Chapter Sixty Seven:

Ichigo sat on his futon for what felt like hours after leaving the dining room, covers draped loosely over his shoulders to keep the edging cold from his skin, he allowed his back to rest against the wall as he stared out of the large window to his right. It was the middle of the night, and once again the moon was full and blossoming with light, light which trickled down over the rooftops and crept into the room, casting shadows of foliage on the floor.

He was exhausted, completely and utterly, and yet he couldn't find sleep. So much had happened, and he'd slept for so long already... Rest had soon become an impossibility. His mind was too alive, even while his body longed for peace.

There was a deep seated tranquillity, however, in allowing his mind to wander away from him. Without much concentration he could now easily detect Orihime and Ishida's reiatsu from half way across the town, they were cuddled close together, with the small flares of their children between them. He imagined the small family would remain that way for some time, until they got used to being together again. He could sense Chad, the calmness of his aura suggested the man was also deeply asleep, no doubt recovering his spent energy.

Bringing his new found ability to actually sense reiatsu with ease a little closer to home, he could sense Rukia and Renji several doors down, they were together as well, clung tightly to one and other. He was happy for them. And across the hallway, Urahara and Yoruichi were undoubtedly curled up together, although if the woman's reiatsu was anything to go by, she was in her cat form.

"May I join you?"

Ichigo looked up quickly at the voice, surprised that for all his improved skills he had managed to completely miss the approach of Byakuya Kuchiki. The man was standing tall, proud, with his long locks drawn up into a tail, kenseikan currently missing from his attire; and there was caution in his eyes. An anxiety that seemed to run deep.

"Of course." The strawberry replied, moving over on the futon to make room for the other man, unable to prevent a small grin as the scene felt reminiscent of a time that seemed ancient.

"My thanks." The noble slipped beneath the covers, leaning against the wall as well, his eyes drawn to the moonlight, just as Ichigo's had been, "I was... Unsure if you'd desire my company."

"What do you mean? Why wouldn't I?" He asked quietly.

There was an uncharacteristic hesitation as Byakuya spoke, his voice strained despite the serenity on his face, "You... Recall all of what happened while Shiro was in control, yes?"

"I didn't at first, but... I think so..." Ichigo confirmed, letting out a long breath, "You're... You thought I wouldn't want to be near you because of Shiro and Aizen's... Relationship. I can understand why you'd be nervous but, surely you understand that it wasn't me. It wasn't what I wanted, I was never even part of the equation..."

"I do understand that, more than you could ever realise." The Kuchiki heir silenced his anxiety with ease, despite his own persisting, "But, my own concern comes from how much you remember about myself... And Grimmjow."

The sunrise haired Shinigami paused, lowering his gaze, "He taunted Shiro by telling him that he planned to fuck you... In reality it was a ruse to try and make me surface though... I'm assuming jealousy. Shiro's clouding his memories of what happened, he seems... Ashamed. Why would he be ashamed?"

Byakuya's shoulders dropped and he ran a hand down his face, "I will not blame you if you come to hate me for it... It was a foolish plan born from desperation. Grimmjow's desperation to help. We made an agreement to do whatever was necessary to get that rise from Shiro, to try and trigger the possessive, jealous reaction. To go as far as it required."

"To go as... It wasn't a ruse was it?" Ichigo realised, "Grimmjow was serious about fucking you."

"Yes." The there was a pinched tension in his voice, "Not because of attraction or desire, but because it seemed like a plausible way to weaken Shiro's hold over you."

"And... How far did it get?"

"Not far. Shiro appeared and knocked Grimmjow out cold."

Ichigo relaxed almost instantly, "I see, so why are you so worried?"

"Because the basic effect worked, Shiro was... Crazed. And the possessiveness clouded his judgement for a time. The need to claim what he saw to be his." The nobleman looked at him slowly, "We had sex. Just once, he freaked out afterwards and it seemed to strengthen his hold over you more than ever."

"Oh." Was all the strawberry could say as he stared, Shiro's own recollection of the event becoming clearer now that it had been revealed, "He didn't force himself on you... Did he?"

"No. It was... Consensual." Byakuya looked away, head hanging low.

"I'm glad."

"What?!" Came the sharp response.

"You were willing to do with Grimmjow what I was willing to do with Aizen, to protect my friends... How could I hate you for that, or be angry about it? It was... Stupid. Reckless and... Brave." Ichigo reached out and linked their fingers, "And as long as Shiro didn't hurt you, as long as he didn't inflict on you what Ulquiorra did to me... I'm relieved."

"You truly feel that way?" Byakuya raised an eyebrow in disbelief, "I had expected some anger... Shouting... Feelings of betrayal."

"How can I be angry, or feel betrayed? I'm only sad that you were pushed to such extremes. But in the end, you only acted to try and bring me back, not because you were thinking of cheating on me, or... Or moving on. It was all... Selfless, all very you..."

"What did I do to deserve you? I hadn't believed for even a moment you would be so understanding... I thought... Well I came here expecting to grovel on my hands and knees for your forgiveness." The nobleman shook his head in disbelief, "You amaze me."

