-Cries- I'am so sorry for this uber late update. But as you can see, school is about to end and I have to focus even harder than usual. I need to finish off with a splendid boom! So I have no idea when I can update again. -Cries harder- I thank you all for reviewing; I almost lost my bananas when I seen all those reviews. It just made me happy! Now I have to make you happy in return, so enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 3: You're a vampire now

Pained moans were trapped in a semi-conscious Toshiro's throat, as violent spasms raged through his small body; clouding his mind with agony. He wanted to scream right now, do anything to voice out his pain. But the agony was so much that he couldn't utter a sound. He felt like someone was repeatedly slitting his throat; cutting at his vocal cords. He wanted to cry to, but that was way behind the grasp of his ability. He just couldn't do anything. He was paralyzed in his pain and all he could was endure it. However, Toshiro faintly wondered…why was he granted this misfortune that befell on him? Why was he subjected to this pain? Was it because he was a slave all his miserable life? The answers to those questions eluded Toshiro; looks like he was going to remain clueless.

Ichigo, who was watching for sometime now, stared helplessly at his intended. He was expecting this to happen as soon as he placed that delightful mark on Toshiro's neck. That didn't mean he knew what to do when it happened though. He was feeling quite incompetent right now and that unsettled him greatly. It was like there was no use for him being there, that he would only be getting in the way. There must be something he could do, or at least someone who knew how to handle this situation.

And then it came to him. He could get Rukia to aid him right now. Certainly, she would know how to help his soon-to-be mate through his conversion to a vampire. After all, she found humans fascinating. At this, Ichigo couldn't exactly agree with his friend's view on humans. Humans may be delicious, but there definitely not fascinating; anything but that. They were powerless and pathetic; that was his view on them. Well, except for his Toshiro, he was the exact opposite to what Ichigo described them to be.

With a long look of reluctance to the writhing Toshiro, Ichigo left the room to seek out the help of his friend. Knowing her, she would probably still be sleeping the day away since her brother so gratefully gave her the day-off. Mind you, Rukia's brother wasn't the one to give out breaks, and Ichigo didn't blame her for resting. Her brother worked her like a damn slave, her captain trained her daily, and she had to attend to meetings withheld by her clan. You would say Rukia was a busy person who didn't get enough sleep. Well you're correct in assuming in this. And that fact was what made Ichigo sigh in grief. Once he woke her up, he would be faced with her attitude; which was something he'd rather not deal with.

Ichigo came to an abrupt stop and cursed his luck as he jumped away from the rays of light that had shined painfully when he opened the palace front doors. He had forgotten the important factor of the sun. It was still up and that meant he would have to pull up his hood to avoid getting burnt, as annoying as it sounds. But if it meant going to the Kuchiki manor, which was to the east of his palace, than he would. All he had to do was be careful.

Frowning in his annoyance, Ichigo pulled up his hood, slid on a pair of black gloves to protect his hands, and sprinted to the manor. As he did this, he couldn't help but grin to himself as childhood memories began to resurface.

About 600 years ago, Rukia, Renji, and he used to play a dangerous but rather amusing game. They would see who could endure the sun the longest, without any type of protection. Renji would be the first one to return to the shadows, usually complaining about that he was bored with the game. Which in truth, he was actually terrified of being scorched. Next, would be Rukia, who would be screaming bloody-murder because she was burning up. Finally, it would be him. However, he tried to stay out to long; trying to over-exaggerate the fact that he won. That ended up with him in the hospital wing with his friends laughing at him for being such a showoff. He didn't hesitate to respond with his signature scowl.

What pleasant memories...

The orange-haired vampire jumped over the gate that went around the manors perimeter, hastily went into the shade of a tall, cherry blossom tree that stood a few inches from the building, and immediately began to jump the branches. This was an easier route to Rukia's room. He didn't feel like maneuvering through the endless corridors of the manor. One could easily get lost in that labyrinth.

