light shrug, a half smile on his face. "You'd make a cute couple."

"I'm in a relationship with you, you fool," Byakuya all but blurted out rather uncharacteristically, a gentle heating sensation gracing his noble features when he realized Renji's grin just widen a fraction more. "Although there are times when I wonder why."

Renji chuckled and then quite abruptly pulled him into his arms, startling him enough to witness his eyes widen in surprise before pulling him into a soft kiss. Renji's arms wound effortlessly around his waist, pressing his body tightly against his, his lips nudging against his. And Byakuya, for his part, was slightly irritated at how his own body reacted to his administrations, slumping against his lover's form, his hands grasping onto his shoulders to push back against his lips.

When did he turn this needy and how did this infuriating man know?

"Heh, you know you love me," Renji then murmured against his lips.

"Don't push it, Arabai," Byakuya all but hissed threateningly, pushing him back with a palm on his chest while he pointed menacingly at him with the index finger of his other hand.

"I'll be good," Renji promised while his grin suggested otherwise, drawing back with a deliberate slowness, purposely letting his hands caress his sides, actually making him shiver, before dropping away.

Damn Arabai, if he keeps this up they'll be the topic of conversations for those gossipmongers.

"Anyway, I just think if Ichigo and Captain Ukitake do happen to be in some sort of a relationship, then we should be supportive of them," Renji stated with a somewhat casual shrug of his shoulder before his smile turned genuinely warm, fond even. "Just like Captain Ukitake was of us. Am I right?"

Byakuya's mind forced him to recall his last visit to the Ugendo, where he learnt the rumours of Ichigo hiding out there were true, as well as Ichigo purposely exposing his secret relationship with Renji without a care in the world.

Imprudent punk.

Most importantly, however, he remembered how Ukitake gently took his hand in hers and told him how proud she was of him. There were only two people he worked hard to make proud; his grandfather and his Sempei. And hearing that from her made him feel a strong sense of happiness, one of which he actually showed by squeezing her hand back and allowing Renji to show a hint of affection in front of her.

So, in turn, it would only be fair and reasonable to be supportive of her as well. Still, that Kurosaki needs to prove himself worthy before anything else could be said.

"...That was oddly profound of you, Renji," he admitted after a moment of silence.

That boyish grin quickly made a comeback. "I'm more than just a pretty face," he joked.

Byakuya resisted the urge to roll his eyes, yet was unable to hold back his own quick retort. "I've known that for quite some time, Renji."

"Hey!" Renji yelled with a sense of mock disgruntlement, the redheaded lieutenant becoming somewhat more inclined to his jokes and quips. "I'll get you back for that."

"Will you now?" Byakuya quipped back at him almost defiantly, the corners of his mouth threatening to twitch into a smile of amusement.

He quickly dropped that urge, however, when Renji suddenly slinked up to him, his lips purposely brushing against his ear, a move which made Byakuya's eyes widen and breathe to suddenly hitch.

"Yeah," Renji breathed, his hot breath ghosting down his neck. "Later on tonight."

He then whispered into his ear exactly how he was going to pay for it later and Byakuya felt a rather undignified blush flare upon his features. Yet, even as he pulled away, he could quell a sense of excitement from forming.

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Rukia couldn't believe what she had just overheard.

She was just on her merry way back to her Division barracks to inform his fellow Division members that their Captain had been safely escorted into the world of the living and was in Ichigo's care when she heard two familiar voices speaking about her captain. The first thing any Squadron 13 member would do is to immediately press themselves against a wall and listen, ready to jump to their Captain's defence and beat the living crap out of anyone in case something less than glowing admiration was being said.

And being the good little Soul Reaper that she was, that was exactly what she did. However, as the conversations went on, her cheeks started to glow with an embarrassed, but somewhat gleeful blush as she watch her brother practically melt into her childhood friend's arm from a kiss! And the banter between them was just so squeal worthy as well.

And the way her brother simply blushed beautifully, elegantly at Renji's suggestive words almost did make her squeal out loud. He kept walking with his head held high nonetheless, expertly ignoring a wickedly grinning Renji as he dutifully trailed behind him.

Waiting until they were out of sight, Rukia carefully stepped out from where she was hiding, unable to hide the dreamy gaze in her eyes. Then she felt a sense of irrational annoyance.

Renji and her brother...in a relationship...and they didn't tell her? Those inconsiderate pigs! Wait until she gets her hands on that Renji, they're going to have a few choice words for certain! After she stomped his head into the dirt, of course.

