Hope this new year treats us better guys. We all need it. Stay safe and let's hope this covid shit gets sorted out.. 2020 has taken a lot from us. Wish it never happened.. Much love to you all. May 2021 bring everything in abundance. Our health, happiness, prosperity and success!

Chapter Nine

Reward

It was an early dawn. The sun promised to show soon, simple light invited itself in through the blinds. Ichigo Kurosaki stretched, yawning hard and letting his shoulders fall down low and peacefully. Lids still heavy as everything felt just right.. Tense muscles relaxing as the teen crossed his arms behind his pillow. ''Ah..'' He sighed, falling more under 5:00 AM's spell, close to drifting elsewhere. ''...Mhmn..''

No - no dream could create something this divine.

''Fuuck..'' Once those lids lifted and the teen pushed his chin down to investigate, all of his numb senses rewired effectively - immediately. ''-keep going.'' Sleep went somewhere far as his hips slowly raised repetitively. ''Rukia.. have you even .. h-had breakfast yet?'' Isshin's son was flushed now. Scarlet red as his chest moved slow, tunnel vision and tunnel feeling as his step mother sucked his cock. The question she received wasn't one of a chastise but more of a turn on.

A happy morning erection sadly slips from the beauty's mouth, held in her right hand as she locks gazes with it's owner. ''No,'' Mrs. Kurosaki informed, pumping her teenager from the base and kissing his mushroom shaped tip with class; gentle and modest - right before swirling that little tongue like Isshin Kurosaki's slutty wife. ''- But I'm about to.''

Holy shit.

Ichigo didn't even get to respond, fisting the sheets as he leaned up, blowing his hot load in his step mom's returning mouth and down that throat. The teen groaned, moving his hips in his father's bed, fucking his wife's mouth. Rukia didn't even need to use hands, bobbing her way up and down to swallow up that early day nutrition while her hands worked on her son's tightening balls.

Hazel eyes went heaven ward, wrapped up in elysian pleasure and hammering his fist against the mattress softly, features askew as his secret moaned from the taste being sent down her belly.

Big pretty lavender eyes with a black bang sat right in the middle, she's sitting up now, on top of his legs, stretching and wiping her mouth; licking up the mess. Her button nose had a strawberry fever running alongside and that plump mouth is still glossy from Ichigo. Long raven hair behind that tiny waist, begging to be pulled if the teen flipped his step mother over.

''Did you enjoy that?'' Rukia whispered, smirking like a devil.

The teen was still collapsed into the bed, breathing slow. One bent arm behind his head as he managed to lean up once more. ''..Did you?'' He replied back.

Now her lips curled even wider.

xxxx

Ichigo got the luxury of remaining dangerously close to his father's wife/baby's mother. Isshin was still ordered to sleep on the couch down stairs after all .. so for the past several days, the 19 year old was all Rukia's. The last 72 hours were heaven sent. The idea of his 'parents' making up irritated him bad..

But eventually the ginger teen knew it was inevitable.

Lately his father was really trying. Coming home more earlier, kissing more of the Mrs' ass and trying to be her best friend. It was naive to think Zangetsu's mother wouldn't cave in.. but luckily for now, Ichigo's secret girlfriend had no intentions of doing so! The cold shoulder was a brutal winter for his old man. Dr. Isshin's wife barely spoke a word to him and remained distant..

''Can we talk? .. I called in sick to spend the day in. With you Rukia..''

The tangerine haired teen can hear his father's plea as he walks past their bedroom. It almost solicited an eyeroll. The burden of the truth still weighed somewhat on Ichigo's heart. The fact his lousy excuse of a parent hurt his mother while she was pregnant - then proceeded to do it again with another woman.. meaning there must not be any regret. It made the 19 year old boil with a silent rage. But actions speak louder than words, Isshin was receiving karma x10. If only his son could use his words to express what went down in his bed just a few hours ago too though..

