Chapter Seventy One:

Byakuya released a small groan as he finally returned to the mansion. The Taichou meeting had been long and arduous, the main topics for discussion having been the news of Aizen's plans to create an Ōken, the risk to Karakura town, and finally revealing Ichigo's prior involvement with Aizen.

It was putting it mildly to say he had been anxious about the reaction such news would receive, but as it happened, his nervousness was unnecessary for the most part. It appeared that his fellow Taichou had been more than a little suspicious of Ichigo ever since the battle on Sôkyoku Hill. They had kept quiet, silently choosing to observe and monitor the situation.

While none of them were overly happy with the situation, when Kyōraku explained the entirety of the background story relating to Ichigo's involvement, there had been mutual expressions of disgust relating to Aizen's treatment of a child, and the ongoing experimentation which had followed. It was something which, to everyone's surprise, even Kurotsuchi expressed deep loathing for.

Closing his eyes, the nobleman stood in the entrance hall, where hours earlier he had banished his cousin for his crimes. Shaking away the cold clutch of memories, the noble found himself startled when he came face to face with his Fukutaichou.

"Renji, when did you achieve such skills in sneaking up on people?" He asked with a small twitch of his lips.

"Not sure, but I had a good teacher." The redhead smiled warmly, leaning against the bannister, "How did the meeting go, Taichou?"

Silent as he slipped his haori off and draped it over his arm, the man let out a small breath, "It went well, all things considered. The Taichou are willing to overlook Ichigo's former involvement with Aizen, purely due to his more recent actions in the defence of Soul Society. They are convinced, at least somewhat, that he is now loyal to us. In terms of Aizen's plans for the Ōken, Kyōraku has sent Yoruichi back to Karakura to begin some preliminary preparations. For the next week at least, Urahara will be experimenting with ways to protect the town."

"That's a relief." Renji puffed, rubbing his forehead, "If anyone can come up with something it will be Urahara-san. He's the smartest Shinigami I've ever met."

"I agree."

Byakuya glanced at the clock across the hall, it was an antique time piece from the World of the Living, an article his father had brought back with him after one of his missions. The clock was a stained walnut veneer, the face was pristine white enamel with hand painted numbers of black ink, and the rhythmic sound of the swinging pendulum was one which resonated from his childhood. It was probably one of the only items in the mansion which had exclusively belonged to his father, besides the ceremonial marriage gown which remained stored in the attic.

"Would you care to join me for a cup of tea before I retire for the night?" The nobleman asked as he looked back at his Fukutaichou.

"I'd be happy to. I'll prepare it, you look as though you could do with sitting down, I'm sure it's been a long day for you Taichou."

"Renji..." The nobleman sighed softly, "How many times must I remind you to call me by my name when we are within the mansion grounds."

"And break the habit of a lifetime?" Renji rolled his eyes as they walked towards the kitchens, "It takes time to do that."

Instead of responding, the raven haired Taichou sat down with a faint chuckle, allowing his Fukutaichou to deal with the drinks. Glancing towards the ceiling, the man quickly summarised from the reiatsu he could sense that Rukia was asleep in her old room, while his own room currently housed his slumbering fiancé.

"The hour is late, have you slept yet?" The nobleman asked.

"I stayed with Rukia until she fell asleep, I wanted to make sure she was alright." Renji answered, bringing the silver tray over and sitting opposite him, "Then I came downstairs to wait for you."

"Oh?" Byakuya watched as the tea was poured, taking his cup with a murmur of thanks, "I thought you would have stayed with her."

"I didn't want to presume I'd be allowed to."

Pausing at his Fukutaichou's reply, steel eyes lit up with amusement and a small laugh escaped him, "You think I failed to sense the pair of you together in Urahara's store?"

Renji's body stiffened instantly and his cheeks tinged pink, "Oh... I see... And I haven't been shredded by Senbonzakura yet?"

"Not yet." Byakuya smirked faintly before he sipped his tea, "I saw how you tried to protect Rukia in the laboratory, how you tried to protect her when she contained the Hōgyoku. It is clear to me, now more than ever, that you have her best interests at heart. Your relationship has my blessing. This mansion will always have a room for you."

Swallowing, the redhead paused, "Kuchiki Taichou... I love Rukia with all my heart. With your blessing, I'd eventually like to ask for her hand in marriage, though I was planning to wait until the war with Aizen is concluded."

"You have my permission." He replied softly, "And you have my consent for you to share her quarters when you stay here. On one condition."

Renji's eyes couldn't have gotten any wider, and he hastily spoke again, "What is the condition?!"

