Disclaimer: not mine
Got to 45 today, still way too hot to try and sleep so trying to get a third update out in one day!
Chapter 7
Kisuke froze for a split second, seeing Ichigo on his knees, blood soaking his clothes. He forced himself to think, Ichigo was Visored, a hybrid, he could survive the wound. He would not survive being eaten! A blast of power took care of the camera flies he had sensed in the area before Benihime left the sheath as he discarded the cane, launching himself forward. He saw Kuchiki throw herself at the Hollow, her own Zanpakutō glittering coldly, did she have Shikai yet? In a second the Hollow moved, and she went flying, lying limp where she landed.
Kisuke got between the Hollow and Ichigo, hearing him cough up blood behind him. "Stay down," he urged, moving would only worsen the wound. The Hollow laughed, going to say something but Kisuke wasn't playing around. Against a normal Shinigami or even low-level seated officer it could win, but a Captain? Seconds later he was watching as it dissolved, fading away.
Kisuke turned away and moved to Ichigo's side, seeing him bracing against the ground with one hand, blood dripping from his lips and clothing. How much damage had the attack done? "It's alright Ichigo, let me see," he murmured gently. He heard a growl and then he was on his back on the ground, Ichigo pinning him down despite what should be a debilitating wound. He stared up into golden eyes, seeing the lack of recognition in the strange colour, it wasn't the same as when he let his Hollow surface. He felt the same sensation as before, but stronger, felt Benihime rage at the pressure and for a second his vision went hazy before clearing and he reached out to his Princess, calming her down. Whatever was happening wasn't Ichigo's fault. "Ichigo, calm down. You know me, I won't hurt," he was cut off as Ichigo lowered his head and he felt agony in his throat.
He raised a hand but hesitated, he felt a strange pulling sensation, felt a little trail of warmth…like blood. Was Ichigo…drinking his blood? He needed to get him off but how without further harming Ichigo or ripping the throat of his Gigai open? This one was very comfortable; he did have a spare but he'd rather not sacrifice one. He lowered the raised hand to Ichigo's hair, feeling where the braid had come loose so he ran his fingers through the strands, trying to soothe him. it seemed to work, Ichigo's grip on him loosening a little, the frantic sucking slowing. How much blood could a Gigai safely loose? He'd never actually tested that.
"It's alright Ichigo," he whispered and he felt Ichigo freeze. "Ichigo?" he questioned and then he was staring into golden eyes again, ones that showed awareness and recognition now, along with growing shock and horror. His hand slid through orange hair as the teen pulled back and he settled it on the back of Ichigo's neck, trying to ground him. "Back with me?" he asked and then Ichigo was scrambling off him, wiping at his mouth to remove the blood there. Kisuke slowly sat up, feeling a little light headed but nothing he couldn't handle. To his relief, Ichigo was no longer bleeding.
"No…no…no…" Ichigo shook his head and Kisuke pushed to his feet, walking towards him, hands out, not wanting him to feel threatened.
"It's alright, no harm done," he promised and he saw Ichigo's muscles bunch, preparing to bolt so he moved in, wrapping his arms around the teens chest, pinning his arms to his side, holding him against his own body. "Calm down Ichigo, it's alright. You didn't hurt anyone," he promised and it was true, the Gigai had stopped bleeding already.
Holding him, he picked up on a few things he had missed before. Ichigo's body was cool in his arms, despite the exertion of the fight and…was he even breathing? He could feel the strength in the muscles shifting under his hold but Ichigo didn't fight him, likely worried about hurting him. Ichigo was trembling slightly so he shifted the hold until he was cradling the younger male against him rather than restraining him. It felt strange to hold someone like that, but he didn't want him to feel trapped or to be scared Kisuke would harm him in retaliation. Obviously his body's need had taken over, making him bite him and drink his Gigai's blood. Was the blood realistic enough to have helped? It must have helped some since he had regained his senses.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Ichigo was horrified…he'd bitten Urahara! How could he…he remembered the agony of being stabbed, Rukia's attack… then everything went black. He'd fought against every instinct when Kisuke grabbed him to keep him from leaving, he would not hurt him again! The gentle words began filtering in, his tone calm, and then Ichigo felt his hold shift until he was cradled in his arms, head over a steadily beating heart. He shuddered, feeling his body begin to relax, feeling…safe. Slowly he lifted a hand, tangling it in the green coat and Kisuke looked down at him, meeting his eyes without fear…how?
"There you go," the shopkeeper smiled at him.
"H….how?"
"How what Kurosaki-kun?" Kisuke asked, a hand running through his hair and Ichigo pressed into it without even thinking.
"Not scared?"
"Of you? Hardly." That made Ichigo glance up at him again but his expression was serious. "Even completely out of it, you did not try to harm me. Had I needed too; I could have fought free. Remember, this is a Gigai, even should you kill it, it would not kill me. You barely took enough to make it briefly light headed, and from how pale you are I assume it wasn't enough." He glanced away and Ichigo followed his gaze.