Once he was on the top branch of the beautiful tree, Ichigo gently knocked twice on the glass window, knowing that Rukia would hear it because she was a light-sleeper. As expected, Ichigo heard shifting and then grumbles which he presumed to be a line of curses. And then an inquisitive, yet grumpy eye peered through the curtains. Ichigo smirked and bared his fangs; one of the many ways a vampire greets each other. The eye was gone and plenty more curses were let loose, earning a chuckle from Ichigo. Rukia was definitely not a morning person.

"What the hell do you want!? Especially, on my goddamn break day!" Rukia hissed as she pulled up the window, a black hood over her head.

"Is that the proper way to greet your prince, Rukia-san?" Mocked Ichigo, loving how Rukia was getting pissed off.

"Do I give a damn?" Rukia snarled viciously, looking as if she was going to rip of Ichigo's head any minute.

"Obviously not," Ichigo chuckled again, earning another snarl. His face than grew solemn. "Rukia, I need your assistance in an important matter."

Rukia frowned at him before smirking, "And why should I help the almighty Prince Ichigo? A person of your stature doesn't need help."

"I' am serious!" Snapped Ichigo, all signs of play gone.

Black eyebrows furrowed as Rukia stared at her friend. He looked awfully serious, his voice a mere echo of how serious he really looked. Whatever got him riled up like this must be important? And the fact that he came for her aid was what really grabbed her attention. Ichigo rarely asks for help, and when he does, it usually from his dad; on occasions Renji. But never have he came for her help.

"Alright, what's wrong?" Rukia sighed, making her self comfortable.

Ichigo smiled at her, grateful that she decided to hear him out. "You do know that numerous vampires have asked me to become their mates, right?" She nodded. "As you know already, I have denied every single one of them." Rukia rolled her eyes and Ichigo nervously scratched his untamable hair. "Recently, Renji and I went to Los Noches-."

"The human slave house…why in gods name where you…never mind. Please, continue." Rukia interrupted, shaking her head in amazement.

Ichigo cleared his throat, "As I was saying, Renji and I went there to find me a suitable mate-."

"What in gods name where you thinking!?" Rukia again interrupted, this time she was looking-no glaring at him in disbelief.

"If you would allow me to finish, this wouldn't take so long, women!" Ichigo growled in irritation because Rukia's damnable interruptions were preventing him from finishing.

"Ok, ok, go ahead. Still…" The rest of what she said went unheard as she shook her head. At one point, Ichigo heard her mumble something about him being "stupid" and that his "stupidity rivaled that of a brainless monkey". Ichigo coolly ignored those insulting comments and continued with the rest of his story.

"As soon as I entered that disgusting place, I saw the most beautiful human on this Earth." Ichigo stopped when he saw her look of disbelief and confusion. He assumed that she thought he was exaggerating. "Seriously, Rukia! He had such mesmerizing eyes that shone so brightly in that dim place! He was an angel…my angel. I just had to have him as mine!"

"Ichigo…are you sure want a human to be your mate? I mean…wait! Did you already mark him!?" The urgency in her voice made him hesitate momentarily before slowly nodding. Her reaction to his answer was to stare at him sharply, before retreating to her room. Moments later, she was in the same attire as him, jumping on the same branch as him lightly, glaring at him.

"You insensitive jerk! I bet you marked him without his consent, you basterd! I guarantee that you didn't warn him about the process of turning into a vampire! You're such a…urgh! C'mon!" Rukia jumped off the tree effortlessly, and began to run towards the palace, urgency in her fast pace movements. Ichigo just stared dumbly before chasing after her, not quite recovered from Rukia's stream of insults.

Her reaction was not what expected. Actually, he thought she would take it rather smoothly. As long as he known Rukia, she wasn't the one to lose her cool. But to see this happen was a complete shock. Maybe seeking out her help wasn't the best of ideas…

It wasn't long till they were right outside his room door, about to barge in. But the sounds of hoarse groans made Rukia stop and glare at him harshly. He only flinched and opened the door for her as a 

good-will gesture. It didn't work as he predicted; she was still pretty aggravated with him. Women…he would never understand them.

