Hello everyone!

This is my attempt to step into the Bleach fandom, so bear with me. This is just the introduction. I'd like your feedback to see if there would be any interest in this fic. It would be greatly appreciated! I've been contemplating on posting this for some time, so I hope that it piques your interest. Please keep in mind that this will be a slow burn fic.

Happy reading!


Prologue

Sakura Tinted Memories

I remember him from long ago; I'm reminded of him every time the aroma of cherry blossoms greets me.

He was that short tempered brat that Yoruichi always got the best of. He was preparing to become the next head of the Kuchiki clan and now a powerful shinigami. I remember that his grandfather would often praise him for his technique and determination, but he was always quick to anger and very hot-headed.

I remember it just like it was yesterday: I would sit to the side and watch Yoruichi tease him. The sweetness of freesia, cherry blossoms, the tartness of freshly cut grass and the clear crisp koi pond often kept me company while he chased her around his grandfather's extravagant garden.

Back then, he always wore his hair in a ponytail just like Yoruichi. Her idea of fun was to always snatch his hair tie from his long, raven hair when he was too focused on his training. He couldn't stand her and her shenanigans and said that her mere presence alone annoyed him. Her golden eyes annoyed him even more. They were fierce, but always gave way to moments of mischief and freedom. He often complained about his grandfather allowing us to visit.

I always laughed at his inability to catch her. He could barely touch her!

Needless to say, Byakuya didn't like me either. He said that my eyes were just like hers and it meant double the trouble for him. I admit that I was a little hurt by his comment, but I kept visiting the Kuchiki Manor with Yoruichi. Quietly watching him from afar for some time planted a seed of curiosity inside me about the young Byakuya. Curiosity grew into adoration which quickly led me to join Yoruichi in making him miserable with our shenanigans. Two girls snatching his hair tie away and he couldn't catch either one of them? Even when sparring with us, he had a hard time attempting to strike us. That made for one very irked Byakuya, but two light hearted girls. Those days were filled with hard work and laughter.

That was the Byakuya that I remembered. He had gone through his fair share of trials and tribulations over the years. He married Hisana, a woman that didn't come from a noble family...and what an uproar that caused in the Kuchiki family! It was the one time that he had broken the rules, which I was surprised since he had always tried to keep the peace and follow the rules as the years went by. But everyone could see in his eyes that he loved Hisana with all of his heart and soul. I have to admit that I was a little envious of Hisana; I wondered from time to time if a man would one day love me the same way he loved her.

But as time went on, he lost the love of his life. He was devastated that he had to lay her to rest; I had never seen him so solemn before. Afterwards, he adopted her baby sister as a final request from her, which I thought was very sweet, but that brought another uproar with it; he broke another rule. He swore on his parents' grave that he wouldn't break the law again.

Later, he became the stoic and aristocratic captain of squad six, taking his grandfather's place. Since then, I saw him struggle between family and lawful duty and in the end, he found that balance.

I admired and respected him from afar; he had a special place in my heart. But I knew that he wouldn't look my way; for my eyes and antics had annoyed him in days past. But after moving up in the ranks and becoming a very powerful and respected captain, I often found myself wondering one thing: did I ever cross his mind at any time?