Twin Blossoms

Greetings readers. Once again Kazes and I got together to challenge each other with another bleach pairing one shot. This time the prompt was Byakuya and Orihime and let me tell you it was our most difficult challenge yet.

We both had difficulty with this one so I hope they turned out good. Let us know what you think.

First up we have the amazing fictlette by Kazes, followed by mine in the following chapter.




Relaxed laughter and soft music filled the air; all around, old friends and new allies chatted contentedly under the gentle light of colorful lanterns. Last winter’s war was far from forgotten, but on a night like this, the lingering heartache seemed to melt away in the joyful festivities. The previous New Years celebrations had been heavily shadowed by the costly winter battle; however tonight was a demonstration that time is an herb that heals all wounds.

Orihime sighed wistfully as she leant over the balcony and looked over the Kuchiki estate. The elegant and yet lavish courtyard was decorated with elaborate festive dragon lanterns, red and white laced ropes, pine and bamboo ornaments to represent the shared wish that this year be strong, resilient, and full of life.

Below her in the courtyard, Ichigo and the gang stood laughing and drinking in a cluster near the main buffet table, which filled the air with the beautiful aromas of festive foods. Ichigo and Renji seemed to be bickering about something while Rukia scolded them, and Rangiku was using Hisagi as support to help her stand, (apparently she had began celebrating before breakfast).

Orihime watched Rangiku wave her saké glass around in tune with her drawling. “I wonder what she could possibly be saying to make Ishida blush so hard?” She smiled at the scene below, knowing the 10th division Fukutaichou well enough to imagine the direction of conversation.

Orihime sighed weakly and turned around to rest against the balcony railing; she wished she could be celebrating with her friends, but somehow her heart would not let her enjoy the evening, and she didn’t want her somber mood to impact on her friends’ happiness.

A fresh breeze swept along the balcony causing the lanterns above her to flap and the candlelight they emitted to dance along the rice paper walls in front of her. Orihime ran her hand threw her hair, tucking the few strands that had gone a stray behind her ear before her gaze drifted back to where her fingers were playing with the black sash of her kimono.

The kimono she was wearing was given to her as an 18th birthday gift from Rukia and her brother; she remembered how she had protested that it was far too lavish a gift, but Rukia insisted Byakuya had paid for most of it. She ran the black silk threw her fingers as she remembered the embarrassing attention the kimono had bought her; with everyone at the party commenting on how beautiful she looked. It was a striking emerald green with black felt Cherry Blossom trees and flower petals around her feet, which matched the black obi.

It was so ironic, never in her life had she had so many friends, and yet, not since her brother’s death had she felt so alone. Why was she feeling this way? It wasn’t like her to be so miserable. “Hmm, maybe it was because of the sweets I ate…” Orihime pondered to herself, “I did eat a lot of pocky.”

She remembered Hitsugaya-taichou saying something about how the biscuits were supposed to be dipped in chocolate and not fish sauce. “… I’m sure it was more about the quantity I ate then the coating…and anyway” She raised her forefinger in the air. “Fish sauce is good for your eyesight!” The redhead bought her finger down to her chin. “I wonder if vegetarians eat fish sauce?”

A chorus of catcalls coming from the party below pulled her from her thoughts. Turning back to the party, she saw Kira blushing crimson red in Renji’s arms. Orihime smiled and shook her head; everybody knew about the couple, but they also knew Kira was quite shy about the relationship, unlike Renji, who took every opportunity he could to molest the 3rd division Fukutaichou.

Looking around the party she couldn’t help but notice the distance, or lack of, between Rukia and Ichigo. The two were standing with a circle of friends laughing as Hisagi tried to hold Rangiku upright, while also keeping her from untying his obi. Ichigo only seemed to half-heartedly pay attention to the siananigans, as most of his attention seemed to be on watching Rukia. Orihime knew the two had recently started dating, and she also knew they were trying to keep it from her.

Orihime and Ichigo had dated for almost eight months after the war, but it had not worked between them for a number of reasons. In the beginning, Orihime assumed the awkwardness between them would be a passing thing, but it hadn’t, and she had had longer conversations with her postman. Just when she thought the bungling between them couldn’t get any worse, they decided to attempt a physical relationship… In the end, it was a mutual break up, and she was surprised to find the greatest emotion it evoked from her was relief.

Orihime smiled weakly. She appreciated them worrying about her feelings, but even the blind could see the sparks between Ichigo and Rukia. Even more obvious was that they belonged together. What bothered Orihime the most about her break-up with Ichigo, was that he was free to date other people, while she was not. Not because she still had feelings for him, but because no male was brave enough to come near her for fear of Ichigo’s wrath. Any guys she had considered since their break-up would run a mile after one scowl from Ichigo, which threatened a painful death if they hurt her.

Orihime shook her head and pushed off the balcony railing, she didn’t want to feel sorry for herself anymore, it wasn’t like her, and she wouldn’t allow it. She turned and looked down the long balcony. “I know! The Kuchiki estate is practically a castle, that means there is probably hidden treasure!” Her eyes lit up and a giggle escaped her lips as she headed away from the party.

