To Love A Little Ichigo

by ShadowWolf XIII

After drinking something from the twelfth division Ichigo has turned nine again! That's not the only problem, he has to stay in Byakuya Kuchiki's manor! Even Byakuya has a problem of his own, that's falling for the little guy!

10. Chapter 9: Start of Love

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach; everything belongs to Tite Kubo and Viz media.

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Chapter 9: Start of Love

Her work had kept her busy as always, how so many people got injured she didn't know how yet it was not her place to question how they got injured, it was a question of how to cure them. The day had rolled over and it was only yesterday that she theorized that squad twelve had something to do with the strange transformation of Ichigo Kurosaki. Note how she had 'theorized' not 'guessed'. The fourth division captain smiled and inwardly laughed, she felt somewhat of a detective. It would take a few hours though, maybe even another day's wait, before she got the time to go to over the squad and start answering questions.

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"Good morning brother," Rukia greeted as her brother slid the door open to join her for breakfast.

Her brother gave a small nod and returned the greeting, "Good morning Rukia."

"How's Ichigo?" she asked in a warm tone.

The noble sat himself down, "He's all right he should be-."

"Byakuya!" Ichigo suddenly came into the room making both Kuchiki's jump a little. The small boy came running in and suddenly tackled the man's arm.

"Resting…" Byakuya finished and he closed his eyes trying to withhold a sigh.

"Ichigo, shouldn't you be in bed?" Rukia asked in concern.

The young boy pulled away from embracing the man's arm and pouted, "I'm all better though! Even Zangetsu's feeling better."

"Nonsense," Byakuya stated, "You've only been ill since yesterday yet you expect to be better the next? Haven't I told you to learn how to be more concerned of yourself before being concerned in others?"

"Well Zangetsu didn't want to be in bed all day, it's too boring," Ichigo whined as he sat himself down next to the older man and snuggled into the arm.

Rukia stifled a giggle at the small innocent argument. "I have a feeling Zangetsu wasn't the one thinking that," she thought.

"Does Zangetsu not care for your well being?" Byakuya challenged.

"Ichigo's health and safety is my top priority Kuchiki, do not think that I would let him out of bed without making sure he was well enough to do so," a voice stated from beside Ichigo.

Byakuya widened his eyes at the cloaked figure and Rukia jumped from the sudden surprise, of course she was use to Senbonzakura popping out from nowhere, but who was this?

The hood was suddenly pulled down revealing a perfect pale teenage face and tousled brown hair. Pale blue eyes were widened in shock at the sudden loss of his hood. The teen's head immediately snapped up and glared along with Byakuya. Rukia only blinked as she looked up at the samurai who had revealed the sudden guest. See? No surprise at all.

"It's rude to have your hood pulled up at the table you know," Senbonzakura chided as he sat himself down.

"I'll keep that in mind," Zangetsu turned his head away from the zanpakuto, his eyes closed, and his cheeks were flushed with a small tint of red.

"Zangetsu!" Ichigo chirped up at the teen.

"Good morning Ichigo," Zangetsu smiled towards the small boy.

"I do not receive a greeting?" Senbonzakura crossed his arms.

Zangetsu refused to look towards the samurai, "I've all ready greeted you."

"Oh? I must not have happened to hear it," Senbonzakura's voice was slowly rising.

"What if I do not wish to greet you again? I hate having to repeat myself to the deaf," Zangetsu snorted.

"So this is how you thank me?" the samurai leaned towards the other.

"I would have been fine," the young spirit muttered.

"Zangetsu are you getting sick again? Does that mean I'm getting sick too?" Ichigo broke the tension between both zanpakuto. They both stared at him, as well as both of the Kuchiki's, yet the small boy continued to stare at his zanpakuto.

"You're fine Ichigo," Zangetsu lightly ruffled the orange hair as he ignored the waves of concern he felt coming from the samurai behind him.

"Hm…coming out here makes you feel sick doesn't it? It hurts you a lot so why don't you go somewhere with Senbonzakura, he can take care of you!" the boy happily smiled.

"What about you though? I-," Zangetsu was interrupted. The cloaked figure was suddenly hoisted up by the arm and had stumbled back into the samurai's chest.

"I'll take good care of him Ichigo," Senbonzakura promised as he restrained the arms.

"Thank you Senbonzakura," Ichigo gave a small scowl and huffed at Zangetsu, "Zangetsu, be happy!"

The pair of pale blue eyes had blinked at the boy before sighing, "All right…"

"Come along Zangetsu," Senbonzakura gently tugged him at the arm as he led him out of the room. Once the pair had left Rukia blinked once more. She looked at her brother, who had seemed calm at the moment while drinking his tea, while Ichigo gave a small yawn.

"So…" the young Kuchiki started to search for something to make the air seem less awkward, "That was Zangetsu?"

"Yep!" Ichigo nodded happily.

"Brother did you know that was Zangetsu?" she inquired her older brother.

"I've seen him once, yet this is the first time I've truly glimpsed at him" Byakuya replied.

"When was that?" Rukia's curiosity started growing.

"So when you took me to save Zangetsu you didn't get a good look at him?" Ichigo asked the man next to him.

"No, he was covered in ruble and dust at the time, I did not get a good glimpse of his face," Byakuya smoothly excused. It had been true that he had not paid any notice to the zanpakuto's appearance at the time. He had been busy concerning himself over how Ichigo could have possibly turned into a mere boy.

How did he become nine again anyway?

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"Let go!" Zangetsu tried prying his arm away from the samurai's tight grip.

"Hm…nope," Senbonzakura continued to ignore the other's protest.

"You're cutting off my circulation!" Zangetsu snapped. He felt the grip loosened yet the samurai had refused to release him. Every attempt to escape had resulted in Senbonzakura's grip tightening then becoming gentle. What was with him? "Senbonzakura why are you refusing to release me? I can walk without you dragging me- are you even listening?" Zangetsu nearly crashed into the samurai. They had suddenly in front of a sliding door and Zangetsu wondered what was inside of the room.

"I believe I've failed to hear what you're saying seeing as how I'm deaf," Senbonzakura snarled the last word. A gloved hand slammed the door open, it was a somewhat of medium sized room filled with scrolls on the shelves, a few were hung on the walls and a small vase was present in the room with a single branch from a cherry blossom tree. The samurai had finally released his hold but Zangetsu continued to look around the room. He wondered why he was brought here, why this room was filled with scrolls, books, and calligraphy sets. He stepped near a desk to see an unfinished work and was amazed at how beautifully each individual stroke was. The poem was unfinished; there was still a line that was missing…

"Brighter than the sun…You are the rising sunshine…"

"That's a haiku my master has yet to finish," Zangetsu jumped and only had to glance to the side to see the samurai looking at the scroll from over his shoulder.

"What…what is this place?" Zangetsu inquired softly as his gaze fixated on the scroll. Pure curiosity grew from reading the simple haiku. What could the last line be?

"It's a room my master uses to practice calligraphy in, sometimes I join him and other times I do not," Senbonzakura replied as he walked over to another set of doors and watched the teen. The way his pale blue eyes was magnificent, filled with curiosity and a trace of warmth. It had ignited a spark of warmth in the depths of the warrior's heart and had it beating again like a loud drum, slowly growing louder and steadily faster.

Zangetsu's hand ghosted over the scroll, fingers moved down the blank space, following the words down. "Why didn't he finish this? It's beautiful…" Zangetsu spoke softly.

A pang of jealousy reached a samurai's heart. Something that his master had created was being adored by the one he loved- Wait? Love? Senbonzakura felt his heart leap and tried to prevent a sudden gasp threatening to escape his lips. There was no way he could have fallen in love, could there? He was absolutely sure there had almost been nothing, those moments…that kiss must have been the heat of the moment. Surely there must not have been anything between them. That single warm kiss…his only intention had been to stop Zangetsu from materializing but did he really have to go that far? He could have simply just explained why he didn't want him to leave and manifest but…instead he had kissed Zangetsu. Why though?

Zangetsu moved throughout the room his heartbeat only growing stronger as he took every movement the young zanpakuto spirit was making. The way the young teen walked was sharp yet smooth, he had stopped in front of a shelf lined with books teaching the basics of the art. How to improve, ways to hold a brush to change the style, and even blank books that some of which were used to practice calligraphy. He was reminded of how Byakuya would sometimes categorize everything in style and how sometimes he would look back for at some for reference. Senbonzakura had also lined a self of his own practice books in which some books were blank, filled, or contained poems he wrote to practice the style. The moments practicing and writing these poems were peaceful and serene. It had always calmed him in a way and had grown to love the art much like his master had.

Zangetsu's hand reached upwards towards the book self and the samurai gazed the skin of his hand, it was as pale as the lightest of creams. The fingers were calloused yet the skin remained flawless without scratches or scars. It must have been due to the unique healing; zanpakutos had always healed perfectly and would never leave a scar or scratch unhealed since it would show during their state as a sword. Fingernails were well kept (it was something zanpakuto's actually had to maintain); they were colored like the insides of a white seashell. It was then, he noticed, that almost every action the spirit made was sharp; however; when looking at his nails the edges were smoothed. The entire hand was amazing as if soft, kind, and gentle but was built to protect for those it desired. How smooth was the skin? How warm was it? The samurai remained perfectly still in watching the other yet he imagined himself walking over and taking his gloves off just to feel the skin of the other.

A blue hardcover book was drawn from the self and Senbonzakura recognized it as his one of his recently filled practice books. The pages were filled with thoughtless poems, he had focused more on how he was writing the words rather than focusing on what he was writing. There was never an urge to write specific words, only the focus of each stroke gliding across the paper. Zangetsu held the book in his hands glancing the cover as if wondering what must have been inside then opened the book and started looking at the work.

Blue eyes widened as he gazed fully at Zangetsu, everything was just so breathtakingly perfect. The face was free from any extra skin unlike some teens usually have, his figure seemed thin yet it was hidden under the coat making him curious as to what it looked like underneath. A realization came that the coat only served to make the pale skin seem to lightly glow at the contrast as if he were radiating moonlight. Pale blue eyes were filled with a soft fire, they kept moving as Zangetsu read through the pages. A finger placed itself over the teen's lips and Zangetsu held the book with one hand and used to other hands to position himself to ponder. Those lips…a sudden craving came to him and the distant memory of kissing the young zanpakuto had once again filled his mind. The insides of his stomach churned as he had a sudden urging to walk over and placed his lips over the others. To feel the warmth again, to see what Zangetsu's lips would feel like against his own and just touch and taste-

What the heck was he thinking!

