Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach it belongs to Tite Kubo
A/N: Thanks so much for continuing to read this story. Thanks for all the reviews, comments, and alerts you don't know how much they motivate me.
Byakuya worked through the night finishing his report. He did not go to bed until almost 3:00 AM. The next morning he had to pull himself out of bed, and drag himself to the shower. The icy cold water pricked his skin shocking his system out of his almost comatose state. "I could have gotten a good night sleep if I hadn't stayed out with the others so late, because of Yoruichi". Byakuya sighed, "That woman is", the thought of Yoruichi showering under the waterfall flashed in Byakuya's mind. The waterfall quickly transformed into his shower and he fantasized about how wonderful it would be if she were with him right then. Byakuya could feel Yoruichi's wet velvety skin on his fingertips. His body began to ache for her touch. Byakuya's imagination tortured him with a perfect scene of him and Yoruichi showering together.
Byakuya held his head under the now warm water trying to rinse the thoughts from his mind. He knew if he kept going he'd end up at her doorstep and not at his meeting with Hitsugaya. He started to say his mantra but it came out as, "Yoruichi is beautiful" and that didn't help matters. Byakuya quickly turned the faucet to the coldest setting shocking his system prompting him to wake up and leave his fantasies about Yoruichi.
It took some effort but Byakuya finally made it to the 10th Division meeting room. He was 10 minutes early, which pleased Hitsugaya, but what Hitsugaya didn't know was that Byakuya arrived early, because he flashed stepped there to avoid making an early morning visit to Yoruichi. Byakuya and Hitsugaya discussed the changes identified in his report until the rest of the Ethics and Compliance Committee members arrived.
"Good morning everyone" Unohana greeted Byakuya and Hitsugaya as she and Ukitake arrived.
"Captain Hitsugaya you should've came out to eat with after the meeting even Byakuya went out with us". Ukitake smiled at frowning Byakuya. "Shunsui didn't we have a great time last night."
"Yes we did." Shunsui took a sit the across from Ukitake. "Captain Hitsugaya, you missed quite the night, good food, great music, and excellent sake. Prince Sho brought two rounds of Brim's sake."
Byakuya looked down and pretended to read over his report. He couldn't let his true thoughts show.
"Oh yes Byakuya you missed Prince Sho. He came right after you left."
Shunsui interjected, "Yes, he took your seat right next Yoruichi only moments after your departure."
"The prince almost gave Feke a heart attack." Ukitake turned to Unohana, "Good thing you were there."
Byakuya felt some relief in knowing Yoruichi now knew that he wasn't the only one that had that kind of effect on Feke. It was not enough to remove all his concern. Byakuya wanted to know more about what happen after he left. "Captain Unohana did you have take Feke in for treatment?"
"Oh no Captain Kuchiki I just led him through some deep breathes and gave him some water. He's fine and Prince Sho was able to put him at ease fairly quickly. Feke was back to his old self."
"He may have been better. Feke actually laughed and joked a little when he came to check on us throughout the evening. Prince Sho has a way of putting everyone at ease around wouldn't you say Shunsui."
"Yes, he's very friendly and outgoing and he has great taste in sake along with other talents. I never knew he was a singer until is serenaded Soi Fon and Captain Unohana."
As long as it wasn't Yoruichi I don't care. Byakuya went back to looking over his report.
"Yes", Unohana added in slightly dreamy tone", Prince Sho is very talented. He wrote the song while we waited for fried potato wedges."
"You know he had to have an exceptional voice if Soi Fon allowed him to sing to her. He even included some poetry."
"Yes, I think he called it rap, Ukitake." Shunsui looked over at Byakuya, "The song he serenaded Soi Fon and Captain Unohana was one he did on the spot, but you could tell the one he serenaded Yoruichi with was one he'd worked on for some time".
"Oh yes it was beauti-," Ukitake stumbled out, "very nice."
