Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
AN: Thanks again to all of you that have fav, saved as alert, and/or left a review.
Yoruichi sat comfortably surrounded by her new bodyguards. A week had past and everything was going well for Yoruichi and the Shihoin clan. The transition of the Onmitsukido moving back under the Shihoin clan was going quite smoothly. Yoruichi had gained the respect of even the newest recruits by single-handily taking down 30 militia members in a demonstration. Most of the heads of the noble houses had already reached out and welcomed Yorucihi back as well. She did find it somewhat bothersome that one house in particular had not made any effort to extend a welcome. Yoruichi sighed heavily as she twirled the red hair tie in hand.
Emeka tried to quickly grab the hair tie but Yoruichi was too quick and tucked it away before he could grab it. "Is life as commander so boring now you have to occupy yourself with a piece of string?" He laughed.
Yoruichi joined in with the laughter. "I guess it's an old habit from my days as a cat," Yoruichi replied sarcastically.
"Oh in that case I'll take it and throw it away. You won't be needing it anymore."
Yoruichi looked down at the red hair tie tangled amongst her fingers smiled and replied, "Pa Pa I think I'll hold on to this just a little longer." She gripped the hair tie tightly in her hand. Yoruichi looked up at her grandfather and gave him a big smile. "Pa Pa what brings you over?"
"Can't I just come to visit my lovely granddaughter?" He smiled flashing his trademark dimples.
"Nin Nin is the only one who falls for that smile you know." She winked and smiled back at her grandfather.
"Actually, I came to give you this", he handed Yoruichi an envelope, "it's from Ginrei Kuchiki".
A very upset Ginrei Kuchiki had taken over Byakuya's home office "I can't believe him. Yoruichi took over as head of the Shihoin clan a week ago and Byakuya still hasn't reached out to her as head of the Kuchiki clan". Ginrei sighed heavily as he sat Byakuya's desk.
Rukia heard a noise in Byakuya's home office. The petite raven-haired girl quickly went to investigate hoping to find her big brother there. She popped her head in and expected to find her dark haired brother working hard as usual but instead she saw her gray haired adoptive grandfather sitting at Byakuya's desk. Rukia froze in place.
Despite not looking up from his work Ginrei noticed Rukia immediately. "Oh Rukia, come in. I need your help with something."
Rukia walked in slowly. She felt her nerves began to flutter. In her 40 years as member of the Kuchiki clan she'd never spent one moment alone with Ginrei. Ginrei was far more intimidating to the petite girl then Byakuya had ever been. "Hello Ginrei-sama. What can I help you with?"
"Please take a seat." Ginrei waited for Rukia to sit then showed her the speech he was working on. "See I need this to sound more sincere and less formal. Do you think you can help me do that?"
"Yes." She smiled at the older Kuchiki. Then started immediately working on Ginrei's speech.
A few moments later Byakuya walked in to his office and was surprised to find that it had been taken over by his grandfather and sister. Both Ginrei and Rukia looked at Byakuya as if he interrupted an important private meeting. Byakuya moved further in and was about to speak but Ginrei started first.
"Byakuya I was very disappointed to find that you have not meet with Yoruichi Shihoin on behalf of the clan. Byakuya she's been back in her role for over a week now" Ginrei gave Byakuya a stern look, "even some of the heads of the lower noble houses have paid her visit. The Kuchiki clan is one of the four great noble houses we should not be last Byakuya we should've been the first to visit", said Ginrei as he meet Byakuya's eyes with a piercing stare.
Rukia tried to continue working on the speech. It was very uncomfortable seeing Ginrei chastise Byakuya. She tried to ignore their conversation but it did not work she just sat and watched in amazement as Ginrei spoke and Byakuya listened.
Byakuya did not try to stare down his grandfather but he did not look away. His response was monotone as usual, "Grandfather, I will meet with Yoruichi when necessary in a formal clan meeting."
"Byakuya the necessary time is now. You are again letting your emotions and your past with Yoruichi get in the way. I thought you said you could handle it," said Ginrei holding Byakuya in his stare.
Rukia could not believe what she just heard. She looked wide-eyed at her brother and noticed the muscle under his jaw twitch and realized he was upset. She knew instantly Ginrei was speaking the truth there was some kind of emotional past between Yoruichi and Byakuya. Byakuya's behavior during his encounter with Yoruichi on the bridge always puzzled Rukia but she was so grateful that Byakuya was unable to catch Yoruichi and Ichigo that day she never questioned the events, but now she couldn't help but think there was a lot more going on then she saw on the surface.
Byakuya drew in a deep breath to calm himself before he responded to Ginrei's acquisitions. Byakuya sharply responded, " Grandfather I can handle that woman. I told you that. I will meet with Yoruichi Shihoin for the sake of the clan. The meeting will be formal and professional".
"Good Byakuya we'll leave in a few minutes. Yoruichi is already expecting me to visit for tea this afternoon and this is as good a time as any to meet with her". Ginrei ignored Byakuya's look of surprise. "I hope you're not planning on wearing that."
"Grandfather, this meeting will be formal meeting not a social call."
