Chapter 7: Duty as a Friend

There were a lot of changes after the incident in the World of the Living. Byakuya made two more visits to the Kurosaki residence to check up on the substitute soul reaper. He wanted to be sure there were no repercussions to his health or mental state that might result in a change of behavior or allegiance to the Soul Society. Who was he kidding? He didn't give a damn about that, only that he was okay. He just needed to be absolutely sure that Ichigo was the same Ichigo he was slowly falling for day by day.

On that topic, Byakuya decided to keep his growing feelings to himself for the time being. He did, however, decide that it was time to give the idea of being friends a more serious try. They were enemies first, then civil acquaintances strictly for Rukia's benefit. They moved from that to colleagues, then equals on the battlefield. The more time he spent around the human, the more he grew to like and appreciate his presence. Friends was the next logical step, he supposed and made the first attempt at such a relationship. Ichigo was responsive and enthusiastic much to his delight.

Over several months, they did more things together. Ichigo no longer visited the Soul Society without dropping in on Byakuya at least once. He was now one of the many reasons he traversed the Senkaimon Gate into the Soul Society. They learned that they had more interests in common than they previously thought. They always shared the same sense of responsibility to a point. Byakuya learned a lot more about Ichigo's family and how he grew up. He was enjoying the fact that now he could ask all the questions he'd had, but could never comfortably inquire about. Ichigo was shown Byakuya's world from the perspective of a friend, finally on the inside instead of on the sidelines speculating. Byakuya's family was refined as expected, but there was a serious hierarchy, strict guidelines and it lacked freedom. He suddenly understood why it was so difficult for the noble to live and act with his own heart.

Byakuya periodically joined in on whatever his sister, brother-in-law and Ichigo were planning, but only if the entertainment was tame and appropriate. He had a noble image to maintain, something he tried to instill in Rukia as well, but she was young and he was still able to cover for her behavior when it strayed from what was expected. They enjoyed festivals together, picnics, walks and sometimes training.

Byakuya never went to the World of the Living on a mission without stopping by the Kurosaki residence before his return to the Soul Society. He got to know Ichigo's family a bit. The younger sisters were excited by each visit. He learned they were twins. They don't really share features of their father, but there are plenty of similarities to Ichigo. Isshin Kurosaki is an enigma. He will never fully understand that man, but he respected him as a father, a man and a former Captain. They got along easily. Suffice it to say, their friendship was well on its way.

It's now summer and Ichigo's family was planning their annual cookout. He met up with Renji and Rukia at the manor in the late morning. They wound up in the dojo. He and Renji sparred while Rukia watched from the sidelines, laughing at their antics. Afterward, they sat in the garden and talked about all the things the newlyweds missed. Though Ichigo had been visiting more frequently, they had been too busy with married life, work and clan business to spend much time with him. This was definitely a rare day in their busy lives.

They had missed Uryu and Orihime's baby being born, but thankfully made it in time for their wedding. He told them all about their daughter, Dita, and how fast she was growing. Dita was eight months old now. She was as beautiful as her mother. She was really attached to Ichigo. Rukia was very jealous. She just loved babies.

Ichigo told them about Chad's band getting an agent. They were going on tour. Everyone was very happy for him and his band. It was a great opportunity. Chad did make it a point to tell Ichigo that if he was needed, to send a Hell butterfly and he would arrive in a flash to help. He made Ichigo promise him before he agreed to take on the tour. Renji laughed at that.

He informed them that in two months, his own sister, Karin, would be venturing to the Soul Society with him for the first time. She was like Ichigo in that she could also see spirits and it was assumed her soul would be strong enough to make the trip. She was always so interested to see where her brother disappearing to. It took some convincing, but Yamamoto finally agreed once wouldn't hurt.

Conversation suddenly turned to Ichigo.

Rukia looked at him affectionately, "You and my brother have been getting along pretty well lately. The two of you have been spending a lot more time together."

"Yeah," Renji panted, sitting down as they finished their last set, "What's that all about?"

The married couple shared a look, knowing full well how her brother felt. He thought he was masking his feelings, but he was terrible at hiding it. It was all over his face. Ichigo was unaware he was changing, but they saw the chemistry. Honestly they couldn't be more thrilled at the idea. They had planned to get the pair together long before now, but their relationship was progressing so naturally that they didn't need to interfere.

"Yeah, I'm not sure how it happened, but we're friends now. When he responded to me when I was being erased from history, I thought he just said it in the moment, but looks like he actually meant it. I mean, I always admired and respected him, but it's nice to be on friendly terms now."

