Chapter 25: Calm Before The Storm 1/2

AN: Hey everyone, the rating will now change to M. If you see XXX then that means that there is a scene that contains sexual/explicit content. Again just skip that scene if you don't want to read it.

Now, for this chapter the Rated M scene isn't very long nor is it THAT explicit, but there is a chapter in the future that does get hot and heavy incase you were wondering.

Canon timeline starts next chapter. As for this chapter, I sorta had a tough time writing it, but the other future chapters seem to flow better so it is what it is I suppose.

Anyways, as always, thanks for your continued support!

Vocabulary Terms:

*Baka (Bakamono) = Fool/Idiot

*Onii-sama = Big Brother

*Obasan = Aunt

Reading the story:

-Scene change: "888"

-Rated M Scene: "XXX"

-Hello, how are you? (Someone in their own thoughts)

-Hello how are you? (Zanpakuto Spirit speaking in a Shinigami's mind)

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Bleach.

Chapter 25

Kishin sat at his office desk scribbling on some sheets of paper. There were some documents that he needed to look over for the division and it was taking up a lot of his time. Normally he'd be cursing under his breath and complaining, but lately he had been in a pretty good mood. His thoughts couldn't help but wander from time to time on Rukia and what she was doing. It had already been a couple months since the time when they shared their first kiss. He could still recall the taste of honey, the softness of her lips, the warmth of her body...he shook his head and refocused on the paperwork. An involuntary smile graced his lips.

If there was one thing he had to complain about then it was that he had agreed to take things slow with her. He had seriously wanted to just have his way with her right there and then, but he was afraid that he'd scare her away. That was a side to him that he never thought he'd ever have. If she didn't forcefully stop him, he really might have just taken her against the kitchen wall. She had been completely flustered and shocked at what they had just done and she seemed to have been under a lot of pressure, though he couldn't blame her since he was completely lost and absorbed in the moment.

"I...probably dumped a bit too much on her at once." He silently mumbled to himself as he recalled telling her how damaged he was.

Will Rukia really be okay with me?

He wondered to himself as he placed the last of the paperwork away before lying his head down on the wooden mahogany table in exhaustion.

"On the plus side, taking things slow let us cool off so things between us aren't awkward."

Knock. Knock.

The sound of someone at his door immediately woke him from his tired state.

"Who is it?"

A hesitant and awkward sounding voice came from the other side of his door. "Ahem. It's Renji."

Kishin raised his eyebrow slightly amused as he had somewhat been expecting Renji to visit him sooner or later.

So he finally decides to visit. Figures after he overheard everything that happened at the Kuchiki Manor a few months ago.

He leaned back in his chair and made himself comfortable as he responded, "Come in."

The door opened at his permission revealing the familiar look of Renji's long red hair tied in a ponytail, the black tribal tattoos that marked his upper body, the white headband that was wrapped around his forehead, and the standard black Shinigami shihakusho over his body.

Kishin waited for several long moments as Renji just stood in silence in front of his desk. It only caused his eyebrow to raise up in curiosity. "Was there a specific reason for your visit or were you attracted to my office desk?"

"Ahem." Renji lightly coughed before he awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. "I-uh…"

Renji thought back to the incident at the Kuchiki Manor a couple months ago and finally became serious. "What happened to Rukia?" He asked.

…

Silence.

Kishin didn't answer right away as he thought about how to respond. He then answered with his own question, "What do you mean what happened to Rukia?"

"I was there when you spoke to Captain Kuchiki. I-I didn't know that there were people in the Manor that were causing her trouble or that she was still deeply scarred by Kaien's death. I tried to investigate a little more on my own the past couple months but...ahem. Is she...alright?"

Kishin simply nodded his head. "She's fine, or rather...I'll make sure she's fine."

Renji's eyelid twitched at Kishin's response. "What do you mean by, you'll make sure she's fine?"

