Ichigo was woken by the early morning sounds of the camp. People moving about, the sound of quiet voices and clinking clay pots, the occasional grunt of a dragon – he cracked open an eye and almost flew upright. Excitement built in his chest; he had made it to the Rider camp. He was truly amongst them now. He couldn't help but smile. Never in a thousand years would he have thought that this would have been possible. To him Riders had been a myth, only real in the stories his mother had told him, then later he had told his sisters. Now, he was in the middle of the Rider camp, holding one of their leaders to his chest.

Toushiro had rolled over sometime during the night and now his back was pressed firmly against Ichigo's chest. Ichigo's arm was thrown over his stomach, dangerously close to the top of his breechcloth. They hadn't gotten to sleep until the sun began to rise; Ichigo still felt ashy behind his eyes. They had talked quietly about anything and everything he could think of. Toushiro had laughed softly until tears formed in his eyes. Ichigo, then, had gently brought his hands away from his mouth as he covered it, and kissed him. He hadn't known what he was doing, or where the sudden boldness had come from. He didn't know how a kiss was supposed to work, just pressing his lips to Toushiro's. But Toushiro didn't seem to mind; when he pulled away he was smiling widely. His teeth were slightly crooked, as if there were a few too many for his mouth. Ichigo had found it endearing.

Ichigo, tightened his arm around Toushiro's stomach at the memory, pulling Toushiro closer, but the movement woke him.

"Góðan daginn," Toushiro yawned, stretching out his back, his voice rough with sleep.

"Hmm?"

"Sorry, good morning," he mumbled, rolling over to face Ichigo. He looked tired, as if fighting off sleep even as he woke.

"Is that how you say it in Rider? Say it again."

"Language is Ekrovinn. Góðan daginn."

Ichigo was positive that he would bite his tongue trying to say it. "Go... an?"

Toushiro grinned and shook his head. "Góðan daginn,"

"Go-an dag.. in?"

He shook his head. "Góðan daginn."

"That's what I said."

"You did not."

Ichigo sighed. "I did."

"You can argue until blue in face. You did not; that is fact," Toushiro said as he sat up. A few locks of hair had escaped their binding and fluttered around his shoulders. "Is time to get up."

Ichigo pulled the pelt tightly around his shoulders, watching as Toushiro stood and picked up the tunic he had shed last night. He shook his hair loose; combing it with his fingers then grabbed his cloak.

"Is time to get up," he repeated upon noticing that Ichigo hadn't moved from the pallet.

"It's cold."

Toushiro raised an eyebrow. "Are you for true?" Scoffing he made his way to one of the chests that were lined near the wall of his tent. "I have some that will fit you, but we will have to go elsewhere for tunic, and leggings." He rummaged in the chest for a while before pulling out a long hooded cloak made of black fur with beaded fastenings. He tossed it to Ichigo. "Should be warmer than what you have."

Ichigo's fingers sunk into the downy fur. He drew in a soft breath and brought it to his cheek. "What animal is this from?" It was softer and much thicker than any cloak he had ever worn.

Toushiro hesitated, "You will have to ask Rukia. I do not know how to say."

Ichigo pulled it on, fastening it and relishing in the warmth it brought. "Why do you have a cloak this large? It can't fit you, can it?"

Toushiro looked slightly annoyed at the question. "My grandmother. She made it big for growing in."

"Growing?" Ichigo regarded Toushiro, he did look young. But maybe he just had one of those faces that aged slowly. He was a clan leader after all. "How old are you?"

"...Ten and seven."

"Seventeen?" Ichigo choked. He had only just come of age, unless Riders did things differently.

"Is that how you say?" Toushiro asked quietly, toeing on a pair of straw slippers.

He was only one year older than Ichigo's sisters. He wasn't a child, but he was so close to being one. "How did you become a clan leader?"

"I know I am young, Ichigo, but age has little to do with experience... and skill." Toushiro answered wearily and tossed Ichigo's moccasins to him. Without waiting for him to put them on he strode to the tent flap. "Now is time for breaking fast. Come."

Ichigo thought back to how easily Toushiro had snuck up on him and pinned him to the ground. There must have been a reason for all his scars. "I believe you." He quickly pulled on his shoes and jumped to his feet.

Toushiro nodded and moved to duck under the flap, but Ichigo stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

"About last night," he began, causing Toushiro to instantly turn red. Ichigo grinned, feeling his cheeks heat as well. "I would like to continue what we started, if you have no objections, that is."

Toushiro's eyes widened. "Now?"

"Not now, but..." he paused to take a deep breath. "I'm hoping... I would..."

Toushiro looked up at him then smiled as he reached up to cup the back of Ichigo's head. Ichigo's heart started thudding at the contact and his stomach danced. He swallowed thickly as Toushiro gently brought his face down to his height and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. He still didn't know what he was doing, but it felt good, and his lips tingled from the light touch.

"I know," Toushiro said, grinning slightly.

"It's not wrong is it?" Ichigo asked, licking his lips and pressing his forehead against Toushiro's. "For two men to..."

"You think it wrong?" Toushiro echoed, jerking back and a slight crease appeared between his eyebrows.

"I've never... when I was with the-where I'm from, it didn't happen in public. People did what they wanted in their own tents. I knew of a few instances where two men and two women... but then they later got married to the opposite sex."

Toushiro's eyes narrowed. "This, if we continue would be secret?"

