The Beautiful Way

Thank you satterb, Nivell, Katastrifi, qwerty, and YACUMO for reading and reviewing! My responses to you reviews are in this thread: http://www2.adult-fanfiction.org/forum/index.php/topic/18669-the-beautiful-way/

I'll also reply to any reviews for part III in that same thread.


Part III: Ode to the Mercurial Kitsune


Byakuya always awoke to the sound of his door being opened. But he allowed himself the pleasure of not waking directly; he would allow his subconscious mind to slowly recede, allow himself to come out of his dreams at a more casual pace. He would be half aware of the soft footsteps that crept across his floor, of the weight of a small body sinking down into his futon. By the time small hands reached to pull off his blankets and winter yukata, Byakuya was always wide awake.

"Byakuya-sama, where would you like to take breakfast today?"

"Hanatarou." Byakuya murmured his wakashu's name, his body still half asleep even if his mind wasn't. "I will take it in my study; I have some work to attend to."

"Are you hard right now, Byakuya-sama?" Fingers landed on his obi, untying it before pulling the folds of his yukata apart. "Do you want me to use my mouth on you, or do you want to do something more?"

"Your mouth will be fine."

Indeed, he had woken up completely erect. He closed his eyes as he felt himself enveloped by a hot mouth and Hanatarou began his morning ministrations. Though Hanatarou was proving to be a rather clumsy and inept samurai, he had become quite proficient in attending to Byakuya's sexual needs. An important trait, now that Byakuya's wife was heavily pregnant with their second child and unable to do so herself. After awhile Byakuya grunted and spilled his release down Hanatarou's waiting throat. The younger man kept sucking on him afterwards, waiting until Byakuya went completely limp before removing his mouth.

His yukata was pulled all the way off, and Byakuya stood as Hanatarou dressed him. Really, it was fine for the regular servants to do this, but Hanatarou insisted on doing it himself. Perhaps he thought enthusiasm in other matters made up for his lack of skill with the sword. First, Hanatarou wrapped a fundoshi around Byakuya's groin, and then helped the man into a formal kimono of heavy fabric. Wide hakama pants were next, followed by a black kataginu: a sleeveless jacket with exaggerated shoulders that stood out like triangles from Byakuya's frame. His hair was brushed out and left down, and he was ready for the day. Hanatarou trailing behind him, Byakuya made his way into the study.

As he sat down at his desk, Byakuya pulled out a box of letters. The latest correspondence from the northern border. He had been there, once, had spent three years there after his time in exile. By the end of those three years they had expanded the border by two farms and a village; now they were considering whether more territory was desired. A bowl of soup and some rice was placed on the desk beside him, and Byakuya ate as he went over his letters.

About half an hour later Byakuya heard loud footsteps and voices walking towards his study. There was only one man who was that inconsiderate while walking through the Kuchiki estate; sure enough, in a few moments a young man with bright orange hair walked through the door. He was holding what looked to be a three-year-old version of Byakuya on his hips, but dropped the child on the floor in front of his father's desk.

"Hey, Byakuya," Kurosaki Ichigo said, "how's everything going?"

"Botchan," Byakuya said, already feeling a headache starting, "just because you are the daimyo's son does not mean you should treat me so informally. At the very least, address me as Byakuya-san, if Kuchiki-san is too much for you to wrap your mind around."

"Oh. Yeah."

Byakuya sighed, knowing that while Ichigo acquiesced easily enough, he would do little to change his actual actions.

"Otosan! Otosan! Look what Ichigo-niisan taught me!"

Byakuya turned towards his son, putting the letter he had been holding down momentarily. "What did Ichigo teach you, Yasuhiro?"

The child smiled and swept his wooden sword in a wide arch, then beamed at his father.

"Very good, Yasuhiro," Byakuya said, nodding in approval. "You become a more accomplished swordsmen every day."

Yasuhiro nodded and ran off, smart enough to know not to bother his father in an important meeting. Ichigo watched the small boy leave, then sunk into a chair next to Byakuya's desk.

"He's a lot more expressive than you are."

Byakuya picked the letter back up, even as he watched Ichigo. "I am expressive enough for my own purposes. What brings you here today, Botchan?"

Ichigo shrugged. "Dad made me come. They picked up some guy coming into town, and he's staying at Urahara's while the good doctor checks him out."

"What does that have to do with me?" Byakuya asked. "Is this vagrant so dangerous your father would have need to send one of his most accomplished samurai to greet him?"

Ichigo shrugged again, and the gesture only aggravated Byakuya's mood. As the daimyo's son, Ichigo should be more well-bred than this. Byakuya blamed it on the fact that Ichigo's mother was the daughter of a lower-class merchant. But perhaps he was being overly harsh. Knowing their family, the father was just as much to blame, daimyo or no.

"Dad only said he thought you should go see," Ichigo said. "Didn't say why."

Byakuya sighed. If Isshin was suggesting it, he must have good reason for doing so. The man was many things, but frivolous was not one of them. Byakuya put the letter down one last time.

"Very well," he said. "If Kurosaki-sama asked me to go, then I will go. Will you be joining me?"

"Yeah. I've got some time to kill, and I'm curious about this guy."

"Are you so idle that there is nothing with which to occupy your time?" Byakuya asked, not a little disapprovingly.

Ichigo scowled. "And whose fault do you think that is? Dad says I can't go to the Northern border without you, and you're always saying that I'm not old enough to go yet."

"The last thing I want to do," Byakuya said, "is baby-sit you in battle. Hanatarou."

Hanatarou scampered out from behind the wall where he had been eavesdropping on the conversation, and ran to stand in front of Byakuya. "Yes, Byakuya-sama."

"Get the horses ready. We're going to visit Urahara."

Hanatarou nodded and ran out. Byakuya and Ichigo got up and followed at a much slower pace. Ichigo seemed excited enough, though Byakuya couldn't say he blamed him. It was true that Ichigo was not getting much stimulation, since everyone was rather overprotective of the young master. He didn't even have a nenju, despite the fact that he was of the age to take one; for quite some time he had pestered Byakuya to take him on, though that stopped after Byakuya had decided to apprentice Hanatarou.

Feeling a small amount of sympathy move through him, Byakuya resolved to take Ichigo to the northern border the next time he went. After all, Ichigo was quickly becoming a skilled swordsman, and deserved to see battle at this age.

Soon enough they were leaving the warm walls of the Kuchiki estate, stepping out into the dull winter, a winter as gray as it was cold. Byakuya was pleased, though not surprised, that Hanatarou had the horses ready.

"Good job, Hanatarou," he said, climbing onto his horse.

Hanatarou beamed at the praise before climbing up onto his own horse, and then the three men were off to Urahara's small shop and home.

Urahara had set up his home in the port, mostly for the sake of convenience. From there it was easy enough to do business with the merchants that came through, procuring whatever herbs and medicine he might need. Of course, merchants weren't coming through as often as they used to, a fact that Byakuya was reminded of when they rode into the port.

It was gray and empty. Not completely; there were exactly two ships docked in the port, no doubt carrying goods from other parts of Japan. But less than a decade ago there would have been five times that amount, and the cold streets would still be full of Japanese and foreigners alike. But since then the shogun had been clear: foreigners were no longer welcome in Japan. There was to be no foreign trade within Japan's borders. The country was unequivocally closed off. Alone, adrift in the open sea.

Byakuya felt a tinge of sadness to remember what the port had used to be, what it used to represent, but it was an emotion he was used to suppressing. He rode his horse down a rather steep stone ramp and disembarked in front of Urahara's shop. The door was unlocked, and Byakuya led the way inside. Jars of herbs and preserved organisms lined the many shelves along the wall, but the room was empty of people. Every one would no doubt be in the back, in the area of the building that Urahara had taken as his residence. Byakuya could hear noises forming as he stepped closer, Urahara's voice shaping itself into words.

"You seem healthy enough for a dead man. A little malnourished, but that's nothing a good meal wouldn't fix. I'm sure Byakuya would be more than happy to take care of that for you."