"Rukia!"
"She's just unconscious from hitting the tree, she will be fine," Urahara promised. "Do you think you can walk?"
Ichigo took stock of his body, feeling the ache from where he'd been impaled but it wasn't bad. He knew he needed more blood but the need wasn't desperate anymore. He pulled away and Urahara let go, letting him get to his feet. He wavered but then steadied himself and nodded. He reached a hand out to Kisuke's throat and then froze, glancing at the Shinigami but he simply stood still so Ichigo fiddled with his collar, doing his best to hide the blood. The blood on his skin was drying though and he took a hesitant step closer, leaning in before pausing again but he still didn't move. Ichigo licked at the skin, cleaning it of all remaining blood before moving back.
"Thank you," Urahara nodded his head in thanks and then moved to Rukia's side, leaving Ichigo staring after him in shock. He thanked him for licking blood off his throat?
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Kisuke walked towards Rukia, considering Ichigo's condition it was better if he carried the young woman. His mind was spinning with too many theories but he didn't have time right now. It was obvious Ichigo needed further care, then there was the question of his family as well as young Kuchiki, who should have regained consciousness already. He knelt beside her and rolled her carefully, wincing in sympathy at the rather large lump. He gingerly picked up her Zanpakutō and sheathed it before picking her up and standing. "Do you know where your family is?"
Ichigo frowned and took a deep breath, was he scenting the air? He tipped his head to the side and then pointed so Kisuke followed him away from the battle site.
"Ichigo!" Isshin called in alarm when they moved into view, seeing the blood soaking his clothing. "Kisuke?"
"I suggest we return to my shop before speaking and Tessai can see to Kuchiki."
"Are you okay Ichi-nii?" the lighter haired twin asked, hovering, and Ichigo tiredly ruffled her hair, his fingers moving…sign language. He needed to get some books on that soon.
He led the group back to his store, relieved when Isshin moved in to support his son, letting them move quicker. It wasn't easy considering the blood covering Ichigo, the last thing they wanted was to be seen by the living with him in that condition. They finally made it and he handed her off to Tessai before looking at Isshin who glanced down at his daughters.
"I need you to go home and get the emergency supplies plus some clean clothes for your brother." They hesitated before nodding and rushing from the store. "Hot spring?" Isshin asked and Kisuke nodded. He opened the trapdoor and they got Ichigo down into the room and then into the healing waters. "Ichigo?" he called and Ichigo opened his eyes. "Can you hold out or do you need something now?" Isshin asked and Kisuke watched as Ichigo shook his head, shifting further away from his Father.
"Can he wait?" Kisuke asked and Isshin eyed him warily. Kisuke tugged his collar back into the normal position, revealing the bloodstains and Isshin's eyes went wide even as Ichigo cringed back. "None of that Ichigo, you didn't hurt me," he chided gently. He removed his coat and looked; he really should change his outfit fully before the girls returned.
"Sorry," Ichigo whispered and Kisuke levelled Isshin with a look.
Isshin glanced at Ichigo and then back up at him, warning clear. He crouched and ran his fingers through dampening orange hair. "I'm going to go wait for your sisters," he offered and Ichigo stared at him. "It will be alright," Isshin gave him a goofy grin before retreating.
Kisuke walked towards the spring, stripping off and slipping into the water as well, enjoying the warmth soaking in to his bruised back, he'd hit the ground harder than he'd realised. Ichigo had looked away immediately when he began stripping, though his cheeks didn't colour, not enough blood? Kisuke chuckled and moved to sit beside him, feeling him tense. "Considering you slept on me last time, you should relax. I'd like to take a look at your chest, make sure the wound is as healed as it appears." He turned slightly to face Ichigo who fidgeted. "Ichigo," he called seriously and the teen stilled. "I will not hurt you, I will only examine the wound," he promised and Ichigo slowly turned to face him, both now sitting side on the bench.
Kisuke nodded and reached out to gently check the area, finding barely a mark on his skin, he really did heal fast. He carefully checked deeper to make sure that it had healed as well and then paused, frowning. He checked again, alarm spiking. Ichigo's heart was not beating.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Ichigo could smell the alarm even over the scents of the hot spring and he frowned, confused. He was healed, just a little tired, tender and hungry. So why would Urahara be panicking, not like his heart…oh. Oops. It was bad enough when Dad had to remind him to breath, he was thankful he'd never noticed the times Ichigo's heart was still. Now Kisuke knew. "It does that sometimes," he offered and the Shinigami looked up at him.
"Ichigo?"
"My heart; forget to breathe sometimes too," he cautiously spoke and sure enough, there was no reaction. How could he meet his eyes and listen to him talk when no one else could?
"There was no accident, was there?" he asked and Ichigo shook his head. He held his hand out and Kisuke looked at it before holding his own out and Ichigo guided it up to his mouth, letting his fangs extend.
