Mating Season
Chapter Six
By Lochness Nessie
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, or any of its characters.
Warnings: The usual smutt. :D
A little over a month had passed since Ichigo had arrived in Hueco Mundo and become Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez's mate, six weeks to be exact. Not much has happened differently. He arrived and was claimed by Grimmjow as his mate. He learned that hollows, including arrancar, can be "mated" to one another regardless of gender. To be "mated" two hollow beings have initial attraction to one another, it's almost like love at first sight, and something inside them points them in the direction of one person. Some experience that feeling stronger than others, sometimes it's not quite as obsessive. From there, the two mate, and during the mating process the dominant partner "marks" the submissive. This is done during sex, like stated before, and the dominant shoves all of his reiatsu into the submissive and when the submissive accepts it, he returns it with his own reiatsu and the two swirl together and create a bond – almost like a braid. The two are literally linked together. After a pair has been mated it is not generally a good idea to be apart for long periods of time, seeing as how their reiastus have combined, if one disappears, the other would crumble. Ichigo has also heard that no matter the gender of the submissive hollow, they are capable of becoming pregnant with a dominant's sperm. If the submissive is male, the organs will shift in the abdomen and a new organ will form that is similar to a human uterus. Even females grow a new uterus, this is because a human uterus is not strong enough to support a growing hollow fetus. The fetus could kick or even just shift slightly and tear the uterine walls and it would be detrimental to both the mother and child. The hollow's uterus has a thicker lining, creating a more study placenta.
Ichigo had long since placed the idea of being pregnant out of his mind. Since being mated to Grimmjow, Ichigo has pushed him to use contraception; he was terrified of being a pregnant male. Then there would be no way for him to show his face in the world of the living or even the soul society. Grimmjow has agreed that he is not ready to be a father to any cubs.
Since the huge turn of events in Ichigo's life he has learned to like his situation, and he is fitting in just fine with the arrancars. He is mostly a homemaker; he helps out with cleaning and preparing meals. As much as it drives him insane to say inside and only just right around their fortress, Grimmjow has told him many times that other dominants would smell him out and rape him. That was enough for Ichigo to give in and stay within the safety of their walls. Grimmjow and Starrk are the hunters; they go out in search for meat and bring it home, almost like the male lion with a den of lionesses. Nell is mostly childlike – whether she is in her adult or child form. And she is always by Harribel's side, Ichigo had never been confirmed, but he had a suspicion that they were a mated pair. Of course he was too shy to ask. Szayel was the group's doctor figure, and scientist. He was usually in his lab, working on his experiments, only really leaving when he needed to provide first aid to someone or to eat. And that was their family.
Ichigo had been growing sad that not a single shinigami had come to rescue him – or even tried to check up on him. He was beginning to think that the soul society had set him up to be captured out here in Hueco Mundo – or worse, killed. He tried not to think about it, as it only made him feel forgotten and abandoned. He also hadn't heard from any of his friends. Surely they had contacted the 13 court guard squads to find where he had gone to, right? But alas, no visitors, and no messages.
While he was preparing the evening meal, with some help from Nell. He was chopping some onions that he'd picked earlier in the garden. As soon as he was a few slices in he put the back of his hand to his mouth. He held his breath as the stench from the fresh onion made him feel a twinge of nausea. He put the knife down and turned around from the cutting board.
Nell looked over to Ichigo with a puzzled expression. "Ichi? Are you okay?" She put a hand on his shoulder. "You look a little pale."
Ichigo shook his head. "No, I'm fine. Just a random bit of nausea, no big deal, those onions just smell so strong!" He smiled at the green haired girl and then turned around and held his breath as he quickly chopped the rest up.
The front door suddenly slammed shut. It wasn't a minute later when a pair of strong arms snaked around Ichigo's waist. He was pulled tightly against Grimmjow's broad chest and he smiled at the smell of Grimmjow. His scent was a mixture of sweat from a long day's hunt and his usual smell that was slightly sweet but very masculine at the same time. Grimmjow bit Ichigo's neck softly and purred against his skin.
"What's for dinner, Kitten?" The deep voice rumbled in his chest and Ichigo could feel it vibrate along his back. Ichigo loved when Grimmjow would hold him close and purr to him, it sent a delightful chill down his spine.