***

Inside one of his private gardens Byakuya Kuchiki sat sipping a cup of green tea. The garden was just outside his bedchambers and was mostly lawn with some small flowers surrounding a birdbath in it’s centre. The garden was enclosed on all sides by tall leafy shrubs and Cherry Blossom trees outside of those, which meant the garden was often covered in pink flower petals. He sat cross-legged on a cushion in front of a small tea table and gazed into the night sky.

Byakuya didn’t feel like being social tonight; normally he would consider it his duty to oversee such events held within the estate, but tonight he just wanted some peace and quite. His thoughts wandered back to the beginning of the night wen that Kurosaki kid and his friends had arrived. It seemed the longer he knew that child, the more he aggravated him; first he had almost caused the execution of Rukia, then the fool almost single-handedly destroyed the Seireitei, then the imbecile charges into Hueco Mundo with absolutely no plan of attack, and now he wanted to date his younger sister. No other person in his whole life had irritated him more than Kurosaki Ichigo, and he though it better to avoid the aggravation than fuel it’s fire by spend the evening with him.

There was another reason he was avoiding the party, one he was reluctant to admit to himself. When Rukia had requested permission to invite the substitute Shinigami and his friends to their New Years festivities, he could have given dozens of reasons why he wouldn’t want Kurosaki on his land. However, the first thing that came to mind was that it meant she was coming.

What was it about her that unnerved him? Just thinking about her now made his stomach tense. For a long time Byakuya couldn’t place the feeling he got when he was around her; she made him feel uncomposed, his heart would beat faster when she looked at him and his throat would become abnormally dry. For a long time it made him angry, it wasn’t a pleasant feeling and not understanding the reason for it, made it all the more irritating.

He didn’t understand, that was until the first night he had dreamt about her; he was woken with a start and bolted upright in his bed, panting and blinking as he looked around to realize he had been dreaming. He’d sat there in shock for a minute before he even notice the wet patch on his lower abdomen.

It’d been over fifty years since he last felt any attraction toward a woman, now he found himself shocked with the realization that he was attracted to this human girl. True, she was beautiful, but he had had other classically beautiful women pursue him in the past, and he had felt nothing but annoyance toward them. So why her? She wasn’t a noble, and she wasn’t even a Shinigami!

Byakuya Kuchiki considered himself a logical man, but this whole situation was ridiculous. Initially he chose to ignore it, assuming it was a temporary laps in sanity, or a strange side effect of the stresses surrounding the drama of Rukia’s execution. But it hadn’t passed, the truth was the feels had gotten stronger; he found himself thinking of her at inappropriate times, and making excuses to travel to the real world to see her. Most assumed these regular visits were to keep check on Rukia, but he couldn’t deny to himself that he was disappointed if he did not see the bubbly redhead during his trips.

Byakuya’s lips twitched into a brief smile as he stared down into the warm cup in his hands. Last time he had seen her she was cooking some atrocious smelling meal and babbling about red bean paste being good for the soul. Perhaps it was her innocence that appealed to him. She seemed so vulnerable with her naive ideologies of the world and caring nature. He couldn’t help but want to protect her.

When the report came that she had been kidnapped, it was his panicked reaction that frighten him the most. He was happy to help Rukia and his Fukutaichou enter Hueco Mundo, knowing it would ultimately give him reason to follow. In the end, he had been the one to find her; Kurosaki was barely alive after his battle and her concern for the substitute Shinigami meant she didn’t notice his relief at having found her relatively unharmed.

Byakuya frowned. He was doing it again! Daydreaming about her! Grudgingly he wondered how long he would have to suffer this pointless behavior. A light breeze carrying the sounds of festivities ruffled the shrubs around him. New years eve, a chance for new beginnings that should be celebrated, not spent brooding over trivial matters. He still didn’t want to attend the party, but he could at least have a drink. In one gracefully fluid movement, he stood to fetch himself some saké.

After a few glasses, Byakuya was feeling much more at peace. He was just returning to his garden after refreshing his glass when he felt a familiar reiatsu. Regardless of the alcoholic glaze across his senses, it only took a fraction of a second to pinpoint the individual’s location and identity.

***

Orihime all but skipped through the Kuchiki halls until she found herself in a beautiful garden. A small stream ran across its center, which was bordered with stones and flowers, a small bridge across the stream was the centerpiece of the garden, and in the furthest corner, she could see a stone tea table framed by Cherry Blossom trees.

“Oh wow, it’s so beautiful!” The redhead gasped and immediately decided to have a closer look.

Dancing her way over to the stone tea table, she realized there was a small amount of light coming from behind the Cherry Blossom trees. Her child-like curiosity left no question that she would have to investigate the mystery light. She tiptoed her way through the trees until she reached a row of tall shrubs. The thin streams of light that seeped threw the brush danced across the ground in front of her as the evening breeze ruffled its leaves.