Byakuya jaw tightened as he bit down on his bottom teeth. That little brat, he's trying to use his music to get to Yoruichi. Byakuya did not want to hear anymore about QT and his musical talents. I'll show him a young angry voice echoed Byakuya's head. He wanted to leave the meeting and find QT. Byakuya took a deep breath to regain his composure. "Captain Hitsugaya don't you think it's time we started the meeting", said Byakuya in a serious tone killing all the lightheartedness in the room.
"Captain Kuchiki is right, let's get started".
The meeting continued for two and half hours. Byakuya could barely concentrate on the meeting all he could think about was what QT maybe doing with Yoruichi. He knew QT was trouble from the start, but now QT was taking the game to another level. Byakuya almost couldn't believe QT had the arrogance and ignorance not heed his warning. Everyone else thought QT was great but Byakuya saw him in different light. Byakuya didn't care who he was QT was attempting to steal Byakuya's demon cat. Byakuya certainly wasn't going to sit idly by as QT made a play for Yoruichi. Byakuya was out the door and on his way to the Shihoin compound as soon as the committee took a 15-minute break.
Byakuya flash stepped to the Shihoin compound in less than three minutes. He quickly found Yoruichi he knew she wasn't alone. His steps moved faster and faster as he got closer to the courtyard. Byakuya could hear Yoruichi's joyous laughter; the sound of her laughter had changed from a sound of pleasure to Byakuya to a punch in the gut. She sounded so happy and that bothered him to the core. Byakuya wasn't the source of the happiness QT was the one making Yoruichi laugh. Byakuya walked in and the laughter died down as Yoruichi saw Byakuya.
"Hello Byakuya." Yoruichi gave him a smile but this time it did not soften his frown. Byakuya was fixated more on the QT's close proximity to Yoruichi as QT and Yoruichi sat on the grass. The guitar in QT's hand made the situation seem worse.
"What up B" QT smiled smugly at Byakuya's frown, "I mean Byakuya."
Byakuya did not bother to even look in QT's direction as he kept his focus on Yoruichi. "Yoruichi, I need to talk to you." He reached out his hand.
"Sure," Yoruichi took Byakuya's hand and helped her up. "Excuse us QT." Yoruichi noticed that Byakuya made no effort to release her hand. She could feel there was something off by the way he was holding her hand. It did not feel natural like the other times. She could not explain it, it just felt different. She didn't have time to think about it as Byakuya swiftly led her away. Yoruichi wondered why he was pulling her. She felt something was wrong worry started to settle on her body as they moved quickly from the courtyard in silence.
Byakuya finally stopped when he saw the east gate. He had taken Yoruichi well away from QT and his guitar in without saying a word. Byakuya didn't know what to say or even what he was really doing. It was a rash decision. He just wanted to get Yoruichi away from QT. He knew from Yoruichi's laughter she had no idea QT was a wolf in sheep's clothing just waiting for the chance to strike or as QT liked to think of himself as tiger in the jungle stalking his prey. Byakuya was ill prepared. He was not used to going to battle this way. His heart just wanted him to reach out and grab Yoruichi and pull her into his arms. Even if he didn't know what to say he could show her how he felt. His heart was the one that got him into this situation so Byakuya certainly wasn't going to listen to his heart, he'd think his way out. Byakuya defaulted back to his rational mind. He stared at Yoruichi as he tried to form the words in his mind.
His silent stare only worried her more. "Byakuya, is something wrong?" The worry filled her golden eyes deeming them.
Byakuya hated seeing her that way. He wanted to change them quickly, "Yes," Yoruichi braced herself for bad news and Byakuya shifted his glance downward, "someone has stolen half of the koi we caught."
Yoruichi breathed a sigh of relief. She closed her eyes and with a crooked smile on her face she shook her head gently. "The koi" I can't believe you had me worried over some koi she nudged him gently with her elbow, "you had me worried for a moment that something terrible had happen for you I guess that was something terrible, I guess it's a step in the right direction if you come to me about what troubles you. "Which ones, not the black and orange butterfly?"
"No she is still swimming around stealing most of the food from the other koi."