"Chili!" Nell cried out, too excited. It was the first time that they have ever made chili, and Nell had never had it before. She was all too excited for this new soup she has heard so much about from Ichigo.
"Hmm," Grimmjow hummed into Ichigo's neck. "Smells good." He licked the skin just behind Ichigo's ear and it made him quiver. "Need help?"
Before Ichigo could answer, Grimmjow stepped aside and reached in front of Ichigo to scoop the chopped onions into a small bowl. The movement of the chunks sent the smell rushing into Ichigo's nostrils. His palm clamped his mouth and he turned around quickly, embarrassed. He rushed to the garbage can and heaved, knowing he wouldn't make it any farther.
Grimmjow furrowed his brow and looked at Nell who shrugged. "Ichigo," Grimmjow said softly. "Ya sick? I can help Nell finish dinner, go rest."
Ichigo only heaved that one time, then he coughed, trying to get the burning acid from clinging to his throat. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and looked up. His face was almost as white as a sheet he was so pale. "N-no, I'll be okay. It was just those onions… they smelled so strong, it made me gag."
Grimmjow wasn't buying it. "That was more than a gag, ya straight up puked." He walked over to his mate and took him into his arms in a full-frontal embrace. Ichigo's natural instinct was to rest his head on Grimmjow's shoulder. "Come on, Kitten, let's get ya ta bed." He wrapped an arm around Ichigo's waist and put a finger to his lip when Ichigo tried to protest, instantly silencing him. He walked with him to the bedroom and tucked him in their large bed.
"If ya need anythin', yell fer me. I'll go finish dinner. I'll save ya some for later if you're up for it," he said leaning in to kiss Ichigo's forehead. He smiled and then left the room.
The next morning, Ichigo woke from his bed and his mate was still sleeping next to him. He rolled over and sat up, another wave of nausea swept over him. He rushed to the bathroom as quick as he could, though he didn't have enough time to shut the door before he heaved into the toilet.
A few moments later, Ichigo rested his head on the seat and tried to catch his breath. His throat felt like it was burned raw from all the stomach acid. His mouth was dry and his lips chapped, he longed for something to drink but at the same time he was afraid to consume anything in fear that I would come up with a vengeance.
"Still feelin' bad, aren't ya, Kitten?" came his lover's soft voice from the doorway.
Ichigo looked up and smiled weakly at Grimmjow. His blue-haired mate looked generally worried and he knew he had wanted to help. "I guess I am sick, you were right."
Grimmjow held out a hand for Ichigo and helped him up by wrapping his arm around Ichigo's waist, pulling him to his feet. He pulled Ichigo into a warm hug and kissed his forehead lightly.
"Ugh," Ichigo groaned. "I smell like puke." He pulled away from Grimmjow. "Help me get undressed so I can shower? I feel so weak." He felt ashamed admitting he needed help, especially to the arrancar he once considered an enemy.
Grimmjow chuckled. "It's a'ight, Kitten." He waited for Ichigo to lift his arms before taking hold of the younger man's shirt, and lifting it over his head. His eyes fell on Ichigo's abdomen. It seemed swollen, not much, but there was definitely a change. Ichigo followed Grimmjow's gaze and noticed it was on his stomach. He quickly covered his stomach with his arms.
"Ichi," Grimmjow smirked. "Ya gettin' fat. We should cut down ya food intake." He then laughed heavily at his own remarks.
Ichigo flushed bright pink and punched Grimmjow's arm. "Not funny, Grimmjow! You're such an asshole!" He turned around and stormed to the bathroom to shower.
Grimmjow rubbed his arm where Ichigo had hit him. He didn't mean to make Ichigo so mad, he thought it was funny; he was just trying to make him laugh. Apparently Ichigo has become self-conscious about his weight gain. He shrugged his shoulders and followed Ichigo into the bathroom.
"Ichi," Grimmjow called when he stepped into the small room. Ichigo had the shower curtain drawn and was already in the water. "I'm sorry, I didn' mean to make fun of ya, it was supposed to be a joke."
"Fuck you!" Ichigo yelled, obviously still mad.
