Hello, guess who's back to update on time, like I said before I will update once a month and I kept my promise. I hope I didn't keep you all waiting for this because truthfully i started this chapter three weeks ago and I barely finished yesterday because I couldn't really think of anything. So if there is anything you hate about it, please just keep it to yourself and just enjoy the chapter, if not you can just leave. Now before we begin
Disclaimer: All property is owned by their rightful owners, I only own the story
Now without further ado, lets begin
It was late in the afternoon as Ichigo and Shigure returned awhile ago and was now sipping tea on the roof peacefully. They soon saw the gates open and watched Kenichi and Miu come in from their day out with their friends
"Hey Ichigo, Shigure" Kenichi said waving at the two
"Hello you two, did you enjoy yourselves today" Ichigo asked before taking a sip of his tea
"Yea we did" Kenichi answered politely as the two elders dropped down from the roof to sit down on the porch below as Kenichi talked about what they did today with their friends today. After awhile Miu got up from the porch and stretched a bit
"I'm going to go take a dip in the springs" Miu said as she began to walk away but stopped and turned to Shigure "You want to come with Shigure" Miu asked the weapons master
"Sure" Shigure said as she got up to stand next to Miu
"Springs?" Ichigo asked as the two girls turned to him
"Yea we have a hot spring that the master made" Miu explained as Ichigo nodded as the two girls left
After a moment a Kensei appeared next to Ichigo sipping tea while Kenichi jumped slightly at the short master's appearance
". . . .You want to follow them" Kensei said with a mischievous grin and glint in his eye
"Try it and you'll be eating out of a straw" Ichigo said with a heated glare as Kensei moved away from him with a nervous chuckle
"But of course" Kensei nodded as Kenichi took this time to get away from Ichigo if he decided to attack Kensei for his perverted nature
Shigure slowly dipped herself into the springs as she relaxed at the sensation of the warm spring water
"So Shigure, how are you and Ichigo" Miu asked as she got into the water next to her
"We're fine" Shigure dipping her head into the water so only her nose up would be above water
"I meant how are you two in general as in do you think he loves you" Miu asked as Shigure looked at her before looking down at the surface of the water "Shigure?" Miu asked after awhile of silence
". . . I think he does" Shigure said softly as Miu scrunched her face at that answer
"You think?" Miu asked questionably
"We haven't really. . . done anything but spend time together" Shigure said bashfully as she looked away from the blonde
"But, but you two always act so close together, I thought at least you two kissed" Miu speculated dramatically
"Well it's just. . . . . I don't know how" Shigure mumbled as Miu looked at her for awhile before her cheeks puffed up with laughter "What's so funny" Shigure said in a cold tone as Miu was holding in her laughter and failing at that
"Ahahaha, sorry it's just that I would never think you would be embarrassed about this and yet your able to go into a fight naked" Miu said with full blown laughter before stopping when she saw Shigure's cold stare "Hehe, sorry" Miu apologized
Shigure shifted in her position as she looked away from Miu ". . . I actually am embarrassed" Shigure mumbled as Miu couldn't make out what she heard
"What was that?" Miu asked with a surprise look on her face
"I said I am embarrassed whenever I fight naked. Just that I usually bottle up that feeling until I head into my room and. . . . Scream into my pillow" Shigure said blushing heavily as she can't believe she's telling Miu about this as she noticed Miu's shocked expression "Go ahead, laugh" Shigure said dryly with a huff as she looked away
". . . . It's nice that you still have the concept of humility Shigure" Miu said kindly
"What?" Shigure said dryly when she heard Miu's response
"It just that you always been distancing yourself off around people and never letting them in that most of us thought you never come out of your shell then Ichigo comes along and you started acting more human instead of your silent distant previous self" Miu explained with a smile as Shigure thought about it and knew the girl was right.
