Chapter 4: The Gift

(Many thanks to MissLilly2012 (Complications will spin this story several times, but that just adds to the fun!), Toshirofan4ever (Ah, if you think you hate them now...!), Nazrita (Yes, watch your head for the spins this will take!), Kyuumihaira (LOL, it would be a sure thing to bet on things always taking the most complicated and dangerous turns for Tetsuya. He is a trouble magnet!), Lochness Nessie (I am loving Bya/Ichigo too! I am surprised how much! So, I will keep the updates coming.), Ctofi1 (Tetsuya va s'attirer plus d'ennuis, mais il aura Byakuya et Ichigo pour l'aider. Et il suffit d'attendre jusqu'à ce qu'il soit enceinte! Ils vont vraiment gâter! Je vais mettre à jour rapidement. Merci pour la lecture!...Hope that translated okay!), Catriona695 (So glad you like the pairing and story! Thanks for reading.), Cori07 (You've got it! More is on the way!), Firebirdever (Ah, Orochi is a slippery fellow. I don't know how easily he will give up. I suppose we shall see...), BunnyHopster26 (Yes, Bya and Ichigo will be there all the way for Tetsuya, and believe me, he will be very glad they are!), Scarlotte O'Hara (Yeah, that issue of Orochi will take some interesting turns...), and the lovely Callmesenseikuchiki (HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 3 Hope you have a lovely one! Are you a 'Cancer' like Tetsuya and me, or are you a Leo like Renji?) Enjoy the chapter! Love, Spunky)

"I am afraid that there is nothing we can do now, but to move forward," Byakuya said quietly, "Do not worry about the council. They cannot force you to do anything that you do not choose."

"But, you and Ichigo-san," Tetsuya objected, "I know that you want to be married, and you don't want to have to..."

"It doesn't matter," Ichigo said, shaking his head and riling his ginger colored hair, "Byakuya and I aren't going to do anything to hurt you, Tetsuya. We will manage."

"But the council won't allow the marriage to proceed without an assurance of an heir."

"I will convince them to accept a candidate from the subfamilies," Byakuya said firmly, "They are not going to force us into a corner. I am going to marry Ichigo, and I will not make a child at the expense of hurting you."

"I am sorry, Byakuya-sama," said an old man's voice form the doorway, "but that is going to present a problem."

"Nori, what do you mean?" Byakuya asked, looking up as the head councilor entered the room.

"What I mean is...the council is considering pressuring you to step down. I thought that you needed to be warned. They have the votes to do so. You must think very carefully now, before you act."

"But the council has never been able to gather enough votes for something like that," Tetsuya objected, "There is no one in any of the subfamilies who can match Byakuya-sama's power, and to remove him from leadership would only lower the clan's standing in the eyes of the other clans."

"That has long been the agreed upon viewpoint," Nori confirmed, "However, after you left, it was brought before the council that Councilor Orochi has achieved bankai."

Tetsuya's eyes widened, then closed against the words.

"It doesn't matter if my cousin has a bankai," Byakuya said, frowning, "My power exceeds his, as does my experience in the arena of leadership."

"That is true," agreed the head elder, "But, Councilor Arisu made the points in council that first, you have a long history of, not just defying the council with your choices, but of causing our family embarrassment and lowering us in the eyes of the other clans. Add to that, the fact that Orochi's subfamily has very respectable lines of power. And there is one final consideration."

Tetsuya felt an odd, queasy sensation in his belly at the words.

"If Orochi gains control of clan leadership, then it would be within his power to compel the clan's new breeder male to be his concubine."

"What?" exclaimed Ichigo, "He can't do that, can he, Byakuya?"

Tetsuya shivered at the thought, his mind going nearly blank at the thought of ever being touched by his wicked cousin again.

"I am afraid that it he is successful in replacing me as head of household, he can. But I do not think that he has the nerve to make that move."

"Why not?" asked the Shiba heir.

