Disclaimer: I do not on Bleach just my original characters.
A/N: I am back sorry for the delay in updating. Thanks so much for the reviews, alerts, and favs I really appreciate them. They are quite motivating :) So now then lets swing the pendulum forward to Byakuya and Yoruichi's future.
The battle was over but not the war. Aizen's was still alive somewhere and that meant the war was not over. Many lives were changed Aizen's plans, but for now the Soul Society and Karakura Town would take time to heal from the battle scars of war.
Byakuya had been injured during the battle. This time the injury was not as serve. Byakuya lay asleep in his hospital bed dreaming of Yoruichi, of her smile. He'd carried the vision of her with him throughout the battle with Aizen's army. That same vision of Yoruichi standing with her ponytail blowing to the side and that smile, his smile first invaded his mind while he fought against the 7th Espada. Byakuya used the Way of Onmitsu, 3rd of the Shihou, Utsusemi to escape a fatal blow from the self-proclaimed fastest amongst all the Espada, Zommari Leroux. Yoruichi invaded Byakuya's mind the moment Byakuya started telling the dark skinned muscular Espada about the move his used to avoid being taken down by Zommari's blade.
It also didn't help that she gave that same smile on the battlefield. His mind started to fill with images from the battle. Then it happened like a cool breeze Byakuya felt Yoruichi's presence caress him until he whispered her name. His mind still in a daze as he woke up and saw Capt. Unohana standing next him. He blinked in disbelief that was not the spiritual pressure that woke him. He knew that spiritual pressure. Byakuya still somewhat in a daze looked to the foot of his bed and saw a little black cat. "Yo-Yoruichi," muttered Byakuya with is eyes half opened.
"Capt. Kuchiki you're a wake, how are you?" Capt. Unohana's voice was warm and caring.
"I am fine."
"That's good to know," responded Yoruichi. "Did you have a nice dream about me?" Yoruichi playful asked as she moved further up the bed towards him.
Byakuya frowned at the little black cat staring at him. Of course she'd come as a cat. "Dream, why would I dream about a cat? Yoruichi, why are you here?"
Both Unohana and Yoruichi noticed Byakuya did not answer the question. So you did dream about me Byakuya-bo. I wonder if was a good or a bad dream. "I came to see how you were doing," she said as she placed her paw gently just above his knee.
Capt. Unohana cleared her throat. "Capt. Kuchiki I'll back. You enjoy spending time with your guest." She quickly left the room.
There was an awkward silence between Byakuya and Yoruichi. Yoruichi had planned to leave before Byakuya woke up but Unohana discovered Yoruichi in Byakuya's bed that morning. The dark haired captain of the 4th Division was as clever as she was beautiful she managed to keep Yoruichi in the room until Byakuya woke up.
Yoruichi wasn't ready to talk to Byakuya again. Plus she did not know how he would react to her presence. Their last encounter in the very same hospital room was still fresh in her mind despite the time that had past. Yes they fought side-by-side during the battle with Aizen and his army, but he and she had not been alone since their previous training session. Yoruichi had to say some things during that training session that Byakuya may not have appreciated but in her mind it was exactly what he needed to hear. So the once senpai and kohai just sat saying nothing and avoiding eye contact, but as luck would have it the silence between them would soon be interrupted. Just down the hall the perfect distraction was coming with a new look but same old attitude.
"Blue I'll see you later. It's time for me to check on Capt. Kuchiki", said Grey with a smug smile and wink. He knew Blue had to finish helping with members of the 11th Division and they were so demanding and so needy that it would just be him with Capt. Kuchiki this morning. He was so giddy he even flashed his pearly whites at Red, his arch nemesis in the 4th Division, and gave a glorious hello everyone on his way to Byakuya's room.
Yoruichi heard Grey coming. Just before the door opened she dug quickly underneath Byakuya's covers.
Yoruichi's move surprised Byakuya. "What the-?" Byakuya was stopped by Grey's grand entrance.
