Eternity Released

To heidlebergchick: Thank you for your kind words. I hope to continue this story for a few more chapters, but I'm just going with the flow of it. Please, stay tuned for more.

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Jyuushiro's POV

The first time I saw you, you were only a small child, clinging to your mother's kimono even as your grandfather looked at you, disapproval plain in his eyes. Your grey eyes were taking in everything around you, so curious and so nervous. You reminded me of a cat, taking it's first steps into a new world. Then you smiled and my heart felt light. The innocence radiating from that smile made me want to protect you, to keep all the horrors and pains of the world away from you. I felt my hands shaking slightly, and there was an ache in my muscles, a wild sensation of sudden anger at a world who would rob you of that innocence. We were standing just outside my estate, a soft breeze making wind chimes sing quietly. I can no longer remember what we were talking about, so I guess it wasn't that important, but I remember Yoruichi coming by and how you tried to grab her hair, short as it was then.

Your grandfather would look at you, then observe me in that slightly unnerving fashion, making my lips twitch into an apologetic smile, not sure what I was apologizing for. Then his eyes would find the top of your head and it felt like he was fighting an urge to roll his eyes. Ginrei-san was always so tired, thin lines of worry intertwining with the lines of age.

"Byakuya. You are wrinkling your mother's clothes." Ginrei-san's voice held an air of impatience and that bone deep tiredness.

You let go of her kimono as if it had burned you.

"I am sorry, Mother." Then you tried to smoothen the fabric, a faint blush staining your pale cheeks.

I wanted to tell Ginrei that he should go easier on you. I wanted to make you smile again, but it was not my place, the both of you so much higher in the nobility. That day I remembered my old oath to never obey without asking questions, to never be just a tool.

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Shunsui and myself would get into all kinds of trouble during our Academy days, our skills in kidou and shunpou saving our hides more than once. I still to this day enjoy stirring up mischief, but I have responsibility now, and more people would get hurt. I can see that you know the weight of it clearly, your once laughing eyes now hard as granite and cold as the steel of Hitsugaya's zanpakuto. I remember that innocence you used to have as I look at you, standing so proud and tall next to me in the meeting hall, the child you used to be buried under decades of pain, lost and shattered dreams.

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You developed so fast when you got to the Academy, it was both thrilling and slightly scary to watch. Sure, you were still a hot head, finding insults and compliments everywhere. Especially Yoruichi would ruffle your feathers, playful taunts striking your adolescent heart to its core every time. As soon as you achieved shikai, I knew you would rise through the ranks of the 13 Court Guard Squads without any set backs, your status almost guaranteeing a captain's position. Your power was great even then, and your zanpakuto instilled both fear and awe in both students and teachers. For who could fight against a blade split into thousands of little shards? Senbonzakura reminded me of the sea, beautiful and deadly, swift in both defense and offense. You were so eager to please, studying hard, never late, Ginrei's influence the whip at your back, Yoruichi's teasing the unicorn you tried to catch. You didn't even flinch, just grinned madly, when you lay disheveled on a large branch of the big oak, the air still singing with Senbonzakura's power.

"Impressive, Kuchiki-san." Your grin grew if possible even broader, and you slithered down from the tree and onto the Suspending Star with grace despite your obviously broken arm.

I did feel a little guilty about that at the time, but it was only payback for the lightning kidou that would have hurt had not Sogyo no Kotowari caught it.

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The first time I saw you in that sparkling white haori my heart stopped for a moment. You had risen through the ranks of the sixth division, impressing peers and superiors alike. The only one who didn't seem phased was Ginrei, but I am sure that old cod never new another expression except scowling. As a grown man, you were stunning, black uniform spotless, the white scarf making your eyes shine, the kenseikan a natural part of you. Dressed in the haori, you were even more handsome.

"Today, Kuchiki Ginrei will be retiring to the Kuchiki Manor, leaving his position and duties linked to said position to his grandson, Kuchiki Byakuya, who passed the Captain's test performed by myself and two other captains present here." Yamamoto-sensei's voice boomed through the hall, swiftly followed by Ginrei stepping up and handing a folded, white garment to vice-captain Sasakibe. He then stepped back, taking a place by the doors, waiting to be dismissed. "Enter, Kuchiki-taichou." The doors opened and a shiver ran down my back as I saw you.