Ichigo's skin began to itch. He should have known about the taboos about being with another man. He shouldn't have been so quick to act. "I do not know."

Something hardened in Toushiro's face and his hand dropped from the back of Ichigo's neck. "I will give you time to decide." He pushed aside the tent flap once more and slipped out.

Ichigo followed with the feeling that he had already irreparably mucked things up.

There weren't as many Riders as Ichigo thought there would be, but he reminded himself that this wasn't their main camp. They were all sitting around the remnants of a fire, passing around a giant, stone goblet. Ichigo tried not to shrink under the gazes that followed him as he sat down next to Toushiro. Everyone was speaking in Rider around him and he didn't know what to do with himself as Toushiro started a conversation with Ukitake. He stared at his lap feeling anxiety swirl in his stomach.

"Here."

A bowl of brown mush was pushed into his hands. He looked up, shocked, to see a smiling woman with large brown eyes and hair, kneeling in front of him. She was wrapped in a white cloak and her hair was tied up with a scrap of linen.

"Thank you," he replied taking the bowl.

"I'm Momo," she continued, "Shiro's sister. You are Ichigo?" He nodded his eyes flickering to Toushiro. They did not look related at all. Toushiro had halted his conversation and was now glaring at Momo. "Don't mind him. Come, sit with us. Leaders have most boring talks."

He hesitated.

"Go," Toushiro sighed, "meet others."

Momo grabbed his hand and yanked him to his feet. There were only about twenty Riders in all, but she led him to the other side of the fire where a small group was sitting. He recognised Rukia and felt a bit of relief.

"I was wondering when Toushiro was going to let you out of his tent," Rukia said as he sat down.

Ichigo cocked his head. "We had to talk about a few things."

"Just talk?" She grinned at his blush. "Anyway, the leaders will decide what we're going to do with you, but for now, this is Rangiku and Izuru."

She pointed to the other two riders sitting with them; a woman with long, flowing red-gold hair, and man with straw coloured hair and hunched shoulders. He nodded at each of them in turn. "I'm Ichigo."

"We know," Rangiku chirped. Her accent was even thicker than Toushiro's. He wasn't surprised, but it was impressive that so many Riders knew Trade. Only a select few Hunters hand known the language. "Rukia gave us story. Zangetsu picked a rider at last. We were worrying there was something wrong with him... and Foringi."

"Who?"

Rukia snickered. "It means chief, Ran's pet name for Toushiro."

"Yes!" Rangiku's pale eyes lit up, "Is funny story. He was too proud of rank, wanting something to put him back in place."

"Ah, he's not a chief; he's a clan leader?"

"Foringi pokes fun, no?"

Ichigo didn't quite understand but he nodded anyway. Momo was giggling quietly beside him, "Except he doesn't mind it too much."

Rangiku pouted. "I know, but I upset him in other way."

"We have a game," Rukia explained. "It's fun to see Toushiro get annoyed and act his age for once."

"Do all of you do this?"

Izuru shook his head fervently. "Blessings from the Stars, no." Izuru grumbled. "He already hates me."

"He doesn't." Momo leaned over to him squeezed his shoulder.

"You don't see the looks he gives me when you're not around."

"He would treat you like Gin if he hated you."

Ichigo spooned a bit of his food into his mouth. It was warm, and hearty; he enjoyed it, even though he didn't know what it was. He felt that was symbolic of his feelings on the Riders at the moment.

"Gin is Ran's husband. It's a shame he's not back yet, he's the one who started the game." Rukia explained.

"He means well," Rangiku – Ran – chuckled. "But, Ichigo, what did you do to catch Foringi's eye?"

Rukia chuckled. "Just look at him, Ran. Tell me Toushiro wouldn't look twice."

"He does prefer red hair." Momo smiled.

Ichigo felt himself blush.

"And he likes men tall and strong." Rangiku winked.

He looked to Izuru for help. The man only grimaced in empathy.

Ichigo sighed and ducked his head, concentrating on his food. But then Rangiku's words truly registered in his mind. "He likes... men?" She had said it so offhandedly. In the Hunter Tribe those words were always whispered from ear-to-ear, never said out in the open. He quickly glanced around the group; no one seemed disturbed by it.

She grinned and nodded. "You have not notice?"

Rukia frowned. "He made it fairly obvious, Ichigo."

Ichigo coughed feeling heat rise to his cheeks again. "I... noticed. I was just unsure... if things like that were allowed."

Rukia narrowed her eyes at him, but Momo and Rangiku jumped at the chance to question him further.

Everyone was expected to help clean up after breakfast. Ichigo was almost shocked to see Leaders Kyoraku and Ukitake gathering up dirty dishes. But then, he also hadn't expected the stone goblet to be pushed into his hands either. It held a warmed mead of some sort; he could taste foreign spices and few familiar ones like ginger and nutmeg. Everyone had chores in the camp and was expected to help out in whichever way they could. Not even the leaders were exempt from some things.

Toushiro came up to him a little while after they had finished cleaning up and told him that Izuru would be teaching him how to ride Zangetsu. Ichigo was excited at first, but then remembered the journey to the camp and how sore his thighs were.

Zangetsu began chirping once he saw Ichigo. He abandoned his spot curled up against Hyourinmaru and trotted over to Ichigo and Iruzu, tail happily swinging in the air.

Izuru chuckled. "I've never seen him so happy before."

"Oh, so this isn't normal for him?" Ichigo scratched him behind his ears as Zangetsu shoved his face against his chest.