"I thought as much, she is too fast to get stolen by some petty koi thief." She smiled at Byakuya it made things better releasing some of the tension that surrounded them.
"I am not dealing with your common everyday koi theft Yoruichi, and besides you managed to catch her."
"Hey, I am no petty koi thief; I'm the Goddess of Flash." She flashed a huge smile at Byakuya.
He frowned at her cocky title. She quickly placed her pointer finger between his brows. He gently took her hand and held it. It was the way he had held her hand in the past it felt natural once again. "As I remember, it took more than your speed to catch her."
"That's true sometimes, it takes more than just speed" she paused then added with mischievous gleam in her eye added, "to catch what you really want."
"Oh like tricks."
Yoruichi playfully frowned at Byakuya. "No, a strategy."
Byakuya raised an eyebrow at her response, but then his face returned to being serious. "Yoruichi, I have to go. I am in a session and we're just on break."
"Oh" the small word echoed her disappointment. She smiled softly and added a polite "I'll see you later."
Byakuya wanted to say something else but he couldn't find the words so he finally released her hand and headed back to his session. Byakuya hated leaving Yoruichi but he had to he was the one responsible for the meeting being moved to today. If he had been five minutes earlier to the previous meeting he could be with Yoruichi right now. He sighed as he reached the door of the meeting room.
"Byakuya you're back, I am a little surprised', Shunsui stated matter-of-factly.
"We still have committee matters to discuss."
Shunsui took a sip of tea. He looked at Byakuya over the cup and, "Committee matters, hmm yes Byakuya always so dutiful."
The meeting seemed to drag on for five hours in Byakuya's mind but it had only been two hours. He headed to the Shihoin compound, but this time he thought things through, which made him feel calmer than he did the previous time. He had a plan he and Yoruichi would go to lunch. There was no way Yoruichi was going to turned down food even if she was busy. He'd offer to pay one of her naps. I'll have her full and she'll be asleep in my arms in no time.
Byakuya stopped by his office first to make sure everything was as it should be and to let Renji knew he would be out of the office for a while. As soon as Byakuya arrived could sense someone else was coming, the person was of captain's level but he knew it wasn't QT.
Red suddenly appeared in Byakuya's office doorway he stood waiting for permission to enter. He certainly is more respectful than QT "You may enter."
"Forgive the intrusion Captain Kuchiki. I come with a message from Prince Sho." Red paused to analyze Byakuya's reaction. Byakuya's mask was well intact hiding his thoughts. "The prince wanted me to relay his apology. He wanted you know he was sorry he could not get reservations for five instead of four at The Lord's Leaf, so you can join he and Princess Yoruichi for lunch." Red paused again he saw the tightness in Byakuya's jaw. Red continued, "If you like he'd be happy to have a sundae delivered to you after lunch."
"Where is he?" Byakuya questioned sternly with an angry glare.
"The prince is at The Lord's Leaf."
Of course he is that coward; he knows I won't charge into the restaurant, I am not Kenpachi. Byakuya took a deep breath. "Tell Sho I do not need anything from him."
"Very well." Red bowed and left the 6th Division
Byakuya's quiet anger started to surface. "That bastard, who do think he is?"
"Excuse me captain."
"Renji get ready were sparring in five minutes."
Renji stood in the doorway staring at Byakuya. Renji thought he misheard. Renji was sure he was sending him over to the 8th Division to help with the setup for the flower showing on Sunday. "You want to spare."
"Yes, Renji."
"I am ready now captain."
Renji would soon learn this was no easy going friendly sparring session; this was going to be full on battle. A little over an hour later a battered and tired Renji stood crumpled over trying to set his feet before another attack. Renji took in big gulps of air as he was finally able to stand up straight. Zabimaru's white boney head rose from the sand and hovered over the top of Renji like a cobra poised to strike Byakuya. Byakuya knew Renji wasn't going to concede despite his battered condition. Renji would no longer be a challenge and Byakuya needed a challenge. "That's enough for now Renji we'll continue this later."
