Chapter Thirteen:
Ichigo hissed as he felt the sting of steel against his ribs and he quickly darted back three paces, panting softly as he watched Byakuya prowl around the training ring like a predator hunting his prey.
"Focus. You cannot afford to allow your mind to wander in the midst of true battle, it will get you killed." The nobleman said firmly.
"I know, I know." The strawberry muttered in response, huffing as he returned to his beginning stance, eyes following the Taichou's movements like a hawk.
They prowled for what felt like several long minutes, but it was closer to seconds. Both disappearing in a flicker of Shunpo at the same time, darting around the ring with flashes of sparks spluttering away from the meeting of their blades.
It was violent and hard, Zangetsu's huge mass clashing against the elegant slick steel of Senbonzakura. It was reminiscent of the first time they'd trained together, but the tension which had flowed so heavily between them at the time had long dispersed following their clandestine talk by the koi pond.
Training every evening had become something Ichigo looked forward to, despite still being unable to make any advancement towards beating the noble's Shikai. He was proud to say he normally came out of the flurry of petals with fewer cuts than he used to and Byakuya had assured him he wouldn't let up at all just because they had a shared fondness for one and other.
It had been little over a month since that day at the Kuchiki Estate, Ichigo couldn't believe how fast the time passed him by. While Renji maintained an almost constant guard over Rukia, Ichigo spent every waking hour he wasn't fulfilling his Third Seat duties and training, to join Byakuya in researching a safe way to extract the Hōgyoku from Rukia without putting her in danger.
It had resulted in him spending a lot of time with the Kuchiki heir, not that he minded. It was nice seeing more of him, there was none of the twisted discomfort that had come from his loyalty to Aizen. Instead it was simple. Subordinate and superior. Friends, maybe more. Hopefully more...
Ichigo threw his weight forwards as their blades clashed again, eyes widening as it threw them both off balance. He released a small grunt as he hit the sand and sighed loudly, barely raising his head to meet Byakuya's almost invisible amusement.
That was one thing for sure, now that there were no barriers between them he was noticing the microscopic behaviours he was certain Byakuya prided himself for keeping well hidden. Secret smiles, annoyed eye twitches, boyish humour. Byakuya Kuchiki wasn't the cold, distant man he lead everyone to believe, he was simply good at hiding things behind a veil of prudish stoicism.
Learning those tiny details, memorising them, had become something of a hobby. Like a new addiction formed in the dying embers of his former sexual deviance. He didn't mind. It was nice. No longer relying on sex as a fuel, sometimes he found himself craving more, craving that adrenaline rushing feeling of orgasm but... He felt more alive for simply being able to appreciate the world as it was.
Not that every moment between them was innocent. There were stolen kisses when no one else was around, mostly hidden behind closed doors. There was no point taking unnecessary risks. But if there was one thing Ichigo knew for certain, one sampling of satin soft Kuchiki lips had been enough to hook him for life.
"We'll leave it there for this evening." Byakuya chuckled softly, rising from the sand and brushing the tiny grains from his otherwise immaculate uniform, "You're progressing nicely Ichigo. While you still struggle against Senbonzakura's power you are focusing more on the technicalities of footwork and stances. I know you have an excellent knowledge of such things already, but experience and expansion on knowledge is never a bad thing."
"Thank you Taichou." The strawberry offered a lip twitch at best as he stood up, rubbing the shallow scrape on his ribs, "I feel like I'm getting more familiar with the pattern of your attacks, but every so often you throw a curve ball."
"One must be unpredictable to maintain the upper hand in battle." The Kuchiki heir mused, "Come, we shall refresh ourselves in the bathhouse."
The familiar routine was almost homely. Training would go on for at least an hour, at most two, and afterwards they would spend a little time in the bathhouse to clean up and rejuvenate after the strain of battle.