She was always stayed away from the others unless she is need but when she met Ichigo she felt something that just made her, act different. Sure she may have tried to attack him once in the beginning which ended up with her unconscious but the time she spent with Ichigo was something she wouldn't give up for anything. The way he completely cares about her well being and the fact he would protect her when those Yami agents came for her but dealt with them with ease sent a strange feeling through her body.
"I really do care for him" Shigure said softly as Miu smiled
"Then show him how much you care" Miu said as that caused two different scenarios in Shigure's mind, one of which made Shigure blush heavily "Uh~ Shigure, are you okay?" Miu said bringing Shigure out of her thoughts
"Yes, of course why" Shigure said quickly as Miu sweat drop at that
"Because you're turning bright red, I think you should get out of the hotspring now" Miu said worried for the weapon master as she was oblivious of the internal imagery Shigure had moments before
"Y-Yes, of course. I'll be going now, are you staying" Shigure said slightly embarrassed as she pulled herself out of the hotspring and wrapped a towel around her body
"I'll be going back in a little bit" Miu said as Shigure nodded before disappearing as she made her way back to the dojo and into her room. Shigure put on her normal pink kimono and was about to go out but stopped. Shigure thought about what Miu said and knew she had to do something to show how much she cared
Ichigo was sitting outside on the porch as everyone was heading in for dinner. Ichigo stared up at the evening sky as what Yoruichi said to him the other day is getting to him. Ichigo let out a huff as he didn't know what to think, he knows he cares for her but does he truly, emotionally, care for her. Ichigo put his head in his hand as he thought about the times he spent with her, how he felt so happy to be with her that nothing could ruin it.
"Dinner!" Miu called out to whoever didn't come in yet as Ichigo stood up. He decided to think about this and come up with his conclusion in the morning. Ichigo walked into the dojo and towards the dining area. The meal was the same as usual as the masters stole food from Kenichi and had a good time which Ichigo smiled as he never had such joyous time other than being with all his friends
After dinner Ichigo went back to the porch for Shigure as that was where he would always wait for her. Ichigo then continued his train of thought from before and he had to admit that Shigure was someone special to him but he doesn't know what to do. Should he just leave everything in Karakura to come live here with her, because he loves her. . . . Ichigo's eyes widen when he realized he just admitted he loves her "Goddammit, what the hell am I supposed to do now" Ichigo hissed out to himself
'Ichigo, there are times in your life when you must follow what your heart desires instead of thinking of what may or may not be or else you could forever lose what may have and forever regret that' Zangetsu said in his mind as Shiro chuckled
'Especially when I'm your instinct and as your instinct I'm saying just do it already ya wuss' Shiro insulted as Ichigo mentally flipped him off
'So what you're saying is that I should just do what I believe I have to do' Ichigo asked hesitantly for confirmation
'Correct' Zangetsu said calmly
'Even I could've told ya that ya idiot partner' Shiro said not trying to be mean but to prove a point as Ichigo sighed knowing the damn hollow was right in his own since and the fact his Zanpakuto agreed was the final nail in the coffin in what he must do
Ichigo soon heard Shigure's soft footsteps as she sat down next to him with a thoughtful look on her face. Ichigo stared from the corner of his eye at her pale features that seemed enhanced by the moonlight making her look majestic. Before Ichigo could say anything Shigure beat him to the punch
"Ichigo, can I ask you something" Shigure asked softly
"Of course" Ichigo responded calmly
". . . . Do you. . Like me" Shigure said blushing while fidgeting with the hem of her kimono as Ichigo himself blushed as he couldn't believe that she was actually asking him that
Ichigo sat there in silence as what she said drifted into his mind and something back there snapped as something Ichigo never felt before just washed over his sense of being
"Ichigo" Shigure said with a sad look when he didn't respond
