Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach
A/N: Thanks guys for hanging in with this story. I originally planed to end this story by chapter 21 LOL but I enjoying writing it I hope you're enjoying reading it. I was ill when I wrote most of this so I hope it's not flaky. Thanks so much for the reviews, favs, and of course continuing to read the story.
Ginrei looked down at Byakuya. "Byakuya do you have any other plans I should know about or do you have time to talk now?"
After seeing the stern look on Ginrei's weathered face he knew the "talk" would not be a pleasant one. "No, grandfather, I am available." Byakuya pushed the box to the side.
Ginrei's eyes moved the one sushi roll left in the box he raised an eyebrow. "No time to eat or you couldn't eat?" Ginrei saw Byakuya's perplexed look and decided to move on. "No matter, we need to talk about Yoruichi's visit today."
Byakuya breathed heavily and prepared himself for another one of his grandfather's speeches. Byakuya thought it would be best to meet his grandfather head on. "Grandfather it was just lunch nothing more and nothing less".
"Byakuya with you and Yorucihi there's always more and nothing less, but we've already had that discussion before. From your defensive response maybe I should be worried and we should have another discussion."
"Grandfather, there is no need to worry or to have another discussion. I just wanted you know it was just lunch. If she has returned then it is in the best interest of the Kuchiki clan if we have a civil relationship. "
"Very good Byakuya, but I am not here because of your lunch I am here because of this." Ginrei handed Byakuya the invitation Yoruichi had given him.
Byakuya quickly read the invite.
Kuchiki Ginrei,
On the 30th day of March the Shihoin clan will be celebrating Ai's birth and life, as one of her oldest friends we would love for you to attend. Please RSVP with your number of guest by March 23.
So this is the Shihoin celebration Yoruichi was talking about its in less than two weeks. I know grandfather is going to ask me to attend with him. That will give me two weeks to come up with a strategy to deal with that woman. I'll be prepared next time for the demon cat.
"Byakuya are you finished?" Ginrei's monotone voiced sliced through Byakuya's thoughts.
"Yes, Grandfather. This would be the ideal time for me to decline and send my grandfather as representative of the clan. There is really no need for me to attend if he goes. He is Ai-sama's friend and an ideal representative for the Kuchiki clan. "I am sure you will be attending as a representative of the clan."
"No"
Byakuya stared in shock at the elder Kuchiki. Why would he decline the invitation? "Grandfather you will not be attending, I certainly don't to go in your place you know I do not care for social gatherings, but it will do well for the Kuchiki-Shihoin relations."
"I didn't say I would not attend. I am going as one of Ai's oldest friends", Ginrei took the invitation from Byakuya's hand, "and you will be attending as the representative of the Kuchiki clan. I wanted to make sure you cleared your calendar for that night and made any necessary arrangements so that you could attend. Ai's husband, Prince Az, will be there and it is not every day that a member of the royal family makes an appearance in the Soul Society. This is a great opportunity for the Kuchiki clan. We need to put our best foot forward and ensure that his royal highness continues to associate the name Kuchiki with dignity and honor. "
"I understand, grandfather," I understand that I will have to develop a strategy that does not involve leaving early, and we will apparently be spending some time with Prince Az.
More than a week had passed and Byakuya had not seen Yoruichi since their lunch. He knew she was still in the Soul Society because he would often search out her spiritual pressure. He tried to justify his actions by telling himself he was doing it to avoid a surprise visit from his favorite demon cat.
Byakuya had skipped breakfast and worked continuously even through his normal lunch hour, his stomach took offense to being ignored and started to grumble. Byakuya's mind drifted back to the wonderful spicy tuna rolls and the even spicier woman that gave them to him. He drifted into a daydream, in which he and Yoruichi were having lunch under the same shady pine. He laid his head in her lap. Byakuya relaxed in his seat as he remembered the softness of her lap. He then imagined Yoruichi feeding him one of those delicious tuna rolls. The spicy tuna roll she had feed him the other day had been the best sushi he'd had in his life. His taste buds longed for that flavor again.
Byakuya's daydream was abruptly interrupted as he felt a faint spiritual pressure quickly approaching. He knew it wasn't his favorite demon cat. Byakuya opened his eyes to see Soi Fon standing in his doorway.
