The Long Way Home

After being attacked in the world of the living, Ichigo must try and find the culprit in the Soul Society.

Update: It's finally finished. I really hope you enjoy this. This story has meant so much to me, as does the show and the characters. It's given me a renewed interested in fandom, and writing again.

To anyone who has read this. Thank you.

They were close but Ichigo moved closer. He was still holding Byakuya's arm, but now he was chest to chest with him. He felt his heart pounding in his chest and his stomach was in knots and all of these feelings and doubts were abrupt and dangerous and he felt the thrill of it all sing in his heart.

He leaned closer and whispered quietly in to his ear. "What do I do when I'm afraid, Byakuya?"

Byakuya must have sensed the change in the air. He grew still and answered as best he could. "You fight," he whispered back, unsure of what was happening.

Ichigo moved slightly, back into Byakuya's line of sight.

The Captain of the 6th Squad almost moved a step back, as he had seen that look on Ichigo's face before; a sword held in his hand and a desperate need to fight. It was almost feral and it was certainly dangerous and Byakuya held his ground.

"Damn right I do." Ichigo moved suddenly, lips suddenly crushing Byakuya's and the Captain was almost too stunned to move.

Ichigo pulled away with a gasp, breathless and a little surprised at his own daring, staring at the other man in challenge...