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Hello all I am GirlX901 and this is the first story within my FemIchi series. Bleach is my all time favorite manga and anime. I’ve been dabbling with the idea of Ichigo Kurosaki as a female for a while and found that I enjoyed the idea and wanted to see if others liked it to. While looking for stories with a female Ichigo I found that I am not alone. I am also known to play Voltage Romance Novel games on my phone. If you don’t know what those are they are essentially dating games that I spend way too much money on just so I can get the romantic story between my character and a man. My *real* boyfriend has to deal with a lot, haha. With those dating games there are multiple story lines with different guys. I wanted to do something similar with bleach. So we have the first story line with Shunsui Kyoraku. Before the chapter starts I’ll give you a little splurb of what the story is about as I have more word space to play with. Please remember that I do not own bleach as if I did the story would likely still be going and Karin would be married to Toshiro...and Senna would be a real character and not just one in the movie. Please review and if you don’t like it please make your critics constructive so that I can learn. Thanks so much!

In order to unite the Kurosaki Quincy Clan and the Seireitei a marriage had to take place. Aizen’s betrayal had struck too deep and the Seireitei grew concerned as did the Kurosaki Clan’s council. Thus a marriage would take place so that the two entities could unite. The Kurosaki Quincy Clan offered up the eldest granddaughter, Ichigo Kurosaki, for the marriage. The Seireitei offered up the Captain of the eighth division, Shunsui Kyoraku, for the marriage. There is just a few problems: Ichigo Kurosaki is a quincy that can’t fight. Shunsui Kyoraku is a womanizer. Masaki Kurosaki killed the former captain of the tenth division, Isshin Shiba; and that one captain with the face paint makes Ichigo uneasy. Really though, what could go wrong?

Chapter One: This is Not a Joke

Shunsui Kyoraku laughed. It was clearly a joke, not quite a funny one, but a joke nonetheless. His deep laugh echoed around Yamamoto’s fairly empty office. The old man, powerful but aged, sat in his large chair behind his desk. Standing beside him in a small grouping was a selection of the top ten chairs of Central Forty-Six. The grouping consisted of older men and women from households in power. Likely they had replaced the family members that once were seated in their position but were killed in the Central Forty-Six massacre. A simple way to keep power within the family. He stopped laughing when the elders did not join in.

“You’re joking,” Shunsui Kyoraku, the captain of the eighth division, stated. It had to be a joke there was no way that they could possibly be serious.

“No Captain Kyoraku, we are not,” the new first chair of Central Forty-Six, Botan Enomoto, denied. “Due to the situation with Sosuke Aizen we are in dire need of assistance in the World of the Living. The Kurosaki Quincies are our best option.”

“I understand that but surely a member of your families would be a better fit for this,” Shunsui looked at them. Political marriages were common in the noble parts of Seireitei. In all of his years as a soul reaper not once did a soldier marry on behalf of the Seireitei.

“The head of the clan requested a soldier. Someone that could protect their daughter himself. She is, -” the man stumbled. This was supposed to be an easier task.

“Weak? You're allowing a woman that doesn't even have the capabilities to fight a hollow to stay and live within the Seireitei?” That didn’t really matter. Shunsui wasn’t a man that would look down on a person for their strengths or weaknesses. At this point he was just grasping at straws and he was sure Yamamoto saw that too.

“A large percentage of our population in the Seireitei have weaker spiritual powers than most.”

“And they don't live within the squads. If she is to be my wife she would need to live in my family home which she cannot as it is within the districts and too far away for me to protect her. The other home within the Seireitei is in use during the Aizen investigation. You are asking for a civilian to live amongst soldiers.”

“Other families have similar situations. Captain Kuchiki's wife resided in the squadron during a short time before she succumbed to illness. Captain Kyoraku you cannot bring up any factor we have not examined. This is not up for consideration. This is an order. Within a week’s time you will be married to the eldest Kurosaki daughter of the seventh Kurosaki head.” Shunsui gave a hard stare at the man but nodded his consent nonetheless.

After another hour of going over details of what was expected of him he was allowed to leave the first division. As soon as he stepped through the gates he directed his spiritual pressure to his feet and flash stepped to the thirteenth division. Juushiro Ukitake, the captain of the thirteenth division, and Shunsui’s oldest friend was expecting him for afternoon tea anyways. WIth luck he would be able to sneak some sake into tea time as well. He slowed his pace to a regular walking pace as he entered the gates of the thirteenth division and with a nod to the rambling third seats he was welcomed into Jushiro’s sitting room.
Juushiro sat near the open doors that led to his deck and gardens. Jushiro was a lean man with long white hair. On good days he had a pinkish complexion around him. Unfortunately with the good days came a good number of bad days in which Juushiro suffered from his illness which left him abnormally pale with dark circles rimming his eyes. Thankfully today was one of the good days.

“How was your meeting with Captain Yamamoto?” Jushiro asked. Shunsui walked towards the cushion set for him and sat down heavily across from Jushiro. Jushiro gave a worried look to his friend. He looked tired. A hand had been run through his hair multiple times. Shunsui had been Jushirous friend since they were children. They played together, entered the academy together, and rose the ranks of the Seireitei together. Juushiro knew the signs of his friend being stressed. To everyone else it didn’t seem like the man ever had a moment of anxiety. He took everything in stride, well, a lazy stride.

Shunsui looked up at his oldest friend and gave another deep sigh before giving a forced smirk. “Well old friend, you will need your best uniform ready within a week. I’m getting married.”

Juushiro choked on air. Shunsui nodded in agreement to the sentiment. Out of everything that would be expected after Aizen’s betrayal this was not even a possibility they had considered. Gaining new captains, advancing lieutenants, severe training regimens, additional battle plan meetings, and finding out Aizen’s secrets were in the plans, but not this. Definitely not this.

“She’s the daughter of a quincy clan. The Kurosaki quincy clan,” Shunsui reiterated. “They are reformists and the Central Forty Six along with the old man want them on our side rather than anyone else’s. She’s considered a daughter of two noble families so marrying her off to another noble family that would be considered higher or the same level of her caliber would be an insult. At the same time, they want someone that can protect her.”

“It makes sense. She's a Quincy, people will automatically treat her with disdain. You and I are of the few people that will not hold her accountable for her ancestors. Additionally you won't treat her as a burden based off of her lack of powers. People will automatically respect her because you will.” It was true. Shunsui was not a man that would look down upon someone or treat them with ill favor.

“Surly one of our younger captains would do the same,” Shunsui argued lightly. His voice was missing the firmness he usually brought to a debate. Juushiro smiled, he was to the point of near acceptance. Making the next week easier on him and thus easier on his soon-to-be wife.

“Well Captain Soi Fon and Retsu would not be acceptable for obvious reasons. Captain Kurotsuchi shouldn't be allowed within twelve feet of her for other obvious reasons,” a truth that made Juushiro wince and Shunsui’s press his lips firmly together as they contemplated that disastrous option. “Toshiro, while capable of being a good husband and eligible for marriage already faces enough scrutiny based off of his age. It would be best to allow him to settle further before pushing more on him. After all it has only been twenty three years since he took over as captain. Byakuya wouldn’t take another wife, especially with Rukia’s current condition. Kenpachi would make the poor girl train and possibly kill her in the process with her powers, or treat her with ill will towards her inability to fight to his standards. Her family would likely take offense to Captain Komamaru’s appearance; just as they would take offense to my illness.” Shunsui ran a hand through his hair as Juushiro went through the list of eligible captains. “You are the best option Shunsui, and besides, you settling down wouldn’t be a terrible thing.”

“You just don’t want me taking all the ladies’ attention anymore, eh Jushiro?” the two older men chuckled.

“Well if you’re married you won’t have much opportunity to go chasing women. I’m sure Nanao will appreciate that. Maybe you’ll get some work done for once,” Jushiro teased.

“Flirting?” Shunsui tsked. “I'm simply letting women know how beautiful they are. In the end I'm stating facts.”

“You're a womanizer Shunsui, don't lie to yourself.”

“Ah, but, Juushiro. I was a womanizer. I'm spoken for now.”

“You know, that just might be why Captain Yamamoto picked you. He had enough of your womanizing ways.”

“Oh I'm sure of it,” Shunsui laughed and grabbed his cup filled with tea.

“So where is the investigation headquarters going to kept now that it won’t be able to be held in the Kyoraku household?” Jushiro asked. When the truth behind Aizen came forward they wanted a single place the investigation would be held. As Kyoraku’s family estate was close by he volunteered it.

“We won't be. She'll be staying with me at the division.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, as she's not exactly the strongest Quincy and her family wants her protected. Keeping her near me would ensure her safety. I'll need to get my rooms prepared.”

“And your squad as well. I'm sure having the Captain’s wife moving in might bring concerns.”

“It will be a transition period that’s for sure,” Shunsui puffed out a breath and tapped his fingers against his cup. “Think we can get anything stronger than this?”

“I’m sure I can have that arranged. This is, afterall, a topic to celebrate.” Jushiro chuckled. “Kiyone, Sentaro?”

“Yes Captain,” Kiyones high pitched and Sentaros gruff voices answered quickly as the door to his sitting room opened.

“Please request the best bottle of sake from the kitchens be delivered here immediately.”

“Yes Captain, I, Kiyone Kotetsu, will ensure that the sake will be delivered immediately.”

“What are you talking about Kiyone? I obviously will ensure the sake is delivered and that it is the best one we have. If it isn’t good enough I will travel all through the Soul Society to get the best bottle,” Sentaro shoved his face into Kiyones and the two began rushing towards the kitchens.

“Ah you’ve started it now Jushiro,” Shunsui teased as the pair of third seats argued away.

“They’ll figure it out eventually.”

“When are you going to pick one of them to be your lieutenant? Or are you still hoping that the Kuchiki girl will be able to step into the place.”
Jushiro gave a pained smile to his friend and directed his gaze to the gardens.

“You can’t be serious Jushiro?”

“She is the most skilled.”

“She is also the most damaged at the moment,” the image of Rukia Kuchiki gasping for air as she weakly pushed against Aizen, whose hand was deep within her chest, was an image both men struggled to push from their minds. How no one noticed the womans spiritual pressure diminish to the point where it was untraceable was beyond him. Perhaps it was because Aizen had prevented anyone from noticing just as he did everything else. Or perhaps it was that the woman really is stronger than the average soul reaper and she was just hiding it all along.

“Which means she deserves it the most.”

“Be that as it may, Jushiro, Byakuya will never agree, not after everything.”

“He will one day. She’s earned her place, she can only go forward from here.”

“How is she anyways?”

“Healing quite nicely. She came back to the squad about two weeks ago and participated in the training regimen. Kiyone and Sentaro are teaching her how to do more higher up level paperwork. She even did one of my reports the other day.”

“Ah, so really, Kiyone and Sentaro are using her to do their more boring work. Is she healed enough to participate in the entire regime?”

“Not quite yet, though she tries. I think within another month she should be able to handle it without too much difficulty.”

“Then, I suggest, you re-evaluate when she’s up to her best.”

“So you’ll help me keep Central Forty-Six and Captain Yamamoto off my back?”

“As always,” Shunsui raised his glass and smirked. Truthfully it was Kaien that had originally set up the process of Rukia Kuchiki becoming the next lieutenant. It was months into his training her that he had written a sealed letter to the captain explaining how in the events of his death she had his blessing to be promoted to Lieutenant. The letter was placed in Kaiens file and was found by Jushiro when he was clearing out the file. A responsibility that fell to the captain in lieu of the lieutenant being the soldier that died. Rukia Kuchiki was still healing from the wounds sustained by hollowified Kaien, and his death, along with his wife’s death, was still too fresh to the squad. Out of respect to all parties involved, Jushiro had decided to wait to offer the position. When he felt enough time had passed and Rukia was proving to her squad members her impressive abilities he had gone to Byakuya for his blessing. Just as he did when Jushiro went to obtain the blessing for Rukia to obtain a seated position, Byakuya declined. Jushiro stubbornly refused to promote anyone into the position. He began to ask Bykauya on a quarterly basis if Rukia would be allowed to accept the lieutenant position if offered. Quarterly, Byakuya said no. Then, the truth of Aizen came out, and she was severely injured in the process. Shunsui had stood by Jushiro’s decision from the beginning, and, as always, he would continue to.

“Besides old friend. They’ll be on my back for quite some time now. Really you should be thanking me. My marriage might just be what pushes those old fools to leave you alone.”

‘Well we can only hope.” The door slid open to the soldier who was currently working in the kitchens. Shunsui and Juushiro’s conversation transferred over to small talk about their families and squad members.

The next day Shunsui sat in his office and prepared an request order for movers to come in and assist in packing up the random things he had collected into the spare living space he had in his quarters. While he didn’t know exactly what to expect from being married, especially considering he didn’t even really know his bride, he figured preparing a room for her wouldn’t be far off from what would make her comfortable. He couldn’t expect her to want to share a bed shortly after marriage, and he wanted her to feel as though she had something of her own. The poor woman was probably in the same forceful understanding mindset he was in.

“Sir the subordinates are ready,” Nanao alerted him from the doorway.

“Ah thank you Nanao.” Shunsui stood from his desk and reached for his hat. The pair made their way to the eight divisions training grounds where the squad was assembled. He could hear a buzz of excitement come from the training grounds as he got closer. “Such excitement for an announcement,” Shunsui teased to Nanao who in return gave him a look of annoyance.

“I believe it is because it isn’t like you to make announcements randomly sir.”

“Ah, indeed. Yes, well, you shall see soon enough.” They opened the doors and the excited murmurs quickly quieted. Shunsui made his way to the front of the crowd and took in his squad. Nanao stood off to the side so that she was part of the squad, but close enough to him that one would recognize her higher authority.

“As you all know I have an important announcement to make. It is in regards to some new recent changes to the division that I want all of you to be prepared for.” Faces tensed as curiosity peaked. “On the upcoming Tuesday guests of great importance will be arriving to Seireitei from the World of the Living. Of these guests will be the head of a noble quincy clan, the Kurosaki Clan. She is held in high esteem and must be shown your utmost respect.” Nods spread through the crowd. This wouldn’t be a matter he would have to worry about. He knew his squadron and they would not disappoint. “Additionally traveling with the head of the Kurosaki clan will be an heiress of the clan, the first daughter of the seventh head of the family. Upon mutual agreement the heiress and myself will be married.” Gasps, murmurs, and some outright cries spread through the crowd. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Nanao’s eyes widen in shock. He waited for the squad to quiet down before he continued and raised a hand to make the process quicker. The soldiers got the hint and quickly went silent again. “I know, I know,” he waved his hands lightly as if brushing off their concern. “But it was time I settled down anyways. Our marriage will form a union between the Kurosaki clan and the Soul Society; therefore I expect my bride to be treated with the utmost respect. I understand that there is history with soul reapers and quincies. History that can make some of you feel hesitant, or even angry, towards her and her people. That cannot go on. Her clan is going to great lengths to move forward with the Soul Society and we should show them the same effort. My new bride will be living in the squad with me, so in the next few days you will see others coming and going in preparations for the wedding and for her relocation If anyone would like to and are able to volunteer they are free to do so; and their assistance will much appreciated. Does anyone have any questions or concerns?” After a moment of silence hesitant questions were called forward.

“Will she be bringing her own security?” asked an unseated member.

“Her family will have their own security, they will stay here for a short period of time for her to settle and then return to the World of the Living. As for after her family leaves, that will be decided when we get to that point,” Shunsui explained.

“Will she participate in the division?” another unseated member.

“At this moment, no, but who knows what the future holds.”

“Are there any customs we should know about Captain? As to not offend her?” The tenth seat, Akane Tabata, asked. She came from the seventh division when the tenth seat for the eight became open. Due to her previous Captain being a wolf man she was sensitive to others cultures and customs.

“At this moment Akane, I do not know. This will be something we all will be learning together. I do know her clan is reformist based, which means her customs will be different from other quincy customs.”

“What will she be called?” That is a good question. While the Kyoraku family wasn’t considered a member of the honorable four noble family, it was a well respected one. She would also be married to a captain which would link her to a respected title.

“Madam Kyoraku,” Shunsui answered with a firmness that caused him to internally falter. He realized that while he had been making the preparations to inform his division, creating a living space for her, reviewing the plans for the wedding itself, and reviewing the agreement between the Seireitei and the Kurosaki Clan, he had also been doing something else subconsciously. He had been accepting it.

End of Chapter One: This is Not a Joke

Thank you all so much for reading I am so happy to be writing and posting again. Chapter two is with my beta and will be posted within a month. Please review and let me know what you think and please be sure that all critics are constructive. Thank you all and have a safe and lovely weekend.

Chapter Text

Hello all and welcome back to Coffee Flavored Kisses. I want to thank everyone that reviewed, favorited, and followed. It makes me so happy that you are enjoying and/or are intrigued by my story. I also want to thank my beta, KT. Please review and let me know what you think.

Chapter Two: And So We Wed

Days after being informed of his engagement Shunsui’s quarters had been cleared up and deep cleaned. Nanao assisted in ensuring a woman’s touch around the room. Cushions, bedding sets, tables, dressers, and other furniture was brought in. There was a captains meeting held detailing the upcoming union and demanding all attendance. Shunsui took the teasings in good character and went back to preparing his division. The day before the planned day of the Kurosaki clans arrival he was dragged away for a “stag night”. His closest friends had all been in attendance along with their friends. Jushiro prevented him from drinking too much that night, having a hangover on his wedding day wouldn’t be the best way to start a marriage.
Tuesday morning had rained. The sound of the rain could even be heard from Shunsui’s bathroom. He took in his only moment of peace and stretched out in the tub and listened to the muted pitter-patter against the window pane and roof. Memories of his brother and his brother’s wife, Nanao’s mother and father, filtered through his mind. If they were alive they would be in attendance. His sister-in-law would likely be the one that would prepare his quarters for his wife. His brother might be telling him how he would change after he married. Just as Shuichi did. Would this marriage allow for him to change? To better himself? He didn’t know. Perhaps knowing his bride would change that. Waiting had started to stress his patience. Only because it was waiting for the unknown.

“Captain,” Nanao’s muffled voice sounded from behind the door. “It’s been an hour.”

“I’ll be right out. Thanks for letting me know.” With a final rinse Shunsui stepped out of the tub and began drying himself off. His formal uniform was prepared for him. Included in the uniform was a pair of tabi socks. Socks he detested wearing, but he would for today. An hour later he made his way towards the banquet hall where the wedding would take place. The Kurosakis would be arriving soon and he wanted to ensure everything was ready.

“Shunsui,” Jushiro had arrived with his third seats and was followed by Retsu Unohana and her lieutenant. The third seats and lieutenant gave polite bows and went to meet up with the other lower seats waiting outside.

“Jushiro, Retsu,” Shunsui greeted and turned his attention away from the list of guests. “Thanks for coming.”

“As if we could miss this. Are you ready?” Jushiro teased.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Is there anything we can do before the ceremony?” Retsu asked kindly.

“No, they’ll be arriving soon. We should actually be making our way out to greet them.”

“Captain Kyoraku,” an excited aide called from the entrance. “Their rickshaw is near!”

“That’s our cue,” he nodded and made his way to Captain Yamamoto and the top chairs of Central Forty Six that waited for the rickshaw to get closer.

Men dressed in formal Quincy uniforms grew closer. Between the sets of men were three rickshaws. The first contained the Lady Kimiko Kurosaki and her granddaughter. The remaining rickshaws contained their belongings. Once the rickshaws came to a full stop the doors were opened and out stepped an elderly woman. She was about the same size as Jushiro’s third seat Kiyone but was rounder. Her hair was a light red color with streaks of grey and pulled into a tight bun on the top of her crown. She had wrinkles decorating her face. Shunsui was happy to note that they were mostly around her eyes and mouth. This woman was fond of smiling and laughing.

“Welcome Lady Kurosaki,” the first chair of Central Forty Six greeted the elderly lady. The lady gave a respectful nod.

“Thank you for this opportunity for this union.” Lady Kurosaki responded.

“We are pleased with this union and have great hope for the future of our people. Allow me to introduce you to Shunsui Kyoraku, Captain of the Eighth division.”

“My lady.” Shunsui stepped forward and bowed. Lady Kurosaki nodded her head and gestured towards the rickshaw.

With the assistance of an aide a young woman stepped from the rickshaw. She wore a white kimono with light blue design work. The colors worn by a quincy. The obi holding the kimono together was solid blue, just a shade darker than the the design work on the kimono itself. A thinner obi tied in the middle and from it dangled a quincy’s cross and a silver butterfly. A thick white veil covered her hair and her face. Decorative pins shaped like butterflies made from metal and blue beads held the veil in place. She wasn’t as petite as Lieutenant Hinamori, but she wasn’t as tall as Lieutenant Matsumoto either. “This is my granddaughter, Ichigo Kurosaki. She is my eldest granddaughter. The eldest daughter of my eldest daughter.” The woman leaned into a graceful bow. Just as one would expect from the daughter raised by nobles.

“Greetings to the seated Central Forty Six and to the respected captains of the gotei thirteen,.” Despite her veil her voice rang through. It was calm and collected. Dainty, yet a firmness was held with it.

There was another round of bows between Central Forty-Six and Shunsui to Ichigo Kurosaki. Shunsui contemplated her name. Ichigo meant strawberry, he wondered if she had a sweet demeanor to go along with the name. He noted to himself that he would ask her later what meaning her parents meant for her name.

“Shall we,” Botan Enomoto smiled and gestured to the doors. With a nod from the elder Lady Kurosaki the large doors opened and all but the bride and groom entered the ceremony room. Shunsui looked at the young woman. Her head was turned towards the gardens and buildings surrounding the banquet hall. From where they stood they could take in a good majority of the Seireitei. At night one could make out all the lanterns guiding those that participated in night patrol.

Shunsui wondered if she was contemplating running when it took her more than a minute to turn and face him. But, Ichigo did turn back towards him and the open doors leading to the ceremony after she shook her head towards the city and the evening sun.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“Yes,” she responded. Her voice was full of resolve. “I am ready.” With that she took two steps and closed the distance between them and they entered the hall together.

Ichigo, couldn’t help but stare. He was a lot older than she was anticipating. Well, not a lot, just about ten years older. Her father’s talk about how ages are treated differently in the Soul Society floated to the surface of her brain. Maybe she should think of it like she’s been aging in human years and this man, this Shunsui Kyoraku, was aging in dog years, or something like that. He was also more flamboyant than she thought he would be. His hair was long and tied back with two flower pins in it. He also wore a woman’s kimono, though his friend with the silver long hair took it off of him before the ceremony had started. He was taller than her by a good foot. She’d have to arch her neck to kiss him. If there was going to be kissing.

Oh crap, she hadn’t been paying attention to her grandmother's lecture earlier on the ceremony. Was there supposed to be kissing? Should she be preparing for this? She took a quick glance at her grandmother.

The matron of the Kurosaki clan watched the ceremony unimpressed. Ichigo wouldn’t be getting any hints from her. So, she’d just have to go with the flow. It’s just a kiss. No big deal. Turning her attention back to staring at his figure had her realize why this kiss will be different than her few previous kisses with a man. He had whiskers. Or was that called a mustache? Beard? Goatee? She’d just go with whiskers.
His face was masculine, a bit rugged, kind of like her father’s.

This man, this Shunsui Kyoraku, was to be her husband. She didn’t like it. The atmosphere didn’t make it any better either. Taking another quick glance at the people gathered she fought the urge to laugh. It was like a funeral was taking place. There were slight smiles here and there within the audience but most of them were all straight faced. The biggest smile was really from the weird looking guy with the facepaint and head ornament. She’d have to remember to stay away from that one. His smile didn’t exactly say happy for the bride and groom.

The man officiating the wedding was going on another long speech of mutual respect in a marriage. Ichigo was tempted to put in that he’d already said that and to just get on with it already. She’d been anxious about this wedding for days now and wanted to just get this day over with so she could regroup.

“And now, the vows,” the officiant, an old man that seemed to sway dangerously, declared.

Oh, so we are doing those, Ichigo thought to herself. Again, she tried to recall what her grandmother had been explaining on the journey there. The officiant pulled a long red ribbon from his robes and held it horizontally between his hands. Captain Kyoraku held his hand up in a way that was welcoming towards Ichigo. Oh no, was she supposed to take his hand? What if she wasn’t supposed to take it? She would embarrass herself in front of the entire soul society and her family if she wasn't supposed to take it and held out her hand. But, if she didn’t take it she would still embarrass herself if she was supposed to take it. Throwing caution at the wind Ichigo abruptly stuck her hand out and grasped his hand. Great, they were holding hands now, awkwardly, like a couple of idiots. It was like middle school all over again.

Shunsui had been watching her throughout the ceremony. While he couldn’t see her expressions he had no doubt she was also watching him. She did take pauses to do quick glances towards the audience. The ‘subtle’ turns of her head weren’t quite subtle with her veil. When it came time to perform the vows he had held his hand forward to take hers. She hesitated and Shunsui could sense the nervous energy coming from her. Quickly she struck her hand out and took his. It was so abrupt Shunsui nearly flinched out of surprise. Suppressing a chuckle as to not embarrass her or alert the audience of her mistake he gently brought his other hand forward and slid her hand further to clasp his wrist. Her hands were small, well, smaller than his. They were calloused too. An interesting feature on a noble woman.

Meanwhile Ichigo was mentally screaming how much of an idiot she was that this guy had to fix her hand placement like she was a child. She already was much younger than him. He must think she’s an idiot.
Everyone must think she’s an idiot.

The red ribbon was tied around their wrists and Ichigo was forced to move closer to make the procedure more comfortable on her end. She could smell him then. He smelled of...well...man. It was musky, but, in a charming way. His hands were warm and calloused. The hands of a man, as her father would say.

“Do you, Captain Shunsui Kyoraku, take this woman to be your wife, to honor, respect, protect, and cherish in sickness and in health, through poverty and prosperity, until death do you part?” the officiant continued not knowing the mental analysis the couple were performing on one another.

“I do.” Surprisingly it wasn’t hard for Shunsui to vow himself to her as he took in her form and felt her pulse dance against his own.

“Do you, Lady Ichigo Kurosaki, take this man to be your husband, to honor, respect, protect, and cherish in sickness and in health, through poverty and prosperity, until death do you part?”

