"You do not have tent?" Toushiro asked, eyeing Ichigo's small pack. It was beginning to get dark as the three of them sat around the campfire, full from a dinner of roasted deer meat. Zangetsu had slunk off earlier that day and returned with a deer. Instead of eating it, he had dropped it at Ichigo's feet. Ichigo would have liked to think that he was trying to apologise for pushing him into the lake. Toushiro told him that sometimes dragons liked to give presents – like domesticated cats – and assured Ichigo that he had probably caught something for himself as well. Ichigo was put to work cleaning the deer, while Toushiro and Rukia went off with their dragons. Ichigo rewarded Zangetsu with a petting session after he had set aside some of the deer meat for dinner and had smoked the rest. The other two dragons seemed to be weary of Ichigo at first, but Shirayuki came up to Ichigo and allowed him to pet her after she saw Zangetsu being showered with ear scratches. Hyourinmaru remained at a distance, however, staring Ichigo down with unnerving red eyes. The dragons were already sleeping in a giant pile; the firelight glinted off black and white scales.
Ichigo scratched the back of his neck. He honestly hadn't thought about bringing a tent. He'd never gone out on a hunting trip that required him to spend a night in the forest in a very long time, and if he did finding a resting place in-between the trees was easy. He had been concerned with food and weapons while packing and the thought of bringing any sort of portable shelter hadn't crossed his mind. Though, it did seem suspicious for a traveller not to have a tent. "It was destroyed a few nights ago; I was hoping to find a tribe where I could trade for a new one."
Toushiro nodded, seeming to accept his answer. "We will share then. It is raining tonight."
Ichigo looked up at the sky. There were dark clouds, but sometimes they held for days. Still, it would be better than spending another night huddled against a tree trunk. He followed Toushiro into his tent after wishing Rukia good night. She would have first watch. Ichigo didn't think that they needed a watchman, not with the three dragons nearby, but he said nothing – they most likely had their reasons.
The inside of the tent was warmed from the fire; the residual heat had somehow been trapped inside. It was also small; there was barely enough room for the two of them to do more than lie down. Ichigo laid down his bear-skin cloak and sat cross-legged on top of it, unsure what else to do. It was dark, but light from the fire outside leaked through the opening, and he was able to make out a few animal pelts and packs. Toushiro was unwinding the leather from his legs, having already pulled off his moccasins and cloak. Rather than traditional leggings, that were stitched up the sides, both Toushiro and Rukia simply bound their legs with strips of leather. Ichigo didn't mean to stare at him, but he did. The flickering light, bathed his skin in orange, and cast shadows along the dips of subtle muscles. He felt his throat go dry, as he followed Toushiro's fingers as they unwound his legs, up his calves and thighs until –
He coughed and looked away, becoming busy with his own moccasins – tugging them off and pretending to examine them for holes. But the back of his ears itched and he knew that he hadn't been quick enough; Toushiro had caught him staring.
"What is it?" he asked.
Ichigo found a small hole in the seam of his left moccasin. "What material is that? I've never seen leather that looked like that before."
Toushiro handed him the length of leather and set to work on his other leg. "You do not have the animal here. It is called innsigli... I do not know how to say in Trade tongue."
Ichigo fingered the leather, still warm from Toushiro's skin – he tried very hard not to dwell on that fact. It was thicker than dear hide and much darker.
"Can you describe it?"
Toushiro tilted his head. "They are like large... fish but no scales."
"A fish that has leather?"
Toushiro huffed and shook his head. "No, they have tails, but face like dog. And have to come above water to breathe air."
Ichigo was even more confused.
Toushiro spread his arms wide. "This big, sometimes bigger and make barking sound. Have much fat, too. And fur."
"I don't..." he trailed off trying, unsuccessfully, to picture the animal Toushiro was trying to describe. A scale-less fish with a dog head seemed bizarre in many ways.
Toushiro grumbled something in frustration then sighed, shaking his head. "Ask Rukia. She has better Trade than me."
Ichigo ducked his head guiltily, wishing that he was more knowledgeable. "Your Trade is very good," he answered handing the leather back to Toushiro.
Toushiro scoffed as he folded the leather and set it next to one of the packs. "So is yours," he said sharply.
