Okay, so there is something I want to go over before you get started on this chapter. I chose duty as a man for this title. It is equivalent to being human. Most humans, and I emphasize the word most, would not simply ignore someone who was sick or hurt. It is only natural to help those weaker than ourselves. It's one of the things that makes us human. Since Byakuya is instead a soul from the Soul Society, I couldn't call this duty as a human. So I chose man. I just wanted to make sure you understood my reasoning.

Anyhow, enough of my rambling, I'll let you get back to reading. Enjoy!

His Duty as a Man

Byakuya's mood turned foul lately. Everyone, even the Head Captain took notice to the change in his usually calm demeanor. Renji spent three months walking on eggshells. It seemed that just about any little thing could set him off. It was very strange that the normally stoic and calm Captain lashed out in random spouts of anger. Even in battle the Captain was known for his level-headed composure. This was completely out of character.

One month ago, they were subjected to another kido training session. He claimed it was to review what they'd learned four months ago during the weeks when Ichigo joined the squad to train. During one of their sessions, someone accidently mispronounced an incantation. The entire squad was then made to endure an hour long lecture on enunciation and proper dictation, claiming that no one within the unit showed any grace.

A few weeks after that incident, there was another where he blew up at Captain Urahara for no apparent reason. To make matters worse, he kept running into Kisuke multiple times throughout the week. Every time, Urahara braced himself for another outburst of anger and frustration.

At any mention, usually by Rukia or Renji, of the World of the Living, Byakuya became either agitated or depressed. Once in the morning during breakfast, Byakuya snapped at the kitchen staff for serving a bowl full of fruit containing oranges in it.

"I'm tellin' ya, he's getting weirder every day," Renji said during one of his rare nights out.

Hisagi, Kira, Rangiku, Rukia, Ikkaku and Yumichika were sitting with him at the bar. They drank and listened to Renji's multiple examples of odd behavior on Kuchiki's part.

Rukia nodded, "I thought Ni-san was sick."

"Maybe he is," Kira agreed.

She shook her head, "No. I already asked Unohana to check in on him. He snapped at her for invading his privacy and claimed he was just fine. Nothing to worry about."

"Sometimes people just need to be grouchy," Rangiku added between hiccups, "Like Toshiro."

They shook their heads. She was such a light weight. Drunk already after only three drinks.

After chugging his beer, Ikkaku stated off-handedly, "Maybe he just needs to get laid. Ever think of that?"

Yumichika smacked him on the shoulder, while the others stared at him a bit disturbed. He stopped mid gulp of the new beer he was handed.

"What?"

"Ikkaku. That was inappropriate and of no help here." Rukia scolded him.

"All I'm saying is the man's a camel. His wife died how many years ago?"

"It's still a sore subject for Ni-san." Rukia defended her brother.

"Well, he needs to get over it. Find someone new."

Hisagi had been quiet for some time, mulling over the facts as he listened. "I believe he may have already found someone," he mused as he pulled the label off his bottle.

Rukia sat up and leaned back so she could see him clearly around the others that sat between them, "What do you mean?"

Renji did the same, "You see him with somebody, Hisagi?"

"Haven't you?" They didn't understand. Had they missed something? "Think about what you just told us. Who has he been around lately? Think of the things you mentioned that cause him distress."

They ticked off the things that riled the noble.

"Urahara. The World of the Living." Rangiku started.

Kira picked up the list, "Kido incantations and training."

Yumichika finished it, " Oranges."

Rukia and Renji blinked dumfounded, then in unison exclaimed, "Oh my god, it's Ichigo!"

Ikkaku choked, spitting out his beer, "WHAT!?"

"Everything we just mentioned...Ichigo is connected to them all."

They stared at each other. It was true, Ichigo was indeed connected to each piece of evidence. He was there at the kido lessons several months ago. He had bright orange hair. He lived in the World of the Living and Urahara was his mentor. It all fit. Ichigo was the cause of Byakuya's distress.

They mulled this information over in their minds. Rukia and Renji were already silently plotting how to get the pair together. To their great relief, with the exception of Ikkaku who still seemed to be in shock, the others didn't seem to mind in the least. Renji summoned a butterfly suddenly and started whispering to it.

"What are you doing?" Kira asked.

"Sending Ichigo a request for him and his friends to join us for the weekend."

Rukia brightened, "You're brilliant. This weekend is perfect. It's the family get together. It'll be like a dry run for them. The elders will be there and everything. Oh, how perfect."

