A/N: So can I just tell you guys that I love writing these dialogue heavy stories. It just makes Byakuya and Ichigo's relationship feel so much more authentic. I want the reader to feel like their falling in love with them. More so, I could write this half hearted banter all day. I feel like it fits their characters well, and I hope you guys agree.

I also love writing for Fujita because she's totally the mother who, if she accepts you, sits there and shows her son's partner old baby photos. Theres also a flashback in this chapter! Which makes me happy because most of my stories utilize flashbacks pretty heavily, and this one has been lacking. Also, theres a mini time skip, like a few days. You'll see this often as the story progresses, each one a little longer than the last. It's a pacing thing.

If you thought this story was done with it's angst, you're about to learn today. Don't be mad at me! Seriously, I just can't help myself, and you've been forewarned. lol

'This'is a memory, 'this' is a thought. The flashback is in italics and completely sectioned into it's own scene .

Oh god, guys, since I've been injured and stuck at home, I've been working on this story for pretty much ten hours straight .(Send thoughts and prayers. lol) My eyes are about to fall out of their sockets, so if you note any drastic grammar mistakes, let me know.

Since this is my most popular story, I'm going to advertise myself a bit and pitifully beg my readers to check out the other two stories I'm focusing on right now. (Double-Sided Vigilance and The Ballad of the Beauty and the Brat.) Their both A.U's, if you're into that sort've thing. DSV Is a crime/romance, and it's neat because you get to learn a lot about Japan's culture while reading it.(Seriously, the amount of research I've put into that story is sinful.) And TBBB is a dark comedy sort've, ands it's about college students in a band, falling in love and playing music and all that jazz. Of course, their both ByaIchi smut.

Side note: I'm in mourning/denial about how Bleach ended. As a writer, I feels so bad for these characters and their complete forced development given at the end. Sooo I'm choosing to pretend it didn't happen. Cool? Cool.

And lastly, before I stop my rambling, I'm going back to school tomorrow. I also should be returning to work in the next couple of days. I hope I'll be able to write as much as before, but I make no promises.

Terms:

blut and ransotengai: Quincy defensive techniques. Blut is basically a reish blood clot that acts as armor. Ransotengai is a technique that allows the user to use reish strings to maneuver their limbs if ever they get paralyzed.

Song: Florence and the Machine "Shake it out."

Good vibes ~ Ashes.

The Thing's the Darkness Gave Me.

xXx

"Regrets collect like old friends,

here to relive your darkest moments.

I can see no way, I can see no way,

and all of the ghouls come out to play

And every demon wants his pound of flesh,

but I like to keep some things to myself.

I like to keep my issues drawn.

It's always darkest before the dawn

And I've been a fool and I've been blind.

I can never leave the past behind.

I can see no way, I can see no way.

I'm always dragging that horse around."

xXx

The next few days went by in a haze of half hearted, snippy banter and division duties for Byakuya and Ichigo. Everything was still fresh and, most of the time, difficult to adjust too for both men. While Byakuya was stumbling around in practically a whole new world, relearning how to live, Ichigo was too, just to a smaller degree.

Getting up before sunrise, training, leading a platoon, digging himself out of mountain of paperwork one careless signature at a time, getting only four hours of sleep a night, these were all unusual costumes for him. It would be a while before these adjustments became mere ritual.

Other than the occasional grumpy comment Ichigo would make as he was attempting to wake up, he never complained. Because as exasperating as the whole change was to his system, he never wavered in his belief that this was where he wanted to be. In fact, Ichigo enjoyed his time around the Kuchiki lord, and even though they had their moments of mutual irritation towards each other, they both felt a calming warmth in the presence of the other. Their encounters were unconscious, fluent, and most of all, they were enjoyable. They countered each other well, with Byakuya eliciting Ichigo's more calm sides, and Ichigo bringing out a more docile and receptive side of Byakuya, and Ichigo found himself surprised at how well they meshed. He was certain that after just two days in each other's constant company, despite how close they had become, they'd be ready to fight to the death. Imagine his astonishment when he realized it was quite the opposite.

Still, they had their moments, today being one of them.

Over the past several days, Byakuya, the habitually organized and meticulous man, had broken multiple cups, misplaced his pen on various occasions, and dealt with a number of other obstacles that his new perspective gifted him. Each one he handled with decorum, always seeming less than flustered, even though Ichigo could tell it troubled him.

None the less, he was never one to complain about thing of which he couldn't change, and kept a determined attitude towards this refitting of his life, bordering on positive even. So during their early morning workout, when the usual tranquil man simmered with a humid and disagreeable aura, Ichigo had to wonder why.

Ichigo watched the disciplined man run through his stances with great precision, implicating a mixture of multiple martial arts such as Shaolin Kung Fu to jujutsu. Usually his movements flowed with refinement and finesse. Each advance taken with the effortless confidence of a river's dance, each balletic maneuver of his slender form as instinctive as the ocean's tide. Death by Byakuya's hands was a work of art in and of itself, a beautiful, bloody spectacle. For all that their fighting styles differed, Ichigo was enraptured by the rhythm of which he swept across the garden, and he knew Byakuya was a man he could learn a few things from.

Byakuya would perform a stance, and when Ichigo would try to mimic it, Byakuya would run his fingertips over the arches and curves of his body to inspect the form. He'd been corrective, but never would he try to change Ichigo's fighting style, as he only taught him the stances to teach the squad and gave him suggestions for the man to do with what he would.

