Chapter 7: Forgotten Dreams
(I'm rushing off for some last minute summer fun at the beach before going back to work this coming week. Where the heck did the summer go? Ah well, enjoy the chapter! Love you, Spunky)
Byakuya and Ichigo paused and watched as the tall gates at the entrance to Kuchiki Manor opened to admit them into the brightly lit courtyard. Attendants Torio and Toshi appeared from within the warmly paneled entry and bowed properly in greeting.
"Good evening, Byakuya-sama, Ichigo-sama."
Behind the newlyweds, Tetsuya and Kuri entered the manor and came to a stop, sliding down from their horses' backs and handing them off to a stable boy to lead away to the barn. Hand in hand, the two headed off to the gardens to begin Tetsuya's evening rounds, while Torio and Toshi waited expectantly for their masters to move forward.
"So," Ichigo chuckled nervously, "it's the moment of truth, huh?"
Byakuya gave him an appraising look.
"I did say that there was no hurry," he reminded Ichigo, squeezing his hand, "I don't want you to feel pressured into anything you don't feel ready to do."
"And I told you, I'm fine with being with you tonight," Ichigo assured him, "Don't worry so much."
"Very well," Byakuya said, nodding in the direction of the attendants, "if you will go with Toshi, he will prepare you for the consummation."
"Where are you going?"
Byakuya gave him a fleeting smile.
"We are to be prepared separately, as is the tradition, and then we will meet in our bedroom."
A curious look came into his eyes as Ichigo chuckled softly in amusement.
"What is it?"
"Oh, it just seems funny to me, going through so many motions and not just getting things done, but we nobles are like that about most things, I guess."
He bit his lip gently at the smoky look of disapproval his comment earned.
"Eh, sorry."
"It's fine," Byakuya assured him, "You weren't born into a noble home, so there is much we do differently that bears explanation."
"There's an explanation for taking us into separate places and...I don't know, putting on our bedclothes before being herded to our room and..."
"Yes," Byakuya said patiently, "First, many to most noble marriages are arranged. The couple to be wed is introduced slowly, over several months, so that they will be familiar with each other. And when the celebrations are done, care is taken to see that the newlywed couple is in a proper state to bond physically. They are bathed in separate rooms, to give them time to reflect, and for their guardians to be sure to answer their questions and give them any last instruction they need to ensure the best chances of a comfortable joining as well as success in bringing an heir. As much as it seems like the noble elders do not care for the desires of the ones being wed, they actually take a lot of care, as not only are the couples paving the way for the future leadership, they are maintaining important and sometimes fragile alliances between clans."
"That's a lot of pressure to put on young people," Ichigo posited, "I've seen some of the couples married and some of them weren't even out of their teens, Byakuya."
Byakuya squeezed his hand gently.
"Child brides are an unfortunate occurrence. But, they usually are joined because rival clans are trying to avoid open war. The child newlyweds are raised together and not allowed to join physically until they are of age. They are usually raised in a sort of neutral site with oversight and guidance from the Noble's General Council to make sure all rules are adhered to. But the most common arrangements occur between couples who are just beyond their teens, as this gives time for the proving out of their powers, so that their talent can be factored into the matches."
"It still sounds pretty impersonal," Ichigo commented, "but I guess it makes sense the way you explain it."
"There are sometimes great differences in the values and positions of the clans and this is one way to carefully mitigate those differences peacefully."
"That's still a lot of responsibility to put on what are really still just barely grown kids."
"It is," Byakuya agreed, letting go of Ichigo's hand as Toshi approached him.
He leaned forward and kissed Ichigo lightly on the cheek, earning a warm smile in reply.
"I will see you in a while," Byakuya said in parting.
"I'll be there," Ichigo answered, turning to follow his attendant down the wooden walkway that ran along the outside of the main building.
He breathed in the calming, sweet scents of the recently watered flowers and blossoming trees, his heart quickening a little as he anticipated what was about to happen.