“I do.” Ichigo almost found the words difficult to say, but she meant them.

“Who will witness their vows?”

“I, Captain Jushiro Ukitake, hereby witness their vows,” Jushiro declared as he stood. Ichigo looked at the man and recognized him as the one that took the pink kimono from Shunsui Kyoraku just before the ceremony had started.

“I, Ryuken Ishida, godfather of Lady Ichigo, hereby witness their vows,” Ryuken Ishida, her mother’s oldest friend, stood. Ichigo felt her heart stutter. She didn’t even know he had come with her grandmother. Had he walked the entire time? He wouldn’t be pleased by that. Meanwhile Shunsui glanced at the man with silver hair and a stern face. He recalled that there were other quincy families that were loyal to the Kurosaki clan, but more importantly, he recognized the name. Shunsui, made a quick glance at Captain Kurotsuchi to ensure he was behaving himself. The man in question was still grinning, though the grin did seem to have grown.

“Do we recognize these witnesses?” the officiant asked.

“We recognize the witnesses,” the audience, Shunsui, and even Ichigo answered. She had finally remembered a tiny detail of her grandmother's lesson.

“Then, by the power vested in me, may I announce to you, Captain Shunsui Kyoraku and Madam Ichigo Kyoraku,” and with that the man gently put his hands on their shoulders and had them face the crowd. Their wrists still tied together. The audience erupted in applause. While those that sat in the chairs closest to the bride and groom were showing more respectful applause, those in the back were more exciting. Ichigo couldn’t help herself and she grinned as she took in the bald soul reaper, the busty soul reaper, and the soul reaper with feathers decorating his eyebrows clapping and whistling. Once the applause had died down and the guests had started to file out of the ceremony room and towards the room Ichigo believed the reception would be held. Shunsui turned to her, and she to him. The officiant gently pinched the knot of the ribbon that held their wrists together. Slowly Shunsui gently pulled his wrist from the ribbon and Ichigo took her cue to do the same. The tied ribbon was gently placed into a box and set onto a table that was decorated with candles, flowers, and other ornaments. The room was empty now, save for the officiant, the bride, and the groom.

“If you’ll wait just a few moments Captain Kyoraku we shall announce you both to the reception,” the elderly man explained.

“Thank you, we’ll be ready,” Shunsui reached a hand out and rested it on Ichigo’s back. Ichigo stiffened under his hand and turned her face to his to give him a wide eyed stare. He couldn’t see it though because she still wore her veil. Shunsui turned his attention to her when the officiant left the room and gave a warm smile.

“Well now the hard part's over we should be able to enjoy ourselves for the rest of the night,” he explained and started walking, his hand on her back guiding her to walk with him. Ichigo’s breath hitched slightly.
She was anticipating a forward man in terms of ‘this is what needs to get done’, not ‘let me get in your personal space’. The rest of the night? What did he mean by that? Was he talking about that? Nope! Ichigo threw the thoughts from her head and slammed the door. She would not be thinking about that. She would mentally prepare herself for that when it came to it and not before.

Then what was he doing with his hand? Guiding her, or perhaps it was escorting her, with his palm against the small of her back. The man even snuck it behind her obis bow so that it was really against the small of her back. She could feel the warmth from his hand. Though she was surprised by his behavior she couldn't help but feel more like a woman. Her ex-boyfriend never walked with her like this. They held hands sometimes but that was it. This was strangely intimate, which made Ichigo blush more.

Shunsui gave a patient smile when he felt her stiffen under his hand. The reception would be loud and stressful and they would be separated from their families as they ate, exchanged greetings, and accepted gifts. He wanted her to feel safe and secure next to him and hoped that his hand guiding her expressed kindness and comfort.

They stopped in front of the doors leading to the reception and waited for them to be opened. Ichigo could hear all the chatter that was going on behind the doors and took a deep breath.

“It’s so noisy,” Ichigo observed.

“They’re excited.”

“Yeah. I guess it’s just going to be a lot to deal with.”

“It’s a good thing you won't be doing it alone then. We can depend on each other now,”

While Ichigo took in his last remark the doors to the reception room opened and their full attention went to the guests applause.

END OF CHAPTER TWO: AND SO WE WED

Chapter Text

Chapter Three: Escalation
The night had been long and exhausting. Shunsui and Ichigo had gone through the reception decently enough. Shunsui’s comrades and friends were introduced along with a bunch of stuck up nobles that were the families of Central Forty-Six, new and old. During the toast to the bride and the groom Shunsui had politely ignored the fact that she didn’t drink the entire cup and subtly finished it for her when attention was drawn away for dinner. She had never drunk sake before so it was a bit much for her. Gifts were given after dinner, most of the gifts were set on a table to be taken home and opened by the bride and groom later but more of the noble families and other respected members of the guests wanted to show off their gifts. Ichigo nodded politely and thanked people more than she ever had in her entire life. Shunsui was graciously taking everything in stride; making the entire situation easier, to which Ichigo was thankful.
Eventually, it was time to leave. The bride and groom were escorted by the more rambunctious of the wedding guests out of the reception hall where guests each held lanterns that led their way down the hill where the banquet hall was located. Shunsui’s hand was on the small of Ichigo’s back again as they walked between the two rows of people holding lanterns. There was chatter and more congratulations thrown their way but for the most part it was a quiet ceremony. The two made it to the end of the rows and Shunsui moved his hand to wrap around her waist fully. She fought off the urge to pull her body away and giggle. Damn her ticklish nature. His grip around her waist tightened and then Ichigo felt the familiar sensation of flash step.
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Ichigo unconsciously turned and moved her hands to grip onto Shunsui’s haori. She was used to flash step, she was even used to being held when someone else flash stepped with her; but, she was usually warned first. She was also usually on their back. She tried to look at all of the scenery as they sped through the Seireitei, but with how dark it was, that would be impossible. Shunsui stopped at a large set of gates. Ichigo directed her attention to the eighth division insignia.
“Welcome to my division,” Shunsui’s breath was hot against her ear as he guided her through the gates. Ichigo gazed at the multiple buildings within the gated space. There were paths leading to different buildings and different parts of the division. Ichigo looked at the main path that diverted into five different pathways. Shunsui directed her to a path next to a large maple tree which led to a number of apartment looking buildings.
“Our quarters are towards the back in the center. We have the largest set of rooms and there is quite a lot of space between us and the rest of the division. You won’t run into anyone unless you mean to,” Shunsui explained as they walked through the covered walkways between living quarters. He opened a door that led to the living room with a small kitchenette. Lanterns were lit, casting a dim glow around the room. In the center of the spacious room was a pile of Ichigo’s boxes, trunks, and suitcase. It was a rather charming home. It was more similar to an apartment than a home. In truth, Ichigo was anticipating her new residence to be more similar to the Kurosaki estate or, at the very least, like her family's home that was connected to her father’s clinic. Instead it was more similar to Tatsuki’s family’s apartment.
“Looks like they dropped off my belongings,” Ichigo tried to get the conversation started as she stepped towards her things.
“Must’ve done it during the reception,” Shunsui noted and gestured to the door on the right. “We can get them moved into your room tomorrow. I’m sure you will want to unpack everything.”
“I get my own room?” Ichigo asked genuinely surprised.
“Considering the circumstances I thought you would enjoy having your own space. I had the room prepared for you,” Shunsui smiled kindly and opened the doors to the room. It was spacious and had doors leading to what Ichigo believed was the back garden. There were some shelves and dressers for her to use. “You can make it anything you want it to be, a room, an office, or just a space to call your own.”
“Thank you,” Ichigo murmured softly. She appreciated him giving her her own space. Perhaps this wouldn’t be as overwhelming as she thought it would be. Less awkward too. She walked away from her belongings sitting in the center of their shared living room and stood next to Shunsui in the doorway of her room.
“The bedroom is right across from the room I prepared for you, the bathroom is next to it, and then we have the two closets, and that ends the layout of our quarters.”
Ichigo nodded and continued looking around the space. She noted that he had said the bedroom and not his bedroom. Whether that was a slip up or intentional, she didn't have a clue.
“Are you hungry? I haven’t received groceries yet this week but I can order you something. You didn’t eat a lot during the reception.”
“I’m fine.”
Shunsui and Ichigo stared at each other awkwardly for about five long minutes. Ichigo was tempted to say something but she didn’t know what. She could always start off with: ‘so did you know my dad? Isshin Shiba? I mean, I know you all probably think he’s dead but let’s just ignore that. Tell me did he always perform sneak attacks on his young family members or are my sisters and I just special?’. That would likely have her end up in a prison cell and a man-hunt to take place in Karakura Town. So, Ichigo stayed silent, and awkward. Shunsui seemed to be considering something but he hadn’t spoken up. Not wanting to push the little stability they had formed throughout the night, Ichigo stayed silent.
“Would you like to see the garden?” he finally asked.
After receiving a confirming nod, Shunsui led her through the shoji doors leading to the back of the house.
XXXX
Lanterns dimly lit the garden, broadcasting the main paths that lead through the garden. A pond lapped gently against its edges. Sakura trees grew around the edges of the gardens.
Ichigo gently broke away from her husband made her way towards a beam holding up the pergola. With a content sigh she leaned against the beam and looked out into the garden.
“I bet it’s beautiful when they are in full bloom,” Ichigo gestured to the trees.
“That they are. We’ll have to have a sakura viewing picnic once they bloom.”
“Look at the stars,” she said with obvious awe. Shunsui didn’t know how she could see them with her veil on but watching her get lost in the stars was endearing. “You can see so many of them. It’s so pretty. I’m used to the city lights making it hard to see them.”
Shunsui could agree with that sentiment. Many nights were spent out on the deck drinking sake and enjoying the stars.
“I’m glad you didn’t run,” he expressed to Ichigo, whose attention was fully on the stars. He had taken her conversation as a good sign and stepped closer to her. Granted, the turn in conversation he had just made it wasn’t the best but he had felt awkward talking to a veil. She had not removed the veil that covered her hair and face, not even after the ceremony and reception. Probably due to nerves. It was getting late though and consummating the marriage would be the next thing to do and he was not going to be doing that when she was wearing the veil.
“What?”
“Earlier,” he gestured his head to the side as if directing attention to the past. “Before the ceremony. You were staring out in the distance. I wondered if you had planned on running.”
“Oh. No. I was just,” she shook her head. “I was just taking it in. Trying to picture living here. It’s very different from Karakura Town.”
“That’s where you lived?” It had been nearly twenty years since he had been to Karakura Town. Back when Captain Shiba had vanished without a trace he and Juushiro had gone to look into the matter. It was a nice place. Very up to date with technologies and current architecture but it still kept a bit of the older ways despite the rise in its development.
“Born and raised. I’ve only ever lived there, so this,” she gestured around her, “Is different.”
“Let me know what I can do to make you feel more at home.” He lifted a hand and slowly ran it from her wrist to her neck. “I know this must be difficult for you.” His hand didn’t stray, instead it toyed with the fabric of her veil as one would toy with a stray curl.

XXXX

The Captain’s movement wasn’t uncomfortable but it wasn’t comfortable either. “Thank you,” Ichigo fought the urge to lift her shoulder and budge him off. What was he doing? “It must be hard for you too.”
“Do you need help taking your veil off?”
“No, actually, this is a sign of respect. You guys are in the middle of a war the veil stays on to show my support for my husband to be participating in it.”
“I see, so you can’t even take it off for me then?” There was a coyness to his voice as he continued to play with the veil. Was he closer than he was before? He’d taken a step to be near the beam as she was but for some reason it seemed like he was completely into her personal bubble.
“I, uhm, no. Not necessarily. I could take off my veil it’s just that well,” Ichigo stuttered and looked down. It wasn’t that she couldn’t take it off for him. She technically didn’t need to wear it at all. The tradition was disbanded many years ago. Ichigo only started practicing it due to the fact that she was a perfect mixture of her mother and her father and at the moment, she couldn’t let them know who her father was.
“Not yet?” Shunsui asked gently. Okay he was definitely closer and his hand was under her veil. His thumb was lightly tracing little circles on her neck.
“N-not yet,” Ichigo confirmed with an audible pause. What was he doing? Why was he in her personal bubble? Why was he tickling her? He was getting all close and personal as if they were two teenagers rubbing up togeth - oh! That’s what he was doing.
“If we don’t remove the veil, how am I going to kiss you?”
“K-kiss?” Right. This was a part of getting married. To flirt, and kiss, and make out, and do things. Really really intimate things. Things that Ichigo hadn’t ever done before. Things that she may or may not have skim read in books that Kiego’s older sister would sneak into her and Tatsuki’s backpack for a trade of Tatsuki’s mom’s make-up samples.. The books that Lisa was always reading and would hand her when Ichigo would get bored, especially when she started dating him. What was it that those characters would do when the man was coming on to them? Usually it was a moment in common where the pair would just crash into each other in passionate desperation. How does one crash into a man they don’t really know with passionate desperation?
While Ichigo’s mental contemplation of the situation gave her enough pause Shunsui leaned forward where her neck was bare of the veil and placed a pair of open mouth kisses.
That was when everything went to hell in a handbasket wrapped in a disgusting glittery bow. Ichigo’s body seized with an audible gasp breaking through her lips. Her mind short circuited. Her fight or flight system kicked in and began dueling with the sensibility part of her brain. Her hands lifted and gave a strong smack against his chest followed by a strong push.

Chapter Text

Shunsui raised his hands in shock as he stumbled back from her. The smack of her hands made his chest sting. She had some strength to her. While he was not expecting or used to such a reaction from a woman it was her next reaction that made him freeze. She began shaking like a leaf holding desperately to a branch in a large gust of wind.
Shunsui paused and pulled away further as he watched her shaking figure. Now, he had made women tremble before whether it be quivering from excitement or ecstasy. He was a bit proud of that fact. Still, he had never had a woman shake like that though. That wasn’t right. It was so violent and startling that he not only pulled away from her neck but he took two steps back.
“Ichigo...”
“Sorry!” Ichigo cried. The crack in her voice caused him to flinch as if she’d slapped him. “I know that we’re supposed to do it.”
That caused Shunsui to raise his eyebrow. Did she just refer to sex as ‘it’? He caught himself giving the look of disbelief and quickly schooled his features into a calmer and hopefully comforting expression when she wrapped her arms around herself.
“It’s okay, I was moving too fast,” Shunsui consoled.
“I’ve just never done this before -god that sounds so stupid. So juvenile. I know that sounds stupid. I can do this. I can.” She pled and Shunsui felt a pang of sympathy. This wasn’t right. “I mean, I’ve dated before this. So I did kiss and hold hands and make out. There may have been some groping. So I can do it. I’m not completely inexperienced. Just give me a minute. I’ll calm down and we can continue.”
“We can stop for now. Don’t focus on it, let’s just calm down okay?” He just wanted her to stop shaking. “I understand that this entire situation must be difficult for you.”
“I’m sure it’s difficult for you, too,” Ichigo stated after she forced a minor hysterical laugh out. “You likely weren’t planning on having a seventeen year old virgin for a wife.”
“Seventeen?”
Oh.
Oh this poor girl.
She didn’t even have time to seek out a romantic relationship that would give her experience. She was just pushed head first into a mature relationship and expected to thrive. He was told he was marrying a woman not a girl. He was expecting someone more mature. While seventeen wouldn’t be frowned upon in the Soul Society, it was a bit concerning. She was young, and innocent, and probably only had a few dates before this marriage arrangement. He had no idea what to do with this information.
“Yes, didn’t you know?” Ichigo asked in a shocked tone. The hysteria in her voice had dimmed down and the shaking had stopped for the most part. These were good signs. The change in topic had diverted her attention. She began lowering her hands and Shunsui had to stop himself from sighing as he felt the uplifting feeling of relief wash over him. “I thought you were aware. It was part of the agreement that when my last year of school started I would be able to spend Monday through Fridays in the world of the living so that I could complete my education. Didn’t you read it?”
“I wasn’t privy to all of the agreement, only certain sections. It was mostly discussed with the Central Forty-Six.” A fact that truly irritated Shunsui. Yamamoto refused to give the entire contract stating that he was preventing any conflicts of interest. He went with it because really, he didn’t have a choice.
“You agreed to marry a woman you didn’t even know without reading the entire agreement?” Ichigo asked in an astonished tone.
“I trust their judgment.”
“Well that’s stupid.” The tone of her voice made Shunsui bark out a laugh. Since he had first met the woman he had only heard her polite voice, even while she was shaking from what Shunsui guessed was fear. Not a tone of frustration or sarcasm had touched her tongue. Perhaps the startling situation had given her an opportunity to open herself up to him. He had to agree, going through with this marriage without reading the entire contract had been stupid, but he truly was not at liberty to see it in the week he was informed of his engagement.
“Yes, I suppose it is. Though in my position and with this situation I didn’t have much choice.”
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Ichigo’s face heated up when she realized what she had just said and then his response forced her to pause and think back on the dreadful night she had tried to run away from the arrangement. She recalled her father’s arms around her as he walked her home in the rain. As she read the letter from her teacher that explained why it was most prudent that she agree to the marriage. She didn’t have much choice either, thus, she shouldn’t be judging Captain Kyoraku.
“I guess you and I are similar in that regard.”
“I'm sure we are.”
“Captain Kyoraku-”
“Shunsui, please,” Shunsui cut her off with that stupid kind smile he had been flashing at her throughout the day. “We are married.”
“Right,” that was not happening. “I have a copy of the contract if you want to see it.”
“I, oh,” Shunsui stumbled. “I would actually. We can look at it later. You’re still shivering a bit,” He reached out a hand to her in a comforting manner “How about we go back inside. I’ll start moving your boxes into your room and you can relax a bit.”
With a nod from her the pair went back into his - their - lodgings. Shunsui led her to his room and gestured for her to sit at the table he had in there. His room had a masculine touch to it. His futon was located in a corner. A privacy screen blocked her from seeing his entire futon but she was able to see that it was a lot bigger than her twin sized bed back at home and that the bedding had earth tones. His dressing table held a collection of leather hair wraps and combs. There were no other hair pins or other hair accessories.
“He must only wear the two,” Ichigo whispered to herself as she took in the organized dressing table and lack of hair pins. There was a nicely made wooden box on the table but it didn’t look like the boxes her mother and grandmother kept their hair pins in so Ichigo determined it must not have had any additional accessories for the man. The floral hair pins he wore made her originally think he would have a collection of them. Perhaps those were just special.
The day caught up with Ichigo and she soon found herself slumping in her seat. She was so tired. She’d been up since early morning to take the journey from Karakura Town. She just wanted to sleep. She knew though, that sleep wouldn’t come until they upheld their responsibility to finalize the marriage.
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After Shunsui led Ichigo into his room to rest he began moving her belongings from the sitting area into her own room. He had a futon and bedding set prepared for her room in case she didn’t want to share a room with him and chose to turn her room into an office of sorts. While he tugged and carried her luggage into the room and set it up against the furthest wall Shunsui considered that the futon and bedding would likely be put to use and the room would be her bedroom and he would keep his own bedroom. He was okay with that. With her reaction earlier Shunsui couldn’t see the night ending how he had earlier anticipated. In fact he didn’t see the marriage working as most arranged marriages he’d been witness to. After experiencing her fear he knew that pushing the issue would only force her away and completely damage any relationship they could have. They had vowed to a life together and Shunsui didn’t want to have an unhappy wife. Nor did he want her to have an unhappy life with him. He didn’t like making women sad and his new wife wasn’t an exception. They would need to take it slow.
Shunsui sighed and walked over to the closet containing the futon and bedding and began unfolding it near the shoji doors leading to the patio. His own bed was in a similar spot in his own bedroom. As he patted the bedding to ensure her comfort he considered the matter of consummation. He couldn’t do it. He wouldn’t do it. If what she said was true then she was a seventeen year old young woman that had never taken this step in a relationship before. She deserved to be swept off her feet and to feel desire and be desired. Not like this. Not another box check in the to-do list of this union. No, they would take that step when she was ready. No one needed to know. If anyone asked, not that they would with his reputation, he would take care of it.
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“All ready,” Shunsui smiled as he entered his room. Embarrassed at being caught, Ichigo jerked herself out of her slouching state. Shunsui seemed to ignore it though or at the very least didn’t comment on it. “The living room isn’t so crowded anymore, if you’d like to move there and you can tell me about your family.”
“And after that?” Ichigo had hesitated in asking, but a part of her needed to know. Probably the headstrong part she inherited from her mother and father. Ichigo was not naive, she knew what happened on wedding nights. Just because she freaked out earlier didn’t mean that things were called off.
“Sorry?” Shunsui paused.
“The, uhm, consummation of the marriage,” Ichigo was red under her veil. She could feel it. Her face felt like it was doused in fire, even her ears burned.
“Ah yes, that. Well to be truthful Ichigo, I’m not sure if doing that right now would be a good idea. Not because I don’t want to, it’s just that we really don’t know each other yet and we should take this slow. I mean, do you really want to take that step tonight?”
“Honestly? No, but, from what I was told it was what happened on the wedding night.”
“Well yes, couples consummate the marriage on the wedding night. But this is our wedding night, and our wedding isn’t like every other wedding. Besides, that doesn't even matter, not for something as big as this. Can you really say that you are ready for that step?” he lifted his hand and rubbed the back of his neck.
“Are you?” She spat out under her breath. No, she wasn't ready, but she didn't want to be told that by him.
“I mean no offense Ichigo but, you can’t even take off your veil at the moment. That in addition to what happened earlier,” he sighed and gave a soft smile. “Let’s just take it slow.”
“That, that’s different. I just freaked out for a minute and it’s just a veil,” she desperately urged. “People in arranged marriages do this all the time and I bet they don’t look each other in the face every time either.” Ichigo chose to ignore that he was biting his lip as if he were preventing himself from laughing.
“Yes and people who are put into these arranged marriages have a better understanding of each other before they take this step. Really, Ichigo, are you ready for this step?”
Ichigo hadn’t looked up from the tea that Shunsui had prepared for her. She just wanted something to do with her hands. She hated this discussion. She hated this situation. No, she didn’t want to have sex with him. Not now, not ever. But what choice did she have? Whether she liked it or not they were “Captain and Wife” now. That is what married couples did. That’s what all couples did. She knew that since she was a disturbed wide eyed thirteen year old girl and her father was explaining where babies came from with a pop up book.
In truth though, she’d been forcing herself to prepare herself for this night. She had forced all thought of it away during the day so that she could bite the bullet tonight. Once it was done, she would be able to say she did her part of accepting the marriage and move on. Not consummating the marriage tonight would put all that effort she put into preparing to take the plunge feel like a waste. A comforting waste, but a waste nonetheless Additionally, and more importantly, if she didn’t do it tonight, she didn’t think she ever would be able to.
“Won’t we get into trouble?” she asked finally- her fingers had begun to tap on the side of the cup.
“Why should we? No one is going to ask; that would be offensive.”
“Don’t they have ways of checking?”
“Only grooms lacking honor and loyalty would demand such a request and only a groom's request would be heard. Families and the Central don’t have a right to that information. We can wait until you’re ready.”
“How can I be sure you won’t request it when you’ve decided you don’t want to be married to me anymore?”
“I would never do that.”
“Yes, I know that is what you say but what is actually preventing you from doing so?” It was a valid point. What was he offering her to have her believe him; to trust him?
“Ichigo,” he reached forward across the table and took her hands in his. “I know that right now you don’t trust me. I know that right now it seems as if I am the enemy along with everyone else out there. But I promise you, I meant the vows I said today. You are my wife. The vows we gave each other today is what made us husband and wife, not us having sex. I will not lie to you. I will not betray you. I will protect you and there is no way that I would do something to demean your honor. We can wait until you are ready. We don’t need to force this issue. We have the rest of our lives, my dear.”
Ichigo didn’t respond as his words sunk in. She gazed at her hands encompassed by his larger ones. There was something ironic in that image but she didn’t have the energy to figure out what that was at the moment.
“What if I’m never ready?” She finally asked. Her voice cracked a bit and it caused her to clench her jaw.
“Well,” Shunsui said after a pause. He forced himself to maintain the distance between them despite his wanting to pat her on the head. She didn’t need to push herself and he wanted to reinforce that idea somehow. They had time. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. I promise you Ichigo, we aren’t going to do anything until we are both ready. We’ll take every day a step at a time. Okay?”
Ichigo contemplated the man. His hands around her were warm. His eyes attempted to bore into hers as if he was trying to connect to her on a level their very short relationship would allow. He appeared sincere. “Okay,” she looked up and nodded her head after she contemplated his words. “One step at a time.”
“There’s a dear. Do you want more tea? Probably something herbal considering the hour, we still have to see the old man tomorrow morning.”
Ichigo’s nerves were still too shot to ask who the old man was so she just shook her head. “No thanks. I’m really tired and I just want to go to bed.”
“Understandable. I set a futon up for you in your room. I figured you would feel more comfortable in your own room and your own bed. I moved all of your things into your room but feel free to spread it into the sitting room as well. It’s your home now too,” Shunsui urged.
“Thank you,” Ichigo yawned out. “Sorry, it’s been a long day.”
“Best get to bed then. Let me know if you need anything, I’ll just be in my room.”
“I will, thanks.”
Shunsui paused before leaving the room. He considered kissing her. He would gently lift her veil up just slightly to kiss her and then be on his way to his room.
“Goodnight,” he said instead, and stood aside as she left the room and entered her own. With her guarded behavior throughout the day it wouldn’t be a good idea to kiss her. It might send her into a panic.
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“Night,” Ichigo murmured quietly before she closed the door to her room. She leaned against the closed door and took in the room. Her belongings sat piled against the wall. A futon with light pink bedding was set up for her. She gave a smile at his kindness despite herself. Fighting the urge to rub her eyes she made her way towards the boxes that held her lifelong belongings. She could start unpacking now but really wasn’t in the mood. Instead she went to her luggage and pulled a pair of pajamas out. Sitting just below her pajamas was a stuffed lion. It didn't move despite Ichigo expecting it to. The lion had been a stuffed animal given to her by her parents when she was a small girl. While she didn't sleep with it anymore she had kept it on a shelf with other things she had received as gifts from family and friends. When she got Kon in the form of a “candy” shaped in a little ball and told that he or she would be her mod soul when she left her body to fight, all hell had broke loose.
Kon had been set to be terminated but had miraculously made it into the hands of Kisuke Urahara, her teacher. Kons batch of mod souls was considered unusable. There was some kind of flaw with all of them. All the pain Kon experienced during the termination of his friends and family in addition to his escape had made him angry. He originally took it out on Ichigo. Using her body for mischief and getting into fights. He caused havoc all around the city and brought undue attention onto her, her friends, and her family. He had to be stopped. Ichigo was forced to cut him with her zanpakuto, thus cutting her own body with her zanpakuto. Kon and Ichigo had what one would call a heart to heart and when Kisuke Urahara showed up to take her mod soul and replace it with a more compliant one she venomously declined. He was hers now. But she knew he wouldn't be happy only being able to use her body and see the outside world occasionally. So she tried to put her into her stuffed lion to see if he could live there, and it worked. Since that day Kon had been her annoying, perverted, yet faithful companion. He went with her everywhere, even the Soul Society. His original form was packed safely into her book bag. She kept it there in case anyone looked through her bags before she moved in. Her cousin Uryu had sewn a secret pouch for her to keep it safe during occasions his stuffed lion form was missing. Such occasions were generally the lion body taken hostage by children, or Kon being extremely annoying and Ichigo needing him to simply shut up. She'd unpack him and keep him somewhere safe tomorrow, until then the lion body would stay near her bed and Kon would stay safe in her bag.
After quickly changing into her pajamas Ichigo blew out all the lanterns in the room and rushed into her bed. As she struggled to make herself comfortable in the futon that wasn’t the bed she was used to growing up, she thought back to the Captain’s promise. Honor her? Protect her? Could she really believe that? No one has ever fought for her. Even her ex didn’t fight for her and he had every opportunity to. So for her to have this man, who she just met, promise to protect her and to allow her to consummate the marriage when she was ready made her feel...nice. No she wouldn’t trust him, not completely. That would be a foolish thing to do. But she would give him a chance and in the meantime be wary.
“Protect me?” Ichigo whispered with a small chuckle. “I don’t need protecting.” Her sentence was cut off with a yawn and her heavy eyes were becoming difficult to keep open.
She expected the sounds of night would cause her to stay awake. The chirping of crickets and overly quiet caused her to feel completely and utterly alone. At home she would hear her sisters random sleep induced sentences from the wall that divided their rooms. She would hear her father’s snores echoing throughout the upstairs and an occasional car drive by. It would sooth her to sleep. Instead, Ichigo tossed and turned in a state of alertness layered with exhaustion. It was just too quiet here. It had been at least an hour and a half until she began to feel the stressful day finally cause her body to actually feel tired. She had just began to drift off when a grinding sound caused her to become alert again. The grinding sound would start and end repeatedly. Fade in and fade out. She glanced desperately around the room looking for the source. Her heart had begun to transfer her body back into fight or flight instincts. A cold sweat took over her body and she gripped her blankets. Seeing no one there to harm her she forced her body to calm as she took in the sound fully. It was snoring. More specifically it was her husband’s snoring. It was loud like her fathers, but it was also softer in tempo. While her father’s snores would cut off abruptly when he would exhale, the Captain would smoothly go into an exhale and back into an inhale. Ichigo gave a slight huff at herself for being so worried about hearing a person snore and turned from her back onto her side. She listened to his snores with her eyes closed for about fifteen minutes. She didn’t even begin to notice that her breathing had begun to match his tempo. Nor did she realize that his snores had somehow lulled her to sleep. She didn’t notice until the sun’s rays were tickling her eyelids, and she had woken to a brand new day.
----- -----
Ichigo learned that morning that the “old man” Captain Kyoraku had discussed the previous evening was the Captain General himself, Captain Yamamoto. Ichigo and her grandmother walked side by side through Captain Yamamoto’s gardens. He had invited them to take a stroll after a meeting took place between her grandmother and the old general. Shunsui had stayed behind to discuss other matters with Captain Yamamoto regarding a situation with there not being anyone eligible to take over one of the open captain’s positions.
“Where is Uncle Ryuken?” Ichigo asked as they turned and walked slowly amongst the sakura trees.
“He is discussing your health file with Captain Unohana, in case you fall ill,” her grandmother explained.
“I see.”
To that response Lady Kimiko’s lips hardened into a firm line and she took a glance at her granddaughter. She couldn’t see her face due to the veil that she would be forced to wear until matters were settled with the vizords and the soul society, whenever that would be, but she could feel her granddaughter’s depression. Her granddaughter would have pitched a fit and commented “couldn’t he just have dropped off a file or something?” rr “let me handle it?” As a stubborn socially awkward young woman, she would not have easily accepted someone discussing her. Lady Kimiko suppressed a sigh and turned back to the gardens. She would need to wait and see if Ichigo would overcome this.
Ichigo thought back to the night before. She appreciated Shunsui not pushing her to consummate their marriage, but she couldn’t help but be worried about it at the same time. What would this mean? Did this mean that if someone found out they would be in trouble? Would she be put into jail? He didn’t seem to worry but it was troubling. While her husband had given valid reasons to not consummate their marriage, especially the one regarding her veil, Ichigo grew concerned as to why he was so willing to give such reasons. Why did he not proceed? Was it because of her young age? Sure she was physically seventeen but that shouldn’t cause an issue, right? Afterall she’d been raised to mature faster than her age group. The position she was born in and the powers she was born with didn’t allow her to mentally stay within her age group. Or was the reason he didn’t want to because he had someone else he cared for and he wasn’t prepared to be intimate with someone else.
A great sense of dread washed over Ichigo as she contemplated that thought. If he did have someone else he cared for that would make Ichigo a homewrecker more or less. He may be understanding of the situation right now. He would consider her an innocent party but give it a few years and he may grow to resent her as the reason he couldn’t be with the one he wanted. That, or he would begin an affair which would cause great shame to her family name. Not that Ichigo would really care about the shame, but, it was easier to care when she was prevented from defending her family's position. If she could fight, really fight, she could hold her and her family's position as a warrior family. But, she couldn’t. She didn’t know when she would be able to again, and that scared her. She would have to depend on him to keep her family’s name respected and if he didn’t stay loyal to their marriage then that would cause a lot of problems.
“Ichigo,” her grandmother's voice cut through her musings. “Ichigo are you listening to me?”
“Hmm,” Ichigo snapped her attention to her grandmother and their surroundings. “I’m sorry I was just thinking. What was it you said?”
“It’s nearly time for lunch with the Central Forty-Six’s families,” Lady Kimiko had been calling for her granddaughter for nearly a minute. Whatever it was that she was musing about had completely taken her completely away from her surroundings. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yes, of course,” Ichigo said and began walking back towards Captain Yamamoto’s office. For now she needed to keep her head down and just do what was directed. Worrying about it wouldn’t do anything except cause stress and Ichigo had enough of that already.
----------
Shunsui watched his bride during the meeting with Captain Yamamoto and Lady Kimiko Kurosaki. She was quiet throughout the meeting. Her grandmother tried to bring her into conversation by asking her questions, but Ichigo only gave short answers. It irked Shunsui because he felt they had taken a step into the right direction last night. She was a lot more open last night but alas she was back to the quiet young woman he had met during the wedding ceremony and reception.
Shunsui wondered if it was the appearance of her grandmother. Perhaps she always behaved in a quiet and mild manner in front of her grandmother. But that didn’t make sense either because if that were the case surely she wouldn’t have spoken to him in the manner she did last night. She would have waited until she was sure she could behave in such a way. A process that could take weeks. At the very least she would have been more talkative that morning when they were each preparing for the day. Alas Shunsui woke to his wife closing the door to her room followed by her using the shower next to his room. Breakfast was another quiet affair. After asking how she slept -fine- and if she would enjoy something else for breakfast -traditional japanese was also, fine- they ate in silence, moved about the quarters before it was time to leave in silence, and then walked to the first division, in silence.
Captain Yamamoto and Lady Kurosaki were already there when they entered the old man’s office. Another round of introductions were uttered and the meeting began. Most of the meeting discussed plans regarding the upcoming problems caused by Aizen. The current problems caused by Aizen. The continued alliance when Aizen’s betrayal has been dealt with. How the alliance between Soul Society and Kurosaki Clan would be beneficial for both parties. After that the women had taken a walk through the gardens, leaving Shunsui to handle his old teacher.
“What do you think of her?” Yamamoto asked once they were far enough into the garden to listen in.
“Does it matter?” Shunsui returned. Yamamoto raised a single eyebrow and Shunsui sighed. If it was anyone from the Central he could easily ignore it but unfortunately this was his respected teacher. He felt obligated to tell him. “She’s quiet, but then again what seventeen year old would be chatty after getting married off to a man that could be her father’s age.”
“Does she seem sincere?”
“In her vows and her position in the alliance?” Broking no response from his elder he continued, “Yes, she’s sincere. It looks like she brought everything she owned from the World of the Living with her. She’ll be unpacking it for the next few weeks. At the very least it will be unpacked by the time she starts school again.”
“And you?” Captain Yamamoto asked. “Is there anything I should be aware of?”
“You know me Yama-jii, marriage wasn’t exactly in my playbook; but, it isn’t a bad thing. I made vows to her that I’ll keep, just as she did. Though,” Shunsui narrowed his eyes. “I would like to know exactly what is going on. I’ve done as you ordered, but, I can’t uphold my vows without knowing everything.”
“Very well,” Yamamoto kept his gaze on him for a while longer before looking back towards the paperwork on his desk. He selected a file from the top of a small stack and held it out to him. “I selected you to marry this woman because I knew you would keep all vows in protecting her, Shunsui. Thus, expressing to her clan that our union will be upheld. That they can trust in us, just as we can trust in them.”
Shunsui took the file and opened it. The first page was a report from a Kurosaki Clan member indicating times that Sosuke Aizen had been sited in the World of the Living. This confused him because the record started at least twenty years ago. It was obvious that the report had been handled between different people as multiple writing styles were used. He was correct, this union wasn’t as random as they had indicated.
“This is why you wanted to form the union.” Shunsui stated and flipped through more pages of the file. Incidents with hollows while Aizen was around were also reported. Shunsui noted he’d have to see why that was important to the Kurosaki clan later. He needed to see what the old man’s intentions were first. “You are ignoring years of hostility because of their interests with Aizen?”
“Do you know of a reason we should continue hostility with this clan?”
“No, I wholeheartedly agree with forming a union with them. We’ve allowed prejudices to guide our behavior with them for too long. They are not ones that we need to make enemies with.”
“You and I are of the same opinion. There are Quincy clans that do cause concern, but the union with the Kurosaki’s will also allow us to consider which ones should be deemed as threats.”
“But we’re going off topic Yama-jii. This union was brought up because of Aizen, correct?”
“Yes.”
“What are their interests with Aizen?”
“It is not what their interest is with Aizen, but rather it is what is Aizen’s interest with them. We are not privy to all of the details as the Lady Kimitko is somewhat restricted in what information she can release at this time; but, there has been indications that Sosuke Aizen may be interested in a member of the clan. A high member.”
“Someone like my wife?”
“No, she does not have enough spiritual powers to impress Aizen,” Yamamoto stated and
looked out his window to his gardens. Shunsui followed his gaze and took in his wife walking amongst the garden with her grandmother. She wore another kimono and veil today. This time the pattern had multiple butterflies of different bright colors. Pinks, blues, and purples decorated her kimono. He urged his senses to pick up her spiritual pressure. Her spiritual pressure was so low that one had to actively seek it out to sense it. “But she is still the eldest granddaughter of Lady Kurosaki, they could try to use her against the clan.”
“I see. And now that we are married you can actually give me this information, rather than just telling me I’m getting married and to deal with it.”
“I didn’t want you to have to go into this blind, Shunsui,” Yamamoto’s gaze poured into Shunsui’s. “But, it was imperative that the marriage took place before we announced anything. We needed to further discuss the details with Lady Kurosaki which wouldn’t take place until the marriage took place.”
“I don’t want to be uninformed anymore. If she is being targeted, or her family is being targeted, I need to know everything,” Shunsui tilted his hat back with the file and narrowed his gaze to his elder. “I made vows. To the Soul Society and to her. I can’t keep those without all of the information.”
“Of course,” Yamamoto stood from his desk and made his way to the doors to his office. It was nearly time for the celebratory lunch for the union between the Soul Society and the Kurosaki clan. “Now that you have the information, I will need you to cross reference it with all of the findings we currently have.”
“Right.”

