Reasons

CHAPTER 6


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Renji burst into laughter. “Good one, Ichigo…Did you really tell Rukia that? I wish I could have seen her face!” He laughed harder. “No wonder she’s pissed at you.” He looked at both us, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes. “So, how long are you going to pretend to be lovers?”

I spoke up. “Renji, we aren’t pretending. Ichigo and I are lovers.”

His laughter died instantly. He blanched, his tanned skin paling, his exotic tattoos a stark contrast to his sickly pallor. “You’re serious? But when…how…I thought you guys hated each other! How long have you been ….” His voice trailed off, as if saying the word was too repulsive for him to apply to us. I admit, I was surprised by his attitude; I know that Renji has had sex with men. I had anticipated his support helping defuse Rukia’s volatile temper.

“It started the night of Ukitake’s party. Remember, Byakuya didn’t go and I disappeared for a while? Well, I went to the estate and confronted him. He confessed his feelings and then ran away before I could say anything.”

I picked up the story. “The next day you returned to the real world. I was absolutely miserable. You remember how I was after Ichigo left? I was so grateful when the Menos appeared in the human world. I immediately volunteered to eliminate the hollow.” I smiled at Ichigo, touching his cheek gently. “Anything to be able to see you again.”

“That’s when I confronted you at Urahara’s and admitted my feelings for you.” My orange-haired lover pulled on a strand of my hair, laughing lightly as I glared at him for his audacity.

“So, when you returned with us yesterday it was because of Byakuya? I thought that you came back to see Rukia.” He stared hard at both of us. “Surely you didn’t think she’d be happy for you?”

“Byakuya, you barely tolerate her, you speak to her only when necessary. True, you’ve become more communicative with her, but still….Ichigo is her best friend! Of course she doesn’t want him to be with you!”

Ichigo didn’t escape his verbal attack. “And you! What the fuck are you thinking? Taking up with Kuchiki Taicho? Shit! He tried to kill her..hell, he tried to kill you…and me! How can imagine that she’d be happy knowing that you are her brother’s lover?”

I had heard enough. “Fukutaicho. My personal relationship is my business. It is not a topic for discussion or debate. Ichigo and I are happy and we are committed to each other. If you or my sister has a problem with that, I am sorry. But I refuse to give Ichigo up because my sister is upset. As soon as she calms down and realizes that Ichigo is not going to turn his back on her, she will be fine.”

“Now, is there any business I need to take care of since I am here?” I walked towards my office, stopping at the door and turning towards the two men who were talking quietly. I studied them, watching as they both gestured, using their hands to communicate. I shook my head and sat down at the desk reaching for the small stack of papers which needed my attention.

Gathering the signed documents, I carried them to Renji’s office where he and Ichigo were involved in an arm-wrestling contest. “Fukutaicho. Is there anything else that needs my attention?” He shook his head negatively. “Good. Ichigo and I have something we need to take care of. I’ll be here in the morning.”

Not wanting anyone to see us, we shunpoed to Division 8 headquarters. The flamboyant Kyouraku Taicho greeted us as we entered. “Kuchiki taicho…and Kurosaki. Interesting. I didn’t realize you were back in Seireitei. What brings you back?”

I exchanged glances with my orange-haired partner. “Ichigo returned yesterday morning with Abarai and myself.”

His eyes widened briefly, a curious smile crossing his face. “Ichigo, huh? And yet you refer to your fukutaicho formally. Why is that? I didn’t realize that you and Kurosaki were that close, Kuchiki.” His eyes gleamed knowingly.

I met his smirking gaze unblinkingly. “Shunsui. As you have correctly surmised, Ichigo and I are close…very close.” I reached for my koi’s hand, his fingers wrapping tightly around mine, that simple touch reassuring me that he was with me, come what may.

“This was unexpected, Byakuya. I never imagined you in a relationship with another man. Although, I must say, you have excellent taste. Ichigo is very attractive; young, strong, virile, a proven warrior. If I wasn’t committed to Jyuushiro, I might entertain the idea of challenging you for him.” He shrugged, a rueful smile curving his sensuous lips. “But, I love my Jyuu-chan and I would never do anything that might cause him pain.”

I relaxed at his words. “That is why we have come to see you and Jyuushiro, Shunsui.” I glanced around, failing to detect the white-haired taicho’s reaitsu. “By the way, where is he? He is coming, isn’t he? We need to talk with both of you; we have many questions and we know of no one else we can turn to for answers.”