Grimmjow grinned. He quickly stripped off his boxers and pulled back the shower curtain to join his mate. Ichigo glared at him with his chocolate gaze, covering himself as best he could. "Don't be shy, Kitten," Grimmjow said quietly, stepping closer to Ichigo. He wrapped his strong arms around Ichigo's waist and pulled him closer. He leaned in and kissed Ichigo's soft, wet, pink lips. Ichigo groaned against him, trying to pull away. "Stop it," Grimmjow warned. "Just forgive me, and let me make it better." He kissed along Ichigo's strong neck, all the way to just behind his ear where Grimmjow has found is Ichigo's weak spot. He gently licked and sucked on it, making Ichigo moan quietly.
Grimmjow's hands crept downwards and gripped both of Ichigo's butt cheeks, squeezing them tightly. Ichigo moaned louder and whispered, "Grimm." Grimmjow chuckled and bit down on Ichigo's neck harder. One hand moved from Ichigo's ass to come around encircle Ichigo's erection, drawing even more sounds from his lover.
"Yeah, ya want me, Kitten?" Grimmjow purred into Ichigo's ear. Ichigo's response had no words, just a quick nod, and then he took Grimmjow's member into his hand as well and slowly began to stroke it. Grimmjow groaned lightly and then pushed away from Ichigo.
"Let's finish this in da bed," Grimmjow winked. He reached behind Ichigo and turned off the water. He gave Ichigo one last, long and very sloppy kiss before pulling the shower curtain open.
Grimmjow and Ichigo did not bother drying themselves off, they just quickly hurried over to their large bed and flopped down. Grimmjow crawled on top of Ichigo, kissing him firmly and grinding his erection against Ichigo's.
"Fuck me, Grim," Ichigo begged, breaking their kiss. His eyes were full of lust and desire, and it made Grimmjow's dick twitch in excitement.
"Are ya sure you're ready?" Grimmjow replied. He nipped at Ichigo's neck.
"Yes, just do me," Ichigo growled.
Grimmjow grinned ear to ear and then pulled Ichigo's knees up, placing them on his shoulders as he positioned himself. He bit his bottom hip as the tip of his erection slid into Ichigo's tight, velvety opening. Ichigo cried out underneath of him, begging for more. Grimmjow complied and slowly eased himself all the way inside, filling Ichigo until he could fit no more.
"G-god," Ichigo whispered. "You f-feel good!"
Grimmjow grinned and replied, "Fuck yeah." He then set his pace, moving his hips, pulling himself in and out, causing Ichigo to cry out in bliss. "Take it, Ichi!" He plowed into his lover, making sure to position himself just right so that he could hit his prostate. Ichigo dug his fingernails into Grimmjow's biceps, unable to control himself as he was taken to another world.
Ichigo shoved his hips backwards, pushing himself harder against Grimmjow making him penetrate deeper. As Grimmjow quickened his pace even more, Ichigo could tell he wouldn't last much longer. He breathed, "I-I'm gonna.."
Grimmjow knew what Ichigo was trying to say, even though he couldn't finish his sentence. He continued to thrust harder, trying to finish his mate before be, too, exploded in ecstasy. Ichigo's voice went up a few notches as he cried out his lover's name and there were fireworks behind his closed eyelids. Grimmjow grinned as he watched Ichigo spill his seed all over his own stomach and chest. The sight drove Grimmjow over the edge and he too finished not two moments later. He pulsed inside of Ichigo, emptying himself in him. He pulled out quickly and rolled over next to Ichigo, pulling him close.
"You're fuckin' amazing," Grimmjow breathed into Ichigo's ear, sending a chill down the red-head's spine.
"You're better," Ichigo said with a grin.
The two cuddled for a few more moments before Grimmjow pulled away. "Hey, get dressed. I wanna have Szayel check ya out, make sure you're okay."
Ichigo rolled over and glared. "I'm fine."
"I'm not playin', Ichigo," Grimmjow stated firmly. "I wanna make sure. So get up."
Ichigo growled as he got himself up from the bed. He hated when Grimmjow put his foot down, he always felt compelled to do what Grimmjow wanted. He knew arguments were a waste of time, Grimmjow would always win.
The two cleaned up quickly and dressed themselves and headed down to the other part of the home where Szayel had his labs. Grimmjow knocked on the doorway and the pink-haired scientist turned around with a grin.
"Ah," he sighed. "Grimmjow, Ichigo, how can I help you?"
Grimmjow frowned and pointed to Ichigo. "He's been sick, throwin' up and stuff. I'm worried he's sick or somethin'."
Szayel nodded, beckoning them into the office. "Let's get you checked out, Ichigo. When did the vomiting begin?"
