AN: HIHI – Big hugs to the following readers who took the time to review the last chapter for me. (MinaBlueGlass, xXAmari-ChanxX, SLYSWN and TLCatLady) Hope you guys enjoy this chappy! We have some more horsey bonding happening here and more moments with Sen!

All mistakes are mine and full credit for the lovable chars to Tite Kubo. Peace out!

Chapter 6

Senbonzakura's POV:

I learned from a young age that there was fuck all I could do to calm my brother down when he was having a nightmare. When I was younger I would lie beside him and try and comfort him, but that type of behavior only resulted in confusion when he woke and screamed at me not realizing I'd been trying to help. So I sat awake beside him, near enough to not wake him, but close enough to talk quietly to him and try and offer some comfort that I was unable to give him. Then after a few months I asked ChiChi for my own room. We were seven and I was scared of sleeping in a room without my brother, but after Kaa-san died Byakuya and I didn't get any sleep for months… I broke first and left my brother to face his nightmares alone. The only problem was, when he was restless at night somehow he still woke me up. So I'd often wake finding myself at the end of his bed or the on the chair beside him, having ghosting in during the night. I started taking my camera in and would take pictures of him sleeping. I had folder upon folder of my brother sleeping on my hard-drive. No! Its not weird. He stopped talking to me, he stopped being my brother, but somehow I never stopped being his. The photos were my way of keeping him close.

Looking back over the photos on the memory card of the past day few days since Ichigo arrived I was amazed at the difference in him. His flawless features had softened and he shone brighter compared to the ice-princess he'd been.

I hadn't realized I'd taken a few snaps of Ichigo sleeping as well. Through the stills on the screen I noticed he had a similar anger in his face that Byakuya had while he dreamed… No wonder my brother felt such a strong urge to keep the boy happy. The traumatic link they shared was so disheartening.

He'd woken me up about an hour ago from his nightmare and as per usual until he quietened down I wouldn't get any sleep either. So lost in my own thoughts I failed to notice the chibi beside me.

"You took pictures of me too?" He whispered next me and I almost fell off the bed.

"For fuck's sake Ichigo! You scared the shit outta me." I whispered back.

"How did you not hear me come in Sen-san? I'm small, but not that quiet." The light from the camera screen was enough for me to see him standing there grinning.

"Hmm, what are ya doin in here Chibi, shouldn't you be sleeping?" I whispered and ruffled his soft downy locks.

"I had a bad dream again. Kuuchi-san is too." He shrugged and then pointed to my brother who at that moment let out whimper. I saw Ichigo's face fall as he ran over to Byakuya and started to wake him roughly.

"No Ichigo, he'll be angry if you wake-" Oh shit, that wouldn't be good if he got upset because he was woken up.

"Ugh- Ichigo? What's wrong? Are you ok?" Byakuya awoke and to Senbonzakura's surprise instead of anger he was concerned for Ichigo. Of course he's not upset with Ichigo. I was glad he hadn't woken up angry.

"Kuuchi-san I'm fine. But you're not. You were having nightmares again." Ichigo kept his voice quiet in the now lamp lit room.

"I always have them Ichigo. You'll freeze, come on. Get in and go back to sleep. We've got a big day tomorrow. Turn the light out Senbonzakura when you're finished mucking around with your camera." I watched amazed when ChibiIchi scrambled in beside Byakuya who had shifted in the bed giving him the warm spot while my gracious brother shivered on the cool side of the bed.

"Night Sen-san, Night Kuuchi-san."

"Goodnight Ichigo." My brother and I replied in unison. Same sappy pitch and everything. Byakuya popped his head up and looked at me for a moment before nodding to me and smiling.