"No, he is a bit goofy sometimes, but usually younglings are. Hyourinmaru keeps him in check, however."

Ichigo glanced to the other dragons. He had expected more Riders, yet he had never seen so many dragons in one place. There were dragons ranging from dusky grey to fiery red -there was even a pale yellow one, the colour of straw. They were all lying tangled up, like a nest of snakes, under a massive lean-to shelter. He didn't realise that he was holding his breath until Izuru clapped him on his back.

"I didn't know that this many dragons existed."

"These are mostly our nesting females. You can tell; the ones with the big bellies."

Ichigo couldn't tell. He could only make out Hyourinmaru and Shirayuki and even then he couldn't tell which was which. He probably wouldn't have recognised Zangetsu if he hadn't come up to him.

"Do they normally curl up all together like that?"

"Usually for warmth. At home we have large stables that we can light a fire in for them. They are drawn to heat, but unfortunately they can't safely venture south."

"Is cold dangerous for them?"

He shook his head, "No, they are very resilient, especially the frost dragons. I've seen the few we have dive into water in the height of winter." Ichigo shivered at the thought.

"Frost dragons?"

"We'll never start your lessons, if I pause to answer every question. Come, we'll talk while we get prepared."

Izuru lead him to a small tent near the dragon's shelter. The inside smelt strongly of leather and oils. There were packs, blankets, saddles, and other supplies that he didn't recognise. Izuru studied the saddles, chewing the inside of his cheek.

"We might have to have Zangetsu try on a few. He's never been ridden before." He then fitted Ichigo with a pair of leggings and selected a few blankets. The leggings felt thick and bulky, but Izuru assured Ichigo that they needed to be.

"Wabisuke," Izuru called, once they were back outside. There was a soft grunt and a slender purple-grey dragon wiggled its way out from under a smaller reddish one. It ambled up to Izuru and nudged his arm gently. Izuru patted it's forehead as it regarded him with soulful plum coloured eyes.

"It knows its name?"

"He. They all do, but some choose when to respond, and usually only to their bonded person. Like Ryūjin-Jakka," he pointed to a large dragon whose scales were the colour of shifting flames. "He's the chief's dragon and the alpha of the pack. He listens to no one expect the chief himself. We suspected him to be hard of hearing, but that wasn't the case; he was simply ignoring us."

Ichigo chuckled. "Like Hyourinmaru."

"He's another difficult one. I don't know what Toushiro did to gain his trust; he's the only dragon that will snap at people. The others might growl, but never bite."

"Has he ever hurt anyone?" Ichigo asked, shocked.

"We all know to avoid him when he's in a mood. Anyway, shall we get started?"

After the dragons were saddled, Izuru lead him a ways from the camp, to a place where the trees were a bit further apart from one another.

"This isn't Ideal for learning, but we won't be doing anything too difficult."

He taught him the easiest way to mount and dismount, how to adjust his saddle straps, and how to guide Zangetsu with his legs. There were no reigns, and up in the air verbal commands were next to useless. At first Ichigo felt guilty about digging his heels into Zangetsu's sides, but Izuru assured him that it didn't hurt. Zangetsu would definitely let him know if something hurt. He demonstrated on Wabisuke, guiding him around and about the trees, and then attached a length of leather to the pommel of Zangetu's saddle to have him trail behind them. Zangetsu had never been ridden before, but since he was bonded with Ichigo, the last thing he wanted to do was hurt him and kept on looking over his shoulder to check if he was alright. Their progress was slow and a dragon's gait was uneven; Ichigo found his thighs and torso having to do much work to compensate for all the shifting and bouncing. He wasn't looking forward to flying.

...

Ichigo had never felt so sore in his life. He had been on top of Zangetsu for most of the day yet again, and his thighs and bottom had taken the brunt of it. He grunted as he eased himself down onto the pallet, flopping onto his back when his legs gave out.

Toushiro scoffed from his place on one of the stools. "You will get used to it."

"Soon I hope," Ichigo grunted.

"You are just learning you can't expect it to be smoothly."

Ichigo huffed. "I would like that it didn't hurt so much."

"I thought you were warrior?"

Ichigo groaned, forcing himself to sit up. Toushiro was staring at him, one corner of his mouth quirked upwards. "You didn't spend the entire day sitting on a dragon."

"I have in past."

Ichigo blinked; he really had no right to complain. He rubbed his hand together and held them out to the fire. Toushiro stood and went to rummage in one of his chests.

"Here," he held out a small, clay jar. "For sore muscles."

Ichigo took it and unscrewed it. The tent immediately smelt strongly of a peppery herb. He dipped his fingers into a thick salve. "Thank you."

Toushiro nodded and sat back down on his stool. He began to comb his hair while Ichigo rubbed the salve into his thighs. It tingled, getting warmer the more he worked it into his skin. He would have liked to rub it all over his body.

"We are still waiting for two more scouts to come back," Toushiro said, "then we make map of safe areas and bring dragons to nest. I am sorry, Ichigo, but I do not think Chief will be much help until after eggs hatch."

Ichigo sighed, "How long will that take?"

"If scouts return in next few days, it will take us three more to map and week to get to nest site." He chewed the inside of his cheek. "Some egg take month or two for hatching."

Ichigo drew in a sharp breath, putting the lid back onto the jar and setting on the ground by the pallet.