Not quite knowing what to expect she was surprised when she peeked threw the brush to see none-other than the taichou of squad six stand gracefully to leave what appeared to be a private garden. She watched as his smooth stride carried him silently through the open door behind him.

Thin chestnut brows creased as she studied the small, enclosed area. “I wonder if when Kuchuki-taichou meditates he floats like a genie, and that’s why he has a secret garden?” Orihime pondered as she leant forward, struggling to see through the thick brush.

“You know, it’s impolite to spy on people.” The dark-haired taichou spoke to a seemingly innocent patch of shrub from the step of his small patio.

“Woah!”

His still garden was suddenly disrupted with a bash of red hair and leaves. Orihime crashed threw the brush and landed hard on her head; the commotion sending birds fluttering from the surrounding trees and Cherry Blossom petals to fall around her.

“Itai, itai, itai.” Orihime rubbed her head as she sat up, before remembering her embarrassing situation.

“Oh! Arh…” She burst into an uncomfortable laugh and flushed crimson red while she tried to think of how she would explain herself.

“What are you doing so far from the party?” Byakuya’s stern voice interrupted her attempts to gather a sane response to his questioning gaze.

“Arh… I guess…” She fumbled and blushed. “I arh…got lost!” She scratched her head as a new wave of embarrassment rushed through her; she was never very good at lying. “Yeah, I got lost and when I saw the light coming from over here, I thought I might have found the party again and I-”

Byakuya studied the disheveled girl, woman. She had grown even more beautiful since the time they first met; and she had developed into quite a striking young woman.

It was obvious she was lying; even if she wasn’t a terrible liar, his skill as a warrior granted him the ability to easily detect such things.

“Would you like a drink?” His voice cut off her ramblings and it took her a moment to register what he had said.

“Aeh?!” Orihime’s brow wrinkled and her eyes widen in shock at the offer. Byakuya Kuchiki was offering her a drink?! After he caught her spying on him!

“I wasn’t much in the mood for the obstreperous social soiree either.” His impassive voice and expression seemed at odds with his generosity.

Orihime stood and brushed some leafs from the front of her kimono before closing her eyes and smiling broadly at him.

“Thank you. That sounds lovely.”

***

Orihime didn’t know how much time had passed or how many times the dark-haired taichou had refilled her glass, but she found herself in the middle of a rather long and honest explanation of why she was there. In the end, it seemed Orihime knew what she was feeling, the answer was simple; she was lonely. With all the pain the war had caused, it also had the affect of bringing people together. Such a life-altering event had bought perspective to those involved; perspective, which had removed inhabitations that previously stopped couples from coming together. The many blossoming romances within the night’s celebrations only highlighted her inability to find her own.

“I suppose it’s selfish of me…” Orihime looked down at the glass she was clutching with both hands. Why was she telling him all this? She had even talked a bit about her issues with Ichigo! By now, she was sure the dark-haired taichou must think she was a terrible person, but somehow she found his calm, confident persona soothing.

“No. It is only natural. And you are young, you can not know what life has in store for you.” Byakuya reassured her with a soft tone.

Orihime smiled warmly at him, she didn’t know why he was so easy to talk to, but she was enjoying this side to the renown taichou. Byakuya sat sipping his saké on the opposite side of the table with grace that only a lifetime of power and nobility could achieve. In the past, she had been intimidated by his commanding presence, but having learnt more from Rukia, and from the time she had known him, Orihime had learned his to be a beautiful soul. Strong, intellectual, proud, fiercely loyal and beautiful, this man was truly a jewel in the crown of the Gotei 13.

Orihime blushed and looked away when she realized she was staring. It wasn’t the first time she had been caught and it was getting harder not to stare. Everything about Byakuya Kuchiki emitted sexuality and prowess, and his presence radiated authority, which Orihime was sure people would respect even without his wealth and social status.

She was jolted from her thoughts when there was a loud explosion behind her; she stood quickly and turned around to see the second explosion of bright fireworks in the sky. It was midnight. Behind the loud explosions she could hear a chorus of cheering and “Happy New Years!” coming from the distant party.

Orihime jumped when she realized Byakuya had come to stand next to her to watch the colorful light show. She gazed up at the picturesque sight of the dark-haired man standing beside her; his skin was like porcelain, and his gray eyes shone in the frame of dark lashes and immaculate hair.

Orihime blushed and forced her attention back toward the fireworks. “He’s Rukia’s brother! Stop staring!” Orihime scolded herself. It’s not like he would ever consider her anyway. He could probably have any woman in Seireitei if he wanted. She bit her lip and tried to focus on the pretty display in the sky, it’s intensity grew quickly before a final mass of colorful explosions and distant cheering filled the night.

Orihime’s eyes closed with her wide smile as she turned toward the 6th division taichou. “Well, happy new year Kuchiki-taichou!” She chirped.

