Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach. I do however own all of the OC's in the story, unless stated otherwise.

AN: Wow, 700 views! I'm really surprised my story has done this well. I love you all! Thanks to dragonsofthe8elements for throwing me a couple ideas for the story. Just a heads up, this chapter is all over the place, from drunken innuendos to serious feels. Enjoy the new chapter! R&R!

...

Chapter 13: Crying and Surprises

The fight, if you could call it that, with Captain Zaraki sucked. You got hit in the first few seconds and he sent you flying. After that he told you to 'train some more and get stronger' and left you lying in the ground. You managed to pull yourself to your feet after a few minutes and inspected yourself. Nothing was broken, so you wouldn't need to visit the 4th division.

After getting back inside, you lied on your bed for a few hours, contemplating your defeat. That's where you still are, lying on your bed, wishing you could do something.

You sigh audibly, and roll over to get some sleep when you hear a knock on the door.

"Hiroto? Are you awake?" It's Soi Fon. She must have come to check on you since she;hasn't even seen you since the fight with Vacio.

"Yeah." The door opens slightly and she pokes her head inside.

"Can I come in?"

"Of course. You don't have to ask." She nods and steps inside. Walking over to your bedside, she sits down and folds her hands in her lap. "You know I haven't forgotten that date I promised you."

She blushes at you and smiles. "Good because I haven't either."

"So did you come to see me for a specific reason, or are you just here to chat?"

"Nothing in particular. I just haven't seen you in a while now... I was getting worried..."

"I'm sorry Soi. With my recovery from the fight with Vacio and Shinji's death... it has been hard on me the past few weeks..."

"I understand. Can I stay with you for a while?"

You give her a large smile. "Yeah." You scoot over so she can lay beside you. She curls against you, pressing her small frame as close as she can. You wrap your arms around her and lie there, content and happy.

You stay this way for a while, before you hear a light breath come from her. You look down and find that she is sleeping. You family gently and kiss her forehead. Sweet dreams Soi Fon.

You close your eyes and follow suit, inviting the darkness to take over as you ease yourself into dreamland.

...

When you woke up, you found yourself in a very compromising position. Apparently, in the middle of the night some time, Soi Fon discarded her clothes leaving her in her underwear. The compromising part was that she was lying right on top of you. Her head lay on your chest with her arms tucked in by it. Her legs were bent so she was straddling your waist.

"Umm... Soi?" She didn't respond.

"Soi?" You spoke a little louder. Her eyes fluttered upon softly. She sat up and stretched her arms, yawning loudly. Her stretching caused her to move her hips against yours.

Don't think about. Whatever you do, don't do it. Don't do it. Don't do it!... you did it.

"What's poking me? Did I fall asleep with my zanpa-" She sees you. She looks down at her waist. Her face grows very red, very quickly. It looks like she is afraid to move.

"Hiroto?"

"Yeah?"

"Did I fall asleep on top of you?"

"Yeah." You shift slightly, trying to get rid of the ache in your back. The sudden movement causes a tiny moan to escape Soi Fon's mouth. She covers her mouth quickly and stares at you, wide eyed.

You move again, but this time you move a greater distance. A louder moan escapes between her fingers and her eyes close.

This is going to be an interesting morning.

...

An unspecified amount of time later, you find yourself dressed and siting on your bed. Did you just have... with... you are overcome with a sense of happiness. Soi Fon had left a while ago, due to her duties as a captain, but it still felt like she was here.

A knock rings out from the door. Honestly, you don't even know why they bother. They walk into your house and upstairs to your room, but knock at your door? Why don't they just barge right in.

"Come in." Yoruichi pokes her head inside.

"Are you going to tell me to leave?"

"No. Come on in." Honestly, you feel bad for yelling at her earlier. She just wanted to comfort you and you threw her out. "Listen Yoruichi, I'm sorry-"

"Say no more Hiroto." She steps fully inside your room and closes the door. "I understand that you were upset. Apology accepted. So are you feeling better now?"

"Much." A stupid grin is plastered across your face, blatantly obvious to the Shihoin.

"What happened?"

"Nothing."

"Come on tell me." She whines at you, pouting slightly. "Something good happened. You wouldn't be smiling like that otherwise. You know, I saw Soi Fon earlier too. She had that exact same look-" She stops upon seeing you face turn red. "Did she spend the night here?"

"...No..."

"Oh my Kami! Did you guys finally have-"

"Yoruichi!"

