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Chapter Text

Chapter 1

Ichigo was gazing up at the sky, completely and utterly drained as he sat on a rock amidst all the rubble that littered the landscape of the Soul Society. It hadn't even been half an hour since his fated sword of the moon had slain Yhwach. Rukia, Orihime, Uryu, Renji wouldn't stop hugging him, clapping him on the back. Others who had been close by, namely, Kenpachi, Ikkaku and Yumichika and..... a handsome young man, turquoise-eyed and silver-haired, who sheepishly called himself the 'elder brother of Captain Hitsugaya', had also cheered along. Even Ishida Ryuken had flashed him what appeared to be one-twentieth of a smile before adjusting his glasses. After pleasantries were over and people had drifted off to either recuperate or check repairs, Ichigo merely went back to feeling absolutely nothing. He was tired. So very, very tired.

The rustling sound of a shihakusho was heard. Ichigo glanced around to see Kuchiki Byakuya walking towards him. The last time Ichigo had seen the Captain of the 6th Division, he was in such a fit of rage, that he saw only red as the feeble voice of Byakuya reached his ringing ears. Now that he had healed, Ichigo brightened and tried to get up to greet the Head of the Kuchiki clan.

"Byakuya! I'm so-"

But Ichigo's legs gave way. He hadn't fully comprehended how much of his spiritual energy he had lost. In a state of adrenaline, he had ploughed on as usual, but now that it was all over, his fatigue returned in full force. However, before he could fall to the ground, he was caught by Byakuya himself who spoke calmly, "You need not get up, Kurosaki Ichigo. For once, think of yourself. Should you need anything, I shall be right here to assist you. If you wish to sleep, I shall personally carry you to the 4th Division."

Ichigo looked up at Byakuya who stood beside him, staring straight ahead. He was rather surprised. Byakuya's intonation was the same as ever. But the fact that he cared cheered Ichigo up.

"Byakuya, before I nearly fell like an idiot, I was about to tell you how glad I was to see you well and whole. You wouldn't believe how angry I was when... when..." Ichigo's voice trailed away.

"I know. That is the kind of man you are. And now you have done exactly what I requested of you. On behalf of the Soul Society, I thank you. A remarkable feat."

Ichigo was about to say something when an all too familiar "I-chi-goooooooooo" was heard and someone crashed into him, both getting slammed into an opposite wall. Byakuya watched in bemusement as Ichigo immediately began hitting the other man.

"What the hell? You were here in Soul Society? You didn't even do anything! And you come harassing an injured man?"

The other man appeared delighted. "As feisty as ever, Ichigo. But you didn't dodge my famous kick. That must mean you wanted me to embrace you lovingly! Come straight into my arms, Ichigo! Let us bond like true men!" He was promptly hit on the face again.

"Who'd want to hug you? Don't you get tired of this same shenanigan every single day? And look, people are watching! It's embarrassing! Ah, sorry about him, Byakuya, he's always like this."

"Captain Shiba." Byakuya acknowledged Isshin coldly.

"Ichigo, didn't know you were all lovey-dovey with Captain Kuchik- Ouch!" Ichigo then frowned. "You two know each other?"

Isshin smirked. "Captain Kuchiki isn't very fond of me."

"Why, Byakuya?" Ichigo addressed Byakuya innocently.

"Heh!" Isshin grinned. "Why don't you ask him yourself? Anyway, Ichigo, I'd better go bother Toshiro. See ya soon."

"Right."

Isshin vanished. After a while, Byakuya inquired, "Kurosaki Ichigo, you said just now that Captain Shiba.... assaults you... on a regular basis. It's not that I dislike him, I didn't approve of him leaving the Gotei, that is all. I understand that he went into hiding in the World of the Living. How do you know him? Perhaps you met him at Urahara Shoten?"

Ichigo began to laugh. "Byakuya, Shiba Isshin now goes by the name Kurosaki Isshin. He's my father."

A lesser man than Byakuya might have had their jaws dropped about a foot to the ground. But Kuchiki Byakuya never let his emotions show on his face, even if he were to be informed that elephants lived on the moon and Rukia was actually a cyborg.

"So you're a-"

"Shiba, yes."

"Then, the name 'Kurosaki'?"

"It was my mother's last name. Kurosaki Masaki. Our family uses her name."

"When you first arrived at the Soul Society-"

"I didn't know of my mixed lineage. I only found out on June 17th."

"But that was-"

"Two days ago. My mother was Ishida Ryuken's cousin."

Byakuya was truly startled at this.

"If that is the case, then, was she a-?"

"A pure-blood Quincy. I am a Gemischt, meaning those of partial blood. Do you, as a Shinigami, detest my existence, Byakuya?"

"I do not. You killed Yhwach, even though your blood answers to him. And I could never detest the saviour of Soul Society, not once, but thrice."

"Are you aware of what the Auswahlen is?"

"Yes. I saw Gerard Valkyrie fall prey to it with my own eyes."

"When I was nine, Yhwach performed the Auswahlen. I was returning home with Mama along the riverside." Byakuya nearly flinched at Ichigo's expression. For someone so young, he appeared so old, recalling a harrowing incident he shouldn't have gotten over, but did, because the Soul Society, no, he, Kuchiki Byakuya, had turned him into a war veteran. "A Hollow attacked me just when the Auswahlen was being carried out. My mother tried to protect me. But lost her powers. I fainted. When I woke up, all I remembered was the sound of the rushing train, the battering of the rain and blood. So much blood. She was lying on top of me. I kept calling out but she wouldn't move. I visited the riverbank everyday, looking for her, but she never turned up. Why did everything go wrong, Byakuya? I hate the rain. I've always hated the rain. Byakuya, I'm just a kid, why did I have to see you dying? Why do I have nightmares? Why am I not allowed to lead a normal life? I won't get Mama back, but I want to be with my stupid father and sisters. I love you all too, but I don't want to get involved in wars anymore."

"You need rest, Shiba, no, Kurosaki Ichigo. Come."

The last thing Ichigo remembered was being lifted by Byakuya and engulfed by a Bakudo.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2

Byakuya's perspective:

-I've always hated the rain.

Yes, Kurosaki Ichigo, I loathe the rain too. Do you know why? Because on a rainy day, I was so angry on a mere human boy for trying to shield Rukia that I severed his Saketsu (chain of fate) and Soul Sleep, leaving him in the mud to rot. That is the one action that I shall never stop regretting for the rest of my life. "You're slow," I had told him disdainfully, "even when falling."

But that very boy, no, a man now, appeared before me in the rain, at a time when I needed a confidant and someone to entrust my heart to. Rukia told me all about what Shiba Kaien taught her about the concept of a 'heart'. I gave you my heart, Kurosaki Ichigo and you never let me down.

-Why did everything go wrong, Byakuya?

Because of me, Kurosaki Ichigo. You learned Bankai because of me, your Hollow had to be unleashed because of me. I changed you from the boy you were supposed to be to a man who lost his innocence after having witnessed so much blood. You possess scars because of me.

-I am a Shiba, a Gemischt Quincy.

How do you bear such heavy burders on your young shoulders? How can you remain standing, your hair flaring like the sun, your stance so sure?

I hoped to witness your battle with Yhwach. But alas, I was engaged elsewhere. I heard that human friend of yours, Orihime, telling Rukia and Renji that you could fire a Gran Rey Cero without losing your mind.

The Shiba clan will surely be reinstated now. But you shall return home, will you not?

-I don't want to get involved in wars anymore.

I'll see to it personally.

-I love all of you.

I understand you loving Renji and Rukia. They're like your dearest siblings. But me? Who am I to you? I should very much like to know.

-When I was nine...

Have you been suffering since the age of nine? You have protected so many, given your love to so many. But who will protect you, Kurosaki Ichigo? Who will love you?

"Byakuya-sama," A servant bowed before him as he sat on the porch overlooking the garden of the Kuchiki mansion, "Ichigo-sama has woken up."

"I shall visit him soon."

**

"Byakuya, you really didn't need to go to all the trouble, y'know?" Ichigo was rubbing the back of his neck, clearly embarrassed.

"You are the saviour of all Shinigami. This is the least I could do."

"Saviour this, saviour that!" Ichigo sounded grumpy. "I don't like such fancy titles. I'm Ichigo. Just Ichigo. How many years have we known each other? Just start calling me by my first name like Renji and Rukia do. We're friends, aren't we?"

"Friends?" Byakuya wondered.

"Aren't we? I'm aware of what you told Tsukishima. Ginjo is my ally now, so I know. You said that you'd cut down any enemy of mine even if they're very close to you. If that's not friendship, Byakuya..." But then, Ichigo appeared uneasy. "You still don't hold a grudge against me because I used to be a Ryoka, do you?" Byakuya could tell that Ichigo truly wished for the Captain's camaraderie.

"I bear no grudges. You can rest assured, Kurosaki Ichigo."

"Well, Byakuya, thanks for your hospitality. I appreciate your kindness. I'll say it once again. You won't believe how happy I was when I saw you after the war ended. The Kuchiki Byakuya I know must never have to lower his head before enemies. I have to leave for the World of the Living now. Bye bye."

Ichigo hopped out of the bed and waved his hand at Byakuya like a child.

-He'll leave.

-I want to rectify my mistakes.

-But how can I, if he never returns?

"See you soon, Byakuya! Oi, say something, Mr Aristocrist!"

-Did he just say 'See you soon'?

"You'll come again?"

Ichigo chuckled and crossed his arms, nose in the air. "The saviour of Soul Society is permitted to come and go whenever he fancies! I'll bug you till you get so annoyed that you'll throw me out of our office."

-You're always welcome. I promise to never make you go through sorrow again. I shall return your innocence.

Chapter Text

Chapter 3

Rukia was frowning. "Why didn't Ichigo come this time?"

Uryu was visiting the Seireitei and staying with Renji. "Today was his sister's match. He said he couldn't possibly miss it."

Renji sighed. Then, he perked up. "Listen, this is a very serious meeting."

They were at an eatery in Rukongai and the three of them had booked a separate table. Knowing Renji, Uryu rolled his eyes. It was likely that the topic was something hare-brained.

"Rukia has noticed a few things." The lieutenant of the 13th Division appeared smug.

"And?" Uryu prompted.

"It's about Captain Kuchiki."

"Nii-sama has been acting weird ever since he carried Ichigo to the manor to offer him a place to rest."

Uryu waved a hand airily. "That was probably because Ichigo was bugging him."

"You don't understand, Uryu. He does calligrapy at home to calm himself. And which characters do you think he repeated over and over? 'One' and 'Protect'." Rukia's violet eyes were glinting.

"Ichigo..." breathed Uryu.

"Exactly!"

"And what does that imply, Quincy prince?" Renji swung an arm around Uryu's shoulders.

"I.... see..."

"But Nii-sama won't ever say it himself."

"What do we do about it?" Uryu wanted to know.

"Nothin'." Renji replied.

"What do you mean 'nothing'? Ichigo is very intelligent, but when it comes to stuff like this, he's sort of clueless. I don't blame him. He's been protecting people ever since he was a child. First, it was his mother, then his sisters, then Chad..." Uryu's expression had changed.

"And that's precisely why he needs support. He's too pure. Wars have chipped away parts of him. He needs someone to return his purity to him." Rukia was firm this time, having known Ichigo too well.

**

Uryu met Ichigo at the supermarket at Karakura Town.

"Yo, Uryu."

"Ichigo, there's going to be a celebratory festival at the Seireitei. You know... they wish to relax after the war... Rukia and Renji asked me to pass on this message to you. It's on Saturday, the day after our graduation. The hero of the war has to be present."

"That 'hero' stuff again! You saved me! If anything, you should be called the hero, Uryu!"

The Quincy's cheeks turned slightly pink. "That was only because of Ryuken. Besides, Haschwalth aided me too."

"See? No single person can be called the hero. Many people contributed. Even Aizen. Anyway, I'll go."

Chapter Text

Chapter 4

Ichigo had never seen the Seireitei look so beautiful and inviting before. Every inch of each barrack was decorated with lanterns. Also, Ichigo learned that fireworks would be set off later, courtesy of Shiba Kukaku. The festive mood automatically brought a smile to Ichigo's face.

"By the way, where did Renji whisk off Uryu and Rukia too? Oh hello Hisagi-san!"

Hisagi Shuhei smiled and shook Ichigo's hands. "So what do you think of the decorations? Our division arranged it."

"Wow, really? You always take up other people's responsibilities, don't you, Hisagi-san?"

"Don't you do the same? This is nothing compared to what you do for all of us. Anyway, I have to run! There's still much to do! Enjoy yourself as much as you can! See you around!"

"See you too, Hisagi-san!"

Ichigo was strolling about aimlessly when he was kicked from behind. Of course, there was only one person in the world who'd do that.

"Don't you know any other way to greet someone, Rukia?"

"Why aren't you in high spirits, Ichigo?" She reprimanded him. Ichigo rolled his eyes. "You lot ditched me at the Senkaimon. And you expect me to waltz about?"

"Ichigo, now that we're here, we'll show you what a real man does at a festival!" Renji gave him a sharp jab at the ribs. "Can't you say 'hello' normally? Learn from Hisagi-san! Oi, Uryu, why do I have to play the straight man all the time?"

Uryu adjusted his glasses. A deep voice was heard from behind them. "Is something the matter?"

Renji and Rukia immediately stood upright.

"C-captain! Ha ha! Nothing's wrong. Ichigo's here. We were just about to show him around."

"Nii-sama! Wh-what brings you here? I thought you didn't like social gatherings?"

"Rukia, Renji, you seem to be under the impression that I arrived here for enjoyment. That is not the case. Kurosaki Ichigo is here as our guest. As a Captain, it is my duty to make sure he feels at home."

Rukia and Renji glanced at each other in glee.

"Yo, Byakuya!" Ichigo raised a hand.

"As much as that term appeals to you, Kurosaki Ichigo, it is not a phrase I prefer to use. Welcome to Soul Society, our saviour, Kurosaki Ichigo, member of the noble House of Shiba."

"You've gotten soft in your old age, Byakuya!" Ichigo grinned.

Byakuya, unperturbed, replied, "I am not old. I shall have you know, in human years, I am not really much older than you. Let's go, shall we? And Rukia, Renji, refrain from using physical violence on our guest. It is most unbecoming of you."

"Sir!" They replied in unison.

Byakuya and Ichigo walked off together, Renji, Rukia and Uryu whispering behind.

"Quite protective, isn't he? I wonder why."

"He addressed him as 'Shiba'. He must've learned about his past history."

"Is he doing this out of sympathy?"

"Nii-sama is a man of dignity. He respects people, does not pity them."

"I heard that he broke down before Ichigo after As Nodt left him dying. He told me one day as we were walking home from school. Kuchiki Byakuya cried."

"What?"

"So he's doing this out of a sense of gratitude?"

"No, Renji, I think there's more. After we left him sitting amidst the rubble after we won, I did notice him speaking him to Nii-sama. Something must have happened."

**

The festival was in full swing. Everyone wanted Ichigo to join them.

"Oi, Ichigo! Spar with me!" Kenpachi roared at him, grinning like a maniac.

Cheers were heard from the crowd.

"N-no, thank you! Ah, look, Rangiku-san is calling me! Got to go!"

"You're not going anywhere, Ichigo!"

"Captain Zaraki." A composed but deadly voice resounded. It was Byakuya, his reiatsu rising. "This is a ceremony. Kurosaki Ichigo wishes to lead a normal life. Give him the peace he deserves. He has endured enough battles."

This speech caused quite a number of raised eyebrows. Kuchiki Byakuya defending Ichigo?

"What's that, Kuchiki? Ichigo's natural instinct is to fight. He cannot escape that no matter how hard he tries. He can never lead a normal life."

Ichigo's hands trembled. Byakuya noticed this gesture.

"Captain Zaraki, his natural instinct is to protect. Why not let him enjoy the festival as a normal boy, not as a Shinigami?"

"Kuchiki, you're not acting normal."

"I am only trying to do what I should have a long time ago. Something not one of you noticed." Byakuya's voice was raised, something even he felt was odd. "We were weak, Zaraki. So weak that we always had to rely on a child every single time! We robbed him of his innocence! He was never meant to step foot here. But I dragged him here. Do you understand?"

Kenpachi was taken aback. Rukia, Renji and Uryu gasped. Toshiro, Shuhei, Ikkaku, Yumichika, Rangiku drew in sharp breaths. Kyoraku lowered his straw hat. Ichigo was rooted to his spot, speechless. Finally, he found his voice.

"Byakuya, it's fine. I chose to come here. No one made me do anything. Haha! There's no need to say stuff like that! You did nothing! Kenpachi did nothing. Renji did nothing! It was all just a silly misunderstanding! Haha! Right, guys?" He looked at Renji for support, but Renji hung his head. "Come on, guys! We all won! Let's celebrate! Nobody did anything wrong! Nobody stole my innocence! Byakuya...? Hey, this isn't like you? Kenpachi, hey! Laugh like a scary demon, please! The Kuchiki Byakuya I admire would hold his head high and never defend a Ryoka boy who trampled on everything that the Soul Society held sacred!"

Byakuya turned to him, expression livid. "What would you know about me? Yes, you are correct. You still are that Ryoka boy I could not stand from back then."

The tip of Senbonzakura was at Ichigo's throat who made no move to defend himself. He just smiled.

"Nii-sama! What are you doing?"

"Captain?"

"Kuchiki!" Toshiro tried to move towards Byakuya to stop him but was held back by Kyoraku. "No, Captain Hitsugaya. This is between them. I'd love to help Ichigo-kun, believe me, but I want Byakuya-kun to grow up too."

"Are you not going to protect yourself, Ryoka boy?"

"Heh! I'm tired, Byakuya. Very tired indeed. It's the same wherever I go. Enemies turn their blades at me. Even those I hold dear do the same. Do what you want." Ichigo's voice was flat.

Uryu was alarmed. He remembered Ichigo's despair when he was stripped of all power and when he was told that he was betrayed by the Soul Society. But this was nothing like before. Ichigo had simply given up. He tried to rush to Ichigo's aid, but then was overwhelmed by streams of reiatsu that interrupted the festival.

Chapter Text

Chapter 5

Everyone nearly lurched forwards as a Garganta opened its maws in the inky sky.

"Menos Grande!"

"Gillians! There're so many coming out!"

"At least a hundred!"

Kyoraku raised his voice. "All Captains and Lieutenants, prepare for battle. Those well-versed in Kido please join in. Shinigami with zanpakuto fit for long-range combat to the fore-front. The rest shall assist. Ishida-kun, I believe you can fire 1200 arrows at the same time? Please stand at the front."

Byakuya immediately leapt up and Ichigo made to follow him. However, the Captain of the 6th Division pointed a finger at him.

"Hyapporankan."

Ichigo was slammed against a nearby tree, slender, rectangular structures holding him in place. But Byakuya hadn't ceased.

"Rikujokoro. Hainawa. Sajo Sabaku."

Six rods of light incarcerated Ichigo near his midsection. While two other manacles fettered him tightly.

"Your arrogance borders on insolence, Kurosaki Ichigo. The entire Shinigami body does not require help from a Substitute, a make-belief replica, he who carries Quincy and Hollow blood. Stay put." With that, Byakuya disappeared.

The others were calling out their Shikai and Bankai.

"Souou Zabimaru!"

"Daiguren Hyorinmaru!"

"Reap, Kazeshini!"

"Collapse, Sakanade!"

"Drink, Nozarashi!"

Uryu was firing arrow after arrow and those who were injured were getting healed in an instant as he reversed their effects using his Schrift, Antithesis. However, it was nowhere close to enough.

Soifon fired her missile 'Jakuhoraikoben' which killed off a couple of Gillians, but there were just too many. Shinji and Kensei wore their Hollow masks to fire Ceros but the number of Menos here far outnumbered the ones in the Fake Karakura Town. Their Ceros killed around thirty or so Gillians. Kenpachi was having fun hacking away at the Hollows.

Urahara had appeared out of nowhere and chanted, "Hado 99: Goryutenmetsu." Five dragons rose into the air and began engulfing the Menos.

Byakuya finally murmured, "Senkei: Senbonzakura Kageyoshi." The Gillians were trapped in a column of infinite swords.

Ichigo smirked. "Well, haven't seen that in a while!"

Buakuya brought his right palm before his face. "Ougi: Ikka Senjinka."

Every single blade charged at the Gillians, destroying them."

However, more and more were emerging from the Garganta. All the high-ranking officers were getting worn out.

"Kyoraku," panted Toshiro, "this has never happened before."

"The worlds still haven't stabled."

"Fushi no Kojyo." Hisagi Shuhei's deep voice resonated.

"No, Shuhei-kun! Stop it!" Kyoraku yelled. "Cancel your Bankai! It'll kill you!"

"There's no other way, Captain-Commander!"

Kensei's Tekkei Tachikaze hit Shuhei's body, sending him flying, unconscious. "Sorry, Shuhei. I won't let you use that horrifying Bankai ever again!"

Ichigo watched in terror as people began dropping to the ground, drained. Even Byakuya, Kenpachi, Toshiro, Kyoraku, Uryu and Urahara were short of breath.

"Byakuya, I've respected your wishes for too long." Ichigo caught one of the rods of Rikujokoro and snapped it with his bare hand. He shrugged off the translucent structures of Hyapporankan and tore off the chains of Hainawa and Sajo Sabaku.

The form he had displayed to Yhwach, the horned appearence with one sclera dark, had returned.

All Shinigami witnessed in awe as a jagged Cero fuelled by the owner's blood was fired from afar, utterly annihilating every Menos Grande.

"A Gran Rey Cero!"

"That form of Ichigo's-"

"He broke through all of Captain Kuchiki's kido!"

"A single Cero eliminated them all!"

Ichigo leapt up towards them. Kenpachi clapped him on the back. "Atta boy, Ichigo! What did I tell you, Kuchiki?"

Byakuya was turned away from Ichigo who addressed him cheerily, "I thought you used only one sword at a time in Senkei, Byakuya? That Ikka Senjinka technique was magnificent!" Byakuya still wouldn't look at him.

-I don't want to get involved in wars anymore, Byakuya.

But before they could celebrate, another Garganta opened in the opposite direction. A Vasto Lorde-class Hollow appeared. A Cero was aimed straight at Byakuya. Before he could turn around and block it with the petals of Senbonzakura, Ichigo faced it head-on, the Cero striking his chest at full force.

"Schrift A: Antithesis!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 6

Ichigo opened his eyes to see Uryu's, Rukia's, Renji's and Toshiro's faces peering down at him. He got up and rubbed the back of his head.

"How's Byakuya?"

Rukia pushed him back down. "Nii-sama keeps staring at the sky."

"At least he's safe! I'm glad!"

Renji punched him. "Ichigo! If Uryu hadn't used Antithesis, you would've died! Do you have any idea what the Captain's feelin' right now?"

"I'm sorry. It was on reflex. I wasn't looking down on his abilities, I swear!"

"That's not it, dumbass! I thought you were one of the smartest students in class? And you still don't get it, do you? About what the Captain feels-?

"Abarai!" Toshiro reprimanded him. "Now is not the time nor the place for discussions of this sort. I'll take him to my division."

Byakuya spoke for the first time, his voice very different. "No, Rukia and Renji shall escort him and his brave friend to the Kuchiki manor. In fact, any injured Shinigami can come with us. Our healers are capable enough. The 4th division still hasn't recovered."

**

Ichigo was staring at the koi swimming in the pond in Byakuya's garden. It was fun, watching them gambol about, the full moon reflected on the surface of the rippling waters.

Someone approached him.

"Strange how one can watch fish leaping about with such childlike innocence and then fire Ceros with a feral look that can bring Shinigami down on their knees." Byakuya remarked frostily.

"You have a nice garden." Ichigo tried to change the subject.

Byakuya went on. "You tried to sacrifice yourself for me."

"So?"

"How can you be so calm about it, Kurosaki Ichigo?" Byakuya was trembling with pent-up rage.

"You entrusted me with everything you hold precious, didn't you, when you lay there, dying? I never break my promises, Byakuya. I think you know that better than anyone else. You gave me all you had for safe-keeping. So I did the same. I value my life, in case you were wondering otherwise. If I died, you would have treasured it in my stead. That's all." Ichigo shrugged. He went back to looking at the koi.

"Kurosaki Ichigo...." began Byakuya, slightly out of breath, "you are not wrong. I would have valued your life."

What he truly wanted to say was this: "Kurosaki Ichigo, you take my breath away."

"Forgive me for pointing my blade at you earlier during the festival." Byakuya spoke quietly.

"Hey, it's all cool, Byakuya, you were only trying to drive home your point. The fact that you feel you need to protect me to that extent made me happy." Ichigo grinned at him. "But, I admit, at first, it did.... you know..."

"Please finish your sentence, Kurosaki Ichigo."

"... well... it sort of crushed me. But I'm fine now. I really wanted your friendship, like Renji's and Rukia's... But, but, but..." Ichigo tried to appease Byakuya since the latter seemed to try to speak, "you're already a very different kind of friend."