Kishin crossed his arms with a serious expression on his face. "I mean exactly that. I won't leave her alone if she's feeling sad. She's important to me."

Renji shifted uncomfortably in place. He came here to ask about Rukia hoping to learn more about how she was feeling and thought that he could try to help her, but now he was feeling...conflicted. He already knew that he liked Rukia. He thought about her a lot, but he was always hesitant because he was afraid coming forward with his feelings would ruin his friendship with her. He had decided to take things slow and thought he'd have plenty of time to grow close to her again. He joined the 6th division because he wanted to surpass Byakuya and get closer to Rukia, but here he was standing in front of Kishin feeling...extremely wary.

Renji ventured to ask, "Are you...ahem...are you and Rukia close?"

Kishin just grinned. "Is that a problem?"

A long moment of awkward pause hung in the air. Kishin could see the conflicting emotions flashing by in Renji's eyes. Undoubtedly he was feeling insecure, jealousy, a bit of anger, confusion, maybe even hate? Though it was hard to tell who it was directed at.

"Is there something wrong? Lieutenant Abarai?"

Renji again, shifted uncomfortably in place at Kishin's question. Was there something wrong? Yes. There was. Renji didn't like how Kishin had answered his questions. It made it almost seem as if...as if he had lost his chance to reignite his close relationship with Rukia. Like he had lost the chance to tell her how he felt. The memories of their time together in the Rukon district resurfaced in his mind causing him to clench his hand into a fist.

No...there's no way that Rukia and Kishin are together. They are just close because they work in the same division. I on the other hand work under Captain Kuchiki and I see her a lot in the Kuchiki Manor. We grew up together in the Rukon district. We have history! But…

Renji couldn't help recalling that recently Rukia's mood around the Manor had seemed to be somewhat more cheerful than normal. She still kept that serious, graceful, and cool exterior when there, but it no longer seemed forced. Rather, it seemed like she was handling whatever internal struggles she was having before much better.

Kishin noted the silence around Renji and let out a sigh. "Haaah. Lieutenant Abarai, you're here to talk about Rukia right? Can you get on with it?"

Renji froze at Kishin's question. His shoulders tensed up as he realized that Kishin kept using Rukia's first name. He gritted his teeth and responded, "I-I am. I wanted to know what kinds of problems she's been facing. I don't want her to face these things alone."

"You should really be asking her these things yourself."

"I…" Renji didn't have a good answer as he knew that to be true, but he and Rukia haven't spoken to each other in decades. He didn't know how to approach her.

Kishin just waved his hand in the air. "It's fine. You don't have to worry. I'll protect her."

"Eh? What? Wait! What do you mean by that?"

"I mean exactly that. I'll protect her."

"P-Protect her from what?"

"From everything that makes her sad."

"Y-You...if you say it like that then other people might misinterpret your words."

"Misinterpret? Like what?"

Renji's face turned a shade of red in frustration as he struggled to give an answer. "L-Like...people might think you two are a c-c-couple or something instead of having a superior and subordinate relationship."

Kishin just shrugged his shoulders. "What's wrong with that?"

Renji's eyes widened with incredulity. "W-What's wrong?! Obviously you shouldn't be having that sort of relationship with those who work under you!"

"Why not?"

"W-What?! B-Because…" Renji was getting more and more flustered and frustrated. He didn't know what he was saying anymore. His instincts told him that there was something suspicious going on between Rukia and Kishin. He took a good look at Kishin and inwardly frowned.

He's good looking. Tall. Well built. He's a Lieutenant and I hear that he's pretty strong. The way he talks...he's got a silver tongue. He's even backing me into a corner. Would Rukia be able to resist this guy's charm? Especially if he's the one lending her help when she needs it?

Renji's blood was boiling. He didn't like it. He didn't like where his mind was wandering to and the conclusions he was drawing for himself.

Kishin noticed but didn't really care. He stood up and began to walk out of the office.

"Hm? Wait, where are you going?"