The bottom bunk bed that Byakuya had always taken happened to be queen sized, with a normal single bunk that I slept in on the top. I continued sorting through the photos on my camera for awhile before I let out a loud yawn. It was almost 3am after all. At least while we were on holiday Byakuya and I would not be doing defensive training in the morning. I figured both Byakuya and Ichigo probably weren't asleep yet so climbing on the bunk frame wouldn't wake them, but it seemed like with Ichigo involved there was only ever going to be surprises. Both of them had rolled over and I could see their faces clearly. They were definitely asleep. But there was a difference. They were sleeping free of anger, free of nightmares, just sleeping peacefully. For a second I wondered if they'd both died and my heart stopped, before I saw Ichigo twitch, and remarkably Byakuya respond by patting him on the head. I snapped a dozen photos of them rapidly before putting the camera down. Stuff it, I wasn't risking waking them if they were asleep so I jumped in the bed beside them and flicked the light off and was asleep in minutes.

Byakuya's POV:

"Aww, they look so cute! Omg look Ichigo has a handful of each other their hair… oh he seems to have wrapped his fingers up tight there."

"Shush Rukia, you'll wake them up before we can get lots of photos."

"At least IchiChibi is safe. When Renji ran in and yelled he was missing I had a heart attack."

Clickclickclickclick.

"Huh! Ow!" My brother and I sat up in unison at the sound of the camera before we both let out a howl.

"Oh my, its been awhile since the two of you did anything remotely twin-like you know." My father was laughing at us as we both sat up to the sound of the camera and found that Ichigo had wound his little fingers into out hair while we were sleeping.

"Uhhh… morning." Ichigo woke and went to move his hands which Sen and I were trying to detangle from our hair.

"Um, morning Ichigo could you hold still for a second please?" I was trying not to scowl about the whole incident, but really I just wanted to laugh. What else was I supposed to do when his sleepy cherub face yawned and he slowly focused on what was going on.

Clickclickclick.

"I swear to god Sen, I'm going to destroy your camera again."

"Aww come on Bya-bo, this is too adorable for me not to take photos. Now how did my beautiful sons end up in tied to this little angel anyways? I'm sure when I said goodnight all my children were safely in their own beds." Clickclick.

Finally freed from Ichigo's grasp I collapsed back on the bed while Ichigo scrambled off and blushed that he needed to visit the toilet with Rukia behind him cackling away. Senbonzakura ended up beside our father and grabbed the camera and went over to his laptop. After a few moments all the photos of the last couple of days transferred to the screen of the laptop. He mucked around and then finally stepped back from the screen.

"Watch this ChiChi – you too Bya. See if you see what I saw earlier this morning."

A slideshow began on the screen. The first picture was of Byakuya sleeping alone this morning while he was dreaming. His face was contorted in an angry painful expression and sweat beaded faintly. The second was of Ichigo sleeping as well with an almost similar expression. It was from Ichigo's first night at the manor. The third was of the two of them this morning. Faces clear of pain and instead completely calm and content. Then another picture of Byakuya sleeping uncontent, and then back to another picture of Byakuya and Ichigo. The difference was shockingly clear.

"Why do you always take pictures of me sleeping?" I frowned to my brother.

"Why do you always wake me up when you have nightmares? You know I asked ChiChi to separate us all those years ago, but it made no difference, your restlessness still wakes me every night. But I slept great last night after Ichigo arrived. If he offers you comfort then I think I'll sleep in with Renji and he can take the top bunk in here." I hadn't realised I had been such a burden on Senbonzakura. I stood and grabbed his arm.

"I'm sorry." I looked him in the eye but I couldn't see any trace of annoyance. Only love.

"It's fine. The kid keeps calling you his fairy godmother, but maybe Kaa-san sent him to you as Guardian Angel. I'm glad he's here. Now, let's get ready and take Ichigo riding like you promised huh?" ChiChi was still looking at the pictures but as he turned I saw tears in his eyes, even though his expression was happy.

"… Cherub…" I muttered.

"What was that?"

"You called him a Guardian Angel. But I think he's a Guardian Cherub."

"Of course he is. He'll grow into a fine angel I think though." Soujun captured us both in a quick hug, before he started to walk from the room.

"One more morning hug from you two and I'll be expecting them every morning from now on. Hurry hurry – you have a busy day showing Ichigo everything about ranch life. I need to call your grandfather and see if he has any news for us."