Today, however, Ichigo noticed a tension backing those usually breezy strokes of the noble's body. "Yo, your stances are a little stiff today, Byakuya."

The noble didn't stop the forward drive of his outward palms as his eyes, which had been in a constant state of purple speckled grey, morphed into a more foreboding red. "Thank you, I will be sure to heed the word of someone with no form at all," he sniped.

Byakuya could be described as many things: harsh and short in speech being some. Arrogant, yes, but only in battle and always rightly so. In his teaching, he was detailed but patient, and never maliciously judgmental. So his scathing insult caused Ichigo to scowl deeply and feel oddly hurt.

"I was just trying to help." He muttered, "God damn."

"Well," Byakuya informed, "you are not."

"What crawled up your ass and died?" Ichigo growled.

Byakuya stopped his training for a brief moment and gave a long, steady sigh. "If that is your lewd way of asking what is bothering me, than it is you," Byakuya accused. "Now, if you will excuse me, I am attempting to prepare for this trainer you allowed that mad scientist to send here."

Ichigo thought that he'd never seen someone express anger so subtly yet with such potency. It was all in the eyes, even before the crimson hue underlined the wrath. A more pointed, defined look would add a whole new meaning to that steady baritone which lulled one into it's velvety depths.

"Is that what this is about?" Ichigo grimaced. "What do you have against Urahara anyway?"

"He is deceitful and yields pleasure from harassing others! I do not want the sake of my fighting prowess to be in such tricky hands," Byakuya explained.

Ichigo rolled his eyes at what he took for nonsense. "I get that the guy has some messed up humor sometimes, but it's not like you don't get off by irritating me, and I know you don't mean anything by it!" Ichigo reasoned. "Besides, this is serious, he has no reason to mess with you."

"He has never needed a reason before," Byakuya concluded.

"You're being pig headed," Ichigo moaned.

Taking back up his training, Byakuya suggested, "Perhaps you should allow Fujita-san to prepare you some tea, Fukutaichou."

This was not optional, Ichigo understood that much. "Whatever you say, Taichou." Walking away, he muttered under his breath, to which Byakuya responded with, "I am blind, not deaf, Kurosaki Ichigo."

Ichigo stomped back over to the deck of where Fujita stood holding a tea kettle, an endearing smile directed towards the noble. "Ah," she crooned, "Isn't Lord Kuchiki adorable when he's in such a mood?"

"Adorable!? Are you crazy, Fujita-san?" he asked, slumping down on the bamboo flooring.

The attendant kneeled down gracefully and poured some hot water into a ceramic tea cup. "Lord Kuchiki is an extremely disciplined man, so to see him lose control and act a bit petulant is a little amusing for me." She grinned happily, the steam rolling over her wispy, almost translucent skin as she steeped a tea bag. "It reminds me of when he was little," she whispered humorously

Looking towards the nobleman, Ichigo found their versions of "out of control" vastly different. If Ichigo was losing it, the whole estate would know, while Byakuya was poised and, if you didn't know him, almost calm in appearance. Admittedly, a huffing Byakuya having volatile mood swings while trying to veil his irritation, administering the silent treatment like a pouty child, was marginally adorable.

Ichigo snorted at his own insanity. He must've been delirious to find Byakuya's sour attitude bordering on charming. "You say cute, I say a pain in the ass."

Fujita hummed contently, dropping two sugar cubes into the tea and allowing them to dissolve. "It is just his nerves," she reassured with a nostalgic laugh. "Urahara-san and Yoruichi-san use to give him the hardest time when he was younger, so he has his reasons to be cautious. This is important, and he is very self critical, so he is plagued with great anxiety today."

Handing over the tea cup, she explained blithely, "This is why I made chamomile tea today, because I knew he would be in a tiff, and you, well you are always yelling about something at some point or another."

'Such a mother.' Ichigo snorted before mindlessly pressing the cup to his lips and burning himself. Fujita hovered a hand over her mouth and giggled as Ichigo cursed. "This is what you get for calling Lord Kuchiki a pain in the ass. You must practice compassion. For instance, the way Lord Kuchiki is compassionate of your loudmouth ways.

Rubbing his finger across his freshly burnt lip, Ichigo retorted, "He always has some smart ass comment to say."

"Ah, but this is only because he enjoys messing around with you," she gave the man a knowing look, "and you know you just as much enjoy messing with him."

Ichigo smirked at that, unable to disagree with any degree of sincerity.

"He will apologize in his own way, without words and mostly through actions, but actions are louder than words, nei?"

Ichigo looked out wistfully towards the beautiful Kuchiki lord, the green hakam and sleeveless white kosodo top he wore rippling with every movement. 'I don't want an apology..I just..wish I could make him feel a little better about this. I know how hard this has been for him.'

"Are you sure you should be telling me all this, Fujita-san? I know how big Byakuya is on privacy, and I don't want you getting in trouble," Ichigo asked.

The woman hummed considerately. "Usually I would never speak openly about my Lord, but," she winked, "you are different, my boy."

Ichigo gave the attendant a dubious glare as she stood to her feet. "That's what they all keep telling me," he sighed.

After a moment of plotting, Ichigo grinned wickedly to himself and hopped from his seat.

Disrupting Byakuya's movements, Ichigo came to stand beside the man and propped an elbow on his shoulder. "Need help?" he asked, smirking.

Byakuya huffed in annoyance. "Did I not tell you you were no help? Remove yourself from my person."

The noble shivered at the chuckle Ichigo let loose. "You're kind've cute when you're being a brat."