Kishin paused halfway out the door and turned back to look behind him at a flustered Renji. "I'm going to the Kuchiki Manor."

"EH?! What? Why?"

"Isn't it obvious? Rukia's over there."

Renji had an almost panicked expression on his face. For some reason he strongly had an urge to not let them meet. "You shouldn't!"

Kishin just cocked his head to the side. "Why not?"

"B-Because...Ah, she's busy right now! Right, she's in the middle of one of her noble lessons!"

"That's fine. Then I'll wait." He continued on his way causing Renji to follow after him.

"You're seriously going? It could take several hours before she's done."

"So?"

"So wouldn't your time be better spent doing something else?"

Kishin halted his step causing Renji to let out an inward sigh of relief. His relief however, was short-lived as Kishin responded, "I always have time to spend for Rukia." He then continued on his way.

Renji just stared at Kishin's back completely dumbstruck and defeated. He had no idea how he was supposed to stop Kishin from heading to the Kuchiki Manor so instead, he decided to excuse himself and get there first. "Ahem. Well then Lieutenant Chigetsu, I'll take my leave first."

Fwish!

Kishin merely watched with an odd expression at Renji's quick departure, a hint of a cold and dark light flashed by in his eyes.

Should I just kill him?

His right hand twitched with an urge to grip his Zanpakuto, but then the image of Rukia yelling at him surfaced in his head.

"Tch. Fine. For Rukia-senpai, I'll play nice. For now."

He continued on his leisurely stroll through the Seireitei heading towards the R&D department. He wasn't in any sort of rush to get to the Manor. Even though he urgently wanted to see Rukia right now he wasn't without any semblance of self control. He knew that he'd only place more pressure on her shoulders if he smothered her with his feelings and desires. It was tough on his part since it was his first time ever feeling this way about someone, but he managed to restrain himself enough.

Just as he turned a corner he paused and took note of someone walking towards him in the distance. A presence he was all too familiar with.

Captain Ichimaru?

A few hundred steps later and they finally stood face to face.

"Ohya. Lieutenant Chigetsu. Fancy meetin' ya here like this."

Kishin simply remained indifferent. "I'm sure it is."

"Hahaha, what's the matter? Does seein' me make ya uneasy?"

He simply smirked completely unperturbed. "Are you sure that you aren't the one feeling uneasy? Captain Ichimaru."

Gin's facial expression remained unchanged from his usual snake-like foxy look as he elected not to answer. The atmosphere between them soon became awkward as they seemingly had nothing else to say. In the end they both continued on their way, that was until Kishin stopped and quickly interjected, "Wait."

Gin paused and turned to look over his shoulder. "Hmm? Got somethin' else to say?"

Kishin pointed to a large hill in the distance that had several tall trees on top and said, "I do."

Gin was immediately intrigued as to what Kishin had to say to him, after all Kishin already knew the truth about him being with Aizen. After thinking about it for a moment he shrugged his shoulders. "Ya wanna talk at that hill over there? Odd spot don'tcha think?"

"There's something I want to ask you. I think you'll find it better if we talk where we won't be accidentally interrupted."

Gin inwardly frowned having no idea what Kishin was up to. The truth was that he was somewhat wary of Kishin for several reasons. The first was that Kishin knew the truth about him and Aizen yet he had no idea how Kishin ever found out. The second was that he knew Kishin was also quite a cunning person. And the third was that he witnessed Kishin's fight against Tosen and understood just how powerful Kishin truly was. Had Aizen not intervened then Tosen would have undoubtedly died, and Kishin hadn't even utilized his true strength in that fight.

Kishin noted Gin's silence and commented, "Don't worry. No tricks. I really want to talk."

Gin just gave an awkward smile. "What makes ya think I'm worried?"

Kishin shrugged his shoulders. "So you're not? Great! Then you have no problem following through with my request right?"

Without directly replying, Gin immediately blurred into the distance to the designated location atop the hill; Kishin followed suit.

