AN: Ok, so here's how this works. I wanted to make this special scene for the story but its rated M so I have it posted as a side story chapter titled "a night under the moon" and it is chapter 12 ½ to "a new life" if you haven't read that yet you can if you want to but the story makes sense regardless if you're not into that stuff. Anyway, if you did read it thank you and this chapter should come off as either touching or funny. I hope you enjoy it.
Disclaimer: I do not own bleach, naruto, death note, fma, or any other anime that might appear. Nor do I own the characters.
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The next morning, Ichigo woke to the sound of birds chirping outside. After blinking a few times he glanced down and smiled to see a blissfully sleeping Rukia curled up against his chest. Running his fingers gently threw her hair; he gave her a small peck on the forehead, "I'll be back soon." He whispered in her ear before sitting up and grabbing a simple kimono before putting it on.
As Ichigo was getting up, Rukia opened one eye and smiled as she watched him get dressed and step outside, "that's too bad, I was enjoying just laying here with you." She thought as she watched him leave the room. He hadn't been aware of it but Rukia had been awake for the past half hour, simply enjoying the moment. She let out a small sigh as she got up and put on her own kimono. After brushing the tangles from her hair she stepped outside and made her way out to the garden.
When she arrived, she walked over and had a seat under one of the sakura trees next to the koi pond and started playing with the water. Looking into the pond at her reflection, seeing that the left side of her kimono was falling open a bit, she gasped as a light blush crept onto her face with a smile as she placed a hand over the little red mark, "He seemed a bit worried about something." She thought aloud as she sat back against the tree and let out a small sigh.
Gazing up and watching the sakura petals fall, Rukia relaxed against the tree and slowly drifted off to sleep. Why she was so tired, she didn't know, she had just woke up so why was she so drowsy. It didn't matter though; she figured she'd be fine after a nap so there was no need to worry.
With Ichigo—
Ichigo had been asked after dinner last night to meet with Byakuya first thing in the morning, and that's just what he was on his way to do. When he got to the study he sat down in front of the door and waited to be invited in.
"Come in Ichigo." Byakuya said from in the room.
Ichigo opened the door and gave a light bow, "You wanted to see me Byakuya sama?"
Putting down his brush, Byakuya got up and walked over to a cabinet, taking out what looked like a cream colored silk package, "I meant to give this to you at dinner last night, your father suggested I wait until today." He said as he handed it to his new brother in law.
Accepting the small yet obviously valuable gift, Ichigo unfolded the cloth to see a double bracket kenseiken, "I don't understand, these are only meant to be worn by…"
"by high ranking members of the Kuchiki family, as is that scarf." He said, finishing Ichigo's sentence.
"You're saying you consider me a true member of the family?" he said as he picked up the hairpiece.
"I have for some time now Ichigo, now that its official I can give you these. Consider it a late wedding gift." Byakuya said as a small, rare smile appeared on his face, "welcome to the family Ichigo, please don't disappoint me."
After being dismissed, Ichigo went back to the room to find no sight of Rukia. As he laughed it off, he went over and sat at a small mirror and sighed. Placing his 'gift' on the table, he contemplated how he was going to wear his kenseiken. When he finally decided, he pulled back his hair and separated it into two portions, putting one in each bracket and tying the two together. "Well I Guess that works." He thought aloud as he checked his work.
As he stood up he wrapped the scarf around and let both ends drape over the front of his right shoulder. "Wow, make me a captain and I look just that stuck up, high and mighty, 'brother' of mine." He thought as he let out a light chuckle. It wasn't often he got to be himself anymore, what with all the restrictions in this new life of his, but being with Rukia was worth it without question. Now for the fun part, finding his lovely new wife.
Back in the garden-
After searching for about an hour, Ichigo finally arrived at the garden to see a sleeping Rukia leaned up against the sakura tree. Smiling as he walked over to her, he knelt down to eye level and cupped her face in the palm of his hand. He then glanced up as he noticed a little white butterfly in her hair.
"Now who are you?" He said to it as he held out his first two fingers for the butterfly to fly over to, which it did.
"Good morning Ichigo. Who's your friend?" Rukia said as she woke and gave him a small peck followed by a smile.
Returning her smile with one of his own, Ichigo looked at their little visitor, "I was hoping to ask you the same question. This little guy was in your hair." He said as he sat down next to her up against the tree.
The butterfly slowly fluttered its wings and flew back over to Rukia and landed on her shoulder as it made a small jingle sound that Ichigo and Rukia heard as light, musical words. "~Okaa san, you're pretty~" the butterfly said with a giggle.