Byakuya turned and walked away. The anger was still there, a small angry voice from within was getting louder as he walked the quiet hall back to his office. Byakuya had taken the time to clean himself up so it outside appearance seemed unchanged. No one knew the storm hidden by behind those cold steely eyes. Everyone Byakuya passed saw only the stern but composed captain of the 6th Division. Byakuya decided that if he couldn't be in the arms of Yoruichi he'd settle for his mistress it would be a good enough distraction to keep his mind off of QT and Yoruichi.
Byakuya set behind his desk and grabbed the first report of many. He stared at the report and tried to focus on the task at hand. It was just lunch. I'll have Yoruichi for dinner.
The lunch was going according to QT's plan. A shrewd smile covered his face as he watched Yoruichi and Kūkaku happily split a gigantic sundae. Yoruichi was happy and enjoying herself. QT made a mental note every time Yoruichi laughed or smiled because of him. He considered those points in his favor. QT knew Byakuya did not like the idea of he and Yoruichi having lunch from Red's report, and that made lunch even more satisfying. He was wining Yoruichi and there was nothing Byakuya could do about it. The thought of a bitter Byakuya sitting alone in the dark with only his work to keep him company flashed in QT's mind prompting QT to smile the biggest smile he'd smiled all day.
"What are you so happy about?" Yoruichi questioned as she took another big spoon full of ice cream.
"I am in the company of the two most beautiful women in the Soul Society why wouldn't I be happy."
"Oh that's what is" Yoruichi rolled her eyes, "I bet." She quickly licked some stray ice cream from her top lip.
The simple act almost prompted QT to kiss Yoruichi but he held back. If it had been any other woman he would've made his move but Yoruichi was different. She wasn't just going to fall for him because his title and certainly not for a sundae QT knew he'd have to work at it. QT looked deep into Yoruichi's eyes, "Would I lie to you princess? Just having lunch with you is enough to make me happy. I am sure over half the men in this restaurant would kill to trade places with me." He flashed his dimpled smile.
The foursome of Yoruichi, QT, Red, and Kūkaku arrived at the Shihoin compound shortly after lunch. QT quickly made his move to get Yoruichi alone. He cleared his throat, "Red why don't you escort Kūkaku home? If you do it now you'll be back in time for that project you're working on." QT winked at Red.
"I don't need an escort."
Yoruichi noticed QT's little wink and decided to join in the matchmaking. Red was handsome, strong, and seemed like a stand up guy plus he wasn't a shinigami so that was bonus. He actually might stand a chance the fiery Shiba clan leader. "Kūkaku, I am sure Red has time to escort you home."
"Yes, Kūkaku it would be my honor to escort you."
"See," Yoruichi nudged her old friend, "you two may want to leave now who knows what Ganju has been up to since you left."
Kūkaku knew Yoruichi was up to something but Yoruichi was right Ganju had been home alone for hours. There was no telling what he may have done. The last time she left him home alone for more than three hours he blew up part of the house. Ganju built a rocket and he decided to use Kūkaku's special batch of fireworks to power his rocket. He was just a rowdy teen at the time but he hadn't changed very much. "Ok", she through up her arm in defeat, "ok catch you guys later."
QT smiled as Red and Kūkaku started to walk away. It was time to put the second part of his plan in action. He had ready thought of the perfect line, "You may not be a genie, but you make all my wishes come true when you smile" he turned to Yoruichi ready to pounce. Instead of finding a warm smile he was met a big yawn. "Princess"
"QT, I am going to take nap." She yawned again.
"But Shunshin Yoruichi" QT started to make his plea but it was too late.
She waved and disappeared in a flash. Yoruichi headed the comfort of her room it was nap time. A dejected QT was left standing alone.
It was after 7:00 PM when Byakuya finely left the office. He immersed himself so deeply into his work he lost track of time. He quickly made it over to the Shihoin compound but Yoruichi was nowhere to be found. Byakuya did find Adaeze and Ai and they weren't about to let Byakuya go.