Fwish!

They both stood in the shadow of one of the large trees on the hill that overlooked part of the Seireitei. For a good long minute neither one of them said a word. They simply took in the view before them. Kishin took that time to filter through his thoughts recalling that Gin wasn't supposed to be on Aizen's side. Well, at least that's what he had heard. He didn't actually know the details. All he knew was that Gin never truly followed Aizen.

It was Gin who finally broke the silence. "Nan-ya, you're acting pretty relaxed around me. Don't see me as a threat huh?"

Kishin simply ignored the comment.

Gin gave another curious glance over to Kishin before he continued, "So? Ya wanted to talk right? What's on your mind?"

Without beating too much around the bush he immediately asked, "What do you think about Aizen?"

Gin's facial expression simply remained indifferent to the question, but mentally he was quite careful in choosing his words. "Captain Aizen is Captain Aizen. Why're ya askin?"

"That's not a very straightforward answer."

"Ya didn't ask a very straightforward question."

"Alright, then let me change my question. Why don't you trust Aizen?"

Gin tilted his head in curiosity. "What makes ya say that?"

Kishin just shrugged. "Then you trust Aizen?"

"Trust? What a strange thing to ask. Captain Aizen has never once told me to trust him."

Kishin raised his eyebrow at Gin's comment. "Then why do you follow him?"

"Why are you so curious all of a sudden?"

"Why can't I be? There's no need for us to pretend in front of each other anymore so I'm curious. Why are you following Aizen?"

"Hmmm...are ya gonna ask Tosen the same thing?"

"Nope."

"Eh? Why not?"

"I'm not interested in why Tosen is following Aizen. I'm interested in why YOU are following Aizen."

"You're a strange kid."

"You keep dodging the question."

"I'm simply following Aizen because I find him interesting."

Kishin had on a doubtful look. "Captain Ichimaru, why lie about this to me?"

"Oh? Does it seem like I'm lyin to ya?"

"Obviously."

"Heh, ya really are a creepy kid."

"Says the guy who never opens his eyes."

"Ouch. That hurts."

...

Again they stood in silence. Their earlier conversation going absolutely nowhere. It wasn't much different than how they normally conversed. Jabbing and poking attempting to probe the other person's thoughts. By now the sun was high in the sky as midday had just arrived. Kishin mentally shook his head in annoyance.

"What's Aizen's weakness?" He ventured to ask.

Gin just remained completely still. For several long moments he didn't move or say anything. Finally he turned to look at Kishin, ignoring his previous question and asked, "You don't seriously think that you could defeat Captain Aizen do you?"

Kishin just shrugged his shoulders. "For one, I never had any plans to directly fight that guy. It was him who didn't leave me alone. And secondly, I'd like to know his weakness because with the way things are going, it seems like I might have to fight him eventually whether I like it or not."

Gin put on a thoughtful look before he simply replied, "Captain Aizen has no weakness."

"Really? So even you don't know."

"Did ya really think that Captain Aizen would have a weakness?"

"I don't see why he wouldn't."

"Hahaha! You're a strange kid. Do ya know how Captain Aizen's gotten this far? It's not hard to find the answer. Just think about everything that he's accomplished. Ya know about it too right? He's even fooled the entire Gotei 13. All of the things that Captain Aizen has been able to achieve is because Captain Aizen is strong. A weakness? There isn't one."

Kishin just smirked. "He's fooled everyone but me."

Gin also smirked. "That's why I keep saying that you're a strange and interesting kid. How'd ya find out about us anyways?"

"Wouldn't you like to know."

"I would. Mind sharing?"

"I looked into a crystal ball and it told me what I wanted to know."

Gin let out a light chuckle. "Hahaha! Ya still got a sense of humor I see. Alright, I won't pry."

Kishin huffed out a sigh. "Since it's going to be like this then forget it." He began walking away leaving Gin a bit surprised. "Ya leavin' already?"

