Chapter 3: Beneath Your Skin
Tetsuya felt a warning bite on the back of his neck and woke to find himself warmly entangled in a mingling of soft blankets and his new husband's amorous embrace. An arm curled around his waist and teased his nether region, making Tetsuya's heart and breath quicken and a blush return to his pale cheeks.
"Again, Kuri-Kuri?" he mused, smiling, "You've barely slept all night. I think you've made love to me in every way possible! Aren't you tired?"
"Of making love to my lovely Tetsu-hana?" Kuri purred in his ear, "Never! A precious flower like you must be fed and watered well if he is to blossom and bear fruit."
"Kuri!" Tetsuya exclaimed, blushing more brightly, "The things you say!"
"It's only the truth, mi amante," Kuri insisted, rubbing Tetsuya's slender belly and kissing him over a bare shoulder, "I cannot wait until your beautiful body blooms and swells full of our babies!"
"Babies!" Tetsuya exclaimed, wiggling to try to escape, only to be pushed down onto his stomach and teased enthusiastically from behind, "I was scared enough about just making one, Kuri-Kuri. Now you want more than one at a time? I don't know...I mean, what if I...?"
Tetsuya paused, rubbing his cheek against his pillow and searching for words.
"I was pregnant with only one when I was with Naoki," he reminded his husband in a conflicted tone, "I lost our child. Wh-what if...?"
"Shh," Kuri soothed him, turning Tetsuya and busying his mouth with slow, penetrating kisses, while his hands slid down the younger man's back and caressed his pretty, white bottom, "That was a lifetime ago, Tetsu-hana. You were in poor health from being mistreated and underfed. Add to that, the guards injured you during the rescue from that place. You are not small and weak anymore, mi corazòn, but older and wiser. You have built strength into your body until you only look delicate. What is beneath this delectable flesh is a man who is strong enough to be made Byakurai's most trusted protector."
"I will hardly be seeing him, let alone protect him anymore," Tetsuya sighed, "As soon as my pregnancy is confirmed, I won't be allowed to protect anyone."
"But that is only while you carry our future inside you, Tetsu-hana," Kuri said soothingly, "When you have had our children, you may, of course, continue to work in your place at Kuchiki Manor and protect your cousin."
Tetsuya's head tilted slightly and he met his husband's eyes tentatively.
"B-but you..."
"Tetsu-hana," Kuri said, his voice taking on a more stern tone, "I admit I can't wait for you to be filled with babies, surrounded by our children and us busy with raising them together. But that doesn't mean that you have to give up something I know is a very big part of you. You are not just a clan wife, you are also the one I love. I would never dishonor you by making you feel less than you are. Come now, let's see if we can put another one or two inside you, before I have to face Mamà and Tonia scolding me for being too rough with you all night."
"Kuri!" Tetsuya giggled, as his husband dragged him onto his lap and began to prepare him, "You don't have to spend so much time on that. I am very wet from the other times tonight."
"I know," Kuri admitted, smiling and moving his fingers until sweat broke out on Tetsuya's lovely face and he gripped Kuri's shoulders, panting in reaction.
"Oh, Kuri!" Tetsuya gasped, "Wh-what are you...?"
"I am giving you pleasure, mi amante," Kuri answered, nibbling along the side of Tetsuya's soft throat and moving his fingers more vigorously.
Tetsuya panted harshly, hanging on tightly to Kuri's shoulders and moaning heatedly as his husband began a slow, teasing entry.
"K-kuri-Kuri!" Tetsuya exclaimed, arching his back and writhing helplessly as he was taken.
Kuri's hands held Tetsuya's bottom, caressing and teasing him into motion. Sighing in relief, Tetsuya rose and fell, moaning loudly at how good the deep penetration and heavy caresses felt. He barely realized as Kuri eased him down onto his back and attacked more hungrily, devouring Tetsuya's soft lips and feisty, battling tongue as he finished their joining with a barrage of wild, passionate thrusts. He felt Tetsuya stiffen for a moment, then louder moans filled the room as his release erupted out of him and splashed onto their skin. Overwhelmed by the enchanting spectacle, Kuri held Tetsuya down firmly and filled him inside with delicious, scathing heat. He collapsed onto Tetsuya's chest, panting madly and still teasing Tetsuya's smiling mouth with slower finishing kisses. His fingers played in the long, wavy strands of Tetsuya's black hair as he watched the younger man succumb to a deep sleep. He kissed Tetsuya's damp forehead lovingly and slipped out of their bed, sighing contentedly as he headed for the bathroom.