"Young Kuchiki are you here to see Yoruichi?" Ai asked in a way that made it clear she already knew the answer.
"Yes, Ai-sama is she available?"
"She is not here at the moment, but I am sure she'll be back soon". Adaeze smiled at Byakuya with the same Cheshire cat grin Yoruichi would use he knew she was up to something. He turned around to Ai and she too had a smile that made him even more cautious. "I know young Kuchiki you can help me with something while you wait for Yoruichi."
It was too late Adaeze had sprung her trap. Byakuya was too slow and now he was trapped like a mouse he knew there was nowhere to run after staring Adaeze's golden eyes.
Meanwhile Yoruichi and her grandfather were free and having fun fishing in the forbidden zone. They had been fishing for almost two hours now. Laughing and talking just like old times.
"Have I told you how happy I am to have you back?"
"Pa Pa, I am happy to be back."
"I've missed times like this. If it weren't for you I'd be stuck looking at your grandmother's roses and listening to her change her mind a thousand times regarding which roses she'll use for the showing. A rose is just a rose." Emeka sighed and Yoruichi laughed. "You aren't going to run off and get married are? I just got you back."
Yoruichi's grew large as she stared at her grandfather, "Wha, wha, what married, Pa Pa, me married, to who, what I mean is, Pa Pa I have no intentions of getting married anytime soon".
"So does that mean you have intentions on getting married later?"
Yoruichi frowned, "Pa Pa if I didn't know better I'd think you were Nin Nin in disguise." She stared intently at her grandfather attempted to unmask him with her eyes.
Emeka throw back his head as laughter erupted from his belly, "I am just messing with you baby girl." He laughed some more, "I guess I have been around your grandmother too long, but I guess that's what happens when you've been married as long as we have. Certain traits start to rub off on you from your mate". Yoruichi joined her grandfather in laughing.
Meanwhile back at the Shihoin compound Byakuya was not laughing or even remotely amused. Yoruichi still wasn't back and now he was stuck looking at roses with Ai and Adaeze.
"Adaeze-sama, what do you need my help with exactly?"
"I need you to help me decided which roses to use in the flower showing on Sunday."
"I have no expertise when it comes to roses."
"That's what makes you perfect for this young Kuchiki. I need a novice eye you're more likely to chose based off of pure beauty."
"Yes, young Kuchiki" said Ai as she showed him a white rose, yellow rose, and a pink rose. Byakuya picked the pink one. I started to think this would be easy. Then Adaeze showed him three red roses. Byakuya sighed, as he really couldn't tell the difference. Byakuya just picked the one in the middle.
After he did that Adaeze started to question him about his choice "Young Kuchiki why did you pick this one", she held the rose close to Byakuya's face, "because of the color, if so why was it a richer red, brighter in color?"
Byakuya sighed internally. He had no interest in roses, he only cared about the demon cat and she was not there.
His demon cat was leaving the forbidden zone with a basket full of fish. Suddenly two huge hollows appeared. One looked like a caterpillar with a football helmet on and the other looked like a hairy goliath beetle. Yoruichi and Emeka smiled from ear-to-ear after seeing the creepy duo.
"Yes, finally some real excitement, are you up for it baby girl?"
"You know it Pa Pa."
"Which one do you want?"
"Let me see, Pa Pa I'll take the ugly one".
"Ha Ha, something told me you'd pick that one."
Byakuya couldn't believe he'd been at the Shihoin compound for over 45 minutes and still no Yoruichi. He search for her spiritual pressure and felt nothing. He'd had enough. Apparently Yoruichi has decided to stay the night wherever she his. "Ai-sama, Adaeze-sama I really should be going."
"No stay Byakuya and have some tea." Ai pleaded with Byakuya, but Byakuya wasn't going to fall for it. He was leaving.
"I really must."
"You really must stay," Az entered the room and sat down, "take a sit Kuchiki." Az's stern look surpassed even Ginrei's.
Byakuya knew he'd have to suffer through several of Ginrei's speeches if he refused Prince Az. "I really must be on my way, but I will stay for one cup of tea."