"These poems…" Zangetsu flipped the page once more, snapping Senbonzakura from his silent panic attack, "They're beautiful…"

Oh kami, it was miracle he had enough self-restraint from rushing over there and taking those lips into a passionate, heat blinding kiss. He was acting like some hormonal teenager despite how many years he had lived! That smile…that heart-melting smile did exactly its job and made his legs feel weak. No doubt his face was flushed and his gaze smoldered over with desire. His heart was beating fiercely; oh…he needed something to quench the fire badly. How much longer until he couldn't restrain himself?

"Why pick this room though? Why not a room with a window to see the outside?" Zangetsu inquired.

Pushing every bit of desire and need he gathered his breath again hoping that his voice wouldn't betray him. "We don't need a window," the samurai explained as he turned and grabbed the handles of both the sliding doors behind him, "the view is already enough."

Senbonzakura slid the doors open and turned to see Zangetsu again. Pale blue eyes were wide with shock and the book was held tightly between his crossed arms. He must have been no doubt amazed at the scenery due to his love of nature. The view outside had shown the cherry blossoms, the koi pond was nearby along with the small bridge. The garden was in its absolute prime state and had no doubt left a huge impact on the zanpakuto.

The samurai turned and stepped onto the porch, he sat himself down on his usual spot beside a beam. Zangetsu stepped onto the porch, pale blue eyes taking the beautiful scenery in. Taking a few steps forward, the samurai had inwardly panicked that Zangetsu wasn't watching his step and would fall but was proven wrong when the teen landed on the ground with grace. His blue gaze studied the zanpakuto's behavior; he seemed so relaxed and calm. It was then that he wished to bring the other happiness, to see the smile again and for it to be his.

"Where did you get the inspiration to write these?" Zangetsu turned towards him.

"I just write what comes to me, I really don't put much thought into them," he answered blandly, thinking that it wasn't so important.

"You capture the essence of nature so beautifully though, even with just a few words," the way the eyes glowed softly with an extreme passion of life, the way he had held his book so gently and closely, he wanted to get closer… "They touch my heart…"

Those few words sent a blaze in his heart; his voice came huskily out of his throat "Zangetsu…"

Zangetsu looked away shyly, a faint blush on his cheeks, and his eyes darkened, "Senbonzakura…could you…I…um…"

Senbonzakura looked at the way he nervously shifted his weight and the tight grip of the book. Once again it was growing as hot as it once was when they had chased each other in his inner world. All his mind could do was scream at him, he just couldn't get caught up in the moment but it was all so tempting…and he was all too beautiful for his own good…

Zangetsu suddenly dropped the book and placed a hand on his head. He started to sway and Senbonzakura immediately knew what was wrong. Once the teen started to fall towards the ground he was immediately in the hold of strong arms, supporting and comforting…

"We should go back," Senbonzakura advised.

A small pout drew on the young spirit's lips that Senbonzakura could find nearly irresistible, "I wanted to read your poems though…"

"That can wait," he chuckled as a small smile formed behind his mask.

Zangetsu heaved a long heavy sigh, "I wish I could materialize properly…"

"I've noticed that you use too much energy trying to materialize," Byakuya's zanpakuto commented, "Next time just try using less as possible. You might feel faint at first but you get use to it and eventually all of your energy will come back."

"Thank you Senbonzakura," Zangetsu nuzzled into the crook of his neck, he could hear the rising pulse. Did he feel the same? As he wrapped his arms around the neck he closed his eyes and sighed in content. Even if it would take centuries, if Ichigo suddenly turned to normal and declared Byakuya as his most hated enemy (the hate part was never going to happen since he knew of Ichigo's true feelings for Byakuya Kuchiki) he would actually risk just seeing this person. He liked the way his heart beats loudly in his ears making it a familiar and comforting sound, the way the arms made him feel so secure and safe, how he felt so at peace with this man. There was still his denial to overcome, his fear of never being loved in return, even so he would still continue to love the samurai even if his heart were to break.

Meanwhile Senbonzakura was trying to hold back on his feelings, Byakuya had warned him about getting over excited and rushing into things. This was a situation he had to be careful with; this was Zangetsu, one of the calmest zanpakuto in existence, their two personalities just naturally clashed with each other. Just feeling the warmth breath sent electricity running through him, making it harder for him to control his energy. All he had to do was remind himself that holding him was just enough, there had to be limits and barriers when trying to obtain another's person's affections. The strong beating in his chest, how much longer could he deny this feeling that was starting to grow inside of him? Just what was holding him back; fear, doubt or denial, or maybe even a mixture of the three?

Zangetsu started to lean heavily as his legs gave out from underneath. Senbonzakura's hold became more supportive and tried adjusting his arms to Zangetsu's comfort. After finding the right way to hold him and adjusting how tight his hold was the younger now rested his head on his shoulder.

"You should go back," the samurai softly spoke.

"What about you?" Zangetsu noticed how his voice was growing quiet from the loss of strength, only making the other's arms tense.

"I need to go speak with Byakuya," he answered.

Zangetsu's heart sank; he would have to go to his own world now, the empty world of skyscrapers and not a shred of nature. Not even the other zanpakuto would go with him to keep him company, loneliness started to claim his heart and he closed his eyes as he felt himself starting to fade away.

Sadness reached his heart when his arms were empty. With a large sigh he picked up his book, put it away, and went to search for Byakuya.

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Ichigo sighed once more as the rolled in his back and looked up at the ceiling of the porch. Byakuya had forbidden him from going out of the manor unless someone was with him. Rukia had work and Zangetsu must have been busy talking with Senbonzakura. What else was there to do?

A slight rustle in the bushes caught his attention. Sitting up he looked to see the bushes moving, he hopped down from the porch and walked over. The small boy carefully pushed away the branches and walked around the shrub. A big smile found a way to his lips as he looked at the one who was making the bushes move. It was cat!

"What are you doing here?" Ichigo questioned the animal. It turned around and looked at him with big eyes, maybe it was surprised that he found it? "Come here kitty," Ichigo stepped forward and gently took the cat in his arms.

"I am not a kitten, I'm a fully grown cat," the tail swished back and forth.

"Wow! You can talk!" Ichigo smiled as he held it up but then pouted in curiosity, "How can you talk though? Oh! Sorry I forgot to introduce myself, my name is Ichigo Kurosaki! What's yours?"

The cat's golden eyes widened and its ears pricked up, "Ichigo?"

"Yep," the small boy nodded and walked over to the porch. He set the shocked cat down and sat down beside him. "Is there something wrong um…"

"My name is Yoruichi Shihoin," the cat replied then tilted its head, "Don't you remember?"

"I've met you before? I never met a talking cat before though," Ichigo swung his legs that were dangling off of the porch.

"This is strange…" the cat inwardly thought at the small boy before him, "Is this really the same Ichigo Kurosaki? Although the bright orange hair and the name can't be a coincidence… plus it is possible…how could this have happened though?"

Ichigo smiled towards the cat, not noticing how calculating its eyes were, "I'm glad that you're here though Yoruichi! I had no one to talk to!"

"Isn't anyone here? What are you doing here at the Kuchiki manor by yourself?" the cat inquired the small child.

"Byakuya told me not to leave unless I had someone with me," Ichigo pouted sadly, "Plus my friend Rukia had to go to work."

"It is pretty boring around here. How about we go walk around the Seireitei?" Yoruichi suggested.

"Byakuya told me not to leave though…" the small boy was hesitant to agree.

"Well Byakuya did say as long as you had someone with you, you could leave right?" the cat reminded the child as the tail swished.

"You're right!" Ichigo hopped down the porch, "Are we going to go visit Byakuya?"

"Of course, but do you mind if-," the cat jumped as the door was suddenly opened.

"There you are," the samurai looked at the young boy.

"Senbonzakura!" Ichigo chirped happily then tried looking over the samurai to spot his zanpakuto, "Where's Zangetsu though?"

"Oh, um…he was getting tired," Senbonzakura rubbed the back of his head.

"Okay then, Yoruichi and I were just going to-,"

"Shihoin? Where?" the samurai growled as he drew his sword, a menacing aura surrounding the zanpakuto. The ribbon that held his hair together suddenly disappeared letting his long dark brown hair fall to his ankles. The samurai quickly turned, sword drawn, glaring at the cat that currently had his ribbon beneath the black paw.

"My, my it seems despite how rusty my flash step still is it seems you still can not keep up with me," mirth shined in the golden eyes.

"M-my ribbon," his gloved hand touched the long strands, his sword was now raised about his head as he lunged forward, "Prepare to die Shihoin!"

"Stop!" Ichigo threw himself in front of Yoruichi with his arms spread. The samurai gasped as he instantly dissolved his sword and fell face flat on the porch right in front of the boy's feet.

The cat laughed as the black tail swished once more, Yoruichi hopped onto Ichigo's shoulder, "You and Byakuya always get clumsier every time I see you."

"I'm going to murder you," Senbonzakura reached towards the cat as if going to attempt strangling the cat.

"Now, now you don't want anything to happen to poor little Ichigo here now, do you?" the cat sarcastically challenged.

The gloves hand fell and Senbonzakura hit his head against the floorboards. The samurai started to mutter, "Heartless Shihoin, using a small boy as a shield…such a coward."

"Careful now," Yoruichi hopped in front of Ichigo's feet, "you don't want that mask of yours coming of next do we?"

"Stupid werecat…" Senbonzakura groaned.

"Werecat?" Ichigo repeated confused at the term.

The samurai lifted his head to the young boy, "Shihoin here can transform into a cat as pleased. That's why me and my master came up with the term a werecat."

"So Yoruichi can transform in a man? Is that why you can talk?" he looked towards the cat.

"That's a common misconception, people tend to think I'm a male due to my voice as a cat," Yoruichi hopped down from the porch and the golden eyes shined once more, "You see, this is my true form."

There was a sudden pop of smoke and gust, Senbonzakura quickly placed a hand over the young boy's eyes and slapped a hand over his own. "Put some clothes on you werecat! Can't you see this boy still has his innocence?" Senbonzakura shouted.

There was laughter, laughter that belonged to a woman, "All right, all right I'll put on the clothes I've brought with me."

After hearing the sliding door open then closed Senbonzakura breathed a sigh of relief and sat himself down on the porch. He grabbed his ribbon and started to tie up his hair again. "Yoruichi's a girl?" the samurai turned to look at the young boy. He was about to answer when the door opened again.

"A woman to be more exact," she corrected the small child, a smirk on her lips.