"I think it's wonderful," Rukia said, "Ni-san needs someone to talk to every now and then. He seems less lonely and more relaxed than before."

Ichigo smiled. The pair grinned as they watched their friend. His mind was clearly somewhere else. Renji noticed Byakuya enter the garden and cleared his throat, getting Rukia's attention.

"Well, Rukia and I have a meeting with the other Lieutenants. So, we'll see you later, Ichigo."

She followed his lead and stood. Ichigo tailed after them, only to stop when he spotted Byakuya.

He nodded distractedly, "Yeah, okay. I'm sure I can find something to do. I'll see you later this afternoon. Don't forget."

Rukia smiled knowingly, "I'll just bet you will."

"How could I forget? I'm looking forward to this afternoon." Renji slapped his friend's back then left with his wife, "See ya, Berry!"

"Yeah, see ya."

Byakuya approached him, "Hello, Ichigo. I was wondering when you were going to greet me. You have been here all morning."

"Sorry about that. Renji and I get pretty competitive. I lost track of time."

"Yes. I could hear you both on the other side of the estate."

"Sorry," Ichigo chuckled. He knew the noble wasn't really annoyed, but instead amused.

"What would you like to do today? I can assess where you are on your kido if you like."

"Actually, I originally came here looking for you. I wanted to invite you to our family cookout."

"A cookout?" Byakuya was stunned that he was even considered.

"Yeah. We do it every year during the summer. Dad barbeques, we play games and watch movies. The whole family is together...and of course good friends as well. Uryu and Orihime will be there. You'll get to see Dita, their baby. Even Ryuken agreed to join us. It's a pretty good time."

An entire day spent with Ichigo. It was an opportunity of a lifetime. It couldn't be ignored or wasted. Over these last few months they've grown closer. There was trust and comfort. Byakuya was happier than he'd been in a long time. Maybe he could use this to assess where they were before he considered taking the next potential step. He needed to be sure before he ruined something good that they already had.

"Sounds delightful. Must I bring anything?"

"Just yourself, unless you want to. You really don't have to. The old goat's been working on this for two days. I'd say he's got everything under control. There is going to be so much food it's not funny."

"A bottle of sake then?"

"Sounds good. Grab it and let's go."

"Now?"

"Yeah. Festivities already started an hour ago. I knew Rukia and Renji had that meeting today, so they are showing up later."

"Why am I only hearing about this now? It is very last minute."

"Well, I was kinda scared to ask ya. I wasn't sure you would come."

"I see. Then I will forgive you this once. Next time, don't wait until the last minute. You may be surprised and get what you want."

Ichigo made an nervous laugh and watched as Byakuya walked away to retrieve the sake. They traveled to the World of the Living together, making a pit stop at Urahara's shop first. Byakuya needed a gigai. Urahara no longer ran the establishment, but he continued to upgrade merchandise and invent new equipment. He recently created new gigais and sent them to the children to use for anyone who needed them. These lasted days longer than the last ones and were more resilient. Tessai pulled the noble into the back to try out the four different models while the children found appropriate clothing for him to wear.

Ichigo nearly choked in surprise when Byakuya emerged. The noble really let his hair down. The Kensaiken, family scarf and glove were removed. His ebony hair flowed about his regal face. He wore dark, denim jeans that were perfect in fit. He wore a fitted black tee under a white button down shirt. Even the black shoes were so Byakuya. He looked better than expected.

"Is this too casual for what we're doing?" The noble asked when he saw the look on his friends' face.

"What? No. That's good. Like I said, this is a family cookout. No one to impress."

Byakuya sighed. Ichigo had no idea how wrong he was.

It only took fifteen minutes from the shop to get to Ichigo's house. It was lit inside, but seemed empty.

"I thought this event already started."

"It has. Everyone's around back."

Byakuya nodded and followed him through the house, which was neat and tidy, and exited out the sliding door to the back yard.

"Ni-san!""Ichi-ni!"

The twin girls barreled into him, nearly knocking him over if Byakuya hadn't supported his weight.

"Thanks," he giggled apologetically, "Hey girls."

"We're so glad you made it back in time for the barbeque."

"You girls act like you never see me, and I told you I was just going to get a friend."

Their attention shifted from their brother to Byakuya. They brightened and moved around to embrace him as well.

"Oh goodness."

"We're happy you agreed to come. Brother was worried you wouldn't want to join us." Yuzu said sweetly, looking up at him.

Byakuya smiled back, "I am honored to have been asked."

They started to pull the pair further into the back yard when a cave-man yell alerted them that Ichigo's father had noticed his arrival.