In one jerking motion, Byakuya removed himself from Ichigo's touch. "How dare you? Watch your tongue, you impudent child."

Leaning forward, Ichigo grasped Byakuya's forearm and taunted, "Or what, Byakuya?"

"Let go," Byakuya demanded, his voice on the edge of composure.

"Didn't you say you needed help preparing for that trainer? Here's your chance." Challengingly, he prodded, "Make me."

Those words took Byakuya to the apex of his frustration, and the man countered, moving his body almost unconsciously to implicate basic wrist control. Only his moves fell short as Ichigo dodged and parried, dropping Byakuya on his back in one nimble maneuver.

Ichigo leaned over the man with a knee situated on Byakuya's side and one wedged between his leg and arm. "Oh come on, Byakuya," he teased, "I barely know the basics. Taking out an impudent child should be elementary for a guy like you. You're going to have to do better."

A blend of adrenalin, breathless passion, and competitiveness set Byakuya's skin on fire with a need. One that demanded he put Ichigo in his place, implored the noble to prove the man wrong.

A blood orange surged in Byakuya's eyes, crackling the air around them with its vivaciousness. Byakuya appeared the most alive when his eyes were set on fire, the most confident and beautiful, the truest version of himself, and Ichigo found himself momentarily distracted by the sight.

Taking advantage of Ichigo's misplaced attention, Byakuya mentally located Ichigo's body placement in regards to his own. It was not his abilities that were lacking, but the incapability of seeing the opponent, making his moves overshoot or fall short of a target. After he took into consideration Ichigo's weight, height, and placement on his own body, he drew a trajectory in his head, and in a manner of which was to quick to combat, Byakuya flipped the table, leaving Ichigo back down and pent.

Hovering above him was a panting Byakuya, the rise and fall of his moist and well defined chest only a few inches from Ichigo's suddenly parched mouth. The noble pulled back, and a hint of a smirk pulled at those often stiff lips, highlighting the world on fire that existed within Byakuya's eyes.

"You were saying?" Byakuya asked smugly.

A heat filled Ichigo that he blamed on the rush of a fight with such a powerful man as Byakuya. Equally, it was matched with a frothing pride in his chest. "Look who has some skill," Ichigo smirked in rebuttal.

Tightening his grip on Ichigo's arm's ever so slightly, Byakuya perked an eyebrow at the man. "Did you ever doubt me?"

Ichigo felt the air become dense with a sticky, sweltering current that flowed in and around the two. An almost animalistic drive that was unexplainable sent both of them whirling. "Never," Ichigo said bluntly, smiling up at the man. "I just wanted to make sure you didn't doubt you."

Byakuya unknowingly bit his lip as his eyes flickered to a new color that Ichigo had never seen before. The entirety of his gray morphed into a liquid mercury for a flash, a captivating silver that expressed a wild sensation neither could put a name too just yet.

Byakuya stood and held out a helping hand, one Ichigo took without hesitation. 'Ichigo, he has this ability to put a fire under me that no one else can. Then again, I suppose it has always been this way.' "Nonsense, if I could not handle an upstart like yourself, I do not deserve my title as clan head." With their hands still clasped, Byakuya said, "But if you would like, I can demonstrate this confidence once more."

Ichigo ate up that cocky, almost amused feeling that exuded from the man, and more so, knowing he was able to draw it out of the noble, bringing him out of his own encumbering nerves. Releasing his hand and taking up a fighting stance, he challenged, "Bring it on, Byakuya."

xXx

"Lord Kuchiki, your trainer has arrived," Fujita declared, "I've already taken his bags to the guest room of which he'll be staying. Would you like an attendant to unpack his belongings?"

Standing from his seat, Byakuya extended his walking cane with a sigh. "Let's see how this session goes first. Please escort me to him," Byakuya ordered, walking beside a gleaming Fujita.

"Right away, Lord Kuchiki," she exclaimed, humming sweetly.

"And do try not to be so excited about this," Byakuya chided.

"I would never!" she fraudulently flabbergasted, and Byakuya had to stop a humored snort. Fujita could definitely be partially credited for his derisive personality.

As the two walked, Byakuya attempted to sooth his own increasingly agitated thoughts. He had to do this. He had to fumble through these motions, and failure was not an option. Too much rode on the mastery of his abilities under these new circumstances. If he did not come through victoriously, he'd be letting down his house, squad, himself, and most painfully, Ichigo. Ichigo, the man who had given up everything to be by his side through this process. The only true way to extend his gratitude was being worth such a sacrifice.

They moved across the garden and took a path that led to an oasis surrounded enclosure that Byakuya often utilized for training. "Here we are, Lord Kuchiki."

Byakuya nodded and cleared his throat, taking note of his sweaty palms. "You may leave us, Fujita-san."

With a cordial farewell, the attendant took her leave, and Byakuya stood amidst the quiet darkness. After that unsettling muteness extended past an appropriate span, Byakuya went to address the man, only to be abruptly cut off.

"Are you aware that star-nosed moles are blind?" He explained, "There is a theory they use electronic signals to fight their prey. I find that fascinating. Apparently, their ugly little buggers, but alas, I will never know, nei?"

The bout of random trivia made Byakuya's ever present frown deepen. "I did not ask you here for an ecology lesson," Byakuya asserted.

"Ah," the man singsonged, "You did not ask me here at all, our mutual acquaintance did." Grinning, the man's words were rounded by a whimsical inflation. "Kisuke-san, he had some..interesting things to say about you."