Byakuya looked down at the beautiful woman standing not a foot in front of him. His hand jerked when a light breeze wash over them, tussling Orihime’s fringe, his first instinct was to brush the hair from her face, but he restrained the motion. It was ironic that he had avoided the evening’s celebrations in order to avoid her, but had instead ended up spending the night alone with her.

Initially, Byakuya had invited her to stay hoping some alone time with the redhead would help him understand the irrational emotions she evoked in him. Or at least, that was what he’d been trying to convince himself. In the end though, he had to concede he’d enjoyed her company, and the last thing Byakuya wanted now was for her to go. An almost physical warmth seemed to glow around this woman; only once in his life had he met someone who shared this trait, and she too had entranced him.

When he did not respond to her well wishes Orihime opened her eyes and looked up at the tall taichou in front of her. He was staring at her with an expression that might seem like anger to those who didn’t know him well, but Orihime saw confusion and confliction in his gray eyes.

Another cool breeze swept her hair around and a shiver ran across her skin, but this time she wasn’t sure if it was the breeze or his gaze that caused her skin to dance. Suddenly, soft fingertips brushed across her left cheek before sweeping the wild strands of hair behind her ear.

Orihime’s heartbeat skipped several times before drumming loudly in her ears. She could feel the blood rising in her cheeks as his fingertips lingered on her face and his eyes held her own. Her mind went blank as he slowly leant down to her.

Byakuya bought his other hand up to hold her face in both hands and move down to her, his gaze only once leaving hers to flick down to her full lips.

“Happy new year, Inoue.” His breath washed over her lips and sent a shiver through her body, which was defiantly not from the night air. Then his soft lips were on her own; gently he tilted her chin up to allow his lips to move slowly across hers.

It wasn’t until he stopped and stepped back that Orihime noticed she had closed her eyes, which flew open with the realization of what had just happened.

Orihime bought her hand to her mouth before her brow creased and her wide eyes questioned him. “You… you kissed me.”

“Yes.” Byakuya’s composure was astounding. He looked and spoke as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Well, if you do not mind I think I will bid you good evening. I have had a long day.” He spoke with his usual even tone before heading toward the open door of his living quarters.

Orihime was frozen with shock. “What the hell?!” She touched her lips again before turning to see him walk in side.

“Hey, w-wait.” She hurried after the dark-haired man.

Stumbling inside his living quarters, her mind was a swarm of confusion as she reached for the sleeve of his haori. “You, you can’t just… just kiss me and then say “good night.””

Byakuya turned to face the bewildered redhead and admonished himself for being so weak and caving into his body’s wishes. He had no one to blame but himself for whatever repercussion this bought on him. He knew he should apologize but he couldn’t, at least, not sincerely. The truth was he didn’t regret it at all, but what else could he say?

“I apologize…” Byakuya’s voice and appearance remained steady though his heartbeat refused to cooperate. “It has been a long day for me-”

“No! I mean…” Orihime cut him off before looking away from his fixed gaze when her cheeks heated. “Don’t apologize, I… not unless you mean it…” Orihime bit her lip and frowned, cursing her lack of eloquence.

Byakuya closed the small distance between them and slowly lifted a finger under her chin to bring her eyes back to his. Looking up again into his hypnotic eyes Orihime’s breath was lost along with her train of thought. With the softest caress, the finger that had been under her chin brushed along her lower lip and then back along her jaw. Time stood still as he lent down and kissed the corner of her mouth. As he started to draw back, Orihime’s hand quickly jumped up to cup his face and stop his retreat. Letting out the breath she had been holding Orihime captured his lips with her own, pulling him into a hungry kiss that ended far sooner than she hoped.

Byakuya fought not to moan into the wanton kiss; her lips were so full and soft, he wanted so badly to devour them and her, but he was a man of honor and she had been drinking. When he opened his eyes he could have died at the sight of her gorgeous lips glistening and parted, following him, and begging for his return.

Sighing Byakuya stood up straight. “You’ve been drinking-”

“I haven’t had that much to drink!” Orihime protested with a pout that made the corner of Byakuya’s mouth twitch.

“I will take you back before something happens that you may regret.” Byakuya gently brushed her hair behind her ear.

Orihime captured his hand in her own and held it to her cheek before looking into his fierce gray eyes. “I am not a child, Byakuya-sama…” She kissed his palm before pushing his hand playfully into his chest. “Besides, who said I would be doing anything I would regret?”

With that, the bubbly redhead giggled and stepped around him to bound over to his chest of draws. Byakuya’s room was full of sophisticated and subtle class; a dark wood dresser and bookshelf occupied the right-hand side of the room, with a royal sized futon, small bar and study desk filling the left. In addition, the furthest right-hand corner held the entrance to an ensuite bathroom.

Orihime approached the dark wood draws with obvious curiosity. On top of the chest lay Senbonzakura; the powerful blade sat proudly atop a wooden mount, which was woven with gold patterns that came together at it’s center to form the shape of Senbonzakura’s hilt guard. Orihime stared at the incredible blade, bewitched by it’s beauty and the power that radiated around it.