Grey struck one of his dynamic poses and lean against the doorway. He flipped his newly colored purple bangs. He struck yet another pose and held up a sponge. " So are you ready Cap-tain Kuchiii-ki?" Grey walked slowly towards the bed. Yoruichi could see the confused look on Byakuya's face, she could barely hold in her laughter. When she could not contain her laughter any longer she came quickly from under the covers and looked at Grey. Grey stumbled backwards and stuttered, "Ccccccat". Grey fell backwards on his bum. Yoruichi moved to the edge the bed hunched her back and twitched her tailed. She looked down on poor Grey with a piercing stare. Grey could not even get up he stumbled and scurried on all fours until he reached the door. He finally managed to pull himself up and got out of the room as soon as quick as he could.
After the door closed Yoruichi laughed and laughed. She laughed so hard she was rolling on her back across the bed. That was the laugh Byakuya remembered the one full of joy. It warmed his soul a little hearing her laugh like that and for the first time in a long time he was tempted to laugh too. All Byakuya could do was watch as the little black cat rolled back and forth. Yoruichi finally stopped and caught her breath she slanted her eyes to the side, "That's what he gets for calling me evil." Yoruichi turned her attention back to Byakuya who was still staring at her. She knew it was time for her to go. She wish she could stay just a little longer, but she had to prepare for her meeting with the Shihoin elders at noon. This was going to be an official meeting; Ai was coming from the Royal Realm. Yet again it was time for her to tell Byakuya good-bye. "Byakuya, I have to go," she said but did not move. She just sat there waiting for a response from Byakuya.
A part of Byakuya was hoping Yoruichi would stay a bit longer but the other part of him wanted her to leave he was feeling too comfortable with her in his bed. Despite being in cat form it was still Yoruichi and she was in his bed. "I see, then good-bye," he said as he tried to hide the disappointment in his voice.
Yoruichi still heard something in his voice she wasn't sure what it was but she did note that his words held no anger or bitterness. "Ok, I'll leave you to your sponge bath Cap-tain Kuchiii-ki", said Yoruichi as she played with the sponge Grey dropped on the bed. She started laughing again. This time Byakuya quickly lifted his covers tossing Yoruichi from the bed. Yoruichi landed on her feet. She turned and looked at Byakuya and for a second it looked as if he was smiling. "Good thing cats always land on their feet".
Byakuya started to comment but there was a knock at the door. "Come in" said Yoruichi and as soon as the door was opened she was gone. It was Blue and Grey. Unseen Yoruichi streak passed them.
"Grey!" Blue flared her nostrils and breathed heavily.
"I swear Blue that evil black cat was in here. Ask Capt. Kuchiki, he saw it." Grey turned quickly to Byakuya who was trying his best to ignore both Grey and Blue. Grey's eyes pleaded with Byakuya to support his claim.
"He is correct there was a cat," responded Byakuya in a very nonchalant tone.
"Ha Ha see I told you so and it was the same cat that was here last time. Don't ever doubt me again, Blue, " he said as he tossed his bangs, folded his arms and tilted his head slightly to the side.
"I still say during Capt. Kuchiki's last stay it was just your imagination since" she poked Grey in the stomach "since you were the only to see that cat."
"The last time," Byakuya interjected.
Blue turned to Byakuya smiled and fluttered her eyelashes. "Yes, Grey claimed there was a cat in your bed every morning the last time you were here". Blue rolled her eyes at Grey.
"That cat was at the foot of the bed every morning I swear!" Grey threw his arms up in the air to make his point.
Blue poked Grey in the shoulder and questioned, "Then why wasn't the cat here the last morning when I opened the door?"
"I don't know. It just wanted make me look bad. "
"Believe me, if there was a cat Grey it would not care about you."
Grey and Blue continued to argue but Byakuya ignored the rest of Grey and Blue's argument. He was too lost in his own thoughts. Yoruichi was here every morning. That's why she said he called her evil. She must have scared him every morning. She wasn't there that last morning cause I'd sent her away. That means I wasn't just dreaming. I really did feel her. He placed his hand gently on the spot where Yoruichi last sat. She was here, but why did she come only at night, only when I was asleep?
"Captain Kuchiki, Captain Kuchiki," said Unohana bringing Byakuya back to reality.
"Yes," responded Byakuya still slightly in a daze.
"Your wounds are healing nicely. It looks as if you will be going home today".
Both Blue and Grey let a loud audible "Ooooh" in disappointment.
Byakuya did not even notice Blue and Grey's disappointed pouty faces his mind went right back to the little black cat that just left his room.