"Why the others? Shouldn't it just be the two of them? If his human friends come along, won't that keep them from being alone?"

"More like a back-up plan for us. If they end up getting together this weekend, then we can hang out with them and let the couple be alone." Rukia smiled devilishly, "And if they don't get together, we can get the others to help us."

"You two are evil." Kira claimed, "Remind me never to introduce you to my girlfriend if I ever get one."

"Where are you two going? The dinner is about to start." Byakuya asked as he watched the newlyweds head for the door.

Preparing for the family dinner had been a nightmare. Byakuya's mood was darkening quick. Dealing with the elders for clan business was bad enough. Having them in the manor for a private, family function was unnerving and unwelcome at the moment. He finally got everything perfect. He would not allow his sister or his brother-in-law to ruin it.

"We have guests arriving. Remember? There will be four extra people. I told you about this, Ni-san."

He didn't remember, but then she knew how to manipulate him into getting what she wanted.

"Knock, knock." A familiar voice rang out from the door.

Byakuya froze. He looked around his sister to see Ichigo Kurosaki and his three human friends hovering by the door. It was like all the weight and stress he'd been hanging onto over the last few months just fell from his shoulders. He didn't know why, but seeing the substitute soul reaper gave him a sense of ease. He relaxed for the first time in a long time.

"Sorry we're late. It's my fault." Ichigo said sheepishly.

That was the first indication something was wrong. The next was the way his energy felt. It was off. When he stepped further inside the house, Byakuya frowned. His aura was strange to him and his spiritual pressure was fluctuating. There was a thin film of sweat starting to form on his brow. Ichigo was getting sick and if it was showing up on his soul form, then he was very sick. This concerned Byakuya and so he decided that he would keep a close eye on his guest.

"Come in. Take a seat. The elders have arrived. We're already behind schedule." He growled, remembering why they'd all gathered together. Immediately, he wished he hadn't.

Ichigo looked ashamed, "I'm sorry. Come on, guys. Sit down."

Byakuya led them to their seats. He heard Orihime and Uryu voice their concerns quietly.

"Kurosaki-kun, are you sure you'll be okay?"

"Yeah," Ichigo responded quietly. He seemed a bit dazed.

"Ichigo, you really don't look well." Ishida insisted.

They were just about to join the Kuchiki family table, when Ichigo's patience snapped.

"I said I'm fine!"

The rest of the Kuchiki clan members looked up shocked by his outburst. Byakuya pretended it didn't happen. Renji and Rukia sat across from Ichigo. His friends sat to his left and Byakuya to his right at the head of the table.

"Let's begin. Please enjoy." He addressed them and took his own seat.

There was casual conversation all around the table. Orihime regaled Rukia and her family with stories of her cooking endeavors experienced in class even as she praised the dinner before them. Rukia and Byakuya's grandfather was in deep conversation with Uryu. He was fascinated by the Quincies. Chad was really just a spectator and he couldn't help glancing at Ichigo every so often. He was afraid he might fall over.

Renji was just dumfounded by the other conversations and a little nervous around Rukia's family. Byakuya noticed Ichigo was quiet and pushing his food around with his fork. Taking another bite of his food, he thought he'd try and distract him from the fact that he didn't feel well.

"Ichigo Kurosaki, have you been practicing your kido?"
"Huh?" He looked at Byakuya and the noble repeated his question, "Oh, uh, yeah. Every week."

"Very good."

"Kido. That's wonderful. I was surprised to learn the hero of the winter war hadn't used it once and still managed to defeat Sosuke Aizen." Byakuya's uncle said, intrigued by Ichigo now.

"Yeah, I owe Byakuya a lot for teaching me."

Byakuya blushed, but no one caught it. "Think nothing of it. As I said, it was my pleasure."

"Ichigo Kurosaki," Ichigo looked to the grandfather next to Rukia, "Just how close are you and my grandson?"

Byakuya glared at the old man as Ichigo stared, confused. Renji and Rukia couldn't help but smirk.

"Sir?"

"You call him by his first name. Either you are very disrespectful or on very good terms."

Ichigo suddenly understood his error. Humiliated, he lowered his head, "I'm sorry. I have known this family a while now. We've fought side by side and...I'm sorry...I keep treating our relationship as friends."

"So, disrespectful then," The elder Kuchiki said, disapproval clear as a bell.

"That's enough. Kurosaki is our guest," Byakuya reprimanded.

"Of all people, I would think his misconduct would bother you most of all."

"I'll admit, Kurosaki takes too many liberties, but as the hero of the Soul Society, I let it slide, Grandfather."

