Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Itazura na kiss.

Playful kiss: Paradise Bliss

Chapter 2: Welcome!…or not.

Ichigo's POV

"Ohh! You know my little Bya-chan?" Hisana asked as she continuously rubbed my back.

Bya-chan? This can't be.

I looked up from my mental stupor to gape at the male advancing towards the living room area. He looked as indifferent as ever. Does he even realize I'm here right now? Hisana nudged me softly and I looked up at her, still aghast and attempted to answer.

"I…"

"No." he intervened, monotonously.

I felt a punch hit my gut. I turned my gaze away from him and bit my lip down hard. That bastard. He didn't have to act completely unfamiliar with me! There was no way in hell he couldn't remember who I was! None. If he was simply uninterested in me, that was fine. I gripped my knee tightly. But why act like I don't even exist.

"Oh, well, this here is Ichigo Kurosaki, he and his family will be staying with us for some time."

"I see." He answered and turned to face me, before bowing down slightly.

"Byakuya Kuchiki, Pleasure to meet you."

"Uh..Pleasure is mine," I half whisper unable to look up at him.

"And these two here are Karin and Yuzu, my new little babies!" she chirped and gestured towards the two young girls who sat beaming at the male. I can't blame them, when I first saw him after 3 years I almost did a back-flip. No wait…I did. He was so stoic-like and composed he seemed like pure nobility. His enticing aura, and commanding presence, that voice, deep and sultry that moved every…Crap... (Slap) Snap out of it!

"Hi!" they both chimed in almost unanimously, boring at the individual. Kinda creepy actually.

"Aren't they the most adorable girls you've ever seen!" she squealed and squeezed their cheeks again.

Byakuya knelt down beside his mother and gave a small smile at the― smiled?

"They really are. Hello there," he said and gave a small wave to the two girls who seemed to be gushing and melting under his gaze.

"Nii-san!" someone called out and I looked over to see none other than Miss cranky puss herself. Great. Because Byakuya's indifference wasn't enough, I realized I would be spending god knows how long with the two Czars of personality. One of which just happened to be the freaking love of my life!

Byakuya turned to face the girl as she sauntered her way into the living room, a book in her hand, and what I guess would be considered a smile? Don't know. Hard to tell if she was smiling or just uncomfortably constipated.

"Can you please help me with my Homework; I'm having a hard time with math,"

"I have some things I need to get done. I'll help you after I am through with my own work." He answered, as he stood up from his crouching position. "Besides you will not get any better if you don't work hard on your own." He continued bluntly. Rukia grimaced and pulled her book close to her chest.

"I understand," she murmured and began to turn around, when Hisana broke into the conversation.

"Wait Ruki, why not let Ichigo help you? He is in the same grade as Bya-chan," she proposed and my eyes grew wide. Not good.

"Mother, please refrain from addressing to me in such a manner," Byakuya intervened coldly. Hisana smiled and raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? Is my little boy getting upset? Perhaps I should go back to your old nickname, Captain Bya Bya?" she said simply. Byakuya's eyes widened and I pinched my arm harshly trying to desperately hold back the laugh that was threatening to claw its way past my throat.

He turned his face away quickly and crossed his arms.

"That's what I thought," Hisana continued, "Now Ruki, how about it?"

"Hmph. Please don't compare my brother to him." Rukia leered and sent a disgusted look my way. That little… I'll show her. How hard can it be? I stood from the couch in a flash and led my hand out.

"I can help you," I said softly.

"Oh really?" she asked mockingly. I wonder if I would get kicked out if I punched her. I quickly dismissed the thought as she leaned in to hand me the book. Let's see how hard this math is. I opened the book and froze. What does that squiggly line mean? What the hell is this? I cleared my throat and looked up helplessly.

"Well..Um..isn't it obvious?" I began,

She raised an eyebrow and scowled.

"The answer's four." I concluded with validity.

Her expression changed and an ear-splitting laugh erupted from her.

"Are you a moron?" she cried out and grasped her stomach tightly, still laughing hysterically, tears beginning to run down her face. I felt my face heat up.

"W..what?"

"Four?" she screamed out again. "I thought you'd be stupid but I didn't think you'd be retarded!"

"Rukia!," Hisana yelled, and scowled at the still grinning female.

