Black Peninsula

by Vilmarix

"Chichi-Ue, could you tell me how you met Otou-San?" Byakuya asked as he snuggled into his father's embrace. Wrapping his arms around the boy, Sojun smiled fondly at the orange haired man sleeping beside them, "It all began…" Ichigo/Sojun, Koga/Sojun, Time Travel, AU, Mpreg, Mild Violence

5. Silver Peak

Disclaimer: I own nothing

A/N: Thank you for the responses and support; and for your patience, here is another large chapter. An equally large thank you for 'Lilinoe', my wonderful beta. Being amazing as she is, she has further explained the use of honorifics in author's notes at the bottom. Otherwise you would all be dealing with my rather short crappy explanations.

Summery: "Chichi-Ue, could you tell me how you met Otou-san?" Byakuya asked as he snuggled into his father's embrace. Wrapping his arms around the boy, Sojun smiled fondly at the orange haired man sleeping beside them, "It all began…"

Warnings:

Time Travel

AU

Mpreg

Mild Violence

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Black Peninsula

V. Silver Peak

37.

Stirring awake, Sojun blushed lightly when he realized where he was. Sometime during the course of the night he had rolled towards Ichigo's futon, which was lying next to his, as an instinctual need to seek out the warmth the man generated in abundance. Judging by the distance between them he speculated they had both drifted towards each other, which spurred a sense of satisfaction knowing that he wasn't the only one. Though there was plenty of room in Ichigo's personal chambers they would always end up unfolding the futons next to one another. Sojun would sleep on his husband's right and Byakuya's futon would be placed on his right. It was odd for a noble family to sleep together in single room, no matter the size of the master bedroom. At times the spouses would share a bedroom, but it was rare to include a child in the sleeping arrangements. From birth the children of nobility would have their own room, be it a nursery attached to the carrier parent or a separate chambers. However Sojun couldn't bear the thought of putting any form of distance between himself and Byakuya.

When compared to other noble carriers he was unnaturally possessive of the baby, which was gradually easing over time. Only recently had he allowed certain Kuchiki servants to look after the child when he, Ichigo or his father were not able to do so. If he was completely honest, he only allowed the woman who looked after him as a child to nanny in their absence. Many had commented on his attachment to the baby, and informed him that it wasn't proper for a noble child to be coddled or showered with such obvious signs of affection. After an icy glare and a cutting retort about Byakuya being his child, many had cautioned about speaking on his method of child rearing. After Ichigo's speech at the clan meeting, his confidence was far more grounded and doubts were much easier to bat away.

Watching the rhythmic rise and fall of his husband's chest, Sojun allowed his thoughts to flow inattentively. He knew Ichigo could easily frighten almost anyone into submission, but he wouldn't. The male would always allow him to handle his own problems and stepped in only when needed. Much like during the Hollow invasion. It was uplifting to know his partner trusted his ability and didn't think of him as weak. For he would have found it humiliating and insulting if Ichigo had given him a hand with everything. Although the man allowed him to deal with his own problems, Sojun knew Ichigo never ignored him. He was aware his spouse would always be watching him, to see if he needed help and he would deliver without question or judgement. What confirmed his speculations was the events that led them to sleep in the same room years ago:

With sudden gasp, Sojun immediately sat up from his futon.

Taking a moment, he tried to calm his racing heart and began to regulate his breathing. His sleeping yukata was soaked with sweat and brushing away the damp locks from his forehead he let out a frustrated sigh. It has been months since Koga's death, and still that wretched man found ways to torment him from beyond the grave. His dreams were plagued with past memories, ones that were better left forgotten but would always find ways into his mind. Although they were irrational fears, such as Koga entering his chambers and assaulting him over and over again, Sojun would always freeze and tremble with fear. Looking at his hand he noticed a slight tremor.Mentally swearing and clutching the sheet, the Kuchiki heir allowed himself a moment of weakness.

'Right now, no one is watching.' He thought, as he felt an angry hot tear slide down his face. He hated this weakness. Surveying his chambers he sighed, this room once held good memories and they were now sullied with the ones of his first marriage. Strangely enough throughout their marriage, Koga would never 'take' him anywhere else. It was always in this particular room. Sojun asked him once when they were early into their marriage and he received the reply, "I rather not be reminded of you anywhere else." Although he retorted with equal coldness, in the initial years the words did have a sharp sting.

Wiping away the tears he would never show to anyone, Sojun glanced at Byakuya's sleeping form and let out a bitter smile. It was this very room they created his child, though the babe was the only good thing that came from their pathetic excuse of a marriage. Reaching out he gently stroked his son's soft hair.The babe's reiatsu would flicker across the room and provided him some measure of comfort. It was still dark, indicating he had only slept for a few hours, sighing Sojun laid back on the damp futon staring at the blank ceiling above him. It had now become routine; he would wake up in fear due to his memories and because of the adrenaline running through his system, couldn't fall back to sleep. The effects had begun to show, and recently his father had made a comment on his fatigue, assuming his son to be the cause of his sleepless nights.

Staring at the ceiling in frustration, Sojun almost let out a startled cry when he had heard the knock on his chamber door. It was clear he was still very tense, but when he sensed a familiar reiatsu outside Sojun felt his entire body relax. It was strange, but when he was residing with Ichigo in Inuzuri, he had the most peaceful nights rest. He chalked it up to being an unusual side-effect of the pregnancy, but deep inside he knew it was due to his ability to sense Ichigo's reiatsu due to the close proximity of their rooms and the sheer saturation of the man's spiritual energy in the cavern air. Unlike back then, though Ichigo's reiatsu would flood any room he entered, it wasn't contained or saturated like the cave due to the architecture of the Kuchiki Manor. Also their chambers, though in the same wing, were further away from each other, which prevented him from sensing his husband's reiatsu.

Adjusting his sleeping robe and appearance he rose from his futon and moved the door. Sliding the shoji screen open he let a small polite smile grace his face. The moonlight was enough to illuminate their faces and see each other expression, and from what Sojun could see Ichigo wasn't smiling back.

"Good evening." He greeted politely, "Is there anything wrong?"

Ichigo brushed his orange hair back, "Yes, I'm pretty sure there is." He gave the Kuchiki a pointed look.

Knowing it would be useless to deny it, he was pretty sure his reiatsu spike would have told the man about his restless night. Sojun answered back dismissively, "It's nothing serious."

"I think it is." His voice was firm and resolute. "It's been happening for a while now and they have progressively become worse."

Sojun froze, he thought Ichigo had only sensed this night's restlessness, since it was the worst one to date. Gripping tightly at the shoji door, Sojun clenched his teeth. He thought no one knew about it and he controlled his reiatsu the previous times. "I'm sorry." He whispered trying to hold back the shame that leaked into his voice.

"Why should you be?" Ichigo asked clearly not understanding the Kuchiki's turmoil. Sojun raised his head and blinked at amber eyes that stared unwavering at his grey. Taking his silence as non-verbal command to continue, Ichigo continued, "I'm the one who should be sorry." He dipped his head in an apology, "I should have stepped in sooner."

"Why?" Sojun asked, "It is clearly not your problem neither is it the worth the effort."

"I've told you before and I'll tell you again. You are one of my precious people, so it is my problem." He stated as if it were an obvious fact, "I promised myself that I would protect you and if it is from your own fears, so be it." Opening his shoji door a bit wider and walking past the stunned Kuchiki and gathered his futon with ease, "No matter what the problem is, how small or insignificant it may be,resolving it will never be a waste of my time or effort."

Finding his voice, and hiding his flushing face in the darkness, "What are you doing?"

Carrying the futon out with one hand, "From now on, you are to sleep in my room" his voice booked no room for argument, "Bring Byakuya with you."

"You can't-" Sojun began clearly flustered with the idea and annoyed with the command. He didn't take being ordered around too well.

"I can, I will and I am." Ichigo cut him off before walking out with his futon. With his back facing the Kuchiki he added, "Plus I sleep better with you and Byakuya nearby." And walked towards his chamber leaving a blushing Kuchiki behind. No matter how hard he would deny it, Sojun knew deep within his heart the male's presence would calm him down. Just now, for how brief their interaction was, the closer contact with the male's potent reiatsu had relaxed his nerves and senses to a point he almost felt sleepy again.

"The feeling is mutual." Sojun replied to no one, as he picked up sleeping Byakuya slowly.

Plus it's not like he had a futon here to sleep on, if he wanted.

After that night, which was supposed to be a one-time situation, Sojun soon found himself slowly moving into Ichigo's chambers bit by bit with the passage of time. First he would find excuses to occasionally sleep in his husband's chamber, then it moved on to not sleeping at all in his own room. The change was gradual, but it was evident when Sojun noticed that the maids would no longer fold and keep his futon in his own chamber but in Ichigo's. With that, he reluctantly swallowed his pride and gave the order to shift his other belongings to his husband's room.

Though Ichigo never spoke about the change, Sojun could distinctly recall seeing the man's eyes widen in surprise and an upward twitch of his lips when he entered the room for the first time after the moving was done. 'You wanted this to happen, didn't you?' Sojun asked himself as he watched the other male walk around with tightly restrained pleasure. However since the man didn't mention anything about the gradual move into his room or his rather sly scheme, the Kuchiki heir didn't contemplate a moving out strategy; since if he was being honest with himself, he liked being in Ichigo's constant company and falling asleep to the rhythmic thrumming of the man's reiatsu.

Sojun knew he had done the right thing, for every night he spent in Ichigo's presence, Koga never visited his dreams. Instead a different man wandered in with sunset hair fluttering behind him.

---

38.

It was one of those lazy Sundays, where Sojun would be methodically doing some stray paper work for the division and Ichigo would be playing with Byakuya on the floor. Despite what the cherub turned out to be in his universe, Ichigo found the boy to be irresistibly endearing.