"Different?"

"Yes. Y'know, the silent well-wisher from afar... That's enough for me. Aren't you sleepy, Byakuya?"

"I wanted to see if you were doing well. As a host, it is my duty."

"Well, you've seen me in the pink of health, so you can sleep now. You were battling so hard. Too bad I couldn't see Shukei Hakuteiken. I kind of fell in love with that technique!"

"Your Cero was beautiful as well."

**

Byakuya's POV:

-You gave me all you had and I did the same.

How can I not be in awe when you say such words, Kurosaki Ichigo?

-it crushed me.

I am aware. I saw you give up. The Kurosaki Ichigo I know and lo-, I mean, respect, never relinquishes hope. I am worth that much to you? I didn't know.

-I fell in love with Shukei Hakuteiken.

It's my final essence. You claim you cherish it? But I tried to end your life with it. Yet you broke it into two, everything I represented was destroyed. However, you still say you love my soul?

All I can say is.... Thank you. I am too much of a coward to tell you that I am sorry for turning you into someone who forgot the joys of a human life and witnessed only blood and death.

Even tonight... I was too impotent to protect you in turn, when you, in a moment of weakness, sought me out after the war ended.

Chapter Text

Chapter 7

Uryu and Ichigo were staying at the Soul Society for a few more days. Everyone wished to congratulate the two of them for their efforts in driving the Gillians away, even Soifon. Ichigo was invited by Kyoraku to have tea with him (it was a cooked-up ruse) and spend the afternoon, while certain devious match-makers were meeting in a restaurant in district 2 of North Rukongai.

"Kuchiki really cares about Ichigo. There's no doubt about it. I told Captain Shiba about it and he rushed to a certain picture of a woman and cried, saying, "Our Ichigo is about to leave the nest soon!" I kicked him in the shins, though. So he turned to me and said, "But we have our second son, Toshiro!" He can be very annoying."

"But you stole his manju, Captain!" Rangiku pointed out.

"That's not the issue, Matsumoto!"

"The real question is, what do we do?" Uryu frowned.

"Captain Kuchiki was extremely upset. He didn't show it on his face, but his eyes would darken every time he glanced at Ichigo. And Ichigo being Ichigo, yells "Yo, Byakuya" like an oblivious moron!" Renji shook his head.

"Ichigo would take a hit for Nii-sama ten times over because he thinks of him as a dear friend. But the problem is, Nii-sama doesn't know how to express himself. You saw what he did at the festival. Turned Senbonzakura at him and made Ichigo unhappy."

"Ichigo tries so hard to become his friend...Poor kid." Rangiku sighed.

"Wait!" Rukia suddenly spoke up. "Ichigo's birthday is coming up. I believe he'll invite all of us, including Nii-sama. We'll just make ourselves scarce and leave Nii-sama and Ichigo together. Uryu, could you convey the plan to Ichigo's father and sisters?"

"Of course." Uryu's glasses glinted.

**

There was a knock on Byakuya's office.

"Enter." It was Ichigo who walked in looking a bit lost as he shuffled his feet.

"Yes?" Byakuya did not sound unkind.

"The thing is, Byakuya.... Um... well... you see..."

"Maybe you could take a seat?"

"Ok." Ichigo sat down, looking uncomfortable.

"Is something bothering you?"

"15th July."

"What about 15th July?"

"It's my birthday."

"I see. How old will you be?"

"20."

Byakuya made a non-committal reply.

"I'm inviting Renji, Rukia, Toshiro and others. So I'm here to do the same."

Byakuya blinked. "You want me to visit you on your birthday in the World of the Living?"

"If you don't want to, it's totally fine. You're very busy. Your division suffered a lot. So, I wouldn't mind in the least if you-"

"Kurosaki Ichigo, if you go on speaking, how am I supposed to answer?"

"Right. Sorry."

"I shall go as etiquette demands."

"Wow, thank you, Byakuya!" Ichigo ran out. Byakuya produced what appeared to be one-hundredth of a smile. Basically, nothing. "I am honoured," whispered he.

Chapter Text

Chapter 8

Rukia and Renji were invited to dinner at the Kuchiki mansion. Normally, Rukia and Byakuya stayed at the barracks, but at times, they returned home to eat together. Renji was sometimes roped in.

"Rukia," Byakuya began, "I believe that Kurosaki Ichigo has sent you and Renji invitations for his birthday?"

"Yes, Nii-sama."

"For reasons unfathomable, he has invited me too. Do you have any idea why that may be?"

"Ah, Captain, it's obviously because he thinks of you as a close friend like we are to Ichigo." Renji wanted to roll his eyes very, very, much.

"... I see. Rukia, it is customary in the World of the Living to present the one whose birthday is being celebrated with something special, is it not?"

"Yes, nii-sama."

"You know Kurosaki Ichigo the most out of all of us, Rukia. What would please him? Maybe bananas?"

Rukia wanted to slam her head on the nearby wall.

"Nii-sama, in the World of the Living, people do not gift each other fruits."

"That is most unfortunate. Bananas are good for health. So, Rukia? And Renji, too. What else does Kurosaki Ichigo like?"

"Ichigo likes Shakespeare."

"And what may Shakespeare be?"

"He's a playwright from ages ago. From what Ichigo told me, he not only wrote plays, but poems and something called 'sonnets' too."

Byakuya stared at Rukia. "Kurosaki Ichigo seems to be a man of great learning."

Rukia had never heard her brother be in awe of someone before. So she began,

"Nii-sama, asking us isn't the proper way. You have to choose something for yourself to give him, something you feel is suitable just for him and no other."

"I'm giving him a pair of sunglasses, in case you want to know." Renji intervened happily. Rukia kicked him, "Nobody wants those stupid glasses shaped like stars."

Byakuya looked at both of them. "Behave." "Ah, sorry, Nii-sama."

The 6th Division captain went on, "I understand the sentiment of selecting a present for someone on one's own, but I do not know much about-"

"You don't have to know, Nii-sama. Even if you give him nothing, Ichigo won't mind in the least. But if you still wish to gift him with something, you should ask your heart. Also, Nii-sama, Ichigo didn't bat so much as an eyelash when he took a blow for you. So if you feel like you need to tell him something, don't back away. I've known Ichigo to leave flowers and toys for the little Pluses and cry for them silently. He may not speak, but his soul is always in turmoil. I want him to feel at peace."

**

Byakuya's perspective:

-Flowers and toys for the little Pluses...

Every time I learn more about you, I feel like the moon is getting slightly closer to the sun. But the two can never touch.

I thought so little of you when you arrived at the Soul Society for the first time. But you are an enigma I wish to unearth.

What should I get him?

A yukata?

No, I suppose it is not suitable for young men in the World of the Living in the present era.

Bananas would have been the-

Never mind.

What does he remind me of?

So many things.

All that I have lost in my life being replaced by things gained.

He burst through the Hakutomon like a shooting star and razed old customs to the ground, killed our foolish arrogance.

He reminds me of burning gold, too bright, too out of my reach.

But I will not pursue him. I shall let him lead his life like an ordinary human, get married, have children, grow old. But I shall protect him from afar.

That thought hurts. But it should not. I am a Shinigami. I have but one task. To maintain balance. Nothing more.

But Rukia seemed like she had chosen her words carefully with her last speech.

Was that encouragement?

Rukia and Renji will eventually get married, even I know that much. However, Rukia's bond with Ichigo goes beyond something like romance or friendship. They understand each other on a fundamental basis.

Kurosaki Ichigo, I still do not know what you like or don't like. But there is one thing I can gift you that shall keep me connected to you, even if I am compelled to stay away as a Shinigami who has been taught to close his heart.

Chapter Text

Chapter 9

Ichigo's perspective (July 15th)

It was pouring. Just like that day. And here he was, all alone, yet again.

Ichigo sat on the riverbank in his Shinigami form, Zangetsu on the grass beside him. He had wrapped his hands around his lowered head nestled between his knees. A train hurried by. He blanched. Yes, everything was the same. His limbs were heavy.

He had invited so many people and not a single one of them had graced him with their presence. Everyone seemed to have an excuse.

Even Dad, Karin and Yuzu left, saying they had booked a ticket to... where was that place again? Who cares at this point...

Rukia, Renji, Toshiro.... Nobody came. Not Urahara-san, nor Yoruichi-san. Uryu didn't bother, neither did Orihime or Chad or Tatsuki.

Why? Was he unworthy of everyone's love?

People only needed him because of his strength. He was insignificant otherwise.

And Byakuya? So he was lying too?

Oh well... Are you watching, Mama? I've got no one.

I won't ever go back to the Soul Society. I always ignored their darker side, because there were people I loved. But Ginjo was right all along. They always use people.

But even you, Rukia? Renji?

And Byakuya? I won't lie. I just wanted to be protected, just once, just one time. I wanted to know what it felt like.

Oh well...

I'll forget Soul Society and get on with my life-

A terrifying reiatsu....

A Hollow?

Here?

Now?

Why today? Why, when it rained?

Ichigo tried to lift Zangetsu but couldn't. His legs wouldn't allow him.

Memories flooded into his mind.

A girl standing at the edge of the thrashing river.

His yellow raincoat.

A cry of "Ichigo, stop!"

Blood! Only blood!

Mama, mama, mama!

But I'm stronger than this! I can fight this Hollow!

But I'm afraid! I can't move, Mama!

I can't bring out my horned form, I'm too scared!!

Help me, please!

Ichigo was cowering in fear, hands on Zangetsu, yet unable to do a thing.

"Scatter, Senbonzakura!"

The infinite number of razor-sharp petals stung the Hollow from every angle and purified it.

"Byakuya!"

"Kurosaki Ichigo, you require immediate treatment!" Byakuya moved forward to check if Ichigo had sustained any wounds.

"No, I wasn't injured." Ichigo's breathing was ragged. He grabbed a fistful of Byakuya's haori who frowned, but not at Ichigo's gesture, but at the fact that Ichigo had faltered before a Hollow of this level.

"Then...?"

"I was too scared to move."

"You were afrai-Oh, I see." When Byakuya noticed their surroundings, he immediately grasped the situation. "Let's leave this place."

**

Byakuya was seated on Ichigo's bed. Ichigo sat on the floor, still not steady.

"You should not have wandered off to that place wrapped in such painful memories."

"No one came. So I felt like talking to Mama."

"On behalf of Renji and Rukia, I must say that I am sorry. It was disgraceful behaviour."

"But you came." Ichigo looked up. He appeared so broken that Byakuya decided it was time for him to reveal his gift.

"I... try.. to keep my word. Will you please hold out your hands?"

"Eh?"

"Your birthday present. Rukia told me it is a common practice in the World of the Living." Byakuya was fishing for something within the folds of his shihakusho.

"Byakuya, the fact that you arrived to save me is more than-" Ichigo's words were cut short when Byakuya brought out a box and opened it. Inside were two gloves, the kind of hand-gear that Byakuya used and Rukia as well. They bore the insignia of the House of Kuchiki.

"But.... I've always used Zangetsu with my bare hands-"

"That does not matter. Let me help you put them on."

Byakuya assisted Ichigo in wearing them, only the fingers sticking out.

"Wow, they look so regal. I don't think I'm fit to wear such armour."

"It is a request. From a... friend. Your friend. If your wear them, I'll know that we're linked together even if we're fighting in different realms." Byakuya sounded as monotonous as ever, but his eyes were a different story altogether.

"Will you keep them on, Kurosaki Ichigo?"

"Do you even need to ask? I must say, I've never received a present with such meaning and thought behind it. And there's the Camellia on it, too. The symbol of your Division. Say, when I die and go to the Soul Society, will you let me join your squad?"

"Live a long life. A happy life with a family of your own."

Ichigo wasn't listening to Byakuya but was staring at his hand-gear in sheer amazement.

Byakuya was walking around his room, peering into the strange-looking objects but not touching them.

"What is your subject of expertise, if I may ask?"

"I study English."

"And what is 'English'?"

"It is a foreign language. I wish to become a translator in the future."

"Impressive. Rukia told me you are interested in literature. You must be a great scholar in the art of penmanship."

"Oh, haha, nothing like that, I'm just a nobody here."

"And what might this object be?"

"It is a guitar. It produces music."

"You can play it?"

"Yeah. But you wouldn't like the music. It's not enka or music from the Edo period."

"And this?"

"This is called an Air Conditioner. When it's too hot, you can turn it on and the room cools down." Suddenly, Ichigo was struck by an idea. "Hey, Byakuya? Want me to show you around the city? It's a lot of fun! Please?"

Chapter Text

Chapter 10

Ichigo was not in his spiritual body when he stepped out of his house, Byakuya following, a tad perplexed.

"Do you want to see my college?"

"I do not mind."

They walked towards the eastern side of town. Byakuya noticed that there was a spring in Ichigo's steps and his eyes were glimmering with excitement.

-He likes my company that much? Why? I am not boisterious like Renji or Rukia.

"Look, there! See, isn't it big? It's one of the best!" Ichigo seemed proud. "I did well during my entrance examinations! Ranked in the top ten! Dad was so happy, we all went out together to eat at a fancy restaurant!"

"Rukia stated you like the works of somebody extremely famous."

"Shakespeare! You wanna read some of his stuff? You'll love them! Wait for me here!"

Ichigo ran off somewhere and Byakuya waited patiently on the pavement.

-This is the innocence I wished to see. It is very.... if I may be allowed to admit... endearing. And this is the man I displayed Senkei to, the absolute slaughter-scape, the funeral column.

-Ichigo on the battlefield and Ichigo at his hometown, just strolling around... So very different. Why did I sever his Saketsu? I felt his tears today when he was all alone in the rain. Was it the same back then, when I arrived with Renji to take Rukia away?

"Byakuya!"

The Captain of the 6th Division was snapped out of his reverie as Ichigo came running towards him. He dumped a stack of books in Byakuya's hands.

"What are these?"

"Some of Shakespeare's plays. Translated into Japanese. For you to read."

"You should not have done this, Kurosaki Ichigo."

"Why not? You're about the only person in
Soul Society who'll probably read them. The rest won't. Except Hisagi-san. Oh, if you're wondering about the expenses and everything, don't worry, I have a part time job. Don't forget to read them. I'll go bug you in your office and ask for your opinion."

Ichigo was smiling. It was peaceful, thought Byakuya.

"I shall certainly read them. Thank you."

"Byakuya, you want to see the kind of clothes people wear here?"

"I assume they are like the ones you are wearing?"

"No, no. I'm wearing normal clothes. You want to see the ones high class people wear?"

"I do not mind going along with you."

"You're great company, Byakuya. Ah, look."

Byakuya studied the garments in great detail. "They... are not bad."

"I know, right? But we can't afford them."

"I think the Shihakusho fits you the best."

Ichigo sighed. "Considering the amount of time I spend there..."

"And look, there's the bridge. My mama took me there every day. And there's the dojo I went to ever since I was four. I was defeated every single time. I always cried like a baby but Mama was there for me. Even since she was gone, I stopped acting my age. People always beat me up, you know?"

"Why?"

"It's the way of the world. Anybody who is different is ugly, is feared."

-Hurt over and over. Have you never known happiness, Kurosaki Ichigo? Those gloves... They're proof of me humbly seeking permission. If you will allow me, that is...

"Ah, it has begun to rain again. Let's hurry home, Byakuya. Byakuya?"

Byakuya wasn't moving.

"What's wrong?"

"Kurosaki Ichigo, do you recall this place?"

"Huh, this is just an ordinary street-Oh." He caught hold of Byakuya's upper arm and began to pull him. "There's nothing here. Nothing. The rain has washed everything away. Byakuya, just come with me."

"I nearly killed you here. A long time ago."

"That was all part of Aizen's scheme. You just fell prey to his plan. It was a misunderstanding. Nothing happened here. Come on."

"I left you bleeding in the rain."

"Just come with me. You're my friend. A close friend, a precious friend. You don't need to remember anything. Please!"

Ichigo, nearly dragging Byakuya down the street to make him forget miserable memories, stopped for a fraction of a second when a speeding truck ran him over.

-Those gloves, Ichigo... They are a symbol of-

-Byakuya, when I die, will you let me be a part of your squad?

Kuchiki Byakuya, broken beyond repair, turned the hilt of Senbonzakura towards Ichigo's forehead to perform a konso.

Kurosaki Ichigo, substitute Shinigami, hero of three wars, saviour of all Shinigami, a member of the noble House of Shiba, passed away at the age of 20, on July 15th, the same date as his birthday.

Chapter Text

Chapter 11

The Captains' meeting hall:

Some people were kneeling before Captain-Commander Kyoraku Shunsui who appeared uncharacteristically angry. Extremely so. His reiatsu had Kuchiki Rukia, Abarai Renji, Hitsugaya Toshiro, Madarame Ikkaku, Ayasegawa Yumichika, Matsumoto Rangiku on their knees . Ishida Uryu had also joined them but had knelt voluntarily. On the opposite end of the room, in one of the corners, Kuchiki Byakuya's reiatsu stifled them as well.

"I'm not Yama-jii, but that doesn't mean I don't get furious. From what Byakuya-kun told me, not one of you showed up on his birthday. Not one. Byakuya-kun informed me that Ichigo-kun was sitting all alone near the riverbank, a place most unpleasant for him. Rukia-chan, you of all people.... You know what that place means for him, don't you? Byakuya-kun further gave me a full account of what had happened there. A Hollow appeared. And Ichigo-kun, once a prey of Grand Fisher, couldn't move out of fear. He was traumatised. Can you believe? The man who defeated Aizen, killed Yhwach, couldn't stand against a rudimentary Hollow? How dare you leave him all alone? Only Captain Kuchiki kept his promise and remained by his side till the very end. You dare call yourselves his friends?"

"I witnessed it with my own eyes. His terror." Byakuya finally spoke, his tone of voice enough to send everyone to the deepest pits of hell. "When I performed the konso on him, do you want to know what he asked? "If I end up at the Rukongai, no one will come to find me, will they, just like today?" But because I gifted him with something that bore the crest of my clan and the 6th Division, he woke up with his Shinigami, Hollow, Quincy powers intact, memories intact. Why did you do this to him? Renji, Rukia, I am very disappointed in you."

"Nii-sama, we would've come, but we set up a plan to-"

"I do not care! No one should have to go through what he did yesterday!"

"Captain, we care about Ichigo and we were devastated when we heard that... that he... But believe us when we say we tried to prank him. It was a harmless joke."

"Well, now you've seen the results of your 'harmless prank'. Rukia, you know Ichigo more than all of us. A rather poor way to repay him, if you ask me."

Suddenly, the door was slammed open, Hirako Shinji, Muguruma Kensei and Otoribashi Rojuro stormed in.

"You let Ichigo die? I knew we shouldn't have returned to the Gotei! As corrupt as ever, aren't you? He had so many dreams-"

"I am aware, Hirako-san." It was Uryu. His face was contorted with grief. "Ichigo wanted to be a translator, wanted young children to read literature from all over the world. He wanted to help people who lost loved ones. His dreams were all terribly innocent but as large as the sky. He wanted to eat fancy stuff from big restaurants. And of course, he hoped to share his dreams with us."

Rangiku began to weep, Rukia followed suit. Renji slammed his fist on the ground. Kyoraku flopped back on his chair, all anger evaporating.

Captain Zaraki ran in.

"How dare you all make Ichigo give up? Ikkaku, Yumichika, you're suspended for two months!"

Byakuya glared at Kenpachi, "Well, aren't you happy, Zaraki? You always wanted to spar with him, didn't you? Here he is now, forever trapped. Fight with him all you want."

"Shut up! I wanted to fight Ichigo. But a happy Ichigo, someone who was always running away from me, escaping like an idiot! Not an Ichigo who has lost everything! I have my own code, Kuchiki!"

Byakuya was rather surprised at this, but grateful.

Captain Hitsugaya stood up. "I have... no words to say. But, if anything, I would like to thank Kuchiki for standing by Ichigo's side."

-No, Kurosaki Ichigo was hit by the vehicle because of me and my foolishness.

Someone walked in. It was Ichigo in the flesh. He was clad in his usual shihakusho, Zangetsu strapped to his back. However, there was an additional piece of clothing adorning his form.

"That hand-armour... It's similar to the one Nii-sama and I wear. But it bears the Kuchiki crest and-"

"The camellia from our squad." Finished Renji.

"So that was Nii-sama's gift to Ichigo!"

Everyone, apart from Byakuya scrambled over to console the young Shinigami, dead before his time. Ichigo smiled mechanically, but the light in his eyes had died out like a candle.

He shone the brightest before his death, thought Byakuya, just like a candle. But I cruelly blew it out.

"Guys, guys, this is nothing... I come here all the time, don't I? Come on, why're you upset? It's just that, my residence has shifted a little, that's all!"

Renji grabbed him by the collar. "It's more like, why aren't 'you' more upset?"

Ichigo sobered at that question. His face turned blank. "Tell me, Renji, when was I ever given a chance to be upset, to cry my eyes out, to be held dear, to be embraced by someone lovingly?"

Renji stumbled a few steps back. Byakuya was aghast. Rukia whimpered. Uryu closed his eyes and turned away. Toshiro frowned and Rangiku wiped away a tear.

Kyoraku walked towards Ichigo.

"Byakuya-kun was right all along, Ichigo-kun. You deserved so much more and we slashed away every dream you had." He held a hand over Ichigo's head.

"So? Where do you wish to live from now on? With Abarai-kun perhaps? Or with Captain Kuchiki at his mansion? Or you could stay with me. All of our doors are open for you. Do you wish to join any squad?"

"Kyoraku-san, I wish to live in the Rukongai. I don't want to burden anyone here."

"Absolutely not!" It was Byakuya.

"It's ok, Byakuya, you've been very kind to me. But whenever you'll look at me, you'll be reminded of... 'that'. It's best if I remove myself from your sight."

"Ichigo-kun, then at least live at the Shiba manor. They're your relatives."

"No, Kyoraku-san. They'll fuss... I don't want anyone being troubled because of my presence. I'll live on my own in the Rukongai. I'll come visit again, Kyoraku-san. Goodbye, everyone."

Ichigo left.

"Captain-Commander, do you think Ichigo is angry at us?"

"Not angry, no. But he's searching for something. I have an inkling of what that is. But I don't think Ichigo-kun does."

**

Byakuya, one of fastest Shinigami, caught up with Ichigo as the younger man walked through the streets hopelessly.

"Kurosaki Ichigo, do you not remember the moment I performed the konso on you?"

"Not really."

"You told me you didn't want to be alone. So why this decision?"

"Byakuya, you know exactly why. You'll be riddled with guilt. I know what you think. You believe that if you hadn't stopped there to relive that night, I woudn't have tried to pull you away and get hit. That's not true, my friend. I told you, Byakuya, nothing happened there, not then, not now. Try remembering this. Nothing happened. You are a very close companion of mine. Don't ever forget that.!See you around, Byakuya."

"Why, why don't you ever, ever hate me? Why am I not disgusting to you?"

"Byakuya, I thought Renji was the dumbass between the 6th Division Captain-Lieutenant duo. Why the hell would I hate you?"

Ichigo waved at him. "Oh, and Byakuya, at least call me 'Ichigo' from now on. I'm dead, right? Show me some sympathy, man!" He grinned.

Chapter Text

Chapter 12

Ichigo was lying on his back with his hands folded behind him, resting on an old, tattered, frayed mat in a small hut in West Rukongai, district 12. The cottage was dilapidated and it had no door but a jute frame fluttering at the entrance. Someone peered through it.

"Kurosaki? May I come in?"

It was Hisagi Shuhei.

"Ah, Hisagi-san!" Ichigo was pleasantly surprised. "How did you find me here?"

"Call me Shuhei and I'll call you 'Ichigo' from now on." Shuhei smiled. "Well, Captain Hirako, Captain Muguruma and I broke into the 12th Division's surveillance unit with Urahara-san's help. That's how we were able to locate you. I came here to cook for you. How would you like that, Ichigo? My cooking's not bad."

"You're a life-saver, Shuhei! I always relied on my sister for dinner and lunch. But, aren't you busy?"

"It doesn't matter. The World of the Living is of great interest to me. I'll cook and you'll talk. Deal?"

"Deal."

"Ichigo, I know you said you wouldn't like to join a squad, but you're good at writing, yes? So you can write for the Seireitei Communications on behalf of our division. It wouldn't be a seated position and you won't have to lift a blade, just write. We'd love to have you. Just letting you know." Shuhei ruffled Ichigo's hair as though he was Ichigo's older brother.

"Um, Shuhei, may I ask you something?"

"Ask away."

"You have a Bankai. But Kyoraku-san said it'd kill you. Is it dangerous?"

"You could say so. I've been killed hundreds of times while inside the cage created by the endless chains of Kazeshini. I've experienced the pain of each death and yet, I couldn't be killed. It's traumatising."

"I'm sorry, Shuhei."

"Don't be silly. Some of us in Soul
Society, you know, Ichigo, possess sacrificial Bankai. Like I do. And the Captain-Commander. Even Captain Kuchiki's Bankai can be called sacrificial if he didn't have the safe-zone."