Chapter Text

Chapter Five - Womanizer

Ichigo and her grandmother were exiting the gardens and heading back to Yamamoto’s office. It didn’t look like the walk did Ichigo any good.  She was still quiet. Even on their way to the luncheon. The luncheon often took place with a marriage for a member of the Soul Society within a noble family or within a high position. It was less formal than the wedding ceremonies or the reception but it was still stressful. 

Ichigo sat between her husband and her grandmother and listened to all of the conversations around her. Not one person spoke directly to her. They spoke to her husband. They started conversations with her grandmother and even her uncle, but not with her. To be fair, Ichigo didn’t start a conversation either. Every time she opened her mouth she’d grow pessimistic and decided against it. She ate the food in front of her. Careful not to make a mess with her veil and simply observed her surroundings. Noble women were gossiping along with their husbands. Surprise, surprise. The captain with bells in his hair was drinking a lot. Her husband was having a conversation between himself, Captain Yamamoto, and his silver haired friend. It was something about the Captain  with silver hair obtaining a lieutenant. A ‘Rukia Kuchiki’ was mentioned a few times during the conversation. Nearby another captain with black hair and weird white hair ornaments surveyed the room just as Ichigo was occasionally doing. He sat diagonally from her near some members of the central forty-six. An old man that shared the same eyes sat to his right and a man with bright red hair, tattoos, and wild eyes sat to his left. 

 “I can’t believe that they approved this,” a woman’s harsh whisper diverted her attention to a group of women sitting away from the Captains. The women were obviously married to members of the Central Forty-Six as their kimonos indicated a high pedigree. If Ichigo had been in the middle of a conversation she wouldn’t have heard the woman, but she wasn’t. So the woman’s harsh whisper was the focus of her attention. “A marriage of all things.  I mean, goodness couldn’t they have just signed a contract?”

“My husband told me that the reason they couldn’t do a contract was because of all the bad blood between our soldiers and the quincies.  No one would trust it.”

“Can you blame us? Those freaks have been nothing but trouble since their lineage was started. And that girl! Poor Captain Kyoraku to be chained to such a thing. I heard his mother didn’t even attend the wedding.” Ichigo hadn’t even known he had a mother.  Well, a living mother.

“She hasn’t even removed her veil, did you see?”

“Who could miss it? It’s as if she hasn’t even accepted the marriage.”

“She won’t last. Captain Kyoraku is a man that requires a real woman.  Someone that can keep his attention. He’s had all of his attention on women of no status and she falls into the same grouping as all of them.”

“Mira, my dear friend, it almost sounds as if you fell for his womanizing ways.”

“Nonsense. Anyone could see that he wasn’t a man that wanted a committed relationship. Especially with those women. It’s just as I said, he needs a woman that can keep his attention and that quincy certainly isn’t that.  That girl will never be able to hold onto him. He’ll be in the arms of another within six months, just you see. And who can blame him, a girl like that will only bring him dishonor.”

“Perhaps, but she can give him children. That might make him stay.”

“Oh indeed! You’re right about that. She has perfect birthing hips. If she gives him a son within a year he may not be forced to stray.”

 Ichigo had heard enough. She averted her attention to her own plate and bit her lip. Womanizer was he? Of course he was. Why else would she have been married off to a man that was old enough to be her father. That would be why he was so accepting of their not consummating their marriage- wait. No, that didn’t make sense. If he was a womanizer he would have pushed the issue to consummate their marriage, right? Ichigo was even the one that brought it up. He didn’t want to force her. 

Ichigo turned her attention to Shunsui again. He was raising his cup of sweet sake to his mouth again and noticed her attention on him. The side of his mouth quirked up and his eye twitched. 

Oh dear god, he was having a seizure! 

Ichigo panicked and jerked her attention to the crowd looking for the lady with the braid. She was the captain of squad four which -if she recalled her lessons about the soul society correctly- meant she was the doctor captain. Uncle Ryuken was also there. They could take care of this. A deep chuckle directed her attention back to her sickly husband who turned out to not be having a seizure. He gave a full smile this time and leaned towards Ichigo’s ear.

 “You’re going to have to learn to not be so shy, my dear,” he murmured softly. His breath tickled. Ichigo went into another mini panic attack. This one was more related to herself not attacking her husband versus trying to save him. Her fists clenched under the table. “Allow me to get you a dessert. You prefer strawberry and chocolate right?”

 “Yes,” Ichigo nodded her head along with her response. He nodded in return and reached towards the serving plates that held the desserts and chose a chocolate cake with strawberry toppings. It was in front of her so when he reached for it he brushed up against her. Oh, he’s a womanizer alright, Ichigo thought, and a skilled one at that.

------------

 “Poor thing,” Rangiku Matsumoto murmured to the Ise Nanao who sat next to her.  “She seems scared.”  The two sat in a small grouping of captains, lieutenants, and other high seated officers a bit of a distance from the new couple.  Nanao could have sat with the couple but chose to sit with Rangiku instead due to some gossip she had overheard during the wedding reception.  While Nanao wasn’t usually one to take the prattlings of her captain’s prior lovers seriously, she wanted to prevent any further gossip than necessary.  Mira Aikawa and her usual grouping of power seeking women had not stopped their onslaught of slanderous gossip since the reception began.  Despite her blood relation to Captain Kyoraku, it had been insinuated that the new Madam Kyoraku would consider Nanao competition and have her stripped of her title.  Upon overhearing that Nanao knew the mere idea was ridiculous but she also did not want to give the group of spiteful women an opportunity to easily compare herself to the bride.      

 Nanao glanced up from her meal at the veiled woman and her Captain in time to see the young bride jerk away from the smirking groom.  Within seconds he was reaching forward and pulling a desert of the serving tray for her after he leaned in to whisper something to her and she gave a nod.

 “I would say that it is hard to interpret with her veil but she does seem to flinch away from him often,” Nanao responded.

 “I’m not so sure it's flinching away from her as much as it’s just flinching at everything. She’s probably so overwhelmed with all of this. She’s been moved from the only home she’s ever known to marry a complete stranger.”

 “Nobles are always marrying people they don’t know,” Shuuhei Hisagi commented after a rather large gulp of sake.  “What makes this any different?”

 “The nobles aren’t moving to the world of the living with those marriages,” Captain Hitsugaya responded much to Nanao’s surprise.  The young captain generally kept to himself at these events besides his scoldings towards Matsumoto.  “They’re also not marrying into a group that encouraged mass genocide of their own people.”

With that comment the group of Shuuhei fell silent as a wave of pity and guilt fell over him.  No, he was not one of the soul reapers that heavily contributed to the genocide of quincies, but he felt shame by association.

“What do ya think she looks like under that veil?” Ikkaku Madarme asked after the seriousness of Captain Hitsugaya’s observation passed.

“Her grandmother’s appearance is adequate - perhaps even considered pretty.  I can assume she has the same potential,” Yukichika Ayasegawa responded with his usual backhanded compliments.

“Or she could have beady eyes, and a big nose - oh and a mole the size of a fist,” Yachiru giggled.  “And that’s why she’s hiding her face.”

“I doubt that’s the case Lieutenant Kusajishi,” Nanao hastily interjected when Mira Aikawa of all people turned her head at Yachiru’s high pitched voice.  Yachiru wasn’t in the habit of whispering. Sure that Mira Aikawa would take Yachiru’s childish gossip and further spread malicious rumors about Madam Kyoraku, Nanao raised her voice an octave.  “I’m sure Madam Kyoraku has her reasons for wearing a veil that does not include her appearance.”

“Wolfey kept his mask on because of his appearance.” Yachiru pointed out helpfully.
Ikkaku and Yumichika choked on air and went to grab Yachiru’s mouth to stop her from offending anymore people.  Komamura’s ear twitched from a few seats over indicating that he did, indeed, hear Yachiru’s observations.

 Kenpachi laughed and downed another cup full of sake.  “Nah she’s hiding something.  People wear masks when they have something to hide.” 

 Damn it all if the warrior captain didn’t have a valid point.  

 Yachiru had bitten into Ikkaku’s hands causing the bald man to swear and pull his hands away from her.  “Like her big nose!”

 “Yachiru that really isn’t polite,” Matsumoto scolded as Hitsugaya shook his head.

 “Or her grief,” Izuru’s generally quiet voice echoed around the group successfully cutting off Yachiru and Matsumoto’s bickering.  

 “But no one’s dead,” Yachiru shook her head after she stuck her tongue out at Matsumoto.  

 “She’s grieving her life in the World of the Living,” Kenpachi sighed and pushed Yachiru’s plate closer to the girl with a nod at the food indicating silently that she needed to stop playing around and finish her meal.  “It’s like what Shorty there said.  She’s leaving her life and friends behind.  Imagine if you were taken away from the eleventh division.  Wouldn’t you be sad?”

 While Hitsugaya’s eye twitched at the Shorty comment, he nodded along with Kenpachi’s explanation.

 “A mask also provides protection,” the deep animalistic voice of Captain Komamura cut through the group causing all individuals to look in his direction.  He made eye contact with the group and nodded towards the whispering noble women, the glaring eyes of Captain Kurotsuchi, and discontent stares of other individuals that were not pleased with the union or marriage.  “In a place full of everyone already prepared to ridicule you for who you are born to and not for who you are, you need all the protection you can get.  A shield to block those who are not willing to get to know you from feeling that they know you.  Makes their words stick less because when they don’t even know what you look like, anything they say is simply questionable.”

 Nanao took another glance at the bride.  Captain Kyoraku was in discussion with the Captain General while Lady Kurosaki was having a conversation with Lord Kuchiki.  The woman had no one to talk to.  Having no position other than heir in question - as she may no longer be eligible to be the next head of the Kurosaki Clan, she had no one to speak to.  The noble women around her kept to themselves and clearly ostracized her out of any conversation they may have while Captain Kyoraku was otherwise preoccupied in his discussions with members of the Gotei Thirteen.  

 “At this rate he’ll be visiting Miss Kiyama’s whore house in the third district just to stand  to be around her.  Poor Shunsui, to have that frumpy little thing become Madam Kyoraku.  I’m sure his mother is simply livid,” Lieutenant Omaeda’s sister-in-law trailed off.

“One thing is for absolute certain,” MIra Aikawa said after she hummed in agreement.  “She will never be accepted or welcome here.”

Nanao hadn’t heard all of the noble women’s gossip as she had tuned it out earlier but after hearing the last few remarks and the observations from her comrades, Nanao hoped that Madam Kyoraku didn’t hear their gossip.  Unfortunately, the tightening of Madam Kyoraku’s hand on the glass of green tea in her hand and slight tilt of her head towards her hands indicated to Nanao that she didn’t just hear the recent comments.  She’d heard them all.  With that realization, Nanao found that she was actually happy Madam Kyoraku wore a veil.  She didn’t want to see the hurt expression on her face as she realized how cruel the people of the Soul Society could be.          

Chapter Text

Chapter Six: The Quiet Wife
“Alright, I think that brings our meeting to a close,” Lord Enomoto smiled at the groups of Central Forty-Six members, nobles, Gotei Thirteen captains and lieutenants, and Kurosaki clan members. They had had a meeting regarding some of the more serious concerns with other quincy clans, non-members of the Kurosaki clan that are considered to be under the Kurosaki clan protection, and other various topics to strengthen the union between the Soul Society and the Kurosaki Clan.

“Actually, Lord Enomoto, there is an additional matter we have yet to discuss that myclan needs to have addressed immediately,” Lady Kimiko turned her attention towards the woman who had stood up. She sat near Lord Kuchiki during the meetings and had attended all significant meetings and the wedding but had not been introduced to Lady Kimiko.

Despite the lack of introduction, Kimiko already knew who she was based on her appearance and clan symbol alone. After all, Kimiko Kurosaki saw those determined eyes whenever she looked into her son in law’s eyes. Even with her Masakis features presented in each of her granddaughters, both Ichigo and Karin bore the same eyes. Shiba eyes. The messy black hair, determined grey eyes, and circular symbol made it easy for Kimiko to determine a Shiba within a glance.

After the wedding while Kimiko prepared for bed, she had mulled over her son-in-law's family. Of course, Kimiko had never met another Shiba before. She knew his significance as Isshin had once detailed his prior position not only as a Captain but also as the head of the clan. A clan that, despite it being one of the four main noble houses, was dying out due the lack of proper leadership that took place for five generations before Isshin’s grandfather had stepped up and single handedly saved the clan from extinction. The clan was repairing itself, but due to unfortunate events caused by Aizen, the repairs had gone slow. Kimiko ignored the sense of guilt and sadness that attempted to take over her as she thought of the little members of Shibas she saw during the large event in comparison to other noble families. If Isshin had stayed in the Soul Society instead of returning to save Masaki, would there have been more members? Would his clan be stronger? It was hard to ignore the guilt that came with the realization that the Shiba clan was struggling when facing it head on, but, the clear understanding that the fall of the Shiba clan after Isshin’s grandfather had worked to prevent their extinction was caused by Aizen and not because of her daughter’s love story. After all, Masaki thought with a chuckle, they don’t even know yet that they have three additional members of the direct family.

While Kimiko finished up preparing for bed she had pulled out a locket that Masaki and Isshin had gifted her shortly after the twins were born. Now that Kimiko had seen more members of Isshin’s family, she had a new perspective on how each of her granddaughters took after the two families physically. Yuzu was the most like the Kurosaki clan with her brown hair that had the slightest red tint to it and soft brown eyes. In ways she was a perfect clone of Masaki when Masaki was just a girl. Meanwhile, Karin was the most like the Shiba clan with her black hair, intense grey eyes, and determined smirk. Kimiko knew that when Karin grew up, she would look exactly like the current head of the Shiba clan. It was Ichigo that was the perfect mix of the two. She had the Kurosaki red curly hair in a brilliant shade and her mother's soft smile. While the shading of her eyes matched her mothers, it was the shape that was all Shiba. Shiba chin, Kurosaki cheeks, Shiba grin, but Kurosaki figure. How could a girl have the same kind smile of her mother but the same grin as her father? Each of her granddaughters were a symbol of her daughter and son-in-laws love for one another. No one could deny it. Still, Kimiko thought it was Ichigo that represented it best because of her appearance.

