As I update this, the series has already ended so I'm proud to show the updated version of chapter 4 with my new style! I hope you guys enjoy the story regardless. Chapter 5 revision will come very soon!


"Ichigo-sama, please wake up," Yusuke spoke kindly which stirred the young man from his sleep.

Ichigo then groaned loudly when he finally woke up, "Fuck, why is does my head hurts? Like a lot?"

Yusuke explained softly, "Kuchiki-sama brought you back home last night because you were drunk."

The orange head slowly sat up from the futon and rubbed his eyes, "He did?"

The older nodded, "Yes, Ichigo-dono. He quickly dropped you off and headed back to work."

The orange head groaned once more when memories came back to him like a sudden rush.

"What time is it, Yusuke-san?" Ichigo groggily said as his eyes tried to look for a clock in his room. He really felt like shit today.

"9 in the morning, Ichigo-dono. Kuchiki-sama is already at work. He told me not to disturb your sleep earlier for breakfast."

"Thank Kami," Ichigo murmured. He slowly looked over at Yusuke who had a glass of water and a medicine for his hangover.

"Please drink this, Ichigo-sama. I will ask for the cook to prepare your breakfast."

The young shinigami nodded slowly, head still throbbing in pain, "Thank you." He crawled over to the tray and drank the medicine and water. He sighed and sat on the floor for a while. Ichigo was trying to remember how he exactly got here and he suddenly sweat profusely when he did.

They finally went out of the cozy restaurant with Rukia dragging a drunk Renji on the floor and Byakuya carrying a drunk Ichigo, bridal style. As awkward as it is at first, it wasn't like the noble would drag the body around. It was already nighttime.

Rukia sighed deeply, "I knew this would happen when these two were together. I'm really glad you came, Nii-sama."

Byakuya sighed as well, "It was no problem, Rukia. It would be hard for you to drag the two imbeciles back to Soul Society on your own."

The younger Kuchiki laughed softly, "I doubt they would let loose when it was just us three since they know they'll be a pain in the ass."

The noble was quite shocked when Ichigo's weight was pretty light. He didn't comment about it but it was like Rukia read his mind, "He is surprisingly light, right?" Byakuya nodded silently in response.

"I guess you could say he is actually heavier now compared to before," the woman said.

The older man's eyebrow raised, "How so?"

"He rarely eats. He only does when he's with us or with other people. That's why I'm really glad you decided to take care of him, Nii-sama."

"It was my duty to do so."

Rukia rolled her eyes at her brother's choice of words, "Please, Nii-sama. I know you care for Ichigo. Before you deny it any further, I saw how you act around Ichigo. You were different. Happy. So don't say that you don't feel anything."

Byakuya looked down at the orange haired man he was carrying, "Perhaps I do but I do not think I will be able to say so."

Rukia sighed, "You can and you will, Nii-sama." Byakuya's eyes widened in surprise with Rukia's determined tone. "Maybe not now but sooner or later you will."

The heir chuckled dryly, "If I do, will he even accept it? All I did was insult him and argue with him even after all these years."

"You asked a silly question, Nii-sama. He's a masochist for you. Do whatever you want with this information."

This made Byakuya stop on his tracks to think, 'What did she mean?' He looked at her sister who was stifling a laugh while dragging the poor redhead, "I'm sorry for saying something so vague and quite vulgar, Nii-sama."

The noble shook his head and started walking again, following Rukia. "Where will you head now?"

Rukia looked down at her partner, "Probably drag this stupid ass back to his home since tomorrow, he and I will go to Urahara-san."

The older man nodded in response.

"I guess I don't need to ask where will you go, right Nii-sama?"

Byakuya raised his eyebrow, "Of course. Where else? This imbecile unfortunately also lives under my roof."

Rukia smiled in amusement, "Is it really unfortunate, Nii-sama?"

This made Byakuya quiet, unable to answer his sister's simple question. His sudden blank face made Rukia laugh. She tried to hold it back, she really did but sometimes her brother is too easy to read.

When they finally finally arrived at Soul Society, there were no people in the streets. Rukia bid good bye to his brother because Renji's house was in the opposite direction of the Kuchiki Manor.

Byakuya used shunpo to quickly arrive in the manor to avoid people seeing him carrying Ichigo like that. It would cause too many rumors and he doesn't think that he nor Ichigo could handle the Shinigami Women's Association.

The heir gave a curt nod to the guards when they were about to greet him but stayed silent when they saw Ichigo sleeping in his arms. He went towards Ichigo's room and when he was on his way there, the younger stirred.

Ichigo slowly opened his eyes to see Byakuya looking straight ahead, still walking. He groaned lightly which made the heir stop and looked down at him.

The orange head grinned weakly at him, "Told you you couldn't leave me."

Byakuya scoffed, "Rukia would kill me if I leave her best friend alone." Ichigo simply laughed in response, still pretty weak in the man's arms.

"Can you stand?" Byakuya asked softly. The orange head looked at him confused then looked down and realized he was being carried.

"Y-yes. Sorry about that." Ichigo muttered, face flushed in embarrassment or was it the alcohol? The younger couldn't distinguish it anymore.

Byakuya slowly put his arm down and helped Ichigo stand. Ichigo stumbled the moment Byakuya let him go which made the heir wrap his arm around the younger's waist before he fell.

