XX-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-Xx

Pairing Aizen and Ichigo

Warnings – mentions of under age sex. A twist on the Bleach story.

XX-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-Xx

Betrayal

"Here he is!" Some one calls above the loud laughter and cheery chatting going on behind the Kurosaki Clinic in the garden. The garden gate had just opened and the face of a reluctant ginger headed boy stood there dumbfounded at the gathering of his father's friends and dreaded family members. Isshin rushed forward and snags a handful of bright hair in an exuberant shake and bringing his arm behind his son's drags him into the garden before he can bolt.

"Oh birthday boy, don't you look smart in your school uniform!" An aunt with a generous waist, frantic black curly hair and obviously under the influence of too many sips of the fruit punch, laid a wet and very slobbery kiss on his cheek. "Oh last time I saw you, you were about as high as those sisters of your and look at you now. Haven't you grown." She did that annoying thing of pinching his cheek and giving it a shake.

Ichigo yanked his school bag over his shoulder and wished he could have at least have had a detention and stayed later at school. This was going to be absolute hell. No wonder his dad didn't pre-warn him.

The twins rushed forward, wearing posh party frocks. Yuzu gave him a huge hug and beamed as she handed over her hand made card. Ichigo smiled at her lightly and gave a small thank you then smirked at Karin scowling in a dress and looking very uncomfortable moved forward to whine in his ear.

"Damn parties." She grumbled. "I didn't do a card or anything."

"Nah, its okay."

"Sure... Happy birthday anyway," She almost made her arm lift to hug him, but thought better of the sappy gesture and quickly lowered it again. "... you know..." She shrugged to shake off her embarrassment and he ruffled her hair. "Oi get off!" She smacked him in the ribs and he laughed.

"Go and change Ichigo." Isshin insisted wanting to show off the cake he and girls had slaved over yesterday. Ichigo nodded for once glad his dad wasn't going all loony and trying to bash his skull in.

The teen darted through the crowds receiving various pats on the back and narrowly dodged kisses on his cheek from the cronies gathered. Not only was the garden heaving but so was the house and quite a few of the people he was certain he'd never seen before in his life. Still the heap of presents on the table meant they hadn't come empty handed, and the cake the shape of the number 15 also meant at least he'd enjoy something today.

He darted up the stairs to his room and began to look through his drawers for something comfortable. He yanked out a black t-shirt with a skull design on the front and threw that on the bed with a pair of skinny jeans. His hands gripped the bottom of his white shirt and without caring for the buttons he yanked it up over his head.

"Putting on a show for me?" Came the deep seductive tone of one of his fathers guests and Ichigo threw the shirt into the corner of the room with a grin on his face. He stared into the deep dark brown eyes that shamefully hid behind black framed glasses. The soft brunette hair hung loosely on his shoulders and his tall frame looked impressive leaning against the wall inside that dark suit.

"Didn't see you downstairs." Ichigo knew that 'Uncle Sou' was staring at his bared chest with that smile that only meant he was thinking of one thing. He let the man prowl his way into the room and he made no move when the older man slid a finger down his chest between his proud muscles.

"Birthday treat." The man whispered leaning down to slide his lips over Ichigo's and press his hungry tongue forward. Ichigo welcomed the kiss, leaning into the hardened chest and relishing the hold that wrapped around him. "It has been too long."

"And whose fault is that?" Ichigo pulled away to unfasten his school trousers. Aizen leaned against the closet door with his arms crossed and enjoyed the view of the boy yanking down his grey slacks. "You are always away on business these days, even more than you used to be."

"I have lots of business to take care of."

"Yeah, stuff that obviously you'd rather be doing."

"I made a special visit for my favourite 15 year old."

"Next you'll give me the same shit about, preparing for a momentous change that's all for my benefit. Spout some crap about the greater good and building world of vision. You know I just don't buy it."