Doing a rough mental calculation, he had been married to Sojun for nearly twenty years and looking at Byakuya playing on the floor, the child seemed to be around the age of two. The flow of time worked differently in the spirit worlds. In Soul Society it was slower than in the Living World and Hueco Mundo often had no sense of the passage of time partially due to it stagnant environment. Since he had stopped living in his human body, he found that time had very little meaning to him outside of battles. They would use the Living Worlds form of measurement, but years felt more like months. From what Ichigo gathered on spiritual lifespans, individually Shinigami and Hollows age differently at different times. Most of the time, in the beginning they would age at one rate and then after reaching a certain physical stage, the aging process would gradually slow down.

His gaze shifted to Sojun who was carefully filling out some miscellaneous report. The man had the physical appearance of a young adult somewhere between his late teens to early twenties, in actuality he was over two centuries old. Never before in a room full of Shinigami or Hollows did he feel as if he was the oldest one in the room, but unfortunately he looked to be in his mid to late twenties. Ichigo assumed that it was because he had actually aged to that point before his human body was destroyed, halting his aging process; and since arriving in this universe he hadn't seemed to age much either. He never really paid much attention to the science behind it, since no matter how it was explained it never made any sense to him. Watching Byakuya climb to his feet and walk towards him with slow wobbly steps, Ichigo figured that the child was physically aging one year every ten years.

Opening his arms, Ichigo waited patiently for the babe to walk into his arms. Although Byakuya had mastered walking early in his life, he was a bit slower on speaking. It has frightened Sojun at first but Ichigo saw the way the boy would pay attention to a conversation and respond silently to questions or commands, it was gradual but the child eventually opened up. It seemed even from the start Byakuya was taciturn or perhaps it was a Kuchiki thing. After a couple of trips to Unohana, his husband was reassured that his son's speech development was within the range of normal.

'Our son.' Ichigo corrected in his mind.

"Chichi-Ue." Byakuya called looking at his father and reaching out with his fist to the Kuchiki Heir. Ichigo held his breath as he saw the most beautiful smile light up on Sojun face, no matter how many time the babe called him that, it would always provide the same results. They didn't know where he heard the reference from, and they did try to change the terminology by stressing 'Otou-San', but just like his older self the boy stubbornly ignored them all. In the end both of them gave up their efforts and accepted the term. Ichigo faulted the posh nobility play dates for the mix up, because it was sometime after one of those that Byakuya start referring to Sojun as Chichi-Ue.

What they didn't expect was a few months later for the boy to reach at Ichigo and call out 'Tou.' It wasn't complete but it wasn't difficult to figure out what he was trying to say.

Both adults froze and Byakuya smiled at them completely unaware of the situation that he had just caused, before crawling out of Sojun's arms towards his favourite toy, Wakame Taishi, on the floor.

Ichigo felt his mind blank out as he heard Zangetsu howl in laughter. It was a given he felt paternal towards the Kuchiki child and he did assume some responsibility over him. He shared the duties of diaper changes, feeding, play, reading and other general things of what you have to do as a parent. Though such actions just automatically integrated into his life, none of it was voiced or mentioned by either of them. It was one of those things that was assumed and Ichigo wasn't complaining, so he never felt the need to point it out. He was happy to look after the brat, but to go so far as to be considered the child's father seemed far too obtrusive. Sure he was Sojun's husband, friend and confidant but Byakuya was Sojun's child and he would never impose his presence in that relationship. He had seen how possessive the Kuchiki could be of his child and to witness it held some strange form of appeal to him, but it also indicated that Sojun would never share the title 'Father' with anyone.

"Chichi. Tou" Unfortunately Byakuya did.

'Bastard.' Ichigo shot a glare at the giggling babe, 'Always finds a way to screw me over no matter the universe.'

He desperately hoped the father wouldn't react too badly too the situation. The progress was slow but the Kuchiki had begun to warm up to him. They were on good terms before, but as friends. Gradually Ichigo had been testing the waters as a spouse and romantic partner. He never pushed the man; allowing Sojun to slowly heal himself from the trauma of his first marriage while subtly providing support, such as being rather tactile with the Kuchiki. He wanted Sojun to overcome his fear of touch and become at ease with his; so he would take the males hand when they walked together, sit close to him so their shoulders would touch and an occasional arm around the waist during functions when he felt some noble staring a bit too long at his husband. He knew his displays of affection were considered to be too explicit for nobility from the disapproving looks he received from various members, but when did he ever allow what other people thought dictate his actions. Regardless of all that, he would always keep his touches light and in places Sojun felt comfortable with and little by little the Kuchiki would reciprocate by seeking out his touch.

Now all his work will be tossed out the window, thanks to the smiling cherub.

Subtly shooting the giggling child dirty looks, Ichigo patiently waited for worst case scenario to move into action. Just like himself, Sojun's posture had stiffened and his eyes were fixed on his child with an indecipherable look. As the seconds ticked by and the tension grew in the room, Ichigo forced himself to remain still and not fidget. Just when he was about to open his mouth to say something unrelated with the intention of breaking the uncomfortable atmosphere, the Kuchiki Heir let out a soft sigh.

"Byakuya." He gently called and the babe immediately crawled towards his father's awaiting embrace. One he was on the man's lap, Sojun pointed to Ichigo, "Otou-San."

Ichigo couldn't hide his surprise as his eyes met the Kuchiki's, listening to what was not said aloud.

'I see you as the boy's other parent, it's up to you now to correct him, if you don't want to be.'

The initial shock fading away, Ichigo let his features soften and directed his attention to the staring child. Crouching down a little to make his already seated tall stature not so imposing he stressed out and pointed at himself.

"Otou-San."

'I accept being this child's father.' He silently said when he met Sojun unblinking grey gaze.

As if a monstrous weight had been lifted off the Kuchiki, Ichigo watched as the male's shoulders visibly sagged as he let out a sigh of relief. Reaching out for the male's smaller more delicate hand, Ichigo smiled a little wider while not breaking his gaze.

"Chichi-Ue."

Sojun returned the smile, squeezing his hand, "Otou-San."

"Otou-San." Byakuya's call brought him out of his thoughts as he tumbled into his lap. Ichigo smiled and petted the child's hair in fondness.

'Looks like the brat did you a favour after all.'Zangetsu mused. 'Though there is nothin' I wouldn't give ta see Flower's reaction to this.'

Ichigo mentally cringed at the image of his universe's Byakuya calling him "Otou-San." Awkward and deeply unsettling couldn't begin to describe the feeling.

'It would be Otou-Sama, King.' Zangetsu helpfully supplied, completely entertained by his wielder's mortification. 'You know how posh and proper that stuck up bastard is.'

'That 'proper and posh stuck up bastard' is now my son.'

'Then do us all a favour and make sure no stick would lodge itself up his arse then.'

Holding back a flinch, Ichigo diverted his attention to the babe that was now curled in his lap and beginning to fall asleep. As a child, Byakuya was absolutely endearing and much as he hated to admit it the boy had him wrapped around his little finger.

Soon after that incident, the ever efficient Kuchiki that Sojun was had the papers for adoption drawn up. Now legally Byakuya was Ichigo's son, but a mere piece of paper could never measure the amount of devotion Ichigo felt towards the babe and his father. He made a promise to himself and he had every intention of keeping it.

"As a captain of the Gotei Thirteen, rendered helpless by these malevolent beings that trespass on Soul Society, resulting in the massacre of all these warriors, leaving nothing but an empty void in the families of my subordinates."

Those words were etched into his mind verbatim. He could never forget the manner in which Byakuya spoke to him, pinned to a wall bleeding with all his organs exposed due to actions of the Quincy Sternritter, Äs Nödt.

"Without a doubt, facing death's doorstep under these circumstances, bring a humiliation that echoes throughout every fibre of my being. If that weren't humbling enough, now you a human boy, never meant to tread onto this battlefield. Never meant to be here."

Words spoken as true Kuchiki, but he could practically hear the broken pride from the man.

"In the end, please indulge this one last request from this contemptible man standing before you, for having placed this burden on your shoulders."

Contemptible? Kuchiki Byakuya was the furthest thing from disgraceful. It made Ichigo's blood boil with anger and recalling those words and tone it was said still made tighten his jaw.

"Please. Protect Soul Society. Kurosaki Ichigo."

He begged. Kuchiki Byakuya begged him.

Ichigo neither responded nor did he turn to look at the Captain. He never acknowledge those words, because hearing the once prideful man being broken into something that barely resembled himself caused something to snap inside. He did not want these words to be the final ones the captain ever spoke, so he never gave a reply in acknowledgement. The rain hid the desperate tears he knew Byakuya had running down his face. This begging and crying man wasn't the Kuchiki Byakuya he knew and it enraged him that the man had to even ask. This was when he decided that he wasn't going to defeat the enemy. Instead, he was going to obliterate them. He had heard the satisfied almost maniac laughter coming from Zangetsu as their combined blood lust sky rocketed.

Running a hand through the now sleeping child's hair, Ichigo swore on his very soul, 'Never will you speak to me like that again and never will you have to ask such a thing from me.'

'I will protect Soul Society.'

Leaning down and kissing the babe's crown.

'I will protect you.'

Glancing up and meeting Sojun's gaze, who had stopped his work in favour of watching them.

'I will protect this family.'

---

39.

They were hosting a dinner at the manor after observing the traditional rites of passage of the Shichi-Go-San festival, since Byakuya had physically aged five years. Many members of the Great Noble Clans as well as clans from lesser nobility had attended. While they were at the main banquet dining room, pleasantly socializing and eating the meal laid out, Sojun couldn't help but feel as if he was being watched. There were many times he would look around to see who was staring at him but there wasn't anyone in the room that met his gaze. He shifted closer to Ichigo, who sent him a questioning glance but Sojun smiled lightly and the man went back to his meal but not before wrapping his reiatsu around the Kuchiki.

