Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
A/N: I got some free time this weekend so another double update :) I truly appreciate all the favs, reviews, comments, PMs, and alerts for the this story. Thank you! It's good to know I am not just writing this for myself cause otherwise I would never finish it :p
Part I Confessions
After Aizen, Gin, and Kaname's escape Yoruichi snuck away to avoid questions she could not answer right now and people she could not face. She went home to lick her wounds and tend to her bruised pride. I can't believe I had Aizen and he got away. A 100 years of waiting for him to do something to show his true colors and he escapes. "Unbelievable!"
Some of her anger subsided as she walked through the Shihoin gates. It had been about 100 years since she was able to walk through the Shihoin gates. Her mere presence caused quite a commotion among the staff as many dropped what they were doing to see the miraculous return of the Princess of Shihoin clan. As much as Yoruichi enjoyed being the center of attention 21 staff members bowed before her was a little much. Maybe I should've used one of the tunnels instead. Words of welcome echoed throughout the Shihoin estate: "Welcome back Princess Yoruichi!" "We've missed you Princess!" "Glad you're home." Well at least they're happy to see I am alive that's more than I can for someone.
"Oh so this is why I can't get a sandwich" Yoruichi's grandfather, Emeka, laughed loudly after making his witty remark.
"Hush Meka, our baby is home and safe," said Adaeze as she went and hugged her granddaughter squeezing Yoruichi so hard Yoruichi could feel her grandmother's heartbeat. She finally let Yoruichi go and with a tear in her eye said, "We must prepare a grand feast." The servants responded quickly and left to prepare a proper celebration for Yoruichi's return.
Emeka came and gave Yoruichi a big hug. Both her grandparents showered her with so much attention one would think they had not seen her in 100 years. A few moments later Yoruichi knew why her grandparents had made such a big fuss over her. Elder Kubota appeared in the middle of the path blocking their way. Despite being only 5ft tall and having a small frame Kubota was every bit as intimidating as his older brother, Emeka. The small cinnamon man flaunted his spiritual pressure; one of the servants even fell to one knee just from being too close.
Kubota crossed his arms over his bird chest and stared at Yoruichi. "So, you're back the council will meet with you after breakfast in the morning."
"I understand. It's good to see you uncle", Yoruichi responded. Kubota nodded and disappeared as quickly as he came. Sigh. "A meeting with the Council of Elders so soon. This day just keeps getting better. "
-.
Byakuya wasn't having a great day either. He was severally injured by Gin and recovering in the 4th Division's hospital. Byakuya Kuchiki sat in his hospital bed and waited for his guests to leave. Renji and Rukia had been there since he was brought into his private room. Byakuya was tired and ready for them to go home. Despite Renji being his Vice-Captain and Rukia being his adopted sister Byakuya had not taken the time to really get to know them or socialize with them. Byakuya didn't socialize with anyone other then at the Social Society's Calligraphy Club meetings, which involved a minimal amount of talking. This made Byakuya wonder why so many people had come to see him and why Renji and Rukia were still there staring at him. Renji and Rukia knew each other very well and this made matters worse Byakuya felt like a third wheel and a specimen. They kept trying to get Byakuya involved in the conversation but it wasn't working out very well. Luckily there were also medical staff members coming in and out to check on Byakuya every 30 minutes to break the long patches of dead silence between the three of them. Byakuya couldn't think with all the attention he was getting. Just as Byakuya was about to ask everyone to leave there was a soft knock on the door. It was Hanataro, the shy and humble officer of the 4th Division, tipped into the doorway. Hanataro came to give Byakuya a sedative so he could sleep. The quiet young shinigami's timing was perfect Byakuya's concerned guests finally left so Byakuya could get some rest.
Hanataro gave Byakuya the sedative. "Captain Kuchiki I'll check back on you in 15 minutes". Hanataro gave a nervous smile and closed the door.
