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Good News From the Front	By : Polymer Category: Bleach > Het - Male/Female > Ichigo/Rukia Views: 5033 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Bleach belongs to Tite Kubo and is licensed by Shonen Jump. The characters are not mine and I make no money writing this story.

Chapter List
- 6
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Through the maze of corridors, Ichigo followed the servants carrying piles of towels and a fresh uniform. He reluctantly moved off to bathe and change into the fresh clothes that Byakuya’s house staff provided, taking in the sight of Rukia’s home on his way. Tranquil gardens formed the center part, flanked by a set of low buildings with sliding doors. A huge wall surrounded the manor, entry only permitted by permission from Byakuya himself.
Immediately one of the stewards asked Ichigo to surrender Zangetsu, which he did reluctantly. However seeing Rukia and Byakuya hand their zanpakuto over to servants convinced him it was safe for the time being. He had mental images of those razor sharp petals slicing into his flesh and he did not want to revisit that experience if he could avoid it. Now was not the time to pick a fight with a future brother in law.
That is if Byakuya even allowed Rukia to see him again after this. So far, the fact that it was Renji who gave him a knuckle sandwich was encouraging. Byakuya could have had him arrested but had arrived with Rukia at his side. If the brother and sister were at odds, it could have been far worse. Then again, it could all be the clever act of a noble family keeping up appearances to cut down on public scrutiny.
Once he changed into the clothes, Ichigo felt far better. He fastened his red-segmented sash across his front, grateful that Byakuya had given him a spare set of shikahusho instead of some fancy silk robe. Just buckling it in place grounded him in the ultra rich surroundings. His own clothes were sent off to be laundered and repaired by the huge staff at the manor, and would be returned to him as soon as possible, or so a servant informed him.
“Come with me, Kurosaki san. Byakuya sama is ready to see you now,” said that same servant, averting his gaze from Ichigo.
“All right,” Ichigo said as he rose to follow the older man, squinting behind his glasses. He recalled the same man had been at Byakuya’s side that time ago when Rukia had forgotten him, and everyone had forgotten her.
Things had come full circle he figured, recognizing the house and the very entrance to the shrine where Byakuya paid respect to Hisana and his other deceased relatives. He stopped when the steward held up a hand then slid the panel aside. “Enter and kneel there.”
With his back to the door Byakuya kneeled, presenting Ichigo with a good view of the intricate parting of his hairstyle threaded through the kenseikan. Next to him, slightly back knelt Rukia, wearing a silk kimono with rabbits and sakura blossoms woven into purple. Her distinctive hair fell down her back and Ichigo felt out of place suddenly. Byakuya still wore the robes of a captain, however.
Someone knelt next to Ichigo, whispering, “You will remain kneeling. I advise you to keep your eyes away from looking Byakuya sama in the eye. You are not to leave till you are dismissed.”
“So how official is this?” Ichigo muttered to the steward.
“It is a matter of clan business. The decision Byakuya sama makes here will determine whether you are allowed to continue to associate with Rukia sama. And if so, in what manner,” the steward explained.
“Great, just perfect,” Ichigo muttered sourly.
“Prepare to record the events of this meeting,” Byakuya murmured after motioning his steward over. The man crouched by him.
“Yes milord. All of us await your pronouncement, and a formal document will be forthcoming to present to the elders of your final decision,” the seaward whispered.
Ichigo fought the urge to question what this meant. It was probably just what he initially thought, a meeting of business in the Kuchiki family. As such, they were taking minutes. Still he hated the packaging of his relationship to Rukia as some sort of item to bring up at a meeting.
“Kurosaki Ichigo, I am to understand that you and my sister have entered into a relationship,” Byakuya said quietly. Ichigo could not tell if there was anger or amusement in the flat tone.
“That’s right sir,” Ichigo answered as if he was speaking to a teacher. “And we decided to come here and tell you face to face instead of hiding. I want to do things the right way…”
“Enough,” Byakuya said holding up a hand. “Answer me honestly and truthfully. I can tell if you attempt to answer falsely so there is no use in lying.”