Every inch of me wanted to pound her face in. Ok so I'm not that great when it comes to math…or writing…or reading. You get the point. But it does upset me, especially seeing as how Byakuya is so undeniably bright. He is in the most advanced class in Sereitei Academy and has the top grades in the school, as opposed to I, who am at the bottom of the bunch, and of course part of the worst class, the "leftovers" better put. It's not such a surprise that he would want nothing to do with me. I was a guy and not a very smart one at that.

I looked up to catch Byakuya's eyes staring blankly back at me, before he sighed and turned to exit the room.

"Come on Rukia," he called out to her and Rukia grinned and turned to follow behind her brother, before of course turning around and sticking her tongue out while she stretched her right eye out at me with her hand.

I sat back on the sofa and stared blankly at my fidgeting fingers.

He'll always see me as an idiot. I tried so hard each and every year to better myself. I spent countless nights studying, pounding my head in, trying desperately to get my name on the top fifty students list so that maybe he'd come across it and notice me, but I always ended up failing miserably.

"Oh bya-chan!" Hisana called out once more to the male who was already holding onto the stairs handles, on his way upstairs. I looked up snapping out of my thoughts.

"Would you mind showing Ichigo-kun to your bedroom?"

"Why would I do that?" he asked as he leaned his head back to catch a glimpse of his mother.

"Well he will be staying in your room of course, your father has already moved another bed inside," she said and grabbed my hand to lift me from the couch. I was completely taken aback. Share a room? With …Byakuya? Pinch me I'm dreaming! Oh the possibilities, my fantasies were on their way to realization.

His mouth dropped open and he stepped off the stairs.

"My..room?" he asked incredulously, "Why my room?"

"Well we can't have him staying with your sister now can we?" she asked as she gestured to Rukia who was pretending to stick a finger down her own throat. I wish I could stick my damn foot down her throat, see if she likes that. Byakuya turned to face her and she quickly stopped her little wisecrack.

"No…but.." he continued clearly awe-stricken. The ache I had been trying to avoid, grew wide at that moment.

"But nothing. Yuzu and Karin will be in one of the guest rooms, and so will his father. Can't have the two little girls and her brother rooming together, and I am pretty sure his father has been through enough and deserves some sort of space for himself. Besides you guys are the same age and even better you're school mates. I'm sure you'll have plenty to talk about!" she said finalizing the discussion. Byakuya gripped the handle tightly and shot a look at me, which I quickly dodged by staring back at Hisana who was smiling reassuringly at me.

"Go Ichigo-kun, he'll show you the room. I have to go show these little princesses to their quarters," she said tenderly and twisted around to face both girls sitting calmly on the couch. Their mouths covered in cookie crumbs.

"So cute!" she squealed as she grabbed them both by the hand and pulled them with her.

And then she was gone. And I was standing alone in the living room, staring at the two siblings who seemed less than pleased to have been stuck with me. Byakuya shook his head and resumed in climbing the stairs, Rukia behind him staring icily at me.

I sighed and followed after them.

We walked into a large gray pinstriped bedroom. At the immediate entry, a large shelve hand-packed with numerous books, could be seen. I turned to glance around the room and spotted two beds at my left, in front of large window draped with turquoise tinted curtains. A desk beside the book shelve was laddered with various books, papers and utensils. Apparently his work area. I inhaled deeply. So this is where he sleeps. His bedroom. How could I have ever imagined I'd be sharing a room with none other than Byakuya. Of course other than in my dreams, in those we shared much more than a bedroom. Err I mean…

"This is my room," Byakuya began, not facing me. "That is your bed," he continued as he lifted a finger and pointed to a bed covered in dark blue sheets and packed full with decorative pillows.

"Stay on your bed and avoid disrupting me or my belongings." He concluded, his voice frigid and callous as he turned to exit the bedroom once more. There go my fantasies.

"Mom! Since when do you make Ramen?" Rukia bellowed out staring disgustingly at her bowl.

"Since Ichigo and the girls love it, I thought I should try making it," Hisana answered sweetly as she took a seat beside her husband.

"It tastes great hunny," he said and placed a small kiss on her cheek.

"Gross," Rukia muttered, at both the meal, and her parents. What a brat.

