What exactly to write about these characters and their relationship. On the surface, you don't see much of a relationship beyond that of grudging respect in each other's fighting ability and moral convictions. But if you really look at their interaction, you see so much more than that.
Ichigo and Byakuya are a study in opposites. One is a brash human boy ruled by his heart. Ichigo always acts first and maybe thinks about it later. The other is a shinigami captain who is ruled by his mind. Byakuya is cold, reserved, and belives first and foremost in order. Everything he says and does is carefully planned and executed. Ichigo instigates entropy wherever he goes. It was inevitable that these two would run into each other and not mix.
Byakuya is perfect, or at least that is the picture that he presents. Always composed, emotionless. No one brings about a strong reaction in him because he is above it all. He's been ordered to arrest and aid in the execution of his sister and does it without a show of feeling. That is...until Ichigo gets thrown in the mix. The biggest thing about their relationship that strikes me is that Ichigo is the ONLY character who makes Byakuya react to him. Ichigo makes cracks in the perfect veneer appear and we get glimpses of the more vulnerable, human side of Byakuya. I don't think he's unfeeling at all, but to be able to see what he truly thinks and feels is something he guards fiercely. Ichigo somehow makes him forget this. Ichigo makes him act immature. They basically end up in a pissing contest between two teenaged boys. Ichigo is wonderful like that. He's so tactless and honest and full of feeling that he sees through most people's bullshit and calls them on it. No one would dare do that to Byakuya. Ichigo doesn't give a fuck who he is, he's gonna call it like he sees it. Ichigo was the kick to the ass, among other things >D, that Byakuya needed.
And, because I am a total sap.... Ichigo makes Byakuya smile.
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Images used are from ch 166 of Bleach. This fight is actually one of my favourite parts of the entire series. I love love IchiBya! Brushes used were taken from spy-glass.net
The title of the fanlisting comes from the song Gensou no Hana by Buck-Tick, as is the little song lyric used. I can't really explain why the song makes me think of Ichigo and Byakuya, but the Bya that resides in my brain loves the gothic poetry found in B-T lyrics and feels they are most appropriate for him. In the actual series, Byakuya is fond of speaking in archaic theatre metaphors and poetry. The title means "flowers of illusion" and I suppose you could take it to mean that neither are what they appear nor is their relationship so simple. Byakuya also is incredibly fond of the flower metaphor. Hell, his zanpakutou is called Senbonzakura and his fighting attacks involve sakura petals of death.