"Ridiculous," the old man spat, "His status should have no bearing..."

Byakuya stood, defensive in place of Ichigo who was too sick to defend himself, "Status and rank mean everything in this family! Have you forgotten all the lessons you have drilled into me since childhood?"

"It's fine. It won't happen again." Ichigo shrank in his chair.

"Never stopped you before." Byakuya said nonchalantly as he sipped from his water.

"That's true, but...I'll be more...care...ful..."

Byakuya caught Ichigo as he collapsed, saving him from sliding to the floor.

"Kurosaki!"

"Ichigo!" Rukia and Renji yelled from across the table.

"Ichigo!" Ishida yelled and Chad stood abruptly.

"Kurosaki-kun!"

Byakuya shook him a bit, "Kurosaki?"

No response.

"I told him to stay home and rest," Uryu said angrily, "He's sick; hasn't felt right for a few days now."

"Why did he make the trip to the Soul Society if he was unwell?"

"He didn't want to disappoint Renji. Said he hadn't visited for months. He thought it would be rude to decline."

"What an idiot!"Renji said, "If he wasn't feeling well, he should've damn well said something!"

The old man made a disapproving sound for Renji's language.

"Stuff it, Gramps. Ichigo's my best friend and I call it like I see it." Renji growled and jumped the table and picked up his feverish friend.

Byakuya cheered the red-head internally. It was one of the reasons he liked Renji. No stuffy elder would every push Rukia around with him as her partner. He wouldn't simply bow to their will as Byakuya had in the past.

"I got him, Captain. I'll take him to one of the guest rooms."

"Very well."

"I'm going with him," Rukia said.

Byakuya closed his eyes momentarily as Ichigo's human friends expressed their wishes to follow as well.

"I would expect nothing less. Take good care of him." He said, eyeing an unconscious Ichigo. It worried him that this illness hit him so hard. He wondered what state his human body was in by now.

"This is outrageous! This is a family dinner. Let the boy's friends tend to him!"

"Renji and Rukia are his best friends. Forcing them to remain here while he is incapacitated would only cause more trouble. If they wish to personally see to his health, then I will not stop them."

"Trouble?"

"You must understand. They have fought side by side every step of the way from the day they met until now. Those two would go to Hell and back with him, in fact, they have. Keeping them apart will cause serious discord. Let them be."

"Byakuya, you are the Clan Head. Your word is law. You get them back here."

He stood face to face with his grandfather, "Yes and as the Head of the Kuchiki Clan, I've made the decision to allow them to attend to their sick friend."

The old man huffed and puffed for several minutes before fixing Byakuya with a stern gaze.

"You disappoint me, Byakuya. I thought you had more control over this family. I suppose I should've known when you married that woman that you would fail as a Clan Leader."

Byakuya became dangerously quiet, his steely grey eyes lingering on his grandfather with barely contained fury, "You will never speak ill of Hisana in my presence again or you may wind up in the hospital wing."

"I am your grandfather and one of the elders of this noble clan. I'll not be spoken to like this."

"Regardless, I will use extreme prejudice where Hisana is concerned. The same goes for Rukia, Renji, Ichigo Kurosaki and anyone else I deem worthy of such loyalty. Am I quite understood?"

There was silence among the clan members, his grandfather muttering under his breath, but finally taking his seat once more. Byakuya resumed his own seat and forced a small polite smile on his face, opening his arms to address the table.

"Shall we continue?"

They quickly busied themselves with their plates, some gulping their wine to calm their edgy nerves. Whether they agreed with Byakuya or not, he was the current Head of the Kuchiki Clan. In previous attempts to control him the way they wanted him to behave, there were adverse affects that resulted in chaos for him, the family and the Soul Society. They learned he was loyal to the family, but would lead in a very different way than his predecessors. Not to mention, Byakuya's power frightened most of them. He was not a man to be trifled with.

Conversations eventually resumed and now shifted toward Ichigo. Byakuya listened carefully and participated dutifully so long as it was amicable. They asked him a lot about how he came by his great power. They asked about his lessons, about Urahara's tutelage of the man's training and a few were even curious enough to ask about the World of the Living and what it was like there. He answered, but his mind was drifting to the guest room where Ichigo Kurosaki was resting. He was concerned about him. This was new to him, but he decided he would access his changing feelings about the substitute soul reaper another time. At the moment, concern was all he could feel and all he could concentrate on.

