Chapter 38: following our dreams
In our previous chapter, ichigo and all his friends have decided to change their lives from being in a band to being regular people. Well almost regular people since they each possess unique powers. Upon trying to make the transitions in to these paths, evil doesn't take a break. Aizen is still on the verge of destroying the whole world, with japan as its first target. So while they are going back to their normal routines they prepare for battle with intense training. It wasn't long until ichigo and Natalie have had their love life becoming serious. But then Natalie knew that he has an obligation as a father to his kids with orihime to take care of them. Same with ulquiorra, he loves orihime very much, even though he can't stand the fact ichigo is father of the twins. Since ulquiorra is changing from being cold blooded to warm hearted, it is tough for him to live with the mistake that ichigo and orihime made.
Of course he doesn't blame orihime at all. Ulquiorra decided that he shall accept ichigo's twins and help raise the kids as if they were his own. Same with Natalie even though it will be awkward, especially during the holidays and for the twin's birthday. Also even though it was not announced yet, ulquiorra is planning to betray aizen and live in karakura town with orihime. He knows that the soul society may not accept it, but he believes that if he shows he can betray aizen and help the soul society win. He thinks that would give them a reason for letting him stay. And become the first arrancar to be a hybrid arrancar/soul reaper. It is a given that he will have the look of a soul reaper but still maintain his arrancar powers, as he gains power to learn more about soul reapers. Each of them (ulquiorra, orihime, Natalie and ichigo) wonder what it would be like if they all had been together with the right person.
For example ichigo was with Natalie and the two of them had sex and have the twins, whereas orihime will be with ulquiorra; dating but also she teaches him how to live human. They could think about it all they want, but it wasn't going to change the fact that life happens and they should deal with the choices that they have made. With every chance ulquiorra had he would do his best to see orihime secretly, he didn't want to blow his cover yet. Ichigo was being more mature, even though he was mature to begin with. However this time he proves his dad that he can be responsible with his sons, and to his advantage he has a job working at the family clinic. Some teens that made the mistake that he's in struggle to look for jobs. His father was quite impressed with his attitude towards the situation. And the fact that ichigo was handling like a mature adult to juggle school, work and kids.
Later in the afternoon, ichigo went to see Natalie at home as Natalie was babysitting before heading to her math class and orihime was at work. Each of them made a schedule that helps them go to school at certain times, study at certain times and go to work for a certain time. As well as babysitting, spending time with the twins and caring for them. He didn't need to knock on the door since he had key of his own to Natalie's house. "Hey Nat, what's up. I hope the boys didn't give you any trouble." Said ichigo as he opened and closed the door, taking of his shoes. "Oh, hey ichi, no they were perfect angels. They were just watching TV. Nothing much, just about to get ready to go to school. It's your shift to be with the twins' yea?" she asked as she smiled at him.
Upon doing so she stood up to hug and kiss him, of course his sons thought it was sweet since they were still toddlers but they were growing up so fast. "Yup it's my turn to be with the boys for two hours then I have my night class. By then orihime will take them for the night and morning." He said as he returned the hug and kiss Natalie had given him. Deep down Natalie was feeling emotionally depressed and stressed about the situation between her, orihime and ichigo. She was also jealous and envious that orihime was the one who had sex with ichigo. As much as she loves ichigo, and wants to have kids with him in the near future. She thinks they are better off not having kids until his sons are twenty-one. Since they were all in college now, and they were graduating around the winter season.
Ichigo felt that he wants to take the next level with Natalie, they have been through a lot drama but it didn't stop them from loving each other. "There's something that I would want to talk to you about." Ichigo said as he looked at Natalie with a serious face, while his sons were watching TV. "You sound so serious, did I do something wrong?" Natalie asked she stuttered a bit, trying to think of why he would say that. "No you didn't do anything wrong. But I was wondering about how you would feel about me and you moving in together. "He said with hopeful eyes. She was speechless, she didn't know what to say. In her mind she was having mixed feelings, she was excited, nervous and a bit scared of what orihime and his family will think. On top of that she has a lot on her plate as it is, even though she loved the idea.