"Byakuya-sama has the right to defend his place as leader by challenging the one the council chooses to replace him to a duel to the death," explained Nori.

"And there is no way the guy will defeat you," Ichigo said with certainty.

"No."

"But then, Orochi-san would not be doing this if he didn't have a plan in place to ensure his victory," Tetsuya posited, "He must have found an underhanded way to set you up. That's the only reason he would make so bold a move."

"Well," said Nori, "I do not know if that is true. You know of the animosity that exists between Councilors Arisu and Orochi, ne?"

"Yes," Byakuya said solemnly, "The two are nearly always at odds. And they never cease to scheme to undo each other. There is a long history of very ugly infighting between their subfamilies."

"Yes, well, you saw how much Arisu enjoyed revealing Tetsuya's status as a Breeder Male. She was delighted, not only at having a marvelous time troubling young Tetsuya, here, but also at maneuvering Orochi into a closely crafted corner."

"She knows that Orochi-san still harbors aggressive feelings towards me," said Tetsuya, "He still feels some kind of ownership of me. The day I was freed, he warned me that I still belonged to him."

"And it seems like he's probably been taking advantage of you," said Ichigo, "If he was the one who hurt you, then he might have been doing that for many years."

"I cannot say that he hasn't," Tetsuya replied in a troubled tone, "But neither can I prove that he has."

"Regardless, I will kill him if he attempts to replace me," Byakuya said, his reiatsu darkening dangerously.

"But, what I am trying to get at," Nori said worriedly, "is that it is not the Orochi wants to take leadership of the clan or risk having to fight you head on. It is that Arisu knows of his possessive feelings for Tetsuya and is manipulating this to get him killed...without having to get her own hands dirty, of course."

"If you think that I am going to lose any sleep over seeing Orochi brought down by his own recklessness and wickedness, think again," Byakuya said darkly, "I do not care what his reasons are or who is manipulating him. If he tries to replace me, I will destroy him."

"But, Byakuya-sama," Tetsuya said, shaking his head, "regardless of what animosity we have for that man, you must see that if you challenge him as the council's choice it is not good for the clan. Yes, you will likely defeat him, but you will be making a clear statement, and a very public one that the Kuchiki elders have no power to negotiate with their leader, and that there is division within our clan. It would surely weaken our standings amongst the noble clans. And that would not be good for anyone."

"Tetsuya is right," Nori said unhappily, "It is not good for anyone if Orochi is forced into leadership and you are manipulated into killing him."

"Can pressure be put on Arisu to back down?" Byakuya asked, thinking carefully.

Nori sighed.

"Before, she might have. But she has enough others convinced that you are so intractable a leader, that it is not a detriment that Orochi is new to his bankai powers. She was very brutal in her criticism of you, pointing out each breach of our rules and supporting it with evidence of changes in how we are perceived in the eyes of the Noble's General Council. And, I am afraid, she did make some valid points. She was able to sway enough councilors to follow her that the vote will go her way and Orochi will be named head of household, if something does not give somewhere."

"Did Orochi-san give any sign of what he is thinking?" asked Tetsuya.

"Not overtly, no," answered Nori, "But remember that, given his possessive feelings towards you, it would be very easy for Arisu to undo him if he made any sudden moves or became combative. He argued against the decision, and he also voted against it."

"But he might have done that, knowing that Arisu had enough convinced, without him having to involve himself," Byakuya said off-handedly, "It would only strengthen his standing with the council to see him as reluctant to take advantage of a dubious opportunity. If he resists, then when he later accepts the council's decision to replace me, he will be seen as believing it to be a last resort, and not his own will."

"It is a dangerous game those two are playing," Nori sighed, "And if it goes wrong, not only will we be disgraced, but people will die."

"Not to mention, it could result in a clan war within the family, with Arisu and Orochi's subfamilies spreading the damage to include innocents," Byakuya added.