“Don’t worry. He is on his way. He had to make a slight detour; I am out of sake and it would be extremely rude and ill-mannered of me not to offer my esteemed guests some refreshments.” He smiled and gestured for us to have a seat on the plush cushions scattered across the floor.

As we settled ourselves, the door opened and Ukitake Taicho glided in, passing us and greeting his koibito with a lingering kiss. “Sorry I’m late, Shunsui.” He handed the bottle to his taller lover who bent and whispered in his ear. He whirled, his eyes widening as he spied Ichigo nestled next to me, his fingers stroking mine lovingly.

“Well, this explains why Kuchiki Taicho was so adamant about meeting with us this evening.” He smiled, his eyes glowing with love as he glanced over at Shunsui who was occupied with pouring the sake.

The carefree taicho handed the cups of sake to us and then joined his partner on the cushions across from us. “So, you have questions. How can we help?”

I studied each of them, noticing the subtle blending of their reaitsu. They were truly committed; nothing short of death could ever separate them. Would Ichigo and I have the opportunity to spend our lives together as we wished to? “Jyuushiro, you and I have known each other for many years; you were my taicho. I trust and respect your opinion and admire and envy your commitment to Shunsui.” I paused, smiling at my young lover. “Ichigo and I need your help. We are committed to each other, but there are difficulties with our relationship. Obstacles that we need to overcome.”

Ukitake interrupted me. “You are referring to the fact that Ichigo is a human and you are a shinigami. That is a major problem.” He smiled, softening the harshness of his words. “You know that such relationships are forbidden. It is not permitted for shinigami to interfere in human lives or affairs.”

Kyouraku waved his hand, dismissing the smaller man’s words. “But Jyuu-chan, Ichigo isn’t just a human. He’s a shinigami representative. He has been here before and fought to save Rukia-chan. He fought against Aizen, and he has continued to aid us by fighting the hollows in the real world. Surely, an exception can be made in this case.” He smiled roguishly, reaching out to stroke the pale silken strands of his soulmate’s hair. “Besides, he is only part human. Remember, his father was Kurosaki Isshin.”

The brown eyes were gentle, reflecting the flickering candles. He sipped his sake, considering his partner’s words. “You are correct, koi. Ichigo isn’t an ordinary human.” He stared directly at me, his eyes penetrating, seeming to read my very soul. I remained calm, hiding nothing. Let him see my emotions, my feelings for my lover. “Byakuya, we will help you. What can we do?”

I relaxed slightly knowing that Ichigo and I had the support of the two senior taichos. “Arigato. I need to meet with Yamamoto. I ..” my lover interrupted me. “WE need to meet with him. After all, this is my life too!” He glared at me, defiantly tossing back the sake, draining the cup.

“Gomen, Ichigo. I didn’t mean to exclude you. Of course I want you there with me. I want him to see how much you mean to me, how important, how vital you are to me, to my happiness, to my very existence.” I was completely vulnerable before him, laying my emotions bare for him to see; uncaring that there were two other people witnessing my vulnerability. All that mattered was that my koibito continued to protect my fragile heart with his love.

He placed his arms around me, his lips touching mine softly, reverently. “I love you, Byakuya…always.” His eyes, intense and passionate, bore into my troubled grey orbs. “Do not fear. I won’t allow anyone to tear us apart…not ever. No matter what happens, you and I will find our way back to each other. It is our fate.”

His positive attitude eased my fears somewhat, yet I still worried about Yamamoto. Would he allow Ichigo to stay or would he force him to leave? If that happens, I know that he will not allow me to go with him. Nor could I. I have responsibilities, duties that I must put above my own needs and desires.

“Ichigo, Byakuya. We will arrange a meeting with Yamamoto. Until then, just try to relax and enjoy being together.” Jyuushiro smiled, his gentle personality radiating around us, easing our anxiety.

His gregarious easy-going partner seconded that advice. “He’s right. You should spend tonight getting to know each other, getting to know likes and dislikes.” He smiled impishly, his eyes twinkling in good humor. “Do you need some advice on the intricacies of a homosexual relationship?” He canted his head to the left, studying us. “I’ll be happy to help you with any questions you have.” He stared at both of us, no doubt ascertaining the roles we would assume in our commitment.

My innate stoicism took control of me. “Thank you for your offer, Kyouraku, but Ichigo and I prefer to learn on our own. It seems much more intimate and meaningful for us to discover all the joys of physical gratification and emotional fulfillment ourselves.” Gracefully, I rose to my feet, reaching out and helping my young lover stand.

