AN: The chapter after this will be a one shot between Hana and Grimm, so be prepared for that. Enjoy!

Chapter Twelve

Walking down the long hallway, Ichigo completely avoided going to Syazel's cell, hearing the pink haired scientist having a conversation with the captain of the Science and Research Department, and instead made his way to Starrk's. The number one espada was surprisingly awake.

"Kurosaki-san. How kind of you to visit." The man yawned.

Ichigo nodded. "Of course. And call me Ichigo." He stepped into the cell and sat next to him. He was always nervous around Starrk. The man was extremely powerful and incredibly handsome. He had that rugged, mature air about him, and Ichigo felt intimidated.

"So, what brings you to my cell?" He ran a hand through his shoulder length hair.

Ichigo blushed. "I'm just going around to make sure everyone is okay. And to make sure they don't regret coming here. I'm sorry you were all thrown in jail. I'll talk to the Head Captain and get you all out."

Starrk chuckled. "It's fine. Trust me, this is infinitely better than being with Aizen. At least it's warm here." He smiled.

'Man, why is he so attractive?'

He heard a laugh and Starrk said, "Why, thank you."

'Shit! I said that out loud.' His blush deepened and he looked away.

"Well, you're not too bad yourself. I'm sure you've been told many times though." They laughed together.

"I'm glad you're doing okay."

Starrk nodded and looked down at Ichigo's baby bump. He reached a hand out to it. "May I?"

"Oh yeah, sure."

Starrk placed his hand on the bump and smiled. "You're lucky. The baby is in perfect condition." He rubbed circles into his stomach, soothing Ichigo.

"Thank you." He sighed and leaned against the man, letting him wrap his arms around his body. He blushed. 'I can't believe I'm like cuddling with Starrk, the strongest Espada...and the most handsome.'

They laid together like that for a while until Ichigo started to fall asleep. Starrk shook him awake. "Hey, you can't fall asleep here. What if someone walks by?"

Ichigo yawned and sat up. "You're right." He rubbed the tiredness from his eyes and stood. "I'll be back soon, okay? And I'll get you out of these cells."

Starrk smiled. "Alright. I'm looking forward to it."

Ichigo waved and walked out, making his way to the last cell, the one with the most protection. He glanced at the guards and they stepped aside, allowing him entrance.

As soon as he stepped in, he was tackled.

"Ichi-nii!" Nelliel latched herself to his torso. "Ichi-nii, I missed you! Where have you been? Why haven't you visited me?"

Ichigo tired to pry her off but soon realized that his efforts were for naught. He let out an exasperated breath and sat next to a chuckling Gin, who was cuddling with Izuru. The blond man blushed at seeing the newcomer, and tried to pull away. But Gin wasn't having it.

"Nu-uh! Ya ain't goin' anywhere, my little Izu-chicky."

Izuru blushed more. "Gin..." He pouted and finally gave up.

Ichigo chuckeld at them, being reminded of Grimmjow and Hanatarou. "So I've been talking to the other Espada and they tell me they've been treated well. I'm glad, but I'll talk to the Head Captain and get you all out. I know they won't let you be a captain again..."

Gin grinned. "Nah, I don't care about tha'. I jus' wanna be wit' my lil chicky."

Ichigo smiled and nodded. "Okay." He looked down at Nel in his lap. "And where will Nel stay?"

"With us." Izuru piped up. "She's such an energetic little girl and," He blushed. "and I can't get pregnant..."

"That sounds like a great plan. She needs a family, and I can't give her that. I have my own child to worry about." He placed a hand on his stomach.

Hearing that, Nel sat up. "You're going to be a mommy, Ichi-nii?"

Gin snickered and Izuru covered his mouth to hide his smile. Ichigo blushed and nodded. "Yes, Nel. I'm going to be a mommy."

Nel smiled brightly and pressed her hands to the bump. "There's a baby in there...What are you going to name it?"

Ichigo hummed. "I don't know. I haven't thought about a name before. I'll name it once it's born."

Nel seemed content enough with his answer. "So when's it comin' out?"

The teenager shrugged. "I don't know. It'll be a few months still."

The small girl nodded and snuggled back into his lap. She yawned and closed her eyes, falling asleep a few minutes later.

Ichigo smiled and ran a hand through her hair. "I wish you two luck raising her."

Izuru laughed. "Thank you. I know we'll need it." He shared a look with his lover and they kissed.

Ichigo looked away, trying to ignore thoughts of Byakuya.

"Why do you look so sad, Ichigo-kun?"

The orange haired teen shook his head. "Nothing. I should go. I have to check in with Unohana-taichou." He carefully lifted Nel and placed her in Gin's lap. "Take good care of her. If I see her crying, I'm killing you." He glared at Gin.

The fox-like man just continued to grin.

Ichigo nodded to them and quietly left the cell. He visited Unohana-taichou who said everything was okay. Then he decided to go back to Byakuya's home. He was hungry, and he was sure the captain was at work.

Right as he stepped inside, Byakuya was there, waiting for him. "Ichigo..."

"I thought you had to go to your division." Ichigo cut him off.

Byakuya bristled at being interrupted, but continued. "Where were you all night?"

Ichigo's eyes narrowed. "What I do is none of your business."

Byakuya glared icily. "It is my business when I'm the one protecting you. Last time you ran off in the night, you got kidnapped."

"Don't give me that bullshit. You were probably happy to have the night without me. I'm sure Renji came back and you had a great time."

"Ichigo, it's not like that."

"Oh, yeah? Then tell me, what is it like? Explain it to me."

Byakuya sighed. "Okay. Come, we'll talk in my study."

End Chapter

AN: Mwahahahaha lol I love cliffhangers. Don't you? Anyway, there we go. A little shorter than usual, but this is mostly a filler. Next thing I post will be the Hana and Grimm one shot, then after that will be Byakuya's explaination. I hope you enjoyed!