"So this is it?"
Randome spared a quick glance at Renji, before catching up with Ichigo, who was leading the way. "I think so. You've seen the broken seals, too."
"Eh, I don't know if I excepted something like this."
Following the few hints, they had, Ichigo and the others were able to find the terrain that was sealed by Central 46 and later freed by Reikou. The view wasn't encouraging at all - the ground here was exhausted soil, vegetation sparse and even trees looked sick. Renji was afraid to touch anything at all.
Ichigo turned to Randome, as if trying to say something but he frowned when he noticed a red scarf tied on Randome's arm.
"Are you hurt?"
"Huh?" Randome followed Ichigo's line of vision. "Oh, no. It's only symbol."
"A symbol?" Renji's voice reached them from behind.
Randome nodded.
"It's Shiro's, isn't it?" Ichigo half asked, half stated, suddenly remembering that he's seen the cloth around the kid's neck.
Randome nodded, again. Then she suddenly stopped, frowning.
This time it was Ichigo, who followed her line of vision.
Great. More Reikou's mooks. They're obviously coming up.
"They have Shiro!"
Indeed, behind the enemy lines, near the entrance of some cave, the warriors could see tied up kid.
With quick look at his friends, Ichigo moved through a herd of Reikou's helpers (Renji, Randome and Grimmjow not far behind him), trying to reach Shiro. His moves were precize but economic. However, during the battle Ichigo lost the sight of Shiro. And when they reached the cave's entrance they found no one.
Randome looked at the entrance.
"You're thinking, what I'm thinking?" she stated to Ichigo.
"That's cheap." Ichigo sighed.
"Ya can say that again." Renji agreed.
"What? What?" Grimmjow was confused.
"The seat of evil." Renji said dryly, confusing Grimmjow even more.
"Let's go." Even while saying this, Ichigo was already moving inside.
Moving far inside a rocky tunnel they met closed, massive, old-looking doors, separating the rest of the structure.
"Still thinking the kid went here?" Grimmjow remarked.
"'Could be a trap." Renji said, earning himself Randome's glare. "I'm just sayin'."
Ichigo gestured at Renji.
"Ya want me to smash 'em down?" Renji asked.
"No, try to fucking knock." Grimmjow smirked. Renji send a glare at Grimmjow.
Randome stepped forward, past Reji.
"I'll do this. Hadou # 31! Shakkaho!"
The doors yielded to a brutal strenght and the warriors looked inside. They saw a cave turned into an enormous room, that had dusty shelves of books by the raw rock walls and few tables in the center. The walls of the cave/room were covered with writings and it looked like children'd play here. But most importantly, standing there in the middle of cavern was Reikou, a strange expression on his face.
"Seems, he's lost it at last." said Renji.
"Maybe his brain has fucking frozen?" Grimmjow smirked.
"Don't be so surprised. I've done with running." Three Shinigami and one Arrancar paused, hearing this Reikou's words.
"Where are we?" Randome couldn't help but wonder, looking around the room.
"It's one of Mayuri's old laboratories, sis." Reikou answered. "And that's not the only thing I wanted to show you. Shiro, reveal yourself."
To warriors surprise, suddenly Shiro joined Reikou, appearing from nowhere. He looked lost, confused.
"How did he...?" Renji's eyes narrowed.
"Can't you feel it? Something was fucking shielding him. Still is." Grimmjow growled.
"Give us Shiro back!"
"Shiro, did you practice hard?" Reikou smiled at the kid.
Shiro nodded and obediently put his mouths to the strange instrument, that he was playing when Ichigo, Grimmjow and Yoruichi saw him for the first time. The one that resambled the object, stolen by them from Kurotshuchi's lab in Seireitei.
The music flowed through the air.
Ichigo stiffened. While hearing the music he was able to better and better see initially phantom silhouette of ... something standing by Shiro. Damn, Grimmjow's had right.
The thing... the monster was huge, had proportionally large fangs, blue fur and long tail.
Wait, could be... Of course. Ichigo smacked his forehead. THE "Monster".
When Shiro's music ended, the warriors could not only see the Monster but even hear it.
"What the hell is this?" Renji looked up at the creature.
"Now we're ready." Reikou laughed, looking at the four.
Ichigo immediately moved forward, facing off Reikou, his head held high and there was fire burning in his eyes.
"Ichigo?" Renji looked after his friend.