"I am sorry-"

"No, it isn't your fault. I know my plight isn't a priority. You did what you could." He felt his stomach sink. He did have until the first day of winter before his agreement was forfeit. This was a setback, but he could use it to the best of his abilities. He could train to get stronger, learn how to fly with Zangetsu. The Hunters would never expect him to attack with the strength of a dragon.

"Dragon are most venerable when nesting; we cannot afford to lose more to Hunters."

"I understand," Ichigo said glumly, staring into the fire.

"Your sisters-"

"They are safe for now."

"I will help when time comes."

"Thank you."

He nearly jumped when he felt a pair of arms gently snake around his waist. Toushiro knelt behind him, resting his forehead to his shoulder. Ichigo hadn't even heard him move.

"You are good brother, for what you do to save your sisters. If Momo was in trouble, I would do same as you are."

Ichigo placed a hand over Toushiro's. "Thank you."

They stayed like that for a while. Ichigo's stomach churned cold. Of course the Riders would have other duties. It was a stroke of luck that he had found Toushiro and Rukia in the first place, but now it was time for reality to hit. The Riders were not going to swoop in to his rescue. They had other problems, problems which were greater than him. He clenched his jaw as bitterness sat in the back of his throat. He needed to think of a new plan. A quicker plan.

Toushiro shuffled behind him, pressing his cold nose to the hollow behind Ichigo's ear. "You smell."

Ichigo snorted. "Sorry, I was doing hard work all day. We can't all be able to attend leisurely meetings."

"Leisurely?"

"For relaxation." Ichigo grinned, craning his neck to face him. Was that a pout he saw on Toushiro's face? He spun around, wrapping his arms around Toushiro and tackling him to the pallet. Toushiro squawked as he fell back against the pelts and Ichigo nuzzled against the side of his neck, holding him tightly. He felt Toushiro's chest rise and fall as he sighed, then he threaded his fingers through Ichigo's hair.

"I know you worry," he mumbled softly, "I wish I had better answer for you."

Ichigo rolled, propping himself up on his elbows so that he was leaning over Toushiro. "You promised you will give me your help when the time comes."

Toushiro's gaze could have shattered stone with its intensity. "You have my word."

Ichigo shivered, but not from the cold. He dipped his head, pressing his lips firmly against Toushiro's. Toushiro met him with as much intensity as his gaze had held. Slowly, he wrapped his arms around Ichigo's neck, tangling his fingers in his hair, while Ichigo shuffled around for a better angle; slotting himself between Toushiro's legs. Their chests heaved against one another's, lips pressed firmly together until Toushiro's mouth opened against his, as his hand at the back of Ichigo's head guided him deeper. Their mouths moved clumsily, front teeth knocking a few times; Ichigo still wasn't sure of what to do with his tongue. He felt embarrassed at his inexperience, but still found himself wanting more – a heat growing in his stomach. So, he slipped his fingers under the hem of Toushiro's tunic, pressing his palm against the firm muscle of his side then trailing upwards to his ribs, relishing at the feeling of his skin. Toushiro gasped, breaking from the kiss, slightly shifting away from Ichigo's hand.

Ichigo licked his lips, suddenly parched as he looked down at Toushiro. His pale cheeks were flushed, white hair spread out on the pelt beneath him.

"This morning," Ichigo began, "I did not understand..." he chewed the inside of his cheek.

Toushiro tilted his head to the side, his arms loosening around Ichigo's neck.

"When you asked if I wanted to keep this a secret, I did not know how things were done here. I thought that it would not be allowed."

"But you think different?"

"Rangiku helped me to understand."

Toushiro winced. "It would be her. What else did she tell you?"

Ichigo grinned, reaching up to twist a lock of Toushiro's hair around his forefinger. "That you have a preference for strong, tall men with red hair."

Toushiro gapped a bit then flushed deeper. "I," he muttered something in the Rider language. "At least now we are agree."

Ichigo nodded. "Things are done much differently here than... my old home. I would appreciate if you tell me... next time."

Toushiro swallowed and nodded. It hadn't exactly been a reproach, but Ichigo was not one to appreciate hints and euphemisms. The Hunters had been straight forward, demanding what they wanted. He didn't realise that he had gotten used to that until now. Or maybe he was just unused to navigating the language of romance. Toushiro shifted underneath him, and he realised that he might have been crushing him. He rolled to the side, throwing an arm under his head. Toushiro remained on his back and Ichigo watched as his chest slowly rose and fell. It was hypnotising, his eyelids started to droop as a full-body exhaustion settled over him.

He startled awake, when Toushiro sat up. "I think is time for sleep, no?" he whispered.

Ichigo hummed, remaining in his position and watching as Toushiro got up and removed his tunic. Lithe muscles shifted and stretched under pale skin. He wanted to reach out and touch him, trace his spine from his neck down to where it dipped under his breechcloth. Toushiro settled back onto the pallet with his comb and began working a few knots loose from his hair. Ichigo usually kept his own hair cropped short at the back and sides, the top held a little length that he usually gathered with a length of leather. It was a style common amongst most of the Hunters, including the women. Yuzu would have loved to grow her hair out like Toushiro, but she had been afraid of standing out too much. Soon she wouldn't have to. He brought his hand up to his own hair, running his fingers through it and shaking loose some clumps. He hadn't cut it in a while, rather Yuzu hadn't. Toushiro looked over and gave a small smile before returning to his task. Eventually he tied it up and lay back against the pelts, pushing Ichigo over. He pulled a pelt over the both of them and settled against Ichigo's chest. Ichigo pressed his lips briefly to Toushiro's forehead. He felt Toushiro shiver and a thin, yet muscled, arm snaked around his waist.