He turned the shower on, then stood, waiting as it warmed, and silently enjoying the little hum of residual pleasure that clung to his deeply sated body.
Tetsu-hana is a treasure, he mused, his eyes fixing on the falling water, I wonder if he knows just how much he has changed my life. Losing Hideaki was so very difficult. And to lose my first husband to childbirth, losing our child as well...
He moved back to the bathroom door and peeked out to find Tetsuya curled tightly around a mound of pillows and wearing a dreamy, peaceful expression.
Tetsu-hana lost his first child and his husband. Maybe that is why we seem to understand each other so easily. I had no right to expect to find such a treasure, but there he is...
He was sure he didn't mean for it to happen, but somehow his feet carried him back to the bed and he sat down on the edge and brushed a warm hand against Tetsuya's soft cheek. At his touch, Tetsuya's smile widened and his blue eyes opened, regarding him questioningly.
"Mi corazòn," he said, finding Tetsuya's hand and capturing it gently, "will you come with me. I know you are tired, but..."
"Of course," Tetsuya answered, sitting up too quickly then reeling for a moment and leaning against his husband's shoulder.
Kuri grinned.
"I have loved you too passionately, then?" he joked, "You can't even walk? Oh, Mamà and Tonia are sure to kill me for brutalizing you."
"I'm fine!" Tetsuya laughed, staggering to his feet, "Anyone would be a little dizzy after such a night with you, Kuri-Kuri."
"But, not anyone would ever be granted such a night as that...except for you. Come, let me show you my appreciation."
"You've been showing me your appreciation all night," Tetsuya giggled, "One more time and I might just faint."
"I am not going to make love to you again right now," Kuri said, giving him a more serious look that left Tetsuya looking curious all over again.
He accepted Kuri's hand and followed his husband into the bathroom, then stepped in under the hot, reviving spray as Kuri held back briefly, watching appreciatively. Kuri stepped into the shower and moved in close behind Tetsuya, then picked up the soap and built up a thick lather. He spread the lather onto Tetsuya's back and shoulders, massaging gently as he went, hooking his chin over the slighter man's shoulder and stealing soft kisses as he bathed his husband's soft, sweet flesh. His seeking fingers treasured every inch of each slender arm, down to the tips of Tetsuya's graceful fingers, then slid around his sides and explored the expanse of Tetsuya's toned chest before sliding down and tracing each fine rib and rubbing his soft belly until Tetsuya was sighing and nearly asleep in his arms.
His hands spread out over Tetsuya's pretty round bottom, still moving slowly and caressing comfortingly. And when he touched the younger man's soft, blushing genitals, he smiled at how quickly they responded, but gently refused the obvious invitation and lowered himself to wash each of his surprised husband's slim thighs and shapely calves, finishing with the same attentiveness to each little foot, down to the perfect, white toes. He coaxed Tetsuya back under the water, meeting the younger man's eyes and reading the comprehension in them.
"You understand then?" he asked, "You are my life, Tetsu-hana. I will do anything for you. I will never, ever let you go now."
Tetsuya tilted his head back for a moment, letting the fall of water hide the tears that burned in his eyes at his husband's declaration of love. He blinked the offending tears away, then stepped forward again, meeting Kuri for a tender kiss, then he smiled and nodded.
"You are my life now too, Kuri-Kuri," Tetsuya answered, "I will do anything for you and I will never let you go either."
They shared another kiss and Tetsuya stole the soap as Kuri tried to bathe, then returned the gentle gift he had been given, caressing every inch of his husband's muscular, brown skin. He smiled as he finished and invoked his control over the water around them, turning his own body into water and sliding down Kuri's body, washing away the soap before forming again in front of him and nuzzling warmly under his chin.
"Ah," Kuri sighed, "I think it's time to go and face the music. Wait..."
He looked Tetsuya over quickly and swiftly healed a few incidental bruises, then a stray bite mark.
"You don't have to do that," Tetsuya laughed, "I don't mind being reminded how you loved me last night."
"Maybe," Kuri said doubtfully, "but if Mamà and Tonia see one little scratch, they won't let me touch you for a week!"
"Hmm," Tetsuya laughed, "You should check again. I wouldn't survive a whole week without you touching me. I love you, Kuri-Kuri."