The newlyweds gasped at the comment, still not understanding the situation yet after hearing that, it was somewhat obvious. "Rukia, did it just call you…" Ichigo started as Rukia cut him off with a nod.
The two stood up and looked at the butterfly, "Ichigo, maybe we should ask someone about this." Rukia suggested as Ichigo nodded in agreement and the two headed back to the main room with their new friend.
When Ichigo and Rukia got to the main lounge they noticed that Masaki and Ishiin were there as well, catching up after so many years. The confused couple walked over and sat down across from them as Ichigo sighed, "Hey, we need your help with something." He admitted roughly.
Ishiin and Masaki noticed the butterfly on Rukia's shoulder and smiled at each as they shared a small laugh. Then looking back at the younger pair Ishiin grinned as he place a proud hand on his son's shoulder, "Well congratulations Ichigo, that sure didn't take very long did it." He half-joked.
Ichigo swatted his father's hand away, even for confused now then he was, "What are you talking about? We just wanted to ask if you knew anything about this butterfly. I mean, it looks just like a hell butterfly but it's white." He asked in a half confused, half aggravated tone.
Masaki brought a hand to her mouth and giggled, "Ichigo, that's a shiro cho. It's the soul of a child that never got to have a chance at life." She started to explain.
Rukia glanced over at the butterfly, "But, then why is it with us?" she asked as it flew off her shoulder and began to flutter around them making a musical giggling sound before landing in her hair.
"When two shinigami become parents, the child starts off as a shiro cho. Over time it will feed on the parents raitsu and once it has had enough it will take the form of a toddler and then grow at a normal pace." Ishiin said as he looked at Ichigo, as if to say, "you know what I'm saying right?"
A small moment went by as they let it sink in, "So… this is our child?" Ichigo asked in a somewhat stunned tone, as the shiro cho flew over to him and landed on his shoulder.
"~Otou san, do you not like me? ~" the 'child' said as it slowly fluttered its wings.
Ichigo gasped as he glanced over at what seemed to be a sad little butterfly, "No, of course I like you, I'm just surprised is all." He softly explained as he brought up a hand to let it perch on his finger.
Rukia smiled as she watched the two bond, letting it all soak in herself, "You know something Ichigo, I'm not surprised at all." She said as leaned over to give Ichigo a hug as he smiled down at her.
The butterfly left Ichigo's finger and made its way over to nuzzle in Rukia's hair. When it was finally nice and comfortable it started glowing.
Jumping at a small glimpse of shock, Rukia felt a small hint of weakness. "Ichigo, I'm feeling a little tired." She mumbled as rested her head on his shoulder.
Glancing down at her, Ichigo felt a bit confused, "Rukia, how are you tired, you just woke up from a nap?" he said as he brushed a strand of hair from her somewhat dazed eyes.
Ishiin placed a hand on his son's shoulder and smiled, "Don't worry, the kids just hungry. Rukia should be wide awake once she gets some of her raitsu back."
Ichigo calmed down a bit after hearing this, "That's good to hear." He said as Rukia lay her head down on his shoulder and drifted off to sleep.
Squad 13 training ground—
It was roughly high noon and Light and Ryuzaki were just starting a break from training. Right as they sat down and got out their lunch, Uryu and Orihime walked over and joined them.
"Hi, you don't mind if we join you do you?" Orihime chirped as she sat down and opened her bento, composed of weird foods. (again)
Giving a light shake of his head, Uryu gave a light sigh as he smiled, "You should wait until they answer."
Noticing some sweets in Orihime's bento, Ryuzaki brought a thumb to his lip and eye the box, practically drooling over the treats. "No problem at all, but… you wouldn't mind if I tried some of those would you?" he said, pointing at his weakness known as sweet foods.
After giving a slight questioning look, Orihime smiled and held out the box, "Sure thing Ryuzaki kun, take as many as you want."
Light couldn't help but laugh at the fact that she had just given away half her lunch, "Inoue chan, I'd keep an eye on how much he takes if I were you." he advised humorously. Once he stopped laughing he looked over at Uryu, "Say, Ishida san, you wouldn't happen to know where lieutenant Kuchiki is today would you? He hasn't been around all day." it felt a bit odd to call him 'Kuchiki' rather then 'Kurosaki' it was going to take some getting used to.
Uryu took a seat and let out a small sigh, "Well the two of them did just have their wedding, I'm sure they just want to spend some time together." True, there was a crisis happening at the moment but he doubted that even soul society was so cold as to make someone skip out on their honeymoon.