Kishin waved his hand in the air. "You don't seem to be in a divulgatory mood. If you won't share then there's no point for us to continue this any longer."

"Oh? You were quick to give up."

"I'm not giving up. It's you who's letting go of an opportunity."

Gin slightly furrowed his brow. "And what opportunity would that be?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Kishin said halting his step. "The opportunity to get one over Aizen."

Gin stood in silence for a moment seemingly deep in thought. After thinking to himself for a few seconds he answered, "Heh, sorry but I'm not interested."

Kishin waited a few more seconds to see if Gin had anything else to add, however Gin didn't say anything. In the end Kishin let out another sigh. "Haah. Suit yourself. I don't know why you're so tight lipped, but is Captain Aizen really that scary? He's just a Shinigami."

Gin kept his indifferent facial expression as he replied, "You'll end up dead if ya think like that."

"Hahaha, really? Just testing the waters on how you'd respond. Since you don't seem that keen on cooperating then there's nothing I can do."

"You assume that I want to betray Captain Aizen."

"Well, you said it yourself earlier right?"

"And what did I say?"

"You said that Aizen never once told you to trust him. That means you don't trust him."

Silence once more.

Gin inwardly praised Kishin's ability to use other people's words to his advantage and slightly grinned. "Trust and betrayal are very different things."

Kishin nodded at his comment. "I agree. And so I never asked you to betray Aizen. After all, how can you betray someone you don't even trust in the first place?"

"Ohya? How do you know that I don't personally trust Captain Aizen? I only said that Captain Aizen never told me to trust him."

"Oh? Then do you personally trust Aizen?"

"What if I do?"

Kishin shook his head at Gin's roundabout answers. "Fine. Doesn't seem like we'll get anywhere with this. You do whatever you're gonna do then. Maybe we can cooperate in the future."

Gin just stared at Kishin's retreating form deep in thought. "You're a weird kid. Aren't-ya scared that I'll stab you in the back?"

Kishin simply waved his hand in the air as he slowly walked away. "I welcome you to try."

"You're oddly confident."

Kishin paused and glanced over his shoulder as he repeated the words that Aizen once spoke to him in Hueco Mundo. "Confidence comes from having ability, Captain Ichimaru."

"You're not afraid of Captain Aizen?" Gin asked with a curious glance.

"Me? Afraid? What makes you think that?"

"You knew about us for a long time yet you didn't make any moves. Isn't it because you're aware of just how powerful Captain Aizen is and fear his power?"

An unconcerned smile found its way to Kishin's lips as he responded nonchalantly, "Don't mistake fear and caution, Captain Ichimaru. I don't tremble or quake or shake in his presence. If I did then you can argue that I fear him. Instead of fearing Aizen, I am rather cautious of him."

FWISH!

Without dancing around with more playful words he disappeared in a flash of Shunpo leaving Gin all alone to his thoughts.

Kishin now stood in front of the familiar research building of the 12th division in which he was once a part of. His lips curled into a slight smile as the memories from his time here came back to him. As he leisurely strolled into the building he took notice that nothing had changed. People still looked haggard and disorganized running from one end of the building to another end with documents, papers, research materials and whatnot in their hands. Inside the labs were people too focused on their work that they didn't even register anyone else's presence.

Kishin just shook his head and finally made it to Akon's personal lab. Conveniently the door was left open. He walked in and watched as Akon typed into a computer while occasionally looking to his right where some strange looking chemical was hoisted up on a rack. Kishin raised his eyebrow in amusement as Akon didn't register his presence behind him.

"Ahem." He loudly cleared his throat.

Akon nearly jumped out of his skin and turned around as fast as he could, however in his startled state his hand swiped through the air heading right towards the strange chemical. Kishin immediately reacted and stretched out his palm, restraining Akon from making any large and wild movements.

Phew...that...was my fault. I have no idea what that chemical is but I'd rather not have it spill and find out the hard way.

