A/N: now we're back to regular programming! I sorta missed Byakushi and Gin, so they're making an appearance. And this chapter contains such an OOC Urahara, which I hope you don't hate me for. Anyway, enjoy. =)

DISCALIMER: I DO NOT OWN BLEACH. KUBO TITE DOES.

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Chapter 8

Hesitation

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Kuchiki Mansion, Kyoto

8:20pm, June 15th

Byakuya sat on couch, with his legs crossed as he watched his lover talk with someone over his mobile phone. They just had dinner and he was waiting to discuss the latest developments in their business with the Italian Mafioso family Stark had infiltrated recently. He reached for a book just when he thought the conversation would take longer, his lover snapped the phone shut. He laid the book on his lap.

"Well?" he asked, one brow arched.

"Tha' wus Stark." Oh yes, speak of the devil. "'E wanted some time off."

Briefly, Byakuya was confused about what Gin was saying, when it clicked. "Is it about the man they sent after him?"

"Bingo," his lover replied, then, "but he seemed so strained. Sounds t' me, sounds t' me like he's hesitatin'."

"That isn't like him at all."

"Tha's true." Gin then kneeled before him and gently caressed his thighs before leaning on his elbows. "Ya know wat I think?"

The dark haired man looked at his lover. He could tell something was going on in his head even if he wore that omnipresent grin. He then took the book off his lap and laid it on the space beside him as he uncrossed his legs to make more room for his lover. He then reached for those pale lips and ran his thumbs over them tenderly. "Tell me."

"I think he's stolen, stolen by th' man 'e was supposed t' kill."

Byakuya thought about it. If that was indeed true, then they would have to get rid of Stark themselves. It would be a pity, since they never had a man like him work for them. It would truly be a loss. But they would have to give the man a benefit of doubt, after all, his lover was just speculating. He smiled.

He placed a kiss on his lover's lips and wrapped his arms around his rather thin shoulder.

"That would be a pity indeed."

The Candy Shop, Shinjuku

11:08am, June 17th

Renji didn't really expect to see Ichigo so soon. He knew the man had an assignment and this was a total surprise. But as he opened the door, he noted that the younger man looked a little troubled. Still, he knew his lover would be pleased to know his nephew was here.

"Your uncle's in the bedroom. Want me to call him?"

"Nah. I'll just see him later myself." The orange haired man said as he took off his shoes and put them on the rack. "I'll be in my room."

"Sure."

He watched Ichigo climb up the stairs and proceed to his room. He somehow felt that there was something wrong. Ichigo didn't just suddenly decide to take a detour from his assignment. Yet he also knew it was not his business to poke around.

As Ichigo opened the door to his old room, he felt the familiar calm flow into his system. He took a look around. The room was still the same, furnished with all the things he grew up with. In one corner was an antique dresser, which his uncle had brought for him to put his clothes in, as well as his toys, however few they were. There was a full length mirror beside the dresser, which he surmised was just a recent addition. He then plopped on the soft bed. Even the scent of the sheets was calming, as he inhaled it. He knew coming back to the Candy Shop was what he needed and badly.

He lay on his side, knees drawn up to and gripping a pillow to his chest. His mind still reeled though. It was rather hard to admit, even just to himself, that he had fallen. It was the worst situation he could ever find himself in.

Suddenly, a knock on the door reached his ears. It was probably his uncle. Renji would have told his oji-chan to stay the fuck away but he would come anyways, to bug him. Ichigo smiled fondly. Renji was a lot like a big brother to him, and the man always knew how to deal with him.

"Come in." was his muffled reply.

He was right, upon seeing that green and white striped hat. He let go of the pillow and sat up as he ran a hand through his wild orange locks in an attempt to tame them.

"Hey."

The look the blond man gave him was sharp and calculating. It made him squirm inside, but he held his ground, defiantly looking his uncle in the eye. Suddenly, those eyes softened as the man took a few steps toward him and reached his hand out to gently pat his cheek.

"You don't look well."

The younger man's eyes shifted, then looked at his lap. "I needed some time off to think." His uncle remained silent, as if waiting for the inevitable revelation. "Oji-chan, I don't think I can do this anymore…" he suddenly sounded so young and so unsure.

Urahara sat beside his nephew and drew his head toward his shoulder, in a comforting gesture. He honestly did not know what to say. There was no witty remark, no sarcastic retort. It was hard enough to see him like this. He knew something like this was bound to happen though. He wanted to offer to finish the mission for him, but it would be a blow to Ichigo's pride. He knew his nephew was a pigheaded brat and he would outright refuse. He could only offer this ample amount of solace. He sighed.

He smiled sadly at the berry. "Everything will be okay," he said, even if he knew it wasn't. "Try to get some rest, alright?"

The berry nodded. He lay on side once more as his uncle drew the sheets over him. "I'll just get something for you. I'll be back."

"Okay."

Urahara was surprised to see his lover Renji leaning on the wall by the door as he walked out of his nephew's room. "He called me oji-chan again, after so long. The last time he did that, he was twelve."

Renji saw some nameless emotion dance in his lover's eyes as he gave him a small sad smile. He circled his arms around his lover's waist as he the side of his neck gently. He then rested his cheek on the man's shoulder. "It's going to be okay."

The blond man laughed, with a bitter sound to it. He so much wanted to protect his only remaining blood family, but he knew couldn't.

He came back to the berry's room, with a glassful of water and a couple of sleeping pills. Ichigo was still lying curled up on his side, clutching a pillow to his chest.

"Here, drink this. It'll help you sleep."

The berry obediently got up and took the pill the man handed him then drank the water next. He once again lay on the bed, assuming the position he was in before. Urahara once again pulled up the sheets to cover him up. He ran his hand through his nephew's soft orange hair. He then kissed the berry's forehead. "Sleep tight."

Ichigo grabbed his uncle's sleeve before he could turn away and leave the room. "Please stay, oji-chan."

"Of course." Urahara then dragged a chair to sit on. "Don't worry, I'll watch over you."