Byakuya frowned. Why on earth would he be happy to feed some malnourished man who had just wondered into their town? But then a laugh filled the space, and it froze Byakuya in his footsteps.

It was a loud, boisterous laugh, one that he had never forgotten. One that still rang in his deepest dreams, from time to time. But it was impossible. There was no way. . . Ichigo was staring at him now, his eyes questioning, and Byakuya did his best to hide his shaking hands and calm down. He raised a hand to the latch of the door, heart beating wildly in his chest and in his ears. He opened it and stepped through, feeling as though his heart would burst from the scene that was revealed to him.

Kenpachi sat there, long black hair and rough kimono looking exactly as Byakuya remembered. The man turned, revealing scars, a manic smile, and beaming eyes.

"Speak of the devil," Kenpachi said, eyes locked with Byakuya's. "You don't know how good it is to see you, kid."

Byakuya almost forgot himself and ran forward. As it was he took a quick step forward before remembering proper decorum and stopping himself. When he spoke, though, his voice was uncharacteristically shaky.

"Kenpachi. It's good to see you."

Out of the corner of his eye, Byakuya could see looks of surprise and awe come over Ichigo and Hanatarou's faces. They had heard about Kenpachi, of course. The youths at the dojo were still told of Kenpachi's exploits and battle prowess, and the unfortunate circumstances of his death.

Kenpachi chuckled. "Why so cold, kid? Come here, why don't you?"

But before Byakuya could take even one step forward, Kenpachi was walking towards him in long, quick strides. Those familiar, strong arms wrapped around him, and at that point Byakuya couldn't help but lose his composure. He buried his face in Kenpachi's chest and wrapped his arms around the larger man. His fingers tangled in the back of Kenpachi's kimono as he held him closer.

"How?" he asked, pressing as close as he could. "How are you here?"

"Hey, I'm here now, aren't I? Didn't think you'd get so emotional over this."

Byakuya didn't respond. He just enjoyed being in the circle of Kenpachi's arms, enjoyed the way he could feel Kenpachi's heart beat against his cheek. He still couldn't believe this; it seemed all too unreal.

Someone cleared their throat.

Byakuya and Kenpachi parted, just slightly, and looked back at a smiling Urahara.

"Kenpachi's more than welcome to leave," Urahara said, "so you two can have your reunion back at the Kuchiki estate, if you want."

Byakuya nodded. "Thank you, Urahara-san."

He turned to see that Ichigo and Hanatarou weren't there; no doubt they had gone ahead to give Byakuya and Kenpachi some privacy. Ichigo could be oddly considerate, every now and then, if he felt like it.

Byakuya left the store, Kenpachi's presence looming in his consciousness as the larger man followed close behind. When they got to his horse he climbed up first, Kenpachi behind him, and he was content just to lean back into the other man's body. Kenpachi's arms came up around him, his hands taking control of the reigns, and it almost felt as though no time had passed between them. Byakuya almost felt like an impetuous youth again.

Kenpachi snapped on the reigns, and they were off. As they rode Byakuya let his fingers trail up Kenpachi's left arm, until they met Kenpachi's wrist, twisted and gnarled in a way it wasn't before. He didn't have to ask the question before Kenpachi was telling him the story, voice muffled slightly in the wind.

"When the cave started collapsing real bad," Kenpachi said, "I started to run backwards instead of forwards. I got caught up in the collapse, sure, but not as bad as if I had gone the other way. When I woke up my wrist was caught under some rocks, had to pull it out. Looked a hell of a lot worse then than it does now. Wondered around the caves for a few years before I got out, and when I did I was in a different territory altogether. Took me a few more years to get back home."

Byakuya nodded and let his hand fall from Kenpachi's wrist. He was just glad that Kenpachi had found his way back, even if it had taken him so long to do it.

Byakuya was looking forward to catching up with Kenpachi in the privacy of the Kuchiki estate, but wasn't surprised to find that a crowd had already gathered by the time they got back. Several of Kenpachi's old friends from the dojo, including Yumichika and Ikkaku, were there, and even some of the younger students. They were no doubt eager to meet the legend they had heard so much about. At any rate, Byakuya resigned himself to a loud, festive evening, and invited everyone into his home for food, drink and cheer.

The next morning Byakuya woke up to the feeling of lips pressing against his neck. They did not, he decided, belong to Hanatarou. Large hands found their way to his thighs, creeping up the fabric of his yukata.

"Your little wakashu's an interesting guy," Kenpachi said, lips moving away for just a moment. "I sparred with him a little this morning."

"He tries hard," Byakuya murmured, coming out of sleep. "I can give him that much praise, at least."

"Mmm hmm."

It was almost instinct that made Byakuya bend his neck back, giving Kenpachi greater access to the soft skin there. But when Kenpachi's hands fell on the cloth of his fundoshi, Byakuya had the presence of mind to move away a little bit.

"Stop," Byakuya said, realizing that the word lacked conviction. "I'm long past the age where I can act as the wakashu."

"What are you so against? If it's taking it up the ass that you're against now that you've come of age, I'll do it. I never cared about those stupid rules."

Byakuya frowned. So Kenpachi was just as vulgar as ever. . . though, for some reason, Byakuya was hardly bothered by it right now. But there was still the matter of his contract with Hanatarou. . .

"I have a wakashu of my own now," Byakuya said, turning in an attempt put some distance between them.

"Hana-chan says it's fine. Already asked him about it, and he don't mind."

"He said that?" Byakuya asked, relaxing at the words. He felt Kenpachi's weight settle over him, felt Kenpachi's chest press against his back. He could feel the shape and hardness of Kenpachi's cock pressing against him through their clothing, and was having a hard time thinking of reasons they shouldn't be doing this. "I suppose, then, that this would be acceptable."

Kenpachi chuckled into Byakuya's skin as he untied the younger man's fundoshi. "Yeah. Cause acceptable's just the word to describe this."

Byakuya allowed himself a small smirk, but didn't say anything. He was more enraptured by the feel of Kenpachi's hand as it brushed his hair away, on the feel of Kenpachi's lips as they pressed back against his neck. As Kenpachi sucked on the skin there, his hands finished pulling away Byakuya's fundoshi, leaving the younger man bare underneath his yukata.

Byakuya moaned and arched as he felt fingers, already slick, press within the cleft of his ass. Despite Kenpachi's offer to act as wakashu, it was obvious that he had readied himself to be the nenja. His fingers nudged against Byakuya's entrance, eliciting a gasp from his lips. It had been a long time since he had done this, not since. . . not since Renji.

But that was then, and this was now. He had Kenpachi back, and Kenpachi was slowly easing his fingers inside of him. Byakuya held his breath; it felt tight, too tight, even if it was just fingers right now.

"Relax," Kenpachi murmured, breath hot against Byakuya's skin. "Spread your legs a little bit."

The request presented certain difficulties in their position. Byakuya bent his outer leg up and out as he rolled mostly onto his stomach, back arched. His yukata fell down over his shoulder, and Kenpachi took the opportunity to both press kisses against his back and push his fingers deeper inside the other man. Byakuya moaned at the further intrusion, though he had to admit it was easier now. And with every movement Kenpachi made with his fingers, he could feel himself open up even more.

Byakuya twisted his body at the waist, and reached an arm around the back of Kenpachi's neck. Kenpachi leaned forward so that they were chest to back once again, and their lips met in a hot, deep kiss. Kenpachi pulled his fingers out and moved his hand to Byakuya's leg, pulling it up so that it was draped over his hip and Byakuya was on his side. There was the sound of hakama being untied, but Byakuya was much too caught up with the feeling of Kenpachi's mouth on his to notice.

Byakuya was quick to take notice, however, when something hard and hot pressed against him. Their kiss broke, just slightly, hot breath still intermingling through their partly open mouths. Their foreheads pressed together as Kenpachi's cock pushed in, and Byakuya's fingers grasped tightly in Kenpachi's hair. It had been so long, but it felt so right, being filled like this.

"You feel even better than you used to," Kenpachi groaned, and Byakuya could feel the words on his lips.

"Don't speak," Byakuya replied, pulling Kenpachi forward again. "Just fuck me deeper."