After changing into ranch clothes, Sen and I made our way to the kitchen. Halfway there Sen spoke up.

"Do you really hate me snapping pics of you?" I could see how worried he was of the answer.

"Actually, not particularly. Your photos capture things at a speed my sketches could never do. I never realised but I do the same thing when I sketch people as you do with your camera. It would be hypocritical for me to deny your artistic side while indulging in my own."

"I guess it's only natural we'd both be interested in drawing and photography. They produce similar results in different forms, and are a testament to our differences as well as similarities."

"You mean how you have no patience and how I have lots?" I smirked and dodged the leg sweep he tried to do before darting off to the kitchen. "Too slow baby brother."

Scene change:

From the look in Ichigo's eyes, Renji's horse Zabimaru might have been the biggest living animal he'd ever seen.

After finding out that Ichigo had been safe in our room, Renji had not left his side and had to show off his horse first.

The giant Clydesdale had a caramel coloured body and legs, but he was accented with a dark red almost brown scraggly mane and tail. Also the extra hair around his hooves was the red colour as well. He was a broad animal made even bigger from thickness of his hair. If you were to pick any horse on the ranch to be Renji's just – you'd match these two instantly. For 15 years old, I was certain Renji Abarai had never had a haircut in his life if his own flowing red mane was anything to go by.

"What do you think of him Ichigo? He's pretty cool huh? He's the only Clydesdale horse in the stable so he looks a bit different but that's why I love him the most." The teen beamed at Ichigo as he patted Zabimaru.

"I think he's massive! How do you get on him though? Do horses have to kneel for us to get on them all the time?"

"Nah Chibi, we put these saddles and stirrups on them and bridle and reins. Then you put one foot in the stirrup and grab their withers here and haul yourself up. Horses are usually matched to riders by their size, so a rider can get on without others helping. We'll show you how to get on Zangetsu ok though so you don't need to worry." Renji smiled down at Ichigo as I stood by watching over them.

"Ichigo, would you like to see the other horses?" We had all day, but I was getting nervous about Ichigo wanting to see Zangetsu and start to train him. They were technically both green-broke really.

"Ok, I can't wait to meet your horse Kuuchi-san." A wide smiled up at me.

"And she can't wait to meet you either. But Rukia's is next." Just then Rukia poked her head out of the stall next to us.

"Just in time, I've just popped her gear on. I heard you asking Renji about how we get on the horses so I'll show you. Ichigo, I'd like you to meet Sode no Shirayuki."

"Wow… Rukia she's amazing. Her fur is shining." I heard the gasp of excitement from Ichigo. Rukia's horse almost sparkled in his eyes.

"Haha, she's not really shiny, its just a trick of the light reflecting off her white hair in amongst the grey. She's the most beautiful horse in the stable and I miss her a lot. Rangiku looks after her really well for me though while I'm away." Rukia leaned in and gave her horse and cuddle and received a gentle neigh in return.

"We walk the horses to the riding ground and then recheck their girth first to ensure its nice and snug. Come on follow me." Rukia led Sode no Shirayuki out of the stall and headed to the riding area.

"Don't worry Ichigo. I'll help you with Zangetsu today. As will Zaraki." Looking down at him I saw a lost look ghost over his happy features and offered a reassuring hand squeeze.

"Thanks Kuuchi-san." We followed to the left of Rukia and I watched Ichigo watching her intently as she showed him how to mount up on her horse.

"See pretty easy huh?" Rukia grinned before walking her horse around the ground. Renji's horse Zabimaru seemed like a giant next to the smaller frame of Sode no Shirayuki who would occasionally flick her tail at him and rush forward out of reach as he'd try and nip at her. Ichigo couldn't help but laugh at their antics.

"Can we go see Zangetsu now Byakuya?" Ichigo's bright chocolate eyes peered up at me and I wanted to pick him up and just hold him close.

"Of course Ichigo."

"Yah, I think he'll enjoy playing like the other horses. He seems lonely." He grabbed my hand and almost ran back to the stalls.