"Senbonzakura Kageyoshi is like that?"

"Think about it. Those minuscule petals... they're everywhere. But they can hurt Captain Kuchiki just as much. But there's a small circular zone that guards his body."

"I didn't know. But why would the zanpakuto spirits wish to hurt their owners?"

"They are manifestations of a Shinigami's soul. If the Shinigami himself is burdened or afraid or traumatised then that manifests in the form of the Bankai."

"I had no idea."

"That is why a Shinigami must train for at least a decade to overcome those weaknesses. Anyway, forget about all that. Tell me more about literary inclinations. I read a lot too. Maybe we could exchange stories?"

"I look forward to your visits, Shuhei! Honestly, you're too nice, unlike idiots like Renji and Ikkaku. And thank you for seeking me out. You're the only one who did."

"Ichigo, I heard your wish from Captain Kuchiki as he was about to perform the konso on you. That's why I requested for Urahara-san's help."

"Yeah, Byakuya mentioned something of the sort too. What exactly did I say?"

"You said something along the lines of 'If I end up in the Rukongai, no one will come, will they?' So, I respected that wish."

"I said something so cheesy?"

"It's understandable. Everyone wants to be loved by that one special person. In my eyes, you're still too young and you are subconsciously searching for that partner."

"Shuhei, I'm dead. I won't get another shot at life."

Shuhei smiled gently. "Those gloves... those hand-gears with the Kuchiki crest and the camellias... They hold a very significant meaning. So Ichigo, don't give up on searching. Someday, you'll know."

A series of growls were heard. Both tensed immediately.

"Hollows..."

**

"You summoned me to your office." Byakuya looked at Kyoraku who appeared very grim.

"Yes. I received a Hell Butterfly from Shuhei-kun. He was visiting Ichigo-kun in the Rukongai."

"What happened?"

"According to Shuhei-kun, the konso went wrong."

"What? That's impossible! There were no mistak-"

"Byakuya-kun, I checked for myself when Shuhei-kun told me about the Hollow incident this morning."

"What Hollow incident? The Gotei were not informed!"

"It was far from the Seireitei. Shuhei-kun and Ichigo-kun both dashed to kill them, but Shuhei-kun realized that Ichigo-kun's reiatsu was fluctuating. He was too weak to fight them and so he collapsed. Shuhei-kun carried him on his shoulders while he killed the Hollows one-handedly without calling out his Shikai."

"But Ichigo retained all of his powers!"

"He did. But the balance in his soul is tipping. A balance he obtained while learning about his roots from his father."

"Balance? I do not follow. I know about his lineage, but-"

"Ichigo-kun's Zangetsu has returned to being single but-"

"Wait, what did you just say?"

"You catch on quick. Yes, Ichigo had two blades, not one. Two Zangetsus. Two zanpakuto spirits. One of them he calls 'White'. I believe you have met him."

-I have no name!

"That thing is Ichigo's zanpakuto spirit? That insane, murderous..."

"Do you loathe him? He is still Ichigo."

"I..."

-That thing tried to kill me! -But I tried to kill Ichigo too, but he welcomes me with open arms without fail.

"I do not loathe him."

"Moving on to the other spirit. He looks very similar to someone you already know."

Byakuya frowned.

"Someone I know?"

"The other Zangetsu is Yhwach himself."

Byakuya's eyes widened in shock.

"Zangetsu is.... Yhwach?"

"Correct. Now do you realize what I mean by the balance within his soul?"

"So what went wrong with the konso and how can I rectify it?"

"At the Academy, it is taught that Shinigami must always perform a konso as dispassionately as possible. But you are deeply attached to Ichigo-kun. No one feels as strongly about Ichigo as you do. No point in denying it, I know what those gloves symbolize. In other words, the one person who shouldn't have performed a konso on him was the only one around to do it."

"What happens now?"

"Normally, a Plus becomes a Hollow when neglected by a Shinigami. But you brought Ichigo here without any problems. However, Ichigo has some deep-rooted sorrows and if they fester and continue.. who knows when the hole will open up? And if Ichigo turns into a fully-fledged Hollow, we may have no other options but to dispose of him."

"How dare you, Kyoraku? How could you? I thought you cared!" Byakuya nearly snarled.

"I do. And that is precisely why I called you here. Go to him and make him talk. Any topic will do. Just try and understand what he truly wants. And if it is something you can give him, don't keep him waiting. Tell him about the hand-gear."

"I will not cross the line."

"Remember one thing, Byakuya-kun," Kyoraku sounded a lot like the old Captain-Commander, "If you lose his heart, you lose him forever. Now weigh your options."

-Ichigo, it seems I am fated to harm you over and over again, till the end of time.

Chapter Text

Chapter 13

"How was the.... funeral, Rukia, Renji?"

"Nii-sama, we left. We couldn't stand it. Isshin-san... and Yuzu-chan, Karin-chan..."

"Inoue was devastated. She really loved Ichigo. Poor girl. I always believed she and Ichigo would, one day..."

"Uryu swore before his grave that he would never find happiness since his dearest friend couldn't."

"I see."

**

"Byakuya, what brings you here?" Ichigo was lying on the mat again, still a bit weak.

"I came to... what was that line you used... yes, 'bug you'. How are you feeling, Ichigo?" Byakuya sat down at the edge of the mat, legs folded, as dignified as ever.

"Heh!" Ichigo smirked. "Who are you and what did you do to Kuchiki Byakuya?"

Byakuya sighed. "Seems you're well enough to at least jest at my expense."

Ichigo turned serious once again. "I don't know what happened yesterday, I blacked out. Shuhei protected me though. He received a nasty gash. I told him he should've used his shikai, but he said he didn't want to scare me."

"Lieutenant Hisagi is a man of character. If you face any issues, you can always go to him."

"It feels like I've gotten a big brother." Ichigo smiled.

"Ichigo," began Byakuya, "what did you want out of life?"

"Eh?"

"I am asking you about all the regrets you harbour." Byakuya placed a hand on Ichigo's chest, ready to use kido should Ichigo show signs of despair.

"Regrets? I don't really have any. At first, I felt hopeless. I wanted to go home. But then I realized I could always see Dad and my sisters whenever I wanted."

"And your dream of becoming a translator?"

"Shuhei encouraged me to write for the Seireitei Communications. About all the stuff I learned in my English lessons. And then translate them for everyone to read. I agreed."

"And the things you told Renji? Wishing to be embraced by a loved one?"

Ichigo went pink.

"T-that was n-nothing! And speaking of Renji, when is that idiot going to confess to your sister? Ah, sorry, sorry! I shouldn't have said that! Don't kill Renji, Byakuya! He's my best friend!"

"I already know."

"Huh?"

"I am not obtuse, Ichigo. I know that Renji loves Rukia. And I do not disapprove of that match."

"I'm relieved."

"Going back to the previous subject, do you desire something similar as well?"

Byakuya felt Ichigo's heart pounding under his palm.

"W-w-why d-d-do you keep asking that? Can't you see I'm getting embarrassed?"

"When you told Renji, you were not lying, Ichigo."

"Ok, fine. Yes, I want to be loved. Very, very much. My mama left me. Since then, I've always...." Ichigo turned his face away from Byakuya. "But I'm dead. That's the catch." He laughed bitterly.

"Your friend Orihime loved you. Would you have married her in the future? Everyone wants a family."

"I don't understand much about love, you see, Byakuya. All my life, I've only ever thought of protecting people. Ever since I was given this name and told of its meaning, I thought, '"I'll protect Mama". So I did little things for her, like walking on the open end of the street, joining a dojo. Then the twins were born, and I thought, "Oh, I have more people to protect now." I never had time to pursue romance like boys of my age. In fact, I never ever did anything like normal school kids do, like going to parties and things like that. Perhaps, I would have chosen Orihime. She's a good girl. But you know...."

-So that was why he was walking like that on the pavement. A honed reflex. Protecting me even in the tiniest of ways. Yes, I can finally admit to myself, Ichigo.

"Yes?" Prompted Byakuya very gently.

"I once asked myself when Tsukishima turned everyone against me: "I always protect people, but why doesn't anyone ever shield me?" I wanted to be held protectively. But then I told myself, "You are selfish. You have no right to think that way." But I'm very grateful to you, Byakuya, for saying all the things you mentioned about me to Tsukishima. They meant a lot."

"Ichigo, you have every right to be held close. You must understand that."

"You sound strained. Are you not well?"

"I am fine. Worry about yourself first."

"Say, Byakuya, have you read any of the plays?"

"All of them. Which one is your favourite?"

"Julius Caesar."

"I see. You prefer the tragedies then."

"Please don't tell me your favourite is Romeo and Juliet."

"As a matter of fact, I quite enjoyed it."

"Are you a secret romantic, then?"

"Anything wrong with it?"

"Not at all. You're such an ice statue that I thought you'd throw Romeo and Juliet in the bin the instant you read the first act!"

"You still see me like that?"

"That was a joke! I told you, you're my precious friend. The reason I loved Shukei Hakuteiken was because of the look in your eyes as you performed it. I can feel the hearts of people I cross blades with, as I told Ichimaru Gin."

"What did you feel about me, Ichigo?"

"Dear, dear, the great Kuchiki Byakuya wants to know the opinion of a lowly Ryoka, that was a damn joke! Are you daft or something, Byakuya? Anyway, what I felt was pure respect, admiration and a complete change on your part. You came to the realization that I wasn't fighting you, but the laws of the Soul Society and that you were but a by-product. 'White Emperor', was it? A grand name for someone like you. A fair and just emperor, that's you, Kuchiki Byakuya."

-Why can't I formulate words like you do, Ichigo?

-There is much I wish to convey.

-I am literally holding your heart in my palm.

-You are wise beyond your age. Will you figure it out for me? For I get lost in your fulgurating eyes.

"Why did you not blame me? Not even once?"

"And why do you keep asking idiotic questions? You made my last day on earth so enjoyable. If anything, I should be thanking you, Byakuya. Um, I suppose Rukia and Renji will get married soon?"

"I believe so."

"It'll be a bit lonely. They won't be able to hang around with me. Will you-"

"I will never leave your side. I may not be the one you are searching for, but until then, I will stay by your side to 'bug you'."

Chapter Text

Chapter 14

Ichigo was presently standing atop the Sokyoku Hill. So much had transpired there. He had saved Rukia, destroyed the guillotine, fought Byakuya.

"Ichigo?"

"Huh?"

It was Rukia herself. She rammed herself somewhere around Ichigo's midsection, hugging him like there was no tomorrow.

"Oi, Rukia! Why the tears?"

"Don't stop me, Ichigo. Let me cry for as long as I want."

Ichigo smiled down at the girl and patted her.

"I really didn't want this, Ichigo. I was so sorry to learn you were sitting outside all alone in the rain at the embankment."

"I know, Rukia. Anyway, you guys were planning something stupid, weren't you? What was it?"

"Weeeeeelllllll..... We wanted Nii-sama to go there on his own."

"And what was the point of that?"

"We wanted him to talk to you."

"Huh? He would've spoken, anyway. I mean, I invited him, didn't I?"

"It's not exactly that."

"You wanted him to stop being an ice statue?"

"Sort of."

"And that socialization lesson had to be on my birthday?"

"We had to get him alone with you."

"Alone with me? Why?"

"Nii-sama told you to protect Soul Society, yes? And ever since then, no, long before that, he has felt differently about you."

"I know."

"You know? YOU KNOW?"

"Yeah." Ichigo shrugged. "I mean, that's why he used Shukei Hakuteiken. As a sign of respect. Similarly, I admire his sense of duty."

He received a flying kick to the face.

"What the hell was that for?"

"You're such a moron! And that's why we love you!"

"What does admiring Byakuya have to do with me being a moron?"

Rukia sighed. She hugged Ichigo again.

"By the way, Rukia, when are you getting married to the pineapple?"

Rukia turned purple in the face and began choking on air.

"R-r-r-renji?"

"Yes, Renji. Byakuya knows. But I didn't tell him, in case you want to hit me again. Byakuya approves."

Rukia's face changed colour and lit up like a light-bulb.

"He does?"

Ichigo flicked Rukia's forehead. "Be happy, shorty."

"But why shouldn't the same apply to you, Ichigo?"

"Why does everyone keep asking me the same question? I'm dead, remember?"

"Ichigo, as a Shinigami, you should know that death isn't the end."

"Yeah, right. Which is why Byakuya kept bugging me about what I wanted the most out of life. About my regrets. His eyes looked so.... different."

Rukia's eyes widened.

"Nii-sama did that?"

"He keeps blaming himself for my death. But I told him to forget everything about that night."

"Ichigo, what exactly happened that night? I need to know."

"You sound so serious."

"The Captain-Commander called a meeting at Hisagi-san's request. Only a few of us were there, people closest to you."

"Shuhei's request? That's odd. He didn't say anything this morning when he came to visit me."

"Listen, Ichigo, you have to tell me what happened."

"Well... uh, I wanted to show Byakuya around the city and we were strolling about. All of a sudden, he wouldn't move from a certain spot. I didn't realize where we were at first, but then it became clear. It was that same lane where Byakuya and Renji arrived to take you away. Byakuya kept repeating 'this is where I nearly killed you'. I tried to pull him away from that street saying 'nothing happened, don't think about it'. I wasn't looking down the road properly. That's when I got run over."

"Ichigo, Hisagi-san figured out that the konso by Nii-sama went wrong. He wasn't in the right state of mind when he did it."

"How is that possible? I haven't turned into a Hollow."

"Technically, there were no mistakes. But I taught you how to do it, right? One should do it in a detached way. But Nii-sama was thinking of only you."

"So eventually I'll turn into a Hollow and Central 46 will order the Gotei to dispose of me, right?"

"Ichigo, how can you sound so casual about this?"

"I don't really mind. But if it burdens Byakuya, it'll make me really upset."

"You love Nii-sama?"

"Don't I love all my friends?"

Rukia mumbled, "That's not what I meant!" Then he raised her voice.

"Nothing will happen to you if your deepest sorrows are removed."

"Ah, so that's why your brother kept asking me about stuff like regrets and desires."

She wouldn't let go of Ichigo. "Strawberry, we'll fight for you tooth and nail. We'll protect you. Nii-sama will protect you. Hisagi-san will protect you. There is no need to feel alone here. This is your home, Ichigo, we're family."

"Thank you, Rukia."

**

"Yo, lil' Byakuya!" Yoruichi hopped in.

"What do you want, Cat-monster?"

"Cold, aren't you? I'm here to ask you if you found out?"

"About what?"

"About what Ichigo wants? His deepest, locked-away wish?"

"Remind me why I should tell you. You were invited too. And you did not come."

"Look, Byakuya, I know how you feel about him. I've known you since you were tiny. So tell me. I'll see if I can fix this issue for you."

"What he wants is the most innocent desire in the world."

"Why won't you say what you have in mind? You are so frustrating!"

"I will watch from afar. If he would have lived, he would have married Inoue Orihime."

"Probably. But he isn't alive, Byakuya, that's the whole point. Who took the cero from the Vasto Lorde head-on as if on reflex for you? Who tried to soothe your mind when you felt terrible at the cost of his life?"

"You do not need to remind me."

"My point is, Byakuya, I heard that you said at the festival that we stole his innocence. Why don't you return it to him now? He wants to be protected for once in his life. So TELL. HIM. Ichigo already holds you in high regard."

"As a friend."

Yoruichi huffed.

"Fine. If you're going to be this stubborn, I'm going to take matters into my own hands. I'm going pay a little visit to Kukaku."

"What? No, you won't! Don't give Ichigo any more responsibilities."

"Silence! You have no more say in the matter. Good day."

Chapter Text

Chapter 15

"Byakuya!"

The door to Byakuya's office was slammed open and Ichigo walked in.

"Nothing went wrong, Byakuya! Just forget about it! You did everything right! You needn't worry about me. Just forget! Ok?"

"I see. So you know about the konso."

"Nothing went wrong! You couldn't have helped it! It wasn't your fault. I was the stupid one. I should have been more careful while crossing the street."

Byakuya stood up abruptly from his seat. Ichigo had never seen him look so wrathful.

"Why do you keep saying 'nothing happened' and consoling me as though I were a child? Know your place! A captain of the Gotei, one who has braved many a battle, requires no placating from a human like you. Understand? I am no woman. I am Kuchiki Byakuya, Captain of the 6th Division, wielder of Senbonzakura, one of the deadliest zanpakuto among the Captain Class Shinigami. A lot happened and I do not intend to forget them. Leave my office at once."

Ichigo smirked. "Deadliest zanpakuto, eh? And yet you have a safe zone to protect yourself from getting hurt. Your facade is crumbling, Kuchiki Byakuya. Shuhei has a terrifying Bankai with nothing 'safe' about it. That's because he is honest about himself. And look at you. I know full well you need no mental protection, but as a friend, I will worry about you whether you like it or not. I will placate you whether it hurts your pride or not. Throw me out of your office all you want, but I'll take a hit for you ten times over. And know this: If I turn into a Hollow and Central 46 orders you to get rid of me, I will be glad if you carry out your obligation, because even in death, I do not wish to see my friend Kuchiki Byakuya lose the qualities I admire him for. Goodbye."

"Kurosaki Ichigo," Byakuya was shaking with rage, "why must you always make me feel everything in their extremities? Be it anger or...."

"The ice is thawing. I can see through your every move, Kuchiki Byakuya."

-I can see through your every move. How long ago did I hear those exact same words? You broke through my defenses like it was second nature.

-Ichigo, Ichigo, don't leave me here in this empty office.

"Byakuya? I've had second thoughts, I'll just crash here, since god knows where Renji went. I am concerned about you. I'll leave only when you've calmed down. Byakuya, listen, my existence was already entrusted to you when you performed the konso on me. So who cares if I turn into a Hollow? You'll still carry my heart with you. Cheer up, man. You'll go bald, otherwise."

-I promised to stay by your side. But you did it in my stead for me. How many more times will you sweep me off my feet, Ichigo?

Chapter Text

Chapter 16

"Are you sure about this, Yoruichi?" Shiba Kukaku was not happy in the least. "Ichigo is my family, you know..."

"I'm aware. But I have Ichigo's best interests at heart too."

"But it's dangerous!" Shiba Ganju intervened. "The other clans are horrible! Ok, not you, though!"

"We have it all planned." Urahara was unusually grave. "Otherwise, the consequences may be dire."

"Kisuke," Kukaku looked at the former 12th Division captain, "can't you talk to Central 46?"

"I already did. Kyoraku-san and Hirako-san were with me. But they're difficult to reason with. Anyone who poses a threat, be it the one who saved the entirety of Soul Society.... they won't bat an eyelash to get rid of them."

"What is Kuchiki Byakuya's opinion?" Kukaku inquired.

"That insufferable fool said that he'd 'watch from afar'."

"How unfair is that?" Ganju broke into the conversation. "Ichigo is trying his best to cope with his death and even that man, someone on whom Ichigo is hoping to lean on, decides to leave him alone."

"We're hoping this suggestion of ours changes that." Urahara frowned. "You have the final say, Kukaku-san."

"Not me. Uncle does."

"But Isshin is afraid to face Ichigo."

"Then drag his ass here, Kisuke."

**

Ichigo, Shuhei and Renji were eating together at a small restaurant in the Rukongai. Renji had finally asked Rukia to marry him.

"Finally." Ichigo plopped a piece of tofu into his mouth. Shuhei was gaping at Renji. "What, Shuhei, you didn't know?"

"N-no." Finished Shuhei lamely. "What did Captain Kuchiki say?"

"Captain said he shall give us his blessings. There are, like, a million arrangements to be made." Renji snorted. "Aristocratic snobbery. Hell, I even have to wear fancy stuff! As if I have them!"

"No, wait!" Ichigo held up his palm. "I've thought of a brilliant idea. We'll do things in the Western style!"

"Huh?"

"Oh, Ichigo!" Shuhei was visibly impressed. "Nice!"

"Renji, stop gawking like a fish! You'll wear my father's suit. And Rukia can wear my mother's. I'm sure Uryu can make all the necessary adjustments!"

Renji was overwhelmed. "Ichigo, we cannot accept that proposal! Not after..."

"It's alright, Renji. My idiot father always hoped I'd wear his stuff when I got married. That option's out. Since you're a dear friend, I'm sure my father would love that. Mama too."

"Ichigo... I don't know what to say...."

"You're such a good boy, Ichigo!" Shuhei was as proud as a parent.

"Anyway, I'll be your best man, of course. And Byakuya will take Rukia down the aisle."

"What's a best man?"

"I'll be something like Byakuya's counterpart from the groom's side, y'know."

"But we Shinigami know nothing about western style weddings!"

"That's where I come in, pineapple! If Byakuya opposes my idea, I'll fight him if I have to!"

"What will you wear, Ichigo?"

"I'll wear what I always do. My shihakusho."

"But you have to wear something something classy too."

"It's the only way I can get to keep on Byakuya's hand-armour." Ichigo smiled a little sadly.

Renji's and Shuhei's eyes widened. They exchanged glances.

"You love his gift that much?"

"It the only good memory I have of July 15th. I have nothing else to hold on to."

Chapter Text

Chapter 17

"If it isn't dear Ichigo!" Rangiku hugged Ichigo warmly. Toshiro stood up from his desk and hurried forward.

"Ichigo!! How... how are you? Have you been feeling less weak?"

"The Hitsugaya Toshiro I know wouldn't get up from his seat and greet a substitute so cordially!" Ichigo grinned. "Why does everyone treat me like this now that I'm dead?"

Toshiro froze. There was no resentment in Ichigo's tone, nor any regrets, simply warmth and friendly humour. But they made Toshiro feel so small and guilty. They hadn't even visited him in Rukongai. Only Shuhei and Captain Kuchiki did. Rukia and Renji only ever saw Ichigo at cheap restaurants, they never visited his tiny hut.

"Ichigo..." began Toshiro, "if there's anything I can do for you... anything at all.."

"Actually, I came here for a favour. Can you send this letter to my father?"

Ichigo was holding out a folded sheet of paper. "He won't meet me for some reason, but I need to convey this message to him. Since you and Rangiku-san are close to him..."

"What's in this letter?"

"You can open it after I leave your office. Make sure you give it to him. See ya!"

Toshiro opened it and began to read it loudly, Rangiku peering over his shoulder,

"Dad, how have you been? And how are Yuzu and Karin? Will you disappear like Mama too? People pop like bubbles, Daddy, right before my eyes. But I stopped crying a long time ago. It's ok if you don't want to see me. But please remember me. Please? Anyway, what I wanted to say was this. Can you send over your wedding suit and Mama's gown? Renji and Rukia are getting married. I want Renji to wear yours and Rukia to wear Mama's. Also, can you ask Uryu to stitch them according to their sizes? Uryu'll know what to do. This is a favour. Love, Ichigo."

Rangiku broke down after this and Toshiro's soul felt as cold as Hyorinmaru itself.

**

"What did you just say, Renji?"

"Captain, Ichigo said that he wants me and Rukia to wear his parents' wedding clothes. They are Western-styled. Ichigo wants to arrange everything on his own."

Byakuya pondered.

"That gesture is.... very noble of him."

Renji decided to also add,

"Captain, when I asked Ichigo what he would like to wear, he said that he'd prefer his usual shihakusho because that was the only way he could hold on to your present. He said it was his only good memory of July 15th."

Byakuya did not reply. For he was too astonished to do so. His hand shook ever so little.

"He won't let go of it, Captain."

Byakuya stood up.

**

"Ichigo, may I?"

Byakuya was standing respectfully outside Ichigo's hut.

"Yo, Byakuya. Welcome to my humble abode."

Byakuya once again sat down beside Ichigo's mat. This time Ichigo was sitting up, an open book on his lap.

"What are you reading?"

"Oh this? Shuhei sometimes brings me stuff coaxing Urahara-san to get them for me. This one's a murder mystery."

"A murder mystery?"

"You haven't read any?"

"I have never had the pleasure. What happens in these books?"

"Oh, you know... People get killed mysteriously. A detective finds out who the killer is."

"What is so interesting in something like that?"

"Oh honestly, Byakuya! No one knows how to kill the mood better than you do! And here I was... just about to read about the third murder of the postman... Come to think of it, the postman must've seen something, right? Otherwise, there's no way he would've been murdered."

"I have no idea." Byakuya deadpanned.

Ichigo sighed. "I'll lend you this one after I'm done. You have to read it, ok? It's super thrilling!"

"If you insist, I certainly shall."

"Oh, sorry, I nearly forgot. What did you want to see me about?"

"I wanted to thank you, Ichigo. What you suggested for Rukia and Renji... Your parents's wedding clothes... I was truly stunned by your kindness."

"Those two are like my siblings. This was the least I could do."

"Also.... I heard what you said about... what I gave you."

Ichigo stared down at his armoured hands.

