Chapter 31:

"And I care, why?"

"I'm serious, Ichigo. There's something wrong with Byakuya."

"There's a lot of things wrong with him. Narrow it down, please."

After finishing her work in the World of the Living, Rukia found Ichigo and followed him home from school to discuss her brother. Still a human, Ichigo tried to have a conversation with the Soul Reaper beside him without drawing too much attention, but subtlety wasn't his strong suit, garnering attention from people walking by who saw him ranting to an invisible person. Because of this, Rukia suspected that he was keeping a brisk pace and not looking at her for reasons beyond drawing attention.

As a friend, he listened to her but hoped she would go away if the subject wasn't changed soon. Everything she listed could have easily been explained away but she insisted that there was more going on. He didn't think it was an issue but, looking over his shoulder, he saw how upset she was.

He slowed his pace. "You're really worried about this, aren't you?"

She nodded, looking at the ground.

Ichigo sighed and let his schoolbag hover by his knees, feeling sore from having to carry it over his shoulder. "Alright, how about I go back with you real quick to see what's going on? I'll take a look and tell you what I think."

Rukia folded her arms with a scoff. "You, being observant? I'll believe it when I see it."

"I can be insightful."

"Ha!"

"I can!"

"I didn't say anything."

"You want my opinion or not?"

Rukia stopped teasing. "Alright. Yes, thank you." She looked at something in her hand. "I'm already running late. We're gonna have to do this quick."

Because of her comment, Ichigo jumped through the portal without changing into a Soul Reaper. When she questioned why he was still in human form, he answered by asking if she wanted his help or not. She didn't bring it up again and continued on.

Hitsugaya's head snapped up, sniffing. This smelled different.

He ran to the window and looked outside. Rukia was walking beside Ichigo just outside his building.

A human's scent had tickled his nose and sent his hair standing on end.

Byakuya might not be able to resist the lure of a human's blood. Compared to the common Soul Reapers in their area, a human might be considered a delicacy.

Byakuya stirred from his slumber, sensing something.

The scent of a human.

He sat up in bed, feeling more awake than usual this time of day and looked at the covered windows of his office. It was close, carried by the wind. He shouldn't have been able to smell it so easily through these closed windows, making him wonder what made this scent so special.

"Renji."

Renji stood from the desk and came over to Byakuya's bed. "Yes, master?"

"This human scent… It tantalizes me." He licked his lips in anticipation. "Find it and bring it to me."

"Yes, master."

Shinji and Momo played in the office all day after training, getting hardly any work done. Thankfully, there wasn't much to do. Having Momo as a werewolf and knowing what was going on turned out to be great, even if it was very distracting. They tossed a rubber ball back and forth in the room and jumped from the couch to the floor over and over again until the Soul Reapers downstairs came knocking, wanting to know what all the thumping was.

They worked up a sweat playing tug-of-war with one of Shinji's cravats until the fabric ripped and they tumbled backwards away from each other. Momo opened a window to get some air into the room. The breeze felt good on her face and wolf ears.

"Momo, get away from there," Shinji half laughed, half scolded. "Your ears are showing."

"Sorry." She tried to put them away but they wouldn't disappear.

"No one's supposed to see 'em."

"I know that, but they won't go."

"I got it, I got it." Shinji rested his forearms on her shoulders and grabbed one of her pointed wolf ears in his teeth, tugging it playfully. He already had a childish personality but being a wolf seemed to bring it out even more when there was another of his kind around.

They ended up rolling on the floor, Momo pushing him away as Shinji rolled on his back in wolf form. Her ears finally went away and Shinji lay panting and laughing on his back with his paws curled in the air.

Both stopped abruptly when they heard a howl from outside. Eyes gleaming, both Shinji and Momo hurried to its source, Shinji changing back before leaving the office.

Hitsugaya stood around the outside of his building, waiting for them. When everyone arrived, he told them that he had seen Ichigo with Rukia and feared he might be the next victim. He gave them a simple order.

"Keep Ichigo away from Byakuya and his slaves."

"On it."

Ichigo looked around at all the buildings they passed on the way to Byakuya's office. Everything seemed perfectly normal. It was quiet for the most part, and the Soul Reapers they passed by, those who weren't too busy to look up, greeted them with smiles and the occasional 'hello', which was mostly directed at Rukia. He momentarily glanced at the badge on her arm as proof of her Lieutenant status.

"I hope this doesn't take too long."

"You're the one who jumped through before changing."

"I had enough time to change out of my uniform and drop off my bag."

"But not enough time to leave your body behind in your room or something?"

Ichigo gritted his teeth. Maybe he hadn't thought it through. It was just an impulse and, since he wasn't expected to fight, being here as a human didn't seem like a big deal. Orihime and Chad did it all the time, but of course that was a bit different.

"Is that really what you're wearing in front of my brother?"

Ichigo looked down at his jeans and tight-fitting dark blue shirt with a wide collar than showed off his collar bone. "What's wrong with it?"

"Nothing."

"Then why'd you say something?"

She smiled. "Just to mess with you."

Ichigo glared at her. "Well, you're feeling better. I'll go home now."

She grabbed his arm as soon as he said this. "No, you're coming."