"Very good young Kuchiki, please take some fruit while Adaeze and I go check on the tea."
Adaeze and Ai quickly left the room neither woman went to check on the tea. They both went in separate directions to search some of Yoruichi's hiding places leaving Az and Byakuya to stare at nothing.
Neither Byakuya nor Az enjoyed small talk so they sat in silence. Byakuya and Az both reached for the only banana in the fruit bowl. Az was holding on to one end of the banana and Byakuya had the other end. The staring between the two men started. Az cleared his throat declaring the banana as his. Byakuya reluctantly let go; a banana was not worth the wrath of Ginrei.
Soon Ai and Adaeze returned both women wearing plastic smiles to mask their disappointment in not being able to find Yoruichi. Ai poured Byakuya a cup of tea and then poured Az a cup after he finished is banana.
"Honey, have you seen Yoruichi?"
"Last time I saw Yoruichi she was playing with Sho."
Adaeze and Ai both glanced over at Byakuya as soon as the words came out of Az's mouth. Ai tried to clean up her husband's comment. "I think you mean training dear."
"Training, ha it looked like playtime to me". Az started his dry laugh. "That boy took off his clothes and oiled himself up."
"What" both women gasped.
"He kept on his hakama, because I told him if he didn't I'd hit upside the head with my cane so hard he'd wouldn't wake up until next year and then I'd hit him again." Az shook his head. "The boy still lathered the rest of himself in mineral oil. He then tied his hair back with some kind of band. He said it would make him slicker more aerodynamic."
Az slapped his knee; "I tell you that boy is like his mother, Kanani, very pretty but not very bright."
"Hush Az, stop talking about your niece and nephew. You know Kanani is very smart". Ai tried to give Az a look to prompt him to stop but he was so caught up he missed the Ai's signal.
"She's only book smart, she was blessed with beauty not common sense", Az shifted his eyes away from his wife, "that explains her husband."
"But back to young Sho", Az couldn't help but laugh at the thought of the oily QT. "Then he challenged Yoruichi. He said something about she'd better be ready". Az shook his head, "He's just like his father too damn cocky." Az turned his wife, she had hope Az was finished with his story but she was wrong.
"You know what she did? Yoruichi took the headband in before he could blink." Az laughed, "Sho stood there whining he wasn't ready," Az laughed until he wheezed a little. Ai and Adaeze laughed too trying to lighten the mood. Byakuya did not laugh his jaw was tight and his brow line shifted downward.
"What's a matter Kuchiki? No sense of humor." Az asked almost as a challenge.
"Honey, Byakuya helped Adaeze chose a rose today for the contest. He probably just tired from that and work."
"I am tired, no it is time for me to go home."
Byakuya's words were so final it worried both Adaeze and Ai. Adaeze quickly spoke up as Byakuya rose to his feet. "Young Kuchiki, are you sure you can't stay longer. Yoruichi should be along any minute now."
"No, I will see Yoruichi when I see her. Good night." Byakuya left with those words.
Ai gave her husband a stern look. He knew he was in trouble. "What did I do?"
Ai sighed heavily, "You dear, need to work on your timing."
Timing is so very important it can be the difference between success and failure. It can be the difference between a great day and an awful one. Yoruichi had arrived at the Shihoin compound 10 minutes before Az started his story. She needed to clean off her great day before seeing Byakuya. She even added a few extra splashes of lavender in preparation for her meeting with Byakuya.
Yoruichi thought about her great day as she soaked in her lavender bubble bath. She spent the day with family and friends. She had great nap and a great lunch. Only one person could make this day even better. She couldn't believe how her body tingled with excitement with just the thought of Byakuya coming over for a rendezvous. She could feel him coming closer and her body tingled more. Yoruichi raised her spiritual pressure just a little to make sure Byakuya knew where she was.