"We cannot let it come to that," Tetsuya said softly, "Byakuya-sama, there is a way to avoid all of this...to stop Arisu-san from launching this attack at Orochi-san, to stop Orochi-san from being named our leader in your place, to keep the peace within the subfamilies, and to keep our name from being disgraced. Only accept the council's recommendation."

He swallowed hard and continued, working to keep his voice steady.

"I admit that I have fears about proceeding, fears about being touched sexually, about bearing a child after having lost my first, about igniting Orochi-san's anger and about people knowing I am a breeder male. But, despite all of that, I am first, your cousin, who loves you and only wants the best for you. And I am second, the one most repsonsible for your safety and well-being. I swear to you, I could not ever look at my face in a mirror again if I stood by and did not help you in any way that I can. So...if having a child for you and Ichigo-san will keep peace in the family and protect you and Ichigo-san and your love...then..."

Tetsuya's voice faltered as tears rose in his eyes and he lost his ability to speak.

"Hey," Ichigo said gently, slipping a hand into his, "Byakuya and I told you already. We are not going to do anything to hurt you."

"You will not be hurting me," Tetsuya managed, "In fact, the level of pain is no worse than that required in my protection duties and training. And I know how to care for myself to ensure a safe delivery of your heir. I am afraid, but I can do this. That way, the elders will see your willingness to work with them, and this will reflect well on us in the eyes of the Noble's General Council."

"He is correct in that estimation," said Nori, "I think that the others are just looking for some sign that you will make some concessions in favor of the clan...to protect our place among the noble families and our honor."

"With a little bit of backstabbing in it, just for fun," Ichigo observed with narrowed eyes, "What a pain in the ass."

"I agree that it is troubling," added Tetsuya, "But, Byakuya-sama, surely one so wise as you would understand that sometimes we must choose a difficult path, even if it runs counter to our desires, if that path is the one that will protect our peace and dignity."

Byakuya didn't answer right away, but moved closer to his cousin and coaxed Tetsuya into a warm embrace.

"Tetsuya," he whispered, "I only ever wanted to protect you. I promised you that no one would ever confine you again. But this is too much like confinement...possession. You are not a thing, nor a servant. You are a person, free to choose his path. You do not have to do this."

Tetsuya gave him a wavering smile.

"I know that," he said with more confidence, "And that is what gives me the strength to do this for you. Did you not tell me once that your greatest regret, after losing Hisana-sama, was that you and she were sadly denied the child you both so wanted? So, giving just a little of myself, I can help you and Ichigo-san to have what you and Hisana-sama did not. I am not unwilling."

Byakuya went quiet again, one hand seeking Ichigo's, and the other joining with Tetsuya's. He thought carefully, considering everything they had discussed, and the likely response of the council.

"You are certain that taking this action will stop Arisu's manipulations?" he asked Nori.

"She will feel that she gained something by 'taking Tetsuya away' from Orochi and forcing Tetsuya to act as a breeder. I cannot see her having a negative reaction."

"The one who will is probably Orochi," said Ichigo.

"I will deal with Orochi," Byakuya assured him, "But, before I make a final decision, I must have your honest answer, Ichigo. What is your desire? Do you want to have a child with me, even if doing so requires that we together impregnate my cousin?"

Ichigo considered the question silently, turning his head and meeting Tetsuya's frightened but accepting gaze, then looking back at the clan leader.

"You tell me something," he said quietly, "Is what Tetsuya said true? Do you regret not having a child with Hisana?"

Byakuya hesitated at the question, choosing his words carefully.

"Hisana and I loved each other very much," he said finally, "In the early days of our marriage, before it became clear that impregnating her would threaten her life, we spoke of it often. And after she was gone, I had nothing to remember her by, but pictures. Pictures fade. But life we create grows and changes before our eyes, holding on to what is most important to us, while developing in its own way. So, yes, I do regret that we did not have that to comfort us as we were parted. Still, you..."

"I'm okay with it, then."