"Then no more remarks about my wardrobe."

"I didn't say anything. What you have on is fine."

"Yeah, right. And I suppose-"

Shinji threw his arm around Ichigo's shoulder and embraced him. "Ichigo, long time no see! How's it going?"

Ichigo found himself pressed against Shinji's chest and wriggled his way out. "Fine. Don't do that."

Shinji grabbed him again and pressed him to his body. "It's been so long, let me have a look at you."

"It hasn't been that long. Will you get off me?"

"Let me look at you, handsome."

Ichigo roughly shoved him away. "How can you look at me when you're holding me so freakin' tight? What's gotten into you?"

Shinji shrugged. "Who knows? Guess I'm just bored. How about we do something since you're here?"

"Actually, Ichigo was about to help me with something," said Rukia.

"Oh, there'll be plenty of time for that, whatever it is. Ichigo, my man, come over here, would you?" Shinji didn't give him much of a choice, wrapping his arm around Ichigo's shoulders and dragging him a short distance away.

Hunched over and annoyed, Ichigo shot Shinji a look. "What's with you today?"

Keeping their backs to Rukia, Shinji leaned closer to whisper in Ichigo's ear. "Rukia seems worried about Byakuya, right?"

Ichigo nodded and listened.

"Don't blame her. Guy's been holed up in his office for days. I saw him at the Captains' meeting but other than that, I think the guy's too busy."

"Busy with what?"

"Don't know. Maybe he's trying to hide his pride for his little sister getting promoted to Lieutenant. I mean, sure, that was a while ago, but Byakuya's a weird guy, you know? Maybe he's planning a party for her and wants it to be a surprise which is why he's acting this way. It's gonna be some surprise if he is, given how long she's been Lieutenant. Better not spoil it."

Ichigo doubted Byakuya would do any sort of thing, finding him to be aloof and pompous. He believed the concept of a surprise party was very foreign to the noble. "You really think he'd do something like that?"

"I'm guessing. I don't know him that well. My other guess was that he's not been feeling well but still aims to do his work. Now that's commitment."

Shinji made sure not to give Ichigo any indication that he knew the truth just in case he failed to protect him. If he became a slave, Ichigo wouldn't be able to tell him anything incriminating.

Ichigo thought about it for a moment. "When she mentioned his office being dark all the time, I told her it was because he had a headache."

"See, that's my guess, too. If he's not feeling well, why bother him? That's why I'm keeping my distance. You wanna risk pissing him off or getting sick?"

Ichigo agreed but Rukia wasn't going to drop it until she got his opinion.

Ichigo took Shinji's arm from around his shoulders and said, "I hear you, but I'm just gonna do what she says for a second to get her off my case. She won't shut up until I do. I'll just pop in and out and tell her what I felt based on a quick look."

Shinji knew a second was all it took for Byakuya to work his magic on someone. He managed to get the entire Stealth Force on his side and they were ninjas. There was no way Ichigo in his human form could keep up with Byakuya's speed, much less dodge it.

"Before that, can you take a look at something I got going on over here?"

Ichigo shook his head. "I'd rather take care of this first. Again, she's hounding me."

"Really, hounding? Says that in front of me, of all people."

Ichigo looked back at him. "What's that?"

"Nothing. You do you."

He watched Ichigo and Rukia wander off. Even if Byakuya wasn't willing to do anything in front of Rukia, that wouldn't stop him from putting Ichigo in a trance and telling him to come back in a second or tell Rukia to leave them in private.

He had his orders to keep Ichigo away from Byakuya and that was what he was going to do.

He tagged Momo on his way down the street to let her step in while he went ahead to do something.

Momo followed beside Rukia and tried to get her away from Ichigo, hoping targeting her would work better. It didn't, so she tried to distract Ichigo. She tried to tempt him with food but he refused, even though he wanted an afternoon snack. She wanted his opinion on something she made in the office but he declined. She wanted to show him something at one of their local shops but he told her he'd do it later.

Momo whined, putting her hands under her chin in a worried gesture. She did have an urge to bite him but that wouldn't stop him and the vampire might gain a werewolf slave.

Suddenly, it dawned on her.

"Hey!"

Hitsugaya had slipped up when he gave them the order to keep Ichigo away from Byakuya. He had inadvertently told Momo that Byakuya was the vampire.

"I can't believe Little Shiro would… Wait, so… Captain Kuchiki's the..!" Momo clamped her hands over her mouth before she could scream it aloud for all to hear. "You gotta be kidding me…" she mumbled into her hands.

Hisagi jumped in front of Ichigo and Rukia and asked for their advice on something but they never stopped walking towards Byakuya's office while answering. He changed the subject, tempting Ichigo with some food but he again declined. He offered Ichigo a number of things, including a preview of their latest issue of the Seireitei Correspondence, but he turned him down on everything. Eventually, Hisagi just became desperate and pretended to be hurt but Ichigo ignored him as he lay in the street holding his shin.

"If that's how you treat an injured person, screw you!" he shouted but Ichigo didn't even turn around. Hisagi rolled onto his stomach and drummed his fingers on the ground, contemplating.

Momo stood above him and remarked, "You're not a very good actor."