“I’ve got nothing to hide,” Ichigo mumbled, staring intently at the number six on Byakuya’s back visible just beneath the fold of his wrapped scarf and hair. Literally he could recognize Byakuya better from behind then in front because of the noble’s habits.
“What are your intentions towards my sister,” Byakuya asked.
“I want to ask you for permission to court her… and to ask for her hand in marriage sir,” Ichigo said plainly.
“You do realize that her station and yours are considerably disparate,” Byakuya said smoothly. Rukia so far had not uttered a single word.
“I know that Byakuya… sama,” Ichigo answered without hesitation. “But it’s better to come to you as a man then sneak around in the dark.”
“For that reason alone you were not arrested when you entered Soul Society,” Byakuya informed him, his voice tinged with warning.
“I get it,” Ichigo said. “So you won’t allow us to be together?”
“That is the purpose of this meeting. To determine in what manner you are henceforth allowed to associate with my sister. I have the authority to decree that you can only associate with her as a colleague, or forbid you to see her entirely,” Byakuya answered, voice hard as steel. “Do you understand?”
“Yes I understand sir,” Ichigo said clearly.
“Do you also understand that even if I decide it is acceptable for you to associate with my sister that the decision of the Kuchiki elders may warrant holding to previously arranged marriages with probable suitors, and only after she is properly married would you be allowed to continue an acquaintance?” Byakuya continued.

“I hear you, sir. But does Rukia agree to this?” Ichigo asked.
“Since Kurosaki Ichigo insists on traveling down this path, as a Kuchiki I must abide by the decision of the elders or risk disgrace,” Rukia said in an even tone devoid of emotion.
“It is surprising to me that you would even consider approaching me openly admitting your willingness to submit to Kuchiki law, Kurosaki. You have shown uncharacteristic wisdom in coming forward voluntarily in insisting upon a meeting. For that reason consider you fortunate to even be allowed in her presence and mine,” Byakuya informed Ichigo.
“No more hiding,” Ichigo said simply, glancing up at him.
Brown eyes met steel blue, hard and cold. Neither seemed to yield. Byakuya kept an edge of frost to his voice. “Since you may not fully comprehend what you are about to hear or profess ignorance of our traditions I grant you a certain leniency. The seriousness of the nature of your association with my sister constitutes a matter that the laws of Soul Society cannot apply to.”
“I got you,” Ichigo said.
“What reasons can you give for me possibly considering this ill conceived match, Kurosaki?” Byakuya first asked.
“I have a few,” Ichigo said, keeping his voice evenly pitched though filled with confidence.
“Continue…”
“First, Rukia and I feel the same way about each other. We both love each other,” Ichigo said.
“Continue…” Byakuya almost sniffed.
“Secondly, I know she’s a noble, and it’s better for us to be properly married. I don’t want to bring her any more problems then we’re already in because I know you’re not crazy about this,” Ichigo said.
“Of that you are correct,” Byakuya murmured. “You have other reasons?”
“Yes I do. Thirdly, I want to do whatever rituals or customs exist that make this all right. If you’ll let me,” Ichigo said.
“You do realize you have broken a number of family traditions and rules by even associating with my sister in the manner in which you callously claim,” Byakuya murmured.
“I know I’ve made mistakes sir, but if I can make it right…”
“Enough. One of the reasons I have refrained from punishing you or exacting other penalties is because you have status in Soul Society. Albeit honorary status brought because of your feats in battle. In addition, you possess considerable spirit energy and the ability to challenge me. Those alone are not sufficient to marry Rukia however,” Byakuya continued.
“Then what do I have to do, to prove myself?” Ichigo asked, forgetting that Byakuya had ordered him to speak only when asked a question.
“I must ask for permission from the Kuchiki family council,” Byakuya explained further, back still to Ichigo. “You will be informed of their decision as soon as it is available. In the meantime since your intentions towards my sister are in contemplation of marriage, there remains but only a few courses of action.”
“Which are?” Ichigo asked folding his arms over his chest.
“Another factor in consideration is that you are still technically living. In your present state, you are a Shinigami but you have a life in the living world. How could you hope to expect for Rukia to join you in that life when she is clearly a Shinigami?”