Aizen stepped forward as the kid stepped into his jeans and tugged them up. His large hands slid around the boys waist and prevented him doing the fly by cupping the man sized dick. Ichigo groaned softly and leaned back fastening his hands over the ones taking advantage. "Someone will come in." He looked into the devilish eyes smiling at him.

"You're too irresistible." The man purred in his ear licking the shell with a soft sweep.

"Sou... Really." Ichigo wanted to pull away, but then he also didn't. The time they had together was always rushed and fearful that someone would find them. One hardened hand held his hip and therefore pressing him back into the erection that nestled between his buttocks, whilst the other hand squeezed and tugged at his growing length.

More.

He wanted more.

Don't stop.

His breathing hitched and he moved his hips jerkily backward with force.

"I told you. Birthday treat." The man breathed huskily, his lips trailing down the side of the boys neck. His fingers slid the waist pant of his underwear down and freed the hot throbbing organ. With his large powerful hands engulfing the swollen member, Ichigo knew he was beyond reason already. "You are special Ichigo." The words were always spoken at moments like this. It was part of the seduction that first caught him in this trap and left him wanting more. This man had the ability to fill that void in his life that had been missing since his mother died. Uncle Sou had always been on the scene. As a relative of his mother, he'd popped in and out of their lives, but he'd really made an impact three years ago when he's started visiting more. Apparently, and this was according to Sosuke, his father had asked him to watch over his son a little more closely. Isshin found the twins hard enough work, but with Ichigo being that bit more fragile and yet unwilling to accept comfort, he felt he needed another substitute parent in his life. It gave Isshin more time to work and less time needing to worry. So Uncle and nephew, went places together, had special treats and days out. As the first year went by, Ichigo began to enjoy the words of comfort that rippled from the smooth lips that were just so... needed. That need grew and when his Uncle became more 'physical', Ichigo took it under the guise of emotional support until he grew to the point that he craved the attention and would do anything to get it. Physical favours earned rewards and the rewards grew in a more and more of a sexual nature.

Ichigo believed with his heart that Aizen Sosuke loved him in the same way his father had loved his mother. He also knew that he was dependent upon that love and he'd go to the ends of the earth for his special touches and moments of unmitigated pleasure.

"Do you love me Ichigo?" Aizen could feel the boys abdomen tensing, his face was flushed and his body was sweating. The choked breathing was evidence he was going to come, but not before, Aizen had his reassurance. "Tell me." He paused his hand mid flow and the boy whimpered. "Tell me." He repeated more insistent.

"L..Love...You." Ichigo panted and moaned loudly as the hand resumed in reward for his words. It was the usual pattern. Ichigo wanted to come, he'd have to say it, it was his treat to come. With a spasm in his stomach and a guttural groan, Ichigo's seed flew into the waiting wad of tissue. A few more pumps and the teens tired body stumbled. His jelly legs wanted to cave in, but with Uncle Aizen holding him up, he knew he'd never fall. After all that was the promise, Uncle Sou was there for him, there to look after him. All he had to do was love Aizen.

After a moment the boy was calm enough to turn and of his own will he pressed his lips against the man he worshipped. "Do you need me..." He began and leg his eyed dart down to the erection pressing into his stomach.

"No. Today is your treat. You can pay me back next time."

"But..."

"I gave my answer." He smiled, but it wasn't a smile that Ichigo questioned. It seemed strange how on appearance the smile was always the same and you could be fooled into thinking it was a happy smile. But it wasn't. There was slight variances and degrees of sincerity. With one he could melt the coldest of days and another he could freeze a soul. Ichigo didn't mess with the latter, he'd never risk losing his crutch.

…

Ichigo made his way down the stairs and he caught Aizen's eye as took the last step.

"Hey isn't it great!" Isshin was beside his son quickly. "Uncle Sou had the weekend off! What about that?" Isshin looked at his son waiting for the confirmation he wanted to go and he was not disappointed. Ichigo actually smiled widely and nodded, his enthusiasm was clearly read. "Come on lets do the cake!" The happy father dragged his son towards the 15 lit candles. Isshin had every right to be happy. Although bitterly missing his wife, his children were happy, developing nicely and doing well in school. Ichigo even had his smile back.

