Reasons

CHAPTER 7


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“WHAT? What the fuck are you talking about? There’s no freakin’ way you can ever be a fukutaicho—you’re not a true shinigami-so that’s im-fuckin-possible!!!”

“You heard me the first time! Don’t make me keep repeating it--I’m Ukitake Taicho’s fukutaicho.” Ichigo was incensed that the stubborn red-head refused to believe that Ukitake had chosen him to be his second in command.

This had to stop. Yamamoto’s words of warning rang in my head. “Ichigo, Renji. Stop this nonsense, now.”

“Taicho….what is he babbling about? He can’t be a fukutaicho! He’s a fuckin’ human; no way in hell that Yamamoto would allow Ukitake Taicho to choose him!” He glared menacingly at the younger, but more powerful, man beside me. “Even if the Commander would let him, why would Taicho Ukitake choose him? He cares too much about Rukia to force her to take orders from Shiba Kaien’s clone!”

“Fukutaicho,” I spoke softly, my voice deadly calm and serious. “Our Commander has granted Ichigo shinigami abilities—he chose to give up his human existence to stay here. Ukitake Taicho selected Ichigo because he is strong. He fought and defeated you, he defeated Zaraki Taicho, and he defeated me.” I paused, my grey eyes locking onto his. “What more could any Taicho ask for?”

Renji was persistent. “But what about Rukia? How do you think your sister is going to react? Do you believe that she is going to take orders from him?”

“She has no choice in this matter. She will obey him or be charged with insubordination and failure to obey a superior officer.” I spoke gently, attempting to calm him. “Abarai, I trust that you will talk to Rukia and advise her that it is in her best interest to accept Ichigo as her commanding officer and that she must follow his instructions. Disobeying an order from him is no different as failing to obey a command from Ukitake Taicho.”

The hot-tempered man nodded in agreement. “That’s true, but it’s not going to make it any easier for her.” He stared at both of us. “You do plan on telling her, right? I mean, you’re not going to let her find out from someone else or by walking into the meeting tomorrow morning and being introduced to the new fukutaicho, are you?”

Ichigo spoke up. “Actually, Renji, she already knows. She came to the Taicho’s office while we were there. Ukitake Taicho told her.” He ran his fingers nervously through his unruly hair. “She wasn’t very happy.”

“Can you fuckin’ blame her? You’re her best friend and Kaien’s virtual twin! Of course she wasn’t happy!! Knowing her, I’d say she was pretty pissed!”

“That’s an understatement,” Ichigo responded dryly. “Renji, could you help me? I have no idea what sort of duties a fukutaicho does and I don’t want to disappoint Ukitake Taicho; especially since he is taking a chance on me. I can’t let him down…or Yamamoto…or myself….or Byakuya.” His warm gaze caressed my face, his love flowing around me.

“Uhh, yeah, I guess...as long as Taicho is okay with that.” He glanced at me, seeking permission.

“I have no objections; truthfully, I think it’s a wise decision on your part, Ichigo, to learn some of the basic responsibilities of a fukutaicho.” I moved towards the door leading to my office. “I’ll leave you alone; I have several things that require immediate attention.” I paused in the open doorway. “Teach him well, Abarai.”

Leaving the office several hours later, we discovered rumors regarding Ichigo’s new status as a fukutaicho were circulating throughout Seireitei. Several shinigami stopped to congratulate him; others seemed angry at his appointment. Overall, the reaction was positive. Yet, still…I worried that his being selected by Jyuushiro as his second in command would cause problems. After all, Ichigo had no formal training and very limited experience. Would his subordinates follow his instructions or question his authority?

“Ichigo, I’m going to train you to use kidou. As a fukutaicho, it is important that you be able to use that in addition to Zangetsu.”

A smile of genuine pleasure laced with love was directed at me. “Arigato, Byakuya. I want to learn. I want to please Ukitake Taicho and I want to please you.” He stealthily caressed my fingers with his. Neither of us was willing to flaunt our relationship. We would not hide it, nor deny it, but saw no purpose in public displays of affection.