Ichigo rushed forward, dealing a blow. Reikou parried Ichigo s zanpakuto.
Reikou's (Randome's) Zanpaktous also had symbol of Yari clan on them, Ichigo noticed.
"This is going way too far." he thought.
Stil, despite the fact that he wasn't Shinigami and he had broken wrist, Reikou was quite good at fighting with those two weapons.
In the same time Randome was trying to reach Shiro.
"Shiro, what are you doing?" The kid looked at her briefely, before pointing Ichigo to a Monster. The creature (althought it seemed reluctant for a moment) joined the battle, lunging at the orange-haired Shinigami, who blocked its one big paw with his Zangetsu.
"Ah. That brings some memories." Grimmjow smirked, observing the battle.
"Shut up!" Renji barked at blue-haired Arrancar while pulling out his Zanpaktou.
"I wasn't even fucking talking to you, red-head."
"Enough." Renji almost jumped when Byakuya's powerfull voice sounded somewhere behind them.
Even Ichigo, Monster and Reikou stopped their fight to look at the two newcomers.
"Rukia? Byakuya?" Ichigo's eyes widened.
Grimmjow rolled his eyes.
"Fucking great. Like someone'd need them to be here."
Rukia flash stepped at Ichigo's side.
"What are you doing here?" Ichigo grumbled.
Reikou's attention was immediately transfered to Byakuya.
"I was hoping you'd show up."
"It's our duty to fight him. No one else is to interfere." Byakuya said, avoiding eye contact with Ichigo.
"What?"
Rukia pulled out her Zanpaktou, ignoring Ichigo's protest.
"Let's go, nii-sama."
Byakuya nodded.
Ichigo groaned and looked angrily at the Monster. The ground shook when Kurosaki called out his Vizard powers. His hand made a scratching gesture in front of his face and Hollow's mask apppeared there.
Monster attacked. Ichigo, by using his unique speed, dodged it in critical moment and Monster's body skipped past him and limply hit the wall of cave. Ichigo send Getsuga Tensho after it. The cave shook again, at the impetus and large fragments of rock sprinkled on those gathered in the cave.
"Ichigo, are ya tryin' to get us all killed?" Renji yelled at the orange-haired.
"Sorry." Ichigo said, not sounding sorry at all.
He looked at slight stunned, due the crash with the wall, Monster, who was shaking its head. Was it already over?
Suddenly, Monster's tail swished in the air, hitting Ichigo in the chest and sending him flying back. Ichigo got up and cursed. "Changing tactic, huh?" He squeezed Zangetsu's handle. This time when Monster attacked, he was ready. Zangetsu slashed right through Monster's tail, cutting piece of it. Instead of expected cry of the beast he heard cry of the ... kid.
"Shiro!" Ichigo heard Randome's voice. He looked back and that's when he was hit.
Byakuya pushed away remains of the table. The cave/room was huge but not enough with two battles going on inside it. He needed to move the fight or they'll get hurt more by bouncing off the walls and pieces of furniture, than from real hits.
Rukia attacked Reikou with her Shi-Kai, which only succeed in additionally freezing the ground.
"Not good enough!" Reikou yelled, while attacking Byakuya with his Zanpaktous.
Byakuya parried, calm as always.
"Surrender, it's over."
"I'm going to chance it. I might even surprise you." Reikou stopped in place. "Here is the tip: your friend is already dead."
"What are you..."
Reikou interrupted Rukia's saying:
"Monster's claws have rather unique properties. The energy send through scratch wounds spreads through victim, slowly destroying its insides. The progress is slow but painfull. Also, the wounds won't heal."
"And before you say something stupid," he added "I know about Ichigo's high speed regeneration. It won't help at all."
Byakuya and Rukia simultaneously looked to a place where Ichigo was fighting Monster.
At this moment Ichigo got hit by Monster's paw and was thrown back at a wall with enough force to shake enviroment, his engragged, black coat flowing around him.
"Not again..." this words left Rukia's mouth before she could rethink it.
"Ichigo!" Renji yelled when Ichigo didn't make move to get up.
Byakuya's hand involuntary tightened into a fist.
"Stand up. Stand up or I will never forgive you this, Ichigo!" he thought.
"It's his end." Reikou laughed loudly.
Monster again raised up its paw, hovering over Ichigo's still form.
"Ichigo, get up!"