"It might take him a few days to get used to everything Ichigo." I felt Ichigo's hand tighten a little on my own as he smiled up at me.

The large black Thoroughbred called Zangetsu would definitely not have been the horse I would have picked for Ichigo. He was huge for his age already at 16 hands. His personality, his size and his green-broke status was not suited for a child at all! But despite all that, here he was – completely enthralled by the small chibi who was currently brushing his thick tail as though the giant horse was nothing more than a common house pet. Ichigo was talking away happily to the horse who was watching him, huffing at the child or flicking his head as if conversing back. Zaraki and I stood at the stall entrance watching the affair. Every time Zangetsu moved our mouths would open in warning and our bodies would move forward slightly only to pull up realising our worry was for naught. After about 30 minutes of this we both shook our heads.

"I guess we might as well see if we can get him to get the bridle on then Kuchiki. Oi Ichigo – his tail looks pretty good. Wanna see if you can get his head gear on?"

"Ok, what do I do?" Ichigo ran over to us looking so excited and eager.

"He's used to this, so he should accept it fine, but the bit is new. Byakuya grab that step stool over there and put it there, then pop back out. Ichigo you go with him and hop on it when it's on the ground." Zaraki pointed to where he wanted the step stool placed and Byakuya and Ichigo did as advised. Zangetsu watched them with anxious eyes. He could smell Byakuya all over Ichigo so accepted him easily. He tolerated the giant with spikey hair so when he came to stand behind Ichigo he didn't make a big fuss.

"Ok, every horse has to put this on so we can control them. The problem we might have is that Zangetsu hasn't had a bit in or reins, so he might be a little resistant. But he's a hell of lot calmer with you Ichigo, so just keep reassuring him alright."

I watched as Zaraki extended his hand to Zangetsu while Ichigo leaned against his neck and patted his mane gently.

"You see what I'm doing here Ichigo with the bridle? Easy Zan, its all good. Ichigo's got ya boy." Zaraki's deep tone rumbled as Zangetsu flicked his head at the bridle but kept his cool.

The bit in place Zaraki slowly manoeuvred the reins to sit across Zangetsu's back.

"I really can't believe how at ease you've made him Ichigo. You've got a beaut of a horse here kid." Zaraki grinned broadly and put his hand up to Zangetsu slowly to give him a pat. Ichigo's eyes were wide with excitement.

"What now Ken-san?"

"Well, I've got his saddle ready. Shall we give it a try?" Ichigo nodded bouncing up and down next to the large horse who seemed to nod as he chomped at the bit in his mouth, no doubt finding it uncomfortable. I was on high alert for danger, but so far Zangetsu was being very subdued. Would a saddle be too risky? Before I could say anything Zaraki had placed the gear on the back of the horse who did nothing more than reach around and huff at Ichigo's neck causing him to giggle as the horse rubbed its large muzzle against him.

"You're doing really well Zangetsu. I'm really looking forward to riding you today. Would you be ok with that? You are the first horse I've ever been on, so I don't really know what to do though." Ichigo snuggled next to the big black horse who looked so content he was barely acknowledging the giant who was strapping the saddle in place. A few minutes later a saddled and bridled Zangetsu was being led by Ichigo to the riding grounds.

I noticed Renji and Rukia led their horses to the opposite side and sat talking together but watching us as Ichigo walked out looking cute in a small pair of riding boots from Toshiro and a little black riding helmet on. His face was a picture of happiness as he led the most dangerous horse at the stable towards the riding area.

"Alright Ichigo. So we need to check his girth again and tighten it so it doesn't slip when you mount up, or slip while you're on him. You know its tight enough if you can fit two fingers snugly under it. Your weight will be nothing for him so we start with me leading him around the ring while you are on top. We'll get faster so remember to hold on tight. If he rears you need to hold on like you did yesterday ok?" All set Kenpachi grabbed Ichigo and slowly lowered him on top of Zangetsu.

"Yep, got it Kenpachi-san." Ichigo giggled as soon as he was settled with his feet in the stirrups and hands on the reins and top of the saddle. He shuffled around and felt comfy.