Wow, she was pretty! Her skin was dark and her eyes were a shining gold. They still remained cat like though, and her long lavender hair was tied up. How could she turn into a cat though? Oh well, he wouldn't want to seem rude to ask.

"What are you doing here in the Soul Society Shihoin?" the samurai growled. Ichigo looked at him with confusion, wondering why Senbonzakura didn't like her around.

"I was here to check up on him," Shihoin patted the boy's head, "Mind explaining how Ichigo's a little boy now?"

Ichigo blinked at the woman, "You were here to check up on me?"

"Of course," Yoruichi nodded her head in confirmation, "So you don't remember a thing?"

"Don't remember what?" Ichigo echoed; he felt slightly dizzy now.

"You don't have to think about it Ichigo," Senbonzakura quickly told the boy seeing as he was about to faint, "Why don't you go inside and go check on Zangetsu?"

"Okay!" the boy smiled and rushed inside to go check on his zanpakuto.

Senbonzakura looked back at the woman, for centuries she has done nothing but torment his master and himself as well. She was leaning up against a beam, eyes questioning and arms crossed.

"My answer?" her eyes narrowed.

"It seems that whenever we tried talking to him about his past, or currently in his case, future. He faints and forgets what we were trying to remind him of once he awakens. For now it seems that he has taken the qualities of a child, right now he's innocent of this world," the samurai looked at the garden before him, the sun shining on his armor. Beyond these seemingly peaceful walls was a world of pain and suffering. Ichigo Kurosaki had once seen almost everything but now he has gone back to innocent, innocence he wished would remain for the time being. His hands fisted on top of his lap, "It would be to our best interest not to try anything until we've learned why he has transformed into a boy," Senbonzakura turned cold gaze at the woman, daring her to try anything to hurt or harm the boy.

"Don't trust me?" she sighed and sat down, leaning against the beam, "Are you forgetting I see Ichigo as my own friend? I've watched him as he obtained his bankai and done more for him than you think. I value him as a good friend of mine, I won't do anything to harm him, same could be said for Kisuke, we treated him like we would a son."

Senbonzakura turned away his gaze, trying not to show his guilt of accusing. How could he have forgotten? Kisuke Urahara had brought forth Ichigo's powers and helped unleashed Zangetsu. The crazy man had mentored him as teen and had improved his skills. Shihoin had given Ichigo power as well; it was her that had helped unleash the bankai in order to give the orange haired soul reaper the power to defeat him and his master. Meanwhile…what had he done? He had done nothing but cut down Zangetsu's sealed form, fought against directly Zangetsu once, went up against Ichigo Kurosaki multiple timed during the rebellion for the sake of keeping the act, and had brought nothing but pain to him. It was then he could see nothing but irony in his words as he tightened his fist further, if it wasn't for the gloves, he would be bleeding.

"You know you don't have to feel guilty for what you have done," golden eyes were calculating, observant as she watched the samurai, "Remember it was you and Byakuya that had helped unleashed his powers, made Ichigo stronger, no one had ever said that gaining power would be painless."

"I cut down his sword once," Senbonzakura's breath was uneven, "So how can I forgive myself?"

"Looks like you're fond of Zangetsu," Yoruichi smirked as he tensed, "How much do you like him exactly though?"

"I am not that fond of Zangetsu!" Senbonzakura quickly stood up and stomped his foot.

"Oh, what do we have here? A love bird?" she cooed.

The samurai felt his cheeks flushed and he summoned his sword again, "Why you-,"

"I brought Zangetsu!" Ichigo announced. Senbonzakura quickly dissolved his sword once more and expected to see Zangetsu manifested; instead a sword was strapped on Ichigo's back. He inwardly sighed and looked at Yoruichi who had turned into a cat. The golden eyes looked at him, the eyes seemed to smirk and he sent a glare her way, at times he wished he could send glares like his master…

"So Ichigo, are you ready to go?" Yoruichi hopped onto the boy's shoulder again.

"Yep!" Ichigo chirped.

"Wait, going where?" Senbonzakura inquired the two as Ichigo jumped off of the porch.

"Well, I was going to invite Ichigo to lunch when Rukia had offered me. You can come along too if you would like, just don't make much of a fool out of yourself," they started walking off with Ichigo chatting with the cat on his shoulder. They left the enraged samurai a few feet from behind him. Damn that Shihoin! Oh well…might as well join them, he wouldn't want anything to happen to the young boy. He started walking after them, hoping his master would be fine without him.

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Byakuya sat on the wooden floor, his eyes closed and not a single movement was made after the years of practice when he was a kid. When you were part of a noble family there was never a time for one's self, one dedicated themselves to the clan. They had spent years making him into what they believed was perfect, yet there were times when they saw moments of rebellion. Some examples would be marrying his late wife or adopting Rukia. What could it be this time? He was trembling on the inside, usually his zanpakuto had offered him support but now he was on his own. Taking a last breath to steady his beating heart he looked at the clock. As the hand was placed on the twelve the door slid opened and two individuals entered the room. His gray eyes looked towards the two elders; despite them being the 'youngest' of the elders they were the clan heads. They sat themselves in front of Byakuya; there was a moment of silence before the woman's ice blue eyes narrowed down on the Kuchiki heir who was currently bowing.

"Rise, Byakuya Kuchiki, heir to the Kuchiki clan," her tone sounded commanding yet this was how she had always spoke. It was this tone, Byakuya fully admitted, that he was actually afraid of. Even Byakuya Kuchiki had his deepest fears, he wasn't exactly perfect like everyone though him to be, he was only a man.

Byakuya arose slowly and placed his hands on his lap. He looked at both elders in turn and closed his eyes once more. This was what he did often; sometimes he could not look at the woman before him, he could, however; look at his Grandfather at times due to the man being more relaxed. Usually he would close his eyes during an argument due to the old woman being perceptive and sensing the weakness in but it was usually Byakuya who had won out in the end due to the years he had spent arguing against the clan heads. Senbonzakura would always support him under the old woman's nose, reminding him of what he was trying to aim for but this time he lacked the support. It was just him now, like he had been as a teen, there would be times when he had won but the majority was a loss. Now he could only hope that he could win against this one.

"We have been hearing rumors spreading around the Seireitei," his grandfather spoke, "Could you care to explain to us the incident."

"I am not aware of any rumors," Byakuya calmly replied.

"Our informants tell of us of you defending a boy and using your zanpakuto in misconduct," the woman's voice slightly rose with a bit of edge to it.

It took everything he had not to flinch under her gaze, "I had not used my zanpakuto to harm those men, he did of his own free will. I had ordered him to protect the boy."

"That sword!" the woman hissed, "You should keep it under control! That- that thing acts like you do when you were as a child! Do you know what this could do to the reputation of the Kuchiki clan? You should teach it decent discipline! If not we should have it removed or teach it proper discipline ourselves!"

"Now please do easy on him, he had ordered his zanpakuto to protect the boy. Perhaps we should-," his grandfather was interrupted.

"Do you think this is just a simple matter?" she sent a glare at the man sitting next to her, "Our pride as the Kuchiki clan is on the line! For it to be disgraced by that thing-."

"That thing," Byakuya nearly hissed himself but managed as cold and harsh. The woman flinched herself, never before had Byakuya interrupted. "You currently speak of is my zanpakuto Senbonzakura," he opened his eyes and set his glare to match the ice blue ones, "He is the reason why I am currently a captain, he is the one who gave me my bankai, something necessary to become a captain. Is it something, the likes of you will never understand because you never had a zanpakuto!"

She narrowed her eyes at him. She was never a soul reaper; she had not obtained the strength soul reapers had. She had to become stronger in the ways of the clan in order to gain her current position. They had looked down upon her, found her weak, yet she proved herself by making herself commanding and persuasive to the elders, it was this young man she could not break through to. The woman opened her mouth one more, "Byakuya Kuchiki!"

"That thing is a part of me, a part of my soul!" Byakuya's voice was slightly rising above hers and once more she could not speak, "I will not put him through punishment due to my orders! He did what I asked him to, protect the boy, and if he had never arrived then only the spirits above could have know what would have happened to him! It was prevented and the boy was not harmed, he was being protected by Senbonzakura, the boy had done no wrong doing so Senbonzakura was merely bringing punishment to those who harm the innocent, something the law would had done!"

At first she was taken aback but suddenly her eyebrows were set and the air around her reminded anyone who was near her exactly who she was. Byakuya braced himself for what was about to come yet had been blown away at her question, "Is this the same boy who was the cause of chaos not long ago?"

"Yes," he responded. Fear started to build up inside him, all the courage he had before had left him yet he tried to remain unmovable. He tried to push his fears back and tried to remain strong, he had to, the promise he had made to Ichigo…he promised himself that no one would prevent him from protecting the currently small boy.

"Does this boy also happen to be the same Ryoka boy, Ichigo Kurosaki?" her tone spoke volumes. A sudden weight fell on top of the sixth captain's shoulders, as if sensing the woman had won. No, he wouldn't lose!

"He may have been a Ryoka but Ichigo Kurosaki is now our ally. He has help brought down enemies, traitors, he had helped saved my sister," the woman tensed at the mention of Rukia, "I am indebted to him, and so is the clan. He is now a hero among us, he may be a child now yet he still has greater strength than any would possess. Ichigo Kurosaki is temporarily in my care, is my responsibly so the clan has nothing to worry about me agreeing have temporary custody over the boy."

His grandfather, who had been quiet the whole argument, finally spoke, "It is not against our custom to take temporary custody over someone, no matter where they are from. Plus it would provide us with a good reputation if we were to take care of a war hero. I call to move forward with the arrangement."

Byakuya felt an inner gratitude towards his grandfather; looking at the old woman once more she seemed hesitant yet a small hope started to form in his chest. "The boy-,"

"The head captain had called on me to take him in, I have already signed the documents," Byakuya informed, giving a final push.

"You see? The head captain had called him to take this boy under his care. How can we refuse the head captain? To do so would stain the name of our clan," his grandfather supported him further.

"I suppose we cannot refuse the head captain…" the woman's lips thinned and she looked hesitant, she finally sighed, admitting defeat, "All right the responsibility falls on your shoulders Byakuya. If anything were to happen to this boy, Ichigo Kurosaki, it weighs on your shoulders to correct it."

"I understand," the Kuchiki heir bowed to the two before him, "I will not fail to protect him while he is under my care."

"We shall take our leave then," the two elder heads rose. Byakuya remained seated; it was a tradition to remain seated until the heads had left. He watched as his grandfather passed through the door, the elder lady, however, remained and turned toward him. The gaze in her eyes had softened.

