His Duty as a Soul Reaper

Rukia hurried about frantically, ticking items off her mental list of things to do. She needed everything to be perfect for Ichigo's party. She brushed a stray hair away from her face as she looked around the large room, which was usually used for meetings. The Head Captain gave special permission to use the venue when he heard how long it had been since Ichigo had celebrated. She didn't see Renji anywhere, but she knew what he was doing. He'd already sent out all the invites to his friends within the Soul Society and his human friends in the World of the Living. He was also in charge of the booze, thanks in great part to Ikkaku Madarame. Rukia wasn't overly impressed with the idea of alcohol being served, but both had insisted it was an important part of human parties.

Rukia looked around. There was a Senkaimon Gate scheduled to open shortly. Ichigo's human friends would be arriving soon. She slid between Captain Kyoraku and Captain Ukitake as they helped a few of the others arrange the gifts on the table near where the Head Captain usually stood. She was surprised to see so many. Ichigo really did have a way with people.

To the right, she saw Unohana and her Lieutenant preparing the buffet table. Unohana really had outdone herself. She offered a few days ago to cook a banquet for the occasion. Yumichika in turn offered to bake the sweets and the cake. Both did an excellent job. Everything looked so good, she almost couldn't wait to dig in. She watched as Yumi proudly placed the three-tiered cake in the center of the dessert table.

A great, loud bang exploded nearby and she rushed to see what happened.

'So help me...if they ruin this party...' she thought irritably.

She breathed a sigh of relief. Just outside the hall, she saw Kukaku Shiba smack her brother Ganju over the head with her fan. Rukia had asked the Shiba siblings to create a firework display for the festivities. Apparently, Ganju lit one early in excitement and was being properly scolded for it. She turned to check on something else when she literally ran into her brother, Byakuya Kuchiki.

She looked at him. Byakuya was still an enigma to her, even after all the time that passed. He was the Kuchiki Clan Leader, an all powerful Captain of the Gotei 13, her big brother...how did he manage everything? He was surprisingly dressed more casual. She never expected him to attend.

"Sorry, Ni-san." Rukia apologized, straightening herself immediately.

He smiled softly, one of the many things that changed over the last year. He was more tender and caring toward her. He paid more attention when having a conversation, one that wasn't about work for a change. His eyes softened to her. He took more interest in her personal and professional life. It was new and different, but not unwelcome.

"It's alright," He tilted his head at her, "You look distressed."

Rukia smiled up at him. She loved that he was concerned. It made her blush. This new behavior was all still pretty new to her. She wasn't completely used to it. She could admit that she liked the attention. He tried hard to be more affectionate. He smiled more often and eventually hugs started. Rukia couldn't ask for more.

"I just want everything to be perfect." She said. Byakuya thought she sounded as though things were far from perfect.

"Understandable, but it is just a birthday party. Kurosaki has had them before and will have them again. You should not stress yourself out this much over something so trivial." He said, narrowing his eyes briefly. He believed she was pushing herself too hard.

She shook her head, "He hasn't celebrated his birthday since..." she paused, unsure how Byakuya would react, "since that day on Sokyoku Hill, when Aizen betrayed us."

Byakuya winced at the regrettable memory and stood up stiffly. It was not only a day of betrayal, but great guilt. He almost lost Rukia. He may not particularly like Ichigo Kurosaki, but he was deep indebted to him. Though, he could admit that they had come to an understanding of sorts. They were civil to one another. They weren't friends, per se, but they were on speaking terms.

If he were completely honest with himself, he admired and even respected the ryoka. He owed him so much. Ichigo had done everything possible to help him, the Soul Society and the World of the Living. If nothing else, Ichigo Kurosaki deserved respect.

"What is left to do?" He asked, resigned to help make this day as perfect as she wanted it.

"Not much really. Unohana took care of the food and Yumichika prepared desserts and the cake. Kukaku Shiba designed a spectacular firework display to end the night. Presents are still being placed at the head of the room. Renji and Ikkaku should be returning soon with beverages and I believe, thinking up games to play."

"So you have everything under control?"

