ARRANGED LOVE OR COERCION?

Disclaimer: I donot own Bleach or its characters

Chapter four: The Trophy Wife

The morning after the wedding she had awoken confused and alone. Not long after she had been lead from her quarters, taken to a room she had never stepped in before and had been subjected to the utter humiliation of the "Check." Which she decided was the most uncomfortable and degrading experience of her life so far.

Several days had passed since then and so far she had yet to see or even hear from Byakuya. To put it simply she felt used in a way that far outdid the emotions inspired by the so called wedding.

He had been so gentle and almost dare she think it, loving; that it was hard to understand his sudden distance. He was lost within his work; not even returning to the manor for sleep. A consultation with a physician had only served to lower her all ready low mood when she came to realise that pregnancy was now a very real possibility. It made it a lot harder to deal with her husbands apparent rejection. That was not to say that she wasn't previously aware of how the birds and the bees worked. Yet the thought of conceiving as a result of their coupling hadn't really dawned on her at the time. She supposed she had been too sidetracked with all the conflicting emotions in her heart.

Ichigo knew that she was by no means ready to bring a child into the world. Especially so since it would be born into a loveless family. She thanked whatever deities may be out there when she received confirmation that conception had been unsuccessful. But had not been so thankful when Momoko had appeared soon after demanding that her new niece carry on trying. Enraged Ichigo had shown the old woman the front door with some well placed insults and not so light shoving; after all she had more important things to think about; such as visiting her family.

The teen arrived in Karakura town early in the morning; nine days after her wedding. Although just over two weeks had passed since she was last in the town; it felt like a lifetime.

Rushing home as fast as her feet would carry her. She revelled in the familiarity of the place of her birth; not even needing to look where she was going as her heart lead the way.

She arrived at her bedroom window and began to tap on it's surface insistently.

Kon who was still in her body appeared moments later looking extremely disgruntled.

"Where have you been!" He screeched "Do you know how many exams I had to sit for you Ichigo? I'm a mod soul not a computer!"

"Shush! You'll wake everyone up!" Ichigo hissed angrily as she pressed her pass against her bodies forehead. Kon popped out of her mouth and rolled across the floor.

Once within her body she rummaged around her room until she found the hiding place of the Lion plushy and stuffed the bothersome creature back where he belonged.

"You could have warned me before you shoved me out like that! Do you know how uncomfortable it is getting ripped out of your body then being shoved into mine? It hurts like hell Ichigo!"

"No Kon I don't. Sorry."

"Oh yeah your sorry now just you wait...What sorry? What's wrong with you? You never say sorry!"

"Yeah I know. But a lot's changed. For now I'm just glad to be back home."

"What happened?" The Lion asked. His tone now subdued as he sat on the floor next to her feet.

"A lot."

"Well that explains everything." He replied sarcastically.

"I have to go back to the soul society tonight. I'm not allowed to stay here for long."

"What, why? Does that mean I have to go back in your body again. 'Cause being a girl is only cool for so long. I'm a man Ichigo! How am I supposed to be a man when I'm trapped in your body hmm?"

"Yeah sorry. Maybe I should pretend to run away. Then you'll be free to do as you want and I wont have to lie to my family."

"Ichigo what are you talking about?" Kon growled clearly not impressed with how cryptic his room-mate was being.

Ichigo sighed then proceeded to explain the situation to him. Which much to her surprise left him quite upset.

"They can't get away with this!" He yelled.

"They can and they already have. Just give it a rest."

"But what do you plan to do, chuck your body off a bridge? Let your family think your dead and gone?"

"Sounds like a plan. At least that way they can all move on. You can go to Urahara. I'll convince him to make you a body; that way you will have the life you've always wanted wanted."

"But you gave me the life I wanted Ichigo! I know I haven't show much appreciation, but you're the one who saved me. You let me live and invited me into your home. You made me part of your family. I don't want you to give up your life, not after everything you've done for me."