Kenpachi chuckled, but it was a sound muffled in their subsequent kisses. In just a moment he had eased himself all the way in, and they both took a moment just to enjoy the feeling of being joined so completely.

But that complete feeling wasn't enough for long. Kenpachi pulled away, sliding out a few inches, before sliding back in again. The movement pushed a moan through Byakuya's lips.

"More," Byakuya said. "Harder."

"Always so demanding," Kenpachi chuckled, but it's not as though he was going to deny Byakuya's wishes. The next time he moved, he moved hard and fast, enough that his cock made Byakuya fall forward a little and cry out in pleasure.

Byakuya grasped at silken sheets as his upper body fell onto his futon. His back arched, and he wound up in a position half on his knees and forearms, Kenpachi following. He felt the weight of the other man on his back even as Kenpachi kept pistoning in and out of him, his cock spreading him open with every thrust. He could hear the noises of their union fill the room, could hear the sounds of flesh slapping into flesh, the wet noises of their fucking.

He could hear himself cry out, wanton and needy for that large cock. He never wanted Kenpachi to stop. He wanted him to keep fucking him like this forever, wanted to feel that hot cock pulsing inside of him. But he could hear Kenpachi's grunts from behind his ear, could hear the man getting close.

Byakuya pushed back against Kenpachi's body, and the older man took the hint. They moved together even as they stayed joined, into a seated position, Byakuya in Kenpachi's lap. Byakuya moaned when it felt as though Kenpachi sunk even deeper into him. He reached back and slung an arm around Kenpachi's neck as Kenpachi put his hands on Byakuya's waist. His head rolled back on Kenpachi's shoulder. Then Kenpachi lifted him up off his cock. . . only to slam him back down again.

Byakuya moaned and reached down with his one hand, wrapping his fingers around his own neglected cock. It was so hard it hurt, and flushed a deep red color. With Kenpachi lifting him on and off his cock, it didn't take Byakuya very long at all to come. All it took was a few strokes before he felt that tension build up in his balls, felt his cock start to twitch and shoot. A few streams of creamy white semen came shooting out in a low arch, to land on the fabric of Byakuya's yukata.

With one more grunt Kenpachi came as well, filling up Byakuya's insides with hot cream. Kenpachi kept fucking him even after he came, loath to leave that hot body, but eventually he had to pull out as he grew too limp. As he did he pushed Byakuya forward so that the younger man was on his hands and knees, and he lifted the bottom of the yukata up so that he could watch as a thin stream of cum dribbled out of Byakuya's pink hole and down his thighs.

Well, Kenpachi figured, since he had been the one to make a mess out of Byakuya's hole, he should be the one to clean it up. He leaned forward and traced his tongue over Byakuya's thigh, lapping up the semen that was dripping down that silky skin. He licked all the way up to Byakuya's hole, then dipped his tongue in, cleaning the man both inside and out.

Byakuya moaned and arched back into the sensation of Kenpachi's tongue inside him. It felt amazing, but unfortunately it didn't take Kenpachi long to eat all the cum he had left there. Too soon he was pulling away, was pulling Byakuya into his arms. They fell back into the futon, Byakuya spooned against Kenpachi's side, both of them breathing lazily.

"I though you said you would take the wakashu's role on the bottom," Byakuya murmured, though he hardly minded the roles they had taken.

"You seemed like you needed it more. Besides, we can always go another round, if you're up for it."

As enticing as the thought was, it was time for the day to began.

"We should get up," Byakuya said, noting that his servants would worry if he wasn't up soon. He was not, after all, what one would ever call a late sleeper.

"In a little bit," Kenpachi murmured. "Just let me enjoy laying here with you for a bit."

It was a request Byakuya couldn't find it in himself to deny.

They ended up getting up soon enough, perhaps half an hour after their orgasms. After they dressed and made their way outside, Byakuya was surprised to see Yumichika standing there. Byakuya had thought the old friends had spent enough time together last night. . . but, no, Yumichika seemed oddly serious. This was not, Byakuya supposed, just a social call.

"What's up, Yumi?" Kenpachi said as he walked up to Yumichika, apparently also sensing that something was a little different today.

"We just received word from a messenger at the northern border," Yumichika said. "Apparently the other side is amassing troops to take back the town we stole one year ago."

Kenpachi scoffed at that. "They can try."

Kenpachi's usual confidence brought a smile to Yumichika's lips.

"Yes, well," Yumichika said, "I thought you'd probably like to go help out. After all, it must have been some time since you were last in battle."

"You got that right." Kenpachi turned to Byakuya, eyes gleaming. "You interested?"

"Do you even have to ask?" Byakuya asked, tossing his hair back.

Kenpachi chuckled. "Guess we leave within the hour, then."

It took about an hour and a half to inform the daimyo and gather everyone to go. Ichigo was ecstatic when Byakuya invited him to come along, though Hanatarou seemed just a little bit nervous. In addition to them and Yumichika, Ikkaku also predictably decided to come, and soon enough the six of them started on their journey towards the north.

The journey itself passed without incident. It took less than a day to arrive, and the group found themselves riding into the northern-most town some hours after sundown. They tied their horses outside the inn and made their way inside the dining area. It was full of other samurai and warriors, mulling over food, beer and maps, but they all stopped when Byakuya and the others walked in.

All eyes, predictably, were on Kenpachi. Kaien, at the center of everything, looked especially surprised, his eyes huge and mouth parted. The surprise only lasted a moment before excitement took over and Kaien bounded over to give Kenpachi a tight hug.

"What are you doing here?" Kaien near-shouted, shock tinging his voice. "You're supposed to be dead!"

Kenpachi laughed at that. "Sorry to disappoint you, Shiba."

"Are you kidding me? I never thought I'd say this to your ugly mug, but you're a sight for sore eyes!"

Kaien wasn't the only one who wanted to greet Kenpachi, and he was soon surrounded by friends both old and new. Byakuya crept away to allow Kenpachi his fun; it seemed as though tonight would be another night of revelry. Hanatarou looked at him, questioning.

"Go ahead and stay," Byakuya said, even as he walked away. "It should be a fun night for everyone."

Hanatarou smiled and nodded, quick enough to grab a mug of beer. Byakuya hoped the small boy wouldn't become too intoxicated; Hanatarou was not known for being able to handle his alcohol.

At any rate, Byakuya made his way away from the crowds, stopping just long enough to get the attention of one of the men Kaien had designated as generals. He obtained the major details of the coming attack from him; the other side was planning to attack in the early morning, though there were watchmen stationed along the perimeter in case they decided to do it earlier. He had time for a few hours of sleep. Byakuya made his way to a free room and laid down to get some rest, much needed after the long day of travel.

He was awoken, a few hours later, by the sound of his door opening. He was expecting Hanatarou or Kenpachi, so was somewhat surprised to see a small lantern illuminating bright orange hair.

Ichigo, steps strangely hesitant, walked up to Byakuya's futon. He stood there for several moments, obviously needing to say something but unable to do so.

Byakuya sighed. "Is there something you need, Botchan?"

"Oh, Byakuya. Are you up?"

If Byakuya was the type to roll his eyes he would have right now. Instead, he sat up and watched as Ichigo sat down beside him. The lantern Ichigo held only had one small candle within it, and the light barely illuminated the space between them.

"Is something wrong?" Byakuya asked. Even in the darkness he could see that Ichigo was both scowling and blushing at the same time. The scowling wasn't so surprising. . . that was Ichigo's default expression, after all. But the pink tinge on his cheeks was something more rare.

"Umm. . . no. . . it's just that I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Discuss," Byakuya said, wondering when Ichigo was going to get on with it already.

If anything, Ichigo's blush intensified. "Yeah, well, you know how I don't have a nenja?"

"Yes," Byakuya said. "I'm aware of the fact."

"Well, I was thinking. . . you know, now Kenpachi's back, and I think we can all agree that he'd be suitable. He's definitely proven himself on the battlefield, and he doesn't seem like the type of person who'd be intimidated by the fact that I'm the daimyo's son."

"That's true enough," Byakuya said.