''No. I'm going to spend time with the kids. Allow me space, Isshin. I'm trying - I'm really trying to see past this, I do not need you breathing down my neck every 24 hours. What happened will not be pushed aside after several days, ok?''

''..Okay. I'm sorry for botheri-''

Violet eyes sparkle toward hazel ones as Rukia leaves her husband behind, closing the door to their bedroom to exit as he was mid-sentence. A little grin now for her step son. Ichigo can picture his father just standing there feeling like an idiot and the teen returns her smirk.

''Ichigo, come alongside us. I'm leaving with your sisters. I'd like you to join me.''

''Sure, mom.''

xxxx

The twins impressed Rukia with their recent grades so as promised, the mother of four took Yuzu and Karin to a pizza parlor. Zangetsu came along as well, smiling and laughing in his father's company.

"What's making this kid laugh so much?" Ichigo snorted, making his baby jump up and down with his hands.

"Have you seen yourself?" Rukia teased, taking a sip of her pop. "Your hair alone is something to hold your stomach in for."

An orange brow raised. "Have we turned Zangetsu toward a mirror?"

A giggle. "We'll definitely do so when we return home." Lilac eyes scanned the kid play area toward the back of the restaurant, making sure the girls were still there. "Speaking of such, did your..father even mention it?"

The ginger teen thought about it for a moment. "His hair? No, not really."

Her voice got quiet now. "He strung this.. rather interesting theory. Or more so - to him, 'fact'. The reason his son's hair is orange like yours is not due to what you believe. Isshin went as far to say you didn't inherent your hair from Masaki. But..his family."

It was something that weighed on the petite woman's mind for some time. When her husband tried to 'connect the dots' when he first seen Zangetsu's genetic palette at the hospital.

But it didn't bother his first born. Not one bit.

"If that helps him sleep at night." The baby's real father insisted, taking a bite of pizza as his other hand tried to get the little one to burp. "Honestly, if he knew - I'd enjoy it. He's a .." Hazel eyes back at the kid area, making sure Karin and Yuzu weren't near. "- a piece of shit, Rukia. But in all honesty, dad is so damn dumb - he doesn't know a thing. That theory he mentioned - he believes without a doubt."

Ichigo's words seemed to settle her beating heart. "You truly believe so?"

"I know so."

"Mom! Ichigo! Come over here already!" The raven haired of the twins shouted from the other side.

Mrs. Kurosaki beamed. "On my way! I'll be beside you and your sister in one minute!" The gorgeous older woman began to clean up their table as her step son waited close by. "I never wanted nor want Isshin to learn the slightest definition of what is going on between us. But sometimes I find myself .. confused by my decision."

"What decision?"

"To marry him in the first place." She couldn't help but snicker. "When he is that much of a fool."

Her response didn't make Ichigo laugh however; rather curious. That was a good point - something that's been on the very teen's mind for a while. "Rukia, why did you? I mean - he's so old. He's not rich. He had three kids.. "

Isshin's son didn't put his secret lover on a pedestal by mentioning how out of his league she was, but rather insult her.

"What makes you think I would only be interested in money? Regarding age.. That is not important when it comes to consenting adults. Not for me, clearly." The violet eyed made clear, gesturing toward her 19 year old baby's father. "I always wanted a rather large family, so when we met and he mentioned he had three children, I wasn't discouraged from trying to be in a relationship with Isshin - but the opposite."

The young man almost cracked up from her earlier hand gesture. Ichigo shook his head, apologizing for saying what he did. Badly did the teen wanna wrap Mrs. Kurosaki in his arms.

...

Karin and Yuzu had smiles on their faces as the rest of their family joined the array of the kid zone. Ichigo won his sister's 500 tickets at the smack a' hollow. The hazel eyed 19 year old resembled a shinigami with that kitana!

Rukia almost drowned in the plushie pit. The girls snapped all the pictures while Ichigo and their other brother Zangetsu giggled.

Hide and seek/Tag your it was a real serious game. Yuzu and Rukia were scared for their life! The other twin promised she couldn't be beat and was holding a plastic but rather bruising fake zampaktoui.