"Byakuya come over here while I grab the training rope and hold Zangetsu. Ichigo, just sit tight for a sec."

Neither Byakuya or Zaraki expected Zangetsu to bolt as soon as Ichigo was safely atop the thoroughbred. He'd been so patient lulling them into the false sense of security, however as soon as Byakuya had neared and Zaraki had backed away he saw his freedom and took off. Ichigo squealed in delight at the horses antics as they ran around the riding grounds. Byakuya saw Ichigo look over to him with a huge grin on his face, that suddenly shifted into a scared look. His mouth moved quickly and he watched as Zangetsu slowed and began to walk back over to Byakuya with his head down.

"ICHIGO!" I knew my face must have looked dreadful as I had been frozen in fear of the large horse hurting Ichigo.

"Kuuchi-san, are you ok? You look upset?" He held out his arms to me and beckoned me to lift him from the horse. I squeezed him gently but firmly in my arms. I knew he was fine, but jesus this was agony.

"Ichigo? Are you ok? Zangetsu's still green-broke. If he hurt you even by accident I don't know how I could forgive myself." His warm hands wriggled into my hair and I heard a sigh as his body relaxed against mine.

"You're silly Kuuchi-san. Zangetsu won't hurt me. He's like you too you know. He just wants to be happy. We didn't mean to upset you though." As if on cue Zangetsu huffed over Ichigo and Byakuya and rubbed his muzzle on top of Byakuya's head.

I stared at the big black horse who had the ability to flatten us both, but apparently the ChibiAngel in my arms had indeed won the large scary black horse over completely.

"Fine, you looked like you had fun up there. You want to try again?" I knew my heart was racing, but I had to let him back on the horse. Or did I? Was this really the right place for a child?

Zaraki cleared his throat behind us.

"I've got the guide rope now, sorry about that. I hadn't expected him to run off like that so suddenly." He was worried as well. I wondered if ChiChi would let me have some sake or wine at lunch time…

Jushiro, Soujun and Shunsui: Watching from the ranch deck.

"Shit!" Soujun's arm flung out and grabbed Jushiro's sleeve as Zangetsu and Ichigo darted off as Zaraki turned his back. The 3 year old horse was across the riding grounds in seconds with its tiny rider (who was laughing) as he held on. The horse seemed to be stretching its legs and getting used to the feel of the saddle and rider on its back but there was no telling how he would react. He could buck, rear or kick its legs in an effort to dismount the tiny rider.

Three men bounded off the deck, long hair flowing wildly as they ran to the riding grounds in haste, however suddenly Zangetsu slowed and appeared to sullenly walk straight up to Byakuya. The laughing of the Chibi replaced with a sad look at the older teen who lifted him down and hugged him fiercely. The older men watched as the unruliest horse to be stabled on the ranch appeared to lean in and pat the eldest Kuchiki child.

"Did that just look like Zangetsu was apologizing to Byakuya for scaring him. That's amazing…" Jushiro spoke quietly, his gaze still locked onto the scene 20 metres away from them.

"Yeh…" Both Soujun and Shunsui were staring as well.

They watched as Zaraki walked up and connected the guide rope while Ichigo was put back onto Zangetsu after another hug and kissing Byakuya on the cheek. The chibi whooped in the saddle and yelled a "Giddy up", only to find he was walked slowly around in circles.

The three men walked over to Byakuya who was breathing heavily and looking like he was having a minor anxiety attack.

"Should I call you an ambulance son, you look terrible?" Soujun placed an arm around his son who all but collapsed against him.

"I feel like I'm about to lose it ChiChi. What if Ichigo gets hurt? I can't take it."

"Bya-bo! You're worrying like a woman. Its normal to be anxious, but I think you need to pay attention to something. Ichigo has both you and Zangetsu wrapped around his finger. The horse is as likely to hurt him about as much as you would." Jushiro pointed to the young horse and rider walking around the ring being controlled by Zaraki.

"You say that Ukitake-san, but he's an unbroken thoroughbred, built for speed and strength. He could snap Ichigo like a twig." Concern and worry rolled off the teen, his facial expression so unlike his usually composed self.

