Chapter Twenty Eight:
It was hard to say how long they napped for -although it was likely only a few hours- and never once moved away from each other as the warmth of their bodies kept them content. Though eventually, Byakuya nudged his way into a series of soft, lazy kisses which roused the strawberry haired male in his embrace.
As his eyes fluttered open, Ichigo sucked in a happy gasp at the sight of Byakuya's frazzled appearance. Hair ruffled, cheeks still tinged pink, love bites trailing down his chest. It was satisfying to know it was all his own work.
"Has your Inner World fully repaired yet?" The noble asked softly, nuzzling soft locks of orange.
"Mostly." Was the mumbled reply as Ichigo slid an arm around his waist, "Things are going faster now that Zangetsu and Shiro are working together though."
"I'm glad to hear it." He let out a small breath, "At the time, I didn't consider the danger of damaging the area so severely."
"Mm, it is so unlike you to charge headlong into something without thinking it through first."
A smile tugged lightly, "True enough. Though, nothing about me has been normal since you stepped foot into my Division."
Chestnut eyes lifted and Ichigo propped himself up on his elbow, allowing his fingers to brush a long line up and down the man's ribs, "I owe you everything. My life, my freedom, my feelings. If you had behaved any differently, if you had been uncaring about my situation... I'd probably be with him now."
Swallowing, Byakuya pulled him down into a kiss, "Shush now. What ifs will drive you to distraction. Focus on what is and what will be. He never deserved you, and eventually you would have realised it for yourself."
They shared a look, both knowing that he was wrong, though neither of them hastened to point it out. Ichigo had been so far down the rabbit hole it had been almost impossible to find his way out even with help. He would never have managed it alone.
Ichigo licked his lips, mind mulling over the recent events, "I... I wanted to talk to you about something. It might seem odd though..."
"You can ask me anything, no matter how bizarre." Came the immediate reply.
Brushing some of his lover's dark hair away from his eyes, the Third Seat considered his words, "When I joined Shino... My highest grades were always in combat. Swordsmanship and hand to hand. This is complicated," he sat up and allowed his legs to hang off the side of the bed, "When we were presented with Asauchi and told to begin training with them something changed..."
"Changed?"
"I... Was among the first to forge my Zanpakutō, my teachers weren't surprised because of my reiatsu. When I fought someone, whether it was another student or a teacher-"
"You fought your teachers?" Byakuya interrupted, instantly murmuring an apology.
Ichigo nodded once, "I was advanced, so occasionally I was permitted to train with them, as well as seated officers of the Goeti." He explained, sighing as he returned to his point, "When I fought against another Zanpakutō I used to get a sense... A... Feeling. Ironic, I know."
"What sort of feeling?" The nobleman sat up slowly, listening with interest.
"It's hard to describe it... It varied from person to person, sword to sword." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "I remember fighting Renji once, all I could feel was his anger. His determination to keep getting stronger. He wanted to show that he could be something more. Rukia was similar... She wanted to prove herself worthy of your attention. She was desperate to show that she was competent enough to be considered a Kuchiki..."
Frowning, the Kuchiki heir considered what Ichigo was saying. He'd rarely heard anything similar from other Shinigami. Not that he was surprised by that, Ichigo was unique. He always would be.
"When I joined Division Six and we trained together I could feel you." Ichigo whispered, his eyes glazing over as he thought back, "I could feel your pride, your determination, your need to uphold the law. But beneath the layers, there was more... A deep longing. A sadness you couldn't get rid of. It felt like grief."
"Why are you telling me this?" Byakuya asked softly, he didn't want him to stop even though it felt odd to be perceived so clearly through combat alone.
Swallowing, Ichigo clenched his fingers in the bedsheets, "I felt Gin... And Tōsen... Even when Shiro was in control I could feel something. Gin... It was like he wasn't really looking at me, it wasn't me he wanted to fight but I couldn't tell who it really was. Tōsen was... Overwhelmed with the need to bring justice to the world, he feels like by reshaping the world with Aizen he can help cut injustice out of it along the way..."