"Well before I give you my answer, how do you feel about this?" she asks him curiously. "I think that, it's a good move. Because it's easier for you and the twins to be with me, I've already spoke to my dad and sisters. And they think it's a good idea, we have an extra room that we don't use much." He said stating what he did. "What about orihime? She's the mother of the twins. She should take this opportunity." Natalie said pointing out that twins are legally orihime and ichigo's, she really wanted to take the opportunity but she thinks it's more appropriate to have orihime take it than her. "Well orihime, bought a house across the street of me. She insisted that you take it" he said.
"That's kind of her to let me move in with you. And I suppose it's gonna work out, less time for me to drive and avoid any hassles." Said Natalie considering the idea and thinking how it was going to be much easier. "If you want me to I can help move your stuff to the room." He said offering his help to her. Natalie smiled as she said "I would love that. Thanks ichi." Ichigo smiled as he went to her room and started packing the basics: all her clothes, shoes, accessories, bathroom items, make-up and anything she may need. As well as he packed the twins' clothes, their toys, shoes, tooth brushes and what not. "Ok, I got it all packed up and I'll put it in the car. When you're ready with the kids I can take you guys to my place so you can unpack and head to your class" Said ichigo carrying the boxes two at a time.
"Ok, I'll get the kids. Boys time to go" said Natalie. "Where are we going Auntie Natalie?" asked daisuke. "We're going to daddy's place. We are gonna be moving in with him. And your mom will be living across the street." Said Natalie to as she answered daisuke's question. "So no more, long drives?" asked sasuke the twin brother of daisuke. "That's right boys. We will be closer together now." Said ichigo with a smile. The twins went with ichigo to get seated in the car, as Natalie turned off the TV and started locking up the place. She kept the key in case something were to go wrong, or if she decides to move back in to her own place. Ichigo was waiting for a certain time to talk to Natalie, about making a huge step in their relationship.
With this huge step it could either make their relationship stronger or make the relationship fall apart for good. Upon arriving at his house ichigo unloads the car and helps Natalie get settled in. sasuke and daisuke were so happy about this change. And saw their mom orihime pulling in to the drive away, since she got home from doing errands. Natalie decided that this was gonna be a good thing, she thought that everyone will be happy. That is later that day after she had settled in, she was reading a book and ichigo came up to her.
The conversation among Natalie and ichigo as they talked about the idea of having kids of their own:
Ichigo: hey Nat can I talk to you?
Natalie: hmm? What about strawberry? * puts the book down and looks at him*
Ichigo: I was thinking about this for a while now and I want us to have a baby together. I know that I have to live with the mistake of losing my virginity to orihime, but I want to start fresh and be with you.
Natalie: I-ichigo, are you sure this is a good idea? You have enough to deal with already and I don't know… I want to start fresh with you too, it's just that with all that is happened. And with the winter battle coming up, how will we pull this off?
Ichigo; I know you're scared, but we can work this out. This may be sudden to talk about this, so why don't I let you think about it and we can discuss it further later?
Natalie: yes that would be best, thank you. I just need to clear my mind and figure out how this will work if we do decide to go with it. * Small smile*
Ichigo smiled as he kissed Natalie, she knew that he had good intensions but she doesn't want to put too much stress in his life. It was bad enough that he has soul reaper duty, on top of that there's college, his job, and his sons. She thought to herself, if it was really worth it to have another kid with him. She then decides to see Hannah and shinji for some advice, and get their opinions on the situation.
Natalie drives over to Hannah and shinji's house which was about a five minute drive, since they lived close to ichigo. She then knocks on the door as Justin answered the door. "Oh hey auntie Nat, please come in" said Justin with a smile as he hugged her. She smiled as she hugged him back "hey Justin, is your parents' home?" she asked sweetly "yep, they are in their room watching" said Justin answering the question. Natalie nodded as she headed up the stairs, then was greeted by Isabella. Upon arriving at the bedroom door she knocks on the door, and Hannah opened saying "Natalie, what a pleasant surprise. Please come in" Hannah held the door open as she walked in and closed the door behind Natalie. While Natalie was greeted by shinji she sat down on the computer chair and then explains to the two of them on why she showed up. "Are you fucking serious? He asked you if you wanted to have a baby with him?" said Hannah who was surprised yet and excited about the news. "Yea, but I don't know what to do. He said he'll let me think about it, which is good because if he told me that I needed to give him an answer at that moment. I don't know what to do, like I don't want to give an answer that I will regret later on. And plus he has enough to do deal with. He has the twins with orihime, soul reaper duty, focusing on his classes to graduate soon. I just don't know if having another kid will put more stress on his life…what do you think shinji? Said Natalie as she looked at him to get his opinion.