"Yes, I think so." She looked around to double check anyway.

"Where is the guest of honor?"

Rukia smacked her forehead. She forgot to assign someone to fetch Ichigo. How could she forget? She looked at her brother and a light bulb went off in her brain.

"Ni-san, would you go and retrieve him? He is still in the World of the Living."

Byakuya blanched at the idea. He wasn't a fan of the World of the Living. Why him? Surely there was someone else more suited to the task. Someone who would be more than willing to venture through the gate to fetch the human.

"Do you not think Renji would be better suited to such a task?"

"I wish. The idiot can't keep a secret to save his life. Especially from Ichigo. They're best friends and tell each other everything, as good friends should, but keeping secrets isn't his strong suit."

Sighing heavily at his own misfortune, he placed both hands on her shoulders, "Very well. I will go and inform Kurosaki that we are ready for him."

"No! It's a secret remember?"

"How do you expect me to get him here if I'm not allowed to tell him why?"

"Make something up. Tell him there is soul reaper business. Tell him the Head Captain needs to see him. Suggest that Renji is having some sort of problem and is unable to make the trip. Say anything, I'm sure you can figure something out."

"You want me to lie to him?" He was disappointed. This was not a good plan.

"Well, only a small lie. Trust me, when he sees what it was all for, he won't be angry. Thanks, Ni-san!"

She turned and hurried away before he could change his mind. How did he manage to get himself into this? Oh, right. He offered his involvement. Then he thought about the smile his involvement brought to Rukia's face. It was worth any discomfort in the world. He would get through this day and know his only sister was happy.

He called up a gate and crossed over. Upon reaching the other side, he was immediately greeted by none other than Urahara Kisuke. The eccentric shop keeper smiled comically behind his ever present fan, which was green today.

"Well, well. Byakuya Kuchiki. What brings you to the World of the Living?"

"I am here to..."

"Byakuya," a woman's voice interrupted. Yoruichi Shihoin walked into the room, dressed in a bright purple, blue and white kimono. Her own raven colored hair was down and to his surprise, curled. It was certainly a new look for her. As she entered, Urahara existed.

"This is certainly unexpected." She said, watching him closely, "What brings you here?"

He was unnerved by her grin. His former mentor was always strange and overly mysterious. He had no idea what that grin meant.

"As I was saying, I am here to escort Ichigo Kurosaki to the Soul Society, where a surprise party awaits him." He explained curtly.

Urahara returned, now dressed in green and orange robes. It was more festive than his usual green striped robes, but still quite tame. His fan changed as well.

"We were about to be on our way there when you arrived. We sent his human friends ahead only moments before you walked into the shop." Urahara informed the noble.

"Just how do you plan to attend? You were banished several hundred years ago. Have you forgotten?" Byakuya sneered. Urahara was one of his least favorite people. The man should be committed in his opinion.

Urahara grinned and Yoruichi's eyes softened, "As it happens, Ichigo requested my ban from the Soul Society be lifted in light of the events of the Winter War. The Head Captain must have agreed with him, because I received a pardon with the Head Captain's seal. I may come and go as I please."

Byakuya growled. Ichigo Kurosaki. The ryoka didn't know how to mind his own damn business. He supposed Captain Yammamoto felt obliged to fulfill his request given all the ryoka had done for the Soul Society. The decision was made and there was nothing to do to change it.

"Would you like to know where Ichigo is, Captain Kuchiki?" Urahara offered.

"That's not necessary. His reiatsu continues to flow about uncontrolled as usual."

"Wonder why? By the end of the battle with Aizen, no one could feel the limit of his power. Not even Aizen." Urahara informed the noble.

The information puzzled Byakuya. If Ichigo Kurosaki was able to restrain his power, why did he constantly allow it to flare at will? Urahara watched him, smiling as though he knew the answer. Byakuya decided he didn't care.

He watched them step through the gate together. He noticed both of them carried similarly wrapped parcels, presents he assumed, for Ichigo Kurosaki in bright orange paper.

'How very unoriginal,' he thought, 'Was Kurosaki's hair his only memorable feature?'