"Ichigo! My beautiful son!" Isshin came flying out of nowhere, charging full speed at them, his arms wide open.

Ichigo pulled Byakuya aside, the girls moving opposite them. They watched with mixed emotions as Isshin fell flat on his face in front of them. He recovered quickly and lunged again, only to receive a foot to the face.

Ichigo growled, "Knock it off! Seriously, can't you be normal!?"

Byakuya was still getting used to the family dynamics. He'd seen this happen before, but it still shocked him. His eyes softened and he smiled as he watched their antics. Their relationship was unique, but sweet in its own way. He had a sneaking suspicion that Ichigo didn't hate it as much as he made it seem.

Uryu and Orihime approached the noble, Orihime carrying a sleeping bundle in her arms.

"It's nice to see you, Captain Kuchiki." Orihime greeted sweetly.

"Nice of you to join us."

Byakuya inclined his head to Uryu in greeting, "You knew I was coming?"

"That is why Ichigo went to the Soul Society this morning."

He gazed down at the bundle, brushing his hand over the babies hair, "Your daughter is beautiful."

"Thank you, Captain."

He shook his head, "Byakuya is fine."

"Byakuya Kuchiki, how did my son convince you to come to our family gathering?"

"He asked."

Isshin shook his head and lead Byakuya to a table, "What I mean is, you don't seem the type to enjoy leaving the Soul Society to visit the World of the Living."

"It's true that so far, I have only come because I had official business here, but since Ichigo has been traveling to our world so often to see us, I thought it only fair that I return the courtesy for a change."

"Well, I for one am thrilled to have you here," He slapped the nobles back, startling him, "Always nice to see friends."

Instead of leading him to the table, he detoured, wrapping an arm around Byakuya and pulling him toward the grill. He was intent on teaching him his secret recipes. Ryuken watched as well. He was curious how Isshin made the meat taste so tantalizing. It seemed he and Isshin were rekindling their old friendship as well.

Ichigo, Uryu and Orihime talked at the picnic table. The twins joined them moments later to show them the school projects they were working on for extra credit. They were so excited. They couldn't wait till summer break was over. It was one of the things Ichigo never understood about his sisters. They liked school. He hated it, he just excelled at it. So he did well in every subject because the material was too easy for him. School was just annoying. He could think of so many other things he could be doing instead. They loved school and spent hours thinking of ways to spend more time there, like sports or clubs, being class reps or student council. He just didn't get it.

After an hour, Ichigo rose. It was time to rescue Byakuya.

"It time to eat yet, Pops? We're all starvin'."

Interrupted, Isshin looked at his son and cracked one of his bright smiles.

"Yeah, I think we're good to go. Everyone, grab a plate!"

"Great," He pulled Byakuya's arm, leading him toward the tablet with plates, napkins and plasticware, "Thought you could use a break."

"It is appreciated, although it was very interesting. Your father is certainly enthusiastic."

"Among other things," Ichigo stated, rolling his eyes.

Once everyone had their food, they sat together at the picnic table. Their meal smelled and looked fantastic. Barbeque chicken, steaks, baked potatoes and corn on the cob: Ichigo called it Isshin's western phase.

Isshin clapped his hands when he could see everyone was finished, "What do you say we play a little ball?"

"Ball?"

"Yeah, you'll enjoy it, Kuchiki. Ichigo, clean up here, change and then meet us at the park."

"Yeah, okay." Ichigo said, already starting to clear off the table.

"We have to change? I only have what I am currently wearing." Byakuya inquired, feeling slightly embarrassed about being caught unprepared.

"No, you don't have to change, but if you don't want those clothes to get dusty from playing, I can give you clothes to change into." Ichigo finished clearing the plates, throwing the last of the paper and plastic into the garbage.

"I think I'll be alright."

"Yeah, I'm good too. So let's go."

"Ichigo!"

They turned to see Rukia and Renji jump the fence.

"We miss anything?" Renji asked, looking around for the rest of the party.

"Dinner." Ichigo said grinning, knowing his best friend had been looking forward to the food the most.

"Damnit! I told you to hurry," He blamed his wife.

"Shut it! If you didn't waste time choosing just the right clothes to wear, we would've been here ages ago." She scolded, waving her finger at him.

Ichigo laughed, "They really are an old married couple."

"I did tell you," Byakuya snickered.

"Haha, brilliant." Ichigo broke up the argument, "Don't sweat it, Renji."

"But I really like your dad's grilling. Plus Yuzu hinted that she would make my favorite dessert," the red-head whined.

"Young Yuzu made a care package especially for you, Renji." Byakuya assured his distressed Brother-in-Law.

