Chapter Three

Ichigo sat on the edge of the hospital bed, Unohana standing next to him. "So, can you explain to me what happened?"

He took a deep breath. "Okay. It happened about a week or so ago. Uruhara sent us out to fight some Hollows. They were a little more annoying than usual but no problem. I got poisoned, but Uruhara got it out, well most of it. Turns out there was still some in me. Then...w-well I h-had sex with...someone..."

Unohana looked at him calmly. "What a curious poison. Lay down, let me make sure everything's okay. Were you in any pain after you got poisoned?" She helped him lay back.

"Yeah, even after we thought Uruhara got it out. My stomach and back were really hurting, unlike anything I'd ever felt."

"That was probably the poison getting your body ready for pregnancy." She lifted his shirt and waved a hand over his stomach. "Well, everything seems to be fine. The baby's fine. Though the poison seems to be supporting the baby so I can't remove it."

"Is it going to be a problem? Having the poison there."

"No. Since it's supporting the baby it can't go anywhere else. I think it recognizes the baby and wants to protect it. But just so we know what it is, let me get a small sample." Unohana turned to a table next to the bed and picked up a long needle. "I'll numb you so it won't hurt." She waved a hand over him again and his stomach went numb.

Ichigo had seen plenty of needles at his dad's clinic but they still make him nervous. He shifted uneasily on the bed.

"Relax, Ichigo-kun. This won't hurt." She placed a hand on his stomach to steady him and then she pushed the needle into the numb skin.

Ichigo closed his eyes and took a deep death. About a minute later it was over and he could sit up. He looked at the tiny red dot from the needle.

"It'll bruise a little later but I'm sure you'll be fine." Ichigo looked up to see Unohana holding the syringe filled with a deep purple, almost black liquid.

"That was inside me?!"

"Apparently so. I'll send this to the labs and have it tested. Maybe we can find out what kind of Hollow this was."

Ichigo nodded slowly. "Okay, thank you."

The medical captain smiled. "That's what I'm here for. Now, you need to go to Kuchiki-taichou's home and rest. He's probably done getting your room ready. Be careful and please be safe.

The orange haired teen bowed. "I will." He made his way to the door.

"Oh, Ichigo-kun, before you go. I must tell you that if you get into any trouble, Kuchiki-taichou will try to help you. Promise me you'll let him."

Ichigo thought about that for a second. "I...I promise. I don't want anything to happen to my baby." He put a hand over where the baby is.

"Good, now go."

Ichigo grinned and walked out the door.

Planning out a safe travel path was pretty hard. There were so many people and Ichigo really didn't want to get seen. Especially not by one of his friends.

Hiding behind a patch of trees he flash stepped in the direction he knew Byakuya's house was. It was going well until, with his luck, Renji appeared in front of him. He stopped immediately and gasped. "Renji!" Looking over the man's shoulder he could just barely see Byakuya's house behind some sakura trees.

"Ichigo! Hey, what are you doing here? You never told me you were visiting." The red head started walking towards him.

"I, uh, forgot to tell you. But you know now. So, I gotta-"

"What're you in such a rush for? I haven't seen you in awhile."

Ichigo bit his lip. "I just really gotta-"

"Abarai-san." That deep, familiar voice rang out behind Renji. Byakuya had come to save him!

"T-Taichou..!" Renji looked nervous. "I-I was just seeing why Ichigo was here. G-Gotta go. Bye, Ichigo."

Byakuya watched him leave, stoic as ever before looking at Ichigo. "Kurosaki-san, are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I was just getting back from Unohana's. She said I should get some rest." He grew quiet, waiting for Byakuya to say something.

The older man nodded and turned around. "Come, I'll show you to your room. You can look around tomorrow." He led Ichigo down a long hallway with many doors, finally stopping at one and opening it, walking in.

Following him in Ichigo looked around, seeing two mats on the floor, one for sitting and one for sleeping. He saw an incense burner in the corner, a drawer, a screen to get dressed behind, a window overlooking what seemed to be a garden, and a small table.

"It's not much but it works for now. How long will you be staying here?" Byakuya spoke into the silence, causing Ichigo to jump.

"Huh? Oh, um...at least a year? Though I'm thinking more like three or four..." He trailed off hesitantly. He didn't want to be a burden. "I-I know it seems like a long time but..." He unconsciously put a hand in his stomach. "I need to get away for a while."

"You may stay here as long as you need. Just don't bother me."