Indeed not. He thought about the guest of honor as he followed Kurosaki's reiatsu. Kurosaki was quite remarkable in many ways. There were many things about him that stood out in Byakuya's mind. He was loyal to a fault and very protective of others. He did have bright orange hair, which in itself was quite unique, but there were other things that stood out. His honest, honey brown eyes. His own shinigami robes were unique in that they changed with his zanpakuto transformations, which was one of a kind as well. He never knew anyone who could be so reckless and yet so responsible. Byakuya could admit that, more than once, he feared for the substitute soul reaper when he pulled dangerous stunts just to protect someone. He understood, do what you must to save someone, but his apparent disregard for his own life appalled the noble.

Ichigo had good family values and a determination unlike anyone he'd ever met. When focused, his resolve was as strong as any Captain of the Gotei 13. When Kurosaki smiled or laughed, it was light and free. No. That was wrong. His laughter was infectious. It was pure and real. He had those dimples and...well, point is, he had an honest smile.

Byakuya stopped thinking about the man and started thinking about the presents his former mentor and Urahara Kisuke carried. What had they gotten him? What constituted as an appropriate gift for a young man of the World of the Living? Byakuya frowned. He'd known about the party in advance, agreed to attend as a courtesy and completely forgot to get a gift. In truth, he didn't know what to get Ichigo Kurosaki. He didn't know enough about the young man to choose something he might like. He knew nothing apart from his over-powered abilities, his friends and basic personality traits. What did he like to do in his spare time? What was his style of dress? Did he prefer music to sport? What does one offer Ichigo Kurosaki as a birthday gift?

Byakuya followed Kurosaki's reiatsu to the children's playground near his home. He found Ichigo playing happily with his younger sisters. His father, Isshin Kurosaki, was watching them contently from his place against a large tree nearby. Byakuya approached him, already aware Isshin knew he was there. He glanced at the noble momentarily.

"You drew the short straw? Can't say I expected that."

"My sister asked for a favor, although I am still unsure of what to say," Isshin brows rose in question, "I do not condone lying to Kurosaki. I won't do as Rukia suggested and tell him some fabricated story about the Head Captain needing to see him or that there is trouble where there is none."

Understanding flickered across Isshin's features. Byakuya took in the lines on his forehead and the tired look he held in his eyes no matter how content or happy he was. Byakuya heard about what the man had done for his son. It seemed he'd aged a great deal. He'd gone through hell for his son, for the Soul Society that left him behind. Byakuya held a great deal of respect for the man.

"Then don't say anything. Your appearance in the World of the Living thus far has always been strictly business. Why let him think anything else? Let him form his own theories."

Byakuya gave it some thought. He could easily be vague when responding to questions. It could work. They watched as Ichigo pushed Yuzu on the swing, then chase them around while playing tag.

"Don't you have somewhere to be? We already celebrated his birthday earlier. You don't have to stall on our account. He's had his time with us." Isshin finally asked, turning to look at the noble.

It startled Byakuya to realize that was exactly what he was doing. Watching Ichigo Kurosaki, the tough, experienced soul reaper, frolic and play happily with his sisters was a side of the man he'd never seen before. It touched a chord in the steel-eyed noble. Family was very important to Ichigo Kurosaki. Family was something Byakuya found increasingly important of late. Ever since the ryoka scolded him on Sokyoku Hill, if he were honest with himself.

"Where is his mother?"

"Gone...since he was just a child."

He apologized. He didn't know. He thought someone as well rounded as Ichigo Kurosaki would have a completely stable home life.

"It's okay, Byakuya. I can't imagine my son talks about it a lot. Getting him to open up about his feelings is like pulling teeth."

The noble nodded, "How did he cope?"

"He ran away from home, convinced that her death was his fault. After that, he found things to take his mind off of his mother. He quit karate class when she was gone, but made use of what he learned. He decided at a very young age that it was his job to defend the defenseless, protect the innocent and anyone weaker than himself. He made it his mission to look after his sisters, protect them, his friends and his neighbors. He keeps to his studies otherwise and listens to music all alone in his room."

Byakuya took in this information. The young man was interesting.