Ichigo felt his cheeks heat slightly. That hadn't been a compliment. He flopped back onto his cloak, staring up at the inside of the tent. "Sorry... I'm just happy to finally meet a Dragon Rider."
He could feel Toushiro staring at him. "We are not as special as you think."
"Maybe not, but it's a change from the Hunters. Living so close to them, I mean."
Toushiro hummed softly and threw another pelt at Ichigo. "Use that," he said simply then leaned out through the tent flap and called out something to Rukia in his native tongue. "You will have last watch. I will wake you when is time."
Even the hair on his head felt exhausted, but Ichigo couldn't find sleep. So much had happened that day. His mind was still trying to wrap itself around it all. Zangetsu, the Riders, Toushiro's promise to try to help him. Furs rustled as he rolled onto his back. The pelt smelt of Toushiro, he brought it up to his nose and sniffed deeply before he realised what he was doing. He eyed the other man, who was lying on his side with his back facing Ichigo. A pelt was draped around his waist, leaving his back bare. His hair was tied up and wrapped around itself, exposing a slender neck that Ichigo was positive he could span with one hand. He swallowed thickly. Where were these thoughts coming from?
"You think very loud," Toushiro grumbled, rolling over to face him.
Ichigo instantly averted his eyes to the top of the tent. "Sorry. It has been a ... long day; a lot has happened."
He hummed in agreement.
"I'm having difficulty believing that this is not a dream."
"Is not dream," Toushiro confirmed. "You will work tomorrow. We make sure area is safe for dragon to nest."
Of course, Ichigo remembered Toushiro said something about returning to the tribe in a few days. A small bit of disappointment settled in his gut. They had prior duties; it wasn't as though they could drop them just because he wanted to act quickly. Karin and Yuzu weren't in any immediate danger, he reminded himself. "Is that why you and Rukia are out here alone?"
"Yes, we send out scouts in pairs, meet back at south camp to map out safe areas."
"Ah, so where is your main tribe?"
"North."
"Just north?" Ichigo turned his head to face him, pillowing the side of his head on his arm.
"You have to earn that information." The corner of Toushiro's mouth travelled upwards slightly.
Ichigo found himself unable to look away and had to stifle a false yawn. "Fair enough."
"Sleep." Toushiro chuckled softly.
He covered his mouth again and a part of Ichigo's mind thought that the gesture was endearing. He sighed internally, he couldn't blame Toushiro for his body's reaction, but it was still confusing. He hadn't felt this way about any woman to say the least. To be fair he had never been attracted to anyone before, but this was especially jarring. He didn't know a thing about Toushiro, other than he was a Dragon Rider and was very striking. He shook his head. This wasn't important right now. What was important was gaining the Rider's trust so he could rescue his sisters. He shut his eyes, bringing the pelt up to his chin. It still smelt of Toushiro and he bit down on his bottom lip.
"Good night," he mumbled rolling away.
"Good night," Toushiro replied. "May the stars guide you in your sleep."
...
Ichigo drew his bow and released it with a sharp twang. There was a slithering noise less than a finger's width from Toushiro's foot as a small snake coiled around itself in pain, an arrow sticking out from its body. Toushiro swore in his native tongue and jumped away.
Ichigo would have laughed at his reaction, but now was not the time. He was familiar with that kind of snake – bright yellow with brown and white stripes, only about the length of a man's forearm, its prey usually died within a day after writing in pain. He lowered his bow and cautiously stepped closer to examine the snake. Toushiro was glancing between him and the place where he had been standing moments before, his eyes wide and his mouth slightly ajar.
"Look out for those," Ichigo said once he had assured himself that the snake was dead. "A drop of their venom is enough to fell a full-grown stag."
"Thank you," Toushiro muttered and Ichigo noticed that his cheeks were colouring. "That was good shot. You could have easily taken my foot."
Ichigo shrugged, looking away as his own ears began to heat. "I have experience with a bow and arrow."
"That's obvious," Rukia chimed in. "You could teach some of our marksmen a thing or two. But we also have a few that would have made the shot seem like child's play."
"Is that a compliment?" Ichigo asked turning to her.