"Toshi, when Byakuya said we would be prepared, what exactly does that mean? I mean, I know what we're supposed to do. Sex education was required in my school and we were told about gay sex, so nothing's really going to shock me or surprise me, or anything like that."
"Oh, Isshin-sama informed me you had already received that information."
"What?" Ichigo exclaimed, blushing, "Man, is nothing sacred around here? What the hell is my old man talking with you about that for?"
Toshi gave him an apologetic smile.
"He was only being helpful, Ichigo-sama. It helps me to provide the preparations most suitable to making your consummation as comfortable as it can be...though you must be a little anxious, ne? It is your first time with a lover..."
"Yeah," Ichigo said in a flustered voice, "but I told you, I know what Byakuya's gonna do to me. I'm okay with it, really."
"Are you?" Toshi asked, meeting his eyes questioningly for a moment, "I know you are aware and accepting of what will happen, but when you speak about it, your emotions seem...eh, kind of detached."
"What? Now you're a psychologist?" Ichigo huffed, blushing more brightly, "Toshi..."
"I am sorry, Ichigo-sama. I don't mean to offend you."
"You're not offending me, I just don't get why I need to prepare. In fact, the sooner this is over, the better."
"Ichigo-sama," Toshi said, surprising Ichigo by taking the Shiba heir's hand in his and squeezing gently, "When couples are joined, it is very important that their attendants be receptive to their needs so that they enter the consummation as relaxed and comfortably as possible. Everything about your encounter should be as pleasant as possible, don't you think?"
Ichigo blinked and looked back at him blankly.
"Wait...this is an arranged marriage," Ichigo mused, "Isn't it a pretty impersonal thing? I mean, the couple has to accept it, right? So, shouldn't everybody just admit that and not try to pretend it's some romantic thing?"
Toshi smiled.
"Heavens no!" he chuckled, "Maybe the matching that the noble houses do is for alliances and quite impersonal, but think about it. What parent or close relative wants their son, daughter, granddaughter, or such to have an impersonal and distant marriage. Isn't it the parents' desire to see their child happy?"
Ichigo considered and slowly nodded.
"Yeah, that makes sense."
"Of course it does," Toshi assured him, "Your father was tormented when you were lost. He searched endlessly for you. All he thought about was having you back and taking care of you, Ichigo-sama."
"Yeah...wow," Ichigo said, a guilty look rising on his face, "It must've been really hard for him, especially after losing Mom."
"Yes!" Toshi agreed, squeezing his hand again, "When you came back, he gave orders that when you came home, you were to be made as comfortable as possible and carefully protected. That was his foremost concern. He later decided, of course, that it was better for you to be cared for by Byakuya-sama."
"That must have been pretty hard for him to do."
"It was," Toshi confirmed, "But your comfort and happiness was very important to him, and it still is. He was concerned when you married Byakuya-sama, because he felt trapped into the arrangement, so he did what many other noble parents do to try to help their children get off to the best start in their marriages."
"And what was that?"
"He turned to me," Toshi answered, starting them moving along the walkway again, "When I was first made your attendant, it was my job to get to know you so that I could anticipate your needs well. I learned everything I could about you, and when you moved in with Byakuya-sama, I came here on your father's behalf to continue caring for you. I know you are knowledgeable about homosexual intercourse, so I won't embarrass you with anything you don't ask me. I will bathe you to relax you and make you as appealing to your husband as possible. I can give you a massage with natural oils to soothe you, if you wish. I will dress you and instruct you in how to properly greet Byakuya-sama, and I will be providing for any needs you have during the night."
"Wow, that's really nice," Ichigo said more appreciatively, "It's a relief, too. I didn't know what to expect and was thinking all sorts of crazy things."
Ichigo followed Toshi off of the walkway and came to a sudden stop as they reached a stand alone building set within the gardens.
"What the...?"