Hanataro left Byakuya alone in the dark with his thoughts. Byakuya's heart started to feel heavy with guilt from the day's events and how he treated Rukia. He was deceived and he betrayed Rukia, two things that should have never happened. She is a Kuchiki, his sister, his family, and his family was his pride something that should never be forsaken. The sedative was a powerful one so his anguish over his guilt started to be pushed aside by incoherence. A few moments later Hanataro came to check on Byakuya. Byakuya could barely keep his eyes open. Hanataro crept out of the door unknowing he let in a small furry visitor. Yoruichi didn't bother masking her spiritual pressure and Byakuya felt it immediately. She leaped onto the foot of his bed and sat down.
"Yo-Yo-Yoruichi" he said softly. His eyes were almost completely closed.
"Byakuya", said Yoruichi softly as she moved slightly forward.
Byakuya held up his hand slightly and pointed his finger at her. "You, you," he slurred the words and went right to sleep.
"That actually went better than expected", said Yoruichi. She watched Byakuya peacefully sleeping. It took her back to the last night they spent together. He looked just as peaceful then as he did now. Yoruichi couldn't resist touching him. She transformed and lightly caressed his cheek with the back of her hand. "I've missed you, Byakuya," she whispered. Yoruichi saw a hint of a smile on Byakuya's face. "Byakuya if I didn't know better I'd say you were pretending to be sleep".
She transformed back into her cat form and sat on the windowsill and gazed at Byakuya in the moonlight for a while and then at the moon. She thought about tomorrow. The sun had set on another day and for the first time in a long time Yorucihi was not ready to face tomorrow. Tomorrow meant she'd have to meet with the elders of the clan. Tomorrow meant she'd have to keep secrets from her friends and family another day. But tomorrow didn't matter right now because tonight Yoruichi was with an old friend. It was late and Yoruichi was tired so she laid down making herself comfortable at Byakuya feet. Yoruichi was only going to stay a few more moments but she fell asleep. It was the most peaceful sleep she had in years. If it were not for the sun tickling her back she would've stayed asleep. She stretched her body across Byakuya's legs. Then closed her eyes.
"Sorry, honey but if anyone is going to give Captain Kuchiki a sponge bath it's going to be me. So you ladies move along," said a husky voice from the cracked door. "Go on shoo". The man burst through the door making a grand entrance. Then he struck a pose and flipped his long aqua bangs. "Oh Captain Kuchiki," the lanky man sang Byakuya's name. Yoruichi stared at the colorful male in awe. Then the guy froze in place. "Cccccat," he said as he dashed out the door. "I am telling you there's cat in there." Yoruichi heard him say through the door.
This time the door was opened slowly and Yoruichi took this time to dash between the two shinigami. Neither of the shinigami saw her. "Grey, there's no cat," said the petite red headed shinigami.
His eye widened, "Blue, I am telling you I saw a cat". Grey pointed to the foot of the bed. "It was right there on the bed. I swear."
"Is there something wrong?"
The two shinigami turned quickly and in unison said, "No Captain Unohana nothing is wrong".
"Really"?
"There was a cat in Captain Kuchiki's room and I needed help finding it, " responded Grey. Blue looked to the side hoping not to be questioned.
"A cat you say," said Unohana as she walked into the room and looked around but did not see a cat. "It's safe Grey", said Unohana softly. Grey walked in gingerly still searching for Yoruichi. Byakuya started waking up. "Captain Kuchiki did you sleep well last night?"
"Yes"
"That's good. I have to attend a meeting this morning so Mr. Grey will be taking care of you this morning. Mr. Grey is one of our finest healers". Grey's smiled sparkled. "He and Ms. Blue", Unohana motioned for Blue to come in, "another one of our finest will make sure you have all that you need. I will check on you later Captain Kuchiki".
"Ok Capt. Kuchiki we need to get you cleaned up and change those bandages," said Grey smoothly as he flipped his aqua bangs to the side.