"You did! Oh, I'll have to ask her for details later! To have a smile on her face, what's more, a smile like that..." she grins at you. "You must have done something right."

You face erupts into color and Yoruichi starts laughing at your expense. Her face quickly turns seriously and the laughter fades.

"Back to a serious matter, Shinji's funeral starts in an hour. The other vizards sent me here to make sure you don't chicken out or ditch them."

"How very trusting of them." You deadpan.

"You ready to go?"

"Yeah... just give me a minute."

"No problem, I'll be outside waiting for you."

"What, no trust?" She smirks at you and leaves the room for a moment before popping back in.

"Oh yeah, one more thing. The vizards told me to remind you about your speech. As the new vizard leader, you must make a speech about Shinji and his deeds or something like that." She quickly exits the room.

...

"What the hell!"

"They didn't tell you I'm guessing?" Yoruichi smirks at you as you both flash step towards Sokyoku Hill.

"Not a word."

"Probably just trying to make you nervous."

"Well their doing a good job." Seriously? They couldn't tell you beforehand?

"It will be fine, just say how you feel. It will turn out okay."

"I'll try."

Taking the rest of your journey in silence, you arrive at Sokyoku Hill with ten minutes to spare. You notice that many other soul reapers have gathered already, including all of the captains. The vizards were all in their own little group, which Ichigo was surprisingly in, chatting with each other.

You walk up to join the group. "Hey guys." They turn to face you. "It's finally here..."

"Yeah, don't remind us." Kensei speaks out. "So, did you write your speech?"

You force a smile at the mention of the speech. "Oh, you mean the one I just learned about when Yoruichi told me?" They give you a look of confusion, then shock, and they all turn towards Lisa.

"What? I was busy reading, I couldn't tell him." Some of the vizards just cover their faces while others try not to strangle her.

"You were reading your porn again, weren't you!?" Ichigo cries out.

"It's totally healthy for someone my age, and yes I was."

"Yeah, and how old are you grandma?" Lisa looks at Ichigo with rage.

"What did you call me?"

"What, already need hearing aids grandma?"

You step in between them before an argument can break out. "Stop it you two! Not only is it very rude to everyone else, but have you forgotten that we are at a funeral? Not only that, but for your former leader? Fight later, now is not the time."

They hesitate slightly, but ultimately back down. Looking ashamed, they turn away from each other and walk off. You sigh audibly. Can't there ever be peace?

A few more soul reapers had appeared since you joined the vizards group. The Head Captain was getting their attention so he could say a few words.

"Let's go, it's starting." You and the rest of the vizards walk towards the gathering in front of the head captain.

"All of you know why we are gathered here today. Not long ago, we lost a soul reaper. To some Shinji Hirako was a captain, but to others he was much more. I'm proud to have called him a friend and an ally, and as such we should celebrate his life, and honor his death. I do believe that the new leader of the vizards has something to say."

The Head Captain steps away from his spot and you approach, filling it. "Thank you Head Captain. As you might or might not know, I was chosen by Captain Hirako to replace him. I can say, for certain, I'm not the best for the job, not am I the most qualified. Yet through all of that, he chose me. I'm not sure why, but I respect and thank him for that decision."

"Captain Hirako was a dear friend to me. He helped guide me along a dangerous path, one that could have led to my death. I won't ever be able to repay him for that. He was an amazing person. He truly did care about everyone here, whether or not he would admit to it. He left behind so many people who cared about him. His friends who stuck with him, his fellow soul reapers who respected him, his fellow vizards who were always there for him, and a lover-"

You give Hiyori a quick glance and see that her eyes are filled with tears.

"Who loves him more than he will ever know."

You turn to the casket, which holds Shinji's body. You feel tears forming in your own eyes.

"Goodbye Captain. You will be missed greatly." The crowd is silent as you walk away from the stand, traversing back to your place with the vizards.

The Head Captain takes his spot back on the stand. "Thank you, Hiroto Arinori. Now, we shall begin the farewell." Several members of the kido corps surrounded the casket, and after a minute or so of chanting, rise the casket high into the air. The casket started to glow brightly. A moment later, it burst into a large amount of solidified spirit particles, all of which rained down upon the soul reapers softly. Just like snow.

You feel a tug on your arm and turn to find Hiyori, still very much sad, looking at you slightly embarrassed. She motions for you to lean down. You do, and are surprised to find that she kissed your cheek.