Sojun smiled and relaxed at the action, since they were in public there was a limit to how close they could sit at a meal. During these functions, Ichigo would naturally remain by his side. Though he never placed much effort into interacting with those of nobility, he would actively seek out Kyoraku-Taicho. From what he had heard through the Gotei Thirteen grape vine, the two had formed an easy friendship. Ichigo had asked him to accompany him some time for their occasional meet ups, but he had yet to take him up on that offer. Maybe if Ukitake-Taicho joined as well he would come, and seeing the rather animated discussion taking place amongst the three it could be assumed his husband was already well acquainted with the white haired captain.

As expected he wasn't the only one who saw the similarities between the current Shiba Clan Head, Kaien and Ichigo. Many had commented on it including Ukitake-Taicho but neither his husband nor the thirteenth squad lieutenant had made an explicit note about it. Watching the way his husband chuckled at a quip the Shiba Head had made, it was clear to everyone their physical appearance wasn't the only thing that was similar, their mannerisms were the same as well. Sojun had seen how quickly the two of them had taken to each other after they had first met. From the way they conversed it was as if two Shiba members were speaking to each other, rather than an outsider and Shiba. The whole clan seemed to be fond of his husband and at every meeting they would seek him out. Normally the Shiba and the Kuchiki didn't get along so everyone staring at the rather jovial interactions between them was well justified. Never the less these interactions only cemented his speculation that Ichigo's father was indeed a Shiba.

He had once asked Ichigo, reminding him of their discussion they had on the roof about fifty years ago, and the male smiled and ambiguously said "I waiting for the right time to tell you, for the story is a bit on the unbelievable side." Sojun never understood what that meant but regardless he let the topic slide away. However he noticed Ichigo's eyes would dim slightly and almost looked wistful when he saw Kaien's uncle, Shiba Isshin, who was currently the 7th seat of the Tenth Division. Sojun never commented on it, but would reach out and squeeze his husband's hand with the purpose of comfort. Whatever explanation Ichigo had with him behind his heritage and appearance to their world was something very painful for the male to talk about.

The dinner had come to an end and the guests were slowly beginning to return to their own estates. Sojun excused himself from the gathering, taking the already slumbering Byakuya with him to their chambers. The child now slept in his own room, since he demanded that he was old enough now, but it was still connected to theirs. They left the connecting shoji doors open and a spare futon next to them, just in case the child reconsidered. Which was quite often, much to Ichigo's and his amusement. Tucking the sleeping child under the thick blankets, he changed and made his way towards the indoor hot spring. Dinners such as these always were stressful, so a quick soak would relax him enough to sleep.

Soaking in the indoor bathing area, Sojun immediately felt another presence enter the room. He knew it wasn't Ichigo, since his reiatsu signature was burnt into his memory and instinct. It was familiar yet unfamiliar all the same. Not being able to see anyone in the surrounding area and the steam did hamper his visibility a bit, he called out, "I know you are there, so you might as well make yourself known."

On cue a figure appeared near the bath, and Sojun narrowed his eyes with concealed hostility and surprise.

It was Kasumioji Akio. The brother to the Kasumioji Clan Heir. Though they ranked just below the five Great Noble Clans, the Kasumioji almost never appear in public and have very little to do with the Central, which was why he was surprised when he recognized Akio. Even though the clan members were invited to the dinner, it was expected they would not attend.

Before his marriage to Koga, there was a debate on who his hand should be given to, since the Kuchiki Clan also wanted a stronger connection to them for their speciality in weapon's forging for the Royal family. If he had any say in the matter he would have preferred Akio's company in comparison to Koga's, since they did have a brief history together during their time at the Soul Academy. Studying his appearance, Sojun noted the male had aged well from the last time he had seen him. Dressed in a brick red formal kimono his pale blonde hair was combed back, now falling past his shoulders and his once light green eyes had darkened a shade. In terms of build he matched Ichigo, although he was slightly shorter.

"Kasumioji Akio." Sojun greeted nodding his head, "What brings you here?" Trying to conceal his nudity in the situation.

The man chuckled, but there wasn't any humour behind it, "I remember a time you used to address me as Akio." Staring at the Kuchiki heir, "Sojun."

Sojun felt his posture stiffen lightly, "I believe that was long time ago." He brushed off, "You haven't answered my question, what are you doing here?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Akio replied walking towards him, "I wanted to see you."

"Then why didn't you at the dinner?" He tried to recall sensing the man's reiatsu or his appearance. "This is far from appropriate."

"I was at the dinner, watching you." The penetrative stare and his nudity unnerved Sojun to a point his hands were twitching to cast a quick Bakudo. Sojun felt his resolve harden when he figured that the staring he felt during the course of the dinner was caused by Akio. "You really have blossomed, Sojun."

"I don't recall giving you permission to address me so casually." The Kuchiki bit out frostily.

With a sudden shunpo Akio grabbed Sojun wrist and pulled him out of the water and against his chest. Sojun struggled within the embrace, but Akio was physically stronger than him. He could blast the man away with Kido but that would be taken as an offense and cause a political scandal no matter the situation they were in. "Why did you marry the Ryoka, Sojun?" He asked forcing the Kuchiki to look at him, "Word is that you were adamant that it was you who married him and not some else from the clan. Have you forgotten me?"

Sojun grit his teeth and struggled with the grip. Akio and he did share some mutual interest during their academy days. However the passage of time and his marriage to Koga made him realize that it was one of those young fleeting romances that were meant to be forgotten. "His name is Ichigo." He replied tightly, "Why I married him is none of your business and I forgot about you because you forgot about me."

"Lies." Akio snarled back, tightening his grip,"I thought about you every day, ever since word came about your marriage to Koga. I saw the way he treated you, and it made my blood boil."

"Then why didn't you help me? You didn't even visit. Not once."

"I was angry." Remorse coating his tone as he stroked the Kuchiki's face, "My hands were tied and I couldn't do anything."

"Then how do you think, I felt?" Sojun shot back, anger leaking into his voice as he jerked his face away from Akio. Taking a breath to calm himself, he sighed. "Let go, Kasumioji." He commanded coldly.

"No." And the man increased the strength of his grip, making Sojun wince slightly.

"Let. Me. Go." Sojun repeated with more force behind every word but there was an underlying edge of panic entering his voice, since this was usually the introduction scene of a majority of Koga and his 'unions'.

"I did once and I am not going to make the same mistake again." With that Sojun saw the man close his eyes and lean down to kiss him. The Kuchiki's system began to flood with panic and fear. He was about to shout out a binding kido when a new voice interrupted them.

"You know, when someone says to let them go. You let them go." There was a brief pause, "Unless they are the enemy of course, which I believe this is not the case."

Both men turned towards the clipped voice, Akio's eyes narrowed and Sojun's blood froze.

"Ichigo." He whispered almost breathlessly.

---

40.

Leaning against the wooden wall casually in his dinner outfit, a navy blue kimono and lighter overcoat thrown over it, with one hand tucked into the kimono opening just above the obi while the other held a cup of sake. His spiky orange hair flowed down his sides artfully and amber eye's watched them with an unwavering gaze. Realizing his position in the scene, Sojun flushed with fear and embarrassment. It didn't matter at what point Ichigo had entered the bathes, him being nude in another man's arms would never sit well with anyone. He recalled Koga being extremely angered when one of the Shihoin Clan members had lightly flirted with them. The man had been jesting as was their clan's nature, and even though Sojun had not responded to the male in a similar manner, Koga still had roughly guided him to his chambers afterwards and brutally taken him from behind. He mentally shuddered recalling the bruising and pain that lasted long after the deed.

He knew that Ichigo wouldn't do anything of that sort, so far in similar situations that have occurred during the course of their marriage, he had played along and taken it in good nature. There were instance he had placed a possessive arm around Sojun's waist but never had Ichigo touched him in a way that would have intentionally caused pain or fear. Thinking about it the man hadn't ever touched him intimately either. Even on their wedding night, Sojun remember trying to hide the slight tremor of fear and coming up with an excuse for them not to consummate the marriage. However the male had walked with him to his chambers and excused himself for the night.

Contemplating it further, they have never consummated their marriage, and at times Sojun wondered if Ichigo was sexually interested in him or if he had found someone else. Nevertheless being with the male for over fifty years dispelled those speculations, for the man had never acted in a manner of keeping company with anyone else. Although there were some occasional trips to Rukongai that coincided whenever Aizen Sosuke went on patrol. After the incident of the Shinigami being attacked by stray hollows and losing his entire patrol, they had started sending out larger patrol squads. Casually speaking to the members on Aizen's patrol, they had claimed nothing out of the ordinary except their Fourth Seat being slightly irritated. Thinking back, Sojun always remembered Ichigo returning in a good mood. He didn't mention it to his husband, but he speculated that Ichigo had a personal vendetta against Aizen and enjoyed antagonizing the man.

Although he was reassured that his spouse wasn't seeking the company of another, he had wondered if the man was sexually attracted to him. They had shared the hot springs, he had breastfed Byakuya in front of the man without shame, and gradually they had grown comfortable being virtually unclothed in front of each other. Yet the man hadn't shown any signs of interest in him. It was worrying, but over the years Sojun began to understand his husband was a subtle man. He had learnt to look for the glances and stares Ichigo gave when he thought the Kuchiki wasn't looking. It was enough to reassure him that Ichigo was interested in him. Then there was the increasing boldness in his touches, and the mornings as they were waking up he had noticed a certain hardness making an impression in Ichigo's sleeping yukata.