For the most part, Ichigo had overcome the shyness of exposing himself in front of the man, though once in a while that discomfort would make itself known and instead of bathing alongside the Kuchiki heir, he would opt to sit at the sides with a towel around his waist, simple enjoying dipping his feet in the water. Byakuya never commented on it. That promise of time seemed genuine.
Sucking in a breath, he decided he wouldn't allow that shyness to descend tonight and as soon as the door of the changing rooms was closed he began divesting himself of his clothes before he could back out of it. He was already down to his underwear when he realised Byakuya was beside him, removing his kenseikan, scarf and gloves with graceful motions that seemed almost fluid.
"How long did it take you to reach Bankai?" Ichigo found himself asking as he slipped out of his underwear and carefully dipped into the hot spring, turning so he could watch Byakuya's expression.
"Many years." The noble replied, "Shikai was easy enough for someone with my reiatsu and command. Senbonzakura was more willing to surrender those secrets. Bankai took decades to unlock, and decades longer to master. I believe I have mastered it now, but I am always willing to learn more from him if he is willing to offer it. Why do you ask?"
Shrugging, the strawberry ducked his head to hide the flush covering his cheeks as he felt the water shift around him as the raven haired man sat beside him instead of opposite him, "I dunno, Aizen pushed so hard for me to reach Bankai, he was always certain I was close to achieving it but the harder I try the more Zangetsu seems to pull away."
"Why do you think that is?"
"Mm." Ichigo sighed softly, "I haven't been a very good master... We don't talk much. I suck at sensing reiatsu, so getting into my Inner World always takes a lot of time and effort. Apart from calling him into manifestation we don't communicate all that much."
"Then perhaps that is where you must begin making amends. Perhaps if you earn Zangetsu's trust he will be more willing to offer you his secrets." Byakuya leaned back casually and sighed as he sank a little lower into the water, "We are one and the same with our Zanpakutō, Ichigo. Respect yourself, respect him. Things will come easier after that."
Mulling over his superior's wisdom on the matter, Ichigo nodded silently. It was a good idea to begin talking to Zangetsu more. Even if the Old Man was grumpy and uncommunicative, maybe that simply reflected Ichigo's own personality.
"As much as I loathe to bring it up while we are resting so peacefully," Byakuya's voice seemed to catch, "Are things going positively with Aizen?"
Huffing, the strawberry gave a small frown, "Everything seems to be... Normal I guess. He's content with the information I'm giving him, no matter how small it is. Escaping his clutches... Is getting harder every time I see him." He pinched the bridge of his nose.
"How so?" His head tilted in concern.
Releasing a small shudder, Ichigo dared to meet his steel gaze, "Well, after all he ordered me to seduce you for information. So as far as he is aware, as of now we are sleeping together. He's territorial of the things, and people, he considers to belong to him. He will be wanting to reassert his authority, make sure his mark is still on me."
The white hot flash of anger the noble felt barely caused his expression to change, but his lips thinned a little, "That bastard..."
"I'm dealing with it as best I can. Excuses, preplanned meetings. Hinamori has been invaluable, despite not knowing it. She keeps popping in and interrupting. It's pissing him off but... It's working for the moment."
"And when it stops working?"
Byakuya's question hung heavy above them, the atmosphere chilling despite the warmth of the water, because they were both aware that it would stop working eventually.
"I'll do what I have to. To ensure I survive long enough to help Rukia. I swore that." Ichigo looked away indignantly, "I am still willing to do that."
"What if I am not willing for you to do it?" The Taichou's voice was low, serious.
"What?" He blinked in confusion.
Byakuya sighed softly, his expression pinched as he turned to face the Third Seat fully, reaching out to caress his cheek before gently capturing the strawberry's chin between his thumb and forefinger, tilting Ichigo's head back so they were looking eye to eye.
"Ichigo..." His voice was tender, soft, barely above a strained whisper, "I know what we said, what you said. I know as a matter of life and death you would have little choice but that doesn't mean I want you to be in that situation."
