Chapter Twenty Seven:

Ichigo sat up in bed, finally he felt good. Better than he had for a while. His body ached from disuse, and he found himself longing to be released from Division Four so that he could return to a regular schedule of training and work. He hated being cooped up for so long with nothing to do, especially when it felt like his energy had fully returned at long last.

His eyes drifted to the other side of his room, scanning the other bed, Byakuya was sat up finishing some of the reports Renji had delivered. The bandages around his chest were gone, replaced by thinner strips of gauze to keep his healing wounds clean and sterile, but the binding around his left arm remained tightly in place, a silent reminder of what had been sacrificed.

It had been a little over a month since Aizen's defection. Time seemed to move crookedly while he was trapped inside sterile walls of muted shades.

Unohana was nothing if not thorough with her treatment, refusing to allow either of them to leave until she was completely content with their progress. It had roused the ire of both men, but a single smile from her had silenced their complaints permanently.

Throwing the covers back, Ichigo shuffled around until his legs were hanging off the bed, the feeling of the cold floor under his feet was a relief and he carefully applied pressure, getting to his up with a hushed groan of delight. It was so good to move around.

He plodded over to the window and rested forwards against the sill, allowing his forehead to rest against the glass as he peered out over the gardens behind their room, the soft tock of a bamboo water feature occasionally reached his ears, but apart from that there was silence.

The only positive thing about Unohana refusing to release him, was that she had also forbidden the Stealth Force from questioning him about his involvement with Aizen. The memory of Yoruichi's words lingered, he knew his name had been kept out of everything. He'd been cleared as an unfortunate victim of Aizen's manipulation.

Yet, something didn't settle right with the lie. It was lying and cheating the system which had got him so deeply entrapped before. He wasn't eager for a repeat performance, even if it was currently saving his life and his freedom. There was a confusingly powerful part of him that wanted to come clean. About everything. He'd face the music, accept the punishment, but then he could start over. Start again. But if it was decided that he should be executed, everything would be wasted. His sacrifice, Byakuya's sacrifice... Would be for nothing.

A groan escaped him and he allowed his head to slide down until it rested on his arms. Emotions truly were confusing. He no longer had to take the modified Gikon Urahara had crafted, after all the danger was gone. He could be himself, whoever that was. He could start peeling back the layers of his personality, layers that had been buried first by his emotionless state, and secondly by the drug.

A small smile tugged at his lips, despite the current turmoil bubbling beneath the surface. It stilled puzzled and amazed him just how much he was capable of feeling now. Yes, everything was a cluster of confusing and mind boggling emotions. But there burning brightly amidst them all was the love he now felt. That scorching sensation he'd believed himself incapable of.

A shy glance towards the noble made his heart thunder and his breath catch. He didn't even have the shame to stop staring when steel eyes met his chestnut ones, he was beyond embarrassment now, all he felt was acceptance and understanding.

"You have been staring at me for quite some time now, Ichigo, should I be concerned?" The noble asked, silken tones lined with amusement.

"Mm. Definitely." He purred, walking over slowly and perching on the edge of the man's bed.

"I see." Byakuya smirked faintly, setting his papers down on the table next to him, "And what might be on your mind?"

Leaning in slowly, soft lips brushed together in an almost chaste kiss, Ichigo sighed gently and allowed his eyes to roam over the pale face in front of him, "How much I want you."

They had tried. More than once in fact. Just days after Byakuya had finally woken from his sleep, there had been relief; joy; sadness; anxiety and it had all melded together in a tight ball of sexual frustration between them. A deep set need for each other. But it seemed that Unohana was proficient at sensing changes in their reiatsu, and every time they tried to sate the burning urge she had appeared, scolding them and threatening to put them in separate rooms.

It was like a cruel form of foreplay.

"As soon as we are allowed to leave," Byakuya nipped gently at Ichigo's bottom lip, "I will have you in my bed until you beg for mercy."

"I never beg." He breathed, face warming as the noble's words sent a heavy zing of excitement to his crotch.

"Oh you will."

The promise was enough to make him moan, forcing a heavier, deeper kiss on the man, tangling his fingers in long locks of hair. The kiss was exaggerated, drawn out and reluctantly parted from as both men drew in shaky breaths.

Ichigo made his way back over to his own bed, not trusting himself to remain close at the risk of Unohana's wrath. He lay back against the pillows and prised his white yukata open just slightly, raising his fingers to the puckered scar in the centre of his chest, a permanent reminder of Gin's blade. He couldn't bring himself to regret it, no matter how much it had almost cost him.

"I was thinking," he said suddenly, "Maybe when we're let out of here we could take another trip to Karakura town."

"Oh?"

"I'd like to..." He paused, "I'd like to learn more about where I actually come from."