“I’ll wait for her if I have to,” Ichigo sighed, his heart sinking deeply into what seemed a huge pit. Far deeper then the shattered shaft. “If that is what it takes, then I’ll wait till I’m dead and passed here.”
“You realize that could take a lifetime,” Byakuya said with a slightly amused laugh. Ichigo didn’t see why this was the least bit funny but it was better than a rain of deadly petals.
“Like I said I’ll do what it takes. If I’ve gotta prove myself and go up the ranks so be it. Just tell me what I have to do or tell me here and now if there’s any chance of marrying Rukia,” Ichigo said. “Yes or no.”
“You demand an answer?” asked Byakuya.
“All I want to know is if I should leave her alone and not see her anymore. If I can only be friends with her. If you want me to stay away from her because of tradition, I won’t like it. And I guarantee she won’t either. If you’ve arranged some marriage for her, I don’t think that’s gonna be a good bet either… because you and I both know she’s stubborn.”
“I am not…” Rukia protested until Byakuya held up a hand. Tangible tense silence ensued; matching the parts of the room plunged into shadow. In fact, only small patches of light from the rice paper windows fell across the floor illuminating Byakuya’s shoulder and Rukia’s. Their faces were obscured in shadow even if they had turned around.
“We are in agreement of that fact, Kurosaki,” Byakuya replied more softly. “If you have a point, please be succinct.”
Eyes adjusted to the shadow, Ichigo reached deep to his reservoir of determination. Some battles required no sword, and Ichigo resolved to continue this one. Focusing on the back of Byakuya’s hair he uttered, “I just want to know Byakuya sama, if you don’t want me to marry Rukia, I’ll understand. If you don’t want me to be in a relationship with her, just say so. Just yes or no.”
Ever so slightly, Byakuya’s head swiveled enough to reveal his cheek and the points covering the left side of his face. Only out of the corner of one steely blue eye, he met Ichigo’s gaze. “Even though you will doubtless defy my reasons to say no.”
Far more than he expected Ichigo felt his heart leaping. Still he quelled his nervous anticipation by keeping his voice to a low murmur. “Even so, sir. Because I’m stubborn too.”
“Of that I am well aware,” the noble replied. Still Byakuya kept his head turned mostly aside. The steely blue eye kept contact, gleaming intensely with challenge, and a hint of understanding. Ichigo recognized it. Byakuya considered him a worthy rival and adversary or else he would not have granted him such an audience.
“You know that I’d do anything to protect her. If it’s an issue of you or me protecting your pride, you know where I stand right?”
Next to Byakuya Rukia turned her own head so Ichigo could see the features of her profile clearly. Though her deep violet eye trained on Ichigo held resentment, Ichigo also saw gratitude and intense love.
Rukia mumbled, “I can protect myself…”
“Rukia be silent,” Byakuya instructed. “I am speaking to Kurosaki at the present.”
“Nii sama, I realize that with all due respect, but I will be silent under protest,” his sister replied.
Frustration sparkled in her deep violet eyes now. Ichigo hid the urge to laugh at how well he knew what Rukia must have been thinking. Ironically, the very formalities they tried escaping from Rukia faced now, and she was well out of her comfort zone as he was. Ever since he learned martial arts and had to fight, Ichigo saw any dilemma, physical or not, as a battle to win. He hated thinking of Rukia as physical property or a commodity. Yet according to Kuchiki nobility, she was considered a resource Byakuya protected like a precious treasure.
“Rukia, I insist. Kurosaki has caught my attention. Do not presume the outcome of this meeting will be either yes or no until I have made my decision.”
“I apologize Nii sama,” she answered, inclining her head.
Silk rustled as Byakuya rose from his seiza and turned to face Ichigo completely. Heart skipping a beat Ichigo almost could not believe his eyes watching Byakuya kneel down so he could see the noble’s face clearly now. Rukia mirrored her brother’s actions yet kept her head inclined. Ichigo bowed his head slightly, wondering if averting his eyes were the right thing. It took most of Ichigo’s self-control to bite his tongue. Clearing his throat Byakuya then said, “Kurosaki, there is no doubt you would go to extreme measures to defend what you consider precious to you. Even if your means are unorthodox.”