"Who knows? Are you feeling well, Toushiro? Normally you would have had no problem spotting that snake."
Toushiro huffed and his cheeks reddening even further. Ichigo saw that his ears, the one that wasn't covered by his hair, were red as well as his neck leading to the clasp at his throat. There was no need to be so embarrassed about not noticing the snake. Nature intended for them to be unnoticed after all. But, pride flared in his chest regardless as well as an urge to impress Toushiro.
"I apologise; I was distracted," he said gruffly, tucking a lock of hair behind his ear.
Ichigo shrugged. "There was no harm done; we shouldn't worry about it now."
Rukia had already started to move on ahead, but Toushiro hung his head and coughed uncomfortably. Ichigo chuckled in an attempt to stifle the strange feeling in his chest as Toushiro shyly glanced back at him.
They travelled through the bush and forest surrounding the lake. Ichigo pointed out a few traps, but these were old and probably set from the past nesting season. Hunter's were usually loud and bold with their methods of attack, but even Ichigo had to admit that there was some finesse in their dragon traps. If he hadn't known what he was looking for, he most likely wouldn't have noticed them. Toushiro and Rukia listened in rapt attention as he explained how the Hunters went about trapping a dragon, and what signs to look for. He already pointed out the snares and hidden nets the previous days, but this had been different; it was a snare, but it was set up in such a way that it would tighten to the point of severing a limb. Some traps were not meant to kill. He caught Toushiro grinding his teeth as he examined the rope. It was re-enforced and fire proof; a dragon wouldn't be able to escape without help.
The final day of scouting turned up no more traps and Toushiro deemed it safe to return to the main camp that day. Ichigo was practically vibrating with excitement as he helped Rukia take down her tent and pack Shirayuki's saddle bags. The white dragoness waited calmly as Ichigo fumbled with the straps on her saddle, Rukia ordering him this way and that, seeming to take pleasure from telling him what to do. The saddle was perched between two of the spikes at the junction of Shirayuki's neck and shoulders. It was larger than any horse saddle Ichigo had even seen, much thicker, and had more straps and buckles than he had fingers and toes.
"Is this all necessary?" He grumbled as he re-did a buckle for the third time.
"Unless you want to fall off mid-flight, then yes."
"I didn't know dragons needed saddles."
She scoffed. "Well, you could go bareback, but on a flight this length your thighs will get rubbed bloody."
Ichigo winced.
"You'll get a taste of it once you start riding Zangetsu."
Ichigo blinked and glance over his shoulder to her. "I'm riding Zangetsu?"
"What is point of bonding with dragon if you do not ride?" Toushiro asked as he walked past them, slinging Hyourinmaru's saddle over his shoulders. He looked like he should have been caving under the weight of it, but he walked straight-backed, the muscles on his arms bulging. Ichigo had to physically force himself to look away, feeling his cheeks heat almost instantly.
Rukia double-checked his work, tightening the strap that went around Shirayuki's chest.
"Have you ridden anything before?" she asked.
Ichigo shook his head. He had not been high ranked enough amongst the Hunters to need a mount.
She grinned widely and Ichigo didn't know if that meant that he should be afraid or not. "Is it hard?"
"It takes time getting used to," Toushiro answered and Ichigo frowned at how quickly he had saddled his dragon. "Dragon are not like horses. Much smarter, need less guiding. But wind is terrible." A small smile played upon his lips as he folded his arms across his chest and turned to Rukia and Shirayuki. "Are you ready?"
"Yes, Sir."
He nodded. "You two will ride together."
Ichigo's stomach dropped slightly and he sighed internally. A part of him wanted to ride with Toushiro. But Hyourinmaru wouldn't let him get any closer than three paces. He had growled dangerously until Toushiro intervene and then he simply proceeded to growl softer. Toushiro had assured him that he wouldn't attack. He may snap at him, but Hyourinmaru was like this with all strangers. He took a considerably longer time than the other dragons to warm up to new people. Three days had not been enough for Ichigo to gain his trust.
Zangetsu had been laden with the tents and a few elk carcasses that had been salted, smoked and wrapped in oiled parchment. The black dragon may have been the youngest of the three but Ichigo had noticed how he was bulkier than the other two and slightly larger. His chest was almost barrelled in comparison to Hyourinmaru's almost serpentine shape. He had been waiting patiently, tracking Ichigo's every movement.