Akon also let out a large sigh in relief before finally taking note that Kishin was the one who snuck up behind him. "Oi! Kishin, I should have known."

Kishin just rubbed the back of his neck guiltily. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare ya."

Akon pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Don't lie. You totally meant to scare me. Haaaah...well, what're you doing here?"

A light generated from Kishin's cross-shaped earring before a broken spy cam appeared in the palm of his hand. "Senpai, can you make me a few of these?"

Akon tilted his head in curiosity. "That's...a remote controlled flying spy cam? Seems broken. Why do you have one?"

Kishin just shrugged. "Can you make me a few?"

"Hmmm...yeah, should be pretty easy to make. I can make them smaller and even more inconspicuous if you want."

"Oh? Haha, I knew you could do it."

"What do you need spy cams for?"

"Mmmm...long story. Nothing you need to worry about."

"Personal huh?"

"You can say that."

"Always so secretive."

"Well, you owe me don't you?"

Akon just massaged his temples. "Unfortunately I owe you too much, but since it's you then it's fine."

"Great. How long til they're ready?"

"I can make you 10. They should be ready by the end of the week."

Kishin lightly patted Akon's shoulder in appreciation. "Thanks. I'll come back then."

Akon wanted to say something more, but in the end he refrained from asking and simply watched in amusement as Kishin happily walked out of his office.

It wasn't long after when Kishin reached the Kuchiki Manor. Just as he was debating whether to enter through the front door or not, he heard the sound of Ayumi's voice come through the gates. "Lieutenant Chigetsu is it? Why don't you just come in."

"Eh? How did you know I was coming?" Kishin curiously inquired as the entrance gates opened.

Ayumi just let out a light giggle. "Well for one, Renji ran back here completely out of breath mumbling something about you and something about Rukia and something about distance."

Kishin furrowed his brow disapprovingly. "Is that right?" A dark cold glint sparkled in his eyes.

Ayumi quickly coughed after seeing the murderous look in his eyes and knew that she probably shouldn't taunt or tease Kishin about anything having to do with Rukia.

How did Rukia end up with such a dangerous guy?

"Ahem, Lieutenant Chigetsu, are you coming in or not?"

Kishin nodded and walked in through the front gate. "Since you're inviting me in then it'd be rude not to accept your kind gesture."

"Hahaha, you're an odd one."

"Is that odd good or odd bad?"

Ayumi studied him for a moment before leading him inside the Manor. "I don't know yet. Can I be honest with you?"

Kishin simply nodded. "I'd prefer it if you were."

"I see. Then...what is it exactly that you see in Rukia-chan?"

He halted his step causing Ayumi to pause as well and gave her a curious glance. "What do you mean?"

"What do I mean? Well...you...it just seems odd to me that you found an interest in Rukia."

"Why do you say that?"

"It's your aura. It's…"

"It's what?"

"Ahem. Excuse me for saying this but it's dark. Your aura gives off a cold, bloody, ominous, almost demonic feeling. I just...I mean. It just seems odd that someone with your kind of presence would take an interest in our little Rukia-chan."

Kishin remained silent for a good long moment as he thought about it. In the end he nodded in agreement. "You're not wrong. I'm completely damaged."

Ayumi raised her eyebrow in curiosity as she wasn't expecting him to admit something like that. She stared him in the eyes trying to discern more about what kind of person he was inside.

Kishin simply stared back. "I'm damaged, but...I don't know what it is. I won't lie to you. I'm a killer. There's no doubt about that. I wouldn't hesitate in taking someone's life if I really wanted to. I'm good at spilling blood and I find it satisfying when I do."

Ayumi bit the bottom of her lip feeling confused and slightly uneasy as she hesitatingly commented, "Errr...you aren't really helping your case here Lieutenant." However, her expression softened right after as she noted the gentle look in Kishin's eyes as he continued, "I think the better question is why Rukia is with someone like me, because for me, she makes me want to be gentle. But for her? I don't know what she sees in me. I'm just happy that she accepts me."