"Please take care, Byakuya," she spoke with a gently voice.

"I will…grandmother."

8888

"We're here," Yoruichi leapt down from the small boy's shoulder.

"A bar!" Senbonzakura shouted and looked at the cat as if she were crazy.

"Calm down, they allow kids in here," Yoruichi informed the panicked zanpakuto, "They don't even serve drinks until it gets late at night. Come on Ichigo, Rukia is waiting for us."

"Okay!" Ichigo happily followed the cat leaving the samurai dumbfounded.

"Are you coming or are you going to stand there gaping like an idiot?" Yoruichi looked at the samurai over her shoulder. The samurai stomped towards the bar, blinded in rage and anger and followed the two into the bar.

After Yoruichi asked Ichigo to spread her clothes out for her she crawled into them and a cloud of smoke busted into their faces. After it cleared, Yoruichi stood fully dressed and told them to follow her into the back where they saw the group of soul reapers chatting happily. Rukia noticed them and smiled their way.

"Yoruichi! You're here! Ichigo, Senbonzakura, it's good of you to join us," Rukia greeted the three.

"Rukia!" Ichigo happily ran up and gave the girl a hug.

"Aw!" Rangiku squealed at the innocent gestured, "How about giving me a hug Ichigo?"

"The only thing that would happen from that," Toshiro said in an annoyed tone, "Is being smothered and cursed with being short for the rest of his years."

"Hey! Don't blame me you haven't grown any height, midget!" Rangiku lightly slammed her fist against the table. Toshiro sent her an icy glare as if daring her to call him short again, which in turn made Rangiku nervous.

"Hey Ichigo!" Renji ruffled the small boy's orange hair as he walked up to him.

"Hi Renji!" Ichigo chirped to the red haired lieutenant.

Ikkaku and Yumichika were there and greeted the small boy. The group started to chat again when Captain Zaraki had joined them along with his pink haired lieutenant. Ichigo was at first scared but after a quick clear up the boy stopped hiding behind the samurai. They all laughed after hearing Yachiru's humorous story about how they got lost. She then complained about how Kenpachi had passed a candy store on their way to the bar. The giant squad eleven captain offered to go back which in turn made his seated officers say that they would accompany him as soon as they were finished. After all the man was famous for getting lost wherever he went because of his lieutenant's bad sense of direction.

Thing where normal when all of a sudden a sudden blast had caught their ears. They all rushed outside only to feel strong waves of gust sending them back. Ichigo got lifted off of his feet, each of them tried to catch him yet failed to.

"Ichigo!" Senbonzakura reached a hand to try grasping the boy's hand but fell as the powerful waves sent him to the ground.

The waves suddenly settled and Ichigo crashed into a figure. The small boy looked up and his brown eyes shined as he smiled. They all looked to see a figure dressed in a cloak holding the boy in his arms. Rukia and Senbonzakura widened their eyes, immediately knowing who the figure was already yet the others hadn't caught on.

"Who are you?" Renji demanded and quickly drew Zabimaru out once he was on his feet.

"Calm down Renji," a hand was placed on his shoulder. Renji turned in disbelief towards the voice as he looked with shock.

"Z-Zabimaru!" Renji stuttered in aghast.

"The one and only," the woman smirked along with the snake beside her.

"H-How?" Renji couldn't stop staring at his zanpakuto.

He looked around to see the other zanpakuto materialized and helping their partners get up.

"My, my," Ruri'iro Kujaku, or better know as his hated nickname Fuji Kujaku, "What an unsightly look, Yumichika."

"Thanks," the man took the offered hand and stood up, he was then dusted off by his zanpakuto.

"Are you all right master?" Hyorinmaru held his master in his arms.

Hitsugaya blushed furiously, "Put me down! I've told you I'm not a child!"

"Forgive me," he placed his young master on the ground.

"Long time no see, eh Ikkaku?" Hozukimaru offered his staff to the man.

"Yeah, I was wondering if I would ever get the chance to spar with you again," the third seat smirked up at his zanpakuto.

Sode no Shirayuki carefully got Rukia back on her feet, a caring smile on her lips, "Are you all right?"

"Yes," she nodded, "Thank you Sode no Shirayuki."

"Thanks for the help Haineko," Rangiku said as she took the offered hand.

"No problem," the cat woman before her smirked, "Old ladies like you need it!"

"Hey!" she glared but smiled anyway, this was typical of her behavior.

"Ichigo, are you all right?" Senbonzakura rose to feet.

"Yep!" Ichigo hopped down the arms that let him loose then turned to the hooded figure with a smile, "Thank you!" The figure nodded in return.

"Who is that anyway?" Renji asked as he looked at the hooded figure from the corner of his eye.

"Beats me," Zabimaru shrugged as she placed a hand on her hip, "Any idea Snake?"

"Beats me Monkey!" the boy beside her laughed.

"S-So who is he?" Renji asked all the others, they were just as baffled as he is.

"Is he an enemy? Is so let me have a whack at him," Hozukimaru summoned his spear.

"How unsightly," Ruri'iro covered half of his face at his friend's display. This didn't stop the other from summoning and lifting their swords against the cloaked figure.

"Wait!" Senbonzakura stood in their way, "He's not an enemy. He's-,"

"Out of the way Senbonzakura! This is my fight!" Hozukimaru rushed forward and passed the samurai.

"No!" Senbonzakura summoned his blade and prepared to defend the two. They didn't need it however as the cloaked figure stood in front of the boy.

A sword as long as the figure was summoned and Hozukimaru sectioned off his spear. Before the blade could make contact the blade went outside the circle and slammed the weapon and the wielder down. The spirit tried getting up again but the blade that was pointed near his throat stopped him. Both zanpakuto and their partners stood dumbfounded so did Senbonzakura as they continued looking in amazement. They suddenly rushed forward and the cloaked figure disappeared right before his eyes.

"Could he be an enemy?" they stared looking around.

"No! He's not an enemy!" the samurai protested but they wouldn't listened. His blue eyes widened as he saw Zangetsu right behind the group. He was about to rush forward but someone else had noticed him.

"There he is!"

"Growl!" Haineko summoned forth the ashes to attack. The blade was drawn and rapidly swung, the sword was sent flying back and Haineko looked at the fallen ashes in disbelief. "No way! How did he manage to block my attack?" she dropped to her knees.

"Dance!" Sode no Shirayuki swung her blade gracefully and summoned a circle underneath the figure's feet. Ice started to quickly form at his feet but with a single strike to the ground the circle broke into ice shards.

Senbonzakura sighed in relief, looks like he was holding up until dread started filling his heart. He watched as Zabimaru had summoned their bankai!

"Let's see how you fair against bankai!" Zabimaru snapped the end of the whip. The head rushed forward, a red energy started to summon in its mouth. The long blade was raised and brought downward a surge of blue energy flew forward preventing the attack to fire and the giant bankai had transformed into Snake again.

"No! Stop!" Senbonzakura shouted at the zanpakuto.

"Sit upon the frozen heavens," Hyorinmaru called. A dragon of ice was summoned from the blade; a blast of gust and speck of ice blew everywhere. When it had finally cleared the cloaked figure remained standing, blades locked with Hyorinmaru.

"Enough!" the enraged Senbonzakura waved his sword, "Scatter!" The blades were instantly turned to petals and flung forward towards the two zanpakuto. The samurai gasped as he suddenly realized his mistake and tried summoning his attack back but it was already too late!

Hyorinmaru's eyes were wide at the oncoming attack. His sword was knocked at his hand and turned expecting to see an attack from the one who had made him dropped his sword. Instead he stood in front of him! A single swing brought forth blue energy that clashed with the small blades. The two energies canceled out and Senbonzakura rushed forward.

"Zangetsu!" he then stopped himself short in front of the other before he could have a chance of wrapping his arms around the other. There was no response as the other settled the huge blade against his shoulder.

"What? That's Zangetsu?" most people were stunned, baffled at what the samurai had just said.

"I-Ichigo is that really your zanpakuto?" Renji turned to his small friend.

Ichigo crossed his arms and scowled like he normally would when he was a teen, but this was one accompanied with a pout, "He tried to warn you!"

They all looked at the samurai now, who was hanging his head in shame.

"I'm sorry Zangetsu…I almost…" Senbonzakura looked away. Zangetsu stepped forward and lifted the samurai's head up with his hands. It was evident that the other had already forgiven him, yet the samurai had been blinded by his guilt.

"Isn't Zangetsu suppose to be taller?" Ruri'iro Kujaku commented on the young spirit's loss of height.

"Plus he doesn't wear a hood…" Hozukimaru walked up to his partner with his spear rested on his shoulder.

Zangetsu bowed, "Forgive me for not introducing myself earlier." The voice was young, which had shocked the zanpakuto and some of the people. Zangetsu finally drew down his hood pale blue eyes were calm as was the rest of his expression. "I can assure you that I am Zangetsu," he slammed his blade to the ground to prove it.

The girls were blushing and the men looked at the spirit with shock. Zangetsu shifted his weight from one leg to the other and lifted his sword up to his shoulder as he looked at the ground with interest. The pale blue eyes looked up once more when a hand was on his shoulder they softened as they looked at the samurai.

"I can also vouch for that," Senbonzakura turned towards the others. The samurai walked towards Sode no Shirayuki and helped her up. Ichigo flashed stepped next to his zanpakuto.

"Are you okay Zangetsu?" he asked the teen softly.

Zangetsu returned the gesture with a smile and a light ruffle of the boy's hair, "I'm fine Ichigo."

"Looks like Kurosaki's blade had also turned young along with his master," Toshiro walked up to his zanpakuto, also stunned by the younger looking spirit.

"Not to mention he's cute too!" Haineko came up from behind Zangetsu and wrapped her arms around the teen's neck. Senbonzakura quickly glared at her in fury, as his grip unconsciously got tighter around the snow woman's hand. She gasped and the samurai quickly apologized for his action and after getting her back on her feet he continued to glare at the cat woman holding the slightly flushed teen. The other zanpakuto came around him, apologizing for their behavior and Snake and Money came up towards him, slapping him against the back.

"So how does it feel like turning younger, Zany?" Monkey grinned at saying his nickname. (Pronounced Zan as in you normally would with the first part of Zangetsu's name then add an e)

"No different actually," Zangetsu rubbed his sore back, "Being young was no surprise to me, suddenly turning young was the surprising part."

They all looked at him confused except for Senbonzakura who already knew about this. "Do you mean you've been young before?" Hyorinmaru came up and touched the spot Zangetsu was rubbing.