Byakuya paused, taking a long sip of tea before he glared at the redhead over the rim of his cup, "If my sister falls pregnant before she is married, I will personally see to it that the child is your first and last."

"That's... I mean to say..." The redhead stumbled over his words, slumping back in his seat sulkily before shooting a dark look at his Taichou, "Just because we shared a bed at Urahara's doesn't mean anything else happened. I'm not sure what you take me for, but I respect Rukia more than that. I have no intentions of... Of... Anything physical until after we're married. Just because you can't keep your hands off Ichigo doesn't mean I'm incapable of doing so with Rukia."

Blinking as his threat rebounded so spectacularly in the revelation of Renji's chivalry, it was Byakuya's turn to blush, though he did a better job at hiding it, "Duly noted."

Renji laughed freely at that, his smile wide as he finished his drink, "I'm not judging, Ichigo's always garnered attention wherever he goes. I'm glad it is you he's settled down with. He makes you happy, and you make him happy. What else matters?"

Failing to conceal the smile that was roused by his words, the nobleman finished the last dregs of his tea as well, "Indeed. Things have worked out far better than I'd ever dared to hope."

He rose to his feet and released a small stretch before he headed towards the door, looking forward to slipping into bed beside his fiancé, he hesitated with his hand on the knob and looked at Renji over his shoulder, "I'm glad you found it in your heart to forgive my coldness towards you. You have become a valuable friend to me, Renji, and it will be an honour to one day call you my brother-in-law. When that time comes, rest assured, I will fight at your side to allow the Council to permit your wedding."

Looking startled at the heartfelt statement, the redhead swallowed back his usual cocksure attitude and bowed his head in respect, "I am glad you came to see me as someone you could rely on, and that you were able to see past my upbringing. Rest well."

"Good night." The noble murmured, sweeping from the room with his haori over his arm once again.

Byakuya shut his bedroom door behind him and rested a hand against the familiar wood, he released a sigh, body relaxing as the familiar scents and sensations of home washed over him. He turned and glanced towards the bed, contentment seeping into his features as he watched how Ichigo's chest rose and fell with the depth of his sleep. At last, that scowl was gone again. His strawberry haired lover looked peaceful, relaxed and unburdened.

Tossing his haori over the back of one of the chairs in the room, the nobleman began undressing, starting with his kenseikan and scarf. His fingers paused as they came to rest on his fingerless tekkō, they were the ones Harribel had given him and he felt a great swell of pity for whatever fate that woman had met as a result of her aiding their escape from Las Noches. He hadn't had chance to consider the Espada since their escape, everything had been so urgent and drastic, nerve racking and uncertain.

He cared little for the likes of Barragan, Ulquiorra or Nnoitra. The three of them were as dark, grim and uncontrollable as each other. But the others, Starrk, Harribel, Nelliel, Grimmjow, and Szayel had changed during the course of his imprisonment, they had showed that Espada, that Arrancar were capable of logical and emotional reasoning. They had showed him that they were not monsters to be feared or hated, he was certain in the right leadership coexistence would have been possible.

He decided, as he removed the gloves and his remaining garments, that once Aizen was dealt with he would return to Las Noches and search for survivors. It was all he could do to repay the kindness of those who had aided them.

Sliding into bed, the nobleman contentedly curled himself around Ichigo's slighter frame, arms encircling his tanned body protectively as he heard the younger Shinigami release the very faintest of sighs. Nuzzling into his neck and inhaling the delicate scent of his fiancé, the raven haired nobleman allowed himself to truly unwind, eyes slipping shut in the darkness of the room as sleep took him.


Ichigo grumbled in his sleep as he heard his name being called, the voice was distant and soft yet persistent and troubled. Seemingly determined to drag him from his rest, the strawberry began to wake.

As his eyes fluttered open, fully expecting to see the intricate details of Byakuya's bed chambers, and maybe even his dormant fiancé in bed at his side, he was instead surprised to find himself peering up towards the clear blue skies of his Inner World. A frown formed on his face, eyes focusing a little clearer as he sat up.

Getting to his feet, the Shinigami walked to the edge of the skyscraper he had appeared on, and glanced down towards the streets below, they still looked damp from the floods that had washed throughout the World while he had been hibernating, but the warmth of the sunlight was drying the lingering moisture away.

Zangetsu and Shiro seemed to be slumbering, he couldn't see them anywhere nearby. He couldn't help but wonder what voice had drawn him into his Inner World if that was indeed the case but...

There was movement to his right and he twisted to catch a glimpse of dark hair. His chest tightened with anxiety as he lost sight of the anomaly again, scowl deepening as he turned on the spot, going around in a tight circle.