Given these instances, Ichigo had yet to explicitly show his sexual interest towards him and even standing in Akio's arms naked, the man hadn't rushed in or snapped as typical of a jealous lover or spouse. Instead he resorted to drink sake and casually eye them. Suddenly Sojun realized that he couldn't sense any reiatsu from Ichigo. He had been so caught up with the situation he hadn't noticed that his husband had completely shut down his reiatsu. The Kuchiki swallowed nervously, reiatsu was a horrible tell of a person's emotional state and not being able to sense it at all worried him more than sensing an enraged version of Ichigo's spiritual signature. Only once had he felt it and moments later Koga had his neck slit open.

"I thought he told you to let him go." Ichigo's calm and steady voice cut through the tension, but Sojun could hear underneath the layers of control was frothing rage. As much as he disliked Akio at the moment, killing him would be overreacting and the backlash would be not worth it.

Sojun felt the grip loosen momentarily, but once again it tightened when Akio overcame his shock. Not being able to sense Ichigo enter must have thrown him off balance, "What are you doing here?" the blonde asked.

If he were a lesser man, he would have gaped at Kasumioji's sheer bull-headedness. Opening his mouth to answer the man instead, Ichigo cut him off by placing his sake cup down on a nearby bench and began to undress, "Me?" He asked offhandedly, peeling off layer after layer and folding them neatly into a pile, completely uncaring of what was happening around him.

"I'm joining my husband for a bath."

The amount of possessiveness laced into that simple sentence made Sojun flush and duck his head in embarrassment. Naked as the day he was born, Ichigo walked towards them, and using his height and presence to stare the blonde down. "I'd appreciate it if you would unhand my husband." He calmly commanded, and for a moment, Sojun swore his eyes flashed gold.

Though it was flattering to see two alpha males posture themselves over him, Sojun wished Akio's grip would loosen first. When he spoke to the Kasumioji, the blonde had responded by tightening his grip even further making him wince slightly in pain. Unfortunately Ichigo had been watching him intently; as soon as he openly showed his discomfort, his husband's reiatsu flooded the room. It was much darker than what he usually felt like and the pressure was becoming increasingly more difficult to withstand. The shock of the sudden surge of hollow like reiatsu caused Akio to withdraw his grip, making Sojun lose his balance. Thankfully Ichigo had caught him before he fell to floor and pulled him into an embrace.

Wrapping an arm around the Kuchiki and tucking the man's head under his chin, Ichigo gestured to the exit, "I trust you know your way out." Increasing his reiatsu level again, "Sojun is my husband now, and unless he explicitly invites your company, it would be wise of you not to approach him. The next time, I will not be as civil as I am now."

The colour drained from the Kasumioji's face before he vanished with the fastest flash step he had at his disposal.

Soon as the blonde took his leave, Ichigo let out a huff, "Pathetic." Before turning his attention to the male in his arms, using his index finger to curl under the Kuchiki's chin and tilt it upwards to meet his gaze, "Shall we?" glancing at the warm bath, "It's getting rather late, and you have work tomorrow." Sojun blinked at the question; gone was the possessive alpha male who was, a few moments ago, fighting off another suitor and in its place was the familiar compassionate and self-confident male he had come to know so well. For a moment, Sojun would have thought Ichigo would have been possessed by something darker, until he felt the pressure of the arm around his waist and the swirling angry reiatsu in the background.

Nodding, they both climbed into the bath. Ichigo had yet to release him from his embrace and after some time he did to inspect Sojun's arms. Taking both arms to inspect the damaged, he clucked his tongue in disapproval when he spotted the beginnings of some bruising. Pouring some of the bath water over the reddened skin, Ichigo sent a wave of healing Kaido towards the contusion. After he deemed the injury sufficiently healed, Ichigo released his hold and put a bit of distance between them. Even though it was merely a few inches it felt like much further. It never made sense to Sojun. It was safe to say Ichigo was interested in him, and there was nothing he did to deter the man, so why did his husband always avoided taking it further.

Having enough with the thoughts running wildly through his head, Sojun cleared his throat, "Why do you not touch me?" Quickly adding, "Intimately."

Turning his head to face him he replied vaguely, "I'm waiting."

"For?"

"You to be ready."

Sojun flushed a deep shade of red, "Why? I'm your husband, there is no need to wait."

"Perhaps." Ichigo replied lazily, "But I do not want to do anything that you will not welcome. It's not my nature."

Seeing Sojun's wide eyes and almost vulnerable gaze, Ichigo explained, "Even though we were married due to some politics, I will always see you as my husband not as the other party of an alliance. Therefore being my husband and someone I have grown to care for deeply over the years, I will not touch you that way until you are ready." Pausing a moment to gather his thoughts, "Sex on its own is amazing, if done right. But 'making love' takes it to another level."

Reaching out to take the Kuchiki's hand into his, "Being who you are to me, I will not provide you with anything less than the best."

"Who have you bedded to know the difference?" Sojun questioned feeling the familiar sense of jealousy rear its ugly head. The thought of Ichigo sleeping with someone else made the tightness in his chest almost unbearable, but he had to know, "Who have you made love to?"

Ichigo let out an amused chuckle, "Skipped right over my confession and straight to that." Sojun glared but didn't respond. Seeing this, Ichigo smiled, "She is not among us." That familiar faraway look took over his expression, "I buried her, along with many others." Turning his attention back to the raven, "You remind me of her sometimes; with that indestructible inner strength of yours."

As if he was reading his mind, Ichigo held up a hand to silence him, "Before you say it; you are not a replacement or a substitute. I would never do that to her nor would I do it to you." Reaching out and cupping his face, "I loved her, she will always have place in my heart, but she's gone and I accepted that a long time ago. Before I even arrived in Soul Society." Placing his free hand on his chest, "But now you have taken up residence and consumed it in its entirety."

"There is no such thing as love." He parroted a thought that he told himself ever since his marriage to Koga, but his belief in the statement wasn't as strong as it used to be over fifty years ago.

"Then what is the opposite of hate?" Gaining no reply, "Love is as simple as it is complex. You can't apply logic to it, so don't bother trying. Just enjoy the feeling."

Feeling the words slip out before he could reign them in, Sojun heard himself whisper, "It hurts."

Ichigo's eyes soften at that almost inaudible admission, "It usually does when you care about something." Leaning closer and stroking the silky midnight tress, "But doesn't it make life worth living? When you care about something."

"Yes." A breathy reply, Sojun was extremely aware of how close they were becoming in the water, "I've come to care about you too."

"I know." His husband replied inching a bit closer, "But you don't love me. Not in that way. Not yet at least."

"No." Sojun agreed regrettably, licking his lips which have suddenly gone dry for some reason. "But give me time."

"I thought I told you, I'm waiting." Ichigo replied cheekily. "I don't mind. It makes the end result far more satisfying."

Suddenly feeling unlike himself, Sojun asked in a flirty tone, adopting the coyness he had seen Inuzuri prostitutes use, "Do you think we could have a preview?"

Taken aback by the sudden change in demeanour, Ichigo stared at him for a moment as if to verify something before leaning forward and capturing his lips, in answer.

It started out chaste and light, reminding him of the kisses he traded with Akio during his academy days. Water had dampened their lips and cleaned their scent. Ichigo always had the scent of fresh earth, wild rain and a hint of sandalwood. Sleeping next to him had attuned Sojun to his husband's scent where ever they were, at times he could tell the moment the male entered the room because his aroma would flood the chambers as he slid the shoji door open. Sojun licked Ichigo's lips out of instinct, and the man responded by opening his mouth allowing the Kuchiki to dive in for a taste. As expected he tasted of spices and chile, Sojun never understood how the man could stomach such spiciness and speculated he must have burnt his taste buds due to eating it all the time and drinking an ungodly amount of sake.

Once he had finished his exploration and began to withdraw, breaking apart to take a deep breath Sojun felt a large hand cup the back of his head and a rather devilish smirk from Ichigo, "If you are going to be like that…" He never finished his sentence, for once again he leaned forward and captured Sojun's lips. This time there was none of the initial innocence which was present in their initial kiss. Instead was a subtly dominating tone, as Ichigo's tongue explored his cavern. Mapping every inch and tasting every corner. He had never been kissed in this way before. Akio was a teenage romance and their kisses were no more than little pecks on the lips. Koga on the other hand, only ever bothered to kiss him in order to silence him if he became too loud during intercourse and it was always suffocating and unkind.

Unable to contain a moan, Sojun wrapped his arms around Ichigo's neck drawing him in closer, automatically pressing his body against the man's larger frame. Nothing about this exchange was brutal and oppressing, instead there was a gentle dominance mixed in with tenderness that he couldn't help but submit to. Every nerve ending was awakened and pleasure thrummed through his sensory system. Tongues entwined and stroked each other, while Sojun felt as if he was melting into Ichigo's embrace. The large bath suddenly became too hot and too small. Feeling his lungs burning for air they broke apart, both of them panting and pupils blown with arousal. It could have been a trick of the light but Ichigo's irises were no longer their usual warm amber but a blazing yellow.

Sojun motioned to reach down, when the male reached out and held his hand in place, "Much as I'd like to take this further, I am not going to make our first time a spur of the moment thing. I want you to be sure and I want to take my time with you."

Mildly disgruntled but understanding the reasoning Sojun withdrew his hand. However Ichigo didn't seem willing to let it go, "Since we just exchanged a couple of an extremely hot kisses, I don't think you would mind if I did this." Smirking at the confused Kuchiki male, Ichigo tugged his arm drawing the smaller man into his lap.

If he could, the Kuchiki heir would have turned a shade darker, but despite his embarrassment he made no motion to remove himself from Ichigo's embrace. Sojun was neatly tucked under the man's chin. He had one arm wrapped around his waist drawing him in closer while the other played with his hair. The water hid nothing and made him more aware of the other's hard and toned muscular torso which radiated such heat, he was sure he would have warmed the bath if not for the spring itself. However what really had him flustered, was just where his buttocks were, he felt something much harder prodding him. Part of him flushed in embarrassment and slight latent fear, but for the most part he felt an odd sense of pride that he could entice such a reaction from the male with a simple kiss.