Hisagi buried his face in his hands. "What do you expect me to do under pressure?"

Ichigo and Rukia walked uninterrupted for another block before something else came to distract them.

While he had thought of showing up as a wolf to get their attention, he knew that wasn't the kind of attention they needed, so Shinji appealed to something else that might get a man's mind off the task at hand.

"Have at him," Shinji said, gesturing towards the two walking by the building he hid behind.

Rangiku rushed out and stood in front of Ichigo and Rukia. "Rukia! How are you? Oh, and Ichigo's here, too? What a surprise!"

Rukia greeted her normally but Ichigo was thrown off a bit by the woman. She was acting like her usual self but there was something different about her. She seemed prettier.

"You're helping Rukia with something, Ichigo?"

"Uh… Uh, yeah." Ichigo had to concentrate just to say that much, lost in thought about what it was about Rangiku that made her so… appealing. She was a very pretty woman but he was able to ignore her because she was so childish at times. However, he was always curious. Now even more so.

Rangiku spread her arms wide and hugged him. "Aw, that's so nice of you, Ichigo! Good for you," she squealed.

Ichigo momentarily stopped breathing.

He could feel warmth spreading throughout his entire body from her embrace. Rangiku was just emitting this peculiar sensation he couldn't put into words. It made him want to…

"Gah!" he yelped as his face turned as red as a tomato and his heart started beating rapidly in his chest. Since when was Rangiku so sexy? He was overwhelmed. His mind was racing. His body wanted to do something but couldn't process this moment resulting in Ichigo being frozen in place as energy surged throughout his body.

The only conscious thought he had was to get away from her before he could do anything else, so he shoved her away and ran into the nearest building. He just ran. He couldn't stop. This energy had to be used for something but eventually, running up and down halls wasn't enough. There was something his body wanted to do. Something he couldn't allow himself to do. He threw himself into a bathroom and splashed cold water on his face repeatedly until he finally calmed down.

Turning off the facet, Ichigo looked at his reflection in the mirror mounted above the sink. His face was still a bit red and water dripped from his hair and face. Feeling weak-kneed, Ichigo propped himself up on the edge of the sink, taking several deep breaths.

What had Rangiku done to him? He had never felt such a thing so intensely before. She had turned him on but to an extreme degree. Since when was she so erotic?

"I know I'm a teenager but my hormones have never been in overdrive before," he said to himself. "Or that quickly. I was fine until she grabbed me like that. Man, that was embarrassing."

He allowed himself a few more minutes before attempting to leave the bathroom, but his legs wouldn't stop wobbling. He slumped against a wall outside and just sat there until Rukia found him. His heart was still pounding and his limbs were shaking. He began to fantasize about Rangiku, unable to help himself. That just made his heart race all over again and he bent his knees to pull them close to his chest. He could only stop when Rukia showed up, asking him what that was about.

"I don't know," he told her. "I just needed to get away from her."

"Was it that bad?" she asked, with her hands on her hips.

"No, the opposite," he mumbled. He had to get away before he gave in to those confusing feelings and did something he regretted.

Outside, Momo smiled at Shinji. "Mission accomplished."

"Only delayed," he told her. "That just bought us a few minutes. We haven't actually stopped him from going to the office. And now that Rukia's gone to find him…"

Momo frowned, puzzled. "I still don't get why Ichigo rushed off like that. Was what Rangiku did all that… you know?"

"A succubus doesn't have to do much other than touch you to get that kind of reaction."

"Rangiku's a succubus?!"

"Hm? Oh, yeah, she is."

Momo snorted in disbelief. "How many other monsters are there running around the Seireitei?"

Shinji kept his eyes on the door just in case Ichigo left through it with Rukia. "Did you know Yumichika's a harpy?"

"No!"

"Then you're up to speed."

Momo folded her arms with a pout. "No one tells me anything."

Shinji straightened up and started to push Momo around the side of the building. "They're on the move. Let's go."

Ichigo didn't talk about the incident to Rukia, too embarrassed. He just walked beside her, hoping this adventure would be over soon.

They were stopped again, this time by Renji. He stood in front of them and grinned, eyeing Ichigo cunningly. "Rukia, Ichigo… Hi. Funny running into you here."

"She dragged me here," he complained.

"You dove after me like your life depended on it," she retorted.

Renji didn't look at her, keeping his gaze fixed on the teen is casual garb. "Say… Why don't you come with me to Byakuya's office? Got something you might be interested in."

"Actually, we were just on our way there to talk to Byakuya," said Rukia.

Renji momentarily looked at Rukia, picking up on the distinctive 'we' she threw into the sentence. Only Ichigo should accompany him. If she showed up, Byakuya could not feed, refusing to show this side of himself to her.

"Oh, well, do you mind if just Ichigo and I go there? Don't want to bother Byakuya too much, right, Rukia?"

"Well, actually…"

"I don't mind escorting Ichigo. I intend to bring him there, after all. Why not save you a trip?"

Rukia looked conflicted. "I guess, but I was really hoping to head there, too. Get Ichigo's opinion on something."

Renji's face stiffened. He had to convince her not to come. If this didn't work, he would have to distract her so Ichigo could be alone with Byakuya.