"Byakuya..." Ichigo hesitated, the man's name still felt foreign on his tongue but he couldn't help but use it, "We've been over this. It's not what I want either, but I may end up not having a choice."
"That doesn't mean I am not permitted to be concerned." Steel eyes threatened to burrow into him with their intensity, the unhappy look on the Kuchiki heir's face was prominent, "I... I care about you, your well-being... I want to see you free of him for good. I don't want anything bad to befall you because of me."
Lowering his gaze, unable to take the brightly burning emotion in Byakuya's eyes any longer, "I know... I know. It's a shit situation to be stuck in. And I appreciate you concern, you know I do, I just-"
Silenced by a chaste kiss, Ichigo released a breath through his nose as he melted into the touch he felt on his face. Soft fingertips gliding over his cheekbones, brushing the shell of his ear, combing through his hair. His arms rose and encircled the noble's shoulders loosely as he allowed himself to be pulled closer by the arm now resting around his waist. He found himself seated snugly in the noble's lap, a shiver running over his skin at just how close they were.
A subtle flick of Byakuya's tongue coaxed his mouth open, allowing the tentative motions of exploration and mingling saliva to cloud his mind. A soft moan of satisfaction escaping him as their reiatsu began to tangle around them, almost instinctively. Ichigo's fingers found the silken locks of raven hair, as the noble's nails gently dug into the soft flesh of his hips. It wasn't a painful grasp like Aizen's, it was possessive yes but also lax enough that he could pull free with ease if he so desired.
Feeling his cheeks flush with warmth despite the effects of his medication, Ichigo groaned reluctantly and parted their lips with a long whine. His eyes roamed Byakuya's face apologetically as his teeth worried at his bottom lip, "Mm, as much as I would like to... Simply give in here and now I..."
"Don't need to explain yourself." Byakuya's fingers released his waist and instead began brushing his ribs with a gentle swirling motion, his expression was open, compassionate even.
"Stop being so understanding. It is unbearable." The strawberry muttered.
"Regrettably, you have no choice but to deal with my willingness to understand. I am not a man like Aizen, who cares so little for your feelings that I would bruise your skin and pride by manipulating you to do what I wish." A soft forehead kiss was placed, "I care about you more than that."
Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck self-consciously, inwardly feeling giddy from the way Byakuya treated him, almost like he was something precious to be handled with caution, "I appreciate it. I do. But I do want to explain, it's just... Difficult to get the words right."
"I have all the time in the world for you to finds those words. You need not rush."
Ichigo laughed awkwardly, it was breathy and almost inaudible, "And I used to think you were a selfish prick... How could I get it so wrong?"
Ichigo appraised the raven haired Shinigami silently. He wished he could show the affection he was currently feeling. He couldn't help but wish damnation upon those pills, even if they were saving his skin.
Being around Byakuya, being allowed to see the man's more vulnerable and sensitive side gave him a bubbling, intricate feeling he couldn't quite put a name to. It left him light headed, warm hearted, touched by every small action done to put him at ease.
He couldn't help be remember the truth of his words, still so recently having believed Byakuya cared about no one but himself, unkind, cold, stoic and emotionless. It was, ironically, only because of how dark he now saw Aizen to be that he could see the truth behind Byakuya's stoicism. It wasn't that he didn't care about anyone... It was that he did care. About everyone. Rukia and Renji, his Clan, his Division, his colleagues... Ichigo knew he could count himself somewhere in that list. Byakuya cared about them all so much that he couldn't dare show it, for fear of it being used against him by his enemies. It was safer. Safer to keep people at arm's length, easier to protect them if he didn't hold them so close.
It must be a lonely way to live.
"I don't know what... This is..." He made a motion between them, gesturing to their closeness, "I know that it... Is safe, and warm, and comfortable... And something feels terribly right about it... I don't know where it might take us if we let it... I... Am confident I want to find out..."
When he fell silent for a few minutes, Byakuya's lips curved into a barely there smile, "For the record, I too am willing to see where it takes us."