Rukia immediately was at Toshiro's side dabbing at his burning forehead with a wet-cloth that had lain forgotten on the dresser. It didn't do much when it came to cooling him down, but it did help out when the boy had trails of perspiration streaming down his face.

Without warning, a prolonged, harsh scream of pain erupted from the boy's throat, causing Rukia's eyes to glaze over with sadness and pity. The human-to-vampire process was never without pain. From her knowledge of humans, the only reason it's painful is because the body is going through a change to accommodate the necessities of a vampire. For example, the bones of a vampire are far stronger than a human, so she could only imagine that Toshiro is feeling like his bones are breaking and reforming continuously. His gums must be aching because his teeth are becoming stronger and his canines are growing and getting sharper at the minute. That human skin of his must feel like it's melting because his skin is becoming increasingly sensitive to sunlight. To put it simply, he was experiencing hell-his death; the human was dying and the vampire was being born. And the cause of all this was standing remorsefully at the door. She could only scowl at him.

He was, as she said, an insensitive jerk. Just because he is the prince, doesn't mean he could do everything he want. It doesn't mean he could be selfish with other people's lives or decide their futures. A person should be able to weave their on future. But him, the insensitive jerk, decided to alter this teens fate. Now their futures are intertwined together. One of them is ok with this; the other will probably hate it. Just like how he will surely hate the person who took his humanity away and altered his life.

When the harsh moans of pain subsided slowly, both vampires intense gazes landed on the figure who gained their attention. Apparently, he had stopped his violent movements and his heart rate that had been beating insanely moments ago was all steady. He looked drained and weary, but all and all, he was perfectly fine now; peaceful even.

"Is it over?" Ichigo asked, as if he was stepping on broken glass.

"I suppose…I mean there could be a probably that he could die at any moment. He just finish going through a transformation that changed his life." Ichigo visibly winced at her tone. "If his brain accepts the change…than he will live and be waking up shortly. If not…than he will go into shock and die. It seems as if this is the only choice he was able to make, right Ichigo?"

"I know I should've-!" Ichigo stopped once he heard a small moan escape soft lips.

Toshiro blinked a few times, flexed his fingers, sat up stiffly, and remained unknowingly, ignorant to the other two presences in the room. What happened to him? Where was he? He didn't know, but he felt strange and perplexed. What could have possible happened to make him feel this way? Than it came back to him in a rush, giving him a headache, and making him groan slightly. Now he remembered. He was bitten by Ichigo and than he fainted only to awaken in a turmoil of pain and suffering. In a matter of minutes, Toshiro immediately came to the conclusion that he was a…

"Yes…you're a vampire now and also being courted by the one who bit you, Kurosaki Ichigo." Toshiro looked to his right and tensed. A woman was looking at him sympathetically, yet seriously. Due to some foreign instinct, he was easily able to distinguish that she was a vampire. He didn't hesitate to shift further away from her presence, not at all comfortable.

"I-I-I am a v-v-vampire!? But how? How could I…you!" Toshiro spat venomously as he made sharp eye contact with the amber eyes of Ichigo, trying to make his hate crystal clear to the man who earned it. "This is your fault why I' am a-a freak!"

Rukia's eyes widened at the bold insult and she looked behind her to see Ichigo's reaction, but he wasn't there. He was right in front of Toshiro, hands clenched persistently tight in the fabrics of Toshiro's yukata. His usual scowl was twisted into a snarl and his fangs were exposed in a threat, showing that he would rip out his throat if provoked any longer. Evidently, when Toshiro "died" his rebellious attitude didn't leave him; thus, making him sub-consciously bare his newly acquired fangs back in an act he was well known for: defiance. But something unexpected happened. Instead of striking or yelling at him, Ichigo's snarl turned to a very suggestive and perverted look, which made Toshiro mortified. Where the hell did that look come from? More importantly, why was that appalling look directed at him?

The teen didn't have time to ponder this because Ichigo had dropped him ungracefully back onto the bed, rushing out the door in a great hurry. The vampire's actions confused him, but he was happy that the basterd was gone. Still, he remained oblivious to why the vampire had left in a great hurry. Unbeknownst to him, Rukia knew why, and it made her snicker evilly like she knew some deep dark secret.