...

Although Ichigo expected a visitor in the night, his Uncle did not enter. He was slightly miffed, but as his dad had been only two doors down, it would have been hard to be sneaky enough to be caught. Even being 15, Ichigo never questioned if what went on between them was right. It felt good and so he didn't see the need to consider the age difference or the fact he was still a child. Uncle Sou was always careful and he'd explained that other people might not like the idea of two men being together, so it was best they were careful. But even if they were two men, so long as Ichigo loved him, then it can only be considered a special love, rare and something to be treasured by them alone.

Taking his place around the breakfast table Ichigo sent his morning greetings to his family and Uncle and accepted a plate of hot bacon and scrambled eggs. It seemed they were going all out for their overnight guest.

"You sleep well?" Uncle Sou asked the teen, his foot sliding against the boys hidden by the table.

"Took a while to get to sleep." He admitted.

"All that cake and excitement!" Isshin laughed finishing his food and standing with his empty plate.

"Well be good and do as your Uncle tells you!" Isshin clipped him lightly around the head. "I've got to open the clinic. Have a good time both of you."

Yuzu went to wash up the dishes banging and clashing the crockery in her usual style whilst Karin snuck off to play football at the park.

"I waited for you." Aizen said coolly looking at his nephew.

"Oh." Ichigo was confused, he didn't remember being asked to go into his Uncles room.

"You should have known that." Came the quick rebuke.

"But." He was about to protest but something in those eyes, cut off the impulsive yell he would have given about how the hell was he meant to know.

"No buts. I am disappointed. I thought we would enjoy our time away. It seems that you have some making up to do to prove you love me." For some reason, those eyes bore into him enough to feel as if he couldn't breathe, you know as if the air had become heavy and pressing his entire being to the floor. His stomach suddenly didn't want to eat any more, but throw up instead. This happened mostly when his Uncle was near, but sometimes certain ghosts would set it off, but when it happened with Uncle Sou it seemed to be triggered after he'd upset him. Quite why the guilt of upsetting would make him feel unwell Ichigo didn't know, but his Uncle always reasoned it out that his body was rejecting the emotions because he loved him. It was a lie told over many years and Ichigo accepted it now no matter how unbelievable it sounded.

Aizen watched the boy struggle to raise his hand to cover his mouth in a symbolic prevention of sickness. He lowered his spiritual pressure a little and watched the boy gulp in air. "You see, what you've made happen now?" Tender fingers caressed over his cheek. The boy nodded. "You don't want to upset me do you?" Ichigo shook his head wishing this strange illness would pass now.

Ichigo grimaced as the last of the pressure left his stomach and his lungs filled fully again.

"Go wash yourself up." Ichigo nodded getting up off the chair. "Oh and Ichigo…" The boy paused. "When you've cleared the table, I expect you in my room…undressed." Ichigo held back his smile and nodded. It was going to be alright, Uncle Sou still liked him after all.

The brown hair swept back of Aizen's face with a swish of his hand he listened to the boy visit the bathroom to use the toilet and brush his teeth. The hollow kitchen echoed the sounds of chinking cups and clattering tea spoons around the back ground hiss of boiling kettles. When silence reigned again only the echo of bare feet punctuating the silence. Steady steps closed in on the bedroom and a happy looking teenager entered with a mug of hot tea as a peace offering.

Aizen watched the lithe naked creature approach his side of the bed and place down his tea. The fine row of developing abs moved swiftly beneath the skin and the boy smiled nervously for the attention to his fully naked body, after all with jeans on, the watchers eyes didn't usually dart down between his legs and watch his member swing as he walked.

"You are turning into a very fine man." Aizen's fingers reached out to touch Ichigo on his abdomen lightly. The making of fine ginger hair was growing from his belly button in a line down to his sprinkled groin. "A splendid man." Aizen added letting his fingers trail down the faint line until he could cup the balls. Ichigo stood still under the inspection, an element of caution in his belly. His confidence from the day of his birthday had vanished and he had no cocky remarks to make today.

