Hey Guys, it's been like several months since my last update. To be honest things have been crazy in my life but also, I just got stuck at where I was going with this story. I know how I want it to end but getting from point A to point B….it was throwing me. I haven't given up though! I shall prevail! I think a break gave me a good grounding, I reread everything I wrote, got a feel of what I was planning, and I think I can bring this fanfic to a finish…after several more chapters. Haha you didn't think it was over right?

I want to say a big thank you to Cass Ichirof! You really got me back into writing this, I felt relieved someone really enjoyed it! Thanks to everyone else who have followed/reviewed and commented, it truly makes me happy!

I hope you continue to enjoy this story and I look forward to all the comments and reviews!

I don't' own, remember the warnings and here we Go!

As the sunlight creeped into the small room, Byakuya was able to enjoy a rare and tender sight. He lay curled beside his new love, the young recently deceased Kurosaki Ichigo. The man who usually sported a scowl now lay with his face cushioned on the Kuchiki's arm, his face soft and calm and his breathing even. Some of the brazen man's orange locks curled up around his closed eyes, and Byakuya was resisting the urge to slide his fingers through the hair, he didn't want to ruin this moment by waking the man up.

Ichigo had fallen asleep relatively fast the night before, his fingers were resting on Byakuya's chest, and the nobles cool skin felt warm where the flesh touched. The boy shivered a little in his sleep, and Byakuya pulled him closer, wrapping the blanket more firmly around them both, Ichigo made a soft grunting noise, as though waking up before he sighed and snuggled against the older man's chest. The noble's rare smile warmed. He had no reason to wake sooner then needed.

An hour later a soft knock on the door announced his lieutenant's arrival. He sighed. The captain looked forward to a time where they were in no hurry. Renji's red head popped into the room, then froze at the entrance, Byakuya glanced at the man's expression and fought off a smirk. Renji's jaw was slightly unhinged in shock, and his eyes were wide. He was staring at the sleeping Ichigo and the Noble knew Ichigo had never shown this side of himself to others. It was pure innocence. He made a small cough to gain the man's attention, Renji blinked then shook his head and focused on his captain.

"Sir Rukia, Karen Kurosaki and the others will be we arriving in a couple of hours." Byakuya glanced at Ichigo who was stirring.

"Very well, have breakfast prepared and brought up to the room, then have Kisuke come in as soon as he is able, we should discuss the plans for the young Kurosaki's introduction." Renji nodded glanced at his sleeping friend, then attempted and failed to hide his grin before departing.

Byakuya had a foreboding feeling that Renji would probably tease the younger man mercilessly, though he hoped he had good sense to wait until Ichigo was mostly healed, the boy could be challenging when irritated and with how he had been recently he didn't want the man's shyness to rear its head again. Not that he could completely stop his lieutenant from messing with his best friend. He sighed.

A grunt alerted him to the wakeful youth in his arms. Smiling he stared down at Ichigo until the man's brown eyes fluttered open, the boy gazed at him a moment, blushed, then smiled. Byakuya felt his heart flutter at the somewhat timid expression, then squeeze when the man grimaced. He wasn't quite ready to stare Byakuya in the eyes all the time, his soul didn't like the pain. Ichigo, being tenacious didn't back down and his stare turned into a glare of determination. Byakuya chuckled. The boy blinked in surprise.

"What's so funny?" he asked irritated. The noble closed his eyes. "OY! Don't shut your eyes on me!" The boy froze as Byakuya reopened them, sliding his hand through those orange tresses he had barely managed to resist earlier. As his cool fingers brushed the man's scalp the boy flushed again and squeezed shut his own eyes in response. Still chuckling the noble pulled the man into a gentle kiss, enjoying how Ichigo stilled then pressed into him.

Pulling back, Byakuya kissed the younger man's forehead, and said, "Time to get up Ichigo." The man grunted in laughter.

"Too bad, I was enjoying laying in bed." The noble chortled at the man's remark.

"We can enjoy time in bed together later, I am more then willing to stay all day in this comfort one of these days." Ichigo choked back a snort, pushing himself out of the man's arms, before rolling out of the bed. He blushed slightly at his nakedness then played it off.

"I never would have guessed you were a flirt Byakuya." The noble kept his grin as he watched Ichigo get dressed, the boy could throw a jibe, but his neck and face still held a burning blush. Suddenly Ichigo turned around and glared at him, his eyebrows raised, his clothing held in his hands over his more private areas.