Usually, in vampire culture, baring your fangs in anger at another vampire and receiving the same response was an unspoken challenge; one that usually became physical and sometimes ending in death for the loser vampire. In Toshiro's case, the meaning is totally different. Because Ichigo and Toshiro are on the verge of becoming mates, baring your fangs at the other was to see which vampire was dominant or submissive. To decide this, they would have to do something very intimate, which the end results would be two naked bodies.

"Uh miss-," Toshiro started.

"Rukia," she automatically said, her attention returned to him and not on dirty thoughts. "That's my name."

"Ok Rukia-san, why did the basterd leave, not that I care or anything." He asked curiously, still not comfortable with her. It wasn't her personally why he wasn't comfortable; it was because she was a vampire, even if he was one himself.

"He had to get in control of his instincts," Snickered Rukia, earning a suspicious look from the white-haired teen. Maybe elaborating on the details wouldn't be a wise decision. She had no doubt that if shedid, Toshiro would probably become flustered and embarrassed or disgusted. "Anyway, are you hungry?"

"No." Toshiro lied, only to hear his stomach growl in angry protest.

"Your stomach says otherwise Toshiro-san." Toshiro opened his mouth to inquire how she known his name, but the petite woman attention had left him for the minute to look at white button on the wall. She twirled her figure before pushing it. Minutes later, there was a respectful knock at the door. "Come in."

A servant dressed in a simple white and black kimono, walked in with tray that held a green bottle, and two wine bottles. Quickly, the servant laid the tray on a small table near the chair Ichigo occupied an hour ago, bowed respectfully, and took his leave. Through that whole process, Toshiro sat on the king-sized bed wondering what exactly was in that bottle. Where was the food? That possible couldn't be it, right?

"Breakfast is served!" Exclaimed Rukia excitedly as she ran towards the bottle, popped open the cork, and poured the contents into the wine glasses equally. And as soon as Toshiro caught a whiff of the red liquid scent, he almost lost all control. It was blood and it smelled so enticing-so mouth-watering delicious. His fangs tingled; his throat became dry as a dessert. It was as clear as day to Toshiro, that he needed that red substance or else he would lose control. Yet again, Toshiro's rebellious side protested in the fact of drinking human blood. The thought was utterly repulsive to him. On the other hand, he knew he needed it to survive and that out-weighed his disgust.

"Are you just going to sit there? Get some before there's none left." Toshiro stared unsurely at Rukia as she took a sip out of here glass, humming in blissful content. He didn't even realize it when he licked his own lips in desire and need when he eyed the untouched glass that remained on the tray.

"I-I don't want it!" Toshiro stuttered as Rukia looked at him ludicrously. It wasn't normal for a vampire to deny blood.

"Of course you do! You don't want to starve, so drink."

"No," He protested, jumping out of the bed because his limbs were falling asleep. "I don't want nor need it."

Rukia stared at him, not quite believing her ears. Was it possible for a vampire to deny what they needed the most? She didn't think so, but this vampire standing next to the wall, was proving her wrong. It just didn't seem normal to her. But then, it dawned on her, he was born a human. The idea of drinking blood wasn't comfortable for him and she couldn't blame him for that. Without a doubt, she could see that he was still trying to function like a human, which end results were most likely going to end terribly for him. Why couldn't he just get rid of his human like thinking? It would make his new life easier. Hopefully, Ichigo could figure out a way to make Toshiro more adjusted to being a vampire, preferable soon.

"Fine, whatever; you can keep denying your vampire needs. Very soon, you will become desperate for blood and you will find yourself doing something regrettable. Hopefully, Ichigo can snap you out of denial before that happen." Rukia yawned drowsily and walked towards the door. Just before her hand came into contact with the golden knob, Rukia looked at him as if something just came back to her. "Ichigo will be back in a few minutes, just in case you wanted to know."With that said, the raven-haired girl was gone, her words still fluttering around in his head.