"Here Byakuya. Drink this. You're making me anxious now." Shunsui handed him a hipflask he brandished from the back pocket of his jeans.

Soujun cocked an eyebrow and grinned as he spied his son guzzling the alcoholic beverage.

"Thanks. I was going to ask if you had something strong to drink at lunch." Byakuya handed back an empty flask and got a small pout from Shunsui before he shrugged.

"Well I need to go refill this. With you, Zaraki and the others watching him, he can't get into anymore trouble than any of you did when learning to ride can he. And with any learning, be it a horse or a bicycle, falling and getting back up is expected." He patted the teen on the shoulder before heading back to the ranch.

Soujun's cell rang in his pocket just as he was about to console his son some more. He kissed him on the head as he took his phone from his pocket seeing Ginrei's picture flash across the screen.

"Excuse me Bya, Jushiro - its Ginrei. "How did you get on ChiChi?"." He headed back up to the ranch to speak to his father. Byakuya watched as Nanao came to greet him and handed him some papers.

"Did the sake help Bya-bo?"

"Hmm yes and your words as well. I feel like a mother hen… I've never felt anything like this before… I probably look like a complete idiot." Jushiro watched as his former student kept his eyes on the horse and rider noting the expression had eased up from a few minutes ago. His posture looked set to run into the ring at the slightest hint of trouble.

"To be honest Byakuya, I see nothing idiotic about you right now. I admit, I do not wish you any pain or worry, but that is the job of a guardian. As Soujun, and Shunsui and I do not wish you to be feeling as you are - you are feeling the same for Ichigo. No doubt Zaraki is feeling it for both Zangetsu and Ichigo as the caretaker of the horses and riders. And the same for Renji and Rukia. Look at them, they are also carefully watching to ensure their horses do not spook the two. You're concern makes you human, and it's far from idiotic."

"I told him I'd keep him safe. At the time I meant from the harm from Aizen Sousuke. But I see it now means from anything. I told my father I could do this. I promised Ichigo I would. But can I really? I couldn't deny him the very thing that could hurt him. What if I make a mistake with something else in his future?"

"No one is immune from making mistakes. The best you can do is provide Ichigo with the best tools available to deal with life as it comes. Right now, he looks happy and safe. Although he and Zangetsu look bored just walking in circles."

"That they do."

"Zaraki, get them to trot." Jushiro called out to the large horse trainer who nodded even with his back to them.

"Jushiro, what's the quickest you've broken in a horse?"

"I believe Toshiro saddle broke Hyorinmaru in about an hour. A bigger rider can mean more discomfort and getting used to. Ichigo broke Zangetsu in yesterday when he rode him bareback, and I believe they've passed the saddle breaking now. It will take awhile before Zangetsu is fully used to it though, but for now I'd say they are doing well. Zangetsu has made no attempt to buck or rear up."

"How does Zangetsu react to the other horses?"

"Funnily enough, he's a lot like you. I believe he tolerates Hakuteiken, Kageyoshi and Hyorinmaru."

"Do you think its too soon to try and walk them around together?" Byakuya turned with an almost excited gleam in his eye as an idea flickered through his mind.

"You go and saddle up Haku and I'll check and see what Zaraki thinks."

"Back in a sec Ichigo!" The sun glinted off Ichigo's locks poking out of the helmet on his head like a halo I noted as I watched him waving and smiling as he and Zangetsu trotted around the riding grounds.

Normal POV:

A few minutes later Ichigo looked up to see another white horse being lead from the stables. Straight away he noticed it was different to Sode no Shirayuki and Hyorinmaru. Instead of being pure white it had a black mane and tail as dark as Byakuya's raven hair, but just as shiny. It also had a blaze of black down its face. Ichigo watched his godmother climb onto the large white horse and walked towards him stopping nearby.

"You alright Ichigo?" Byakuya asked pleasantly.

"I'm good thank you Kuuchi-san. Is this Haku…"

"Correct. Hakuteiken but we call her Haku for short."