That little black cat was glad to be home. Yoruichi made it back in time to change and have brunch with her grandparents. Yoruichi watched, as all the servants seemed quite frantic over making everything perfect for Ai's visit. Everyone in the Shihoin clan with the exception of Yoruichi and her grandparents seemed overly stressed by the visit.
"They're all running around like a bunch of chickens with their heads cut off. Unbelievable!" Emeka took a sip of his miso soup.
"Honey, they don't have the advantage of being you." Adaeze smiled at Emeka. "You know how much she loves you, she's your aunt and godmother. You see her as a second mom while the others see her as the powerful Ai, the matriarch of the Shihoin clan. She is the queen of the Shihoin clan remember. Besides you're happy to see her as well". She winked at her husband who could not contain his smile.
"I have to admit I am looking forward to seeing auntie. I mean Ai. It's been almost a 100 years." Emeka turned his attention to Yoruichi. "Baby girl how do you feel? Everyone knows Ai is only coming to make sure no one dares to try and stand in the way of you becoming the head of the Shihoin clan again. It's not like anyone would dare try anyway."
"I know Pa Pa, that's why I think she's coming for another reason. I am happy since all the drama surrounding a 100 years has finally been brought to light. Kisuke, Tessai, and the others have been cleared for the most part, but no one knows what will happen next. All the captains except for Yamamoto still do not know the full truth about what happen that night. That leaves me with some concern, but I will say it does feel good knowing that the Shihoin clan still has its rightful place and that we continued to stand when others would've fallen."
"See that is why you're the perfect person to lead the Shihoin clan into the future." Adaeze looked over to Yoruichi who couldn't help but smile from Adaeze's statement. "I've not seen you smile like that in years, for a hundred years", Adaeze cupped her granddaughter's face and smiled, "your smiles never seemed to come for your soul Yoruichi. I've missed that." She let Yoruichi's face go. "Speaking of smiles, how was Capt. Kuchiki doing this morning?'
Yoruichi was shocked by her grandmother's question. Why do I even bother trying to hide anything from you? Yoruichi started to say something when Emeka interjected.
"Smiles and Kuchiki aren't supposed to even be in the same sentence." He smiled and winked at his granddaughter.
Adaeze patted her husband lightly on his arm. "Hush, Emeka".
"I am telling the truth how many times have you seen a Kuchiki smile or have fun? Their family's responsibility is keeping the history of the Soul Society cause anything else would be too exciting".
Both Adaeze and Yoruichi had to laugh at Emeka's last comment. Emeka joined in and their laughter filled the room. Then a servant walked in and signaled it was time, Ai would be arriving soon and everything must be ready. Each of them went to prepare for Ai's arrival.
Yoruichi thought about Adaeze's question as she walked down the long hall to her bedroom. I wonder how Byakuya will feel about my return?
Byakuya had just arrived home when a familiar voice called out to him. Byakuya turned to find his grandfather. "Good day grandfather. What brings you by?"
"We need to talk about the Kuchiki/Shihion relations." The old man didn't ignore the shocked look on Byakuya's face. He sighed and walked passed Byakuya into the office. "I guess you don't know. Yoruichi has returned and will be taking back her position as head of the Shihoin clan. It's not official yet but I believe that it will happen and happen soon. There have been rumors that Yoruichi would takeover as head of the clan since it was made known that Aizen killed the Central 46." Ginrei sat down in front of Byakuya's desk.
Byakuya took a seat as well. "Have you spoken to the other elders about this?"
"No, they will find out when everything is official. I wanted to come to you first because you will be the one having the most contact with her. I wanted to make sure you could handle it." Ginrei looked at Byakuya directly in his eyes waiting for his reaction.
"You have nothing to worry about grandfather. I can handle Yoruichi, " Byakuya answered in a smug tone.
"That's what I am worried, you can't handle Yoruichi, no one can and I am worried you can't handle "you" around her either." Ginrei noticed Byakuya's raised eyebrow. "Byakuya, Yoruichi does something to you and she always has. When you were young and rash it may have been excusable but now you are the head of the Kuchiki clan. You are a good clan leader but unless you admit that Yoruichi does have a different affect on you then you will always be a victim of it".