Byakuya blinked several times at his words, then met Tetsuya's eyes questioningly.

"And Cousin, you must answer me in full honesty as well. Are you sure that your heart can bear lying down with us, who you do not love romantically, and making a child who will not formally be acknowledged as yours?"

Tetsuya did not hesitate.

"I am prepared to do this for you. I will be fine. In a way, it will freeing for me."

"Oh?" Byakuya queried softly, "How so?"

Tetsuya's smile warmed sweetly.

"For the first time, there is something profound that I can do for Byakuya-sama, that will help to repay the debt I owe you for rescuing me."

"But you have been my close companion, and you have protected me."

"But I have never even shed a drop of blood on your behalf," Tetsuya said, shaking his head, "Simply being there, but not doing anything is hardly 'repaying' you."

"Tetsuya..."

"If I do this...and ask nothing for myself, then it is truly giving back something precious, ne? I find that comforting."

"So, it does seem that both Councilor Tetsuya and your intended are willing to agree to this," said Nori, "I understand your hesitation, Byakuya-sama. It is not an easy undertaking. But the most difficult part will be over after the night of the impregnation. After that, the three of you will only need to periodically infuse Tetsuya's body with balancing reiatsu, and he will not be overly encumbered. The birth will not be as taxing as a female birth, so truly, we can all breathe a sigh of relief, as it were, once the heir is confirmed as viable."

"Yes," Byakuya said, still eyeing Tetsuya with apprehension, "Very well. As Ichigo and Tetsuya have agreed, you have my agreement as well."

"Then, we should return to the council hall," said Nori.

"What?" queried Byakuya, looking surprised, "Now? But Tetsuya has barely awakened."

"I am fine," Tetsuya assured him, "I just needed to process what was said before. I am able to return to council."

"But, what is the rush?" Byakuya argued, "Could this not wait until tomorrow?"

Nori shifted uncomfortably.

"Actually, the council is rather adamant that this matter be resolved quickly. Councilor Fumio has provided a reading of the rules of making an heir with a breeder or concubine and we have all agreed that if you will keep to the terms of that, the council will give its blessing, both to your marriage to Ichigo, and to using Tetsuya as your concubine. But to assure that Tetsuya is actually able to follow through so that the heir will be delivered as promised, the council asks that you take an early, private vow of marriage tonight in council, then impregnate Tetsuya immediately following. We will follow with a full public wedding after the heir is born."

"What?" Ichigo breathed, staring.

"This is standard in cases where we are not certain as to the ability of the concubine to carry out the bearing of the heir as promised. They wish him to do so, before they allow you a public union. Their reasoning is that if they allow you to marry publicly, they cannot easily 'undo' it if Tetsuya backs out, or is unable to bear the heir as promised. This gives them confidence that you will deliver upon your promise."

"That was hardly unexpected," Byakuya said, frowning, "But, what other conditions are there in the rules regarding concubines?"

"We had not had a leader turn to a concubine for hundreds of years," Nori explained, "So Fumio had to go far back in the records to find the details, and the rules state that first, the council must infuse Tetsuya's body with their reiatsu to unseal the 'lock' on his fertility. Then, he will be delivered to the impregnation room, where the three of you will make the heir. During the impregnation, the concubine's eyes must be covered, and his hands are to be restrained..."

"What? No way!" Ichigo exclaimed, "There's no way we're going to treat him like that!"

Nori cleared his throat softly.

"The...adherence to the rules is, of course, relegated to the clan leader and his spouse," he said, meeting Ichigo's eyes meaningfully, "I am only informing you as to what is written in our laws. In any case, his eyes are to be bound and his hands restrained, so that he does not overly bond with the two of you. There is the danger of such bonding occurring, if he interacts too directly with you. So, if you wish to avoid becoming overly burdened after, you need to consider that. During the taking, your eyes are not to meet the concubine's and your lips must not meet, again, to avoid the close bonding such things encourage. The impregnation will require numerous acts of mating, so the records give a recommendation of eating well before and having food brought into the chamber three times during. In the morning, the clan healer will verify that Tetsuya has successfully been impregnated, then he will be returned to his own chambers and allowed to rest and eat to recover."

