ARRANGED LOVE OR COERCION?
DIsclaimer: I don't own Bleach or its Characters. If I did Orihime and Ichi will be siblings. LOL
"Speech"
"Thoughts"
"Shiro/Zangetsu"
Chapter Seven : First fights cold war and advice
The next morning, Ichigo picked at the sumptuous breakfast before her, staring blankly into space. Her brain trying to process all what happened the previous night from her chat with Shiro and Zangetsu to the feeling of her husband's presence in her chambers.
"I am certain it was him, because of the reminent scent of cherry blossoms. But why was he in my room?" She looked at her husband through her lashes, who has been eating silently. He looked exhausted though he tried to hide; it seems He hasn't been sleeping properly for days.What pained and disgusted her more was that she realise that Byakuya had somehow decided to put back his cold and indifferent mask in her presence and the churning in her stomach told her in no uncertain terms that if she were to swallow any food, it would be returned to the outside world almost immediately.
"Excuse me," she said, setting down her fork, her food still untouched. As she left for the Thirteenth Squad, She did not notice the concerned glance from the Sixth Squad Captain.
Later in that day
The leaves crackled and collapsed under Ichigo's feet, as she made her way to the Sixth Division offices, a stack of paper tucked securely under her arm, she had decided to confont Byakuya on the kiss incident whether he wanted it or not.
She knocked once, twice, on the wooden frame of the door to the captain's office, scanning the area for Renji to say a quick hello but finding her red-head friend not in the vicinity.
"Come in." Byakuya's voice, as composed and patrician as always, floated out from the office and Ichigo walked in, and lowered he head respectfully in greeting.
"Ukitake-taichou sends these," she murmured, placing the papers on Byakuya's cluttered desk (she found that the only thing Byakuya didn't bother to pick up and meticulously organize was his desk).
"Hai," he said, almost absently, not once looking up from his writing at her.
Glancing around the room, telling herself that she was waiting for Byakuya to say something more, she saw the extraordinary view of Seireitei and the whorls of color that were the falling leaves from Byakuya's office's window.
Ichigo's brow furrowed when she saw that Byakuya sat facing away from the gorgeous view the window offered, and hesitantly, she softly inquired, "Do you not enjoy the autumn?"
At this, he looked up, subtly tossing his head to move the hair out of his eyes. "Why do you ask this?" Suspicion flared and radiated from his posture.
"Your window," she said simply. "It's so beautiful that I believe nobody could resist not looking out at the landscape, yet your desk is placed so that your back is to the window."she explained gently in a subdued voice.
He regarded her for moment, an eyebrow quirked in interest, before the small smile that had been tugging at his lips faded and his eyes dropped. "I never really liked autumn that much," he replied distantly. "The falling leaves are too annoying," he added, almost as if it was a justification to his dislike of autumn, but Ichigo saw the defensive walls spring up. "They distract me from my work."
That was the last straw and the former substitute soul reaper became fed up with his attitude. "Really Byakuya for a suppossed genius, your excuses these days seem foolish. Makes me wonder why you are still a Captain or a clan head." she stated sarcastically making the raven head to look up at her mildly surprise and then glare at her for her subtle insults.
"What did you say brat?" he asked trying and failing to keep his temper at bay.
"Oh don't tell me you are dumb and equally deaf." she added making her husband more angry. "For somebody who thinks he is invincible and fearless you act like a worthless coward. I think Hanataro Yamada will be braver than you in certain situations."
"If you are done with what you came to do here you can leave now Ichigo. I have alot to do today and I don't have time for the rambles of a petulent and insolent child. For a noble lady and a vice captain of a squad your present behavior disgrace me"he said coldly.
"Wow that is the longest setence you have said to me in days. I was beginning to think, I wasn''t worth your time and was just a worthless nuissance in your existence" she said with a deep scowl on her face.
That statement made the noble to sigh in defeat and give her his full attention; "Why are you really here Ichigo?"
