Standard disclaimers apply

Warning: First Bleach fic on ffnet, so please be kind (smiles). At the end of this fic is a little 'notes' section, in which I quoted theories on what the 4 elite houses are and what makes me notice the Byakuya+Kaien possibility. So yep, spoilers ahead. You've been warned (grinz).

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: - : Senbonzakura : - :

"Ne, Byakuya… I am wondering. Doesn't your face hurt?"

Kuchiki Byakuya glanced at the black haired man sitting across him, eyes narrowing slightly at the cheeky grin adorning that face. He had lost count of the number of times he was being asked that silly question. So he promptly ignored it, turning his attention back to his lunch.

Shiba Kaien heaved a heavy sigh. "See, this is one of the reasons people avoid you. Can't you just smile once in a while? You will look really good if you do."

It was an innocent comment but it pricked him, the pain seemingly far more deadly than being strike by his senbonzakura. His grip on the chopsticks tightened unconsciously, and he had to force himself to let go of the breath he was holding.

But Kaien was oblivious, as he always was. He leaned forward across the table, his face only inches away. "I heard from father that you have rejected another marriage proposal. What's wrong with this one?"

Unwittingly he stiffened, his heart picking up speed, echoing loudly for the whole world to hear. Hastily he forced his face to adopt a disapproving façade. "It's none of your business," he said coolly.

Kaien groaned out loud as he drew back. "You're really mean! How long have we known each other? We are both nobles here so drop the act when you're around me, will you? You keep this up and I swear I will leave you. And then you will realize what a bad friend you've been!"

"Don't be stupid," Byakuya said quickly, masking the anxiety that grabbed at him. As it was now, a wall had already been erected between them and he was lucky that he could still look over and watch quietly. But if Kaien were to leave, the other side would forever be empty and it was a loss he could not bear.

The other chuckled heartily. "Hah! So you do care about me! See, you're not that cold-hearted after all. I don't know how you manage to keep up with all the snickering and bad mouthing going behind your back."

Byakuya calmly resumed eating, refusing to entertain the other man. Kaien sighed again as he followed suit. They both ate in companionable silence then, though Kaien kept taking drinks on interval and making those blowing sounds. Despite himself, the corners of Byakuya's lips turned up slightly, amused by the other's inability to tolerate spicy food.

"Should have asked for something else," the vice-captain of the 13th division muttered before taking another long gulp of his drink. He burped loudly then, earning a subtle raise of the head from his friend. "Hehe, sorry!" he apologized with a grin, winking at Byakuya playfully.

"You're giving the nobles a bad name with your atrocious table manners," Byakuya could not help but to reproach, though he knew very well he might as well be telling the wall that.

Kaien rolled his eyes. "You're so unbelievably strict! I guess it's good then that you chose not to get married. Your wife will not be able to stand you for long anyway. I'm perhaps the only one destined to tolerate you."

Unbelievable how such careless words could cause much pain and hurt. The free spirit beside him was only joking, of course, but unfortunately he was blinded to the truth that held the stoic noble a prisoner in his own mind and heart.

It was a popular, hushed topic among the four elite houses about Kuchiki Byakuya's refusal to get married. As head of the four houses, it was only natural that he should get married and bore an heir. Souls were as vulnerable and mortal as human lives, and it was especially so for shinigami who were at risk every single day when facing Hollows. Byakuya might be the strongest master in the history of the Kuchiki clan, but it did not guarantee the fact that he would live on forever. An heir was thus needed, as insurance.

He often believed – as did others – that he was strong because of his prudent disposal of emotions. But there was an extent to which one could possibly renounce them, and it could never be completely. So perhaps he was a fool for allowing himself to be lulled by mere romantic notions, but if he was to marry, he would only marry the one he loved.

He wondered if Kaien would laugh upon hearing that. Everyone else would, of course, because the cold captain of the 6th division was seemingly incapable of such a strong emotion other than his stubborn devotion to justice. Kaien would laugh too. But perhaps the laughter would die in his throat if he knew who Kuchiki Byakuya was in love with.

"Hoi, hoi… so serious?" Kaien nudged him out of his stupor. "I was just joking. I didn't mean what I said." The cheeky noble from the Shiba clan lowered his voice then. "Sorry."