"When I feel terrible about my death, these things calm me down. It's ironic. Five years ago, Kuchiki Byakuya represented the Soul Society in my eyes. But now, this gift is the only memento of the World of the Living. You've turned into my last link, my tether to a life I could have. So, I love these. I can never let go of these."

-Ichigo, if you only knew what those words truly mean....

**

Shuhei, Rukia, Renji, Toshiro, Rangiku, Shinji, Ikkaku, Yumichika, Kensei, Rose, Kyoraku, Kenpachi, Urahara and Yoruichi were all gathered at the office of the 10th. When Ichigo revealed his mother's wedding gown with Uryu's ministrations, there was a collective gasp.

"Oh, it's the loveliest dress I've ever seen!"

"She must have looked beautiful, Ichigo!"

Rukia had her hands over her mouth.

"Cat got your tongue, Rukia?" Ichigo grinned at her.

"Ichigo... you... you... really shouldn't have..."

"Shut up and just say how awesome I am!"

She ran into Ichigo, sobbing into his chest.

Shuhei was grasping Ichigo's shoulder.

"I-chigo..." Rukia sniffed, "why does the very best man in the world have to... have to.... look for someone he could fall in love with... when he shines brighter than the sun itself with that stupid orange hair?"

"Don't bring my hair colour into this! And w-who t-the...h-hell said I w-w-wanted to f-fall in l-l-l-love with someone, shorty?"

"Rukia-chan," Kyoraku sighed, "there's no hope for our Ichigo-kun. He can't even say the word 'love' without stammering!"

"And the one candidate is a mulish moron!" Yoruichi rolled her eyes.

"Eh? What's that, Youruichi-san?"

"Nothing at all, Ichigo. But I must say, your gesture was very sweet."

Renji hopped close, "Where's mine?"

"Manners, Abarai!" Shuhei chided, still not leaving Ichigo's side.

Ichigo brought out his father's black suit. Toshiro and Rangiku both yelled at the same time, "Captain wore that?"

Rose murmured, "It's very chic."

"Ichigo, your father's got taste." Shinji gave a thumbs-up.

Kyoraku was very impressed too. "I can imagine Captain Shiba looking good in this too. You know, Ichigo-kun, it's no wonder why you're so strikingly handsome."

Ichigo looked sheepish at that, then turned to Renji, "Well, pineapple?"

Renji was just standing there, flabbergasted.

"Ichigo... I'm s-s-s-supposed to wear that?"

"Yes, Captain Obvious."

"I mean, are you sure?"

"I told you repeatedly, didn't I?" Ichigo was exasperated.

"T-thank you.... Thank you so much..."

"So......" ventured Yumichika, "are we wearing Western too?"

"Of course! I have it all covered. I had quite a lot saved up. I had Urahara-san give it all to Uryu to pick up clothes for everyone. Uryu has a great sense of style."

Kenpachi finally opened his mouth. "Ichigo, let me get somethin' straight. You used all of your own money for people like us?"

"I have nothing else to spend it on, Kenpachi."

Chapter Text

Chapter 18

"Mornin' Byakuya."

Ichigo strolled into the 6th Division Captain's office like it was his own kitchen.

"Yes, good morning, Ichigo."

"Came to give you this book. You know, the murder mystery?"

"Why, thank you."

"Byakuya, do you know the three basic rules of murder mysteries? The 'whodunnit', the 'howdunnit' and the 'whydunnit'."

"I do not understand those words. Are they English?"

"Bingo. When reading these stories, you can't stop thinking, ok? You have to think along with the detective. All the clues are given to you in the book. Those words mean 'the person who did it', 'how they managed to pull it off' and 'their reasons'."

"I shall try."

"And you have to read the best murder story in the world, Byakuya! It's called 'And Then There Were None'. I'll ask Urahara-san to get it for me. I bet you'll be really scared."

-Ichigo is always happy when he talks to me. Am I allowed to hope, then?

"I doubt I will be scared. I am a warrior."

"Well, I was." Ichigo turned his nose into the air like a child.

"Then I shall try being scared."

"That's not the point! Playing the straight man to all of you in the Soul Society over the years... Oh, right, there was something else too. Byakuya, you must try on the white suit that has been sent for you."

Byakuya frowned. "Ichigo, who is paying for all of this?"

"Just enjoy your sister's wedding. Don't sweat the details..."

"I need to know."

"I am."

"You are... were... still a student."

"I told you, I had a part-time job."

"But you said you couldn't afford-"

"Yeah, all the high-society stuff. The normal stuff, I can. Look, it may not be up to your clan's standards, but accept this from me, will you?"

"I could never reject anything from you. It is an honour. But to think that you would spend all you possessed on us-"

"Byakuya, I live here now."

That shut the Kuchiki Head up.

**

Rukia squealed. "Nii-sama, you look so handsome!"

Renji let out a low whistle.

Ichigo, leaning against a wall in the Kuchiki mansion, watched as Rukia fawned over her brother as he was being fitted for his suit. He smiled contently.

-At least some are going to be very happy.

-Byakuya must be elated too.

-I have no reason to feel sorry for myself. The reason I saved all of them was to see them exactly like this.

-But will Dad come at this wedding? Why won't he see me? Only Shuhei protects me like family. And Byakuya... he... I don't understand him. It's like he wants to tell me something, but hesitates.

-I have to go to Shuhei.

Ichigo ran out.

Byakuya noticed this out of the corner of his eyes.

**

"Shuhei?"

"Ichigo, what's wrong? Come, have a seat. You can tell me anything."

Shuhei was really alarmed. Ichigo looked terrible.

"Shuhei, Dad doesn't come to see me, he has forgotten me. I don't live in the Seireitei, but in the outskirts of the Rukongai. With time, will I fade from everyone's minds too? Everyone only needs me for my strength, don't they? Without it, I'm nobody, right? If I turn into a Hollow, the Shinigami, Byakuya, they'll easily run a blade through my chest, won't they?"

"No, Ichigo, people love you. Don't let thoughts such as those plague you, kid. And if they try to run a blade through you, don't worry, I'll share your pain. Inside my Bankai, you cannot be killed. Ichigo, it's been years since Captain Tosen left me. Have I forgotten him? And you make such a remarkable impression on people that it's next to impossible to forget you. Even if everyone forgets, I won't. I never forget, Ichigo. I was schooled to never forget. I live bearing the lives of many, many."

"Shuhei.... You're the kindest person here in the Seireitei...."

"Not at all. I'm nobody. I'm just someone who believes in justice and strict discipline. And Ichigo, you will be repaid. You'll see."

**

"Why did you run away, Ichigo?" Byakuya asked sternly.

"Oh, that! I just remembered that I left the stove on."

"Do not try to fool me. I know that Lieutenant Hisagi cooks for you and you know nothing about turning stoves on or off."

"Haha, just kidding. I went to check on the decorations."

"It did not appear so."

"Look, does it even matter?"

"It does."

"Why?"

"What do you mean?"

"Simple. I asked you why it should matter so much when I live in the Rukongai weak and tired all the time and no one bothers to ask?"

Grey irises widened in shock and then narrowed in anger.

"If I recall correctly, it was you, not I, who made the decision to stay there."

Ichigo suddenly felt tired.

"Right. I'm sorry. That was out of line. Well, gotta go. Bye bye, Byakuya."

Chapter Text

Chapter 19

Byakuya's perspective:

-He did want to live here in this mansion. But didn't because he believed his presence would give birth to feelings of guilt.

-I am not strong like you, Ichigo. My weakness has let you stray away from my side.

-You were right. My safe zone exists because I shut my heart off to save myself from getting hurt. The Head of the Great Kuchiki clan is but a coward. You sought security in Hisagi Shuhei when you ran off, I have been told. He is a far better man. Fearless, yet fearful. An unbreakable man. So you feel safe around him.

-Lieutenant Hisagi informed me of your break-down. Captain Hitsugaya presented before me a letter you had written to your father.

-Forgive me Ichigo. I only pretend to be stoic. But you know, I am rather volatile. You have been its victim for far too long. I will never again treat you so poorly. You are so lonely that you had to hide in the Rukongai to cry in silence.

-I have procrastinated long enough.

Byakuya was reading through the murder mystery.

-Ah, this girl here passed away before she could hear the words she waited for over a decade. The one who loved her was too late.

-The person who killed her.... A man who was betrothed to her. Rather, she was forced into it...

-Why you found it so thrilling is beyond me, Ichigo. I do not like it. Not in the least.

-Ichigo... if I tell you what I want to say, will you be... repelled?

-What if you are? Then, you shall stop calling me your precious friend... I will not be able to lift my head in front of you anymore out of shame.

-Perhaps, it is better if I just keep things to myself.

-Ah, the wedding is tomorrow.

-May Rukia be happy. Especially since you did so much for her and Renji, Ichigo.

-What's this, inside the book? A photograph? Ichigo was using this as a bookmark?

Byakuya's eyes widened.

-So Urahara Kisuke had slipped this in.

It was a photograph of a very gorgeous woman and a very sweet boy holding her hand.

There were written words on the other side of the photograph.

'Happy 4th, Ichigo. Live long and well. Live up to your name. May you never learn sorrow. Grow old well, grow bald well and die long after we do. And if possible, die with a smile on your face. Love, Isshin and Masaki.'

A cherry blossom petal drifted off from a tree in the garden of the Kuchiki manor.

Far away in the Rukongai, Ichigo, who had fallen asleep, thought he felt a very gentle caress of a cherry blossom petal.

Chapter Text

Chapter 20

"Renji, for the last time, stop fidgeting!" Ichigo, Renji's best man, hissed at him, supremely annoyed.

"But Ichigo, this tie, is this crooked? And this... uh... what did you call it... uh, lapel... does it look dusty? And my hair? What about my hair?"

"Shut up!"

"Ichigo, at least tell me how I look."

"Damn it, Renji, how many times do you want me to say it? Ah, look, there's Rukia. She looks-"

"-lovely!" Renji was staring at her in sheer awe as though nothing else in the world mattered. Rukia was clutching the crook of Byakuya's arm as they walked together towards Renji and Ichigo.

Ichigo smiled at the two of them from his raised spot on the podium. Byakuya was not looking at Renji but at Ichigo.

-Do you want something similar?

-Die long after we do. If possible, die with a smile on your face.

-Ichigo's look of pure horror as the konso was being performed on him.

-I want to be loved, very, very much.

-I protect people, but why does nobody ever shield me?

-Ichigo's letter to his father; 'please remember me'.

-Ichigo's words to Lieutenant Hisagi, 'they'll run a sword through me, won't they? I'll fade from everybody's minds, won't I?'

Byakuya's gaze, intense and full of fervour, was fixated on Ichigo, who smiled, this time towards him. Rukia faced Ichigo and grinned. During that short interruption, Byakuya turned away.

Shuhei, arms crossed, noticed every single detail, the Captain-Commander, Urahara and Shinji beside him.

While the ceremony was in full swing, Ichigo glanced around. Everyone looked so good. All the members of the Kuchiki clan were present. So were the ones from the Shihouin, beside Yoruichi and Yushiro. Kukaku and Ganju waved at him, but Isshin was nowhere to be found. Plenty of other aristocrats also happened to be there. Another one of the great noble family, the Tsuna... Tsuna... what did Shuhei tell him, again?... also sat there stonily. Ichigo was really bad with names. For some reason, many of the nobles were staring at him. Under their scrutiny, he felt uncomfortable.

After all the rituals were carried out, people sat down to eat and drink. Not really that hungry after Shuhei's excellent breakfast this morning, Ichigo milled about, glancing here and there. The 11th Division were being loud as usual. Yoruichi was discussing something quietly with Kukaku. Urahara was drinking with Kyoraku. Toshiro was trying to keep Rangiku in check. The former Visoreds were eating together.

All of a sudden, someone approached Ichigo. A young nobleman.

"Shiba Ichigo, I assume?"

"Um... yes. But my father and I go by the name 'Kurosaki'."

"I see. Well, Ichigo-sama..."

"Please, just call me Ichigo."

"Right. Ichigo. I am the new Head of the Tsunayashiro clan. Nice to meet you."

"Oh. Hello, Tsunayashiro-san."

Ichigo was polite to the man, but there was something about him that felt off. He did not quite like it.

The nobleman looked him up and down and touched his cheek. Ichigo wanted to slap the hand away. It was as cold as a serpent's.

"You are quite the fine specimen, a nice catch for our clan, Kurosaki Ichigo. We are searching for a suitor for my beautiful sister. With your powerful genes mixed with hers, I'm sure we'll obtain an heir befitting that of the oldest and the most influential of all the great aristocrats of the Seireitei. You need not love her, we just require your seed."

That infuriated Ichigo, a brother of two little sisters. His tone had changed. It was the same as the one he used when addressing enemies.

"That sort of attitude... It makes me sick!"

The nobleman only smirked.

"Oh, chivalrous, are you? If you refuse, perhaps a bit of force may be necessary. I hear you've become rather weakened."

The edge of a blade floated very close to the nobleman's neck. The sword was Senbonzakura.

"Lord Tsunayashiro, you seem to not value your life much if you incur the wrath of both myself and Ichigo." Byakuya's voice was so deadly, it made even Ichigo tremble. "If you so much as lay a hand on the saviour of the Soul Society, I can assure you, Senbonzakura will dye you red this instant. Step away from him or I will savour my time while cutting each of your fingers."

Everyone who was attending the wedding had gone silent. Shuhei was about to draw his sword at the mention of the name 'Tsunayashiro' but noticed Kyoraku shaking his head at him.

"Hoh, what's this, Kuchiki Byakuya? Rather fond of this young man here, aren't you? Thought you detested the Shiba clan? You better watch your tone, Head of the Kuchiki clan, or else-"

"Or else what?" This time it was Ichigo. "What'll you do to him? Fight him? As if someone like you can lay a scratch on the majesty of the 'White Emperor Sword'."

"Oh, I like you, Kurosaki Ichigo, I like you a lot!" The man began to laugh. "I enjoy taunting those with spirit. And what's that I see on your hands? The Kuchiki crest? Hahahaha! Makes sense! It seems Kuchiki Byakuya has ensnared you!"

"SHUT UP!" Ichigo's sclera was slowly beginning to turn inky, pitch-black reiatsu threatening to spill out. "SHUT THE HELL UP!"

Immediately, Shuhei used Shunpo to stand straight before Ichigo.

"Bankai! Fushi no Kojyo."

A chain linked the throats of Ichigo and Shuhei, chains enveloping them from all sides. People began to scatter.

"Ichigo, remember what I told you?" Shuhei's voice was very gentle, yet there was too much pain in his chest area. "I will share your pain. Listen to me. Those hand-gears are gifts of friendship, companionship. You must not let people tell you otherwise. Yes? Ichigo, you're such a good boy, right? Captain Kuchiki is a dear friend of yours, yes?"

"Shu-hei...." Ichigo's voice was overlapping with his Hollow's. "Shu-hei..."

"Yes? You can tell me everything..."

"Th-that man.... was... lying.... wasn't... he?"

"Of course he was!"

"Byakuya.... is... my... friend?"

"Never doubt that, Ichigo."

Both their reiatsus were drained by the black sun that hovered overhead, connected to the linked noose and Shuhei was the one who collapsed first. Ichigo snapped back to reality.

"Shuhei!" The Bankai had disappeared. "Hey, Shuhei, Shuhei!"

Shuhei's eyes fluttered open. "Ichigo! You're back to normal!"

"You were hurt because of me!"

"Don't give me that look, kid! I'm a veteran, you know? This was nothing! Look on the bright side! You didn't turn into a Hollow!"

"Still!"

"Oi, Ichigo! Don't make that face! Or I'll flick your forehead!"

A squabble had broken out among the nobles. The Shibas and the Shihouins had sided with Byakuya and Ichigo. However, the Tsunayashiros far outnumbered them. The lower nobles were afraid to go against them.

Shiba Kukaku got up.

"I have an announcement to make." She called out in a loud voice. "I hereby name Kurosaki-Shiba Ichigo as the new Head of the Shiba Clan."

Chapter Text

Chapter 21

"Did you predict this, Kisuke?" Yoruichi demanded.

"I did. That's why I asked Kukaku-san to make the announcement then and there."

Everyone had gathered at Kyoraku's office.

"What was the point of naming him the Head?" Toshiro was furious. "And at a time when tempers were running high!"

"I agree with Captain Hitsugaya!" Shuhei was boiling with rage especially because the Tsunayashiro family was involved. "How is Ichigo supposed to deal with the council of the nobles?" He turned towards Kyoraku who was gazing outside his office window. "Say something, Captain Commander!"

"What do you want me to say, Shuhei-kun? This matter is out of our hands now." Kyoraku sighed deeply.

"Captain Commander, you know how I planned to fight the aristo-"

"Shuhei-kun, trust me, there's nothing we, the Gotei 13 can do anymore. Against the nobles, we cannot lift a finger."

Rukia, still in Masaki's gown, spoke indignantly, "Did you hear what that Tsunayashiro nobleman said. 'A nice catch for our clan'! Ichigo is not a 'thing'!"

Urahara addressed Rukia, "Kuchiki-san, the Tsunayashiro family is known for carrying out illegal experiments on Shinigami. They view Ichigo as a 'catch' because of his mixed lineage. Also, we, that is, Yoruichi-san, Kukaku-san and myself, initially planned to ask Isshin to make Ichigo the Head for an entirely different reason. The same reason you youngsters asked us not to visit Ichigo on his birthday. To get Captain Kuchiki to talk to him about his feelings. We planned to spread a rumour about arranging a marriage for Ichigo, so that Captain Kuchiki would finally man up. But as usual, this attempt was met with misfortune. I am starting to believe that they were never destined to be together."

"That's nonsense!" Renji yelled. "Ichigo... our Ichigo... my brother Ichigo..."

"Abarai is right, Urahara-san." Shuhei intervened quietly. "Those with good hearts are always rewarded."

Urahara threw back a question at him. "Hisagi-san, you're one of the finest men I've known. Were you rewarded? How many times did you face death?"

Shuhei flinched.

"Look, I'm a simple person," Shinji began, "why name Ichigo the Head now of all times?"

It was Kyoraku who answered. "To lessen the terms of his sentence."

"Sentence?" Kensei cracked his knuckles, "He didn't even do anything except say that the treatment of women in the Tsunayashiro clan was bullshit."

"Nobles are pig-headed fools, especially the ones in the council." Rose answered.

"At least Captain Kuchiki is with him." Rangiku replied.

"Why're we wasting our time talking here?" Kenpachi unsheathed his sword. "Why don't we just break in and rescue Ichigo?"

"As much as I'd love to, Zaraki," Toshiro's hands were balled into fists, "we can't. We are a military unit. They out-rank us."

"So, Kisuke? What's the worst case scenario?" Shinji turned to Urahara.

"They know about the failed konso. The Tsunayashiro surveillance system is better than the 12th Division's. And after the skirmish between their Head and Captain Kuchiki plus Ichigo, they've pieced together the trigger for Ichigo's pain. They'll give him certain very difficult options. If Captain Kuchiki can subvert them, Ichigo will be fine. If not, well..."

"So we just wait and do nothin'?" Kenpachi roared. "This is Ichigo we're talking about. Why're we twiddling our thumbs and not even trying to save him? Oi, Hisagi, slap some sense into these idiots."

"We need Captain Soifon and her stealth force. Yoruichi-san, please mobilize them. Also, Urahara-san, kindly use all methods at your disposal to locate Ichigo and Captain Kuchiki."

"Hisagi-san, you were amazing yesterday when you tried to placate Ichigo's Hollow issue. I think only you can calm him down. You're the closest to family he has now."

"No Urahara-san. This is Captain Kuchiki's battle. I don't think he will like it if his prey is stolen away from him. So the Gotei must not make a move. Just the Stealth force."

"I am siding with Hisagi-san." Rukia was trembling. "Nii-sama ought to overcome his dilemma."

Kyoraku then stared at all of them.

"We shall all go to the surveillance room of the 12th."

**

"I was wondering when you lot would show up." Kurotsuchi Mayuri was staring at a monitor in a certain room.

"Have you located them?" Kyoraku questioned him urgently.

"Obviously. But it's not nice. You can mobilize the stealth force if you want, but the council of the nobles have their own guards."

"He's not wrong." A feminine but stern voice was heard. Soifon strode in.

"How did you know?" Toshiro inquired.

"I already tried to rescue them. But failed."

"You acted before we did?" Urahara was rather surprised.

"Both of them are valuable assets to the Soul Society. As the Head of the Punishment Unit, I am obligated to do this. We can only hope that Kurosaki Ichigo and Kuchiki Byakuya can come up with a solution together."

Chapter Text

Chapter 22

"Kuchiki Byakuya, 28th Head of the Kuchiki clan and Kurosaki Shiba Ichigo, the newly-appointed Head of the Shiba clan, you stand before this council of aristocrats to answer to charges brought against you for insubordination." A nobleman looked down at Byakuya and Ichigo who were stripped of their zanpakuto. The Tsunayashiro Head sat beside the judge, smirking. A horde of aristocrats were seated on galleries surrounding the two Shinigami.

"Insubordination?" Ichigo snarled. "That man stated some pretty obscene things about his own sister! Both Byakuya and I have younger sisters! It's only natural that we'd retort! If idiots like you call that insubor-"

"Ichigo. That's enough." Byakuya, who stood beside him, stated firmly.

"Why should I be quiet? That Tsunayashiro guy asked me to marry the poor girl just so she could give birth to an heir with our mixed genes. How disgusting is that? If anyone said something like that about Yuzu and Karin, I'd make sure they wouldn't live to see the next day!"

"Silence!" The judge roared. "You are crossing the line!" He turned to Byakuya. "And as for you, your charges go deeper than his. You physically threatened the Head of the Tsunayashiro clan. What do you have to say for yourself?"

"I made an oath. I do not intend to go back on my word." Byakuya was unperturbed.

"An oath, you say?" The Head of the Tsunayashiro clan leaned forward. "Care to inform us what your pledge entails?"

"To protect Kurosaki Ichigo for eternity."

Ichigo, amazed, slowly turned to look at Byakuya, whose eyes were closed as though mentioning nothing but hard facts.

"Is that right? Heh! Kurosaki Shiba Ichigo, once a victim of this same man, do you believe a word he says?"

"Of course I do! Byakuya's my friend!"

"Really, now? Hmm... He really has enticed you, hasn't he?"

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Those things you wear on your hands... Do you know what they symbolize?"

"Yes. Friendship. Companionship. Shuhei already told me."

"Kuchiki Byakuya, you've left out certain details, haven't you?"

Byakuya's eyebrows dipped down, although his eyes remained closed.

"As I was saying, because he is guilty of putting on those gloves on Ichigo's hands, the man I personally chose as my brother-in-law, I shall have him incarcerated."

"No." Ichigo had the same look on his face that Byakuya remembered when he had made Ichigo promise that he'd save Soul Society. Such unspeakable anger that it began to emerge out of him in the form of a stormy, turbulent reiatsu, startling the court, every aristocrat falling to their knees. "You will imprison me, not Byakuya. Is that understood? IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?" It was as if the old, powerful, awe-inspiring Ichigo, the alive substitute shinigami was back.

"Ichigo, calm yourself-"

"Byakuya, stay back. If they try anything on you, they'll have to go through me first."

-Why, Ichigo, why will you never give me the chance to protect you?

All of a sudden, the surges of reiatsu disappeared. Someone had placed handcuffs on Ichigo.

"They're make of seki seki stone. Try scaring us now, dear brother-in-law!"

Ichigo began to sway, legs so weak. Byakuya caught him in his arms as he collapsed.

**

"Where... where... are we, Byakuya?" Ichigo, upon waking up, noticed that he was dressed in white, his shihakusho nowhere to be seen, the handcuffs still in place. He was lying down on a bed and Byakuya was sitting on it by his side, his wrists also manacled.

"The prison of the aristocrats, Ichigo."

Byakuya was gazing down at Ichigo, his eyes so full of emotion, tenderness, love. For a while, he did not speak, just continued studying Ichigo's handsome face, yet his mind was out of Ichigo's hands, far behind a mist that Byakuya himself refused to clear.

"Byakuya, why are you looking at me like that? It's all my fault! I'm so sorry that they-"

Ichigo was silenced by Byakuya's finger on his lips, very softly touching them.

"Don't say that. Please."

"Byakuya, you're trying to tell me something very important, aren't you? I've noticed for a while. Every time I glance at you and you look back, it feels like your world is being shattered into tiny fragments. Why, Byakuya? Why do I always cause you trouble? I'm sorry. I'm sorry, so sorry. Maybe my presence in your life-"

"Ichigo, I have known you for more than five years. When I fought you, I knew anger the way I never did before. When I saw your bankai, I knew shock the way I never did before. When I saw you trying to remove your mask forcibly for a fair fight, I knew respect and admiration the way I never did before. Everything you do, Ichigo... they all make me experience emotions to their highest degree. Now that we are closer, I cannot think of a day when I did not associate the sun rising with your brilliant appearance when you shine so beautifully under the solar orb itself."

"You care so much... I..." Ichigo raised his right hand and placed it on Byakuya's.