With the help of her kind hearted brother as she peered out the window up in the top tube tunnel, Ichigo secretly pointing in the direction their step mother and sister were hiding as he stood out of it. The bench nearby was much safer for him and his son.

"Run Yuzu!" Rukia swore, taking a stance as she faced the oncoming wrath of the demon before her.

Of course, the tagger was seized, dragged down alongside her snickering mother on the pink slide.

Rukia's girls couldn't stop laughing, holding their stomachs in and just so very glad to have her in their life. Ichigo could tell how happy she was with them too. It made his heart tighten. She was really good with kids. He couldn't of asked for a better mother for his son.

"I love you Rukia," Karin chirped, surprisingly. She never had a problem with calling her dad's new wife 'mom', but the very woman couldn't remember her muttering those other three words. "..Even if you cheat." The twin finished, smirking.

Rukia held her close as they reached the car. Yuzu followed suit, adding on. "Thank you for today, mom! I love you! You can tell me whatever you'd like tomorrow - I'll cook it!"

She felt whole.
She finally did have a big family.

After helping Ichigo strap Zangetsu in his carseat, both Kurosaki's closed the door, securing the girls within as well. The trip wasn't over just yet! Plus, no one was in a rush to get back home to Isshin, anyway.

"Where now?" Ichigo inquired.

"Well, the girls did well on their tests. That's why we came here. So..your hard work academically won't go unrewarded, either."

The corner of those glossed lips raised. Ever so slightly, something secretive in the air. Ichigo swallowed, their gazes heating up before she ducked to enter inside the car.

This had to be good..

xxxx

Karakura's mall didn't make the teen happy like it did for his sisters. This was the very place his uncle began to reveal Ichigo's father's truth .. Rukia could tell his whole mood shifted; It left her perplexed but also eager to find out what was so unsettling within that skin.

A comforting hand on his back as they walk through the crowds of shopper's lets him know she's there. That thumb pushing orange locks behind a ear reminding him she wants to hear about it.

''Can we go in here?'' One of the twins asked, immediately entering their choice of store once their step mother gave them the nod.

''Ichigo, why haven't you entered any of the shops?'' The beauty quizzed, exchanging which hip to place Zangetsu on. ''I want to purchase something for you. I'm very proud of how you've tended to your work with such assiduous attention. Amongst everything.''

She really did seem pleased.

''No, I really don't need you spending money on me, Rukia. It feels good to be told you're proud. That's good enough for me.. really.'' Hazel eyes shift toward the sport store, making sure his sister was still being dragged by the other within in. ''You don't have to buy anything to show that.'' A tan hand wrapped around a pale one then.

His voice was so warm, but still - the 28 year old knew when something was not right in the air. Especially when it came to her lover.

''I believe you, I'll drop it and won't impose. However, what is causing you distress? You are not yourself, Ichigo.''

Now her voice was warm..

Air blew from the ginger's nostrils as he chewed on his words for a moment. No reason to hide it, anyway. Isshin Kurosaki's son began to explain, telling his step mother why the mall they were in nagged at him. Memories of the day - unwanted memories of Kisuke slowly pulling back the curtain on how badly Masaki was hurt. The raven haired woman felt her chest lock up. She could feel his pain deeply and regretted picking this mall out of them all. Of course, Zangetsu's father denied such an idea, saying it wasn't her fault and any old mall would probably promise to haunt him forever.. It wasn't a big deal. ''Honestly? It doesn't feel as heavy having talked about it. So thanks, Rukia.''

But that wasn't good enough to her.

She really had to make it up to him..

''No. This mall holds exhausting memories for you. Ugly, scarred ones that invoke imagery that only bring pain..'' What was she getting at? Soon though, Ichigo's step mother was paused during her sentence, being soon joined by her daughters after all. The trio made a quick plan to visit the larger portion of the mall with more clothes; Meanwhile the teen just stood there - waiting for his dad's wife to finish what she was saying.

