Chapter 23

Her Name, His Face

By Demon-of-Cats

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, the Tite does. I own my OC's and OOC's

Warnings: This is AU and has some spoilers along with an implied lemon.

No Flames please, but constructive criticism is welcome.

The day was warm, though not the scorching heat of midsummer yet. It was still cool enough to enjoy the day without needing a drink every ten minutes just to keep from overheating.

It also helped to keep a baby quiet.

"Are you sure I can come, Yoruichi?" Urahara asked Yoruichi as they walked toward the Komamura home.

There was a slight path up hill and the house was blocked from view by trees that Komamura and Moria had planted years before. The trees were some of the taller varieties available in the Seireitei and at their highest went well over the house, even though the house was on higher ground. Most thought it was to keep people on the path.

However, Yoruichi knew something about the wind in this area of the Seireitei. Those trees were a wind break.

The happy couple had probably gotten tired of their doors being blown down every other week in the fall.

Closer to the path there were other trees, more sporadically placed.

Yoruichi had been admiring an impressive cherry tree when Urahara had asked, "Of course. Moria is a sweetie."

"I would ask how you know this."

"I met her."

"When?"

"Before we were banished."

"Ah . . ."

"And the day her little one was born. He's so cute!"

"Hm . . ."

"You'll understand when you see him."

"Ah . . ."

"We should have one."

"!"

Urahara stopped in the road and stared at Yoruichi as she walked away from him a few paces. His mind refused to register anything as it attempted and failed to comprehend what she just said.

Yoruichi noticed that Urahara had stopped and then she glanced back at him, "Did I break your brain?"

"Nerk!"

Yoruichi grinned and then walked right up to Urahara. She was millimeters away from him as she said, "If I kiss ya will it make the break go away?"

"Ah!"

Yoruichi grinned, "Thought so," she said and threw her arms around Urahara's neck and kissed him full on the lips.

Urahara swayed a moment and then kissed back.

When they broke apart Yoruichi grinned, "Like that did ya? You'll get more when we get home later."

Urahara grinned and then said, "I'll be waiting."

About time, Yoruichi thought as she calmly walked up the rest of the pathway to the house they were visiting.

It was just as she stepped away from Urahara she noticed music. A flute of some sort, though she couldn't place the notes to any tunes she knew.

"That's more than one instrument," Urahara said suddenly as he came closer to Yoruichi's side, "But I only sense one soul reaper up there."

Yoruichi nodded and then hurried up the path and around till she could see the house.

Urahara followed closely and stopped next to Yoruichi and looked at the house.

There were two women on the porch of the house. One was dressed in what appeared to be a robe of white silk and mist. Her robe was sleeveless and on her arms looked to be fins that ruffled and flowed back toward her shoulders. Another fin started midway on her forehead and flowed back over her head parting her silver hair. In her hands was an intricately made flute, which she was currently playing.

She was beautiful, but wasn't the one that Urahara watched.

It was the soul reaper he watched, a young woman, a little taller than average, but other than that and one other thing she was very plain. She had blue hair cut in an angled bob that was longer in the front than at the back.

She also played a flute, though this one was obviously handmade.

Yoruichi watched the one that Urahara didn't. She recognized the flute that the woman carried; although, at first, she didn't understand why she was.

It was Moria's released zanpaku-tô.

Whoever the woman was she watched Urahara like a hawk. Her right hand was still on her instrument as her left hand moved, keeping the melody. Her eyes were ice as she played and slowly she drew her right hand away, still holding the instrument delicately, and revealed a blade hidden in the flute.

She was holding the hilt in her right hand.

Moria then placed her flute in her lap and glanced at the woman near her. She blinked and then glanced at Yoruichi and Urahara, not knowing who the latter was. She then chuckled, "Now now Umigiri there is no need for that. I'm sure Yoruichi wouldn't bring someone here that would harm anyone."

Yoruichi blinked, "Umigiri?"