The next day followed the same pattern; they woke up, had breakfast then Ichigo would have lessons with Izuru. He was also assigned basic duties: helping to cook, feeding the dragons, and mending supplies.

On his third day with the Riders he was approached by the Matron of the clan – Retsu Unohana. He was unsure if that mean she was Chief Yamamoto's wife or that she was just the most senior woman. He hadn't been sure if it was appropriate to ask when he was first introduced. She was a petite woman with thick, dark hair, but her stern expression created an intimidating air about her. Ichigo didn't want to offend her in any way. She came up to him while he was oiling a few saddles.

"Ichigo?" she asked, sitting down next to him and picking up a rag to get to work on a saddle herself. Ichigo eyes widened. A high-classed Hunter would never have been caught dead doing such menial tasks. "I hope I am pronouncing that correctly." She had no hint of an accent; it was almost unnerving after hearing the thick, guttural Rider accents for so long.

"Yes, ma'am." He nodded, keeping his eyes to the ground.

"How are your lessons with Izuru coming along?"

"Well enough, thank you. He's been pleased with my progress."

"And yourself?"

"I would be much happier if it didn't make my behind so sore."

She laughed softly. "If that is the least of your troubles I am glad. It was a relief to hear that Zangetsu finally bonded with someone."

Ichigo tilted his head as he worked some oil in to a cracked bit of leather. "Is it really that much of a problem? I don't know much about dragons."

"Zangetsu is still young, and it isn't unheard of a dragon remaining un-bonded well into adult hood. But with a male of his size it's easier to keep him under control if he's bonded to a human."

"Easier to control?"

"For example, if he became aggressive while looking for a mate. It's much easier to curb a bonded dragon's anger – they will never hurt their partner and respond better to their commands"

"Oh."

"I wanted to talk to you about your bonding. We usually hold a ceremony for newly bonded humans and dragons. If you are not opposed to it we would like to formally invite you to become a member of our tribe."

Ichigo dug his rag so hard against the saddle that he grazed his finger. "I... I haven't done anything to earn your trust like this."

Unohana smiled. "Toushiro and Rukia told us how you helped them to discover new traps and mark safe territory."

"That's not... I..."

"And you have already bonded with one of our dragons, also, possibly, one of our leaders as well."

He blushed at that. "I..."

"Unless you do not wish to join us?"

"No, I mean... I would be honoured to."

"I am glad to hear this. I will join you and Izuru during your lesson tomorrow."

But, the next day, during breakfast, a Rider that Ichigo wasn't familiar with came up to the leaders. Ichigo was sitting with Toushiro when he delivered a frantic message in the Rider tongue. The entire camp fell silent and he saw Toushiro's face harden. He was about to ask what happened when Toushiro stood up and left without a word. Ichigo swallowed thickly, looking down into his breakfast bowl as the back of his neck started to itch. He had no idea of what was going on and felt like an outsider, an intruder, with the way the happy chatter had been suddenly snuffed. Rukia leaned over to him, and set a hand on his shoulder.

"Come with me," she mumbled.

He set down his bowl and followed her away from the fire pit.

"What happened?"

She sighed heavily. "That was one of our scouts. We were tracking a few wild dragons, just to make sure that they would remain safe and now we can't find one of them."

Ichigo swallowed. "Do you think-"

"The Hunters most likely got to her."

"Her?"

"Yes. A young, green dragoness, she was about to have her first brood."

Ichigo's eyes widened and bitterness rose in his throat. Rukia was clenching her fists and her violet eyes read rage.

"This is why Hunters are our sworn enemies."

Ichigo clenched his jaw. He could not possibly tell them that he had seen the Hunters dragging the dragoness' dead body through their camp. He could not possibly tell them about the celebrations and the fire, or about how they smashed the eggs on the ground. He wanted to vomit, his stomach was bubbling and the sweat meal he had been eating a while ago turned sour. He looked to his feet, staring at the flattened blades of grass. Rukia tapped his shoulder again.

"Come."

She led him to the dragon stable, moving quickly – nearly running through the camp – where they saw Toushiro saddling Hyourinmaru. Momo and Rangiku were already surrounding him talking in hurried Rider. Toushiro looked furious; Ichigo hadn't seen that expression on his face before, but it nearly made him cower. His eyes were full of ice and his jaw was clenched tightly. Rukia walked over to them, and blocked Toushiro's path to Hyourinmaru. Toushiro hesitated to shove her to the side. She said something sharply in Rider and Toushiro halted. Ranigku swooped in behind him, and hugged him tightly, before pointing to Ichigo and stepping back.

Ichigo froze, locking eyes with Toushiro just as a lone gust of wind blew his long hair into his face. The ice melted from his gaze and he suddenly looked incredibly sad, tired, and small. His shoulders hunched and he rubbed his temples. Ichigo wanted to go to him, wrap his arms around him and kiss him. But, he remained stuck to his spot, staring. He felt bad enough for the dragon; he couldn't imagine what the Riders felt like. They had devoted their entire lives to saving the species. They lived with them, grew with them, and had special bonds. It must have felt like losing a family member.

"Ichigo," Toushiro called to him. His voice was soft.