"It really is great Mrs. Kuchiki," I added before I took another slurp of the delicious Yakibuta Ramen, My absolute favorite.

"Thank you, Thank you, enjoy," she blushed and began to eat her own meal.

I couldn't help but keep glancing at Byakuya who sat directly in front of me. Not only because, even if I wanted to look away, his face was just that hypnotizing, but because it was a bit amusing watching him staring blankly at his bowl and sifting the contents in it around with his chopsticks. Why is everything he does cute?

"Yuzu-chan, Karin-chan tomorrow I will be taking you both shopping, there is this really wonderful clothing store that has the most adorable outfits and―" Hisana began,

"Oh no Hisana-san, you really don't have to do that," dad said before she finished her statement.

"Nonsense, nonsense. I insist. Ruki has never really been a girly girl, so I've always had to settle with buying her all that yucky clothing." she pouted and I noticed Rukia glaring at her. "I was never able to get her those cute dresses I always wanted to see her in. But now with Yuzu and Karin I can!"

Sojun gave a hearty laugh and wrapped his arm around his ecstatic wife.

"Please don't mind her, she's always wanted to enjoy the thrill of spoiling her little girl, but I'm afraid that with Rukia, she was never really able to."

Rukia scoffed and pushed the bowl away from her.

"I'm going to bed." She muttered and exited the dining room. I watched as she exited and couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for her for some strange reason.

I heard a slurp and quickly turned my head back around to face Byakuya, who had set his chopsticks back in his bowl. Fuck. I missed it. I sighed and lifted my own noodles towards my mouth.

"So Byakuya, are you and Ichigo in the same class?" Sojun began and I almost choked on a noodle.

"No." he answered simply.

"Well, I think it is great that you both go to the same school. I've always felt you needed more male companions," he continued.

"It is my choice who I surround myself with." Byakuya replied uninterested.

"Yes but what is the issue with them anyways? I understand that at your age girls seem to be the most important thing, but remember we need that male camaraderie."

"Is that so?" Byakuya said as he leaned his elbow on the table and rest his chin on his hand. "Why would that be?" he turned his gaze over at me and his steely eyes bore into mine. "What is it that a male can offer that a female can't?

I gulped and felt my hands begin to clam up. Was he talking to me? Couldn't be. But he was staring hard at me, with an almost amused expression on his face.

"Well, everyone needs someone to confide in, and who better than your best buds." Sojun continued taking another bite of noodles into his mouth.

"I confide in myself."

Sojun sighed and looked over at Hisana who was frowning slightly.

"Well, son, I guess it's understandable if you think this way, you've always enjoyed your solitude. But you know you have to at least try to find some sort of companionship. Maybe a girlfriend? There must be someone your eyes are set on,"

Hisana's frown literally turned upside down at her husband's comment and joined in.

"Oh Bya-chan! A girlfriend! I'm sure you've caught plenty of hearts!" she exclaimed as she wiggled in her seat. And I cringed in mine.

"Some," he replied.

At this Hisana literally jumped from her seat. She stood up quickly and slammed both hands on the table, making it shake slightly.

"Really? Any confessions?" she asked excitedly. "You know, I confessed to your father in High school and well as you can see…" she looked over at her husband who was shooting her a loving smile. "So tell me tell me Bya-chan!"

"A few." He replied in a blasé tone still staring at me. This bastard was enjoying it.

"So why do you not have a girlfriend yet? Bya-chan! I want grandchildren just so you know!" she proclaimed and everyone on the table stared at the female with their jaws wide open, including myself. Byakuya a girlfriend? No. It hurt just picturing it. And Grandchildren? For Christ's sakes he's 18!

"Well, all those who have confessed have been complete idiots." He said indifferently, and my gaze fell. I felt my heart shredding.

"Bya-chan! Don't say such things!"

"It is true. It amuses me how they actually believe I'd ever be interested." He continued and narrowed his eyes slightly.

My stomach was in knots. How could he be so cruel? I dropped my chopsticks and continued staring at him only to find him giving me the same amused expression as before. He was mocking me. It took all of my will-power to not break down right then and there. I pushed myself up from the table and bowed slightly.