Ichigo smirked "Who knew that deep down the mighty Kon was such a softy!"

"Hey I was pouring my heart out to you! You could have the heart to sniff a little!"

"I appreciate it, but you can't rely on me any more. Go to hat and clogs. Explain to him what I have told you then ask him to give you a body." Ichigo grabbed him up off of the floor; holding him firmly in hand "Thank you Kon and farewell" She smiled then threw him out the window.

"Ichigo you Bitc-!"

She shut the window to drown out his tirade. Well that was one down and only seven or so to go. Saying bye was hard.

She cooked breakfast for her family that morning and spent the day with them. She messed around with her sisters, Playing ball games with Karin and Cooking dinner with Yuzu.

She even indulged her dad's wacky behaviour. Allowing him to hug her of several occasions and letting him play fight to his hearts content. It had been a day like any other for the Kurosaki family and for that she was thankful; it made it easier for her to to do what needed to be done.

She bid them all goodnight late in the evening and tucked her sisters in; something she had not done for a few years.

She decided to explain everything to her friends. But the only way she knew to inform them was to write it. She sent them all emails explaining everything and begged them not to try and rescue her. When the clock struck eleven she left her body for the last time. She hovered by the window for a few moments knowing the pain she was going to cause the ones she loved most when they found her corpse laying there in bed, unmoving and without life.

A body after all could only survive so long without a soul before shutting down.

She nearly fell backwards into the garden when someone knocked on her bedroom door.

She hesitated for a moment.

No I can't if I go back in now I may never be able to leave.

She watched as her father opened the door quietly and made his way over to her bed.

He picked up her bed covers and tucked them securely around her body. Thankfully he did not seem to notice that his first born daughters chest no longer rose nor fell.

Some doctor you are. Ichigo thought wryly a small watery smile ghosting her lips.

"Dad's always here for you my Princess. I love you" He muttered quietly. His eyes wandered to the window where she was standing and for a moment it seemed as though he were looking her directly in the eye. She shook the feeling, and knowing he would not be able to hear her voice replied.

"I know dad. I love you too."

A smile graced Isshin's face and for a moment Ichigo pretended it was in response to her words.

Tears fell freely from her eyes as she made her way back to the soul society. She had cut her ties. There was no going back now. The Kuchiki elders had won the battle but she'd be damned if they'd win the war.

She would not allow herself to become a shell of a woman, would not allow them to trample over her until what little spirit she had left was destroyed. With this thought in mind she raced to division one.

It was late, and she wasn't sure if the Head Captain was still around; but knowing she would not be able to sleep unless she tried she raised her hand and knocked on his office door.

"Enter." His deep aged voice commanded.

Ichigo took a moment to compose herself and walked in.

"Lady Kuchiki to what do I owe this late visit?" He questioned his eyes narrowed.

"I want to take the Captains exam."

"I am afraid that is unacceptable, you have not yet entered the Soul Reaper Academy."

"I know I haven't. But I have more talent than any of the lieutenants and you know it! I have defeated nearly all of the lieutenants including your own, two of your best Captains in battle and evaded capture from the rest!"

"I understand full well your potential, however you have no skill with Kidou, lack discipline, and you are reckless."

"And Kenpachi isn't?"

"Captain Zaraki is not who we are talking about. You are far too young."

"Please gramps give me a chance. I would be a good Captain you know I would!"

"The answer is still no. However if you were to enter the academy for an exam, I may then; depending upon your score, reconsider giving you the position of a seated officer. That is my final offer I shall brook no arguments."

"Deal." Ichigo acquiesced. "I do it!"

"The appropriate paperwork shall be made available to you tomorrow. Good Luck Lady Kuchiki."

"Thank you sir. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Ichigo left, her heart feeling slightly lighter now that she had something to look forward to.

She was pondering what sort of exam she would have to endure when she bumped into a person.