"She's very pretty. Are you going to ride with Rukia and Renji?"

"Let's see if Zangetsu can handle walking with Haku aye Ichigo?" Zaraki spoke up.

"Wow, that would be great." Zangetsu huffed out his acceptance while Zaraki edged in coiling the guide rope around his arm as he approached.

"On the left Byakuya, I'll stay on the right and we'll just walk around the farm." He had indicated for Rukia and Renji to follow as well.

"Stay about a few metres behind us Renji, Rukia you move on ahead about 10 metres or so. I'll start us off when you're far enough in front, just head for the forest edge road."

The strange little procession spent til lunch time getting Zangetsu used to being in a group while saddled and ridden. With Ichigo in the saddle he was calm and almost docile and had everyone apart from Ichigo feeling anxious. He walked proudly often turning to look at Ichigo, or over at Hakuteiken, or back round to Zaraki. The transformation was nothing short of amazing. To Zangetsu's credit it was he who noticed Ichigo had dropped off to sleep as they were making their way back to the stables. He had felt Ichigo's body relax against his and had slowly inched closer to Byakuya and Hakuteiken. Byakuya and Zaraki noticed as Ichigo's body slumped over just in time for him to slip into Byakuya's waiting arms.

"Holy shit! That horse if freaky as hell! I can't believe I just saw it save Ichigo from falling!" Renji hadn't realised what he had seen until he saw it.

"Thank you Zangetsu." Byakuya was just as surprised as everyone else. The large black horse had stopped and turned to look at Ichigo lying in Byakuya's arms. The raven walked Hakuteiken forward enough so that Zangetsu could reach out and touch Ichigo with its muzzle. He huffed over the small child's head. Hakuteiken gently shook her head and received a ghost of a huff for her trouble from the larger thoroughbred in acknowledgement.

"Come on, looks like its time to get him to bed."

Several minutes later Soujun was carrying Ichigo back to Byakuya's room at the ranch, while the others took off the saddles and left the horses to graze in a feeding paddock beside the house.

"Sleep well Ichigo, looks like you'll be a Kuchiki before the week's out little chibi." He laid Ichigo on the bottom bunk, the papers that Nanao handed him earlier sticking out of his back pocket.

Rangiku and Senbonzakura

"Sen, um can I ask you a question?" Rangiku stood close by her favourite Kuchiki, absently twirling one of his long locks in her fingers as he brushed Kageyoshi's long white tail.

"Hmm of course Ran, by the way Kage's coat looks beautiful. Thank you for all the hard work keeping her looking so lustrous." His beautiful grey blue eyes sparkled when he bestowed a warm full smile to the younger teen.

"It's my job to look after them Sen, of course I do my best. Anyway, about Byakuya… what's going on? Who is the kid and why is Bya doting on him? Uncle Shunsui told us all this morning to not ask Ichigo any questions about his family or why he is with you guys, but he didn't tell us about why Byakuya is so different."

"Umm…" Senbonzakura's face fell for a second as he tried to think on what he should or shouldn't say.

"Well, Ichigo's parent were killed in front of him a month or so ago… so without going into details, Byakuya met him and they share a really strong bond somehow… Byakuya doesn't want Ichigo to grow up with no family so he's opened himself up I guess. I believe we'll be adopting Ichigo as soon as we can. Try not to let Byakuya smiling or being normal get to you too much. I'm still the "hot" twin right?" He tried to make light of Ichigo's sad tale, but his saddened expression gave him away.

Rangiku leaned against him to hide the stray tears she had unwillingly shed.

"You idiot… of course you're the "hot twin" still." He wrapped his arm around her, knowing that she too would find a reason to bond with Ichigo. Senbonzakura wondered how it was possible that his family would always be surrounded by parental tragedy. Renji, Toshiro, Rangiku, his own brother and sister and himself as well as Ichigo - all losing one or both parents…

"Just remember, we may have all lost people Ran, but we still have each other and family who love us."

"I know… its just so unfair…" The strawberry blonde teen hugged into Senbonzakura's warmth for a few moments more.