The Division Six Taichou couldn't help but agree that Tōsen's ideals sounded about right, although his perspective of Gin seemed strange. Perhaps time would tell if he was right or wrong. He remained silent, he could see the tension in Ichigo's shoulders, the muscles looked tight and uncomfortable, as if he was weighed down by something great, something heavy.
"I can't feel anything from Aizen's sword." He whispered, "Kyoka Suigetsu... It's like a void. An empty space. Somewhere just out of my reach."
"You actively tried?" He raised an eyebrow.
"I wanted to understand him. Understand his motivations. Whenever we trained together I always tried to sense something, no matter how small but there was... Nothing. For the longest time I thought maybe I was mad, or maybe it was my imagination with everyone else but... After Sôkyoku Hill, after seeing what he's capable of... How strong he is..." He gulped, "You know... He blocked Zangetsu with one finger?"
"What?"
"Mm. I attacked him in his quarters when he was torturing Renji, I felt so powerful... Stronger than I had ever felt before. But I swung Zangetsu around, I was ready to kill him... My sword stopped. And I saw him, holding one finger up." Pausing for a moment he let out a small breath, "I wonder if I can't sense anything because he's so much stronger than me. Maybe... I can only read people I'm on a level with... I wonder if that will ever change..."
"Ichigo..."
"Sorry..." The strawberry chuckled weakly, "I know it sounds weird... Stupid even. It's just been playing on my mind since I woke up. I wonder if anyone has ever understood him."
"I doubt it." Byakuya said honestly, "Someone who hides themselves as well as Aizen doesn't want to be understood. I doubt anyone alive is capable of doing so. What you've described to me is something I have never heard of... I'm not sure there is another Shinigami alive who can do what you do in battle. Perhaps it comes from your Humanity... Your compassion."
"Maybe." He looked around and broke into a shy smile, "Sorry for running my mouth... I just wanted to get it off my chest."
"You can always talk to me, Ichigo." Byakuya reached out and gently pulled him back down on the bed, holding him close, "You never have to hide anything from me."
They fell quite, Ichigo nestled under the nobleman's chin affectionately, his fingers tracing unseen swirls against his pale skin. The strawberry couldn't help but admire how his slightly more tanned complexion seemed somewhat pleasant resting alongside Byakuya's paler one. It brought a smile to his face, as well as more questions.
"Where do we go from here?" The strawberry asked.
Byakuya hesitated, it was a complex question. Eventually, his family would have to be told about his relationship, despite knowing they would likely be disapproving and possibly even try to sabotage it. It wasn't something he could hide forever, nor something he wanted to hide. He wasn't ashamed of Ichigo, he wasn't ashamed of himself. But they might be.
"Once we return from the World of the Living I will have to address the Kuchiki Elders about us." He stated, frowning faintly at the concerns it raised, "They will likely be displeased... They may try to separate us."
"They'd go that far?"
"They did with Hisana." He muttered, his tone faintly bitter at the memory, "They also tried to divorce us when it became apparent we wouldn't be able to have an heir."
"Bastards." Ichigo hissed, clenching his teeth, "How can they do that? It was obvious how much you loved her, I can't believe they'd be so cold."
"Coldness is a family trait." The noble's lips twitched slightly before turning downwards, "I assure you, I will fight them just as hard this time as I did then. I never want you to think that I feel less for you than I did for her."
The younger man blinked, "I appreciate it but... I've never thought that. I never would."
Byakuya wasn't sure why that comforted him so much, he hadn't even realised it had been troubling him until the words had tumbled out, he chuckled gently and pulled his lover closer, tangling their legs together comfortably as he nuzzled his neck, leaving a faint mark against his skin which would fade easily.
Their moment of peace was disturbed by a knock at the bedroom door, Ichigo was sure he saw Byakuya scowl before his expression returned neutral and he slid from the bed with a definitive reluctance.
"What is it?" He asked as he pulled on a simple yukata from the wardrobe.
Simple was an overstatement, it was simple only in comparison to the flash of various others Ichigo caught sight of, navy blue with a faint silver embroidery which swirled like mini suns.