"P..please excuse me." I voiced lowly, my voice brittle and dry. I couldn't stay there. I turned away quickly before anyone said anything and rushed upstairs. For each step I took I cursed myself for ever falling for a guy like him. I cursed him for making me feel this way. And I cursed life for putting me in this situation.

I slammed the bedroom door shut and stepped inside, heading directly to the bed and throwing myself atop it. I grabbed the nearest pillow and tightened it to my face.

"Ahhhhhhhh" I yelled out into the plush cushion, as it muffled off the loud scream.

"Crap, it's late," I muttered as I jumped around trying to fit my feet into my shoes.

Why was I late you may be wondering? Well Mr. Considerate decided to stay till 2 doing god knows what on his desk. And for some weird reason he refused to turn off the harsh lighting in his bedroom. Though he could have easily used the desk lamp promptly situated on top of the damn desk. But did he? Hell no. He simply replied, "My room. Problem? Please feel free to leave."

I'm sure he' having a fantastic time plotting everything he can do to make my stay here a living hell.

I heaved my bag onto my back and quickly made my way downstairs were I was greeted with Hisana sending off the others.

"Ichigo-kun you missed breakfast, I told Byakuya to call you," she explained and shot me an apologetic look as I finished descending the stairs. I turned to face Byakuya who was grabbing his bag and lifting it towards his shoulder as he looked up at me, an innocent a look as ever. Fucking bastard. Of course he'd wake me up.

I scratched the back of my head and hid my anger with a simple smile. "It's ok,"

"Well here's your lunch," she said as she flashed me a smile and handed me a bento. " and here, eat this on your way, wouldn't want you passing out from hunger now would we?" she squeezed my cheek tightly. I hated having my face handled but she was such a sweet woman, I really didn't mind too much. Plus she sort of reminded me of my own mother.

Byakuya walked passed me and Hisana turned to give him a small kiss on the cheek.

"Have a great day in school," she said as he opened the door to exit. "Oh wait! Wait for Ichigo-kun!" she continued as she placed a hand on my shoulder and smiled gently.

"For what?" Byakuya looked back and raised an eyebrow.

"Silly! You guys are going to the same school are you not? Besides Rukia left already and I don't want Ichigo going by himself, he might not know how to get to school from here,"

I wanted to refuse, but she was right. I had no clue in hell how to actually get to school from here.

Byakuya sighed and exited the house, with me following after him.

I couldn't help but keep my gaze fixed on him as we made our way towards the train station. He was beautiful. His ponytail swayed lightly every time the gentle breeze hit it. And every time the wind hit him, his marvelous scent was sent my way. What a wonderful cologne. I bit my lip and forced my gaze towards the ground.

I should say something. Maybe, How are you this morning? No. Uhh… Nice day we're having? No. Can I touch your hair? HELL NO!

"Hey," a sullen voice broke me out of my thoughts. I looked up and noticed he had turned around to face me.

"Y..yeah?" I stammered, and cursed myself.

"Don't let anyone know we're living together." He began and turned back to face the station, which I just realized we were in front of. "and please refrain from talking to me in school." He concluded and walked off.

I stood dumbfounded as I watched him move father away, and clenched my fists. What the hell was that! I growled and continued shuffling my way towards the station as I mumbled various indecencies to myself.

I entered the station and saw Byakuya enter the train, it was jammed packed. Morning Rush hour. Don't we just love those? I shoved past several individuals and was a few feet away from the train as the doors began to drift close.

Crap.

"Byakuya!" I called out to him. And watched as he turned to face me, then faced away, allowing the doors to close shut, and leaving me behind.

I was fucking boiling.

"Oh yeah? you want to play this game! You're fucking ON!" I yelled out to the on moving train and stood by as several individuals shot glances my way.

"Mommy what's wrong with him?" a small kid pointed at me and I scowled as his mother shot me a glare and grabbed him by his shoulder.

"Come on sweetie. Ignore." She said as she tugged him away and I could hear her continue "People like him, you need to watch out for, ok?"

"He what!" Grimmjow yelled out and slammed a fist on his desk. "I'll kill him! Just tell me when and I'll do it I swear!"

"Yeap" I sighed and lay my head against my desk.