The paw moved, cutting through the air. Rukia shutted her eyes but she opened them when she felt Ichigo's reiatsu rising. "Ichigo..."
Ichigo was standing in different place than before. Around his silhouette was shining beautiful aura, that Rukia's never seen before.
Renji was guessing that Hollow's ability of Ichigo wasn't strong enough to heal his body completely. The aura, the rush of reiatsu, that he's called helped him temporary to keep on his legs, but could be deadly in consequences. Likely... Ichigo was going to get himself killed if he kept this shit up.
"Damn you! Ichigo, ya idiot! Don't do this! Ya only put yourself in danger!" Renji ran towards Ichigo.
Ichigo didn't move from his place, instead Grimmjow appeared blocking Renji's path.
"Stay where you are, red-head."
"You...!" Renji readied his Zanpaktou to attack Grimmjow but Ichigo's voice stopped him.
"Stay back Renji. Help Rukia and Byakuya."
"Ya can't be serious..." Renji protested.
He turned helplessly to Byakuya and Rukia and caught a look of surprise and ... something like admiration on Reikou's face. It dissapeared as soon as Reikou looked over at Byakuya again.
Renji sighed.
Reikou was seriously injured and weakened but so were Rukia and Byakuya. Rukia's back was probably a mess by now. He'd help them, but...
"Fall back, Renji."
...this's why he couldn't. He felt useless.
He looked at Ichigo again but then Monster's roar ricocheted through the cave, multiplying it's strenght and assaulted Shinigami's ears. Not good.
"Ichigo, ya must silence it!"
"I know." Ichigo's reply was way to calm.
Renji looked to his right when he heard some sound from where Byakuya and Rukia were fighting. He saw Reikou standing among fragments of something that was probably earlier one of his Zanpaktous.
At the same time Renji heard Shiro's yell and he turned his head again (damn, his neck was protesting already).
"NOOO!" Shiro's yell sounded through whole room. Randome caught the kid as he fell to his knees. Then she looked at Ichigo. Lying near Ichigo was Monster's dead body.
Ichigo's mask crumbled and fell to the floor. Ichigo clenched his teeth, swaying on his legs. He slammed his sword into the ground and used it for support. Pain was radiating from the slash wounds on his chest and he almost couldn't breath. "Stay awake." He reburked himself. Using the aura, injuries, the battle - that all took a toll on him.
Ichigo took a deep breath. And cursed when the other of Reikou's Zanpaktous hung over his throat and he felt his presence right behind him. Damn, he let himself to be surprised by Reikou.
"I will teach you not to disregard me!" Reikou's hot breath caressed the side of Ichigo's face. Ichigo winced. Reikou's screeching voice from nearness was ten times worsier than usually.
Ichigo tried to struggle but his exhausted body wouldn't move. Even pain in his chest lost its edge. Humiliating. If not for Reikou holding him up, he would fell.
"Move! Move, damn it!" Ichigo's will was strong but in contrast to his body, that refused to listen to him.
"And yet I'll get my revange." said Reikou. Ichigo managed to blink with disapproval.
"Release him. He's Shinigami. If he dies, what do you think the others will do?" Ichigo heard Byakuya's calm voice. He caught Reikou's eyes involuntary trailing over to furious Renji.
"You're ... looking in the wrong direction." Ichigo managed to say. If he'd be in Reikou's skin, he'd fear Rukia more than Renji.
Reikou ignored him.
"I don't care," he answered Byakuya. "I'm on verge of dying, anyway. I will make you pay me!" Reikou paused, letting the words sink in.
"Who is going to pay?" Ichigo asked, frowning.
"Me... Him!" Reikou got mixed up.
"Dammit Ichigo, stop talking! You're only pissing him off!" exasperated Rukia said.
"He's ... getting on my nerves!" Ichigo almost pouted. Rukia send him glare.
"You're dying but there is still hope for those you'll leave behind." Byakuya stated to Reikou without emotion.
The blade of Renji's Zabimaru stopped at Randome's throath despite Ichigo's weak warning. Renji was mad if he's thought that Ichigo will let someone die in favour of his. However Kurosaki's efforts were once again ignored.
"If you'll kill Kurosaki Ichigo your sister'll answer for your mistake. She is the last of your clan."
"I don't care about my clan, either." Reikou's Zanpaktou pressed harder against the skin on Ichigo's throat, drawing some blood. "They were a mere tool, nothing more. So was she."
