Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach but I do own QT and Feke
AN: OK, I received some interesting response regarding QT which is good. I really wanted to have this chapter up this weekend, so you guys could have something soon. Thanks again for all the reviews, favs, alerts, PM, and comments.
It was day seven and Yoruichi would be returning to the Soul Society. Byakuya sat his desk and tried to concentrate on the paperwork before him. No matter how hard he tried to push Yoruichi out of his mind he couldn't. He found himself constantly searching for her spiritual pressure. He had not done that since her disappearance when everyday he searched for her. Today was different, he knew she was coming back and a part of him was excited by the thought. Byakuya had buried that part of him long ago, but since Yoruichi's return that part had been fighting harder and harder to break through to the surface. That part of him only cared about their days of play and the good times they shared together and not that sadness he felt when she ran away.
Byakuya sighed as he stared at a blank sheet of paper. Yoruichi Shihoin you're not even here and you're distracting to me from my work. What an annoying demon cat?
Renji interrupted Byakuya's thoughts. "Excuse me, Captain Kuchiki."
Byakuya held up his head. "Come in Renji."
The red headed vice captain of the 6th division confidently walked into Byakuya's office with his head held high. Renji handed the Byakuya the report. "Here is my report; everything is going well in Karakura Town."
Byakuya took the report and placed it down without looking at it. "Is that all Renji?"
"Yes, captain."
Byakuya looked Renji in the eye. Sparring with Renji would be the perfect distraction. "Renji it's been quite some time since we sparred and I think now is as good a time as ever to see if your skills have improved."
Renji's eye widen he was not expecting a challenge from Byakuya. His plan was to give Byakuya the report and then meet Hisgai and Kira for sake. "Hmm, sure captain."
Byakuya stood up and walked past a still stunned Renji. "Good then let's go, Renji."
Renji hurried behind Byakuya as Byakuya walked out of the office.
Meanwhile Yoruichi started her last training session with QT. Yoruichi had to admit she was impressed with QT's skills once she got him to put most the energy he was wasting by flirting with her to good use. QT was arrogant and once he learned the way to impress Yoruichi was through his skills and not his mouth the atmosphere at their training sessions changed. He took what she was saying seriously and tried his best to master everything she taught him. Yoruichi certainly respected his effort.
"Ok, QT today is our last day so let's not waste even one second. Let's pick up where we left off, Way of Onmitsu, 3rd of the Shihou, Utsusemi. My last student was able to learn it in a day let's see if you can do the same."
Yoruichi didn't say the name but QT knew exactly who Yoruichi was talking about. He gritted his teeth. She'd mentioned Byakuya three times in seven days and that was three times too many for QT. Despite the fact that Yoruichi never mentioned Byakuya in a way to put QT down he still hated that she spoke of Byakuya. He hated the look in her eye when she said "Byakuya" there was always a certain fondness. The one thing QT hated was having to live up to another man's image. It was enough being the talented nephew of the soul king. "Don't worry, not only will I learn it I'll master it." QT stared Yoruichi in the eye.
She could see the fire and ambition burning in QT's eyes from a few feet away. She smiled and said, "Good then let's go, QT."
While Yoruichi and QT were just getting started Byakuya and Renji were getting close to the end. Both the captain and vice captain were head to head, bankai to bankai, Hihiō Zabimaru vs. Senbonzakura Kageyoshi for 15 minutes now. It was wearing them both out, but the crowds of 6th Division spectators were very happy to see such a thrilling fight up close. They cheered every time it looked as if Renji would one up Byakuya and would ooh every time Byakuya come back. Suddenly an ocean wave of tiny pink blades came crashing down on Renji. The other 6th Division members gasped at the sight of the huge pink wave of destruction. They knew it was over for Renji but they were wrong as Zabimaru opened is its boney mouth and a huge red ball dense concentrated spiritual energy came blasting through breaking up the wave and almost hitting Byakuya. The 6th Division members frantically cheered for Renji, Byakuya countered quickly and used the broken wave of thousands of tiny blades to come on the left and right side of Renji. This time Renji used Zabimaru's huge snake like form to surround him forming a shield and blocked Byakuya's attack.
Byakuya readied to attack again but Ukitake stopped him by patting Byakuya on the shoulder."Byakuya don't you think that is enough for today. Abarai is putting up a good fight but he is clearly worn out."
Byakuya looked over his shoulder and frowned at the friendly white haired captain of the 13 Division.
"Yes, Byakuya you look a little tired too," said Shunsui as he tipped up his straw hat. "You both have put on a good show but poor Abarai looks like he needs a drink". He smiled and stroked the thin lined hair on his chin.
Byakuya snatched his shoulder from Ukitake. "Fine, we'll call it a day Renji." Byakuya walked off without another word.