"I know he still thinks about her though. Every so often, I catch him playing the music his mother played. He still remembers how to play the piano and his guitar. I even caught him playing his mother's old violin. He loves music, but I suppose it hurts to play them. He stashes the music sheets in his desk and thinks I don't know about it."

"I never expected that."

"The kid's talented, but...oh well."

That was just what Byakuya needed. He suddenly knew exactly what to get the young man for his birthday.

"I suppose I should get a move on." Byakuya said, raising his reiatsu enough that Ichigo would finally notice his presence.

Startled, Ichigo gathered his sisters and turned to see what was coming. Upon seeing Byakuya, he relaxed, then just as suddenly, gathered them close again, determination set in his eyes.

"No need to be afraid, Kurosaki. I'll not harm your sisters."

Ichigo shook his head and shoved his sisters toward his father, "Dad, get them outta here!"

He popped the mod soul pill into his mouth, pulling his soul from his body, leaving Kon behind, "Run! Make sure they get home safe!"

Byakuya and Isshin were confused by Ichigo's actions at first until they heard the howling. They spun around and saw a small horde of hollows headed straight for them. They were most likely attracted to the noble's spiritual pressure.

"Be careful, Ichigo." Kon yelled as he pushed the girls ahead of him toward the house.

Byakuya and Ichigo stood back to back, watching as the hollows circled them. They fought them quickly, unaware of another group following his family. It took mere seconds for Byakuya to eliminate his half of the enemy horde, using Senbonzakura to sweep them from existence. Ichigo fought quickly, slicing through hollows with ease, Zangetsu pulsing in his hand.

"That was easy enough." The substitute soul reaper said panting.

"Ichi-ni!" Yuzu screamed.

Ichigo turned to see his father defending the girls from another group of hollows. He was busy battling and was unable to get to Yuzu. Kon guarded Yuzu, but Karin had pulled away to protect her twin sister. The hollows would be on her in seconds. Ichigo only had enough time to flash step to her location and wrap his arms around her protectively. Byakuya watched, fascinated and horrified all at once. Ichigo would be greatly injured and on his birthday. This would not do.

Ichigo braced himself for the jaw about to clamp down on his shoulder, but it never came. He opened his eyes to see pink, sakura petal shaped blades swirling about him and his sister. They could hear the hollows' screams on the other side of the swirling wall. Then it disappeared, the tiny blades floating away like petals in the wind. Byakuya sheathed his sword and stood elegantly still as though waiting for something. Ichigo was stunned. Once he got over the surprise, he realized that Byakuya must be there for a reason. It must be something important. The Kuchiki Clan Leader never traversed the gate between worlds unless it was important.

"Karin, are you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm fine."

"Dad, something's up. I gotta go."

Isshin nodded, hiding the smile behind a serious frown.

"You go save the world. The girls and I will be safe at home when you get back. Be careful, my son."

"Come back soon, Ichigo. I'll make your favorite when you get home." Yuzu promised.

"Yeah and I'll keep an eye on Kon for you."

"Thanks, Karin."

"Hey!" Kon was offended.

Once they left, he turned to Byakuya.

"Thanks."

"For what?"

For what? Ichigo didn't know why Byakuya thought so little of what he'd done for him.

"For what you did. For savin' me and my sister."

Byakuya narrowed his eyes. He had done just that. He protected Ichigo and his human sister. Why? It wasn't as though Ichigo was weak or powerless. He'd certainly gotten worse wounds than a bite from a hollow. He was only a substitute soul reaper, but he possessed power that rivaled most of the Captains in the Gotei 13. So what on Earth had possessed him to interfere? What was the uneasy feeling that crept up his spine when he saw Ichigo's back turned away from the incoming threat?

"Ichigo Kurosaki," Ichigo raised a curious eyebrow, "I wouldn't think I'd have to remind you. I am duty bound as a soul reaper to protect both the Soul Society and the World of the Living. As such, I am also duty bound to protect humans and souls alike. You and your human sister fall within that category, therefore, my purview. I merely did my job."