Lord Enomoto’s voice pulled Kimiko back from her reflections and Kimiko kept her focus on Lady Shiba.

“What is the matter Lady Shiba?”

“The Shiba Clan officially requests any and all information from the Kurosaki Clan regarding the murder of Isshin Shiba, previous had of the Shiba Clan, and former Captain of the tenth division.”

Murmurs broke out throughout the room. Besides Kimiko, Ryuuken ground his teeth. Captain Kurostuchi’s grin widened. Lord Enomoto along with various other members of the Central Forty-Six attempted to settle everyone down. Lady Shiba met Kimiko’s eyes with a familiar determined expression. This was not something Kimiko could simply talk herself out of, then again, she never expected it to be.

“Lady Shiba, as you are aware, the contract between the Soul Society and the Kurosaki Clan voided any and all claims against between the two parties. We cannot open the case and charge anyone with murder.”

“I recognize that Lord Enomoto. If you allow me to present my case you will find the Shiba Clan does not ask for anyone to be charged or held accountable for his murder.”
Not knowing what to do Lord Enomoto looked between Lady Kimiko and Lady Shiba. He was truly stuck. If he did not let Lady Shiba proceed then it would look as though Central Forty-Six favored the union over their own people. If he let Lady Shiba proceed it would appear that Central Forty-Six was not respecting the union between themselves and the Kurosaki Clan. With a stifled sigh, Lady Kimiko kicked her foot out and made contact with Ryuuken’s shin forcing him to stand.

“The Kurosaki Clan recognizes Lady Shiba’s request and stipulates to proceed with the matter,” Ryuuken droned with a nod to Lord Enomoto before he returned to his seat. This was something they had hoped to avoid when they prepared for the trip to the Seireitei, but it was also something they still prepared for.

Shocked, Lord Enomoto nodded towards Lady Shiba and took his seat. Lady Shiba entered the center of the floor in which it was bare for the speaker to address all sitting in the surrounding seats.

“I, Lady Kuukaku Shiba, head of the Shiba clan, hereby requests any and all information in regards to the suspicious death of Isshin Shiba, previous head of the Shiba clan, and prior captain of the tenth division, from the Kurosaki clan. This requests comes from knowledge and belief, that a member of the Kurosaki clan executed the murder of Isshin Shiba, or was present at the time of Isshin Shiba’s death.” An empty seat was procured near the center of the room so that Lady Kuukaku would not need to return all the way to her seat while the Kurosaki Clan responded. Kuukaku gave a final nod and made her way to the empty seat.

Everyone waited for Ryuuken to stand as he had been the one addressing all issues during the meeting. Instead the stone faced man turned his head and met eyes with Lady Kimiko. Kimiko elegantly rose from her seat and entered the center of the room to everyone’s surprise.

“I, Lady Kimiko Kurosaki, head of the Kurosaki clan, hereby accepts the Shiba Clan’s request and counters with a need-to-know report on the incident involving Isshin Shiba.”
The previous murmurs seemed like meer whispers when a roar of various whispers, murmurs, and outcrys overtook the room.

“Holy shit,” Renji breathed and flinched at his captain’s sharp glare. “Sorry, Captain.” Renji had sat in on enough of these meetings to understand the ongoings. The roaring response of the Central Room emphasized the seriousness of the situation at hand. Shocked and angry expressions flickered around the room as people took in the new information that Lady Kimiko had provided. When Kuukaku Shiba requested information everyone was of the belief that Ryuuken Ishida would deny the request as there was no information to provide. It was only a rumor that a quincy from the Kurosaki Clan was involved in the death of Isshin Shiba. Those who had worked with Kuukaku before knew that her requests came from the desires of those loyal to the Shiba clan and not one of personal vengeance. His mysterious death was upsetting but as a soul reaper, not entirely unexpected. Asking for the report was more to prevent any conflicts between the parties. Kuukaku’s shocked expression confirmed Renji’s belief that she wasn’t expecting there to be any information regarding his death either. Kimiko Kurosaki just confirmed that there was information. The fact that she confirmed that there was information meant that there was something out of line with his death, and a Kurosaki quincy was there to see it. Or worse, there to have executed his death.

Thinking quickly, Kuukaku rushed to her feet again. “Redaction will prevent full examination of the information and may cause the information to be twisted to prevent the truth from being passed on to the Kurosaki clan. Redaction is not in the best interest of justice.”

Kimiko was well versed in this type of political battle. Without hesitation she responded just as sharply as Kuukaku. “What justice? You are already presuming that a member of my clan is responsible for the death of Isshin Shiba. Even if a member of my clan was to be blamed for the death of Isshin Shiba, they cannot be charged. As the incident took place twenty years ago, justice is not of interest. Pursuant to the contract between the Seireitei and the Kurosaki Clan, any quincy deaths that were caused by soul reapers before the marriage date of Captain Shunsui Kyoraku and Madam Ichigo Kyouraku shall be considered closed cases and not executable. The same goes for any soul reaper deaths caused by members of the Kurosaki Clan. Your purpose for the request is to be informed of the death of your previous head of clan. At this time the incident involving Isshin Shiba is under strict scrutiny as it bears protected information that is not able to be disclosed to the Seireitei. As our union matures, the protected information may become more available. Still, the redacted information should provide enough information for your clan to learn of the circumstances of Isshin Shibas death,” Kimiko Kurosaki did not falter once in her argument.

“You’ll redact the quincy’s name who killed him. Even if we can’t have justice, we should be able to look them in the face and call him out for what he did to our clan!” the voice of a young man rang out in the spacious room. Kuukaku’s eyebrow furrowed as all attention came to a young man sitting in the observation seats near the door. An unseated soul reaper was standing from his seat. He had short black hair with a single long braid trailing from behind his left ear. He bore the same swirl tattoos as Kuukaku and had the striking Shiba eyes.

“Those in the observation deck are not permitted to speak out during Central Conferences, Satoshi Shiba,” Lord Ginrei Kuchiki scolded from his seat next to Lord Enomoto. “The next time you speak out of turn you will be removed from Central and prohibited from returning.”

Satoshi Shiba blushed and sat down again. Kuukaku continued glaring at him from her position on the floor until he looked away. Lady Kimiko fought the urge to smile. Not because she was happy that a Shiba had been scolded after attempting to slander the Kurosaki Clan, but because she had more than once been witness to Ichigo being given the same warning a few years ago.

Turning away from Satoshi, Kuukaku opened her mouth only to be silenced by an authoritative wave of the hand from Kimiko. “Before we continue to debate the redacted report,” she trailed off making eye contact with Kuukaku and Satoshi Shiba before turning her body to fully address Kuukaku. “I’ll be frank, as this union is important to me and my people. I did not come here and marry off my beloved Granddaughter because I didn’t believe that this union would be unsuccessful. In order for this union to be successful, I understand that there are innocent members of my clan who were killed by the hands of soul reapers that I must accept and ask for their forgiveness for not asking for justice. In turn, the soul society will need to ask the same. We have gone far too long allowing the hatred that the Father of the Quincies created to rule us.” She spat the title as if there was something bad in her mouth. Turning Kimiko took in the people in the room. Nobles nodding their heads in understanding. Captain Yammamoto’s knowing gaze. The warm eyes of her grandson-in-law offering encouragement for her to continue. And the discontent eyes of the other nobles and members of audience that will not accept her words so readily. She turned back to Kuukaku.

“It is true that there was an incident involving Isshin Shiba, a member of my clan, and a hollow that led to the end of Isshin Shiba. There are circumstances of that incident that cannot be disclosed at this time to protect the family of those involved.”

“The quincy you mean,” Kuukaku responded heatedly. “If the quincy is dead, as you said, it is to protect the quincy’s family. From what though? If it was an incident that involved my uncle, your quincy, and a hollow. The way you have addressed it Lady Kurosaki, implies that your quincy shot my uncle in the back and tried to blame it on the hollow. The report highlights his lies and you are preventing us from viewing it. For what purpose, to protect the quincy’s honor to his family?”

“No,” Kimiko’s voice hardened at the mere idea that her daughter would do something so cowardly. “That is not the case. Your world is not so large that only the Soul Society is subject to scenarios that are deemed protected. As seen during the discussion we had earlier regarding Aizen, some information is considered privilege and is only spoken of with General Yamamoto and other trusted individuals within the Gotei Thirteen. I have already explained that there is a matter in the report that is considered privilege and thus is subject to redaction. Furthermore Lady Shiba, you have not even seen the report. You do not know what information has been redacted and what information has been released. Instead of throwing slanderous accusations towards my people, at least review the redacted report and if your clan still has issue, address it with my clan personally instead of making this a political matter. You request the knowledge of how he died. I will provide you with that knowledge.”

“My family, my clan, would like to address the person who was involved in his death.”

“Again, Lady Shiba, there was no one involved in his death.”

“Then the person who was present for his death. We have the right to know his final words and if he suffered”

Lady Kimiko wanted to shout at that moment. She wanted to yell at this woman for accusing her daughter of killing Isshin. Wanted to shout the truth that he was alive and well but mourning his wife. That Aizen’s victims were waiting for the Soul Society to realize the extent of Aizen’s crimes and the list of his victims. She wanted to ask for the quincies last words. Her people’s last words. What did they beg for when that monster used them for experiments? She knew though that if she asked that the situation would spiral. Perhaps one day she could address it, but not now.

“The person in question was killed by the Grand Fisher nine years ago, Lady Shiba. The only thing that remains from that day is the report.”

“Lies!”

“You falsify the death of the quincy to protect him.”

“End this! The union is to proceed without any charges. This is a meaningless venture.”

“Bring them forward! Have them answer the Shiba’s questions.”

“They have a right to know!”

“If this union is to be started with accusation, how can you expect it to be successful? We are to let bygones be bygones.”

Various shouts bounced through the room. Kimiko met Kuukaku’s eyes as if asking her ‘see what you did?’ At this moment neither could move from the room as various cutting remarks were spat amongst the people. After what seemed like minutes General Yamamoto stood and slammed his cane down on the floor.

“SILENCE!” Instantly those in the room stopped talking. Some stopped breathing. The resounding noise of the staff meeting tile continued to vibrate in everyone's ears. With a subtle sharp inhale, Kimiko continued once Yamamoto returned to his seat. It was time to end this.

“The name of the quincy was Masaki Kurosaki, Lady Shiba,” Grey eyes met brown eyes and Kimiko’s determined look turned into a glare. “Despite what you may think of me and my clan, Lady Shiba, I would not lie about the death of my only child. Furthermore, I would not allow my granddaughter, Masaki’s eldest and dearly beloved child, to marry into the Seireitei if I felt that there was cause for a soul reaper's death to be on Masaki’s conscience.

It was Masaki that believed that soul reapers and quincies could not only co-exist, but work together. Let me be clear, I continued her efforts to bring the Kurosaki Clan and the Soul Society together to honor her memory and her dream after she was killed by a hollow. It was not my ideal, but hers,” Kimiko’s glare softened and she shook her head as if trying to remove the thought of her dead child. “An ideal, as I’m sure you know, that Isshin Shiba shared. She cared deeply for Isshin Shiba, and she mourned for him. I will not allow you to minimize that by accusing her of his murder. Not when both fell to a hollow in order to protect someone.”

Without saying another word Kimiko turned and took her seat next to Ryuken. No one said anything as Kuukaku mulled over the information she had just been provided. Memories of her uncle flashed through her mind. His kind smile. His generosity. His broad shoulders she would gaze at as he walked into a fight saying he’d be back soon. She believed him too. Isshin didn’t speak of his thoughts on quincies. At least, he didn’t speak her ideas to her. Despite that, knowing her uncle as she did, she believed Lady Kurosaki. Which would be why Lady Kurosaki wasn’t disclosing the information. Because Isshin was involved more in the Kurosaki Clan than anyone could have originally thought. Isshin and the daughter of Lady Kurosaki’s involvement with one another was a larger situation than Lady Kurosaki was presenting. Kuukaku knew she needed to end this debate and schedule a time to meet personally with Lady Kurosaki at a later time. Kuukaku felt like slapping her head. Lady Kurosaki had been hinting at this the entire time. Offering a redacted report. Opening an opportunity for Kuukaku to request further information from the redacted report when they were not in the middle of Central Forty-Six. A way to keep it between the Kurosaki Clan and the Shiba Clan, and Kuukaku missed it.

“The Shiba Clan accepts the redacted report of the incident involving the death of Isshin Shiba,” Kuukaku concluded and made her way back to her seat next to Ganju.

In his seat next to Ukitake and Nanao, Shunsui felt as if he’d just been through a sparring match with Yamamoto and Kenpachi. The urge to defend his old friend Kuukaku and the urge to defend his wife’s grandmother caused his insides to knot. Only when Kuukaku finally returned to her original seat next to Ganju did he feel like he could breathe again.
Marriage was supposed to be simple right?

----

The days following the wedding consisted of visits with Ichigo’s grandmother and Captain Yamamoto. Ichigo spent most of her time taking strolls with her grandmother and participating in tea ceremonies. Nights were spent in awkward silence in Shunsui and her quarters. They would eat together and Ichigo would excuse herself to her room where she would consider her new life. Finally the days came that Ichigo’s grandmother and her godfather would be meeting with Captain Yamamoto and other people in power and Ichigo wasn’t invited to attend. The days were supposed to be spent with Shunsui as they were still in what was considered the “honeymoon phase” but Shunsui was needed at his squadron. So, with an “okay” from his wife he left for his office.

With her solitude Ichigo began familiarizing herself with her new home. Most of her time was spent out on the deck in what would be determined as their backyard. There was a nice pond and garden behind their living quarters. A deck spanned out behind their quarters. It reminded Ichigo of those hotels with the personal outside bath’s right outside their rooms. Ichigo got to go to hotels with such rooms a few times when she was growing up.

She had yet to leave their quarters on her own as she wasn’t sure where she would go. The only times she had left was to visit people in the noble housing section of the Seireitei. She didn’t know what to expect out there which caused her to stay where she felt the most comfort. In her room. Shunsui had promised to give her a tour, but his responsibilities to his squad had prevented it. His kitchen had also not been stocked with anything but snack foods. He had explained that because he had lived alone for so long he didn’t have much food in his kitchens and hadn't had it stocked in a while. If he was hungry he’d go to the squad's kitchen and she was welcome to do the same if they were ever out of food. Ichigo didn’t even know where the kitchens were and meals were usually taken with Shunsui so Ichigo would have to venture out eventually to try to find food. The small snacks weren’t much to go off of. The man didn’t even have rice. Granted, even if the pantry was filled with food, Ichigo wouldn’t know how to cook it. The sight of the wood burning stove and oven gave Ichigo an entirely different homesickness. Oh how she missed their electric stovetop and microwave. The kitchen was so dated that there wasn’t even a fridge, but instead an icebox took up the corner of the room. If Yuzu were here she would likely be excited to test out the kitchen and live out her “cottagecore” experience. For Ichigo though, it made her want to cry. There won’t be any tubbs of tiramisu flavored gelato in that icebox that’s for sure.

Ichigo glanced at the clock that subtly ticked near the entryway. It was nearing eleven o’clock. Lunch was served promptly at half past twelve if she recalled correctly from previous lunches that were delivered to the home upon the Captain's request. If she left now to try to find the kitchens she would likely be able to find them and establish a better idea of the squad. With that in mind Ichigo slipped on her sandals, as much as she hated them, and exited the quarters.

The squad was bigger than she originally thought. She hadn't even thought that there were multiple buildings with apartments for the soul reapers in the squad, but here they were. Tall and riddled with windows and doors. Ichigo counted five total, but she wouldn't be surprised to find more. The paths between the apartments weren't paved. Ichigo had to walk carefully so as to not let a piece of gravel embed itself between her foot and her sandal until she got onto paved sidewalks. Ichigo made her way towards what she believed to be the center of the squad. Really it was where she heard the most noise. Where there was noise there would be people and generally, if it was anything like the world of the living, there would be food.

Ichigo trudged her way between the buildings and gardens that resided in the eighth division. She relaxed a bit as she walked. It wasn’t as confusing as it looked and even if she did get lost she would be able to find her way back as long as she stayed calm long enough to seek out her husband's spiritual pressure. Surprisingly his spiritual pressure was a lot like hers. It was dark and cold. Ichigo’s was dark and warm, well, it was dark and warm when it wasn’t suppressed. Ichigo wasn’t sure what Shunsui’s zanpakuto did when it was released. It was always hanging from his hip so he obviously was capable of using it. He was a captain so he had to be able to use it well. Though, Yoruichi was once a captain and she didn’t carry a zanpakuto. Either way Ichigo would like to spar with him. She’d only ever sparred with those that taught her and her friends- and hollows, but those didn’t count. It would be interesting to spar with a current captain. Just the thought of it made her hands twitch in excitement. She could picture herself trapezing through the air as their swords clashed again and again.

“Come on Satoshi, she’s Captain Kyoraku’s wife,” a male voice drew Ichigo out of her daydream and she stopped short of turning a corner. She couldn’t see who was talking but it was obviously about her.

“She’s her daughter Regan! You heard the old lady, Masaki Kurosaki killed my uncle. He went to the world of the living and she stabbed him in the back,” the voice made Ichigo flinch. It sounded like a younger version of her father’s, but it definitely wasn’t him. It was harsher.

“That’s not what Lady Kurosaki said. You shouldn’t scare people into believing her mother was the one that killed the former Captain Shiba.”

“I bet she knows exactly how it happened. I bet her mother gave her all the details in how she murdered my uncle.”

“You don’t know that that’s what happened, Shiba,” a feminine voice gently responded.

“Yeah well the Gotei Thirteen already let another Shiba killer walk free. I wouldn’t be surprised if they let the quincies get away with it too. It’s not right and I’m going to make sure they pay for their crimes.”

“Woah, dude!”

“That's not fair Shiba. You know what happened to Lieutenant Kaien wasn't Kuchiki’s fault. He had a hollow inside of him. What did you expect her to do?”

“Save him.”

“Satoshi, look man, just stop. You shouldn't be saying stuff like that about Kuchiki and you most definitely shouldn't be saying stuff like that about Madame Kyoraku.” It was the original male voice again.

“Oh that's rich, Regan. You can bitch and moan about having to deal with a civilian living in the division, but the moment I make a valid point on why she shouldn't be here, you start kissing quincy ass.”

“Shiba-” the feminine voice pleaded.

“Even if her mother didn't kill my uncle. She's a Kurosaki quincy. She's a murderous abomination. She's just the starting point of all of us getting screwed in the ass by the quincies.”

Ichigo turned on her heel then and retraced her steps back to the gravel paths. She wasn't fearful. No, she could handle her own, but she didn't want to have to deal with that situation quite yet. Especially with her grandmother still in Seireitei. Confronting them would just cause more problems than she could handle at the moment. Her priority was ensuring the family's position within the Seireitei and with the marriage unconsummated how could she be sure it was truly established. Even though those people were angry confronting them wouldn't make it better. At the moment it really was best to lay low.

She made it to her new living quarters fairly quickly. It was empty inside, as she expected. It had been empty, save for her, all day. With a flick of her feet her sandals settled in the corner of the entryway near an older looking pair of what she presumed were Captain Kyoraku’s sandals. He never wore this pair but left them out. Perhaps he kept them because he didn't want to get rid of them. They were clearly worn enough that he had needed another pair.

Ichigo had a pair of shoes like that too. Her favorite converse pair from her first year of high school. Her dad bought them for her as a congratulations for entering high school because he knew she wanted them. She wore them whenever she went out to hang out with her friends. They were red and white and made her feet hurt when she walked for too long but they were perfect. Ichigo kept hers for sentimental reasons even though she really couldn't wear them anymore, perhaps Captain Kyoraku was doing the same. They probably would be better in a closet rather near the entryway that way people wouldn't mistakenly try to get rid of them. Ichigo picked up the pair and slid the nearest closet open and found a perfect space for them on the bottom of the closet. Bending down to place them in the newfound spot Ichigo paused, turned, and flung them back at the entryway. What was she doing moving his things? She shouldn't be moving his things. That would be like him going into her room and unpacking her things.

She stood and looked around the closet. It was full of blankets, books, and games. By the looks of the cards Ichigo determined Captain Kyoraku must have played often. She raised her hand to close the door when a newspaper caught her eye, or more particularly the title of a story in the article caught her attention- Rose-Colored Path by Shunsui Kyoraku. It was in the “Literature” section of the newspaper.

“He writes?” Ichigo asked aloud while she picked up the newspaper and began skimming it. It was a romantic story about the protagonist falling in love with a beautiful woman. It didn't take long into reading for Ichigo to get the whole point of the story. Stereotypes littered the segment. The strong hero and desperate maiden. It wasn't that it was badly written, he seemed to have a decent talent for writing; he just could do more than stereotypes. It fell under his womanizing interests though if what was being whispered behind her back had any bearing. Ichigo put the newspaper away and closed the closet door. She ignored her stomach's demonstration of a whale's cry and entered her room, closing the door behind her. With a huff she ripped off her veil, and flopped onto her bed with a pained ‘oomph’.

“My beds better,” she sighed into the pillow and wrapped her arms around it so it was more firmly pressed against her face. What is this, she asked herself. Throughout the multiple lunches, brunches, and dinners she had to take with others she had silently listened, well listened in on, tales of her husband's womanizing ways.

One woman, the wife of the bald fat man that was somehow related to the other fat man from the second division, went into great detail about an affair he had with a noblewoman before she had married. Apparently there were often visits when the noblewoman would be using the baths. Another told of his time in the Academy and called him a skirt chaser. Then the woman that had commented about birthing him children had whispered to her friend that Captain Kyoraku and his old lieutenant were into some “pretty kinky stuff.” It was at that point Ichigo felt she was on a crossroads. One side of her wanted to run away. She'd dealt with annoying womanizers before. Two of her friends were womanizers, Mizuiro being better than Keigo at it, but nonetheless they were womanizers. The other side of Ichigo, the curious side, wondered if the kinky stuff they were into was like those books that Keigo's older sister introduced her to. That side was also cursing her for not reading them. Even worse she could swear she heard her hollow cackling gleefully at her just for thinking about the ludicrous books.

He could be a womanizer all he wanted as long as he treated her with respect. He hasn't shown any indication that he would treat her ill so far, but that didn't mean anything, it had only been a week. Still, Ichigo didn't know how she would feel knowing he was having relations with another woman. This was a marriage of necessity so she couldn't expect him to have feelings towards her, but, the idea of living with the whispers behind her back about her husband’s conquests didn't help.

Now there were more whispers. Whispers about her family. Having quincies in the Soul Society wasn't going to be easy. Having a quincy marry into the Soul Society wasn't easy. Ichigo expected that. But this Satoshi guy seemed to have a personal grudge. Ichigo thought back on the conversation and recalled the man's name who was bad mouthing her and her family: Satoshi Shiba. He said a Quincy killed his uncle, a Captain Shiba, but as far as Ichigo knew there were no fatalities on the Soul Society’s end when it came between the Kurosaki Quincy Clan and the Seireitei. Unless of course they meant the one incident her parents were a part of.

“Dad,” Ichigo murmured as the names started to make sense in her head. Her dad was a captain once and his previous name was Isshin Shiba. He had disappeared when he gave up his spiritual pressure to save her mom after she had taken a blow from a specialized hollow. They must have come to the conclusion that she had killed him when he didn't return. Her dad had told her that he wasn't able to explain his position to the Soul Society. Aizen’s influence had already been too involved in the running of the Soul Society and no one really trusted quincies. In order to protect her mother, he had simply left and faked his own death. So, really, that would make Satoshi Shiba her cousin. And he would be spreading false information. False information she could not prevent because she still needed to keep her father hidden. Aizen’s influence may still be within the Seireitei. Her number one job next to ensuring the union between the clan and the Seireitei was protecting Aizen’s victims.

With another groan Ichigo flopped onto her back and stared up at the ceiling. When had she started worrying about people's whispers? When was the last time she walked away from a confrontation? When was the last time she felt alone? Vulnerable?

Her hand reached up and touched the choker around her neck. The cool butterfly clasp felt heavy against her throat. It suppressed her large amount of spiritual pressure as she'd never been able to contain it before. She hated it.

This was all too much. She needed the floor back under her feet. She was falling. Grasping. She needed something to hold onto. How long could this honestly last?

-----

Shunsui worked quietly in his office. Nanao was out on Women's Association business, leaving him alone for the rest of the afternoon. Usually at times like these he would sneak out of the office and have a relaxing afternoon with Juushiro but with his new wife at home he felt guilty. It wouldn’t be fair to have her sit at home all day while he was out enjoying his afternoon. If only their relationship was easier; then he could just invite her to go with him, but it wasn’t. Ichigo had barely spoken more than a few sentences this week. It felt like he knew less about her now than when he found out he would be marrying her. He could count the things he knew about her on his hands.

She was seventeen and cared about her education. Ironically she liked strawberries, he knew that from watching her take three strawberry desserts on their wedding day. She liked butterflies, if her kimonos and hairpieces were anything to go by. She had worn a butterfly decorated piece of clothing everyday since he met her. She rubbed her eyes when she was tired. She cared deeply for her grandmother, when talking amongst themselves she called her by an informal ‘grandma’. She didn’t feel comfortable enough here, she hadn’t unpacked anything but one of her suitcases. She was quiet, which didn’t match her energy. Shunsui could see the energy in the way she moved. While she would take evenly matched steps there was a little pop in her steps as if she were ready to leap forward and run. The night they were married a piece of that energy burst forward when she lectured him on his not reading the full marriage contract. He wished he could see that again. Instead he had a quiet wife that only responded. His quiet wife was leading to a quiet life thus a constant state of walking on eggshells. Shunsui sighed deeply and pushed his paperwork aside. Marriage had to be easier than this. Being awkward housemates was not working.
It was night now. The busy sounds that were heard among the squad during the day had died down and in their place crickets chirping could be heard. Lanterns were lit within the hallways and walkways. Ichigo herself had lit a lantern when the sun had begun to set. It’s auburn glow was dim in Ichigo’s room. It made Ichigo miss flipping a switch and having her room fully enveloped in light. She closed the book she was reading and rubbed her tired eyes. She had spent all day holed up in her room and was still hungry.