"Yeah, and, I'm getting kind of old. It's only a few years before my coming-of-age ceremony, so I'm running out of time to take a nenju."

Byakuya frowned. That was all very true, and he did feel sorry for Ichigo and the fact that the boy hadn't been able to share in the bonds of wakashudo yet.

"I don't mind if you and Kenpachi keep your old relationship going," Ichigo continued. "It's just that I want to take part in wakashudo too, you know? I might be the daimyo's son, but I'm also a samurai. So maybe you could talk to him, and maybe put in a good word for me? Ask him if he wants to take on a new wakashu?"

Byakuya nodded, realizing that it was a good idea. Kenpachi would be a good mentor for Ichigo, and wouldn't treat him any differently just because he was the young master.

"Okay," Byakuya agreed, "I'll talk to him about it."

Ichigo's scowl lifted for a second as his eyes lit up. "Thanks, Byakuya!"

As Ichigo left the room, Byakuya groaned into his pillow. "It's Byakuya-san."

Byakuya awoke before dawn the next morning. Hanatarou was snoring gently beside him, cheeks still flushed from his alcohol consumption. Byakuya left him for now; a few more minutes of sleep wouldn't hurt, and he could always wake Hanatarou up later.

He made his way back down to the dining area, which was also doubling as the tactical planning area for their group. Kaien was already up, of course, as the leading general in charge in the moment. He looked up as Byakuya came into the room and smiled.

"Didn't feel like joining in on the festivities last night?"

"You know as well as I do that raucous celebrations are not my cup of tea," Byakuya countered. He came to stand next to Kaien at the table, and looked down at the map spread out on the table there. "What is this place?"

"The outlands at the border," Kaien replied. "According to our scouts, the enemy troops are leading them through this path; we'll be there to ambush them. If they keep traveling at the same pace, they should be there in three hours. We'll have everyone stationed in place in two."

Byakuya nodded. "And I assume you've come up with a strategy."

"Of course," Kaien said, grinning. "Who exactly do you think I am? I've already marked the best places where we can wait for them. You and Kenpachi don't mind being split up, do you? It would help if you were both leading your own groups of men."

"Of course not," Byakuya said. "That's only logical. But have Ichigo placed within Kenpachi's troops."

Kaien raised an eyebrow at that. "Yeah? Aren't you supposed to be in charge of the kid?"

"I just want to see how well they work together," Byakuya replied.

The two went over battle strategy as the other generals joined them, until it was time to head out. Byakuya was given twenty men, Hanatarou and Yumichika among them. A small team, but their role wasn't expected to be as large as any of the other troop groups. Positioned on high terrain, they had a clear vantage point of most of the battleground. Byakuya was supposed to send troops wherever they were needed, and keep an eye out for any unexpected developments.

The waiting was the worse part. The anticipation as they stood there with their horses, or on foot, no one making any noise lest the enemy hear them too far in advance. The adrenaline that built up within him made Byakuya wish that he was on the front lines of this battle; it was his bad luck to be as skilled of a tactician as he was a samurai.

Finally, after what seemed like forever but must have been just a scant hour, the enemies became visible over the horizon. Byakuya gave the signal for someone to shoot an arrow. A signal, one invisible from the enemy's position but which their own army could see clearly.

As the enemy came closer, Byakuya tried to estimate their number. They outnumbered Byakuya's army, but from the way they carried themselves, most of them didn't seem to be professional warriors. A make-shift army; they would be easily taken care of.

Kaien's troops were the first to make a move, heading out as soon as the enemy was close enough, all the other groups following. Byakuya watched from his position, watched as the enemy spread out through the multiple possible paths, as their army followed.

"Five men," Byakuya said, pointing to five of his troops, "to the eastern-most path. Hanatarou, go lead some of Kenpachi's men to the central hill, he doesn't need them all there."

Hanatarou gulped nervously but did as he was told, riding away at the same time as the other five. That taken care of, Byakuya watched as the battled progressed, pleased with how it was going. It shouldn't last more than a few hours, really, and it would be quite some time before the enemy tried to reclaim the town again.

His eyes landed on Kenpachi and his men. They looked small, in the distance, but not so small that Byakuya couldn't see what was happening. He could see Kenpachi and Ichigo, working well enough together as they cut down multiple enemies each. Kenpachi, Byakuya was pleased to note, seemed just as lethal as he had been before.

Byakuya looked over at Yumichika, not surprised to see that the other man was also staring down at Kenpachi. He was surprised to see, however, that Yumichika was frowning.

"Is something wrong?" he asked.

The question seemed to jolt Yumichika out of his thoughts, though it didn't erase the frown from his face. He looked up at Byakuya, his expression somewhat befuddled.

"Oh, no," he said, shaking his head, "nothing's wrong. I was just watching Ken-chan fight. His swordplay was never this elegant, was it?"

Byakuya frowned as he turned back to watch Kenpachi. He was extremely familiar with Kenpachi's swordplay, of course. It was efficiently devastating, and beautiful in its own way, but elegant was definitely never a word that would be used to describe it. And yet Yumichika was right. Kenpachi's movements now were almost graceful in their execution.

"The years change a man," Byakuya said, though he was still frowning. "His fighting style could have changed in all this time."

"I suppose," Yumichika said, "it's just odd to watch him move like that, I suppose. You wouldn't expect movement like that from someone like Ken-chan."

Byakuya nodded, finding he couldn't really disagree. But people changed, especially over such a long time frame. And Kenpachi must have altered his fighting style somewhat after his left hand was injured, that was only to be expected.

A few hours later, much as Byakuya predicted, the fighting was done. The enemy troops were either dead or run off, and their men were cheering as they cleared the battlefield and started to walk home. Byakuya turned his horse around and led his remaining men to go join them. It wasn't long before he found Kenpachi in the crowd, and spurred his horse on to ride beside him.

"It's a relief to see you haven't lost your touch," Byakuya said.

"Bet you wished you were in on the action," Kenpachi said, chuckling. "Most fun I've had in years."

"And what did you think of Ichigo?"

"Good kid," Kenpachi replied. "Quick learner. He took out more guys than a lot of the more experienced troops there."

"What do you think of him as a wakashu?"

"Yeah? Kid his age doesn't have a nenju?" Kenpachi raised an eyebrow at the situation. "Guess I'm not against the idea. Give me a little time to think it over."

Byakuya nodded, pleased that Kenpachi was at least interested in the proposition.

"You gonna join in the celebrations tonight?" Kenpachi went on to ask.

Now it was Byakuya's turn to raise an eyebrow. "Do you remember anything about me at all?"

Kenpachi laughed at the question. "Hey, it was worth a shot. Maybe you've gotten funner since then."

"More fun," Byakuya corrected, though there was a smirk on his lips. "Funner is not a word."

"Yeah, yeah. No staying up late drinking and carousing for Byakuya. What about afterwards, though, you up for a little meeting in your boudoir? Thats what you call it, right? Bedroom doesn't seem fancy enough for you."

Byakuya smiled at that. "Unfortunately, I have been remiss in attending to Hanatarou lately. I should spend tonight with him."

"Ahh, well, can't be helped. At any rate, now that I'm back, we'll have all the time in the world to spend together." Kenpachi turned to look at him, smiling. And, as their eyes met, Byakuya couldn't help but smile back.

Predictably, once the men got back to the inn they wasted no time in ordering drinks and food. A raucous celebration soon followed, and Byakuya used the opportunity to slip away to the bath.

The inn was lucky enough to be in the vicinity of a hot spring, which was tapped into by a special well. Next to that well was a cylindrical wooden tub, and as Byakuya made his way out there he saw that Hanatarou had already filled it up. The water steamed from the brim of the tub, looking warm and inviting.

Now that Byakuya was there, Hanatarou came over and helped him remove his clothing, piece by piece. After that was done Byakuya sat down at a nearby bench while Hanatarou rolled up his sleeves and grabbed a towel. As Byakuya sat, Hanatarou repeated dipped the towel into a bucket of hot water and brought it up to scrub away at Byakuya's skin.