The young spirit sighed in content at the cold touch, unaware of Senbonzakura's rising jealousy, "Yes…for a time during the Winter War. My appearance changed and this is my normal form in bankai, although the problem is I cannot summon bankai at all."

"Right!" Sode no Shirayuki lightly hit her fist against her flat palm, "You've told me that before!"

"You've been speaking to him?" Senbonzakura gawked at his 'sister' zanpakuto.

The snow woman smiled towards him, "Of course!"

"So have we!" Snake spoke.

"He didn't tell us though," Monkey tried to recall as she scratched her head but nothing came up.

"I have," Zangetsu sighed, "You just weren't paying attention."

"You did?" they both simultaneously shouted. Most laughed at their perfect sync.

"How were you all materialized anyway?" Toshiro reminded everyone that they were in fact currently looking at their manifested zanpakuto.

"You two know anything?" Renji turned towards Zabimaru.

"We don't know anything," Money replied.

"We felt something pull us out of our inner world," Snake added.

"I didn't feel anything," Senbonzakura commented.

"Maybe that's because you were already manifested," Zangetsu explained as he stood beside the samurai. Senbonzakura turned his head away, leaving Zangetsu confused of his sudden action. Did he do something wrong? The teen felt a sudden weight on his heart at the thought of not introducing himself to the other zanpakuto earlier.

"Have you felt anything different? What about the inner world?" Toshiro questioned the zanpakuto.

"Eager to get rid of us already?" Ruri'iro Kujaku and some of the others glared at Hitsugaya, Hyorinmaru protectively held an arm in front of his partner.

"My master meant nothing of the sort, he had just wanted to know what our current connection with our partners are," Hyorinmaru narrowed his eyes toward Yumichika's zanpakuto.

"I'm sorry," Toshiro apologized, "It just surprises me to suddenly see the zanpakuto manifest."

"We've manifested before," Haineko placed her hands on her hips.

"That was during the rebellion," most zanpakuto flinched at the mention and the captain of squad ten quickly apologized, "I'm just concerned about what is going on. Normally we see a zanpakuto take form when their partner obtains a bankai. However, some of you still don't have a bankai. I want to know if this is an enemy's work at hand."

"Well we don't feel brainwashed," Zabimaru spoke up for all of them.

"So what can it be…?" Hitsugaya murmured as he thought of any possibly that came to mind. Almost instantly, one had come to him right away. The white haired captain was about to voice it when Kenpachi walked out of the bar.

"What the hell is going on out here?" he looked at all the zanpakuto, which some had stiffened at the sight of the 'beast'.

"Seems that all of our zanpakuto have manifested captain," Ikkaku replied.

"Huh, so why hasn't mine done anything yet?" Zaraki looked at his sword.

"Probably didn't notice the strangeness in the air," Renji tried explaining it but failed.

"Whatever," Kenpachi turned and started walking away, "Come on Yachiru, let's go."

"All right Kenny! Can we go visit that candy shop now?" the small lieutenant bubbled in excitement.

"Wait for us captain!" Ikkaku raced after the man along with his zanpakuto.

"Aren't you going to follow him?" Ruri'iro Kujaku questioned the man standing next to him.

Yumichika simply ran a hand through his hair, "I don't follow them everywhere. Would you like to join me for a walk and talk about aesthetics on the way?"

"I'd be glad to," his zanpakuto smirked and they walked away.

"Let's go do a little shopping!" Rangiku pumped her fist into the air.

"I'm with you on that!" Haineko sped away with the woman.

"Rangiku! What about your paperwork?" Toshiro yelled after her.

"Shall we give chase master?" the zanpakuto suggested.

"No…they would only force us to carry the bags," he turned toward the others, "I'll be going to squad twelve's office later. They might have something to do with this."

"Thank you captain Hitsugaya," both Renji and Rukia bowed gratefully. Toshiro started to walk and Hyorinmaru looked over at Senbonzakura and Zangetsu looking away from each other. Seeing distress in the pale blue eyes he walked over to Zangetsu.

"Are you all right?" Hyorinmaru placed a hand on the slim, yet strong shoulder.

"Huh? Oh…I'm fine," Zangetsu turned with a slight blush on his cheeks. Senbonzakura snapped his head towards them; out of the corner of his eyes he could see jealousy glinting in the blue eyes.

"If you need anything, you can come talk to me if you like," the man spoke softly.

Heat continued to rise to the pale cheeks yet this was not his doing. Carefully looking at the pale eyes he saw the gaze flicker towards the samurai but only for a spilt second, enlightenment came towards the ice spirit.

Hyorinmaru placed his hand under the teen's chin and gently turned it towards him. Zangetsu's pale blue eyes widened at the sudden gesture but did not blush. Hyorinmaru leaned towards the young spirit's ear and whispered something quickly. Standing straight the jealousy was written all over the samurai. Either this would help or would make things worse.

"Hyorinmaru! Are you coming along?" his master had finally noticed his lack of presence, his master was often deep in thought. Hyorinmaru walked passed the samurai but not before he received a warning glare, probably to warn him to stay away from Zangetsu.

Senbonzakura was furious, how dare they touch Zangetsu? The teen didn't even look comfortable around the zanpakuto yet they had invaded his personal space! Did Zangetsu speak up at all? No! Turning towards Zangetsu furiously he saw pale blue eyes staring after that…that so called strongest ice spirit! Just because he was the strongest of his kind didn't make Hyorinmaru the strongest zanpakuto! He felt rage building up inside of his chest; he glared at Zangetsu he didn't even notice.

"So what did he say to you?" Senbonzakura said harsher than his liking.

"H-He recited Shakespeare…" Zangetsu breathed absentmindedly.

"S-Shakespeare?" Senbonzakura was confused at the term Zangetsu had used.

Zangetsu nodded then a blushed formed on his cheeks. He quickly pulled up the hood and his arms straightened beside him. The phrase Hyorinmaru had used made his heart hammer against his chest. "'The course of true love never did run smooth'," the whispered words echoed in his head, making his cheeks burn brighter with color. How had he known that he liked Shakespeare as much as Ichigo when he was older? His mind was baffled until he realized Senbonzakura had asked him something.

"I'm sorry what did you say?" Zangetsu asked in a guiltily tone.

"Busy thinking about Hyorinmaru now?" Senbonzakura's voice was slightly growling, "Go spend time with him if you think of him so much!"

A pang of hurt stabbed him though the chest much like a sword would; only this was much worse. He watched as Senbonzakura walked away from him, not even taking a look back at him. The teen felt his knees going weak and nearly fell on them as Sode no Shirayuki placed her hand gently on his shoulder.

"It's all right," she tried to sooth, "He's just a little mad, he'll get over it soon."

"What's the matter with them?" Snake asked as he looked between the samurai and the hooded figure.

Monkey rolled her eyes hopelessly at Snake, "Kids…"

"Hey!" Snake yelled.

88 Minutes Afterward88

Byakuya had been looking around everywhere for the small orange haired boy. There was no sign of him to be seen. Great, just when he said he would protect Ichigo… The sudden clanking of armor alerted him of his zanpakuto. Quickly walking towards the sound he turned the corner to see Senbonzakura in his usual spot in front of the room he practice calligraphy in.

"Senbonzakura, where is Ichigo?" he questioned his zanpakuto. The samurai's response was only jumbled muttering, something between an ice dragon, betrayal, and… Shakespeare perhaps? "Senbonzakura," he narrowed his eyes at the samurai who flinched when he suddenly aware of his master's presence.

"Master! I'm sorry but what was it?" he turned his head to acknowledge his master.

"Have you seen Ichigo anywhere?" Byakuya questioned his zanpakuto once more.

Senbonzakura heaved a heavy sigh, "He's with Rukia and Renji."

"What's wrong?" he settled himself beside the samurai.

"Nothing…" Senbonzakura sank into the pillar.

"If there was nothing I wouldn't feel any turmoil from you," Byakuya commented, "It is better to speak a heavy burden than to conceal it."

Senbonzakura sighed once more and took off his mask. The resemblance between them looked similar yet the differences were a few features and their eye colors. He rarely takes his mask off in front of Byakuya unless something or someone had truly upset him. Byakuya silently promised revenge on the person who did this to his zanpakuto.

"It's…Ichigo's…" Byakuya took back his words, no way would he hurt a child or even punish the small boy, "zanpakuto…"

"Zangetsu?" the Kuchiki heir narrowed his eyes trying to read his sword.

Senbonzakura nodded, "Earlier I well…attacked him-."

"Senbonzakura," Byakuya narrowed his eyes, "Normally you would not let anger enrage you but harming Zangetsu and Ichigo-."

"I did not harm them! Well…I almost harmed Zangetsu but Zangetsu that could have gotten hurt by…by that ice dragon!" Senbonzakura hissed as his face was clear of rage, "Then I launched an attack and he defends him! All of a sudden he's blushing around him and suddenly stares off after him, ignoring everything I say!"

Byakuya sighed as he messaged his temple, was he this hard to deal with when he was a teenager? "Senbonzakura…maybe you misunderstood Zangetsu, what happened after you notice he wasn't paying attention?" feeling sort of awkward he was trying to help his zanpakuto with something like this.

"Well he asked me what I just said and I yelled at him…I didn't even look back when I left…" Senbonzakura's voice trailed off.

"Then don't you think you should apologize?" Byakuya suggested.

"Apologize?" the samurai rose, eyes fully enraged, "After just forgiving that dragon so easily? He should be the one to apologize!"

"Isn't that the kind of person Zangetsu is?" Byakuya sighed, "Don't forget, you nearly injured him as well by launching an attack on him."

"K-Kami…you're right," Senbonzakura nearly sank to his knees but fell back on the beam, "What I've said…what I've done…"

"You should go to him and apologize now, I would imagine he would be upset at suddenly being yelled," Byakuya advised.

"Damn it!" Senbonzakura picked up his mask and placed it on. The samurai was about to leave to find the other when a voice hollered.

"Brother! Brother we're home and I brought some friends!" Rukia called out. Byakuya quickly grabbed the samurai's wrist and shook his head slowly as he turned and looked at him. Immediately Senbonzakura calmed down and sat himself on the porch again just as Rukia turned the corner of the porch.

"Who did you bring this time," Byakuya lightly sighed, "Rukia…"

"Hello!" Sode no Shirayuki poked her head around the corner and waved. Byakuya jumped, Sode no Shirayuki was materialized? H-How can this be, Rukia couldn't have obtained bankai yet, couldn't she? His sister didn't get any training and she hasn't gone off and snuck behind his back using Urahara's crazy method of obtaining a bankai!