"I want to know why you have being using your cold and indifferent mask on me lately
and why do you keep avoiding me. Is it because of the kiss the night of my promotion?" she said seriously.
"I am sorry, I know I haven't been the best of company these past few days and as for the kiss can we pretend it never happened, I feel like I took advantage of you that night since you were drunk." he answered.
" That is bullshit Byakuya and you know it. I know you don 't
love me and will never do as you did you late wife may her soul rest in peace, but please stop making me feel like a damn substitute or replacement, You keep apologizing for unecessary things and it makes me more angry with you. You want me to pretend the kiss never happened fine, I will. Our marriage has being a pretentious sham since the start, we will keep appearance from now on by continuing to act as the perfect couple in public, however in private I don't know you Captain Kuchiki. She said with her bangs covering her eyes and exited his office, leaving her husband to his own thoughts.
She didn't know that once she had slid the door behind her and her footsteps had disappeared, Byakuya turned to gaze out of the window, and smiled sadly."I am so sorry Ichigo, it is gor your own good"
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Days and weeks flew by, stretching into months. Summer melted into fall, bright and resplendent in shades of red, orange and gold.
Ichigo felt as if she had been thriving on quick glances whenever Byakuya wasn't looking.
She told herself that she wasn't purposely trying to avoid him (she wasn't, she wasn't!), yet she also couldn't believe that Byakuya was avoiding her (was he?).
All in all, their marriage became an awkward relationship that consisted of awkward situations and was undeniably built on an awkward foundation.
Rukia and Renji who have been dating for months now abuched her once demanding to know what is happening between her and Byakuya but she told them there was nothing. Ichigo was so deep in thoughts while looking out the window a blank look on her face that she did not notice nor feel the presence of Kiyone who just came in.
"Kuchiki-fukutaichou?" called Kiyone, shaking Ichigo with a gentle hand. "Ano, Kuchiki-fukutaichou?" Kiyone pouted. Setting down the stack of papers in her hand, she leaned in close to Ichigo and cupped her hands about her mouth.
"Ichigooo!"
"Kyaaaaa!" screamed Ichigo, jumping into the air, the papers scattering to the winds. "Kiyone-san! What are you doing?!"
"That's what I should be asking you, Kuchiki-fukutaichou. What's wrong? You've been staring out of that window for ages! What's so nice to look at, anyway?" said Kiyone, peering out the window herself.
"…It's nothing. We'd better get back to work," replied Ichigo, sitting down once again and starting to gather the scattered papers back into orderly piles.
"You know, the overdue reports are mostly done and submitted already. There's no reason why you should continue to be stuck with us all the time. You can always take some time off for yourself, relax, shop around or something," suggested Kiyone.
"I'm not really in the mood, Kiyone-san," sighed Ichigo, lifting her quill pen and setting it on her unfinished report. "Paperwork is still my job as fukutaichou. Is Sentarou still with Ukitake-taichou?"
"Apparently they've gone to the Fourth Division for the thousandth 'miraculous remedy that the healers claim would definitely cure Ukitake-taichou'." Kiyone rolled her eyes. "What they should really do is to let Unohana-taichou focus on really coming up with a genuine cure instead of experimenting on Ukitake-taichou."
Ichigo smiled. "Let them. After all, Unohana-taichou must approve of it before Ukitake-taichou would ever take a step into the Fourth Division. Let's just focus on clearing the paperwork."
"But, Ichi-chan…" Kiyone sat down opposite her. "Shouldn't you be spending more time with Kuchiki-taichou?"
Ichigo stiffened at the name of her spouse. "He's busy," she replied shortly. "He also has lots of paperwork to complete."
"Why do I get the feeling that you guys are avoiding each other?" sighed Kiyone, even as Ichigo deliberately ignored her and her turbulent feelings, focusing her attention onto the boring plain piece of paper filled with ink in front of her. At least, when she was doing the reports, her mind could not wander.
At the Sixth division
Taichou are you Ok?" asked an apprehensive Renji.
"What do you mean Renji?" asked Byakuya with a raised eyebrow.