"Byakuya I was just referring to your haori and uniform, we are going as representatives of the Kuchiki clan not the Gotei". Ginrei watched as Byakuya face changed. Byakuya did not seem as defensive anymore. "Why don't go and freshen up while Rukia finishes helping me with the speech and welcome for Yoruichi."
Rukia watched as Byakuya left the room without protest.
Byakuya started walking back to his room. I am not in the mood to deal with Yoruichi Shihoin, but I cannot avoid this for the sake of the clan. I definitely won't be staying for tea. Byakuya walked into his room and removed his haori. While in his closet he looked at some of his other clothing, but decided quickly not to change he wanted this meeting to remain professional. He decided to just keep on his uniform. He quickly put his haori back on he did not want Yoruichi to think he put any special effort into this meeting.
Byakuya returned to his office in exactly five minutes. Ginrei looked at Byakuya's captain's uniform and sighed. Ginrei picked up the index cards Rukia made and said, "Let's go Byakuya."
Meanwhile Yoruichi waited for Ginrei's visit for tea. She wasn't really surprised when she received the message Ginrei wanted to stop by for tea. Many nobles had come to see Yoruichi in the past few days and as the head of the Shihoin clan she played the gracious host. Clan heads were not the only ones to visit members of the Gotei also came to visit. Yoruichi had just had tea with captains Ukitake, Unohana, and Kyōraku yesterday as well as a strange visit from Captain Mayuri Kurotuchi, the Soul Society's resident mad scientist. The black and white painted captain of the 12th Division asked a number of questions regarding the hollowfication process Aizen used to transform the Vizards. Yoruichi referred him to Kisuke of course, which sent Mayuri storming off back to the 12 Division headquarters. Yoruichi was quite pleased to see the blue haired scientist leave. Yoruichi had had at least 50 guests in the past week, but the one guest she'd hope to see never came by and didn't even send a message. Even Ginrei's message today made no mention that he'd be coming to tea as well.
Byakuya and Ginrei made it to the Onmitsukido headquarters in 10 minutes and were escorted immediately to Yoruichi's meeting area. Just before Byakuya and Ginrei walked in to the Yoruichi's meeting area Ginrei quickly handed Byakuya the index cards with the Kuchiki welcome speech. "It'll be better if you to read it Byakuya the script is too small for my eyes."
Yoruichi's two athletically built guards Kai and Chai kneeled on each side of Yoruichi never taking their eyes off the Kuchiki men as they approached the Shihoin princess. The difference in Yoruichi's size and the guards made Yoruichi look small and delicate. Yoruichi sat very confidently and poised in her emerald seat of high authority between the two guards. She was pleased to see that Byakuya had come along with Ginrei, but that feeling changed as soon as she saw his face. Yoruichi knew the moment she saw tightness under his jaw and the downward shift in Byakuya's brow there was no doubt he was not happy to be there and he did not want to see her. Ginrei had the same serious face always had but his old eyes expressed a certain politeness.
"Good day, Ginrei-sama, Byakuya", Yoruichi smiled as she greeted them.
Yoruichi-sama it is a pleasure as always," said Ginrei as a slight smile caused his grey full mustache to move up a little. "Byakuya and I wanted to welcome you back on behalf of the Kuchiki clan". Ginrei looked over Byakuya who was looking down at the index cards Ginrei had given him earlier. Ginrei cleared his throat and Byakuya looked up at his grandfather. Ginrei tried to subtlety nod his head towards Yoruichi to indicate to Byakuya it was his time to speak.
Byakuya immediately looked down at the first index card. I wish I'd had time to at least read through the speech, but I am sure grandfather did a fine job writing this. Byakuya started reading in a very formal voice void of any type of enthusiasm or emotion. "There has been a long standing bond between the Kuchiki clan and Shihoin clan for many generations. Despite the changing of clan heads and the changing of the world around us that bond has remained. As the head of the Kuchiki clan I would like to assure you that our bond still remains strong," Byakuya read back over the previous line quickly. Grandfather never meant to give this speech. Byakuya looked up at Yoruichi smiling him and quickly looked back down and changed to the next card "If you and I work closely together I am sure we can make the bond not only stronger but wonderful".
The confused look on Byakuya's face was more than enough to let Yoruichi know he did not write the speech. She found it to be amusing and giggled a little after seeing his facial expressions while reading the speech. During her giggle she wiggled her toes and that's when Byakuya really noticed her. He had been so busy concentrating on the meeting and the speech he did not fully notice the woman sitting less than five feet away from him.
