Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

A/N: In this story we'll visit the past, present, and future for Byakuya and Yoruichi. Both the past and present are woven into the manga. For those of interested the present does not start until chapter 9. Let's start from the beginning. The pendulum swings back even further.

Yoruichi's Birthday

"Grandfather, I don't understand why I have to go. It's just a birthday party, " huffed young Byakuya. "I have no interest in spending any unnecessary time with that Yoruichi Shihoin. I don't care if it is her birthday".

Ginrei's eyes darken and his brow slanted downward; even his thick gray mustache could not hide his frown. "Byakuya, Yoruichi has taken over as head of the Shihoin clan and as the future leader of the Kuchiki clan you will be responsible for ensuring that the alliance between the Kuchiki clan and Shihoin clan stays intact. Yoruichi is not that much older than you, you two will be working together for a long time so I suggest you learn to take an interest in spending time with her".

"Yes sir, I will for the sake of the clan."

"Good, " responded Ginrei as he handed Byakuya a beautifully wrapped present. "You will present this to her tonight."

Byakuya took a deep breath as he took the gift from his grandfather's hand. Kuchiki carriage soon arrived. Byakuya sighed as he and Genrei entered the carriage earning yet another stern look from his grandfather. Byakuya stared silently at the small gift in his hand. He looked up and started to speak but the stone cold expression on Ginrei's face stopped Byakuya immediately. Byakuya stared back at the gift; he couldn't tell his grandfather about last week and the real reason he did not want to go to the party and why he didn't want to be the one to give Yoruichi the gift.

Last Week

Gin Ichimaru recently had been promoted to Byakuya's class. Everyone had started calling Gin a prodigy. He had taken Byakuya's spot as number one in the class in less than a week. There was even talk of promoting him again to the senior class because Gin was just that good. Ginrei had arranged for Byakuya to receive additional Kido training from the Captain of the Kido Corps, Tessai Tsukabishi so that Byakuya could claim his spot back from Gin. Today was supposed to be their first session and Byakuya was going to be late. Byakuya knew the importance of his lessons with Captain Tsukabishi. Byakuya's father, Soujun, had graduated at the top of his class and Byakuya wasn't not going some smiley kid stop him from following his father's footsteps. Byakuya flash stepped as fast as he could to the Shihion estate; he arrived with only five minutes to spare. He decided to cut through the courtyard to make sure he arrived on time. Byakuya lowered his head ready sprint forward. He quickly turned the corner and stopped immediately as his face hit something soft. Whatever was so soft it relaxed Byakuya and he sank into the softness.

"So are you going to stay there all day?"

Byakuya knew that voice, he could feel himself blushing. He didn't want to face her not in this condition. He took a deep breath to regain his composure, but taking in a breath made matters worse as the scent of lavender surrounded him. He couldn't move.

"Byakuya-bo I knew you were a little pervert."

Byakuya jumped away a few feet. "I am not a pervert. You shouldn't sneak around corners, " he said as he shook his fist at Yorucihi. His cheeks were still rosy enough for Yoruichi see he was blushing.

She laughed. "Are upset because you had to move or because I made you blush, Byakuya-bo?"

His anger overflowed whenever she called him Byakuya-bo and he hated it even more when she laughed at him. He could feel his blood boil. The anger flushed the blush away. "YOU DID NOT MAKE BLUSH! YOU, YOU DEMON CAT!

The sight of the huge throbbing vain in the middle of Byakuya's forehead made her laugh again, "Calm down before you have a heart attack, brat. That'll be a shame then you wouldn't be able to get close again, " she said as trailed her fingers slowly down her neck. Byakuya attentively watched as she rested her pinky and ring finger on her breastbone as she played with her choker using her index finger. "You really are a little pervert aren't you, it's a good thing you're slow and can't catch me."

His left eye started to twitch. "I AM THE FUTURE HEAD OF THE KUCIHIKI CLAN, YOU'RE JUST A GIRL, I CAN EASILY CATCH YOU!"

Yoruichi's eyes lit up and huge mischievous smile covered her face. "We'll see about that Byakuya-bo." She was gone before Byakuya could blink. He quickly went after her. They flash stepped around the Shihoin compound for more than 30 minutes before returning to the courtyard. Yoruichi arrived first, Byakuya arrived a few seconds later. The playful duo was greeted by an upset Tessai. Byakuya's eyes widened as he realized that he missed his training session.

Tessai crossed his arms and looked down at a tired Byakuya. "It's good to see you are well Byakuya-kun. I was concerned when you did not show up for our training session."

"I am sure Byakuya-bo is sorry for being late Tessai, give him a break this time."

"Yes, Yoruichi-dono. I will see you tomorrow Byakuya-kun for a make up session. Please be on time."

"That's right Byakuya, Tessai's time is very valuable, but I am sure Byakuya knew that already. Tessai, I'm sure he'll be on time for the next lesson." She flashed an innocent smile at Tessai. "Tessai since you're here can you help me with something before I leave for my mission? Good-bye Byakuya-bo." Yoruichi and Tessai flash stepped away leaving a much-relieved Byakuya in the courtyard.

The moment of relief was soon squashed by the return of Byakuya's anger. "That damn demon cat. It's all her fault. I can't stand her."