As if Ichigo was reading his mind, "Don't worry, nothing will happen until you are ready." Reassuring Sojun and dispelling habitual fears. "We'll go at your pace, thought I must confess controlling myself is no easy feat."

Glancing down at his half hard length, 'It seems the feeling is mutual' before they dozed lightly in each other's embrace to the warmth of the bath.

---

41.

For nine year old Byakuya, life could not be any more perfect.

Pausing from his warm up katas at the Kuchiki Manor training ground, he looked at the two males who were watching him while seated on the porch. As expected, Chichi-Ue was drinking tea and Otou-San was sipping his sake. Seeing him pause and look at them, both his fathers nodded and smiled in approval. Smiling widely in return he faced his instructor and returned to the next set of exercises.

Like many children, he claimed to have the best parents in the entire Seireitei. Chichi-Ue was always soft spoken, calm, gentle and his reiatsu made him feel warm inside. Otou-San on the other hand was the opposite. He was strong, fearless, vibrant and his spiritual energy made him feel safe. It was like that ever since he could remember.

He recalled when he was seven years old walking with his parents on either side, holding each of their hands and looking up at them smiling. He could remember thinking that his parents were so different but they seem to fit perfectly. Chichi-Ue was like the moon, beautifully shining in the dark and who's ethereal light would never hurt anyone touched by it. While Otou-San was like the sun. He would stand out no matter the place or crowd, burning anyone who stood too close but those who were under his wing would thrive and could only grow stronger.

'Even looking at their hair colour one could tell they were worlds apart.' He thought glancing at the two who were now engaged in a conversation, Byakuya smiled to himself.

When he stood with his parents, he felt invincible. As if nothing in the world could touch him. Chichi-Ue would protect him and Otou-San would protect them both. He knew Chichi-Ue would agree with him; because whenever he was alone with Chichi-Ue and Otou-San would enter the room flooding it with his reiatsu, he could see Chichi-Ue would relax his guard and not be on the alert as much. It was a fact. Otou-San made them feel safe, because he was scary strong.

The other noble children made fun of his Otou-San calling him a freak and Chichi-Ue, saying he was weak. The first few times, he had shouted back at them and come home in tears.

"Weak?" Otou-San repeated and he nodded his head, "Well they're just jealous, Byakuya. Since none of them have a beautiful, talented father who is the Kuchiki Heir AND a Lieutenant of the Gotei Thirteen."

"And they don't have a father who strong and competent as Otou-San." Chichi-Ue added, a bit red in the face like he always is when Otou-San says something nice about him. "Ask them next time how many of their fathers have regular death matches with the Captain Commander."

"They're not death matches, Sojun." Otou-San pouted slightly at Chichi-Ue. "They're friendly spars."

Chichi-Ue shot him a glare, "Then why were you sporting third degree burns on your entire right arm last week?"

"In my defense, I managed to cut up the old geezer pretty good too." He answered cheekily and received a slap to the back of his head.

"Next time I'll tell Unohana-Taicho not to heal you fully." Chichi-Ue threatened and Otou-San sulked, making Byakuya giggle.

"Fine, fine. No more getting burnt when fighting the old man."

"That's not the point."

Byakuya bit back a smile at that memory. He didn't know the full story but a couple of years back, he had overheard Ojii-Sama telling Chichi-Ue that Otou-San had broken into the Soutaicho's office and requested a spar. Soon after both of them were at the Fourth Division recuperating. Byakuya remembered Chichi-Ue shunpoing to the Fourth Division immediately and when he came with Ojii-Sama later, they had to wait outside the door until Chichi-Ue finished yelling at Otou-San. It was the first time he had heard Chichi-Ue raise his voice, but when they entered he was greeted by Otou-San's ever present grin and Chichi-Ue's tired smile. Neither he nor Ojii-Sama commented on the trembling death grip Chichi-Ue had on Otou-San's hand. No one knew what was said between the two, but now there was a monthly spar between the Captain Commander and Otou-San.

Otou-San was like that, he never really offered an explanation for the things he did, but there was always a knowing smile behind it. Once he asked Chichi-Ue about it, and his father merely shook his head and simply offered, "There is a reason behind everything he does, we just have to wait and see." Byakuya pouted at that, clearly not satisfied with the explanation but accepted it reluctantly. No matter what Chichi-Ue said, he couldn't come up with a plausible theory as to why Otou-San would suddenly appear out of nowhere and make them touch some random zanpakuto.

"Just touch the blade, that's all."

"If this is one of your hints, it's in slightly bad taste." Chichi-Ue deadpanned clearly unimpressed, "Neither is it subtle."

"If it were, I would have used mine." Otou-San scoffed and winking at Chichi-Ue, "It's bigger."

Chichi-Ue raised an eyebrow and said nothing, and Byakuya decided to pipe in, tugging on his father's kimono sleeve, "But Chichi-Ue, both Otou-San's zanpakuto are much longer and thicker. They don't even have sheath to fit them." He never understood why his Chichi-Ue suddenly turned red and Otou-San started to cough, they were both fine a few moments ago.

Otou-San patted his head, and smiling at Chichi-Ue, "I couldn't have said it any better myself, Bya-Chan."

"Obviously, Ojii-Sama said I was very good at wording things." Byakuya replied proudly, though he was a little miffed by the childish nickname. He was eight, a grown up.

"I don't doubt that." Otou-San agreed eyes shining with mirth. "Now I want you to touch this blade." He held out the zanpakuto out within Byakuya's reach.

"Why?" He trusted his father and would have done what he was told by the man, but he was curious as to reason behind it.

Otou-San smiled gently, "Doing so, will protect you in the future." With that he reached out and touched the blunt side of the katana. Along with him, Chichi-Ue did so as well.

"Who's zanpakuto is that?" Chichi-Ue furrowed his eyebrows, "It's familiar." He had seen that green handle somewhere.

"No one important." He grinned mischievously and disappeared.

Finishing his exercises the teacher instructed him to collect a bokken to begin the basic Zanjutsu drills. Nodding and running to where they kept the wooden swords, he instinctively looked at his parents again. Although they were not speaking or looking at each other this time, the couple was seated much closer now, with shoulders touching. Grabbing one sword and running back to the instructor, he watched them from the corner of his eye. It was a known fact among those of high society that his parents were openly affectionate with each other. When they were at home, Byakuya would always see them smiling at each other, hair stroking, random kisses and generally seeking each other's presence. While they were in public, Otou-San would wrap an arm around Chichi-Ue or Chichi-Ue would stand next to Otou-San and they would always smile at one another.

Some of the other children from noble backgrounds would gasp when he said Chichi-Ue and Otou-San slept in the same room. Byakuya never understood why everyone had a problem with it.

'Idiots.' He thought.

He had seen the manner in which most other noble couples behaved and thanked the stars that his parents never behaved as such. Byakuya shuddered to think of the situations where his Chichi-Ue and Otou-San would act so coldly to each other. It was too foreign for him to think of them as not smiling warmly or embracing each other, even chatting to each other animatedly. Byakuya had seen many of his friends' parents not even sit next to each other or keep company with their partners during formal occasions. From the way some of them interacted it wasn't difficult to point out those who were not faithful to their partners, and what made it worse was their spouses didn't even care or notice. He had never seen this kind of behaviour from his fathers. Otou-San's eyes would always follow Chichi-Ue, and when someone tried to approach Chichi-Ue in a wrong way, he would use his reiatsu and be all scary. Chichi-Ue would also do the same; Byakuya recalled one time his soft and gentle father had become sarcastic and sharply cut one noblewoman who was harassing Otou-San and smiled tenderly at their stunned faces afterwards.

He didn't care what the other children or adults said about his parents, he wouldn't trade them for anyone else. Finishing his morning routine and after being dismissed by his instructor, he ran towards his parents. Otou-San had fallen asleep leaning against one of the wooden pillars on the porch and Chichi-Ue smiled as he opened his arms for Byakuya to enter his embrace.

"Chichi-Ue, could you tell me how you met Otou-San?" Byakuya asked as he snuggled into his father's embrace. Wrapping his arms around the boy, Sojun smiled fondly at the orange haired man sleeping beside them, "It all began…"

---

42.

It was midmorning during late spring in the Seireitei and Ichigo was relaxing on the roof of one of the smaller dojos. He had just dropped Byakuya off for some training, and after checking up on Aizen he had nothing do, so he opted to take a nap on the roof of his son's dojo. The Kuchiki family had dismissed it as an odd quirk, but it reminded him of all the times when he was in high school where they would hangout on the rooftop. He did swing by Sojun's office as it was the division next to Aizen's and had a brief chat with the man. Not wanting to interrupt his husband's formal duties, Ichigo placed a quick peck on his lips and shunpoed off but not before he soaked in the sight of a slightly flustered Kuchiki.

Their relationship had progressed over the years, after that time in the bathroom. Slowly Sojun had become comfortable with him, the man no longer froze when the kisses became rather heated, and would actively seek his presence when they were in bed. They had removed the two separate futons and now slept on a single larger one. Spooning was quite common and waking up with a hard on was now part of the usual routine. Ichigo found the progress was slow and at times frustrating but he would not even slightly pressure his husband into performing anything remotely sexual, so he simply took care of himself in private.

'King, if Aizen, Yhwach or that shitty old geezer doesn't kill you, your blue balls will.' Zangetsu groused. The sword spirit had been giving him a headache about not having a good fight in a long time, but with the arrangement he had with the Head Captain, he had been quiet and satisfied. Despite his age, the old fart did give them a good fight. It also killed two birds with one stone, since they were training to deal with Yhwach when he made his appearance.