"God, I'm sorry 'bout that." Ichigo groaned.

Byakuya sighed, "It is fine. Give me your arm."

The noble draped Ichigo's arm on his broad shoulder to support the orange head. They started walking to Ichigo's room, the Byakuya arm still around Ichigo's waist.

When they finally arrived by Ichigo's room, the younger sighed in relief, "Finally." Ichigo leaned against the door so Byakuya could loosen his grip around him. He looked over at the raven haired man and gave a small smile, "Thanks, Byakuya."

Byakuya nodded and gave a slight smile, "No problem, Kurosaki Ichigo."

Ichigo rolled his eyes in exasperation, "Would it kill you to call me Kurosaki or Ichigo?"

The noble looked at him blankly, "...Yes." but then gave him another smile.

The orange head chuckled, "Kami, you're unbelievable."

"And you're drunk."

Ichigo rolled his eyes, "And you're cute when you smile. I could even kiss you right now. Should I? Maybe I should." Ichigo's eyes widened in shock when he realized what he said, "Fuck, fuck. I don't know what I said. I'm s-"

He was cut off when he was pinned on his door. The tension in the air made Ichigo look everywhere except the man who pinned him down. Shivers went down his spine when he felt a calloused finger gently holding his chin up. It made him look up to gaze at the older man with a blank look but his gray eyes screamed an emotion quite dangerous. Lust. Ichigo closed his eyes when he felt Byakuya moving his face closer, feeling his breath mixed with his. Ichigo's breath hitched when he felt a brush of the other's lips on his.

Ichigo slowly opened his eyes to see Byakuya dangerously close to him which made him gulp.

"Don't tempt me, Ichigo," Byakuya spoke gruffly and it sent pleasant shivers down Ichigo's spine. His tone was new to Ichigo's ears and he really loved it. Byakuya's hold on his chin went loose and backed away. To say Ichigo was disappointed was an understatement.

"You're drunk, Kurosaki Ichigo. You should go and sleep," With that, Byakuya walked away.

Ichigo's knees buckled and he slid down to sit on the floor. Ichigo groaned, "Fuck. What just happened?"

He couldn't stop from remembering the way Byakuya handled him. It wasn't even the real thing yet it affected Ichigo so much. He slowly stood up, legs wobbly from being drunk and weak from the older man's touch. He opened the door to his room and plopped down on his bed, groaning. How can he control his feelings now for Kuchiki fucking Byakuya?

Ichigo groaned once more, "Fuck, wasn't I supposed to forget stupid shit when I'm drunk?" He hit his own head for good measurement and got up. He grabbed the tray and went outside his room. He froze when he realized that the event happened right outside his room.

Yusuke approached him slowly, voice filled with concern, "Ichigo-sama?"

The orange head jolted and looked at Yusuke, "Ah, sorry. I suddenly remembered something."

Yusuke nodded, "I understand, Ichigo-sama. Please let me handle the tray. Your breakfast is ready."

"Thank you."

Ichigo slowly headed to the dining room. As much as he doesn't want to eat right now, he needs to. 'Fuck, how can I even face him now that I still remember?'


Rukia and Renji finally arrived at the 12th Division. The smaller captain was obviously upset because ghd hangover Renji had made it difficult to wake him up in the morning.

"Look, I'm sorry okay?" the redhead pleaded to the other.

Rukia huffed, "You should be. You were too heavy!"

"And you decided to drag me!" Renji complained. He woke up with a headache from his hangover and when Rukia hit him to wake him up. He also felt pain on his sides as if his body was stretched out too long.

The smaller captain rolled her eyes, "You're a big boy. You can handle it."

The red head mumbled, "Fine, fine." He paused and looked over at Rukia, "Wait, what even happened to Ichigo?"

Rukia gave him a wide smile, "Nii-sama carried him home."

Renji laughed loudly, "What? Seriously? I can't wait to ask that punk about his experience being carried by taichou."

"Probably nothing. He was sleeping when Nii-sama was carrying him. They look so cute together!"

"You really support them, huh?"

"Of course. It was the first time I saw Nii-sama really happy. It's not obvious but it's there."

Renji nodded as he understood what the other meant.

There were a few members of the 12th Division greeting them as they walked to Urahara's office. They stopped by a huge maroon door and knocked.

Rukia shouted, "Urahara-san!" The two heard shuffling from the inside and a few moments later, the door opened.

Yoruichi was peeking through the slight crack, "Oh, Rukia! Renji!" She opened the door even wider to let the two younger captains inside the office.

Rukia then bowed, "Yoruichi-san. I didn't expect you to be here."

The sly woman shrugged, "I was here to hang around."

The raven haired captain then wandered her eyes to see Urahara leaning against his chair comfortably as he looked through a document, hair tousled messily, face plastered with a frown and hand holding his chin.

"Yo, Urahara-san." Renji called out.

The blonde haired man looked up from the paper and his expression changed with a light and playful grin, "Good morning you two. What brings you guys here?" The captain stood up from his desk and went to the table at the corner to grab tea and two more cups.

Yoruichi sat on the couch and urged the two captains and they politely obliged. Urahara poured tea on all four cups that were placed on the coffee table by the couch.

"We would like to talk about the red string of fate." Rukia started.

The older captains looked at each other knowingly, "I see."