Umigiri smiled, nodded, and sheathed the blade, "That is my name."

Moria chuckled and then glanced at a bassinette that sat near her feet. There were small noises coming from the item and she smiled.

"Did you have a good nap?" she said in a baby voice as she bent down over the bassinette. She reached in and carefully drew out Kureno out and cuddled him to her chest. Kureno cooed and cuddled and then Moria stood.

"I know you Yoruichi," Moria said and then glanced at Urahara, "But who is this?"

"This is Kisuke Urahara," Yoruichi said.

"Ah! I am Moria Komamura. This is Umigiri, the spirit of my zanpaku-tô, and this is Kureno, my son."

"Pleasure to meet you ma'am," Urahara said with a quick bow.

"The pleasure is mine. Please come in."

"Are you training for Bankai then?" Yoruichi asked, "You've externalized Umigiri and that is the first step."

"Working on it," Moria chuckled and then glanced at Umigiri who disappeared. As she vanished a blade appeared on a stand inside the house, "Make yourselves at home. Just let me get a bottle for Kureno and I'll be back with you."

Yoruichi walked in first, closely followed by Urahara and smiled at the simplicity of the little home. There wasn't much too fancy in there. Just simple décor that was neither too masculine nor too feminine. Everything spoke of simplicity at its finest.

Kureno had a small toy on the ground and Urahara absentmindedly picked it up to examine it. He regretted it the instant he touched it.

"Eww."

Yoruichi glanced at the toy and chuckled at the look on Urahara's face.

"Wet?" Moria asked as she glanced into the room to see what Urahara thought was 'eww,' "Don't worry it's just baby slobber. That's his favorite toy right now."

Urahara chuckled and placed the toy back down on what looked to be a play rug. He then wiped his hand off on his robe.

A few minutes later Moria came back into the room. Kureno was busily sucking on his bottle in her arms, though every few moments he would glance around the room.

"Aww," Yoruichi said and came over to look at Kureno, "May I hold him?"

"Once he's done eating," Moria said, "He won't take his bottle in a stranger's arms."

"No take food fom stwangers huh?" Yoruichi gibbered to the infant making a face as she did so.

It earned a smile from Kureno.

Yoruichi grinned and then glanced at the front door as it slid open, "Hey Tôsen! What are you doing here? I thought there was a Captain's meeting today?"

"There is . . . There was I mean," Tôsen said, "I just came to get Moria and take her to Squad Four. Sajin passed out during the meeting."

Moria's jaw dropped, "He passed out? Why?"

"Lady Unohana cannot figure it out. He was fine one moment and fell the next. She said she wanted you to come to Squad Four immediately though."

Moria nodded and then handed Kureno to Tôsen, "Could you feed him for a moment while I get his sling?"

Tôsen laughed and nodded, carefully feeding Kureno his bottle. He was over a lot and wasn't considered a stranger by Kureno apparently.

Yoruichi glanced at Urahara and said, "This turned out to be an exciting visit."

Urahara chuckled.

Moria walked back into the room with a fabric sling around her shoulders and a small bag in her hand. Necessities, in case needed while they were away from home for too long.

She glanced at Tôsen who was lifting Kureno off his shoulder, having just burped him, and took her baby back. She placed the infant in the sling and placed the bottle in the small bag she carried.

The group then left the house and headed to Squad Four base.

"What's that sound?" Urahara asked a minute later.

They all listened for a moment and the Moria looked down at Kureno and grinned, "Kureno. He's giggling."

They all laughed and went the rest of the way to Squad Four.

When they got there everyone except for Moria was taken to a waiting room. Moria was led through the building to a treatment room. There she saw her husband lying on the bed. He seemed to be asleep and at first glance she noticed something seemed off about him.

She gasped when she realized what it was. His muzzle had shrunk a bit and his fur had shortened. His hands still held the claws but his hands themselves were becoming more refined.