Then she did.

As they walked to the other end of the mall, the raven haired beauty slowed down. The twins walked up ahead talking amongst their selves, pushing their step brother in his stroller. Ichigo and Rukia all alone then; The two girls oblivious to their step mother getting on her tip toes to kiss their brother..

''- We will make a better memory, son.'' She finally finished.

His mouth watered.

xxxx

''The men section is upstairs, yes?'' The petite milf quizzed, grinning toward the nodding sale associate. ''Girls, browse for yourself within this level. I'm going to help your brother. If Zangetsu gets hungry, he has a bottle beneath.''

''Got it, mom!'' Yuzu chirped, rocking her baby brother back and fourth within his stroller. ''Don't worry.'' Karin added. ''We'll stay in this area. Go ahead.''

Rukia began to head toward the escalator, turning her head to lock eyes with her step son. A wink as the stairs move upward.

''What exactly are you trying to pull?'' Ichigo half chastised, excited for whatever was next! ''We're in a public area..''

For the first time, the raven haired goddess couldn't decipher the depths of that heart. Did he mutter that last sentence to scold her? Or did the 19 year old bite down at the idea?

Regardless, Mrs. Kurosaki felt the need to clarify. ''Have you struck your head within the past 24 hours, Ichigo?'' Even a palm against his skin to take the boy's temperature!

''What the hell are you talking about?'' The teen investigated, brows competing in height.

''..Mother's day. Your father's bbq.. Those times weren't within the confines of my bedroom, were they~?'' That little sexy tone!

She was a smart ass now, huh?

The two reached the top of the stairs and the 19 year old couldn't hold back a second longer. Not after being reminded of those memories.

''Ichigo ..'' Rukia tried to stop him, even if she smiled in her words, swatting at her son's hand upon her shoulder. No matter what the little woman did, the boy behind her wouldn't budge - placing kisses up and down her neck as the two slowly walked up ahead. ''E-enough, you fool.''

Strawberry colored cheeks, now.

''Now you have a problem in public?'' The ginger returned her tease, making the embarrassed succubus fist her hands.

''Everyone is staring, you imbecile..''

Oh.

Very true. Mall go'ers didn't seem to keep their eyes on them, but many passerby's sure did seem interested. The mother and son simply walked off.. Hits and kicks delivered to Ichigo's back then as they finally found the men section. All the tiny slaps mustered up was a smirk on the ginger's features. A mantra of insults under Rukia's breath didn't change it neither, even when she dug her finger into his skin to emphasis the point.

''We talked about this, didn't we? No more public displays of affection!''

''Sorry mom,'' The teen hung his head in disappointment, then. It made the 28 year old roll her eyes. ''..I'll try to be a better son.''

Now black brows were rising in competition. Soon as, another lady had approached only having heard the last bit of the Kurosaki's conversation. A hand over her heart. A sweet little senior.

''Aww, how sweet. Forgive your son, won't you? I can tell how much he loves you!''

Jesus fucking christ.

Rukia didn't even get to brace for that one. She nodded, smiling toward the random female before dragging the smirking Ichigo off with her..

He couldn't help but cackle.. ''So Rukia, are you gonna take that old ladies advice?''

The milf shook her head as she swiped through the male t-shirts. The ends of her lips trying their hardest not to curl. ''Only you would solicit such divine timing for an incident so indecent as that.. fool.'' She broke, beaming with not just her grin at Ichigo's gaze.

The second to last youngest Kurosaki man loved teasing his mother. Of course, he did get her opposition to it. Rukia had mentioned her dislike of his uncle's frequent jokes. Neither believed it. But now, it was better to play it safe than be sorry later on, right?

Fine - no public fuck. But there didn't seem to be a lot of people in this area of the mall..

''Stop it, now.'' The tone of a disapproving mother then. She moved from her son's body heat, not in the mood to be groped hidden away in the clothes.. Not yet. ''I told you, we'd create a new memory here. Remain patient, baby boy.''