"I am sure," Byakuya rebutted dryly. "I must ask, you were offered payment, yet you rejected. Why is this?"

"Let's not be coy with each other, Lord Kuchiki," the man hummed humorously. "As I know about you, I am sure you looked into me."

"Of course, Uchi Hiroki-san," Byakuya countered, " a man of my standing will always protect themselves, take extra precautions, especially when the individual in question is a friend of Urahara Kisuke."

"A smart man indeed," Uchi grinned impishly. "Than you are well aware of my wealth. I've dabbled in many things, business, dog breeding, philanthropy, renting out my skills to the highest bidder. I do not wish to trifle in something as frivolous as money anymore."

"Than what is it that you seek," Byakuya inquired, put off by the devil may care attitude of his trainer.

"Challenges," Uchi responded candidly. "And when I say this, I do not mean in teaching you. That should be a simple task, considering your enhanced senses and spiritual perception." At the contemplative silence that befell the man, he clarified, "More so, it is that headstrong personality of yours that interest me. I've done many things in my life, so now, I simply do to alleviate my boredom."

The reasoning seemed strange and precarious, something the noble couldn't quite understand, and things he did not understand rattled Byakuya with their uncertainty. "Is this why, even with your copious amounts of money, you do not hire a healer to fix your eyesight?" Byakuya questioned.

Uchi bit his smirking lips and let loose a throaty chortle. "Does this anger you?" he asked, sparking a shock of animus in the noble. "Perhaps that is because you hate your dearth of sight, but I? I feel free without it. Sight is, how do I say, so pedestrian."

Byakuya had to control an incredulous gasp that threatened to escape him, allowing himself to devour the pulsing insult he felt. "You have no clue how lucky you are. To languish such an opportunity, it is ungrateful."

The ridiculing giggle Uchi gave had the noble closing his eyes and exhaling a pacifying breath. "Perhaps, but perhaps you will be surprised at how your perspective changes when you lose your vision. I'm sure," he assumed, "to some extend, you've already noticed this."

"Painfully," the noble bit.

"Ha," the trained laughed, "I do not mean just the obvious, but in your thinking." Smirking, he added, "My, you do not disappoint. I do hope you keep this entertaining for me."

Before Byakuya could reply, he explained, "Now, we will begin with some basic meditation. You will be training to take your senses to new heights by meditating and taking note of every sensation you feel, hear, smell, and sense."

"I am well beyond the need for basic meditation," Byakuya huffed in descent.

"Lord Kuchiki," the trainer placated, "a normal person perceives about eight percent of the world around them with there eyes. While you may think you're beyond this method of training, trust that you have not even scratched the surface of what your other senses can take in."

When there was no reply, Uchi continued, "We must stretch them to their absolute limits before we can move on. If you do this, I can guarantee you'll be able to fight without your vision. Perhaps even better than before."

"Very well," Byakuya conceded, begrudgingly so. He took a meditation stance and did some deep breathing.

"Take off your shoes."

"Excuse me?" Byakuya questioned.

"Take off your shoes. In fact, stop wearing them to training all together."

"I do not see the poi-"

"You may question all my instructions," the trainer explained, "but a bit of trust will get you a long way a lot quicker. This is what you asked me here for."

Byakuya, once again, conceded with a sigh. As he removed his sandals, the trainer noted his displeasure and smile as a result. "Now, let's begin."

xXx

Naked feet lied against the blades of fluffy spring grass. It felt like cotton swaddling nature tickling the noble's toes. He wiggled and stretched these nerve riddled appendages as if feeling for the first time, as if he never felt the joy of the earth's properties rollicking across his skin.

For so long, his sight monopolized his attention, his manner of which he explored the world and defined beauty. His other senses, they were like good friends that could've been so much more, if only given the same treatment: neglected, taken for granted, muted by the consuming neediness of sight.

They were background music, maltreated companions, watered down sensations. However, when his sight abandoned him like an estranged lover, leaving him yearning and lost without her light, his other senses we're not bitter, but ever so tender and forgiving. A heavy wind caressed his tresses, the aroma of sakura's embraced him, and the texture of damp soil anchored him. They lead him through the darkness, painting an unseen path for the wanderer.

Unable to see the world, he'd become more connected with it. He'd always miss his sight and the lessons granted through it, but he couldn't ignore the things the darkness gave him.

'Perhaps, but perhaps you will be surprised at how your perspective changes when you lose your vision'

'That man, I do not enjoy his casual mindset of what it means to lose one's sight. However..I suppose, to some degree, I understand the point he was making.'

Tilting his face, he basked in the sunbeams, allowing the heat to swallow his thoughts.

"Yo, Byakuya," a familiar voice called out for him.

'Then again, there are some things..people.. I wish dearly too see..' Byakuya thought as that warm presence approached him.

"Hello, Kurosaki Ichigo," Byakuya greeted, his posture less sift and his emanation one of tranquility.

Ichigo plopped down beside the man, taking note of his closed eyes and his serene features lacking any of their usual defenses, along with the way his fingers and toes wormed in the grass. He couldn't help but to grin. "What are you doing? A little sunbathing?" Ichigo teased.

"I am feeling the scenery," Byakuya explained with deep, steady breaths.

"Oh yeah," Ichigo bemused, "how do you do that?"

"It is something that must be experienced, not explained. Take off your shoes and close your eyes," he instructed.