Urahara sat down on the other couch and took a sip of his tea, "What do you need to know?"

Rukia and Renji looked at each other and back at the scientist, "Actually, we want to tell you something."

They explained that they, with Byakuya and Ichigo, went to a restaurant yesterday and ate and when they were waiting for their food to arrive, their strings suddenly appeared, turned white and broke. They also told about the invisible force that hit them and made them headbutt each other after.

Urahara snorted with that, "Soul King has a thing to make something like this as a joke."

Yoruichi laughed, "Literally put their heads together, I say!"

Urahara leaned back with a thoughtful look, "I guess that is how the pair knows that they bonded enough and their fate is sealed."

"That's what Ichigo said. Not exactly but like that," Rukia said as Renji nodded in agreement.

Urahara raised his eyebrow in amusement, "Did he now?" The raven nodded in response.

"Who else saw this event happen?"

"Just him and taichou," Renji replied.

Yoruichi gave a smirk, "I'm surprised you had the two together."

Rukia giggled, "It was by chance. We planned to drag Ichigo only but he was in Nii-sama's office so I invited him as well."

"He was in Byakuya-kun's office?" Yoruichi's eyes gleamed in amusement.

Renji nodded, slightly uncomfortable as he was suddenly fearing what could be on the woman's mind, "He is always there in the afternoon. I'm surprised taichou didn't even kill him when Ichigo was sleeping in his office."

"Ichigo was sleeping in his office?" The cat-like woman's smirk grew wider and it scared Renji a bit.

Urahara chuckled, "Ho, it seems like those two have gotten closer than I expected."

Rukia nodded, "That's also another thing I meant to tell."

"What is it, Rukia-san?"

Rukia mused, "How can I put this... For a brief moment, Renji and I saw their red strings. It was... connected. The string is still long but I'm sure that it's connected."

Urahara choked on his tea, "They were fated?" The raven haired captain nodded.

"And their string seems slightly thicker than mine and Renji's," She continued.

Urahara's eyes widened, "That is definitely something I need to research."

Yoruichi smirked, "I didn't expect that they were fated. Things will be very interesting."

Urahara looked over the pair, "Actually, soutaichou went to me and told me the same thing. The string became visible, turned white and broke. There was also an invisible force that hit him and his partner."

"Who was his partner?" Rukia inquired.

Urahara smiled, "Unsurprisingly, it was Juushiro-san."

That made Rukia squeal in excitement, hitting her partner's shoulder continuously. She couldn't contain her happiness and excitement she felt for her former captain.

Renji chuckled, "They are lucky. You were right, Urahara-san. The right couple will be their fated partner."

Urahara whipped out his fan and covered his face, "Actually, that was only a theory."

The redhead frowned, "Jeez, way to ruin the mood."

"I wonder when will Bya-kun and Ichigo butt heads? I want to see their faces when that happens," Yoruichi chuckled.

The other couldn't help but agree. That scene would go down in history in their circle of friends.


'Fuck. What should I say?'Ichigo thought with a scowl as he paced back and forth near the 6th Division barracks. It was already in the afternoon when Ichigo built up the courage to leave the Kuchiki mansion. Other shinigami passing by the street were eyeing the orange head with curiosity as he paced even more.

Ichigo looked over the barracks and saw that the office window was left open. He gulped. 'I have to pretend that I don't remember anything or else.' He shook his head and patted his cheeks. He has never acted like this before. He jumped over the roof and quickly jumped to the window.

He landed softly on the window sill and crouched. The orange head gave a grin as soon as his eyes landed on the noble, "Yo, Byakuya."

The said man looked up from his papers and sighed, "You have assaulted my window once again, Kurosaki Ichigo."

The latter laughed and climbed in, "I did not."

"Perhaps I might require Takashi-fukutaicho to lock the windows at all times."

Ichigo chuckled lightly, "Don't take out the fun, Byakuya."

The older man just sighed and went back on focusing on the paper in his hand.

The orange head rubbed the back of his neck a bit awkwardly. He was quite relieved that there was no tension in the air after that happened. 'He must have thought I don't remember a thing.' He walked over to Byakuya's desk and sat on the chair near it. He sighed in content at how comfortable it was.

"It is nice to see you comfortable invading my office, Kurosaki Ichigo," Byakuya commented dryly.

Ichigo simply threw him a grin, "Won't your office be too boring without me?"

"...Perhaps."

The orange head's grin grew wider with the older's answer, "Would it kill you to call me Kurosaki or Ichigo?"

Both then obviously stiffened, memories suddenly flashed in their heads. Byakuya immediately relaxed before the younger could notice his reaction, "Maybe."

Ichigo rolled his eyes as he tried to recover, "Yeah, right. One day, you'll definitely say my name properly."

"Don't I address you properly, Kurosaki Ichigo?" Byakuya stated while emphasizing the younger's full name.

"You don't call me properly as a friend."

The noble scoffed, "We are acquaintances. Nothing more."

Ichigo frowned deeply. Even after all this time, Byakuya seems to push him away no matter how many times Ichigo tries his best to befriend the latter. 'Am I really that bad in his eyes?' he thought sadly.

The orange head shook his head and sighed, deciding to drop the topic, "Anyways. Thanks for bringing me back to the mansion. I thought you would really leave me."