"Captain Kuchiki" Soi Fon entered Byakuya's office her face blank. "I am here to deliver a message".
A message, maybe it's a message from Yoruichi Byakuya proceeded to mentally kick himself after the thought crossed his mind; I am so hungry I can't think straight. "Go ahead."
The petite captain moved closer to Byakuya's desk. "A member of the royal family will be visiting for an undisclosed reason. You have been selected to escort the royal entourage to an undisclosed location. You will not speak to anyone else about this assignment. I will contact you with more information when deemed necessary". Soi Fon quickly left.
It would not be a surprise if my grandfather had something to do with this assignment. I certainly wouldn't put it pass him to make a suggestion like this to Ai-sama. It would reflect highly on the clan but it would also be a way for him to test my reactions to spending even more time with Yoruichi. "Yoruichi" he softly spoke her name, "I wonder if she had something to do with this, no she is probably too busy with the arrangements for the celebration and apparently she's too busy to even think about me. She didn't even stop by when she was at the 8th Division, which isn't far from here. " Byakuya sighed heavily. I don't care. I don't need to see her anyway. She is just a distraction".
Byakuya's stomach growled loudly, Yet another distraction. The taste of the spicy tuna roll was still on his mind. Byakuya gave into the taste temptation. He thought it would best if he sent one of his men to MoJo Kojo's to get the rolls. He certainly didn't want to run into Yoruichi with a number 21 from MoJo Kojo's.
Moments later Byakuya was staring down at a young recruit named Sai. "Sai, I need for you to get a #21 from MoJo Kojo and make sure you tell the cook to turn it up a notch."
"Yes, Captain Kuchiki, right away, Captain Kuchiki" the young recruit nervously responded. His big brown eyes avoided Byakuya's hard gaze as much as possible.
"That is all you may go."
Permission to leave took some of the weight off the young man's shoulders, but poor Sai almost tripped over his feet as he tried to hurry and leave. The young man flash stepped has fast as he could to MoJo Kojo. Sai's speed was the main reason he was chosen to get Byakuya's lunch he was the one of the fastest men in the 6th Division.
Sai sighed as he saw the long line. It was almost two and Sai began to worry that he would displease Byakuya by returning late with his lunch. This was his first solo mission and he didn't want to blow it. Sai finally made it to the front of the line.
"What can I get for you?"
"I'd like a number …" Sai froze, as he couldn't remember the number, "it's a number two with a turnip, no, it's nachos, that can't be right."
"Hate to rush you kid, but there's a long line", Jeffery lowered his voice, "maybe you should go to the back of the line and try to remember."
"No, I can't do that Captain Kuchiki would kill me," a panicky Sai responded loudly.
A melodic voice questioned from behind, "Did you say Captain Kuchiki?"
Sai quickly turned around, his big brown eyes blinked with surprise after seeing Yoruichi standing behind him. "Yes, Commander Shihoin, Captain Kuchiki sent me to get his lunch," he held his down, "but I can't remember what he wants."
"Don't worry" Yoruichi winked at Sai, "Jeffery he wants a number 21 and turn it up notch".
Sai couldn't believe it he just smiled as relief filled his body. "That's it, that's it, "his gapped-tooth smile grow larger than Montana, "you're amazing Commander Shihoin, you saved my life. Thank you".
"No problem". I knew you'd love the number 21 Byakuya.
The number 21 was finished in minutes. Sai took the box then turned to Yoruichi once more. "Thank you again". He rushed back to the 6th Division headquarters. The young man was so nervous he almost dropped the box on the desk before handing Byakuya the box.
"You may leave." Byakuya opened the box as soon Sai left the office. His mouth watered for the spicy sensation, but just as he picked up the first tuna roll he felt, "Yoruichi" Yoruichi walked in just as he dropped the tuna roll back in the box. Byakuya then closed the box subtly. "Yoruichi what brings you by?" He pushed the carryout box a little to the side and shifted it behind some papers on his desk.
Oh so you want to play no spicy tuna rolls do you? "I was just passing through and thought I'd stop by".
I haven't seen you in a week, but now you want to stop by. "Yoruichi, I have quite a bit of work to tend to so-."