Ichigo perked an eyebrow curiously. "..Okay," he hesitated, doing as he was told. With his lids shut, he sat back on his palms, feeling somewhat restless. Peeking open an eye, he gave an aslant look over to the noble. "Is something supposed to happen?"

"Shh," Byakuya hushed, "you are ruining it." Ichigo snickered and closed his eyes as Byakuya explained, "It is similar to meditation, only instead of clearing your mind, you simply focus on your surroundings. The noises, scents, feelings, you take mental notes of everyone that comes within your scope of perception. It will dampen all of your misplaced energy."

Ichigo sighed and tried once again. First he observed the sound of birds chirping, then the tickling breeze that stroked his cheek. Next was the smell of flowers carried by the wind and the taste of tea settled on his tongue. Each passing moment he sensed more and more, until he could feel his own pulse throbbing through him with absolute clarity. The steady rhythm lulled him, made him feel at ease.

He even observed Byakuya's calming reiryoku intermingling with his own. It was warm and quelling like the placid rocking of an ocean's waves. Of course, around the noble, he usually felt this peacefulness.

It wasn't too long ago that he hated Byakuya with every fiber of his being, but even then, more than anything, Ichigo just wanted to understand his reasoning. Ichigo still remembered the moment where one explanation bridged the gap between them.

'When you were sentenced to death, I was dumbfounded. The oath to my parents to follow and defend the rules, or the promise to Hisana to protect her sister. Which one should I keep? Ichigo Kurosaki, you have my gratitude. Rukia, I am sorry.'

'When I defeated him that day, he explained why he was willing to let Rukia be executed. Still, I didn't understand. He talked about how sentiments and emotions meant nothing to him, but his later actions contradicted his words. Byakuya, you try so hard not to care, but you always have, haven't you?'

'And later, when I saw you on the battlefield, you were the first shinigami to ever show not only humility, but gratitude, towards me.'

'I fear I will not last much longer. As a Captain of the Gotei 13, to be unable to defeat the foul intruders who dirty the soil of Seireitei, who have brought about the deaths of many soldiers and brought sadness to those soldiers' subordinates and families... to lose my life in defeat at the hands of such wretches brings me great shame. You, meanwhile, are a human. By all rights, you should never have become involved in this conflict. Indeed, you should never even have come to this place. Yet now, at the end of my life, I ask you to forgive me the vile hubris of making one request of you. Please... protect Soul Society.'

'He never directly said it, but it was implied in everything he said, and even though I never wanted his thanks, I felt like I really understood him more than ever in that moment. And I realized, when he died, I'd be losing something. I'm really glad he didn't. I'm glad I get to know you, Byakuya.'

A hand touching his shoulder jolted Ichigo from his thoughts. He blinked a few times at a puzzled Byakuya. "Are you well, Kurosaki Ichigo? Your energy has become quite..muddied."

"Uh, sorry," Ichigo stammered, "just some grim thoughts. I guess I'm not as good at this whole thoughtless sitting as you are."

"And I thought mindlessness would be right up your alley," Byakuya poised, attempting to curb the amusement in his tone.

Ichigo snorted and shook his head jokingly. "I knew you were being too nice. You even showed concern for me."

"Do not be silly," Byakuya contradicted, "your obtuse reiryoku was distracting me."

It was funny, Ichigo thought, how in the most imperative of moments, Byakuya could show earnest care, but in the motions of day to day life, he masked it. Horribly so, might he add, for anyone who really knew the man. Caring was second nature for him, but Ichigo got it, how difficult it was for him to show it openly. It was new and would take time, but even if it never came, Ichigo would be content with the way Byakuya was now.

"How were things at the division?" Byakuya questioned, which prompted a short conversation about division semantics and delegation. While Ichigo did administer training on certain days, mostly he aided Byakuya with his own duties. Which in turn, took part of the workload off of his remaining subordinates.

"Do you need any help with anything right now?" Ichigo asked.

After a moment of contemplation, Byakuya said, "Not any time soon. Though, after dinner, I will need your assistance."

"Cool." Ichigo decided, "Than I guess that gives me the chance to meet up with Ishida for some training."

Perking an eyebrow, Byakuya inquired, "You're training with the quincy boy?"

"Yeah," Ichigo affirmed, stretching and yawning a bit. "Someone's gotta teach me how to use these powers. No use in letting them just sit there wasting away."

When Byakuya let out a muffled chuckle that he attempted and failed to conceal, Ichigo barked, "What's so funny!?"

"Excuse my outburst," Byakuya atoned, "It is just, the idea of you performing archery is a bit humorous, given your lack of precision."

Ichigo scowled at the man. "For your information, I'm not trying to learn the archery part. It's more about the blut and ransotengai. I have like zero defensive abilities, so I figured those would be the most useful." He grumbled, "Not that I couldn't learn If I wanted too."

"Ransotengai?" Byakuya echoed, "If what I have heard is correct, this is a rather advanced quincy skill."

"What?" Ichigo hissed, "You don't think I can do it?"

"Do not misinterpret me," Byakuya cleared up, "I am simply stating that it is a challenging skill to learn. Though, overcoming challenges is your specialty, Kurosaki Ichigo. As long as you are determined, I am sure you will be fine."

Ichigo smirked and gave the man a playful elbow nudge. "As long as I stay away from a bow and arrow, right?"

Byakuya tutted. "It is not you I am concerned for if you decide to brandish a bow, but any nearby woodland creatures." Ichigo just laughed in response, and Byakuya asked, "I do wonder, however, what brought on this desire? I was certain that all of your new duties were quite arduous as is."

