ARRANGED LOVE OR COERCION?

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or its characters:)

Chapter 12: Confrontation, Resolution and preferences

"You still gave her a half truth, added to that you gave her your word. Are you trying to make her hate you for real when she finds out?

No, it just wasn't the right time to tell her everything, she would have tried to kill me for real."

"Don't tell me you are scared of your wife."

" No I will not be able to fight back if she attacks me.

"Why is that?"

"I told you already if the second phase of my plan is successful. She will be in no condition to fight anyone for a long while.

"Sometimes I find it difficult to understand you Byakuya-sama."

"You don't say." he said in a sarcastic tone.

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Kuchiki-Taichou, Hirako-Taichou is here to see you. He said it is very important.

"Let him in Lieutenant Abarai." her answered formal.

"Hai taichou."

"Wow your office looks bigger and organized as compared to mine." said a male voice.

"What do you want Hirako-san." Byakuya asked coldly.

"Ouch!!! that was really cold, Thank Kami Rukia is such a sweet girl. If not I would have thought coldness is a Kuchiki trait."

"Quit all your senseless jokes they don't amuse me. I ask again Why are you here? Byakuya said with a stoic face, evidence of his irritation.

Turning completely serious Shinji asked " Why did you really choose Ichigo to be your bride? From your pass encounters you tried and almost succeeded in killing her twice. Was it to show her your superiority as a Kuchiki? or was it simply because, of your rivalry and deep hatred for the Shiba clan? or was your intention simply to make her life miserable?"

"Measure your words carefully Captain Hirako and be careful not to make wrong conclusions and fake accussations based on irrelevant assumptions. Just so you know I owe you no explanations, I will pretend this conversation never happened for the sake of Ichigo. My personal life is none of your business, know your place" Byakuya answered in a cold but calm voice.

The noble's answer unfortunately, made Shinji to loose the last control he had on his temper, slamming his hands on Byakuya's desk he said. "Oh really? irrelevant assumptions you say. Did you tell Ichigo you knew she was a Shiba from the start that's why you hated her guts with a passion? No you didnot. You say it is non of my business but I will let you know everything and I mean everything partaining to Ichigo is my business. She is a part of..."

Shinji's tirade was interupted when he felt a cold metal at his throat.

"Finish that sentence about my wife Hirako-san and I promise you nobody in the 4th division will be able to heal your slit throat."

"You don't scare me Kuchiki, Just a friendly advise next time you unshield your sword use it properly." Shinji said flash stepping away from Byakuya and reappeared sitting on the noble's office chair. Further irritating Byakuya. "As I was saying Ichigo is a part of our family, you hurting her is like hurting all the vizards. And know that your petty jealousy won't prevent me from making her life here somewhat bearable and happy. I owe her that much. Added to that her dad and Urahara asked me to look after her that is the real reason why I accepted to come back to soul society." When Byakuya did not respond he continued. "Tell me Byakuya you play the role of a jealous husband but in truth I see and feel no emotions whenever you mention her name why is that?"

"I am starting to loose my patience with you."

"You don't say I thought you already did a while ago when you tried to slit my throat." Shinji answered in mock surprise.

"What did you plan to accomplish by coming here Hirako-san."

"I thought I told you from the start. I demand to know the real reason why you picked Ichigo Kurosaki to be your wife?" Instead of answering, Byakuya ignored Shinji's question, turned his back on the blond and headed towards the door.

"When you are done making a fool of yourself in my office, leave and lock the door behind you." Byakuya instructed coldly on his way out.

"Wait! Hey! where are you going?" asked the confused and annoyed blond.

"Home, I just thought I might end up loosing my temper and attacking or worst killing you. And I don't think you are worth that effort."

"It's a shame you decide to run away from the real truth Kuchiki. I just hope for your sake and especially hers that this joke you both call a marriage doesn't end up destroying Ichigo's beautiful soul turning her into a hollow person filled with hate. For now I will just observe you both, but I must warn you; Not you, nor your clan, not even the Gotei 13 will stop me from intervening and taking charge if and when I find out with evidence that her happiness is at stake here in soul society." the blond said coldly.

"Is that a threat Captain Hirako?". he asked calmly his back still turned to the blond.