Fuck.

Her words were hot and she wasn't even looking at him; still shopping.

The poor teen had become hard, keeping his distance after being scolded. But Rukia was dead set on her way and not his. What was her way though? ..15 minutes had passed now and his milf was nowhere closer to choking on his -!

''Excuse me, ma'm?'' The petite beauty called out to a worker. The woman turned around, features loose and high to wait for Mrs. Kurosaki's question. ''Where is your fitting room?''

Ichigo's breath hiccupped. A dry, depressing desert and finally up ahead - a lake.

''Back there, to the left.''

''Thank you. Let us part, Ichigo. This way~''

The boy followed his mother eagerly.

xxxx

''I see. How many items?'' The silver haired senior investigated, adjusting her glasses to make sure no one was mis-counting.

''8. 4 tops, 4 bottoms.'' Rukia promised, lifting each hanger to roll over her other arm.

''Alright, here you go.'' The old lady grumbled, handing over a card with the number eight. Her eyes sat on the atrocious hair color before her.. ''E-excuse me!'' 'Patty' (her name tag) intervened, hand out between the woman and citrus haired boy trying to enter the dressing room together. ''There is only one person allowed to go in. He can try those clothes on by himself, ma'm.''

Rukia had to hold in her grin.

''Excuse me, my son is only 14 years old. I must accompany him.''

The change on the worker's features were hilarious. ''O..oh, I'm so sorry. Go right ahead!'' Hmm.. Patty thought. He didn't look very young. The girl looked quite so however for being a mother at that age..

xxxx

Their lips crashed hard as soon as the swinging wide door locked. Rukia's back was pushed up against the scratched mirror behind as her 19 year old son took the ownership of her tongue. It hurt her heart as those warm palms traveled in between them, settling on the bulge. ''Oh baby. You're so eager, aren't you? Does this pain you?'' The bottom of Mrs. Kuchiki's hand presses into the hardened extension, kneading Ichigo through his jeans and earning a few strangled sounds. The milf had to abandon the french kiss, wanting to hear even more as she left love bites on her husband's kin's neck instead..; Still - those hands remained on him, unzipping and unclasping. Tracing the shape of a sprung out cock in a dressing room with music playing.

''Want your mommy to make it feel better?'' Her words feel like fire against his heated skin. They travel deep inside his ears, down his veins and become undone within. Her wet tongue burns him too, joining the hauntingly good sensation that makes the teen shut his eyes. The tightening intrusion that says maybe you shouldn't - but too late, right? They were junkies getting off on their high; No one could come in-between that. ''Yes.. I' - I'm gonna fucking fill you up, Rukia ..''

She was leaking then, watching those weighted lids and that tongue re-gloss his lips. That promise sounded way too good to be true! The soggy feeling in her panties becoming an irritation, now.

''Finish rather quickly though,'' Rukia whispered. ''We cannot take too long.'' However, the sexy older woman didn't get on her knees. She turned around after giving him a quick peck, tasting his own taste as she held herself up against that mirror again. Legs spread. Underwear loose down by her left foot. ''Fill up mommy's ass, baby.'' Her head turned back, big round puppy eyes; Shimmying that little fat ass connected to such a tiny waist as her horny son raised that dress. ''Mh-mhn .. I want that hot, thick load inside me ~

At this point, that lake had drowned him.

The teen's entire body was ready to deliver somewhere between at the edge and falling off it. She controlled the atmosphere of his world and Ichigo couldn't find a complaint. ''Rukia..'' He couldn't help but groan; Practically drooling; Pushing his tip around and in her soft, fat wet lips. That transparent, delicious sticky mess sitting on the 19 year old's cock head now, re applying to his step mother's anus.. ''Your ass belongs to this cock..''

''Nng-hfuuck~'' Rukia exhaled, trying to spread as much as she could for the ginger, swallowing hard at the fact she was going to soon. The big dicked teen held the side of her waist as he took his time trying to prep her. But remember? He had to do this 'rather quickly.'