Thankfully, Ichigo unknowingly did his job for him, telling her, "Does it really matter if you're there or not? The whole point was for me to go there and do whatever. I can tell you about it later."

"I guess so, but…"

He asked her, "Do you really need to be there for me to form my own opinion?"

Rukia turned up her nose, clicking her tongue in aggravation. "Now honestly… Fine, I see your point. But I probably should stick around so you don't have to look for me."

"I'm not helpless. I've navigated this place before, haven't I?"

Renji grinned, seeing things work out in his favor. Ichigo would either annoy Rukia so much she would leave or she would see the logic in this plan and yield. He wouldn't have to do anything.

Rukia motioned for Ichigo to turn to the side so she could whisper something to him. "Doesn't Renji seem a little off to you?"

"Not really."

"I don't know. He just seems different than usual."

"I think it's your imagination."

"I suppose you'd have to see it more." Rukia faced Renji again. "Fine. Renji, take it from here."

Renji nodded. "With pleasure. Come with me, Ichigo."

After parting with Rukia on the street and was able to travel with Renji in private, he had to admit that there was something a little off about his friend. He wasn't as stern as usual. His expression, at least. As far as personality went, he didn't remember Renji being so formal and pushy at the same time. He wasn't trying to start a fight with him and seemed to be trying to make Ichigo as comfortable as possible. Whatever he wanted to show him must have been important. Or maybe Rukia was right and there was something going on with him.

He followed Renji without a word, wondering what question he should ask him, unable to find the words. Then he finally just blurted it out. "Hey, Renji?"

"Yes?"

"You doing ok?"

"Yeah, why?"

"No reason," Ichigo said with a shrug. "You just seem different somehow. Like you're in a good mood or planning something."

Renji grinned politely. "Well, I am in a good mood and I am planning on showing you something interesting, so that's exciting for me. In that sense, I guess you're right about both."

"That's not exactly what I meant by-"

Renji suddenly disappeared as a crowd of Soul Reapers intercepted their path, running to something on the other side of the street. Renji was knocked down and trampled by the stomping feet of nearly two dozen men clamoring to be the first one to catch Rangiku's eye.

Momo looked at Shinji. "Really?"

He smiled. "It's so easy at this point. All I have to do is tell them that Rangiku's over there and they'll come running."

Hisagi looked over Shinji's shoulder. "But she's not, right?"

"Of course not."

"Right, I knew that." Hisagi hid the flower behind his back.

In the street, Ichigo stood unscathed over the trampled Renji and asked nonchalantly if he was alright. Renji peeled himself off the ground and tried to stand. It was painful to move and he was sure something was sprained in the incident, but he managed to stand and walk a few paces, determined to get the job done.

"You sure you don't want to see anyone about that?"

"I'm fine."

Ichigo raised his brow, unconvinced. Renji clearly wasn't fine.

Meanwhile, around the corner, the trio of werewolves couldn't believe how little damage they were doing. Renji was so committed to carrying out his duty that he was willing to walk off a painful injury, not letting it slow him down.

"Let's just grab him and throw him in a closet or something," said Hisagi.

"I am tempted to do that." Shinji knew he could easily knock out Ichigo with Kido and drag him away but wasn't sure he should. "We'd have to do the same with Renji, but what about anyone from the Stealth Force who may be watching?"

Hisagi sniffed the air. "Their scent's stale in this area. I think we're good."

"But what about Rukia?" asked Momo. "She'll wonder what happened to him. She also wants Ichigo to answer her question. Stopping him will only postpone that, not solve it. She'll still bring him to Byakuya's office."

"Unless we convince him to lie and say that he did," said Hisagi.

Shinji folded his arms, watching Ichigo and Renji pass by directly in front of them. "Don't worry. I have a very simple foolproof plan. Follow my lead."

A split second later, Ichigo was picked up around the waist and carried off by Shinji.

"What the hell?!" Ichigo shouted down to him, pressing his hands into Shinji's shoulder for support.

"This is the plan?" Momo asked, running alongside Shinji.

"I always did this with Hiyori."

"And it worked?"

"Pretty much. No prob- Ow!" Ichigo started punching Shinji in the spine to get him to put him down. "Ow! Stop that! Ow! Son of a-"

"Captain Hirako, this isn't much of a plan," Momo complained. "And you just said it wouldn't do much."

Shinji didn't know what he was thinking. He may have just been desperate and gave in to the impulse just because, as a wolf, this made sense. Maybe he just wanted to take him and run, it being a part of his nature. Like picking up a stick and carrying it off, Shinji picked up his prize and took off without a concrete plan.

"Put me down! What's the matter with you?"

Momo looked back and saw Renji running after them. "Captain…"

Shinji had to stop and come up with a better plan than this. Simply removing Ichigo from the situation wasn't going to be as easy as carrying off Hiyori to avoid a fight. Renji was still a part of the equation and they had no explanation for why they would keep Ichigo away from him without making him think they knew the truth. Tying Ichigo up and leaving him somewhere wasn't going to work either. Someone was going to look for him, be it Rukia, one of Byakuya's slaves or a random Soul Reaper.

