Chapter 2 – Crossing The Threshold

It had been a long, agonizing trip back to the Seireitei. Kukaku had kept a pace allowing herself to walk beside Byakuya, refusing to follow behind him. Byakuya continued attempting to move in front of her, not accustomed to being anything but the leader. The shinigami that had accompanied Byakuya watched the pair in a sort of amused horror, frightened that eventually one of them would snap and attack the other. It would more likely be Byakuya, since Kukaku seemed to enjoy the little game.

Every now and then, as if just to annoy Byakuya further, she'd run ahead a bit and stop, waiting for him to catch up. Byakuya would simply keep walking, taking a deep breath and silently remind himself that this was for the greater good. He just had to not lose his temper. Once her weapons were designed and tested, the 12th division could manufacture them and he could be done with this woman for good.

But now they were within the walls of the Seireitei, and since they had arrived, Kukaku had seemed to calm down and behave herself to an extent. She still refused to walk behind Byakuya, but she seemed more subdued. He was glad she would at least behave in public, even if she did seem to enjoy the fact that the entirety of the Gotei 13 was staring at them as they passed.

Byakuya halted, turning to his escorts. "Inform Head Captain Yamamoto that I have returned with the aid of Lady Shiba. After that, you are all dismissed." The three took off quickly. The stern captain tilted his head to the woman who strode confidently at his side. "I will show you to your quarters. You may rest for this evening and begin work tomorrow. If there is anything you need, send for me and I will have it delivered to you."

Kukaku mostly disregarded Byakuya's words. She tilted her head lightly. "Kuchiki... How is Captain Ukitake doing?" Last she'd seen him, the poor man hadn't been well at all. As long as she was here she should at least stop in and check on him. Ukitake had been somewhat like a father to Kukaku and Ganju, especially after Kaien's death. Every now and then he'd send a letter or a little money or something. And Kukaku, whenever she could, would sent him sweets.

"He's mostly stayed in bed lately from what I have heard from Rukia." Byakuya exhaled lightly. "As of late he has not been well." That news seemed to upset Kukaku a bit. She didn't like the thought of Ukitake being so ill that he was bedridden most of the time, and it showed on her face.

Byakuya looked over at Kukaku, then ahead again and gave a small, dignified sigh. "If you would like, I could bring you by to see him. I will inform him to have his third seats return you to the estate and you will be shown your room. It is too late for you to begin work this evening anyway." He knew that if she spent her time worrying about Captain Ukitake, the Shiba woman would not get as much work done. Thus having her visit with him now did not seem like a bad idea.

Kukaku turned, halting in her steps. It was a kind gesture, or at least it seemed to be. She gave a small smile, but rid it from her face before Byakuya could see. "Yes, thank you. It would be a give me a great peace of mind to sit with him for a while." Byakuya nodded, not responding to her statement, but turning and redirecting his course toward the 13th Division. Kukaku resumed her pace at his side and followed.

The walk was brisk and short, neither of them speaking. At Ukitake's door, Byakuya gave Kukaku a small nod. "I will alert the guards at the estate that you will be returning late in the evening. Please take your time." At least with her here, she would not be bothering him, and with Ukitake she would likely be well behaved since the two of them were friends.

"All right." Kukaku nodded, staring at Ukitake's door. "Have a nice evening, noble Lord Kuchiki." The way she referred to him was was obviously coated in sarcasm, but Byakuya brushed it off. As Kukaku knocked on the door, Byakuya strode away with a cold look.

But in place of Byakuya's cold look, came a warm voice, punctuated by a horrible cough. "Ah! Come in! The door is unlocked!" Kukaku pushed the door open with a smile and strode in. Ukitake's face lit up, "Kukaku! What a surprise!" Then he covered his mouth in a failed attempt to hid another horrible cough.

"Hello, Jushiro. It's been a while." Kukaku's smile was forced as she tried to hide her worry over the ill Captain. She pulled a chair over to his bedside and sat. "How are you feeling?" Kukaku felt terrible asking. He obviously felt horrible. But maybe for a little whole the two could sit , talk, and pretend that nothing was wrong.

Ukitake laughed softly before covering another cough. "Oh I've been better, Kukaku." He exhaled gently, "But it always gets worse before it gets better, right?" He smiled, looking over at the younger woman, the sister of his late Lieutenant. "Though I really wasn't expecting to see you here. What brings you out this way?"

"Ha!" Kukaku laughed a bit, "Working actually. I've made a contract with Byakuya Kuchiki. I'm to create explosives to help with the hollows." She exhaled, amused. "If nothing else it's fun to push his limits. If he's going to give me that arrogant look, I'm not above pushing back.."

Ukitake laughed, "Oh my. Poor Captain Kuchiki." He shook his head lightly, hiding another cough. "Do go easy on the poor man, Kukaku. He is a bit fragile these days, even if he doesn't let it show."

Kukaku smiled a bit and nodded, "I'll try not to push him too far, but you know me, Jushiro." She grinned. "I am not a docile, kind woman." They both laughed, chatting about all of the things that had gone on since their last meeting.

The biggest topic of discussion was Kaien Shiba. They spoke of how great of a brother he was, how great of a shinigami he was, and how hard both of them had taken his death. And Kukaku cried. It was not something she did in the presence of many people, but Ukitake was nearly her father. She could bring herself to cry in front of him. Kukaku knew what happened in that room stayed there.

Hours later, Kukaku bid Captain Ukitake good night and good health and allowed his third seats to escort her back to Byakuya's estate. She talked with them about Kaien as well, laughing and talking more about his lighter side. When they left her, she asked them to take care of Captain Ukitake, and walked off with the guards sent to escort her to her room.

The room was a good size, and would obviously double as her workshop for the duration of her stay. Kukaku gave the guard a polite nod, than shut the door behind her. She flopped onto the bed with a hard sigh. She was exhausted, really. It had been a long walk, and dealing with Byakuya had been enough to make her eager for a good night's sleep.

Notes: Well it was bound to happen sooner or later. I've already got DA and LJ under my belt, it was only a matter of time before I hit with ByaKuka. Thanks to Mewtwo and Li for all of the inspiration, And thanks to Bridget for demanding this get done. Also a tad of thanks to the reviewers of chapter 1, who have made me want to continue this. 3

This will be updated at my leisure. Chapters probably won't be very long. I'm a college student. I've got other stuff to do aside from write fanfiction. But I love ByaKuka, so I'll try to see this through to some kinda ending.