a/n- hey animelover and i'm a reader not a fighter sorry it took so long. gotta dedicate the chap to you two because it probably wouldve been a several more weeks if you guys hadnt prodded me about the updates. :)

"He is unpredictable!" An old man said slamming his fist on the table.

"Outrageous!" Said another

"A disgrace to this clan"

"He associates with people from the Rugonkai"

"He's not fit to replace you Ginrei" The two men sat with Ginrei Kuchiki, the current head of the family. He thought for a moment, choosing his words carefully before replying

"Ace is an outstanding young man. Yes his behavior at times can be…a little erratic…"

"Is that what you call sending THREE men of NOBLE BLOOD to the hospital?!"

"They had no reason bothering Byakuya, everyone knows Ace is fiercely protective of him"

"And that's another thing, he's a bad example to the youngsters in the family". A much younger Byakuya peeked from behind a wall. He was supposed to be delivering a message for his grandfather about a captain's meeting but he got distracted. He clenched his teeth in anger as he listened to the other two men talk about his brother. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder. He jumped, turning around but relaxed when he saw who it was.

"Aren't you a lieutenant? You should've sensed me coming" Ace said. Most people said he favored his father with his looks. He had dark, spiky hair. Equally dark eyes. He was lanky yet muscular since he practiced with Ginrei and Byakuya though he wasn't a reaper himself. Behind his angelic face was a very cocky attitude that some found offensive. He tilted his head to the side and quirked an eyebrow "I also didn't know eavesdropping was your thing"

"SHHHHH! Grandpa is getting yelled at"

"Really? About what?"

"You". Ace rolled his eyes and walked past his brother. He was known for acting first and then maybe thinking about it later. "Leave him alone, if you have something to say then say it to my face". The other two men looked startled. Byakuya walked behind his brother.

"So whats wrong?" Ace stuffed his hands in his pockets which his grandfather knew was a sign he was angry.

"You!" One pointed at him

"That's it? I thought it was something serious. Leave him out of it then" He said referring to Ginrei

"How dare you tell us what to do! You are a disgrace! You and your Rungonkai trash". Ace's eyes narrowed

"Don't talk about my friends like that"

"Or what? Would you raise a hand against a member of your own family?!". Ace stuffed his hands deeper

"Watch what you say because next time I may do just that" He replied coldly before leaving the shocked men.

"Oh Grandpa you have a meeting in an hour" Byakuya spoke up. Ginrei nodded. Byakuya stuck his tongue out at the other two before racing to catch up to his brother.

Byakuya was excited. This was the first time that Ace had ever let him go to the Rungonkai district before. He walked fast trying to match his brother's pace.

"When we get there stay with me no matter what. Don't get separated"

"Ace you're acting like Im some little kid who cant take care of himself". The older sibling stopped walking causing Byakuya to run into him. He turned around, bent down so they were on eye level and said

"That's my problem, I'll always see you that way" He smiled and ruffled his hair before continuing. Byakuya grinned, it was annoying at times but he liked having an big brother. Not even ten minutes later they reached a small bar where loud noise was coming from

"Remember what I told you Little Byakuya" Ace said. He'd given him that nickname years ago. The younger Kuchiki hated it when someone else would call him that, especially Yoruichi Shihoin, it was a name only his parents and now his brother called him. Upon entering the bar there was a loud cheer.

"Its Ace!" Someone roared. More cheering and laughing. Hands slapped him on the back

"Who's the kid?" Another asked

"My brother"

"Nice to meet ya kid" A drunk dark haired woman said patting him on the head

"Harmony's drunk already! She just got here!" The bartender laughed

"Shudup ya meanies" She flicked them off before stumbling away. It took a few minutes but gradually Byakuya loosened up, someone even snuck him a drink while Ace wasn't looking. It was an hour or so when a small group of rowdy guys came in. All talk stopped. Byakuya scanned the area for Ace but didn't see him.

"Whats going on here?" A big, burly guy emerged from the group

"Theres nothing for you here Jiro" the bartender put the glass down he was cleaning

"You're still upset about the last time? Fine then" He looked through the crowd until his eyes fell on Harmony he was sitting at the bar "Harmony sweetie come back home with me"

"No"

"Why?"

"You know why" She lifted her yukata up slightly to show a bruise on her leg

"It was an accident"

"No it wasn't, leave me alone". He growled in anger and stomped over, pulling her off the stool

"Leave her be!" Someone shouted

"Shut the hell up and mind your business" He started dragging her to the door. Seeing no one get up to help her, Byakuya shun poed in front of him. "Move kid!"

"Let go of her and I will"

"Why you little brat" He smirked "Hey I have an idea. Take the beating I was gonna give her and I'll leave her alone for good". Byakuya looked at Harmony who was shaking her head no but he said

"Fine" He didn't even see the first punch but he felt it. Tumbling backwards he felt someone push him. He fell to the ground where Jiro and some of his goons proceeded to beat and kick him. Harmony tried to stand up to stop them but was still too drunk. The rest of the crowd was too scared to intervene. Jiro laughed as he beat the boy. Byakuya was too dazed to defend himself and didn't know how much longer he'd last until suddenly the punches and kicks stopped. He heard Harmony whispering to him and felt her running fingers through his hair soothingly. Off to the side Jiro's men were on the ground unconscious while Jiro himself was pinned to the wall by an arm to his throat. Ace was beyond angry. He'd only stepped out for a few minutes with some friends.

"I should kill you" His voice could freeze the entire bar. Jiro's eyes widened in fear. "I told you to leave Harmony alone and then you come back and not only bother her but beat up my little brother" If it were possible, Jiro's eyes widened even more. He hadn't known the kid was related to him. Ace's arm pressed more into his throat, cutting off oxygen.