Kureno cooed when they entered the room. He smelled his father and wanted to be held by him.

Moria glanced at Unohana and asked, "May I lay Kureno on Sajin's chest?"

Unohana nodded, "There is nothing wrong with Captain Komamura that I can find. I think maybe the change must be either painful or takes a lot of energy."

Moria glanced at Komamura and mumbled, "I hope it is the latter."

She then laid Kureno on Komamura's chest and laid one of his massive hands on their son's back. The gentle touches put Kureno at ease and he quieted. His little tail did not stop moving though and wagged quickly.

"He could have a perfect poker face but his tail will give him away," Moria chuckled.

Unohana chuckled as well and left the family to sit together for a while.

Moria sat there with her husband and only left when Kureno called for it.

An hour later the transformation was done.

Komamura's face had become human. He had golden brown hair and his ears, much like his son's were a darker brown. His hands appeared also to be human, though the nails were claws. There was no fur left on his body and save for the ears, nails and the newly acquired tail he looked human. He was also still the same size.

His eyes blinked open and they were the same gold that they had been and he glanced down at the small weight on his chest.

Said small weight's tail increased speed.

"Hello Kureno," Komamura said and caused his son's tail to go faster. He chuckled and rubbed his son on the back.

"Sajin?"

He glanced over and saw Moria. There was worry in her eyes, "What is it Moria?" he then glanced around the room, "Where am I? How did I get here?"

Unohana walked in then, "You are in Squad Four, Kenpachi and Tôsen carried you here after you passed out during the meeting earlier today. How do you feel?"

Komamura blinked and then looked up at the ceiling in confusion, "I feel fine . . . what the . . . "

Very slowly he lifted his hand up to his face and looked at it, having just noticed that it looked different. He then touched his face, feeling the features that were now there. He sat up slowly, carefully holding his son to his chest, and looked between his legs to see the long tail that now sat there.

"Hah?"

"My thoughts too," Moria chuckled.

Kureno squeaked a little, angry at the change in position.

Komamura chuckled and moved Kureno into his arm where the infant could better cuddle.

"Do you know what is happening Sajin?" Moria asked as she hopped up on the bed next to him.

Komamura shook his head and then paused in thought. After several moments he said, "I have a thought of what it could be. It won't be confirmed for a few weeks yet though."

Moria cocked her head, a question in her eyes.

"My parents will have sensed that I have a child and they should be headed here now. They will be here in a few weeks to meet you and Kureno."

"Sensed that you have a child? How?" Moria questioned.

"You aren't human are you Captain Komamura?" Unohana asked.

Komamura shook his head, "No. I'm not. But I can't tell you what I am for none of my kind knows the answer to that. The only thing we know for certain is that we exist."

Unohana looked sad for a moment and then nodded.

How sad it must be to not know what you were.

"Don't feel sorry for me Lady Unohana," Komamura said as he noticed the look in her eyes. He glanced down at his wife and smiled, "Don't you feel sorry for me either Moria. I have what I need. I know who I am and I know who I am meant to be with for the entirety of my life. Though I know not what I am I know that I am strong. Strong enough to protect my family if the need arises. Perhaps someday someone will figure out what my kind is and what our purpose is here in soul society. I do not know nor do I care. I have what I need."

With that last statement he placed Kureno into Moria's arms and pulled her into his arms. He glanced at Unohana and asked for permission to leave, which she gave, and he carried his family home.

Meanwhile, in the waiting room, Tôsen glanced at the wall and smiled.

"Komamura is up . . . and is leaving with his family now."

"He didn't come see us?" Yoruichi said.

"Apparently not," Kyôraku said, "He must be fine."

Ukitake glanced at his friend and then looked up as Unohana entered the room, "Lady Unohana what was wrong with Komamura?"

"I'm not sure but he is fine now," she then smiled, "Though there are some changes in him. I sent a message to General Yamamoto and he sent one back that said we will finish the meeting tomorrow."