Rukia returned thirty minutes later, after getting Ichigo settled in the guest room, just as dessert was being served. Renji didn't return at all. He promised to look after his friend and Rukia insisted he stay instead of rejoining the dinner.

"Well, how is your friend?" The uncle asked when she sat heavily in her chair.

"Renji, his human friends and I agreed that he is too sick to risk traversing the Senkaimon Gate to return to the World of the Living. We sent his human friends home and Renji is watching over him as we speak."

Byakuya inclined his head, agreeing with her.

Dessert progressed without further interruption and ended on a good note. His grandfather left with a disappointed look, but he let the matter drop.

After two days, Ichigo was still very ill. Rukia and Renji watched over him vigilantly, but observed little progress. Rukia entered her brother's office the next morning on day three, exhausted.

"How is Kurosaki?"

"The same. I came to ask a favor."

"Anything."

"Would you check on him periodically throughout the day?"

He paused, his mind frantically searching for an excuse, "Renji is with him. He is in good hands."

"We have duties within our respective units. We've missed two full days. Our work is piling up. We need to get back."

He continued to shuffle through his paperwork. She leaned on his desk, entering his personal space and gave him the big, worried, sad eyes. Byakuya hated those eyes. They made his heart twinge and he was always forced to act upon her every wish just to see them go away and be replaced by happy eyes. It irked him that she discovered such power over him. He had no doubt Renji fell victim to the same tactic.

"Very well," he sighed, "If you insist," signing one more document, then rose and came around the desk, "I'll look in on Ichigo Kurosaki in your absence."

"Thank you, Ni-san. I'll be able to work without worrying about him if I know you're here to take care of him."

He hugged her and watched as she left for her squad. He finished his work, then made a trip to Unohana's office. He explained the human's symptoms. She gave him instructions and medicine to administer. She even offered to care of Ichigo herself, but he assured her he could handle it. He was only a few yards away from the manor when he heard yelling.

Ichigo Kurosaki suddenly stumbled around the corner of the manor, leaning against the post of the porch with Renji trailing behind him, hollering obscenities about Ichigo's stupidity. Clearly Renji hadn't returned to work as Rukia said.

"You dumbass! Get back in bed! You're in no shape to be walking around, let alone risk getting yourself stuck in the Senkaimon Gate."

Ichigo ignored him and continued into the garden on his way toward the gates to the estate.

"Ichigo, stop!"

Ichigo was sweating and panting. Byakuya could see his Lieutenant was quite right in his assessment. Ichigo was not fit to be up and about. A violent coughing fit hit him and Ichigo stumbled again. This time the noble was there to catch him before he fell, saving him yet again. Panic, a feeling he hadn't felt in quite a long time, washed over him instantly. Ichigo's skin was boiling hot. His fever was through the roof. This did not bode well for his human body. The soul was stronger than the body. If his soul was this bad, his body was experiencing even worse symptoms.

He controlled his voice before speaking, "Ichigo Kurosaki, where do you think you're going in your condition?"

"Home!" He spat weakly.

"You'll do no such thing. You will turn around and go right back to bed. You will stay there until you are well."

"I need to go home."

Byakuya sighed, releasing him as Ichigo struggled to escape his grasp.

"Kurosaki, you are not well enough to travel. If you were to collapse inside the Senkaimon Gate, you could wind up trapped in there."

The prospect frightened the noble. Fear. There was another emotion he was not accustomed to. Not since Hisana's illness took her from him.

"Kurosaki..."

"Look, I...just...want..to..."

Ichigo lost consciousness. Byakuya carried him back to his room. Ichigo lay in the spare room, very still and vulnerable. It was odd for Byakuya to see him this way. Ichigo was usually so vibrant. Sure, he'd seen him wounded, but Ichigo always maintained his stubborn nature. The fire in his eyes always remained brightly lit. Now he was weak as a baby and it made Byakuya uneasy.

"Captain?"

"Renji. You've been away from your duties long enough. It's time you caught up on your work."

"But, Ichigo needs..."

"I shall take over for you here."

"Are you sure?"

"I have already been to see Unohana. She gave me instructions on how to care for him and medicine to administer. I will be fine."

"Alright. I'll finish as quickly as I can and come back to relieve you."

"Take your time. Don't rush through your work and risk mistakes. Check in on the squad as well."

"Yes, Captain."

Renji left, concern evident on his face. Byakuya immediately set to taking care of his charge. He used a towel to wipe the sweat from Ichigo's fevered body, a body that tempted the noble in more ways than one. How had his attraction to Ichigo grown so strong without him realizing it? He never felt embarrassed by his thoughts before now. As he tended to his sick guest, he found it difficult to focus solely on his task. His eyes continued to roam over Ichigo's features and physique several times without his permission it seemed.