Byakuya watched her study his zanpakutou and could feel his blade’s spirit reaching out to her, lapping up the awed attention.

“What’s this?” Orihime’s hand hovered over a glass box that sat below his blade on the chest of draws.

Sudden warmth behind her caught her breath; she went to turn around but a hand lightly held her hip to keep her from moving. Her heart began to beat faster when Byakuya’s arms came around her holding something in his hands. She frowned at first; not understanding what it was, and his proximity defiantly wasn’t helping her to think clearly.

With his arms around her, Byakuya lifted the lid on the glass box and began smoothly folding in his silver-white, windflower light silk scarf. The glass and gold box was handmade specifically to hold the family heirloom scarf and his Kenseikan. Byakuya closed the box but did not move from his position; instead, he bought a hand up to shift some of her smooth red hair, granting him access to her neck.

Orihime shivered when his breath washed over her sensitive skin and leant her weight back into his hold. Heat rush through her body when a wet kiss was placed on her neck; she couldn’t understand how he was able to make her feel this way from so little, granted she was a little tipsy, but it was more than that, his every touch was intoxicating.

Turning as best she could in his firm hold, Orihime sought out the moist lips that had began teasing her ear. His soft, slow caresses were driving her crazy, so that when her lips finally found their goal she was quick to consume them. Orihime would be horrified latter at the memory of how she had behaved, but for now, all she could think about was how good he was making her feel. Heat swept through her body as their lips danced; her mouth opened eagerly welcoming the taste of his tongue as she reached up to tangle a hand in his black hair.

A small whimper escaped her mouth when he abruptly pulled away to rest his forehead against her shoulder, breathing shakily through his nose. What was he doing? This was not dignified. He needed to return her to the party, he shouldn’t-.

“Byakuya…” The whisper was barely there before she turned in his arms to face him. “You’re not… This isn’t about Ichigo, is it?” Her brown eyes looked up at him timidly through long lashes.

Byakuya stiffened; he wasn’t sure whether he was amused or insulted by the idea that that child would influence his romantic life.

“No.” His voice was certain and final.

Orihime cast her eyes down from his steady grey pools. If Ichigo wasn’t the issue then it had to be her. Swallowing, she tried to speak confidently but what came out was hardly above a whisper.

“If you… if it’s just that you don’t want me, then-”

A chuckle caught her off guard, she had never heard the 6th division taichou laugh; ever! Looking up into his eyes, however, there was no sign of amusement; they were filled with something else, a look that almost frightened her… hunger.

Byakuya’s right hand slid down her arm to take her hand before running her hand up his own thy and onto his clothed groin. Orihime gasped and then blushed as her hand was held against the prominent bulge in his hakama.

“That is definitely not the problem.” He whispered into her ear.

Brown eyes rolled closed as his whispered promise and the evidence in her hand sent heat rippling through her body; the aching wave rushed down her neck, arms, and fingertips, across her chest and nipples and in between her thighs.

Orihime swallowed and tried to steady her breath. Opening her eyes, she turned her face so that their lips brushed when she spoke.

“Then what’s stopping you?” Their breaths mingled while gray eyes searched her own, seemingly looking for an answer to a question she did not know.

Somewhere, the dark haired taichou must have found his answer. Orihime stumbled back when his lips crashed into hers; the kiss was fierce and dominating, like nothing she had experienced before. The draws behind her rattled as his weight pressed her back into them during the battle of tongues and lips. His toned body pressed against hers made her body ache with heat, all memory of the cool night air forgotten in the exhilarating mist of passion.

“Oh! Oops. Tehehe.” Orihime giggled and broke the kiss when her fingers were caught in the Kenseikan above his right ear and tugged at his hair. “…Sorry.”

A warm but brief smile was his only response. It hadn’t hurt at all and he found it charming she thought he might have been hurt. Byakuya used the moment’s break to compose himself. Her earlier question had faltered him initially; why was he resisting something that he new he wanted, something he knew he had wanted for a long time. Part of him was concerned she may regret her actions later, but Byakuya had no intentions of creating a regrettable night, and if he was fortunate, tonight would be the first night of their beginning.

Byakuya caught the hand that had been in his hair and kissed it before easily removing the troublesome clip and it’s partner. Orihime lifted her hands to him in a silent request for a closer look at the priceless hairpieces. Her first thought was how heavy they were for their size, running a finger along the white porcelain, Orihime was lost in her own thoughts, “I wonder if he does his own hair of a morning, or if he has a hair stylist that comings in to do it… I bet he does. Ohh, I wish I had a- Eek!” Orihime jumped when fingertips brushed across her cheek.

His strong and yet delicate fingers gently brushed across her face and up to remove the pins in her own hair. The sudden loss of her hairpins made Orihime feel naked; she only ever took them out to bath and sleep, so having them out now and in another persons hands made her feel vulnerable. Byakuya studied the Shun Shun Rikka pins momentarily before taking them and his Kenseikan and wrapping his arms around her. Orihime was a little confused until she heard the click of a latch behind her. Turning in his arms, she looked into the exquisite glass/gold box to see her pins sitting a top the priceless windflower light silk scarf along side his Kenseikan.