Aizen snapped his book closed making the boy jump and he looked at him with new eyes. Virginal teen restored it seemed. It was like looking at Ichigo the first day he's seen him naked and taken that religious spot of his unspoilt cherry. This child really was special. He took his hand away from the boys body and opened the covers. Widening the gap in his legs, he patted the empty space and waited for Ichigo to sit crossed legged in the space. He turned him around to face the wall mirror and spoke to him looking through the reflection.

"I wanted to see you do it...touching yourself" Aizen smiled and trailed a gentle finger down the boys jaw. "You are so beautiful when you come. I want to see you in the rapture of pleasure." Ichigo's blush heightened when Aizen leaned him back and breathed into his ear. "Touch yourself." He whispered taking the boys hands and placing them over his chest. "Show me."

The teen rubbed his whole hands over his chest, letting his palms rub against his rapidly ripe nipples in circles. Being watched was bad enough, but seeing himself felt very odd. His embarrassed face tried to hide behind closed eyes, but Aizen pulled his head back against his bigger stronger chest. "Look at me. You must look at me the whole time." The boys chestnut eyes opened quickly and received the approval smile of his Uncle. The man's hands rested on his lifted knees and he watched the boy begin to pluck and twist his pink buds. One hand stayed to work each bud harder with tight twists and flicks of his nail whilst his other hand began to trail slowly down to his aroused groin. Aizen could feel the moment Ichigo's breathing hitched and increased, the way his torso moved and rocked. How his head rested back but jostled in ceaseless unease and wanting.

The boy alternated between a slow tug on his foreskin to a quick squeeze of his testicles to the point his arousal was pointing to the heaven it was craning to feel. Both of his hands slid along his thighs towards the sensitive seam under his groin. He rubbed and pressed the area whilst rubbing back against his chest. The first free moan floated into the air and Aizen's palms itched just to move to the boys thighs and rub in slow circles from his knees to his balls, the thumbs pressing harder with each slow move upwards. His own nipples hardened under the wriggling body pressing against him and his hot clammy erection pressed with pleasure between the two writhing men.

"I love watching you." Aizen breathed into his ear, sending shivers down the boys spine and causing the red flush again to increase on his cheeks. "You're so tempting." Aizen pulled the boys legs wide apart and listened to his pants as he tugged harder on his red tipped penis. Precum dribbled out as he slid his other hand over his balls, cupping and manipulating them. His excitement was making him sweat and pant harder. His mouth open gaping in air with his tongue licking or biting the bottom lip. Aizen spread him further, far enough to see that bud clenching and unclenching.

Ichigo watched in the mirror, as Sosuke took one of his hands and rose it to his own mouth. His long pink tongue welcomed the long slender fingers and he wrapped them in a cocoon of moisture. With urging pressure, he pushed the hand back down and towards that coiled puckered entrance. Ichigo moaned as he pushed one finger inside himself. He thrust it in and out as he yanked on his cock, the thumb running over the head and pushing himself onward into the pit of abandon. Another finger and Aizen began to press his hips back and forth behind him, sending Ichigo into a groaning wanting mess. His fingers delved quicker and his panting turned into low trembling moans as his speed heightened. The whispering in his ear and the rough tugging of Aizen's fingers on his nipples was utter bliss, he almost didn't want to come it felt so good he wanted it to go on and on.

Aizen watched the boy intently as he blinked and sucked his bottom lip hard. His breathing was fast and furious and his abdomen was rippling with the need to explode.

"Do you love me Ichigo?" Aizen teased with his lips fastening on the boys earlobe and feeling him too gone to do anything more than an erratic nod. "Come for me Ichigo. Show me that face."

The boy cried out with a loud guttural groan, his load shot over his hand and he leaned back into the chest as his body was ravaged by the spasm of muscles. His face was contorted into the heavenly tortured look of nirvana and his breathing shuddered almost to a stop.