"What's in the box?" Yoruichi smiled mischievously at Byakuya. Her eyes were full of play as they zeroed in on the box.
"Nothing"
Let's play. "Oh well in that case you wouldn't mind me taking it." Before he could say anything the box was in Yoruichi's hands. "Nothing feels a little heavy."
Yoruichi started to open the box. Byakuya managed to place one hand on the box before Yoruichi could open it. "Yoruichi give that back"
Yoruichi moved quickly to the other side of the office. "Why it's nothing? Surely Byakuya Kuchiki-" Yoruichi stopped as Byakuya appeared right in front of her trying to block her path. Wow, you really have grown haven't you? She looked up at him she could tell by his frown he wanted his "nothing".
"Give it to me," Byakuya barked.
Yoruichi smiled and then vanished. "You want me to give you nothing."
Byakuya turned around to see Yoruichi leaning on his desk with the box in her out stretched hands. She's toying with me. "Keep it up demon cat (the nickname once again brought a wicked smile to Yoruichi's face) or I'll" Byakuya went for the box but Yoruichi was not fooled she twirled quickly out of the way.
Yoruichi laughed, "Or you'll do what?" Byakuya appeared right behind her. He was so close their bodies made contact briefly but it was enough to cause a bolt of lightning to travel through them, Yoruichi couldn't move even has she felt him move closer, and then there was definite contact between his front and her back. The heat of their bodies mixed. Byakuya expected her to move but she didn't. Their nearness made him feel comfortable and uncomfortable at the same time. A part of him was enjoying the closeness a bit too much. He wasn't playing the game anymore he had forgotten about the box in her hand. All Byakuya could think about was the woman holding the box. He draped his arm over her shoulder reaching for what she believed to be the box.
Yoruichi could have easily escaped Byakuya's movements had slowed down considerably as if they were filled with hesitation, but Yoruichi did not try to move. She was lost in the heat of their nearness. Yoruichi enjoyed the feel of him so close to her. She did not move until she heard the rumble of his tummy the foreign sound awakened her senses bringing the reality of the situation to the forefront. In a second she went from completely at ease to uncomfortable.
She broke away in a burst of speed before Byakuya could wrap his arm around her. "I have to go, Byakuya", she said without looking directly at him. Byakuya's words were caught in his throat so he did not say anything he just stared at her. She handed him the box and headed for the door in one fluid motion. She was gone before Byakuya could turn around. Yoruichi rushed away from the 6th Division. Byakuya monitored her spiritual pressure as she moved further away. Part of him screamed run after her, but it wasn't loud enough to silence his rational side. He was holding the box in his hand and that meant the game was over. If he went after her now it would be for another reason and he didn't want to put himself in that position.
Yoruichi finally stopped about a quarter of a mile from the Shihoin compound. "What was that?" She asked herself question even though she knew the answer. "It's Byakuya-bo; he's even slept in my lap. He was reaching for the box it was just part of the game. He just wanted to win, nothing more." Yoruichi took one step forward and then stopped as a warm breeze caressed her back reigniting the sensations she felt early from Byakuya's contact. Yoruichi instinctively looked back for a moment to see if he was there. She shook her head lightly and whispered, "Of course not the game is over".
Yoruichi continued on to the Shihoin compound she needed something to do anything suddenly she had quite a bit of energy to burn up and her tag partner was the one person she didn't want to see right now. She met the delivery guy from MoJo Kojo's on her way to her office. She sat down and starting eating her meal at the same time Byakuya started eating his #21 at his desk. Byakuya and Yoruichi both thought the food was good but there was something missing. Neither of them was willing to admit it, but their favorite dishes from MoJo Kojo's weren't nearly as good as when they ate separately as they were when they were together.
The next morning Byakuya was determined to get his work done. The moment he and Yoruichi shared yesterday kept playing on his mind and had made it very hard for him to concentrate on work yesterday. Byakuya took a few minutes to organize his desk perfectly. Then he started working on the first report. Byakuya did not finish the first line before he felt a too familiar spiritual pressure approaching.
"Good morning, grandfather."
"Good morning, I can't stay long. I just wanted to know about the gift you've chosen for Ai."
