Reunion

The wind blew softly in the bright spring afternoon as Ichigo and Toshiro stood by Mrs. Kurosaki's grave site. Flowers had already been lain down on the cool grey stone and incense had been lit prior to their arrival, signifying that Ichigo's father and sisters had already stopped by.

Toshiro gripped his partner's hand tightly, showing Ichigo that he was there for him and Ichigo returned the squeeze. It was hard to believe that so many years had passed since her death. Ichigo was now twenty five, a blooming medical doctor working at the local hospital, he traveled back and forth between Soul Society and human realm, fought hollows or any other threat, and most importantly of all, he had a fantastic lover who stood by him.

His mother would be proud.

Ichigo knew she was watching over him from the afterlife. Her warm presence was never forgotten by the young man. No matter how tough something got, no matter the tedious trials Ichgio was put through, he knew in his heart that he had her blessing and love which pulled him through everything. He felt his heart clench remembering the day that she sacrificed herself to protect him from that hollow.

Ichigo was so little then... he didn't understand what had happened, only that his loving mother wouldn't come back. Now, many years later, he realized what she had done. He had gotten his revenge but it still wouldn't bring her back. Nothing would.

Yet it didn't really matter that much anymore. He knew, no matter what, that she was -and forever would be- with him, guiding him.

So deep in his thoughts, Ichigo jumped slightly when Toshiro spoke up and walked towards the head stone, touching the engraving as he spoke. "Mrs. Kurosaki; I am Toshiro Hitsugaya and I am honored that your son has chosen me. I vow to you that I will stand by his side no matter what. Your strength and love as a parent has taught him well and he has grown into a fine warrior and healer. I… wish I could have gotten to know you, for your husband and kin have spoken quite highly of you. I'm thankful to your heroic sacrifice Mrs. Kurosaki."

Toshiro bowed deeply, honoring the dead, before straightening himself and walking back to Ichigo's side.

Ichigo wasn't sure what to say so he turned and pulled his shorter lover into a fierce hug. Burying his face in the soft white hair, Ichigo sighed and nuzzled Toshiro's head. "Shiro… thank you." It had meant so much to him that Toshiro came with him to visit his mother's grave on this special day. Years prior, Ichigo had brought Toshiro to his mothers' grave but this was the first year that Ichigo enlightened the younger man of mothers day and what it meant.

It came as no surprise to Ichigo when Toshiro looked to him quizzically.

Returning the loving embrace, Toshiro smiled and pulled himself closer towards the naturally warmer body. He knew how much this day meant to Ichigo. The man had lost his mother at a young age and it had left a deep scar in his heart.

The Kurosaki family had been burdened with hurting loss of a wonderful woman and parent but their perseverance pulled them through and brought them all closer together.

Unlike Ichigo who had a family, Toshiro really couldn't recall his parents, only the caring elderly woman who raised him. Toshiro remembered the night when his powers awoke and he nearly killed her in his sleep but thankfully, Matsumoto came to his aid. That old woman who tended him was the closest thing to a family he had.

A family… Toshiro wondered what it was like to really have someone who cared for you so deeply no matter what. Family was a safe haven: somewhere where you always belong, where you are always welcomed and loved.

"I'm glad that you're part of my family Toshiro." Ichigo said quietly, kissing the younger boy on his lips.

Toshiro's heart swelled. How could he be so stupid? He did have a family. He had Ichigo, Rangiku, Momo, Hisagi, Renji, Kira, and the entire Kurosaki household. "I'm glad that you accept me."

Ichigo grinned and ruffled Toshiro's hair earning a small growl from the younger. "You idiot. Ch' mom would've had a field day with you." And for good measure, Ichigo ruffled Toshiro's hair once more, chuckling when the other swatted at his hand.

That being said, Ichigo turned towards the grave and gave a final smile. "Later mom. Happy mothers day."

Turning around, the orange haired shinigami began walking away from the site with a trailing Toshiro following closely behind. Toshiro was about to say something when a warm gust blew past him, seemingly caressing his skin as it flew by. He turned towards the direction the wind was blowing, teal eyes widening when he connected with the grave stone of Ichigo's mother.

Ichigo, hearing only his set of footsteps, stopped and turned around. "Shiro? You coming or what?"

Quickly turning around again, the white haired captain caught up to Ichigo and thread his fingers with the others. "Sorry, just got caught up with something."

Quirking his head to the side, Ichigo's brows furrowed. "Hm?"

"It's nothing." Toshiro gave a soft smile, pulling the elder male down the walkway. Thank you, Mrs. Kurosaki.

The wind continued to dance across the ground, making the flowers and grass sway to and fro. Shining brightly, the sun warmed up the air, making the once cool wind pick up a delightful warmth as it ghosted over the two exiting the grave site.

TBC

Thanks for reading!

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~ChaosGarden