Byakuya gazed at the black-haired man, unable to help himself from memorizing yet again every line, every angle that shaped that strong face. Kaien's eyes were silently questioning him, and Byakuya quickly forced his gaze away. "There's nothing to be sorry about."

The ability to switch from one mood to another was something only Kaien could do best. Even without looking, Byakuya knew a wide grin was now plastered upon the other's face. "Glad that you think so too."

Byakuya ignored the joke, but Kaien was obviously not a champion of tranquility. The word probably did not even exist in the free spirit's dictionary. "Speaking of which, your sister seems a bit more relaxed lately. That is good. Ukitake-taichou adores her too. Now I know you are concerned about her still not getting any seat yet, but she is trying her best, so give her time."

To that, Byakuya had nothing to say. He was not that terribly concerned actually. After all, Rukia was placed in the 'friendliest' division around. Headed by the likes of Ukitake-senpai who was always warm and popular with everyone and the free-spirited Kaien, it was hardly surprising that Rukia would eventually feel settled. And Byakuya also knew that Rukia looked up to the 3rd seat. He was not blind to the wistful, almost adoring way his sister would gaze at the gentle and beautiful woman who also happened to be Kaien's wife.

"I'm done with my meal."

Kaien pushed aside his tray as well. "Me too. About time I return to my post. It's such a pain being a role model."

"Not that you're much of it in the first place."

Kaien clucked his tongue. "Your sense of humor is as unassuming and deadly as your senbonzakura."

Byakuya slid a slow glance at the Shiba noble, allowing a ghost of a smile to grace his face. The other was quick to flash his trademark grin, a pleased acknowledgement. They talked then about the recent onslaught of Hollows who seemed to have grown stronger, catching many shinigami by surprise. Kaien was especially displeased with the fact that though the threat was escalating, the central government had not issue any counteractive measures, seemingly closing one eye over the situation.

"Kaien-dono!"

There, in the flesh, was the one person who had full claim to Shiba Kaien. She smiled politely at him, in which he returned the gesture with a gracious nod. She gave another smile before turning to gaze at her husband, face radiating with love, making her even more beautiful.

"I will take my leave now," Byakuya quickly excused himself. But just as he was about to walk off, Kaien caught his arm, and he raised a questioning brow at it.

Kaien grinned. "Nothing," he said as he released his grip. "I'll see you around."

"Ah," the captain concurred and took his leave. His steps were as careful as ever, though what he felt like doing was to break into a run. It was often said that his spiritual pressure was overwhelming, but he was convinced it was nothing compared to the suffocating impact of the two's spiritual pressure.

You are the real senbonzakura, Kaien. Scattering yourself to pieces, you've entranced everyone with the light that you reflect, appealing to the consciousness as the unassuming sakura petals. Yet I bleed more than anyone else, this pain becoming unbearable with each passing day.

But in the end, your true form belongs onlyto her.

: - : owari : - :

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Notes:
This is just my theory, but I think the four main elite houses are Kuchiki, Shihouin, Shiba and Ukitake (though this one is somewhat vague).

Basis for theory is as followed -

Ch 154: Soifon said to Yoruichi, "The tentouken the young invader carried has the Shihouin house's logo..." "... and looks like the Shiba house is involved too. It seems like the famous houses' standards have been lowered."

Ch 134: Byakuya to Ukitake. "Anyway, she's a member of my house, not yours. Even if she is killed, it shouldn't concern you, senpai."

I notice that the other person Byakuya addresses as senpai is Yoruichi from the noble family of Shihouin, so therefore I'm just assuming that Ukitake could be the fourth elite family by virtue of the respect Byakuya is showing.

So what made me noticed the subtle hints of a Bya+Kaein? Take a peek...

Ch 134: Ukitake's thoughts. "If you were in this situation, what would've you done? You would run after Byakuya and kicked him in the butt, wouldn't you?" – The 'you' here is referring to Kaien.

Ch 116: Ukitake was surprised to see Ichigo and asked Byakuya who was that. Clearly, he recognized the similarity between Ichigo and Kaien and is looking to Byakuya for confirmation. But of course, Byakuya-sama said, "He is a nobody, unlike the person laying behind you..." - The 'person' here is referring to Shiba Ganjyu.

Ch 167: Byakuya had flashbacks on Kaien.