“Arigato,” I stated simply. I was thankful beyond words to have their support, but would that be enough to sway Yamamoto into allowing Ichigo to stay? Bowing, we took our leave, taking our time walking back to the estate, enjoying the gentle breeze, the clear star-studded sky overhead.

Arriving back at the estate, Ichigo and I retired to my.. no.. our bedroom. It was no longer mine alone. Dinner was brought to us along with the inevitable bottle of sake. Lounging on the cushions, we fed each other and talked about our lives prior to our fateful meeting. Again, I was so grateful that I failed in my attempt to execute him. If I had, my life would have continued along the same vein; no passion, no desire, no love.

After we sated our appetite for sustenance, we sought to appease our hunger for each other. We explored each other; touching, teasing, tasting. There was no shame, no limits, no barriers between us. It was a merging, a blending of our flesh, our hearts, our souls. I experienced joy and fulfillment beyond my wildest dreams; I had never imagined the pure joy that can be achieved with just a gentle touch or a lingering kiss.

Showering afterwards was a challenge. We were both so exhausted, so desirous of sleep; still, we managed to wash each other quickly, knowing that in the morning we would indulge ourselves in a long leisurely bath.

Exiting the bathing chamber, we found that the sheets on the futon had been changed and the chamber tidied. I was so grateful to my loyal servants; without instructions, they instinctively seemed to know exactly what I needed and provided it before I could request it. I made a mental note to thank them for taking such wonderful care of me and my estate.

Slipping beneath the soft silken sheets, I pulled my vibrant lover into my arms, holding him close, his head resting on my chest.

“Mmmm,” he sighed. “I love the sound of your heart beating.”

“It beats only for you,” I whispered, softly caressing the firm flesh beneath my fingers. I closed my eyes, surrendering to my body’s call for sleep.

The next morning I awoke before dawn as is my normal custom. Smiling at my lover’s lean body sprawled out across the futon, I traced his lips with a fingertip. “Good morning,” I greeted him as his eyes fluttered open.

A warm smile touched his lips, his eyes sliding closed. “So, it wasn’t a dream. I am really here with you.” He snuggled closer to me, his breath causing my skin to quiver. I nuzzled his uncontrollable hair.

“Let’s take a bath before breakfast,” I suggested, easing the sheet away from us.

An hour later, after a long, thoroughly enjoyable bath, we emerged dressed and ready to face whatever challenges came our way. “Ichigo, are you coming to work with me or would you rather stay here? I’m afraid that until we meet with Yamamoto, you cannot freely roam Seireitei.”

He grinned. “I’m going with you, of course. At least I can see Renji and annoy the hell out of him. Maybe he’ll have lightened up and be more agreeable to our relationship.” He grinned. “If he’s still pissed, I’ll just have to beat the hell out of him and make him understand that he’ll never be able to defeat me.” He strapped Zangetsu to his back. “Let’s go have some fun!”

To my surprise, we arrived at Division 6 headquarters before any of my staff, including Renji. We sat on the couch in his office, drinking hot tea, waiting for my tardy fukutaicho to show up for work. Arriving an hour later, he greeted us coldly. “Kuchiki Taicho, Kurosaki Ichigo.” He bowed his head briefly before moving to his desk.

This was bad. Renji only ignored me when he was seriously perturbed about something. “Abarai, you are going to have to speak to me. We are the leaders of this division; if we cannot communicate, how can we possibly expect out squad to function properly? Which one of us should our subordinates listen to?”

“Taicho. You know why I’m pissed! You start fucking Ichigo without thinking about Rukia or anyone else. You are only concerned about your own wants. Fuck what everyone else wants or what anyone else thinks! Fuck…you think that just because you’re the Kuchiki that you should get to have whatever or whomever you want. Bullshit!!”

His rant caught me off-guard. I had never experienced such a venomous verbal assault. Why was he acting this way? It couldn’t be because of Rukia, could it? Unless…is he in love with my sister? If that is his reason, I can understand his behavior, but I cannot allow it to continue. It is bad for morale if the leaders are divided.

“Abarai Fukutaicho!” I commanded sharply. “That is enough! My personal life is no one’s business; please remember that I am your commanding officer. It is not your place to question me.” My words were deadly serious; there was no chance of misinterpreting my meaning.

Ichigo bounded to his feet. “What the fuck, Renji? Why are you behaving like such as ass? What difference does it make to you whether Byakuya and I are together? I’m still the same person I was before. Nothing, or no one, is going to change who I am.” He grinned at the scowling red-head. “Wanna fight?” He gripped Zangetsu’s handle, the white wrapping falling away.