"Fine comeback in about in 20 minutes and you can change the bandages."
Grey's jaw dropped. "Come on Grey" said Blue as she started dragging a disappointed Grey out of the room. "We'll be back, Captain Kuchiki."
Byakuya closed his eyes and he saw Yoruichi's face. I don't need this now or ever. He moved slowly out of bed. Each step to the bathroom was painful but Byakuya did not care it took his mind off of Yoruichi. He freshened up and took those painful steps back to his bed. As soon as he lay down his thoughts went right back to Yoruichi. First, last night I dreamed about her sleeping next to me and this morning I can't get her off my mind. Damn! "Where are those medical officers?"
Then as if Grey was reading Byakuya's mind or was listening at the door he knocked and walked into the room. Grey held up a roll of bandages and asked, "Captain Kuchiki are you ready?"
Byakuya started to take off his robe but then stopped once Blue knocked on the door. She entered carrying even more bandages. Grey and Blue looked at each other and shot territorial stares. They both turned back to Byakuya and smiled. After Byakuya took of his robe Grey and Blue pretended to have a serious conference in the corner. They really played a secret game of rock paper scissors to see who would stay, but after five ties in a row they decided Blue would remove the old bandages and Grey would put on the new bandages. They could've played all day Byakuya would not have notice his mind was with someone else.
That someone else was racing to the Shihoin estate. Yoruichi could not be late for a meeting with the council and she wasn't even dressed. Yoruichi finally made it to her room. "I can't believe I forgot about the meeting. Damn, damn, damn," Yoruichi repeated as she tried to find something to wear. Most of her clothes were in storage. Just as Yoruichi was about to give and put on one of her old uniforms.
Adaeze walked in carrying a lovely violet floral kimono. "I thought you might need this."
"Thank you, Nin Nin." Yoruichi hurried and got dressed. She made it to the council meeting without a moment to spare. Yoruichi noticed that only Emeka, Kubota, Radu, and Abha but Ai the head of the council was not there this meant it wasn't an official meeting, it was going to be an interrogation. Yoruichi did not waiver as she sat before the Shihoin Council of Elders, as beautiful and confident as she had when she for took over as leader of the Shihoin clan. She waited for the first question of many.
On the other side of the Seireitei Byakuya sat and waited for a question or anything from Renji. He had been there for almost 20 minutes carving a piece of wood. Renji had not said anything other than, "Good Morning Captain Kuchiki." Rukia was visiting Ichigo so Renji had no one to talk to or start a conversation. Byakuya knew the terrible silence would end any minute cause Grey and Blue would be in to check on him. Byakuya was right in less than 30 seconds Grey and Blue showed up pushing each other aside to get in the door. At one point they both got stuck in the door. Blue and Grey did not even notice Renji was the room until they turned to leave once their visit was over. "Oooh tattoos", whispered Blue. "And spicy red hair," added Grey. Blue smiled and Grey purred at Renji as they left Byakuya's room. Renji thought the entire scene was funny. Renji laughed for almost five minutes after Blue and Grey left. Byakuya did not find it amusing he just chalked up their attention to them being overeager to please Unohana.
"Renji check on the invaders and report back to me".
"Yes, captain." Renji quickly left to find the whereabouts and the status of the "invaders" as Byakuya called them.
Byakuya figured Renji would find Rukia and he would end up spending more time with Rukia than with him. After Renji left Byakuya admitted he just sent Renji out to check on Yoruichi. "That damn demon-cat she's only return to make my life miserable. I can't stand that woman. She's probably out right now running around with that orange-headed ryoka. Unbelievable she has me talking to myself". Byakuya started to feel angry so he took some deep breathes and decided that this would be a good time to meditate, the demon cat was not going to get under his skin.
