sorry it's such a short chappie guys. it just naturally seemed to end where it did. next chapter we will be getting back to some ren/starrk goodness and also seeing what ichi has up his sleeve for his friend!
review as always are loved, welcomed and appreciated!
Ichigo woke first, which wasn't out of the ordinary given his two rather lazy bed companions. A grin light his face as he opened his eyes and saw the swatch of brown hair nuzzled up to him and the beautiful face of his friend and lover, or former lover? Shaking his head he smiled lightly, this certainly was confusing but then again he knew Renji loved him as well as Starrk, except that Starrk was very clearly made for Renji and the two had a possibility of real love. He kissed the brunette gently on the forehead and felt the soft puff of his sleepy sigh against his chest; he would certainly have to talk to Renji about being included every now and then as it seemed that all three of them had sated their desires rather wonderfully with each other. He withdrew he arm slowly as to not wake the espada and stilled as the man let out a small moan of protest and rolled toward the warmth that stayed in the bed, Renji. He padded out to the kitchen to see Urahara acting as bizarre as ever, sporting a frilly apron and chef's hat he was flipping eggs high in the air with a pan, Ichigo snorted and the shopkeeper turned around.
"Did you think I would let you starve after all that ruckus last night?" He grinned knowingly as Ichigo turned pink, red, purple, and pale white.
"You…heard?" He barely squeaked out.
"I think everyone within a mile heard" he whirled around to see Juushiro standing in the doorway with Shunsui, the brunette's arm draped lazily around his lover's slim shoulders. Ichigo's face colored with embarrassment of having not just Urahara but two captains's hearing him in the throes of passion.
"In all seriousness Ichigo, are you ok?" Juushiro asked, it figured, he was always then empathetic one. Ichigo nodded mutely, hoping to not give away too much; he was shocked when Shunsui approached him and placed two fingers under his chin forcing the younger man to look up.
"You are ok, but not at peace ne?" He whispered softly, the words hardly a question. Ichigo felt his eyes water and threaten to spill over, steeling himself he answered softly.
"It was beautiful to be included with them; however, Starrk and Renji are very much in love it is plain to see. I regret losing Renji as a lover but know we will always be friends; and if I have to lose him I am glad it is to Starrk. I just hope" he took a breath "that one day I will know the love they have. It hurts, yet despite it all I am very happy for them."
"Don't worry" came Renji's deep voice "we won't let you get lonely, we had just as much fun" he said, a devilish glint in his eyes. "And we want you to find someone to love too Ichigo" he ended, his tone and face more serious.
Starrk looked at the young man "thank you Ichigo, for saying that about us" he intoned quietly. "As Renji said, you are always welcome to join us should you feel the desire too, and I too hope for your happiness in finding love."
Ichigo looked at his friends and the brunette espada and smiled broadly. He knew he would be ok, and that Renji hadn't left him but moved on to something they both had always wanted. He walked to Renji and gave him a searing kiss, then turned to Starrk and gently kissed his mouth before walking to the two captains, bowing his head slightly he voiced his thanks and turning to Urahara he uttered the words the shopkeeper had known he would.
"Can you open a Senkaimon? I have an idea."
Ichigo leapt out of the Senakaimon gate into Seireitei, he immediately began heading toward the division 6 headquarters knowing he would find Byakuya Kuchiki there, Renji's taichou. Ichigo had been appraised of the situation and knew Byakuya was unaware his fukataichou was alive; all of this would be remedied shortly. He strolled into the doors casually, taking in the pristine air that he had come to expect of anything touched by Byakuya's hands. Making his way down the hall his hand settled on the doorknob to the taichou's office, he opened it slightly and saw a sight few had ever seen. The normally strictly disciplined noble sat at his desk with his head in his hands, a look of frustration across his angular features as his black hair spilled forward, Ichigo creaked the door open just enough to give the man time to compose himself while he busied himself with pretending he hadn't seen anything. The startled man cleared his throat
"Can I help you Kurosaki?" A delicate eyebrow rose.
"Actually Byakuya" he saw the older man's lips twitch at the use of his name so casually, "I think I can help you."
"How so? As you can see I don't need any help in the office."
"No?" Ichigo asked, mischievously "but wouldn't it be nice to have your fukataichou around?"
"Ichigo" he admonished sharply "Renji has not been found after the war and is presumed missing or…" he trailed off, not wanting to finish that sentence.
"And what if I told you he wasn't?" He watched in satisfaction as Byakuya's eyes lit up at the thought of his friend being alive.
"He isn't?"
"Maybe…However, if you want me to tell you anything you are going to have to do me a favor."
The raven haired man's lips pressed into a thin line, "what?"
"I need to speak with that freaky scientist and Soutaichou, and also need you on my side."
"Your side of what?" Ichigo grinned, yes he was going to make sure Renji and Starrk were able to stay together and he had the perfect idea to make it happen.