He squeezed his eyes shut, forcing a slow and steady breath to escape him. This was his Inner World. There was no one permitted inside that wasn't a part of his being. Save for Urahara's insane Kidō, but he was home in Seireitei. Urahara wasn't. So... He was alone. He was safe. He was...

Why was there sand under his hands? Why was there sand against his cheek?

Pain rippled across his scalp at the feeling of powerful fingers fisting in his hair, pressing him down. Holding him in place. His heart was thundering, his skin was bare. Where had his shihakusho gone? Why was he...

Teeth were ripping into his shoulder all over again, drawing blood and rending their way into layers of muscle. A reluctant screech was tearing itself from his lips. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't claw his way out, the sand was too fine. The grains too small. There was no leverage.

There was a hand clenched tightly on his waist, preventing even the smallest of movements. He was howling, infuriated at being caged like an animal. Screams were loud, Ichigo barely realised they were his own. It was painful. Just as pain as the first time.

Ulquiorra...

He could see his sword, he could reach it! He just had to wriggle forward a little bit... He just had to survive a few more minutes. But there was that hand around his ankle again, tearing him back. His body was spasming in agony, muscles torn and bruised and battered and... There was a sword at his throat. The steel pinching his skin, digging a groove. Cutting into him. Black and white lips against his ear.

Blood was running down his throat. Splashing against the sand. His heart was thundering so loudly against his sternum... He was sure it would break loose. He was going to die... Caged... Trapped... Alone... Frightened! He felt sick and humiliated... Disgusted... Small... So small...

"ICHIGO!"

Ripped away from his Inner World with an almost painful jolt, Ichigo sat bolt upright in bed, panting harshly as his reiatsu momentarily crackled around him like a warning, only to fade away in lieu of the terrified expression of the raven haired Shinigami kneeling on the bed next to him.

The strawberry haired Shinigami gasped for breath, his gut churning as he struggled to free himself from the bedding, lurching across the room without a word as he flung to bathroom door open. He barely made it to the toilet before he heaved, fingers gripping the basin tightly as he threw up. He was quivering, sweating.

"I-Ichigo?" Byakuya was at the bathroom doorway, clearly hesitant about approaching him.

"I'm... I'm fine..." He gulped, flushing away his shame as he slowly got to his feet and splashed cold water over his face, "I just... I was..."

"You were tossing and turning, talking in your sleep... I tried calling out to you but you weren't responding." The nobleman closed the distance between them and rested a gentle hand on Ichigo's back, "Are you truly fine?"

Tensing, the younger man looked away. He wanted desperately to fake it all away, pretend he was fine and move on. He didn't want to share his self disgust with anyone. But Byakuya knew him too well... Even if he let it drop, he'd only bring it up again later.

"I was in my Inner World." Ichigo muttered, "A voice called out to me in my sleep, but Zangetsu and Shiro were both sleeping... I thought I saw... I thought..."

"Ulquiorra?"

He shivered at the sound of his name alone and bit his lip, "Yeah. I freaked out, closed my eyes and tried to calm down and then suddenly..." He let out a shuddering breath, "I was back there... In Hueco Mundo... Pinned down in the sand... And I still couldn't do anything... I was just as weak, just as frightened... Just as alone..."

Byakuya's eyes dropped to the scar on his fiancé's throat, it looked sore and irritated, "I wish I could take the pain and the memories away from you, but we both know I can't. All I can do, all I can ever do... Is tell you that you are not alone. I'm here. I'm here for you, and you can lean on me."

"Do you think... Do you think I'd still feel this way if I'd killed him?"

"I don't know. I truly don't know." The Kuchiki heir took a breath, "But I think you will drive yourself mad if you keep asking yourself that question."

Ichigo scoffed quietly and nodded, "You're probably right..." He took a breath and finally began to relax, "What time is it anyway?"

Byakuya knew he was trying to change the subject, and decided to humour him, "Nearly ten in the morning."

"Damn, I overslept." He muttered as he plodded back into the bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed.

The Kuchiki noble chuckled softly, perching beside him, "I think, after everything, you've earned a proper rest."

"Mm, maybe." Ichigo yawned, "What time did you get back last night? Did the meeting go well?"

"Late." The other answered with a non-committal shrug, smiling almost immediately, "It went very well, the other Taichou are aware of your history but they are content with the knowledge you are firmly loyal to Soul Society now. And Urahara has been charged with finding a way to protect Karakura town, I'm sure Kurotsuchi will eventually assist him as well."