Captain Kyoraku hadn’t returned home yet and her stomach was clenching a lot tighter than it was earlier. Perhaps it was time to try to find the cafeteria again. Ichigo yawned as she stood from her table and grabbed a veil that matched her kimono. She had just finished inserting her crescent moon pin into the veil when a knock sounded from the front door.

Ichigo furrowed her eyebrows and looked towards the door. It wasn’t Captain Kyoraku, he wouldn’t knock. It wasn’t a quincy, the spiritual pressure didn’t match. It was a soul reaper, and why would they be knocking on the door if Captain Kyoraku wasn’t home?

“One minute,” Ichigo called out and made her way across her room to her book bag to retrieve Kon. With Kon safely in a hidden pocket in her kimono she made her way to the door, unlocked it, and slid it open. There stood a young woman in a soul reapers uniform with a tray of food.

“Hello,” Ichigo blinked in surprise and her stomach made a gurgling sound much to her embarrassment. If the soul reaper heard she didn’t respond.

“Madam Kyoraku, Captain Kyoraku asked that I ensure you had dinner and wanted me to pass on his apologies. He was called to a meeting.” the soul reaper explained and gestured up with the tray of food. “I didn’t see you come into the cafeteria and the kitchen staff informed me that the Captain has failed to provide them with a list of food to stock his personal kitchen. He’s really bad at that. Anyways I thought I’d bring you a tray, just in case. I hope that’s alright.”

“Oh,” Ichigo blinked in surprise. “Yes. Thank you. I really appreciate it,” Ichigo reached her hands out and took the tray from the woman. “And thank you for letting me know about Captain Kyoraku’s meeting.”

The woman seemed startled at being addressed by Ichigo. Granted Ichigo wasn’t one to really talk lately, so she really couldn’t blame the women.

“Of course Madam,” the woman smiled once the shock wore off.

“I didn’t catch your name,” Ichigo remarked in hopes she could know more of the soul reapers around her.

“Tenth seat Tabata, Akane Tabata, Madam,” the woman responded flustered. Her cheeks grew red and Ichigo gave a soft smile

“Tenth seat Akane Tabata. Pleasure to meet you.” A blush decorated the woman’s features and her chest rose with pride.

“Welcome to Seireitei, Madam.” With a final nod the woman had left and Ichigo brought her dinner into the room.

She gently placed it on her low table and looked around the room for more lights. It felt too dim in the room. That, or perhaps she just felt lonely. At home her sisters and Dad would sit around a tall table. Ichigo would sit across from her Dad next to Karin. Yuzu sat next to their Dad and would dish out the meals. The only time they didn’t have meals together was during school, extracurricular activities, and when Dad was needed at the hospital. Even during clan events they sat near each other for meals. Ichigo took in the basic meal of rice, fried fish, curry, and green tea. Yuzu made a similar meal. Yuzu’s tasted better. No, Ichigo shook her head, it wasn’t that Yuzu’s tasted better. It was the enviornment that tasted better.

It was eating with someone that had made it better. Someone she cared for. Like her ex-boyfriend, Shinji.

Ichigo sighed and leaned on her elbow. She had been hoping to not think of him. Even going so far as not thinking of his name and only calling him her “ex-boyfriend” mentally. Of course that didn’t prevent him from constantly coming back to mind. He was her first love. He was the man that walked her home after a tough training session with her hollow. The one that her father tried to forbid her from dating while simultaneously celebrating the fact that she was out having fun. Shinji was funny and he made her laugh. He was thoughtful and would listen to her teen angst as if it meant something to him. He told her stories of his time in the Soul Society and she couldn’t help but hold onto every word as if he was inscribing them into her heart. She didn’t want to forget one thing about him. She told him she loved him. He told her he loved her. Yet, somehow, she was here.
Ichigo felt her face scrunch up. A thing she did when she tried to fight back tears. She also felt the hot wetness slide down her cheek. This was why she didn’t want to think of him. She didn’t want to think of what they could have had and what was no longer hers.

Once she finished her crying and emotionally eating her food she washed the dishes and stacked them neatly back on the tray. She found some cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink and wiped down the table as she used to do in the World of the Living.

Ichigo brought the book she was reading into the living room and read at the table as she waited for her husband to return home. She figured she could ask him where to take the tray rather than going out on another field trip in the dark. After two hours of reading and finishing her book she determined that it was getting too late and she should go to bed. Stretching she made her way around the room to blow out all but two lanterns. She had the one near the door and the one near his room remain lit as she went into her own lit room. While changing into her pajamas Ichigo took the little green pill that contained Kon out of her hidden pocket and held it up. She wished she could place him in her stuffed lion just so that she would have someone to talk to but at the moment it was just too dangerous. Instead she placed him back in the hidden pocket inside of her bookbag and blew out the remaining lanterns in her room. In bed, for the third or fourth time of the day, she struggled getting to sleep but eventually fell into a slumber.

----

Shunsui gave a loud yawn when he made it back through the gates of his division. The old man had wanted to see him in preparation for the captain’s meeting that would take place in two days time. It would be the last meeting between the Central Forty-six and Lady Kurosaki, and all of the Captains were included. A one hour meeting turned into a four hour meeting due to the interruption of Captain Kurotsuchi who may have found out some information regarding some research Aizen had made while he was a lieutenant. An hour and a half later the three men determined to look further into it and Captain Kurotsuchi left so that Captain Yamamoto and Shunsui could finish their meeting. It was nearing midnight now.

“Welcome back Captain Kyoraku,” a voice called out. Shunsui looked up to see the smiling face of his tenth seat, Akane Tabata.

“Ah Tabata,” Shunsui greeted and nodded in thanks. “I didn’t know you had patrol tonight.”

“I don’t, sir. I just got back from meeting with some old friends from the seventh division.”

“I see, welcome back to you as well,” Shunsui smiled. “Best get off to bed now. We have another day of work tomorrow.”

“Of course,” Tabata turned towards the direction of her apartment but turned back around towards Shunsui. “Captain, before you go I need to tell you something.”

“Hmm?”

“Well, sir, I did that task you asked of me. I informed your wife, Madam Kyoraku, of your meeting.” Damn that sounded weird just hearing it. Wife. Madam Kyoraku. “Well, you see, the thing is I was originally planning on telling her when she came to the cafeteria as the kitchen staff said they hadn’t stocked your kitchen with groceries this week. She never did appear at the cafeteria. I asked around and no one had seen her all day. I figured she must have been visiting with Lady Kurosaki while she was still in the Seireitei, but I wanted to make sure. So, I made her a tray and took it to your quarters and she was home.

It looked like she’d been home all day and her stomach was growling so she hadn’t eaten all day other than the breakfast you had delivered from the kitchens. I gave her the tray and gave her your message. She was really nice. She thanked me and asked my name. I’m not sure why she didn’t go to the cafeteria herself to get dinner, but she never did go to the cafeteria to return her tray either. Maybe she was planning on bringing it back tomorrow during lunch time. We’ve all done that. Either way, I just thought you should know,” Akane said everything so quickly she needed to catch her breath once she finished.

“She hasn’t eaten all day?” Shunsui asked.

“Not that I know of, sir. Her stomach gurgled though, sir, so I don’t think she did. I know that souls and living beings are different. Living beings have to eat which is why I am so concerned.”

“Yes, thank you Tabata. I’ll check into it. Have a good night,” Shunsui nodded and watched Tabata make it back to her shared quarters. On his way back to his own quarters Shunsui wondered why his wife wouldn’t go to the cafeteria to eat. Was she going on a hunger strike to make him and everyone else involved in the arranged marriage pay? Was she so depressed she couldn’t force herself to eat? Perhaps she was too stubborn to eat squadron food. She was raised as a noble, perhaps her palate was too defined. Either way he would need to figure it out. He’d talk to her as soon as he entered his quarters.

At least, that’s what he told himself; instead when he made it to his quarters he found all the lanterns but two were unlit. There was no light coming from her room which indicated she was asleep. He took note of the two lanterns that were lit. The one nearest the front door and the one nearest his room let of warm glows. It was as if she was saying ‘welcome home’. He entered the living room and locked the door behind him with a soft smile on his face. He had never had a lantern lit for him to come home to before. It was nice. He pulled his zanpakutos from his belt and sat down on the step near the entrance to take his sandals off before he quietly made his way across the room in hopes to not disturb Ichigo’s sleep. He could hear her soft, even, breathing from her room and didn’t feel it was right to wake her when she had gone through the effort of making sure he could see when he got home.

As he made it towards his room he noticed the cafeteria tray on the table and remembered why he had wanted to talk to her in the first place. He took a closer look at the tray and noticed that the plates were washed and put back on the tray in an organized manner. She had eaten and had even gone to the effort of cleaning the plates and preparing them to be returned to the cafeteria. If she hadn’t planned to take the tray back she would have left the dinnerware out on the table. “So why didn’t she?” he murmured to himself as he looked around the room.

“Oh,” he realized with a whisper as he saw her sandals haphazardly next to his two pairs of sandals at the doorway. She doesn’t know where to go. Shunsui had said he’d give her a tour but he hadn’t had time and had forgotten. Of course she didn’t know where to go. She probably ventured out and then got overwhelmed and returned home when she couldn’t find it. Nice Shunsui. He’d have to talk to her tomorrow and ensure she had a tour. He’d even sit with her at the cafeteria to make sure she felt welcome and maybe introduce her to some of the members of the squad.

The next morning Shunsui left a note for Ichigo explaining he ordered her breakfast and he'd be back to give her a tour just before lunch. He was determined to spend time with her and hopefully get her talking. He hoped to crack his quiet wife. Shunsui didn’t care for the masks other’s held. He much preferred a person’s true personality over anything else. He understood why she had the mask in place. He couldn’t expect more from a seventeen year old girl that was pushed into an arranged marriage to a being that had caused so much pain to her people. Despite his understanding, he knew that for this marriage to be okay, to work, he would need to help her lower the mask. They would both benefit from it. So today, he would push her to talk about herself. Learn about her. Encourage her to tell him stuff about herself and share his own information. They would go from awkward housemates to amicable friends. His little wife wouldn’t feel the need to be quiet. He knew her personality was louder than she had portrayed, and he was going to ensure she showed it. No more walking on eggshells for either of them.

He would make up leaving her to fend for herself for the last couple of days as he had barely seen her and that wasn’t fair to her. Thus after he dropped her tray from the previous night off at the kitchens and placed an order for her for breakfast to be delivered, he shocked Nanao by being to the office early, finishing his half of the paperwork without her having to drag him into the office to do it. He had to admit her shocked expression gave him a sense of glee.
“It seems marriage has done you some good Captain,” Nanao remarked as she picked up the files. “Shall I retrieve the backlogged files while you’re on such a spree.” She had ruined his glee.

Shunsui was able to escape around a quarter after eleven o’clock. Nanao had pulled up months worth of backlogged paperwork. He hadn’t a break all morning, not even to relieve himself, and man did he have to pee. He’d hurry home, relieve himself, and take Ichigo to the cafeteria followed by a tour of the squadron and the squadrons placed closed by. With his thoughts on the different places he would take her he didn’t pay much attention when he actually walked through the doors. Ichigo was usually in her rooms anyways so the living room being empty wasn’t a surprise as he moved directly for the door leading to the bathroom. The sight in the bathroom, on the other hand, was a surprise.
Steam wafted towards him. It caressed him softly as it drifted past him. The flowery scent filled the room. A woman stood just outside the tub, right in between the sink and the toilet. She had peach skin. She wasn’t pale, wasn’t tan, she the perfect peach color. She looked soft. With a toned stomach and blissful leg muscles. She was wet. Water rolled down her body and ended it’s ride on the blue towel beneath her feet. She was leaning forward and rubbing another towel through her hair, and she was singing.
Shunsui made a shocked choking noise. Shunsui, the usually cool romancer, choked on air at the sight in front of him. This scene shocked him. Truly shocked him. He wasn’t sure what was shocking him: his naked wife or his wife being relaxed enough to rub her hair dry while singing.

The strange noise emitting from Shunsui’s throat jerked Ichigo out of her hair drying ritual. Towel still hanging from her head she glanced quickly at Shunsui. He couldn’t see her face or her hair. The towel was practically like one of those veils she always wears.

“Wha-” Ichigo cut off and Shunsui held his hands up in an attempt to present his apologies for walking in on her. His voice was still stuck in his throat though.

Not that it really mattered. Ichigo was already reacting. Shunsui couldn’t exactly remember what came first. It was either the painful impact of her foot colliding with his face, which led to him being flung across the room into the doors leading to the back yard; or, it was her passionate scream of: “YOU PERVERTED OLD MAN!”

His wife wasn't quiet anymore.

Chapter Text

Chapter Seven: Saying Goodbye

Ichigo was staring, unseeing, at the bathroom mirror.  She was dressed. Her still wet hair was tied into a bun and hidden by a veil. Her clothes clung uncomfortably to her as her skin was still partially wet from her shower; and, her foot tingled a tiny bit. 

The pervert had a hard head. 

When she had heard his intake of breath she didn’t have time to analyze the thoughts that had rushed through her head. Her thoughts started from questioning if she had locked the door and ended on him being a perverted old man, then she struck. 

Once she had landed her jumping kick she was already twisting her body again to maintain her position in the bathroom and closed the door. She didn’t remember getting dressed. She didn’t remember doing her hair. She was too angry and embarrassed to focus on that. While she raged in her head about his perverted ways and a small sensible part of her reminded her of their marriage she had simply stayed in autopilot. She finally gained control again staring at the bathroom mirror. 

Well, she couldn’t stay in the bathroom; memories of her childhood tantrums of running away to be a hermit in the bathroom -because at least it had water- reminded her that wouldn't work. She would have to face him and give him a piece of her mind. What kind of man just enters the bathroom when someone is showering? Especially to someone they didn’t even know. There was only one kind of man that did that: a pervert. 

She was married to a pervert. She was married to a perverted old man that wore pink kimonos and a stupid straw hat. She was married to a man that didn't wear socks. She was married to a man that had lucid affairs with married women. She was married to a man who writes trashy romance articles. She was married- Ichigo stopped her inner ranting as finally, finally, it sunk in. 

She was married. 

She lifted up her veil and rested it atop her head. The blue fabric bunched together making it look like a fancy hairband rather than a method to hide her parentage. In the mirror she could see herself, really see herself. Her eyes, that used to look so much like her mother's and her father’s, now looked so sad and lifeless. 

This wasn't something temporary. This wasn't some training weekend that ended on Sunday afternoon. This was permanent. This was real. This had happened, and she let it happen. Her father had let it happen. Her teacher had let it happen. Her mentors had let it happen.  Shinji had let it happen. Shinji had said he loved her and then he practically forced her to marry another man. A perverted old man. A perverted old man that just walks into bathrooms when people are showering. A perverted old man that had just seen her naked. Very, very naked. Other than the time she was a baby, no man had ever seen her naked before.

He didn’t see her face though, of that she was certain. He just saw...the rest of her.

Ichigo ran a hand across her face and squeezed her eyes shut. She couldn’t change the situation she was in. She was married now. End of story. She couldn’t change that Shinji had left her and despite how much it hurt she needed to let that go and focus on what was in front of her. Time to step up. Just yesterday she was wondering how long she was going to allow herself to be so vulnerable; that question no longer mattered. She wasn’t going to be vulnerable anymore.

With a flick of her wrist the veil covered her again and she turned to face the door. No hesitation, no retreating, time to step forward. To quote Zangetsu, to retreat is to age, to hesitate is to die. 

Shunsui had totally and completely screwed up. He stood facing the bathroom door Ichigo had locked herself in.  He didn’t dare go near the bathroom while she was in there. He didn’t want to get kicked in the head again. The ringing had just stopped. For someone that was supposed to be weak she had one hell of a kick. She was fast too. He didn’t even see her move across the room. 

She’d been in the bathroom for a while. It was drawing on his worry. Perhaps if she didn’t come out in the next fifteen minutes he’d go and knock on the door. She couldn’t stay locked in there all day. 

Five minutes into his countdown to knocking on the bathroom door the door swung open. 

“Listen here you perverted old man,” Ichigo exclaimed as she pointed accusingly at him. 

“Old man?” Shunsui blinked disheartened. He could practically feel her glare from behind her veil.   

“Just because you are used to getting what you want from women does not mean that you can expect the same treatment from me, you womanizer. I’m not some girl that falls into a man’s arms, a man that I don’t even know arms. Any man’s arms, really. Especially a man who just walks into the bathroom when it’s being used.”

Well at least now he knew how she felt about him.

“Just because your ol’ walk in on them in the shower worked before doesn’t mean it will work again. Honestly, you deserve to get your ass kicked for being such a pervert. If this is how you want to initiate consummating our marriage you’ve got another thing coming old man.” Again with the old man.
“How old do you think I am?” Shunsui interrupted her before she continued on her tangent. There were only so many times he could be called old. He was mature, sure, but old? He wasn’t old. He was still in his prime. Did he really look that much older to a seventeen year old. 

“That’s what you hear?” Ichigo’s voice raised another degree. Blood was rushing to her head as a new sense of frustration took over her body. She moved her arms from crossing her chest to holding her hips. He could not be serious. Here she was telling him where he could stick it and he was more worried about her pointing out his age. 

“Well you have to admit it is a bit rude,” Shunsui pointed out and rubbed a hand across his painful cheek. Her hands on her hips caused his bruise to start pulsing again.

“Rude. Rude? You walk in on me naked and you have the guts to call me rude?”

“Well I didn’t realize you were in there,” Shunsui interrupted. “And I had to use the bathroom. The door wasn’t locked so I just went right in. I didn’t see anything, really. By the time I was realizing what had happened you were kicking me across the room.”

Ichigo folded her arms across her chest again. Shunsui took it as a sign that she was calming down, but he stayed where he was because it could also be a sign that she was getting more flustered and could have more outbursts.

“How do I know you’re telling the truth? How do I know you didn’t unlock the door just so you could barge in and see me naked? From what those old hags at the noble meetings say, you have a reputation for sneaking into women’s bathrooms.”

“What?” Shunsui asked, shocked. Why would he do a thing like that? He would never walk in on a woman uninvited and he'd always give her the respect she deserved. And what was being said about him regarding his relations. While he was known to spend time with some of the noble women he had never done anything to that extent. He had his lovers. He didn’t get serious with them and they understood that. He wasn’t a man for serious relationships before this marriage came to pass. “Ichigo, please. I would never push myself onto a woman.  More importantly, I would never do that to you. It’s true that I have had previous relationships but,”

“You’re previous,” Ichigo stumbled for the right word, “relationships, as you say, are the ones saying that you would rush into the bathroom when they were showering and force your attentions onto them until they caved.  Whenever we have a luncheon with the other captains or with the nobles someone is always talking about your-”

“My what?” Shunsui asked when she cut off her last sentence. 

“Your sex life,” Ichigo exclaimed exasperated. She really should have read those romance novels Keigo’s sister gave her. “Apparently, you’ve got quite the past experience and you're a pervert.”

“That’s what they say about me?” Shunsui knew he had a bit of a reputation but he didn’t realize it went that far. 

“Yes. One lady said that you just showed up into her private bathroom once. You’ve clearly done this before and it may have worked on her but it won’t work on me.”

“Ichigo, wait a minute,” Shunsui gasped out, reeling from her accusations. “Yes, I have had previous relationships before our marriage. They weren’t serious. I didn’t do serious.” Crap. He was babbling. “And in those relationships there were times that I would be invited to share a bath or shower; or I would invite someone to share a shower.  That being said, Ichigo, I promise you I would never do so, or expect for us to do so, without you saying so. I really just needed to relieve myself and didn’t realize you were in the bathroom.”

Ichigo looked into his face.  His raised eyebrows as if he were pleading with her, which in a sense, she supposed he was. Ichigo felt a rush of warmth dance across her cheeks as a blush set in. She was mortified. No wonder those lady’s had such lewd grins and excited tones when they spoke about his “showerscapades.” They were telling stories because they were likely jealous that he wouldn’t be asking them into his shower...her shower...their mutual shower. She was letting them get into her head. Everything he said made sense. When she saw him in the bathroom doorway he was standing there with a shocked expression. He didn’t come up behind her when she was actually showering. She may have overreacted.  Okay, so she kind of overreacted.

“Ichigo,” Shunsui started again. She hadn’t said anything yet and not being able to see her face and her not responding was starting to worry him.  “Ichigo, I -”

“I overreacted,” Ichigo’s voice wasn’t as strong willed as she had previously portrayed. 

“In your defense I’m sure hearing all of that in the short time we’ve known each other hasn’t helped my image,” Shunsui joked after a few moments of silence in hopes of lightening the mood. The softness to her voice made him feel uncomfortable. 

“That and your writings in the Seireitei News,” Ichigo chimed in after a short laugh.  Shunsui joined in with the laughter and gave her a smile. 

“Found those did you? Well, you’ll be pleased to hear that I never got one fan letter.”

“That sucks. They weren’t a bad read. Fairly enjoyable for what they were.”  Ichigo paused again.  Probably trying to determine what her next step was in escaping the situation.  “Do you still write?”

Well now that was surprising. Usually she would say what she needed to say and then kept quiet.  The new conversation starter was welcome and Shunsui was going to take advantage of it.

“When I can,” Shunsui nodded with a smile but was cut short from his bladder reminding him that it was, indeed, still attached to him.  “We can talk about it more on our way to lunch. Let me just use the restroom and we can be on our way if you're ready.”

“Oh! Of course, I’ll grab my shoes.” Ichigo could feel her face blush as she moved out of his way so that he could walk into the bathroom.  Way to go dum dum, just leave the man in a state of distress while you yell at him and then tease his writing .  Though she did move from teasing his writing to being intrigued by it. So she shouldn’t have caused too much annoyance in that area. 

Shunsui smiled and went into the bathroom; shutting and locking the door behind him.  Ichigo sat on the edge of the room into the entrance area and slipped her feet into the sandals. 

“Ready?” Shunsui asked after he exited the bathroom.

“Yeah,” Ichigo looked up from tying her sandals and flinched. Somehow between the time he went to use the restroom and him exiting the restroom the bruise on his face had gotten a lot worse. Should I - should I tell him?  

“I was thinking that after lunch we could take a walk to the different divisions.  That way you’ll know where they are all located.”

“G-great,” Ichigo faltered. She wasn’t going to tell him. He did walk in on her so, in a way, he did deserve it. Besides, there was no reason to bring the fight back into discussion. Shunsui gave a smile that made the swelling from the bruise look worse and held his hand out to help her from her seat. Ichigo took his hand and let him help her to her feet and the two headed out for their excursion.

That evening while Ichigo was enjoying a private dinner with her grandmother Shunsui was giving a lazy smile towards his flabbergasted friend. 

“She kicked you?” Jushiro asked for the third time. 

“Right in the face.”

“And she called you what again?”

“A perverted old man.” That was when Jushiro’s shocked expression changed into one full of glee.  “Oi I’m not old!”

“And that’s what you take from it.”

“She said that too!”

Jushiro laughed and shook his head.  “She's got quite the kick. What a shiner.”

“Now you're complimenting her,” Shunsui threw his hands up. “And you call yourself my best friend.”

“Indeed. Which is why I get to compliment your wife's methods of discipline.”

“Discipline? I was trying to use the bathroom, not seduce her!”

“To walk in on such a poor delicate flower in such an intimate setting,” Jushiro tsked and waved off Shunsui’s outburst.  “I believe I’ve said this before but really Shunsui you are a scoundrel.” 

“Delicate? Do you not see my face?”

“Even the most beautiful flowers have the sharpest thorns.”

“Yes well her thorns happen to include an air assault,” Shunsui took a sip of his sake.  “Honestly though it really was a misunderstanding. She thought I was trying to come onto her.”

“Weren't you?”

“What? No. I just needed to relieve myself. I wouldn't do that to her!”

“That's a bit hard to believe.  As much as I don't want to discuss this with you, and I don't; she's your wife Shunsui. This is really the only acceptable relationship you can have. You can't tell me that you don't want to have the same intimate relationship that you had with your previous paramours with her.  With the first night awkwardness out of the way you two can work towards a normal coupling relationship.  I wouldn't put it past you to try to start that in a very Shunsui fashion.”  Jushiro pointed out with a gentle smirk. It was understandable that the couple would still be a bit shy around each other but Shunsui needn't act innocent around his oldest friend. He could be honest with Jushiro and Jushiro would treat both Shunsui and Ichigo fairly. So with a good try point to Shunsui and a well done point to the Madam Kyoraku Jushiro sipped his tea with glee.

“Does everyone just think I'm some sexual deviant?”

“Yes.”

“You can't be serious!”

“You had intercoruse with Lady Meridan the week before her wedding day.”

“She was a consenting adult! She came onto me.  You can’t tell me you don’t believe that she came onto me.”

“While I’m sure that’s true,” after all, he knew Lady Meridan was a depraved woman and was entirely unhappy with the arranged marriage, “I have to point out that your wife is also a consenting adult and you wouldn't know if she was consenting unless you asked. Which you did, badly, and she denied.  Just say it as it is Shunsui, no need to hide that you tried and failed to seduce your wife.”

“I wouldn't do that to her.” Shunsui said this with such determination that Jushiro had to pause and analyze his friend. The pair stared at each other for a few minutes. Jushiro took in his oldest friend's fierce eyes and determined expression. It would almost seem as if Shunsui didn't want to discuss his relationship with his wife. Not like did with his precious romantic relations. Which, in a way, made sense as Madam Kyoraku was his wife and not a paramour. But in another way it didn't make sense as it was Shunsui, and Shunsui would find a way to brag without disrespecting his wife. Unless, of course, there really wasn't to brag about. Jushiro took in his friend's determined face once more. He was acting as if he was not just defending himself; but, also defending his wife's reputation.

“You haven't consummated the marriage,” Jushiro hissed quietly to him to ensure that his overzealous third seats wouldn’t overhear should they be listening in. Trust the pervert to sleep with everyone but the single person that he is expected to.  “Are you insane? If the old man found out-”

“He's not going to find out,” Shunsui hissed back. “Juu she couldn't even look at me the night of.  She's seventeen! She hasn't even had time to go out and experience a truly intimate relationship. You should have seen her, I just hinted, rather strongly, that we could go to my bedroom and she was shaking like a leaf. She wasn't ready. I don't force women into my bed much less my own wife. I wasn't going to push her and I truly believe that in order to make this relationship work we need to take it at her pace. Not mine. Not yours. Not the old man’s and most certainly not the Central’s.”