''Oh, Ichigo!''

He slammed inside her, meeting resistance but a cooperate partner, eye sight stuttering heavenward as more of that tight, meaty hole sucked him in. His dad's wife's wet pussy juice was being a great lubricant. ''Fu-ck!'' The teen didn't hold back, voice raising as he worked in and out of his mother. Her cheeks burned even more rose, praying the music playing was loud enough to cover her step son's moans and curses. Ichigo couldn't give a shit, tunnel vision upon the little beauty in front of him, her hands splayed out against the door as his cock disappeared inside her damn hot wet entrance.

''Excuse me, is someone i - We need to call management!'' Someone scoffed, calling out to another before running off. ''Where are they! We NEED to find them!''

But it didn't make anyone stop - didn't make the couple fucking in the dressing room nervous nor eyes go wide.. Their plans did not change. Nor did Rukia scold the teen for being too loud..

The heat surrounding them was simply too much. The two were sweating in negative weather, and soon Rukia couldn't bare it, sputtering her step son's name loud as he wrapped his fist with the ends of her dress; Using it to slam her backward onto his hard dick. ''Just like that, baby! Force that cock deeper inside me!~'' Her weak, mascara running eyes did their best to get a look at him. Her head was against the mirror now, reflection foggy from her harsh breath as she was bred like a bitch. ''Quick .. Keep stuffing me ~Son ~ I'm so .. full! Let mommy take it all in !~''

''I'm gonna.. c-cum inside this ass so fucking hard Rukia .. - I'm gonna impregnate you again.''

''Please!''

Overflowing.

''Fuck, mom!'' Citrus hair swung back as his neck went the same direction. Arching his back as those hands gripped the tiny waist of the woman he loved, pulsating thick creamy loads inside his Rukia. Carmelization as the moon unlocks the sun, letting him shine down all over her.

''Mhnnngh! Yes! You - you like that, baby? Don't you? Mommy squeezing down on your cumming cock?~~''

That tight, perfect pink hole tensed over and over, forcing Ichigo's veined erection to empty more of his balls in bigger spurts. Throat closed up and strangled sounds leaving his vocals somehow. Knees turning soft and spine tingling as his body jolted from the electricity shooting through out. Pure blissful relief, no more ache as his beautiful step mother took all of his pain away.

''Ah ..haah ..'' It took more than a moment, he had collapsed against her for a little. Now his sweaty palms with the hem of her dress.. His breathing pattern.. ''Mhmn ..'' Ichigo tightened at the sight of her fleshy entrance leaking. Slapping the milf's ass and earning a sweet little cry before letting the fabric hide it. ''I won't ever forget this..'' The teen praised, smirking at his spent lover. ''..Thanks, Rukia.''

''That was the anticipated result. You make me quite happy, Ichigo.. '

They helped one another quickly then, kissing in-between, zipping the teen back up and using some wet wipes from her purse on herself.

''Let us part once more now .. before they catch us.''

The teen followed his mother eagerly.

xxxx

The car trip back was a peaceful one. The twins hummed to a song and Ichigo and Rukia's son slept easily. It was serene without Isshin being involved. Everyone felt it. Yuzu decided to .. speak up on it.

''I had fun today. Thanks mom for taking me and my sister to the pizza fun aracde. I wanted to go there for a long time but dad was always busy. It means a lot.''

Karin agreed, looking out the window. ''Yeah, that was pretty cool of you. I'm really happy we have you. Our mother.''

Those words made the 28 year old fulfilled. Her heart fluttered. She turned around at the red light. ''I love you girls. You've all changed my world, I want you to know that from the deepest depths of your hearts.''

''..Will you.. always be our mother?'' Yuzu asked, almost hesitantly.

''Why would you say that? Of course,'' Rukia insisted, tilting her head and trying to find an explanation on the twin's sister's face. But Karin held the same scared expression.

