Hello everyone! It has been ages since I have posted anything. I was feeling a bit inspired to work on this story again after I saw another author was inspired enough by my story to write their own version. I hope you are all staying safe because of Covid.

I've been looking over my notes for this story and I wouldn't mind input. I had originally planned this to be a story of just rebuilding connections while Ichigo really reminisces about his time with his family in the world of this living and explores how he mights spend his day to day life in the soul society. Stirring up trouble just like he told his kids. It was also going to be an UraIchi which I implied in previous chapters and a blurb I wrote that inspired the whole story.

Without further waiting, please enjoy!

Warnings: Post-Aizen AU, Slash

Don't like don't read yada yada.

— Flashback —

"I... I made to much again. I think it's... just us." Yuzu said weakly, eyes not leaving the large serving bowl of white stew.

Ichigo, book bag still slung over his shoulder having just arrived from classes, slumped slightly. He drew in a deep breath before dropping the bag from his shoulder to the floor. Quickly pulling on a comforting smile, he moved over the the table. He pulled out his seat next to her, resting a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Eh." He scoffed. "They're the ones missing out. Your food is the best especially when its fresh and shared together."

Ichigo knew his little sister was a sentimental person. Meals shared together with the whole family had been one of her favorite things. Even when he had been neck deep in work as a soul reaper, he always tried to warn her when he wasn't going to be there even if it was a quick text. There had been a short period of time after he lost his powers that they were all consistently together for dinner. And over time it dwindled down to just the two of them. Ichigo almost surprised himself with how well he was taking the distance for himself. He couldn't deny the growing flame of anger he felt for Yuzu though. She was being shut out... Again.

"When we finish we can do the usual and just save what's left for them. They're adults they can reheat it."

"Still!" She said, voice suddenly heated as she crossed her arms, scowl taking over her features. "The least they could do is call! Send a text! Something!"

Ichigo huffed a laugh into his arm.

"What?!" She demanded turning toward her.

He couldn't contain it.

"You're so cute when you scowl!" He laughed.

For a moment she went completely still as she stared at him. He wondered if she was trying to decide if she was going to hit him or not. Wait... oh no.

Tears clung to her lashes as she blinked up at him.

"Oh man Yuzu." He found himself babbling. "I didn't mean to make you cry. I wasn't trying to make fun of you or anything! I was!..."

He trailed off as he found himself with his arms full of his baby sister.

"I've missed your laugh." She said into his chest.

He froze.

"I'm sorry... If I ever made you feel the way they have. I never wanted that." This was a weight Ichigo didn't even realize he had still been holding onto in his heart. A weight that had grown since he lost his powers. Since he could see how Karin's and their father's absence had affected her. "Since mom died, I wanted to protect you. Make it so you would never have to feel the way I did. As time went on maybe I just kept loosing more and more of myself... but if I ever made you feel... like I didn't care... like I didn't love you..."

"Never." She said vehemently, pulling away from him to sit properly in her chair. He wondered to himself if maybe that was somehow hypocritical. Hadn't he pretty much done the same thing? Hadn't it been even worse?

"No it wasn't the same thing." She nearly chastised. Oh he had said that out loud?

"You always did your best to tell me when you wouldn't be home. And you texted me all the time when you could and not just about not being home. You sent me pictures of things you thought I would like. And recipes. Sure... I didn't know what was going on other than it had something to do with ghosts and it was really important to you. But you did your best! And you would come home after doing whatever and you would just sit with me and talk. I still got to see you. I don't... I don't remember the last time I saw Karin for more than a few moments. The last time I saw dad..." she trailed off. "Maybe I'm being dramatic."

She wasn't really. This had been building for eighteen months now. A year really since Karin and Goat-face were solidly invested in their reaping. He still feels like a hypocrite. Moments of silence passed. Neither had touched their food yet. Ichigo suddenly blew out a sigh, heavy but still relieved.

"Let's enjoy this meal together." He finally said. "Then we can do our homework like normal... and I can tell you everything. I'm sorry I still haven't done that."

"It's fine. You know dad didn't want you to talk about anything ghost related. I know the basics."

"Yeah well he isn't here now is he." Ichigo snarked, filling her bowl with stew before filling his own.

She smiled brightly before she began eating. He followed her lead and took a bite.

"God Yuzu your foods amazing!"

— Present —

Ichigo had decided that really he was in no rush to get anywhere, as he thought about what he was actually going to do first. He wondered about Yuzu and about Hiro. Would Yuzu have been found and escorted to soul society or would she have tried to find the Shiba home in Rukongai? Or was there even still a Shiba home out here if Isshin had return? He really couldn't imagine Kukaku and Ganju wanting to give up the freedom they had would outside the walls of structured clan expectations. Ichigo wouldn't lie to himself and think that anyone other than he and Yuzu would even think about finding Hiro so he was likely still in Rukongai somewhere. Would Yuzu have gone into the districts to wait and search for him? Likely.

...Hmmm.

They really should have planned this out better before they all died.

It left him wondering if he would go to the gates and ask the guard if he had heard of the Yasudas, daughter and son-in-law of Isshin Shiba.

Or he could wander a bit. Let some anticipation build because as much as he would like to be a complete surprise they likely already know he is dead. Maybe hunt down Kukaku and Ganju himself. Kukaku seemed to have eyes and ears everywhere. She could certainly fill him in on the going's on of the world he had been separated from for decades. She would probably even potentially get a kick out of stirring up some trouble with him... Or maybe that was more Ganju's avenue. If anything he was sure he could convince her to let him use that canon of hers.

In the back of his mind he heard delighted cackling and an almost sinister smirk pulled at his lips.

Oh yes there was much fun to be had.

Thank you for reading! This chapter was pretty short and kind of just me warming back up to writing. It's been so long! I really did get focused on this moment with Yuzu. I really want to build up his relationship with Yuzu and Hiro. And with the flashbacks show how the time without powers and with this family he had changed him as a character. (Especially the kids. Uncle Ichi all the way!)

Send a review my way! Can't wait to hear from you (please be gentle!)