He slowly walked up to the small group, aware of how loud his footsteps were. Hyourimaru glared at him with ruby-red eyes, but allowed him to come close. Toushiro reached out for his hand, letting out a deep breath.

"We unsaddle Hyourinmaru," Rangiku said quietly. "Go do what you need."

...

Toushiro lit a stick of incense, setting it in a small pot on a delicately carved wooden table in his tent. The legs were made up of four tiny dragons, stretching their necks to the sky. The surface was inlayed with polished stone of a beautiful blue colour and the edges were carved to look like clouds, or smoke. Ichigo would have called it an altar of sorts; there were several short candles, a few bundles of herbs, a yellowed dragon tooth, a circlet, made up of small metal flowers and turquoise gems, and of course the incense holder. He hadn't seen Toushiro pay much attention to the table before now. He sunk to his knees, closing his eyes and bowing his head as smoke rose in swirling patterns overhead, disappearing through the smoke hole at the top of tent.

Ichigo wouldn't consider himself to be religious; he did call out to the Cynosure when he was in need, but he had never genuinely prayed to the stars. The Hunters followed no other religion than strength and war. And while Yuzu had tried to keep their mother's traditions alive, the three of them hadn't put much faith into something that had most likely forgotten them. He watched as Toushiro clasped his hands deep in prayer, then looked to the smoke rising from the incense. It gave of a deep, earthy smell of foreign herbs that filled the entirety of the tent. Yuzu would have liked the smell. Ichigo looked down at his hands on his lap; he was sitting on Toushiro's pallet, acutely aware of the sound of his own breathing. The entire camp seemed to be in mourning. As they had walked back from the stables, he had noticed that a glum air had fallen upon the Riders, everything was quiet, even the dragons were more subdued.

Toushiro brought his hands to his face pressing his forefingers to the centre of his forehead. Ichigo felt out of place, as if he was intruding on something sacred, but if he joined in he would ruin something with his clumsy, half-hearted prayers to something he didn't quite believe in. Eventually Toushiro stood, brushing off his knees and turning to Ichigo.

"Her soul will be guided to the stars." Toushiro said softly as he sat down next to Ichigo. He folded his arms across his knees and sighed deeply. Ichigo wrapped an arm around his shoulders to comfort him.

"If that's what happens," he muttered more to himself than Toushiro.

"You do not pray?" Toushiro asked.

Ichigo sighed. "My mother used to, when I was very young. Once she was gone I stopped. I didn't see the point in praying to anything that had forgotten me."

"The stars have not forgotten you."

Ichigo smiled bitterly. If only Toushiro knew. "Sometimes it feels that way." If the Cynosure really looked after all humans, then why had he ended up with the Hunters? Why had his mother died?

Toushiro turned to face him, his clothes rustling against the pelts on his pallet. One of his hands found Ichigo's and he held it tight. "Believe when I say, they have not."

Ichigo shrugged.

"What do you believe in?"

Ichigo tilted his head. "I don't know. Myself, my family... my strength."

Toushiro regarded him. "You have lived most on your own?"

"With my sisters."

"Well, now you have Riders. The stars have not forgotten you."

The rest of the day was fairly quiet. Most of the Riders were silent and glum. It was hard to tell with Izuru, however, glum seemed to be the man's main disposition. Zangetsu sensed the heaviness in the atmosphere and kept on nudging Ichigo with his snout to see if anything was wrong with him personally. Ichigo scratched behind his ears to assure him that he was alright. Unohana had sent her apologies, saying that she was preoccupied with the death of the wild dragon and would be meeting with them the day after instead. At least, that gave Ichigo another day to decide what he truly wanted.

Toushiro was already in his tent by the time Ichigo got back that evening, and had stripped down to his breechcloth in preparation for sleep.

"Are you tired?" Ichigo asked.

Toushiro looked up suddenly, seeming to have been lost in thought before Ichigo arrived. "We had long discussion. There is much to prepare for." He went over to Ichigo, wrapping his arms around his waist. "Including your bonding with Zangetsu."

"I..."

"I am happy you wish to join us."

Ichigo smiled, returning Toushiro's embrace. "I can't very well leave Zangetsu again, can I?"

Toushiro rested his head against his chest.

"Or you."

He looked up, his chin resting against Ichigo's sternum. His eyes were wide, but there was a small smile on his mouth, and a light blush on his cheeks. Ichigo cupped the side of his face, running his fingers through his hair, and bent down to press their lips together. Toushiro's arms instinctively wrapped around Ichigo's neck, his palms cool to the touch. Ichigo held him tightly one arm around his waist, the other splayed between his shoulder blades. Toushiro rose up to the balls of his feet meeting Ichigo halfway. His lips were slightly chapped from the dry air, but Ichigo was sure that his own were worse off and he wasn't complaining.

The fire snapped and crackled behind them as they broke apart. Ichigo tucked a lock of Toushiro's hair behind his hair, letting his knuckles rest against his cheek. Toushiro's eyes fluttered shut and he leaned into Ichigo's touch.

"As long as you have no objection," Toushiro mumbled softly.

Ichigo shook his head, despite Toushiro's eyes being closed. "No. None."