Smiling, Byakuya leaned back and continued watching the boy pull on his cloths, he even motioned for Ichigo to continue. Realizing that the noble didn't intend to look away while he stood there half naked Ichigos flush deepened and he growled before pulling his shorts up. He pulled on his short kimono in a rush and was attempting to tie it when he felt arms encircle him. Ichigo gasped as he was pulled back onto the bed. Byakuya kissed his neck softly.

"No need to be so shy Ichigo.' Byakuya purred into his ear as he helped the man tie the robes. He pulled tightly on the knot before he rose up himself and pulled out his Captain uniform. He could hear Ichigo swearing behind him. The noble felt his lips curl up mischievously.

Putting Renji to the side, Byakuya understood he would probably gain the habit of teasing Ichigo himself if he got these kinds of responses. He chuckled as Ichigo swore again.

Karen stared up at the small inn that was in front of her. She felt she had gone back in time. The roads they had passed, the people they saw, it all seemed like they had come from a different era. However, the soul reapers sometimes carried objects that she could picture in modern day Japan. She supposed most of the people in soul society had come from previous time periods, but it was strange to see a mix of old age clothing and new age gadgets running around. Shaking her head from these thoughts she refocused on the building in front of her. Her nee-san was here, her older brother who she idolized, who had died and been lost to them was right there.

And he couldn't remember me.

She shivered. She felt a hand on her shoulder, looking sideways she locked eyes with Rukia, the Shinigami woman smiled. There was more understanding in that look then Karen really wanted to deal with, but she nodded in thanks anyway.

Rukia herself felt nervous. She looked forward to seeing her friend again, but she wondered how this was all going to turn out. Renji had briefed her, but she wasn't sure she was completely prepared for what came next. Ichigo would be in pain, just being near them, and that was sad. However, seeing Karen shudder had sparked her resolve. She needed to be stronger for the younger girl. This would be more difficult for Ichigo's sister then anyone else.

"Kuchiki?" She smiled at Orihime who was standing on her other side. "Shall we go in?" Nodding she motioned for them to follow her. Orihime, Matsumoto, Uyruu, Chad, Rukia and Karen entered the inn.

Renji greeted them downstairs, as did Urahara. The scientist looked as he always did, smiling behind his fan, yet calculating. Rukia crossed her arms at him. He chuckled at her usual stance.

"Hello all!" He said sweetly, then he sobered slightly, "As you know Kurosaki Ichigos soul is currently upstairs, and though he has gained a good percentage of his self-back, large portions are missing." He glanced around at them all, before settling on Karen. "Specifically, certain key pieces that drive his protective nature.:" Karen scowled, sighed and nodded. Rukia couldn't help but grin at the girl's exasperation. Kisuke could be irksome.

"So, what do we do then?" Karen asked sharply. The scientist smiled, then motioned into the kitchen.

"Please let's all have seat and discuss the introduction process."

Ichigo was sitting in bed. Urahara had told him that the following few hours would tire him greatly, and it would be prudent to already be in a place he could easily sleep in. Ichigo figured they didn't want to carry him to bed again when he collapsed. He groaned, rubbing his palm across his face. This wasn't going to be pleasant, and he felt slightly mortified by how weak he felt. Which he also knew on some level was pointless and foolish to feel.

"Ichigo?" Ichigo glanced over at the dark-haired captain, who had seated himself in one of the chairs. Byakuya had decided to stay within the room while this 'introduction' (hat and clogs name for it) went on. Ichigo had denied the company at first, embarrassed, but the older Shinigami had insisted. Ichigo would probably never admit it but having him close was a relief. He did feel calmer.

"I am fine, who is first?" Byakuya could tell he was feigning calmness but chose to ignore it, thankfully.

"The first person is a family member. She is younger then you."

"Is…is she this Yuzu I keep remembering?" The noble sighed and shook his head. Ichigo kept asking after Yuzu and seemed perplexed by the name. They had told him many times over the last few days that she was his little sister, but he had not grasped it yet. It was like the information wouldn't' stick. They hoped Karen might shed some light on it and possibly fix it.

"No but related to her." He explained again. This conversation had happened several times in the last hour. Something that unnerved the Captain a great deal. He really hoped the boy could recall his siblings once this was over. Seeing the somewhat scared expression each time he forgot what he had been told was crushing. Kisuke figured it had something to do with his soul now quite being healed. He had a name but couldn't place it. It was different then how he had dealt with everyone else, probably because she was so dear to him.