Despite his being upset with Shunsui Jushiro couldn’t help the warm smile that spread across his face.  This marriage was a big deal but if it is as he said, the poor girl would struggle even more here than anyone would have anticipated. “You’re a good man Shunsui.”

“Now you notice.”

“In my defense it is the first time you kept it in your pants.”

In another part of the Seireitei Ichigo sat clutching her cup of tea and looking purposefully away from her grandmother.

“You kicked him in the face?”

“He walked in on me in the shower.”

“You offended him?”
“Honestly calling him a perverted old man isn’t the most offensive thing I could have said.”

“The force of your kick threw him across the room.”

“He should have stood with his legs spread apart.”

“He has a bruise. A large black and swelling bruise.”

“Oh honestly he just hasn’t gone to get it healed yet because he wants sympathy.”

“Ichigo,” Lady Kurosaki said in a warning manner that caused her to meet her eyes.

“Yes, I overreacted. Yes, I apologized. No, I don’t regret it. It’ll teach him to not overstep his boundaries with me,” Ichigo looked determinedly down at the cup of tea warming her fingers. A terrible habit she had with her grandmother. She would not meet her grandmother’s eyes when she feared the Lady’s ire. “If this is to be my home I need to be myself. I would have done the same thing if anyone walked in on me in the shower.”

The problem with Ichigo’s terrible habit is she never saw if her grandmother was truly upset with her. While Ichigo feared the worst Lady Kurosaki had a gentle smile on her face. In this situation she couldn’t express in words that she was pleased with her granddaughter instead she could only give non verbal hints. Hints her granddaughter was too stubborn to understand.

“Well,” Kimiko diverted the conversation with a sigh.  She placed her “goodbye” present in front of Ichigo.  A set of brown leather bound journals laid between grandmother and granddaughter.  “These are for you. I had them collected while you were packing for your move here.  I am sure they will give you guidance.”

“What are they?” Ichigo asked as she untied the string holding them together.  She flipped the cover open and glanced at the delicate writing within.

“They were my mother’s, your great grandmothers, journals. She started these when she was encouraged into an arranged marriage, like you.”

“Great grandma Rei?”

“That's right. Now, I vetoed my arranged marriage, just like your great great grandmother Usagi did.”

“And mom.”

“Yes, and your mother. But my mother didn't. She had a happy marriage with my father. I grew up looking for a love just as they had and I found it with your grandfather. It is my greatest hope that you will also find the same happiness in your marriage Ichigo. I may not understand what you are going through but I am sure that my mother would and that these journals will help guide you. I'm sure that with your and your husband's efforts, along with your great grandmother's guidance, you will have a happy marriage.”

Ichigo touched the pages gently. The indents of her great-grandmother’s most intimate thoughts sent tingles up her arms. She flipped through the pages and stopped on one near the end of the journal and read a bit of the writing.

‘His kindness towards the child gave me great comfort. To think that I had thought him a great brute, not capable of love or kindness. Most certainly not worthy of my affection. I admit I am ashamed I did not give him the chance earlier. But, as my husband reminds me, we cannot live in the past only the present and the future.’

“Do you really think it’s possible grandma?” Ichigo asked quietly, her gaze slowly coming up to meet the older woman’s.

“I do Ichigo. I truly do.”

“Even after I kicked him in the head and called him a pervert?”

“Well now,” Lady Kimiko gave a smirk. “I didn’t say it would be perfect.”

The next day a small gathering made its way to the gates to the World of the Living. It was time for Ichigo’s family to return to the World of the Living.  Ichigo walked with her grandmother, Shunsui, following at a modest distance behind them. The two spoke softly to each other as the small gathering neared the gates leading to the World of the Living. Once they reached the gates the group stopped and waited until Lady Kurosaki was ready to leave.  Shunsui stood near his wife and chose to ignore the bewildered looks from the guards that were escorting the Kurosaki clan members back. The bruise on his face from his young wife's kick was bigger than he had anticipated it would be. He thought his cheekbone was broken for a faltering second but after some gentle prodding it proved to just be bruised and swollen. 

Ichigo stood by Shunsui’s side.  She hadn’t spoken since they had reached the gates. Her grandmother was saying her formal farewell to the head captain and the higher seated members of the Central Forty-Six.  

“Would you like a few minutes alone with your Grandmother?” Shunsui asked quietly into Ichigo’s ear. “I’ll have them spare you a few moments.”

“No,” Ichigo murmured back under her breath. Her voice soft and broken. “We said our goodbyes yesterday. I don’t want her to hesitate.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I am.” 

Shunsui breathed deeply through his nose and took a step closer to Ichigo, offering what comfort he could.

“Well,” Lady Kimiko greeted the couple as she finished her formal farewells. “This is where I leave you.” She reached forward and took Ichigo’s hands into her own. She blinked a few times as if she had an eyelash in her eyes. Tears started brimming in the corners of her eyes. Shunsui turned his gaze away and pretended not to notice. With a pained smile Lady Kimiko quickly lifted Ichigo’s veil and kissed her on the forehead, choosing to ignore Ichigo’s tears. Ensuring no one saw Ichigo’s face Lady Kimiko smoothed the fabric as best she could.  “Goodbye my dear.”

“Captain Kyoraku,” Lady Kimiko turned her attention to her grandson-in-law. 

“My lady.”

“I leave a most precious treasure in your hands. I hope you understand what that means.”

“I do,” Shunsui said with a firm nod and reached a hand out to rest on the small of Ichigo’s back. “I will take care of Ichigo, Lady Kimiko. She will be safe with me.”

“Yes, but will she be happy?” Lady Kimiko asked and with that she turned and made her way to the rickshaw leaving Shunsui with that gut clenching question. “I will handle myself, just make sure everything is put away,” Lady Kimiko turned and made her way to the rickshaw.  Ryuuken helped her in and then entered himself.

“Open the gates,” Captain Ukitake called from near Captain Yamamoto and slowly the gates to the World of the Living opened and the Quincies started their trek back to the World of the Living.  Once every member made it into through the gates the gates slowly closed with a resounding ‘duhm’, finalizing the goodbye.

Ichigo felt as if the knot that had been forming in her gut all morning had tightened to the point of bursting.  She was completely and utterly alone in the Soul Society now.  She had no one to turn to or depend on.  

“Ichigo,” Shunsui’s voice pulled her from her musings.  She turned and saw they were completely alone at the gates.  “Shall we go home? Or did you want to stay a bit longer?”

Ichigo wanted to run through the gates and back to the clinic.  I’d run straight into old goat chin’s arms at this point , she mused.  A pang ricocheted in her chest when she realized how much she missed her own father.  Ignoring the urge to rub her chest, she glanced back at the gates.  They needed her here.  In order to defeat Aizen, she was needed here.  She was a married woman now and had a life here now.  No retreating.

“No,” Ichigo breathed and turned back to him.  “Let’s go home.”

-----

Lady Kimiko shook her head at the quincy aid holding his hand out to help her out of the rickshaw and pulled herself out.  She headed through the open doors and hallway, her shoes announcing her presence to the quiet household.  Ryuken Ishida started following her and together the pair made their way to her personal sitting room.  Maids nervously bowed their heads as she got closer and with a nod from their mistress they opened the doors.  

Inside were twelve figures.  Isshin, her son-in-law, stood as soon as she walked through the doorway followed by Ryuken.  Urahara and Yoruichi continued sitting on her floral printed three seated couch, Urahara fanning himself slightly with his hand held fan.  Hiyori leaned against the couch much to Lady Kurosaki’s annoyance.  Rojuru and Lisa sat in her wing back chairs.  Rojuru’s hands were intertwined a few inches from his face while Lisa held a book in front of hers.  Hachigen, Mashiro, and Love took up her other couch while Kensei stood near it with his arms crossed. Shinji leaned against her window, clearly a purposeful position away from the others. 

“Shunsui Kyoraku,” Lady Kurosaki informed them. A sense of relief washed through the room. Lisa had raised her eyebrow but continued reading. Shinji’s eyes furrowed but he nodded and Isshin breathed a deep sigh and nodded his head and sat back down next to Yoruichi. 

“How is she?” Isshin asked. 

“At first she had taken to turning in on herself. She allowed things to be said around her with no sense of arguing them and even remotely defending herself. But, when I left she had kicked her husband in the face and has taken to calling him a “perverted old man”.  She was waking herself up by then. I had no struggles leaving her.”

“And how was he around her?” Yoruichi asked.

“Respectful.  He even maneuvered amongst the reception to prevent any correspondence with the Captain that used to perform tests on the quincy.  Other than the original introduction of course,” Ryuken answered.  “I foresee no issues in the future.”

“Did she say anything when you left?” Shinji asked.  Kimiko turned her attention solely to him as he leaned against her window pane.  He showed a face of indifference, but Kimiko knew that he did care.  Perhaps he didn’t love her in the way that would bring a lasting relationship, but he did love her.  But, Lady Kurosaki wasn’t one to forgive too easily.  He had willingly given up on her granddaughter.  He didn’t even put up a fight.  He hurt her in ways Lady Kurosaki could not prevent.  He broke her heart.  And what’s worse, Kimiko Kurosaki couldn’t do anything about it.  

Watching her granddaughter numbly pack her belongings to prepare for the move to the Soul Society hurt Lady Kimiko more than she let on.  To her, Ichigo should never have been put into this situation.  She, the Visoreds, Isshin, Urahara, and Yoruichi should have dealt with it.  When the offer came up she was ready to offer up one of her nieces for the opportunity, but Kisuke had stopped her.  She argued that there had to be another way.  She offered Ichigo an out, allowed her to veto it, if she left with Shinji no one would even question the veto.  But, Shinji wouldn’t allow it, and so Ichigo no longer had an established veto.  Eventually, even she had to admit that having Ichigo go and accept the arrangement was the best for all parties involved.  There wasn’t enough time to change that.  As much as it hurt to deal with, she prepared her eldest granddaughter, the eldest daughter of her Masaki, to marry, not for the sake of love, but for the sake of her people and for Aizen’s victims. 

“No, she didn’t,” Lady Kimiko stated and felt a smidge of gratification when Shinji’s face flashed a painful expression.    

Chapter Text

Chapter Eight: Quincy Scum

About a week after the Kurosaki Clan returned to the World of the Living sans Ichigo, Captain Kyoraku and her began sharing as many meals together. Captain Kyoraku made the effort to ensure that at least they had dinner together every night.

"I'm going to be visiting Kyoko tomorrow. Would you like to join me?" Captain Kyoraku asked Ichigo over dinner one night. He had brought home dinner for the two as he did not cook often and Ichigo had yet to figure out the wood stove.

"Whose Kyoko?" she asked as she poured soy sauce into a little dish next to her plate and passed it to Captain Kyoraku. As he easily took the soy sauce from her hand without fumbling as the two had weeks ago, Ichigo realized just how in sync the two had become with matters of meal time. This realization brought a small bit of comfort.

"She was my caregiver when I was a boy. She did everything. Took care of my early education, fed me, cooked for me on occasion, was my playmate when my brother went off to the academy. She's retired now and I go to visit her at least once a month to check in on her."

"It's nice that the two of you are so close. I'd like to go with you and meet her," Ichigo answered and she meant it. This would be the first personal visit he would take her on and it was nice. It made her feel less like a present being hidden away and more like a person. As he nodded to her response while chewing on a bite of sliced beef, it dawned on her that Captain Kyoraku's first personal introduction was to a caregiver that he visits monthly. But he doesn't visit his mother? Ichigo's mind wandered to her great grandmother's journals as confusion began arising over the fact that he wanted to introduce her to his caregiver but not his family. Ichigo had been reading them since her grandmother returned to the World of the Living. Her great grandmother didn't know her husband or anything about them until they married. It caused some problems when some of his relatives showed up one day making demands. Her great grandfather easily dismissed them with his "barbarian" ways as her great grandmother had called it but it still caused a lot of confusion and stress. Something that seemed a bit foreboding with Captain Kyoraku mentioning his caregiver but not his own mother. She didn't know anything about his household. The only thing she knew was that he was a lesser noble. Her father's teachings of the Soul Society were around the four great noble houses that the Seireitei was centered around. Her father's house and Yoruichi's house. Now that she thought about it, she didn't really know all that much about the goings of the Seireitei.

"Captain Kyoraku," he gave a pained huff at his name but didn't correct her. "What's your household like?"

"What do you mean?"
"Well, you're the head of your household but you live in the squadron's quarters and not at your manor house. That's a bit unusual isn't it?"

"Mmm well as a captain it's not exactly unusual but it isn't often done," he leaned back and moved his feet to the side in a more relaxed seating.

"Do your parents live in the manor house?" At this question his eyes darted from the meal to her. The usually laid back man's eyes sharpened.

"No, not at the Maple Manor anyways."

"Maple Manor?"

Captain Kyoraku blinked and gave her a confused look. "Sorry, you wouldn't know any of this would you? I'll start from the beginning. The Kyoraku family has three main manors and a handful of houses. The main manor is the Maple Manor. That one resides here in Seireitei where a lot of noble manors are. It's currently being used as the base for research regarding Aizen. The second house is the Pine house which is also in the Seireitei but is closer to the outskirts near some prominent shrines. The last house is the Plum manor which is actually outside of the Seireitei in the Rukongai."

"Rukongai? That's the Districts, right?"

"Right."

"I thought that the Seireitei were strictly separated from the Districts."

"Not entirely. Many families that have houses in the Seireitei also have houses in the Districts. Most will stay in the first forty districts surrounding."

"But I thought that the districts after the twentieth were considered dangerous." Ichigo recalled the stories she had heard during her time spent with the vizards. Kensei had explained the districts to her when she had inquired about his sixty-nine tattoo.

"Hmm?" Captain Kyoraku gave her another confused look. "Well they are only going out to ten districts on each side. Here, I'll show you." He stood and retrieved a piece of paper from the cabinet lining the wall and a pencil. He drew a circle on the paper and a cross through the circle and listed the directions next to each line. "Okay so first we have the Seireitei in the center and then we have the North Gate, East Gate, South Gate, and the West Gate. Each Gate leads to the districts." He emphasized the gates in the drawing by placing small ticks around the circle and then extended the direction lines from the circle until they took up a majority of the page. After he extended the lines he began slotting nine separate lines across the direction lines outside of the circle. "For those that work in the Seireitei or have family from the Seireitei they will live in the first ten districts from the four gates. So the first forty districts surrounding."

Shunsui had never had to explain this to anyone before. This wasn't the conversation that he had in mind when he invited her over to meet Kyoko. Dinner had been forgotten the moment he took the piece of paper out but he didn't mind. For Ichigo to ask these questions, it meant that she was interested in learning about the Soul Society. It was a good sign.

"Oh! So there's actually three hundred and twenty districts and not just eighty," she confirmed and glanced up from the drawing. It was moments like this he really wished he could see her face around the veil.

"Right. Eighty going each direction but three hundred and twenty total."

"Okay, so where is the Plum manor?"

"In the Fourth District of the East Gate," Captain Kyoraku placed a little in emphasis.

"Are all the manors named after trees?" That took Shunsui by surprise. He thought about it. He wasn't sure why all the manors were named after trees. They had just always been.

"Yeah," he leaned back and smiled at her. "Not sure why actually. It's just always been like that."

"My sisters and I each have fruit sounding names but the spellings are different. No particular reason other than my parents just liked it. Just how it is sometimes"

"Really?" Shunsui blinked. This was awkward, he was sure it was spelled like the berry. Hopefully he hadn't written her name on anything important because he was sure he didn't do it right with this new information. "For some reason I always thought it was spelled to be strawberry."

"Nope," Ichigo shook her head and held her hand out for the pencil. Shunsui handed it over and she flipped his drawing over and began writing kanjis on the back. Shunsui leaned forward to get a look at her work.

"I have the Ichi kanji for number one, and the go kanji for protector. My sister Karin has the kanji for summer, but people mess it up and think it's for the apple. While Yuzu has the Kanji for wanderer, but people think it's for citrus."

One protector. Summer. Wanderer. Names full of hope. Her parents gave positive names to her and her sisters. Put thought and meaning into their names. Like they actually wanted them. Unlike Shunsui's parents, who needed them.

"The number one protector," he mused aloud as he diverted his thoughts to her and away from his troubling family. "You're proud of your name," he observed as her posture straightened.

"I am," she set down the pencil and picked up her cup of tea. "It's more than just my name, it's what I live by."

"You live to protect people?" Given her gentile status as a powerless noble woman Shunsui couldn't help the confusion creep into his voice. He hoped his smile wasn't placating but was genuine as he reached for his chopsticks.

"Always." She said it with such finality Shunsui didn't have the heart to further question it. It must be a poor subject for her. To live in a family full of powers, to have the strong urge to protect, to have a name emphasizing the need to protect, and then be the one that needs to be protected. Certainly, it had to crush her.

"A good code to live by," Shunsui offered and went back to finishing his meal. "So you have two sisters?"

"Uh yeah," Ichigo shook her head and focused on the meal in front of her again. "Their twins actually. Bit of a surprise for my parents. I remember they only had one crib when they were born. Complete surprise but we couldn't be happier."

"What are they like? Are you close?"

"To be honest we used to be much closer. The two of them are polar opposites. Karin's a tomboy. She loves soccer and hangs out with the guys instead of girls. Always competing with the older kids in sports. Yuzu is an angel. Sweet as can be. She spends her time sewing or cooking. When she's not doing that she's taking care of the house. When mom died she kind of took over as the caretaker. I couldn't cook and my cleaning wasn't the best - Yuzu though," Ichigo shook her head again. Shunsui had stopped eating as she delved deeper into the subject that was her sisters. He was entranced by her opening up to him. It was clear by her tone of voice that she loved her sisters dearly. "She's the baby and yet she picked up where mom left off without any problems. Well, there were a few incidents but we sorted it out. I think it's because she used to follow mom around like a little duckling."

"Didn't you have maids to take care of the household?"

"No. Mom and Dad wanted us to have a life outside of the clan as much as possible. To live for ourselves while we still could. They didn't want us dependent on servants so they lived separate from the manor. It works as long as my grandmother is alive but when she passes we, well, they, will need to move back to the manor. So, no, we didn't have any maids or cooks. Mom did everything and then Yuzu did everything. Well, I mean we each had our chores. But it was Mom who did a majority of the chores while Dad worked in the clinic."

Shunsui continued to take in this information she was offering freely. "You said you used to be closer. You are not close anymore?" At this question Ichigo set her utensils down and held onto her cup of tea as gazed into its liquid.

"After mom was killed we kind of scattered. Mom," her voice cracked and Shunsui reached a hand out and placed it gently on her forearm. "She was the center to our universe. After she was killed we all folded into ourselves and started trying to not have to rely on each other. I was the big sister, they needed to rely on me. Karin felt the attention needed to be on Yuzu and myself for whatever reason and had to be the neutral middle child. Yuzu, who was Mom's little duckling, had to be the new mom. In a way it forced us to have this boundary between us. Each of us trying to give as much as we can but are scared to give up our vulnerabilities. Because of that we are close but," at this she trailed off.

"You could be closer," Shunsui finished for her.

"Exactly. Still, I cherish the moments with them that we can just be. No worries of responsibilities or protocol. They're getting to the age where they will need to start learning about the Kurosaki Clan and everything that entails. I want to be there for them as they learn. So they don't feel like the weight of the clan is on their shoulders."

With these words Shunsui was transported to his dark past. When the closest person to him was Yamamoto. He was the 'extra' son. His parents had their heir when they had his older brother. While the family and clan overall ignored him and favored his older brother. His brother had hated him then. Shunsui remembered many a cold night that he spent in his damp room at Pine Manor. As soon as they could, his parents had sent him to the Academy. They didn't want to deal with him and Yamamoto had seen promise in him. Both he and his brother had been soul reapers, but there was a clear difference in treatment between the two. His brother, while strong, was given respect and favored straight from the beginning. People went out of their way to make him a great soul reaper. Shunsui on the other hand had to be dragged through the mud first. Not that he wasn't grateful. He would forever appoint Yamamoto's firm teachings and disfavored treatment by others towards the reason he was the man he was today.

After his brother's death the weight of the entire clan was on his shoulders. There was nothing to prepare him. His family, as cold hearted as they were, simply dropped all expectations on him and waited to watch him fail. He knew that his parents were desperately trying for another child in the hopes that he would die when up against a hollow and they would have a third child to put in place as head of the household. One that they had not shipped out to be used as a soldier. His father's death stopped those attempts. His entire focus on being a soul reaper to be used for the greater good was diverted to being the head of the household first and a soul reaper second. As he quickly rose through the ranks despite the pressure from his household he was able to revert his focus to being a captain first and the head of the household second.

His wife and her family were different. They didn't have 'extras.' They had children. Children to love and cherish. To be raised for the benefit of the clan but also to work together. His young and powerless wife wanted to go out of her way to ensure that her sisters would learn clan ways right. She held no ill will towards her sisters for their ability to become head of the clan despite her birthright. She didn't want to drag them down; she wanted to raise them up. Just like his sister-in-law, Aiya, had.

"-raku. Captain Kyoraku?" He was pulled away from his musings as his young wife was leaning towards him and gripping his sleeve. "There you are. Are you okay?" He couldn't see her face as that damnable veil was still in place; but he could still feel her worry.

"Sorry my dear. I fell into my own memories."

"Of your own siblings?"

"Mmm," he confirmed and reached for the sake. "To different times."

"Madame Kyoraku, welcome to my home," an older woman with graying hair bowed to Ichigo and Captain Kyoraku as they entered the gates to a smallish home.

"Thank you," Ichigo stuttered out and also started bowing but was stopped by Captain Kyoraku's hand on her sleeve.

"None of that. Come on Cookie, do you really think I would bring my wife to visit you formally?"

"Well to be honest my boy, I didn't think you'd ever bring a wife to visit me," 'Cookie' smirked and sent a wink towards Ichigo. "Come along, I just finished preparing the tea."

The little home had been near the edge of the Seireitei. Captain Kyoraku had flash stepped them to the outskirts and the two had walked the rest of the way. The two followed the elder woman into her home and sat at the places she had set for them previously.

"Cookie?" Ichigo asked as the elder woman made her way to her kitchen.

"I couldn't pronounce Kyoko when I was little so I called her Cookie. That's been her name ever since."

"That's adorable," Ichigo giggled and took a look around. Captain Kyoraku let out a chuckle as well.

"I had a bit of a lisp as a boy. Grew out of it pretty quickly though."

"Yes, I can see how a lisp may have caused some problems trying to get with the ladies. Needed to get that taken care of before you lost your chances, huh?"

He responded to her jab with a wink. "That and kido spells were a bit more complicated with a lisp."

Near the window a portrait of a young man dressed in the shinigami uniform and a little boy in a kimono sat on a small table. "Is that Cookie's family?"

Captain Kyoraku turned and glanced at the portrait. "Actually that is my brother and I when I was a boy." Turning back to Ichigo he pointed to a picture on her other side of a young couple in wedding attire. "That's her son, Kenji, and his wife, Sakura. Kenji is a soul reaper in the third division and Sakura works in the records department."

"Your brother is," Ichigo trailed off. She didn't want to presume but when she looked at the picture of the two again she saw that Captain Kyoraku was the boy which meant his brother was older and should have been head of the house. That is, unless he was dead.

"Shuichi died when I was still in the Academy."

"I'm sorry." The two fell into a semi-awkward silence before Cookie bustled into the room again. The elder woman placed a tray with tea and sweets in the center of the table and began setting up the table. Ichigo accepted her cup of tea with a nod and a murmured thanks.

"I really am glad to finally," she glanced at Captain Kyoraku with wide eyes making Ichigo smile. "meet you Madam Kyoraku." She reminded her much of Mrs. Hitachi who lived in the neighborhood and would bring them tomatoes from her garden every summer.

"Please, call me Ichigo. It's nice to meet you too Miss Kyoko."

"Then you must call me Cookie. I understand why I wasn't allowed at the wedding but I did prepare a gift for you two that I hope you'll accept."

"You didn't have to get us anything Cookie," Captain Kyoraku shook his head as he took the tray from her and set it beside him. Ichigo also shook her head. Ichigo felt badly that she hadn't been able to attend the wedding. Sure, she didn't have anything to do with that but this woman clearly cared about Captain Kyoraku. She had a picture of him as a child up after all. If anyone should have been attending the wedding or celebrating it - it was her. It was obvious that Captain Kyoraku felt highly of this woman too. She should have been there.

"Now Shunsui," Cookie began but Ichigo interjected.

"I'm sorry you couldn't come to the wedding. It was a bit of a surprise for us too." At this comment both Cookie and Captain Kyoraku stopped their friendly banter and focused their attention on Ichigo. "But you should have been there. You are Captain Kyoraku's family. Please, let me know how to make it up to you."

Ichigo wouldn't call their expressions shocked but it was definitely those of surprise. Captain Kyoraku had an amused twinkle in his eye, as annoying as that was; but, Cookie seemed awed.

"My dear girl," she shook her head with a laugh and reached for Ichigo's hands that clutched her cup. "I know how these kinds of things happen. I may not be a noble but I worked for the Kyoraku family long enough to know that the planning of the wedding was out of both of your hands. Nothing to be upset about. If rumors are to be believed, which they shouldn't be without proof and confirmation, only your grandmother and uncle could attend; is that right?"

"Yes," Ichigo sighed. Ichigo had considered that before during one of her multiple down moments she underwent while waiting for Captain Kyoraku to finish his work for the day. Her own father wasn't there to see her married. Or her sisters. Or her friends.

"A wedding full of strangers then," the old woman nodded thoughtfully. Besides her Captain Kyoraku gave a sympathetic nod. "It is how it is. You're married now and you're here. There will be many more times to celebrate together in the future."

"That's right," Captain Kyoraku smiled encouragingly and Ichigo gave a nod.

"Now then - is it true that Shunsui is having you live with him at his squadron quarters."

Captain Kyoraku sighed good naturedly. "Cookie we've been over this."