"This is going to feel strange at first," Rukia said, swinging herself into the saddle and reaching down help Ichigo up. She made climbing onto a dragon seem like no problem, but Ichigo had to jump and scramble. He managed to grasp one of Shirayuki's spikes and hoist himself up behind Rukia. Toushiro snickered softly, once again covering his mouth and once Ichigo was comfortably seated he wandered over to Hyourinmaru.
"You don't have to do much, but taking off is always a bit rough. Shirayuki can keep you balanced, however, if you don't move with her you can through her off a bit."
"Move with her?" Ichigo licked his lips.
"Keep low and lean when she does. Not too much, follow my lead."
"Right."
"Strap your feet in." She pointed at a few more straps that dangled off the edge of the saddle. "Don't want you falling off."
His stomach rolled and he fumbled with the buckles again. One-handed this time, the other hand held onto the spike behind the saddle. He wasn't eager to fall from this height, and they were still on the ground.
"Ready?" Toushiro asked again, guiding Hyourinmaru closer to them. Ichigo briefly wondered how Toushiro managed to get on top of him. He had difficulty in getting onto Shirayuki and Hyourinmaru was taller than her while Toushiro was shorter than him.
Rukia checked the straps around Ichigo's calves and called an affirmative in the Rider tongue. Ichigo nearly screeched when Shirayuki shifted into a walk. He clutched onto Rukia's waist as the dragon began to follow Hyourinmaru. Her uneven gait was jarring to say the least, but Ichigo was unprepared when she leapt into the air. His stomach was dislocated and settled somewhere in his throat. He squeezed his eyes shut as Shirayuki climbed into the sky. His mind telling him that he should be falling, but his body sensed otherwise. The dragoness' wings beat up a storm, jerking him up and down in the saddle, bumping him into Rukia then forcing him back just as suddenly. Then suddenly they stopped. Rukia tapped his hands that he had clasped around her waist shouted over her shoulder. She had been right about the wind, he could hear nothing but howling, possibly only hearing her because they were so close.
"Open your eyes!"
He was hesitant to obey, but cracked open an eye. He squinted and his hair stung his face, but his breath caught in his throat as he glanced around. The forest stretched leagues below him; the treetops, that were once too tall for him to see beyond, now looked like the top of a small garden. The world stretched beneath him; he could see the Osnua River spanning under them, the small dips in the treetops as they gave way to small tribe settlements. He could see blue-green mountains in the distance, and if he was brave enough he could stretch out his hands and touch the clouds.
"It's amazing, isn't it?" Rukia yelled, he could see her smiling.
"I never thought that I could see all this," he yelled back.
He glimpsed Zangetsu tailing them, a great, dark shape gliding lazily amongst the clouds. Hyourinmaru was harder to spot; if it wasn't for his saddle packs he would have missed him completely. Toushiro glanced back at them and he raised an arm to wave. Something jolted in Ichigo's chest as he watched the Rider and dragon at home in the air.
...
Ichigo's legs were numb by the time they started descending and light tremors shook his entire body. He had to pry his arms from around Rukia's waist and his knees nearly buckled when he slid from Shirayuki's back. Rukia laughed loudly and clapped him on his back as he doubled over. He lips must have been blue and he was not certain that his mouth remembered how to make sounds.
"That wasn't so bad for your first flight." She grinned, and stretched, working out a kink in her back.
Ichigo straightened, trying to hide his trembling, and looked around. "I'm freezing."
She scoffed, "You Southerners are too soft. This isn't even chilly."
He shook his head. They had landed in a small clearing, but Ichigo could see a few tents through the trees and trails of smoke that rose up from small fires. The air smelt fresh, and was missing the stench of wet earth and decaying leaves. He knew at once that this was the furthest north he had ever been. Even the trees looked different. His stomach started to churn as the weight of the situation settled on his shoulders. This was the Rider settlement. This was the key to bringing down the Hunters and rescuing his sisters. He took a deep breath and clutched the edge of this cloak. Then there was a deep grunt from behind him before Zangetsu shoved his head against his back. Ichigo took a step forward to keep himself from falling and turned around to pat the dragon's snout. The grunt turned into a hum, as if he was telling Ichigo not to worry, and the drake's amber eyes fluttered shut.