"Yo!" Zabimaru stepped out and waved and Snake was grinning at the Kuchiki. Oh no…Zabimaru as well? Well if the zanpakuto was here…that must mean…

"Renji," he called out his lieutenant.

"Hehe…" Renji stepped out from the corner, nervously scratching his head, "Hey Captain."

"Have you finished today's paperwork?" he narrowed his eyes.

"A-Almost sir…" Renji replied with the hang of his head, "You also got you're notification…you'll officially start your three days off tomorrow."

"Very well then," his gaze looked around for a small orange haired boy, "Where is Ichigo?"

"Oh! He's with Yoruichi," Rukia replied.

"The werecat!" Byakuya quickly stood up and flash stepped before anyone could see his facial expression.

"Well Renji, let's go finish that paperwork of yours," Rukia patted her childhood friend's back. It only made the red head groan and they walked away to the squad six office. Senbonzakura rose from his spot and looked around.

"Where's Zangetsu?" Senbonzakura asked the two (three if you count Monkey and Snake individually) zanpakuto. The two women looked away from Senbonzakura.

"Did you notice someone Sode no Shirayuki?" Money asked the snow woman.

"Nope, the only person I see before me is a heart breaker," Sode no Shirayuki replied.

"Where is he?" Senbonzakura added more hostility to his voice.

"I don't seem to recall where he may be," Sode no Shirayuki covered her face with the white sleeve of her kimono.

"I have no idea," Monkey replied.

"Isn't Zangetsu with Hyorinmaru right now?" Snake asked Monkey.

"Idiot! You weren't supposed to say that!" Monkey hit the boy over the head.

"He's what?" Senbonzakura shouted as he left himself in a single sweep of a flash step.

Sode no Shirayuki giggled, "Well everything is in place now."

"Good idea Yuki," they both smiled at their friendly terms, "Sending Senbonzakura after his man to apologize, that's genius! How you got Zangetsu to visit Hyorinmaru I have no idea…"

"Well all I had to do was nudge him a little and say 'If you want know why he's mad at you just go visit Hyorinmaru for a little while'," Sode no Shirayuki stated proudly.

"What if he finds out that this was a plot?" Snake rubbed his head.

Both women stiffened, they did not think that far ahead…

88 Somewhat a little earlier 88

"Come in," Hyorinmaru answered the knock to the door as he set aside a stack of finished paperwork on Toshiro's desk. His master currently napping after working so long and decided he would visit squad twelve later.

The door opened and Zangetsu stepped in somewhat hesitant about entering. "Sorry for intruding," he apologized softly, "I thought you were busy so I didn't want to intrude."

"Not at all," Hyorinmaru walked towards the cloaked figure, "We just finished the paperwork not to long ago, my master is currently resting." He waved a hand towards the couch, Zangetsu looked to see Toshiro Hitsugaya currently sleeping with a thin blanket covering the young captain. "It would be best to leave him at peace, how about a walk around the Seireitei?" he offered the young spirit.

"All right then, if it's not to much trouble Zangetsu stepped into the hallway once more. Hyorinmaru carefully shut the door behind them. The soft click sounded and they both started to walk down the hall.

"Have you cleared things with Senbonzakura?" Hyorinmaru asked.

"No…he's mad at me. I don't know why though," Zangetsu's voice was filled with hurt.

"The fault here, Zangetsu, is not in the stars but in ourselves," the quote had been changed a little but he had recognized it.

"How did you know?" Zangetsu asked the zanpakuto next to him.

"Huh?" Hyorinmaru looked at the teen next to him.

"How did you know I liked Shakespeare?" Zangetsu asked the very question he was thinking that made him ignore Senbonzakura.

"You're familiar with the playwright?" Hyorinmaru stopped and looked at the other in shock.

Zangetsu nodded his head; "Ichigo liked Shakespeare, although now as a child I doubt he wouldn't understand it without explanation. I also took a liking to his works."

"I see…my master is also quite fond of it, I seemed to picked up on his habits," Hyorinmaru looked out to the courtyard, "I can recite small quotes from Shakespeare from time to time, if one comes to the mind."

"Amazing," Zangetsu marveled at the other. Who could have known? Perhaps he's found a new friend.

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Senbonzakura slammed the door open, Toshiro jumped and woke up from his nap.

Toshiro groaned, "Rangiku…if this is some silly rumor."

"Where is Hyorinmaru?" Senbonzakura snapped at the white haired captain.

Hitsugaya rubbed the lids and blinked his turquoise eyes, "Hmm?" Looking around he saw that his zanpakuto was absent. "Maybe he's on a walk somewhere," a yawn escaped the young captain and he lay back down on the couch.

"Do you know were I can find him?" Senbonzakura asked the captain before he had a chance to fall asleep again.

"Just find someplace that's cool…" Toshiro yawned and went back to his nap. With the piece of information Senbonzakura quickly ran out the door. The coldest place possible in the Seireitei…was near the Seireitei Forest!

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"I'm glad we found them before Senbonzakura could," Sode no Shirayuki breathed a sigh of relief, a hand over her beating chest.

"Yeah, come on let's go tell them Yuki," Zabimaru stepped forward but the snow woman held her back.

"Monkey! How can we interrupt them? They would know we were spying on them!" she hissed.

"Damn…you're right. Any ideas Snake?" she turned towards the boy but he wasn't there, "Snake?"

"Hey guys!" Snake was in front of the two zanpakuto already.

"Idiot!" Monkey tugged on the chain and made the boy fall on his back.

"H-Hi Zangetsu, Hyorinmaru," Sode no Shirayuki walked to them nervously.

"What are you three doing here?" Zangetsu asked his friends.

"Well uh… let's just say…" Monkey tried finding the right words.

"Senbonzakura's jealous and he's coming to-," Snake outwardly said but got interrupted by his partner.

"Shut up! We we're suppose to tell him that!" Monkey violently shook the small boy.

Hyorinmaru looked at his new friend next to him, his cheeks were lightly flushed. It looked like his theory (note not a guess but a theory) was correct about the young zanpakuto being in love with the overzealous samurai.

"H-He's what?" Zangetsu tried keeping his voice even but his throat had gone dry.

Sode no Shirayuki sighed and did a face palm, "He was just angry Zangetsu, he's like that sometimes. In fact he's-,"

"Please just hurry with the explanation Yuki," Monkey did a face palm herself at the woman's habit of chattering.

"Oh, right!" Sode no Shirayuki gained back her focus. "He never meant to harm you Zangetsu, and he cares deeply for you," she rubbed her wrist, remembering the way Senbonzakura's grip had tightened upon seeing Zangetsu getting along with everyone else, "Sometimes that man can be such a handful, act like an overzealous teenager but that's who he is so…please forgive him Zangetsu." She then clapped her hands, "Can you also do us the favor of not telling him we were the ones who suggested you go see Hyorinmaru?"

A smiles smile crossed Zangetsu's lips, "All right…I try keeping it a secret. What should I do now though?"

"I think I may have a suggestion," Hyorinmaru spoke, they all turned towards him, "Are you a good actor Zangetsu?"

"I think I can manage," Zangetsu replied to the ice dragon.

"Well," Hyorinmaru smiled at the teen, "We have to ready the stage, don't we?"

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Senbonzakura arrived to Seireitei forest, as one reached denser part of the forest it became cooler. He quickly reached the dense part and looked around, until he finally saw two figures. His blue eyes widened at the scene before him.

"Do you really think he's a good choice?" Hyorinmaru had placed his hands on Zangetsu's arms, Zangetsu had his hood drawn up, and Senbonzakura couldn't tell the teen's expression. He watched closely as his eyes narrowed at the man holding the young spirit. "You can win over anyone's heart…I know you have won mine," Hyorinmaru spoke in a soft tone.

He knew it! So that damn ice dragon was after his Zangetsu- Wait, his? Since when has Zangetsu ever been his? Gloved hands cradled his head in confusion, what was happening? What was he suddenly thinking? Looking back at the pair he felt his heart clench at the scene. The tips of Hyorinmaru's hands pulled down Zangetsu's dark hood. Kami…he looked so beautiful in the sunlight.

"What are you suggesting Hyorinmaru?" Zangetsu asked the zanpakuto before him.

Senbonzakura's eyes went wide when he saw Zangetsu being embraced in another man's arms. No! No one else could get so close to him!

"Why chose a sword who keeps causing you pain when you can have someone who will protect you with their life? He is rampant and wild, the exact opposite of you. Zangetsu…I only see two star crossed lovers. With you I can see the stars align between us," Hyorinmaru told the other.

Senbonzakura stopped dead in his tracks, that was right…all he ever done was hurt Zangetsu. Today he had even come close to injuring Zangetsu all due to his rage. He deserved someone better…he deserved someone who could protect him. With a sad heart Senbonzakura turned and started walking away slowly.

"Hyorinmaru what should we do now?" Zangetsu whispered nervously as he noticed Senbonzakura leaving.

A silent growl emitted from the man, "Looks like I've overstepped it a little…how about a fake kiss?"

"A what?" a hiss escaped the teen's lips and Hyorinmaru rolled his eyes.

"We angle our heads to make it looks like a kiss when we aren't," he softly explained trying not to get caught.

"Oh…" Zangetsu had only heard the word 'kiss'. Just thinking about kissing someone… he couldn't kiss anyone else. That day Senbonzakura first kissed him had made him feel so hot. He took take of him when he was sick- that was it!

"How are we going to come up with a scene for it though…?" Hyorinmaru looked at the samurai's retreating back. He was caught off guard by Zangetsu's sudden violent coughing. The teen fell on his knees and continued to cough as if he were on the verge of dieing from it! "Zangetsu!" Hyorinmaru quickly was on his knees trying to figure out was wrong when Zangetsu quickly gave him a silent glance. He calmed down, trying to follow the young zanpakuto's lead.

Senbonzakura quickly froze in place the second he heard coughing. Spinning around he quickly saw Zangetsu falling and Hyorinmaru calling out to him. He rushed forward and saw Zangetsu in Hyorinmaru's arms.

"Zangetsu, Zangetsu," Hyorinmaru shook the teen softly.

"Senbonzakura…" Zangetsu whispered faintly.

The samurai's heart hammered in his chest. Zangetsu had spoken his name…but for what reason?

"He's not here Zangetsu," Hyorinmaru pushed away a strand of stray hair from the teen's face.