Byakuya looked at him blankly, "I was considering that option but Rukia wouldn't be happy if I did."

The orange head rolled his eyes. Of course. "Did I do something stupid? Or say something stupid?" 'Fuck. Please don't say anything.'

The noble briefly paused and looked at the paper blankly, "You were asleep the whole time. Though, you woke up while I was carrying you to your room and I walked you back to your room. That is all."

Ichigo saw something in the latter's eyes but it was gone as soon as it appeared.

'Why didn't you continue the kiss?' "Ah, I see," Ichigo muttered.

"Tsk. Disappointed, King?"

The orange head simply ignored the hollow's mocking tone. He could basically hear the amused smirk that the other Ichigo leaned back on the chair, shifting uncomfortably.

"Rukia and Abarai went to Urahara this morning. She said your suspicions were correct," Byakuya said, not looking at the latter.

"They went to you huh? I'm surprised she didn't barge in the mansion to tell me."

"She thought that you were here so she directly went here," the noble explained.

Ichigo scoffed, "I go to other places other than here."

The older man raised his eyebrow, "Oh, really? When you're here almost everyday?"

Ichigo laughed nervously, "Ah, am I huh? I guess so."

Byakuya didn't respond anymore and Ichigo said nothing more to keep them comfortable between them.


"Kuchiki-sama. Rukia-sama is requesting to have breakfast with you," Yusuke announced.

Byakuya was already in the dining room, sipping his hot tea. He then looked at the servant and nodded, "Very well."

The older man bowed and went ahead and fetched Rukia. A few moments later, the younger Kuchiki appeared with Yusuke behind her. She bowed, "Good morning, Nii-sama."

Byakuya nodded in acknowledgement. Rukia walked over beside her brother and gracefully sat beside him.

She was then served a cup of tea. Rukia mumbled "thanks" and drank her tea. Two servers entered the room with two sets of breakfast and placed it on the table. Byakuya eyed Yusuke, "Please wake up Kurosaki."

Yusuke slightly smiled, "He was out since early this morning, Kuchiki-sama."

Byakuya raised his eyebrow, "What time did he leave?" He was surprised he didn't sense that atrocious reiatsu left his compound so early.

"4 in the morning, Kuchiki-sama," was Yusuke's reply.

The noble nodded in acknowledgement, "Very well. You are excused." The older man bowed and left the siblings alone.

Rukia eyed her brother, "He didn't tell you anything?"

Byakuya gave her a blank look, "He did not nor is he responsible in telling his every move."

Rukia simply rolled her eyes. It was slightly visible that her brother was upset, "He would've told you if it wasn't urgent, Nii-sama. Don't worry."

She started eating as she saw her brother glare at her, "I am not worried about that fool, Rukia."

"Keep saying that to yourself, Nii-sama." She said before she started to ignore the sharp glare from Byakuya. The older man just sighed in annoyance and proceeded to eat his breakfast silently.

After his breakfast, he directly headed to the 6th Division barracks. As he entered through the gates, his members bowed at him respectfully. His lieutenant even stopped the training to greet his captain, "Good morning, Byakuya-taichou."

Byakuya grunted, "Good morning, Takashi-fukutaichou. I am still amazed that you can respect and disrespect me at the same time."

His lieutenant, Takashi Satoshi, laughed, "All in good spirit, taichou."

The captain eyed his raven haired lieutenant and he stared directly in the determined red eyes. He closed his eyes, "Proceed with the training, Takashi-fukutaichou."

Satoshi nodded, "Understood, taichou." He then turned to the members who were standing by, waiting for him.

The heir then proceeded to his office. He sighed when there was a new stack of paperwork waiting for him on his table. Byakuya walked over to his desk and stared at it indifferently.

'Why didn't he tell me anything before he left?' Byakuya thought sourly. His eyes widened in surprise, "What did I just say?"

A knock was heard before the door was open. Satoshi peeked in the office and gave his captain a small smile, "Are you alright, taichou?"

Byakuya immediately regained his composure, "Yes. Why do you ask?"

The other rubbed the back of his neck, "Your reiatsu spiked up a bit, taichou. I thought there was an intruder."

The noble raised his eyebrow, "Yet you do not react whenever Kurosaki Ichigo entered through the window?"

Satoshi mused with a grin, "As much as he acts like an intruder, your reiatsu calms down every time he is here, taichou."

Byakuya stiffened and eyed his fukutaicho, as if waiting for an explanation.

"Honestly, taichou. I can't say how and why," He looked up, "I think it is you who can understand your own feelings." Satoshi eyed the latter and offered a smile, "I'll go ahead and resume training, taicho. See you later."

Satoshi left Byakuya thinking long and hard. The heir's face was as calm and aloof as everything goes but in his head, thoughts were clashing. He was confused but at the same time denying everything. He finally sighed in annoyance, "What did you do to me, Kurosaki Ichigo?"


It was already late in the afternoon and there were no signs of the annoying orange head. Byakuya sighed. He is not even finished yet but he was already tired. It doesn't help that he was distracted from time to time already.

A loud knock suddenly broke the silence which made Byakuya look over the door, "Come in." He showed slight disappointment when a gruff man with wavy dark brown hair entered his office. His pink haori over the white one annoys Byakuya the most. Seeing him meaning he won't get anything done quickly now.