The strawberry wasn't sure when the idea had first come to mind, but it had been hot in the back of his skull for weeks. He was a confusing blend of things that should never have integrated in the first place. He was a Human Shinigami with Hollow powers. And yet he knew so little of his Human life, mere trickles of his memory had returned and he longed for more. Even if it was painful, he needed to know. Wanted to know.

Did he have any family left? Anyone outside of his immediate relations? Did he have friends who were still around?

It raised a lot of complications. If he was remembering correctly, he had been in Soul Society for almost twenty six years. Which meant that any friends he'd had as a Human child would be adults, would be fully grown and maybe even have families of their own. And yet the curiosity burned into him like a brand.

"I'm sure we can arrange something." Byakuya's voice yanked him from his thoughts.

"Really?" He was surprised, he'd expected a refusal.

"Of course." The noble smiled slightly, "You deserve to know your place in the world."

Letting out a breath he hadn't realised he was holding, he allowed his head to flop back as a happy smile etched it's way onto his face. Perhaps Urahara and Yoruichi would be able to assist him in tracking down people he would have known, even if he couldn't remember them, a picture could jog his memory.

After so long of missing so much, he just wanted to be complete again.

Byakuya watched as Ichigo fell asleep, his excitement at the prospect of investigating his past apparently too much, despite all his claims that he was fully healed. The noble's smile slipped from its' position as he picked up his paperwork again, scrawling his signature in the necessary places.

He paused as he came to the end of the pile and released a small sigh. It would be complicated for Ichigo to track down people he might have known as a child. While his Human friends would likely have grown up and gone onto have families, Ichigo still looked like a young man, ageing slowed by his Shinigami powers.

Then there was the idea of him remembering every inch of his past, he wasn't sure the younger man would cope with it very well. They had spoken at length, of course, during their recovery. Byakuya had explained the trials of Ichigo's Inner World, the puzzles, the fights, the betrayal of Shiro. The noble found it hard to hold a grudge against the Hollow, even more so when Ichigo explained why he'd changed so much and become so aggressive.

He wanted to hate him, but he couldn't manage it. Just as he couldn't manage to tell Ichigo about the night his family had died, just as he couldn't manage to reveal that Ichigo was somehow related to one of the most powerful noble families in Seireitei. It was still confusing, and he had no idea how to broach the subject. He was merely glad that the painful memories hadn't resurfaced on their own in Ichigo's mind.

Certainly, it would bite him on the ass when the strawberry finally did remember, but for the time being he just couldn't bring himself to break his lover's heart. The truth was too cold, too hard, too bitter. It would have to wait. Ichigo was still fragile.

His eyes drifted down to his left hand where it lay at his side. His mouth sealed in a tight line as he tried again to make his fingers move, but to no avail. It had been truly foolish to use such a highly powered Kidō against an enemy like Shiro, but at the time it had felt like the only option. The price for the spell was great, and Unohana had informed him that it was likely he would never regain the use of his left limb.

He had limited sensation, he could feel Ichigo's touch if he held his hand, he could feel temperature changes through the bandages. But the pain receptors were severed, and his ability to move it was gone. Had he used the Kidō in the real world he most likely would have lost the arm completely. He wasn't sure which outcome was better.

The only comfort was in knowing that the loss wouldn't affect his swordsmanship. Senbonzakura was easily controlled by his mind, despite the movement speed increasing if he used his hands to take control. But while he still had one working hand, he could still fight with all his strength.

Kidō which required two hands, however, would be an issue. Though he was determined to find a way to work things in his favour. He wasn't counted among the Kidō Masters for nothing. Adapting was part of life, change had never been something he was a fan of, but altering because he had no other choice was simply a part of survival. He could cope with that.


It was another week before Unohana finally allowed them their freedom. Their first intentions upon their release was to finally celebrate being alive, but their plans to go back to the Kuchiki Estate had been thwarted by Yamamoto's demands that Ichigo be presented before the Taichou for questioning.

Byakuya had been almost murderous, but had maintained his decorum as Ichigo stood in the centre of the ten remaining leaders of Seireitei. He knew the turmoil of Ichigo's heart, how much he wanted to come clean and start over again, but he also knew the strawberry would refrain from going through with it, if nothing else because it would get more people in trouble.

He couldn't help but feel proud when he watched his lover face off with some of the most imposing figures of their society, holding his head high as he answered their questions with a reserved truth. Never flinching, never hesitating.

The noble could tell that his fellow Taichou were nervous about Ichigo's display of Hollow power. It was a big deal. He could feel their reservations, their concerns, their worries. He was sure for a while that they were contemplating exile, if nothing else but to protect the citizens. It seemed that his voice, as well as the voices of Kyōraku and Ukitake, turned the tide in Ichigo's favour.