At first he noticed her small delicate feet. He'd never noticed before when she didn't wear shoes he couldn't believe he actually thought her toes were cute. To take his mind off of her feet his eyes roomed up her body and stopped at her ample cleavage. He'd forgotten how well she filled out that uniform as well as how revealing it was without a haori. Why wasn't she at least wearing that loud orange jacket? It's a Secret Ops uniform it's not supposed to be sensual. Byakuya forced himself to move is eyes upward but his eyes didn't move to far up as notice she was once again wearing her chocker. The same chocker that always intrigued him in his youth. Byakuya started to imagine removing that same choker. However he did not let the thrill overtake him and shook the thought quickly. He tried to look away from Yoruichi but couldn't as he admired her perfect shoulders. Yoruichi's rich mocha skin seemed to be begging for his touch. He ran his eyes over more of her bare skin. Byakuya's eyes stopped roaming across her body as Yoruichi began to speak. His eyes found their way to her mouth. Her lips entranced him. The movement of her mouth and the smile that would sometimes dance across her lips made him think of things that were not in the least bit formal or professional. Then Byakuya realized she was talking and he had not heard a word she said. Is she talking to me, to grandfather. Byakuya pulled himself out his trance turned his head and looked at his grandfather.
"Byakuya"
His name slipped from her lips and sent a sensual shiver down his spine. He could not believe she was having that effect on him. She'd been back less than a week and his old teenage urges were trying to take hold. The moment was too nostalgic. He could not believe it the ironclad self-control he was known for was losing to a teenage fantasy. Byakuya started reciting his mantra. Yoruichi Shihoin is not beautiful; she is an evil demon cat. It worked many times before when he was young he certainly hoped it would work now. He refused to show any interest in Yoruichi especially with his grandfather there watching him like a hawk. He closed his eyes and continued going over his mantra in his mind.
Yoruichi hated being ignored and Byakuya was doing just that. His ignoring her was really starting to piss her off. I can't believe him. Byakuya why do I even bother? You're too stubborn to even deal with. She crossed her arms and drew in her legs and glared at Byakuya who did not even noticed because he had his eyes closed and was looking down.
Ginrei couldn't believe Byakuya's behavior. It wasn't like Byakuya. The last time Byakuya was behaved similar to this was the night of Yoruichi's birthday party over 110 years ago. Ginrei eyes lit up as he realized what happened. Ginrei had watched Byakuya carefully that night he remembered his weird behavior. Ginrei shook his head he couldn't believe that Byakuya's coping mechanism was just to ignore Yoruichi. Ginrei patted Byakuya on the back. "Byakuya?"
Byakuya turned quickly and addressed Ginrei, "Yes, grandfather."
He really is ignoring me. Yoruichi took a deep breath.
Ginrei sighed. "Forgive him Yoruichi Byakuya has been working quite a bit."
"Byakuya-bo you're still quite the workaholic and rude brat I see."
Byakuya-bo, Byakuya-bo, I am head of the Kuchiki clan and Captain of the 6th Division, Byakuya frowned and turned to face Yoruichi so he could set her straight when it came to addressing him.
Byakuya froze with his frown still in place as he stared at Yoruichi; he noticed her hair for the first time. That long ponytail was no longer there. Her new cut framed her face perfectly giving her a more playful appearance something he had not seen in a very long time. She cut her hair but why? She almost looks exactly the same as she did that night 100 years ago. Damn why don't demon cats age, it's because they're evil. The hair, the uniform, Yoruichi not even you can turn back the hands of time. He gently shook his head to shake the memories of that night from his mind. Byakuya didn't say anything but the look he gave with his tight jaw and defensive glare certainly reiterated how unhappy he was to be in her presence.
Yoruichi rolled her eyes.
Ginrei could feel the tension in the room. He gave Byakuya a slight tap on his shoulder. "Byakuya are you staying for tea with Yorucihi and I or do you have to get back to the 6th Division?"
The tap bought Byakuya back to reality. "No, I have work I need to get back to. I'll leave you to your tea." Byakuya nodded to his grandfather. Byakuya turned to Yoruichi and noticed she did not look happy. He didn't know why but he knew it was time for him to leave so he ignored her frown and started to turn away. Just as Byakuya turned Yoruichi moved her arm and he saw his red hair tie dangle from her wrist. The memories of their last game of tag as senpai and khoai flooded his mind as he quickly left. I can't believe I only lasted 15 minutes. I've got to find a way to deal with that woman. She may look the same but we are no longer the same.
A/N:
Miko and Valveteen: Yoruichi cut her hair!
Peace in Chaos: Yes, she did interestingly enough almost 80% of the members on the Yoruichi FC prefer her with short and sassy hair. Don't worry it's just hair who knows it may grow back before the story ends and if it doesn't well her hair it is still long and luxurious in my other ByaYoru fic Fantasy. I am curious about readers' response to Yoruichi cutting her though :)
Valveteen: I like Ginerai more with each chapter.
Peace in Chaos: Ginrei is a sly fox isn't he ;)
Miko: So that was Byakuya's reaction Yoruichi new look, hmm I mean old look
Peace in Chaos: Yes, Miko, we discussed possible Byakuya reactions on the Byakuya X Yoruichi FC awhile ago to Yoruichi cutting her hair. Miko I bet you thought I'd go all emo tragic or something didn't you. That it would only bring him sad memories ;p I wanted to go a different route he felt something in his kinda Déjà vu like moment but not sadness. However it is Byakuya he didn't let any of that show. Now you'll have to see if that attitude turns and bits him in his butt.
Thanks for reading the story please a review, comment, or PM