"Okay, well...thanks anyway. I really do appreciate it. So, I take it you're not here for chit chat. Trouble in the Seireitei?"
Byakuya stared at him. Kurosaki Senior was right.

"You will follow me, Ichigo Kurosaki."

Ichigo nodded, following Byakuya through the Senkaimon Gate.

Too easy. He glanced at his companion as they walked through the gate. Seeing the determined look on his face irked the noble. Ichigo was far too trusting. They'd been betrayed by their own more than once before. How did he know there wasn't a scheme behind Byakuya's appearance? Not that there was, but that was beside the point. Ichigo trusted others too easily and it was how he always ended up in trouble. It's how he always managed to get hurt, both physically and mentally. That thought only annoyed Byakuya more.

Once through the gate, Ichigo looked around, bracing himself for whatever was coming. Everything seemed normal. He sensed no danger and felt no unfamiliar spiritual pressure. What was going on?

"Byakuya! What's the deal? What did you need me for?"

"This way," the noble said before flash stepping away.

Ichigo followed, keeping pace. They were headed straight for the Head Captain's office. Was he in trouble? Maybe there was an important meeting. He felt massive reiatsu in the meeting hall just ahead of them. All the Captains and seated officers must be there. It must really be important.

"This must be serious if old man Yammamoto asked for everyone." Ichigo said.

Byakuya thought about this. It was a celebration of Ichigo's birth. He was a protector of innocence, the hero of the winter war and a dear friend of the Soul Society. So, he would not lie.

"It is very serious," Byakuya confirmed, hiding a small smirk.

Ichigo narrowed his eyes, steeling himself for what was coming. They didn't usually involve him unless it was Earth shattering.

"This is as far as I go. They are waiting for you inside."

Byakuya stood aside and clasped his hands behind him. He closed his eyes and Ichigo stared horrified. He wasn't going in with him. He gulped, placed his hands flat on the large wooden doors and pushed them open.

"SURPRISE!" was bellowed in unison as every one of his friends, soul reaper and human alike, smiled brightly at him. A large Happy Birthday banner hung over the hall. Confetti and streamers were falling in a shower of orange, white and black. There was food, cake, presents and laughter.

Rukia stepped forward with Renji, Uryu, Orihime and Chad.

"Happy Birthday, Ichigo!"

Ichigo was stunned. He never had a clue. No one, not even Byakuya let on anything. Speaking of, he turned to face the noble.

"Why?"

"I did not do this, Kurosaki. You have your friends to thank."

"But why would you help...I mean...you never..." Byakuya had him completely speechless.

Byakuya took in the disbelief and pure astonishment. He thought carefully about his response, and for the first time, his eyes soften as he met Ichigo's honey brown ones.

"It is an important celebration. It is a pleasure to honor the hero of the Soul Society by celebrating his birth. Without you, Ichigo Kurosaki, we would not be here."

Byakuya bowed to him. Holy cow. The Kuchiki Clan Leader bowed to him, a human. This was a day to remember.

"Wow, thanks."

"Think nothing of it." Byakuya waved it off, "Happy Birthday, Ichigo Kurosaki."

It was one of the best nights of his life. It was filled to the brim with food, fun and laughter. Smiles as far as the eye could see. He got to see all his friends. Even old man Yammamoto wished him a Happy Birthday and presented him with a small gift. Unohana made a mind blowing feast, Yumi's cake was to die for, and the firework display Kukaku and Ganju planned topped off the night. He stepped outside into the night air and took a deep, satisfied breath.

"Kurosaki-sama?"

"Yeah."

A man bearing the Kuchiki crest approached him and handed him a small, thin package wrapped in silver paper. He accepted it and the man bowed, "Happy Birthday, Kurosaki-sama. Kuchiki-sama sends his best wishes."

Another bow and the man was gone before Ichigo could even respond. He opened the gift and his jaw dropped, a smile spreading over his face as he flipped through the pages of a book. It was a collection of sheet music. He loved music and couldn't wait to play something. He didn't know how Byakuya knew, but he was more than grateful.

"You're the best, Byakuya. Thank you." He whispered on the wind and turned to rejoin the party.

Best Night Ever.