"How are your legs?" Toushiro was suddenly behind him.
Ichigo held his breath and he looked over his shoulder. Toushiro's eyes were bright and his hair was windswept. Ichigo's chest jolted and he had to stop himself from reaching out to smooth a few stray strands. Instead he looked down to his legs, and shifted his weight to the balls of his feet. His thighs were tight and he knew that he would be feeling the ache come morning. "A little bit sore. I've had worse."
Toushiro raised an eyebrow; the corner of his mouth twitching upwards. "I will introduce you to chief and others. We have to talk of traps anyway, so you come with me. Rukia, you handle dragon."
Rukia nodded, clicking her tongue to get the dragons' attention, and Toushiro jerked his head to Ichigo. "Come."
He tried not to limp as he followed Toushiro between rows of conical tents. People stared at him, pausing whatever task they were in the middle of to stare as they walked past. Ichigo felt his cheeks heat slightly. He didn't think that he looked so different. His clothes were a bit off, he wore less leather and his pelts were from different animals, but that didn't warrant the stares which were sent his way. Though, if he were an outsider in the Hunter tribe his welcome would have been a spear to the gut. Toushiro waved at few people and muttered greetings in his native language as he weaved, straight-backed, through the tents. Ichigo was at a loss for what to do, feeling clumsy and out of place, until Toushiro pulled back a flap to one of the larger tents and motioned him inside.
The tent smelt of dried herbs and smoke and was surprisingly warm compared to outside. A low fire in a pit at the centre of the tent might have had something to do with that, however. There was a wide table next to the fire pit, made of roughly hewn wood, and surrounding it were three men, dressed in extravagant cloaks of the softest looking pelts Ichigo had ever seen, and iridescent glass jewellery. One was old and wizened; the other two were younger and stood straight on either side of him like sentries, one with long white hair, bound at the nape of his neck, the other with curly, brown hair held back with a tortoise shell pin. They had halted their conversation to turn and stare as Ichigo and Toushiro entered.
The sentry with the white hair's eyes lingered on him before he glanced to Toushiro and began to smile.
"Stay here," Toushiro muttered as he brushed past Ichigo and strode up to the table where he bowed deeply then began speaking in the Rider tongue.
Ichigo knew they were talking about him. They sent him glares and glances as Toushiro spoke and Ichigo was left shifting from foot to foot uncomfortably. None of the men seemed angry that he was there. The oldest of the three, the one who Ichigo assumed was the chief was mostly bald with a thick, long beard bound with strips of leather, was expressionless. He was leaning heavily against a wooden staff, and though his eyes were droopy they were bright and calculating. Ichigo felt himself laid bare before him. He hunched over, trying to make himself seem as unthreatening as possible and stared at his feet. He was standing on an intricately woven mat, and hopped that his moccasins hadn't soiled it.
"Ichigo Kurosaki?"
He looked up at his name. They weren't speaking to him, but Toushiro waved him over. "He has bond with Zangetsu. I make chose to bring him here." He switched to Trade, pointedly including Ichigo in the conversation.
The chief turned his gaze fully on him. "Kurosaki?"
Ichigo nodded, bowing as an afterthought. As his knee hit the ground he heard a gruff laugh and looked up.
"I haven't heard that name in long time," the chief said. The two other men exchanged a look then began to smile warmly.
Ichigo rose, despite his shaky legs.
"This is the chief of the Rider tribe," Toushiro said, "Chief Yamamoto. And his advisors, Clan Leaders Ukitake and Kyoraku."
Ichigo nodded, feeling somewhat overwhelmed.
"Toushiro tells us that you were a great help in locating Hunter traps."Kyoraku said his hair bouncing as he rounded the table to stand next to Ichigo.
"I...I tried my best, sir."
"Yes," Ukitake joined him from the other side. He seemed to glide when he moved, his floor-length cloak added to the illusion. "And we were also beginning to worry that Zangetsu hadn't chosen a rider yet."
"I... um... I actually met him before. When I was young, he saved me from some Hunters..."