"Grandfather I will never be a victim of anything dealing with Yoruichi. She is just like any other clan leader. Our meetings will be formal and professional, if she can handle that. That woman has no hold or control over me". Byakuya faced frowned and his voice got a little louder but it was still not a yell. "She may have once had a place in my life but no more. I don't care that she's back".
Ginrei slowly raised himself out of the chair. "I've seen all I needed to see. I am going home." His grandfather left without another word.
"That Yoruichi Shihoin is, " Byakuya stopped when he noticed Rukia standing in the doorway
"Is everything ok nii-sama?" the petite dark haired questioned from the doorway.
"Yes", said Byakuya as he motioned for Rukia to come in.
"Nii-sama I just wanted to see how you were doing." She quietly stood by his desk waiting for a response.
"I am fine, Rukia". Rukia and those ryoka are close she may know if what grandfather said about Yoruichi staying is true and not a rumor. "Rukia have you heard anything about Yoruichi staying in the Soul Society?"
"No but it would be great if she did stay."
"You like Yoruichi?"
"Yes Yoruichi-dono is the one who trained Chad, Orihime", she paused and smiled as she remembered Ichigo coming to rescue her just before her life would've been taken, "and Ichigo".
Byakuya shifted his eyes downward, "I see".
Rukia realized that must have been hard for Byakuya to hear. "She also saved the both of us", Rukia's eyes lit up. "After you saved me from Gin, Aizen was about unsheathe his zanpaktou when Yoruichi-dono stepped in between us and him, somehow she was able to stop him. Capt. Soi Fon got Aizen from behind and he could not move".
Byakuya's eyes widen and he turned his head to the side and downward to hide his shock from Rukia. She protected us, she protected me from Aizen, and she stopped him. Yoruichi probably saw it only as a chance to get Aizen but still she step in between Aizen and us. No I am not going to do this, I've already made up my mind about Yoruichi. Byakuya started working on an old report on his desk to take his mind off Yoruichi.
"I'll leave you to your work nii-sama." Rukia quietly moved away from the desk. She looked back at Byakuya once she reached the doorway. She thought for a moment Byakuya said something. She looked back and saw that he appeared to be engrossed in his work. Rukia left without another word.
Rukia was right Byakuya did say something. Byakuya was trying to convince himself that Yoruichi staying would not change anything. So what if she stays, it does not change the past. She left because of traitors. They may have helped during the battle with Aizen but that was out of necessity. They probably realized the errors of their ways and now want to restore themselves. It does not make a difference she left the Soul Society, her clan, and Yoruichi left me. "No, I have not changed my mind Yoruichi Shihoin is-"
"Excuse me captain."
Byakuya looked up to see Renji standing in the doorway. "Come in Renji."
"Captain I was asked to give you this," said Renji as he handed Byakuya a message. Renji waited a Byakuya read the message. The red headed vice captain watched but there was no change of expression on Byakuya's face.
So the elders want to meet. Byakuya was so focused on the message he almost forgot Renji was standing there. "Is there anything else Renji?" Byakuya questioned without looking up from the message.
"No captain," responded the tattooed shinigami. "It's just that the messenger that give me the message made it seem as if the message was of great urgency".
Byakuya finally looked up from the message. "It is nothing to be concerned about Renji. You may leave," Byakuya responded with a stone face.
"Yes, captain" Renji quickly left the room.
Byakuya was left alone once again with only his thoughts. He picked up the message and said, "I wonder how long you'll stay this time Yoruichi Shihoin.
A/N:
Velveteen: A time skip, huh I thought we going to go to HM or something
Peace in Chaos: Time to move forward, who knows maybe we'll visit HM in a flashback
Velveteen: I also noticed you changed from angst to drama does that mean Byakuya's not going to have an emotional breakdown and they can go to a happy place?
Miko: Yeah it's about damn time. I was worried you were going to make Bya emo or something.
Peace in Chaos: Miko you're here too well, well that's just great. Velveteen you'll just have to wait and see where they go from here. Byakuya did learn that Yoruichi saved him from Aizen. I just had to add that in after we talked about it on the FC I don't think many noticed
Miko: Whatever go ahead and ask for comments, reviews, blah, blah, so you can go ahead and start on the next chapter.
Peace in Chaos: Miko I certainly can count on you to keep a schedule. Anywho, please leave your comments, reviews, send PMs I still enjoy hearing from you guys. Thanks for waiting and reading