"Actually, Ichigo and Rukia are going to have their hands full for a while." Renji said as he walked over to the group, "White butterflies need a lot of attention after all." he said with a small chuckle.
The whole group looked over at Renji. Ryuzaki was the first to say something, "Where did you learn about this?" he asked as he picked up another sweet snack.
Renji took a seat and pulled out his own lunch, "I was asking Captain Kuchiki how the two were doing and he mentioned something about seeing a white butterfly on Rukia's shoulder while she was napping earlier."
Uryu raised an eyebrow at the topic, "Alright, so what exactly is a white butterfly?" he asked as he put his cup down.
For the rest of their lunch, Renji tried his best to explain things whilst keeping a straight face. What was rather interesting to Uryu was that Orihime already knew everything about it. Then again, being on squad 4, its probably required knowledge about things in that area.
Once the explanation was over Uryu sighed and gave a light smile as he took another drink of his tea, "I see, in that case I hope he's a better father then his." he said with a small chuckle.
"I wonder though, hows the kid going to feel about not having a father around for the beginning of his life?" Light said as he stood up and stretched his muscles a bit.
Orihime gasped at the question "What do you mean Light kun, Is Ichigo going somewhere?"she said as she put down her bento, which was then pretty much stolen by Ryuzaki.
"I doubt he's told Rukia yet, but Lieutenant Kuchiki is to gather a team of 5 and go on a recon mission in hueco mundo next week for at least a year." Light explained in a calm tone, "Actually I don't think he's told anyone other there Captain Kuchiki, the only reason we know is because he made us part of the team." he added, matter of factly.
Renji gave a small sigh, "I see what you mean now, the butterfly stage lasts 5-6 months, then the kid takes toddler form around the looks of a 3-4 year old. He or she will feel as if they've lived that long to... and with only faint subconscious memories of their time as a butterfly. I'd be surprised if the child recognizes Ichigo when he gets back, much less forgives him for leaving." he said, making sure that Uryu and Orihime understood.
Orihime didn't even care that her bento was gone, she was shocked at the idea of what she had heard. She looked up at Uryu with big, sad eyes, "We're going to help right? I mean, When Rukia starts working again we can help out on our vacation days right Uryu? Children that grow up alone, well it's just not right." she said as she looked down to the side as she said the last part.
Uryu knew what she was thinking right away. She was thinking on how she was alone as a child, with only her brother and then not even that. This wasn't completely the same, but it was true that Rukia would have work to do, after all, they in the middle of a crisis. Taking her face in his hands he look straight into her eyes, "Yes, we will help them. But when he gets back it should be just fine, so don't worry. And remember we have to use some of those days to visit Sora right?" he said trying to calm her down a bit, which worked because she brought up a hand and smiled as she wiped the little tears that had nearly started to fall from her eyes, and nodded. He smiled back and leaned in and gave her a small peck on the lips. He had tasted something faintly familiar though, slightly sour with a tingly feeling but mind boggling, too. It was like that tiny hint of flavor filled his whole body with shivers in a somewhat odd and good way as his face was suddenly heating up. It was the heat that brought the conclusion upon him too, "Orihime, did lieutenant Matsumoto come visit you this morning?" he said as he brought a hand to his forehead.
Orihime nodded again, "yeah she did, she asked me to have a drink with her and we talked about... um... stuff." she said, blushing at the fact that Rangiku had decided it was time to push Orihime into being more 'lovey' in her relationship with Uryu, and how, AKA the talk.
'I'm going to kill that woman' he thought as he tried to stay awake and calm, "Do me a favor and either don't drink or warn me if you have ok?" and before she could say anything he fell over and passed out on her lap.
The 3 other guys just snickered a bit as Renji held out a hand and was offered 1000 yen each. Another bet they had made, this time it was made that night at the bachalor party when they realized Uryu wasn't drinking. 1000 says he cant hold his liquor. That was Renji's bet, Light and and Ryuzaki said that he just doesn't drink. Renji looked at at the now concerned Orihime and patted her shoulder, "This is why Captain Hitsugaya doesn't allow sake in the barracks anymore." he said as he laughed some more.
Later that evening
Ichigo and Rukia had just finished with their supper for the night and were now enjoying some family time in their room. The butterfly was restless, fluttering about the room, asking questions nonstop and occasionally crashing into things. Oddly enough, it would break anything it crashed into. Cracking the floor, breaking the table, cracking the wall, tearing the blankets. Ichigo couldn't help but laugh, despite how tired he was. Apparently his raitsu was like caffeine to this child.