Byakuya reveled at the feeling of hot water as it washed over his body. Hanatarou's hands against his back, through the towel, were exactly what he needed after a long day on the field. All the dirt and sweat that had been accumulating on him were easily washed away, until he was ready to relax in the clean, hot bath.

He climbed up the side of the tub before sliding down into it, feeling his every muscle relax as he was surrounded by water. Sitting down, it came almost up to his chin, and the walls of the tub were high enough to support the back of his head.

"Hanatarou," he called, "come join me."

"But I'm not clean yet," Hanatarou said, a slight whine to his voice.

"It's fine. Just come join me."

There was a splash of water, and Byakuya surmised that Hanatarou had just dumped the whole bucket of water over his head in a quick attempt to get clean. No matter, though. In just a few moments Hanatarou was climbing over the side of the tub and joining Byakuya in the intimate confines. With no space to go anywhere else, he lowered himself into Byakuya's lap so that they were face to face.

Byakuya placed one hand on Hanatarou's waist as the other reached up to brush wet hair out of Hanatarou's face. The water splashed slightly with their movements, ripples sounding in the small space.

"How did you feel about today?" Byakuya asked.

"Mmm. . . it was scary, I guess," Hanatarou said, blushing a bit in embarrassment as he admitted it. "I'm kind of glad that we weren't in the middle of combat."

Byakuya frowned at the admittance, though he hadn't expected anything more. "It's fine to be afraid of battle, but that's something you will have to face head on. You are a samurai, after all."

"Yeah," Hanatarou said, pouting. "I guess so."

"Maybe more experience in battle would do you some good. I should take up more expeditions outside of the city."

"No, that's okay," Hanatarou said, a little too quickly. "Umm. . . I mean, with your wife pregnant, it's probably not a good idea."

Byakuya frowned, quite sure his wife was not the source of Hanatarou's concern. Though the boy did have a point. Byakuya sighed. "Fine."

Hanatarou smiled, instantly relieved. "Thanks, Byakuya-sama."

Hanatarou leaned forward then, wrapping his arms around Byakuya's neck as he pressed their lips together. Hanatarou enjoyed kissing, and Byakuya knew that, so they spent some time just doing that. After awhile, though, Hanatarou started to press himself against Byakuya more insistently, and Byakuya took that as a sign to take things further.

Byakuya pulled at Hanatarou's waist, just enough to direct the boy to rise up onto his knees. Hanatarou was quick to take the hint, and soon the water was splashing loudly against he wooden walls of the tub as he got up. Byakuya's hands drifted down his sides, down his thighs, as Hanatarou's already hard cock appeared in front of him.

As Hanatarou gripped the edge of the tub to keep balance, Byakuya leaned forward to take the boy's cock into his mouth. Hanatarou gave a mewl and thrust his hips forward, but Byakuya's hands on his waist kept him from thrusting in too far. It allowed Byakuya to take his time, taking the boy in centimeter by centimeter, all the while swirling his tongue over the hot flesh.

Hanatarou didn't seem to dislike the slow treatment, if the noises he was making were any indication. He was gasping and moaning, and every now and then Byakuya could hear a word uttered from his lips. Something like "more" or "yes," muttered in a distracted, breathy way.

Hanatarou tasted fresh and clean, and Byakuya enjoyed the feel of him inside his mouth. But sucking off Hanatarou wasn't this evening's main event. Byakuya reached backwards with one hand, his middle finger heading straight to Hanatarou's hole. It pressed against the puckered rim there and easily slid in. Hanatarou was warm, soft and slick, no doubt having prepared himself beforehand. Still, that didn't keep Byakuya from playing with his ass a little, fingering him even as he sucked him off.

As much fun as it was playing with Hanatarou like this, eventually Byakuya was ready for me. He pulled his finger out as he released Hanatarou's cock, then guided the boy back down onto his lap. Not all the way down, though. When Hanatarou was still half kneeling, Byakuya reached one hand between his legs to grip onto his cock. As he slowly lowered Hanatarou down he guided his cock towards that little hole, until he was pressing against that slight resistance.

Hanatarou squirmed a little in his grasp, though he seemed eager enough. They both held their breath for a second as Byakuya pressed upward, as his cock pushed past that tight ring of muscle. With one sudden push he was in, and his cock slid about an inch into that soft heat before he caught a hold of Hanatarou's waist. He steadied the boy before lowering him slowly, centimeter by centimeter onto his cock.

After awhile Hanatarou was fully seated in Byakuya's lap, the older man's cock buried deep inside of him. His cheeks were flushed, eye heavy-lidded.

"How do you feel?" Byakuya asked.

"Amazing," Hanatarou breathed back.

Byakuya nodded. His hands firm around Hanatarou's waist, he started to lift the small man up and down on his cock. It wasn't difficult, considering Hanatarou's light build. Hanatarou moaned and gasped as he was impaled over and over again, and Byakuya started to feel his breaths grow more labored. It felt good, being inside of another man. Almost as good as being inside of a woman, though neither of those was as enjoyable as having someone inside of him.

It didn't take long before Byakuya started to thrust up into Hanatarou as well. As their flesh met it sent ripples through the water, sent the water up to splash against the walls. But the splashing sounds were slightly muffled in the steam that hung over the water, overshadowed by Hanatarou's gasps and Byakuya's heavy breathing.

Byakuya leaned forward, his lips pressing against whatever flesh he could find. Hanatarou's hot, moist skin, on his neck, on his chest, anywhere Byakuya could reach. Hanatarou arched into his kisses, mewling with each one.

After awhile Byakuya could feel himself grow close. He reached into the water between them, hand closing around Hanatarou's now half-soft cock. Hanatarou yelped at the contact and his body gripped Byakuya more tightly for a moment, but soon enough he was moaning and growing hard in Byakuya's hand.

Byakuya stroked him as they rocked together, feeling himself approach orgasm, sensing the same in Hanatarou. He was the first to come. His eyes clenched and a cry reverberated in his throat, though it didn't escape his lips. He could feel his cock twitch inside Hanatarou, could feel it shoot out semen, and feel that wonderful feeling of climax spread through his groin.

After he was done, he still had the presence of mind to keep stroking Hanatarou, who wasn't that much behind him. With a shout Hanatarou came, shooting himself into the tub water.

Afterwards Hanatarou clung to him, arms wrapped around his shoulders as they both breathed deeply. His hands rubbed circles on Hanatarou's back, until he felt it was time to pull away.

"Let's go," he said, his voice a soft murmur.

Hanatarou nodded in agreement, and they both climbed out of the tub.

Less than two days later, the men were back at the Kuchiki estate and settling back into their normal lives. Kenpachi was staying with Byakuya instead of at the dojo, which suited Byakuya just fine. Right now he watched as Kenpachi sparred with Ichigo, who had come to visit, in one of the courtyards.

Byakuya sipped on a cup of tea as he and Hanatarou watched the fight, but they were interrupted when a servant came to call for Byakuya.

"Byakuya-sama," he said, bowing low, "there's someone by the front gate to see you."

Byakuya nodded. He wasn't expecting company, but it wasn't such a surprise to have someone visit, especially now that Kenpachi was back. "I'll see to him shortly."

The servant bowed again and scampered away. Byakuya, on the other hand, walked towards the front of the estate at his leisure. He was surprised, when he got there, to see Yumichika and Ikkaku. They had, after all, only seen Kenpachi a few days ago.

"Yumichika. Ikkaku. Won't you come in?" Byakuya asked. "Are you here to congratulate Kenpachi?"

At the confused stares that met his question, Byakuya gathered that they were not.

"He is to be bonded with Ichigo in wakashudo tonight."

"Huh," Ikkaku said, looking even grumpier than normal. "I guess that would be cause for celebration. If, you know, it was actually Kenpachi."

Byakuya frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"I don't like to say this," Yumichika said. "You know, Byakuya, that we would be happier than anyone to have Kenpachi back. But I don't think that man is Kenpachi. There's his fighting style, and the fact that he's always carrying that little bag around his waist. Kenpachi was never big on possessions before, never had anything more than his swords with him."