"And for that you spend your time and efforts? To gain nothing and lose everything in the end?"
Reikous's eyes widened.
"I still... have him. I'll get my revenge on you one way or another!" he shook Kurosaki and absentmindedly wiped out the blood that came out of his own mouth. He was dying and he knew that. Byakuya's doing, again.
"Ichigo Kurosaki means nothing to me. So does his death." Byakuya said, his eyes as cold as his words.
All of those gathered looked abruptly at Byakuya at this words.
"Nii-sama...!" Horror showed on Rukia's face.
"But... you're trying to save him now...?" Reikou frowned.
"Merely out of duty."
Reikou felt Ichigo shaking (from anger? exhustion?) beneath his hand. Was it possible that he's misinterpretated the situation? That the boy's really meant nothing to Kuchiki?
"Go ahead. Kill him if you like."
He really doesn't care. Was it true then...? Reikou felt somewhat dissapointed. He spend years waiting for Byakuya to show his weakness, before fortunately Ichigo showed up for the first time in Seireitei to save Rukia. In the end it was that occurrence that gave Reikou hints what to look for, showed cracks in Byakuya's protection shell. Or so did he thought. Byakuya's proved to be still that spoiled bastard that Reikou remembered from the Academy. The one who wouldn't care for no one. Listen to no one. And still would always got what he wanted. "You really are the... cold, emotionless, selfish bastard that ... everyone think you are. And I become someone just like you. No." Reikou slowly took back his Zanpaktou and pushed away from Ichigo.
"Do not trust ... him. Byakuya is not someone you'd want to gave your heart to."
"Well, at least on this we agree." Grimmjow stepped forward, past Ichigo, and took out his Panthera.
Reikou tried to smile at his sister. Then he looked at Grimmjow and steadied his hand. Luckily, he won't be the only one going down.
"Breathe out, Ni."
"I can't believe it's finally over." Rukia's voice reached Ichigo somewhere from his left.
It was only half true. Reikou was dead but left them one helluva farewell gift. Ichigo looked up at the cave's ceiling, that suffered in Reikou's last act of despair, to the extent that it started pouring down on them.
Ichigo shifted his gaze down and to his left, when he felt someone's presence at his side. He s expecting it to be Rukia or Renji's, instead he was "granted" with Byakuya. For a moment there was only silence between the two of them, interrupted only by sounds of a pieces of rock, crashing with the ground.
"We must get out of here." Ichigo looked away from Byakuya and tried to stand up with a small result. He hissed when he felt the pain coming back with a full force.
"You shouldn't push yourself too far. You are injured," Byakuya calmly reminded him, reaching out for him in support, when Ichigo fell down yet again.
Ichigo looked at Byakuya with anger.
"Shut up." he jerked his arm out of Byakuya's grasp.
"I see you've but recovered your strenght." Byakuya said in emotionless voice, the same he's been using before, with Reikou.
Ichigo said nothing and managed to lean against the wall of cave, anger lending him needed strength.
Byakuya looked around, also silently angered by Ichigo's behaviour and in search of Renji.
"Ichigo? Ya hear me? How are ya?" As if on request, red-haired neared to Ichigo, flash stepping out of the way of falling fragments of ceiling. His gaze stopped on the slashing wounds on Ichigo's chest.
"I'm fine. You and others?"
"In better shape than ya. C'mon. Let's get ya outta here."
Under Byakuya's attentive look, Renji slung Ichigo's arm around his shoulder and rushed forward to join, already waiting on them, Grimmjow and Rukia.
Making their way through pieces of broken furniture and the cave that was practically tumbling down on them, was hard enough but Ichigo with his typical stubbornness refused to be carried.
"I can walk on my own."
"Yeah, but not fast enough..." Renji panted.
Large piece of rock fell near Grimmjow, forcing him to use Sonido.
"You done talking? So get moving unless you want the whole, damn thing on your heads!" He angrily snarled at Renji and Ichigo.
Rukia, hearing this, send a glare at him, then she looked anxiously at Ichigo. Once they'll reach tunnel, they should be safe. She could see that Randome with Shiro already made it there.
"Leave me here." Renji, Rukia and even Grimmjow looked blankly at Ichigo, when he said it. Byakuya's features visibly tightened.
"Have ya lost your mind completely?" Not paying attention to Ichigo's protests Renji easily lifted him into his arms and moved to way out, past Byakuya who's eyes widened at that.