"Yes, Ichigo, I care. Much, much more than you know. I shall now tell you the true reason why I gave you those gloves. I just wanted your permission. I would never have acted on my emotions if you had said no. Believe me, Ichigo, I never 'enticed' or 'ensnared' you."

"Obviously. But what did you want permission for, Byakuya? I'm your friend, you don't need to ask for stuff like permission and all."

-Ichigo, Ichigo, do not hate me. Please.

"Your deepest wish... I desire something like that too. Will you give me a chance, Ichigo?"

Byakuya held out his hand, waiting for Ichigo to take it.

"Kurosaki Shiba Ichigo, come out! We've thought of some fine options for you to choose from."

Before Ichigo could retort, he was knocked out by kido and dragged out from the jail.

Chapter Text

Chapter 23

At the 12th Division Surveillance room:

"What the hell kind of options are those?"

"That scoundrel Tsunayashiro!"

"Ichigo!"

Renji, Shuhei and Rukia spoke simultaneously.

"Kyoraku-san," Shinji gritted his teeth, "It's time we intervened!"

"I'm not watchin' this!" Kenpachi began to storm out but was stopped was Toshiro. "We will move, right, Urahara, Kyoraku?"

"Before we do that," Urahara intervened, "we need to make slight preparations."

"Correct." Kyoraku straightened himself. "After that, Gotei 13, we kill."

**

"What... did you.. just say?"

Ichigo had slumped to the floor. Tsunayashiro was towering over him, leering nastily.

"You heard me. You have three options. One, you agree to marry my sister. If not, I'll coerce you to fight Kuchiki Byakuya. Or else, I'll turn you into a Hollow and dispose of you. Oh, I know full well the method Urahara Kisuke used for your training."

"You cannot force your sister into this. It's wrong. Completely wrong. Unethical."

"Well, Ichigo, if you keep on playing the role of a knight on a white horse, then the other two options are always open. Which one sounds better? Fighting 'dear' Byakuya once again or dying by Byakuya's hands as you scream miserably as a Hollow?"

"I... won't, can't... fight Byakuya again."

"I shall turn you into a Hollow, then."

"NO, ICHIGO!" Byakuya had emerged out of the jail.

"Well, well, look who's here!"

"Please, I beseech you, don't turn Ichigo into a Hollow. He has suffered enough!"

"My, my! How the mighty have fallen! The once arrogant, proud, snobbish Kuchiki Byakuya pleading for the life of a lowly human! You bring shame to the House of Kuchiki!"

"Did I not already do that when I tried to kill my own sister and the rightful saviour with such honest eyes who overturned the Soul Society, my life, to rescue her?"

Ichigo turned to look at Byakuya, a captivating smile adorning his fine, chiselled, unblemished features, a look of resolution in his brown eyes.

"Byakuya, it's okay. This is the best option. If you end my life, my last memory will be of the one I admire for his sense of duty and obligation even if his insides are screaming out otherwise. I'll be happy to leave my heart with you. This time, I'll go with a smile on my face. Dad always wanted that."

"Smiles come so easily to you, but have you thought about what it would do to me? You are so selfless and that is what makes you selfish, Ichigo."

"You're right. I'm sorry for everything. Forgive me for coming into your life. Byakuya. I-"

Tsunayashiro plunged a sword straight through Ichigo's heart and ripped off the pristine white gloves from his hands. "N-no, not... th-that... any-anything... b-but that..."

"That was your trigger. Run amok, Kurosaki Shiba Ichigo." Tsunayashiro murmured softly.

An earth-splitting roar was heard as a hole had opened up in Ichigo's chest. His hair had grown out and a horned mask with a bone-chilling look overshadowed Ichigo's kind-hearted and gentle appearance. His nails had transformed into claws, the upper part of his clothes torn away. That 'thing's' scream send tremors through Byakuya's entire body.

-I have failed you once again, my Ichigo, my beloved Ichigo, the Ichigo who smiled so innocently when he was showing me around Karakura town.

Senbonzakura was tossed to Byakuya and the reiatsu-suppressing handcuffs were removed.

"Kill him, Kuchiki Byakuya. Send him to the soul reincarnation cycle. He'll be born again, but his identity will be lost. He won't remember you."

The Hollow was completely out of control. Byakuya had to set up Danku to protect himself from Ichigo's incredibly fast Sonido. He kept using Utsusemi over and over, but the speed was overwhelming.

All of a sudden, out of the corner of his eye, Byakuya noticed a hurtling scythe speeding towards Tsunayashiro. Kazeshini had loped off his head. "It seems my nemesis, the Tsunayashiros, are destined to fall prey to the unpredictable trajectory of my shadow." Byakuya sensed several reiatsus circling around him and the Hollow.

"His horn, Captain," Renji yelled, "Cut off one of them to stop his Ceros."

Visibly weakened, the Hollow hadn't ceased his terrifying growling. But it had somewhat calmed down.

A low, gravelly voice emerged from behind the skull-like, protruding skeletal teeth. "It... hurts... Painful... Mama... it hurts... Dad... it.. hurts..." The voice seemed to break, "Pain... Save... Please.. It hurts... Save... me... I... w-want... to... be... protected..." The Hollow sounded like it was crying. Toshiro and Rangiku wanted to run towards it, but hesitated. Kenpachi unsheathed his sword, "Damn it, Ichigo is crying! End it Kuchiki! Give him a swift death. It's what he wants!"

The Hollow went on, "It... hurts... Save... Please... SAVE ME, BYAKUYA!"

That was all the Captain of the 6th Division needed to hear. He flash-stepped right before Ichigo and knelt down, placing a hand gently over Ichigo's heart.

-I'll make sure it beats only for me. I still am arrogant and full of pride, you know? What would you say to that, my Ichigo? You'd probably just roll your eyes.

"I like your spirit, boy."

-Who is that? Who just spoke to me?

"Isn't it nice, old man, that this one's head-over-heals for the King?"

-A different voice. Who are these people?

-Why did Ichigo's heart stop beating? The birds in the sky have all ceased moving. Did time stop?

A middle-aged man in a black garb and dark glasses stepped forward.

-That's.... Yhwach! No, this person is much younger. Oh, so this must be Zangetsu.

Another person, a mirror-image of Ichigo, but completely chalky white, was walking beside the younger Yhwach. Is this the second spirit? The one Ichigo calls 'White'? But he doesn't appear insane anymore. This version is a lot calmer. However, the smirk was still there.

"Yhwach, why do you intervene?"

"I am both Yhwach as well as Zangetsu. But I love Ichigo and only want what is best for him. Do you truly desire to save him, Kuchiki Byakuya?"

"He called out my name."

"I can take you there. It is crumbling. If you can fix it, Ichigo can be saved."

"What about the other Zangetsu?"

"I understand that you are wary of him. But he is Ichigo's well-wisher too. He will welcome you."

"Yo, Kuchiki Byakuya, can you reach King's soul?"

"I shall try."

"Then you can say goodbye to your dear Ichigo."

"What?"

It was the older Zangetsu who answered this time. "Where is your resolve, Kuchiki Byakuya? Ichigo never said he'd 'try', he used to say 'I WILL do it'. If you have doubts, we will not let you in. Ichigo placed his faith in you. You cannot, must not, let him down. If you do, you have no right to ask for his hand."

"I see. Then I shall go even if it kills me."

"Good."

Chapter Text

Chapter 24

It was dark, the turned-over city with skyscrapers was completely doused in water. The world felt so cold and full of emptiness and desolation. Byakuya, plunged into this ocean of despair, glanced around him and noticed that the buildings were slowly being chipped away in the form of tiny boxes.

-This is Ichigo's inner world?

As if reading Byakuya's mind, the older Zangetsu answered, "This place was always sunny and bright. When Ichigo's heart is in turmoil, it begins to rain here. However, after his death and his arrival to the Soul Society, his world was immersed in water, so full of water. Both of us hate water. It was already bad when it rained, but this sea of hopelessness... It tormented us. But Ichigo went on with his new life as if nothing happened."

The other Zangetsu continued in a raspy tone, "the King's world is slowly disintegrating. It's literally visible. Your job is to stop it. Kuchiki Byakuya, if you let the King down, I shall materialize again and kill you with my own hands."

"How can I rectify my mistakes?" Byakuya inquired.

"Look at those boxes floating around." The older Zangetsu ordered. "Choose the correct one and Ichigo will be saved."

"How shall I determine the one that is right?"

"If your claims are just, you"ll know the instant you see it. Go forth, Kuchiki Byakuya. If there is a chink in your resolve, you will die."

Byakuya opened the first box and a hilt of a sword peeked out. He pulled it out and a scenery began to play before him.

A very young Ichigo was crying in the rain. A woman, the same lady Byakuya had seen in the photograph was rubbing his little chubby face. "Did Tatsuki beat you again?" Ichigo wailed harder. "But Ichigo, you're a strong man, aren't you? You said you'd protect Mama, yes?" Immediately, Ichigo broke into smiles. He began jumping around as he walked back home with his mother. "Mama, let me walk on the open side of the road or else you'll get drenched."

The scene faded and so did the sword in Byakuya's hand. Byakuya opened another box.

"Wow! They're so tiny!" Ichigo and his parents were looking delightedly at a little crib where two baby girls were sleeping. "Ichigo," Captain Shiba spoke to him, "you'll always protect them, won't you?"

This wasn't the correct box either.

"Mama! Mama!" Ichigo was shaking his mother, but she wouldn't answer. The child was drenched in blood.

-Once such a sweet boy, but that lost look on his face, crying 'Mama, mama!"

-Wait for me, Ichigo!

This wasn't the right box.

Ichigo was walking up and down near the riverbank, repeating, "Mama, where are you?" Captain Shiba had come running. "Ichigo, don't scare us like that!" His sisters were crying loudly. "If you don't share your pain with us, how can we call ourselves your family?" At that, Ichigo broke into tears and dashed to hug his father.

No, this wasn't it.

Byakuya saw several other scenes regarding Ichigo's life, each of them stinging his heart bit by bit.

Ichigo getting beaten up, bullied, yet standing up to protect his sisters.

-Didn't I do the same to him? Yet he kept getting up, never backing away. How am I any different from those who inflicted pain on a child?

Ichigo arranging flowers in a vase at a corner of a street for a Plus, the little one saying, "Thank you, Mister."

Not these.

"Then give me your blade, Shinigami."

"I'm not 'Shinigami'. I am Rukia. Kuchiki Rukia."

"And my name is Kurosaki Ichigo."

-Could this be the one? The day he came a Shinigami? My intuition states otherwise.

Ichigo in front of a grave, his father with him. "Grow old well, go bald well and live long after I die. And if possible, die will a smile on your face."

-You really never knew happiness. I can see that with my own eyes.

A Menos Grande. Ichigo killed it in one fell swoop. Such power.

"You're slow," Byakuya heard his own voice, "even when falling."

It was his worst memory. This could never be the one.

A crushing reiatsu landing on the bridge to the Senzaikyu. Ichigo's speed overwhelming him.

-Always surprising me, aren't you?"

Ichigo staring him down from the top of the damaged Sokyoku, asserting complete dominance. As if saying, "well, Kuchiki Byakuya?"

Not this one either.

"I should have known this wasn't enough. I was in Shikai, after all."

"It almost sounds as though you have achieved Bankai."

-I was so angry, and yet, within the depths of my mind there lay awe. "Who was this boy?" I asked myself, "Confusing me? Turning every belief I had upside-down?"

"BANKAI: Tensa Zangetsu!"

-He could have killed me while the tip of his black blade was so close to my throat, but didn't. Ichigo was just trying to show me exactly where I was wrong. It was a lesson, nothing more, nothing less.

Byakuya caught hold of another box.

"Just so you know, my speed hasn't increased. You're human after all. Your body cannot keep up. That is why it is said that a Shinigami must train for ten years to achieve Bankai.

Byakurai."

Ichigo was rooted to the spot.

No, Byakuya tossed aside the box.

"That's amazing! I don't have anything flashy like that. Zangetsu only taught me the Getsuga Tensho."

Yes, finally.

-I kind of fell in love with Shukei Hakuteiken.

-The White Emperor, that's who you are.

"You have done well, Kuchiki Byakuya. Look around you."

The water was vanishing. The sun was beginning to peer from behind the clouds.

"Well, old man, can we hand over King to this one here?" White inquired.

"He has proven himself worthy. Kuchiki Byakuya. Tell him everything loud and clear."

"Yeah, King is a bit of a dumbass."

The older Zangetsu pondered. "I do not disagree."

Chapter Text

Chapter 25

"Ichigo?" Byakuya was still placing his hand on Ichigo's heart. "You can hear me, can you not?"

Byakuya could sense the throbbing, but the Hollow-like appearance had not disappeared, the hole had not closed.

-Did something go wrong?

-But the zanpakuto spirits stated otherwise..

-Then why is he not turning normal?

"I..." that low gravelly voice again, "I... don't... I'm... sorry.... Byakuya.... sorry, sorry..."

"Tell me what is bothering you, Ichigo!"

-Wait, is Ichigo himself rejecting my help?

-Yet he wanted me to save him!

-I don't understand.

"What do you really want, Ichigo?" Byakuya inquired urgently.

The aristocrats nearby answered roughly, "Can't you tell, Head of the Kuchiki clan? Have you forgotten which option that man voluntarily chose to protect the honour of the sister of the Tsunayashiro Head? It was his moment of weakness when he screamed out your name. Now he has realized his mistake."

Horrified, Byakuya turned to Ichigo. "You are rejecting me, then? I see." His hand fell limply from Ichigo's heart. "I was never worthy enough for you, number one protector. You are as unattainable as the stars." Byakuya stood up. "Renji, you are his best friend, do it as swiftly as possible. I only pray that the next time he is born, he may never learn sorrow and never gets the ability to see spirits."

"I won't, Captain." Renji backed away. "It was your task."

"I cannot hurt Ichigo."

"Then what makes you think I can?" Renji yelled at his superior.

"Captain Kuchiki," Shuhei stepped right before him. "Are you giving up?"

"Hisagi, what more is there for me to hold on to?"

"Can you not see what Ichigo desires deep down?"

"Yes, I can. But that cry of help apparently happened to be a slip of tongue on his part, being the protector of all. Hisagi, you have been the closest to him. You can carry out the ritual of sending him into the cycle of reincarnation. Just make it as painless as possible."

"Ichigo is confused, Captain Kuchiki. He was but a normal human boy just a few months ago going to university with a lot of ambitions in his heart. Then he just dies. How can he NOT be confused? You, as the one who.... treasures him the most, must clear away that confusion for him."

"Shuhei-kun is right," Kyoraku interjected, "if you don't fight for love, then where is the beauty and richness in it?"

"I never knew you were such a coward, Kuchiki!" Zaraki spat at him angrily.

But Byakuya was so tired. He remembered the play Ichigo had asked him to read. They were never meant to be.

"Nii-sama!"

"Rukia?" Byakuya spun around. He saw a blade sticking out of Ichigo's abdomen. The ones holding it were Rukia, Urahara and.... Kurosaki Isshin.

Toshiro murmured, "Kuchiki, we poured all our spiritual energy into this, just like back then. Ichigo will return to full power."

"Nii-sama, I am ashamed of you!" Rukia chided loudly. "How DARE you give up on my saviour?"

Rukia had never spoken to him like this.

"I was afraid to face Ichigo because looking at him would only remind me of what I always used to tell him, 'die long after we do, and if possible, die with a smile on your face'." Isshin nearly blanched. "But now that Ichigo has a shot at happiness, I came to pound the idiot who is in love with him but won't fight to win him over."

A bluish light engulfed the Hollowfied Ichigo and he was back to looking like he always did, a black shihakusho on, Zangetsu strapped to his back, his orange hair longer than before his death but with the same blinding radiance, face just as heart-achingly dashing as ever. His eyes fluttered open, the sclera was no longer black but completely white, the irises a mixture of honey and chestnut.

"Ichigo!" Instructed Rukia, "Stand up! Look at that man before you! Fight him like you did years ago to drive a point home."

"Eh? I can't fight Byakuya! He's my friend!" Ichigo didn't remember a thing while he was Hollowfied.

"Friend, my ass!" Rukia kicked him. "That man needs to be taught a lesson!"

"Rukia, why're you addressing your brother like that?" Asked Ichigo, bemused.

"Fight, Ichigo! Fight and ask him how he feels! Let your zanpakutos speak!"

For the very first time since Ichigo had known Byakuya, the 6th Division Captain smirked.

"Thank you, Rukia. And Renji. And Hisagi too. And Shiba Isshin. Kurosaki Ichigo, come."

"Huh?"

"I said 'come at me'. I shall make sure, once and for all, that your eyes shall stray nowhere else other than from my face!"

"What the hell? This is pointless!"

"Fine. If you're unwilling, then...

Bankai: Senbonzakura Kageyoshi."

Chapter Text

Chapter 26

"Time out, time out!" Ichigo flapped his hands comically, "Remind me once again why exactly we're doing this? Rukia? Renji? Shuhei? Kyoraku-san? Dad? Toshiro? Oi, Byakuya-wait, wait, wait, wait...."

The blades were rising from the ground slowly, regally.

"Byakuya, what the hell, man?"

The swords scattered into minuscule petals of steel, ready to strike from every angle.

"Why the hell does every one try to kill me, damn it?"

Byakuya looked at him, slightly amused.

"I cannot imagine this attack posing even the slightest bit of a problem to someone like you, Ichigo. Why don't you scratch the heavens once more?"

"I really don't know what kind of stunt you're trying to pull here, but-

BANKAI: Tensa Zangetsu."

Byakuya gasped. Ichigo's blade had changed completely. It was no longer the tiny black katana he had scoffed at, years ago. It had a white coating with a black blade encased within, a chain connected to the hilt. Ichigo mirrored Byakuya's expression from before, his face was now partially horned, but there remained no mask.

"Would you call this a proper Bankai, Kuchiki Byakuya? I seemed to recall-"

Byakuya's heart throbbed in his chest as the tip of Tensa Zangetsu was pointed straight at his throat.

"-you telling me five years ago that this could never be a Bankai. Does this new one satisfy you?"

Back then, Byakuya only knew fear and utter shock, but this time, his emotions were entirely different.

"It seems, I have to put in more effort, as Kyoraku put it, to enhance the beauty and the richness of it, to fight for it." Byakuya smirked yet again, his face challenging as Ichigo stepped back.

"Byakuya, look, I don't have any memory of what I did or said when I was Hollowfied, but if there was something that offended you, then-"

"Offended me? You really are a fool, Ichigo. I learned exactly what you wanted and I want to give you all of it, my whole life. Those three words meant the world to me."

"What words? If I said something great, why are we duelling?"

"We are warriors. We do not speak. Our blades do. If I win, I will say something to you."

"I see."

Byakuya held up his arms. Controlling Senbonzakura was twice as easier that way. Ichigo's speed had increased so much that he did not even require his blade to break free of the deadly petals, his hands were enough to snap apart ever single incoming sakura.

-Every single move of yours is magnificent, Ichigo. I want to see more. I don't care about winning. I shall tell you nonetheless.

"Senkei: Senbonzakura Kageyoshi."

As the funeral slaughter-scape was erected, the petals taking on the form of actual swords, Senbonzakura's true form, Ichigo looked around, a small smile gracing his lips.

"Beautiful. The most beautiful preparation of a funeral. Last time, I was terrified when you said that my end was drawing near. Now, however... things have changed, haven't they, Byakuya? We have come a long way."

"Indeed." Byakuya closed his eyes. Then he held a hand out and a sword automatically sped to its owner. Plunging the sword into the rough ground, Byakuya murmured,

"Gokei: Senbonzakura Kageyoshi."

A sphere of sakura engulfed them.

"I've never seen this one before." Ichigo glanced around at the rapidly swirling pink. "I've never participated in the 'Hanami' festival in the World of the Living, even though my father and sisters were very keen on it. I never liked festivals much. After mama left, everything seemed pointless. Dad tried hard, you know? By acting stupid all the time, to cheer me up. Guess I never really thanked him properly. Funny how you begin to see things differently after you die. Heh."

"Ichigo." Byakuya interjected suddenly, dropping to his knees, sword of petals held before him. "Those gloves... I gave them to you because I wished to know... May I be allowed to court you?"

Ichigo felt like the truck had hit him a second time. Almost absent-mindedly, he slowly lifted the sword from Byakuya's palms and held out his hand for the Captain of the 6th Division to take it and stand up.

-Eh?

-Eh?

-B-B-B-Byakuya wants to c-c-c-c-court someone like me?

-Time out. I need a time out.

-He.....he..... gave me the gloves FOR THAT? Byakuya L-L-L-L-L-L-O.... No, no, no, no, I can't say that word, I'm going red, too red...

-But then...

"Byakuya?"

"Yes, Ichigo?"

"I'm so sorry."

Byakuya's eyes widened. He extracted his right arm from Ichigo's fist.

"I understand. I'm sorry. I should have known not to cross the line. I shall never appear before you again."

"No, no, no, that's not what I meant!" Ichigo held out his palm sadly for Byakuya to take. "It's just that... all this time, you must have felt so upset, because I didn't understand. I died right before you and you must have been in so much pain. Forgive me for being the source of your trouble all the time. I'm sorry, so sorry."

"Ichigo," Byakuya breathed out, voice quavering, "you... are the most wonderful... mere words cannot describe you... man I have ever had the privilege of meeting. Even now, you keep thinking of my well-being when the one whose heart was immersed in rain-water was you. I would very much like an answer to my question. Please know that if you reply in the negative, I shall bear no ill-will."

Ichigo smiled at him. "I shall tell the White Emperor my reply."

Byakuya flashed him the tiniest of smiles. "I concur.

Shukei Hakuteiken."

The Head of the Kuchiki Clan was encased in white as his blade had turned blindingly clear as silver. A halo-like object had appeared along with a pair of wings. "My answer, Ichigo."

"Run it through me, and you'll see my answer."

Byakuya did as he was told and Ichigo stopped the incoming Emperor's blade with his bare hands as it began to fade into Sakura petals, disappearing into the air. There were no traces of blood on his hands. "That's Blut Vene, you see, a Quincy defensive technique. The fight is yours. I have lost to Shukei Hakuteiken. You have won me over. So Byakuya, my answer is yes. And also... thank you for everything."

The smile on the former substitute Shinigami's face as he looked down, unable to look at Byakuya directly out of shyness, made the Captain of the 6th Division declare something confidently. "One month. One month is all I need to make you reciprocate, Kurosaki Ichigo."

"Huh? R-r-r-r-reciprocate? Y-y-y-you m-mean, f-f-fall in l-l-l-l-l-lo.... I can't say that word!" Ichigo began to look up, down, left, right, anywhere but at Byakuya. He desperately tried to change the subject. "Uh, um, uh, um.... um... so... uh... Byakuya... didyoulikethemurdermystery?" Everyone around them were exasperated at Ichigo's childishness even at the age of 20. He really knew nothing, nothing at all about things like love. He loved everyone with his heart and soul, but when it came to loving just one with passion in a romantic sense, he was acting like a fish out of water. "Um, uh... well.... did you figure out... um, y'know... about the postman? He saw the killer, didn't he? I knew it! But it was brilliant writing, wasn't it? The postman, of all people! Who would've thought that the postman-"

Two flying kicks were aimed at Ichigo. They were from Rukia and Renji.

"WHO THE HELL CARES ABOUT THE POSTMAN? Are you stupid, Ichigo? Are you a moron? You were just CONFESSED to!"

Shuhei smiled.

Kyoraku placed a hand on Byakuya's shoulder. "Good luck, Byakuya-kun. Our Ichigo-kun really is too innocent."

Yoruichi placed a hand on Byakuya's other shoulder. "Don't worry, lil' Byakuya. You've always been a hard-worker."

"That's all great and everything," Toshiro murmured, "but Ichigo jumps up like he's been stung by a hornet at the very mention of the word 'love'."

Chapter Text

Chapter 27

Shinji, Kensei and Rose slunk into Ichigo's hut because they had absolutely nothing better to do (well, they had, but they had shoved everything onto their Lieutenants).

"Soooooo, Ichigo!" Began Shinji, placing an arm around Ichigo and grinning. "Being 'courted', eh?"

"And by that brat Byakuya too!" Kensei smirked.

"Ah, the joys of youth!" Rose murmured dreamily.

"D-d-d-do you have to keep reminding me of yesterday?"

"Of course!" Shinji looked as pleased as a cat who had been given a bowl of milk. "That's why we're here! To tease the hell out of you!"

"Don't you have paperwork or something?" Ichigo groaned. "And Kensei, gimme back my Shuhei! You're making him do your share of the chores, aren't you?"

"Nah, Shuhei's too nice to you." Kensei folded his arms. "He'll be all supportive and stuff."

"Yeah." Shinji intervened. "You need devious people like us!"