Rukia sighed and carefully caught the little one by the tip of it's wings, "Hush...calm down your going to hurt yourself." she said as she placed it gently in the palm of her hand, "Now, if your good, your father and I will each answer one of your questions ok?" she bargained as she released the little wings and they gave a small flutter as if nodding. "Okay, now, what your first question?" she said as she nudged Ichigo to stop his chuckling.
The Butterfly fluttered over to Ichigo's shoulder. ~"Otou san... how did you and Okaa san meet?"~ the little one asked Ichigo.
Ichigo and Rukia looked at each other for a bit before silently agreeing to go ahead and tell the story. Rukia gave a smile to the butterfly, "I met your father in a very special way. You see, you father's spiritual pressure is so strong, he was able to see me when he was still human." she said as the butterfly began to flutter and glow bright, as if to show amusment.
"Calm down, you want to hear the rest right?" Ichigo said as as the child stilled its wings but continued to glow. Thankfully, Ichigo could tell that this glow didnt mean he was feeding. "Alright, now, like your mother was saying, we met when I was still human. My spiritual pressure was so strong, it drew a hollow to attack my family." He began as the child glow started to grow dimmer.
~"What happened, did the hollow get away?"~ chirped the curious and slightly scared child.
"Your mother risked her life to save us. When she got so injured she couldn't continue, she risked being executed and gave me her powers." He continued as he put his arm around Rukia.
"Ichigo, your making me sound so noble." Rukia said with a little blush and giggle.
~"So then you became a shinigami too, and decided to come live here right?"~ The child asked as he fluttered to Rukia's ear.
"No, and I think we should skip what happened next." Rukia answered with a hint of a smile, "but we soon found out that three of our captains were planning a war against soul society. Your father here is known as the hero of the winter war. The soul king himself praised him for what he did."
~"Wow, Otou san's a hero. I want to be strong too. No, I want to be stronger! So what happened after that?~" the now hyper again child chimed.
"Shh... quiet down we don't want to wake the whole family do we?" Ichigo said trying to calm the child. "Okay, so what happened was..." Ichigo sighed as he got ready to tell the end of the story, "for the next 2 years I lived my life as a normal human, and I didnt see your mother again untill... untill the day I died, along with our friends." Ichigo said with a hint of tension, "that was nearly 2 years ago."
Rukia could see the sadness hideing behind his eyes as he finished the story, "Ichigo, I think this question has been answered." she said as she leaned in to give him a calming peck on the cheek.
Ichigo smiled and looked at the butterfly, "She's right, and you know something, I think that because your our child, and we're from two different worlds, you make us one. And you will be strong, I'm sure of it." As Ichigo said this the butterfly started to glow once more, even brighter this time, "Now, what question would you like to ask your mother?"
After thinking for a bit, the butterfly finally came up with a question, "Okay, Okaa san, why did I feel the need to come to you and Otou san today?"~
Ichigo and Rukia jumped at the question, it was obviously the same as saying 'where do babies come from?'. Rukia looked over to the now floating butterfly and sighed, "Let's save that for another night, I think its time for bed anyway." she said as she guided the child to nestle warmly in her hair.
~"But you said i could have two questions"~ mumbled the disappointed yet admittedly tired butterfly as the glow faded.
Ichigo chuckled lightly, "Now I promise you and me will be spending all week together, so for tonight, you just get some sleep okay?" The child didnt even need to speak as it slowly fell asleep with it's wings shut in Rukia's hair.
Rukia raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms, "Spill it Ichigo, what have you been keeping from me?" She said sternly but quiet so is not to wake their child.
Ichigo looked at her and soon after sighed with a somewhat melancholy face, "Rukia, I've been asked to lead a recon team into hueco mundo. I'll... I'll be gone for at least a year. The head captain gave me this week to be with you before I go." he said as he placed a hand on Rukia's shocked and slightly worried face.
"But, what about the butterfly... why now? We just got our family started, they cant send you away now..." She sobbed quietly, not caring in the slightest.
Ichigo softly wiped away her tears and gave her a peck on the forehead, "I know, and I wish I could stay. I promise though, I will come back safe. Now, why dont we get to bed too" he said with a faint smile.
Rukia's face lightened a small amount as she nodded, "I love you, Ichigo." she said as she embraced him just before they turned out the light and settled down for bed.
jingle~ start commercial
A/N: phew, that took a while. Wow I didnt think it would ever get done. Anyway I'd like to give thanks to Uchiha Xairylle for letting me use her butterfly idea. And i want to point out that the uryu and orihime kiss was brought to me when i was drunk XD well tell me your opinions id love to hear (read) them.