Letting out a small puff of relief, the strawberry ran his fingers through the spiky tufts of hair atop his hair, "If anyone can find a way... It would be those two. Do you think they will be ready before the end of the month?"

"Undoubtedly." Byakuya paused, glancing towards the window, "Though, I believe it would be wise to keep you away from Kurotsuchi for until he is brain deep in experiments with Urahara... He showed some unhealthy interests when your new form was explained last night. I do believe he would attempt a live dissection if given the chance."

Ichigo shuddered, "Right, I'll be staying well away from Division Twelve then."

"A wise choice, I fear." Steel eyes seemed the laugh all by themselves, "Are you hungry?"

"Starving."

"Let us go and eat breakfast together, and then we can get cleaned up and head to the Division. I have some forms to fill in, in relation to recommending Renji for the Proficiency Test and having you promoted to Fukutaichou." The Kuchiki heir rose from the bed again, pausing by one of the chairs to gesture to Ichigo's uniform, "Momoru cleaned it herself during the night, despite my orders for her to take the evening off... I think she is fond of you."

"Momoru... She's the woman Norio hurt right?" The strawberry shuffled free from the bedsheets and stood up, stretching lethargically and strolling across the room, feeling his hair fan around him as he moved, barely concealing his nudity, "I'll make sure to thank her when I see her next."

"She has been with me a long time, she served the Clan even while my grandfather was still alive." he mused, "She was my nursemaid, as my mother died while I was still an infant."

Pulling on his uniform as he listened, Ichigo let out a small breath, "No wonder you looked ready to murder him yesterday. How did you know... About his betrayal? I can't believe any of the Espada would have let that slip."

Byakuya hesitated as he held his lover's hair up so he could dress easier, "You are quite correct, they never named him. I find it hard to believe they even knew his name. But they received regular reports from him. I was privy to some of those reports thanks to my friendship with the Espada. I had a great deal of time to simply think, and it was during that time that certain troubling events began to knit themselves together."

"Oh?" He frowned curiously as they made their way from the room, walking down the stairs together as if it was the most normal thing in the world, which it was really, "What sort of events?"

"Initially, his hostility towards you despite learning of your noble heritage. On most occasions a Clan Elder would be overjoyed at the prospect of marriage between two high ranking nobles, however, Norio remained agitated by our relationship. In relation to that, it became clear to me during my time in Las Noches, that someone was feeding Aizen information. How else could he have learned of our engagement? It made sense, in that instance, that whoever was passing intelligence to Hueco Mundo was someone close to one or both of us. I highly doubted any of your friends would betray you, and I doubted any Taichou would betray me. Which left one unhappy truth."

Ichigo stared as he sat at the dining table, murmuring words of gratitude as food was served by two attendants he had yet to learn the names of, "You figured all this out while captive?"

"I had little else to occupy my mind." Byakuya chuckled softly, "As I said, I befriended some of the Espada, and I was able to pry for small pieces of information, while they knew little of any other conspirators in Aizen's plans besides Gin, Tōsen and yourself, they had some ideas themselves that there was someone else still lingering in Soul Society. Though... I find myself wondering if they knew of Aizen's assassin..."

Picking at his food as he listened, the strawberry hummed thoughtfully, "Still, making the jump from that to realising it was Norio... How were you so sure?"

"Starrk mentioned one day, quite by chance, that Aizen had offered someone a deal in Soul Society. In exchange for their assistance he would cure them of a fertility issue. The moment he spoke of it, I knew." The raven haired Shinigami sipped his tea, shrugging slightly, "Norio was infertile from birth, an unwelcome defect in noble families, and one of the reasons he wouldn't be considered as an heir to the Clan unless something drastic happened to the main bloodline."

"I see... So when we returned you must have sensed him here in the mansion, and it confirmed it."

"Exactly." There was a thoughtful pause, "You said yesterday that he assisted you in leaving Soul Society to rescue me... How did he help?"

"After Ukitake and Kyōraku broke me out of Division Two, we came here to use the Clan's Senkaimon. Rukia and Renji arrived just after I did. And then Norio came... He said had come to help and gave us Hell Butterflies. He even admitted that he hated you and I, but he wanted to help because we presented the best future for the Kuchiki Clan... I guess he was lying about his motives. He knew Aizen wanted me to go to Hueco Mundo, so he just gave me a nudge." Ichigo tilted his head to one side, munching slowly at his breakfast.

"Hm. I suspect you are correct, he wanted you out of the way. As he said yesterday, getting rid of Renji and Rukia was an added incentive." Steel coloured eyes narrowed, "Still... We survived Hueco Mundo, we returned alive and well. He failed in his task and has been punished accordingly. We need not dwell on it any longer."