"You look disappointed, Byakuya-kun," Kyouraku's soothing yet teasing tone of his voice echoed in the office. Byakuya looked over the white haired man who followed suit and entered the office.

The younger captain stood and bowed, "Good afternoon, Ukitake-san, Kyouraku-soutaichou."

Kyouraku clicked his tongue in amusement, "Uptight as always."

Juushiro smiled brightly at the noble, "Good afternoon, Byakuya-kun."

The two older men sat on the chairs opposite to each other near Byakuya's desk. The younger captain sat back down and continued his work, "What brings you here, soutaichou?" Before Kyouraku could speak, Satoshi entered the room with four cups of tea and chocolate biscuits with him.

Satoshi put down the biscuit on the coffee table. He gave tea to Jushiro then to Kyouraku. He then slowly gave the third one to Byakuya. All three looked at the fourth cup, confused. Satoshi looked around to find a certain orange head, "Oh, I thought Kurosaki-san was here. I apologize." He gave his captain a knowing look then bowed and left.

Kyouraku eyed Byakuya, amused, "Even your fukutaichou is used for your acquaintance to be here."

Byakuya's eyebrow twitched at the stress of the word, "Excuse me?" Byakuya then assumed that Ichigo complained about that to the two older men when they were drinking.

Jushiro chuckled and sipped his tea, "How are you, Byakuya-kun?"

The raven haired man put down his pen and sighed, "I am doing well, Ukitake-san."

Kyouraku raised an eyebrow, "What about Ichigo-kun? He doesn't bother you too much at home?"

Byakuya raised his eyebrow as well, "He told you?"

The commander shrugged, "Not really. I just guessed from his... something."

Juushiro gave a knowing look, "I'm happy you let your friend stay while he is still unable to find a place."

The noble looked at him indifferently, ignoring the older's certain look, "It was no problem. He saved everyone and accompanied us through war. It's the least I could do." The partners looked at each other, amused but said nothing about it.

Kyouraku then sipped his tea, "So you must be wondering why we're here."

Byakuya merely shook his head. He had no idea what these two men were up to.

"I want to personally tell you that I sent Ichigo-kun to Hueco Mundo for a mission along with the 1st Division," the commander continued, "It was unexpected and so early in the morning so I don't think he got the chance to warn you."

The noble raised his eyebrow, "You're telling me because...?"

"Because Ichigo-kun requested me to. He feels guilty that he didn't manage to tell you beforehand and since it was kind of my fault, I don't mind going here to tell you."

Byakuya nodded, "I see." The two older men managed to catch a small tug in the younger man's lips, "Thank you for telling me then, Kyouraku-soutaichou."

The latter chuckled, "No problem. I bet you're worried sick over your… husband."

Byakuya's eyebrow twitched, "He is just an acquaintance."

Kyouraku sighed, "I feel bad for Ichigo-kun. His Byakuya-kun couldn't even say friend properly."

Juushiro sighed when he felt the younger's glare, "Come on now, Kyouraku. Let the boy be."

Kyouraku grinned, "Okay, okay."

He leaned over and gave a small peck on the latter's lips which made the white haired man blushed slightly and Byakuya sighed and he closed his eyes, "Please refrain from doing such things in my office, Kyouraku-soutaichou."

The gruff man laughed loudly, "You're not even surprised?"

"I am not. I heard that you two were fated. Congratulations."

Juushiro smiled brightly, "Thank you, Byakuya-kun."

Kyouraku grinned, "You're into gossip now, Byakuya-kun?"

"I was merely informed by Rukia. She also wanted me to relay her message to Kurosaki Ichigo."

The commander clicked his tongue, "You still call him by his full name? No wonder he is determined for you to say his name."

Byakuya could only sigh. He was already tired of people telling him to call Ichigo by his first name.

"I'm just curious, Byakuya-kun. Do you know who you are fated to?" Juushiro inquired.

The raven haired captain shook his head, "No, I do not."

Kyouraku rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "I wonder who it is? That'll be exciting to see."

Juushiro mused, "I wonder as well."

They looked over at the young captain who merely scoffed, "I do not have a guess. I never interacted with other people so I doubt I'll meet them soon."

"There's Ichigo-kun y'know," Kyouraku winked suggestively.

Byakuya merely glared, "We are too different, Kyouraku-soutaichou."

The commander chuckled as he stood up, "But you just thought of that possibility, right Byakuya-kun?"

The noble fell silent. He doesn't want to admit that he thought of it. He keeps saying to himself that it was not him, ignoring the small part of him that wishes that it was him as he felt drawn to the younger day by day.

Juushiro stood up as well, "Thanks for your time and the tea, Byakuya-kun. See you next time."

Kyouraku smirked amusedly, "See you next meeting, lover boy.

Byakuya silently groaned in frustration but nodded respectfully, "Good day, gentlemen."

The noble frowned as he looked back at the unfinished papers. He got too distracted earlier and his two superiors went and chatted with him but the reason for his distraction earlier was put to ease when Kyouraku informed him about a certain orange head. Byakuya grabbed another paper and sighed. It will be a long night.


It was already midnight when Byakuya arrived in the Kuchiki manor. He was greeted by the guards with a bow, "Good evening, Kuchiki-sama."