If he bit him, Ichigo would be a part of the pack and obey the alpha wolf. They had more freewill than those bitten by Byakuya, but when Hitsugaya asserting his authority, they listened. If he were a werewolf, Ichigo would also be compelled to heed the alpha wolf's call.

Given how he knew Hitsugaya felt about them biting other people, Shinji was conflicted about taking matters into his own hands, especially since he knew that if he could disobey Hitsugaya, there was little stopping Ichigo from doing the same thing. It probably wasn't a good idea.

Ichigo kicked Shinji in the stomach with his knee and ordered to be put down again. The pain made Shinji yelp and opened his mouth to bite him in retaliation but resisted and instead threw him around the corner.

Pinned against the wall, Ichigo demanded angrily why Shinji was doing this. Shinji covered Ichigo's mouth, hoping to hide while Hisagi dealt with Renji.

It wasn't going well. Renji kept trying to get around Hisagi who stood in his path, trying to stall him. Hisagi recoiled a little when he saw Renji's eyes, reading him in a way he couldn't before his transformation. He was clearly wondering if they knew his aims for Ichigo and Hisagi worried he would tell Byakuya. He had to get Renji to think something else.

"Shinji's just pissed at Ichigo for something he did," he told Renji. "He saw him and grabbed him to deal with him. He won't tell me why he's pissed but you know him."

Renji seemed to believe him. After all, they weren't attacking him, just Ichigo. Renji had no idea that the stampede of men was actually caused by them.

Ichigo pulled Shinji's hand away from his mouth. "What the hell, Shinji?"

Kido was the best option. He had to knock him out. Shinji placed his other hand over Ichigo's face but at that moment, he moved and the Kido failed. Renji had come around the corner, distracting everyone.

Hisagi stood behind Renji giving them a silent apology and shake of his head. He couldn't stop Renji without making things worse.

Renji glared at Shinji and Shinji understood exactly what Renji was feeling at that moment, backing off.

He moved away from Ichigo and the teen went over to Renji, giving Shinji a confused and sour look. Shinji just shrugged and said, "Fine, be that way. We can settle this later. Clearly Renji really needs you to do something. Just finish up so we can have that talk, you and I, ok?"

Renji would have asked what went on between these two if he had cared. His mission was to please Byakuya. He didn't care what condition Ichigo was in nor the circumstances as long as he fulfilled his duty.

He stood to the side for Ichigo to walk in front of him and, giving them a cold look, Renji turned his back on them and ushered Ichigo away.

Momo's face scrunched up in sorrow. "We failed, didn't we? There's got to be something we can do to get them away from each other. We can't just let Ichigo…"

"What can we do?" asked Hisagi. "Anything more will lead to a fight or someone knowing we know. Any task we have for them will be pushed off until after he goes to Byakuya's office. What now?"

Shinji sniffed the air. "She's still nearby. If she can seduce Ichigo, he won't want to go."

Hisagi knew what he was talking about and blushed slightly. "You want Rangiku to seduce Ichigo? Are you sure?"

"It's our best bet for right now."

"But Renji could still just drag Ichigo away," said Momo.

"I'm willing to try if you are." Shinji wasn't giving up but if this didn't work, they would have to consult Hitsugaya for an alternative.

Ichigo looked over his shoulder to make sure they weren't being followed. Renji was walking very close to him, as if he were afraid he would try to run. "Is it me or is everyone acting weird?"

Renji glanced at him before keeping his eyes straight ahead. "Don't know what you mean."

"Just them doing whatever that was and…" Ichigo looked at Renji. "And you're kind of weird, too, Renji."

"Don't know what you mean," he repeated.

"You seem very cold and distant. Everything ok?"

"I'm just trying to get my work done so I can do other things."

"Yeah, ok, I get that." Ichigo, paranoid, looked around again but it seemed they had given up and had stopped following them. "What is this thing you want me to see anyway?"

"You'll see when you get there."

"Can't you just tell me?"

"It's really something you have to see for yourself," answered Renji. "Besides, you're heading there to see Byakuya anyway. Does it really matter?"

"I guess you're right. What's going on with Byakuya anyway?"

Renji blushed, a smile creeping onto his face beyond his control. "He's amazing…"

Ichigo raised his brow and craned his neck to see Renji's face. He looked like a boy fantasizing about his crush. Since they were discussing Byakuya, it was very creepy.

"Uh, Renji?"

"Huh? Oh, I was just saying he's doing great." Renji smiled, trying to brush it off but Ichigo had already noticed.

"Everything ok?"

"Yes," he told him. "Everything's fine. Why do you ask?"

Ichigo didn't say anything, still giving Renji a suspicious look.

Rukia may have been right after all. There was something going on.

The office building was in sight and Renji held the door open for Ichigo. He entered but kept his distance between himself and Renji, wondering what he was planning. He knew Renji wouldn't do anything malicious to him but he kept getting that vibe from him, putting Ichigo on edge.

It could have been something as simple as a surprise party, but given that there wasn't any significant event going on at this time, doubted that very much. Something more sinister was going on, he could feel it. Something very…

Ichigo blinked, hit by a new feeling.

A warmth spread through his chest.

"What..?"