“You know I will. I admit we don’t see eye to eye, Byakuya sama. I like to think you and I’ve learned to agree to disagree,” Ichigo pointed out.
Face frozen in a neutral pose Byakuya said in a tone tinged with surprise, "Kurosaki, you seem to have grasped the concept of decorum. Why the suddenly change in demeanor?”
Ichigo hesitated cogitating a suitable answer. He admitted, “For Rukia’s sake I’m doing this. I don’t like all this bowing and scraping but since she’s a noble, I accept it and I’ll live with it.”
“You have indeed grown, Kurosaki-san,” Byakuya murmured. “Still, you are young, foolhardy, and prone to impulsive action. Nevertheless you have shown capacity to learn from your mistakes.”
“Yeah, I do the best I can,” Ichigo said.
“And what else have you to say regarding your purpose here?” Byakuya queried, even though he knew the answer.
“Learning the customs that I’d need in order to be married to Kuchiki Rukia,” Ichigo announced, lifting his head to meet Byakuya’s gaze again.
At this, Byakuya’s lip corners twitched upwards slightly. “Would I be correct in assuming if I did answer in the negative you would still challenge me in single combat for Rukia’s hand?”
Air tingled with power, growing in strength until an envelope of spirit energy weighed heavily down on Ichigo. Rukia herself was contained inside of it, occupying a small bubble of safety. No servants were present in the room, and Ichigo suddenly knew why. Air distorted and vibrated as the floor trembled.
Rukia whispered, “Nii sama…”
“It is necessary Rukia, Be silent,” Byakuya ordered quietly.
Ichigo’s own spirit pressure continually leaked out, but this time it solidified pushed back against the onslaught. Heavy and shadowed it crept up, forming a barrier that blurred the air before him. Warm, protective, safe, weighing down on everyone who happened to be, countering Byakuya’s imperial forceful presence. Rukia felt something resonate inside her from the two warring energies. Brown eyes glowed bluish white in Ichigo’s frowning face.
“Do you have the will to challenge me? It seems you can control your reiatsu, but that is not enough to be a worthy suitor. Do you have the patience to learn the true significance of what you presume to take on, Kurosaki?” Byakuya challenged. Suppressing an irritated sigh at her boyfriend and brother judging each other’s strength, Rukia then focused a zone of chilly air. Byakuya’s eyes widened perceiving the extent of his sister’s own spirit pressure resisting his.
“Rukia’s said she can protect herself. I use my power to protect my friends and loved ones. I’d do so in order to protect her from being unhappy.”
“Withdraw your power and seal it, I have tested it sufficiently, Kurosaki Ichigo. Remain kneeling while I announce my decision,” Byakuya ordered. Immediately Ichigo dropped his spirit pressure, noticing that Byakuya’s lessened simultaneously.
In the manner of mice retreating from a housecat’s attack then poking their heads out of a hiding place once the threat had passed several servants appeared in the doorways of the chamber. Every one of them averted their eyes from their master. Ichigo bowed his head waiting for whatever answer may come, hiding the pounding of his heart or the nervousness deep inside. His first thought was disdain on Byakuya’s adherence to asserting his status, but he had traveled to Soul Society to understand Byakuya’s side.
“Remain here, Kurosaki Ichigo,” Byakuya said.
“Nii sama?” Rukia asked, barely turning around.
“You shall remain here with Kurosaki, Rukia. However, do not try my patience with foolish actions. Exercise restraint,” Byakuya ordered.
“Yes, Nii Sama,” she mumbled, bowing her head.
“The same restrictions apply to you, Kurosaki shinigami daiko,” Byakuya instructed Ichigo. “I am off to convene with the Kuchiki family council. As soon as a decision has been reached, you will be informed. Till such time you are to remain in this room, understand?”
“I get it, sir,” Ichigo replied. At this point Byakuya didn’t chastise Ichigo. Sir was as good as he would get consistently from Kurosaki. Rising from his seiza Byakuya then turned to exit the chamber. Tension present in the air broke to Ichigo’s relief. He exhaled deeply, his head bowed.
“Ichigo,” Rukia said softly. He snapped his head up.
“So Rukia, how long do you think it’s gonna take your brother to make a decision? Or should I start getting used to a long distance relationship?” Ichigo quipped, frowning.