The two old friends, Ukitake and Shunsui, stared at each other in somewhat disbelief.
"Ukitake, that was easy."
"Yeah, too easy, I wonder what's up with Byakuya."
Byakuya had hope to continue fighting longer as long as he was fighting he didn't have to think about Yoruichi's return. He had to focus on the fight. Renji was not one for speeches so he constantly attacked and that was what Byakuya needed, but now there was only silence as he walked to his office. The thoughts of Yoruichi returning came flooding back and he tried to sense her presence but she was not there. "Why haven't you, return Yoruichi?"
Yoruichi was too busy to return to the Soul Society just yet. She was pushing QT to his limit. She lunged at QT with a knife quickly slashing his red kosode. "QT this is a real knife I almost cut you," said Yoruichi as she pointed the knife at QT.
"Almost, almost only counts in horseshoes." QT smiled flashing his perfect teeth. "QT's speed has been taken down due to a lack of food. QT thinks it would better if we paused and had some lunch."
Yoruichi shook her head gently. "Fine we will break for lunch, but after that no more breaks. I want to make sure you get this before I leave. This move my save your life."
QT moved closer to Yoruichi and looked her in the eye. "I'm moved by your concern." He took her hand "I promise I'll get it", he said with sincerity.
Yoruichi was a little taken back QT had not spoken in first person since she arrived. "QT, I am going to hold you to that promise." She gave him a warm smile.
QT smiled and within seconds servants came with a table, chairs, and food. QT left Yoruichi standing to the side as he directed the servants. It took the servants less than five minutes to change the mostly barren courtyard to a peaceful lunch setting.
Yoruichi walked over and QT pulled out her seat. "I see you had this all planned," she said as she sat at the table.
"One thing QT knows is about the ladies". He smiled and uncovered the first dish it was grilled salmon. Yoruichi smiled and he noticed. He then poured Yoruichi a cold glass of milk from a frosty milk bottle. "Only the best for the Goddess of Flash."
QT and Yoruichi continued their lunch. It was a nice lunch QT behaved like the perfect gentleman. Once lunch was over they went back to training and to QT's surprise Yoruichi was even tougher on a full stomach
Byakuya on the other decided to work through lunch. He decided that now would be the best time to go through the old records and documents in the 6th Division's storage facility. Yes it was boring and monotonous but the perfect distraction from Yoruichi. Every time Byakuya's mind wondered to Yoruichi he just picked up a new stack of documents and started reading. Byakuya had managed to organize two days worth of work in just a few hours. When he left the storage area again he searched for Yoruichi's spiritual pressure but there was nothing. The sun was going down and still no Yoruichi. That part of him that was excited she was coming back became a little more anxious.
"Hey, Byakuya" a voice called out Byakuya. Byakuya turned to see Ukitake and Shunsui walking towards him. "Shunsui and I wanted to know if you'd like to join us for a drink."
"No", Byakuya abruptly responded and started to turn around.
Shunsui grabbed Byakuya's shoulder before he could turn. "Come now Byakuya even you need to take a break and take your mind off of things."
Take my mind off of Yoruichi. "One drink"
Shunsui smiled and tipped his hat downward. The two men led Byakuya to their favorite restaurant, Yasu's. When they walked in all eyes were on Byakuya. The whispers and wide eyed looks started as soon as Byakuya stepped in the door. Byakuya's clan owned the restaurant but Byakuya never once bothered to visit the restaurant. The restaurant was small compared to the other restaurants the Kuchiki clan owned. It was also not as upscale but it was beautifully decorated with paper lanterns had a more causal and friendly environment. The restaurant was located at the edge of the Kuchiki property and hinged on the boarder of the Shihoin property. The location made it easier for Byakuya to search for Yoruichi's spiritual pressure. This was a good and bad thing.
The manager, a short round balding man named Feke, tripped and almost fell rushing to greet Byakuya. "Captain Kuchiki-sama it is an honor that you have decided to dine with us. I will make sure you have the best table in the house". The manager turned and snapped his fingers and waiter and waitress came rushing over.
"No need for that Feke, we'll just take our usual room, said Ukitake with a warm smile hoping to calm Feke down.
Feke was so nervous he started sweating. "As you wish Captain Ukitake" Feke turned to the waiter and waitress, "Go, go, go," he said as he waved his hands. "Please follow me Captain Kuchiki-sama". Feke wiped his brow with handkerchief then led Byakuya and others to one of the small private rooms in the back of the restaurant. "Captain Kuchiki-sama if you need anything just ask and I'll make sure you'll get it". Feke bowed three times then left the room closing the door behind him.
"Don't worry Byakuya we won't keep you long. Ukitake has to be home soon or Unohana will get mad and punish Ukitake."