"Sorry I wasn't looking where I was going." Ichigo muttered as she continued her walk.

"Why are you out so late?"

Ichigo turned around to reply, then froze.

Byakuya was looking at her. A mixture of irritation and concern mixed across his features.

"I was talking to the Head Captain. We were discussing me be put forward for the Academy exams."

"I see."

"I uh, I'll be going then."

"Allow me to accompany you."

"What? why? I'm perfectly capable of going by myself."

"Indulge me." He replied airily.

He fell into step beside her and she couldn't help but turn bright red as she remembered what had transpired between them a week beforehand.

"I head that you had left for the world of the living. I am surprised that you returned."

"Thought I'd run away did you?" Anger simmered at his comment and she tried to keep it in check.

"Yes." He answered honestly.

"Well I'm sorry to disappoint you; but I'm not the running away type."

"I never thought you were. However the bravest of men would find your situation difficult."

"Yeah tell me about it."

The both continued in silence for some time. Until Ichigo could not keep silent any more.

"My family think I'm dead."

"I beg your pardon?" Byakuya looked at her confused.

"I made it look like I died." Ichigo informed she felt tears begin to well and she found it hard to choke them down. "I did it so that they could move on. But maybe that's wrong I think that maybe I did it for myself. So that I could move on."

"I see. Please forgive me for all I have put you through."

Ichigo turned to look at her husband. She could hardly believe those words had left his mouth let alone that they were directed at her.

"It must have been very hard." He muttered; his eyes searching hers.

"It was." Tears dropped down her face one after the other unbidden. She swiped angrily at them as though they had betrayed her.

Byakuya rested a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it firmly.

"I may never see them again." She sobbed.

"You will."

"How can you say that?"

"Because I have to say something."

"You don't even care! You just say what you feel you need to as it is your 'duty'! What am I to you? What am I?"

"You are my wife."

"Ha what a joke! Convenient would be a better description! This whole situation is your way of getting back at me isn't it? I beat you black and blue and now you've ruined my life! Why me Byakuya? Why did it have to be me?" Ichigo cried, she slapped his hand from her shoulder and flash stepped back to the mansion.

She was about to enter her rooms when Byakuya appeared in front of her.

"Go away!" She yelled as she pushed past him.

His hands shot out and grabbed her arms roughly.

"Let me go!"

"No."

He then pulled her forcefully into an embrace. Ichigo froze. Byakuya's arms wrapped around her body pulling her deep against his broad chest.

"You confuse me." he admitted quietly, his voice for the first time was unsure and full of emotion. "No one can undo me like you can. I can't stop thinking about you since that night. It scares me."

"Sc..scares you?"

"This feeling, it's so strong but I hardly know you. It makes no sense. I didn't even think when I chose you I just did. Forgive me Ichigo."

Ichigo relaxed against him.

"Why did you avoid me after what happened?"

"Because I did not want you to look at me with hate for all that I have taken from you."

"Why?"

"Because ever since I first met you I felt alive again. Believe me Ichigo If I had the power to go against the elders and annul our marriage I would. I did not know Momoko had threatened you. I would not have let you sign the agreement if I had been aware of your coercion. I do not love you and I wont pretend that I do. But I do care for you, and I know I shall if given enough come to love you."

Ichigo hesitated then returned his embrace.

"Thank you for your honesty. But please stop avoiding me." she asked pleadingly.

"I will."

"Do you...Do you think that you could stay with me tonight?" She asked turning bright red. "I need to feel close to someone, I need to know it's not just me."

Byakuya did not reply. He did however pick her up and carry her to bed. He understood her request, she could tell he needed it too. They both did. They needed the reassurance that they were not alone in this world and that they did for all their troubles and differences have each other.

Ichigo agreed with her husbands earlier words as she watched him sleep soundly beside her some hours later.

I may not love him yet, but I do care for him and I hope that given time I may come to love him too.

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See you next chapter