Back in the carriage

Byakuya sighed heavily as dread filled each moment, as they got closer to the Shihoin estate. "That demon cat is so damn annoying," mumbled Byakuya. The carriage stopped before he could take another breath. Ginrei promptly stepped out of the carriage and waited for Byakuya who moved slower than a 90 year old man as he made his way out the carriage. The Kuchikis were escorted to a large hall where the celebration was being held. The hall was beautifully decorated. There was a long table full of food and drink. The place was packed with a who's who list of Soul Society's elite and everyone of them dressed in their best formal attire. The guests ate and drink as music played in the background.

Byakuya scanned the crowd quickly to see Yoruichi but she was nowhere to be found. He did spot a table full of gifts. "I'll just put this over there." He started to move towards the table but was blocked by a crowed of people suddenly. He was trapped. "Excuse ME," he said in a very demanding tone. The crowd began to move and Byakuya was finally able to work his way out, but by that time it was too late Yoruichi was now standing next to the gift table. He wanted leave before she saw him but he couldn't. He just stood with his mouth staring at her. It was the first time he had seen her in such an elaborate and beautiful kimono. She wore a golden maple leaf shaped comb in her hair that reflected the golden flicker in her eyes. To his surprise, tonight she looked soft, sweet, and innocent. She looked like a princess. "She is not beautiful, she is an evil demon cat, " Byakuya mumbled the words every time he took a step towards Yoruichi. His mantra worked until she spoke.

"Hello Byakuya." Yoruichi said with a sweet smile. This smile was different from any smile she'd ever given him. There was no mischief behind the grin. There was no bo attached his name and his name flowed from her lips slow and smooth. Again he couldn't move or speak he just stood there staring and holding on to the gift.

"What's a matter Byakuya cat got your tongue", questioned Kisuke as he patted Byakuya hard on the shoulder.

The pat brought Byakuya back to reality quickly and abruptly. He started reciting his mantra again this time in whisper. "Cat" Byakuya said clearly and loud enough for Kisuke to hear.

"So the cat does have your tongue. Hey Tessai do you know kido spell for that? I am sure I have something for it in my room but I don't want to take you away from the party," joked Kisuke. Kisuke and Tessai begin to laugh but Byakuya did not find it funny at all.

Yoruichi stopped after she saw the large purple vain reappear in Byakuya's forehead. "Byakuya, he's just kidding." Her words do not help.

"Here is a gift from the Kuchiki clan. My grandfather asked me to give it to you, " he said as he shoved the gift toward Yoruichi.

Yoruichi gently took the gift from his hand. "Thank You."

Byakuya paused for a moment to see if she would do or say anything else, "You're welcome," he stated cautiously. Yoruichi gave him a smile. She smiled at him with that same smile that stopped him in his tracks earlier. Her smile erased the huge throbbing vain in an instant. Again she surprised him. He was expecting her to do something else, anything else no just smile at him.

Byakuya turned and walked slowly away without a good-bye. Despite the rude appearance of his leave, Byakuya was actually feeling good about his little exchange with Yoruichi. He even paused for a moment closed his eyes and pictured her smile.

"Gees what an uppity little brat," remarked Kaien.

"Yeah I know I don't know how Yoruichi deals with him. I guess that's one of the drawbacks of being the head of the Shihoin clan," said Kisuke just before downing his second cup of sake.

"He's just uptight. Byakuya will grow out of it, I'll see to that," responded Yoruichi.

Byakuya stopped as heard her say his name. He was too deep in a day dream to hear anything else. As soon as Byakuya turned around his moment of euphoria was quickly squashed. Instead of seeing Yoruichi's smile he saw Kisuke and Kaien laughing and looking in his direction, then they looked at Yoruichi and laughed even harder. He could tell by their reactions they were laughing at him. I bet she told them what happened last week. That's why she was smiling like that it was just another one of her games. I hate that Yoruichi Shihoin. Byakuya gave both Kisuke and Kaien an angry look. Then turned back around to see if he could find his grandfather. Bykuya had reached his limit he was more than ready to go home.

"Grandfather, may I leave? I gave her the gift already."

"Did she like gift, Byakuya?"

"I don't know (and I don't care). She didn't open she just said "Thank you". Then I left her with Kaien and Kisuke."

Ginrei shook his head. "Byakuya you have a lot to learn. (Sigh) Your attitude tonight will not improve matters it will only make them worse. You may leave Byakuya." Byakuya had no idea what Ginrei was talking about he was just glad he could go home.

Byakuya was happy to see the Kuchiki carriage approaching, soon he'd be home and way from the demon cat. As he stepped into the carriage he heard a roar from the crowd. Byakuya was tempted to turn around. He knew the cheers were for Yoruichi. The thought of her smiled filled his head as hundreds of fireworks lit up the sky. "I don't care," mumbled Byakuya. He took his seat and yelled, "I am ready, hurry to the Kuchiki manor!" She probably doesn't know I am gone.

Byakuya was wrong a few minutes after Byakuya left Yoruichi searched for he and Ginrei to thank them for the gift.

A/N: Thanks for reading this chapter. I hope to see you at the end :) As always feel free to leave a review, comment, or PM me.