'I didn't know you were so concerned about my health.'

'Well if you can't hold your sword because you developed carpal tunnel by jerking yourself off, it's my problem.'

'You can't rush things like these, dumb-ass.'

'It took you a century to reach kissing and touching.' The sword spirit shot back, 'Don't tell me we have to wait another for oral sex.'

'Why are you so concerned about my sex life?'

'Your unresolved sexual tension is causing the inner world to go into global warming.'

Ichigo mentally flipped the bird at the zanpakuto spirit. He was about to shoot back a scathing response when he faintly sensed another spiritual signature near him. It was considerably well hidden and he had only seen this level of skill in those belonging to the elite forces of the Onmitsukido. Concentrating on it, he smiled when he recognized the owner of the reiatsu. Normally, back when he was being followed or watched, they usually sent out a squad and the members would stand a reasonable distance away. This was only one member and he was much closer than what they would have been trained for. He could also sense traces of agitation in the spiritual signature, as if the owner wanted to approach him yet could not convince himself to move.

"You know, I'm a pretty chilled out guy if you want to talk to me." He spoke, eyeing the direction in which the Shinigami was hiding. "Urahara Kisuke."

There was a startled gasp and then a sheepish figure appeared on the roof a few feet away on his left. "Ahhh." The blonde nervously scratched the back of his head, "You found me, Ichigo-San." Then jerked back violently as if he were electrocuted, "I'm so sorry, I meant Kuchiki-Sama." He knelt and bowed his head.

Ichigo had a hard time believing that this was the very same man who had constantly grated on his nerves with his laid back, carefree and rather jovial character.

Sighing, he waved his hand dismissively, "Ichigo is fine, the name Kuchiki doesn't really suit me anyway." Recalling an amusing memory he added, "My husband agrees."

"But that would be disrespectful…" Urahara began fidgeting slightly and wringing his hands from his kneeling position.

"It's just a bloody name." Ichigo cut him off, this conversation happened way too often, "Plus you knew me before I married."

"But-"

"Say it." He cut off the blonde's refusal again, "Ichi-Go, it's not that hard."

"Ichigo-San."

'I guess that would have to do.' The red head thought to himself, turning his attention back to the fidgeting blonde, "What brings you here? I know it's not anything official otherwise you wouldn't have come by yourself."

"Ahhhh…" Urahara trailed off looking at his hands, clearly too nervous and flustered to speak. Though it amused Ichigo to see the once cocky shop keeper act like a blushing school girl, he remained calm and approachable, waiting patiently for the man to answer.

"It doesn't matter…" Kisuke wrung out after moments of fidgeting.

"You've come this far, let's hear it." Ichigo jumped in not allowing the agitated man to leave, "If it's something I can help you with, I will."

Urahara cheeks flushed slightly red before lowering his head and laughing nervously. Taking a deep breath he quickly blurted out, "I would like you to teach me your flash step."

There was a moment of silence between them. Ichigo couldn't think why Urahara would want to increase his proficiency in shunpo. He was in the Onmitsukido and head of the detention centre now, he vaguely remembered Sojun mentioned it in passing with news of Yoruichi's promotion to Captain, when her father retired from service. Mentally checking the year the blonde should be the third seat in the second division by now, so there shouldn't be a need for him to increase his flash step speed. He was already a master in Zanjutsu, Kido, Shunpo and Hakuda plus his intellect was unparalleled. Which was why Ichigo was completely speechless as to why the man was asking him to increase his skills.

"Why?" He asked directly, still baffled by the request.

The only response he received was a deeper shade of red colouring the Shinigami's cheeks.

'Oh.' Ichigo realized, pieces starting to fall into place. "Is it because you want to make an impression on someone?" He asked casually but his tone was tinted with a subtle tease.

Again the blonde didn't answer, except for the darkening shade of red on his cheeks.

'Bingo.' And to milk the situation, "A certain Nightly One?"

"This was a mistake." Urahara stood up still blushing spectacularly, "I'm sorry for wasting your time, Ichigo-San."

"You're right." Ichigo interrupted the man's departure, "It was a mistake but not the way you think it is." The blonde didn't leave the rooftop but he didn't he turn to face him either, "Learning a faster shunpo would not gain her attention, at least not in the way you want." He recalled a very sore Yoruichi when he bested her in Shunpo Tag. Urahara besting her at her own game would not bode well for any potential romance.

"Then what should I do?"

Looking at the Shinigami's back, "Impress her with what you are already good at." Kisuke turned around with a blank expression on his face, "She's fast, and you're smart. You consistently came up with the best strategies to take out the Hollows during the invasions."

Going back to his napping position, Ichigo added as an afterthought, "She's the catty type who would enjoy witty, playful banter." With that he felt Kisuke's reiatsu flicker out of range.

'Byakuya's dad, Yama-jiji's physiotherapist and now Urahara's love guru.' The red head grumbled, 'What next? Unohana's Ikebana partner?'

Little did Ichigo know, this was the beginning of Urahara and him having long discussions on Byakuya's dojo roof. As time passed, Ichigo manages to catch glimpses of the man's intellect he hides under his shy, nervous and almost unsure demeanour. It was nice to see Urahara Kisuke, a man who was not carrying the burden off being exiled, charged with hollowfication, creation of the Visored and Hogyoku. Instead he met the man who grew up in the Shihoin Mansion and who had just become the third seat of the Second Division and Head of the Detention Unit. Seeing Kisuke's eye shine without the perpetual shadow behind them was a pleasure and it strengthened Ichigo's resolve to prevent Aizen from causing the chaos he did in his universe.

However some things are just meant to be and it was during one of their conversation, a passing comment about Ichigo's mother's hollowfication, that the seed was planted for Kisuke to create the Hogyoku.

---

43.

Ichigo smiled as he watched Sojun fuss over Byakuya's appearance. The boy was physically about thirteen years old, and the clan had deemed him acceptable to take the Shin'o Academy admission test. It was rather obvious the teen would pass, but the concept of him being boarded hadn't sat well with his husband. Ever since the spectacular results for the entrance exams of his child, Sojun had been rather depressed and moody, though he put on a façade of happiness in front of the boy. However his efforts were in vain, since Byakuya had approached him later that day.

"Is Chichi-Ue angry with me? Did I do something wrong?" He questioned, worry leaking into his tone.

Ichigo gently stroked the teen's hair, it was something he did to reassure and comfort the boy, "No, he is not angry. He is just sad that he had to say good bye to you."

"He does know I'm not going forever?" Byakuya asked biting his lip in frustration, "It's only six years and I'll be coming back for holidays and visiting often."

"I know and so does Chichi-Ue." Ichigo agreed, "It's just that you are no longer with him all the time, is why he is sad."

"But I am not with him all the time anyway." The teen argued.

Ichigo chuckled, children were so literal, "You will understand when you grow older." Petting the teen's head, "Don't worry about Chichi-Ue. He'll get used to the idea that you are no longer be at home soon enough. I'll take care of him."

Byakuya hummed in agreement, dozing off in his embrace.

'No matter how tough you act, you still want to be pampered. Spoilt brat.' Ichigo thought as he continued to stroke the boy's raven locks.

He had managed to talk Gin and Rangiku into joining the Gotei Thirteen earlier. It had taken much persuasion, but in the end both of them conceded and applied. As expected Gin passed on his first try and graduated within a year, breaking Koga's record and much to Ichigo's chagrin he had selected the Fifth Division. "Gotta keep an eye on the slimy bastard." The teen replied with barely hidden contempt when Ichigo asked him why. Apparently the teen had witnessed Aizen searching for the Hogyoku and took a personal offense to the man's attempt at harming Rangiku. It was endearing to see him so devoted to the strawberry blonde, but considering what he was dealing with didn't make it all that pleasant. Ichigo sighed with resignation, there was no way to talk the young Shinigami out of his decision. Though at least he made the teen agree to report anything suspicious he found to him and not to take action without his approval. Rangiku on the other hand had a problem with the theory and strength, so after a few tutoring lessons she took the exam again and passed. Currently she was in her third year retaking her second year Hakuda practical.

Overall it had been good news, though Ichigo did treat it with trepidation. Ever since Urahara's appointment as Captain seven years back, Ichigo had been hyperaware of Aizen's movements. He knew it was only nine years from the point of the blond's captaincy that Shinji and the rest were hollowfied. However he couldn't watch the brunet one hundred percent of the time, even with Gin's help. There was also Kaname Tousen to factor in, but none of his observations showed them even knowing each other. It was frustrating and did sour his mood a bit.

Ichigo had recently found Hisana, Rukia and Renji in Inuzuri. Giving them the old shrine at the bottom of the cliff he had been renovating out of boredom; he became their benefactor. Hisana being the oldest out of the three at the age of eleven, was more like the appointed guardian, looking after a three and five year old Rukia and Renji. He had been giving the red head some informal training which he took to diligently. Apparently the boy was completely captivated by Rukia and had sworn on his life to protect her and her sister. It was both charming and unsettling for Ichigo, to see such similarities in character between the older and younger versions of the three. He hadn't introduced Sojun and Byakuya to them yet, but he would have to eventually since Rukia's and Renji's spiritual energy was developing quite well, and it was only a matter of time until they took the entrance exams. Ichigo prayed the meeting would go well, Sojun would most probably be enamoured by the children which wasn't the issue. He was rather hesitant about Byakuya meeting them, not that he was worried about an epic romance blossoming between Hisana and him, but because of the boy's jealousy. The younger Kuchiki was particularly possessive of his parents, and in no ways liked to share them with anyone. Ichigo remembered the time Sojun had picked up another child at one of the miscellaneous clan gatherings; Byakuya had sulked and thrown a minor temper tantrum for the rest of the day.