"Is that all?" Byakuya asked, an angry edge to his voice.

"That is all, Byakuya-sama."

"Very well," said the clan leader, "Tetsuya and Ichigo, I will ask you one more time if, considering the rules as imposed by the council, this is still acceptable to you."

"I have no objection," Tetsuya said quietly.

"I have some reservations," said Ichigo, "But if you and Tetsuya both agree, I will accept the terms too."

"Then we are agreed."

"So, I can assemble the elders for the unsealing?" asked Nori.

Byakuya held his breath for a moment, then released it slowly.

"Yes."

The three watched as Nori left and Koji entered the dressing room to prepare Tetsuya's clothes.

"Tetsuya," Byakuya said, taking his cousin's hands in his again, "If at any time tonight, you feel you cannot go through with this, then only tell us and we will stop. We will do nothing without your consent."

"I understand."

Byakuya nodded briefly and leaned forward to kiss him gently on the forehead.

"We will see you in council."

"Hai, Byakuya-sama."

Byakuya rose, bringing Ichigo up with him.

"Come, we must prepare as well."

Tetsuya watched the two leave, then entered the dressing area and stood quietly as Koji dressed him.

"Are you all right, Tetsuya-san," his cousin asked worriedly.

"Yes, I am fine," Tetsuya assured him, "I am all right with this. It is, after all, going to mean that Byakuya-sama has the child he desires with Ichigo-san."

"You are very kind to do that for him. But Tetsuya-san is always kind and giving. You..."

Tetsuya frowned as Koji went suddenly still, his eyes glowing strangely.

"Koji?"

Tetsuya turned to follow the direction of the attendant's eyes and spotted a coiled snake, emitting an odd light that seemed to have ensnared Koji. A moment later, a soft, male voice spoke warningly.

"I will kill him unless you do exactly as I tell you. Walk outside and proceed towards the stables. Do not tell anyone about this."

The snake moved closer, still holding Koji in its thrall, and coiling again, threateningly.

"Go now."

His heart in his throat, Tetsuya slipped out into the gardens, walking quietly past the guards at the bedroom's entrance and moving in the direction of the barn. He was tempted to alert Arashi, but didn't dare take the chance of Koji being hurt. About halfway down the trail that led to the barn, Orochi's voice reached him from within the trees.

"Come here."

"What are you going to do?" Tetsuya asked, freezing as his cousin emerged and moved towards him.

"What I have to."

The black-eyed man's fingertips touched the hidden seal on Tetsuya's cheek, making him freeze in place, then he removed a small item from within his cloak and whispered an invocation. Soft light glowed around Tetsuya for several minutes, then a waterform emerged from his the younger man and solidified until it looked like Tetsuya's body.

"They will learn upon beginning the preparations that it is not you," Orochi said to the stunned shinigami, "But all that means is that they will assume that you have changed your mind about this and could not face Byakuya. I have already imprisoned Arashi and left a waterform in his stall as well. You will come with me now, and as long as you do not try to escape, no harm will come to Koji. If you resist me in any way, I will kill him, Tetsuya. Do you understand?"

"I understand," Tetsuya whispered.

Orochi looked around them to make sure that no one had seen, then turned Tetsuya away from the manor and led him into the woods. Within Tetsuya's bedroom, the snake controlling Koji faded, and the attendant flinched and took a steadying breath.

"T-tesuya-san?" he queried, looking around.

"What is it?" said the waterform, entering from the gardens, "Are you all right, Koji?"

"Y-yes, I am fine. But I..."

He frowned and shook his head.

"I am fine," he repeated, "I will have things prepared for you when you return."

"Thank you, Koji," the waterform said, turning in the direction of the council hall and flash stepping away.