Arriving home, I informed the staff and the other members of the Kuchiki clan of Ichigo’s changed status and also that he is now a permanent resident of my house, my room, my life. Holding up my hand, I effectively quelled the arguments that my family instigated. “My relationship with Ichigo is none of your concern. If you are unable or unwilling to accept his presence in this house, in my life, then you are free to find other lodging. If you cannot treat Ichigo with honor and respect, then you are no longer welcome here.” I calmly gazed briefly at everyone, letting them see my resolve clearly expressed in my eyes.

Retiring to our room, we opened the doors to the garden and enjoyed the gentle breeze wafting around us; the delicate scent of sakura blossoms drifting in the air. I held my orange-haired koibito in my arms, strangely content with the direction my life was taking.

Ichigo placed a series of gentle kisses along my jaw, his lips moving closer to my ear. “I love you,” he breathed, the words ghosting across my skin. Maneuvering us to the silk covered futon, he proceeded to bare my body to his gaze, his lips moving across each inch of newly exposed skin. His seduction was driving me crazy; I didn’t know how much more of his teasing I could take.

Easing himself off the futon, he swiftly disrobed. My eyes gleamed at the sight of his beautifully sculpted body, his need for me, his desire for me apparent in the weeping velvet hardness. I reached for him, eagerly pulling him back down beside me. “Love me, Byakuya,” he pleaded, pressing himself closer to me.

Rolling him beneath me, I stroked, kissed, and teased him, loving the almost desperate need in his voice. “As you wish,” I whispered against his trembling lips. I tenderly stretched him before entering him carefully. Once fully seated, I stopped, allowing him time to adjust to my hardness buried deep inside of his exquisitely tight passage.

“Byakuya, move,” he begged, his hips moving up, the friction on my over-stimulated shaft almost unbearable. Giving in to his demands and my body’s needs, I pulled back before driving forward, impaling him on my pulsing length. His fingers gripped my hips tightly, his lean hips rising up to meet my thrusts. I shifted my position slightly, concentrating on brushing against that sensitive bundle of nerves with each stroke.

My eyes blurred; I could feel my orgasm approaching, the pressure building inside. I needed release but not without my partner. Wrapping my fingers around his throbbing hardness, I stroked and teased the slit with my thumb. Gasping for breath, his fingers tightened, bruising my pale skin. His back arched, seeking completion. “Onegai…no more teasing….I need to...”

Whatever my lover was attempting to say was lost as he stiffened and achieved his release, coating my hand and his abdomen with the creamy white fluid. His muscles clenched, squeezing tightly around my aching staff. I thrust deeply, flooding his passage as I orgasmed.

Sated, I gathered him in my arms and carried him to the bath. Standing him up, I wrapped one arm around his slender waist to hold him steady as I adjusted the water temperature with my free hand. Satisfied, I stepped in and positioned myself before assisting my lover in. He sat in the cradle between my thighs, leaning back against me, my arms crossed over his chest, his fingers twined around my own. I closed my eyes, ensconced in the intimate mingling of our reiatsu.

Dawn found the two of us already awake; it had been a restless night for my fiery-haired lover. He was extremely nervous about his new position and how the rest of Division 13 would respond to him. Would they support him or resist being subordinates to the ‘shinigami representative’? He wished that he could depend on Rukia’s support in these new responsibilities, but he accepted the fact that she was most likely going to resist his authority in every way she possibly could, without being guilty of insubordination.

I struggled to reassure him that Ukitake Taicho had selected him; he believed in his abilities and had absolute confidence in him. I also reminded him that he was now a full shinigami—not a representative. “I believe in you, Ichigo. You are an extraordinary man; honest, sincere, loyal. You fight for what you believe in, no matter what the odds are.”

Bolstered by my words and my faith in him, Ichigo shunpoed to the Division 13 headquarters, arriving early enough to explore the building before any of his fellow squad members reported for duty.

I spent the morning observing the training session that Renji mandated on a daily basis. Most mornings I am too busy with my own duties to participate in these rituals; today, I needed the distraction. I noticed a subtle shift in the atmosphere as I entered the practice room; the low whispers, the covert stares. It was obvious that news of Ichigo’s new status as a fukutaicho had spread throughout Seireitei. It was also painfully apparent that rumors and speculation about the exact nature of my relationship with Ichigo were spreading rapidly.