"Hey, that's not true and besides she is just worried about my health."
Just then there is a small knock at the door a waitress came in with a bottle of sake. Feke came rushing in and tripped and fell. He quickly picks himself up brushes off his clothes. He grabbed the bottle from the stunned waitress. "Here is the finest bottle of sake we have," he said as he showed the bottle to Byakuya. Next he poured each of the men a cup. He placed the bottle down and backed up right into the waitress. Both Feke and the waitress hurried out the room after.
"Byakuya you may want to leave sooner than Ukitake, poor Feke my seriously injure himself or someone if you stay too long. " said Shunsui as he took a sip of sake.
QT on the other hand managed to completely avoid being injured. Yoruichi lunged at QT one last time this time he left a good image he had kept his word he learned Way of Onmitsu, 3rd of the Shihou, Utsusemi.
"Very good QT, you've done well," Yoruichi smiled at the all too proud QT. From QT's smile and stance you would have thought he won athlete of the world or something. "It's time for me to leave."
"Oh don't say that you've broken QT's heart." He placed his hand over his heart and looked at her with puppy dog eyes. "You can stay at least a few days longer I am sure there is a lot more you can teach me." His eye pleaded in the sweetest most innocent way.
"Sorry, I can't QT. I have to go back today. I am sure we'll see each other again." Yoruichi's last sentence caused QT to perk back up. Yoruichi smiled and started to walk away.
Just before leaving the square Yoruichi heard QT yell, "It's a promise." Yoruichi was in a hurry she had another promise to keep; it wasn't her promise but Ai's. Ai told Byakuya Yoruichi would be back in seven days and it was already nightfall. In the pit of her stomach she knew she had to make it back before daybreak.
It was late day seven was soon be day eight and Yoruichi still had not returned. Byakuya was still out drinking with Shunsui and Ukitake. The sake did take Byakuya's mind off of Yoruichi at first then it just opened up the floodgates to memories, fantasies, and other thoughts he did not want to have about Yoruichi. Byakuya's one cup of sake had turn into five and Byakuya was completely buzzed. Then Yoruichi's spiritual pressure hit him like a baseball to the head.
"So she's back", mumbled Byakuya as he struggled to get up. Byakuya walked slowly toward the door.
"Calling it a night Byakuya wait up and we'll leave with you."
"What Ukitake means is we'll all leave after we finish this last bottle of sake. Shunsui shook the almost empty bottle. "It's two more drinks at the most."
"No. I can get there by myself," said with a frown on his face. Byakuya left the room.
Ukitake and Shunsui looked at each other.
"Byakuya looked upset maybe we should make sure he gets home safe".
Shunsui poured a cup of sake for Ukitake and then for himself. "We will do that after this cup."
They both finished their drinks and left the restaurant to find Byakuya. "Shunsui, that's strange Byakuya's spiritual pressure is moving west but his home is east. We better catch up to him before he gets lost."
Shunsui grabbed Ukitake's shoulder as he turned around. "Don't worry friend, Byakuya knows exactly where he's going".
Shunsui wasn't the only one that felt Byakuya's spiritual pressure moving west, Yoruichi did as well. Byakuya you're out and about rather late. Must be out on one of those nightly walks you like to take. Yoruichi shrugged Byakuya's movements off then sat at her desk. She had several meetings lined up this week and she needed to prepare some documentation. Yoruichi did not like paperwork but she was very efficient at completing it. She perfected the skill when she was young, she learned very early the faster she finished her work the more time it gave her to play. She quickly finished the first document. Before Yoruichi could put her pen down there was a knock at her door.
Yoruichi knew who it was immediately, an old playmate. Anticipation filled her heart as she walked over to open the door. That anticipation faded as opened the door found an angry looking Byakuya. Byakuya I don't feel like fighting with you tonight." Good Evening, Byakuya. What brings you by so late?" Did you want to restart our argument from the last time?
Byakuya looked down at Yoruichi, "You're late." Yoruichi stared at him with a confused look. He walked past her into her office. He looked around nothing had changed in that room since his last visit so many years ago. The family had the wing with Yoruichi's office sealed off from the rest of the headquarters after Yoruichi left. The familiarity of the setting brought back memories of Byakuya and Yoruichi last night together. "Humph" Byakuya sat down on the in a huff.
"Byakuya, please come in and make yourself comfortable", said Yoruichi her words dripping with sarcasm and huge fake smile on her face. Byakuya turned and looked at her with the same frown from earlier but did not say anything. Great you're just going to sit there angry. Yoruichi sighed.
She came over and sat next to Byakuya. She folded her arms and put a frown on her face matching Byakuya. Byakuya stared at her with a bewildered look and Yoruichi started to laugh. It was a joyful laugh. When she laughed like that it always touched his soul.