Walking out of corridor, they saw that Hitsugaya, Rangiku, Hisagi and the others were already waiting on them.
"We've made just in time." Rukia sighed with relief, brushing off her Shihakushou from dust, still hearing rumble coming out from the cave. She looked around and almost chuckled when she saw Byakuya's usually perfect features marked by dirt.
They were tired, filthy but at least they made it back in one piece. Well, almost. Rukia frowned when she saw Shiro's unconscious form in Randome's arms.
"What ha...?"
"We need to find help, NOW!" Renji's warning yell cut Hisagi off.
"Renji... what?" Rukia looked over her shoulder.
"He's just passed out. He isn't even tremblin' anymore." Renji, with worry on his face, looked pointendly at Ichigo still in his arms.
Byakuya walked over to to them and checked on Ichigo, his hands surprisely steady.
"He is suffering gravely from blood lose, among other causes. His pulse rate is weakning."
"What does that mean?" asked Rukia, even while knowing the answer.
Byakuya looked at her, his face blank.
"He's dying."
"No..." Rukia looked around. The sad faces. "Do something!"
"We must act quick." Izuru looked briefly at Hisagi, before stepping forward, unusual determination written on his face.
"Renji?" he asked when the other Shinigami made no move to hand Ichigo over.
"Yeah." Renji looked as if he'd just woke up from nightmare, fear still present in his eyes. He carefully placed Ichigo on the ground.
"Get to work, Kira."
Byakuya looked at his hands, that were still covered in Ichigo's blood. Pain-filled dark eyes flickered to a corner of the room, where provisionally bed was made for Ichigo. Byakuya closed his eyes. "Please." he pleaded silently not really knowing to whom he was talking. "I cannot afford to lose him. Not now."
"We neutralized Monster's energy in Ichigo's body. He's just deeply asleep now. Kira says, that Ichigo's body is recovering this way evenly from sudden burst of power and his injuries."
Byakuya slowly opened his eyes to see Randome's face a few inches away from his own face.
His face took blank expression again, not letting the girl see his relief.
Randome smiled softly and passed Byakuya a towel so he'd clean his hands.
"Water is on the table. I'm sorry, we don't have here such comforts like in Seireitei so that's all I can offer you." She waved her hand all around.
"It's enough for now. Thank you."
Randome looked back to Ichigo's unmoving form. "...He's stubborn. I'm sure, he will wake up soon." With this words she quietly left the room.
Byakuya washed his hands slowly, feeling stupidly as criminal, who tries to wash away proves of his guilt. Then he cautionly made his way to Ichigo's bed.
Seireitei was way too far to transport Ichigo in his current state of health there, so Randome's offered the home that she, Shiro and his dad were living in, despite the fact that Shiro was also still unconscious.
Byakuya gently sat on the edge of bed. Ichigo looked absolutely beautiful in his sleep, his usual frown softened, drowned by sleep.
Byakuya closed his eyes trying not to think about how much he wanted to simply take Ichigo into his arms and shower him with kisses.
"Hisana, forgive me." With his hand he lightly trailed his fingers down from Ichigo's brow to his soft, kissable, slightly parted lips, encoding in his heart each breath Ichigo took.
Ichigo slowly began to regain consciousness. Surprisely, it was his nose, that came to life first. Ichigo was soon aware of some smell, that was filling the room, or wherever he was. Then he felt hand that was stroking his hair. Ichigo moved his fingers. The room's other occupant must noticed it, beacuse two, slender hands curled around Ichigo's.
"I..Ichigo..." Ichigo heard Rukia's nervous voice. He almost jumped when her voice raised for a few tones.
"Nii-sama! He's awake! Ichigo's awake!"
"Rukia?" Ichigo slowly opened his eyes and blinked, seeing Rukia's worried face hovering over him.
"How do you feel Ichigo?"
"I would ... better if you'd only stop ... screaming so loud." Ichigo's voice was weak, he needed breaks for resting, even while talking. But he was alive.
Rukia smiled with tears in her eyes.
"You idiot..."
Byakuya entered the room. He was looking perfectly, in contrast to surroundings.
"Bya..." Ichigo made an effort to pull himself to a sitting position, but Rukia's hand on his shoulder and his own weakness stopped him.
"You shouldn't move just yet, Ichigo Kurosaki."