"My…my sister then?"

"Yes, the twin of Yuzu."

Ichigo looked confused but nodded, accepting this information once more. The noble was sure he would forget it all in a matter of minutes and repeat the questions again. It pained him.

Before that could happen there was a knock on the door. The green cladded scientist stuck his head in the doorway and smiled. Byakuya was glad the man was less cheery then usual, as this wasn't a time for jokes.

"I have a visitor for you Kurosaki." Ichigo blinked and looked confused again.

"Who would be visiting me?" Kisuke smile slightly froze, he glanced at the noble, who shook his head. Nodding the scientist beamed at the orange headed man again.

"Your relative, someone you are trying to remember."

"Is it….is it Yuzu?" Ichigo asked hesitantly. Byakuya felt his heart clench at the frustration in the man's voice. Looking at the scientist the captain knew Urahara felt unhappy by the confusion as well. Though he also probably felt a little curiosity at the whole ordeal. Byakuya knew his scientist background made this fascinating to him.

"She is related to Yuzu, she can help you remember her I believe." Ichigo nodded, a hopeful look on his face. Urahara turned around and motioned for the girl standing behind him in the hallway to enter.

Karen's heart was beating rapidly. She wasn't sure she was quite ready to face Ichigo, but she knew the time had arrived. Hearing Ichigo ask about Yuzu she had felt a twinge of bitterness, then remorse. Karen knew she shouldn't' feel angry he couldn't recall her yet. She was glad that Ichigo remembered their sister. A small part of Karen couldn't shake the feeling that Ichigo didn't want to remember her.

Throwing that to the back of her mind for now she forced herself to walk into the room. What lay before her was her brother. He laid in a bed near a window. He wore a soft green yukta. He looked healthy, alive and very confused as he stared at her.

For a moment she couldn't' breathe, she could only look at her older brother, tears stung her eyes. She didn't even glance at the dark-haired Shinigami sitting near Ichigo. She only had eyes for the man staring back at her.

Ichigo gawked in confusion as the dark hair girl walked into the room. She stopped at the edge of his bed, her face was pale, and she appeared to have forgotten to breathe. He was shocked that she had tears glistening in her eyes, eyes that were remarkably familiar to his own.

Urahara had shut the door and sat beside Captain Kuchiki. The two Shinigami watched the scene play out, unsure how it would end.

Ichigo was the first to speak, worried the girl would pass out if she didn't take a breath.

"Um…do, do I know you?" It was like he had slapped her, he could see it in her face, she visibly flinched, her breath hitching. Urahara quickly rose, walking to stand beside her. He lightly touched her shoulder and whispered into her ear.

"Relax, he didn't recognize us when we met either, give it time." She closed her eyes, shuddered then released the air in her lungs. When she opened her eyes again, they were clear of water. Ichigo felt pained, he could tell what he said was upsetting her, but he didn't know what else to do.

"Sorry" he said softly, she blanched then stepped forward rapidly.

"No! Don't' say sorry, don't do that Ichigo-nee-san!" her voice was desperate and anguished and Ichigo felt shocked by the force in them. Then the name she called out clicked in his head.

"Nee-san?" She blinked, tears forming again, she furiously wiped them away. She had a resolute scowl on her face. Ichigo felt nostalgia though he couldn't place why.

"Yes, you-you're my big brother Ichigo." She stumbled over the words but stared at him determined. He gazed back, something was rising inside him, each time she looked sad. He couldn't place the emotion, but he desperately wanted to stop her from feeling grief.

"Please, please don't be sad, I-I" He looked around, focused on Byakuya, the man gave him some courage, he looked into her brown eyes. "I don't want you to be sad, please I am sorry to have caused it." Suddenly she was crying, shaking her head, once again there was a feeling of deep agony inside Ichigo, he felt ill. This wasn't right, why was she crying?

"Don't say sorry, I beg you Ichigo, don't say that!" He shook his head, the overpowering feeling of hurting her was killing him. This was one person he didn't want to hurt.

Urahara was looking at his computer, his eye brows raised, he shared a glance with the noble. Pointed at the screen. The captain narrowed his eyes then glanced at the scene before him. IT was heart wrenching but something was happening. They had to let it play out.

"Why are you crying, I don't understand?" Ichigo demanded frantically, he half raised himself out of the sheets, reaching for her, she jerked away from his hands, pain filtered across his face. "Sor-sorry I was just trying to-"

"Don't' say SORRY" Karen nearly screamed it. She really didn't want him to say that. Byakuya stood up, thinking it was time to end it, the scientist grabbed his arm, shaking his head.