Byakuya unfolded his arms. "Did you have a good trip to the Royal Realm?" Something about the way he asked question almost made it sound accusatory.
"I did actually. It was an interesting assignment."
"Oh I see."
"You, see what?"
Byakuya was taken aback by the question no one had ever asked him to expound that phrase before. Yoruichi knew the minute is face change from a frown she'd caught him off guard. He cleared his throat then added,"I see, hmm… why are you late?"
"Late for what, Bya-"Yoruichi paused she playful ran two slender fingers up Byakuya's arm "Byakuya you were waiting for me to come home."
The words played in Byakuya's ear a long time ago he would've given anything to hear those words but that was a long time ago. He pulled his arm away. "I was, no I was not, I mean I was just out drinking with Ukitake and Shunsui."
Yoruichi smiled. "Out drinking with Shunsui and Ukitake, my Byakuya who knew you'd," Yoruichi leaned in close pressing her breast against Byakuya's arm, changing her voice to a whisper, "grow up to be such a naughty boy."
Byakuya swallowed hard. She smells so good. No, I will not give in; I need to move away but this feels so good. Byakuya closed his eyes. Yoruichi Shihoin is not beautiful she's an evil demon cat and she called me a boy. "Yoruichi, I can go out drinking whenever I want. I am a grown man if you haven't noticed". He pulled away little and turned his head from Yoruichi.
Yoruichi laughed "No, Byakuya believe me I've noticed".
Byakuya was glad his head was turn away to hide his face he had no idea how he looked. He was not expecting those words excite him the way they did.
Yoruichi got up and went to the small fridge in the corner of her office. "Byakuya would you like something to eat or drink?" She opened the door. "Sorry I don't have any bananas so don't ask."
Byakuya felt this strange feeling as a tiny voice inside him practically cheered because she remembered he liked bananas. That small part of him was fighting harder than ever to get out in Byakuya's weakened state. "Yoruichi Shihoin is not beautiful she is an evil demon cat," Byakuya mumbled low under his breath.
"What?"
Byakuya cleared his throat. "Water please."
Yoruichi walked back over and had Byakuya a cup of water. She sat back down next him this time much closer so close her thigh made contact with his. Byakuya quickly drank his water. I should leave its late.
Yoruichi took a sip of her milk. "Byakuya, this week had a student even worse than you". Yoruichi laughed and Byakuya frowned and Yoruichi countered by leaning her shoulder into his arm.
"I was an exceptional student".
"Exceptional yes but you were also an arrogant boring stick in the mud", Yoruichi ignored Byakuya's little humph. "Sho, I mean QT, was even more arrogant than you but all he wanted to do was play around. This was quite annoying at first."
So that's what she was doing. She was training a member of the royal family. Knowing what Yoruichi did while she was gone brought a wave of relief over Byakuya. "Well now you know how annoyed I felt."
Yoruichi rolled her eyes at the comment. So now we've got jokes Byakuya, that's good. "Would you like for me to refresh your cup?"
Byakuya just turned just in time to catch Yoruichi stretching as she stood up. He knew he shouldn't be staring the way he did but he couldn't help himself her body was like that of a dancer toned but not bulky and she even looked graceful stretching. "Yes." He handed her the cup. Byakuya really knew it was time for him to go that wave of relief had freed his body of all anxiousness and now he was relaxed. He was too relaxed the sake and long day started hitting him hard, but he just could not leave, not yet.
Yoruichi walked over and handed Byakuya a fresh cup of water. He took a sip as she sat down next him this time he could've sworn she was sitting even closer. "So did you manage to teach this QT anything?"
"Of course, I am the Goddess of Flash, I can teach anyone. QT wasn't that bad after he learned the ground rules. He was all QT this and that." Yoruichi's words faded away as her voice lulled Byakuya into a dream world. She stopped talking as Byakuya's head fell into her lap. She gently held him and whispered, "You still can't stay up past your bedtime Byakuya-bo."
Velveteen: QT is still hanging in there.
Peace in Chaos: Yes, he is which makes some people happy.
Miko: Not me I don't like him, he's too cocky.
Peace in Chaos: Miko you're back, I thought you liked arrogant characters. Plus he behaved like a perfect gentleman this time.
Miko: Whatever, you're just saying that cause you like QT.
Peace in Chaos: I do he's my favorite OC, but you're not alone some people don't like him either. But for those of you curious about QT I made a character sheet on deviant art. com for him. The name is Introducing: QT my ID on DA is Dark-Khaos
Velveteen: I like QT too, but favorite part was the end of the chapter
Peace in Chaos: Yeah finally a ByaYoru moment, sleep tight Byakuya
As always please leave a comment or send a PM I do appreciate them all. Thanks for reading the chapter until next time :)