"Thank you for that." She whispers into your ear. You smile at her and stand up, watching with the rest of the crowd as Shinji becomes one with the soul society.

It's beautiful.

...

Afterwards, you meet with Renji, Soi Fon, Rangiku, Shuhei, Izuru, and Yoruichi at your place. You figured since five of them were going to drink, you might as well have them over so they have somewhere to crash. Plus, it wouldn't hurt to have some company.

"Drink up guys! The sake is on Hiroto!" You hear Rangiku's voice trail from the living room to the kitchen, where you are grabbing more sake from.

"Hey! I can hear you! And just because I have sake, doesn't mean you can drink it all!" You walk back into the living room to find four very drunk soul reapers and a slightly tipsy Yoruichi. Soi Fon, much like yourself, refused to drink.

"Hey Hiroto?"

"Yeah Yoruichi."

"If you don't drink, why do you have sake?"

"I have friends like you." You deadpan at her.

You sit down next to Soi Fon, leaving a little room for her to lay against you. She gets up as you sit down.

"Where are you going?"

"To make some tea."

"Oh let me make it for you." You quickly get up and hurry into the kitchen leaving Soi Fon to take her seat again. Once in the kitchen, you can hear boisterous laughter emanating from Renji and Rangiku. You also here the conversation that follows.

"Oh my Kami! He is so whipped!" Renji sputters incoherently, stumbling over his words in his drunken state.

"Yeah! If I knew that you two hadn't done it yet, I would assume that your a god in the sack Soi!" More laughter erupts from Rangiku.

"Actually..." Yoruichi steps in and you freeze.

"Lady Yoruichi!" Soi Fon cries out as Yoruichi nearly let slip that you both had indeed done it.

"What!?" Rangiku gasps. "So you two have done it!?"

At this point you walk back into the room with two cups of tea. You see Renji's jaw hanging near the floor, Rangiku with a shocked expression, Yoruichi smiling dumbly, two passed out drunk soul reapers, and a madly blushing Soi Fon.

"So... How big is... you know." Rangiku,being the pervert, had to ask that question. Soi Fon just made and squeaking noise and cover her face with her hands.

"Hey Hiroto, drop your pants for a minute. I need to see something." Her words were all slurred from her inebriation. Renji, at this point, had passed out as well.

"Umm, no thank you."

"Fine, but tell me how-"

"Rangiku, you will not find that out ever in your life. No offense to you, but that is for Soi Fon only."

Yoruichi felt like she should join the conversation that she started. "Yeah, I'm sure it's enough to make Soi Fon squeal." She gives Soi Fon a wink which just causes her to blush harder and cover her face again.

"Go to sleep already, you freaking drunks!" You grab Soi Fon by the hand and drag her towards your room, locking the door as you close it behind you.

"Kami, why me?"

"Uh, Hiroto?"

"What is it now Soi Fon?"

"It's just that, well talking about made me kind of..." She leaves her sentence there which causes you to look over at her. She is sweaty and tugging at her shirt, which has ridden up and exposed her midriff. Her breaths seem labored and lustful.

You sit still for a moment, taking in the view, before pouncing like a wild animal.

...

It has been about a week since you had your 'friends' over. Needless to say, the offer of free sake was too tempting and Rangiku came over four more times before you had to cut her off. That or go broke. Rangiku complained about not having fun or loosening up. She, surprisingly, asked if she and some of the SWA members could come over to have some girl time.

As much as you appreciated the asking first, you had to decline. Tonight you were finally taking Soi Fon on that date you promised her.

Making the final adjustments to your tie, nodding I'm satisfaction at yourself in the mirror, you walk towards the loving room and take a seat, waiting for Soi Fon to finish getting ready.

A few minutes later, you hear the click clack if heels, and turn to see Soi Fon walking down the stairs. Your mind is blown.

She is wearing a short yellow dress that stops just below her knees. Her heels, you are surprised to find that they are at least three inches in length, are a jet black color with a tiny bow adorning the tops. Her hair is out of it's normal braids and is cascading down her back like a violet waterfall. You notice she also has a pair of earrings in, both of which are, to your amusement, bees.

"I- uh- you... wow." That was all you could manage given how beautiful she looked. She blushes at your reaction.

"Thank you. You look very handsome as well."

It was your turn to blush. "Thanks. Are you ready?"

She shuffles nervously on her feet for a moment, causing you to raise an eyebrow in curiosity. "Yeah... I'm ready."