Narrowed brown eyes glared momentarily, hatefully, at me before focusing on the orange-haired warrior who stood poised, ready for battle. “No. I can’t. Taicho has important business matters that he needs me to work on. Seeing as I don’t wanna interfere with Taicho’s leadership of the squad, I suppose I should get to work.” He bowed his head, in a sign of respect. So why did it seem to be more of an insult?

The remainder of the morning passed in stilted silence, Renji’s barely suppressed anger and contempt permeated the atmosphere; I wondered how long he would continue to sulk. After all, it was pointless. I refused to allow his temper tantrum to interfere with my relationship with Ichigo.

It was after noon when I received word that Yamamoto wished to see me…and Ichigo.It seems that Jyuushiro and Shunsui were successful in getting me an appointment with our Commander. "Ichigo we have a meeting with Yamamoto.” I stood and washed my face and hands in the basin of water I kept on the corner table.

He didn’t move. Concerned, I stepped to the couch where he was sprawled. “Ichigo? What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?”

His normally boisterous attitude was subdued. “I’m afraid, Byakuya,” he replied quietly. “What if he refuses to allow me to stay? What happens to us?” His eyes locked onto mine. “I don’t want to lose you…”

“Let’s not borrow trouble, Ichigo.” Pulling him to his feet, I wrapped my arms around him, holding him tightly. His words echoed through my mind. What if he sent my lover back to the real world? How could I ever let him go?

Hand in hand we walked towards the Division 1 headquarters. Stopping a few feet from the building, I cupped his face in my hands and kissed him tenderly. “For luck,” I breathed, bolstered by the love shining in the depths of his eyes.

Entering the waiting room, we were greeted by two subordinate squad members who led us directly to Yamamoto’s private office. I had only been here once before….when I announced my intention to marry Hisana. Exerting extreme self-control, I presented a calm demeanor which betrayed none of my internal turmoil.

The grip on my hand tightened as we came face to face with my commander. Even calm, his reaitsu was powerful, leaving no doubt of his power and ability. His mere presence demanded respect. “Kuchiki Taicho,” he greeted me, before turning his deceptively lazy gaze on my pale companion. “Kurosaki Ichigo.”

“I was informed of your involvement early this morning. I must admit that I am surprised. I never imagined that you would fall in love again, Kuchiki. Never did I think that you would enter into a homosexual partnership or consider a relationship with a human.” He paused, his face betraying nothing. Yet his tone was neither condescending nor condemning. Perhaps he would not force us apart.

“Kurosaki,” he addressed my lover. “You have been in Seireitei several times, both by stealth and by invitation. You have proven your value as a warrior. You defeated several of our strongest shinigami, including your partner. I recognize and applaud your ability, your courage, your honor.” He stopped, gathering his thoughts. “But…despite all your capabilities, you are still a human. A human blessed with extraordinary powers, but a human nonetheless.” He studied us silently. “As such, you cannot remain here. Only shinigami are allowed to permanently reside in Seireitei. If you are certain that you wish to remain here you may do so…as a shinigami. Your human life will end; your body will become your gigai.” He hesitated for a brief moment. “There is one stipulation. Your presence here must not interfere with the duties of Kuchiki or any other shinigami. If that occurs, you will be exiled.” He paused, giving Ichigo time to think about the choices before him.

“You already know my answer. I wish to stay here as a shinigami.” His intense brown eyes glowed and briefly changed to a silver blue as his reaitsu spiked.

“I was certain that would be your decision. I have already arranged for you to become Ukitake Taicho’s new fukutaicho. That position has been vacant since Shiba Fukutaicho was destroyed by a hollow.” He chuckled slightly. “I can imagine the look on the 13th squad when they see you, Kurosaki Fukutaicho. In case you are unaware, except for the hair color, you could be Shiba Kaien’s twin.”

Fukutaicho of Division 13? My mind rebelled in disbelief. Being granted the privilege of staying in Seireitei was amazing…becoming Jyuushiro’s second in command was unimaginable. Pride flowed through me as my lover was granted the opportunity to learn from my former taicho.

Ichigo’s smiled illuminated the room, his overwhelming joy radiating from him. “Arigato. I won’t disappoint you.”

“I know you won’t.” He closed his eyes, a silent indication that the meeting was concluded.

Reaching the streets outside, I grabbed my lover and kissed him deeply, letting my love flow to him, around him. “Kurosaki Fukutaicho,” I whispered. “It suits you.” I wrapped my arms tightly around him and shunpoed to the Division 13 headquarters.