"Does she look like a housewife to you Shunsui?" She barked and Ichigo blinked surprised. This woman had turned from kind grandmother to scolding aunt immediately. "No offense dear," Kyoko smiles kindly at Ichigo and honestly she wasn't offended. She was not a housewife. "They have her move from a noble home in the world of the living and just plop her into your quarters. Expecting the girls to clean up after you and take care of you when she's used to having help. She was raised to run a house not keep house."

"Well actually, I was raised away from the manor. My parents brought my sisters up in a private home," Ichigo interrupted. She didn't know why she corrected Cookie's scoldings. Yes she was raised away from the manor but she wasn't raised to keep house either.

"Were you brought up to be a housewife Ichigo?" Cookie asked directly.

"No," Ichigo stuttered out. This conversation was getting confusing.

"What were you raised to do?"

"Uhm?" At this question Ichigo turned to Captain Kyoraku who was no help at all. He simply leaned against his knee and drank his tea. Completely relaxed to Cookie's frustrations and confusing questions.

"Were you raised to cook? Clean? Care for a husband?"

No. She was raised to stand beside the person she loved. Find something she loved doing and achieve it. Taking care of the house was simply part of that. She could clean. She had tidied up the quarters. She could probably figure out cooking if it weren't for that damned wood stove.

"I don't know how to cook on wood stoves," she confessed to Cookie. "I know how to clean a home but I didn't do it often. But, to answer your question Cookie, no. I wasn't raised to be a housewife. It wasn't something that I wanted for myself."

"Mmhmm," Cookie nodded and sat up more firmly to face Captain Kyoraku. "You refuse to return to the manors?"

Captain Kyoraku sat his cup of tea down on the table. The dull thud making Ichigo focus her attention on him. "Cookie, enough. Ichigo, you were brought here to be my wife. Not to cook for me, clean for me, or care for me. I am a grown man able to take care of that myself."
At that comment, Cookie scoffed. Ignoring Cookie, Captain Kyoraku continued. "I don't expect you to do those things for me. That being said, it is not fair for you to have to figure out meals and have to clean up the house when you should be finishing up your homework for your upcoming school year."

He knew about that? How did he know about that? Ichigo hadn't brought it up to him before.

"School?" Cookie asked.

"She'll be returning to the World of the Living to finish her education during the weekdays in a couple of months, Cookie. That's why I haven't been pushing her to try to 'find' herself here or run a manor. Ichigo still has things to take care of in the World of the Living. When she's done, I'm sure she'll have something that she'll want to start doing here in the Seireitei. Be that running a house or otherwise." Again his gaze met Ichigo's. Under her veil Ichigo was smiling.

"Well then, I should come and take care of the cleaning and cooking," Cookie stated much to Ichigo's shock.

"But you're retired," Captain Kyoraku exclaimed.

"So? You and Ichigo want to stay in your quarters. Ichigo can't keep house at the moment. You can't keep eating from the canteen. You don't want to send strangers in to keep house, and you're leaving Ichigo home alone for hours on end. You should have someone around for her to talk with and talk through all things Soul Society. Why not have me come by every few days."

"Cookie, you've already done so much for me-" Cookie cut Shunsui off again.

"I'm bored, Shunsui. My son has a job and visits when he can. I'm wasting away here. Let me have some fun with you two."

And with that, Cookie was going to 'keep house.'

"Good morning Madam Kyoraku," a brave member of the fourth division called out as Ichigo passed them on her walk around the Soul Society. Ichigo gave an exaggerated nod to ensure they saw her response and kept to her walk.

She had started taking these walks shortly after her grandmother had returned to the World of the Living. For the most part Ichigo enjoyed them. At first everyone just whispered and stared as she made her way out of the eighth squadron and through the different streets. The whispers had died down and now people were greeting her and attempting chatter. Ichigo did her best to indulge them. They were usually questions on how she was settling or how her Captain husband was. Ichigo felt the latter question stupid as the answer didn't ever change, he was good. She was tempted to say something different for once, just for the hell of it, and see how they would react. Though, if Ichigo really delved into how she felt about the repeating question and people wanting to talk to her, she really didn't mind. They weren't harassing her for being a Quincy and for that, she appreciated their kindness.

It only took two weeks of her daily walks for those that disliked quincies, especially Kurosaki quincies, to pop out of the woodwork and begin their attempts at bothering her. The first time was when she was walking near the eleventh division. She was walking slowly as she was enjoying the warmth of the sun. The few days before had been raining and Ichigo had been cooped up in the apartment. It was just another reason for her hatred of rain. With Shunsui off to work and the sun beating down on the Seireitei, Ichigo wanted to go on a long walk and the streets near the eleventh division were very maze-like. Ichigo enjoyed getting lost in them and finding her way out. She was used to being ignored in those parts as well. No one tried to talk to her. They would nod or bow but left her to her own devices. She had made it closer to the ninth division that laid near the eleventh when a random soul reaper walked near her. A large man with no major identifying features and no outward squadron attributes walked past her heading towards the eleventh division. It was so quiet in that area between the eleventh and the ninth division that when the man had walked past her and called her 'quincy scum' it sounded as though he yelled it. Shocked, Ichigo's foot hesitated for just a moment. Her mind raced. She could feel a droplet of sweat slide down her back and the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end as her body determined whether to fight or flight. He kept walking and Ichigo finished taking her step. Was she being attacked? Did he really just say that? Did she turn around and respond? No. That wouldn't do any good to engage. He had kept moving and was likely hoping she would respond. It would be better to just keep going on her way. Until they tried to harm her she would not initiate a fight. Ichigo kept to her path and took a deep breath to calm her fight or flight instincts. Unfortunately the incident caused the sunny day's mood to be ruined.

That was the first time. She kept away from that area now and tried to keep her walks on other streets. Unfortunately they would find her. She'd been called a few things since then 'quincy scum', 'killer', 'soul reaper killer', 'quincy bitch', and her new favorite: 'captain's whore.' She questioned the education levels of those that gave that particular remark, after all could she be considered Captain Kyoraku's whore if she was married to him? Either way, it was only talk. No one had lifted a hand to hurt her , yet, so she didn't respond. She also didn't tell Captain Kyoraku. She was handling the situation just fine and it wasn't like she was being hurt. They were just words afterall.

Shunsui and Ichigo's relationship had fallen into a pattern. They ate dinner together when he was available. When they were together they discussed simple things. What he was doing for the day. What she was doing for the day. Where her walks had led her. Why his lieutenant was mad at him. It wasn't much, but they were talking.

While Ichigo considered her marital improvements she neared a cross in the path. She could continue going straight and reach the fifth division or she could turn right and walk towards the tenth division. She wanted to visit the tenth and see what kind of division her father had once run, but with people believing her family to be the cause for the tenth division's previous captain's death that likely wasn't a good idea.

It had been a decent walk to get to the cross roads so she should turn left and head to the thirteenth division. She could make her way back to the eighth from there. As she made to turn towards the thirteenth division something collided into her from the right side of the cross walk. Papers being held in the other person's arms went flying to the ground. Ichigo was knocked back a few inches but stabilized before the 'oomph' that escaped from her lips finished it's 'ph'. A woman shorter than Ichigo quickly fell to the ground and began picking up papers.

"Hey why don't you watch where you're going? Didn't you see me? What are you doing just standing in the road like some idiot?" the short woman barked as she hurriedly reached for papers. She had black hair that was cut in a short style. A single strand of hair fell out of place and rested against her face between her eyes. Ichigo felt herself smiling. This woman's remarks made her happy. Perhaps the joy of being lectured by this woman was due to her only conversing with her husband and in formal situations or due to being constantly overrun with excessive politeness or passive-aggressive threats with no middle ground. Whatever it could be, Ichigo chose to ignore the woman's comments and instead stooped low and assisted in picking up the fallen documents. Within minutes the papers were put together and the woman finally looked up from her ramblings. Ichigo silently held the papers out to her and the woman's mouth dropped.

"Madam Kyoraku," the girl stammered. "Please accept my apologies I didn't realize, I didn't see,"

"You're fine," Ichigo replied with a nod to the papers she held in her hand. "Things like this happen from time to time. Here's your papers."

"Thank you," the woman exclaimed with a blush on her cheeks as she pulled the papers against her chest along with the others. "I'm sorry to have caused you an inconvenience Madam."

"Really, don't worry about it. You were in a rush," Ichigo waved off the woman's concerns again and narrowed her eyes as she took in the woman's dark eye coloration. She recognized this woman from somewhere. "Besides you were right I was standing in the way. I was lost in thought and didn't even hear you coming. Sorry for that."

"No please. I overreacted."

"Believe me, I've had worse overreactions. I recognize you from somewhere but I don't believe you are in the eighth division."

"No Madam. I'm Rukia Kuchiki from the thirteenth division. I attended your wedding to Captain Kyoraku with my brother Captain Kuchiki." Now Ichigo remembered. She was one of the few guests that were smiling kindly towards her during the ceremony and reception.

"Isn't Captain Kuchiki head of the sixth division?"

"He is, but I still attend the functions with him as I am an unseated squad member."

"I see," and Ichigo did. When thinking of Captain Kuchiki she recalled the saying 'stick up his ass'. Compared to the kind and friendly Captain Ukitake she'd rather be an unseated member of that squad then a seated member with the Kuchiki heir. "Are you on your way there now? To the Thirteenth Division?"

"Yes Madam," Ichigo was getting fed up with the constant use of Madam but she let the woman continue. "Uhm, where were you going? Maybe I can show you the way."

"I was actually heading towards the thirteenth division so that I could make my way to the eighth from there."

Rukia couldn't believe her luck, or rather her lack of luck. She was already having a bad day. All around her people whispered. If they weren't whispering, they were outright making snide comments to her or about her. If they weren't making side comments, they were disregarding her. Worst of all, if they weren't disregarding her, they were looking down on her. The last few years had been rough on her to say the least. She'd lost her closest friend to competitiveness. Was selected into a squad based on her adoptive name. The selection and adoption made it even more difficult to be treated as an equal. Instead of being looked down on because she had no desire to show off; now she was looked down on because as a noble's younger sister it was believed she was made a soul reaper because of her last name alone. Still, she had made new friends. People that actually saw her potential and drive. Then, on that fateful day, her dearest friend and most respected superior died on her blade. There were days she didn't think she could make it out of bed, but she did. In her days of weakness as she healed from her attack from the hollow that took over Lieutenant Shiba's body, Aizen put that thing in her. She knew something was wrong. Her body knew it. Her zanpakuto knew it. There was something off. Maybe, if she had been stronger or smarter, she would have known that that thing was feeding off her. But she didn't. Not until it was too late and Aizen was reaching into her center and retrieving the pure hogyoku from inside of her.

Now they all whispered. Of her failures. Of her lack of ability. Of her unearned privilege. It made her so angry. So, today, she took the back streets to run errands for Kiyone. She had dealt with enough crap for the day and didn't want to run into anyone. So, her lack of luck decided to raise it's head and Rukia ran straight into Madam Kyoraku. To make matters worse, she yelled at her. Madam Kyoraku didn't yell back though or make a stinging comment. Instead she had knelt down and assisted in picking up the documents. Now the two were walking in the same direction and Rukia felt a bubble of shyness take over her courage. It was hard to talk to people when she had been hurt by so many before. Still, Madam Kyoraku helped her pick up her papers. She had been kind about it. The least she could do was offer to walk with her.

"I could walk with you if that's alright," Rukia looked around nervously. She had heard the talk of the Quincy bride. She rarely talked to anyone and the veil she consistently wore made it hard to approach her.

"I'd like that," Madam Kyoraku answered to Rukia's shock. She'd witnessed Madam Kyoraku take her walks and she was always alone. Had no one else offered to walk with her? "Want some help carrying those files?" Madam Kyoraku asked, drawing Rukia from her shock.

"No, thank you Madam. That wouldn't be proper," Rukia stuttered. This woman was supposed to be scary. Cold and mean. Similar to all the other noble women. Instead she offers to carry papers like she was a part of the working class and not a part of the maintained nobles.

"Because they are confidential or because I'm married to Captain Kyoraku?"

"Well, you are a civilian Madam-" Ichigo cut her off with a shake of her head.

"Please, call me Ichigo. That Madam stuff is starting to get on my nerves. I'm just Ichigo." With that sentence Rukia felt her stomach tighten. Oh. Oh no. When she had been adopted into the Kuchiki family, she had been so upset with people stereotyping her and making determinations about her without even knowing her. Despite knowing that pain and frustration she had stereotyped Madam Kyoraku. She treated her as a maintained noble woman, and not a person. If Lieutenant Shiba had been there to witness her behavior he would surely feel disappointed in her. Determined to do the right thing, Rukia turned her body to ensure she met the gaze of the veiled woman and gave her a lopsided grin.

"Still getting used to it huh? I was like that too when I was adopted in the Kuchiki family. One minute I'm just Rukia the next I'm Lady Kuchiki. It was overwhelming."

"So you get it!" Rukia could hear pure delite in her voice. She fondly recalled the days when she had befriended Lieutenant Shiba, Kiyone, and Sentaro. The days where she felt seen for the first time in months. When she felt understood.

"I do. I wasn't adopted into the family until I was in the Soul Reaper Academy so I was already grown up when they started addressing me differently. Maybe it's different for those that grew up with the titles."

"I had the title growing up but I wasn't at the main house a lot so I wasn't addressed by my title unless it was in a formal setting. Even then, not everyone called me by my title at the main house. Here, everyone calls me by my title. It's like-" Ichigo paused trying to describe it.

"Suddenly you're not a person but instead a title?" Rukia guessed with a grin.

"Exactly!" Ichigo's hands flew up with exasperation and joy as a laugh burst from her. Rukia laughed. A real genuine laugh. How long had it been since she had laughed like that? "I just want to be Ichigo."

"I empathize with you there. When I was adopted, my oldest friend wouldn't speak to me for the longest time. When we saw each other again after years of being apart he addressed me as Lady Kuchiki. I was crushed."

"How many times did he call you Lady Kuchiki before you lost your patience?"

"You know, he kept calling me it until just recently. Kind of put a damper on our friendship. Well," Rukia paused and tilted her head as she thought of her oldest friend's treatment of her in the academy. "There were a few things that put a damper on our friendship."

"I'm sorry."
Rukia shook her head at Ichigo's apology. "Don't be. We're on the mends. Just something that happens while we take our own paths."

The pair had started walking towards the thirteenth division as they carried on their conversation.

"How are you liking the Soul Society so far?"

"It's not Karakura Town that's for sure. My way of life is very different from here, er, was very different."

"Yeah. It's something to get used to. Have you been mostly near the squadrons?"

"I think so. People mention manors and houses but all I see around me when I take my walks are training grounds, barracks, and canteens. Captain Kyoraku took me to visit someone near the fence that divides the Seireitei from the Districts. Then there were all those luncheons and dinners. Other than that I've really only been around here."

"I imagine the housing sections of Seireitei are more similar to Karakura town," Rukia chose to ignore the fact that Ichigo was continuing to call her husband by his title versus his name. If she thought about it, it could be considered hypocritical. Despite knowing that, Rukia empathized with Ichigo. She still didn't feel right calling Captain Kuchiki anything other than Captain Kuchiki or Lord Brother. It was far too intimidating.

"Probably. To be honest I've been paying more attention to the squadrons because I take my walks here. Only a matter of time until I have a better idea of all Seireitei."

"I'm not sure about that. I still get lost," Rukia admitted and the pair laughed.

"I'm worried one day I'm going to walk into the mens bathroom or the middle of some sort of meeting," Ichigo continued after her laugh. "I could just imagine entering a Captain's meeting and getting scolded by Captain Yamamoto."

"Nah, they have guards to stop you. If you're going to walk in on any meetings it will likely be the Shinigami Woman's Association or the Shinigami Men's association. So long as it's not the Shinigami Men's Association, I think you'll be fine. Well, if you interrupt the woman's association you'll likely get pulled into chatter with Yachiru or drinking with Matsumoto. So maybe it would be better to walk in on the men's association."

"Is Captain Kyoraku part of the men's association?"

Rukia gave a dry chuckle. "They wish. Not for lack of trying but that's not really Captain Kyoraku's thing. He's more laid back and doesn't participate with things like that."

"What kind of things do they do in the men's association?"

"Honestly, they try to macho out their image. Appear more tough. They found sunglasses in the World of the Living and it's all the rage now. They keep trying to look like gangsters but to be honest they just look ridiculous."

"Ah, I've got friends like that back at home. They claim it's for their "image" but really it's just in hopes of getting a date."

"Does it work?"

"Never."

The pair entered the gates of the Thirteenth Division without taking notice. Subconsciously, the pair paused just inside the gates and continued their chat. The two didn't notice time pass and before they knew it both of their stomachs started to protest.

"Oh no," Rukia gasped and looked around the squadron's courtyard. "I was supposed to have these reports back hours ago."

"I didn't realize how much time had passed," Ichigo glanced around guiltily. "Is there anything I can do? I don't want you to get in trouble."

"No," Rukia sighed and shook her head. "I've got to face the music. Be responsible for my own actions."

"I get it, but," Ichigo trailed off as Rukia shook her head with a smile.

"Seriously. It'll be okay. Nothing urgent in these reports for me to get into any serious trouble. Next time we should chat when I'm not working though." There it was; the olive branch for friendship. Whether Ichigo took it up or not was up to her, but Rukia offered it just the same. She had really enjoyed talking with the young bride. She wanted to talk with her more and really get to know her.

"I'd like that," Ichigo nodded and Rukia hoped that there was a smile under that veil. "You're going to have to show me those stores you told me about and other things to do."

"That'll be my win Ju," Shunsui smirked as he placed his cards down to show a winning hand. Jushio laughed and placed his own cards down; confirming that Shunsui had indeed won that round. The two had been keeping a weekly lunch with each other. It was usually spent at the Thirteenth Division to accommodate the days in which Jushiro struggled to get out of bed due to his illness. When Shunsui had been a bachelor the two could be found together repeatedly throughout the week as the two worked closely together. Now the two were lucky to see each other more than once a week due to the increase in workload as well as Shunsui's new obligations to his wife.

"Should have known better than to play against you on a good day Shunsui. Whose turn is it to deal?" Today had been a good day for Shunsui. For months he and Jushiro had been digging through years of reports. Squad general reports, meeting minutes from Central Forty-Six, expense reports, everything. It had been painful. Today, after months of digging, Shunsui found some hints of references of Aizen in Sixth Division reports. Considering Aizen was the Captain of the Sixth Division before his true colors were shown, his presence in Sixth Division reports was to be expected. It was his presence in Sixth Division reports prior to his entry of the Soul Reaper Academy that was not expected. Shunsui had found the reports made by Shinji Hirako, Aizen's previous captain, this morning and had immediately found a new trail to travel down. It could lead to nowhere, or, this trail could lead to understanding what Aizen's goal was and how to defeat him. After a successful day, Shunsui had met with Jushiro for their weekly lunch that bled into a much appreciated card game.

"Ah, I think that's a good sign I should call it quits for the day, Ju," Shunsui smirked and rolled his head.

"Oh so you were scared of my last hand. Worried my luck is going to win overall?"

"Not at all, I just know I have a lovely wife waiting for me at home that gets lonely. I know you, a bachelor, do not understand the importance of spending time with your significant other but I assure you it is imperative I get home and spend time with her."

Jushiro scoffed and shook his head as Shunsui finished his "bragging" with a wink.

"That excuse is only going to work so many times, Shunsui. If I remember correctly, your wife has already kicked you so I imagine it's only a matter of time before she's kicking you out of the house entirely. I know I would."

"Ju baby, don't be mean." Jushiro threw the cards at Shunsui. If the pair had been in any else's presence they would not behave in such a manner.

"Come on, I'll walk you out."

As the pair made their way towards the gates of the Thirteenth Division they discussed the reports. The ones they had found only held a hint of Aizen. If they did more digging they hoped they would find more information from Hirako. Hirako's family kept his personal belongings after his death a hundred years ago. The pair made an appointment to go through his personal belongings to see if there was any additional information on Aizen that they could dig up. As they neared the gates they could see two figures standing at the gates.

"Is that Kuchiki?"

"It looks like it. She's been late with some reports; I wonder if she's okay."

"Nothing important I hope."

"Nothing that can't wait until tomorrow. Still it is unusual for her."

"Whose with her? That doesn't look like a soul reaper uniform."

"No, it doesn't." The closer the pair got the two could hear bits of their conversation.

"Leave it to me. How about you and I get lunch on my next day off? I can show you some of the shops and we can get lunch at this cute restaurant I know about." Rukia's offer made Jushiro pause. His shy subordinate had never once offered to spend more time with others. She'd spend time with the groups in the squad sure, but never one on one. She'd been hurt too many times and it caused her shields to come up and Jushiro had inherited the task of tearing them down. A task that had proven difficult. Still, Jushiro endured.

"Sounds great!" Shunsui paused at his wife's voice. His wife who had been hiding behind her veil since the moment she stepped through the gates has prevented her from making friends. She had yet to get close to anyone besides Cookie.

"Ichigo?" Shunsui called out. "Kuchiki?"

"Captain Kyoraku! Captain Ukitake!" Rukia exclaimed. "Good evening."

"Good evening. Ichigo is everything okay?" Shunsui's concerned gaze kept his attention on his wife. Had something happened at home?

"I was taking a walk and bumped into Rukia. We got to chatting and lost track of time. I'm sorry Captain Ukitake, I think I kept her from getting some reports to you."

"No, Captain. It was my responsibility to get the reports delivered. My delay was not Ichigo's fault."

Jushiro and Shunsui could not help the grin that danced across their faces. Not only were the two introverted women making lunch plans but they were addressing each other by first names. Surely, this new friendship would be a good thing for both the women and the men who worried about them.

Chapter Text

“I thought captain meetings were for, well captains,” Ichigo murmured as she walked beside Captain Kyoraku towards the first division.  “So why was I invited?”  Weeks ago, Ichigo would be panicking that something was wrong.  She would have been focusing solely on the fear of being found out and the Gotei Thirteen were out hunting down her loved ones while using her as bait.  Now, she was simply curious.

“Maybe I just wanted to show you off,” Captain Kyoraku teashed and Ichigo huffed out a laugh.  A genuine one at that.

“And you had the Captain Commander send me a formal request just to do so.  I’m sure that would go over well with the old geezer - uhp,” Ichigo attempted to prevent the “geezer” comment from slipping through her mouth but it was too late.  Captain Kyoraku’s laugh could not be louder.  Red burned across Ichigo’s face as she glanced around at the people staring wide eyed at the pair of them.  She hoped that they hadn’t heard her comment and that they were simply staring at Captain Kyoraku for laughing so loudly.  “Captain Kyoraku -” what could she say?  Don’t tell Captain Yamamoto I called him an old geezer? Stop drawing attention to us?

“My dear, you’re spirited; that’s for sure.  I don’t recommend calling him that to anyone but me though for the time being.  He may look old but his bark and bite still leaves quite an impression.”

“I would never,” she swore and nudged him with her arm.  “You still didn’t answer my question.  Why am I joining in on the meeting today?”

“Ah, I am sorry about this, Ichigo.  Some of the members of Central Forty-Six are joining us today and they haven’t seen you since your grandmother’s departure.  They are also a bit...strict on where they will visit noble wives and don’t approve of us living in my quarters.”

“Are people ever going to get over that? Do people not mind their business in this realm?”

“They want to check in on you.  Make sure things are settling,” he ignored her follow up questions.

“Ensuring you're walking me, feeding me, playing ball with me, and teaching me new tricks?  If you’re not, do I get taken to the pound or are they just going to put me in a box on the street?  QUINCY WIFE - FREE TO SUBPAR HOME,” Ichigo spread her hands out as if she were emphasizing a sign.  

“Does tricks for treats,” they entered through the first division and Captain Kyoraku tilted his head in greeting towards a few stray soul reapers.  “I’d find you though and sneak you back home.”

Ichigo stilled at that word.  Home.  It still didn’t feel right.  As if sensing her discomfort, Captain Kyoraku turned his attention to her.

“Be honest Captain Kyoraku, this is to show off the union again isn’t it?”

The playful banter over, Captain Kyoraku’s face became serious.  Instinctively meeting her eyes through the veil.  “Unfortunately my dear, for the time being we need to put on a show.”

“For how long?”

“Until things settle.”

“Which will be?”

“A few months.  Not more than a year.”

Ichigo gave a deep sigh.  “I’m not meant for things like this.  The whole noble lady kiss ass bullshit.”

“You’ve got quite the potty mouth today,” Captain Kyoraku quickly cut in with a raised eyebrow.  Ichigo scoffed.

“I’ve got to get it out of my system before the captain meeting,” she explained as if he should have known that.  “As I was saying - I wasn’t raised to be the perfect noble wife that drops everything to rub elbows with other nobles and people of high rank.  Even so, I know enough to know that this is unusual.  You are a captain and a noble lord - despite your level of nobility - you shouldn’t be having me attend a military meeting.”  Even if the nobles wanted to meet with her, they easily could have scheduled a meeting otherwise.  This was more than just ‘checking in on her.’  “So this seems weird.  Has something happened that you should have told me about that you forgot?”

Captain Kyoraku quirked his eyebrow at her as if she had insulted him.  

“I’m just saying you forgot I lived with you the other day,” she defended herself and Captain Kyoraku cursed.  He should have known the moment that she startled him when leaving the bathroom the other day would forever be held over his head.  He should have lied and said he thought she was going to kick him again; but he didn’t and now Ichigo had ammo.

“I’ve been on my own for a long time and I was exhausted.”

“Still!  You have to admit you’re a bit forgetful.”

Captain Kyoraku shook his head and placed his hand on the small of her back as they neared the meeting hall.  “You’re the first wife or significant other of a captain in years.  You’re also the first wife to enter into a political marriage with a captain.  They are curious.  I believe they wish to understand you more.”

“Isn’t that what the twelfth division captain’s experiments were for?”  That caught both of them off guard.  Captain Kyoraku made a choking noise while Ichigo bit her lip.  That was uncalled for.  Well… it was a little uncalled for.  The lunatic did have a large hand in the massacre of the quincys.  No one could lie about that.  Still, Captain Kyoraku didn’t deserve that ire.  “I apologize, Captain Kyoraku.  I don’t like being unprepared.”

“You’re...not wrong.  Unfortunately Captain Kurotsuchi’s… experiments… didn’t account for understanding the personal nature of Quincy’s.  Such as their customs.”