"So Ichigo? How is he planning to court you?" Rose inquired. "Imagine Captain Kuchiki and you in a classy French restaurant at a corner table overlooking the city-"

Ichigo went scarlet. "Oi!!!!!! Please go do paperwok! Or kill Hollows! Or spar with Kenpachi! Do anything, just don't make me bang my head on the wall!"

**

"Nii-sama."

"Yes, Rukia? And Renji, instead of hovering around my desk, go train the squad members."

"Yes Sir!"

"Nii-sama, how do you plan on courting Ichigo?"

"The same way in which the task is carried out in the noble families. I shall invite him to dinner and then take a stroll with him in the garden."

"Nii-sama, this is Ichigo we're talking about."

"You think this method will not work? Then how is courting done in the World of the Living?"

Renji popped his head in through the door.

"You can go on a date. Ah, sorry, Sir." Renji disappeared as Byakuya glared at him. He turned to Rukia.

"What, if I may ask, is a 'date'?"

"People visit restaurants together and other fancy places. Ichigo's never been on a date, he has always been fighting for us."

"So you believe I should take him out with me?"

"Nii-sama, I think you should just hear Ichigo out as he talks. Ichigo has never had a confidant before. He always keeps things to himself. You need not court him, Nii-sama, I think Ichigo already loves you very much. But he thinks it is platonic. But I'm sure he'll understand soon enough. You already saw what the first thought that crossed his mind when he found out. Your misery. Never forget what his name means, Nii-sama. He will protect your feelings with everything he's got."

Chapter Text

Chapter 28

Ichigo was sitting outside the hut, resting his head against the wall. He had his arms raised towards the dusky sky, as if trying to catch the sun and bring it down. His honey eyes were gazing in the far distance and Byakuya felt that intruding Ichigo's personal space would be very disrespectful. Closing his fist and sighing heavily, Ichigo looked down at his lap. It was then that he noticed Byakuya. However, unlike back then, when he was blushing furiously and couldn't even face the man who wished to court him, this time, Ichigo acted like he always did, albeit a little poignantly.

"Evening, Byakuya. Let's go in."

"Ichigo, are you not... feeling well?" Byakuya inquired as they both sat down on the frayed mat, the 6th Division Captain as dignified as ever while Ichigo just plopped himself down.

"No issues at all... Actually, I'm not fine. Today is the day of graduation at the university. Ah, sorry, Byakuya, I'm a huge bore. Did you want to see me about something?"

Byakuya shook his head. "There is nothing in particular I wished to see you about. I just wanted to... listen."

"I don't understand."

"Ichigo," began Byakuya, "when you were Hollowfied, did you know that you called out my name and asked for help? Just my name."

Ichigo went red again. "I... did that?"

"Yes. Thus, your Zangetsus, both of them, let me in, to remove the flood in your heart. Once inside your world, I realized that you harboured an immense amount of sorrow, misery, hopelessness. Why did you not share it? Why did you allow it to take root within your soul?"

"So many people die in accidents every other day, Byakuya. I don't see why I have to be given special treatment?"

"It's because the one you died for tried to kill you thrice. Ichigo, understand something. I did not fall in love with you because I was grateful." Byakuya went on calmly as Ichigo let out a sound like a dying duck. "I was enamoured because of how you change those in your vicinity while remaining unwavering on your own. See, Ichigo? Here I am, talking to you about love whereas earlier I never once spoke with respect to any Captain other than Yamamoto-dono. I addressed all with disdain, even my own sister and lieutenant."

"That's just a facade, idiot. I have seen the real you, Byakuya. You care not only about your men, but about their families too. You told me so, remember? You shed tears. And that, more than anything, infuriated me. Want to hear a little story, Byakuya?"

"I do not mind."

"I put up a facade too, you know? In front of my classmates. I always worked hard at academics and did well at school, but people still believed I was a delinquent because of... how I look. They bullied me, hit me. But since I never tolerated such behaviour and retaliated, the rumours around me grew, that I was a very bad boy, did all sorts of bad stuff. So when I entered high school, I thought I needed to give off an image that I was silent, aloof, cold. I always kept a scowl on my face to appear unapproachable. Heh! I wasn't like that at all when I was younger. I laughed a lot with Mama and Dad. I always had fun. Byakuya, the enemies you have faced before, the Espada, the Quincy, they all had a purpose, they fought under the banner of someone with a cause. But humans, they can be vicious. I've faced knives, you know? I thought, "What did I ever do to them to warrant such treatment?" But that's how it has always been."

Byakuya remained staring at Ichigo's face whose gaze was outside the small window, night approaching fast.

"Why did Shiba Isshin do nothing?"

"I never told anyone. When Dad saw my uniform dirtied, I lied to him about playing sports and falling."

"Ichigo, your Zangetsu, both of them, showed me a lot of images. From your past. Those snippets broke me. Especially when I realized why you were so desperate to save Rukia. So once again, forgive me."

"Byakuya, say sorry once again and I'll throw you out of my house."

The Leader of the Kuchiki clan lowered his head. "Yes, Ichigo, this is how you act around Renji and Rukia. I would like it if you considered me to be one of your best friends too.... aside from... the other thing. I would love it if you would laugh and become your old self around me. It would be an honour."

"Why do you always embarrass me to the point where I can't even look at you? And I know you're smirking, even though it's about as small as an atom! Wipe that stupid smirk!"

"I told you. One month is all I need."

"So all of this stuff about wanting to know more about me was a ruse?"

"Of course not! In human years, we may be close in age, but I have lived a century more than you have, Ichigo. You do not understand much about love but I do. I arrived here for the sole purpose of getting to know you more. I made an oath, if you recall. If I am to give to everything, I must learn what you want."

"Thank you. You've given me sanctuary. That's all I ever needed." Ichigo smiled. "I was thinking... I didn't change anyone, you know? Rukia was the one who changed my world. I am indebted to her not only because she provided me with the means to save my family but because of something else too. I never even told Renji about this. No one knows. It was the blood-stains on the walls."

"Blood-stains?"

"You know that I was spiritually aware of Pluses long before Rukia showed up. Their eyes. Their tearful eyes. Their bloodied faces. They made be so upset. It was like someone was running a sword through my chest. I sometimes left school early to meet those I made friends with. I chatted with the elderly, they really loved me. And as for the children, I gave them my old toys. I felt so helpless that there was nothing I could do to make them happy. But then, on certain days, I'd find them gone. I saw blood stains. I now know what happens to Pluses but then I didn't. I hated the blood. I wanted power. Power to shatter fate. And Rukia was fate. That's why I swore I'd defeat anyone who stood in the way of my desire to save her from execution."

"And hence you were determined to crush everything about me so that not a single thought of execution lingered in my mind."

"Yes." Ichigo stated without hesitation. "Additionally, I need to remind you that I began to admire you the instant I noticed the look of acknowledgement in your eyes. It made me feel... good, I guess. I knew then without a doubt that you were a truly noble and fair man, Kuchiki Byakuya."

"You say such things with conviction and yet..."

"I understand what you're thinking, Byakuya. I really do not understand things like romance. I really love you, Byakuya, but perhaps not in the way you hope. Can you tell me the difference?"

"Take your time, Ichigo. Only you can provide yourself with an answer."

"But I'm keeping you waiting. I'm so sorry."

"I will wait. We have all the time in the world."

"But you said... a month..."

"That was a joke."

"Huh? YOU JUST MADE A DAMN JOKE!"

"I have a sense of humour, despite what you or Renji might think. I told him I cut my hair with Senbonzakura."

"WHAT?"

A Hell Butterfly flitted in and landed on Byakuya's finger. "Oh, a Captains meeting. It's about a discussion about whether it is wise to make Kotetsu Isane the Captain of the 4th Division."

"Oh?"

"I regret leaving you Ichigo. I shall visit soon. You are my home."

"I'm not a kid! By the way, you really don't use Senbonzakura to cut your hair, do you?"

Byakuya threw him a look.

After he left, Ichigo tried to go to sleep.

-You are my home.

Chapter Text

Chapter 29

Byakuya's perspective:

You really never knew happiness, Byakuya mused as he gazed up at the moon, sitting on the porch outside his room in the Kuchiki manor. Your heart wept for both the living as well as the dead. And that's why you sought a blade to shatter fate.

Of course I would lose. There was no way I could have won against a sword that was wielded out of grief for every weeping child who had died. Ichigo's soul had cried for them and hence his blade could touch the moon. My sword of Sakura can only ever fall to the ground. And this is the man I tried to kill. How laughable, Kuchiki Byakuya, the height of foolishness.

And yet you took my hand. You have no idea how elated I am, Ichigo. If only I could share the rest of my life with you... That's only if you reciprocate, of course. But will you? You are too... I cannot believe I am associating this term with someone as fierce as you, Ichigo... sweet to learn the intricacies of passion. I cannot touch you and I will not, not without your consent. But you know Ichigo, sometimes, I am overwhelmed with the desire to-

Never mind.

I used to believe humans were inferior. But as I watched you crying on the riverbank as a child, walking back and forth looking for your mother, I learnt that hearts are the same for all, be it Shinigami, Quincy or human. You only ever experienced bruises, wounds, never a loving caress.

If I had met you under different circumstances, would I have felt the same?

No. I needed to be purged by your golden fire. And you needed to see the worst side of me.

I am glad we crossed blades, even though it is the greatest source of my guilt. For it killed you, robbing you of a human life.

"Byakuya-sama?"

His old retainer was calling out to him.

"Yes?"

"Master, the relatives from the branch families have started arriving. Your birthday is a grand affair after all."

Tomorrow is my birthday? Oh, I forgot.

"Rukia-sama and Abarai-dono will arrive in the morning, Master."

"Very well. Thank you."

"Is there anyone else you would like me to invite?"

Ichigo? No, he doesn't like the aristocracy, not after what the council did.

"Perhaps Ichigo-sama?"

"No, that will not be necessary."

"Very well, then. Good night, Master."

"Yes, good night."

I do not want you knowing about my birthday, not since you died recently.

**

"Mornin' Ichigo!"

"Yo, Renji. 'Sup? Why're you here in the Rukongai?"

Ichigo was eating at a small restaurant since Shuhei was not very well (apparently, he had overworked himself, typical Shuhei. Ichigo felt lonely without the 9th Division Lieutenant with his soothing attitude and his deep, pleasant voice. And his dependable elder-brother vibe, something Ichigo craved), and happened to run into Renji.

"Ichigo, you're just the right man! What do you think I should get him?"

"A present? For whom?"

"The Captain, obviously, you nimrod!"

"Whatever for?"

"It's his birthday, dumbass!"

"Is that right?"

"You didn't know?"

"As a matter of fact, I didn't."

"Then..." Renji appeared mortified, "I shouldn't have said anything!"

Ichigo shrugged. "It's no big deal. But why did you come here? Byakuya's big-shot relatives will be there, right? Those snobs will scoff at anything bought from the Rukongai, right?"

"Yeah, but-"

"You're a lieutenant, you get a decent salary, don't you? And besides, I'm sure your presence will be more than enough for Byakuya."

"My salary is decent and all, but the Kuchikis, y'know...? And besides, I'm officially a member of the Kuchiki clan now."

"Oh, right. Ok, let's see if we can get something good around these parts."

"Thanks a ton."

They began scouring the better districts of the Rukongai to look for something remotely presentable. "Hey, that yukata's nice." "There's no way in hell he's wearing something like that!" "Stop nitpicking!" "Dude, that scarf of his-" "Yeah, yeah, I know..."

Their quest went on for hours before Ichigo spoke in a tired tone, "Hey, doesn't he like bananas? Give him a bunch of those." This promptly earned him a kick. "Isn't asking Rukia a better option?" "Actually, no. You're the one he-" "D-d-don't s-say that forbidden word, Renji!" "Ichigo, you really are an idiot."

"Wait a second!" They had just passed by a store and Ichigo doubled back. "Ichigo," Renji called out, "Did you see something good enough?"

"Come inside for a bit."

Renji entered to see what Ichigo was pointing at.

"Oh, come on, Ichigo! Kenseikan? And a goddamn scarf? He always has them on!"

"Check the patterns."

"Cherry blossom engravings on the kenseikan and four-leaved clovers on the scarf. I get the bit about the cherry blossoms, but clovers?"

"Four-leaved clovers are said to bring in blessings."

"Whoa, Ichigo! You really know your stuff!"

"Not really. It's common knowledge in the World of the Living. You can give these to him."

"You've been so helpful, Strawberry! I'll treat you, since Hisagi-san is unwell."

"You don't have to. I eat at that place often, I get discounts. The owner is a good friend."

"Are you sure, Ichigo?"

"Of course! Go have fun with your family!"

"See ya, Ichigo!"

"Bye, Renji!"

Halfway back inside the Seireitei, Renji realized,

-I made Ichigo go shopping with me for the Captain's birthday when he wasn't even invited. He said, 'Go have fun with your family!' I'm such an idiot! I left Ichigo there eating all alone! I never once visited him in his hut! When did I ever become such a celebrity that I'd forget my own roots? He doesn't even have a family anymore and I ditched him! What was I thinking?

Chapter Text

Chapter 30

"What the hell were you thinking, Renji?" Ikkaku yelled at him. Shuhei was frowning at him. "I leave Ichigo for ONE DAY and you idiots ruin his life. Abarai, I didn't expect this from you!"

"I said I was sorry!"

"Also, why didn't Captain Kuchiki invite him?" Rangiku drained her cup.

"I can't seem to fathom Nii-sama's attitude! I asked him, but he said it wasn't necessary." Rukia had her cheeks cupped in between her hands.

"Bit harsh, don't you think?" Yumichika chimed in.

"Kuchiki must have had his reasons." Toshiro intervened.

"I agree." Shuhei nodded his head. "I believe Captain Kuchiki refrained from inviting him because he thought birthdays might be a sore subject for him."

"Oh, Hisagi-san," Rukia perked up, "I hadn't thought of that."

"I hope Ichigo doesn't get upset or anything..." Renji hung his head.

"Don't be stupid, Renji." Rangiku slapped his shoulder. "Ichigo is a good boy. He'll understand."

**

Meanwhile, in his hut, Ichigo was working very hard. He knew Byakuya liked calligraphy and so he tried doing the same as a gift for his dear, no, no, no, no....good friend; phew, that's comforting for now.... (No, he won't say that word, it made him go very red). Red Ichigo did funny stuff like flap his hands and rotate his head.

Ichigo wasn't all that great at calligraphy. Whoever practiced true calligraphy in the modern era like high-class aristocrats from an Edo-looking place like the Seireitei? But at least he tried, although his inky hands were a different story altogether.

He wrote the first word that came to mind when he thought of Byakuya.

-You are my home.

The character for 'home'.

"But how am I supposed to give this to him since I wasn't invited?" He asked nobody in particular. "Maybe I'll visit the Seireitei and ask Rukia or Renji to pass it on to him. Yeah, I'll do that."

**

"Uh, hello. You two are Sentarou-san and Kiyone-san, right?"

"Kurosaki Ichigo-san! Such an honour! Captain Ukitake loved you! And we think you are the best!"

Two hyperactive officers yelled extremely loudly.

"Why do you always copy me, Kiyone? Captain Ukitake said he loves Ichigo-san more to me!"

"Shut up, Sentarou! Captain Ukitake told ME more!"

"He said Ichigo-san was a great man more to me that you, haha! Take that, shrimp!"

"No, he said that to ME first, gorilla!"

Ichigo watched this routine for fifteen minutes as a bird flew in the air serenely. Finally, the two realized that they were being disrespectful.

"Ichigo-san, what brings you here?"

"You can tell us anything!"

"Uh, is Rukia around? I had to give her something."

"Sorry, Sir, but Lieutenant Kuchiki has left for her mansion early this morning."

"..... Oh, I see. No issues."

**

"Um, you're Ryunosuke's brother, aren't you?"

"Oh, Kurosaki Ichigo! You've been my brother's role model! I'm Rikichi, Lieutenant Abarai's loyal subordinate!"

"Um... Is Renji around? I needed to give him something?"

"But he already left with his wife early this morning to the Kuchiki manor."

".... Oh. Thank you."

**

Ichigo sighed. How was he supposed to hand Byakuya that pathetic present? Were the Captains invited? He didn't know. But surely, Kyoraku-san would be, right, being the Captain-Commander and all? He'd visit the 1st Division barracks.

"Um.... hello, Ise-san."

The strict woman with glasses stood up and her gaze softened.

"Kurosaki-san? How may I assist you?"

"Uh... Is Kyoraku-san around?"

"No, I'm sorry, Kurosaki-san. He has left for the Kuchiki manor. But you can tell me if it's anything of importance."

"Importance? No, it's very trivial."

**

Ichigo went back to his hut to find Urahara sitting there nonchalantly.

"Urahara-san?"

"Good day, Kurosaki-san. I came to give you something."

"Huh?"

"Oh yes. You might need it tonight." Urahara's eyes were twinkling from beneath his hat. He was holding out a black cloak with a hood.

"This thing completely shields reiatsu and your presence. Useful, isn't it? Got to run, Kurosaki-san. Enjoy!"

**

That evening, Ichigo put the cloak on and shoved the paper with the calligraphy within the folds of his shihakusho and made his way towards the Kuchiki manor.

"I'll just leave it near the door or something. Heh! It's so bad, he'll probably just throw it away. Or possibly one of his relatives will, the instant they see my name signed on it. But at least, I am repaying him for the hand-gear. I really loved them."

Ichigo felt stupid walking around like a criminal around his own friend's house.

Damn, he thought, their clan is huge! The mansion's overflowing. Oh, there's Rukia and Renji. And why on earth is Byakuya looking like a sour apple when it's his own birthday? That man needs therapy.

Where on earth, mused Ichigo, annoyed, am I supposed to leave this piece of paper? It'll never reach the guy in question. Maybe I'll just go home. I'm sleepy. I'll give it to him another day. But... his present was what kept me going after I died. I have to give it to him tonight-

Ichigo nearly buckled under a massive surge of reiatsu.

Hollows. And these were gigantic. 10 of them.

Ichigo did not hesitate.

**

Meanwhile, Byakuya, Rukia, Renji and Kyoraku ran outside the manor. As they did, they witnessed a thin golden streak of light stark against the crescent moon. To them, it appeared as though someone had slashed through the moon itself.

Chapter Text

Chapter 31

The roars of the Hollows were coming from the direction of the eastern part of the Seireitei, in direct line of the Kuchiki manor. So many people... Of course, Captain-class officers were present, but he didn't want to ruin Byakuya's day. It was probably an affair that Byakuya really enjoyed when his loved ones were alive. Now they had passed away, but still, Rukia was there. She was family. And oh, how he had hammered that into his kenseikan-wearing head. And Renji was family now too. Good. Now the two orphans from the Inuzuri had finally found a home. So Ichigo had to protect their home.

"Getsuga Tenshou!" One Hollow down. A blood-soaked Gran Rey Cero. Five Hollows down. Again a Getsuga Tenshou. Another down. Three more. One of them had spikes instead of claws. Ichigo, although fast, was impaled at the side of his waist.

"Damn! Getsuga... Tenshou!"

Blood dripped profusely, but Ichigo used it to aim another Gran Rey Cero to finish off the last two.

He landed on the ground and realized that his wound was worse than he originally thought. He had forgotten to activate Blut. Quite a bit of flesh was removed. Ichigo had received worse in his lifetime, but that's not to say this didn't hurt.

"Damn it! Oh, the present!"

He used Shunpo to get back to the Kuchiki manor and shoved the paper through a window into Byakuya's room and vanished.

**

"That's definitely a Getsuga!" Renji pointed towards the sky.

"Nii-sama! Captain Commander!" Rukia gasped. "Blood marks! Right there!"

"Who-"

"Did any of our relatives get hurt?"

"But not a single Hollow reached us, thanks to Ichigo."

"I don't feel any foreign reiatsu at all!"

"Rukia, check if anybody got injured."

"Yes, Nii-sama!"

"Byakuya-kun, Renji-kun, go survey the area where the Hollows were seen. Ichigo-kun finished them, but something feels off."

"Yes."

**

"Captain, what we saw was really a Getsuga, wasn't it? Because not a single trace of Ichigo's reiatsu can be sensed here. Was Ichigo even here?"

"That was most certainly a Getsuga. And the red light. A Cero. Who but Ichigo can do that?"

"Yeah, but-"

"Renji. Blood."

"Where?"

"Right here."

"That's... quite a lot. And.... hell... is that flesh? If Ichigo was hurt, why can't we sense his reiatsu at all? And what about the blood near your courtyard, Captain?"

Rukia flash-stepped behind them.

"Nii-sama, no one was hurt. But I found this near your window."

Rukia was holding out a piece of folded paper.

The character for 'home' was inscribed on it. It was amateurish work, and beneath it was a note: "Byakuya, yeah, I know, this thing's horrible. But I couldn't think of anything else to give you. And besides, this was the first word that came to mind when I thought of you. From Ichigo. Thanks for giving me sanctuary."

"Renji, Rukia. Cordon off this area and send word to Kyoraku. Also, notify the 12th Division to have the blood stains checked. It is possible that we shall find a 100% match. As for Ichigo, I shall personally search for him."

**

Byakuya's perspective:

Home.

Is that what you think of me?

I am terrified, Ichigo.

Was that your blood?

Why can I not sense you?

How did you know it was my birthday?

It was you who defeated the Hollows, yes?

But the blood and the flesh?

I am terrified.

Byakuya slammed open the door to Ichigo's hut. It was empty. There were blotches of ink on the floor and discarded sheets of paper.

How hard you worked....

Were you concealing your reiatsu? No, you never learned to do that. You cannot perform kido.

Byakuya dashed out of the hut and re-entered the Seireitei. Should he check in with the 4th Division?

Ichigo wasn't there either.

Hisagi! Of course, Hisagi would know!

"Ichigo? What? You can't find him? How is that possible?"

"Ichigo defeated some Hollows. We saw his Getsuga in the sky. But we couldn't sense his reiatsu anywhere. Do you know something, Hisagi?"

"I only know that the Abarai took Ichigo shopping with him-"

"-ah, that explains Renji's thoughtful presents."

"Precisely. And being a colossal idiot, he told Ichigo that it was your birthday. Perhaps Ichigo snuck in using the reiatsu-concealing cloak of Urahara-san's."

"What? Something like that exists?"

"Yes. Urahara-san created it on the night he disappeared."

"So the blood really was Ichigo's..."

"Blood? What blood? Ichigo was injured? How? Fighting those Hollows? Did you look for him in the 4th Division?"

"He wasn't there."

"Wait here, Captain Kuchiki. I'll check if there were any reportings of unauthorized usage of a Senkaimon."

Shuhei used a Tenteikura to notify the seated officers of every division to gain information about sightings of one Kurosaki Ichigo.

Four people answered back. Nanao, Sentarou, Kiyone and Rikichi.

Ichigo had visited the 1st, the 13th and the 6th Division asking for Kyoraku, Rukia and Renji, saying he had something to give them.

"Captain Kuchiki, I think Ichigo was running around all morning hoping to run into someone who would pass on a certain something to you. Did you receive it?"

"I did. But at the cost of flesh and blood."

-Home.

-You gave me sanctuary.

-If only I had invited you, you wouldn't have been hurt.

-I was the only one who visited you on your birthday only to have you die.

-You were the only one left out on my birthday and you had to shed blood.

-We are never meant to be, Ichigo.

**

Two Hell Butterflies were sent to Captain Kuchiki Byakuya.

One, the blood stains matched. Both belonged to Kurosaki Ichigo.

Secondly, no Senkaimon was opened. But Urahara Kisuke opened a Garganta for Kurosaki Ichigo to fall through.

Chapter Text

Chapter 32

While Byakuya and the rest were looking up at the sky, Ichigo, still wearing the cloak, the sides slashed, limped across the streets of the Rukongai towards his hut.

Again.

Hurt. Again. And no one cares... No one even knows....

I always protect. Always, always, always. It's ingrained in my body.

But when it comes to me... no one remains by my side...

Why do you make promises you cannot keep, Byakuya?

Oh, well... doesn't matter..

Even if there is no one beside me, I'll keep protecting everyone from afar till my body turns to dust. I'll take as many hits for them.

I am 'Ichigo', that is my task.

Protect, but don't expect anything in return.

A splotch of blood gushed to the ground.

"Damn, I should have visited the 4th Division. No, it's better this way. Otherwise, everyone would fuss. Shuhei would come running, all worried. I can't stand that. I want people to be happy."

Too much blood loss.

Can't even perform Shunpo to reach my hut.

But... is it so wrong, Mama, to wish to be on the receiving end for once?

No. That's selfish of me. Dad named me 'Ichigo'. That's who I am.

My head is spinning. I can't see...

So this is the end, yet again, eh?

Not a bad way to go....

Thank you Shuhei. I wish you were truly my blood-brother. I felt so tranquil around you.

Rukia, Renji, live happily. I hope you have a cute daughter.

And Byakuya....

Sorry, I couldn't give you....

....an answer....

Wait. Who is that?

"Ura-hara-san...?"

And what is that black portal?

A garganta.

He pushed me...

**

Oh. Hey, I feel better. A lot better.