"Sorry it's just, didn't think you catch me off guard like that" Ichigo admitted as Shiro in his mind was screaming at him about instinct and to do something already as the feeling he had was getting stronger
"Ichigo" Shigure said taking Ichigo's attention back "You. .haven't answered yet" Shigure said with a blush as she looked away as Ichigo's eyes seemed to relax. The next seemed like a blur to Shigure as she noticed Ichigo was caressing her cheek and before she knew she was leaning in as he did the same. They were a breath apart as the two were staring into each others eyes as Shigure thought back to what Miu said and swallowed whatever nervousness she had and pulled Ichigo in
The kiss was sloppy and uncoordinated but that didn't matter to the two kissers as they both enjoyed the sensation of the others mouths. Their tongues wrangling with one another's as the two pulled each other closer as they deepened the kiss until they needed air. The two pulled away, gasping for air as a string of saliva bridged between their mouths
"I think. . I think that answered it, no" Ichigo asked in a soft voice as he pulled her into a hug which she gladly returned. The two stayed like that for a couple of minutes as they just enjoyed the silence and one another's presence. As Ichigo was holding her something Yoruichi said as well as Akisame came to mind "Shigure" Ichigo said to her
"Hm?" Shigure said looking up at him
"Would you mind. . . If I stayed here, with you" Ichigo asked slightly red in the face as Shigure's eyes widen before her eyes were glossed over with joy as she leaned forward to kiss him again
"Yes, I would be happy if you did" Shigure said as Ichigo began kissing her again, this time with more force as the two didn't know what they were doing but following their instincts. "Ichigo" Shigure moaned out from the kiss as Ichigo stood up while holding her in his arms as he began walking towards her bedroom
Ichigo woke up blissfully as he felt something on his chest to find the raven haired beauty sleeping peacefully. What they did last night was not something he would ever regret. . . Except if Kisuke and his father constantly say something about this moment which he will then solve by smashing their faces into the ground. Ichigo let out a sigh before noticing Shigure stirring in her sleep.
Shigure let out a cute yawn as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes with one hand before noticing Ichigo and smiling happily at him "Sorry did I wake you" Ichigo asked softly as Shigure shook her head as she gave him a peck on his lips
"No, I just finished having the best dream I had in years about the man I love" Shigure said with a faint blush as Ichigo himself blushed a bit out of embarrassment, even with what they done already
"I see" Ichigo said calmly as he planted another kiss on her lips before the two got up and dressed. Ichigo pulled out his phone and told Shigure he was going to make a call before going out.
Before Ichigo could put in Kisuke's number he heard sobbing in the back of his mind 'Okay, what the hell is going on in there?' Ichigo questioned as he saw Shiro sobbing 'The hell are you crying. . . More importantly WHY are you crying' Ichigo asked slightly disturbed by the fact his hollow is crying
'It's because you finally listened to me and got laid' Shiro cried out happily with laughter while Ichigo just had a deadpan look as he mentally turned to see both Zangetsus who just stood there face palming
'He's been like this for hours, saying how proud he is to be your partner' Tensa said tiredly as he shook his head at the happy crying hollow
'That's. . .Pretty disturbing' Ichigo said dryly at the fact his hollow was crying tears of joy as his two zanpakutos nodded to each other before going over to Shiro and smacking the hollow upside the head
'Enough of the damn crying, it's getting really irritating' Tensa said as Zangetsu nodded
'Fine, Fine, I was just doing that to annoy you lot anyways' Shiro said as emotions he showed was gone with an uncaring shrug as both zanpakuto's eyes twitched
'. . . Ichigo I suggest calling Kisuke now because this will take awhile' Tensa said cracking his knuckles as the two zanpakuto spirits started walking up to Shiro with an aura of murder hanging over them
Ichigo exited his mind at the sounds of Shiro being beaten to a pulp by his other spirits as he just stood there wondering what just happened. Ichigo shook his head of those thoughts as he called Kisuke
After several rings the phone was picked "Urahara's shop, how may I help you" Tessai's voice spoke out on the phone