“May I point out that the details of my personal life will not help you defeat Hollows. Nor will it aid you in any other battles.” Emotionless, I looked at each squad member, forcing them to make contact with my wintry grey eyes. “Remember this—my personal life is my own; it does not concern any of you. If you wish to remain a member of this squad, do not allow me to hear any further speculation regarding me or my personal life.” I strode purposefully across the floor, stopping beside my fukutaicho. “Your training time will be better spent in practicing and honing your skills, instead of participating in idle gossip.”

Ensuring that my subordinates were concentrating on practicing, I turned my displeasure on Renji. “Abarai, if there are any further instances of innuendos and rumors, I expect you to discipline the parties involved.” I didn’t miss the slight narrowing of his eyes, the firming of his lips. “Is this going to be a problem? Perhaps I need to discipline you? Are you responsible for the squad’s lack of attention to their duties today?”

“No, Taicho,” his reply bordered on rudeness with a barely detectable touch of contempt.

My brows rose at that brusque response. “Fukutaicho, do you have a problem with my orders or my inquiries?” I stared intensely at him, the cold steel of my gaze penetrating his brittle facade.

I saw his hand clench, sensed his resistance to reaching for Zabimaru. He inhaled deeply, fighting for control of his simmering anger. I waited, already knowing that he would refrain from challenging me…this time. “Tell me what is bothering you, Renji. What has so upset you that you would entertain the foolish notion of attacking me?” I spoke to him as a friend, not as his Taicho.

“It’s nothing,” he muttered, his eyes averted. “Can I go back to training the squad? I wouldn’t want any of them to be lacking in skills and embarrass you, Kuchiki Taicho.” The mocking contempt in his voice wasn’t lost on me.

“Careful, Abarai Fukutaicho,” I warned softly. “I am still the officer in charge of this division and I have the ability and the authority to remove and replace you.” I turned and walked towards the exit, resisting the urge to slam the door behind me.

Returning to my office, I stared out the window, wondering how Ichigo was faring with his new position. I knew that Jyuushiro would train him well and support him completely; it was my sister that had me concerned. Would she accept following orders from my lover or would she subtly incite dissension within the squad? Growing increasingly restless, I left the building, needing to walk off some of my frustration.

Unbidden, my feet led me to the Division 13 headquarters; I wanted to see how Ichigo was progressing, to make sure that there were no problems. I knew I shouldn’t, but Yamamoto’s words were carved into my memory. I had to ensure that nothing happened to jeopardize our future together.

“Byakuya!” the voice behind me startled me. “What are you doing here? Are you checking up on Kurosaki? You know he wouldn’t be happy if he knew that. He’d think you don’t believe he is capable of handling the duties of a fukutaicho.”

Embarrassment tinted my cheeks. “Why are you here, Shunsui?” I deliberately avoided answering the probing questions. My business was my own and I didn’t owe him an explanation for my actions.

Easy laughter slipped from his smiling lips. “I came to see Jyuu-chan. He had an episode last night and I have to make sure that he doesn’t overdo it today.” He laid a finger against his mouth, warning me to speak softly so that our voices didn’t carry into the building.

“He doesn’t know you are here, does he?” I inquired, relaxing slightly in the presence of someone I counted as a friend.

He countered my question with one of his own. “Does Ichigo know you are here?”

I shook my head negatively. “No. And I’m not going to tell him.” I searched his face, seeking his cooperation in protecting my secret observation.

“I won’t tell, Byakuya….as long as you agree not to tell Jyuu-chan that I was checking up on him. He hates it when I do that, but I cannot help myself. I don’t know what I would do if I lost him.”

Empathy for the older taicho coursed through me. “I understand, Shunsui. Your secret is safe with me.” It was strange, discovering a common bond with him. “We have to protect the ones we love, don’t we?”

“Hai,” he agreed. “But without their knowledge, of course.” We observed them silently for a few minutes, our fears eased by the seemingly good-natured camaraderie between them. Gripping my arm, he led me away from the building.

“Arigato, Shunsui, for speaking to the Commander and convincing him to allow Ichigo to stay here. I ….”

He interrupted me. “Byakuya. How could I not help? You and Ichigo remind me of Jyuu-chan and myself many years ago.”