Byakuya nodded in acknowledgment. Then, Yusuke walked towards the heir, "Good evening, Kuchiki-sama. Kurosaki-sama just arrived an hour ago."

The noble raised his eyebrow, "Just an hour ago? Where is he now?"

Yusuke looked over to the direction of their rooms, "He is by the pond, drinking tea. He was waiting for you."

Byakuya nodded, surprised that the younger man was waiting for him, "I see. I'll head there now." The older man simply bowed in response.

The heir walked towards the pond where Ichigo's room was near while Byakuya's was just around the corner in the same direction. When he turned another corner, he saw the young shinigami wearing his tattered shihakusho. He looks so tired and covered in cuts, blood dried to a rusty brown color. He was drinking tea calmly with slight shaky hands.

'What in the world? Why isn't he resting with all those?'

Byakuya sighed and walked over there and gracefully sat beside him with a comfortable distance. Ichigo was startled when he felt the noble's presence beside him.

"Hey, Byakuya," The orange head slowly put down the cup on the tray on his other side.

"You look tired," Byakuya commented. Ichigo notices a frown plastered on the older's face with concerned eyes.

Ichigo gave a weak smile, "Yeah. I just got back from the mission. I'm sorry I didn't tell you."

The older man sighed, "It is fine. It was urgent, yes?" The younger nodded weakly. "Then, you have no need to tell me."

"What if you worry about me?"

Byakuya raised his eyebrow, "You're too stubborn to be worried about, Kurosaki Ichigo."

The latter chuckled. Byakuya then slowly closed the distance which made the younger freeze.

"Byakuya?" Ichigo wanted to hit himself with how his voice almost faltered.

The heir gave a soft glare, eyeing the cut on the latter's cheek, "You're injured. Why didn't you go to the 4th Division?"

Ichigo shook his head, "It's already late. I didn't want to disturb them."

Byakuya merely sighed, "Yusuke-san, please bring a first-aid kit for him, now."

Yusuke suddenly appeared and bowed, "Understood, Kuchiki-sama."

"Why didn't you ask Yusuke-san to address your wounds?"

Ichigo sighed, "I don't want to bother anyone."

Byakuya clicked his tongue in annoyance, "For Kami's sake, Kurosaki Ichigo. You are injured and people would not mind in helping you fix your wounds."

The orange head rubbed the back of his neck, "Well, I can heal naturally y'know?"

"It does not mean that you can't seek treatment."

Yusuke suddenly appeared with the first aid kit and placed it between them. He was about to help when Byakuya stopped him, "I'll do it myself, Yusuke-san."

Yusuke's eyes widened, "No need, Kuchiki-sama. I am capable of doing it." Byakuya glared at Ichigo who has a shocked expression on his face, "You are but this fool is not capable of listening to others. With me, he won't be able to reject this."

The servant pursed his lips and nodded, "Very well, Kuchiki-sama." The older man stood up and hid back in the shadows.

Byakuya opened the kit and glared at the younger, "Come closer."

Ichigo gulped and silently complied, afraid of feeling the man's wrath.

"Remove your top so I can take a closer look." Byakuya said sternly.

The orange head grinned, "I never knew you were such a pervert, Byakuya."

The heir glared at him dangerously which made Ichigo keep quiet, "One more joke and I might inflict a deeper wound, Kurosaki Ichigo."

The younger sighed and complied. He removed his top which revealed his toned slightly tanned body with small cuts surrounding his torso and some on his chest. There was a slightly huge claw mark at his back.

Byakuya sighed as he eyed each one of the injuries, "I'm surprised you manage to drink tea in this condition."

Ichigo chuckled dryly, "I'm as stubborn as I go."

The noble did a quick work of cleaning all of the wounds gently. He didn't miss the way Ichigo flushed every time he felt the older man's hand touch him gently. He dressed all the wounds and wrapped bandages around his torso and back. He also wrapped bandages around the younger's , Byakuya put a band-aid over the cut on Ichigo's left cheek.

He moved back and looked at Ichigo to check if he missed any more injuries. Byakuya hummed in victory when he saw his handiwork done

Ichigo coughed awkwardly, "T-Thanks, Byakuya." His body felt oddly hot as those piercing gray eyes were eying him.

The latter scoffed, "Next time, please let others help you or I won't be so nice."

The orange head grinned, "Yes, yes."

Byakuya ordered Yusuke to return the first aid kit and requested for more tea to which the servant complied. The two sat in comfortable silence. Ichigo glanced at the captain who seemed more tired after helping Ichigo with his wounds.

"I'm sorry that I made you even more tired, Byakuya," Ichigo muttered guiltily.

Byakuya closed his eyes, "It is fine. If it wasn't me, you wouldn't be able to accept an emergency treatment."

Ichigo chuckled, "Maybe."

The orange head faced the older man which made Byakuya look at him curiously, "What?"

"Let me take you out to lunch tomorrow. My treat."

The captain raised his eyebrow in amusement, "I still have work to do, Kurosaki Ichigo."

Ichigo rolled his eyes, "C'mon. It's just lunch. I promise I won't drink so you won't drag my ass here."

Byakuya eyed him steadily, "Do you promise?"

Ichigo nodded, "I promise."

"Fine, Kurosaki."

