Ichigo woke up feeling more pissed and tired than when he'd attempted to fall asleep the night before and Mihane ended up getting the brunt of it when she woke him.

She was scurrying from his sight as he pushed open the door to the hall, growling at Suki, who still hadn't learnt that Ichigo was not to be played with in the morning.

"Ichigo…"

Ichigo glared at Byakuya as he approached him, not having the presence of mind to stop himself, or care much, for his rude behaviour. "What?"

Raising a brow at the attitude, but not gracing it with an answer, Byakuya said, "I'm taking the other guests out today for lunch in the forest area outside of the property. I would like you to accompany us."

Ichigo was excited for a moment… before he remembered that Gin would be there. However it didn't seem like Byakuya was asking so he replied, "Yeah, alright."

"Very good," Byakuya said, turning away. "I will need you to help make the lunches and then meet up with me at the gate in half-an-hour."

"Yes sir," Ichigo mocked, delivering a sloppy salute to his back.

XXX

The sun flickered in between the greenery, dappled by the heavy foliage.

Ichigo stared at the trees, walking ahead of the group, enjoying the warmth of the day and the cool breeze that gently flickered around him.

It was loud with all of the nobles arguing and chattering behind but Ichigo managed to drown them out, thoughts a thousand miles from the forest. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder and he glared back in response, face softening when he realised it was Rukia.

"What's up?"

"Nothing," she replied. "I just thought you looked stupid hanging out by yourself up here."

"Thanks," he shot back, voice filled with sarcasm, despite only saying one word.

"No problem." She beamed at him, arms behind her back as she walked ahead of him, face falling into something a little more like wistfulness. "It's beautiful out here, isn't it?"

Ichigo snorted, eyes going to the ground. He suddenly felt uncomfortable and he wasn't sure why. "It's alright."

Silence governed their conversation for a moment before she asked, "What is it like at your home?"

He stared at her, frowning heavily. "What?"

She regarded him, repeating; "Your home. What is it like?"

Not sure if the conversation was safe, not wishing to offend her or reveal too much, Ichigo scowled heavily, not meeting her eyes.

"Ichigo?"

"I don't want to talk about it Rukia."

He heard her heave a sigh. "Fine, be that way. When you're ready, I'll be here."

Nodding gratefully, he was forced to stop when Byakuya called softly, "Rukia, Ichigo, we will stop here."

Rukia helped Ichigo take the blanket from the bag filled with their lunches and spread it out underneath a tree. They then put the bag down and began to unpack some fruit as well as glasses and a bottle of rice wine.

Renji caught up with them, a hand finding it's place at Rukia's waist as they sat.

"Ichigo, you should not need Rukia to help you," Byakuya reminded, voice cold despite the gentle tone he used.

"I don't mind," Rukia said, continuing quickly to end the discussion with, "fruit brother?"

Taking a seat, Byakuya stared his sister down, eyes voicing his displeasure. "Very well, yes, thank-you Rukia."

Rangiku heaved a sigh as she plopped down, shoving Tōshirō affectionately as he sat as. "Get me some grapes."

Tōshirō narrowed his eyes but reached for them, handing the red bunch to his wife.

"Where's the meat?" Kenpachi growled, pulling Yachiru from his back. "How's a man meant to get any muscle from eating rabbit food?"

"I want the strawberries!" Yachiru chirped happily, reaching for them.

Shunsui smirked at the girl as he snatched them away, handing them to Jūshirō while still keeping eye contact with her.

"Kenny! Stop him!"

Kenpachi ignored her as he struggled to open the bottle of wine, finally thrusting it over to Mayuri who stood near the tree, examining the bark.

"You're a brute Kenpachi, surely you can open it," he snapped, disinterested.

"Would you like me to attempt that?" Retsu asked, holding out her hand to Kenpachi with a smile.

"No, no, I'll do it," he growled, glancing at her for a moment before putting the bottle under his arm and trying to unscrew the cork.

"Surely it can't be tha' hard," Gin laughed, smirking at the big man.

Ichigo found it hard to resist the urge to wince and distracted himself with laying more fruit on the blanket.

Thankfully however, talk seemed to die down as the eating began and they enjoyed the quiet.

As they finished the fruit however, a few of the nobles started getting bored – namely Rangiku.

"Shiro," she purred, snuggling closer to her husband. "I want to visit the lake."

Byakuya started to stand, saying, "We may al go if you wi-"

"No!" she exclaimed, blushing at her own outburst. "I mean, it's fine, Tōshirō and I can go by ourselves."

"Ah, the lake! Sounds interesting," Mayuri said, sounding nauseatingly excited.

"Yes, quite," Retsu agreed.

"Argh," Rangiku moaned in irritation. "Can't you read the atmosphere? I was thinking of doing some romantic sightseeing.

"Well we were just going to have a walk around," Shunsui drawled lazily, nodding towards Jūshirō.

"I want to go berry picking!" Yachiru squealed happily. Then she slapped Kenpachi on the head a few times. "Take me berry picking Kenny."

"Guess we're going berry picking," Kenpachi said, shaking his head and heaving an indulgent sigh.

Byakuya didn't frown exactly, but his eyes expressed his hesitance. "Very well. Then Rukia, Renji, Gin, Ichigo and I shall walk separately."

"No way cap'n," Gin laughed, grinning as he began to saunter away. "I plan on takin' a long walk by myself. Enjoyin' the air, you know…"

"And…" Rukia put in, a little embarrassed. "I was hoping to show Renji something…"

Byakuya gave her what Ichigo could only call an exasperated look. He glanced at Ichigo, reluctantly saying; "Then Ichigo and I shall walk together and we will meet up with all of you later."