“Ichigo that isn’t the least bit funny,” Rukia murmured, glaring at him. At last some sign of her usual self Ichigo saw.
A servant shuffled forwards carrying a tray. He knelt and bowed saying, “Rukia sama, some refreshment for you and Kurosaki Shinigami daiko,”
“Thank you,” she answered accepting the tea from him.
“Thanks,” Ichigo answered, still frowning. Each of them picked up the fine china teacups to sip them. Ichigo relished the liquid down his throat while processing how fragrant and probably expensive the leaves were used to make it. It tasted far more complicated than the tea Ukitake served them earlier that day.
“Ichigo, are you still certain you want to go through with this?” Rukia asked after they sipped in silence.
“What kind of stupid question is that?” Ichigo snapped, glaring at her. “Don’t tell me you’re giving up on this!”
“Keep your voice down,” she hissed.
“You want me to give up? There’s no way in…” Ichigo began before Rukia’s glare silenced him.
“I mean there’s no way in the world of the living or Soul Society I’d give up on you right in the middle of all this. I said I wanted this. If it means he’s going to say no, then I’ll figure out what to do. We’ll figure out what to do,” Ichigo mumbled pragmatically.
“Knowing your track record with following rules…” Rukia trailed off.
“If I didn’t know better I’d say you were disappointed I WAS doing this,” Ichigo sullenly pointed out.
“What was that? What’s that supposed to mean?” Rukia snorted, setting her teacup down.
“Nothing,” Ichigo answered, focusing more on his tea then her. Frustration twitched muscles in her neck.
“Don’t give me ‘nothing’, Ichigo! You can’t just say something like that and expect me to let it go!”
“Come on Rukia sama,” Ichigo said seriously. “Weren’t you running away?”
“I can’t believe I’m hearing you say this!” Rukia gasped.
“I’m just making sure,” Ichigo said, glaring back at her. “You think I can’t handle it right? Or you’re purposely trying to piss me off so I’ll get mad and fight him. You can’t think for one moment your brother might possibly say yes!”
“He won’t Ichigo. I know him well enough!” Rukia said bitterly.
“He’s changed Rukia, and so have I,” Ichigo said shaking his head. He poured himself more tea and gulped it down.
“Now I know you’re crazy,” Rukia muttered, sipping minutely at her tea the servant refilled. “Actually complementing my brother.”
“Now who’s being stubborn?” Ichigo asked, his nose wrinkling slightly. “Or were you thinking Renji was gonna try and beat the crap out of me and you just ‘hate two men acting like chauvinistic jerks fighting over me’?”
“This… entire situation I…”
“Rukia, maybe I’ve got something to prove to your brother,” Ichigo said to her. “You diss the whole system of rules and stuff, but if I don’t stand up to him he’ll always think that I’m some sorta jerk who can’t respect authority.”
“What are you getting at?” Rukia asked.
Ichigo laughed, smirking. “The fact he’s going through whatever rules there are to make me prove myself. A flash of power in one civilization is the same in another. Or am I too stupid to understand complex ancient rules?”
“Now that’s the Ichigo I know,” Rukia murmured, shaking her head. “Always so sure of yourself no matter what the odds.”
“You and me Rukia. We stand up to him together,” Ichigo reassured her, raising his head to smile at her.

***
Tense moments clicked by despite Ichigo's reassuring smiles. Rukia remained kneeling with both knees to the side and hands resting on her hips. She sighed as Ichigo's fake smile started to get on her nerves. “You don't have to try so hard not to frown,” she mumbled.
“My face was killing me anyhow,” Ichigo joked, to break further tension.
“Usually that's what Kon complains about isn't it?” Rukia responded.
Both fell silent sensing the arrival of a lavender aura tingling their reiatsu perceptions. Though unable to touch one another, separated by the space between them, their respective power auras brushed. Ichigo's enclosed her like a protective blanket, but retreated at the instant the panel softly slide aside. Behind it the sillohuettes of the steward and the head of the kuchiki family himself glided. Just how Byakuya strode so smoothly without breaking posture continued to annoy and amaze Ichigo. He straightened up from a modest slouch.