"We discussed his fighting style," Byakuya countered. "And he has been traveling for these last several years. What would you suggest he keep his money in, if not a standard bag that, I remind you, all of us use?"

"But that's not all," Yumichika said, frown growing. "When he came back, he was measured for new clothing. All his measurements are different."

"You speak as though people don't gain or lose weight."

"But do people lose in height?" Yumichika asked. "This Kenpachi is two sun* shorter than he was before you two left for the eastern passage. Can you explain that? Men don't start to shrink at his age."

"Measurements can be wrong," Byakuya said. "They could have been wrong to began with. Surely you two don't believe this? If that man isn't Kenpachi, who do you believe he is, exactly? Some doppelganger impostor?"

Yumichika and Ikkaku were both frowning now.

"I don't know," Ikkaku said. "But something doesn't sit well with me. I want him to be Kenpachi, I do, but something in my gut's telling me that's not him. Just. . . just, keep an eye out, Byakuya. I know we will."

Byakuya sighed. "Is there nothing I can do to alleviate your concerns?"

"I apologize," Yumichika said. "But I wouldn't bring this up at all unless I felt that my concerns were valid. I just wanted to let you know before I bring it up with the daimyo and the dojo."

Byakuya could not believe this. Yumichika was actually going to turn this into an issue. . . well, at any rate, there was nothing Byakuya could do about it. "Fine. Do as you must."

"Sorry, again, Byakuya," Ikkaku said, even as the duo turned to leave.

Byakuya didn't say anything as he watched them go. In a way, he was dumfounded. Shouldn't they just be happy that Kenpachi was back with them? Why did they feel the need to question it at all? He made his way back to the courtyard to find that now Ichigo and Hanatarou were sparring, while Kenpachi was watching and occasionally yelling out tips.

Byakuya came to stand next to Kenpachi, taking in the ragged planes and scars of his face, the knotted muscles of his body. He looked like the Kenpachi he knew. The Kenpachi he remembered.

Kenpachi turned to him, an amused glint in his eyes.

"See something you like?" he asked, a half-manic grin on his face.

His attitude was most definitely also the same.

"Just wondering how I ended up with a boor like you as a nenja," Byakuya teased. Before their bondng the statement would have been said with no small amount of maliciousness, but not it was almost a type of foreplay.

Kenpachi laughed. "Yeah? Didn't hear you complaining about it last night. Or the afternoon before."

Byakuya smiled a little bit at those oh so recent memories. "Do you remember the days after our bonding ceremony?"

"Are you kidding me? How could I forget? We barely even left the inn room, it was great. You getting nostalgic on me?"

"Possibly," Byakuya replied. "If only just a little."

His eyes landed, then, on the bag tied around Kenpachi's waist. It brought a small frown to his face as he remembered Yumichika's words. It's true that Kenpachi was never one for possessions, had never used a bag before, even in his travels. But the small cloth pouch wasn't uncommon on travelers, and Byakuya hadn't even noticed it on Kenpachi until Yumichika had mentioned it.

"This is new," Byakuya said, reaching for the pouch. "Did you acquire it during your travels?"

To Byakuya's surprise, Kenpachi jerked away from his hand. They stared at each other for a long moment, both a little bit confused. But then a grin overtook Kenpachi's face.

"Hey, sorry, you surprised me. Just so used to muggers and tramps trying to rip me off. But, yeah, picked it up pretty early on, needed a way to keep my money on me."

Byakuya nodded. It was pretty much what he had expected; no doubt Kenpachi had grown used to carrying it around, and was now keeping it near him at all times out of habit. It was silly to worry about such a little thing. But still, there was something in him that pressed him to ask what he did next.

"Do you remember when we first began our courtship?" Byakuya asked. "Before our wakashudo bonding?"

"Yeah," Kenpachi said. "Of course I do. What about it?"

"I'm just remembering how happy we were. We got along so well from the beginning, didn't we?"

"Yeah," Kenpachi replied, with absolutely no trace of sarcasm or irony. "Those were great days."

Byakuya felt a chill run through his body and settle at the pit of his stomach. But the man in front of him was grinning, reaching out for him. He let Kenpachi pull him into his side, let the older man press a kiss against the top of his head.

"It's nice being home," Kenpachi said, and Byakuya couldn't find it in himself to disagree.

That night, both Kenpachi and Byakuya made their way to the dojo, though they parted soon after getting there. Kenpachi to get ready for his wakashudo ceremony, Byakuya to get ready to bear witness to it. Byakuya was led to a small room where Ukitake and Kaien, back at least for now, were already sitting. They smiled at him as he kneeled by Ukitake's side, taking in the room.

It was sectioned off from the main room by a screen, only the bottom open to allow passage of the ceremonial cup of sake. Through the screen he couldn't see much; just the silhouette of flames as they danced atop their candles. Byakuya had been in a room just like this several times now, on both sides of the screen.

Ukitake, as the most senior in the dojo, would be conducting the ceremony, and he smiled and patted Byakuya on the knee.

"You must be excited," he said, "now that Kenpachi's back."

"I'm sure he's more excited that Botchan will have a mentor now," Kaien said. "Now the brat won't be bothering you every other day for lessons."

"Of course," Byakuya replied, not a little drily, "I am overjoyed with both occurrences, especially the latter."

"But Kaien," Ukitake said, sharing a conspiratorial glance with his former wakashu, ""now that Kenpachi's living with Byakuya, doesn't that mean Botchan will move in as well?"

"Already taken care of," Byakuya said, not allowing the two men to tease him. "They will have their own building in the estate, of course. Close enough to visit, but far away enough to keep from visiting too often."

Kaien chuckled. "Oh, give it up. You like our little botchan, just admit it."

"I will admit no such thing," Byakuya said, though there was a smile on his face. "He is a rude, stubborn child, and I am glad that he is to be passed on to someone else to take care of."

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock, and the screen door was being pulled to the side. One of the younger dojo members stood there, and he looked directly at Byakuya.

"Kuchiki-san," he said, "Ichigo's asking for you."

Kaien couldn't help but laugh. "Guess he's still your problem, Byakuya, at least for now. Better go see what he wants."

Byakuya frowned as he got up. He let the boy lead him to the room Ichigo was being readied in, and opened the door to find himself in a chamber fragrant with oils and candles. Ichigo was kneeling in the middle of it, clothed in a sheer green yukata. He had his normal scowl on his face, but his every muscle was tense. Byakuya had never seen his posture look better.

"Hisagi came in," Ichigo said, referring to another student at the dojo, one that was already in a wakashudo relationship. "He tried to put his fingers up my ass. It was really strange, I mean, I barely know the guy."

Byakuya resisted the urge to sigh and hit his face with his palm. "Yes, well, would you rather not be prepared during your first time? I can tell you now that a man's nether regions do not lubricate and stretch the way a woman's does."

"No, I mean, I get that," Ichigo said, a blush rising to his cheeks. "But, I mean, can't you do it? It'll be better if it's someone I know well, I think."

"Fine," Byakuya replied. "Lay down and open your legs."

He kneeled down and grabbed the nearby bowl of oil as Ichigo did so. As Ichigo bent and spread his legs open, his robe fell open of its own accord, revealing a soft, pink cock that hung over heavy balls, and a small pink hole to match.

Byakuya coated two of his fingers liberally with oil, but only moved one of them to Ichigo's hole. With the pad of his fingertip he pressed against it, just slightly, not overlooking the hitch in Ichigo's breath as he did so. He started to rub small circles around the rim, applying gentle pressure against it. Ichigo was tense, that much was obvious. It wasn't for a few minutes that the small hole opened up, the ring of muscle opening to swallow his finger up into the first knuckle. Ichigo gave a strange sound at the intrusion, half strangled in his throat.

"Are you so nervous?" Byakuya asked, as he worked his finger deeper inside of the boy. He was tight, ridiculously so.

"I guess," Ichigo breathed out, sounding as tense as he felt. "Kenpachi's a great guy, but this is still so strange. I mean, I just met him."