The redhead gave a small giggle as she turned back to him, “It sure is a bit different to sitting on my bathroom vanity.”

The dark haired taichou was a little shocked but said nothing, instead making a mental note to have something crafted to hold them.
Orihime reached up and ran a hand through his silky black hair; the smooth ebony strands slipping through her fingers to fall perfectly around his flawless features. How was it possible that this man was interested in her? In the past when she had admired his beauty, she had laughed at herself for considering the possibility of capturing such a man, and pushed her feeling aside as foolish.

“Gods! He’s almost too good looking!” Orihime could feel her insecurities brewing in her stomach; even if for some crazy reason he was attracted to her, it surely wouldn’t last long after he realizes what a bad lover she was! Rangiku had told her it was a personality thing between them, but after months of uncomfortable and awkward sex with Ichigo, she was sure she must be defective in some way.

Byakuya took a step back to remove his haori, before folding it and placing it in a woven bamboo basket next to the draws. A small tug on her hand bought Orihime from her negative spiral of thought back to reality where Byakuya was silently requesting her to follow him toward his futon.

Now the nerves really started to kick in, somehow once his hands were no longer on her she had lost all confidence in herself. Her heart raced as they reach the futon and he turned back to her

Running his hand from her forehead over her eyes and down her face, “You’re so beautiful.” The way he looked at her made Orihime blush, it was as if she was a glistening diamond or a breathtaking sunset.

Orihime tentatively reached out and ran her hand up his chiseled torso, even through the material of his kimono the muscles in his abs and chest were defined. Slowly, she slipped the hand inside the folds of his kimono; Byakuya tensed as the soft fingers slid across his chest and briefly brushed over one of his nipples. Below, the dark haired taichou began to untie the obi of his kimono; as the material fell open, Orihime’s nerves disappeared and were replaced by want. The 6th division taichou’s body was larger than it appeared under his uniform; solid rolling hills of muscle covered in flawless creamy skin stood less than a foot in front of her.

Byakuya stood with confidence before her, attempting to deny the tremors his body threatened with her touches and enjoying her obvious appreciation of the body he’d mastered for over a century. Orihime ran her hands up his chest, and over his shoulders to slip his kimono off.

“Gods, his body is incredible!”

The redhead lent in and kissed his left shoulder in admiration, she had a bit of a thing for shoulders. While the sparks of passion fueled her bravery, Orihime trailed her kiss from his shoulder across to his neck and lightly sucked on the soft skin until she reached his earlobe. Byakuya’s subtle appreciation of her erotic kisses was shown in his increasingly rapid breathing and it’s hitch when his sensitive earlobe was taken inside her hot, wet mouth.

Byakuya closed the distance between their bodies by sliding a hand from her hip to the small of her back and drawing her to him. The feel of the expensive silk a top her warm petite body was a treasure no man could have resisted; running his hand up and down the curve of her back he remembered Rukia’s raised eyebrows when he had arrived with the gift and told her who it was for. His heart had skipped a beat when he’d seen her wearing it; she was truly stunning. Byakuya leant his head into the delicious attention on his ear and tried to stifle a small moan when her tongue rang along its shell.

Orihime’s heart fluttered when she felt his hands move to her obi, nerves and excitement, doubt and resolve all rushing through mind and stomach as the realization of something she already knew was confirmed; tonight she would make love to the taichou of division six.

As her kimono fell open, a shiver ran across her skin, Byakuya’s hand ran up her stomach and skimmed across her naked cleavage, up her neck and into her hair. Cupping the back of her head, he bought her lips back to his and kissed her before sliding his hands under the silk folds of material and letting it fall of her shoulders. The expensive silk fell silently to the floor to leave Orihime standing in nothing but an emerald and black pair of panties. The panties where Rukia’s contribution to her birthday gift, which cut across her cheeks in a steamy combination of silk, lace and flesh.

Byakuya’s dick twitched when he pulled back to drink in the view of her, and an unusual wave of urgency rushed over him; the site of her flawless body in nothing but those wicked panties made him want to throw her to the floor and ravage her. Dark gray eyes closed as the 6th division taichou composed his thoughts; no, the last thing he wanted was for this to be over in minutes.


Orihime shivered when his lustful gaze raked over her half naked body; she reached out to him but he stepped back briefly and she fought with the desire to cover herself as he began to circle her. Fingertips brushed over her hips and around to the small of her back; she could feel heat from his body standing close behind her before the sound of him smelling her hair sent a shiver down her spin. Thick red hair was pushed over her shoulder, while fingers ran down the back of her neck, and down her spin to tickle above the line of her panties.