Flanked by his attendants, Byakuya lowered himself into his seiza. Steel blue eyes still held distance falling upon his sister first, then Ichigo. They diverted to glance slightly downwards from the slightly upheld tilt of his head. Paper barely rustled during the unfurling of a scroll he held on his knees.
“Kurosaki Ichigo, I have conferred with the clan council and a decision has been reached,” he said.
Brown eyes fixed into sapphire ones across the distance between them. In his throat Ichigo's breath hitched while he grabbed handfulls of black cloth on his hakama and twisted them between his hands. Rukia's reiatsu fluttered slightly enough for Ichigo to see the hint of her own uncertainty. To the untrained and unaccustomed it would mean little, yet to him he knew its significance.
As elder and head of the Kuchiki clan I hereby decree that you will be allowed to court Rukia provided your intentions are honorable and that you learn clan tradition in anticipation of marriage,” Byakuya said.
“Wait… you mean you’re saying YES?” Ichigo asked, stammering. He laughed slightly; sure, he was still fast asleep.
“You seem surprised?” Byakuya wondered, turning his head slightly.
Rubbing the back of his neck Ichigo asked, “Hell yeah… I mean I’m sorry but yeah… it… why?”
The substitute shingami could barely hear the stifled sigh from the noble. Byakuya explained, “Because if I said no you would become a considerable nuisance and a disgrace otherwise in order to prove your worth.”
Ichigo's brows furrowed. “Maybe, but not to harm Rukia intentionally. My actions would speak for myself.”
Byakuya sniffed. “Aren't you aware by association that anything you do in her presence affects her reputation?”
to this Ichigo inclined his head. “I didn't think of it quite like that.”
Sadly Rukia nodded. “He's right Ichigo.”
The noble lowered his voice, inclining his head slightly. I will not have Rukia further embarrassed. Your power more than sufficient to protect my pride, and though you are bullheaded you know that there are reasons for rules. There is another matter that deserved additional consideratioin.”
Ichigo asked, “What else?”
“You defied my own will to save her even if I said otherwise,” Byakuya murmured, voice deep and low. “I would prefer that your power be used for the betterment of Soul Society in upholding order rather than plunging it into chaos. Consenting to this union is the lesser of two evils.”
“I see...” Ichigo mumbled. Rukia swallowed the lump in her throat.
Frustration filled Ichigo at that comment as soon as it registered what Byakuya had said. He bit his lip from spitting out some rejoinder. The mere fact Byakuya said yes at all seemed a minor miracle. It was clear that there was a catch to it. He waited impatiently for Byakuya to say anything further. Sure enough, Byakuya said after a long silence, “When in Rukia’s presence you will act in accordance with proper means of behavior. Especially when in present in Soul Society.”
“Yes sir,” Ichigo murmured. For each word Byakuya uttered Ichigo felt his face increasing one degree in temperature. He was certain he had another blush worthy of his namesake by the time his future or possible brother in law was finished.
The low insisted tone rumbled, “I will not have the Kuchiki name further dishonored. Since the extent of your relationship seems widespread news, the other reason for agreeing to this foolhardy arrangement is a matter of reparation.”
Between his figners Ichigo twisted more cloth of his pleated hakama, almost ripping it apart. “I hear what you're saying, Byakuya sama.”
“That is satisfactory. I trust you two will heed the terms of the declaration?” Byakuya then queried, cocking a graceful black brow.
“I am certain if Ichigo has any questions I can answer them,” said Rukia.
“Or I will come and ask you, Byakuya sama,” Ichigo said quietly. “Will you be available? Or maybe provide some sort of handbook?”
“That option is available,” said Byakuya, motioning with a nod of his head.
One of the servants rose and carried a book over towards Ichigo, presenting it to him. Bowing his head Ichigo held out his hands and let them place it upon them. Soft leather caressed his fingers, cool to the touch and heavily weighing on his palms for its size. Dense with traditions and multiple rules it drove home the weight of what was expected of Ichigo.
“Thank you,” he replied, wrapping his hands around the book and squeezing it instead of the fabric on his clothes. It was far more solid and unyielding.
- 6
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- 8
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