Byakuya was wrong about Yoruichi's location she was still being grilled by the elders. The meeting "interrogation" took almost two hours. After it was over Yoruichi was hungry and exhausted. She strolled slowly to the kitchen to find something to eat. Her grandfather was already there.
"Baby girl you do an excellent job this morning. I knew you would. " Emeka handed his granddaughter a cold glass of milk
"Thanks Pa Pa." They walked to the dining room. "I was hoping that when I appeared before the elders I would be talking about the capture of Aizen and the redemption of Kisuke and Tessai not about how I let Aizen got away again, " said Yoruichi. Her jaws tightened and she breathed heavily through her noise.
"You explained what happened clearly. We know that you had Aizen in your grasp and he finally revealed himself as the traitor. Then he and his scandalous lackeys escaped with the aid of the Menos. It was beyond your control".
"It doesn't make a difference Pa Pa he got away and this is far from over".
"It maybe far from over, but today baby girl you're more than just one step closer to ending this. The Gotei now knows he is the real enemy. What you did yesterday proved that you're still on the Soul Society's side. All the elders, including Ai, understand even if the Gotei does not".
Adaeze walked in with two servants who had their arms full of food. She smiled and kissed her husband and hugged her granddaughter. "I heard the meeting went well, but of course I knew it would. So I am not even going to ask about it." Adaeze smiled at Yoruichi.
Yoruichi knew from that smile Adaeze was going to ask about something or someone else. Yoruichi let out a small yawn before taking a bite of her sandwich.
"Yoruichi didn't you rest well last night? Were you up all night?"
I knew she was up to something. "Actually, I sleep very well, best sleep I had in ages. Let's change the subject. I am just little exhausted it was an intense meeting with the elders. I am sure Pa Pa has had many talks to you about them". Yoruichi turned to her grandfather.
Just as Emeka was about to add something Adaeze cut in first. "Your best sleep in ages, so I take it you had a good night."
Damn she didn't fall for it. "My night was fine Nin Nin. I got a full night's sleep".
"I'm sure you did. There is a certain comfort and peace we find when we're with our loved ones. Just the nearness of them is like a lullaby that sends you into the deepest sleep." Adaeze smiled at her husband who was so interested in his food he didn't notice the smile or the conversation. Then Adaeze turned her attention back to Yoruichi who was feeling a bit uneasy.
How am I supposed to respond to that? Nin Nin you're good, I don't know how you knew where I spent the night, but I am not going to talk about it so stop staring at me. I will not break this time. Yoruichi continued to eat her sandwich.
Not responding and avoiding eye contact give Adaeze all the information she needed. She did not press for a verbal response. A messenger interrupted their lunch to tell Yoruichi that Soi Fon had arrived.
Yoruichi was so glad Soi Fon was there it gave her an excuse to leave. "I will see you all later. Soi Fon wants to get my advice on some dealings with the Onmitsukido.
Renji arrived at the hospital and reported to Byakuya the regarding Ichigo, Ishida, Orihime, and Chad. As much as he hated to admit a part of him still really only wanted to know about Yoruichi. She was the only reason he even had Renji to investigate.
Byakuya handed Renji a list of tasks he needed Renji to do. Renji's eyes widen as he saw the length of the list. He knew several items would need to be completed today but there were even more items to be completed tomorrow. The item that caught Renji attention the most was another report on the invaders.
"Renji tomorrow make sure your report includes all the invaders".
Yoruichi had spent the reminder the day with Soi Fon. Yoruichi knew that if she did not return to the Shihoin manor for at lease a little while Adaeze would know where she was, but it was too late for her to go back. Her time window was about to close and she needed to see Byakuya. Yoruichi hurried to the hospital. She managed to flash step into Byakuya's room just before Hanataro closed the door.
"I really need start training again," a tired Yoruichi leaped on to Byakuya's bed. He was already fast asleep. Yoruichi transformed and laid her hand on his bare chest over his heart. "Byakuya, I never wanted to hurt you. I am sorry I did. Try not to hate me," she whispered.