Someone grabbed him and pulled him into a small room, slamming the door shut.

Renji kept walking, not noticing until he observed how quiet it became and whipped around. He called Ichigo's name but wasn't answered. He ran back the way he came, calling him repeatedly. He was so close. He couldn't let Byakuya down. He had to find Ichigo.

Pressed against the wall, Rangiku held her breath until Renji was safely away from the door. The boy in her arms had gone ridged and red, his skin actually warming her hand like a heating pad.

Head pressed between her cleavage, Ichigo felt himself getting hotter and hotter. Even if her hand wasn't covering his mouth, he was too flustered to speak.

Her skin, her body pressed against his back, the smell of her scented lotion. He felt as if he were in a hot spring for too long. He was dizzy and overheating.

"That was close, huh?" Rangiku let him go and Ichigo collapsed where he was on the floor.

He tugged at his shirt, feeling very hot all of a sudden.

Rangiku stood over him and Ichigo yelped, seeing her legs positioned on either side of his body. He quickly crawled to the other side of the room.

"What's the matter?" she asked. "Not know what to do with me, sweetie?"

Ichigo pressed his hands over his mouth to muffle the high-pitched yelp that slipped out at the comment. Was Rangiku trying to seduce him? He was seventeen. She was a young beautiful woman. She even showed up at his school, posing as a student. She certainly looked good in that uniform. Perhaps he should have let her stay when she needed a place to crash.

Ichigo shook his head from side to side to get rid of these thoughts. He didn't understand where they were coming from. He couldn't control himself.

"What's the matter?" she asked. "I don't bite."

When Shinji asked Rangiku to do this, even she was surprised by how little of a struggle she put up. Maybe because it wasn't too different from her trying to convince him to let her stay in his house a couple years ago when she was on a mission with her Captain and others. Of course, this was a little different from unbuttoning her shirt and lifting her skirt a little. Not much, but still a little different. Maybe this was all within her succubus nature so when asked if she could flirt with a boy, she wasn't that opposed.

Of course, she was just going to flirt. It wouldn't go beyond that. Same for all the men she had been seducing lately. The relationship never became physical. Not that the men hadn't been pining for exactly that.

She came closer to do what came naturally to her as a succubus and Ichigo pressed his back against the wall. Unable to go any further, Ichigo tucked his legs to his chest and kept his hand pressed over his mouth, feeling a squeak threatening to escape his mouth.

He didn't know what had gotten into Rangiku. Did she want something from him and was using her feminine wiles to get it? He didn't understand what this was about.

She reached for him and he whimpered, now sliding along the wall to escape. She sat in front of him and batted her eyes. "Aw, what's the matter, Ichigo? Do I scare you?"

He shook his head, but he was certainly intimidated by her and scared of the situation, not knowing where this was going. He was also scared for what he might do.

She petted his head like a dog and giggled when he shut his eyes tight, trying to escape the only way he could. "You're so cute. You know that?"

He couldn't say anything. He just kept his eyes shut and hoped this would all stop.

She cupped his face in her hands and when he opened his eyes, he saw her smile.

He wanted to kiss her so much. He wanted to bring his fantasies to life.

Rangiku had gotten him flustered in the past but never like this. This was something else. More powerful. It awakened something primal in him. He never knew he could feel this way. What's more, he didn't know what to do with these emotions. These feelings compelled him to act but how?

What was he supposed to do? He wanted to kiss her. He wanted to hold her. Was that enough? What was his body telling him to do?

Without knowing what he was doing, Ichigo found himself crawling towards her, eyes on her lips. He wanted to kiss her. He wanted to…

"Ichigo?" came Renji's voice in the hall. "Where are you?"

Rangiku put a finger over his lips. "Don't say anything. Ok?" She winked.

Ichigo gave a mindless nod, staring longingly up at her. Whatever he had to do to please her.

They sat on the floor in silence until Renji went away. Rangiku looked back at him, pleased. Ichigo looked hazy, a thousand fantasies he wished to indulge in playing through his head, making him blush and drool.

Rangiku cupped his face again and rubbed her nose against his. "Aw, my sweet boy," she cooed.

Ichigp puckered his lips but she had moved her head away before he could plant the kiss. His head kept going until he felt himself dip forward and lose balance. He caught himself before falling into her lap and looked up to see her looking elsewhere.

She was so beautiful. Her profile was almost as stunning as looking at her head-on.

He tugged at the loose collar of his shirt, wanting to take it off. He wanted to alleviate this heat burning him from within as well as feel her against his bare flesh. He wanted to feel her uniform caress his chest and feel her hands on his back.

"Ran… Rangiku…" He swallowed, feeling parched. He could barely get her name out.

She turned and became concerned when she saw him shaking and panting. "You ok, sweetie?"

She touched his forehead to see if he had a fever and Ichigo couldn't take it anymore. He lunged at her and threw his arms around her in a passionate hug. His body was out of control. He could only think about her and how she drove him wild.

He tried to kiss her but missed as she turned away and kissed the floor instead. Undeterred, he pulled his way up her body and tried again. She raised her hand to block his lips but he didn't care. Straddling her waist, he grabbed her hand in his and began kissing it repeatedly making loud moaning sounds. He kissed his way up her arm, lips contacting with cloth rather than flesh but that didn't matter to him. He could feel her body through the material and that was enough.