,,,,,,,,,,,,
Kisuke let Ichigo guide his hand, feeling the thin razor-sharp teeth beneath his fingers. The evidence was mounting towards something that should be impossible. Living so long in the mortal realm had exposed him to much of the literature and their fascination with 'supernatural' beings. "Are you trying to tell me, you're a vampire?" he asked softly, they didn't exist, did they?
Ichigo shrugged slightly. "Not fully or I'd still be thirteen."
Kisuke looked at him. "Your speech?" he asked shrewdly.
Ichigo hesitated, looking down at the water and then he looked up, holding eye contact. Kisuke let him, intrigued and he felt it again, pressing against his mind but he pushed it aside, hearing Benihime's grumbling and he hushed her, it was obviously something Ichigo couldn't control.
"I can feel that, whatever it is," he admitted.
"But it doesn't….you're immune?" the teen asked and there was so much hope in his voice.
"Immune to what exactly?" he asked gently, he had so many questions but… he didn't want to hurt Ichigo by asking without considering his welfare and comfort. Odd considering he had once planned to throw the boy at Aizen.
"Mind control," he admitted softly and Kisuke stiffened. "He…he did it to me and I couldn't fight it," Ichigo hugged himself tightly and Kisuke hesitated.
"Who Ichigo?"
"The bastard that did this to him," a new voice snarled and Kisuke jerked, Kidō half cast only to freeze at the sight of another Ichigo, except this one was white and black, who pulled Ichigo into his arms. "It's okay, I've got you," it whispered to Ichigo.
Kisuke took in the black and gold eyes, the tone of voice and was shocked to realise that Ichigo's Hollow had manifested outside of his Inner World and from Ichigo's reaction, or lack thereof, this was a common occurrence. Well, he had said that…Shiro, had helped look after him.
"He grabbed King off the street, had him so deep under we couldn't reach him. Spent days drinking his blood and was gonna kill him," the Hollow smirked. "He didn't win."
That….did not sound good at all. Was it similar to Aizen's illusions or different? "How was it done?"
"Vocally first and then eye contact," a new voice spoke up and there was an older male perched on a rock above them. "He made Ichigo relax until he had no strength or will to move, in order to take him to a hotel room." The man, spirit, looked down at the younger looking two, fondness evident, and Shiro tucked Ichigo against him, covering his ears. "Once he had eye contact and Ichigo was totally under his control, he told him 'You are floating on air Ichigo, unable to feel anything. Let your mind go blank, empty, you have no need to think. You are nothing, just food.' When he then asked Ichigo what he was, he answered 'food'. Once that was done, Ichigo stopped thinking and feeling, he was lifeless except his body still functioned."
Kisuke swallowed hard, utterly horrified. Even under Aizen's hypnosis, at least you could try to fight it. No wonder Ichigo barely spoke! He knew he had done many questionable things during his service to Soul Society, but doing that to a child? He slowly reached out with a hand, gently grasping Ichigo's shoulder. "Tell me he's dead," he whispered and Ichigo nodded.
"Shiro managed to get control while he was draining me, blasted a hole right through him but…I swallowed some of the blood. He dragged my body home and Dad found me comatose the next day. The blood changed me into this. Not human but not a full vampire. But the mental conditioning's still there."
"Your bad days," Kisuke offered and he nodded. It was nice hearing him speak more normally. There was something compelling about his voice true, but he barely had to try to ignore it. "I have a theory on why I am unaffected."
"Oh?" Ichigo and his spirits looked at him.
"I am a Captain level Shinigami," he pointed out.
"But it worked on Rukia," Ichigo denied and Kisuke stared at him. "She knew about Dad and that's dangerous, I just made her think it was a silly idea. And to not mention us in reports."
"Smart," Kisuke agreed, he would have done the same. That got a surprised blinked form Ichigo and Kisuke smirked. Ichigo grimaced and Shiro tightened his hold.
"Where's the old man with supplies?" the Hollow grumbled.
"I will check," the other answered vanishing up the ladder only to return with a bag. He put it down and removed a thermos, handing it to Ichigo who hesitated, glancing at Kisuke.
"Um, you might not want to watch."
"I assure you Ichigo, I can handle seeing you drink blood from a container, you were gnawing on me earlier," he kept his tone light and teasing and Ichigo nodded, raising it to drink. Kisuke leant back against the side of the hot spring, watching without staring. Ichigo was a very neat drinker and he saw no sign of the blood.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Isshin glanced at where the Old Man had returned to, he figured they were out to support Ichigo. He hoped Kisuke didn't push Ichigo but if he did those two would ensure he regrated it. So long as things remained calm down there he'd give them time. Then he would be checking Ichigo over himself, even if he knew the wounds would be gone. To have had that much blood on his clothes…he shuddered slightly, if his son were human he'd be dead.
TBC….
Okay so technically it's tomorrow since it's well after midnight, so does it still count as three in one day since I haven't slept? Finally cooling down a little. Wish I had air conditioning! Then again I wouldn't' be able to afford the electricity bill if I did.