Byakuya kissed her neck and ran one hand around her waist, teasing her already jumping skin, and the other hand up the back of her right thy to cup her backside. Orihime felt like she might melt into a puddle of goo if his touches kept on this way. The slightest touch was like electric fire, which made her pray simultaneously that he would hurry up and also, never stop. Brown eyes shot open when both Byakuya’s hands slid down the length of her long legs and the slowly back up to rest on her hips. The redhead glimpsed over her shoulder to see the Kuchiki noble kneeling behind her, his face inches from her poorly covered backside.

“What are you-” Orihime gasped and jumped when a set of teeth sunk into her right butt-cheek. Her hands shot down and grabbed at the hands on her waist as blood flooded her face. It hadn’t hurt but it was a little strange and-

“Uh” A small moan escaped her lips when Byakuya’s tongue ran between her thighs, and up over the mound of her arse before ending the motion with a biting kiss that would surely leave a mark.

Orihime held her breath and closed her eyes as his lips suddenly appeared at the back of her left knee, licking and kissing the sensitive area until she thought her legs might give way. Her weight shifted when his lips began to trail up the back of her leg; each small bit, kiss and lick bringing him back to her perky butt.

Byakuya proceeded to give the neglected left arse-cheek a sharp nip before beginning a trail of kisses up her spine. Orihime’s body shivered violently as wet kisses moved up her back and teeth occasionally scraped across the barely covered bone of her spine. Her head fell back when his mouth started back at her neck and two large hands moved firmly up her stomach to massage her naked breast. Orihime’s nipples were already hypersensitive peaks when his hands started to graze over them while kneading her aching flesh. She arched into his touch with one hand fisted in the material of his hakama on the hip behind hers and the other tangling in his black hair behind her.

“Ngh…Byakuya.” Orihime pushed herself back into him and felt his erection press into her lower back. Normally, feeling such a thing would bring a blush to the usually timid redhead’s face, but this time, all she could think was how much more of it she wanted to feel.

A small groan slipped from Byakuya’s throat when the redhead suddenly ground her weight back into his erection. It had been such a long time since he had been intimate with a woman, so the intensity of his body’s reaction to her was taking all his strength to control. He was sure he could feel a wet patch in his fundoshi and the thought made him wonder how her underwear was doing.

 Byakuya tweaked a nipple earning him a gasp before he slid his hand down her stomach to slide over her panties and down the front of her right thigh. Orihime’s breath stalled before she shifted her weight, opening her legs a little in an unconscious, silent request for his touch. Pinching her nipple with one hand, Byakuya ran his other hand back up the inside of her right thigh until he reached her heated panties. Heat flushed through the dark haired taichou as his fingers slowly caressed the dampened silk material; she was so wet.

A small whimper was the only warning Byakuya had before Orihime spun in his arms and captured his lips, plunging her tongue into his mouth and wrapping her arms around his neck. Byakuya smirked slightly into the kiss before groaning at the feel of her breast pressed flushed to his chest. Orihime moaned and knotted her fingers in raven hair while his hands ran down her back to capture her arse.

The redhead gave a startled squeak when she was suddenly lifted into the air; her legs naturally wrapping themselves around his hips when she was hoisted off the ground. Even in the mist of passion, the 6th division taichou’s strength and nobility allowed him to effortlessly ferry them both to the large futon across the room. Without once breaking their lips, Byakuya lowered them both to the center of the futon with Orihime resting beneath him.

The cool quilt beneath her heated skin bought Orihime back to conscious thought again, she couldn’t believe the way she was acting, couldn’t believe the way he was making her feel. The redhead panted to catch her breath when a hand ran up her left leg, along a smooth hip and up to grasp her breast. Her breath caught when his mouth moved to capture her right nipple. She groaned as his teeth bit into her nipple with more force than she thought she would enjoy; instead, the splash of pain had her gripping at the quilt below her.

Byakuya nipped at the sweet flesh below him and fought back the animalist groan that clawed at the back of his throat when the auburn haired beauty moaned his name. He wanted to taste every part of her body, wanted to pry every delicious lust-filled sound he could from her, and hear her say his name while he moved inside her.

Orihime was startled from her haze of lust when she connected Byakuya’s southward movement with his obvious intent. Her hands flew to his hair and then back to the mattress as her face began to flush and she fumbled with how to explain herself.

“I arh, I’m sorry but I don’t…” She blushed, biting her lip and shaking her head as his gray eyes looked up at her from above her waistline. “I don’t really like that…”

A wicked and sexy smirk flickered across the nobles face, “Kurosaki Ichigo, you disgraceful incompetent.” His tongue ran across her stomach just above her panty-line before he moved back to kiss her lips and whisper to her. “Please…” His right hand moved between their bodies to rub against the now soaked silk between her legs. “I so want to taste you.”

Orihime’s breath hitched; she remembered the embarrassing occasion Ichigo had gone down on her all too well and did not want to relive the awkward tickling feeling of his tongue on her sex or the extreme exposure of herself required. Beside, it was gross …wasn’t it? It was hard to think while he was pleasuring her this way. Her body screamed at her for more of him, anything, as long as he was touching her. Orihime bit her lip as he played her body with his skilled hands and coaxed her mind with seductive whispers as if she were a musical instrument the noble had long ago mastered.