"Plus, there are still plenty of leftovers for when we get back if you want to dig then."

"Awesome!"

Rukia rolled her eyes, "So, where is everyone?"

"Ball field. We were just on our way to the park."

"Alright! Race ya there, Ichigo."

"You're on!" Ichigo bet, then raced after his fiery haired friend in a flash.

"No point standing around here. We better hurry. Those two can find trouble in no time."

She and her brother chased after them, expecting to be two steps behind them all the way to the park. They caught up to them sooner than anticipated, and they weren't alone. Several boys, around their age, were blocking their way to the park. Ichigo was currently hold his best friend by his shirt collar to keep him from punching the other boys.

"Say that again, you knuckle head!" Renji growled.

"Enough, Renji. Let it go."

"You should listen to the Strawberry. Let it go," the boy that taunted Renji turned his head to face Ichigo, "You really should choose your friends better, Strawberry."

Another with spiked arm bands and a dog collar shimmied closer, "Yeah, we saw Ishida with your Pops a few minutes ago. Biggest nerd in the school and he managed to knock up that ditzy chick you hang with."

The boys all laughed at his dig, "They deserve each other."

Ichigo pushed Renji behind him then spun around and punched the laughing delinquent leader. The punk felt his throbbing lip and realized it was cracked and bleeding. He grabbed Ichigo by his collar and pulled him in close.

"Just because your friend is here don't mean I'll go easy on you, Berry. Just remember who you're dealing with."

Ichigo glared back, grinding his teeth in frustration, "You can say anything you want about me, but you have no right to badmouth my friends. Ishida is ten times the man you are Takada, hands down."

Insulted and even more angry, Takada pulled back to hit Ichigo, but Byakuya grabbed the assailants arm and held it aloft. He leaned in real close, "Make another move like that and I'll break your arm next time." He warned.

The delinquent stepped back abruptly when Byakuya released him, keeping himself between Ichigo and his opponent.

"Ha...what's this, Berry? Getting pretty boys to fight your battles for you now?"

The group of boys shifted back and away, realizing they were outnumbered four to three. It wasn't much of an advantage, but they'd fought Ichigo before and he was formidable on his own.

Byakuya narrowed his eyes at Takada, "I'm not fighting his battles for him. You two wish to fight, fine, I'll not interfere. What I won't stand for are cheap shots like that."

"You won't stand for? What are you his father?" Takada looked around the noble to address Ichigo, "You sure know how to pick'em, Strawberry. First Ishida, then the Pineapple, now the Pretty Boy. Your taste in friends has dropped since you used to hang with us."

Renji, shocked by this news, stared at his best buddy, "You used to be friends with these losers?"

"Watch it, Pineapple, or I'll knock your teeth out."

"Yeah." One of the other boys agreed, "And we were pals, right, Berry?"

"If you ask me, I would say his taste in friends has greatly improved." Byakuya said softly, but his eyes flashed as he slowly approached the boys.

"Ch...whatever."

They were intimidated by the noble. They sauntered away, looking over their shoulder to make sure they weren't being followed. The leader stopped only a moment to turn around and threaten that this encounter wouldn't be the last.

Ichigo sighed heavily and shook his head, "Come on, let's go."

They walked beside him. The silence grew to be too much for Renji, because he asked, "You were really once friends with them?"

"It was a dark time for me. I was sort of lashing out."

"I'd say you turned out well in the end. You're rebellious streak can't have lasted long." Rukia stated.

Ichigo just shook his head.

Byakuya looked curious, "Why do they call you Strawberry?"

Ichigo pointed to his bright orange hair, "They thought Berry was cuter than orange. They made fun the of the fact that I stand out. For a while, most everyone thought I dyed my hair on purpose to gain attention, cause disorder, reveal my rebellious side. In truth, it's my natural hair color. They threatened and beat me up daily if I refused to dye it back to black, which it never was to begin with."

"Well, I'm glad you never gave in. It suits you."

Ichigo turned his head to hide his blush. Not many people appreciated his differences.

"Come on, we're missing all the fun!" Rukia pointed at the ball field that was now visible from their current position on the sidewalk.

Ichigo's father and the rest of the group were already playing. Ichigo taught Byakuya all the finer points of baseball. They played until dusk. Karin and Yuzu were tired, but happy. They won, because Ichigo and Byakuya were on their team. Turned out, the noble was a natural. Too tired to walk, Renji and Isshin carried the girls home on their backs.

Ichigo looked over to Byakuya and barked out laughing, "You are a mess!"