Grateful for the confirmation, Ichigo felt he could continue, "I... I told you once... In this very bathhouse that I couldn't feel anything unless I was having sex or fighting... And even though that isn't the case anymore... Even though I have emotions and feelings and... Fuck this is hard..."
"Take your time." The noble whispered.
Ichigo felt a sudden swell of anger, not directed at Byakuya, not directed at anything in particular, "I'm sick of pretending!" He shouted, wishing he could look as startled as he felt by the outburst, "I'm... I'm sick of pretending. I pretended to feel emotions so I could blend in with people in the past, now I'm pretending I don't feel emotions so I don't get killed. I'm tired of it. If this progresses, if we find a way, if I end up in your bed I want to be able to show you how I feel!"
Byakuya seemed surprised for a long moment, offering a rare smile despite his silence, "That is most... Understandable, I'm afraid to say considering your desire for me to be less understanding all the time. But alas, I do understand Ichigo."
Smirking slightly, losing some of his previous discomfort and annoyance, Ichigo scoffed, "Well on this occasion you are allowed to understand. After all, you've been pretending to think of me as a pretentious upstart for years. I'd say it's about time you let your real feelings show too."
"I fear I cannot argue with you on that point." The nobleman agreed with a chuckle, he fell silent for a moment as he seemed to consider something, "Ichigo, would you care to... Join me for dinner this evening at the mansion?"
"At the Estate?" Eyebrows lifted.
"Naturally," Byakuya nodded, "I even give you my word to have you back at your own quarters before midnight."
"Such a gentleman." Ichigo stifled a giggle, "Alright, I'd like that."
"If you would be kind enough to give me... Half an hour to pre-warn my attendants of your arrival, I would be most grateful."
"Of course." Ichigo slowly slid back down into the bath, stretching out as he watched Byakuya clamber out, "It's a date?"
"Yes... Yes it is."
Half an hour later, when Ichigo arrived at the Kuchiki Estate, he found himself nervous and just a little agitated by the sensation of eyes still following his every movement. Those eyes had been following him for weeks. None of his discomfort showed on his face, but that didn't stop him feeling it as he gently rubbed his clammy palms against his legs.
He was greeted at the main entrance by one of the attendants, the man was almost completely bald except for a small tuft of pure white hair encircling the lower half of his scalp, and his eyes seemed shut despite his nimble movements around the hall.
The inside of the mansion was even more elaborate than the outside, and Ichigo found himself feeling out of place. It was grand and outlandish and every bit as noble as Byakuya's family were. He'd expected the mansion to feel cold, like the Kuchiki heir's usual demeanour. But the truth couldn't have been more different. The attendants were courteous and professional, but they seemed happy with their lot in life. Polite, well mannered, welcoming and warm. No amount of money could buy the kind of behaviour won over by respect.
He was guided into a shōji walled room near to the koi pond, a table had been set up already and Byakuya was stood in the doorway of the veranda observing the gardens. Ichigo could see the nobleman had changed out of uniform and was now wearing an elaborately detailed dark purple kimono.
As if sensing his presence, Byakuya's head turned slightly, steel eyes finding chestnut ones, "You're early."
"Punctuality is a strong suit of mine." The strawberry replied, "You look nice."
"My thanks." The noble turned to face him properly, momentarily scanning the strawberry's off duty clothing, "So do you."
"Oh please, I look like a commoner and we both know it." He snorted and gestured to the raven haired man's clothes, "I could never pull of something that immaculate."
"I think you would be surprised." Byakuya guided him to his seat at the table before sitting as well, "I think you have a certain regality that you are blind to."
"Me, regal? Please."
The Division Six Taichou released a small laugh, his expression relaxed compared to normal, apparently feeling safe within the confines of his own home, "According to my main attendant, Rukia came by with Renji while we were training. He's been sticking to her like glue, but I fear she has become irritated by his presence. He isn't subtle."