"Gift, I was just going to have one of our shopkeepers to pick out something."
"Unbelievable, this isn't something for some random noble this something for Ai. She is the second most powerful member of the Shihoin and one of the most respected nobles in Soul Society and Royal Realm. You don't just get some random trinket." Ginrei's face showed as much disappointment as his thick mustache would allow, "Byakuya you will chose a gift for her and to make sure it's a memorable gift I'll find someone to help you". Ginrei walked out of the office.
Byakuya continued to work uninterrupted for two hours before his grandfather returned. "Byakuya it's time to take a break. I found someone to go shopping with you. It shouldn't take too long she knows what she's doing."
Byakuya cringed inside slightly from the words "she knows what she's doing." Then he saw Rukia. He felt some relief as Rukia walked through the door.
Nii-sama, Ginrei-sama", Rukia bowed to the elder Kuchiki.
"Good Rukia you're already here, excellent."
Byakuya finally felt fully relieved. Rukia will go to a couple of Kuchiki shops and I'll just let her pick out something it should take less than an hour.
"Let's go Rukia."
"Yes, sir"
"Grandfather, I thought-"
"Byakuya, Rukia is here to help me with something before she returns to the human world. Don't worry your help will be along soon. Let's go Rukia."
"Very well." As long as it's not Yoruichi I don't care who it is as long as they hurry. Byakuya went back to working on his report as soon as Ginrei and Rukia took their leave. More than 10 minutes had passed and still no secret shopper helper. It did give Byakuya time to finish his report. Byakuya closed his eyes. Where is she? I want to get this over with, I guess my grandfather chose someone that doesn't understand the value my time. Someone like "Yoruichi" he frowned. He finally sensed her spiritual pressure. He knew she was close too close. He felt her finger touch his brow.
"I told you your face is going to get stuck like that." Byakuya opened his eyes to see Yoruichi smiling at him. He wondered how long she'd be there and how was she able to keep creeping up on him. "More importantly don't frown when you say may name. It should bring a smile to your face."
Byakuya took Yoruichi's hand to remove her finger from his forehead. "You think too highly of yourself Shihoin Yoruichi."
"And lately you seem to be thinking about me a lot Kuchiki Byakuya". She smiled a smile mixed with arrogance and mischief. "Is that what you do Byakuya sit at your desk and think about me?"
Byakuya masked his surprise and the truth behind of the accusation with a stone face. "Apparently your time away hasn't softened your conceit".
I'll take that as yes since you avoided answering the question. Yoruichi continued smiling at Byakuya not saying a word and that worried him.
"Yoruichi I don't have time to play right now."
"Byakuya there's always time to play."
"Wrong."
"Right, your report can wait until later."
"I have other plans not a report."
"Other plans."
"Yes, an important appointment and it will take up a considerable amount of time."
"Oh really"
"She will be arriving soon so you should leave."
"She, your appointment is with a woman." Yoruichi's eyes slanted slightly and her smile was gone and so was her playful demeanor. A more serious Yoruichi had replaced the playful one.
Yoruichi's reaction lit a fire in Byakuya's eyes. "Yes" Byakuya waited to see if she would tease him or make a move to leave and when she did neither Byakuya wanted to add a little more just to see how she would react, "we're actually going shopping." Yoruichi's faced changed again but Byakuya couldn't tell what was going in Yoruichi's head.
"I am surprised you're going to spend a considerable amount of time during the middle of the day to go shopping".
"One must do what one must do". Yoruichi's eyes slanted as a quick appearance of smirk flashed across Byakuya's lips then disappeared. He relaxed back in his seat a little "So it would be best if you leave now."
"Why is she the jealous type?"
Byakuya didn't respond right away, he instead tried to read her eyes, but suddenly that was like reading a blank page. She was purposely hiding her reaction from him. Maybe you're the one that's jealous. "I don't have time for this Yoruichi, I have an important appointment."
"Yes you do, good thing it's with me ". Yoruichi smiled smugly as if she won another one of their games of tag.
"What?"
"Ginrei asked me to help you find a gift for Ai." Byakuya frowned and Yoruichi smiled. "Now we get to spend a considerable amount of time shopping."
