(A/N) I'm apologizing ahead of time. Updates will be random and sporadic, with whatever I've got written or typed. I have parents that think I spend too much time on the computer, and updating takes me forever (though I've yet to figure out why, when I'm such a fast typer). I will be starting like 5 new fics (2 or 3 are already up(the 1st chapters)) but I want everyone to know that I will not stop, nor will I abandon a story without notice. Scratch that, I'll probably never drop any fics. Anyway, I'm taking so long to update because I'm building the OC to pair Ichigo with. You'll know him when you see him, though that'll probably be next chapter. Sorry this is so short, but that's just where this chapter needed to end.

Ichigo's hollows thoughts or thought-speak to Ichigo

Other's thoughts, or Ichigo's thought-speak to his hollow

Chapter 4

Ichigo's inner hollow snarled viciously. His King was getting pummeled by Soul Reapers! That wasn't fair! He was the only one allowed to pummel his King! He flinched as another hit slammed into his vibrantly colored counterpart.

Come on King! Ya can do better 'n that! He gnawed his lip worriedly. The fight wasn't going well.

King!

When a Soul Reaper pinned his King to the wall by his throat, he'd had enough.

King!

Drawing on the immense well of reiatsu he shared with Ichigo and Zangetsu, he forced himself into existence beside his King, leaping on the Soul Reaper and tearing him away with an echoing snarl of rage.

"No one touches ma King an' gets away wit' it!" he threatened, crouching low to the ground between his unconscious partner and the now-fearful Reaper.

As the Reaper swung his blade down, he rolled to the side of the strike before leaping, clawing a huge gash into the shocked Reaper's chest with his fingers arched like claws.

"Ugghhh!" The Reaper choked and staggered a few steps away before collapsing, breathing wet and ragged. The hollow hurried back to his King, scooping him up gently before hurrying away.

Curled up in the under structure of a bridge, he wrapped himself around the limp orangette, murmuring softly to him. He tightened his grip when he felt the shivers start. Don' wan' 'im ta get sick.

After about an hour, Ichigo stirred slightly. Blinking his eyes open, he jerked in surprise at his hollow's proximity, letting out a small whimper of distress before trying to squirm away.

"Oi!" barked the hollow. "Stop wit da wigglin'! I'm not gonna hurt ya."

Ichigo struggled harder at the harsh tone of voice, fear increased in his semi-conscious state.

The hollow held him fast, trying to think of a way to calm him down before settling on something he'd seen in Ichigo's memories. He pulled him close against his chest, humming softly as he ran his fingers through bright orange locks. "Easy, Aibou, I'm not gonna hurt ya."

Ichigo seemed to respond favorably to the approach, his struggles slowing. "That's it, King, take it easy," soothed the hollow. He wondered at the warm sensation in his chest when the young Visored did as he asked, before pushing it to the back of his mind. Hollows don' have emotions, he reasoned.

"Ya alright now?" he asked.

Ichigo nodded shakily, before leaning in against his shoulder and clinging to the front of his shihakshou like a lifeline. His hollow sensed his discomfort.

"Wha's wrong?" he demanded,

"Sick..." was the weak response.

Swearing, he leapt jumped to the ground, right in time to keep Ichigo from throwing up all over him. As the orangette heaved, he rubbed his back gently, supporting him with a hand under his chest. When Ichigo went limp in his hold, he carried him over to the river, helping him clean off the blood from the fight. He held the nauseous teen gently, rubbing small circles on his back in an effort to calm him and ease his discomfort. After a few minutes in that position, Ichigo shifted slightly, his voice hoarse as he whispered, "Why?"

The hollow flinched at the question. "Why am I helpin' ya? Same reason I threatened ya. I don' like seein' ya hurt, King," he assured. "All those threats about crushin' ya and takin' ya body were ta make ya fight back. I needed ya ta be strong, whether ya hated me or not."

Ichigo sighed in confusion, leaning back to search the albino's face. "Why?"

The hollow shifted uncomfortably. "I jus'... It makes my chest hurt," he murmured. Ichigo blinked slowly before burying his face in the hollow's shoulder. Said hollow was startled by the motion, staring in surprise before relaxing. He understood the hint. Apparently his King forgave him."Than's King," he whispered. "Than's."

He hugged the sleeping form, tucking Ichigo's head under his chin. "It's called love."

He jumped slightly. "Huh?"

"When your chest hurts because of someone else's pain. It's called love."

He winced slightly. "Hollow's don' have emotions," he whispered.

"Some don't," was the only reply he got before he felt Ichigo slip back into slumber.

Some don't. The words rang in his head. He sighed before standing, cradling the orangette bridal-style. He had plenty of time to think on his way back to those little demons Ichigo dared to call cubs. Musing for a second, he decided to take the scenic route.