"You look paler and exhausted captain, have you been sleeping well?" Renji inquired.
"To be honest not really. I find it difficult to sleep for long and I end up going to my study in the mansion to meditate or coming here to the sixth division to complete my paperwork" explained Byakuya honestly.
"Sorry for the intrusion Sir, but do you have problems with your wife? I know it's personal but Rukia and I are worried about you two that's why I am asking." said the red head.
" No !!, There are no problems that you could burden youself with Lieutnant Abarai." Byakuya answered curtly.
"Ok then Sir, but please try to rest, you are overworking yourself and know too that Ichigo is as miserable as you right now but she tries to hide it even from Rukia. Excuse me Captain." Renji said conclusively heading out of his captain's office.
"Hn" was the only acknowledgement he recieved from the noble.
Later in the day at the Thirteen division
ICHIGOOOO!! shouted a female excited voice and before she could react she was engulfed in a sofocating embrace.
"Why have you been avoiding me Ichigo you my favorite drinking partner. Don't tell me you have decided to become a stuck-up as the other nobles of your clan and forget your best friends" ranted Rangiku
"Rangiku I can't breath!" Ichigo managed to say though she was encased in a tight embrace between said shinigami's enormous breasts.
"Eh! Matsumoto-san you will end up killing her and don't forget she is from a powerful clan now and Captain Kuchiki will have your head if anything happens to his wife" said another female voice.
"Oups!! sorry Ichigo dear I was so excited to see you " said Rangiku releasing the former substitute soul reaper. "And Nanao stop being a party pooper." she said playfully glaring at the petite woman beside her.
After getting air into her lungs Ichigo aaked" Rangiku, Nanao what are you guys doing here?"
"Well Kuchiki-san we wanted to ask you if you will like to join the Shinigami Women Association(SWA)" asked Nanao in a professional voice.
With a frown on her face the orangette answered" First of all don't call me that when we are amongst friends and secondly why do you want me to join?I hope it's not because, your headquater built under the Kuchiki mansion is at risk and you think me beingthe lady of the house and becoming your member will help you, correct me if I am wrong.
That response made Nanao to blush and clear her throut while Rangiku sweatdropped.
"Ichigo when did you become so deductive and diplomatic it's no fun to trick you if you become a smart- ass" groaned Rangiku earning a pinch from Nanao.
"Ichigo I am sorry our proposal made you feel used but I eill love for you to give me the opportunity to list you a few reasons, why it will be beneficial even for you to join" answered the active president of the SWA.
"Benfits like?" asked Ichigo doubtfully.
"Well, it will help you feel at home in soul society. I have noticed that for a while now your daily routines are monotonous that is, you leave from work to the mansion and vice versa. You equally seem depressed though you try to hide it but your subdued attitude indicates that something is bothrring you. So I think being in the presence of other women will help you forget your problems even if it is for a while and don't forget Rukia is also a member. Nanao explained making Ichigo to sweatdrop.
" Wow!! I never saw that answer coming Ok then I will join" Ichigo said with a smile. "What do I do to be a member?"
"Thanks Ichigo take this
registration form and read it wben you are okay with the terms of the SWA you sign it I will collect it tomorrow" said the petit raven giving ichigo a scroll and bidding the two strawberry blonds goodbye .
"So Ranny what are you still doing here? she asked her other best friend.
With a serious face the tenth division vice captain asked " What really is bothering you Ichigo and don't tell me it's nothing because, I will start making a wild guess"
"What do you mean? I am fine just exhausted due to the bulk of work I have in my division. answered the younger soul reaper.
" Really, If you are fine why do you keep showing your friends your fake smile?"That comment made Ichigo to stiffen. "You keep pretending to be happy meanwhile you are miserable, I know it nay be had to believe but I do understand what you are going through right now"
"That is?" asked Ichigo weakly her head bowed.