Ichigo pursed her lips to prevent another snarky comment from slipping through.  No, butchering people and grounding them into hamburger didn’t permit them from actually knowing that the Quincy were people.  Just like them.  She’d heard the stories.  She saw the pictures.  Captain Kurotsuchi liked to brag.  Knowing what that monster had done to her people with the Soul Society’s blessing was difficult for Ichigo growing up.  Her father was viewed as one of them.  A murderer.  A monster.  The majority of the Kurosaki Clan respected her father and treated him with the proper respect.  They knew he had no involvement with the Soul Society’s crimes.  No say in the orders.  It was the minority and other Quincy clans that continue to look at her father with disdain and treat her and her sisters as if they were crossbreeds - like mules they were damned to be seen as lesser and shouldn’t be allowed to procreate.  Something wrong with the world.  She wondered what they must think of her now.

“Shunsui, Madam Kyoraku,” Captain Ukitake greeted the pair as they neared a pair of closed doors and pulled Ichigo from her musings and Captain Kyoraku from his concerned gaze.  Captain Ukitake along with a few other Captains stood outside the doors chatting.

“Morning Jushiro.” Captain Kyoraku greeted warmly while Ichigo nodded her head more respectfully with her own greeting.  Ichigo noted the other captains staring at her curiously and nodded her head in greeting again towards them.  “Hasn’t started yet?”

“The General hasn’t even opened the doors yet.  We’re early.”  Captain Ukitake turned his full attention to Ichigo once Shunsui gave an contemplative hum.  “How are you, Madam Kyoraku?”

“I’m doing very well, thank you Captain Ukitake.  And yourself?  How is your health?” The man's smile was blinding.  Even through her veil, Ichigo felt like squinting her eyes and the sheer wattage that streamed from the man’s face.  

“I’m also doing very well.  Haven’t had an episode in quite some time.  I’m happy to see you today.  As you know Shunsui and I meet for our lunches but I thought you both could come and attend dinner with me this upcoming Friday.  I’d love to hear more of life in the World of the Living and I need someone else to help prevent Shunsui from cheating at cards.”

“I don’t cheat,” Captain Kyoraku actually looked offended.  Ichigo was happy to have her veil in place so that he and Captain Ukitake couldn’t see her bite her lip as she took in the pair’s teasing of one another.  It reminded her of her friendships back home.  There’s something about teasing one another that shows a true understanding and respect for one another.  

“I know you looked at my cards when I went to the restroom Shunsui,” Jushiro teased and Captain Kyoraku shook his head. 

“I just played a better hand than you, Ju.  You’re being ridiculous.”

“Tell that to my accountant who is still scolding me for losing three hundred dollars.”

“You gamble?” It shouldn’t have been a surprise to Ichigo that the men gambled, but it was.  

“Well,” Captain Kyoraku laughed and turned his head to make eye contact with her.  She didn’t know how he managed to do so, but he did manage to meet her eyes through the veil every time.  “Jushiro gambles.  I simply make investments,” he teased with a wink.

Ichigo scoffed as Jushiro shook his head, aghast.  

“As I said, Madam.  Please attend and help me keep your husband in place.”

“Dinner sounds great.  Though I’m not sure I’ll be able to help considering it will be my investments too.”  That got the two men to laugh.  She didn’t know where that came from but it recognized that she did not struggle talking with Captain Ukitake.  

Captain Ukitake’s gaze was diverted to something behind her.  Ichigo turned and saw the manic looking captain arrive.

“Kenpachi,” Captain Ukitake greeted and received a grunt in return.

“What’s she doin’ here?” he gestured to Ichigo with his chin.  If Ichigo were a weaker woman she might have been intimidated but instead she just wondered if he slept with the bells in his hair or put them in everyday.

“Ah, Ichigo was invited to attend our meeting today,” Captain Kyoraku explained and again put his hand on her waist as if trying to comfort her.  She didn’t need it but she supposed it was a nice gesture.  “Have to say though, I’m surprised you’re on time today Kenpachi.  You’re usually the last one to get here.”

“Tch.  One of my dumbasses ended up in the fourth because he thought it was a good idea to run head first into a wall.  Figured I’d just make my way after disciplining him.”  Ichigo raised her eyebrows.  Is that normal?   She took in Captain Ukitake and Captain Kyoraku’s unconcerned expressions as they listened to Captain Kenpachi’s explanation.  They looked as if he’d just told them that the sky was blue.  That explains why Dad always thought it was a good idea to do surprise attacks when I least expected it.  These people are nuts.

“Kekekeke, wouldn’t expect anything less from you and your Neanderthals Kenpachi,” the crackle of Captain Kurotsuchi’s voice caused the hairs on the back of Ichigo’s neck to stand on end.  Behind Kenpachi the clown faced captain strode towards them with a young man beside him.  The young man had mid-length black hair that feathered out and around his face.  His hair looked soft to the touch.  The young man carried a large stack of papers.  

“What was that ya bastard?” Kenpachi growled.  Kurotsuchi waved his hand as if swatting a fly.

“Nevermind that.  Madam Kyoraku - what a pleasant surprise to see you here today,” he leered at Ichigo.  

Glancing down at the zanpakuto he had hanging from his belt directly in front of his crotch - Ichigo bit down on the urge to kick straight forward.  She wouldn’t even need to kick all the way up, just enough to hit his zanpakuto directly into his nuts.  Beside her she could feel Captain Kyoraku and Captain Ukitake getting closer to her.  

“Captain Kurotsuchi,” she greeted with a nod instead and turned to the young man standing beside him that looked like he wanted to be anywhere else.  “I’m sorry, I don’t believe we’ve been introduced.”

“Go Akane, Madam Kyoraku,” the man managed a bow despite the stack of papers he carried.  “I’m the fifth seat of the twelfth division.  Welcome to the Soul Society.”  His smile was one of those thousand wattage ones that Captain Ukitake managed.  

“Oh shut it,” Captain Kurotsuchi was cut off by the large doors leading to the meeting room being opened.

“Looks like we’re starting,” Captain Ukitake smiled and turned to make his way towards the open doors.  Captain Kyoraku guided Ichigo towards the door as well.  They quickly merged with the captains that had arrived before them and had stood closer to the doors as they had spoken to Captain Ukitake.  Finally they were all in the room and Ichigo was guided to stand besides Captain Kyoraku and the shortest captain with white hair.

“Captain Kyoraku, Madam Kyoraku,” the childlike Captain greeted the pair as they settled into their place.  

“Good morning Captain Hitsugaya,” Captain Kyoraku greeted as Ichigo nodded to him.  She hadn’t remembered all of the Captain’s names and was still struggling to memorize them.  There was something about Captain Hitsugaya’s name that was familiar to her.  The familiarity seemed older somehow.  She’d heard the name before the introductions that took place at the wedding.  Perhaps she knew it from one of her father’s bed time stories of his past.

Diverting her attention to the large room she took in it’s grand appearance.  Her father had never gone into detail of his time in the meeting hall as a captain.  As there were no windows - likely to prevent anyone from listening in or attacking while meetings are in session - it was fairly dark in the meeting hall.  Lanterns gave off a warm glow which bestowed a somewhat welcoming feel to the room - a feeling that was revoked by the sheer overwhelming presence of all the captains of the Gotei Thirteen.  In a room full of uniformed soldiers, Ichigo felt out of place.  There she was in fancy silks surrounded by armed men and women who had substantial spiritual pressure and martial presence.  Ichigo took a glance towards the only other person in the room that didn’t hold a high position to see how he handled being surrounded by such intimidation.  Go Akane stayed near the back wall and in the perfect position to be just in sight to be called on but just out of sight to not draw attention to himself.  He kept his attention focused on the files in his arms while everyone settled into their places for the meeting.  She was impressed that he was handling being in the presence of people who hold his job in their hands so well.  Despite his “I can’t see you, you can’t see me” approach - he still flinched when the ninja captain scoffed. 

The woman’s scoff made Ichigo realize just how quiet it was since everyone settled.  Head Captain Yamamoto still hadn’t entered the meeting hall to begin the meeting.  Everyone was just standing there either looking at each other or avoiding eye contact.  This was weird.  She hadn’t been in many meetings before but people conversed with each other in the ones she had attended.  Perhaps this was like that summer camp she was forced to attend and they weren’t allowed to speak unless they had the talking stick?  

With her new pondering, an image of Kenpachi holding a brightly bedazzled stick in his large hands surfaced to the forefront of her mind.  Ichigo bit her lip to prevent herself from laughing.  

Finally - finally the doors near the large chair near the front of the hall opened and Captain Yamamoto entered followed by various members of the Gotei Thirteen.  Yamamoto made his way to the head of the two lines and had his large staff whacking against the floor.  Despite the staff against the floor being only wood against wood - the sound seemed to boom throughout the room.  The Gotei Thirteen took up places behind him.  Despite the meeting hall being very large no one entered the space between the captains into two parallel lines.  No one stood in front of the doors that she and the captains entered through.

“Let us begin.”  Oh, so he had the talking stick.  Besides him the French looking lieutenant stood holding what appeared to be a clipboard.  

“All invited are in attendance, General.”  He was not french.  Maybe a french ancestor - but definitely not french.  It was a bit disappointing.  

“And you?” Yamamoto raised a long eyebrow towards Go Akane.

“He is with me to provide our findings for the shield,” Kurotsuchi explained in a bored tone and a nonchalant flick of his wrist.  

“Very well.  We’ll address the Kurosaki union first then.”  Immediately all eyes turned to look at Ichigo and Captain Kyoraku.  Oh shit.  

“Well now.  A meeting just for us, I’m touched,” Captain Kyoraku touched his fingers to his hat and pulled down to hide his face.  Ichigo felt like smacking him.  What are you doing trying to hide?  They can already see us.  If I have to look at them so do you!

“Madam Kyoraku,” Lord Enomoto cut in, ignoring Captain Kyoraku’s teasing.  “Thank you for agreeing to meet with us today.  We appreciate your time.”

Okay, time to kiss some ass in the name of ensuring the Kurosaki Clan and the Soul Society gets along.  “It is an honor to be invited.”

Lord Enomoto was a portly man.  He was graciously balding - in that he didn’t attempt to hide the fact that the hair around the center of his head no longer grew.  Despite the hair loss on the top of his head, he had a bushy mustache covering his lip.

“We did not have much time to discuss matters with you when you first arrived.  Now that you’ve settled, we hoped you would be willing to discuss some concerns of ours.”

Oh shit, they know we haven’t had sex yet.   “Concerns, your lordship?”

“Now that the marriage is in place, we never had an opportunity to discuss your union going forward.”

At this comment Ichigo turned her head to look at Captain Kyoraku.  Captain Kyoraku did not meet her gaze but instead held an uninterested expression towards the Central Forty-Six members and Captain Yamamoto.  No help there apparently.

“I am happy to answer any questions Captain Yamamoto may have.  I presume that he will be directing the questions as he was the one to invite me.”  There.  She set a boundary to ensure that she would be answering to one person only and not an entire team.  Captain Yamomoto appeared to want to say something but a sickly looking man cut him off.

“Captain Yamamoto was directed to invite you from us.  The Central Forty-Six attends a captains meeting every three months.  We requested your attendance as well.”  Okay, the boundary didn’t work.

“Forgive my ignorance, Lordship.  While I was confused as to why Captain Yamamoto would request my attendance, I am now  even more confused as to why the Central Forty-Six would request my attendance.”

“There are matters regarding your marriage that need to be addressed.”

“I did not think my marriage would warrant a military meeting.”

She heard some stifled chuckles around her from the various captains in attendance.  She was a bit proud of that.

“You are correct,” Lord Enomoto stepped in before the sickly looking man could say another word.  “What we have failed to explain, Madam Kyoraku, is that we had Captain Yamamoto request your presence in order to avoid additional meetings.  We are still repairing the damage caused by Aizen and have elected to shorten meetings when available.  If you would be so kind as to stand in the center, we’d be happy to begin.”

Again Ichigo looked to Captain Kyoraku.  This time, he actually looked back to her.  His expression was unreadable.  Like when her father would play poker with her and was upping his gamble.  After receiving a nod from him, Ichigo made her way to the center of the room and faced the handful of Central Forty-Six members.  She did not like this.

“Have you been settling in, Madam Kyoraku?” this time a woman spoke.  Ichigo felt like kicking herself for not trying to remember any of their names before.  Clearly - she didn’t think this through.  Was she really so focused on being upset about the arranged marriage that she didn’t think to really take note of what was taking place behind the scenes?  Her grandmother had handled everything so far - but her grandmother wasn’t here.  She’d fucked up.  She’d fucked up so bad.

“Yes, thank you.”

“I understand you are living in the squadron barracks.”

Not a question - but still expecting an answer.  “Yes.”

“I do hope Captain Kyoraku’s decision to reside away from his estate has not caused you any discomfort.”

“Not at all.”

“I understand you are used to a...different lifestyle.”

They were silent as if waiting for an answer from her.  Did they want her to complain about where she was living?  “My parents chose to raise my siblings and I away from the estate.  I was raised in a home connected to my parent’s medical clinic; not the estate.  To be honest with you, I’m much more comfortable in the barracks.”

That information seemed to surprise the woman and some of the other lords.  Even Captain Yamamoto raised an eyebrow.  

The sickly looking man spoke again.  His voice caused the tiny hairs on the back of her neck to stand up.  For this reason alone Ichigo was grateful for the veil covering her face.  She was already putting in a large amount of energy to not stutter her responses - she would hate to have to include schooling her features as well.  Her father did say she wasn’t good at that when he took her chips during their impromptu poker night.  

“So your parents were not welcome on the estate.”  He’s...putting words in my mouth.  That’s not good.

“No, my parents were always welcome to the estate.”  She wanted to say more.  Tell them how her parents simply wanted her and her sisters to live a life not focused on power dynamics.  Explain that her parents wanted to contribute to the community versus just the clan.  But she didn’t - because she wasn’t going to give them more opportunities to twist her words.

“They just couldn’t live on the estate.”

Ichigo opened her mouth but no words came out.  She stopped them before they sprinted out of her lips.  When she was fourteen her mother had taken her aside and scolded her for talking without thinking.  This was after she called a rival clan’s heir an inbred pig that caused a bit of a tift between the elders.  So, she took her grandmother’s scoldings to heart, and took a breath, counted to five, then gave her response.  “We could always live on the estate should we choose to.  Again, my parents chose to live away from the estate.”

“Miss Kurosaki-” the woman started and immediately Captain Kyoraku interrupted her.

“It’s Madam Kyoraku.”  Despite not wanting to turn her gaze away from her opponents, Ichigo glanced at her husband.  He was giving a lazy smile to the Central Forty-Six members.  Ichigo was expecting him to be glaring at them heatedly.  They had just insulted Ichigo twice in one sentence.  Not only did they use her unmarried name but they lessened her title to a miss.  She was the heir to the Kurosaki Clan.  Even if they misspoke her name, she still had a title.  To ignore her title was to downplay her position - even her clan.  There should be more of a reaction than a simple correction and a lazy smile.

“Of course.  My apologies.”  That apology is more fake than Urahara’s gigais.  “Madam Kyoraku, were your parents not allowed to reside at the estate as punishment for your mother bringing unneeded attention to the Clan by killing Isshin Shiba?”
Ichigo heard three gasps.  One could have been her - must have been her if the racing of her heart was anything to go by.  Ichigo bit into her bottom lip hard.  The familiar sickening taste of condensed iron filled her mouth as her teeth cut into the flesh of her bottom lip like an overripe peach on an early fall afternoon.  She wanted to sucker punch them all in the throat.  Throw the woman down on Captain Yamamoto’s chair - Million Dollar Baby her ass.  She knew if she angeled it right - the uptight bitch would be paralyzed from the neck down.  She wouldn’t do her the courtesy of suffocating her with a pillow.  This bitch would suffer.  

“Why ask me these questions when you won’t listen to my answers?” Ladies do not use contractions - if you have the energy to speak, you have the energy to speak correctly .  “As I have already explained, my parents chose to live outside of the estate.  This was their own personal decision made between a husband and wife.  While I was not involved in this decision as I was not born yet, I do know that my mother intended to return to the estate if my grandmother stepped down from her position in the clan entirely - unfortunately she never got that chance.”

Flashes of rain and blood cut across her vision.  Her body felt the phantom weight of her mother’s lifeless body.  Her memories replayed her cries for her mother to wake up and stop sleeping as if her nine year old self and mother’s body were in the very room.

“-did your mother kill Isshin Shiba?”

There was someone else talking now.  A voice she didn’t recognize.  Had she heard this voice before?  It sounded familiar but...not.  “No.”

“But your mother was involved in his death?”  The tips of her fingers felt numb - as if she’d been holding onto a pint of icecream for too long.  She knew she was squeezing her hands - she knew her nails were digging into the palms of her hands - so why couldn’t she feel her fingertips?

“No.  She was just… she was just there.”  It was harder to breathe.  

“Clarify what you mean by that.”

“By what?” Who was talking?  Was that the woman, the sickly man, or the familiar man?  Or was it Captain Yamamoto?  Captain Kyoraku?  There was something on her face.  Something told her it shouldn’t have been heavy and was soft - but it didn’t feel light and it was scratchy.  What was on her face? Why couldn’t she see.  What was on her face?  Why was it on her face?

Thumpthump, thumpthump, thumpthump .  What was that noise?  It sounded like - yes, yes - it was a heartbeat.  Why was her heart beating in her ears?  Hearts weren’t supposed to be in people’s heads - right?

“That she was there.”  She was scared.  She was so scared.  

Ichigo.   The deep timbre of Zangetsu’s voice flowed through Ichigo like a mug of hot chocolate on a cold day.  What felt like a static shock from the choker around her neck caused her to flinch.  Ichigo felt herself blinking rapidly.  Her chest felt tight as if she hadn’t been breathing.  Perhaps she wasn’t.  She felt something slide down her chin.  Based on the taste in her mouth - Ichigo guessed it to be blood.  What was that?

“Madam Kyoraku?” it was Captain Yamamoto getting her attention.  Ichigo nodded her head to assure him she had heard him.  How long was she unresponsive?

“Please repeat the question.”

“You said your mother was in attendance to the death of Isshin Shiba.”  Ichigo looked at the man who was speaking.  She’d never heard him speak prior to this day.  Not only was his voice familiar but so was his appearance.  Ichigo knew she had seen him before but was not sure where.

“I only know the story, your lordship.  I am seventeen years old.  I was not born at the time the incident took place.”

“But you know your mother’s version of the incident?”

“Yes,” she nodded.  “My mother told me about the accident when I was a little girl.  She told me of the soul reaper named Isshin Shiba.  They had fought a peculiar hollow together.  She became injured and he was able to save her at the cost of his own life.  I do not know the full details.”

“I see.”  It was quiet again as the older man took in her words.  The sickly looking man and uptight woman did not seem satisfied with her answer.  

“Your mother is dead, Madam Kyoraku?” the uptight woman asked.  Again, a shock to her neck where the butterfly clasp touched her neck.

“Yes.  She was killed eight years ago.”

“My condolences.  I imagine that must have been difficult for you.”  Ichigo didn’t respond.  Even being silent made a difference when games such as these were played. 

“She died fighting a hollow, correct?  She was often acting as a soldier for your clan then.”

So that’s where you’re going with this.  Even when Ichigo had already told them that her mother did not kill her father - they weren’t going to believe her.  They wanted to play her mother as a soldier whose only focus was on protecting the clan. 

“My mother sacrificed herself to protect me.  She wasn’t fighting the Grand Fisher.  He was...hunting.  While I didn’t recognize the threat, she did.  So she put herself between us and…” Ichigo trailed off unable to finish.  It’s interesting how deep memories will engrain themselves into one's mind - one's soul.  Again her screams for her mother to wake up and hiccuping cries made themselves known in her consciousness - as if she were once again kneeling and pushing against her mother’s cold body to no avail.

“Oh.”  The silence was awkward at that point.  Ichigo didn’t feel bad for making it awkward.  

“Were those all of your questions?”

“Not quite, Madam Kyoraku.  We did not have time to discuss your abilities earlier.  I find it hard to believe that you lack spiritual energy when your grandmother and mother possessed exceptional ability.”

“It is not that I lack energy, but rather control.”

“I see. So you are able to create the quincy’s arrow.”

“A quincy’s arrow depends largely on the control of one’s spiritual energy.  One needs to push the perfect amount of spiritual pressure through their fingertips to create the arrow.  Seeing as I lack control - my arrows are not successful.”

“Successful being?”

“They disintegrate before reaching their target.”

“I see.”

“Would you be able to give us a demonstration?”  Lord Enomoto asked, seeming genuinely interested despite his being silent as she was dragged through the coals with the others.

“Your Lordship - if you truly want to see me fail and make a fool of myself I invite you to attend a tea ceremony performed by me.  I assure you it will be more humorous than my attempt to pull my spiritual pressure beyond its containment in my vessel.  If you are lucky you might even get tea out of it should I manage to not whisk it completely out of the cup and onto your clothes.”  Lord Enomoto chuckled and nodded his head.  The other members, other than the ornery three, laughed as well.

“And if we would like to see you succeed at something?” the lady asked.

“When it comes to combat - I am skilled at hand-to-hand, swordsmanship, and archery, granted I’m given regular arrows and not a quincy’s.”

“And of the gentile arts?”

“My flower arrangement needs some work to be sure, but I am adept at painting and dancing.  My focus was primarily on my studies growing up.  While I may not be able to sew a straight line; I can tell you locations and navigate by using the position of stars and planets.”

“I see.  This would be why you and your family are determined for you to finish your education.”

“Yes.” Except that she wasn’t going to be able to complete her education.  She wouldn’t be allowed to attend college like she’d wanted.  She’d be forced to finish once she graduated from high school.  This was a sore topic for her.  

“Then there will be no changing your mind on that provision of the contract.”

“Being educated is important to me.  My grandmother knows that.  The elders know that.  To take that away from me is to cut off my arm and request that I swim.  It is not a provision that can be changed.”

“What can your education provide you that you would need as the wife of a noble?  I fail to see how navigating using the stars will assist your husband.”  You did not just go there you misogynistic crypt keeper looking mother f-

“With all due respect, your lordship, my husband is the captain of squad eight of the Gotei thirteen and a noble lord.  What use does he have for a woman whose only conversation skills rotate around gentile topics?  What use does he have for a wife whose skill set is solely focused on subjects such as tea ceremonies.  Captain Kyoraku doesn’t even like tea.  Furthermore, squadron eight is focused on investigation.  In order to be able to investigate, one needs to have the ability to research.  I should think that Captain Kyoraku’s men and women would appreciate having their Captain’s wife possess that skill set rather than the ability to ass kiss.”  

“...”

“...”

“...”

Oh fuck.   Oh fuck, indeed.

It took her a minute to realize what she had just said.  The minute seemed to last longer than sixty seconds - more like sixty thousand seconds.  The familiar laugh of Captain Kenpachi sounded off behind her.  Ichigo’s eyes widened and her gut clenched.  Captain Yamamoto’s eyebrow was raised at her in surprise.  The nobles looked angry.  Ichigo felt her gut twist.  She was dead.  So, so dead.  This was why she shouldn’t be invited to important meetings.  Nervous, she turned to look at Captain Kyoraku again. 

He had his hat tilted in front of his head.  If her veil wasn’t on everyone would see her incredulous expression directed towards him.  Now is not the time to hide your face.  You’re the captain - you fix this!   He did not fix it.

“I beg your pardon?”

“Bwahahahahaha! Little kitten’s got claws!”  Thank you, Captain Kenpachi, but that is not going to help me right now.

Okay - new approach.  Kissing ass may need to be a skill set she needs.  No better time to learn than the present.

“My apologies, your lordship.  As you can see, I am very passionate about my education.”

“I’d say,” Captain Unohana smiled gently.  

“I’m sure that Lady Obuchi and Lord Makisshi did not mean to force you to defend your education, Madam Kyoraku.  Nor did they intend to make it seem that your education would be taken from you despite the contract,” Captain Ukitake assisted from behind Ichigo.  It was clear what he was doing.  He was supporting her while lecturing the nobles.  Where her husband failed, his friends prevailed.

“I’m sure we can all appreciate the thought you have put in towards how you would use your education to assist your husband and thus the Seireitei,” Captain Unohana supplied helpfully.  

“Even if your language is not appropriate for the current setting,” supplied Captain Yamamoto with both hairy eyebrows raised.

“Understood, Captain Yamamoto.”  Ichigo nodded her head and felt the knot in her gut loosen.  “My apologies, again, for my crudeness.”

“No matter.  I believe that is all we needed from you today, Madam Kyoraku.  We appreciate your attendance.  I will have Lieutenant Sasakibe escort you home.”
“Oh no.  That won’t be necessary, Captain Yamamoto.  I know the way.”  Ichigo could not deal with more prissy people right now.  While the french looking lieutenant was always kind and respectful to her - he was also uptight to the extreme.  Ichigo saw him scold the little pink haired lieutenant for slurping her tea.  She needed a break.  

“I’d much appreciate it if you had someone to escort you, Madam.  I know your husband would as well.”  Ichigo met Captain Kyoraku’s stare as he nodded. 

“If I may, Captain Yamamoto, Captain Kyoraku.  Once I provide you with the reports - my tasks here are done,” Go Akane spoke for the first time since the beginning of the meeting.  “I understand Lieutenant Sasakibe will benefit more from attending the meeting that I.  I can escort Madam Kyoraku back to Captain Kyoraku’s squadron.”

After a split second of consideration, Captain Yamamoto’s eyes flickered to Captain Kyoraku.  Captain Kyoraku in turn flicked his eyes towards Ichigo.  Ichigo in turn felt the need to continue the game of hot potato - stare edition - and turned her gaze towards Go Akane.  Go Akane - the confident little shit - smiled.  Ichigo turned back towards Captain Yamamoto and saw Captain Kyoraku nod.

“Very well.  Thank you again for attending today, Madam Kyoraku.”

“Thank you for having me.”  Ichigo relaxed her shoulders and smoothly transitioned into a low bow towards Captain Yamamoto and the Central Forty-Six members.  Upon standing she turned and hastily made her way towards the door without looking back.  Within minutes her and Go Akane were making their way towards the gates of the first division and Ichigo felt like she could appreciate oxygen again.