"I love you too, Tetsu-hana."
The two left the shower and dried each other on warm, thick towels before dressing in fresh yukatas and heading for the dining room. Their stomachs rumbled noisily as they were stricken with the scents of something savory. They stepped into the dining room and at once, Tetsuya was pulled away into a strong hug by Antonia.
"Angelito, good morning," she said, kissing Tetsuya's cheek, "That rude brother of mine didn't injure you last night, did he? Let me look at you..."
Tetsuya exchanged amused glances with Kuri as Antonia searched for the slightest marking. Finally, she gave up and gave Kuri a stern look.
"What? You didn't find a mark on him," Kuri complained.
"Only because you healed them," his sister accused him, "His reiatsu is so depleted that I don't know how the poor thing is on his feet."
"Then, we should eat if we don't want him passing out," Kuri said, arching an eyebrow.
"Come, pan dulce," Antonia said, pulling Tetsuya towards the food laden table, "Eat something before you faint!"
The two joined the two women at the table, where Renji and several party guests who had stayed over were also waiting. The guests laughed and cheered as the newlyweds took their seats. The group quieted for a quick prayer, then dove into the hot, delicious food, exchanging friendly banters.
A few minutes into the meal, a house attendant appeared in the room, leading Byakuya and Ichigo to the table.
"Sir," he said to Kuri, "Kuchiki taichou and Shiba Ichigo have joined us this morning.
Kuri exchanged curious glances with Renji, then greeted the two and nodded for them to join the others. Kuri nudged Renji and whispered into his ear.
"Do you think it really worked?" he asked, "They look normal."
"Maybe," Renji whispered back, "Let's see."
The redhead grinned at Ichigo, who sat across from him.
"Hey Ichigo," he said casually, "are you busy tonight? Shuu and I are going out with some friends. Shuu's cousin is in town and needs a date. He's pretty cute. Are you interested?"
Byakuya and Ichigo started to answer together. Byakuya kicked Ichigo's leg under the table and the Shiba heir stopped himself, grimacing at the explosion of pain in his leg.
"S-sorry, I canno...can't," Byakuya answered, "Ah...I'm..."
"You said you were meeting with your family's elders this evening for a formal dinner," Ichigo reminded him.
"Right," Byakuya agreed, "Sorry. I must have had too much tequila. I could barely get out of bed this morning."
"You, me and everyone else here," Kuri laughed.
Byakuya leaned towards Ichigo and hissed softly into his ear.
"You almost gave us away!"
"Me!" Ichigo snapped back, "You're the one who started talking like himself while you're in my body."
"Be quiet!" Byakuya scolded him, "Watch them. Does anyone else look like they're not normal?"
"I don't think there's anyone but Antonia and Magdelina in this house that is normal," Ichigo snorted.
"Stop that, and try to figure out if anyone else is switched!"
"All right, all right!"
Antonia glanced around the table.
"I think we need more juice," she said, rising.
"I'll get it," Kuri offered, "Ichi-bun, will you give me a hand? It will give us time to talk."
"Eh," Byakuya said uncertainly, "S-sure."
He left his seat, giving Ichigo a perplexed look and followed Kuri into the kitchen.
"So, did you take my advice and tell that burro, Byakurai that you like him, Ichi-bun?" Kuri asked, watching closely as Byakuya paused before answering.
"I told you and everyone else to stop bugging me about it, so will you knock it off!" Byakuya answered, carefully mimicking Ichigo's way of speaking, "I'm not going to ask Byakuya out. Why would I want to? He's...a snob. Why would he wanna go out with me? He doesn't even know how to club dance. You saw him sitting there, just watching. We're not even into the same things. What would we talk about?"
"Hmm," Kuri mused, opening the refrigerator and hunting briefly for the juice.
He took one carton out and found a second that he handed to Byakuya.
"That's strange," he commented, continuing to observe out of the corner of one turquoise eye, "That's not what you said about him before when we talked."
"Wh-what?" Byakuya asked, blinking, "Um, I mean, it's probably the tequila. I barely remember us talking."
"No, not during the reception," Kuri said, smirking, "Before. When you confessed you didn't care so much about differences."
Byakuya looked back at him blankly as Kuri continued.
"You said that you couldn't stop looking at him. And you complained about how he probably doesn't have any idea that you are pining aft..."