Ichigo shrugged nonchalantly. "I like keeping busy. Besides, seeing you work so hard to do everything without your vision," he grinned innocently, "It's pretty inspiring, Byakuya. Makes me want to do better."

A flustered magenta lit up the noble's eyes, the only sign that the comment effected him. Ichigo smirked as Byakuya cleared his throat and said, "Yes, well, I suppose it is good that I am rubbing off on you in some manner. Now If only we could work on your lack of etiquette."

"I said inspired, not completely delusional," Ichigo quipped, rolling his eyes. "Unfortunately for you, I enjoy bothering you too much."

"There is another reason I'm training today, though," Ichigo confessed, thrumming his fingers thoughtfully in the minuet space that separated them. "There's a lot of confusion with what's going to happen between the quincies and the shinigami. A lot of tension between the two for sure, but most of the shinigamis are open to a peaceful co-existence. Anyway, Ishida's taking on the role as the new quincy king, and with me being part quincy and shinigami, I figured I could I help bridge the two. We're going to talk about it more today."

"You mean like an ambassador?" Byakuya questioned.

"Yeah," Ichigo agreed, shrugging his shoulder once more, "If that's what you wanna call it."

Ichigo gave a tentative look to Byakuya's marginally surprised expression. "Come on," he groaned, "out with it."

"Out with it?" Byakuya echoed.

"I know you have some smart ass comment to say," Ichigo scoffed.

"I have absolutely no clue what you are rambling on about," Byakuya denounced.

"Sure," Ichigo patronized, "I bet it's killing you."

After another fleeting moment, Byakuya said, "I was simply thinking that archery may indeed be an easier task for you."

"See, now don't you feel better?" Ichigo remarked, causing Byakuya the slightest of amused expressions.

"Truthfully, I find it admirable that you are using your very rare situation to enact harmony. Understanding the motives of our past enemies can only benefit us in ensuring that history does not repeat itself..again." He sighed, "However, I do find this to be a bit out of the range of your usual personality. As you've explained, you only became involved in shinigami affairs because they were thrusted upon you. Though, that only shows you as more courageous."

Ichigo raked his fingers through his hair and wore a half hearted smile. "Yeah, I don't think I really knew what I'd be getting myself into when I agreed to this, but.." he sighed, "this is my home now, and seeing Ishida all caught up in this and hearing all the hateful crap some of the shinigamis have been spewing, I don't know, It just seemed like the right thing to do."

"Then, I suppose," Byakuya mused, "this is not completely out of the realm of your character. You do always do the right thing. Perhaps not the smart thing, but the right one, yes."

Ichigo gave a crooked grin and flicked his wrist casually. "Eh, I got this. Besides, I have a full fledged nobleman to give me advice about all of that boring political crap."

"I do believe," Byakuya, with his usual no nonsense expression, jested, "that somethings are even beyond the scope of my teaching abilities."

Ichigo tutted and gave the man a playful, albeit rough shove, and the tiniest, almost non existent smile crept on Byakuya's face. As Ichigo got to his feet, he announced, "Yeah, whatever, I'm out of here before you come up with anymore hilarious insults."

As Ichigo walked away, Byakuya declared, "Do not be late, Kurosaki Ichigo. It is imperative that we finish this paperwork in a timely manner."

Waving over his shoulder, Ichigo said, "Yeah, yeah, I'll consider it."

xXx

In was not much later in the day that Byakuya's attendants was requested by his house elders. Promptly, he stood before them, contemplating what this could be about.

Along with his captaining obligations, he was ladened with noble responsibilities, many of which he'd grown accustomed to. Meetings, the formation of alliances, compiling all current data on recent historical happening, just to name a few, so he knew the assemblage's motive could be nearly anything.

"Good evening, Byakuya-san," a deep and prominent voice addressed. "I'm am glad you could visit us this evening."

"Of course, Head Elder Daichi," he acknowledged amicably. "As always, it is my pleasure. How are you?"

"I am well," the elder responded softly, "and I hope your are likewise."

"Yes. Thank you," Byakuya spoke shortly.

"Well, I do not wish to take up precious time, Byakuya-san, so I will get right to it." Clearing his throat, he stated, "I know you are aware that, because of the mass casualties, aristocratic houses have been pushed into wedlock to produce heirs."

"..Yes," Byakuya hesitated, blinking a few times, "I am aware." Already, Byakuya did not like the direction of which this meeting was heading. If the subject matter was not foreboding enough, the hint of nervous regret in the usually unflappable elder was enough of a justification for the gnawing in Byakuya's stomach.

"The council has deliberated," the elder explained, "and we've decided that, in the near future, it is time for you to exemplify the importance of this ritual through your own participation."

Instantly, Byakuya's throat tightened, and he clasped his hands tighter behind his back as a result. "Head Elder, council, while I understand the need of this tradition, with my current condition, I am in no state to bear an heir."

"Of course," the elder spoke, a bit of a smile inflected in his tone. "When I said the near future, I meant after you've have time to adjust. A year, perhaps?"

The nobleman closed his eyes pensively and took a few relaxing breaths. Byakuya Kuchiki knew how to be cut throat. Years of politics and diplomacy had crafted him as such, but it was very unusual for him to go against his elder's wishes or the laws set in place. This matter, however, since the death of Hisana, had been one of which he refused to concede. It was untouchable, sacred, and the elders had never actually pushed the issue. Somehow, Byakuya knew today would not be the same.