Byakuya nodded. Usually a samurai and his apprentice would spend a few years together before the actual wakashudo ceremony; Byakuya and Kenpachi had been together for four before theirs, though that was considered a lengthy amount of time to wait. But considering the fact that Ichigo would come of age in only three years, the typical courtship period was being dispensed with.

"Besides," Ichigo said, as Byakuya pulled and pushed that finger in and out of him, "since I was a kid and Dad made you give me lessons, I thought I'd be doing this ceremony with you. I always thought you would be my nenja."

Byakuya nodded, not surprised. Ichigo was growing warmer, softer, and the next time he pushed his finger back in he pushed in a second along with it. Ichigo's breathing hitched, but he didn't make an audible noise this time.

"I would have taken you as my wakushu," Byakuya said, as he twisted his fingers inside the boy, "but I felt that Hanatarou needed me more. I had confidence in your abilities; I knew that you would become a great samurai no matter who your nenja was."

"I know," Ichigo said, but by now his voice was more a moan. "I know that's why you picked him. I don't mind, really."

Ichigo seemed pliable enough now. Byakuya removed his fingers completely, watching as that now glistening hole closed up slowly around them. He placed the oil on the ground and leaned down over Ichigo. He pressed one kiss against Ichigo's lips, then laid his forehead down on the boy's.

"Don't be nervous," he whispered against Ichigo's lips. "Kenpachi is a fine man. He will treat you well."

Ichigo nodded. He did, at least, look a little bit more relaxed. "I'm glad you're here, Byakuya."

Byakuya nodded as he moved away. He left the room, leaving Ichigo to mentally prepare for the ceremony.

When he got back to the ceremonial room, he saw that Kenpachi was already on the other side of the screen. He could see his silhouette behind him, clear against the flickering flames. Ukitake held a finger to his lips, as though Byakuya had to be reminded not to speak, and Byakuya sat down. Several moments later Ichigo was led into the room, and his silhouette as well appeared against the screen.

Ukitake cleared his throat before he began speaking. "Today we are here to bear witness to a sacred tradition, a tradition that is integral to the samurai way of life. As long as there have been samurai there has been wakashudo, otherwise known as bi-do, the beautiful way. For there is nothing more beautiful then for a young samurai starting out on his path to be able to grow under the tutelage of a strong and accomplished lover. As you drink from this sake cup, think deeply about the bonds that will soon bind you, as these are bonds that will last the rest of your lives."

In elegant, practiced movements, Ukitake pushed the ceremonial sake cup through the bottom of the srcreen. "Now, vow your intentions, and drink from your shared cup. Zaraki Kenpachi, until the day your wakashu comes of age, you will not gift your seed to any other man, nor take any other male as a lover."

"I will not," Kenpachi said.

"Kurosaki Ichigo, until the day you come of age, you will not receive the seed of any other man, nor take any other male as a lover."

"I will not," Ichigo replied, and his voice seemed confident enough.

"You will now seal your contract as we bear witness. Let your emotional bond be sealed with a physical one."

In the silent moment that followed Byakuya swore that he could hear Ichigo's heart beat, the boy was so tense. But then Kenpachi reached for him, and their silhouettes seemed to melt together. Kenpachi pushed Ichigo onto the futon covered-floor, and Byakuya could see Ichigo's legs rise into to air around Kenpachi's waist, though the rest of them was a tangled black mass. The sound of loud kisses filled the room, the sound of moist lips and tongues meeting over and over again.

Byakuya knew the moment that Kenpachi penetrated his new wakashu. He could see the harsh thrust. . . no slow, gentle easement. He could see Ichigo's legs jump up a little into the air. He could hear Ichigo's strangled cry, a soft "aaahn" that went straight to Byakuya's groin. And then they were rutting, moving against each other like animals in heat.

There were some details that Byakuya could make out, even in silhouette. The way Ichigo's head was thrown back in absolute pleasure. The way his hands clung to Kenpachi's shoulders. The raw power Kenpachi was using to thrust into the other man's body.

And then there were the noises. The noises Ichigo was making were enough to make Byakuya regret not taking him as a wakashu. They were hiccuping types of moans, short and relatively high-pitched, elicited with every hard thrust into him. And each one bespoke pleasure unmeasurable. Byakuya could feel his cock grow hard just from listening, feel in grow uncomfortable in the confines of his fundoshi.

Kenpachi thrust into the boy over and over again, each time harder than the last. Byakuya could tell when Ichigo was about to come, because his back arched and his toes curled, and then he cried out so loudly the whole dojo must have heard him. After his orgasm his body relaxed, limp, upon the futon, even as Kenpachi kept using it to achieve his pleasure. After several moments Kenpachi came as well, grunting loudly as he shoved himself as deep into Ichigo as he could, before collapsing on top of the boy.

Byakuya was painfully hard now, but it would go away soon enough. Ukitake nodded at them, signaling that they could leave, and they made their way quietly out of the room.

The next few days passed easily. Ichigo was absolutely glowing under Kenpachi's tutelage, and Byakuya was more than happy to have Kenpachi back at home. Yasuhiro had even taken a shining to him, and was spending more time at Kenpachi and Ichigo's home than he did in he main residence. Even Hanatarou's swordplay was improving. Byakuya had never felt so incredibly content in his life. . . that was, until the daimyo himself came to visit the Kuchiki estate.

It happened on one of the coldest days of winter. Kenpachi, with the permission of both their wakashus, had stayed the night in Byakuya's bedroom. They lay spooned together, Byakuya's chest pressed against Kenpachi's back, Byakuya's outer leg and arm wrapped around Kenpachi's torso. Byakuya was the first to awaken, as was the usual case.

Careful not to disturb Kenpachi, Byakuya sat up and unwound himself from the other man's body. There was something different, almost, in the air, something he couldn't exactly place. Feeling a little unnerved, Byakuya got ready for the day and then made his way to the main hall of the main residence, where he found the servants in quite a flurry of activity. His initial thought was that his wife had gone into labor, and they were running to prepare for the midwife, but then one of the servants stopped before him and bowed.

"Byakuya-sama," he said. "The daimyo just sent a messenger to announce his arrival."

Byakuya frowned. What on earth could the daimyo possibly want on such short notice? He made his way to the front of the main residence and looked down on the rest of the estate. The house was built on the highest point of the grounds, and from here he could see the gate and a little of the land in front of it. And there, clear as day, a procession was headed towards his house.

"Is tea prepared?" Byakuya asked, turning back to go into the house. "And what about food? Is there enough?"

As the servants assured Byakuya that everything was taken care of, Ichigo appeared at the house.

"Byakuya? What's going on? I heard my dad's coming here."

"I'm not sure," Byakuya said, "but the most we can do is wait here to greet him. He'll tell us what the situation is soon enough."

It didn't take too long for the daimyo's entourage to make their way to the house, and soon enough he was stepping over the threshold as Byakuya and Ichigo bowed down.

"Ichigo!" Kurosaki Isshin called, as he raced to wrap his son in a big hug. "I've missed you so much!"

Ichigo, for his part, sidestepped the hug easily enough. Isshin stumbled over his feet as he ran past Ichigo, falling face first on the floor. Byakuya frowned. He had been witness to many acts of dignity and bravery on the part of his daimyo, so he wasn't sure why Isshin insisted on acting the jester for most of his time. Perhaps it was some kind of tactic? Getting the enemy to underestimate him?

"Dad," Ichigo said, not even helping his father up from off the ground. "Why are you here?"

Isshin grinned as he got back up off the ground, smoothing the fabric of his silk haori. "Oh, yeah. Well, we might as well sit down to talk about it. Got any tea, Byakuya?"

"Yes. Should I wake up Kenpachi?"

"No, no, let him sleep. It's probably better that way."

Byakuya frowned at the answer but didn't say anything. He led them into the living space, where they all took seats around a rectangular low table. In addition to some of the daimyo's trusted advisors, Yumichika, Ikkaku and Kaien were there, the first two staring at Byakuya with concerned expressions. It did not bode well.

"So, Byakuya," Isshin said, as he took a cup of tea from one of the servants. "Have you noticed anything odd about Kenpachi lately?"

"Not at all," Byakuya replied.