Ichigo's eyes gleamed in excitement, "Excuse me? Could you repeat that?" Byakuya chuckled with a low voice which sent shivers down Ichigo's spine. Ichigo loved the way the older man laughed.

He looked at the younger with slight amusement, "I do not like repeating myself, Kurosaki Ichigo."

Ichigo groaned, "And you're immediately back to calling me that."

He looked directly at the cold gray eyes with determination, "I will make you say my name if it's the last thing I would do."

Byakuya's lips lifted upwards for a bit, "I might reconsider if I will bring you to Unohana-taichou to properly fix your injuries and if you treat me to a satisfying lunch."

Ichigo grinned happily which made the older man's heart skip a bit, "Bring it!"

After a while, Yusuke managed to bring them freshly brewed tea and poured it in the two new cups that he brought. They sat in silence, not realizing that they were sitting closer than earlier. They didn't mind the warmth radiating from each other as it brings comfort to them. It was already 2 in the morning but neither of them doesn't seem like they want to sleep anytime soon.


"You look like shit, Ichigo," Renji snorted.

The redhead and Rukia decided to visit Ichigo in the morning. They were in the garden with the pond where Ichigo was sitting on the edge, head resting on the pillar.

The orange head has his eyes close as he groaned, "Fuck off, Renji."

Rukia chuckled, "What happened to you? Did you even eat breakfast?"

Ichigo nodded, still keeping his eyes closed, "It's just that I had tea outside with Byakuya last night and we didn't exactly sleep early."

Renji raised his eyebrow, "Why are you even here?"

"I'm waiting for Byakuya to finish something."

Rukia eyed her best friend who was wearing a new shihakusho, covered in bandages and still sleepy, "What time did you arrive from your mission? You look beat up."

Ichigo sighed as he felt like he was being interrogated, "I arrived an hour before midnight. Actually it was B-" He was cut off when a huge reiatsu suddenly walked towards them. He felt a cold glare from behind. Ichigo slowly looked up with half lidded eyes.

"Mornin' Byakuya," Ichigo greeted.

Renji raised his eyebrow by how Ichigo casually spoke to the captain. He was used to it but it seems a bit different today.

"Good morning, Kurosaki."

This made Ichigo smile widely. Renji and Rukia looked at each other with surprise looks. Byakuya was finally addressing the younger shinigami by his surname.

Byakuya's cold gray eyes looked over at the couple, "Good morning, Rukia. Abarai."

Rukia and Renji bowed, "Good morning, Nii-sama."

"Good morning, taichou."

He looked back towards the orange head who had his eyes closed.

"Let us go to the 4th Division," The older man simply stated.

Ichigo groaned and slowly got up. His legs were wobbly and before he could try to support himself, Byakuya grabbed his wrist.

Ichigo weakly grinned, "Thanks." Byakuya just grunted in response and waited for Ichigo to stand properly.

"If I may ask, why are you going to the 4th Division, nii-sama?" Rukia inquired.

Her brother sighed, "This orange haired fool went here before seeking treatment for his injuries last night. We will go today to make sure he is fully healed."

"Who patched him up then?" Rukia raised her eyebrow suspiciously.

Ichigo grinned proudly, "Byakuya was the one who fixed me up."

Byakuya glared dangerously at the younger, "Do not sound so smug, Kurosaki."

The smaller captain eyed her brother knowingly, "Why will you join him then?"

Byakuya was slightly irked that his sister was probably up to something once more, "Are you interrogating me, Rukia?"

Rukia's face flushed, "I didn't mean for it to sound like that, Nii-sama."

"I will join him so he won't run away."

Rukia looked over her best friend who just shrugged.

"Let us go now before I change my mind," Byakuya walked towards the gates which made Ichigo bid a quick farewell to the couple and immediately followed the older captain.

Renji was still shocked, "What the hell did Ichigo do that made taichou like that?"

Rukia sighed dreamily, "Ah, love." The red head glared at his lover in slight disgust which earned him a smack on the head.


Byakuya and Ichigo finally arrived in the 4th Division barracks. The members were shocked to see the two together. Some cower in fear when they saw the infamous icy 6th Division captain just behind the bright orange haired shinigami.

"Where is Unohana-taichou?" Byakuya inquired of one of the scared shinigami.

"S-She is in a patient's room, Kuchiki-taichou."

Byakuya nodded, "Please inform her of our presence."

The member nodded quickly and left to the direction where Unohana is.

"Jeez, you're scaring them." Ichigo teasingly said.

Byakuya grunted, "It is not my fault."

The orange head patted Byakuya's shoulder which made the older man stiff and that made Ichigo quickly pull his hand away. He then laughed nervously, "Too familiar?"

The noble merely gave him a glare but said nothing more.

Then, a raven braided haired woman approached them with a gentle smile, "Good morning, Kurosaki-kun. Kuchiki-taicho."

Byakuya gave a curt nod while Ichigo smiled, "Hello."

The healer looked over at Ichigo, eyeing his bandages, "Follow me, gentlemen." She turned around to head to the direction of her office with the two men in tow. "I think it would be best to examine him more privately," Unohana stated.

When they arrived at the office, she told the men to sit down on the long couch. They followed her and sat with a comfortable distance. Unohana sat on the smaller couch near Ichigo's side, "Come closer, Kurosaki-kun."