"Senbonzakura…I can't…I can't…I have to back and apologize…" Zangetsu's face grew flushed. Something in Senbonzakura's tightened. Zangetsu thought he hated him… no…he misunderstood. He was just…he was just-

"You have done nothing wrong Zangetsu," Hyorinmaru tilted Zangetsu's face up towards him, "Forget about him."

They came nowhere near an inch, not even a centimeter close! Zangetsu was suddenly standing, eyes wide, as he realized who was holding him. The scent of cherry blossoms… that warmth… it seemed to follow Senbonzakura everywhere. Zangetsu's eyes suddenly lowered and nuzzled into Senbonzakura's chest.

"If you ever," Senbonzakura snarled, "try anything like that like that again it will be your last."

Hyorinmaru remained calm and stood up again, "Very well…then it seems I have lost then. Know this though, Zangetsu had chosen you, you are to take responsibility of him and if anything harms my friend I'll make sure you'll never come anywhere close to him until you grow worthy of him."

"That is something that will never happen," Senbonzakura said as he gently tugged Zangetsu's arm and led him away. Once they left, Sode no Shirayuki and Zabimaru came out from their hiding spot.

"That was amazing!" the snow woman's eyes shimmered with amazement much like Rukia's would.

"Gotta say that was a heck of a show," Monkey smirked with her arms folded.

"What happened to him?" Hyorinmaru noticed the unconscious Snake who had been dragged out of the bushes due to the pair being chained together.

"Huh?" Monkey tugged the chain and Snake fell flat on his face on the ground, "Him? He was getting over excited so I had to knock him out."

Hyorinmaru rolled his eyes and spoke a silent mutter, "Women…"

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"Are you all right?" Senbonzakura asked as he placed Zangetsu against the cherry blossom tree in the Kuchiki gardens, "Are you hurt anywhere? Where do you feel sick?"

"I-I'm fine," Zangetsu stammered as half of his face was covered with a blush.

Senbonzakura placed a bare hand on the reddened cheek, the skin was soft and smooth, and Zangetsu was just so perfect. "I'm sorry about this afternoon, I was just frustrated that you forgave Hyorinmaru so easily," Senbonzakura muttered.

"I don't hold grudges against my friends," Zangetsu informed him.

"I've cause you so much pain though…" Senbonzakura's voice trembled. How could he so forgiving towards him? Zangetsu…Zangetsu was perfect, too perfect for him in fact he didn't deserve kindness after one mess up too many.

"Look at me," Zangetsu narrowed his eyes as Senbonzakura did nothing, he grabbed both sides of his face and forced the samurai to look at him, "Look at me! I'm here because of you! You're the one who has set me free, made my existence possible. If you hadn't done what you had I wouldn't be here, Ichigo would have remained weak. He grew stronger due to Byakuya Kuchiki, I helped him gain strength in order to defeat him, because of you my blade is shaper, had purpose. Senbonzakura just accept the fact that it is now in the past! You act like Ichigo!"

Zangetsu froze at the last words; meeting the blue gaze he saw they narrowed. "I'm just like Ichigo am I? People kept saying that I act just like Byakuya when he was younger… I even look like him! Why do you think I wear this mask? To prevent people saying that I'm just a copy, they see me as him when he was a teenager when this is really the way I act! Now I'm being compared to someone else?" the teen was slammed into the tree, air escaping his lungs, "Why? Why can't I just be recognized as myself? I am me, nobody else! I am not Byakuya Kuchiki, or Ichigo Kurosaki, Zangetsu. Is that all you really care about, your master? What do I have to do for you to notice me?"

The teen's pale blue eyes widened, "Senbonzakura…"

The samurai's knees grew weak, he held himself up by pushing his hands against the tree, his head resting between Zangetsu's neck and shoulder. His eyes lowered and closed softly, trying to block out the pain, "What do I have to do…for you to l-l-lo…"

Zangetsu's blush sprang up again, his breath escaped unevenly, while the hot breath from the samurai made him feel hotter, "S-Senbonzakura." He squeezed his eyes and embraced the samurai tightly. The young zanpakuto then felt the arms, the arms he would forever feel peace when they held him, wrap around him as if trying to hang on, looking for some sort of support. He opened his eyes again when he heard a clatter. Senbonzakura looked towards him again and Zangetsu's breath was stolen, his heart was hammering against his chest.

"Who do you see Zangetsu?" the samurai asked, eyes wavering, the gloveless hand freed his hair. It fell down, brushing against cheeks and settling against the samurai.

Forget about breath…how was he going to live without his heart? Senbonzakura… Senbonzakura was absolutely perfect… the way his face was curved and pointed to perfection. Everything about him was perfect, the way his hair framed his face, the way his skin looked so soft and was pale to perfection, looking absolutely beautiful under the sun heck it would be perfect under any light, and the eyes… His own heart had been stolen from him.

"Senbonzakura…" Zangetsu breathed, surprised he could say anything.

"Who do you see…Zangetsu?" the older zanpakuto buried his face into the crook of Zangetsu's neck again.

"You…" Zangetsu finally answered. Blue eyes widened, his heart began to beat rapidly against his chest. He lifted his face again to look at Zangetsu, his eyes wide as he saw nothing but the truth in those pale blue eyes, "I only see you…"

The samurai leaned in, capturing Zangetsu's lips with his own. Oh kami…what was happening to him? He felt his heart soaring in his chest, his stomach churned from the waves of warmth and his body nearly trembled from how warm Zangetsu's were. Zangetsu's lips were placed perfectly over his own, just tasting the lips sent his taste buds in frenzy, he just couldn't stop thinking how soft Zangetsu's lips were. Kami… kami… kami! How could he suddenly feel this way over one simple kiss?

Zangetsu was breathless; he had been breathless from the start of Senbonzakura kissing him. He closed his eyes in total bliss, feeling nothing but the warmth of the samurai's lips, the feel of his hands that were placed on his waist, they way Senbonzakura was just standing so close to him. The intoxicating smell of cherry blossoms had filled his nose and his hands grabbed a fist full of long hair and the samurai's clothing. Tugging him closer made him dizzy, Senbonzakura's lips started moving against his own and he gasped as the shocks of the light brushing. Kami…how could they be kissing? Was this what it felt like to kiss someone you truly loved?

Hearing Zangetsu's soft moan made him grip the arms that were covered by the cloak. Pressing the other further against the tree his heart couldn't stop pounding. This blissful feeling…he doubt he would find it anywhere else if he tried searching for the rest of his existence. Finally…after finally pushing past the denial inside of him he pulled away reluctantly. His ears focused on Zangetsu's soft panting, he couldn't stop tasting Zangetsu, his nose couldn't smell anything but Zangetsu's scent, his eyes studied the way the pale cheeks were flushed and how the eyes were filled with love…so much love.

He couldn't stop feeling this emotion swelling up inside him…

Brushing his lips lightly and gently closing his eyes he felt his heart beating steadily but hard against his chest. "I love you," he whispered against Zangetsu's lips. His heart stopped completely at his own words, his eyes opened wide and he leaned back to see Zangetsu's were as wide as his. They where both shocked from the confession, just as Senbonzakura was about to say something, Zangetsu hurtled himself against the samurai and his head hit the ground.

He looked up at Zangetsu's face, blue eyes shimmer in happiness, warmth… love. "You know…I'm not as easy to handle as you think I am," Zangetsu was straddling his waist, holding his arms down by pinning his wrists.

Senbonzakura smirked, his voice a soft whisper, "Neither am I…"

Zangetsu smiled in return, "I can handle you… I'm just not sure if you can handle me, I lack trust in other sometimes…even going in denial and start to question those around me…I don't know if I could…if I could…"

The smile disappeared and the eyes were clouded, Zangetsu usually had to deal with his master going into life risking situations, he could understand why Zangetsu would act that way. Even if it took him centuries he would wait until Zangetsu would fully embrace his feelings. For now he was just fine with being near him, loving him. "I can wait, I don't need a confession, I already know how you feel," he whispered.

"Y-You-," Zangetsu stammered.

"I love you," Senbonzakura repeated the three words he had said earlier. Zangetsu's face was suddenly flushed with red; they lowered halfway, the teen lowered his head so their foreheads touched each other.

"You get way over your head," Zangetsu muttered, his hot breath ghosting over the pale face.

A smirk formed on his lips, "I know…" He felt peacefully in bliss, he thought he was drowning in it when Zangetsu finally kissed him again.

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Byakuya was out of currently out of breath; he had been searching nearly all of Seireitei for Ichigo. If that cat led Ichigo in any trouble that could have gotten the small boy hurt he turn her to shreds! Turning the corner he narrowed his eyes as he spotted the very cat he was looking for.

"Shihoin!" he raised his voice.

The cats turned towards him and blandly flapped a paw, "Oh, hello there Byakuya."

"Where is the boy?" he hissed as he stomped his way over.

"My, my you're acting like yourself back then," Yoruichi turned her head upwards. Byakuya followed his gaze only to feel panic coursing through his veins.

"What is Ichigo doing up on the roof!" he shouted at the cat.

"You're getting as loud as you were back then too," the cat muttered.

"Was is he doing on the roof, Shihoin?" Byakuya closed his eye, his eyes twitching as he tried his best to gain his composure back.

"Teach him flash step?" Yoruichi suggested.

"How does that teach anyone flash step?" Byakuya clenched his hands. "Ichigo! Get down from there!" he called out to the young boy.

Ichigo blinked and looked towards Byakuya, he was currently balancing himself on the corner edge of the roof, but completely forgot when he noticed Byakuya. "Byakuya!" Ichigo waved and smiled. The boy's eyes suddenly went wide as he slipped and started falling.

Byakuya completely frozen while Yoruichi just swished her tail, looking at the scene indifferently. "Well you did tell him to get down from there…" Yoruichi replied to the scene before her smartly.

Byakuya rushed forward and leaped upwards. He caught the small boy in his arms and breathed a sigh of relief. Looking at the boy he widened his eyes slightly as he looked at Ichigo who was currently smiling. "Byakuya! I haven't seen you since breakfast!" Ichigo nuzzled into the captain's arms.

"What were you doing up on the roof?" he questioned, slightly shocked at the boy's lack of trauma.

"Yoruichi was teaching me how to be a cat," he giggled.

Byakuya glared back at Yoruichi, "Teaching flash step huh…?"

"It builds the boy's courage," the cat shrugged of then smirked at him, "Plus it's good to see you squirm once in a while. Getting rather close to Ichigo, aren't we?"

Byakuya could feel his cheeks turn involuntarily red, "Werecat!"