"Oh?" Ukitake's eyebrow rose and he almost seemed like he was going to pounce, but Chief Yamamoto cleared his throat.
"Leader Hitsugaya tells us that you have request."
Ichigo had to stop himself from turning to Toushiro in shock. He was a clan leader? He wasn't exactly sure what that meant, but it sounded important, especially if the chief's advisors held the same title. Toushiro looked so young. He forced his thoughts back to the conversation at hand.
"Yes, sir," he inclined his head. "I need your help. I need the Riders' help."
...
Toushiro held back the flap to his tent and motioned Ichigo inside. He ducked into the entrance not expecting the size or the grandeur. Unlike his tent from the previous nights, this one was spacious, with a fire pit in the centre; red hot embers gave off warmth and a dim glow. Dried herbs hung from the support beams and various clay pots, and intricately carved stools were arranged around the fire pit. There was a sizable sleeping palette covered in pelts of all kinds, and pillows as large as he was. High ranked Hunters' tents hadn't been this extravagant. Toushiro came in behind him immediately going to the sleeping palette and shucking off his cloak. He had been wearing a simple, sleeveless tunic underneath this time, in preparation for the shift in temperature. Ichigo wished he had been so lucky; he was still bare-chested under his cloak. The colourless linen somehow made Toushiro appear smaller and thinner than he was. Ichigo swallowed thickly, unsure what to do he pretended to examine one of the bundles of herbs, while still surreptitiously glancing toward Toushiro as he dug around in his pack for something.
"Are all Riders' tents like this?" he asked.
Toushiro glanced to him, pausing in his search. "No. Only those who have importance."
Ichigo sighed. He couldn't believe that Toushiro was a clan leader; he looked so young. He reached up to finger the bundle of herbs. "Am I sleeping in here tonight?"
Toushiro hesitated, staring at Ichigo, a light flush spreading across his cheeks. "I... if you do not mind. I brought you to tribe. It is – how you say – tradition. You are my responsibility until you prove yourself to rest."
Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "How do I prove myself?"
"Depends. Are you serious about joining us?"
"If you can help my family." He turned to stare at Toushiro. Chief Yamamoto hadn't given his a straight answer about offering his help. It seemed like he wanted to test Ichigo before deciding.
Toushiro stared right back. They were silent for a few heartbeats.
"We will see." Toushiro said at length. "Come, there is long day tomorrow. We should have rest." He finally fished out a comb from his pack and gathered his hair over his shoulder. Ichigo watched as small fingers detangled the worst of the knots before he gently dragged the comb through. It was almost hypnotising, except that there was something hot growing in his stomach. He coughed, realising that he had been standing uncomfortably for some time and looked around for another sleeping mat.
"Um... Toushiro," he began, seeing none. "Where am I to sleep?"
Toushiro looked up, setting down his comb and winding his hair around itself and tying it at the crown of his head. "Here," he said patting the palette. "Is big enough, no?"
"Oh," Ichigo took a step back, stunned. "I... no... I um I thought-"
"Is something wrong?" He was pulling off his moccasins now. "We have little supplies at this camp. I apologise. Normally, you would sleep in common tent with others. But you are not member of tribe yet and there is no trust."
"Yes, I understand that." Ichigo sighed and scratched the back of his neck, feeling his face and neck grow warm. "If it doesn't bother you."
Toushiro shook his head. "If is sharing that has you uncomfortable-"
"No... no."
Toushiro cocked his head. "You're blushing."
Ichigo brought his hands to his face. "I... apologise."
Toushiro chuckled softly. "No need. You are honest man, Kurosaki. I appreciate that."
"What do you mean?"
Instead of answering Toushiro pulled his tunic over his head. "Are you going to stay there all night?"
Ichigo cleared his throat and edged towards the palette. He sat down and hesitantly shrugged off his pack and cloak.
It had taken him ages to fall asleep. He was all too aware of his own breathing and the fact that Toushiro was laying a mere hands' width away from him, in nothing but a thin linen breechcloth. His stomach was churning and there was a strange heat in his loins. No, it wasn't strange; he knew what it was, but now was the not the time to be feeling such things. He managed to fall into a light sleep, half-aware of everything around him. He flitted in an out of his half-slumber until he jolted awake to Toushiro striking a piece of flint and a fire crackling to life. He rolled onto his elbows, shivering as the pelt slid down his back.