"Uh, last night," Ichigo replied. "I thought I just got sick over the smell of the onions from dinner… but I threw up again this morning." He sat down on the examination table that was in the room and looked down at his feet sheepishly.
Szayel nodded. "And are there any other symptoms? Perhaps fever? Sweating?"
Ichigo shook his head. "No, but I feel kinda weak."
"And he's gained weight," Grimmjow threw in, to which Ichigo shot death-glares at him.
"Ichigo, lie back on this table please," Szayel said quietly. He turned around and wheeled over a cart with a monitor on it. Once Ichigo was in place, and the cart was by the bedside Szayel lifted Ichigo's shirt. He put his hands on Ichigo's stomach and lightly pressed on it, feeling around for any abnormalities. He then turned to the cart. Squeezing a large glob of clear goo on Ichigo's stomach he used a small tool to rub around. The monitor flicked on and in its black and white screen it showed some small forms that looked like specks.
Szayel nodded and hmm'd. He looked up at Ichigo and smiled. "Ichigo," he said quietly. "You're not coming down with any sickness. I'm afraid all of the nausea is because you are pregnant."
Grimmjow gasped for air and choked behind the table. "Excuse me?" he exclaimed. He looked over at the screen, assuming the specks were the fetus, then back to Ichigo who was now as pale as a ghost and he looked terrified.
"You're pregnant, you two!" Szayel chirped. "Congratulations!"
"This can't be happening to me," Ichigo whispered. "Holy shit, this can't be happening!" He looked up at Grimmjow and pointed with a firm glare. "This is all YOUR fault!"
"Mine?" Grimmjow glared back. "No way! You accepted me as a mate!" He paused. "Holy fuck, Ichi, we're gonna be parents!"
Ichigo groaned. "I'm gonna be sick." He rolled off the table and rushed to the trash before vomiting yet again.
Grimmjow came up behind Ichigo and put a hand on his back, rubbing it softly. Ichigo glared up at him and growled, "Don't you fucking touch me!"
"Come on, Kitten," Grimmjow said. "Calm down. It's gonna be okay."
"Easy for you to say! You're not the one who's knocked up, you ass!"
"Now, now Ichigo," Szayel replied. "You're getting too excited and you're blood pressure is rising. That's not good for the cubs! Try to take deep breaths."
"Cubs?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes, Ichigo, that's what the babies are called," Szayel explained. "Since Grimmjow is a panther type, they will be cubs."
"They? How many do I have in there?" Ichigo gasped, looking at his stomach with wide eyes.
Szayel looked at the printed image from the sonogram. "Well, it's hard to tell at this point, there's more than one for sure." He squinted harder. "But I'm afraid it's too soon to get the exact number. In a few more weeks we will check again!"
Grimmjow looked light-headed. He quickly sat down in the chair across from the exam table, running a hand through his blue locks. "I can't believe this shit."
Ichigo looked confused. "I'm no expert, but isn't it way too soon for me to be this sick and already showing?"
Szayel shook his head. "Hollows don't have the same gestation periods as humans. Though each breed has different lengths of pregnancies they are usually shorter than a human's nine month period. Since Grimmjow is a panther, and you are mostly human with hollow attributes, I cannot say for sure how long the pregnancy will be. Shorter than nine months, I'm assuming."
Ichigo took a deep breath and let it sigh out slowly. "I need a fucking nap."
Grimmjow nodded in agreement and the couple stood and thanked Szayel for his time. They tried to scurry out as quickly as possible, but Szayel pulled Grimmjow back and shoved the picture from their first sonogram in his hands, which made Grimmjow's stomach churn.
Once they were back to their room, Ichigo got into bed and growled at Grimmjow that he wasn't allowed to sleep with him right now. He was too irritated to even be near him. Grimmjow was banished to the couch already and it was just the beginning of the pregnancy.
** Awkward ending, but oh well. I didn't wanna be a huge jerk and cut it off after the "you're pregnant" line, like I originally wanted to. Lol. I hope it makes enough sense for you all, I put a lot of thought into how I wanted to explain it. :] I cannot wait for Ichi's pregnancy to progress. Poor Grimm. :c
Thank you to all my loyal readers and followers! Your kind reviews make me happy. Even if you don't comment, thank you for your time, you all make me smile when I get alerts and when I check the stats. I hope you all come back for more!**