The noble looked down at himself. His clothes were covered in dust from the baseball diamond. He had chalk on his jeans and some on his face, which Ichigo promptly wiped off with a towel. He needed a shower.

"You can shower when we get home. I'll wash those and give you others to wear."

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it."

They grabbed the remaining bats and gloves and left the park just as night fell. They were talking about famous baseball players when the bat Ichigo was carrying disappeared from his hand. Byakuya heard him grunt and turned to find Ichigo on his knees. Someone had used the bat on the back of Ichigo's legs to bring him to the ground. Byakuya made to move, but Ichigo shook his head. Two men flanked Byakuya, keeping him in his place.

"Ichigo Kurosaki?"

An older man, around forty, knelt down to level with Ichigo. He was ragged, looked like he'd seen a war or two and smelled rancid, like he'd been drinking in a beer vat.

"Who's askin'?"

The man snapped his fingers, and another ten men slithered out of their hiding places, sporting bats, switch blades and brass knuckles.

Byakuya drew Ichigo's attention, "This happen a lot? This is twice in once night."

"More often then I'd like. You'd think they'd get the hint already."

The forty-something man back-handed Ichigo for his cheek. Byakuya steeled himself for a fight, but Ichigo shook his head again, stretching his jaw out uncomfortably.

"Name's Oruhara. I'm here to repay you for what you did to my son. You sent him to hospital last week."

Ichigo thought a moment, "Ah...You must be talking about Reiji."

Annoyed by the grin on Ichigo's face, he leaned in closer, "So you do remember?"

"Sure. He started shit with me for no reason. He demanded something of me and I refused. He struck first."

"Probably should've just given him what he wanted."

"My sister isn't an object. He wants to date her, he needs to man up and ask her himself...not that he stands a chance."

Oruhara grabbed Ichigo's chin roughly, "Well, now you have me to contend with."

Ichigo knew this man was too proud to back off. He should have Byakuya get help or call the authorities, but there was no way anyone would make it in time before someone got hurt. He glanced at Oruhara, eyes set as he mulled over how to deal with the obstacle at hand.

Oruhara didn't like the look of Ichigo. He was too confident, too cheeky.

"You got a pair on ya, kid." He commented, "And I don't care for that look in your eye. You need to be brought down a few pegs. Teach this brat a lesson he'll never forget."

The man who knocked Ichigo down, held onto him so he couldn't stand, while four more sauntered over to begin the beat down. Byakuya moved swiftly, taking out the two flanking him first, and planted himself between Ichigo and the others. The men stood still, not sure what to make of the noble.

"What are you waiting for? Take him too if he insists on standing in our way."

Byakuya used his training to defend Ichigo by dispensing of all the other pests. He relieved Ichigo of his captor and waited. He was sporting new bruises, but for the most part came out of it okay.

"Byakuya, you're hurt," Ichigo said, analyzing the bruises on his arms and chin, "You didn't have to do that."

"I do. You protect everyone all the time, but no one looks out for you. It's my duty as your friend to stand up for you as you do for others. In fact, it is a pleasure."

He nodded, understanding fully that Byakuya was not going to back down from his postition. They squared off against Oruhara together. He looked stunned that one man could take down his entire gang.

Byakuya warned the man, "I'll only say this once. You will leave Ichigo Kurosaki alone. Him and his family."

"Or what?" Oruhara challenged.

"Or your boy won't be the only one in the hospital," the noble leaned in very close to the man, "And I shall make it my personal obligation to see to your destruction. Am I clear?"

Oruhara squealed and ran off, calling his men to him as he ran. When he was out of sight, the pair shared a look then burst out laughing.

"Hahahaha, what did you say to him?"

"Just informing him how dangerous I can be." he said off-handedly.

"Very intimidating."

"Indeed. We should go. You're family will start to worry."
Once home, they showered, changed and rejoined the group out back for the movie. His father set up the film and seating for everyone. He and Ryuken sat at the table, each clutching a beer in their hand. Rukia and Renji were laying on a blanket and snuggled close. Ishida and Orihime shared a hammock, their daughter fast asleep in a bassinet next to Yuzu and Karin, who pulled chairs next to it to watch her. The only seating available was a bench swing. The pair sat down, relaxed and watched the movie, which was showing on the side of the house, drive-in style.

Byakuya was consumed with thoughts about his entire visit. With the exception of the two delinquent incidents, the day was perfect. He looked over to Ichigo only to find he'd fallen asleep, his head leaning on the back of the swing. He was adorable.

Byakuya made up his mind. He couldn't deny it anymore and he no longer wanted to. He was tired of being alone and he wanted to hang on to this happiness as long as he could. It was time to make his move.