Your hair flowing beneath the silver of the kenseikan, the scarf a perfect accessory to the white and black of your uniform. Your eyes were shining with pride you couldn't fully suppress, a small smile desperately trying to hide in the corner of your lips. I looked over at Shunsui and saw that he too noted the barely hidden strands of joy mingling with a feeling of duty, responsibility and power in your spirit force. My hands tingled with a wish to touch your hair, smooth out invisible wrinkles in the sleeveless haori. Anything to touch you. Meeting my gaze, Shunsui smiled and stepped up to you, hand reached out in greeting.

"Welcome, Captain of the sixth division." Kyouraku's voice was soft, kind and the smile grew wider as you shook his hand.

"Thank you, Kyouraku-taichou." Something in your voice made my skin decidedly uncomfortable, in a very indecent way, it's low timbre a perfect match to the man you had become.

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Hisana was so beautiful, and so troubled. Knowing the pains of an illness, I felt for her and for you. Your family didn't approve of your love, but I found it soothing. Living for centuries made young love an innocent reminder of what life is supposed to be. When she died, I could feel your pain radiating across Seireitei, hear the sizzling of flash step as you ran from the knowledge. I followed you, just out of sight, until you finally collapsed, the cry of pain, fear, and longing ripping my heart to shreds.

That next morning you asked where my fish was, and I knew you would rise again from the pit that had nearly swallowed you. I slowly embraced you as the sun rose, my heart clenching, hoping to lend some comfort.

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Everything had gone so horribly wrong, and yet the orange haired intruder still fought. Abarai had tried to run with her, get her away from the traitor and had failed. My hair was singed in places from Ryuujin Jakka, my breathing heavy and the pain flaring in my chest. I felt your power scream, sensations of a blade nearly missing your heart hurling into my senses.

Shunsui and I had been so close to certain death, yet we were still standing. The young intruder, Kurosaki Ichigo, tried to take Aizen on and failed. Everything was in chaos and every part of my soul cried out to see you. Anger mixed with resentment and disappointment when I finally was allowed to visit you. I didn't hate you at that moment, you had done what you believed was right, but the anger at you jeopardizing your own sister, my subordinate, for your pride still burned hot. You said nothing when I turned and left, and I believe my resentment was so high because I loved you so deeply.

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I see you standing on the arch bridge in your garden, weight supported by the painted railing. The wind is playing in your hair as you look at the swallows nesting in a sakura tree. Gently, I let my presence increase, sending faint tendrils out to tentatively touch yours, a silent hint so I won't startle you.

"Ukitake-dono. I never took you for a hesitant man." You turn to look at me over your shoulder, gray eyes fixed on me in a way that makes my skin tingle.

"I just didn't want to startle you, Byakuya." I see a slight twitch in your eyelid as I drop the suffix, yet the rest of your face remain impassive. "Rukia left for Hueco Mundo." I don't even pretend that it's a question.

"Yes."

"What will you do, Byakuya?" Somewhere in my heart I know the answer, yet hearing it will be the turning point.

"Renji and Rukia left earlier. As soon as it is safe to leave Seireitei, myself and Zaraki-taichou will depart as well." A hint of defiance color your statement, as if you are daring me to stop you.

I just sigh and watch the ripples in the small stream. "I guess it will be for the best."

I turn to you and place my hand on your shoulder. You seem confused for a second, lost in thought, and I can't help it. In one swift move, I place my hand on your neck and bring your lips to mine, kissing you with a want built up over re than 150 years. I feel your shock, your body going stiff, then you relax, smile and return the kiss. Your hands travel up my arms, slender fingers gently kneeding my shoulders, your tongue pleading entrance to my mouth. Breaking for air, I look into your stormy eyes, alive for the first time in what seems like an eternity.

"Aizen, Yamamoto-sensei, and Arrancar be damned, Byakuya. Return or I will tear the living world apart to find your reborn soul."