"It's not... that bad." despite what he said, Ichigo gritted his teeth. His body felt stiff and still weak. He looked away and saw some herbs, drying by the wall, the cause of the strange smell in the room. His head went spinning and Ichigo took a deep breath. Then he straightened up and looked expectingly at Byakuya, pretending everything was fine.
Byakuya was once again reminded that Ichigo too, has had his pride. He wouldn't let anyone, besides group of the people close to him, see him in his moment of weakness. It hurted Byakuya to be left outside of this group, especially after... Reikou must be laughing at him in his grave right now...
Byakuya's eyes never wavered from Ichigo, uncharacterisiticly giving him his full attention, making Ichigo squirm.
"Rukia, could you leave us alone?" Byakuya looked at Rukia. "I'd like to talk to Kurosaki Ichigo."
"It's not..."
"Yes, nii-sama."
"Hey!" Rukia ignored Ichigo but she stopped in the doors for a moment and from behind Byakuya's back smiled at Ichigo. Then she left the room.
Byakuya looked at Ichigo, once he was sure she was gone. Ichigo answered him with hard, unflinching gaze. "Why did you do that? Was it true?"
Byakuya considered. Was Ichigo talking about everything that happened between the two of them or about Byakuya's stance, back then, when Reikou took Ichigo hostage?
"I apologize if my actions had hurt you, however, I'm not going to try and justify or excuse myself." Byakuya said firmly.
Ichigo sighed, touching in reflection the dressing on his chest. "See, this's what I am talking about! I don't have Reikou's Zangetsu at my throat and you're still talking to me as to a stranger. I can't even tell what goes on in your head. After that kiss, I thought... Maybe it's just some kind of game to you? What do you really want from me?"
Byakuya said nothing. Ichigo snickered.
"Whatever." He stubbornly looked away.
Byakuya sighed.
"Look at me." he ordered firmly but with an edge of irritation in his voice.
"I'm not one of your subordinates. I don't have to listen to you."
"I believe, it's favourable that you're not my subordinate." Byakuya's hand came up to first tenderly touch Ichigo's cheek and then cup his chin, forcing Ichigo to face Byakuya again.
"Let go." Ichigo's eyes met Byakuya's.
"No."
Ichigo frowned at this answer, but before he could speak, Byakuya closed the distance between them and kissed him very gently. Ichigo froze, unable to move, other than to cling to Byakuya's haori, as if his life depended on it, his doubts temporary forgotten.
Byakuya pulled Ichigo closer and desperately deepened kiss. Ichigo tasted something SPICY (probably healing herbs) and he couldn t get enough of it. At last, Byakuya broke the kiss, giving Ichigo's lower lip one last lick, before pressing his forehead to Ichigo's. The boy blushed.
"I've had once difficulties in accepting what I felt for you." Byakuya's voice ghosted softly over Ichigo's lips. Ichigo closed his eyes at the sensation. "I tried to protect myself from these feelings just by ignoring them and by pushing you away. I ..."
"Please, stop." Ichigo cut Byakuya off, seeing how much it was costing the man to admit that. "I think I understand."
"You'll learn to understand me, I promise. Just try to be patient with me until then. That is... if you still want us to be together..." Byakuya pulled back and let his gaze wander. Ichigo's lips were red and swollen from his kisses. He waited at Ichigo's reaction. Ichigo opened his eyes and smiled, and Byakuya s breath caught.
"Yeah, I'd like that." The answer was short but meaningfull. The second chance.
Byakuya smiled back before capturing the other man's lips in a heated kiss once again. His hand slid down Ichigo's side and to his hip and Ichigo shuddered.
Byakuya closed his eyes, when he felt Ichigo's hand moving through his hair. His mouth intuitively moved to Ichigo's jaw and down his long neck, kissing, licking, tasting. Thrusting his hips against Ichigo's he knew, that the boy could feel how much in need he was. He gently lowered Ichigo on bed, careful of his injuries.
He was new to this, to making love to another man (as was Ichigo) but he was willing to try. Ichigo was worth it.
"Yare, yare. What are you doing here? You should be in a bed." Kyouraku Shunsui frowned.
Ukitake looked up and saw his old friend resting on the roof of his division's quarters.
"I feel fine." Ukitake send Shunsui tired, distracted smile. "Ichigo, Rukia and recognition squad are back."
Shunsui nodded. Yes, he's heard about that too. He's heard, also, that there were some problems with Ichigo's health, the most likely reason for Jyuushiro's rush.