"You were trembling. I thought you were cold," Toushiro explained.
"Thank you," Ichigo mumbled, pulling the pelt up to his neck and curling into a tight ball. "I have never been so far north. I am unused to this cold."
Toushiro scoffed. "This is warm compare with my home." He fanned the small flame and arranged a handful of dried grass around it. The fire would die out by morning, but would heat up the tent. He lay back down and slipped under the covers.
"The Breidor Plains, right?" Ichigo asked, trying to force his mind from the image of Toushiro's bare legs. "What's it like?"
Toushiro rolled onto his side and faced him. "There I was born; I have not lived there for years."
Ichigo still shivered. "Oh-"
"You are still cold?"
Ichigo ducked his head and Toushiro sighed and crawled closer.
"I will not have you getting frost sickness."
He swallowed audibly. "No?"
Toushiro's cheeks darkened. "How will you save your sisters?"
He licked his suddenly dry lips as Toushiro rolled into his chest and rested his arms around Ichigo's ribs. Ichigo was afraid to move, but Toushiro was warm and smelt vaguely of smoke and an unknown herb. The heat in his belly grew and he held his breath.
"Are you certain about this?"
"Until you stop shaking, yes."
Ichigo prayed to the Great Cynosure that his body would not embarrass him. He silently chanted a prayer that his mother had taught him all those years ago, making up half the words. But he felt Toushiro's breath on his neck and the prayer was in vain. Intense heat pooled between his legs and he felt himself harden. Clenching his jaw, he tried to angle his pelvis away from Toushiro, his cheeks already blazing in embarrassment. Toushiro squirmed, attempting to get comfortable, his thigh brushing against Ichigo's groin. They both froze. Ichigo hissed softly an apology already forming on his tongue.
"Oh," Toushiro said simply, craning his neck to look into Ichigo's eyes. His face was as red as Ichigo's felt and Ichigo felt a little better knowing that he wasn't the only one embarrassed.
"S-sorry," he stammered, unwinding Toushiro's arms from around him, ready to get as far away from him as the palette would allow. If the ground would open up and swallow him it would have been more than welcome. His shoulders were tight to his ears as his sat up.
Toushiro coughed softly, his arm falling to rest on Ichigo's hip. "No need to be sorry. It is natural and," he paused taking a deep breath then chewing his bottom lip. He sat up as well, moving onto his knees so that he and Ichigo would be on the same level. "And... it is not all unwelcome."
Ichigo's mouth opened and closed a few times; making him positive that he had forgotten how to talk.
Toushiro winced and drew back. "That was too bold of me." He shook his head and stood up, his face darkening even further and the blush spread across his chest as well. "You sleep here; I will... find somewhere-"
"No," Ichigo jumped, grabbing his wrist before his mind could catch up to him. "I..." Now he had no idea of what to do. He swallowed thickly as his chest began to tighten. "I will not chase you from your own tent." Toushiro's wrist was so small, so delicate. He drew up his courage and gave himself no choice. He would reap the regrets later.
"You... I do not... make uncomfortable," Toushiro muttered, his accent growing more pronounced as he grew more flustered.
Ichigo tugged lightly, guiding him back to the palette. He was not giving himself a chance. If he didn't do this now, only the Stars knew how long he would torment himself trying to hide how he felt. It was best to get this out in the open and face it head-on. "I... I think you very attractive. And I would have you stay the night with me."
Toushiro's eyes widened minutely and for a moment it seemed as though he was going to flee, but instead he took a long breath through his nose, his chest expanding greatly. Ichigo caught a glimpse of a shy smile before Toushiro covered his mouth. He never knew relief like this before and a light feeling spread across his chest and belly. He would have likened it to flying, but now that he knew how that went it wasn't similar at all.
"Th-that would please me." Toushiro said, as he sat back down.
Sorry for the wait.
Finally, Ichigo meets the Riders. Not so much of Zangetsu in this chapter, but that will be remedied in the next. Also the reason for that M-rating is coming up.
-Mymomomo