Ichigo moved forward, staring at the glass domed marvel that seemed to contain a section of gardens on the inside, while also housing a stunning bathing pool. Warm, steamy water poured over several rocky outcroppings and spilled downward, creating natural showers, while across the pool there were a number of bubbling soaking pools that radiated with the soothing scents of flowers. Green grass spread out like a carpet and a dirt trail meandered about the chamber.
"This is amazing!" Ichigo breathed.
Toshi nodded.
"It was being rebuilt after the quincy war, and it took a long time to restore it the way Byakuya-sama wanted it. He wanted you to enjoy it first."
Ichigo couldn't hold back an affectionate smile.
"Incredible."
"From now on, you and Byakuya-sama can enjoy the chamber whenever you want to bathe, but, let me get you started. Come."
He led Ichigo to the side of the pool and removed their clothes, then placed a small wrap around his own waist before following Ichigo to one of the waterfalls. Ichigo stood beneath the warm, pounding water, enjoying the soothing feel and calming fragrance. He remained silent and with his eyes closed as his attendant bathed him from head to toe, pausing as he reached Ichigo's private area. Ichigo bathed the area himself, then nearly drifted off again as Toshi washed his hair, then led him to one of the fragrant pools to let him soak.
"Can I just live in here?" he sighed sleepily, "This is unbelievable..."
"Byakuya-sama is often weary because he works too hard and is so often in battle."
"Well, this certainly makes me feel better. I do feel calmer...more relaxed. Thanks, Toshi."
"Of course, Ichigo-sama," the attendant replied, smiling gratefully.
The two remained in the soaking pools for a time, then exited and returned to where they had entered the water. Ichigo dozed on his feet, barely aware as Toshi's sure hands toweled him dry, then set a handsome silken white yukata in place. Ichigo felt his heart quicken and he paled slightly as they left the enchanting bathing chamber and headed for the master bedroom.
"Are you all right, Ichigo-sama?" Toshi asked, sensing his reticence, "We can take a little walk or I can..."
"It's okay," Ichigo assured him. I am a little nervous, but I'm okay. I trust Byakuya."
"Of course you do. And it's normal to be a little anxious."
"Right," Ichigo agreed, stopping at the bedroom doors, "Well, here it is. You uh, said you would tell me the proper way to greet him or something?"
"Yes. I have drawn back the bedding and you will kneel with your back to the inner doors. Byakuya-sama will enter behind you and guide you from that point. Just...it is traditional not to speak until he kisses you in greeting."
"Okay, center of the bed, face away from the door, don't talk until we kiss. Got it...and Toshi?"
"Yes sir?"
"Thanks again."
"It is no problem, sir," Toshi answered, bowing and leaving Ichigo standing in the doorway and closing the garden doors behind him.
Left alone, Ichigo felt his heart begin to race and an odd fearful feeling invade his belly.
It's okay. I trust Byakuya. I trust him more than anyone. It's just nerves.
He took a steadying breath and forced his feet to move, carrying him across the darkened room, to the prepared bed. Swallowing hard, he climbed onto the bed, kneeling as he had been instructed, with his back to the open inner doorway. He made himself silent, closing his eyes and breathing slowly, waiting to hear Byakuya's approach.
Oddly, he heard nothing and only knew of his husband's arrival as he felt the flickers of his reiatsu in the room, then scented sakura. He kept his silence as the bed moved and he felt Byakuya's warmth press up against his back. Slender but strong arms curled around him and sweetly scented, raven colored hair tickled his cheek. Byakuya's cheek brushed lightly against his, then his warm lips sought Ichigo's for a long kiss of greeting.
"Ichigo..."
Whatever reservations he might have expressed before, none were evident as he tightened his arms around Ichigo and kissed him again.
"Byakuya," Ichigo managed between his husband's amorous kisses.
Byakuya's graceful fingers laced together with his and he paused to give Ichigo an appraising look.
"It looks as though Toshi did an exceptional job of comforting you."
"Yeah, he was great," Ichigo agreed, "I didn't know what to expect so I was a little nervous before."