Ichigo's brow twitched as Byakuya walked away. 'Well he was nice.' He rolled his eyes. 'What do I really expect from him anyway?" He walked around and looked in the drawers, finding a blanket and pillow. He set them on the sleeping mat and laid down, closing his eyes and falling asleep a few minutes later.

Sometime later Ichigo opened his eyes, well rested and feeling refreshed. He thought that sleeping on the floor would've made his back hurt but the mat was actually quite comfortable.

He could hear the birds chirping and sunlight streamed into the room, making it bright and warm. Sitting up he sighed. 'Why do I feel so alone?' Of course he knew the reason.

He'd never dated before, but he had been intimate with someone. He was 98.5% sure that they were the father of his child. This person, he knew quite well, and he feared that this was going to ruin their friendship.

He shook his head and stood up. 'No use in thinking about it now.' He walked over to the dresser and opened a drawer, finding a few comfortable home outfits. He also found a note. It was from Byakuya.

Ichigo,

I've gone to work at my division. If you need anything, please ask one of my servants. They'd be happy to help. Don't get into any trouble. I'll be back later tonight and we shall have dinner together.

Byakuya

Ichigo smiled. He thought the note was nice, and made him feel welcome. He got dressed and opened the sliding door to the hallway. He stepped out and looked around. 'What should I do now? I'm kinda hungry.'

Walking a bit he found his way to a big, beautiful garden with a small koi pond in the middle. He took a few steps towards it.

"It's very beautiful, isn't it?" A voice said on his right.

Ichigo jumped and turned to look at the owner of the feminine voice. "Y-Yes it is. I love it."

The woman smiled and bowed. "Are you hungry, Ichigo-sama? Byakuya-sama said you might be."

"Um, yeah, bring it out here, please."

She bowed and started walking away.

"W-Wait! Please, call me Ichigo. I don't like all that formal stuff."

The woman nodded. "Okay, Ichigo. You can call me Lyla."

"Lyla, thank you."

Then she left to get his food.

She was a small woman , very beautiful and feminine. Her hair was a bright pink, and her eyes were a shocking red. She was wearing a dark pink maid outfit, fishnet stockings, and black shoes with a small heel. She had a very mysterious air about her.

'No wonder Byakuya keeps her around.' Ichigo laughed to himself, sitting next to the koi pond, back against a tree. 'I can't imagine him being attracted to someone like that.'

A few minutes later Lyla came back holding a tray. She set it down next to him and bowed. "Enjoy your meal. I'll be back soon to get your dishes."

"Thank you." And she left.

He looked down at the food and smiled. It looked like something his little sister Yuzu would make: white rice with an egg on top, and a glass of freshly made orange juice.

He picked up his chopsticks and took a bite of rice. 'Wow this is good!' He dug in and moaned happily. 'Just like Yuzu would make.' That thought made him pause. He wondered what Uruhara told his family. He'd be gone for a long time. He wondered what they'd think of him coming back with a child. He drank the orange juice and set the glass on the tray.

"Was it good?" Lyla suddenly appeared and Ichigo jumped.

"Jeez, stop doing that!" He blushed in embarrassment.

She smiled. "My apologies. Did you enjoy the meal?"

"Yeah, thanks. Give my compliments to the chef. It was really good." Ichigo rubbed his stomach contently, smiling as he thought about when he'd feel the first kick of his baby.

Lyla gave a secret smile. "Of course, I shall tell him. He'll be very pleased."

Ichigo nodded. "Can I...have a moment alone? I just need to think for awhile."

The pink haired servant bowed and left a silently as she came.

'What a weird girl.' Getting up carefully he decided to go on a walk through the garden and trees. He really loved nature; the smell, the sounds, the beauty of it all. He'd have to come out after a rain shower.

Sighing happily he sat down on a soft patch of grass that was warn from the gentle sunlight. He laid back and fell asleep.

He didn't know how long he was asleep for but he was awoken by a voice calling his name. He flushed in embarrassment at getting caught sleeping on the ground once he recognized the voice.

He sat up. "Byakuya, you're back." He rubbed the tiredness out of his eyes.

"What are you doing on the ground?" Byakuya walked over to him, looking as blank as always.

"I came out here to think, then I fell asleep. This garden is very beautiful." He stood up and brushed his clothes off. "What time is it?"

"Almost dinner time."

Ichigo rolled his eyes and started walking towards the house. "Okay, but what time is it?"

"A bit after six. That's when I come home."

"Mkay, well I'm gonna get cleaned up. I'll see you at dinner." The orange haired teen waved and left to find a maid. Byakuya just watched him go.

End Chapter Three