"Are you sure? Soi if there is something bothering you, you can tell me. You haven't been yourself these last few days. Are you sick? Do you want to stay home?" You give her a look of concern.

"No, I'm alright."

"Ok..." Still not completely sure if she is telling the truth, you head out the door and towards the outer edge of the seireitei.

...

"That had to have been one of the best meals I have ever had. Thank you Hiroto." Soi Fon smiles up at you as you leave the restaurant with her attached to your arm.

"Only the best for my princess." You smile back at her, causing her to turn a nice shade of scarlet.

"So where to now? Didn't you say something about someplace you wanted to show me?"

Her face morphs into one of excitement. "Yeah! I almost forgot about it. Its near my division barracks." You smile and let her lead the way.

The walk to the barracks consisted of you trying to get her to tell you where it is you were going.

"For the last time Hiroto, it's a secret." She giggles at your fruitless attempts and you just sigh and let her continue to drag you along.

You smile at her as she drags you along. You can't remember the last time you felt so happy. Being with her is bliss. You can't help but feel good inside. The fresh air and the light breeze that blows by on the cool summer evening just make things so much better.

"We're almost there!" She exclaims to you, tugging you even harder while pointing at the now visible 2nd division. You smile even wider if it were possible. This is what you want. To be able to see her smile. To see her laugh. To see all of the worries melt right off her face.

You told her before that the date was supposed to end in a walk, but it doesn't have to now. This is your walk. Your walk with your princess. Your walk with your love. A walk with your heart. Something you have always dreamed of, yet never thought was going to come true.

You always thought you would end up like Captain Zaraki, living for the fight, not ever being emotionally tied down somewhere, or to someone. Granted he had Yachiru, but she was more like a daughter to him.

That never ending torrent of unknown that you had inside of you had washed away. You knew now the answer to what you have been asking yourself ever since you thought Yuyu had died.

What? A husband. Who? To Soi Fon. When? Now and forever. Why?... Because you love her.

Such a tiny word, love, yet it has so much riding on it. It could be your savior. It could be your destruction. Luckily for you, you were saved when she uttered those three words to you.

"Here we are!" Soi Fon says to you, snapping you back to reality. You look at her and follow her hand to where it is pointing, finding what seems to be a tree house on the edge of the woods near her division.

"A tree house?"

"Yep! Lady Yoruichi had it built for me when she was a captain. I used to spend hours at a time up there, drawing, thinking, or even just to get away from everything. The tree house isn't the best part though, its the view from the top." She let's go of your arm and takes off her heels. Holding them in one hand she calls for you to hurry up as she runs for the ladder.

You follow her, smiling to yourself. She was a little kid at heart. Making your way up the ladder, you find the inside to be much bigger than you thought it was.

"Hurry up Hiroto! You'll miss it!" You look towards the sound of her voice and find another ladder leading to the roof. You climb it.

"Soi, what is it that I have... to... see." The sunset. It was perfect. The sun was barely showing on the horizon, casting shades of crimson, orange, and gold across the sky.

"Wow Soi. It's beautiful."

"Yeah it is." She sighs contently.

"But still nothing compared to you." She blushes at that and giggles. Her giggling stops abruptly though and she gets a pained expression on her face.

"Soi? Soi what's wrong? You have been acting strangely. First, at the house when you almost didn't want to go, then at the restaurant when excused yourself nearly four times to use the bathroom, and now. Please, just tell me what a wrong. You know no matter what it is, I will still love-"

"I'm pregnant."

"-you." The silence that follows is undoubtedly the scariest one you have ever been apart of. She looks right up at you unflinchingly, yet scared senseless at the same time.

"You're... pregnant?"

"Yeah..."

"...Are you sure?" She nods her head. Soi is pregnant. With your kid. You are going to be a dad.

"Hiroto?" She asks you nervously, scared because you weren't responding. Her eyes fill with tears and she makes to leave when you grab her arm.

"You are 100% sure?"

"Yes."

"...Oh my Kami, I'm going to be a dad!" You give Soi a strong hug, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around. "I've never been so happy in my life!" You set Soi down gently, noticing that she has a huge smile on her face and tears were rolling down her cheeks.

You kneel down to her stomach and gently rub it. "Now just remember that daddy knows best." Soi rolls her eyes at you and playful smacks your head.

You stand back up and look her in the eye.

"I love you Soi."

"I love you too Hiroto."

You grab her gently and give her the most passionate kiss you can muster. From now on, life will be better than ever.