"Your heart is beating fast now," Byakuya noticed.
"Well, you were kissing me," Ichigo said, blushing, "What do you expect? And by the way, your heart's beating pretty fast too."
"It is," Byakuya agreed.
"Are you nervous?"
"I am about to have sex with another man for the first time. I think some measure of anxiety is a given."
"Right, well, at least you don't have to be penetrated. I think I have a little more to be nervous about, don't you?"
He gave Byakuya a curious look as Byakuya looked back at him quietly for a moment before answering.
"It's okay," Ichigo assured him preemptively, "I'm fine with it. You're the clan leader and I'm the one having the kid."
"That is true," Byakuya agreed, "however, I don't know if it occurred to you that you have achieved transcendent power and I am simply a powerful shinigami. It is possible for you to impregnate me right now, but I cannot impregnate you until my body is pushed into transcendence."
"And that happens when?" Ichigo asked, frowning.
Byakuya's fingers guided his to a silver pendant that hung around Byakuya's neck.
"This is to prevent you from impregnating me while you implant your reiatsu in my body."
"Huh? Wait a sec," Ichigo objected, looking confused, "I don't have any power right now. How am I supposed to..."
He paused and gazed intently at the flush that broke out on his husband's face and throat.
"There is reiatsu in your semen," Byakuya said stiffly.
He let out a his breath in an annoyed huff as Ichigo chuckled in amusement.
"You mean, you're going to let me do that to you first?" he asked.
"Yes," Byakuya answered in a clipped tone, averting his eyes as Ichigo turned to face him, "Not that, as your husband, I would refuse you the right to enter me, but the situation does require it."
Ichigo's eyes softened.
"Did you just say that you'd let me inside you even if it wasn't necessary?" he asked.
"I think it's clear I did," Byakuya said in a flustered tone, "We are married and I wouldn't marry someone and then treat my spouse with anything less than complete reciprocity. If I ask for fulfillment from you, I know you will offer it to me. Why would I offer less to you?"
"Because you are in a higher position?" Ichigo suggested, "You're a clan leader and I'm not. Also, transcendent reiatsu or not, I'm powerless."
"And would you think less of me if I lost my powers, Ichigo?" Byakuya asked, an edge of sharpness in his words.
"No way!" Ichigo said firmly.
"I assure you that I feel no differently than you do. So, if you wish to penetrate me during our lovemaking, just tell me."
"I will," Ichigo promised, grinning at his partner's piqued expression, "Sorry, I didn't mean to fluster you."
"It's fine," Byakuya assured him, "but we should focus on each other."
Byakuya leaned forward and kissed Ichigo again, letting his hand slide down between them to pull free the ties on their yukatas. Ichigo suffered a heavy twinge in his belly and loins as Byakuya's soft thighs parted and he slid onto his husband's lap, then rubbed against him while they kissed again. Ichigo's heart throbbed almost as hungrily as his awakened member as a very soft, panting moan escaped his husband's lips, and Byakuya rubbed more insistently against him.
"Ichigo," Byakuya whispered, "you should probably..."
"Wh-what? Oh yeah," Ichigo mumbled distractedly, flinching and staring as a small container of lubricant was slipped into his hand.
It comforted him somewhat that Byakuya seemed to be blushing as furiously as he was, and that the pale hands that held onto him were trembling very slightly.
He's nervous too.
The thought took some of his own discomfort away, and Ichigo paused to really look at Byakuya's flushed face and aroused expression.
No one's ever looked at me like that before.
It feels...warm.
He kissed Byakuya harder and worked the cap off of the lubricant, then bathed his fingers in the slick contents. He felt Byakuya shiver involuntarily as he kept one arm around him and began the preparation with his other hand. He worried for a moment that he might make a mistake and hurt Byakuya, but his husband only flinched slightly at the first touch, then pressed up against him, kissing him more fiercely and moving his hips wantonly.