Ayumi narrowed her eyes and carefully stared at Kishin deep in thought as if attempting to see if he was lying, but in the end she let out a deep breath and sighed in relief. "I see. You're sincere about her. I thought that maybe you were just chasing after something because it was a new experience for you and that after you were done with it you'd throw it away."

Kishin frowned and immediately shook his head. "Never."

"Oh? Hehehe, I see. It seems Rukia is quite lucky to have someone like you around her then. Are you two by any chance...dating?"

An awkward expression soon found its way to Kishin's face. He slightly shifted in place wanting to say yes, but then again it was never really made clear between them. "I...we-uhh…" In the end he simply rubbed the back of his neck and answered, "I think it's better to leave that question to Rukia. As long as I can be with her then it doesn't matter to me what kind of label people throw on it."

"Hmmm? ...haha, how cute."

"Huh?" He questioned at her sudden remark.

Ayumi just giggled some more. "The two of you are sorta cute."

"What're you talking about?"

She just shrugged her shoulders. "Alright. I won't keep you. You're here for Rukia right? Follow this road til you see a building with a green tiled roof. She'll be in there."

Kishin nodded in appreciation and thanked her before dashing off. The moment he disappeared Ayumi turned to look at the large tree nearby and smirked in amusement. "So Byakuya, what do you think?"

A small distortion in space around the tree rippled in the area before revealing a fair skinned stoic and and well groomed noble who stepped out from within a barrier. "Ayumi. Why did you invite that boy inside the Manor?"

"Is there something wrong? He came to see Rukia-chan."

"Exactly. Rukia needs to focus on performing her duties as a Kuchiki Noble as well as improving her skills as a Shinigami."

"Now now Byakuya, I know you actually care for Rukia don't you? You just have a hard time showing it. You didn't want me to invite him inside because he's close with Rukia-chan right?"

Byakuya narrowed his eyes at her comment. "He's too dangerous to leave around her."

"You don't actually believe that do you? Not after what you just heard him say."

"It is precisely because I heard what he said that I know he is unsuited to be by her side."

"Ehh? Don't tell me it's because of his status or background or something?"

Byakuya furrowed his brow at her comment. He recalled how Ayumi was married to Koga who had no status or background. Koga was then sealed away not long after their marriage. He then recalled his own marriage to Hisana who also had no status or background. She had passed away not long after their marriage. And now Rukia was close with Kishin who also didn't have much status or background aside from his title as Lieutenant, but even that didn't really amount to anything. He found it strange and ironic that Ayumi and himself had fallen in love with and chosen to marry people of no background. They both went against the wishes and advice of the Clan. In the end both of their marriages had been short lived. He couldn't help but wonder if there was some sort of curse placed on the Kuchiki Clan to have them fall in love with people of no status only to have their short time of happiness ripped from them.

"Byakuya?" Ayumi questioned at his silence.

Byakuya simply didn't say anything as he turned around walking off into the distance.

Ayumi pulled out a fan and covered the bottom half of her face as an amused smile graced her lips. "My...things seem to be picking up around here. Byakuya's showing more interest in Rukia's affairs nowadays, Renji's grown a spine after a sense of urgency and asked me to stall Lieutenant Chigetsu for a bit, and this Chigetsu Kishin character is quite interesting as well. Rukia oh Rukia, I wonder just which one of these three you will side with."

She then grinned to herself and began walking away saying beneath her breath, "Welp, my bet is on Lieutenant Chigetsu. Not only was he serious in what he said earlier, but he left a deeper impression on me than Renji's watching and waiting tactic and Byakuya's silent roundabout approach method."

888

Kishin followed Ayumi's instructions and soon found the green tiled building she had mentioned before. He could smell the scent of cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate, and other assorted sweets.

"A kitchen?" He mumbled to himself.