Ichigo giggled softly, "Well, I wish I had known. The idea of seeing you prostrate yourself in front of me is rather enjoyable."

"Hm, same old Ichigo. Full of cheek." Byakuya lifted their hands and kissed the strawberry's knuckles, "May I ask... How are you dealing with what happened? With Ulquiorra?"

He tensed, smile fading slowly as he considered the question. How was he dealing with it? Had he dealt with it at all? He lifted his free hand to his throat, fingers tracing the puckered scar nestled between the natural lines of his skin. The scar would linger for the rest of his life, a constant reminder. The scar of Ulquiorra trying to behead him. The permanent reminder of having been too weak to fight back.

"I am struggling," he confessed softly, "But, it's something I have to learn to cope with. I'm sure as time passes it will get smaller, less noticeable... It's something that I'll learn to live with." He said quietly.

"I will help you, in any way I can. Even after everything that has happened... I want you to know that I..." Byakuya paused, looking down with a shyness Ichigo had never seen before, "I still hold you in the very highest regard, as a friend... A colleague and a partner and... I still love you more than words could ever express."

"You do?" The strawberry could help but sound surprised, "Even now? I... I'm not the same as I used to be. I'm not even sure what I am, some... Hybrid creature. I'm used to strange looks because of my hair but this will be different. I'm not exactly... Normal anymore."

"You were never normal, Ichigo. Not even as a child."

"True." He admitted, "But at least I could pretend."

Byakuya kissed Ichigo's temple softly, his expression sweet, "I love you, differences and all. You are you, Ichigo Kurosaki. Anyone who can't accept that, isn't worthy of your time."

"Thank you." He whispered, face flushing subtly, "And for the record, in case you were worried... I still love you too. More than anything."

"I am proud of you." The Kuchiki heir said softly, "I wish I could protect you from what's coming, I wish I could spirit you away so you never had to face Aizen again... But knowing you, you'd claw your way back and berate me for not letting you protect your friends."

"As long as we stick together, we can protect each other and our friends." Ichigo chuckled, amused by how much his lover understood his motives, "I'm not entirely sure how things will be when we get back to Soul Society... Kyōraku and Ukitake kind of broke me out of jail so I could leave to rescue you..."

Byakuya tensed against him and released a long sigh, "There is something you should know... We won't be able to return to Seireitei for a few days. It seems that... There was an assassin left in Soul Society. And they struck during our absence."

"An assassin?" He breathed, eyes wide.

"Indeed, regrettably... Sasakibe Fukutaichou, and Yamamoto Sou-Taichou were killed."

"What?" He gasped, "But that's impossible! No one's strong enough to straight up kill Yamamoto... That's... I can't believe it!"

"I know. I-I didn't believe it when Urahara told me either. But Yoruichi was given the report by Soi-Fon herself just before they sealed the Senkaimon out of respect."

"What the fuck..." Ichigo covered his mouth with his hand, "I know there's a field agent in Soul Society, Shiro asked Starrk about it once but... Surely not someone strong enough to kill Yamamoto. What's happening over there now?"

"A new Sou-Taichou is being chosen." Byakuya replied, "At the moment it seems the candidates are Unohana, Ukitake and Kyōraku."

"Either of them would be decent." The strawberry thought aloud, "Though I can't imagine Unohana Taichou ever leaving Division Four, and Ukitake Taichou is most likely too sickly to accept such a high demanding position."

"The new Sou-Taichou will most likely be Kyōraku." The Kuchiki heir brushed his yukata down, "Which gives you an added benefit."

"Me?"

"Ukitake and Kyōraku were aware of the depths of your involvement with Aizen. They were both sympathetic to your situation, and were understanding beyond measure. If you recall, they were both investigating Aizen as well, they were the ones who discovered Central 46 had been massacred." Steel eyes narrowed slightly, "And as you said, they were both responsible for breaking you out of prison to launch your rescue mission. If anyone will listen to you with an open mind... It's Ukitake and Kyōraku."

"I guess that's true... I think it would be best if I considered... Telling the complete truth about my involvement with Aizen. After all, I can't trust him to keep it to himself if it will give him an advantage. With Kyōraku as the Sou-Taichou I believe... At the very least I could avoid prison. And with the benefit of me not having seen Aizen's Shikai, maybe I'd be able to keep me position."

"It's a dangerous move, but I believe you are correct in making it." The nobleman paused, "On the subject of positions I wanted to run something past you..."

"What is it?"

Byakuya took a breath, "There are now four empty Taichou positions in Seireitei... With Yamamoto's death."

"Yeah, there are." He frowned, "It will be troublesome to be that short on Taichou level Shinigami if it comes to war with Aizen."

Humming in agreement, the raven haired noble sat up straight, "I was thinking of recommending Renji to take the Taichou Proficiency Test. What are your thoughts?"

"Renji?" Ichigo repeated, falling silent for a long moment before he grinned, "He'd be awful at keeping on top of his paperwork. But he would be diligent to his duties and dedicated to his Division. The real question is whether or not he'd want to leave Division Six."