He was kind of resistant at first, and I was worried that he wasn't attracted to me...that he was just taking care of me. But you can't fake this...what I see on his face. Byakuya wants me...
And I...
He meant to take his time with the preparation, but soon gave in to the wonderful tickles inside and the heavy feeling of arousal, and pulled Byakuya closer. Byakuya raised himself slightly, and Ichigo gasped blissfully as he lowered himself again, joining their bodies with almost maddening slowness. He paused, burying his face in Ichigo's shoulder and panting harshly as the pain of first penetration mingled with the powerful throbs of arousal.
"You okay?" Ichigo managed in an oddly husky voice.
Byakuya's fingers still clenched at him painfully, but he gave Ichigo a short nod and a moment later, began to move again. Ichigo's mind went blank for a moment as the heat and tightness made him moan and thrust, hard and fast and his heightened state of arousal intensified until he was nearly at his wit's end. Byakuya writhed sensuously against him, and Ichigo was stricken how he looked even more beautiful, naked and given over to the need for sexual release.
I've never seen him like this before. He's always kind of quiet and he doesn't show his feelings so much. But he's showing them now...
"Ichigo!" Byakuya moaned wantonly into his ear, breaking his concentration and making his hips move urgently to grant the pleasure they both so desired.
A few more wild thrusts brought him to the edge of a blinding precipice, and a fierce howl of completion escaped him as he tumbled over and into release. He collapsed on top of Byakuya, groaning in bliss and shuddering as he loosed himself in long, hot pulses. Byakuya thrashed fitfully beneath him, his slender body beginning to glow with increasing brightness as Ichigo's yielded reiatsu encountered his, and the two mingled inside him.
Ichigo watched wonderingly as pink and golden light erupted all around them, and Byakuya shuddered, panting so hard he thought he'd lose consciousness. But slowly, he calmed and the powerful forces inside him merged and began to settle. He looked up at Ichigo, the unfed hunger in his eyes a warning, then he surged upward, overthrowing his surprised husband and bringing Ichigo down onto his back.
Damn! I wonder if it's going to hurt.
But despite the urgency in Byakuya's hands, Ichigo felt nothing but the returning throbs of arousal as Byakuya hastily prepared him, then entered him in slow, measured thrusts.
I can feel how much he wants me. Gods, how does he hold back. He's probably hurting from the need to climax.
His hands clenched at his husband's soft bottom, teasing Byakuya into motion, then Ichigo felt an impact inside that made him gasp and then howl with delight. His back arched and he thrust upward, hard, aching to feel the blinding pleasure of that impact again. He didn't dare look into his husband's wild eyes directly, but kept his head turned slightly aside, observing out of the corner of one brown eye as Byakuya's controls slipped completely and he gave himself over to a final barrage of fierce undulations.
And as much as he couldn't look directly before, Ichigo couldn't tear his eyes away from the stunning sight of Kuchiki Byakuya, naked and flushed all over his handsome face overwritten with undisguised pleasure and his whole body shaking as he climaxed violently. Melting heat filled Ichigo inside and he groaned and closed his eyes as his body was shaken with another powerful orgasm.
They laid quietly for a long time after, kissing more slowly and letting their fingers lazily slide along each other's sweat beaded skin.
"I love you, Byakuya."
And as much as he already knew, it tickled Ichigo pleasantly inside to hear his sentiments returned in Byakuya's sleepy, sated voice.
"I love you too."
Ichigo smiled and looked down at his slim belly.
"So, this is really happening, huh? A baby?" he mused, half to himself.
"Mhmm," Byakuya mumbled, his dark eyes blinking slowly, "and I promise you, Ichigo, I will die before I let harm come to you or our child."
The two fell into another bout of warm kisses as malevolent eyes watched from within the barrier of shadows. The watching person's thin, cruel lips smiled and his narrowed eyes glowed dangerously.
"Yes," he agreed, "you most certainly will...Kuchiki Byakuya."