"Yoruichi" he breathed her name.
"Oh you're dreaming about me Byakuya-bo. I hope it's a good dream", she said as she caressed his cheek transformed back into her cat form and sat on the windowsill until she was ready to go to sleep.
Morning came and this time Yoruichi overslept. She woke up as soon as the door opened. Grey saw her on the bed. Before he could even move she dashed past him so quickly it appeared as if she disappeared from his sight.
Grey shrieked and Blue hurried to see what was wrong with Grey. "What's the matter now?"
"The evil black cat was back", screamed Grey. The sound had awoken Byakuya from another dream about Yoruichi.
"What?"
"Nothing Captain Kuchiki we apologize for awakening you. We'll be back in 20 minutes to change your bandages," said Blue sincerely. She pulled Grey into the hall and closed door. "That's what you get for trying to sneak into see Capt. Kuchiki without me. That imaginary cat is your conscious Grey."
"I am telling you that cat is real. I'll prove it."
Later when they changed Byakuya's bandages Grey gathered evidence. They left Byakuya's room Grey showed Blue the two hairs he found. "Grey one of these hairs is purple and its too long to belong to a cat. A cat would leave more than one hair Grey. I'm telling you it's your overactive imagination and your conscious".
Renji walked up and both Grey and Blue said, "Good Morning Vice Captain Abarai".
Renji replied in kind. After it he entered Byakuya's room it downed on him he never told them his name.
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Part II Shock Gives into Suffering
"Renji"
"Good Morning captain! I have gathered more information on the "invaders". Renji proceeded to give Byakuya a good deal of information on Chad, Ichigo, Ishida, and Orihime. Byakuya only started to pay attention when Renji came to information on Yoruichi. "I was informed that there was a feast celebrating the return of Yoruichi Shihoin at the Shihoin estate after Aizen escaped. The menu consisted of…"
Byakuya stopped listening. So that's why she did not come to see me. She was too busy celebrating. Why should she care now, she didn't back then so I should have known I was not a priority on her list. She's probably hiding out at the Shihoin estate too ashamed to show her face to anyone and she should be.
On yesterday Yoruichi Shihoin spent most of the day with Captain Soi Fon.
What Yoruichi spent the day with Soi Fon. That woman is unbelievable. If Soi Fon is foolish enough to forgive that woman then I wonder about her competency in other areas.
"Yoruichi Shihoin was last seen eating dinner with Capt. Soi Fon, Capt. Ukitake, and Capt. Kyoraku."
That woman was out having dinner with them while I was stuck here alone in a hospital room. Byakuya's jaw tightened and a new frown appeared on his face.
"Is everything ok captain? Are you in pain? Do you need me to get someone?"
Byakuya took a moment to breath before responding, "I am ok Renji. Hand me the reports I need and you can leave to finish your other assignments."
Renji did as he was told and left Byakuya to work on his reports. Byakuya worked on his reports for the rest of the day. When night fell he was still upset over Yoruichi's actions. He just wanted to continue working and not think about it. He had sent Hanataro away two times already. The last thing he wanted to do was sleep since he kept dreaming about her. She was invading his dreams when he was asleep and his thoughts when he was wake. Little did he know she was invading his bed as well.
A little black cat secretly walked the halls of the Seireitei's hospital. She was unseen and undetected by almost everyone, everyone but Byakuya. He knew she was coming he felt her move closer. So now she decides to come. It's too late. The door opened Byakuya turned quickly to find young officer Hanataro, the same dark haired young officer that stood by Rukia on the Senzaikyuu. Could Hanataro be in on it, no he didn't know who she was. Hanataro gave Byakuya his sedative.
Hanataro gave Byakuya a nerves smile. "Good evening Capt. Kuchiki", said Hanataro as he left the room. As soon as Hanataro closed the door the little black cat jumped on Byakuya's bed. She was surprised to find him awake.