“Welcome, Kuchiki Taicho, Kurosaki Fukutaicho,” the gentle voice of Ukitake Taicho greeted us as we were escorted to his office. “I had hoped you would come here after your meeting.”

“Were you that certain he would accept Yamamoto’s offer?”

He laughed. “Of course. It is the only way he can remain with you, Byakuya. There really wasn’t much of a choice, was there?” His eyes sparkled with humor.

His arms encircled my lean waist. “None at all, Taicho. I’d walk through the fires of hell to stay with Byakuya. He’s the reason I’m here. If it wasn’t for him trying to kill me in the real world, my own spirit power would probably have remained dormant.”

He looked my straight in the eye. “Arigato, koi.”

The knock at the door startled us. “Come in,” Jyuushiro called. Ichigo loosened his embrace and stepped away slightly. Officially, we were both on duty. Given the provision of Ichigo’s staying in Seireitei, we didn’t want to do anything which may jeopardize that.

“I’m sorry to bother you….” Her voice trailed off as Rukia stepped into the large room and spied Ichigo and I talking with Ukitake Taicho. “What are you two doing here?!” she demanded. “Isn’t it enough that I have to share a home with you? Now I see you hanging around my Taicho?” She stepped closer, her eyes darkening to a midnight blue.

“Kuchiki Rukia. You will apologize to Kuchiki Taicho.” Her commanding officer’s voice was soft but firm. “You are being disrespectful to him; both as a senior officer and as your older brother.” He waited patiently for her to comply with his order.

“Gomen, Kuchiki Taicho, gomen, Ichigo,” she murmured, her head lowered in shame at being scolded in front of us.

“Rukia…there is something I need to tell you. Yamamoto has appointed a fukutaicho to my division.” Jyuushiro spoke softly, attempting to lessen the shock. “As of today, Kurosaki Ichigo is the 13th Division Fukutaicho.”

She blanched. “Fukutaicho? You’re joking, right?” She stared hard at Jyuushiro, reading the truth in his expressive eyes. “Taicho, he’s not qualified. He’s not even a true shinigami—he’s a human.”

Ichigo spoke up. “Not anymore, Rukia. Yamamoto offered me the opportunity to be Ukitake Taicho’s fukutaicho and I accepted. Simple as that. If you have a problem with it, take your complaints to the Commander.” He grinned at her. “So deal with it…I’m your commanding officer, Kuchiki.”

That taunt was too much for her. In a rage, she turned and fled.

“Gomen, Byakuya, Ichigo. I’ll talk to her and make her understand that she has to obey your commands, Fukutaicho.” Ukitake was deeply concerned about Rukia’s lack of respect and control. She had always maintained her dignity, regardless of how upset or frightened she was. The person he had seen today was not the Rukia he had always known.

“Please, Taicho. Let me handle it. Right now she’s pissed because I’m living with Byakuya and now I’ve taken Shiba Kaien’s place in your division.” He ran his fingers through his tangled spiky hair. “I’ve heard from Renji about Kaien and how close Rukia was to him. I was told by Yamamoto that except for my hair color, we could be twins. It’s no wonder she’s upset.”

Jyuushiro nodded. “As you wish, Fukutaicho. I will let you handle it.” He focused on me. “Byakuya. I wish you and Ichigo a long life together and may you have the same happiness that Shunsui and I have.”

I smiled; something I had rarely done before Ichigo came into my life. “Thank you, Jyuushiro. You have my eternal gratitude for speaking with Yamamoto about us. If there is ever anything, and I mean absolutely anything, I can do for you please do not hesitate to let me know. I am forever in your debt.”

He turned to me. “Ichigo, I need to get back to headquarters. Where do you want to meet after work? Here? My office? Home?”

Jyuushiro responded first. “Ichigo. Why don’t you go with Byakuya today? Tomorrow will be soon enough to begin learning about your responsibilities. Be here at 0700, Fukutaicho.”

“Hai, Ukitake Taicho.”

We shunpoed back to my office, anticipating telling Renji about Ichigo’s new status as a fukutaicho. “Renji!” Ichigo yelled. “I’ve got something to tell you!”

“You don’t have to fuckin’ yell! I’m not deaf!” My tattooed Fukutaicho glared, his eyes narrowed menacingly. “What’s so fuckin’ important?”

My love stood straighter, pride in his new position radiating from him. “You aren’t superior to me any more, Abarai. I’m the new Fukutaicho for Division 13.”

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Sorry, it took longer than I thought to finish this one!! Hope you think it was worth the wait... Anyway, please read and review!!

Extra special thanks to everyone who has graciously reviewed so far!!Arigato!!!