"Ace..dont" Byakuya coughed. Blood came up. Harmony held him closer.

"I promise if he dies, my face will be the last thing you see" Ace dropped him. Jiro started gasping for air. Silently Ace walked over and scooped his brother up

"Harmony can you walk?"

"I think so"

"Good, you stay with us tonight" With that he headed for the door. Harmony wasn't too drunk that she couldn't kick Jiro before they left which is exactly what she did.

"She is more Rugonkai trash!" Someone said

"Byakuya you couldve done much better" Another said. Byakuya stood next to his new wife, Hisana. He had been made head of the family not too long ago and was now facing other members of the Kuchiki clan. He had married her in secret so he expected them to be upset he just wasnt sure how much. Out the corner of his eye he saw Hisana shaking with fear. He reached out a hand to her which she took.

"This must be a joke"

"He's only copying off of Ace since he married that whore" A few people laughed

"We dont want our family being known as people who will marry anyone". Byakuya bit his tongue. He had changed much since he was younger. He tried to think of what his brother would do.

"Enough" Ginrei finally spoke up "Hisana will do a wonderful job and will make an excellent wife"

"You were always lenient with Byakuya and Ace" Someone mumbled

"Im not going to defend my decision to any of you. So respect my new wife" Byakuya said coldly

"How can we when she is nothing but a lowlife commoner who probably wants all the riches and prestige that is associated with our clan?"

"You guys bitch more now than ever" Ace answered walking in. Immediately all talking stopped. Though Ace wasnt head of the family and wasnt around much anymore everyone still showed him respect when he was there or at least were too scared to say anything to him. "I say you leave Hisana alone". More silence.

"But she is..." An older female Kuchiki started to say

"Smarter than you? Prettier? Kinder?" He tilted his head slightly. Hisana blushed at the compliments. "All of you will leave her be. She's not like Harmony" He smiled at that so did Ginrei. The others had said things about her but Harmony simply ignored it so much that they just stopped saying stuff.

"Ace you cant possibly think we will accept this"

"You will because my brother is head of this clan now and if you have time to worry about the wife he's chosen then maybe you've got too much free time on your hands" He grinned. Ginrei couldnt hide a soft laugh. Ace placed a hand on Byakuya's head and ruffled his hair before walking out. Byakuya smiled.

Acuzio stood underneath the cherry blossom trees. A gentle breeze blew by as he watched the clouds. Next to him stood Rukia Kuchiki, Byakuya had just taken her into the family only a few days ago. Ace had arrived earlier that morning and found out. He'd gone looking for Byakuya who hadnt given him a straight answer as to why he'd done this. He was becoming more and more withdrawn and seemingly uncaring. At least that's what others had been telling him. He'd gone looking for Rukia, finding her in the gardens.
"So why did my little brother take you in?"

"I heard its because I look so much like his wife" she whispered. Ace raised an eyebrow. He'd definitely have to talk to Byakuya later. "Are you Acuzio?"

"You've heard about me huh?". She nodded. "Good things?"

"A m-mix" She said quietly "Some s-s-seem scared of y-you"

"I dont think Im a scary person unless I'm getting up in the mornings. I hate mornings". She giggled "Rukia look at me" She took her eyes off the ground. "You dont have to be scared of me. I'm your brother . I dont know why Byakuya took you in but it doesnt matter because you're a Kuchiki now. I'll protect you with my life just as I would Byakuya. You never have to be scared of me, got it?"

"Yes" She said

"Good then. My wife will be here later. I'm sure you'll like her. So go get ready and when she gets here we'll go out". Rukia smiled and ran off to the house. "Little Byakuya you were never one for eavesdropping". He jumped down from the tree he was in.

"How long are you here?"

"Maybe a week or two" He paused then asked "Why did you do it?"

"She's Hisana's sister"

"Does she know that you were married to her?"

"No"

"Maybe you can tell me the rest of the story later" He turned to face his younger brother who gave him nothing but a blank, emotionless stare. He had worried about him after Hisana's death "Byakuya for everyone involved stop trying to be a hard ass" He rolled his eyes "Thats my job". Byakuya smirked before turning to go. Ace grinned before running and jumping on his back.

"Get off"

"Payback! You used to do this to me all the time"

"I hate you"

"I know and dont forget you'll always be my little brother". Byakuya couldnt help but smile as he carried Ace to the house piggy back style.

Present Day

"I cant believe this" Rukia said exicitedly "You're Octavian!"
"Ummmm...ok. Do I know you?" He asked. Before she could answer, his friend yelled

"Yo man come on! We're gonna be late. You know how Mr. T is" At his school there was a teacher who reminded all the students of Mr. T so they had given him the nickname.

"Tell him I just met my aunt"

"Dude that is such a bad lie" Octavian had become known for being late and when he was late he told crazy stories as to why. Everyone thought they were lies except for the few who actually knew crazy stuff did happen to him. "He laughed the last time we told him you were being chased by the CIA"

"But I was. You guys never believe me". They simply shook their heads.

"Whatever man, catch you in soccer practice" They darted down the street.

"How'd you know I was your aunt?" Rukia had finally calm down. Octavian gave her a grin that reminded Rukia of Yoruichi.

"Aunt Harmony told me, I wasnt sure at first"

"Harmony and Ace?"

"Yep"

"Wow, I need to sit down" Rukia plopped down on the bench. Octavian sat beside her. "Wait...what was that about being chased by CIA? Who are they?"

"Its not a big deal , just a misunderstanding" He said but Rukia sensed there was more to it than that.