"All right, knock it off!" Byakuya snapped, "I didn't say that and you know it! What are you up to, you stupid ass?"
Kuri snickered.
"Had you going, eh Ichi-bun?" he laughed good-naturedly, slapping Byakuya on the back, "Although, you did complain he always wants you to leave every time you go to his home."
"Probably because he...I have a habit of breaking things."
"You do," Kuri laughed, "Did he ever find out about the...?"
"Come on!" Byakuya snapped, heading back towards the dining room.
He set the juice on the table and rejoined Ichigo, who nudged him under the table.
"Did he seem normal?" Ichigo asked.
"He was definitely as annoying as usual, but I think he's suspicious."
"Of course he's suspicious!" Ichigo complained, "Anyone would be. We're trying, but you and I are going to have a hell of a time keeping people from figuring us out. I mean, I don't know things that you would and you don't know everything I would. Maybe we should get out of here and go somewhere private. I don't see anyone acting as strange as we are. I think we're the only ones who were changed."
"We can't leave right now," Byakuya said firmly, "We'd look suspicious."
"You think we're not suspicious when you can't even talk like me for a single sentence?"
"But it's rude to leave in the middle of a meal."
"Well, it's worse to have people realize we've switched bodies!"
Across the table, Tetsuya leaned towards Kuri and whispered into his ear.
"Byakuya-sama and Ichigo-san are talking together a lot," he commented, "I wonder if one of them said something to the other..."
Maybe," Kuri said, smirking, "Should we ask them?"
"No!" Tetsuya hissed, tugging on Kuri's arm, "Don't you dare!"
"But they do look rather cozy," Kuri teased.
"Kuri!"
The Shima leader paused as a hell butterfly floated in to the room and flitted around, stopping first in front of Byakuya, then taking up a position in front of Ichigo, who inhabited Byakuya's body. The insect hesitated, then moved back in front of Byakuya, who flinched as the creature delivered its message.
"Kuchiki taichou," Kyouraku's smooth voice intoned, "we've received a report of possible quincy activity in West District Two. I'd like you and Renji to check it out and get a report back to me about what you find."
"What the hell?" Byakuya mused, all too aware of the curious eyes focusing on him, "What's wrong with that thing?"
"S-someone obviously interfered with it," Ichigo said in Byakuya's dry, annoyed tone.
"You know you can't go on that mission!" Byakuya whispered into Ichigo's ear, "For one thing, you won't be able to fool Renji for a minute and for another, neither one of us has any powers!"
"I'll think of something," Ichigo said, standing.
"Wh-he'll think of something?" Byakuya mused.
"I'll go too," he offered suddenly, "you could use an extra hand, right? And...if I go, Renji doesn't have to."
"What are you doing?" Ichigo exclaimed softly, "You just said yourself we don't have any powers!"
"Well, I'd rather die than admit what's happening!" Byakuya snapped back, "Just agree to it!"
"Sorry," Renji said, interrupting the two, "The mission is coded for two officers. Ichigo's not an officer."
"He does have a point," Byakuya conceded.
"You can still go," Renji chuckled, "Just don't get in the way or anything."
He missed entirely the scathing look Byakuya gave him as he rose and excused himself from the meal.
"Antonia-san, Magdelina-san, thanks. The food was awesome."
Renji glanced back at Byakuya and Ichigo.
"You coming, Taichou?" he asked Ichigo.
"Y-yeah, right behind you."
"That's not how I talk!" Byakuya reminded him.
"Right, sorry!"
"Come on," Byakuya sighed, "Let's get this over with, and then I am going on leave until we get this sorted out!"
Kuri watched from the table as the three left, a smile creeping onto his lips. He ate a few bites more, then excused himself and kissed Tetsuya on the cheek.
"Are you going somewhere, Kuri?" Tetsuya asked.
"For a little while. I think I will go and tag along with the others...just in case there is trouble."
"Should I come along?" Tetsuya asked.
"You are not going anywhere right now with your reiatsu so low. But...I will take your Arashi, if you don't mind. He will be helpful if there is trouble."
"All right, but be careful," Tetsuya warned him, "There have been some serious skirmishes, even now that the war has ended."
"I know, Tetsu-hana," Kuri said, smiling and kissing his husband again, "That's why I'm going to look out for them."
He turned to leave, his cocky smirk returning as he left the room.
I think they were switched! That elixir was the real thing.
Oh, this is going to be fun!