''No, she means - we mean .. if our dad messes up.''

Oh.

Had they known what he did? Or was it just a scary thought?

Either way, the light turned green but Rukia's heart was still frozen in place. To have something that means a whole deal to you is not a blessing. Not just. It's also a curse. For the fear of it fading is just as strong. Her gaze met Ichigo's but the young man did not return the favor.

He sighed quietly, feeling guilt within his heart..

Finally another red light. Her grip on the steering wheel became tighter. ''I promise you girls,'' Rukia Kurosaki swore, looking at the both of them in the mirror. ''I will never leave you. No matter what the circumstances are. I will always remain close to you.. No matter what.''

It made them smile.

''Great!'' The blonde chirped, hands up. ''Plus, if dad ever does something mean and she leaves, Rukia could just marry our brother, Karin!''

The car hit dead breaks. (Everybody was fine, they didn't budge, really.)

''YUZU!'' The raven haired twin yelled, grip on the seat belt that kept them secure. ''Wh - don't say stuff like that!''

Throats went dry. Hazel and violet eyes met for a second, went wide too for a moment when they looked away..

''I apologize every one, there was a rabbit on the road.. '' Zangetsu's mother claimed..

xxxx

Finally, everyone was home. Isshin was more than happy, hugging his daughters and trying to take the home welcoming moment to strike up a conversation with his son. But that didn't work. The old man sighed, stepping outside for a moment to collect his thoughts. Everyone went inside their rooms and left him alone once more. How does he fix this?

For starters, Isshin figured - he needed to get on better terms with Ichigo. This had gone on for far too long. He needed to make it up to him or he might lose his first born forever. Those hard things muttered to him at the hospital didn't feel like insults. Ichigo told me the truth. I have to fix this.

Then, by giving Rukia space in the mean time - she'd in return give him a chance. It was perfect!

xxxx

It had been a week. Isshin kept getting cold feet regarding facing his son once more. Days on end he'd be a knock away and talk himself out of it. The eldest Kurosaki would convince himself he was setting himself up for disappointment..

This is my son! How can I stand here and be afraid of rejection? He wouldn't be here without me!

His jowls tightened, his posture became straighter and his shoulders went back. ''Ichigo! I want to talk to you!'' The tall, giant older man yelled out, grabbing his son's door handle and shoving the wood out of the way. ''I will not take no for a -''

''I-Isshin! It isn't what it looks like!'' Rukia choked, covering herself with her step son's blanket. Air became dense and humid. The hand on all clocks ceased to move. Isshin's entire world shattered before him, bursting into a million little pieces as he fell to his knees.

''Please, this - it was a -'' Mrs. Kurosaki was staggered, eyes wide and chest beating too fast. Ichigo had secretly rubbed such a thing in his father's face for a whole year .. but watching the old man fall apart was a entirely different episode. He went stiff - his vocal chords vanished. All he could feel was a heaviness.

''Dad? What's the matter?'' Karin quizzed, coming up the stairs. ''What do you mean?'' Yuzu skipped along, making Rukia and her step son's heart do the same.

''No! Isshin please, stop them!'' Rukia begged, stumbling out of Ichigo's bed with his comforter still on. The older brother of the twins trying to put back on his shirt as he heard them cry ..

''How could you - how could you do this!?''

Everything became silent. His father's words echoed within his mind. Miraculously those defeated, guilty eyes met the other set.

''I -''

!

''Ichigo?'' Rukia budged, snapping the 19 year old from his dream. ''I think our nightly.. activities need to reach a halt. Until your sleep schedule normalizes.'' The ginger stirred in the bath tub, nerves waking up and making random muscles spasm for a second. ''You closed your eyes for one moment and fall asleep? That is quite cute.. '' The wet beauty whispered, crawling over to her step son to sit in his lap. ''Bad dream?'' She quizzed, using a loofa to lather his chest.

Needfully did her lover wrap his arm around her waist. ''Not anymore ..'' He was glad - too glad to have Rukia to himself, kissing her on the nose.