A teal eye cracked open and Toushiro pulled him back until they stood at the edge of his sleeping pallet. He slowly sat down on it, urging Ichigo to follow. Ichigo obeyed eagerly, wrapping Toushiro's arms back around him and searching out his mouth for a slow kiss. He leaned into Toushiro, palms pressing into the pelts near his hips. He could feel the Rider's chest heaving against his as they kissed despite the slow, almost lazy motions of his tongue and lips. Ichigo, himself, felt warm all over, hot even – especially between his legs. Toushiro fell back on the pallet, brining Ichigo with him as he clutched his shoulders. Ichigo managed to catch himself before crushing him, and broke the kiss with a raised eyebrow. Toushiro looked up at him, his pupils blown and his lips red and wet, but he was smirking as he drew lazy patterns on Ichigo's shoulders with his fingernails.

"You're in a pleasant mood tonight," Ichigo observed, settling one of his palms against Toushiro's waist, and drumming his fingers against the taught muscle.

Toushiro twitched at the touch. "Yes..." he admitted slowly. "I was not expecting bonding ceremony."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Toushiro cupped the side of his face, brushing his thumb against Ichigo's cheek, then lips. He lifted his head from the pallet and delivered a swift peck to Ichigo's mouth. "I was... nervous that they would not accept you easily. But that is worry from past." He gently guided Ichigo's face down to his, nipping his bottom lip before delving into a deep kiss that stole Ichigo's breath from his lungs.

"Do you not readily accept outsiders?" Ichigo asked breathlessly once they broke apart. He stroked Toushiro's side, fingertips playing against the edge of his breechcloth.

Toushiro hummed. "We have in past. If you have my trust you have trust of others. But usually if one brings back an outsider it is to..." he trailed off, his flushed cheeks darkening.

Ichigo tilted his head, bringing his hand to rest against Toushiro's stomach, pressing his palm into his abdominal muscles. Toushiro was really all lean muscle, there was not a bit of fat anywhere on his body. "To what?" he prodded.

Toushiro licked his lips, breaking eye contact and squirming slightly. "It is common to bring back outsiders for marrying."

Ichigo's eyes widened. "Oh..." was the only thing he could think of to say.

"But is not reason I brought you back," Toushiro scrambled to reassure him.

Ichigo chuckled. "I know. Although, it would explain what Ran and Momo have been hinting at."

Toushiro groaned. "It would be those two."

Ichigo dipped his head, kissing his cheek. "I don't mind. Besides it's not far from the truth, is it?"

Toushiro scoffed. "I... I suppose no." He swallowed. "These are our tradition, Ichigo. I do not expect you to follow."

"If I am going to become one of you, then I should learn to." He did not know what inspired him to say what he did next. "Besides, I thought I was already your lover."

Toushiro's eyes widened slightly, but his mouth curled into a wide smile, which he covered with his palm, of course. Ichigo gently pushed his hand from his face, tracing his bottom lip. "Almost my lover," he corrected.

Ichigo tilted his head in question, but instead of answering Toushiro pushed on his chest, switching their positions. He climbed onto Ichigo's hips, leaning over to kiss him. Ichigo held Toushiro's waist, rubbing his palms against the space between his hipbones and where his ribs ended. Heat grew between his legs, pooling in his chest and stomach. Toushiro's hands deftly undid the clasp at his throat, pushing his cloak away to bare his chest. Ichigo moaned softly into the kiss, as Toushiro's hands explored his body, teasing his collarbones, pressing into his chest, and brushing against his nipples. The tent had never felt hotter. And despite Toushiro's usually cool fingers, his touch felt like fire.

Toushiro broke from the kiss, pressing his lips to Ichigo's jaw, to trail down his neck. "You are dressed too much," he grumbled.

Ichigo's heart was pounding, and slight tremors ran through his body. He swallowed thickly, rising from the pallet to look at Toushiro questioningly. Toushiro sat back on Ichigo's hips, scoffing softly and smoothing Ichigo's hair from his forehead.

"What?" He asked.

Ichigo shook his head, squeezing Toushiro's waist gently. The Rider's chest was speckled red in a deep blush and he could see him breathing heavily. Ichigo let his eyes trail from his face down. Down to his chest, the defined muscles on his stomach, to his shallow navel. His thighs were splayed wide to accommodate Ichigo's much bigger body, and the muscles were pulled taught against his skin. Ichigo dared to run his palms over them, against a raised scar that ran horizontal across his left and smooth the small bit of thin hair that covered them. Toushiro's breath hitched slightly and he settled his hands over Ichigo's. Ichigo nearly pulled back, afraid that he had done something wrong, but Toushiro let out a breathy sigh.

"Touch me, min kjære."

Ichigo's mouth went dry as Toushiro guided his hands up his sides, up his ribs, pushing his palms into his chest. Never in a million years had he pictured himself touching another like this. The thought of touching a Hunter had repulsed him, and, to be perfectly honest, none of them had been offering. Who would have been willing to dirty their hands by being with a Sceyh like him? He licked his lips as Toushiro arched around his hands, his mouth falling open in a silent plea of pleasure. Ichigo rolled his thumbs against his nipples and Toushiro's eyes fell shut again. His hair spilled over his shoulder and covered half of his face; he roughly pulled it back, tucking the longer strands behind his ear. Ichigo almost felt giddy at the sight before him; Toushiro chewing on his bottom lip, chest heaving as he palmed it. They had touched each other before, but not like this. Usually they were wrapped around one another, kissing deeply before they fell asleep. Now this seemed like they had a purpose, or at least Toushiro did. Ichigo was very unfamiliar with where this was heading. But he couldn't deny that he loved the look on Toushiro's face and the way his soft moans sounded. Toushiro arched his back, pushing his chest against Ichigo's palms, and pressing himself firmly against Ichigo's hips. Ichigo held his breath feeling the heat between his legs increase as he began to harden. He bit his bottom lip unsure if he should say anything or not. Toushiro bent down again, and Ichigo let his hands slide down to settle on his thighs again. Toushiro tenderly cupped the side of Ichigo face before kissing him.

