AN: Haha...I forgot this was on here...my bad! But I'm now uploading the next chapter lol. Please enjoy!

Chapter Two

Uruhara jolted up in his chair, woken by the sound of a Hell Butterfly. "Uruhara-san, I have received your message. Unohana-taichou would be delighted to help whoever needs it, and the only Captain, I'm assuming this person of yours needs protection, who can provide housing and adequate protection is Kuchiki-taichou. We'll be expecting your arrival in an hour." And with that, the butterfly disappeared.

Uruhara blinked, then blinked again. "Byakuya..." He chuckled to himself. "This should be good." Shaking his head he made his way to Ichigo's room. He knocked even though it was open. "Ichigo-kun, I need to talk to you about Soul Society."

The young man in question looked away from the window. "We know who I'm staying with?" He perked up.

Uruhara held in his laughter. "Yes. I just got Head Captain's message. He said Unohana-taichou will help you of course, and that you'll be staying with...with-" He couldn't contain his laughter. "With Byakuya!"

Ichigo couldn't believe it. "What? Hell no! I am not staying with that stuck up bastard."

Uruhara wiped away tears and sobered up. "I know the history between you two but he has enough housing for you and the baby, and he can protect you if it comes to that."

Ichigo was about to protest but Uruhara held up a hand. "Ichigo, you can't be reckless anymore. You have a baby to take care of. Byakuya can keep you safe with no questions asked."

Ichigo thought about that for a minute. "Yeah, I guess you're right. But I still don't like it." He pouted and crossed his arms.

Uruhara nodded and smiled. "I know. Now, they're expecting you soon so if you need anything get it now. I'll be out in the front when you're ready." And with that he walked away.

Ichigo sat there for a few minutes before getting up. He made his way to the front. "I don't need anything. I'm sure if I do need something they'll have it in Soul Society." And they walked to the portal.

"Tell all my friends that I'll be back soon enough." At Uruhara's nod, Ichigo walked through, appearing at the entrance of one of the many gates. The Head Captain, Unohana-taichou, and Byakuya were standing in wait.

"Kurosaki-kun." Unohana spoke up first. "We were not aware you were coming to visit." She took a few steps forward. "We are waiting for someone."

"Yes, I'm...I'm the someone. Uruhara said that you could help me? And that I'm staying with Byakuya for...a while." He glanced at the stoic man who showed no emotion.

The Head Captain grunted. "And what is the reason for you staying here?"

Ichigo cleared his throat. "I'd, uh, rather keep that between me and Unohana."

The old man hummed. "Very well. But if either of these captains report any disturbances, you're gone."

Ichigo bowed a little. "I understand, Head Captain." He decided to actually show a little respect for once, not wanting to risk getting in a fight. Speaking of fights...

"O-oh, um, can we please keep my presence a secret from Kenpachi? I can't afford to get in a fight."

That statement raised some eyebrows. "You can't fight? Are you finally deciding to be more careful?" The Head Captain laughed. "Fine. We will mask your presence from Zaraki Kenpachi, as well as anyone else you'd fight. Let us hope he doesn't see you by the Fourth Division infirmary."

"I will go get Kurosaki-san's room ready while he is gone. He knows where my home is." And the man of few words flash stepped away.

"Well, then. Unohana-taichou, please take Kurosaki-san to get checked. He must only be in your care."

The medic bowed. "Of course, Head Captain." He left. She turned to her patient. "Can you flash step?"

"Of course I can." He replied, a little disgruntled.

"It was just a question, Kurosaki-kun. I do not yet know what your situation is." She said in her calm, smooth voice. "Please follow me. Although you know your way to my office, I know a better way to avoid being seen." She flash stepped away and Ichigo instantly followed.

Back in Karakura Town...

"What do you mean he's gone?! Where is he?" Rukia's voice was heard throughout the small building. Uruhara sighed.

"Rukia, please-"

"No, you never said anything about him leaving! Why did he have to go? Why couldn't you take care of him? What's wrong-"

"Rukia." Uruhara was serious. For the first time in awhile he was dead serious. "I will explain to everyone when they get here. Please have a seat and calm down."

The small shinigami plopped down onto the floor with a huff, crossing her arms.

About five minutes, a lot of tapping by Rukia, later, the friends arrived; Chad was calm, Orihime was nervous, and Ishida was just annoyed. Oh and Kon was there, too.

The group sat around the table and looked up at Uruhara expectantly.

"You all know why you're here. I have to explain something about Ichigo-kun to you. He's gone. Because of his...condition...I sent him away to someone who can help him professionally, and because of his wishes I can't tell you who or where. All I can tell you is that he'll be back soon."

Rukia's and Kon's cries of outrage were silenced by Uruhara interrupting. "There's nothing anyone can do about it. Don't act like he's never coming back again because he is. It might take a year, it might take five years, but he will be back. Have faith in your friend. Believe in him."

Everyone sat in silence for a few minutes until Orihime spoke up. "Why did Kurosaki-kun not tell us himself?"

"I don't know. You'll just have to ask him yourself when he gets back." Then his whole demeanor changed. "So, who wants tea?"

Chapter End

AN: So a little longer. The first two chapters were kinda hard to write, but now that there's a sort of flow, it's easier. Hope you enjoyed! And tell me what you thought, please! I'm always trying to be a better writer, and I would love the input.