Taking my leave, I returned back to my office, disturbed to find my fukutaicho still upset and distant with me. I cannot allow this behavior to continue, but how to end it since Renji is unwilling to talk to me? I decided to maintain my silence today; perhaps tomorrow he would be back to his normal self. If not, then I will have to force him to confide in me.

The rest of the afternoon passed slowly; I was unable to concentrate on my work. My mind kept shifting between Renji’s uncharacteristic hostility and Ichigo. I deduced that Renji’s anger was connected to Ichigo’s return to Seireitei….but why? They are friends—at least they were—so why the sudden shift in attitude? It just didn’t make sense. Ichigo was no threat to my fukutaicho’s position; I would never replace him with my lover. Not that he wasn’t qualified—but it would be too distracting to have him so close to me at work.

Finally, the day ended and it was time to go home. I shunpoed to the estate, anxious to arrive before Ichigo. I suspected that the other inhabitants, both staff and family, would shun or demean my koibito unless I was present on the grounds. They feared me too deeply to risk antagonizing me.

It was almost an hour later before I detected his reiatsu entering the house. I turned from my silent reverie of the waning sun to greet my soulmate. My eager welcome went unspoken as I observed the confusion and hurt playing across his expressive face.

“What’s wrong, Ichigo?” I queried gently, as I embraced his slender frame.

He wrapped his arms loosely around me, his head dropping onto my shoulder. “It’s nothing, Byakuya. I’ll have to work this out myself.”

I wasn’t accepting that explanation. “Please, talk to me. Whatever the problem is, perhaps I can help you resolve it.”

His eyes, sad and pain-filled, bore into mine. I vowed to do whatever it took to make his eyes smile again. “Don’t shut me out, Ichigo.” I covered his face with butterfly kisses, seeking to erase the unrest within his soul.

He eased out of my arms, turning to face the evening sky. “I don’t understand, Byakuya. Why is Rukia so angry with me? She won’t talk to me; she looks through me as if I were invisible.” His fists clenched. “I haven’t done anything to her; at least nothing I can think of.” He turned toward me. “Today, she managed to convince several of the squad members to ignore my orders; they were convinced that I lacked the experience to be their fukutaicho.” He stopped, his fingers reaching up and removing the kenseiken from my hair. “According to them, my only qualification for this position is because ‘I’m fucking Kuchiki Taicho’. They believe Ukitake Taicho selected me as his fukutaicho as a favor to you, since you once were his second in command.”

I was livid. How dare she? I hurriedly left the room, ignoring Ichigo’s desperate calls. “Rukia!” I yelled, throwing open the door to her room. Empty. Slamming the door, I searched the rest of the house questioning everyone…no one had seen her.

Ichigo caught up with me, grabbing my hand to stop my furious search. “Please, Byakuya, don’t.” He caressed my face with gentle fingers. “Forget I said anything. This is my problem to deal with, not yours. I can’t sit back and expect you to fight my battles for me.”

“I can’t. This isn’t just your problem—this is our problem. She needs to understand that you earned the honor of being Jyuushiro’s fukutaicho. Our relationship has nothing to do with your abilities as a shinigami.” I placed a tender kiss on his soft lips. “She owes us an explanation for her behavior, and she owes you an apology. I intend to make sure that both are achieved tonight.”

Slipping our sandals on, we walked through Seireitei searching for my wayward sister. We located her in a small club, surrounded by several members from the 13th and the 6th Divisions. Seated next to her was my own fukutaicho. I was incensed, my rage escalating with each passing second. I released my reiatsu, sending several lower ranked shinigami to the floor, gaining the attention of all others who remained standing or had managed to remain seated.

“What is the meaning of this, Abarai?” I demanded icily. “Are you so eager to antagonize me and jeopardize your future?”

Rukia stood, her diminutive frame shaking with her fury. “How dare you, nii-sama! Who do you think you are marching in here as if you own this place? None of us need your permission to get together after work. Not even Renji.”