"Ha! That's a great concept to my romance novel. 'After a long time of separation, the heroine at last meets with her loved one, her long hair are flowing in the air as she runs to meet him half way.' This is good! I have to write this down... Uh, do you have some brush?"
Ukitake blinked.
"Oh, no matter. I'll go with you." Shunsui jumped down from the roof, he was resting at.
Ukitake nodded, deep in thoughts.
If everything will work out in 7 months Ichigo himself becomes a captain. Ukitake knew that their days together were growing short. Act of insubordination against Captain commander could write off chances of Ichigo's promotion forever. And, seriously Jyuushiro thought that Byakuya immediately will make use of this situation, sending report to Yama-jii-san. Yet Byakuya's remained silent. He even came out with an excuse for Ichigo's injury and has taken it upon himself to look after Ichigo in Kuchiki mansion, which surprised Ukitake. Maybe he didn't know him as well as he's thought.
By the entrance to mansion Ukitake and Shunsui were met by a small crowd, that demanded from hesitant-looking Renji, informations about Ichigo's actual state of health. Ukitake immediately helped to disperse the crowd, by explaining that no, Ichigo was not dying but he was in need of rest.
When the last of the marauders was out of sight, Jyuushiro tried to go inside the mansion.
Instantly Renji blocked his way, throwing one arm against the door frame.
"Renji I'd like to see him." To Jyuushiro's surprise Renji made no move to allow him to enter to the mansion. "I'm sorry Ukitake-taichou, I can't let ya in." Renji shook his head.
Jyuushiro sighed. "I know you're mad that I allowed Ichigo to go alone but believe me Renji, I care about Ichigo's life as much as you do."
Renji looked even more uncertain then.
"Ichigo wanted to help Rukia and recognition squad. I couldn't refuse him. My worry for him would be an offense, for him the strong, passionate and caring person he is and for me as a captain, when so many lives were threatened. He resamples Kaien so much." the last sentence Ukitake said as if only to himself.
"I ... I understand." Renji hung his head. Ukitake doubt that very much.
"I tried to suggest him," Shunsei said, while having his fellow captain in mind. "that maybe Ichigo-kun should brought more people with him but that didn't convince him. His faith in Ichigo is unshakeable."
Ukitake blushed slightly hearing his friend's words.
"I'm not the enemy, Renji. Now please, let me see him." Ukitake urged gently.
"My captain is with him now."
Some time later...
Byakuya's brush was moving over the last of his reports. Still, he was obviously having problems with concentration.
"... the proposal was accepted by all concerned..."
Byakuya's mouth went dry. Accepted. He was accepted by Ichigo, with everything that has followed this decision. Ichigo's sweet kisses were proof to that, soft touches following. Desire raced through Byakuya again. He recollected the softness of Ichigo's skin, the way he was fitting against his body, even the patterns that his own hand made on those toned muscles. The way Ichigo blushed when Byakuya entered him. The way his body arched with release.
"What are you doing to me, Ichigo Kurosaki?" Byakuya whispered, putting his hand over his heart, the report and brush forgotten.
"Ruukia! What did you do?"
"That's not the way to treat someone who helped you find your true love!" Rukia yelled, passing a basket with laundry to Renji and at the same time glaring at Ichigo (which almost resultated in dropping the basket on Renji's foot).
Ichigo sighed.
"Rukia, I didn't ask you to involve me in relationship with Byakuya."
"Aah, but you don't have reasons to complain, right?"
"...No." Ichigo answered, a faint smile touching his lips.
"So stop whining." Rukia said, but there was a gleam of triumph in her eyes. "Could be worse. If not for me and few others, you'd end up with Kenpachi-taichou."
Ichigo paled.
"You can't be..."
"What others, Rukia?" Byakuya joined them, a report in his hands, coming to stand by Ichigo and forcing himself not to look at Renji, who was currently dealing with the washing.
Rukia looked at Byakuya and gestured in the direction of red-haired fukutaichou.
"Umm... Renji helped some. And Rangiku. And Hisagi."
"Rukia, did you try to form a gang?" Ichigo sweatdropped.
"We tried to keep Ukitake-taichou, Kenpachi-taichou and everyone," as she was talking, Byakuya's eyes were getting bigger. "at bay, but..."
She frowned.
"You almost messed everything we achieved up, nii-sama."