"Head Elder, though I respect and understand the dictums of this council, I believe I have made myself clear about my feelings regarding the-"

"Byakuya-san," another elder spoke up, a haggard and haughty woman, "we have taken your personal feelings into regards. As you know, once you've married and bared an heir, there is nothing forcing you to bind yourself to the wife you take other than legality. If you both chose to live separately, this is more than fine."

"Do you forget the child that will be involved?" Byakuya rebuked, a little more sharply than he had intended. "I do not believe in loveless unions, especially producing children from them. I would not want this for the child nor for the poor woman forced into such an arrangement."

"This poor woman will understand and comply to her duties happily," the woman snipped, " as should you. As a clan leader, it is your obligation to put such sentiments behind you and think about the good of your house."

"Elder Ikeda-san," the head elder intervened, "Please, let me." With a weary and rueful sigh, the elder assured, "Byakuya-san, you know that I, more than anyone, sympathizes with your reasoning. However, a war has sent our homeland into shambles, disrupting the balance of power, a war that you almost died in." Byakuya jared ever so slightly at the remembrance while the elder continued, "And what if you had of expired? Our clan would have been left without a rightful heir, and the lines of power stemming from the most eminent noble house would have been severed forever. This has been a long time coming, Byakuya-san, and though we have been patient, you were aware that this would one day be a duty of which was acquired of you." Softer, carefully, the head elder implored, "If not for my supplicating, you'd be married within three months time. Please," he whispered, "do not make this harder for yourself than need be."

Discreetly and as stately as ever, Byakuya drew in a jagged breath, his face betraying none of his inner turmoil. In the years since Hisana's passing, the worst of the Kuchiki lord's pain had subsided. Now he often visited her vigil and felt grateful for the bit of pain he still had to remember her by. After almost a century, he was no longer ceaselessly plagued with memories of their short time together, nor did he actively think upon the love she could never quite return or the painful resentment he felt as a result. At times, this left him with an almost hollow feeling, only made more unbearable by the guilt of his forgetfulness.

Though he did not dwell, his soul certainly never forgot. Hisana had changed his life, for better or worse, it was simply a fact. Never again did he concern himself with romantic love, and he was certain that it never concerned itself with him. Once a man who desired such affections, he never wanted to experience such a life altering sorrow again.

In comparison, loneliness was a kindness. It was, in fact, the greatest courtesy life had ever bestowed him with, a heart as empty as the beds once utilized by their dead.

It was not the prospect of a wife, however, that filled the noble with a fright. It was the lethality of his own two hands. His breath, fondness, it was poison to whomever came in contact with him. To be given such a precious gift as a child, only to have it ripped away, once again, by his own perilous existence, it was ruthless.

Was it possible for anything he loved not to perish? Rukia had not, and though he seemingly overcame his fear of losing her when he backed down and allowed her to fight that ghastly sternritter, the dread still flourished within him. Renji's death being another catalyst, another corpse to throw weight behind his vindication. The little insecurities his heart housed evolved into wild thickets, shrouding and ensnaring his soul. Within this cage, he could not move without fear of being punctured.

xXx

"Lord Kuchiki."

The anxious clan head looked up, his limbs strong with agitation, but his mind stronger. In the clan doctor's eyes, there was grave news. His eyes, they illustrated a horror that his mouth couldn't bare to articulate.

Between them both, the doctor looked more like the panicky husband in waiting and Byakuya the phlegmatic physician. This was nothing Byakuya held against the man, for he was unable to withhold his nature as much as Byakuya was unable to withhold his own.

Not to say the Kuchiki lord did not feel a great agony at the lose, but he'd been conditioned his whole life to consume his own emotions for the sake of something greater. Hisana was his something greater, and right now, she'd need him to remain as unwavering as an edifice in his composure.

"I understand," Byakuya uttered, moving to his feet. "How is she?"

The doctor nodded and trembled slightly, building up his nerves. "She is weak, but as soon as we complete the procedure, she will be in a more stable condition."

"Then?" Byakuya prompted.

The doctor dipped his head just a bit, loathing to look at the other man with such flagrant sadness. "I'm afraid the pregnancy has irritated a pre existing condition. Her system is shocked, and though it won't be immediately, there is little hope she'll make it through the spring."

Byakuya nodded his head a couple of times to express that he understood, and he swallowed down a scream that he so badly wanted to give to the world.

With chin pointed, the doctor asserted, "I just want to be clear, Lord Kuchiki, there was no way of knowing about this condition before hand. Please do not take this on yourself."

Feeling almost numb to it all, the Kuchiki lord made a noncommittal noise and said, "I must be with my wife now. I shall stay during the procedure."

"I will prepare and be with you both momentarily," the doctor informed just above a whisper.

Byakuya moved through the doorway that joined the two rooms and saw his wife lying almost motionless upon a futon. She looked so tiny in that futon, in that room, weak and bulging with child. Her desolation left her still, listless from drained emotions as she stared aimlessly out a window.

Byakuya approached the futon and kneeled by her side, grasping her hand gently and taking note of the salty paths staining her face.

"Anata," he comforted, "I am here." Her eyes glided up to his own, burning him with their misery and regret. He did this to her with his insistent need for a child. He did this. He killed his own wife. He had know that, despite her love for children, her heart still ached with bereavement, and had never belonged to him fully. Desperately, he had wanted to mold them into something that they could never be, and as a result, he destroyed whatever was.