"Well I know where you are coming from Natalie, as ichigo's girlfriend you don't want to do anything. That could make him stressed out even more, but also he loves you a lot more than orihime. He's willing to take on the stress in his life to be with you. If he's ready to take this step with you, then it's your call if you are ready to do the same. He has sacrificed a lot to get to where he is today, and I think that he was to take the relationship a step further and be with you. " said shinji putting in his two sense explain the perspective of a guy, well in this case ichigo's perspective. Natalie nodded as she then said "Well if ichigo and I do have a baby, will you two be willing to be helping us out like baby-sitting?" "What kind of question is that? Of course we will help you, you are our best friend. We will do anything for you. " said Hannah and shinji at the same time. Natalie smiled as she said "ok, I think I'm ready to tell him that I would want to have a baby with him. Thanks so much you guys, I'm so thankful to have you both." Natalie then hugs Hannah and shinji one more time as Hannah invited her to have lunch with them. Natalie agreed to the idea as she stayed at the house and they all had homemade burgers together, Natalie even catches up with Justin and Bella and played video games with them.
Later that day when ichigo was home play video games, Natalie comes to his room knocking on the door "hey strawberry, can we talk?" she asks in a sweet tone. He turns to her direction with a smile and nodded. He pauses the game and walks up to her, "what's up Nat?" he asked curiously. "I thought about the proposal you made and my answer is yes. Let's have a baby together. I know that our lives are not normal, but I want to be with you forever. And we have such great friends that will help us along the way" she said with a smile. He smiles big as to hearing her answer. He hugs her close saying "I love you so much. I promise you that we will make it work." She nods still smiling and feeling excited. It wasn't long until the news got out that they will have a baby. And when he told his sons they were excited to have a sister to join the family. This got orihime thinking that she and ulquiorra should have a kid of their own, even though the kurosaki-cifer family would be very unique. Orihime was ready to take a step further with ulquiorra but wonders if he felt the same way, as he was turning good and being evil.
The conversation among orihime and ulquiorra as they talked about the idea of having kids of their own:
Orihime: *was finishing up cleaning the house and sees ulquiorra watching TV* Um honey can we talk?
Ulquiorra: Sure what's up? *turns the TV on mute so he could pay attention to her*
Orihime: How do you feel about us having a child together?
Ulquiorra: Well I'd say it a great thing. But how will we manage a child given the fact you have two of your own with kurosaki.
Orihime: I know the two of you are not on best terms. And you're both making the effort to be friends. But now that I have a new life with you, I want to have a child.
Ulquiorra: Well your friends do seem supportive of us. I suppose we can make it work, but you'll help me adapt to being a human again right?
Orihime: of course. I will help in way possible. So it's a done deal then. We are going to have a child *smiles big*
Ulquiorra: Indeed we are *smiles and kisses her deeply*
As both ulquiorra and orihime, as well as ichigo and Natalie planned to have kids of their own. They make a precise plan to make sure that they make it through, with the help of their friends they will help and lean on each other to survive in a world that doesn't go easy on them. Natalie and orihime were a bit worried about how it was gonna go, but in their mind at least their lives will be normal. Well normal where they can finally have kids of their own but still have to deal with aizen, hollows the usual routine. A lot has happen in their crazy lives, but what was really exciting yet scary was that college was going to end soon and they will all graduate and focus on the jobs that they have. They may life what seemed like a normal life to most people but to them their lives are anything but normal. But they learned to live with it and make it work. Will chaos strike before their happy ending? Will aizen strike early than expected? Read the next chapter to find out.
NOTE: Hello fellow readers, I'm so sorry that this chapter took so long to write. I've been busy with college and other personal stuff. I will do my best to be more active. Thank you for your understanding and patience. - Hannah