Tôsen had been thinking as Unohana spoke and then he asked, "What are the changes. I sensed no change in his spiritual pressure."

"They are physical changes," Unohana said with a smile and then thought to herself, he is going to cause uproar in the meeting tomorrow.

"What kind of changes?" Kenpachi asked as he looked at Unohana from his superior height.

The look she gave Kenpachi kept him silent after her answer, "You all will find out tomorrow."

Everyone looked at each other and then left for home, all wondering what this change in Komamura could be.

The next morning when Moria awoke she felt Komamura's face against the back of her neck. She smiled and cuddled deeper into him.

She felt his smile against the back of her neck and felt his hands and arms hold her protectively in his embrace. His lips brushed across her skin and she turned her face to him and her lips met his in a kiss.

"Morning," he said after the kiss ended. He smiled, finally able to understand why he saw lovers do that simple gesture. He could kiss his wife before but it wasn't the same as this. He had felt the spiritual connection with the gesture but hadn't felt the physical one complimenting it.

"Hey," Moria mumbled and turned so she faced him completely. She cuddled into his chest, content in the early morning peace. The sun was not yet up and she glanced up to meet her husband's gaze.

She stared at him and smiled. He was different and yet the same in the same moment.

His eyes still held the intensity that they had always held, all the ferocity, yet all the love and loyalty.

He smiled slightly, and even though his face was different, the sound of his voice was not as he quietly told her how beautiful she was to him.

His hands were just as big as they always had been, though now they were more refined, though heavily calloused from sword work.

His body moved over her and her hands brushed over his hard stomach. It was just as hard as it had always been, though now it had no fur covering it to hide the fact. His arms were still just as strong and large as he pulled her up to him.

The kiss was different. It now no longer held that awkward feel to it. It felt as if, with every fiber of their beings they were confirming what they were to one another.

They broke apart and he gazed into her eyes. He noticed the fogged passion and he smiled, feeling that same passion. He acted upon it, every touch and caress becoming more until his passion exploded within her.

Quietly they then contemplated each other as they lay in that comfortable embrace.

After several long moments Komamura spoke, "So what do you think?"

"You're amazing."

"Besides the sex."

"Your body you mean?"

Komamura nodded.

Moria smiled slightly and then said, "It isn't your body I fell in love with Sajin. It is you I fell in love with. Every little quirk you have I fell for. I can't even imagine myself with any one else other than you, no matter what you look like."

"So you won't miss the old body," Komamura said and moved over her again. An expression resided on his features that Moria wasn't yet familiar with, yet it seemed similar to another he often made before. His eyes narrowed at her and a lopsided toothy grin on his face, a wolf eyeing his mate as he neared taking her.

Moria chuckled and then said, "I won't lie. I will miss, at least for a little while, being able to read your expressions at first glance without having to think about it a moment."

Komamura grinned fully then and laughed. He moved close, and then for a moment he forgot he didn't have a muzzle. He paused, lifted his eyebrows and then kissed her again.

Together they lay until Kureno cried. Then business went on as normal for their morning.

When Komamura left he went to the hall where the Captains meetings were held. He had received a message to report there so that the meeting that had occurred the day before could be continued. As it turned out he was the last to arrive.

To dropped jaws and wide eyes.

Even Yamamoto looked shocked.

Komamura decided what was best was to continue as if nothing was wrong, so he took his place in the line up between the two people who still had straight faces during all of this: Tôsen, whom had no idea what Komamura looked like now and couldn't see it to begin with, and Unohana, whom had seen it before.

"Good morning Captain Komamura," Unohana said pleasantly, "How was your evening?"

"Very good," Komamura said and glanced around the room.

Then, Yamamoto cleared his throat and the meeting officially restarted.

End Chapter 23

A/N: I'm not going to say that Sajin is a demon for this story. While I feel that it is a possibility I think that he could be something else as well. For the truth, we'll just have to wait for the Tite do disclose that. ;-)