His love, his desire for a family, it smothered her. The worst, most unforgivable part being that, even though he didn't want to admit it, he knew it was only her guilt of not loving him that forced her into compliance.

"Byakuya," she rasped, her voice as cracked and weary as her frame.

"Do you need water?" Byakuya offered.

Tears pooled in the woman's eyes, and she shook her head somewhat frantically. A short, heart-rending moan spilt from her lips as tears dripped into her open mouth. Byakuya wiped frayed strands of hair from her forehead and rubbed it lovingly while he brought their intertwined hands up and placed a kiss on her palm, hoping to offer her a bit of his strength.

"This is what I deserve," she cried breathlessly. "I left Rukia all alone, and this is my retribution."

"Anata," Byakuya urged, "that is not true. If the fault lies on anyone, it is I. I am terribly sorry for pushing this upon you. If I had onl-"

"No," she asserted, finding her voice as her tears lulled for an instant. "Despite my reservations, I was happy about our child. I thought.." her voice faded out as she allowed her hand to hover above the seemingly expectant stomach, letting it linger before she clutched it tightly, "this was my chance to be the guardian I should have been for her..but.." Once again, her tears raged, pain clamping down on her vocal chords. "Now, I-I fe..e..l s..o," she fought for breaths amongst her uncontrollable emotions, and Byakuya pulsed a calming pressure through her to help her find her air. "So..empty.. cold.. I use to feel little baby feet..and now, there's nothing. I look down, and I see my belly, and I can't believe she's gone, but my heart," she sobbed, "It knows."

Byakuya only wished there was something he could say, but there was nothing. He felt barely held together, only tethered by cheap adhesive, stuck between the reeling and his need to stay strong for his wife. There was nothing to be said, for their child was gone, and soon, Hisana would follow. There were no words.

"Did we finally decide on a name?" Byakuya questioned.

"Byakuya.."

"She is our daughter, so she must have a name. I will log her as an official clan member," Byakuya assured, "and I can not do such without a name."

Hisana sighed and thought for a moment. "I like Arisa."

"Then Kuchiki Arisa it is." Byakuya smiled subtly, his daughter's name feeling right on his lips.

Quietly, gingerly, Hisana asked, "Do you think..I will get to hold her?"

"Perhaps for a moment," he answered honestly, "as you know, the spirit particles congeal within your womb only moments before birth, but because she is.." he faltered, "..her spirit particles will most likely disperse quickly."

When a knock came to the door, Hisana's hand quivered in his.

The doctor entered, and Hisana looked almost paralyzed with fear. "I-I- she cried, "I don't want to deliver her. I don't want to feel her like that!" She shook her head frantically, looking up to Byakuya as if those slate gray eyes were her saving grace. "Please, I don't want too," she begged. "I can't!"

Byakuya closed his eyes against tears that wanted nothing more than to find refuge on his face. He took one deep breath, then another. Opening his eyes, he assured, "I am here, my love, and I will be here through it all."

xXx

"Byakuya-san?"

The noble opened his eyes to a dark room, realizing that he'd been stuck in the past for much too long. "Yes. Excuse my behavior, Head Elder."

"It is fine," the elder insisted. "I understand the history and the memories of which this must dredge up. However, I must be sure that you also understand, Byakuya-san."

The noble gave a curtly nod of the head. His perfect decorum gave away nothing of his pounding head and swelling chest as he avowed, "Of course. In a year's time, I will concede. I will bear an heir."

xXx

Tifanny91: Hello love, I hope you're doing well! Hm, first let me say that, with the Rukia thing, I think she gets Ichigo very well. Their best friends after all, and she did pretty much change his life. However, I'm a strong believer that not one person can be everything you need. That why people have more than one friend or don't only spend time with their significant other. So while I think Rukia does get Ichigo, their personalities clash, and in this type of tense emotional situation, Ichigo needs someone more like Byakuya to be there for him. In my opinion, I think Rukia makes a great friend, but Byakuya makes a much better lover. He doesn't always need to be shoved around, but instead, needs comfort and a safe haven. Ah, that's exactly like what it is, because these two stubborn boys are not hip to their own feelings. Ichigo's never felt that way and, as we see in this chapter, Byakuya's pretty closed off to the idea that he could ever be in love again. It's adorable to watch them almost awkwardly experience this type of love for the first time. You are right though, I do agree that this is a different type of love. Also, I'm glad you liked the lyrics I picked. As always, thank you. Until next time!

Magician Girl Mirani : I swear, this stuff is golden. I've totally already planed how I'm going to use the shin thing. lol You are very right, it was time. I'm only glad that I could handle it well. Please, don't ever feel like rambling bothers me. Us fan fiction writers live for this stuff. Thank you, my dear!

LustfulAvarices: *Nudges over a box of tissues carefully.* This chapter is pretty miserable towards the end, I'm sorry for any tears I may have caused! Thank you for your support.

Dust-of-Moon: Happy birthday-ish! From me to you, here is some Byaichi goodness. I'm glad you're enjoying the slow crawl of their romance. Thank you!

siwon611: It makes me happy to know I can make you're day a little better, even if it's in a small way. Keep your chin up! And you're right, it leads to no where good, but Byakuya and Ichigo are both characters who do this natural, which is one of the reason I find them so well matched, among a dozen others. lol. Thank you, love!

Engkantada1905: Thank you for taking the time to comment. I'm really happy to see you enjoyed it, and I hope you like this one too.

kiel Chea: Lol, I don't particularly ship them, but I do think they make some great friends. Thank you!