"You're my beautiful boy." Aizen's voice was filled with the heavy lilt of lust and he watched the child calm in his arms. "I want you."

Ichigo moved to all fours, his shaky arms making sure he could see in the mirror as Aizen gently entered him. Their eyes stared into the reflection and enjoyed the gaze of wanting each other. Aizen was gentle and careful with his aim. Ichigo's prostrate screamed happily at the friction and the boy groaned and thrust his hips back. The sound was all Aizen needed and he tugged the boy by his shoulders and held him upright against his chest as he pounded into the tight hole over and over. The boys beautiful face caught in full glory in the mirror against him again and the captain tugged on Ichigo's already erect penis, thrusting in and out & up and down. Ichigo flew into a heady moaning state and was almost ready to come again, Aizen rushed ahead with a greater speed and watched in bliss as the boy again fell into the drunken stupor of climax. Aizen gave two more heady thrusts and came himself deep inside the boy panting with a please smile.

"Such a special boy."

Although Ichigo didn't make any comment to the rewarding words, his smile radiated to his whole being and his arms hugged the pair holding him upright. Aizen allowed the hold to continue for a minute longer than he would have normally; his perfect little pet's day was going to be filled with affirming gestures.

"Run ahead and prepare a shower for me."

Aizen took his time in the bedroom, deciding what clothes to wear and think about what they would to today. With a simple plan in mind, he stepped into the bathroom and noted with pride the warming to towels, the shampoo and body wash bottles where standing with their lids off, a bath robe hung on the door and the water was steaming in billowing clouds from the shower cubical. A mat was on the floor to protect against the cool wood on bare feet and the naked boy turned to the spectacled man with a smile as he placed a fresh wash cloth inside the shower.

"It is ready?" He asked and the boy nodded. Aizen dropped the pyjama bottoms to the floor he had pulled on and handed Ichigo his glasses. Ichigo carefully laid the glasses on the sink and picked up up the discarded clothing. He was about to leave the room with them when Aizen's voice called him. "You will wash me down." Ichigo looked at the hands holding the body wash and clothe out for him. Ichigo looked down at himself in a mental check of being naked before stepping into the water. Now that he knew how much his Uncle like watching him, he wasn't going to deny the man he adored anything that meant his happiness. Of course washing him was only returning the care that had been bestowed on him and he was keen to please again.

The wash clothe moved in hands with broad wide strokes over the muscled shoulders, the suds ran down the banks of fine toned meat and Ichigo watched the bubbles spill over the firm buttocks. His hands enjoyed this unrestrained exploration of his Uncles body and he didn't miss an inch of his back and sides in his cleaning. He knelt down in the shower to wash each leg, going with increasing care as he moved higher. Aizen turned with a smile and looked down at him. "Use your hands now for this." A flick of his pools of brown indicated his cock that was gaining in length as he spoke. Ichigo let the cloth fall from his hands and he dribbled a small amount of bubbles on his hands and reached up between his Uncles legs.

Aizen watched the boy nervously swallow as his hands swept with a firm stroke between his legs. He adjusted his stance so he could reach and clean him fully. Clearly the rising erection was making the boy wary as he kept glancing at its proximity to his face. Aizen smiled to himself, amused at how the boy tilted his head away and glared at it as if it would burst into flames as any moment.

But he seemed to be grabbing hold of his determination as he looked at it for the last time with a frown and steady hands made their soapy way towards the ball sac. Aizen moaned lightly exhaling a long breath as the boy encased his testicles in soapy hands and rolled them around his palm. His curious gaze looked up. Although they'd done it in the mirror and his backside still felt the slimy affects, Ichigo couldn't help but be taken by the look of wonder passing over his Uncle's face. His eyes were closed, his mouth open and his breathing changed as his hand slid along the now upstanding cock. It seemed amazing the he was the one able to make his Uncle look like that. His hands made him moan. Still looking and waiting for a response, he tentatively opened his mouth and took the tip inside his lips. The tall man groaned louder and opened his mouth to draw in air, his eyes closed tighter and hips thrust gently. Ichigo took the organ deeper and fingers clenched in his hair, the deep pools of brown opened and smiled down at the creature at his feet. A smile passed his lips as the boy took his whole length and slid out riding his tongue along a prominent vein.