"Tessai it's Ichigo, could you put Urahara on the line" Ichigo asked politely
"But of course, hold for a moment" Tessai said politely as Ichigo heard what could be Tessai taking the phone through some sliding doors "Urahara, call for you" Tessai said in the background of the call
"Ah, thank you" Urahara said in the background as well. Ichigo listened as the phone was passed to Urahara "Hello~" Urahara said in a nonchalant voice
"Urahara it's Ichigo" He said to the shopkeeper
"Ah, hello Ichigo are you calling to finally move in with her" Kisuke teased as Ichigo stayed quiet for a bit ". . Uh, Ichigo?" Urahara said as Ichigo didn't respond yet
". . . Yes" Ichigo said turning his head a bit as a faint blush was on his cheeks
". . . . . . . . . I was NOT expecting that!" Urahara exclaimed through the phone "I was honestly thinking you wanted to call me to get you back to Karakura and I try to talk you out of it" Urahara exclaimed as Ichigo's eyes widen from what Urahara said "But you actually followed your heart and decided to stay, if I didn't know better I say the apocalypse is happening right now" Urahara said with a chuckle "But that would never happen, I mean it's not like you and her already did it with how shy you are about that kind of stuff" he added
Ichigo stood silent before coughing a bit as he diverted his eyes to the side as the line went silent
". . . . . You're serious, this isn't a joke or anything right?" Urahara asked softly with disbelief
"Um, I don't really want to talk about it" Ichigo said blushing as the images resurfaced in his mind
". . . . . Ichigo the second I see you I'm going to give you a damn hug" Urahara said with utmost seriousness which made Ichigo sweat drop
"Uh huh. . . Can you just send my stuff over, this is getting really awkward" Ichigo pleaded kindly as Urahara let out a soft laugh
"Alright I'll send someone over with your stuff" Urahara said as Ichigo agreed and was about to say goodbye but stop
"Wait Kisuke, don't you dare send-" Ichigo was cut off when the line went dead "-. . . Dad. . .Crap" Ichigo said softly as he could only beg that he got someone else to come, heck he could settle if he sent his sisters no matter how embarrassing it would be it would way better than with his father
Ichigo let out a sigh as he turned to walk back to the dojo. As he made his way towards the training area he bumped into Akisame "Good morning Ichigo" Akisame said politely
"Good morning" Ichigo greeted and was about to walk past but remembered something "Hey Akisame, is that offer to stay still open" Ichigo asked as Akisame stopped and smiled
"Of course it is Ichigo" Akisame said kindly as he put a hand on his shoulder "Let me be the first to say, welcome to the Ryozanpaku family" Akisame said as Ichigo smiled at that
Ichigo bid him goodbye as he looked for Shigure and found her watching Apachai training Kenichi. . . . Which meant he was punching Kenichi high into the air before falling back down onto his face
"Hey" Ichigo said softly as he sat down next to Shigure who leaned her head on his shoulder
"What happened?" Shigure asked
"Well I called a friend of mine and my stuff should be here in a few days or today, who knows how that man's schedule is. Also Akisame welcomed me to the Ryozanpaku with open arms" Ichigo said summarizing what happened this morning as Shigure nodded "I just hope that idiot decides to send someone reasonable" Ichigo muttered as Shigure looked up at him
"Why is that?" Shigure asked
"Because if he called a certain person I know to come bring my stuff it will literally end with a blood bath" Ichigo said slightly irked as Shigure sweat dropped when he said that
The day went by normally until Miu saw the difference in their attitude which brought the attention of the other masters including the Elder who stroked his beard with a soft chuckle while sending Ichigo a knowing look which the orange haired man looked away from
"What happened, come on tell me" Miu pleaded as she stood in the living area as the two women were sipping tea as Ichigo sat on the porch with the other men looking at him with a sly grin
"I'm not saying" Shigure said looking away with a faint blush
"Spring time of youth Miu, that's all you need to know" Kensei said with a perverted chortle which ended with Ichigo hitting him in the back of his head
"So your staying now" Sakaki asked as he opened a can of beer
"Yes I'm going to be staying here from now on, I'm just waiting on someone to deliver my stuff is all" Ichigo said as he heard something hit against the giant door