"Wait." Byakuya glared at him, half a mind to ignore him, but eventually he sat down.

"Don't say sorry, don't ever say sorry again." She said devastated.

"Why?" Ichigo asked perplexed. She looked up, seeing a desperate ache in her brothers' eyes. She knew that look, a small sad smile creased her lips.

"Because you have nothing to say sorry about," She heaved a large sigh, hung her head and whispered, "I do though, I need to say sorry, so many times, until you can forgive me."

The room was silent. Byakuya and Urahara felt they were witnessing something almost private between the two siblings, but neither could leave. Ichigo was looking at the girl, his face pale. Byakuya wanted to go to the man but once again stopped himself. They had to work this out, Ichigo needed this part of himself.

Ichigo watched the girl who claimed to be his little sister. He could see the resemblance, but he felt somewhat disconnected. However, as he watched her body shake, knowing she was crying, he knew beyond a doubt that he wanted to stop her pain. It hurt, like a knife in his heart, a small part of him realized this was his soul screaming out to remember, and that if he took the next step, it would be painful for him. However, he was unable to turn away from her tears.

"Please, don't cry, I can't stand seeing you sad, I want to- "Ichigo searched for a word that summed up his feelings. "I want to Protect you." He blinked, then cringed, as a knife slammed into his gut. Karen jerked up at her brethren's words, astonished, then cried out at the pain on his face.

"Ichigo!" He was holding his stomach, breathing heavily. She reached for him, but he raised his hands to stop her. She froze.

"Wait" he gasped. He shut his eyes, breathing deeply, then forced them back open to stare up at her, "I need…. I need to say it." She nodded, knowing what he was doing was painful, but also knowing it was so like her brother to keep pushing, to keep trying…for her.

"I need to protect you, I always have, I can't stand to stop now Karen." He curled up for a moment in pain again. Karen looked on in sadness but kept playing his words over in her head, He had said Karen, all on his own, he knew her name!

Ichigo shivered, gasped then sighed, he sat up slowly, then looked up at her. His face was flushed, covered in sweat, but otherwise normal.

"Ichigo nee-san." She whispered. He smiled. That smile, she knew that smile. That was Ichigo when he wanted to reassure her. He always smiled like that before everything was ok again. She had missed that face.

"Been awhile since I saw you cry brat." He sat up, a strange look on his face. "I remember…I remember I have sisters, Karen I remember." He abruptly looked stricken, "Karen-"

Knowing he was going to feel guilty for having forgotten Karen jumped, wrapping her arms around his belly. "Don't you dare say sorry you Baka!" She was crying again. Ichigo looked shocked, then he hugged her back, just as desperately, tears running down his cheek.

"Karen, I am so glad to see you." He breathed. He looked up at the two men in the room, his eyes finding Byakuya, he beamed at them. "Thank you! Thank you for making me remember."

The two men smiled, Byakuya felt so relieved, and uncurled the fist he had been clenching during Ichigo's painful episode. Urahara watched the noble, hiding a smile behind his fan. He knew the captain wanted to hug Ichigo but was refraining from interrupting a family moment. It was kind of sweet. He chuckled and tapped the computer, the readings looked good. Ichigo was healing nicely.

"I think we should let him rest for now." Byakuya nodded, glanced at Ichigo who was ruffling his kid sister's hair laughing as she scowled, he sighed in relief then departed the room.

I thought I would make this chapter longer but wasn't sure how long I could get it…it ended up much shorter then I wanted but this feels like a good place to stop it for now. This was a bit heart clenching at times, and I worry I made Karen and Ichigo too OC, but I swear I tried to keep them somewhat in character. I think I am also writing Nee-san wrong somehow…..O_O. Fanfic writing can get complicated haha. Anyways please review. I am wondering how I want to play out Shiro and Karen meeting one another, if feel that will be kind of fun…not sure why exactly. If you have any idea on what might set off Ichigo's affliction for the other characters let me know! I have a few ideas but am totally up for others. Sorry again it took so long! I will try to keep up with it now that my life isn't as nutty, plus I am off work a couple days so that will help! By the way if your wondering why it is becoming easier for Ichigo its because his soul has healed a little by now, so it won't be nearly as bad as it was before (So Byakuya X Ichigo moments will be more likely!)

Till the next Chapter!

Anavas88