"You may deny it but you have been avoiding Byakuya and vice versa, however, I noticed you first simply because you are an open book; you are rash and do not avoid problems but face them head on, thus you avoiding your husband was strange before I realized that he had been avoiding you as well. That avoidance is what is making you depressed because you had developed a bond with him when he was open to you but then, he suddenly put back up his barriers and leaving you out. You feel like a stranger in you own marriage" explained Rangiku.
"Yes, but that's not what really hurts me." Ichigo answered dejectedly. "I feel so useless, like a substitute or an unwanted stranger in his life"
"I know this may sound cold but yes right now you are a substitute simply because, you want to. From my experience with Gin I think the guy is confused with his feelings right now and he is trying to create a gap between you two in order for him not to get hurt again emotionally and he thinks he is protectin you from gettibg hurt. You on the other hand have developed feelings for him and you feel angry and jealous that he doesn't recipocrate them the way you would have wanted him to. But why have you, who has never been a coward, decided to stay depressed over the guy without even trying to win him over?"
"The truth is I don't really know why I haven't tried; pride or fear maybe." Ichigo answered.
"Oh well I am not here to judge you little one, but to help you. Try to win him over even if it is difficult , please don't give up on him so easily as I did with Gin okay?" Rangiku said with finality preparing to leave.
"Yeah" Ichigo murmured. Rangiku's domeanor immediately changed back to her cheerful self.
"Ok bye then Ichi-chan let me run along before my captain starts looking for me" the older woman said flash stepping away before Ichigo could reply.
To say that Ichigo was in bad mood was an understatement after her chat with Rangiku she had alot on her mind and on entering her office she realised the office was swamped with stacks and stacks of mountains of paperwork, and the fluttering of papers at one corner drew her attention.
"Kiyone…" drawled Ichigo, one eyebrow twitching upwards. "Would you like to explain this?"
"Ah! Kuchiki-fukutaichou! Oh, this? Haha, it's not a serious problem. Just a minor disturbance, ne, Sentarou-kun?" said the petite Third Seat Shinigami, looking over at her partner in crime.
Wisely, Sentarou kept his mouth shut and looked down steadily at the report he was writing.
Ichigo sighed. "I thought the reports were almost done?" she asked, stepping into the room and sliding the door shut behind her. Watching her steps carefully, Ichigo managed to make it to her desk without disturbing the piles of incomplete reports awaiting her attention.
"Well, the overdue reports were done. Sentarou-kun was with Ukitake-taichou, so I thought I'll pop over and look in at the Captain for a while. When I came back…" Kiyone stopped, and shrugged her shoulders helplessly. " I guess, it's back to work?"Ichigo sighed again. She had thought she could finally have a rest, but…
"Well, I was the one who insisted on becoming a seated officer," muttered Ichigo under her breath, choosing a stack of papers randomly and picking up her quill.
Ichigo was exhausted when she returned to home that night. After making sure that all of her overdued paperwork was complete, fatigue had crashed on her, making every strained muscle and aching joint known. Thinking of how much the paperwork in the Thirteenth Division office has been icreasing only gave her a headache. Sighing, ichigo made her way through the gates of the Kuchiki Mansion. she immediately went to her chambers after freshening up she came down for a late diner.
She was surprised when she saw Byakuya sitting at the dining table, the food before him untouched. It was rare for her to miss dinner, true, but even rarer for Byakuya to wait for her.
"Good evening Byakuya where you waiting for me?" she asked.
"Evening Ichigo you are late, where have you been ?" he asked in a calm and subdued voice.
"I had alot of paperwork today but why did you wait for me? You could have eaten without me, Is there any problem? she asked curiously.
" I would like to have a word with you after diner If you don't mind" he answered.
"I don't mind, however, I hope our subject of discussion is not a touchy one right? I am too tired this evening to argue with you" she answered.
"You will find out after dinner" he said with finality making Ichigo's right eyebrow to twitch in annoyance but she did not say anything and only nodded.
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AND CUT!!!
AN: What a beautiful cliffhanger, lol who would have thought Rangiku could be a LOVE DOCTOR!!!
See you guys next chapter
NAMIKAZE ICHIME