Ichigo looked down at his waist.

"High-speed regeneration?"

Oh, of course. This is Hueco Mundo, after all. Injuries gained from Hollows heal better here. The density of reishi is higher.

I'm still wearing the cloak.

Good. At least no one can find me here. Otherwise, idiots like Grimmjow might want a re-match or something.

"I'm tired." Ichigo leaned back against a rock, sweeps of white sand stretching out infinitely before him, the sky as dark as ever, only a sliver of the moon visible.

He fell asleep.

Chestnut eyes fluttering open yet again to see nothing but the same crescent, the cloak having slipped off his prone form, Ichigo began to wonder, "Oi, Urahara-san, when exactly are you planning to re-open the garganta?"

Who cares at this point?

It's peaceful here.

I don't mind dying here.

I never really noticed before, but Hueco Mundo, when Hollows aren't rampaging about, is actually rather beautiful.

I feel far better here than I did at the Soul Society, always having to smile at everyone when I was crumbling on the inside. At least I don't have to pretend here.

Kurosaki Ichigo, he told himself, why did you save the three realms? Only to find yourself homeless? You never really had a place to belong to, being a hybrid of all races, neither fully human, nor Shinigami, nor Hollow, nor Quincy.

"Ah, I'll just go to sleep again."

**

"Kurotsuchi Mayuri. Open the Garganta for me."

It wasn't a request from Byakuya.

"Yes, I knew it was only a matter of time before you asked." Mayuri nodded. "Go, then."

"You are being oddly compliant."

"I do not dislike the boy."

"I see. In that case, you have my thanks."

**

In this vast, endless desert, how am I supposed to find you, Ichigo?

Byakuya's haori flapped in the wind as he gazed before him at the silver dunes beneath the inky heavens.

-Ichigo never said he'd 'Try', he said 'I WILL do it'.

Urahara Kisuke had appeared unusually grave.

"Captain Kuchiki, he couldn't even walk properly, couldn't see. I had to send him to Hueco Mundo to accelerate his Hollow-like high-speed regeneration. He was mumbling a lot of things, words even I could not bear to hear. But perhaps you should be aware."

-Ichigo, please have faith in me.

-Do not give up on me.

-'Home', Ichigo, remember? 'Home'.

Spirit ribbon. I shall look for your spirit ribbon.

Byakuya closed his eyes.

-Come home.

Yes, there, scarlet and strong. Byakuya caught it with his hand.

-But it's so faded.

Byakuya dashed towards the source of the ribbon.

Finally, he found Ichigo. His Ichigo.

Ichigo was lying on the sand, a black cloak draped around his waist, his hair fluttering softly in the breeze.

Byakuya simply fell to his knees beside Ichigo; tentatively, hesitantly holding out an hand to touch his face.

"Ichigo?" He whispered, "Will you not forgive me?"

Hearing the rustling of the Captain's haori, Ichigo woke up. As he did, his honey irises widened.

"Byakuya?"

"Ichigo, come home with me."

"Ah, you really didn't need to come, you know? Urahara-san would have opened the garganta for me once I was completely healed-"

Byakuya removed the cloak from Ichigo's waist and blanched.

"You came to my mansion to leave the present while bleeding like this."

"No biggie, I wanted to repay you for the hand-gear I loved so much..."

"And it couldn't have waited another day?"

"You made my birthday so fun and thus, it had to be on that same day, Byakuya."

"Why did you choose to disappear?"

"I wasn't an invitee. Ah, I totally didn't mind... It's up to you who you invite and who you don't... I didn't want to impose..."

"And would asking for medical aid from the 4th Division also be termed 'imposing' on your part? Isn't Yamada Hanatarou your friend?"

"I was angry, ok?" Ichigo turned away.

"As you have every right to be." Byakuya took Ichigo's hand in his own and kissed it very tenderly. "The calligraphy was terrible... Ink marks all over your palms... But I'm carrying that paper right next to my heart."

Ichigo felt like smoke was emanating from both his ears.

"Wh-wh-wh-what..... a-a-are-?"

"Urahara Kisuke heard everything you were murmuring while you were staggering through the Rukongai. He relayed them to me. You said 'Why do you make promises you can't keep, Byakuya?' and 'Is it wrong to be on the receiving end for once?..."

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking straight..." Ichigo tried to appease his friend and hung his head but Byakuya lifted Ichigo's chin with his hand.

"Someone like you must never lower your head. What you said was absolutely true. And yes, you, more than anyone else in the world, deserve to be on the receiving end." Ichigo remained still as Byakuya kissed him on the forehead. "Now let us return, Ichigo. Let me hold your hand. I do not intend to let go again. It was you who taught me the importance of fighting for family."

"Family? Byakuya, I'm just a friend, an outsider. Not your family."

"No? Then why did you write 'home'?"

"I don't know. It just flashed across my head." Ichigo gazed at the Captain of the 6th Division innocently. Then, he paused. "Hey, Byakuya, do you have a bit of time to spare? I want to know something from you."

"I have all the time in the world."

"Can we sit over there?"

"I do not mind. What is it that you wish to know?"

"Well, uh, remember the time you.. um... asked me to... uh, sorry to bring this up-"

"To save the Soul Society and you looked like you were ready to murder?"

"Yes, that. I rushed to meet Yhwach right after that. He recoiled."

"That man... recoiled...?"

"I wondered later about that too. I reasoned then that I must have looked terrifying. Anyway, we clashed swords and all I remembered was those tears. And the humiliation you suffered. He nearly finished me, but it was then that my Blut was activated. Yhwach said it was because my blood began to remember its origins. I tried to break out of Quilge Opie's Schrift, the 'Jail'-"

"Who is Quilge Opie?"

"He was the Sternritter I fought against right here in Hueco Mundo. He's the one who delayed my entry to the Soul Society, that bastard! Anyway, back to the topic, when I was sealed inside the prison, the transmitter that connected me to Akon-san was still on when the 12th Division sent smaller transmitters to every fighter engaged in battles. So, I heard everything. You... That Sternritter called As Nodt... everything...I went insane... In my fit of madness, I kept on using Getsuga after Getsuga. According to Yhwach, that was what activated my Blut... When I finally broke free, the first person I rushed to see was you and I couldn't get it out of my head. I never attacked anyone so crazily as I did to Yhwach. However, soon after, their Grandmaster, Jugram Haschwalth, snapped Tensa Zangetsu into two."

"Your Bankai was... broken?"

"The point is, I never felt so angry on anyone else' behalf before, Byakuya. Is that the kind of love you were asking for? When Yhwach was about to kill me, I only thought, 'Has anyone rescued Byakuya yet? Orihime can heal him, right?'... stuff like that. Is that love? I told you before, I love you very much, Byakuya, but as for romantic love, passionate love, I only ever read about it. I never watched films or anything. I never got a chance to ask Mama or Dad how I'd feel when I met the one I'm destined for. Please tell me."

Byakuya touched Ichigo's pink face with his free hand yet again, the other still grasping the ex-Substitute Shinigami's palm gently but firmly.

"I am touched to hear this story, Ichigo, having learnt that you felt so deeply about me. However, like I said, you must find your own answers. When you do, promise me you won't say no when I ask you to be a part of my family?"

"You mean, crash at your place. But you'll feel bad every time you'll see me-"

"Ichigo, I meant it in a different sense." Byakuya appeared slightly amused.

"I don't understand."

"A child but."

"I'm not a child! If you must know, I yelled at Kirinji to stop manhandling you at his hotspring. He said 'are you his mom?" Ichigo turned his nose into the air as if saying 'humph'.

Byakuya's eyes flashed. "He manhandled me, you say?"

"Ah, I shouldn't have said that! Don't kill him, man, he saved our lives..."

"Oh, I won't kill him. I'll just present him on a platter to Kurotsuchi Mayuri as a favour," Byakuya's eyes glinted in a sadistic way, "as a token of gratitude for opening up the garganta for me. And for saying 'he doesn't dislike you'..."

"Uh... Should I be afraid if Mayuri says he doesn't dislike me?"

"Probably yes."

Chapter Text

Chapter 33

"Ichigo!"

Shuhei ran towards Ichigo and enveloped him into a fierce hug. "Thank heavens!"

Rukia barrelled into him as well, crying, "Ichigo, Ichigo... What if, what if...?"

Kyoraku and Urahara were there as well.

"Ichigo-kun, I'm very glad to see you safe." He smiled at Ichigo before turning to Shuhei. "I think it would be best if you stayed with him for tonight, Shuhei-kun."

"I was.... so afraid, Kurosaki-san.." Urahara closed his eyes, hidden away in the shadowy depths of his striped hat.

"Ichigo...?" Shuhei whispered softly. "Let's go, yes?"

**

Back in the hut in Rukongai, Shuhei set up a barrier using the kido Tozansho so that Ichigo would be safe from Hollows.

"Hey, Shuhei, there's no need for a barrier, y'know? I can handle Hollows. I was just scratched by a particularly nasty one, that's all. You're treating me like a little boy!"

"No, Ichigo, that isn't what we're doing. We have a very serious problem at hand. Regarding what happened to you."

"What problem?"

"Those Hollows, Ichigo. Normally, in the Seireitei, Hollows do not show up so frequently. But lately... Remember the day you collapsed and I was with you? Then the huge number of Menos Grande showing up on the day of the festival.. Plus a Vasto Lorde. The Hollows you faced recently were unusually gigantic... This isn't normal, Ichigo, not normal at all."

"So..... what's the reason for the abnormal turnout?"

"The 12th Division is investigating as we speak. According to the Captain-Commander, the balance between the three realms is still teetering. The damage the Quincies inflicted... was much too high.. Captain Kurotsuchi already suspected as much, but he isn't satisfied."

"You mean there's something else afoot."

"Yes. For example, you are well-known for your speed. Yet you were badly hurt."

"That's because I was careless."

"No, Ichigo. Your battle reflexes are much too high for mistakes such as those."

"What happens now, Shuhei?"

"You stay here. I will drop by periodically. The barrier will always be in place. The Captains will be busy so you'll have to make do with me."

"Don't say that, Shuhei! After I died and arrived here, you became my family! I love ya as much as I did my sisters!"

"Did? Past tense?"

"I don't know, Shuhei... Dad never comes by, even the time when he ran that sword through me, he disappeared shortly after. He could've requested Kyoraku-san to allow me to use a gigai to meet Yuzu and Karin. I guess I don't matter anymore. They've moved on. But, you know? When Mama left, I didn't. I clung on to her memories."

Shuhei ruffled Ichigo's hair. "Nobody has forgotten you, kid. The thought of meeting you probably scares them, they are not ready to face you yet. You're a very good boy. They can never forget such a wonderful kid like you."

"Shuhei, if I start crying from those nice words you always tell me, I'll tell everyone you're terrible at the guitar."

Shuhei laughed. "There's no shame in crying. Cry all you want. I'm here. Always."

"Say, Shuhei, how will I know when I've fallen in love?"

"I wouldn't know, Ichigo. I've never been in love. I bear too many truths."

"Truths?"

"Some day, I'll tell you. But know this, the world is a very cruel place, Ichigo. That's all the more reason for you to be as kind as possible. But you are already aware of that in your young years."

"Shuhei, you sound like... you've seen and learned too much..."

"I have, Ichigo. There's a small kid in the Rukongai I sometimes go to meet. He needs my help. I teach him a lot of things. He was brainwashed, you know? By Tsunayashiro Tokinada."

"Tokinada?"

"Yeah, the previous Head of that family. I fought against him. That man... he was the one who... tortured the blind Captain Tosen."

"What? Is that why he hated all Shinigami?"

"Partially. But there are other reasons too. Aizen told him a lot of stuff."

"You mean 'indoctrinated' him?"

"No, Ichigo. Aizen was actually fond of Captain Tosen. One of the very few people Aizen truly liked. Aizen never opened his heart to Ichimaru Gin, but Captain Tosen was his confidant."

"A man like Aizen was capable of...?"

"Yes. He was capable of affection. I'll tell you sometime. It was a terrifying battle, it took place in the Valley of Screams. I rescued that innocent kid. And I try to be his guide, you see."

"Wow, you're amazing! No wonder I feel so safe around you. I'm still a kid compared to you."

"Do you feel safe around Captain Kuchiki?"

"Um... You feel like an older brother, a teacher, a kind mentor. But Byakuya... I don't understand, Shuhei... I don't understand about all that passion stuff. I feel so embarrassed when Byakuya says something like, you know....." Ichigo went red again, "But that isn't love. I want to protect him with everything I have, I would take as many hits for him, I would be upset if he is... but that's friendship. I feel the same about Rukia or you or Uryu or Renji. I'm confused."

"Tell me, Ichigo. Would you like to be a part of his family?"

"He asked me that too. But that's silly. I'm an outsider. I just can't crash into someone's house and say, "Yo, Byakuya, I'll be your family from today onwards", now, can I?"

"Bet he'd love that."

"How?"

"But you didn't get my point. By becoming his family, I meant marrying into the Kuchiki clan."

"Huh? How's that possible? All of the nobles probably hate my guts. And I don't want to ruin an innocent girl's life."

"Ichigo, I meant marrying the 28th Head of the clan. As the Head of the Shibas, you are free to do so."

"28th Head? Who the hell is- WHAT? BYAKUYA? Wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-what a-a-re y-y-y-you s-s-saying?"

-I meant it in a different sense.

-Wait, is that what Byakuya was implying?

"I'm just saying that option's open for you."

"Shuhei, will I learn to love Byakuya the same way he loves me?"

"Of course. You called out his name amidst all the pain. Subconsciously, you wanted to be saved by none but Captain Kuchiki. You desired him. And one day, that emotion will rise to the surface. Trust me. Your primary instinct is to protect. If someone wants something from you, your chief reaction would be to give it without hesitation."

**

Byakuya's perspective:

-I had no idea that he thought of only me when he fought against Yhwach.

-You say these things with such ease and then expect me to not fall deeper in love with you.

-The innocence and the honesty with which you narrated that tale of the first invasion rendered me speechless. I did not know you were searching for me specifically, Ichigo.

-You keep repeating 'I really love you' but then think it is platonic. My patience is running low.

-But I love and respect you too much to force an answer out of you. That isn't courting. It is ugliness.

-I shall prove myself worthy. Worthy of someone as high as the moon itself.

-Over and over, you have done your part. It is time I did mine.

His hands, thought Byakuya, were rough, calloused, the skin peeling off. But that's how they should be. Hands that protected. Against my lips, they felt sublime, beautiful. Ichigo isn't delicate, frail, breakable as glass. He's so strong that if one stood before him, it would be akin to standing before an insurmountable mountain, touching the sky. The curves on his face weren't soft, his jawlines were hardened, his smile was winning, challenging and always bordered on a good-natured, chivalrous, gallant smirk. But when I kissed his forehead and touched him, he felt lovely beneath my fingers.

As a warrior, I do not like fragility. Ichigo is none of that.

As someone who has fallen in love, I like sweetness. Ichigo's eyes are like honey. And when I touched him, his expression was as shy as a budding floret on an early dawn, pink bordering on red.

How can such loveliness be present in a man with such ferocity and reckless abandon?

Ichigo, the four-leaved clovers of your choice have blessed me.

I have been alone for more than fifty years. Hisana loved me, but was never 'in love' with me. She was obsessed with looking for her sister.

A request from the terrible man who tried to kill you: Take my hand. Come into my life. Please let us journey together. The cherry blossoms have stopped blooming. Make them blossom once again.

Chapter Text

Chapter 34

Ichigo was strolling around the Seireitei like he owned the place. In a sense, it was true. He did save them over and over. It was late afternoon and he felt like annoying Rukia or perhaps Renji. He missed Shuhei the most. Perhaps he'd take a peek into the 9th Division? Kensei wouldn't mind at all. In fact, in his own gruff way, he would be happy to welcome Ichigo.

But, then again, they were all important Captains and Lieutenants who had work (although what paperwork they did was a mystery.... The description of the ugliest Hollows they had purified? The number of people Kenpachi had scared off? The resources wasted by Rukia for her 'art'?).

Oh well, no point in bothering this lot. Only Shuhei was the best. Ichigo felt like he was defending a cousin who brought him the best candy.

As he was about to turn away to head back to the Rukongai, a voice reached him.

"Ichigo, wait!"

It was Rukia.

"Yo, Rukia? Slacking off, are you?"

"Shut up! No, actually....." Rukia looked shy (Ichigo raised his eyebrows), "Nii-sama wants you to come to dinner this evening."

Ichigo declined on the spot.

"No! I prefer Shuhei's cooking. And besides, things are so stuffy at your place! No one can talk while eating... Table manners.... I'm not coming. You can go tell Byakuya that!"

"No, Ichigo, it's a special occasion... I... um... Well, I am pregnant."

Ichigo's mouth hung open.

"Eh? Eh? Wha-? WHAT? Really? Whoa! That's...." Ichigo didn't know how to express himself, ".... the most wonderful news I've had in months. Be happy, Shorty! I'm truly happy for you! I'll come."

**

"Well," Ichigo cleared his throat at the dining hall where Byakuya, Renji and Rukia were seated, "I am very, very, very happy for two of my greatest friends, no, more than that... Siblings. But as you know, I do not know much about the ways of the Soul Society and how these ceremonies at noble families are carried out. So I could do was pick these."

He held out a bunch of white flowers.

"Uh, these are 'strawberry flowers'. You know, connected to my name. So, uh, if you have a daughter, could you please name her 'Ichika'? I mean, I won't ever get the chance to.... uh, sorry about that. Please accept these."

Rukia took the bunch from Ichigo's hands, her violet eyes misting over.

"Ichika...."

"Thanks, Ichigo." Renji grinned at him.

"I like the name very much." Byakuya asserted.

"So, Byakuya...." Ichigo turned to look at the Captain of the 6th Division, "an uncle, huh? Lucky man you are."

He glanced at the three members of the Kuchiki household. "I hope she'll like me and play with me. I really want to be happy with her. Her birth will mean the world to me... I have no one else... " Ichigo started sounding almost feverish. "Will she call me Uncle too? What do you think? But I don't have anything to give her... "

"Oi, oi, Ichigo, we don't even know if the kid will be a girl in the first place..."

"I hope she'll stay with me," Ichigo went on, not paying attention to Renji, "the Seireitei's full of fighters, she wouldn't like them, would she?"

"Ichigo," it was Byakuya's voice, "that is not for you to decide. Her parents are proud warriors. A warrior's child wouldn't wish to live anywhere but with her parents in the 'barracks', understand? Do not cross your limit when addressing my family since you are not a part of it. You are embarrassing yourself. Rukia and Renji are perfectly capable of raising a child despite their duties, unlike you, an aimless wandering soul from the Rukongai. As an outsider, kindly refrain from making comments such as those."

"Come on, Ichigo, the child's ours, not yours."

Ichigo froze. His face had turned completely blank, lifeless. His hands fell to his sides limply.

"Yes. I crossed the line." Ichigo's tone was dead, perhaps even more so than Hakka no Togame. "I shall never show my face around here."

Byakuya froze at the same time too. Words could kill. If only death would take him at this very moment, he would gladly have died a thousand times over. This was more terrifying than As Nodt's 'Fear'.

This was Ichigo who had written 'home'.

The ex-Substitute Shinigami vanished.

**

"Nii-sama! Renji! FIND ICHIGO AT ONCE! Renji, how dare you? How could you? And Nii-sama? You have no right to court Ichigo! If Ichigo is found, I will never ever let the two of you get close to him! I'll let Hisagi-san know."

**

"Shuhei. Let's do it." Kensei nodded at Shuhei. "Ichigo, come."

"Right. And Shuhei, thank you for everything. I wish I had known you sooner."

**

"Hisagi-san!" Renji was panting as three people were staring at him ruthlessly. Shuhei, Kensei, Shinji.

"Yes, Abarai?"

Renji flinched at Shuhei's flinty voice.

"Do you know where Ichigo might be?"

"And what makes you think I would know?"

"Well... you two are quite close..."

"I know nothing."

"... Really?"

"Why would he lie, Renji-kun?" Shinji wasn't wearing his usual grin. "Did... something... happen that would make you think otherwise?"

"Uh, well... Rukia said that-"

"Kuchiki never came here." Kensei offered.

"Oh."

"Did you do something to Ichigo that would warrant an appearance from Kuchiki in this office?"

"Do something? Well, not exactly..."

"I see." Shuhei seemed as cold as Ichigo. "Than you may leave. We have work."

**

"I called this meeting here to discuss something very alarming. The disappearance of our Ichigo-kun."
Kyoraku was radiating an aura that did not bode well. "If anybody knows anything, then please step forward."

"Ichigo disappeared? When?" Toshiro narrowed his eyes.

"A few hours ago, apparently. Captain Muguruma informed me that Lieutenant Abarai came looking for him in the 9th Division."

"Is it like the time when he had to be transported to Hueco Mundo?" Rose inquired.

"No, Urahara-kun told me he knew nothing about Ichigo-kun's disappearance. Can you tell us anything, Captain Kuchiki?"

"I have nothing to say."

"Nothing to say?" Snarled Kenpachi, "Weren't you the one who waxed poetry about wooing Ichigo? If you care that much, then why're you just standing there?"

"I have nothing to say."

"Captain Kuchiki, are you sure?" Shinji hissed. "Words aren't pretty, or so I've been told."

Byakuya snapped his head to look at Shinji. "Are your implying something?"

"Nothing at all. Just that... I've seen the world more than you have, lil' Byakuya."

"So not one of you can tell me anything? Captain Muguruma, does Shuhei-kun know anything?"

"He doesn't. And in case you want to know about Lieutenant Kuchiki, she is pregnant and we told her to rest. Additionally, we said she would be the first to know of any news."

"And Captain Kurotsuchi?"

"I do not have time for such matters."

"Any unauthorized usage of Senkaimon?"

"Unauthorized? You jest."

**

Byakuya stood inside Ichigo's hut.

The man with no family. Oh yes, Byakuya had certainly made sure of that.

'Home'.

He will never return.

He is probably in the World of the Living. Urahara Kisuke had covered for him.

Kurotsuchi Mayuri knew. His emphasis on the word 'unauthorized' was proof. It was a Captain who had opened a Senkaimon for Ichigo. It was most likely Muguruma Kensei. And Hisagi knew everything, every last detail. He would continue to detest the aristocracy for eternity. And Hirako Shinji was aware of the situation too.

-I have no right to love you. Rukia was correct.

-I practically forced you out of your home. The very man I hoped to share my life with.

-I will not look for you.

-This is where we shall part.

This is just like the story I hated so much.

-Farewell, Kurosaki Ichigo, the one I shouldn't have met.

-Ichigo, I love you.

It began raining. Heavily.

A tremendous surge of golden reiatsu startled all in the Seireitei.

"All Captain and Lieutenants, please gather at the 1st Division barracks. I repeat, all Captains and Lieutenants of the 13 Court Guard Squads, assemble at the Captain Commander's office."

The peals of bells resounded throughout the Seireitei.

Chapter Text

Chapter 35

All the Captains stood in order with their respective Lieutenants behind.

Kyoraku appeared to be waiting for something.

The door to the Captains' meeting hall was slammed open unceremoniously and the one who entered was none other than Ichigo himself.

"Ichigo!" Rukia and Shuhei exclaimed at the same time, while Renji gasped, "Ichigo, your looks!"

Byakuya heart bloomed like a budding flower.

-You came back!

However, Ichigo paid no attention to anyone other than at the duo from the 9th Division and Kyoraku.

Panting, he addressed them, "I figured out the Hollow issue that had been bothering you! And you won't like it."

"But Ichigo-kun, you look older!"

"Yes, technically, I'm around 25 or 26 at the moment."

"You only went missing for a couple of hours!" Toshiro cried, not understanding the situation.

"And the wounds, Ichigo? What happened?"

"Please, all of you, let me explain. It is indeed true that the three worlds are still teetering. But the real problem began a few months ago when the distortion encroached upon the Dangai too. I aged while fighting Hollows in there. When the Senkaimon was first opened for me, I ran through the Dangai, so no aging effects were noticeable. Then, when I reached the World of the Living wearing Urahara-san's cloak, I saw a woman in her thirties walking with a young boy. I couldn't believe my eyes when I realized it was my own sister Yuzu. I only recognized her because of the hair accessory she used to wear ever since she was a cute child, a clip that looked like a strawberry. She used to say it was like her 'onii-chan'." Ichigo took a minute to compose himself. Byakuya turned his eyes away. "Anyway, the World of the Living had advanced by 20 years or so. That's why my father never came to visit me, said I'd be devastated. With this temporal distortion in mind, I concluded that there had to be a spatial one too. That's why Hollows that should be appearing in the World of the Living are ending up here. Gillians from the Forest of the Menos are showing up in the Soul Society. Do you understand? The Dangai is shrinking!"

There was a collective intake of breath.

"Ichigo-kun, are you sure?"

"Positive. I mean, look at me. I'm living evidence. My hair has grown out. My physique has changed too. Ask Kurotsuchi Mayuri to confirm it."