"Really? Nothing different from when you last saw him?"

Byakuya shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Byakuya," Yumichika said, "but we went back to the caves where you last saw Kenpachi. And we found something."

And just like that a long wooden crate was carried into the room. It shook as it was carried in, and seemed on the verge of falling apart as it was laid on Byakuya's table. Everything in Byakuya told him that he didn't want to look inside, but he was getting up regardless, his steps carrying him to the box. Inside was a skeleton. In the skeleton's hand was the Kenpachi's old sword; the one he had been using when the cave had collapsed. Byakuya wanted to reach out, to touch it, even as he felt like crying.

"We already had Urahara inspect it," Yumichika said. "And the measurements fit Kenpachi exactly, based on his estimates."

"It's compelling," Kaien interjected, "but hardly conclusive. There are a million reasons why this body would be there, and a million reasons why it might be holding this sword. For all we know Kenpachi dropped it while running out, someone came in later, picked it up, but couldn't find a way out before dying. And it's a skeleton. Urahara's good, but I don't see that he can perfectly estimate the measurements of a body when all the flesh is gone."

"You believe that our Kenpachi is the real one, don't you, Kaien?" Byakuya asked.

Kaien nodded. "He's the same as I remember him."

"What about you, Byakuya?" Isshin asked. "As his wakashu, you were the one who knew Kenpachi the best."

Byakuya felt all eyes turn towards him. That chill that had settled at the bottom of his stomach earlier was growing now. He looked at Ichigo, whose was obviously waiting for Byakuya to deny the allegations. Ichigo had been happy, Byakuya knew, these last few days. Byakuya had been happy, in a way he hadn't been in a long time.

"There's no doubt in my mind," Byakuya said, each word slow and measured, "that this is really Kenpachi."

"Well," Isshin said, "if that's what you're saying, it's good enough for me. Yumichika, Ikkaku, do you have any objections?"

The two men shared a look between shaking their heads.

"No," Ikkaku said, "not right now."

"In that case," Isshin said, "I believe we're done here. At any rate, we should leave before the fog rolls in."

"Fog?" Ichigo asked.

Isshin nodded as he got up. "I'm leaving on a tour of some nearby towns, and there's a heavy fog rolling in from the west. We should leave before it gets here."

Ichigo nodded. "Be safe, Dad."

"Aww, is my only son worried about me?"

Isshin made a completely idiotic face as he asked the question, and his expression brought a scowl to Ichigo's face.

"Don't be an idiot, old man." Ichigo muttered, pushing Isshin out the door.

"Okay, okay, I'm leaving already."

"Lord Kurosaki," Byakuya said, before Ichigo pushed his father completely out, "what are you going to do with that body?"

"Hmm? Well, bury it in an unmarked grave, I suppose. There's nothing more we can do."

"I see."

After everyone left Ichigo shut the door and turned around.

"Can you believe that?" Ichigo asked. "Why are Yumichika and Ikkaku doing this? I thought they were Kenpachi's friends."

"Yes, well, I'm sure they're just doing what they feel they must," Byakuya said.

"What's going on out here? Did I miss something important?"

Ichigo and Byakuya turned to see Kenpachi standing in a doorway, his large frame filling up the space.

"Nothing," Byakuya said, sending a sharp glance Ichigo's way.

"Yeah," Ichigo replied, catching on. "Just my dad coming to visit me before his trip. You know how he can be an idiot."

Kenpachi laughed at that. "Yeah, well, idiot or not he's still the daimyo. I figure he can come visit whenever he wants, huh?"

"I guess," Ichigo replied, scowling.

"Let's forget about your dad for now. I could use a bath."

"I'll come with you."

"Byakuya," Kenpachi said, "you coming?"

"No," Byakuya said, noticing that Kenpachi wasn't wearing his bag right now. "I'll take my bath in the evening."

"Suit yourself," Kenpachi said, turning and walking away.

As their footsteps faded away, Byakuya stood up and started to walk back towards his bedroom. He stepped through his door and closed it behind him before heading for the small, cloth bag that lay on the floor. With careful hands he lifted it, then took a seat on the floor. He stared at it as it sat on his lap. His hands just wrapped around it, unmoving. It was difficult for him to decide if he even wanted to open it, or if he wanted to just put it back in its place.

Eventually, the need for knowledge won out. With shaky hands he untied the strap holding the opening together and watched as the cloth folds of the bag fell apart. A soft glow filled the room as it opened, and Byakuya's eyes widened ever so slightly. He reached in and pulled out what he had found. It was a large white flame, flickering to and fro, suspended in a transparent globe. The hoshi no tama of a kitsune.

Byakuya stared at the glowing orb for a long moment. Then he slipped it back inside the bag, and let the bag fall back onto the floor. He sat with his hands in his lap, staring out into space, his mind on a lonely pile of bones that would soon be buried in an unmarked grave.

The door opened, and Byakuya looked over to see Kenpachi standing there.

"Sure you don't want to come?" Kenpachi asked. "Servants are filling up the bath with hot water."

"No," Byakuya said, staring up at the man in front of him. "I'll pass."

But he stood up and walked towards the other man. His hands reached out, feeling the man's chest. So real, so substantial. He looked like Kenpachi, acted like Kenpachi. So what was the harm, then, of living as though he was Kenpachi?

Byakuya leaned forward, arms wrapping around the taller man, only to enjoy the feel of arms wrapping around him.

"Thank you," Byakuya said, "for being here."

"Where else would I be?" the man asked.

Byakuya nodded and buried his face in that broad chest. Kenpachi made him happy. And though this happiness might have been built on a false dream, but if Byakuya never said anything, never did anything about it, perhaps he would never have to wake up from it. He deserved this. He deserved Kenpachi.

Byakuya looked up. "Maybe I will join you, after all."

And Kenpachi's answering grin was like a home, comforting and familiar. Hand in hand, they walked together towards the bath, and Byakuya pushed from his thoughts any remembrance of the lonely skeleton of the morning.

This was Kenpachi, Byakuya decided.

There had never been any other.

---

Afterword

Some quick (less than 500) words on this fic:

Part I came about because of two ideas I had. I wanted to write a Ken/Bya fic, and I wanted to write a Edo-period fic. The Edo-period fic was originally going to be a Ren/Bya, Grimm/Ichi, with Renji and Byakuya as samurai, Ichigo as a half-demon ronin, and Grimmjow as an enemy demon turned ally as they all journey through Japan trying to find and kill Aizen. Well, I scrapped that, combined it with my Ken/Bya idea, and added wakashudo to the mix, for even greater historical accuracy and some fun smut.

Part II was actually inspired by a fic I read more than a decade ago, back in the day when most fanfic writers had websites and posted their work there instead of on archives like this. It's probably gone from the internet by now; I don't remember the name of the fic or author, unfortunately. It was a Gundam Wing het fic with Duo as a priest and Hilde as a sanctioned mistress of Hiro's. I took two elements directly from that fic: being caught masturbating in nature and forbidden priest sex in the confessional. I put my own spin on them, of course, and I suppose they weren't the most original elements to began with, but I liked them in that fic and if I hadn't read them there I probably never would have thought of this story.

In its very early planning phases, Part III was going to be a Byakuya/Ichigo. It was going to be about Ichigo convincing Byakuya to be his nenja. As my notes evolved, though, a Martin Guerre situation popped into my head and this was born instead. Though I couldn't help but sneak in some Bya/Ichi interactions anyway. I quite like the ending I decided to go with (my original idea was more ambiguous). It's a happy ending that's actually very sad.

Any guesses who the kitsune is? In addition to being the kitsune from Part I, he is also someone from the Bleach universe. Though you never see his true form, who else could it be but. . . Gin? At least it's Gin in my mind, you guys are perfectly welcome to imagine other scenarios ^_^ When I began this fic I was going to put a demon in each part. The oni in the first part was, in my mind, Yammy. I was going to put Yoruichi into the second part as a bakeneko who was stealing from the church and brought a corpse to life from the graveyard, but it just didn't fit into the plot. Sorry, Yoruichi!

Thank you for reading!