Rukia usually wasn't so bold towards Byakuya, but now, with Ichigo's current status it was two against one. And if you'd count Renji, even two and half against one.
For a moment there was only silence.
"What 'bout Yari clan? What'll they do now that Reikou is dead?" Renji, rather obviously changed the subject
"Randome will take over Reikou's place in the clan. With Seireitei's backing. I think she'll make a great leader." Ichigo put his hands on his hips and grinned.
"How unexpected." Rukia said quietly.
"I heard that." Ichigo growled at her.
"Really?" Rukia arched an eyebrow. "So...?"
"Renji, give me that kosode, I have to suffocate someone."
"Get your own."
The three of them stopped their small fight and looked abruptly at Byakuya when they heard some sound, coming from him. Byakuya was now holding the report slightly higher, covering his face from other Shinigamis' gazes, but the slight moves of the sheet of paper and Byakuya's shoulders were still some tip.
Renji coughed, pretending he's temporary lost his sight and hearing, Rukia gaped in surprise and Ichigo smiled, ruffling his hair. Then he looked at Byakuya with the warm gaze, that made Byakuya feel special, beyond all of his titles.
"Guess, I'll be seeing you at the meeting then."
Byakuya nodded. "Don't be late."
With one last warning look for Rukia, Ichigo turned to leave.
"Where are you going?"
"I's promised a dinner."
Randome was already waiting for him. She smiled, when she saw him making his way to her.
She pulled him into a warm hug, her hand still lingering to Ichigo's face even after she moved slightly away.
"You look good."
"Thanks. That reminds me, how's Shiro?" Ichigo asked, frowning.
Randome turned serious.
"It'll take a while to get him to normal. The bond between him and ... the Monster was strong, though, come to think of it, I don't even know how it was developed." she sighed. "I can't even imagine what'd happen if Reikou managed to get the object stolen from Mayuri's lab."
Ichigo nodded.
"I'm glad you're by Shiro's side."
"Thank you. Hey, how's Grimmjow? I heard he'll be staying for some time in Seireitei." Ichigo rolled his eyes. "Don't remind me."
Randome laughed. "I'm sure Byakuya is delighted by that."
Ichigo grinned. "Riiiight."
"'Kay... You know you can always count on me. Tell Byakuya and Ukitake that if I hear something happened to you, I'll be on their tails faster that Kyoraku can drink a bottle of saki." Randome winked at Ichigo.
Kurosaki smiled.
"So.. What good to eat they have here?"
"You look distressed, my friend." said Shunsui, sitting down by his white-haired companion and pulling out a bottle of saki. "Is this about Ichigo-kun and Byakuya-bo getting together?"
Ukitake smiled sadly.
"I was hoping ..." he blushed slightly, even if he's knew that he could tell everything to his friend.
Shunsui smiled in sympathy. "Believe me. You're not the only one."
Ukitake nodded. Ichigo's had the habit of making impact on the lives of those around him, even if he himself wasn't aware of it.
"Let it go. For the first time in very long time, Byakuya-bo is having fun."
"Ichigo," thought sadly Ukitake, despair threating to take over him. "Maybe one day..."
He was surprised to find Ichigo, standing by the Altar of Memory, looking at the portraits of members of Kuchiki clan. And there were fresh flowers lying on the top, Byakuya noticed. Ichigo's shoulders were visibly stiffened, the way they were before his formal meeting with the whole Kuchiki familly, but this time it was not from being nervous, Byakuya could tell that much.
He moved closer to the boy and put his hand on one wary shoulder. Ichigo looked at him and smiled warmly.
Byakuya's heart skipped it's pace a bit.
Mine. Byakuya was surprised by the sudden surge of possessiveness that flooded him.
"Why did you leave?" He pulled Ichigo closer and gently kissed his brow.
Ichigo shifted his gaze to Hisana's portrait and Byakuya's eyes followed.
"I don't want to take over her place in your life."
Byakuya opened his mouth to ask Ichigo if someone from Kuchiki clan hinted something like this, but the boy didn't let to interrupt himself. "I know that no one is able to do that. What I want is simply for you ...eh, to be happy." Ichigo blushed, shifting slightly. "Sorry. I'm not good at this."
"I love you."
Ichigo, from his look was the same surprised as Byakuya. After Hisana's dying, the noble thought he will never again be able to tell this words. But when he looked into Ichigo's stunning, bright eyes, he knew they're true.
The End.