"Forgive the intrusion, Kuchiki-sama." There was a small voice from the other side of the door, one of the attendants, "Norio-dono is here, he wishes to speak with you."
Byakuya's back stiffened slightly and he released an almost silent growl of annoyance, "Please show him to the library, I will speak to him there."
"Yes, Kuchiki-sama." The sound of soft footsteps was the only indication that the attendant had gone.
"Who's Norio?" Ichigo asked from his position on the bed.
"One of the Elders." Was the muttered response, "That is to say... He is the Head Elder."
"An important person then?" He sat up slowly, wincing only faintly at the dull ache in the base of his spine, "Would it be easier for me to sneak out?"
Eyes flashing to his face, Byakuya shook his head immediately, "Not at all, if anything it would simply seem suspicious, he is rather gifted at sensing reiatsu and will already know you are here."
"Is it going to cause you a problem?" He raised an eyebrow.
"I... Am uncertain." He admitted, "I suppose it depends on the reason for his visit."
"A lot of people saw how you were with me on Sôkyoku Hill, and we both know how fast gossip travels around here." The strawberry sighed into his hand, "How do you want to play this?"
"I don't know." Byakuya said candidly, "But I have to go and see him, otherwise he will come up here and get me. He's done it before."
"Yikes." He pulled a face and slowly slid out of bed, pulling his shihakusho on and trying to tame his wild bed hair, "I'll head down to the kitchen, make some snacks for when you're finished. Not sure about you, but I've worked up an appetite."
The noble chuckled and reeled him in for a kiss, "Sounds good, thank you."
With a sigh, the raven haired man pecked him on the cheek and left the room, door ajar so that Ichigo could follow when he was ready. His arrival at the library came far sooner than he would have liked, he took a long moment to prepare himself for the man who was on the other side of the door, determined not to be intimidated in his own home.
Byakuya opened the door and stepped inside, faintly hearing footsteps on the staircase behind him and sensing Ichigo going to the kitchen as he'd said he would. It was a relief that the strawberry wouldn't come barging in and potentially make things worse, not that he minded his brashness but there was a certain tact required for dealing with the Elders.
His eyes came to rest on Norio, the man hadn't changed in the last ten years. His waist length black hair was pulled back in a long braid, a single kenseikan at his left temple to register his position as the Head Elder of the Kuchiki family, his eyes were blue and narrowed, a thin scar etched across his nose from a training accident. He was, in fact, only four years older than Byakuya, but his wisdom; his strength and his political nous had secured him the position of Head Elder despite his youth.
"Byakuya-sama." His voice was chilled, condescending almost.
"Norio." Byakuya matched the tone, "What can I do for you?"
"I just thought I should come and see how you are doing, you were in Division Four for quite a while and Retsu-san refused to allow me entry." He brushed his hand over one of the bookshelves, tekkō gloves similar to Byakuya's, except they were black and they covered his index and middle fingers.
"Ah, I see, a social call then." He relaxed slightly, "I am in good health. My injuries have healed and I am regaining my strength."
"Well, it is good to hear that I suppose." He didn't sound overly concerned, "And the arm?"
He felt his jaw click as it set in a hard line, it was hard not to glance down at the limb which was still so conspicuously bandaged, "Extensive nerve and tissue damage. It will never be the same again." He wasn't bitter about it; in the end his actions, no matter how brash, had saved Ichigo and that was something he could never regret.
"A pity." There was that same lack of interest, fingers still trailing across the spines of the many books, "Who is your friend?"
"Excuse me?"
"Your friend. The one who was upstairs. His reiatsu isn't familiar to me." Thin eyebrows raised a little.
Byakuya clenched the fingers of his working hand but forced his expression to remain calm, it wouldn't do to lose his temper in front of the man, "While I am certain it is not your business, he is my Third Seat."
"So you are mixing business with pleasure now? Interesting." Norio dropped his hands to his sides and approached cautiously, "Is he the one everyone has been talking about? The Hollow?"