"That the Byakuya I use to know!" the cat snickered. The waved a paw towards Ichigo, "Take care of little Byakuya for me, okay Ichigo?"

"I will!" Ichigo nodded. The cat smiled towards the boy and disappeared in a flash, Byakuya stood there with a mix of emotions; shock, rage, and, embarrassment. He made a mental note to murder the werecat later…

He turned towards the boy, "Are you hurt?"

"Nope," Ichigo sighed as he placed his head against Byakuya chest. The sound of a strong heartbeat filling his ears, Byakuya's heart was so warm and beautiful…

"How did you get up on the roof anyway?" Byakuya said as he carried the small boy home.

"Yoruichi said I could learn flash step better if I though like a cat," the small boy explained.

"You don't need to improve in flash step Ichigo, you're a child," Byakuya reminded the boy in his arms. Did Ichigo even know just how fragile was now? Even the slightest scratch on the boy sent him in a spiral of worry.

"I want to be like Byakuya though," he looked down at the boy who blinked back at him.

"What?" he said as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"Yoruichi kept explaining the Seireitei to me. She even told me that captains have to be powerful. So when I grow up I want to more like you," the small boy explained. "I want to be with Byakuya," Ichigo sighed as he buried himself in the captain's hold.

Byakuya's eyes widened, his heart started pounding faster. Wait…why? What was happening to him? He held the boy closer to him, as if almost afraid to uncovered what was mysteriously happening to him. The captain started walking home again, his first stepped swayed a little but as he looked at the small boy currently sleeping in his arms he continued without a misstep. Just what was Ichigo Kurosaki capable of?

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Chapter 1 Reviews

To SexyBeast: Well to compensate I added more than I normally, sorry about not updating last week. I was pretty depressed at the time and I still am due to the loss of my flash drive and bracelet all in the same day. Then there's the complications of my new mp3 I seriously don't know how to work this thing. Thank you for reviewing and I hope to see you in the next chapter!

Chapter 8/9 Review

To shebajay: I am so sorry I didn't reply to you on chapter eight so I'm doing a mix of for your reviews, I shall do this from now one whenever someone reviews the second I post a new chapter. I'm so glad that you love my character, my story, just everything! It brings me delight to hear your words. I'm glad you would wait for so long, it really means a lot to me, especially since I'm drowning with depression. I'm glad to hear you liked the sick parts; I tried my best with them. They were a sudden flash of inspiration so I just had to write a sick part in for my story. I hope to see you in the next chapter!

Chapter 9 Reviews

To ATPT557: Yes! The tenseness! Plus I was finally able to push them forward and got a kiss out of them! Woo hoo! I'm driven by sugar right now so if I'm hyper please excuse me if I do anything stupid. I got the inspiration flash for Ichigo's dialogue from remembering a scene from an anime I use to watch, I would watch it now but I can't because I can't watch videos…oh well! You learn to live with crappy quality and a crappy life. I'm really glad you reviewed every chapter so far. It makes me happy, some people just leave one review then they're gone for good but I remember that people have a life and I feel guilty afterwards…yeah I at least try not to be selfish. I hope to hear from you in the next chapter.

To Sanz0girl: Indeed! I hope this chapter was as sweet as the last and to get a chance to see you in the next!

To EmoBunny4Eva: Kya! I'm so glad you loved the chapter! To tell you the truth it's also my favorite chapter so far but let's see how long that holds up. I hope to see you in the next!

To xXxOtAkU-444xXx: Shade:0 Me: 3

Shade: Shut up!

To Kuugen: (gasp) I do! (Nearly faints) Whoa…that is such a huge compliment I-I think I'm started to get flustered! I uh…oh! No! It didn't come across as creepy or anything! It sounded perfectly normal and I giggled when you thought I saw that as creepy. I hope the wait wasn't too long and I can only hope some people hadn't given up on me. I'm grateful that you liked the angst part, it wasn't even my intention and I didn't even realize I put any! I just write what comes to me, from the heart. I'm so happy to hear your support I hope to see you in the next chapter!

To The Fan of Almost Everything: I love everything about your reviews! No matter how small or big they are they all mean something to me even a simple "I love your work" fills my heart with happiness! You don't have to try, as long as you're honest and speak with a true heart it makes me happy. I'm happy that you even take the time to review I have so much to be thankful for during the dark days of my life. I'm glad that I can inspire, that I can make people happy, that's the true joy of writing this story. I'm so glad for your support, I hope to see you in the next chapter!

To IHeartBleach: I'm sorry it took so long but I tried my best and I tried making it as long as I could. Hearing that it was sweet and that you loved it put a smile on my face. I hope you enjoyed it and I hope to hear from you in the next chapter!

To XDARKERXDESIREX: Aw! I didn't even look at it as a first young love did I! It make my heart flutter a little seeing things differently through a reader's eyes. The bad things in my life may stand before me as big intimidating doors yet I shall use everything I have to push through them. Hearing words of support only helps me move forward, like all those people saying I did a great job on my speech. It fills my heart with warmth and happiness. I hope to hear, and see in the next chapter!

To Lil Mexican: Ha! Ha! Ha! Sorry but Ichigo turning back to normal won't happen in a while; I hope it's worth the wait though! I hope to hear from you in the next chapter!

To LovePsycho: Aw, I'm so glad you enjoyed, I am ever grateful for the brownies! (Munches on one then hand one to Snowy)

Shade: No way! (Growls and leaps on me) You are not having any more sugar! You already had two cookies and I know you're planning to eat leftover Easter candy!

ShadowWolf: (stuffs a brownie in his mouth) There you go you grumpy wolf! (Kisses the top of his head) Sugar makes a person sweeter!

Shade: (gets off and mutters to Snowy) Is it her teacher?

Snowy: (shrugs and happily eat brownie)

To deidrasha the fallen angel: Well whether the reader notices or misses something it's up to me to tell them but when they suspect well…I keep my mouth shut! Hate to take out the fun! I hope the wait wasn't long! I hope to see you in the next chapter!

To Hesymi: Ah! Thank you! I was beginning to think no one would notice…I want to somehow connect the zanpakuto and their partners, it may seem like one pair is advancing while the other isn't but in reality both are coming through hurtles in order to get closer. Zangetsu and Senbonzakura may seem like they have stepped further than Byakuya and Ichigo but this is only the beginning of the beginning so I hope to keep our interest until the very end of the end. I'm glad to hear from you! You're words mean a lot, so than you very much and I hope to hear from you in the next chapter!

To AnnElfwind: Well…if you say so, I would feel responsible if anyone got in trouble reading my story. Hmm…Rukia and Renji's relationship development comes in a little later right now I should start focusing more on building (I'm noticing that I'm focusing more on Senbonzakura and Zangetsu but they are getting rushed which worries me…) Byakuya's relationship with Ichigo, I hope I can bring in the Byakuya Ichigo sweetness back into the spotlight. I hope this was worth such a long wait! I hope to see you in the next chapter!

To neko neko: No problem, my job to explain what I missed to explain correctly. I'm glad you loved the sweet moments and I shall bring more! I hope that nothing get overly dramatic until there is a necessary need for that. I hope to see you in the next chapter!

To Third Generation Witch: Ehhehe…thanks?

Shade: That's it! I demand divorce! (Growls)

ShadowWolf: Clam down, calm down (flaps hand). Well um…I'm sorry but I don't really find interest in love or marriage right now, my mentor even told me to stay away from dating until I was thirty or something. Not to hurt your feelings but the whole 'wife' thing kind of creeps me out.

Shade: Feh, took you long enough. You're mentor is right, you aren't ready for a relationship, you're not ready handle it because you maul over everything thinking that it would be rude of you.

ShadowWolf: (hits him over the head) This is a person's feeling we're talking about Shade! Look… relationships tend to scare me to death, there are endless bad possibilities and it would only be close to a miracle for the first one you date to be the only person in the world you date. Thinking about an online relationship, even if it's just for kicks, during my youth scares me because I would feel guilt towards a future relationship. I'm sorry, am I making sense? Please do not say that you would end your life for the sake of mine because I take suicide seriously, it is not something to joke about. I'm glad you like my stories and everything, I hope you don't hate me now; I don't like anyone hating me. We can be friends though; close friends even, like a yaoi buddy of mine! Well I hope to see you in the next chapter!

To XxItsmeNIna: Of course I would! I always do! I had to think a little about how to manage to bring a soft side out of Byakuya, so I thought of this! Don't we all wish that Ichigo could be sweet as my- I mean little Ichigo? (Laughs nervously at Byakuya glaring at a distance)

Teenage Ichigo: Oh so you want cute? How this for cute! (Draws Zangetsu)

ShadowWolf: Wow… I perfectly nailed his personality! High five!

Ichigo: (stares at me bluntly) Uh… (Points to me and turns towards muses) is she always like this?

(Both muses nod)

To Aimtist: Are you kidding? I'm a reader! I especially love reading my reviews! In face I read every review to my first one to the very last one almost everyday! I love reading from you guys! Your words are beautiful and I loved everything about your review. You expressed your emotions you told me which part you liked you when told me your favorite quote, which made me happy beyond words! It makes me think 'wow…this is what my writing looks like' and lets me see what you see. I do feel guilt about length replies though, I mean one person gets this overly long reply and the other person don't get as much but at least came close to reviewing as much makes me feel kind of bad. I kind of find it unfair so I try to go by the "if I can come up with a good long reply I will" sort of system because I cannot do a 'balance' meaning you write this long I write that long. It's all in the matter if you can make me talk or not, if I find a really good review I can 'talk' to but then shorten my response that's what I feel guilty of. I hope you liked this chapter and I hope to see you in the next!

To osweetie246: I will continue this and I will see this story to the very end so no need to worry about that! The only thing that can stop me is death of the computer or my own death, which should be a long way away. I-I don't know about my writing style this time (laughs nervously and scratches head) kind of depressed during the time… Well I hope to see you in the next chapter!

To demonlifehealer: Ha! Ha! You made me laugh! I love this review, honestly brought a smile to my face. This is the first I've heard of Zangetsu being called cute, I better make sure Senbonzakura doesn't misunderstand (winks) you know it's a joke. I'm also fond of Ichigo clinging onto Byakuya so dearly (sigh). Is it weird to be a fan of your own story? Sometimes I think, "Okay what's the next chapter? I can't wait to find out!" then I realize that I am the author so it kind of falls on my shoulders. I will at least tell everyone that Ichigo does eventually return to normal. Long way off but I hope it's worth the wait! I hope to see you in the next chapter!