"I can imagine." Ichigo blew out a breath, "I give him another week at the most before she susses something is wrong and tries to beat it out of him."
"I would place a bet on her using Kidō to get it out of him." The raven haired Shinigami mused, fingers interlocked under his chin.
"Kidō?" The strawberry repeated, "Nah. Not a chance. She'll straight up use her fists."
"Just because you are inept at using Kidō doesn't mean everyone else is. She is gifted with it, it will always be her first instinct."
"Just because its your first instinct to use it doesn't mean Rukia is the same." Ichigo raised an eyebrow in challenge, "Trust me, six years in Shino is more than enough to teach me that Kidō is not her first port of call. Counting the years before than in Rukongai, I can promise you... Fists."
"Interesting." Byakuya hummed, "Perhaps you would care to make a wager on it then."
"Seriously? You want to gamble over this?"
"It seems like an interesting thing to gamble on. Who knows Rukia best. You, or me?"
Ichigo paused, unable to prevent the tickle of excitement he felt at the idea of a good bet, "Alright, you're on. Name your terms."
"If she uses Kidō before her fists to get the truth out of Renji within the next week you will endure the pleasure of me teaching you to use Kidō for two weeks." The nobleman stated, "Your terms?"
"If she uses her fists before Kidō to get the truth out of Renji within the next week... You have to accept Kenpachi's persistent request for a duel."
"I... What?" Byakuya's eyes widened slightly, "Of everything you could demand, you wish for that?"
"I'm curious to see who would win, what can I say?" He shrugged innocently.
"You doubt my skills?"
Chuckling out a murmur of gratitude as their food was delivered, Ichigo sat forwards and pointed his chopsticks at the man, "Not at all. But I know how hard he hits. I genuinely want to see if Senbonzakura could match his raw power."
Raising a perfect eyebrow, Byakuya let out a sigh, "It would be a lie to deny I have never considered it myself. I will accept your terms."
They shook on their bet before tucking into the delicious meal prepared for them by the Kuchiki chefs. Ichigo was instantly overwhelmed by the incredible intoxication of flavours and it reminded him of the sushi Byakuya had left in his quarters over a month ago. He never had got around to thanking him for it.
Comfortable small talk filled the gap between courses, with jokes and teasing as well as a little bit of work being discussed. Ichigo was grateful to hear again of Byakuya's belief that Bankai would be reachable for him if he made amends with Zangetsu.
"There is one thing I cannot fathom about you though... It is your incredible potential to grow." The nobleman commented, "I mean, even among my own Clan I am considered the most powerful Head there has ever been. But I still had to study for decades to reach Bankai. If Renji is to be believed you have been trying for only a few months. It should be impossible for a... Well, even if you were nobility I would find it questionable."
"Maybe it's because of my Humanity?" Ichigo shrugged, "Perhaps there is something to be said about technically being a Human and not a Shinigami."
"Possibly? Even so... Your potential is terrifying. Shikai from the moment your Asauchi was forged into Zangetsu. Bankai within months of training. Ridiculous levels of reiatsu which you cannot control. Your potential to grow could well be limitless, Ichigo." Byakuya sipped his drink thoughtfully, "I have no doubt that with enough work and dedication you could become a Fukutaichou... Maybe even a Taichou in time."
Thinking about it, his growth did seem ridiculously fast. He could only think of one person from his year who had achieved Bankai, or as close to it as possible. Some of them hadn't even reached Shikai yet!
"I'm not sure I'd be any good as a Fukutaichou, or a Taichou for that matter." He murmured.
"You shouldn't doubt yourself. Doubt is the only thing which can limit latent talent." The Kuchiki heir smiled softly, "Believe in yourself Ichigo, and others will do the same. Believe in yourself, and I know you will accomplish anything you desire."
"Except Kidō." He grinned.
Releasing a never before heard snort, Byakuya's eyes warmed, "Well, everyone needs a flaw."