The orange head nodded and slid a bit forward. Unohana placed her hand on the latter's chest and a pale green reiatsu suddenly surrounded her hand. After a few minutes, she pulled her hand away and made Ichigo move back.

Unohana looked over at the stoic captain, "You did a good job with the first-aid, Kuchiki-taichou. Most of his injuries seem almost healed." She then looked at the nervous orange head, "Why didn't you go here for us to aid you? You would've healed quicker."

Ichigo blushed from embarrassment, "Ah, well. I didn't want to bother you at midnight. So...yeah." He finished lamely.

"There is no such thing as healing injuries being called a bother. You are lucky that Kuchiki-taichou here was there for you."

The younger man looked over Byakuya with gratefulness and an unnamed emotion in his eyes, "Yeah, I am."

The latter's eyes showed surprise but kept a cool expression. The small interaction didn't go unnoticed by the healer. "You will stay here for now, Kurosaki-kun. We will finish up the healing process."

Unohana stood up, "Isane, please guide Kurosaki-kun to an available room now."

Her lieutenant nodded, "Yes, ma'am." The tall woman urged the orange head to follow her.

Ichigo looked at Byakuya at which the older nodded, "Go."

Ichigo stood up, "See you later, Byakuya." The two then left the office without another word.

The healer looked at the latter with an eyebrow raised, "My, my Kuchiki-taichou. Where were you that you managed to help the boy?"

Byakuya looked at her, "He... was in the manor, Retsu."

Unohana's eyes slightly widened in shock, "Does he stay at your place lately?" The heir nodded. "I see. No wonder he has quite the attachment to you."

The noble raised his eyebrow, "Excuse me?"

"For example, he was looking for your approval if he could join Insane or not. Am I wrong?" The healer gave a slight smile.

Byakuya's eyes fell down on the floor, "I do not know what kind of attachment is that, Unohana-taichou."

Unohana kept her gentle smile, "I see. Well, it seems to have a good effect on the both of you."

Byakuya just simply nodded. He could not understand what his fellow captain was referring to but to make them drop the topic would be good.

The heir stood up and bowed, "Thank you, Unohana-taichou. I will be back by lunch to fetch the boy."

Unohana nodded in response, "Alright. See me before you two leave later."

Byakuya gave a curt nod and left the office.

Renji and Rukia caught wind that Ichigo would be staying at the 4th Division for a short time but they decided to visit anyway. They entered the white room and saw Ichigo sitting up on his clean, white bed staring at the slightly open window.

"Yo, strawberry!" Renji greeted him, which made the latter whip his head to their direction.

He gave a wide smile, "Yo, pineapple!"

Rukia walked over to Ichigo's bedside and sat at the edge, "How are you?"

Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck, "I'm fine. Byakuya's first aid saved me. All Isane said was just the final process of healing was left. She also said I am fatigued."

Renji snorted, "You're fatigued because you stayed up with taichou."

The orange head flushed, "Don't make it sound like it's something else!"

The redhead smirked, "Only you made it weird in your head, Ichigo."

Rukia giggled, "Typical Ichigo."

The latter glared, "What do you mean? And why are you two here? Aren't you guys drowned in paperwork?"

Renji scoffed, "Aren't 'ya glad we chose you over paperwork?"

The shorter captain patted Ichigo's shoulder, "We also wanted to check if you're okay. You look too dead earlier."

The younger shinigami stretched his body, "Well, I feel pretty great now. Just need to heal this shitty injury on my back then I'm all good."

Rukia looked at Renji then back at Ichigo, "Hey, Ichigo. Want to have lunch with us at Rukongai? It's Renji's treat this time."

Renji scowled, "Oi! I didn't say anythin' about that." The smaller glared at her partner which made him quiet immediately.

Ichigo froze, "I would rather not get drunk again."

Rukia smirked, "You don't want Nii-sama carrying home again?"

The orange head's face flushed in different shades of red, "I have no memories of that so it doesn't affect me!"

Renji clicked his tongue in amusement, "Look at your face, strawberry. Could've fooled me."

Ichigo groaned, "Whatever."

Rukia grinned, "So? Lunch? I promise I will drag you away from sake."

The orange head chuckled nervously as he rubbed the back of his neck, "Ah, well..."

"Well?"

"I kind of askedByakuyaoutforlunch."

Renji and Rukia doubled over and looked at the younger incredulously, "YOU DID WHAT?!"

Ichigo raised his hands defensively, cheeks going redder by the moment, "It's not like that, you dumbasses! I just want to say thank you for helping me out last night. He really looked tired and he deserves something."

"Sure thing." Renji drawled, not believing the orange head even for just a bit, "Just ask him out for fuck's sake! You two dancing around just gives me a huge headache."

Ichigo rolled his eyes, "Why would I ask him out when I don't even like the guy?"

Rukia stood up and chuckled, "Keep telling yourself that, Ichigo." She pushed Renji out of the room much to the red head's dismay, "We'll go now, Ichigo. We have a date with or papers the rest of the day." She then winked, "Enjoy your date with Nii-sama!"

The door closed immediately to shield the raven haired by the aggressively thrown pillow by Ichigo, who was panting and sweating from all the embarrassment and adrenaline when he wanted to actually strangle his best friend.

I swear to god. They'll be the death of me.


Thank you for reading! Check out my other works for more ByaIchi content!