The child looked so incredible, Aizen wanted to devour him right away. So keen to please and wide eyed with wonder at his feet, he just looked so innocent. With his cock sliding in and out of his mouth, eyes fixed on his and that tongue wrapping around the responsive head, Aizen was brought to a full tilt. He bent to kiss the boy, guiding him up to his feet and tasting a tang of bubble-sperm soup on his lips. Turning him against the cool shower walls, he knew there was no need to stretch him, having only taken him a short while ago. Indeed his long thick member slid between the boys cute cheeks easily to its hilt. A long guttural groan left his lips and he pulled out to plunge back into the delightful encasing cavern. The boy shuddered as his prostrate was jabbed and his finger tips clenched onto the slippery walls for any kind of purchase. His feet stumbled with the strong thrusts, but it felt more than good, and already aroused from watching his Uncle earlier, he wasn't going to take long to reach his limit.

Aizen felt the boy clench around him and his body jerk heavily as his load hit the wall. A smile of satisfaction fuelled his lust. The boy hadn't even needed to touch his cock to come, his prowess was that good. He tugged himself free and turned Ichigo around to see that heady spent face. He kissed him again and pressed him backwards against the tile, his hands reaching for his thighs and hoisting his legs aloft over his arms. Ichigo startled at the speed his Uncle took him, the position brought new meaning to deep and he cried out wrapping his arms around the brown headed man's neck as each pound into him sent him crazy having not yet fully come down. His cock was rammed between their chests and the friction was sending him toward yet another climax. Aizen soaked up the yells of wonder screamed in his ear as he directed each hit to strike that gland of joy in the boys passages. Wild and hungry grunts left his lips as he powered himself upward into the kid and as the boy jerked and let out a final scream coming between them, a blinding flash hit him and he stumbled and pushed them both into the wall trying to stay upright. He breathed harshly into the boys neck and stood there waiting until he had calmed enough.

Ichigo looked at him with a funny grin and shook his head. "Whoa." He chuckled.

Aizen leaned in and bestowed a soft kiss.

...

After the exploits in the bathroom they fell into a lazy haze in the garden. Ichigo laid on a soft beach towel. The sun shone down on his almost naked body and he hummed contented in the warmth. Aizen lay on his side, flipping the pages of his book. He looked over as the boy sighed and drummed his fingers on his abdomen.

"Wouldn't it suck to be blind." He stated the random phrase.

"I should think so."

"I mean, look at that sky." He pointed upwards and Aizen's eye followed his. "It would be awful to be stuck blind and in an endless night time. You might feel the sun on your face, but you'd never get to see the blue sky and fluffy clouds."

"That would be a bother." Aizen looked at the prefect skyline and nodded his agreement.

"You see those fancy paintings in the galleries and they all do these amazing clouds. Wouldn't it be great to have a picture of this huge sky, I mean you'd have to hang it from the ceiling and it'd be sooo cool!" He grinned.

"Could you not live in a world of night time? Do you not think you would get used to it?"

"Nah. I'd hate it. Its like the rain, that makes me feel miserable and remember losing my mum. But sunny days like this... they're the best."

"The sun brings a sense of ease and pleasure." Aizen summed up nodding to himself. "I'd paint you a sky. A huge dome covered in sky you could look up at and admire."

"Yeah?" He laughed. "Where'd you find a dome then?"

"I am a man of many means Ichigo."

"Right. Change the world for the greater good. Yeah what ever." He rolled over and let his back get the sun. With his arms crossed beneath his chin he sighed content. "So how do ya make the world better?"