She pressed her hand to his forehead before he could reach her face but he kept kissing, his lips making smacking noises in the air. He kept trying to reach her, his neck bending back as his body moved against her hand. "Rangiku," he cried, being the only thing he could say. "Rangiku, Rangiku, Rangiku, Rangiku. Rangiku! Rangiku! Rangiku!"

The racket he was making alerted Renji to their location and he threw open the door to find Ichigo attempting to kiss the Lieutenant, succumbing to a fit of passion. He pulled the two apart but Ichigo kept trying to reach her, climbing over Renji's back at one point.

Wrapping his arms around Ichigo's middle, he pulled him away from the woman and into the hall. Ichigo kept reaching for her, his arms grasping the air as if to claw his way back to her.

He couldn't present Ichigo to Byakuya in this state. Renji hauled him into the nearest bathroom and tried to splash some water on his face. He held ichigo with one arm while he turned on the faucet with the other, the teen trying to leave the entire time.

"Calm the hell down!"

Ichigo reached for the door with both arms but Renji wouldn't let him escape. "It's hot. It's so hot. I'm burning! Burning with passion! With love! I love you, Rangiku! I love you!"

Renji cupped his hand under the running water and started splashing it on Ichigo's face and neck but he wasn't calming down. He ran in place as Renji kept him restrained, shouting about how much he adored Rangiku.

"You ignite me, Rangiku! You gorgeous vixen! Let me ravage you, my love!"

"Get in there!" Renji shoved Ichigo's head under the faucet and held him in the sink. Ichigo kicked and sputtered and gripped the sink tightly in both hands, trying to pull himself out but Renji's hands and weight on his back prevented it.

Half-drowned, Ichigo was finally allowed to get up. He gasped for air and spat water out of his mouth. Dripping wet, Ichigo looked straight ahead until he managed to catch his breath then looked at the floor, embarrassed.

"I don't know what came over me back there but let's never speak of it again," he told Renji, refusing to meet his eyes.

Renji helped dry Ichigo off and fix his hair, wanting him to look as presentable as possible for Baykuya. Making sure Ichigo was cleaned up and calm, Renji took him the rest of the way to Byakuya's office. Keeping an eye out for Rangiku the entire time, they climbed the staircase and went down the hall. There was no one around.

"Ok," said Renji with a sigh. "Here we are."

He knocked on the door and Byakuya instructed him to show Ichigo inside. Renji opened the door and guided him in. As soon as he was in the office, Renji shut the door.

Ichigo started at the sound of the door closing and tensed up.

"Welcome, Ichigo. It's good to see you."

Ichigo faced forward, squinting in the dark. Byakuya stood by the covered windows, a dull glow from the curtains illuminating him eerily.

"Can we move this along?" Ichigo asked. "I've had a weird day so far."

"Of course," Byakuya answered. "Please, make yourself comfortable."

"I'm good here, thanks. Renji said there was something here he wanted to show me."

Byakuya's eyes narrowly cunningly in the shadows. "Yes, indeed. Come a little closer and you'll see."

Ichigo didn't like this. Byakuya was acting strange. That salutary velvety voice was as alluring as it was chilling. Ichigo was a human now. He couldn't fight Byakuya easily. At the same time, he doubted Byakuya would attack him. He had no reason to. Still, something was telling him not to get any closer to him.

"Why are you keeping it so dark in here?" Ichigo asked to change the subject.

"It helps me focus." Byakuya beckoned him with his hand. "Come here, Ichigo."

Stalling, Ichigo asked him another question. "Is everything ok? Something up with your voice?"

"Why do you ask?"

"It's different. It's like you're trying to… I don't know. Like you're trying to lull me or something."

Byakuya's deep, sultry voice had a languid feel to it. It was as if he were trying to pull him in. It was easy on the ears but he wasn't used to hearing Byakuya speak this way. Not to him. To a woman he was trying to seduce, maybe, but certainly not him.

"It's perfectly fine, Ichigo. Please, come here."

He still wouldn't budge. "Tell me why. Why can't you come here? What's over there?"

"So suspicious," came Byakuya's smooth voice. "I'm unarmed. And why would I harm you?"

"I never said you'd hurt me. I want to know what's going on. And why I need to go over there to find out."

Byakuya was quiet for a moment then said, "It's alright. We can talk where we are. Share what's on your mind, Ichigo. We can cover other matters later of you wish."

This unassuming method seemed to put Ichigo at ease. As long as he wasn't pushy, Ichigo would have no reason to flee or be on guard. Byakuya would take his time and wait for the right moment. It would be easy.

Eyes adjusting, Ichigo discovered the makeshift bed constructed from two couches and the desk covered with papers. It seemed Byakuya was living in his office. Rukia did mention Byakuya being scarce lately around the manor. The office was dark, every window covered by books and curtains. The most logical conclusion was that Byakuya had been getting migraines. The only other possibility coming to mind was him being a vampire, but that seemed like a bit of a stretch.