Toshiro couldn't contradict what Rukia had said to him, and he knew this. It wouldn't be long until he did do something desperate to satisfy his need to feed. It wouldn't be long until he lost control. He could already feel the desperation from his new vampire instincts to drink from that cup-that was to his secret delight, still full. Fearfully, Toshiro knew if he drunk the blood, he would attain a liking for it. Of course, the teen really did not want that at all; what sensible person would. To enjoy the idea of drinking blood was disgusting to him and it will always be that way, even if some nagging feeling was telling him that he will give in eventually.

Ignoring his need to sate his need to drink, Toshiro turned towards the door Rukia recently exited. Since the door wasn't locked, he could easily leave and escape this place. Who in there right minds would stay in a vampire's palace? He sure as hell wouldn't; so when he stepped out of the room, he had but only a few doubts. Few as his doubts were, Toshiro had the feeling that this wouldn't work, thanks to a certain event that happened earlier. But his resolve to get out of there was stronger than his doubts.

Sadly, mother fate was not on his side.

As soon as he got a couple of feet from the door, he was pulled backwards into a firm, clothed chest. Toshiro's reaction was instant, and he pushed against the hold his captor had on him. His efforts were in vain, so he just stopped, deciding against wasting his energy. That still didn't mean he was relaxed, more like waiting for his chance to run.

"Are you done?" Ichigo asked much amusement in his voice as he stared at the frustrated Toshiro.

"Yes, now let go," hissed Toshiro.

"If you insist; but I fall to say how where ever going to get intim-…"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence!" Toshiro snapped harshly, not at all desiring to be with this guy.

Ichigo frowned at Toshiro, released him from his embrace, quickly grabbed his arm before he could escape, and proceeded to drag him back to their room. He was well aware of why Toshiro didn't want him to finish that sentence, and it kind of stung a little. As much as he wanted Toshiro, he would wait till Toshiro and he were on friendlier terms, even if Ichigo felt like that was never going to happen.

"Do you have a bath?" The question was enough to snap Ichigo out of his thoughts.

"Yes, do you wish to use it?"

"If that is okay by you?" Toshiro said a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Totally oblivious to Toshiro's sarcasm, Ichigo pointed to a door that was to the side of the fireplace. "The bathroom is beyond that room. If you plan on taking a bath, I think I'll join you."

"Whatever…wait, what!?" Toshiro gasped in shock, still not comprehending what the hell the guy said. All Toshiro registered was that Ichigo wanted to bathe with him. He really hoped this guy was just messing with him. But the look of seriousness on Ichigo's face was enough to tell him that this guy wasn't joking.

"Do you object to it?" Ichigo asked, confused with Toshiro's answer. It was perfectly normal for mates to bathe with each other. Well, they technically weren't mates just yet, not until they complete the final part of the courting process; which so happens to be having sex with each other. At this prospect, Ichigo inwardly smirked. To do such things with his intended sounded…heavenly; thus making him dream of the day that would happen. Saddening as it was, Ichigo knew that day was not going to come anytime soon, which kind of put out the hope he established. He will just have to wait and see what mother fate had in store for him.

"Of course! I like my privacy." Toshiro growled, even though he knew on previous occasion that he barely got any privacy. That didn't, however, mean he wanted to take a bath with this guy!

"I see." Ichigo bit back a sigh and went towards his giant wardrobe, rummaged through it for a second, and pulled out a black kimono that surprisingly, was Toshiro's size. This of course earned a curious look from the teen. Noticing the look, Ichigo just grinned and placed the clothes in Toshiro's arm. "I made certain arrangements for your stay here."

Toshiro just nodded before walking into the bathroom, and locked the door. Like Toshiro said before, he valued privacy.