"You eliminate those with ill intent. Breed an army of strength that can complete the job with the smallest of fuss and be obedient to their leader. Ensure all those that would oppose and stop progress are taken out."

"Yeah sounds like a perfect plan."

"But on the other side, there is room for the common man to be united with his loved ones. Justice can rule fairly and responsibility only given to those who would use it wisely. You and I would be able to live freely without the worry of others saying it is wrong."

"I won't be 15 for ever."

"It is not just a matter of your age is it."

"What, we're both guys?" Ichigo looked at his Uncle. "I don't mind that so much. Girls are kinda weird. Keigo goes mad for girls with boobs, but... it freaks me out." He laid his head down again. "I heard some guys causing trouble calling some bloke a fag cos he was wearing a pink shirt. They followed him and kept yelling all these names."

"So what did you do?"

"I don't usually have to do anything, they see me and my hair and I'm usually next on their hit list." He shrugged. "Don't bother me, I've got used to it. Dad's thinks he' training me, but I have to admit, that if he wasn't trying to drop kick me every other day, I'd be screwed. These guys think they're so tough, but Chado and I can take four or five out in one go. He calls me amigo. That's Spanish for..."

"Friend. I know. Tu eres mi mejor juguete." Aizen whispered leaning over to kiss the soft pink smiling lips.

"What'd ya say?"

"Can't you guess?" Aizen smiled letting his hand run up the heated tanned skin of the boys back. "Doblar una y quiero poner mi vara dentro de ti profunda y difícil. Quiero oír tus gritos de misericordia."

"Sound cool!" Ichigo nodded his approval.

"Erm talk and no play makes Uncle Sosuke very boring." The man said closing his book and rolling on top of the laughing boy.

...

They'd had a hard fight, Ichigo had been taken by Uncle Sou's bitterness, the shock of finding out about all that had gone on behind his back. The man he had admired wasn't what or who he thought he was... Just watching him push his hand into Rukia's chest. Those cold eyes and that smile. It hadn't ever been a smile like that, a smile that didn't only freeze your soul it sent you to hell too.

It was unfair.

How could he? How could Sou do this to him? Cut him so deep with a sword as if trying to kill him?

Ichigo didn't understand.

Ichigo defied the excruciating pain in his body and watched the man he had learnt to love float up and away from him. It was bad enough that he'd been struck down and physically torn apart by his Unclies sword, but to learn of him as a traitor what happened to a better world and all those promises he made? Wasn't he wanted any more? Wasn't he good enough? Why? Why was he going without him? His heart clenched with even more pain than his physical wounds, as his Uncle stared at him with cold calculating eyes. He promised. He promised he wouldn't leave. Uncle Sou! Don't go, don't leave me alone again...

Orihime's healing magic did wonders, stitching the very fabric of his soul back together again. He lay in the hospital bed resting, tired to the bone from all his fights. At lease he could take some comfort from this being a bed and not the dirty underground sewers. Hanataro sat on vigil beside his bed, but he'd never felt so alone in all his life.

"You should sleep Ichigo-san. You'll feel so much better tomorrow."

"Could you... You know give me some space for a while?" Ichigo asked the sweet natured boy. The kid looked nervously at him and at the door and hesitantly nodded. His little body slid through the opening and closed the door behind him.

The darkness of the room swelled around him and Ichigo knew the darkness was just as bleak inside him too. That void was there, huge and black and scary as shit. The loneliness consuming and ripping at his composure; tearing down the last of his defences. His eyes closed the tears rolled down his face; huge fat droplets of water saturated in unadulterated self-pity. Had he not been good enough in the end? Hadn't he tried hard enough? Had he been hated and unwanted all this time really? It was a big joke at his expense and Uncle Sou was now laughing at his foolishness.

His balled up fists thumped the bed and he shook his legs and yelled into the pillow in rage. Rage gave way to tears and he sobbed heartily without being able to hold back. The hurt just wanted to pour right out of him, seep into the world and infect everyone else. Uncle Sou... Did you hate me that much?