I ended up getting to school thirty minutes late. The following train arrived fifteen minutes later and was even fuller than the last. I was so closed in with people I could practically tell what they had for breakfast. Gross. And worst of all, some spiky haired big guy kept trying to feel me up during the entire ride. There's no way in hell a shaky train was able to land your hand so perfectly on my ass!

"Besides that, Ichigo You're living together!" Tatsuki exclaimed and slammed her hand against her desk. Yeah I wasn't supposed to tell anyone. But who gives a fuck, since when does he tell me what to do.

"Yeap," I replied and closed my eyes. Shit I was exhausted for some reason.

"Ok class settle down," my eyes slit open and I looked up to see the teacher entering the room. "As you may all know, midterms are coming up and I want each and every one of you to try your best,"

"Ahh crap," Grimmjow muttered and slammed his head against the desk. "Why doesn't he just give up? It's not like any of us are ever going to make it to the top fifty list,"

Midterms? Top 50? That's it!

I turned to face Tatsuki and grinned wildly.

"What's your problem?" she asked and raised an eyebrow.

"The midterm!"

"What about it?"

"I know how I'll show him!"

"Show who what?" she asked, her eyebrows scrunched in confusion.

"Byakuya!"

"…."

I groaned and continued "Look, if I'm able to make the list, that'll show him!"

"Show him what?" she yawned and rested her head onto her hand.

"Gee great to have your attention," I muttered and pushed my desk bedsides hers. "That I'm not an idiot! If I can beat him, then imagine how he'll feel. It would crush him!" I explained and released my evil little har har har.

"You, beat Byakuya? I think you're day spent over there may have made you lose some screws," she mumbled, her hand now covering most of her mouth.

"I'm serious Tatsuki!"

"And how are you planning on doing that?"

"Well…"

Crap she's right. It's not like I haven't tried to make it to the list before. So how would I go about it this time.

"Why not get a tutor?" Grimmjow joined, as he lifted his head from the table and sat back on his chair. "A tutor might help you beat him."

"You're right Grimm! You're a genius!"

"Tell me something I don't know." He grinned and winked at me. "Want to know how you can repay me for the idea?"

I narrowed my eyes. "No."

"Oh come on! Just a peck!"

"A peck of what?" Tatsuki asked staring at us both suspiciously.

"Oh nothing," we both replied and grinned.

Ok so a tutor huh?

"I'm home," I called out as I took of my shoes and stepped into the living room. Hisana was sitting on the couch and turned to greet me with a huge smile.

"Ichigo-kun! Welcome home!"

I made my way towards her and took a sit beside her. She had several Binders out on the table and a small one on her lap.

"How was school?" she asked as she flipped a few pages of the small binder and I leaned in to notice that they were photo albums. "Did you and Bya-chan get more acquainted?"

I cringed then forced a smile on my face. "We sure did…" I muttered remembering back to the earlier events.

"That's great!" she chirped and continued flipping through the small album. I watched on with her and smiled when she turned the following page. A small girl holding a pink flower smiled back at the camera. Rukia actually looked adorable. Weird to imagine her ever being like that. Beside that photo were various others, each as cute as the previous.

"Aren't they cute?" she sighed and smiled lovingly at the images.

"Yeah, she looks adorable," I answered back , still staring at the pictures.

Hisana giggled softly then handed me the album. She pointed her index finger at the image with the small girl holding the flower, "These are all Bya-chan,"

My eyes grew wide and my mouth gaped open. No way. NO WAY.

"W..what?" I stammered as the female continued giggling.

"Uhuh, these right there are all my little Byakuya,"

"B..but how?"

"You see," she began and lifted a thoughtful finger. " When bya-chan was born, he was just so adorable! I couldn't help it! Besides, before I found out that I was pregnant with byakuya, I had already been buying various little outfits. I truly thought my first child would be a girl, but instead I got my adorable baby boy. And well the point is I would dress him up in the most adorable little outfits. Every one loved him! And so I simply dressed him like that until he was old enough to oppose."

My mouth grew wider.

"Wasn't he the cutest little thing ever!" she giggled and wiggled on her spot. "But he doesn't know about the album so please let's keep this little secret to ourselves. Ne? Ichigo kun"

Oh this is good. This is way too good. Wouldn't you agree…Byakuya…chan?

A/N: Muahaha :-]