"Son of a!" A female voice shouted as Ichigo instantly recognized it
"Seems they're delivering it today. . . Makes me wonder if they had all my stuff packed or were really quick about it" Ichigo mused dryly before standing up "Hold on a minute I'm coming!" Ichigo called out only the giant gates to be kicked opened "Or I could just stay here and you can kick the gate open, that works too" Ichigo muttered to himself as his raven haired sister came in carrying two suitcases
"Hey Nii-san the rest of your stuff is outside, hurry up and help Yuzu carry it would you" Karin said dryly as Ichigo walked past her to get the rest of his stuff as Karin walked over to the group that was watching them. Karin dropped the luggage before looking at them "Where is Shigure" Karin asked as the all looked over to Shigure who was meekly raising her hand "Well congratulations, you were the first woman to find a way into my brother's heart, treat him well and if you hurt him in anyway I'll break you" Karin told her in sweet voice that hid murder
The masters and disciple stared at her in slight shock before realizing that they should've expected this from someone of Ichigo's family ". . . Understandable" Shigure said not knowing what else to say to the young woman
"Karin" Another voice said as they all turned to see a light brown haired woman with a kind smile "Be nice, she is basically going to be a sister of ours in the future after all" Yuzu joked as Shigure blushed when she said that
"Oy you two, stop that" Ichigo said carrying a few suitcases as he walked towards his room. The two girls giggled when he said that "By the way, aren't you two supposed to be in college?" Ichigo asked
"Well when a fraternity burns down apparently everyone gets a few weeks off" Karin said offhandedly as Ichigo stared at her for a second before letting out a small scoff with a smirk on his face
"You're just lucky that Kisuke is able to cover that up" Ichigo said as Karin let out a small laugh while making the masters intrigued when he said that Kisuke could cover up burning down a fraternity
"Yep and your lucky that we made dad stay or you two would've just spent the day fighting with each other" Karin joked as Ichigo walked out of his room
"Agreed, thank god he isn't-"
"Kurosaki Ichigooooooo" Isshin's voice rang out as Ichigo turned to where it came from only to be drop kicked by his father that sent him flying into the wall on the other side of the Ryozanpaku complex "You dropped your guard Ichigo, you still need training it seems-" Isshin said as Ichigo appeared in front of him and gave him a right hook that sent him flying into the wall next to the gate
"I thought you said he was staying at home" Ichigo said between his gritted teeth
"Apparently he got out of those chains we used to tie him up with" Karin stated dully while the Ryozanpaku group sweat dropped at how casually the girl said they tied Isshin up
"Um~ who was that Ichigo?" Akisame asked as he had no idea what just happened
"That idiot right there" Ichigo said pointing to Isshin "Is my idiot of a father" Ichigo continued as they all sweat dropped when Isshin came out of the wall and put his son into a choke hold
"You dropped your guard again!" Isshin shouted only for Ichigo to reel his head back against his face to get out of his hold
"Dammit old man, what are you even doing here!" Ichigo shouted irritably as the two began trading blows
"I just came to see my son off as he lives with his new girlfriend" Isshin shouted between the blows as everyone from the Ryozanpaku sweat dropped at what was happening while Yuzu laughed weakly while Karin sighed
"Just like home, huh sis" Karin said jokingly to Yuzu who nodded
"This is normal to you?" Kenichi asked in disbelief
"Trust me, we are far what you could call a normal family" Karin said dryly as she ducked when Isshin was thrown over her "Not that I mind" Karin said taking a step back when Isshin charged at Ichigo "I wouldn't trade my family for the world" Karin said happily as a loud thump was heard and Ichigo walked over to her muttering curses while Isshin was lying face first on the floor
"That may be so sis but the thing is I want is a father that doesn't try to attack me or embarrass me at every chance he gets" Ichigo said dryly as his sisters chuckled at that
"That reminds me Ichigo" Isshin shouted as he miraculously recovered as he draped his arm over Ichigo's shoulder "I heard from Kisuke that you finally became a m-Ack!" Isshin didn't finish that sentence when Ichigo elbowed his face in