Ichigo asked him about the bed and Byakuya told him that he had been getting headaches and working late hours to get things done. This did make the most sense and crossed Ichigo's mind so he accepted it. This also answered his question about the lack of sunlight he allowed in the office.

He asked Byakuya several questions, gaging his answers. He wasn't sure if he believed most of them but they made sense. He didn't stray from where he was the entire time but that didn't seem to bother Byakuya.

"Have you just come from school?" Byakuya asked. "I noticed that you're not wearing your uniform."

"I changed before coming."

"Ah. Then you must not have eaten yet. You must be hungry. Would you care for something?"

"I'm good," Ichigo told him firmly, though he was feeling a little hungry. "Could you just tell me why I'm here? Renji said it was important."

"It is," Byakuya hissed, opening his eyes fully. "Why don't you tell me about what he's told you?"

"Not much. He just told me to… come… here… Come to… something…" Ichigo was finding it difficult to concentrate. Byakuya's glare had him feeling hazy and he shook his head to clear the fog quickly forming.

"Ichigo… Look at me."

He lifted his head but did not look directly at Byakuya.

"Look me in the eye. Like a man."

That jab at his pride was enough to get Ichigo's attention. He looked at Byakuya and soon froze.

Byakuya's eyes were beautiful. They seemed to glow in the dim light.

He felt strange. His body couldn't move. His limbs felt heavy. He couldn't think.

"Come to me," Byakuya told him in that entrancing voice.

Pulled by those words, Ichigo's legs carried him slowly towards Byakuya.

What was happening to him? Why was he doing this? The more he looked into those eyes, the less those questions mattered to him. It was just easier to do as he was told and not think. He didn't even know where he was anymore. Just empty space and warm, red glowing eyes.

Byakuya smiled as Ichigo stepped closer, gaze unwavering. "That's perfect. Good work, Ichigo."

Ichigo stopped before he could erase the space between them. Those eyes held him in place but there was something about them that had Ichigo spellbound. Their glow snared his attention but beneath all that was something deeper. Something more.

Byakuya's eyes had a way of effecting everyone differently. Some were captivated for sensual reasons. Some enjoyed the respite from constant thought, their stress disappearing as soon as they worked their magic. Byakuya had yet to discover what it was exactly, but it seemed to have something to do with what the person needed most. Whatever attracted them, soothed them, held their attention, compelled them. A strong connection.

Beneath the appealing lure of their glow, Ichigo felt something he could not deny. Something that made Byakuya irresistible to him. It felt oddly familiar. So warm and comforting. He knew this feeling.

A mother's love.

Ichigo looked at Byakuya as if he were the embodiment of just that. He never wanted to leave.

Seeing Ichigo's vulnerability, Byakuya spread his arms wide, welcoming him. "Come here, Ichigo. Come to me."

Ichigo lumbered forward torpidly, drawing close to Byakuya's chest. Ichigo rested his head in the crook of Byakuya's neck as Byakuya drew his arm across his back. Ichigo quickly settled into this position, perfectly content. He closed his eyes.

Byakuya held him to his chest for a while, savoring the moment. Smiling, Byakuya moved Ichigo to one arm, enjoying the sight of Ichigo's limp body hanging in his grasp. Pressing his hand into Ichigo's back, he allowed Ichigo's body to dip backwards so he hung there like a doll. Ichigo didn't stir at all, head and arms dangling flaccidly. Ichigo hardly weighed anything in his hand.

Pulling him up, Byakuya held Ichigo so the weight of his head would stretch out his neck, making it easier to bite. As soon as Ichigo was in the right position, Byakuya sank his fangs into Ichigo's flesh and drank.

"Nugh!" Ichigo gave a moan of protest at the pain before going quiet again.

Supporting Ichigo's head with his other hand, Byakuya lifted Ichigo towards him, not wanting to miss a single drop. This was his first taste of human blood and he loved it. So rich and flavorful. He was like a bottle of fine wine aged to perfection. Human blood tasted so good. The most unique flavor he ever had the pleasure of tasting. There were no words to describe how exceptional it was.

More. More!

He pressed Ichigo to his body to try forcing more blood to his neck. He sucked on his neck like a leech, unable to resist.

He had to stop. He needed to stop. He couldn't take any more from this boy. He would be drained soon if he didn't stop.

Byakuya forced himself to stop, ripping himself away from Ichigo's neck as quickly as he could. Panting heavily, Byakuya watched the wound in Ichigo's neck close, cutting off his food supply. He looked at Ichigo's placid face and gave him a little shake.

"Ichigo. Ichigo, answer me."

Ichigo's head flopped to one side, not moving on his own.

Byakuya felt Ichigo's pulse and heard a heartbeat. He was still alive. Byakuya dragged Ichigo over to his makeshift bed and set him down in hopes of getting a better look. Ichigo didn't seem to be in danger but he wasn't waking up. A lot of his victims entered a comatose state after being fed upon for the first time, usually because he drank so much, and awaken with a newfound loyalty to him.

He brushed the side of Ichigo's face with his hand. "Ichigo. Ichigo."

He moaned and leaned into Byakuya's touch.

Reassured, Byakuya pulled away. He decided to let Ichigo rest on his bed until he recovered.