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

"Why the hell is it taking you so long? Hurry up!" Ichigo snapped impatiently as he sat in his favorite chair, legs crossed, and head buried in a book to pass time. His response was an "Hn" and a snort. At this, Ichigo let out a barely audible growl from his throat and snapped the book close in irritation. Toshiro had been in the bath for well over an hour. In Ichigo opinion, that was way too long. So long in fact, that his patience was about to burn out. As you can see, Ichigo wasn't a very patient vampire. To try his patience was like asking for certain death because he was used to not waiting for anything. He got what he wanted, whenever he request for it. Obliviously, Toshiro wasn't like that.

Toshiro was someone who was patient and tended to do everything at his own pace. No man-or vampire, rushed him. If they did, they were ignored, glared at, or just given an uncaring reply when they demanded he hurry up. That was just how he operated. So when Ichigo requested he speed up a little, he just snorted in amusement at Ichigo attempt to quicken his pace.

"Sorry Kurosaki, I rush for no one."

"Moron! I'll have your head-err I mean…I'll lock you inside this room for a week!" Ichigo warned as he tried not to sound embarrassed at what he said. It was really embarrassing for him to threaten his intended like he was a servant. He was too used to giving out death threats when he didn't get what he wanted.

"Tch, moron yourself." The sound of wet feet walking against a tiled floor made Ichigo turn his head towards the bathroom door. "Can't I enjoy the soothing effect of the bath without getting interrupted by a moron no less?"

Toshiro walked right out the bathroom, fixing up his obi as he went. Ichigo noticed that his feet were still wet. "Your feet are un-dry because…?"

"Because they are; if that such a problem, I'll dry them off to satisfy your needs." Toshiro remarked rudely, proceeding to do as he said.

'Satisfy my needs? Pfft…he doesn't know about my needs.' Ichigo thought, as he watched the unsuspecting Toshiro hungrily.

"Done," mumbled Toshiro as he tossed the towel somewhere. Hearing no reply from the vampire, Toshiro looked up and saw amber eyes staring at him with a…hungry look. Toshiro wasn't ignorant to that type of look. There had been times when he received them from the guards at Los Noches. He shuddered. That look always discomforted him because it usually led to bad things.

"You're staring…" Ichigo blinked and laughed dryly in his embarrassment. Who could blame him from for not resisting the delectable look of his soon-to-be-mate? The white-haired vampire was like eye-candy to any passerby that dared to look at the beautiful boy. This candy, however, wasn't something Ichigo would like to share. To put it bluntly, Toshiro was all his and god have mercy on the one who would even dare to try and snatch him away. The person will be personally dealt with because, when you touch something that belongs to Ichigo, you're in for a world of hurt.

"Sorry, I kind of zoned out," Ichigo weakly apologized, noticing that the teen wasn't paying him any mind anymore. His attention seemed to be on putting on his white tabi socks and zori. Still, Ichigo found it strange that Toshiro wasn't looking at him anymore after he gave him that look. Considering the fact that he did look at Toshiro wrongly, Ichigo can only think that it might have unnerved him. It seems that Ichigo will have to learn how to contain the unpredictable urges to just stare at the teen offhandedly.

"Toshiro?"

"What?" Again his attention was anything but him.

"It's about time I show you around and let you meet my family."

"Alright…" Toshiro said with absent enthusiasm. He had no desire to get acquainted with this guy's family.

Ichigo extended his hand out to Toshiro in a friendly gesture, trying to make an attempt at easing away Toshiro dislike of him. It shouldn't have came to a surprise to Ichigo when Toshiro gave him a cold look as he understood what Ichigo was trying to do. To make things worse, Toshiro turned his back on Ichigo just to make him angry. On the contrary, Ichigo wasn't feeling angry, just rather hurt; looks like he was going to have work extra hard for that brat to forgive him.

As you can all see, Toshiro isn't exactly happy with Ichigo right now, huh? Who could blame him? I'd be rather pissed off if someone made a choice for me. Especially, if it's going to change me. However, Toshiro isn't being too nice to our orange-haired vampire, more like giving him the cold-shoulder. Maybe if the kid would get to know Ichigo better, things wouldn't be so bad. But that's Toshiro for you. Aloof and stubborn. -Chuckles-

Stay tuned for next installment of Eternally Mine! Hopefully, I could get it in earlier!