Byakuya laughed, more than agreeing with his lover's assessment of the situation, only to look puzzled as he finished speaking, "Why would he not wish to leave? He would be bettering himself."

"From the moment he met you, when you adopted Rukia, his biggest wish in the world has been to surpass you. To prove that a kid from Rukongai could do just as good in life as a noble. But I don't know if that's what he still wants, you've both said that your relationship has changed. You respect each other. He might be happy remaining as your second in command." The strawberry explained, closing his eyes as he rested his head on the other man's shoulder.

"Hm," steel eyes slipped shut as well as he slipped his arm around his lover and hugged him close to the side of his body, "I hadn't considered that. It is true, if Renji accepted my proposition and passed the Test I would miss his presence in the Division. He had always brought that little bit of chaos with him that makes him unique. But I believe he could do a great deal of good as a Taichou. He is down to Earth, popular and steadfast, just the kind of man needed to restore trust in the affected Divisions."

Ichigo couldn't help but smile at the high praise. He would never forget his first evening in Division Six, when Renji had first mentioned how his relationship with his Taichou had changed, how things had been better. He was glad to see it went both ways, and was deep seated.

"Speaking of seated positions, don't you think it's about time you revoked the ban on Ukitake giving Rukia the position she deserves?" The strawberry raised an eyebrow, peering up at him.

Byakuya's eyes snapped open at that, "How do you know about that?"

"I have unrestricted access to your office at the mansion, remember?" Ichigo smirked, "I saw it among your paperwork one evening. Honestly, I get wanting to protect her for Hisana's sake, but if you keep holding her back she will resent you for it. Judging by how she handled herself in Hueco Mundo, she's at least Fukutaichou material. In a few years, probably even Taichou material."

Shaking his head, lips quirked in amusement, the raven haired noble sighed softly, "In all honesty, I had already decided to speak to Ukitake about it. It was a promise I made to myself, if I ever saw Soul Society again."

Grinning brightly now, Ichigo laid down on the futon, snuggling under the covers and peeking up at his fiancé, "Sounds like a plan, I can't wait to see her face when she's given the official invitation to become an adjutant."

Watching his lover for a long moment, Byakuya seemed to be considering something, and then as if gathering his thoughts all at once he slowly climbed over Ichigo, hovering above him so that the long strands of his fringe tickled the strawberry's face.

"If Renji agrees to take the Proficiency Test, Rukia would not be the only one receiving an adjutant invitation," leaning down, the Division Six Taichou brushed his nose along Ichigo's cheek, planting a sweet kiss on the shell of his ear, "I do believe that when you applied for the position of Third Seat, you said you'd enjoy working under me. I feel that enjoyment would be easier served if you were closer to me, in rank as well as physical distance."

Chestnut eyes widening as he realised what was being implied, Ichigo's breath caught in his throat, "Me? Become your Fukutaichou?"

"I would recommend you for the Taichou Proficiency Test as well, but given your plans to reveal your former working relationship with Aizen to the other Taichou, I feel you would be better suited to being my second in command until you regain their trust." Byakuya stated and gave a small shrug.

Running his hands up his fiancé's chest slowly, before looping his shoulders with his arms, the strawberry pulled his lover into a breathtaking kiss. He was pleasantly reminded of the softness of his lips, and the subtle scent of blossom and musk that hung around his skin like a mist, "It would be an honour, to become your Fukutaichou." He whispered against those lips.

"There's only one thing left for me to ask then," Byakuya pulled back just enough to look into those chestnut and gold eyes, "Do you plan to take the Shiba name, or remain as a Kurosaki? I simply have to know, for the forms you see."

"Oh I'm sure that's the only reason you want to know." He rolled his eyes and shrugged, "I'm proud of being a Kurosaki. But... My memories are completely restored now, and I want to make Kūkaku, Ganju and Kaien proud too."

"I will support you, no matter which you choose."

Smiling at the other man's words, Ichigo let out a breath, "I want to try and appeal and have the Shiba Clan reinstated as one of the Great Noble Houses... I was thinking, if I were to succeed I could use the Shiba name for official Clan business while maintaining the Kurosaki name for all things Goeti Thirteen."

Byakuya returned his smile and kissed his forehead as he laid down beside him, pulling the covers securely around them both, "That sounds like an excellent idea, and I believe I have some leeway with the authorities, if I am able to assist you in your wish to reinstate your Clan... You have my word, as the heir of the Kuchiki Clan, that I will help you."

"My thanks." The strawberry grinned, curling up on his side and burrowing into his lover's neck, tiredness finally reaching him, "I've missed you, Byakuya."

"And I have missed you, Ichigo. Get some sleep now. I'm not going anywhere."

"Mm." The younger man grunted softly as sleep began to take him, "Even if you did... I just come and get you again..."

Chuckling at his slurred words, the noble was certain he would indeed follow him no matter where he went. And for that, Byakuya was truly grateful.