My red-haired lieutenant glanced at her and then at me. Passing me, he turned on Ichigo. “This is your fuckin’ fault, Kurosaki! If you had just stayed in the real world, none of this would have happened.” He laughed harshly, bitterly. “But no!! Kuchiki Taicho had to confess his feelings, and here you are! A full fledged shinigami—and a fukutaicho at that! So much for earning that right—all you had to do is fuck a taicho! The rest of us went to school, we trained and we struggled to be chosen by one of the thirteen squads. Too bad that we didn’t know there was an easier way—I would have chosen your method.”

His blatant disrespect increased my fury. Grabbing him by his arm, I pulled him to his feet, my free hand unsheathing Senbonzakura. The other shinigami scattered, giving us room to fight. “Apologize now, Abarai, and perhaps I will allow you to live. Refuse to do so, and I will kill you for your insolence and your insults.” I paused, waiting for him to decide.

Ichigo stroked my back and whispered in my ear. “Please, Byakuya….don’t do this.” He tugged on my arm, attempting to break my hold on Renji. “Let’s go home.”

Sneering feminine laughter resounded throughout the room. “Yes, nii-sama. Take Ichigo home; he needs to pay for his appointment as Ukitake Taicho’s fukutaicho.”

“Shut the fuck up, Rukia!!” Ichigo ordered, his reiatsu spiking dangerously. “You know that’s not true! Ukitake Taicho selected me as his fukutaicho because of my abilities to fight Hollows. And Yamamoto offered me the opportunity to become a permanent shinigami.” He faced the smaller girl, staring into her sapphire eyes. “Rukia? Why do you hate me so much now? We used to be close; you used to trust me. What happened?”

“What the hell is going on in here?” A new voice sounded in the quiet room. I cursed under my breath, recognizing both the voice and the spirit pressure. Hitsugaya Taicho. Perfect. “Kuchiki Taicho, why have you drawn your weapon on your fukutaicho?”

Silence reigned; no one willing to attempt to explain this volatile situation. “Very well, you leave me no choice. Kuchiki Taicho, please sheath Senbonzakura; Kurosaki, Kuchiki Rukia, Abarai; you will come with me.” His tone left no room for argument. “The rest of you, please go home, unless you would like to accompany us to the 1st Division headquarters.”

Silently, we followed the young captain to the last place I wanted to visit. Division One.
We waited quietly in the anteroom of Yamamoto’s office. Ichigo sat to my right, his fingers nervously clasping and unclasping around mine. “Relax, everything will be fine.”

He wasn’t reassured. “But what if he exiles me? What happens to us?” His eyes reflected his fear.

It wasn’t just his—it was mine as well. What would I do if I was forced to give up the one person who gave my life meaning? The only one capable of touching my heart? I had no answers; not for me and not for him.

I glared menacingly at the two shinigami seated across from us. I placed the blame for this entire disaster at their feet. If they had treated Ichigo with the respect he deserves, the respect he has earned, then all of this could have been avoided. Instead, Ichigo’s future as a fukutaicho was at stake as well as the future of our relationship.

The doors to the Commander’s office opened slowly; we were escorted inside. Bowing before Yamamoto, we remained silent, waiting for his judgment. The silence was deafening.

“Kurosaki, Kuchiki. I’m surprised to see either of you back here again so soon. Didn’t the two of you understand my provisions for granting full shinigami powers to Kurosaki? For allowing him to become Ukitake’s fukutaicho?”

His penetrating stare focused on my sister and my fukutaicho. “Abarai, Kuchiki…I’m shocked to find the two of you at the center of this controversy. Would either of you care to explain exactly what occurred tonight?”

The silence continued unabated. It seems that none of us were willing to speak up and attempt to rationalize the hostility and unfounded accusations.

Ichigo and I focused on each other, our fingers locked together, desperately holding on in a vain attempt to stave off the inevitable judgment that would effectively alter our lives and destroy the future we had dreamed of.

“Very well. Since no one is willing to provide a rational explanation for the scene Hitsugaya stumbled into, I have no choice but to stand by the promise I made earlier.” The piercing eyes zeroed in on us. “Kurosaki Ichigo. You have failed to uphold the conditions I placed on you. Therefore, I have no choice. Kurosaki Ichigo, you are now exiled from Soul Society.”

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I know that was an evil way to end this chapter, but it was necessary--please don't hate me! Instead, please review and let me know what you think. Arigato!!

The next chapter will be out (hopefully) this weekend!