He could admit that he appreciated Ichigo's looks before now. At first, he used to be amazed by his resemblance to Kaien Shiba, another soul reaper who passed long before Ichigo ever arrived in the Soul Society. As time went on, he started to appreciate the features that made him unique. His loud, orange hair. His expressive, honey-brown eyes. The quirky mouth that spouted ideals of justice, honor and duty. The small dimples that no one else seemed to notice when he smiled. The pink blush that flushed his cheeks whenever he received a heartfelt compliment. Byakuya could admit Ichigo was attractive, but he never noticed that he was attracted to Ichigo until now.

He was itching to touch the skin under the towel as it passed over Ichigo's chest, neck, and toned abdomen. He raised the pant legs instead of lowering them to get to his legs. He wasn't sure he was ready for what lie beneath, nor did he have the right, but it was tempting. This strong attraction could easily get him into trouble if he wasn't careful.

He shook his head in an attempt to clear his mind. What had he gotten himself into? He tossed the towel aside and reached into the bag he brought with him. He placed a cooling pad on Ichigo's warm forehead and woke him briefly to give him his first dose of medicine. Then he pulled the covers up to his chin and turned out the light.

He remained a constant vigil at Ichigo's bedside. He called on his staff to prepare his and Ichigo's meals and deliver them to the guest room. He woke Ichigo a few times to get him to eat and use the facilities. More than once, Ichigo woke of his own accord to throw up violently. Byakuya cared for him for two more days. It was on the sixth day of Ichigo's illness that he showed progress. His fever finally dissipated and he slept easier. The medicine was clearly working. Byakuya could relax.

He finally felt it was okay to leave Ichigo to rest on his own. He sent someone from his staff to check on him, but otherwise, recovery was up to Ichigo now.

Ichigo woke alone at midday, but heard movement just outside the door to his room. He stood slowly, stretching as he walked toward the door. He felt loads better than he had in days.

He slid the door open and found Renji pacing back and forth. When he came onto the porch, Renji turned and let out a sigh of relief.

"Hey," Ichigo said quietly.

"Hey. 'Bout damn time you woke up. You've been out for days. You feel any better?"

"Yeah, a lot better. Thanks for taking care of me. I'm sorry if I was a pain," knowing he was a terrible patient.

Renji grinned, "Don't thank me. I can't take credit for your getting better. I have nothing to do with it."

"I'll thank Rukia then when I see her."

Renji's grin grew so wide, his face hurt, "Not her either."

"Then just point me in the right direction of the servant who did."

Renji burst out laughing, causing Ichigo's eye to twitch.

"Okay, don't just leave me in suspense."

"Captain Kuchiki nursed you back to health."

Renji practically jumped for joy when Ichigo blushed scarlet. Clearly his friend felt something for his Captain. Getting them together might not be as hard as they thought.

"Why would he do that?"

"Why don't you ask him?" Renji suggested, gesturing behind his friend.

"Ichigo Kurosaki..."

Ichigo jumped a little, startled by Byakuya's sudden appearance. He turned slowly, "Uh, hey. How ya doing, Captain?"

Byakuya narrowed his eyes at the change in Ichigo's way of addressing him. He didn't really mind it at this point. If he was honest, he recently started to like the way his name sounded rolling off Ichigo's tongue. An interest better left for another time.

"Are you feeling better?"

"Yes."

"Good to hear. You had us all quiet worried," he turned to leave, "Do be careful on your way home."

He needed to distance himself from temptation until he understood what he was feeling.

"Byakuya, wait!"

A small, satisfied smile crept onto the noble's face. That was better. He did not turn around.

"What is it, Kurosaki?"

There was a pause where Ichigo waited in vain for Byakuya to look at him.

"Thank you...for looking after me. I owe you. I just need to know why. You've never taken this much interest in me before. Why now/"

"I have no interest in you, Ichigo Kurosaki. You were ill. Weak. As a man, I have a duty to help those weaker than myself. It is as simple as that."

Ichigo realized he would never be anything more than a burden to the Kuchiki Clan Leader. He should've known better than to assume they could ever be more than a fellow soul reaper.

He straightened and Byakuya held his breath, "Thanks again. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Byakuya nodded, signaling he heard him. He left to finish his work and just as the door to his office slid shut behind him, he closed his eyes and let out the breath he'd been holding, "It was my pleasure...Ichigo."