"He is not a Hollow." He said bluntly, wishing he was taller so that he could glare down at the Elder, "He is unique."
"Hm, they have been saying all sorts of things about him..." The blue eyed Kuchiki trailed off as if expecting a response, when he didn't receive one he continued, "I've heard rumours that he managed to fight off two Taichou in that recent unpleasantness, turned into a Hollow and battled an Arrancar, and then nearly died, whereupon a certain nobleman saw fit to kiss him in public."
"How dull your work must be for you to listen to such fantastic tales." His eyes had narrowed considerably, "My business is my own, Norio. Unless there was anything else you wanted to discuss I suggest you leave, I have to prepare for a mission in the World of the Living tomorrow. I am quite busy."
Norio released a small huff, "Just remember, you set an example for this family, people look to you for guidance. It is time you found a new wife, settled down and produced an heir, as your position requires."
"Get out." He breathed, opening the library door, "When I desire to hear your thoughts on my personal life... I shall ask you for them."
Byakuya glowered as he watched the Head Elder stalk from the room, only to walk straight into Ichigo who had been carrying a tray of food towards the stairs. It was truly poor timing as the strawberry haired Third Seat hit the floor, somehow managing to maintain the balance of the tray and prevent food spilling over his lap.
Norio's eyes fell on Ichigo like he'd trodden in something before his eyes flicked to Byakuya, "Tch. What is it with you and collecting Rukongai Dogs so willingly?"
"What did you call me?" Ichigo spluttered, picking himself up with a small wince, "Do you have a problem, sir?"
"Several, and one of them is staring me in the face." He responded coldly.
"That is a pity." The strawberry murmured and offered a curt bow to the Elder, "My apologies for my clumsiness. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, my name is Ichigo Kurosaki."
Byakuya felt mildly impressed by Ichigo's ability to pull on that mask. It was the same mask he'd worn while using Urahara's Gikon, except now it was all Ichigo's own work instead. He wasn't certain even he would have the stomach to remain so polite when spoken down to so rudely. Only the Soul King knew how Renji had never tried to batter him for his rudeness.
Arching one perfect eyebrow, Norio quickly discerning a deep dislike for the boy, "You are from Rukongai. Aren't you?"
"I spent most of my childhood there, yes." Ichigo replied, voice never losing its polite edge, "Why do you ask?"
"I merely amazes me that another commoner thinks that they can slither into our family without a problem. I'm afraid I am unwilling to allow that to happen again, Hisana was an inconvenience enough without another one troubling us. A male commoner at that. It is almost as if you dislike your position, Byakuya-sama." A calculating eye found Byakuya's face.
"I will not have you address a guest of mine in such a manner. Get out Norio. Now!" He barked, anger increasing ten fold.
"I will address this... Dog however I desire to." He snorted indignantly, "How do you intent to provide this family with an heir when you continue to rub shoulders with filth? How many times will you risk the future of this family, for the sake of a roll in the hay with peasants?"
"Get OUT!" Byakuya's voice raised to a shout.
"The Council of Elders will be hearing about this," Norio's gaze fixed on Ichigo once more, "So don't get your feet too far under the table, Dog."
Ichigo remained still, frowning faintly as the man made a point of bumping into him as he walked across the foyer, only releasing the sigh he'd built up when he heard the front door slam shut. He shook his head and glanced at the tray in his hands, he hadn't been spoken to like that for a very long time.
"Well, that was entirely horrible." The strawberry muttered, not entirely sure how he'd managed to prevent himself lashing out.
"I am sorry." Byakuya's voice was tight and stiff, he was still frozen on the spot, "You shouldn't have had to experience that."
"It's fine, I've heard worse." He shrugged, "Is he always that stuck up? Because seriously... I thought you were bad, but if he's like that all the time then I can kind of understand why you've had a stick up your ass all these years."
A joyless smile touched the noble's face before he huffed, "He wasn't always like that, he has changed dramatically over the last few years. He is bitter, however."
"Bitter?" He repeated, "What, because you're getting your leg over?"