"Dammit old man! Can't you act decent for once!" Ichigo shouted in frustration before hearing a low whistle and turning Karin who was clapping slowly while Yuzu had a blush on her face with her hands covering her mouth from shock
"So shall we get cake to celebrate this day" Karin joked
"KARIN!" Ichigo yelled at her as she just responded with hysterical laughter
"Alright, I won't say anything more just know that if I'm going to be an aunt at least choose a name for the kid better than strawberry" Karin joked with full blown laughter
"Why you!" Ichigo shouted as he held up his fist in anger
"Well it's a pleasure to meet you Shigure-chan I hope you have treated brother well" Yuzu said politely as Shigure smiled at the aura of kindness that surrounds the girl
"Of course" Shigure said softly as the girl nodded
"Come on Karin, we're supposed to support Ichigo in his choice not irritate him about something else" Yuzu said to her sister as Karin stopped laughing as she calmed down with a smile on her face
"Fine, fine" Karin said calmly as she walked over to stand next to her sister. Ichigo just stood in his spot with his eyes twitching as he let out a tired sigh before shaking his head at their calm nature
"Ichigo, may I have a word" Isshin asked as Ichigo was about to tell him off only to see that Isshin was being serious for the moment
"Alright" Ichigo said as he walked over to the side with his father while his sisters chatted with the Ryozanpaku group "Alright, what is it old man" Ichigo asked with his arms crossed
"I just have something for you from me and your mother" Isshin said as he pulled out something and placed it in Ichigo's hand
"This is" Ichigo said shocked at the ring box Isshin handed him as he opened it to see an engagement ring
"This was your mother's and mine engagement ring" Isshin said shocking Ichigo even more
"Why are you giving this to me" Ichigo asked breathlessly as he couldn't believe his father would give him his ring
"Because I may act like a goofball but I do truly care for your well being Ichigo and Shigure over there has made you smile more times than I have ever counted in all my years of raising you. I'm proud that you found someone to make you so happy so your mother and I decided to give you our rings that symboled the greatest day of our lives that we want you to decide when you want to have that same day like ours" Isshin said with a kind voice before pulling his son into a hug who slowly returned
"Thank you, father" Ichigo said softly as his mouth twitched upward into a smile
"Good now let's talk about childcare, it's never to early to star-ACK!" Isshin didn't finish because Ichigo just sent him through the wall
"You just had to ruin the moment didn't you" Ichigo said irritated as he put the box in his pocket
"I wouldn't be me if I didn't have fun" Isshin groaned out from within the wall as Ichigo let out a sigh before walking over and pulling his father out of the wall
"Come on old man, I'm sure you would want to meet her and tell mother about her because I'm sure she's watching the house for you" Ichigo said dryly
"Actually she's watching from the top of the gates over there" Isshin jerking his thumb to the side as Ichigo looked up to see his mother's spirit form waving at him because she couldn't participate with the family bonding because she is supposed to be dead and not alive and that would raise questions
Ichigo gave her a smile and a subtle wave just in case the others were watching before turning to Isshin with an angry look as he grabbed the collar of his father's coat "If she's here then who the hell is watching the clinic" Ichigo asked sternly
"Uryu and Nemu" Isshin answered
"Oh, okay then" Ichigo said as he dropped Isshin as he knew those two could watch the clinic in their stead "Now come on, I'm sure you guys can stay for dinner" Ichigo said nonchalantly as his father had a grin on his face before standing back up. Ichigo walked back to the others where he found his sisters talking to the others but mostly Shigure who had a soft smile on her face while talking to them
Ichigo himself smiled as this choice he made, might not be so bad after all
And there you have it, I hope it met to your pleasings and if it didn't once again keep it to yourself. Now I'll see you all again next month but I may take awhile to upload because I have something planned for that month
Until then please leave a comment, review, PM and I'll see you all later, have a great day