''So .. I wanted to know if you'd like to accompany me tomorrow.'' Rukia quizzed, leaving a trail of kisses beneath Ichigo's ear; Brushing her fingers through damp citrus hair.

''Wherever you go I will follow.'' Ichigo didn't even feel like it needed to be said. ''Why even ask?''

She smirked against his skin. ''I know you do not get along with my family, that is why..''

Ichigo's scowl returned for a moment. Imagery of Byakuya playing in his mind. ''..What is making you head over there anyway?''

Rukia turned her back against him, using him at her seat and relishing in his thievery. The 19 year old used the soapy loofa on her chest now.

''They wanted to visit for some time. I never wanted problems between your father and my own. So I avoided it.. but now, well - I do not need to involve Isshin what so ever. I want you to come with me. Only for two days.''

He didn't even need to think about it.

The teen grabbed her jaw, turning her toward him.

''I would never miss getting alone time with you.. I love you.''

It made the woman feel even warmer than the bath's water surrounding them. The flame on a nearby candle not even half of the one within her heart.

''I love you too, Ichigo..~''

The two began to kiss inside the tub, water moving as Rukia readjusted several times, moaning hot as he played with her small chest; Squeezing and rubbing where her husband's son shouldn't.. The gorgeous soaked beauty pressed her back into him, eternally perfect summer warm within at the feeling of Ichigo's rapid heart beat.

xxxx

It was an unpleasant, brisk early morning for Isshin Kurosaki. For a doctor to feel such a way.. It was definitely too early. The black haired father stretched, eyes not acquainted with his bedroom — the living room yet. His lids weren't open as he yawned, finally doing so after; in utter confusion by the sound of their voice.

No, it wasn't his girls. The twins weren't deciding oatmeal or cereal. No fights. No last minute homework catch up. Not even a fall that caused him to stir from his sleep.

It was Ichigo and Rukia.

''What are you two doing? Why is your luggage out?''

Her gaze didn't pay him any attention, handing another bag to her step son to pack in the car. ''I'm going to visit my family, Isshin.''

But that explanation didn't settle his heavy heart. ''But - we were suppose to head over to your family together.''

''You do not get along with my father. Do not put on a façade where you wish to come with.'' The petite beauty finally looked down at him, tightening her pony tail. She sighed for a second, collecting her thoughts soon after. 'm not doing such a thing only for myself. I'm also doing this for you.''

Ichigo's ears perked up, pretending not to pay attention as he mindlessly transferred another bag. Forehead creased and lips pressed together. ''-This small break will be good for the both of us. It will do well for you and I.'' For the first time in such a long while Mr. Kurosaki felt hope, warmed by his wife's touch upon his arm. Oh how he missed it..

''Alright.. I think it will too, honey. I'm sorry for everything .. I just want you know I'll be waiting.''

''..I know you will.''

What a load of shit. Ichigo could imagine his father saying the same thing to Masaki 20 years ago too.

The corners of Isshin's eyes crinkled as that smile took ahold of his features. He thanked his lucky stars things finally seemed to be setting up to head in the right path. The older man even helped his wife pack; Until he noticed half the stuff was Ichigo's and Zangetsu. He was perplexed beside the car. Rukia's husband scratched his head.

''Wait - why are my sons going as well?''

The teen wondered what his step mother's response would be.

''I do not like to travel alone. Much less flights.'' Hmm, she was pretty skilled at lying. ''Also, of course our son is coming with me. Him being there is the largest portion of the reason I'm visiting family -They wish to see him.''

It was a bummer to realize he wouldn't get to spend time with his boy but nevertheless, he understood. What was one week? ''Okay honey. Tell them I said hi.'' Isshin sighed, expression less saturated. ''Ichigo,'' The man called out just before walking off, ignoring the distance between them. ''Take care of my wife for me, son.''

''Oh don't worry old man.. I will.'' The teen promised.

See you next chapter!