"Hardly." Byakuya gestured to the stairs, "Let's go back to bed, I'll explain more when we're settled."
"Alright." Ichigo smiled weakly and hurried up the stairs with him, trying not to let the Elders' words get to him.
He found himself staring at Byakuya's back as they walked, suddenly realising just how irritated Norio must have made him because... He'd rarely heard Byakuya raise his voice to anyone before. He was always so calm, so collected, so... Distant.
Was it wrong that the sight of that anger excited him?
Settling on the bed, they were quiet for what felt like ages, picking at the snacks Ichigo had prepared. Byakuya was releasing regular sighs, shoulders slumped slightly in an unusual expression of nervousness.
"So, you said that guy wasn't always an asshole?" Ichigo tried breaking the silence.
"Yes," the noble nodded, "We grew up together, he is my cousin. He loathes the fact that I became the Head of the Kuchiki household instead of him."
"I thought the succession of your family was fairly straight forwards."
"It is, he would only have become the Head if I had died in infancy without siblings. But he holds a grudge, more so because of Hisana. When he was younger he tried to marry a... Someone who wasn't nobility. He was forbidden from doing so, however only a few years later I successfully married Hisana, who was not nobility, but even more than that she was from Rukongai. He considered her to be the lowest of the low, I suppose it was something of a snub for me to manage what he couldn't." Byakuya sighed deeply, laying back as he pushed the remnants of his food aside, "He protested our marriage every step of the way, and even threatened to have me exiled from the family."
"You're joking?! He got that pissed off because you could have something he couldn't?" Ichigo's eyebrows nearly disappeared completely.
"Mm. Things have been strained between us since then, but it got worse when she died."
"What did he do?" The strawberry breathed.
"Celebrated." Steel eyes narrowed slightly.
"Sick fucker." He swallowed, shaking his head in disbelief, "What a complete-"
"Indeed." The noble sat up again, getting to his feet as he wandered towards the window, "Things have become more complicated. He will likely inform the Council about us, and I will be summoned to speak with them."
Ichigo vaguely remembered them talking about it before, sighing softly, "They'll try and split us up, won't they?"
"Most likely." He admitted, glancing over at him, "Don't look so worried, I'm not going to let it happen."
Releasing a breath he hadn't realised he was holding, Ichigo got up as well, moving closer and sliding his arms around him from behind, resting his chin on his shoulder, "I should think not. I'd be most disappointed."
Byakuya allowed a small chuckle to escape him before a fire lit in his eyes, "Fuck the Council. Let's leave, we'll go to Karakura town tonight instead of tomorrow. We can face the music when we come back."
Widening his eyes, the Third Seat stared at him, giggling softly, "Who are you and what have you done with Byakuya Kuchiki?"
"The question is... What have you done with him?" He turned and captured Ichigo's lips with his own, "I'm serious, let us go tonight. I have no desire to deal with their politics tonight, tomorrow or any day this week."
A grin settled on his face and he nodded, "Alright, we'll go. But I do need to deal with something first."
The noble's smile grew as he agreed to leave, "That's fine, I'll get things arranged with Renji so that he can take over our duties while we're gone, and then I'll contact Kisuke Urahara. He said he is happy to give us a place to stay while we are there."
"Sounds good." Ichigo pecked him on the lips sweetly before pulling back, "I'll go get stuff sorted on my side of things and meet you back here when I'm ready."
"Don't take too long. I want you to myself."
Ichigo laughed, a small flush rising in his cheeks, "Oh I promise, I'll be back before you know it."
The strawberry left the mansion shortly after, glancing towards the sky thoughtfully as he began walking. In all honesty, there was nothing he needed to do before they went to Karakura town, but the prospect of going sooner than originally planned sent a shiver of nervousness through him and rather than worry his lover with it he had decided to take a walk to clear his head. He couldn't rely on Byakuya to help him understand his emotions forever.
Turning towards Rukongai as he left the walls of Seireitei, he decided to allow his feet to guide him as a lull of thoughts washed over him, basking in the blissful happiness he felt every second he was free.