'Spoilt Brat.' He thought as he looked at the teen failing to hide his pleasure at having his father's attention.

"Chichi-Ue, I'll be fine." Byakuya grumbled lightly, as his father brushed an invisible speck of dirt off his academy uniform. "The orientation starts in an hour, so I have to leave now."

Reluctantly Sojun gave the child one last embrace and pulled back nodding his head. Ichigo gave a light one arm hug and petting the raven on the head, "Better get strong Bya-Chan, who else is going protect Chichi-Ue when I'm not around."

"I am and don't call me that." The teen grumbled.

"I'll always call you Bya-Chan until you beat me, brat."

Byakuya glared, and Ichigo had to bite his tongue to prevent himself from laughing. He would never be able to fight Byakuya with the seriousness they had in his universe. That face was entirely too adorable to forget. With that the guards made their appearance and they all shunpoed away. Ichigo smiled at their disappearing figures and didn't comment on his husband's glassy eyes or how tightly he held his hand.

Now that the little spitfire had left, he felt that the manor's atmosphere had dimmed making the place seem much bigger and emptier than it usually did.

'Joys of fatherhood.' Ichigo sighed as he pulled Sojun closer, wrapping an arm around the smaller male as they stared off after Byakuya in silence.

---

44.

It has been months since Byakuya had left the Kuchiki Manor to join the Shin'o Academy, and Sojun's mood had yet to improve. Ichigo sighed and raised his eyes from the book he was reading, the lieutenant had been staring at the same report for the past three hours. He also hadn't been eating much and was restless in his sleep. More often than not, Ichigo found the Kuchiki in their son's now empty bedroom fiddling idly with the surrounding furniture. He expected Sojun to go through empty nest syndrome but he didn't think that it would be this bad.

With the thousandth sigh that came from the Kuchiki, Ichigo made up his mind. Standing up from his position in their room, he walked briskly over to Sojun. When he was within arm's reach of the man, Sojun looked up at him in confusion. Leaning down Ichigo pressed an open mouth kiss on the raven's lips. Sojun had opened his mouth in surprise and he didn't waste the opportunity to deepen it. Once the shock had passed, Sojun made an attempt to pull away but Ichigo was having none of that. He wasn't going to allow his husband to returning to brooding, so he placed a hand behind Sojun's head to hold him in place. Parting slightly for a breath of air, Ichigo was satisfied when he saw his husband slightly breathless. Smirking slightly he attacked the man's lips for the second time.

Loosing himself in the moment, Sojun reached out and wrapped an arm around Ichigo's neck while the other fisted the male's yukata. Becoming slightly competitive the Kuchiki increased the force in which he used to reciprocate the kiss. Running his tongue across Ichigo's teeth, he smiled as he heard the man moan and allowed his husband to guide him to down to the tatami mats beneath them. Breaking apart and crawling on top of Sojun, Ichigo paused to look at his work.

There was nothing more arousing than seeing Kuchiki Sojun on the floor of their chambers, yukata slightly ruffled, lips plump and red, pupils blown wide, flushed while trying to catch his breath.

Feeling himself harden Ichigo placed a knee between Sojun's legs, parting them, while he leant down once again to capture his lips in a passionate kiss. Sojun gripped his yukata with both hands and pulled the red head towards him. Slowly Ichigo's attention drifted from his husband's mouth towards his neck, gently nipping and tasting the slightly damp and heated skin. Making sure not to mark the male in areas that would be visible when he wore his shihakusho, Ichigo savoured the breathless sighs and muffled moans from the man.

"You don't have to worry about anyone hearing you." He whispered huskily into the Kuchiki's ear as he licked it's shell eliciting a moan from the man's mouth. It was only a few years ago that Sojun become completely comfortable with having oral sex; however their living arrangement of having Byakuya in the next room, didn't allow them to fully enjoy the physical activity when it took place.

Pulling the knotted belt form Sojun's yukata, Ichigo parted the clothing leaving the male bare beneath him. No matter how many times he had seen him in this state, it never was enough. His soft pale skin made him want to decorate it with marks. There were thin scars along with silvers of stretch marks around the Kuchiki's stomach and chest, which only added to his overall appeal. Even after seeing his naked body before, Sojun was still embarrassed by its imperfections no matter how much Ichigo reassured him. This time the red head decided to change his tactics; he traced each and every scar and stretch mark with the tip of his tongue. Using one hand to hold himself up Ichigo used his free hand to gently caress Sojun's body, overloading the man's nervous system.

One thing that really appealed to Ichigo's primal side, was how sensitive and responsive the Kuchiki was. He figured it was due to the male not being touched in an intimate way for such a long time or just not having had pleasurable sex. It was truly a rare treasure to watch the man come undone by simple touch and how his body would react purely out of instinct. Placing his mouth at a coral nipple, now stiff due to the recent activities, Ichigo gently suckled while using his thumb to roll the other. Sojun's moaning gradually became louder and he instinctually arched his back as he began to grind his groin against Ichigo's knee. Using his hands the Kuchiki nearly tore off the red heads yukata, only to wrap his arms around Ichigo's broader frame, pulling him closer to him.

Traveling south, Ichigo kissed and licked Sojun's stomach as he palmed the man's length. Gently stroking it, Ichigo glanced up at his husband's face. It was a habit now, because he never wanted to do anything that would be remotely uncomfortable for the slighter male. Seeing the breathless and rather lustful look on Sojun's face, Ichigo wetted his lips and too slowly engulfed the man's length in his mouth. The response was immediate, the Kuchiki's body suddenly jerked and a surprised gasp left his mouth.

Ichigo could hear the male claw at the tatami mats as he let out a flurry moans and gasps. Bobbing his head in a steady rhythm, Ichigo allowed the man to slowly come undone. As he felt Sojun's climax approaching, he withdrew making the man beneath him whine in frustration. He would always pause to observe the male; the blush Sojun usually wore on his face had travelled down his entire body, a slight sheen of sweat coated him and he could see the man's grey eyes were wet with pleasure.

"Ichigo…" Sojun moaned out, and Ichigo felt his own length throb for release.

Instantly he wetted two of his fingers before engulfing the Kuchiki's length once more. He was gradually building towards the male's climax once again, when Ichigo placed a finger at the his entrance. They had never done this before, so it was expected that Sojun would pause slightly and meet his gaze. There was a flicker of uncertainty that danced across his grey eyes before it was replaced with trust; smiling, Sojun nodded his head lightly giving his consent. Returning to his rhythmic sucking and licking, Ichigo gently circled his entrance before slowly breaching it with a finger. He felt the male still, so he placed more effort on sucking the male off. Once he felt Sojun relax and become accustom to the breach, Ichigo began to move his finger and slowly added the second when the male's moans regained their previous volume.

Gently feeling around, Ichigo knew he found the Kuchiki's sweet spot when the man let out a near yell of pleasure as his body shuddered gently. Stroking that area and keeping his rhythm with his sucking, Ichigo knew it was only a matter of time before Sojun reached his sexual climax. True enough, just moments later, backing arching and with a hand over his mouth to muffle a rather wanton moan, Sojun came. Withdrawing his hand and tightening his lips around the males pulsing length, Ichigo didn't allow a single drop to fall. Swallowing, he placed a soft kiss on his husband's forehead, before collapsing on the floor next to him.

They waited on the floor next to each other, each spent in their own way. After a couple of minutes Ichigo was reminded of his own need and sat up. Their oral sex consisted of him servicing Sojun, he wanted the male to make the offer on his own without him influencing him in anyway, so he took care of himself in private away from the Kuchiki's eyes. As he was about to excuse himself to the nearest bathroom, Sojun reached out and caught his wrist. Still flushing and completely disheveled from his climax he slowly sat up.

"I would like to return the favour." He simply stated as he leaned into Ichigo. Seated with his back against a shoji door, he watched as the Kuchiki crawled naked towards him and between his legs. Removing the obi around his hips, Sojun slid off the yukata that barely remained on Ichigo's frame. Kissing the red-head deeply, Sojun familiarized himself with his taste. It was sharp and slightly bitter, but not entirely unpleasant. Hands on the man's chest he mapped the larger male's body, engraving it into his mind. It was not like he hadn't seen any of it before, but Ichigo's body was covered in a maze of scars. Up close, there were some old wounds that seemed impossible to have lived through. He traced every mark he could find and kissed them gently, thankful to whoever was responsible for ensuring his husband's survival; Sojun slowly progressed downwards.

It was daunting for him, since the only time he had performed oral sex before was with Koga, and those occasions were few and far between. Since the man always complained that he never did it right, and always gripped his hair as he jerked his head back and forth nearly chocking him in the process. Having had enough, Sojun grazed him with his teeth, which made Koga rip his length from his mouth and slap him hard across the face. He remembered blacking out from the pain, but after that the male only took him from behind. Never before had he been on the receiving end, which was why he nearly lost his mind every time Ichigo took him into his mouth. With today's intimacy, he felt the courage and confidence to return the affection; however it still made him nervous because he lacked the skill.

Staring at Ichigo's length he felt a flush creep back into his cheeks, the male was large and his girth was impressive. From what he remembered of Koga's, the red head clearly trumped his previous husband in every way. Although it did nothing to sooth the Kuchiki's nerves at the moment, because he didn't have the experience on how to approach it. As if sensing his hesitation and uncertainty, Ichigo placed a hand on his cheek and used his thumb to stroke it lightly.

"You don't have to do it if you don't want to." He said softly.

Sojun narrowed his eyes and shook head, before reaching out and stroking the male's length. "I do." he replied with determination before dipping his head and taking Ichigo's length in his mouth and swirled his tongue around it. He knew it was the right thing to do from the way Ichigo's breath hitched and quickened. Making sure none of his teeth touched the flesh, he sucked slowly and and continued stroking the remaining length he couldn't take into his mouth.