Ichigo was strong, they could all see that, they could all sense it. It was far better to have him on their side, than for him to be allowed to wander off and potentially be stolen by the enemy. Byakuya was sure that one of the only things which truly swung their opinions in favour of Ichigo being useful, was the news that he hadn't been exposed to Aizen's Shikai. Which was more than could be said for the rest of them.

It was apparently due to the real power of Kyoka Suigetsu that Yamamoto had been kept away from Sôkyoku Hill during the battle. Aizen's reach was vast, his ability to manipulate even the Sou-Taichou had stunned them all. Byakuya was sure that was why Yamamoto decided not to pursue anything further against Ichigo, at least for the time being.

When the meeting had finally drawn to an end, he left along side his subordinate and lover, lingering only long enough to request they be allowed some time in the World of the Living for personal reasons. Initially it seemed that Yamamoto would deny the request, but the man seemed to change his mind at the last minute, agreeing on the conditions that they stayed together and didn't go off alone. It was an easy promise to make.


Ichigo stretched in a long line as they finally came to stand outside of the Kuchiki mansion, grinning exuberantly at the feeling of freedom that he was finally able to enjoy. He allowed the noble to lead him inside, greeting some of the attendants he recognised with a wave or a nod of the head, he received a few murmured expressions of happiness that he was healthy again, and for their concern he was truly grateful.

"We will leave for Karakura town tomorrow morning," Byakuya said as he nudged the bedroom door open, "I'll have someone send a message to Urahara, I believe he returned there himself a few days ago."

"Sounds good." The strawberry shut the door behind him and leaned against it, letting out a small breath, "It feels like forever since we were last here."

"Mm." The noble brushed his fingers over the plush bedding which had been changed in their absence, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine." He said with a shrug as he let his head tip back, "Just glad to be out of Unohana's grasp for a while."

There was a coy smile on Byakuya's face at his response, he seemed to be of the same opinion, "Indeed, she is an excellent healer, and a kind woman. However, she is something of a slave driver."

"I used to think the same thing about you." The strawberry confessed, "Not that I mind being ordered around every now and again."

Ichigo chuckled softly to himself and finally moved away from the door, moving towards the noble. He stopped at his side, reaching up and gently brushing stray strands of hair out of his face; he couldn't help but notice that Byakuya's signature kenseikan were missing again.

"Why aren't you wearing them?" He found the words slipping from his lips before he could stop them, a small frown tugging at his brow.

Byakuya clasped Ichigo's hand in his and smiled faintly, "When I believed I had lost you... I felt a great sense of loss. Not only for your life but for my pride. I swore, on my pride, that I would free you from Aizen's grasp, only for you to die before I had the chance. I was a failure, and failure is not something the Head of the Kuchiki family can be. I didn't feel that I could adequately represent my family."

"What?" He breathed, scowl deepening, "That's... You did save me. Completely. First when you gave me the option of freedom, and then when you gave me time to realise what I wanted, and then even more so when you refused to fear me for being what I am. You have saved me, Byakuya. And I am grateful."

The noble blinked, surprise touching his expression as he tried to find the words to respond, "I... Didn't think of it like that."

"You surprise me, you normally think of everything." He smirked, "If you don't start wearing them again I might see fit to give us matching hair cuts while you sleep."

Looking mildly mortified at the suggestion, Byakuya sighed, "Very well. But not now."

Ichigo was content with that, after all, the hair pieces would simply get in the way. He chuckled to himself as he leaned in, draping his arms around strong shoulders as he leaned in for a kiss, nibbling teasingly at the noble's lips before plunging his tongue inside, making sure there was no confusion about what he wanted.

A groan was roused from the noble, right hand rising to lace his fingers in his lover's shaggy orange locks, turning them sharply and pushing the younger man down onto his bed, climbing over him as he felt quivering fingers tugging his shihakusho open shamelessly.

There was a low moan of arousal shared between them, bodies tangling together as need overrode everything else, clothes being pulled away with greater urgency and more need, falling loosely on the floor beside the bed until they were both completely naked.

Panting heavily, Ichigo looked up at the noble, noticing how he was forced to prop himself up on his right hand alone while the left remained drooped at his side. He felt a tingle of pity daring to flutter around the corners of his heated desire, but he pushed it aside. Byakuya's pride would be dented severely if he ever felt he was being pitied, by anyone.

Instead, a devious smile touched at his lips as he rolled them, straddling himself over the noble and capturing his lips once again, tongue dancing against his before he peppered taunting kisses down his throat, groaning as his lover tilted his head back, permitting him greater access to the long line of his neck.