Byakuya got the message loud and clear. Despite wanting to head for home his feet were leading him back to Yoruichi's office. A part of him really wanted to see Yoruichi, well more than just one part of him wanted to see her. The little time they spent together today wasn't enough but he was still upset about her little training session with QT.
His mind convinced Byakuya that he needed to see Yoruichi to talk to her about the training session. He needed to hear what happened from her mouth. Before Byakuya knew it he was at Yoruichi's door. Byakuya's knock was not loud it was cautious. Byakuya started to turn away after a couple of knocks but Yorucihi opened the door.
Byakuya couldn't help but stare at the bewitching demon cat wrapped in a white cotton towel. Why did she have to look like that? Byakuya his suddenly dry lips wanted to find relief by kissing Yoruichi's dewy mocha skin.
Yoruichi's words suddenly pulled Byakuya from his trance. "Byakuya, I hope your not here to recruit me for night guard duty for your koi."
It was another joke Byakuya didn't get he frowned at the accusation. Her finger landed between his brows. He gently removed her hand. They just stared at each for a couple of heartbeats until Byakuya finally spoke. "No it's, it's just that is later. You did say we'd see each other later."
"I did, didn't I," she pulled him in by his hand, "and it certainly is later. I'll be right back."
Yoruichi returned in a lavender silk bathrobe. The material hugged every one of Yoruichi's curves perfectly. Suddenly thoughts of QT and Yoruichi's training session were pushed aside. All Byakuya could l think about was loosening Yoruichi's belt and revealing all of Yoruichi's curves.
Then suddenly they both felt a familiar spiritual pressure. QT was on his way to Yoruichi's office. Yoruichi saw Byakuya's frown return she didn't even bother to try and stop him she just walked passed him to the door. She opened the door to find a smiling QT.
"Princess you look ravishing as usual" QT didn't have to see Byakuya's face to know Byakuya was pissed at he comment. No matter how hard Byakuya tried to mask his displeasure QT knew what was going behind Byakuya's mask especially when QT's eyes slowly roamed over Yoruichi's body when she turned her back to him.
Byakuya took a step forward blocking QT's view of Yoruichi. QT almost laughed at Byakuya protective stance. "What up B…yakuya? I almost didn't notice you."
Notice me, I'll give you something to notice.
Yoruichi interjected before Byakuya could speak. "What brings you by Sho?"
QT quickly made note of the use of his real name. He knew that meant he was in trouble. He needed to make nice quick. "Princess, I apologize for the intrusion it's just that I was so excited about tomorrow I just had to talk to you. You don't know how happy you made me be offering to take me to the human world tomorrow". QT ended with a smile that could have covered all of Ireland.
Byakuya's back was to Yoruichi but even she could read he was not happy. Byakuya flash of shock and then look of disgust only made QT smile more. Byakuya could glare all he wanted to QT didn't care he'd spending time alone with Yoruichi in the human world.
Damn QT I wanted to tell Byakuya, "QT there's no doubt you and Az are related… you to have the most amazing timing".
Byakuya couldn't believe it. When was she going to tell me or was she even going to tell me?
"QT I'll see you in the morning I am tired and ready to go to bed". She closed her statement with a yawn hoping he'd leave immediately. She needed to talk to Byakuya alone.
QT and Byakuya were in the middle of stare down. Yoruichi wondered if either man heard her. She was just happy a hero was on his way to diffuse the situation. She dodged the angry glares as she opened the door for Emeka.
"Pa Pa you don't know how happy I am to see you."
He gave Yoruichi a big hug. "Why are these ruffians bothering you?"
Yoruichi laughed she really needed that. Her great day was turning into a terrible night but now her grandfather was there and it seemed just a little better. "No Pa Pa. I just like seeing you."
"What are you two doing here?" Emeka gave QT and Byakuya a serious fatherly glare. "Don't you two have some other place to be"?
A slightly winded Az finally arrived. It took Az so long to get to Yoruichi's office Emeka almost forgot he Az was with him. "Boy" he hit QT on the shoulder with his cane, "go to your room you play around all day unlike Yoruichi who works every day. She's a commander not someone for you to play with all hours of the night."