Ichigo looked at Mayuri who had his eyes narrowed.

"I hadn't... quite ruled out that possibility... but it was so slim.... The incident orchestrated by Tsunayashiro Tokinada must have added fuel to the fire. I shall check."

Mayuri left.

"Ichigo," began Renji, "why did you come back? You could have been happy there. So what if your sisters had aged? You could've been an uncle. Your father was there. This problem was ours. You hated us after what we said. You needn't have come back."

"Are you stupid?" Ichigo and Rukia yelled at Renji at the same time and then looked at each other, Rukia smiling proudly at Ichigo.

"Renji," Ichigo stated clearly, "my reason should have been clear to you by now. I came back to save the Soul Society."

"Like always." Grinned Kenpachi maniacally.

"Forever." Murmured Shinji.

"Never changing." Smiled Toshiro.

**

"Yes, I have confirmed what Kurosaki Ichigo said." Mayuri told everyone gathered at the surveillance room.

"So what do we do?" Asked Ichigo."

"We wait for Hollows to show up. The rate at which the distortion is occuring, we can expect hordes to appear soon. The more we purify, the closer we will be to solving the problem."

"But if twenty or thirty Hollows show up, the issue will not be solved. We need to fight an amalgamation of them." Ichigo turned to the rest. "I mean, Gillian and above that level. Preferably Vasto Lorde class."

"That is very practical and all, Ichigo, but how in hell are we supposed to fight multiple Vasto Lorde?" Renji asked.

"Oh, please," Ichigo sounded dismissive, "your Bankai changed, didn't it? And Toshiro suddenly has a new elder brother, yes?" Ichigo glared at the short Captain who meekly replied, "But I really do... I just didn't tell everyone..."

Ichigo looked around at the lot.

"So, Gotei 13, are you just going to give up and not make a stand?"

"We'll try, of course, but-"

"Try, Captain Hirako?" Byakuya spoke for the first time since Ichigo's return. "I thought you knew more about the world than I or this boy here did. Once upon a time, this boy, knowing absolutely nothing about the ministrations of the Soul Society, barged in and defeated many, many Shinigami, including myself, with resolve alone to save my sister. He never once thought of 'trying', he did it because he simply had to."

Ichigo never once turned to look at Byakuya, something which Renji noticed.

Ichigo had now taken control of the situation instead of Kyoraku. "Captains, Lieutenants, you are the Gotei. Your task is to guard the Rei-o's court whoever he may be." He glanced at Shuhei who nodded in encouragement. "Shinji, Kensei, Rose, forget about pride and use your masks. Everyone with long-range shikais and bankais shall be the vanguard, stationed at each of the four gates. Renji, your wife will not enter the fray, is that clear?"

"Y-yes, Sir, I mean, Ichigo!"

Everyone was awed at the fine leadership skills displayed by Ichigo.

"Kenpachi and the rest of squad 11 will be our main combat unit. Happy, Kenpachi?"

"You bet, Ichigo!"

"The 4th Division will not be deployed to the frontlines. I would like it if Ise-san erected Kido barriors to protect the unseated Shinigami."

"Yes, Kurosaki-san."

"The 12th Division should do exactly as they did those years back. Assist all Shinigami through transmissions."

"And what must I do, Ichigo-kun?" Kyoraku asked Ichigo fondly.

"Remain everyone's inspiration as always," Ichigo smiled, "as the Captain Commander."

"And where will you be?"

"I will be at the Rukongai. That's where Hollows appear the most. I'll protect everyone there."

**

-He wouldn't look at me.

-I knew it, he tried to run from us, because my words hurt him beyond imagination.

-Yet, like always, he rushed back here to protect us, sacrificing his own happiness again. Again and again.

-You said you'd never appear before me.

-But a life without you in it....

-I wanted you to become a part of my family....

-In human years, you and I are of the same age. You look even more striking now, even more dashing.

-We wait for our next war.

-Byakuya, I don't want to get involved in wars anymore.

-I can say sorry to you till I lose my voice, but even that won't be enough.

Chapter Text

Chapter 36

At the Research and Development Room:

"I called you here, Kurosaki Ichigo," Mayuri wasn't looking at Ichigo but was fiddling with something, "to gather some information. Before you arrived at the Soul Society to rescue Kuchiki Rukia, you were attacked by a Menos Grande in Karakura Town. Why was that?"

"Aizen was behind it."

"I am aware, silly child. What I meant was, what initiated its arrival?"

"Oh that. Well, Uryu used a Hollow bait to gather as many Hollows as possible to the town to compete with me."

"Interesting." Mayuri tilted his head.

"You're not thinking of creating one, are you?" "That's exactly what I was thinking. It's the best shot we have. I shall make an improved version, of course." "It's dangerous! People in the Rukongai might get hurt!" "Weren't you the one saying you'll protect everyone in the Rukongai, that you won't 'try', but 'will' do it?" "Don't go putting my own words into my mouth. You know full well that the usage of such a device is wrong." "So you're saying that we all sit back and watch the Dangai shrink?" "That's not what I'm saying! Hollows will appear automatically. We don't need to force them to come here." "I authorize the usage of the Hollow bait." A voice came from behind. It was Kyoraku. "But Kyoraku-san..." "We need the Dangai problem solved as soon as possible, Ichigo-kun." Ichigo did not say anything more. Kyoraku went on, "Captain Kurotsuchi, make sure everyone has a transmitter with them in case they require assistance. And use Tenteikura to inform every Captain and Lieutenant that they have one hour to prepare themselves. After that, we use the Hollow bait." "At least let Urahara-san join in..." "Of course, Ichigo-kun. I already informed him. He approves of the usage of the Hollow bait." "Fine. I'll go station myself at the Rukongai. Oh, and Captain Kurotsuchi, could you let certain people know that I do not require their aid? I prefer doing things alone." Ichigo used Shunpo to disappear. "Ah.... Shuhei-kun told me what happened. Byakuya-kun may as well forget about about courting Ichigo-kun." "That boy is very intelligent. But too soft." "Odd that you of all people would praise someone." "He understood the spatial issue along with the temporal one on his own. I do like people with brains."

Chapter Text

Chapter 37

"What the hell?" Yelled Renji, "A bait is going to be used? Two Captains are sanctioning it? Why was there no fair election in a meeting? What do you think, Captain Kuchiki?"

"I do not approve of the usage of a Hollow bait. I have never seen eye-to-eye with Kurotsuchi in most cases, but Kyoraku agreeing.... The problem must be escalating faster than we thought."

"But who knows what that bait will end up bringing here? What if more than ten Vasto Lorde class Hollows show up? We're finished!"

"We just won a battle with the Quincies."

"Even so... And that stupid Ichigo... Refusing help... Heard Captain Kurotsuchi got the idea from him."

"What did you just say?"

"Yeah... You probably didn't know this, Captain, since back then you only knew Ichigo as the Shinigami who defeated a Menos Grande, but it was lured to Karakura because of a Hollow bait used by Uryu. Actually, that's wrong. Aizen sent the Menos. But it's true that several Hollows were popping up in Karakura due to that bait. We saw the Menos through the bug, right?"

"I see. So that was what transpired. And I suppose Ichigo decided to protect the entire town on his own?"

"He wanted to, but couldn't. He nearly died if Uryu hadn't intervened."

Byakuya stopped short at this. Back then, Ichigo was only borrowing power. And with that tiny amount, his feats were remarkable. And now, he had his own massively immense reservoir of reiryoku. Still.... What if... what if....?

"Renji, he doesn't want help because of what I said."

"He came back, though. For us."

"Yes. For us. To save us. Renji, you do not understand. That man will keep on protecting even if he gets hurt, bodily or mentally, standing up again and again-"

"Heh, don't I know it! What was that word he used? Yes, 'resolve'."

"Renji, I wasn't done talking. Ichigo... his body may turn to dust, his heart may yearn for love, but he won't ever beg. He will keep saving us from afar and then walk away in silence, blessing us. He will never plead nor will he want us to plead forgiveness He will only look at us if we prove ourselves worthy. Both of us tried to end his life at one point, yet why does he call us his 'friends'? Because he has seen that the ideals he had fought for has been conveyed to us for good."

**

"Just one hour to prepare?" Rangiku yelled at the transmitter.

"Drop it, Matsumoto, there's nothing we can do except go through with it. I understand Kurotsuchi doing stuff like this, but why Kyoraku approved is but a mystery...."

**

"Are you sure, Sir?" Shuhei whispered to the Captain Commander.

"Don't let anyone know. Last time, it was used by Tokinada. It took me great pains to obtain this."

"But the Kido cannon takes too long to recharge."

"No matter. We have Urahara-kun. I've asked him to entrap as many Hollows as he can within Kurohitsugi and finish them."

"A chant-less Kurohitsugi is meaningless, Captain Commander."

"You buy time for him. He'll need a bit of time for the full chant."

"Right."

"Don't use Bankai, Shuhei-kun."

"Understood."

"Ah, there he is."

**

"Akon, activate multiple-way transmissions for each Captain-class Shinigami so that everyone knows where the others are."

"Yes, Captain Kurotsuchi. And the bait?"

"Batter than Ishida Uryu's, of course. This one doesn't lure small fry."

"Captain, I don't think anyone will want to hear this."

"Don't they realize the Dangai situation?"

"They do, but I'm sure they're afraid of what might arrive here in the Soul Society."

"Hmmmph. Doesn't everyone say how mighty the one who holds the title of 'Kenpachi' is? Then with oh so many gallant and knightly warriors in our 'beloved' Gotei, I don't quite see the problem."

Chapter Text

Chapter 38

Only Ichigo was handed a special transmitter by the joint venture of Urahara and Mayuri that signalled the approach of each Hollow in each site and the Shinigami closest to it. He was free to warn anyone in need.

The formation was simple. Ichigo was outside the Seireitei, just outside the Hakutomon, guarding the Rukongai, yet close enough to rush to anybody's need should they require assistance. Stationed at the four gates were four Shinigami with long range Shikai and Bankai, namely, Kuchiki Byakuya and the three Visored Captains, Shinji, Kensei and Rose.

Following this vanguard were Renji, Toshiro, Soi Fon, Kenpachi.

On two roofs, flanking the vanguard, were Shuhei and Urahara, one meant to buy time for the other to use high-level Kido, particularly, a full chant Kurohitsugi. Finally, at the very back, was Kyoraku, readying the Kido cannon, with ministrations from Mayuri and help from Nanao. Ikkaku, Yumichika and Rangiku were meant to guard all the fighters in general.

Akon's voice crackled through the transmitter.

"Activating the usage of the Hollow bait. Please be on guard."

A deafening roar rent the evening sky into two as five Hollows appeared to Ichigo's left.

"Getsuga Tenshou!"

More were coming, more and more. Ichigo kept checking their directions.

"Shuhei," he instructed, "2 o' clock position, a Garganta will open."

"Reap, Kazeshini."

Four Hollows were finished.

"Getsuga...." 8 had appeared to Ichigo's right, ".... Tenshou!" More were arriving. "Getsuga Tenshou! Getsuga Tenshou! Getsuga Tenshou! Shinji, 8 o'clock position, Kensei, Rose, I think 10 of them!"

In a swift, fluid motion, the three Visored Captains ran a hand over their faces and bone-white masks appeared, obscuring their looks.

Three extremely potent Ceros were fired.

"Toshiro! Adjuchas! 3 o'clock position!"

"Right! Bankai! Daiguren Hyorinmaru! Horyu Senbi!"

"Renji!"

"Hikotsu Taiho!"

"Not good enough, Abarai!" Soi Fon frowned. "Bankai! Jakuho Raiko-"

"No, don't use it now!" It was Kyoraku. "Save it for later! Captain Hitsugaya, do your thing!"

"Yes. Hyoten Hyakkaso!"

Flowers of ice began to bloom on the body of the adjuchas until it was encased in a pillar of florets of silver.

"Gillians, Ichigo!"

"Gran Rey Cero!" Ichigo finished four and when more arrived he ran towards them and physically broke their masks with his bare hands.

More were coming through. Shuhei was killing an endless number of them with his scythes before turning to Urahara who nodded.

"Everyone, please step back." Urahara ordered. "Hado 90: Kurohitsugi."

A massive coffin of black trapped several Hollows within the mausoleum, destroying many, many.

"Thanks, Urahara-san!"

"No problem, Kurosaki-san, you just focus on your end."

"Right. Getsuga... Tenshou! Getsuga Tenshou! Getsuga Tenshou! Kenpachi, 5 o' clock position!"

"Gotcha! Drink, Nozarashi!"

With that, Kenpachi killed sixteen adjuchas.

"Getsuga Tenshou! Getsuga Tenshou! Getsuga Tenshou! Getsuga Tenshou! Captain Kuchiki, behind you! Two adjuchas!"

-You won't call me by my name anymore?

"Gokei, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi."

Ribbons of lovely pink blossoms began to whirl and form a sphere, consuming the Hollows within its maws.

"Getsuga Tenshou! Getsuga Tenshou! Captain Kuchiki, 9 o' clock position! Oh hell, it's Grimmjow! Kuchiki, careful!"

-Kuchiki? Why so detached? Am I just another Shinigami to you? No one special? Then again, you didn't even reciprocate. How ludicrous to even think you ever loved me!

-But I'm the one who called you an outsider, disregarded your love for my unborn niece or nephew....

"Hoh, what's this? A fine reiatsu indeed! A Captain, eh?" Grimmjow drawled, "This should be interesting!"

"Espada!" Urahara yelled out to Byakuya, "Captain Kuchiki, he's the Sexta. Do not lower your guard!"

Shuhei flash-stepped to Urahara's side. "Urahara-san, what should we do?"

The man with the green striped hat seemed to hesitate. "He was an ally..."

"Well," Grimmjow's feral side awoke, "why don't I begin by gutting you? But..." he frowned, "You don't seem like you'll put up much resistance... It doesn't matter... I'll..."

"WHY THE HELL ARE YOU JUST STANDING THERE, ARISTOCRATIC IDIOT?"

Byakuya spun around. So did Grimmjow.

"Kurosaki! You're here, too?" The Sexta Espada appeared delighted.

"I-ichigo?" Byakuya inquired tremulously.

"Don't just stare like a moron, Captain Kuchiki! Where's your pride? And Grimmjow, go home. I don't want a duel with you!"

"What? This man's important to you?"

"Very."

-Ichigo! I.... don't know what to say...

"Hmph! So why're you here, Kurosaki?" Grimmjow asked.

"I died."

"Somehow, I never quite imagined you kicking the bucket!" Grimmjow had an odd look in his electric blue eyes. "What happened?"

"It's not like you were ever my well-wisher. So why bother?"

"True, it's really not my business. But... believe me when I say, I never wanted you to die as a human. You deserved a warrior's death. You... tend to leave a lasting impression on those you cross paths with. As an obituary, I won't fight you. But ask that man over there to battle me."

"Fine. Captain Kuchiki is more than capable. Both of you like fairness. Captain, prepare yourself. Draw Senbonzakura."

Byakuya had lost the will to fight.

"Kuchiki, remember who you are. A proud Captain of the Gotei 13. It is your duty to protect the Court. It is most unbecoming of you to back away."

Byakuya remembered a couple of phrases from a while back. "Kurosaki Ichigo, what is your duty? To protect Karakura Town. You are their Substitute Shinigami. Captains of the Gotei 13 do not need help from the likes of you."

-I cannot fight unless....

"Byakuya! Fight! I am right here!"

A couple of Gillians shot Ceros at Ichigo, but Ichigo lifted his right hand and swatted them away before striking them down.

-My name.... Thank you...

"Senkei, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi."

"Grind, Pantera!"

The battle went on while Ichigo and the others went on responding to the Hollow bait.

Finally, Grimmjow breathed out, "You have chosen well, Kurosaki. This man, with his razor-sharp will, is worthy of you."

Ichigo smirked. "Tell me something I don't know."

"Heh! I'll return to Hueco Mundo. I want a rematch, though."

"And you'll get it."

Ichigo made to dash back to his designated position and but was held back, wrist grabbed.

"Marry me, Kurosaki Ichigo."

"Byakuya, I thought stuff like proposals took place in romantic places. Getsuga Tenshou!"

"They do, but for someone like you, declaring love is best suited on battlefields! What say you? Will you be mine?"

"I will, yes, make no mistake about that."

"You seem so sure. And you aren't blushing."

"I am an outsider. You told me so. After I went to the World of the Living, I realized I belonged no where. So, I told myself.. "I sought help from Byakuya. If he truly loved me, he would prove himself. If he didn't, I would still keep loving and protecting his home and Rukia's and Renji's and watch their kid grow from afar. That would be my happiness. I wouldn't ever stop loving Byakuya. There you go... Is that reciprocation? i don't know..."

"Ichigo...."

"Getsuga Tenshou! Getsuga Tenshou! Kyoraku-san, 10 o'clock position, to your left."

"Thank you, Ichigo-kun. Now everyone, please scatter. I have readied the Kido cannon."

"Kyoraku-san! Vasto Lorde! Seven arriving. 4 o'clock position. Rangiku-san, to your right!"

"Right. Soi Fon, you may use your Bankai now. 10 seconds before the cannon is activated."

"Jakuhoraikoben!"

"Gran Rey Cero!"

"Senkei Ougi: Ikka Senjinka!"

"Nozarashi!"

"Kurohitsugi!"

A beam of blindingly white light and figures faded in the distance. The opening of the garganta was empty.

"NO! We're not out of the woods yet!" Ichigo yelled into the transmitter. "More will come out. We'll tighten the defence! They are attacking this area alone, being attracted to high reiatsu. Let's close in and kill as many in one fell swoop."

Byakuya pulled Ichigo close. "Oi, now isn't the place nor the time-"

"Get used to proximity. All this time, I've refrained from touching you. Now, on the other hand-"

"P-p-p-p-proximity? Um... I.. uh... Oh, more of them! Gran Rey Cero! Getsuga Tenshou!"

"I do not know which side of you I love more, the oblivious, stuttering Ichigo, or the confident, smirking, breath-taking warrior..."

"Getsuga Tenshou! When did you... Getsuga Tenshou.... become such a silver-tongue... Getsuga Tenshou...?"

"I did say.... Gokei, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi.... I would court you, Ichigo... Ikka Senjinka...!"

"Every warrior... The Dangai is normalizing... We're going to win this! Just a bit more!" Akon's voice was heard.

Chapter Text

Chapter 39

It was over. There were yells of appreciation and victory all across the Seireitei. Kyoraku's voice was heard through the transmitter, "Let's drink!" To which, there were screams of "Yeah!"

Byakuya grabbed Ichigo and used Shunpo to get away. They landed in the garden of the Kuchiki manor.

"We were going to celebrate!"

"There will be time enough for that. You can join them later. But first, I will do what you wished for. A proposal in a proper manner. Come with me, Ichigo."

Byakuya strode across the yard, Ichigo trotting behind, heart beating fast.

"In this estate, there is a place- Ah, here we are."

Ichigo gasped. Flowers everywhere. An arbour at the centre with a large stream and a red, curved bridge overhanging. Wisteria, willow.... every tree seemed to sway in approval. The moon, high in the sky, shimmered on the surface of the rippling lake, petals of Sakura drifting. Ichigo was looking around, awe and innocent wonder etched upon his handsome face.

"Kurosaki Ichigo, I, Kuchiki Byakuya, humbly request for your hand in marriage and union. Am I welcome in your life?"

"Yes, you have always been, Kuchiki Byakuya, ever since the time you thanked me and reconciliated with Rukia. I've been a nuisance ever since then, haven't I, addressing you by your given name. But Byakuya, tell me something. Why me? There are better people, far better people-"

"NO!" Byakuya was vehement. "It was always you from the start. When I realized that you were fighting the orthodoxy, not me as a person; despite your gaze on me being so intense, I wanted to know what that look would feel like if it were under different circumstances. It was mere curiosity at the beginning... Then, as you grew into a man, I found myself wanting 'this', yearning for you. To you, I represented the stagnancy of the Soul Society. To me, you were the breath of fresh air I needed to inhale and be kissed by. Understand?"

"Yes, Sir. Oh, I nearly forgot.... I got something from the World of the Living. Meant to give it to you, but you know, amidst this mess... Here, a ring. I wanted to tell you that I may be an outsider, but I'll never stop loving."

Ichigo suddenly found himself getting wrapped by a pair of arms that only knew how to wield a blade and use Kido.

"This 'love' you speak of... Is it different?"

"Well... when I was told... you-know-what, I didn't wait, I ran straight to Shuhei and requested him to open a Senkaimon. I wasn't thinking straight, my soul was screaming in despair. I promised I'd never return. If your words hurt that much, I must be in love with you, right, Byakuya?"

"I swear I shall never use such repugnant words again. To think you already chose a ring.... You never cease to amaze, Kurosaki Ichigo. And beneath the full moon, you appear so.... inviting, sensual... I cannot hold myself back, but I will till the wedding. I am conventional."

"I-i-i-i-inviting! What the hell are you teaching a kid?"

"A kid about to get married. You say the most ridiculous things when flustered. Oh, I believe I never got around to formally say this: Ichigo, I love you."

"S-s-s-same...." Ichigo gulped like a halibut with gills.

"What an unromantic man!"

"Byakuya, your drawings of Seaweed Ambassador suck!"

"I may love you, Ichigo, but that does NOT mean you shall get away with insulting-"

"Hahahahahaha!"

Byakuya, stunned beyond words at the unfettered laughter, simply stared at Ichigo, feeling like he was being embraced by the golden sun on a winter's morn.

Yes, you are both the sun and the moon, Ichigo. Light a fire so strong in me; someone whose flames had long dimmed; that it burns for eternity, loving only you, glancing at no one but you.

"Byakuya, so this is home, huh?"

"Yes, our home."

Chapter Text

Chapter 40

"There's no freaking way I'm EVER wearing something like that!" Ichigo thumped the floor of the Shiba residence as Kukaku was trying to force him into the stupidest (according to Ichigo) looking formal kimono of the century. His father was there too, rolling on the floor with what 'appeared' to be 'happiness on behalf of his lovely son', but in truth, it was because of the garment.

"It's your damn wedding, idiot!" Kukaku tried to tie the obi around his waist while Urahara snickered.

He was the one who designed this. Yoruichi was beating him up. "How dare you make my favourite boy wear something so outrageous!"

"Why can't I wear my usual Shihakusho? How the hell am I supposed to strap Zangetsu on the awful kimono?"

"SHUT UP! You're making the most noise, Ichigo!" It was Ganju.

"You're the one doing it, super-moron!" Kukaku grabbed Ganju by the ear.

Amidst all the commotion, there was a flurry of Sakura. Once the swirl had vanished, Ichigo had disappeared too.

"Hoh? Didn't know lil' Byakuya was so- 'ahem'....?"

"He just couldn't wait any longer, could he?"

**

"Thanks, man, you rescued me from having to wear that dumb outfit." Ichigo exhaled. He and Byakuya were now inside a very beautiful room. "Whoa! This is yours? It's amazing! So spacious and breezy! I wish I had a-"

Ichigo paused, realizing what he had just said.

"It is your room. And mine."

"Yep. I'll stop rambling." Ichigo's hands were shivering.

"Are you afraid, Ichigo?"

"Not at all. Actually, yes, I'm terrified."

"You must understand, Ichigo, becoming one does not mean union of the flesh, it is the joining of the heart and soul through love. There is nothing to be afraid of. Marriage is consummated not to procreate but to strengthen love and comprehend each other's souls. Look at me, Ichigo. It's just me, Byakuya, someone you've known for years. I am no stranger. Just look at me. Everything will be fine. Yes?"

"Yes. I will protect your emotions."

"That's the 'One Protector' I pledged my life to. I, in turn, will protect your very essence."

Byakuya moved closer to Ichigo. With one hand, he clamped his fingers, curling them around Ichigo's slightly trembling ones.

"Byakuya?"

"Yes?"

"It's a good thing that I died."

Ichigo found his face being gently touched by a palm and immersed in an impassioned, intense, fervent kiss.

Breaking apart, Byakuya breathed, "Never that, Ichigo. I would have loved you and looked forward to your visits here... Perhaps, eventually I would indeed have asked for your hand. But I never wanted you to die, deprived of a happy life. Whatever else I may be, I am not selfish, you know that."

"Of course. But right now, it is I who's elated at having died prematurely. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known such tenderness... No one would have loved me the way you do."

"You think so?"

"I don't think. I know."

Byakuya, smiling softly, gazing in amazement, murmured,

"You are tempting me too much, Ichigo. With your words, your convictions... No, you need not be afraid. You are sacred, unblemished. It will not hurt, it is my vow. Do I have your trust, my love?"

"Without a shred of doubt."

Byakuya's hand moved towards the black fabric covering Ichigo's muscular chest; his heartbeats were like thunderclaps.

"Welcome home, Ichigo."

"Glad to be here."

Byakuya leaned forward for a second kiss, whispering, "I am yours, Ichigo. Evermore."

"I'm home, Byakuya."

FIN