Ichigo let out a groan. As he suspected Sojun was inexperienced, but he did think that the man was a fast learner and talented as well. Despite his lack of skill in this area, Sojun made up for it with trial and error. His rhythm was slightly off and there were occasions where he would overestimate how much he could take in his mouth and choke. However despite all that, seeing him in the act, naked between his thighs was more than enough to arouse Ichigo. As minutes passed the Kuchiki became more familiar with the action, making his skill and rhythm improve. Feeling the pressure of the sucking increase, Ichigo let out the moan he had been holding. Sojun's innocence was arousing with the kitty licks and hesitant sucking; but with his head bobbing up and down his length as he looked up at him was far more erotic than anything Ichigo had ever witnessed.

It didn't take long for his climax to approach since he had been aroused for a long time, what he didn't expect was Sojun to miscalculate and pull off his length causing him to release all over the male's face. Thankfully the Kuchiki had instinctively closed his eyes, so none of his essence had caused any harm. About to apologize and wipe it off Sojun's face, Ichigo didn't think his husband would wipe some off and taste it with a look of almost childish curiosity. Licking his lips, Sojun hummed in approval before reaching for the cloth Ichigo had in his frozen hand. That act alone made Ichigo's already spent length twitch with interest. Letting out exasperated sigh, the red-head mentally face palmed as they made their way to the main bath.

---

45.

Ichigo cursed as he shunpoed as fast as he could towards the Rukongai District of Fugai.

Since he wasn't a formal member of the Gotei Thirteen there was a minor lag in the intel he received. He had been keyed up the entire time since Urahara began his ninth year as Captain. With every spare moment, he had been watching Aizen's movements, and when he couldn't he had Gin keep an eye on him. However even with their surveillance he couldn't find anything wrong with the lieutenant. That was until he had received the news from Gin that there were people going missing in Fugai and the Ninth Division had been sent to investigate.

Unfortunately when he received the news from a Jigokucho, he wasn't in a situation where he could leave discreetly. It wasn't a difficult decision to make, but the cries of confusion he received from Sojun and Ginrei as summoned his zanpakuto via chain and shunpoed from the dining room of the Kuchiki Manor, did make him hesitate momentarily. He was given a second chance he could not afford to fail. It would be the equivalent of folding a royal flush. Stupid and unacceptable.

When he arrived Ichigo cursed his entire existence. He was too late. Those who were not dead were already afflicted with hollowfication. From his view point he could see Urahara and Tessai had already locked Aizen into one of his monologues with Kaname Tousen beside him. So far the only silver lining was that Gin wasn't here with them. However his instincts told him the brat was approaching fast and he wasn't alone. From what he could sense, accompanying him was none other than the Old Fart, Yama-jiji. Before he left the Seireitei, he had sent Gin a message to stay put, but it seems following orders wasn't his strong point. He turned his attention back to the far more pressing situation in front of him.

'How did he induce the infection?' Ichigo wondered as he watched the group in front of him converse. He had destroyed Aizen's Hogyoku and White hadn't been created yet. 'Unless…'

Once Tessai used a high level Kido against the diabolical duo, Ichigo jumped in preventing their escape. Tousen immediately drew his sword to attack, but Aizen gestured for him to stand down.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you." Aizen greeted with his well know pleasant personality, "Ichigo."

If there was one person who could drip that much venom into his name, it was Aizen. "Good evening." Drawing his larger zanpakuto he replied calmly, "Sosuke Aizen."

"You have been a thorn in my side since you arrived to Soul Society."

"You really shouldn't compliment me, my ego is quite healthy without your praises."

Neither of them spoke and merely assessed one another, Ichigo was the first to break the tense silence, "How did you cause this?" he gestured to the hollowfied captains and lieutenants.

Aizen smile turned absolutely venomous, and Ichigo's felt his finger's twitch, "With this." Holding up the Hogyoku; a startled cry from Urahara confirmed Ichigo's suspicions. Even though he had destroyed the orb that the brunet created and prevented him from making another, he didn't take into account that Aizen wasn't the only one who was capable of making such an object. He also didn't think that the brunet would make an attempt on stealing Urahara's Hogyoku. It seems that his actions had forced the male to adapt his plan and achieve the same outcome. He really did fold a royal flush.

"I really must thank you Ichigo." Aizen casually added, "If it weren't for you I would have been using my incomplete version."

Ichigo didn't answer, but his silence was answer enough for the brunet, "Don't act so ignorant, I figured it was you who destroyed it that day, because I sensed the residual effects of your normal reiatsu signature as I made my way back." Ichigo gritted his teeth, he had taken a rather complicated route back to Seireitei that day as he purged his Hollow reiatsu from his clothing. However it seemed those precautionary measures were pointless, for if the male figured it out then Aizen must have known about his informal surveillance as well.

As if he was reading Ichigo's mind, "Don't beat yourself, that pesky ability to hide your reiatsu completely was quite problematic for me and Kyoka Suigetsu's Kanzen Saimin (Complete Hypnosis) never worked on you either; forcing me to take Kaname Tousen under my wing to do my work for me while you had me watched."

"Kanzen Saimin?" Urahara repeated with confusion.

Turning his attention to the blonde and smirking with superiority, "Yes, as I was telling Captain Hirako I lied about my zanpakuto's ability being Water Based when in actuality it is an Illusion Type. At the lieutenant's appointment where all of you were present, I wanted to take the opportunity to have you all susceptible to its ability." Unsheathing his zanpakuto, "Kyoka Suigetsu's Kanzen Saimin controls all five senses to the point where it can make the subject misinterpret another person's form, shape, mass, feel, and smell. It does not matter how long ago you witnessed the ritual, whenever I release my zanpakuto you will be under my control."

With that a majority of the Captains and Lieutenants of the Gotei Thirteen arrived surrounding the area. Not at all concerned, Aizen glanced at them lazily, "Oh my, it seems the entire family has dropped in."

The rest of the scene played out almost exactly like when he invaded the Soul Society on the Sokyoku Hill, with the man confessing his crimes and informing them of his inevitable God-hood. Even the Menos Grande tearing the sky open and pulling Aizen and Tousen towards the garganta with the use of Negacion. 'He always had a flare for the dramatics.' Ichigo mused as he watched the man ascend into Hueco Mundo. Nothing else was said between them but they maintained eye contact until the rip closed. Now that Aizen had Urahara's Hogyoku there was no need for his master plan that involved plotting Rukia's murder. However it did unsettle Ichigo, knowing how well thought out the man's plan was despite it being played out over a century and how it took into account so many varying factors.

'It is a shame to see such intellect go to waste.' Ichigo staring at the spot where the garganta once was.

"Hiya, Boss!" Gin appeared into his line of sight happily waving his hand at Ichigo.

"Idiot, I thought I told you to stay put."

"Really? 'cause the way I understood the message was 'Bring the cavalry'."

If he could, Ichigo would have strangled the smiling brat at this very moment, but something else popped into his head. "How did you manage to bring all these captain here?"

"Easy, I told the truth." The boy grinned, "Told them a power hungry diabolical genius had gone after the Ninth Division." Looking around, "But I have a feeling they thought it was you and not Aizen though."

"You don't say." Ichigo snarked out.

Ignoring his mood, Gin continued, "So what are ya gonna do now?"

Glancing at the scene that lay before him and peering at the sky where Aizen and Tousen had escaped through.

"I have to sort this shit out, before beating that bastard's arse."

"Good." The teen said as he stared at all the captains before him. Losing his ever present cheerfully creepy grin and channelling some of the seriousness Ichigo had known from the Ichimaru Gin in his universe, "I'm not too fond of sad stories."

---

A/N: I wanted something personal for Byakuya to use when referring to Sojun and Ichigo separately, since they are both his fathers. Him saying Ichi-Otou-San is not going to happen, and calling him Oyaji, Ossan, Jiya, Ichi-Ji, Jiji, Jii (Variation of use to mean 'Old Man', 'Uncle', 'Gramps', 'Grandfather' etc.) is not accurate, even less likely to happen and would cause confusion when referring to Ginrei.

So I thought Sojun would be referred to as 'Chichi' (Which more or less means, 'My Dad', 'Haha' is the female version) and Ichigo as 'Otou-San' (Father). Both 'Chichi' and 'Tou' mean the same thing, they are different pronunciations for the same written kanji (though in terms of usage I'd compare it to 'dad' and 'father'). Adding -Ue to the end of 'Chichi' adds a bit more formality.

Ue literally translates to up or above but it can be used as an honorific. It was mainly used in samurai families prior to the Meiji period. I have seen it used in anime for a 'royal' or 'noble' household. I figure that even if Byakuya picked up the term from outside the household, the people the Kuchiki's associate with would be using more polite or formal speech, and I can't see any Kuchiki not using some sort of honorific.

Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three) is a traditional rite of passage and festival day in Japan for three- and seven-year-old girls and three- and five-year-old boys, held annually on November 15 to celebrate the growth and well-being of young children. As it is not a national holiday, it is generally observed on the nearest weekend.

Kasumioji Akio is an original character, though the clan makes an appearance in the anime only, 'The New Captain Amagai Shusuke' arc. I picture him as Rurichiyo's maternal uncle, therefore taking an older and male version of her appearance.

'Yoruichi' when translated literally means 'Night One', which is why Ichigo uses it to tease Urahara.

Chain - After transforming Ichigo's body into a fully Hollowfied form, Zangetsu can call his zanpakuto to his hand with a simple gesture (Chapter 350, Pg 10-11/ Episode 271). For the purpose of this fic, it's assume he can do it without having to hollowfy.

Feel free to drop a comment and anything is welcome; constructive criticism, questions, suggestions, opinions, comments, corrections etc.