Chapter 11

                                    

                                          
"Taicho!" 
Byakuya turned. After his briefing, he planned to head back to Karakura. Renji's call stopped him in his tracks. 
"Let me accompany you Taicho." Byakuya shook his head. 
"That isn't needed, I have it under control. Lower level hollows do not require much strength." Renji's eyes shifted. It looked like he had more to say. 
"Is there another reason behind your request?" Renji sighed. 
"I know it isn't any of my business, I was just a bit worried. N-Not about your ability to fight. I-I know you're more than capable." 
He began making crazy gestures, and Byakuya's stare urged him to get to the point. 
"You've just been different lately. At the start you were fine, you looked happy even but now you just..looked troubled." 
Byakuya was a bit stunned that Renji noticed the change. Then again, he was his lieutenant. He knew the male looked up to him, to the point that he must have been more observant that he gave him credit for. 
"I'm fine. If that's all I'll be leaving." 
Renji stiffened. 
"Y-Yes, of course! Have a safe trip, Taicho." 
Byakuya turned, and as the gate opened, he looked at the light. All he could truly think about was seeing you again. Those two days felt like weeks of separation. He didn't like it when he wasn't close by. 
"I'll check on her." 
He stepped in, fully intending to head over to you. He understood that you needed time and space. A part of him feels a bit annoyed that he'd let this so easily control his mood. He used to be so good at keeping his personal and professional life separated. His feet touch the paved roads of Karakura, the gateway closing. The second he's through, he feels the pressure. It hits him like a wave. It's barely a second, his coat is pushed backwards at the speed of this flash step. 
"(Y/N)!" 
He wishes he could stop the panic that has risen. He skids when he almost collides with another body that seems to be going in the same direction he is.
"Byakuya!" 
"Ichigo." 
If Ichigo was here, then it was just as bad as he thought. 
"Follow me." 
He ordered. Ichigo nods, and they're both gone.