QT smiled slyly at Az's comment, which earned him a tap on the head from the back of Az's cane. "Boy what did I tell you about the gutter? Now say good night and let's go."
QT reluctantly did what he was told and left with his uncle leaving Byakuya to suffer Emeka's angry glare alone. Emeka cleared his throat hoping to prompt Byakuya to leave.
"Meka"
Emeka's entire demeanor changed as heard Adaeze call his name from the door. He slowly turned around and greeted his wife with a smile. "Dear"
"It's time to leave" Adaeze came in and dragged her husband out by his arm, "Good-night Yoruichi, Young Kuchiki."
Yoruichi laughed somewhat nervously, "I guess it's time for bed." Byakuya here's your chance if you want discuss something do it now.
Yoruichi stared into Byakuya's eyes as he stared into hers. He was moving away from her back behind his wall. Why are you doing this, Byakuya? Why are you running from me? How am I supposed to catch you if you keep hiding behind that damn wall? "Byakuya, are you staying?"
The question was fully loaded but Byakuya had too much on his mind to fully grasp the true importance question. His gut told him QT would be back and he wasn't about to leave Yoruichi alone. "I'll stay and leave early in the morning."
Yoruichi thought for a second it was a good sign but she noticed his eyes hadn't change and neither did the tightness in his jaw. "Ok" She moved into the bedroom and Byakuya followed his movements were almost robotic. He got undressed with his back to her not because of shyness but because he preferred looking at anything other than Yoruichi.
He even turned his back to her after he climbed into bed. Her nearness was playing havoc with his senses even with his back to her. The sweet scent of lavender filled his noise teasing him. Damn why'd she have to smell so good?
I am not going to push but I can't just ignore the elephant in the room either. "Byakuya is there something wrong?"
"I'm just tired, I am tired of this, tired of QT…" Byakuya grunted in frustration. He was upset with Yoruichi and he was angry at QT, but he was angrier with himself. He wanted to break free and make QT leave. Byakuya was head of the Kuchiki clan and that meant a lot to him. He had a duty to protect the honor of the Kuchiki name and he took great pride in that. He could not act on his on accord his clan's pride was tied to his actions. Byakuya couldn't lay a finger on Prince Sho for anything QT had done and that bother Byakuya. His personal pride as a man was being pushed aside to keep his clan's pride intact.
Yoruichi sighed as she lay with her back to Byakuya's back. She couldn't believe Byakuya's attitude. We take a step forward Byakuya, and then you go and take five steps back and hide behind your damn wall. Pa Pa says women are more complicated, but he is wrong men are more complicated, I take that back men are just idiotic women are complicated. She moved in a huff trying to get comfortable.
She groaned as Byakuya moved further over giving her more room but all she could think was he moved away from her. Now they weren't touching at all. Nin Nin said sometimes men could be frustrating. She would give Pa Pa three days to come to his senses if he didn't she give a kick in the behind to motivate him. Byakuya, I am not as patient as Nin Nin I'll be returning from the human world in a day and half if you don't come to your senses by then, I am going to give you a swift motivational kick in the ass.
A/N:
Velveteen: OMG Yoruichi had a great day but Byakuya's day was terrible
Peace in Chaos: Yeah, and he's kinda taking it out on her, bad move Byakuya-bo
Velveteen: Yeah if he doesn't straighten up Yoruichi is going to kick his butt LOL
Peace in Chaos: LOL, guess Byakuya has a lot to learn about Shihoin women
Miko: I thought this chapter was going to be to short
Peace in Chaos: I thought so too; I thought you weren't talking to me
Miko: I am not talking to you I was just commenting. If she would've left out all the QT parts it would've been shorter.
Peace in Chaos: Yes but that would've mad you sad
Miko: The hell it would and I am pissed at you for that misleading title
Peace in Chaos: I know you liked QT and couldn't stand not talking to me. Time to wrap this up. Thanks for reading this chapter and for all the comments and reviews. Until next time peace