He could feel Toushiro's breath in rapid rushes of air as his mouth moved against his. He hissed softly into the kiss as Toushiro grabbed a handful of his hair and pulled.

"Min kjære," he mumbled against Ichigo's lips, between kisses.

"Yes?" Ichigo breathed. He didn't know what the word meant, but he had a good idea. He threaded a hand into his hair, marvelling at the silkiness, and wetting his lips with his tongue as Toushiro drew back.

He massaged the spot in Ichigo's hair that he had been tugging at. "Min kjære," he repeated, pressing his lips to Ichigo's jaw. "Tonight you truly become my lover."

Ichigo swallowed thickly feeling his breechcloth become unbearably tight at his groin. "I... um..." he didn't know what to say, or do. To the Stars above how he wanted this, but he had no inkling of how it was supposed to go. Toushiro sensed his hesitation, maybe from how he was tensing his muscles in his jaw and sat up with a small frown marring his face.

"You do not want to?"

Ichigo swallowed thickly, closing his eyes for a moment. "I want to, but..." he let the air in his lungs out in a swift rush. "I've never done this before. I do not know how-"

Ichigo would have laughed at the shocked look on Toushiro's face if he hadn't been so preoccupied. "Forgive me, Ichigo," he said, scrambling to get off, "I thought... I assumed that... I am sorry-"

"No," Ichigo breathed, stopping Toushiro from going anywhere. "I said I wanted to."

Toushiro shook his head slowly. "You are virgin, this is not the way to-"

"I said I wanted to."

"Is too quick, no?"

Ichigo shook his head. "No, I mean if we..." he felt himself blushing. "If we are going to be married in the future, I don't see what's wrong with us doing it now."

Toushiro's frown deepened. "We have had no discussion of marrying..."

"I thought we just did."

Toushiro pulled his hair behind his shoulder; a strange expression flickered across his face. "You should take time to consider this. I do not want to rush you."

Ichigo breathed out roughly through his nose. "I just said I wanted to. What is the problem if I'm a virgin? Why should it matter?"

Toushiro shook his head as he swung his leg over Ichigo's hips, and settled to the side of him. "It matters." He sighed softly. "I will not force you-"

"The damned stars," Ichigo shouted, "I said I wanted to!" He sat upright, not quite where this sudden bout of anger was coming from. Maybe it was because Toushiro was trying to decide what he wanted for him. Or maybe he was simply upset at his own inexperience. Either way, he had lost his hardness. He ground his teeth together and clenched his palms. "You don't get to decide this for me. I can speak for myself."

Toushiro remained emotionless at his side. "Calm yourself, Ichigo."

Ichigo balled the pelt in his fist. "I'm calm."

Toushiro eyed him and was silent for a long moment before he sighed and brought his hand up to cup Ichigo's jaw. Some of the anger in Ichigo's belly disappeared at his touch. "I will not make decision for you. I do not understand how you can be virgin, but... first time is supposed to be special, is supposed to be with thought, and love. Not rushed like this, not some in-the-moment thing."

"But you said I was your lover." He knew he was pouting, but he didn't care.

He pecked Ichigo's cheek. "Yes, and you are. And that is why it should be special. Not tonight."

Ichigo sighed, flopping back against the pelts.

"I want you to think," Toushiro instructed, lying down next to him and resting his head on his shoulder. "Maybe it is after your bonding, and you have truly joined us. Maybe after we have talked more about this... marrying." Ichigo felt himself blush at that. "Maybe after egg have hatched. I want you to be absolutely positive that is what you want. No room for doubt."

Ichigo let out a deep breath, looking up at the roof of the tent. "Was that how it was for you?"

"How it was for me is not important-"

"That sounds rather hypocritical."

"I..." he felt Toushiro shake his head against his shoulder. "Yes, it was."

A part of Ichigo wanted to ask what happened then. If it was supposed to be as special as Toushiro made it out to be then how come he wasn't already married? And what of the Hunters? The Hunters hadn't seemed to care about making anything special. Coupling ceremonies were the highlight of every marriage, but even then he had accidentally come across a Hunter with her arms thrown around bulging shoulders, legs spread wide as a Trelis man had thrust into her in the shadows behind a tent. He shook his head trying to get the image of two grunting hunters out of his mind.

"Oh." He shut his eyes, rubbing the bridge of his nose. The Riders seemed to have more traditions than the Hunters. Many of them were very confusing.

Toushiro threw an arm over his chest, kissing him gently on the cheek once more. "Promise me that, min kjære. Promise me you will think and not rush."

"I promise," he muttered, turning to face Toushiro.

"Good," Toushiro smiled and Ichigo couldn't stay angered for much longer. Toushiro was simply looking out for him. He wanted the best for him. Ichigo couldn't fault him for that. "Let us get ready for sleeping, no?"

Sorry for the wait guys! was hit with a massive writer's block, then kinda lost inspiration. But no worries, I found it again! And made some cover art as an apology.

-Mymomomo