Byakuya released her ear to softly kiss her temple and look into her conflicted eyes; he removed his hand and replaced it with the weight of his own body, gently grinding himself into her while bringing his slightly dampened fingers to his mouth and groaning at the sample flavor. Orihime’s cheeks flushed before giving a small nod while chewing on her lip. If he really wanted to, she would allow it… for a little while.

“Yes?” She gave another nod to his query before he began kissing a trail of decent. Orihime tried to relax as his mouth and hands teased her slightly reddened nipples, he stopped and tongued at her navel, making her squirm and fight back a giggle. To her surprise, his next step was not her underwear but instead he traveled his hands and mouth down the long curves of her legs. The redhead couldn’t help but relax as her toes, feet, ankles, carves and inner thighs were massaged, tickled, kissed and bitten.

Orihime sighed and closed her eyes; she’d quickly forgotten her insecurities under his ministrations and once again found herself wanting more. As if reading her thoughts, Byakuya slid his hands up to hook his fingers in the tops of her panties and the redhead surprised herself by lifting her hips to allow their removal.

Orihime bit her lip as his mouth kissed her innermost thigh; he suck on the spot while shifting his weight and her legs to get better positioned. One of his hands caressed her stomach and breasts above him while his tongue began mimicking the long smooth strokes on her wet folds. She fought the temptation to squirm as the strange sensation of wet muscle stroking wet muscle filled her body and blushed when she heard moans coming from the noble below her. She’d never expected him to be so forthcoming in his appreciation. Then all her thoughts were gone; a gasp filled the room before Orihime threw her head back and moaned.

“Ngh…Byakuya!” Shocked pleasure flooded her senses when a finger slide into her and his mouth sucked knowingly over her clitoris.

Byakuya tried to focus on what he was doing instead of the almost painful need still trapped in his hakama. It was a difficult task when she tasted so good and writhed under him moaning his name from those lustrous lips. Her warm, wet body sucked on his finger as he moved it slowly in and out of her before adding a second finger, earning him another heavenly moan.

After a while, Orihime’s body glistened in the moonlit room; sweat covered her skin as the sounds of her rapid breath and poorly restrained cries filled the room. Byakuya had increased his pressure and intensity in correspondence to her reactions and had moved from simply finger-fucking her to thrusting his fingers over and into her g-spot. To him, caressing the female body was like creating a beautiful piece of calligraphy; stroke a fraction too far and you undo all your had work, not far enough and your art is incomplete.

Orihime’s hands rushed to grasp the raven black locks between her thighs, her blunt nails digging into his scalp. She needed him to stop, it was too much, she bucked into his mouth and bit her lip as her legs shook and tried to close around him.

“Ngh… please, Byakuya!” Not even sure what she was begging for, her eyes closed and her mouth fell open as his pressure increased and every muscle in her body tensed.

“Bya- Oh!”
Byakuya groaned, though it went unheard as he fought to hold the bucking hips below him steady. Her walls pulsed tightly around his fingers and her jerking legs shook around his broad shoulders. The noble continued to milk the violent orgasm from her for as long as he could until she stilled and the room was silent but for the sounds of Orihime’s panting.

Byakuya slowly withdrew his fingers and moved to lie at her side, wiping his face on the quilt before pulling her into his arms and kissing her breathless lips. Orihime drank up the slow kiss and couldn’t help enjoying the taste on his lips. As her breath slowed, Byakuya held her with one arm and lifted the other into the air above them. Orihime’s brow furrowed, but before she could question the action, a black and purple butterfly came waveringly to his graceful hand. Nothing was said but the creature stilled momentarily as a small pulse of reiatsu was released from the body cradling her before it flew away in the direction it came.

“What was that about?” Orihime looked up at him from her position resting against his bare chest.

“A message to my Fukutaichou, that you are well and will not be returning to the party.”

Orihime’s heart jumped into her throat. Oh gods, Renji would never let her live this down and he would surely broadcast the message to the entire party! Byakuya noticed her reaction and began caressing her arm that was draped across his chest. “You needn’t worry, I also reminded Abarai of his place.”

Orihime bit her lip, she supposed it was a good thing that her friends wouldn’t worry about her, but regardless of what the 6th division Fukutaichou might have been threatened with, she was sure the whole of Seireitei would know about them by morning.

The redhead rolled onto her back as he shifted back between her legs and again captured her lips with his own. Orihime wrapped her arms around the broad shoulders above her and felt a wave of electricity wash over her body when she noticed him untying the obi of his hakama.

Byakuya sucked a breath in through his teeth before letting the breath out across her neck, “Aside from that, I needed to make sure we are not disturbed in the morning, because…”

Orihime arched her neck and a small whimper escaped her lips when she felt something much larger than his fingers roll against her slick folds and push against her entrance.

“I have a feeling it’s going to be a long night.”