He splayed his fingers out over the man's chest, dragging his mouth down further, lapping lazily at the faded scar on his shoulder, and across to the fresher marks on his abdomen. There was a small part of him which felt guilty for the puckers which had marred his otherwise pristine flesh, and yet as he listened to Byakuya's breath catching with each lick, he knew the other man wouldn't have it any other way. He knew Byakuya would have sacrificed everything to see him safe, and a few battle wounds were nothing in comparison to him upholding his word.

The strawberry nibbled softly at the soft skin above his naval, enjoying the gasp of pleasure he received for the action. He smiled to himself as he bit and sucked at his skin, leaving flushing marks in his wake. It was so different to everything he was used to. He was used to the rushed haste of a stress relieving fuck, the roughness and the dispassionate fumbling, the knowledge that he was never in control of what was done. But this was pleasant, there was urgency and need, but it was pushed aside with the desire to enjoy every sensation possible. They were equals.

He paused at the thought, eyes moving up to stare at the flushed but graceful face of the man he was sat astride of. They weren't equals in the eyes of society. Byakuya was a nobleman, he was just a commoner from Rukongai. Byakuya was a Taichou, he was a mere Third Seat. But emotionally they couldn't have been more equal.

"Are you alright?" Byakuya's voice was strained, but still full of consideration.

"I'm fine." He whispered, nipping at his hip playfully, "Just appreciating you."

Seemingly content with the answer he was given, the noble tried to sit up to lull him into a kiss, but Ichigo's hands pushed him back down, smirking at the faintly glazed appearance of the other's eyes. There was a certain excitement in knowing that he could undo the man with a few licks and nips.

He dipped his body lower, settling between his lover's legs as his lips trailed down the rest of their journey, coming to rest on the heated flesh of Byakuya's cock, he heard a soft hiss of pleasure as he began teasing him with his teeth, capturing him in his mouth and swirling his tongue around the sensitive tip. He groaned from deep in his throat as shaky fingers threaded into his hair, the grip tight but not painful.

Ichigo tortured him with deliberate and slow movements, taking his time to enjoy the sounds and sights he was presented with. He almost came undone himself when he engulfed his erection fully, watching the noble's hazy eyes widen dramatically as his lips parted to release a particularly sensual growl of pleasure.

When Ichigo couldn't take it any longer, and crawled up the length of his lover's body, straddling his lap and grunting softly as their arousals rubbed. Tilting his head as he felt fingers massage one of his buttocks, he bit his lip, gripping the wrist firmly as he pinned it above the noble's head, watching mild confusion trickle into the otherwise lust empowered expression.

"Just lay back, and enjoy it." He whispered, swiping the shell of the noble's ear with the tip of his tongue.

"Ngh-" Byakuya was still struggling to think clearly and panted softly, "I... Don't want to hurt you."

"You could never hurt me."

The strawberry kissed him sweetly on the lips, reaching back as he urged two of his own fingers inside his body, thrusting hastily to relax the tight coil of muscle. He knew he should take his time to prepare, it had been a while and Byakuya wasn't exactly small but... He couldn't stand to wait any longer. Ichigo's head rolled back, a loud mewl escaping him as he replaced his fingers with Byakuya's length. The feeling of blissful fulfilment sent shivers through his entire body.

They both moaned in unison, Ichigo quivering as he relaxed against the intrusion, face flooding with colour as he sat up, teasingly digging his nails into the taut stomach beneath him as he began rocking his hips.

He knew they probably wouldn't last long, it was too vital. Too pressing. The need had been building for weeks. He didn't care. Ichigo allowed himself to sink into the feeling of excitement, arousal and pleasure, jaw slackened as he released strings of moans and mewls which echoed Byakuya's.

Sparks of blinkered stars flashed in his vision as the raven haired man beneath him began moving beneath his body. Strong hips jerking upwards to meet his movements, coiling muscles and flexing tendons moving in tandem. His breath stuttered, sharp cries replacing subtle moans as his prostate was struck over and over with repeated accuracy.

Head thrown back as his body tensed, the heat of his orgasm hitting him with almost no warning, his hips thrusting with urgency as he rode out the blissful warmth. It was undoubtedly one of the best he'd ever had, the sort that left him twitching and jerking as he collapsed down onto Byakuya's chest, listening lethargically as the nobleman released a sharp groan of pleasure. The hot harshness of the man's climax made Ichigo purr lazily.

They slumped together, barely containing the energy to part as they sank into the comfortable softness of the bed. Both men panting softly in the amber light afterglow of a union they'd both desperately needed. Ichigo curled up as close as he could, feeling an arm encircling him protectively. He smiled sheepishly, eyes slipping closed as he let out a small sigh of contentment, more than happy to doze off into a wonderfully sex induced slumber.