The strawberry swallowed, "I have to ask... What happened to him when he was taken away?"

"He was taken before Kyōraku, normally he would have been judged by Central 46 however they have not yet been replaced, making the Sou-Taichou the lead power in Seireitei at the moment." Byakuya hesitated, glancing at Ichigo, "He has been imprisoned within one of the levels of the Central Great Underground Prison, in the depths of Division One. I am unaware of which level exactly, I merely know he is not in Shugo or Muken. He will never see the light of day again."

Ichigo gulped, looking down at his plate glumly as he allowed his lover's words to wash over him, he felt a chill run across his skin and watched as the hairs on his arms stood to attention, "That could have been me." He whispered without thinking.

"Ichigo..."

He looked up and faltered as he saw Byakuya's concerned expression staring back at him, "It's true though... For any number of reasons it could be me sitting in those cells right now. All it would have taken was for one thing to play out differently, whether it was Yamamoto's death or your willingness to forgive my... Previous occupation. Right now, right this minute, I could be in one of those cells next to Norio, wondering if Aizen would free me, or if I would rot there for eternity."

"You are right." The raven haired noble agreed reluctantly, "But let us be grateful that things have played out this way so far instead. I believe things happen for a reason more often than not. You have a purpose, Ichigo, Gin believed you were the only person capable of stopping Aizen and maybe that in itself will act as your true atonement."

"Perhaps." He muttered, looking out of the window with a small frown, "Regardless, I made myself a promise that I would stop looking back. I have to start focusing on the future, otherwise I'll never truly be free."

"You've grown wise."

Rolling his chestnut eyes, Ichigo finished his breakfast, determined to break free of his momentary melancholy, "Whatever. Let's get cleaned up and head out, as much as I love being here at the mansion... Part of me is pining to see the Division again."

"I quite understand." Byakuya smiled as he got to his feet, holding a hand out to his lover, "Perhaps once we are done at the Division we can pay a visit to Kūkaku, and begin preparations in having the Shiba Clan elevated back to its proper place."

"I'd like that."


Tending to paperwork in Division Six took far less time than either of them expected, Byakuya was swiftly able to fill out the paperwork to have Renji recommended for the Taichou Proficiency Test and it was soon sent off to Division One, along with the forms to have Ichigo made Division Six's Fukutaichou if Renji's application was accepted.

Before long, Ichigo and Byakuya were departing from the Division once again, walking leisurely through Seireitei side by side as they began their adventure of hunting down Kūkaku's current residence.

Expecting some funny looks due to his dramatic change of appearance, Ichigo wasn't disappointed. But there was far less fear than he had expected. He knew news travelled fast, but was it really possible for his fellow Shinigami to have been brought up to date on everything already? He wasn't truly concerned by it either way, he was long past being worried about the opinions of those around him, and no longer struggled to hold his head high.

He was, however, sure that they cut quite an intimidating presence. On the one hand: the cold demeanour of Byakuya Kuchiki, the strongest Kuchiki Head to date with one of the most well known Bankai in Seireitei, renown for his chilled exterior and frosty reception towards people in general. And on the other hand: the wild looking Ichigo Kurosaki, rumoured to have a dangerous temper and lack of respect towards authority, with his ripped shihakusho and powers akin to those of a Hollow.

Ichigo snorted under his breath, covering his mouth to silence a further outbreak of laughter as they broke free of Seireitei's walls and began venturing into Rukongai, "You know... I think the Division will have a fit if I become your Fukutaichou... Look at us. Polar opposites. Even more so than you and Renji were."

The raven haired Taichou smirked faintly, "I had considered the possibility. And yet there is no one I would rather have fill the void Renji would leave behind."

"I think you're going soft." The strawberry grinned.

Byakuya shot him a playful glare, "Hardly. Renji... let's just say he leaves a Renji shaped hole wherever he goes."

"I mean... I can't argue with that!" Ichigo stretched, throwing some of his wild hair over his shoulder as they strolled further and further away from the city, "I'm glad I met Renji. He kept me grounded for years, and I didn't even realise it."

"He's loyal. Sometimes to a fault."

"Aren't we all?" He quirked an orange eyebrow in amusement, shoving his hands into his pockets, "At least he's loyal to the right things, the right people."

"True enough." Byakuya agreed, smiling to himself as he considered his conversation with the redheaded Shinigami the night before, he soon smirked wickedly as they reached a clearing between the shacks of Inuzuri, "I just realised..."

"Hm?" Ichigo looked around innocently.

"I owe you a game of tag."