This being said, they all stood and began to depart, calling out goodbyes, leaving Ichigo and Byakuya quite alone.

Ichigo sighed, picking up the leftover food and drink and the picnic blanket and stuffing it away. Then he slung the bag over his shoulder, hip cocked as he stared at the noble expectantly. "Well? Where are we going?

"I suppose we may walk back to the manor," Byakuya said.

Ichigo couldn't help the throb of disappointment he felt at the words. It was a nice day and he had barely been outside for two hours. As Byakuya turned to go back, Ichigo opened his mouth, "C – can't we take the long way back?"

Byakuya slowly turned to look at Ichigo. "And why should I fulfil your wish Ichigo?"

"B – because…" Ichigo shifted uncomfortably, one hand fiddling with his bag strap and the other sitting on the hem of his t-shirt. "I mean, it's good… exercise… right?"

Raising a brow, Byakuya let out a small snort. "Yes, I suppose that's true. Do you wish to follow me then?"

Flushing a little in excitement and embarrassment, Ichigo nodded. "Sure."

XXX

"Ichigo, I am quite sure I don't know what you're talking about."

"You act like such a hard ass but you actually really like Renji," he said with a laugh, slapping the man firmly on the back.

"That is not your concern," Byakuya told him, a little unruffled. When he turned to face Ichigo however, he stumbled. He was unable to get his footing again and started to tumble down the quite steep hill to their right.

Ichigo gaped as the noble ungracefully rolled down the hill, arms and legs flailing helplessly and when Byakuya finally came to a halt he couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of what he had just seen. Then Byakuya sat up slowly, looking completely astonished and Ichigo laughed harder, though he still began jogging down to him.

"Haha! My God, Byakuya… that was – shit – you alright?" Ichigo asked between gasps and laughs.

The noble's face straightened and he stood, smoothing down his clothes. "Humph. What a foolish question."

Ichigo rolled his eyes, putting a hand on his shoulder. "You sure?"

Byakuya raised his head, brushing past Ichigo. However, the moment he placed his weight on his left leg, he winced.

Cocking a brow, Ichigo's eyes flicked up and down Byakuya's body. "Right… so, that leg's fine then?"

Staring down at himself, Byakuya realised that his leg was bleeding and his ankle was swollen. "… Of course."

"Alright then," Ichigo said, disbelieving. He watched as Byakuya began to limp off, finally giving in.

Squatting down, he pulled his bag off his shoulder and pulled out the wine. "Come here."

Byakuya glanced back at him. "I beg your pardon?"

"Sit down and give me your leg. I'll fix it."

"I would rather-"

"Sit down. It could get infected."

Byakuya didn't say anything for a moment but turned and sat down next to the youth. "I suppose I have no choice but to put my health in your hands."

"You know what?" Ichigo told him, yanking Byakuya's leg to his lap. "You suck."

Byakuya gave a 'humph' before exhaling slowly in pain when Ichigo poured the wine on his wound.

"Give me your sash," Ichigo demanded.

"I'm sorry?"

"Your sash, so I can strap your ankle and leg," he replied, nodding toward the white piece of material.

At the silence, Ichigo added, "Or your scarf."

"Don't be ridiculous," Byakuya responded in disbelief. "This scarf is expensive, it's worth ten mansions."

"Then give me the sash…"

Another moment of silence and he said, "You may use the cloth napkins that you packed."

"Oh yeah…" Ichigo snorted, riffling through the bag. "Here you go."

He pulled out the fine napkin, examining it for a moment. Then in one swift movement, he ripped the napkin in half.

Byakuya stared at him, wide eyed. "… That was very expensive you know. Further, I own only a select few."

Ichigo smirked, not replying as he wrapped the wound on his leg before moving to strap his sprained ankle.

"This adventure didn't quite come out the way I envisioned," the noble admitted, watching Ichigo work on his leg.

"No shit," he replied with a sarcastic chuckle.

"Ichigo…?"

"What?"

"You seem out of sorts. Why is that?"

Ichigo looked up at him in confusion. "What?"

"You are usually short-tempered and hot headed but you have seemed so to a greater degree since yesterday."

"It's nothing," he replied roughly.

Byakuya considered Ichigo for a moment, watching the orange haired boy's head. The hair looked soft and as it swayed in the wind, he had the urge to touch it.

Instead he took a deep breath, closing his eyes and leaning his head back. The sun was quite blissful, although he preferred the brisk and peaceful environment of the night.

"There, you're done now."

Byakuya opened his eyes, looking at the neat wrapping. "I assume you are used to doing first aid."

"Yeah? What makes you think that?" he asked, packing away the wine.

"You seem to be the… rowdy type."

"Nicely put," Ichigo said with a chuckle. "No, I mean, I'm pretty useless with first aid but my dad owns a small hospital."

Byakuya remained silent, taken aback that Ichigo had been so honest. However, Ichigo didn't continue the conversation, standing up and holding a hand out to the noble.

"You right to walk?"

"Do not be a fool, of course I am able to walk."

Ichigo grinned as he sauntered off. "Alright then."

Struggling for a moment, Byakuya reluctantly asked, "Ichigo, I must ask you to help me up, I am finding it difficult to stand."

Smiling to himself, Ichigo returned to his side. "Of course." He struck out a hand. "Ready to go home?"

Home… I see.

"Yes," Byakuya replied, grasping the warm hand. "We should return."

XXX

Not quite the way I had planned it and it was meant to go in a different direction but, here we go. There will probably be a little more forest action and angst before yuminess.

I've been watching Bleach while I was watching this so I was a little distracted but very inspired haha :)

Anyway, please tell me what you think and review! Thanks for reading and being patient with me! Hope you enjoyed this chapter.