Byakuya wasn't sure which was worse the pain ripping his side or the anger that was boiling within. In a calm but bitter tone Byakuya asked, "What do you want?"
"Well that's a fine welcome", said Yoruichi as she made herself comfortable at the foot of the bed.
"My apologize, I should've said get the hell out of my bed. You're not welcomed in my life, " he said with his words biting his anger.
In the past Yoruichi would tease and make Byakuya angry just to get under his skin. She used to like being the one to light that fire in him, but this was not a fire. It was a cold bitter quiet anger. There was no fire in his eyes, only darkness. "Byakuya I didn't come to fight. I came to-
"See how much damage you new khoai caused? You just wanted to see how much stronger you made him, maybe to gloat. Maybe you just wanted know why your new student didn't kill me. Maybe you've come here tonight to admire Ichicmaru's work. You never thought I could hold my own against him anyway. You were one of the ones to refer to Gin as a prodigy. You should've come a few days ago when the wound was fresh and wouldn't stop bleeding. Then you could've truly admired it. Now all you can do is say I told you so and have your big laugh about me taken down by both Ichigo and Gin in the same day."
He's upset it's understandable. I have to be the one to remain calm". No Byakuya, I came to because of you. I wanted to see how you were doing. You know I would never come here to rub what happened in you face."
"That's just it I don't know you. I never knew you. The Yoruichi I knew would've never left. She supposedly cared about me, but she wasn't real. She was just a façade for some bit-", he mashed his teeth together biting the wore "to use me".
Yoruichi felt her calmness slipping away. She took a deep breath. "Wait just a minute Byakuya, if I didn't care about you I wouldn't be here. If what we had wasn't real then would've-"
"Don't lie you don't care you've never cared anything about me. You want to talk about "real" you couldn't even come here as woman you came as cat. Too ashamed to show me your face or are you too ashamed to be seen in my room?"
Yoruichi replied with a slightly raised voice, "Byakuya, how can you say that?"
"Cause it's the truth, something you know nothing about."
Yoruichi stood up. You don't know the sacrifices I have made. "I know the more about the truth than you want to know, and I protected you from it but now-"
"You protected me, no you stole from me." His left eye began to twitch. He grabbed the covers, clenching his fist. The anger he felt for decades was sipping through. "Leave!"
Yoruichi moved closer to him and tried to remain calm. "Byakuya I know you're upset and I am sor-"
His words became more bitter, "Sorry, you think I want an apology. It's a 100 years too late to apologize. I just want you to leave me alone."
Byakuya was becoming more upset he clenched the covers so hard Yoruichi saw his knuckles turn white. "Byakuya calm down or you'll reopen your wound." Her advice fell on deaf ears.
"I SAID LEAVE", yelled Byakuya.
Yoruichi started to counter but then she saw the blood sip through his clothing. I should've known it was too soon. Yoruichi leaped onto the windowsill. She turned to him and said, "Good-bye, Byakuya", in a monotone lifeless voice.
"Humph, it's too late for a good-bye, " he replied without looking at her.
Yoruichi left without another word. She hurried back to the Shihoin estate. This time she was looking forward to tomorrow. Tomorrow meant she would return to the human world. Tomorrow meant she wouldn't have to deal with the questions she couldn't answer. Tomorrow meant she didn't have to see Byakuya. That night both Yoruichi and Byakuya cried the worse kind of tears, the kind you can't see.
A/N: We all knew the blow up was coming sooner or later. It's all part of the process. There are several steps we go through when grieving for the lost of a love one or a love. After shock/denial comes the longest stage suffering. Byakuya and Yoruichi are in the suffering stage. Suffering includes pain physical and emotional, sadness, anger, guilt, and intense emotions. Good news is that it is part of the healing process. The only question is where will it lead them? As always I look forward to hearing from you. Please post a review or comment. Feel free to send PMs as well.