Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach

Note: Thanks for the reviews, so happy!^^. Next chapter is up. It's kind of a filler, but neccessary for the plot nonetheless.
I hope you like it!

Chapter 23:

"So what does Bya-bo want from me?", crooned Yoruichi.

Byakuya stared indifferently into the twinkling eyes of the violet-haired woman in front of him. He sighed inwardly, why was he doing this again?

"I would like you to have a word with your brother", he said.

Yoruichi blinked surprised. "With Reki? Why would that be?"

"I demand he reconsider his cancelling of the upcoming marriage. I am asking you to do it, because I do not want to be tainted by his unworthy presence."

"Unworthy presence?" bristled Yoruichi. "What marriage anyway?"

"The one with my cousin, of course."

"With...oh! I heard about her", Yoruichi mumbled. "That ain't nice indeed. But if you consider him unworthy, why would you want him to marry her anyway?" she asked.

"I deem it unfitting of a Kuchiki to be shunned like this in a moment of weakness. I would rather have the decision in the hands of Shihana-san and her parents", replied Byakuya.

"So you want him to come crawling back only to be dumped?" Yoruichi considered the thought for a moment. Then a catlike smirk appeared on her face. "Ha, mum will be pissed! I'll do it Bya-bo, but you owe me!"

She flashstepped away without a greeting. Byakuya sighed. Now he owed the demon-cat. He just hoped it was worth all the trouble.

In Hueco Mundo Ichimaru Gin was taking a walk under the fake sky of Las Noches.

He took a look at what seemed like a shard of glass. It gleamed in the sun and for a moment the image of a black-haired woman flashed over its surface. Humming to himself Gin stored the shard away in the sleeves of his white kimono and went to look for Aizen.

He found him on a high open place, his face turned out toward the endless white desert, hands clasped together on his back.

"Things are turning out quite nicely, aren't they?", Aizen said and laughed softly.

"They do indeed", replied Gin, coming to stand next to him, his smile not changing.

"You know...", began Aizen and kicked a small scrap of stone over the edge. It took a long time until it landed in the soft ground below with a nearly soundless thud. "I really like your silly little ideas. How many Vasto Lordes have we collected?"

"Seven. But Blind Guy jus told me he sensed a promising reiatsu up north. He's gone ta investigate. Ya happy?"

"Quite", Aizen answered. "But I just can't wait to try out the Espada's strength."

In his brown eyes glimmered the cold flame of hate.

Because this is so short and I just finished another chapter, I've decided to post the next one right away. Be grateful, ya readers! :D