AN: Okay, here's the next chapter. I'm in awe at how well this story is doing. In one month, this story got 600 views! Whaaatttt?! That's amazing! I just wanted to thank everyone who favorited, followed, reviewed, or even just read it. Thank you so much. You have no idea how happy this makes me. Now, I hope you enjoy this next chapter. ^^

Chapter Five

The next morning Ichigo woke up feeling better than ever. But something was wrong. He could feel someone's presence at his door, just standing there. He slowly and carefully pushed himself off the sleeping mat and quietly made his way to his door. Seemingly quicker than light he thrust open the door.

He heard a small squeak and looked at the lump of human now on the ground. He took in the sight of a tattooed body and red hair. "Renji? What the hell are you doing here?" He growled, more surprised than he thought he'd be. Renji was the last person he'd think was outside his room.

Renji groaned and rubbed his head, already feeling a bump forming. "I came to see you, damn." He stood up, wobbling a bit, and shook his head. "We didn't get to talk much when I first saw you, but Kuchiki-taichou is on a mission now so...what's up?"

Ichigo sighed and held up a finger. "Hold on. Let me change." He shut the door in Renji's face and rifled through his clothes, finding a casual outfit to wear around the house. He got dressed, putting his night clothes to the side for washing, and stepped out of his room. "Okay, we can talk in the garden."

Renji's face scrunched up. "I don't like that place. Bad memories." His eyes darkened. "We can go to one of the dining rooms. Follow me."

Ichigo shrugged. "Well, okay. How do you know there's more than one?"

The redhead scoffed. "Byakuya Kuchiki is my captain. I've been here before."

Ichigo contemplated this for a second then admitted that it made sense. "Hurry up, I'm starving." He urged.

The two men made their way to a small dining room where Lyla was already waiting. She looked at Renji and narrowed her eyes. "Hello, Abarai."

He frowned and stared at her. "Lyla. You're still here."

"Of course." She grinned. "I'm Byakuya-sama's most trusted servant." She gave a fake smile and walked back to the kitchen for their food.

"How well do you know Lyla?" Ichigo asked, confused as to why they didn't seem to like each other.

"Not very well. No one knows her very well. She is super secretive. I don't know why Kuchiki-taichou keeps her around. She could be lying to him. I don't trust her." His eyes narrowed as he remembered something.

Ichigo nodded slowly. "Okay...I like her. I think she's pretty cool, and very beautiful. Besides, we all have secrets. She's entitled to hers just like we're entitled to ours."

Lyla came back with two trays of food, the fake smile still on her face. She set the two trays down in front of them. "Enjoy your meal." She bowed and walked away.

Renji glared suspiciously at his food. "I wouldn't be surprised if she tried to poison me."

Ichigo just rolled his eyes and started eating, moaning happily. "Whoever the cook is, they're amazing!" He continued eating, completely forgetting about Renji's problem.

Back in the kitchen, Lyla dropped her smile and growled. "That stupid man!"

The chef moved all the knives away slowly. "Who, Renji-kun? I like him..." The small woman blushed and pressed her fingers together.

Lyla narrowed her eyes, focusing on one spot. "I don't trust him around Ichigo, or Byakuya-sama."

Once they were done eating, they walked around the garden, sitting and talking until lunch time, when Lyla came back and gave them more food. Ichigo was oblivious to the glares between them, just happy with the delicious food.

A few hours later, Byakuya came back. He stood a few feet away. "Abarai-san. What a pleasant surprise."

"A-Ah...Kuchiki-taichou. Back from work already?" He laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his head, looking away.

"Yes, I really enjoyed how I had to do the work by myself." He made eye contact with Ichigo, who looked slightly surprised.

The orange haired male couldn't believe it. Byakuya was just being sarcastic! He was amazed.

"Abarai-san, I left some work for you on your desk. I suggest you get to working on it soon."

Renji immediately stood up, still laughing, and ran away. Byakuya watched him go.

Once the redhead was out of ear shot, Ichigo started laughing, trying and failing to hide it.

Byakuya blinked and stared at him blankly. "What's so funny?" He twitched a little at being laughed at.

Ichigo stifled his giggles and stood in front of the man, cursing the fact that he was shorter. "I just..." He looked down, blushing slightly. "I've never heard you be so sarcastic before. I thought it was funny."

The taller man looked into his eyes and, seeing so much joy, gave a small, barely noticeable smile. He started walking away but Ichigo's hand shot out and grabbed his wrist, pulling him back. He turned around, amused at the nervous expression. "Yes?"

"I...I was just wondering. Why don't you ever smile? It...l-looks good on you."

Byakuya was taken aback. He was confused. Why doesn't he smile? "Because there's nothing to smile about." He pulled his arm away and walked quickly to his room, memories of Hisana's death plaguing his mind.

Ichigo frowned. 'Nothing to smile about? There's always something to smile about.' He shook his head and went to his room, waiting for Lyla to appear. On que, she knocked on his door and walked in. "Ichigo. Are you okay? I just saw Byakuya-sama. He seemed...sad."

Ichigo shook his head and smiled. "Everything's fine. Can you help me pick out something to wear?"

Lyla nodded and pulled a kimono out from behind her. "This one should do for tonight." It was a light green with black stitching. There were darker green vines on the sleeves.

The pink haired servant stepped out to let him dress, and came back when he was done. "Beautiful." Ichigo blushed under her stare. She grabbed a clip off the dresser that he was sure wasn't there before and clipped it in his hair. It was a small sakura blossom.

As he looked at himself in the mirror, he thought about how different it was here compared to his home. Here he was more accepting to things like this. For some reason, he just felt completely safe and comfortable.

He smiled at Lyla. "Thank you. I love it." Seeing her face light up brought him immense joy. Putting on his indoor sandals, he put his arm out. "Shall we?"

And they headed off to the dining room.

End Chapter Five

AN: Okay...so that's that lol. Tell me what you thought! And don't forget to leave a vote if you enjoyed!