"No since it's just you we can hurry back so I can finish my work," Byakuya responded with a serious face.
This time Yorucihi was the one with the frown. Byakuya and Yoruichi moved at the same time to get up from Byakuya's desk. It was the first time they realized Byakuya was still holding Yoruichi's hand. The feel of her hand in his was so natural. It was a bit too natural so Byakuya immediately let her hand go. Then he moved away from the desk.
"Let's go Yoruichi," Byakuya said as he headed to the door, "I have work to return to."
"I guess this means you won't be holding my hand while shopping," Yoruichi mumbled too low for Byakuya to hear.
Byakuya walked swiftly with Yoruichi at his right shoulder. He decided to speak to Yoruichi only when necessary. Yoruichi knew he was upset and let him pout in silence. They stopped at the first Kuchiki shop. The shop specialized in items for the home. Byakuya would pick an item and Yoruichi would shake her head indicating "no". They moved on to the second shop it specialized in sunglasses again Byakuya was unable to find something to gain a yes from Yoruichi. He and Yoruichi moved on to the third shop. The shop specialized in kimonos and fabric. Byakuya held up the first kimono and got a no. Finally after he held up the 11th kimono Yoruichi smiled.
"This is beautiful." Yoruichi admired the black kimono with hand painted purple, lavender, and gold fans painted in a windblown pattern from the bottom to the waist and on the sleeves of the kimono. She ran her fingers over some of the small white chrysanthemums that fell all over the kimono.
"So Ai-sama would like it?"
"Oh yes, but I thinking it's more my style."
Byakuya frowned, "We're not shopping for you." He pulled the kimono away.
"I know, I know but I just can't pass this one up." She smiled innocently at him. She reached for the kimono but Byakuya quickly moved it away.
"Fine" Byakuya turned away just as Yoruichi was about to take the kimono so she could purchase it. He instead took the kimono the counter. Byakuya returned to Yoruichi. "It'll be delivered this afternoon."
"Thank you, Byakuya" she smiled warmly at him but he was determined to stay mad at her but it was getting harder every second.
Byakuya did not want to break so he turned away from her and asked, "Where to now?"
"I know the perfect place." Yoruichi led Byakuya to a bakery. Yoruichi noticed the surprised look on Byakuya's face. "Ai loves sweets believe me the way to win her over is through her stomach."
Yoruichi chose a variety of desserts and created a very expensive sampler platter for Ai. "The platter will be delivered on the afternoon of the 30th so everything will be fresh for the celebration that night."
"Good I can get back to my work."
"I'll walk with you."
"There's no need, I am sure I can manage that by myself." Byakuya's response dripped with condescension.
Yoruichi was starting to get tired of Byakuya's attitude. "Are you sure you don't want me to hold your hand and take you back to your office? Since you're acting like a brat."
Byakuya turned around and frowned at Yoruichi. She immediately placed her finger between his slanted eyebrows. "Stop that," he snapped as he removed her hand but remember to let go this time.
"Stop frowning."
"Yoruichi I have had enough of your games today."
"I've had enough of your attitude. You're acting like a brat over what happened earlier. I was just having a little fun and you started it. If you didn't want to the play the game you should've told me in the beginning you're "important appointment" was really shopping. I'll leave to you to your work". She flashed stepped away as soon as the words left her mouth.
So she didn't know I was talking about her at first. Byakuya wasn't sure if Yoruichi was jealous or if Byakuya spending his time with someone else only intrigued her, but he did learn one thing from her reaction she wasn't happy about it either way, and that made him a little happy inside.
AN:
Velveteen: Byakuya daydreams of Yoruichi and spicy tuna rolls
Peace in Chaos: Oh yeah they say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, LOL Yoruichi is on her way there, and she got a kimono.
Velveteen: Looks like Byakuya isn't the only one with a little jealous streak
Peace in Chaos: Byakuya tried to play on that too, oh Byakuya-bo trying to make Yoruichi jealous.
Miko: And Yoruichi's competition wasn't even real; he probably did it over the whole Feke thing
Peace in Chaos: Ha ha Feke, I should bring him back; Byakuya needs to try the Feke sandwich and fried potatoes.
Thanks for reading this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it as always please leave a review, comment, or PM until next time peace