Oooh, men and their damned secrets.

Still, what a delicious little secret to overhear. Maybe she should speak with her captain about it as they did mention she already knows and gave them her support and approval. As if Captain Ukitake would do anything less, mind you.

"Rukia?"

Rukia almost jumped a foot in the air, clearly startled that someone had snuck up on her when she wasn't paying attention. She whipped around to find Nanao Ise standing a few steps behind her, a delicate eyebrow raised in response to her surprising reaction to her name being called.

"Sorry," Rukia immediately replied, her heart beating rapidly. "But you surprised me."

"My apologises, then," Nanao said in her usual terse way as she pushed up her glasses with her delicate fingers, that large leather bound book once again sitting securely under her arm. She was an unnatural serious woman, especially if you consider the fact that she was Captain Kyouraku's lieutenant.

But then, some of that seriousness waned and she was now fiddling with her glasses, appearing as if she was nervous and worried at the same time. "Could I have a word with you about your captain?"

Rukia found herself blinking a couple of times. "About Captain Ukitake? Why?" she asked, her own sense of nervousness slowly begin to rise.

"Has he...being feeling unwell lately?" Nanao asked slowly, as if she was struggling to find the right words. "He seemed to be in quite a state this morning."

"He hasn't been feeling well, no," was Rukia's automatic reply but she quickly paused, a sense of fear gripping at her heart when Nanao's words sunk in. She was talking about what happened this morning, she must know what happened to make her captain stumble back to the barracks with obvious evidence that she had been crying.

"What happened this morning?" Rukia all but demanded, her eyes widening frantically. "What are you talking about?"

Nanao chewed on her bottom lip as her hand now played with the book in her grip, Rukia mildly noting that she was gentle touching a corner where it was folded back. Almost as if it had been dropped onto a hard surface or something.

How strange, Nanao would never, ever drop her book. She was always so careful.

"I have requested to the Seireitei Women's Association to leave him alone for a while."

Ok, this was officially starting to scare her. It wasn't like the SWA's to merely give up on something so easily. Something seriously dramatic must have happened...they don't have the proof they need, do they? That wasn't possible! They were so careful!

"Tell me what happened this morning, please!" This time Rukia did demand, her voice pitch growing considerably.

Nanao suddenly sighed, her shoulders drooping forward, her gaze a mixture of concern and guilt. "He called himself a brainless, selfish old fool, Rukia," she finally informed her, her tone straining at the words. "He said that with such spite of himself that I thought he was going to cry. I've never seen him...loathing himself so much."

Rukia found herself taking a step back in shock, her expression turning scarily blank. "What else did he say? What happened?"

"That was all I heard before Captain Kyouraku led him away elsewhere," Nanao admitted, her gaze abruptly turning to look down at her book, her fingertip still touching the dented corner. "I didn't follow, it wasn't my place."

Tears prickled at Rukia's eyes and a lump of emotion formed in her throat. She hated, absolutely detested when her Captain spoke so poorly of herself. She and her fellow Division members can punish others who spoke poorly of her, but they could do nothing to make their own Captain see her own beauty and charm.

"Captain? Why? I don't understand, why would Ukitake-san...?" she was rambling now.

"I would never do anything to jeopardize Captain Ukitake's wellbeing," Nanao stated quickly, her guilt still lingering in her voice and expression. She must believe that the Women's Association was indirectly responsible. "We'll give him the peace he deserves. I'm truly sorry that it went this far."

"Thank you," Rukia responded sincerely, a forced smile turning the corners of her lips. "Captain Ukitake is going through some personal change at the moment, but I'm sure he'll be back to his old self in no time," she ended with a tone of reassurance.

"I certainly hope so," Nanao said with a forced smile of her own. "Do give him our apologies."

Rukia inclined her head in understanding. "Of course."

She needed to go back to the World of the Living to see her Captain, her Division members could wait just a little bit longer. She wanted to know why her Captain Ukitake would say such terrible things about herself, and to make sure she was alright. She knew Ichigo would never do anything to hurt her, but she was still worried. She didn't want anything bad to happen to her Ukitake-san every again!

"We are focusing our attention elsewhere for now," Nanao suddenly informed her, her business like tone making an abrupt comeback.

"Oh? Where?" Rukia questioned, tilting her head to the side as she furrowed her brow just a little.

"There are rumours going round that there could be something between Renji and Captain Byakuya."

It took all of Rukia's willpower not to slump forward in exasperation.

Aw shit...