"No of course not it's a warning. Threats are used to scare weak minded people, warnings on the other hand Captain Kuchiki are meant to inform intelligent people about the consequences of their actions. With that said I think I will leave you to your paperwork Ja ne!. Shinji said and jumped through the window and shunpoing away."

"Byakuya-sama I think he was serious."

" So? what do you want me to do about it." he answered in an annoyed tone a scowl on his face.

"I think you should tell Ichigo-sama about your plan and the whole truth. I also think she will be very hurt if she find out on her own, she might end up hating you forever."

"No, I won't, her hating me in the end is the price I will have to pay for her happiness Senbonzakura."

"I have a feeling she will be more hurt in the end than happy. I equally worry alot about you Master. You are doing it again; turning your inner world into a desert; all the sakura trees in here are withering."

"I am sorry my loyal friend, forgive me. I am being selfish again. I promise my turmoil this time won't last long like when Hisana died."

"It's a pity you want to forgo your own happiness for the sake of a stupid plan."

"A plan that will free Ichigo from this mess I put her in. I am exhausted I am going back to the mansion to rest."

"Ok Byakuya- sama." with that their link was cut off.

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" Hey Rukia I need your help."

"Hello Ichigo, how are you today?" the raven asked her friend hesitantly.

"Stop that timid act with me, it doesn't suit you. So will you help me or not?" the orangette asked with a scowl.

"No need to be rude idiot. I thought you did not want to talk to me after what you said the other day."

"Really? I was upset then and I didn't feel like talking to anyone. sorry if I made you feel bad. So will you help me?"

"It depends on what you need help with."

"It's about driving your brother crazy.".

" If you haven't noticed already my brother is an expert in hiding his emotions, He will not show you of all people he is upset or angry even if he is."

"Eeehm! Rukia you didnot get me right. I meant craz..." Ichigo was interrupted by another voice.

"Oh my sweet little Rukia! Ichigo meant crazy over her not mad at her. Rukia your innocence is refreshing but it won't help carrot top."

"Oh no Rangiku not you." groaned Ichigo

"The one and only and you wound my pride dear. Why didn't you ask for my help instead? Rangiku asked with a pout.

" Maybe because you are very nosy or maybe because your last plan was a disaster." countered Ichigo.

"You are being mean again Ichi-chan." Rangiku whined.

"Stop calling me that and please stop whining it's irritating."

"Guys you are both going out of topic. Ichigo how can I help you" said Rukia.

"Right do you know his favorite food, color, scent what I mean is do you know what his likes and disikes are?

" Well I know he excels in calligraphy, likes japanese cherry blossoms and the scent of sakura petals, he loves spicy food and bananas but he hates sweets. Oh and he loves night time walks. I think that all. answered the petite woman.

"Figures he will like cherry blossoms his zanpakuto is named after a sakura tree." commented Ichigo causing her two friend to laugh.

"Oh Ichigo...Senbonzakura will be upset by the remark you just made. Oh and I think Ni-sama's favorite color is white."

"White? what a plain color I almost feel sorry for you Ichigo." Rangiku said jokingly.

"Hey! have some respect would you white is a symbolic color. I guess an idiot like you wouldn't know that . Ichigo said with a frown.

" What did you call me brat?"

"Hey you guys should stop, this arguement isn't necessary. And Ranny that comment was uncalled for white sympolizes purity, light and superiority or divinity for it is considered uncorruptible" explained Rukia.

"No offense but I think that will explain why Byakuya has a superiority complex even for a noble."

"None taken I just had the same thought." answered Ichigo with a mischievous smile.

"Sometimes I wonder whether the two of you aren't related." Rukia's remark caused her friends to giggle.

"Who knows dear...who knows." Rangiku added berween giggles.

"So Ichigo what is your plan?"

"Now that I have an idea on his preferences, I will have to devise an excellent plan in order to be successful. I promise to keep you guys updated. she said with a wink. Thanks for the help Rukia, see you later. with that she dissappeared.

" I hope she succeeds" said Rangiku in a serious tone.

"I pray to Kami she does, Ichigo has felt nothing but hurt and sorrow since she became Lady Kuchiki." Rukia said sadly.

"Don't worry Ichi is a fighter she will push through all her problems. I can't wait to hear the details" Rangiku said going back to her cheerful self.

" Me neither" said Rukia with a bright smile.

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AND CUT!!!

STAY TUNED FOR NEXT CHAPTER.

NAMIKAZE ICHIME.