Linake let out a low moan as she felt Kenpachi's lips press against the side of her neck. Kenpachi raised his left hand up, grabbing her breast; he gently palmed the soft mound in his hand. Kenpachi pulled her closer to him with his right arm that was draped across the top of her stomach. Linake found herself smiling as she felt Kenpachi's hard body pressing against her, both of his arms wrapped tightly around her, the feel of his muscular chest, the heat from his kiss; she'd never felt more safe than when she woke up in Kenpachi's arms.

"Mornin'..." Kenpachi growled in her ear, making Linake open her eyes as a deep shiver overtook her.

"Good Morning." Linake replied softly, her mind still a bit hazy from sleep. The two of them hadn't stayed up as late as usual, after their intense bought of lovemaking the two had shared a bath together, enjoying more moments of intimacy, more conversation about the days to come and how they both looked forward to seeing their son come into the world.

Kenpachi continued to caress Linake as the two of them lay in bed, seeming to enjoy the calm silence that surrounded them; nothing was better than taking the time to enjoy every minute spent together before duty called. Linake turned her body in Kenpachi's arms, wanting to look at him.
Kenpachi met her gaze as she laid flat on her back giving him a view of the curves he had been palming. Kenpachi pulled his left arm from under her, using it to prop himself up on his elbow.

"Almost time to start the drills for today, isn't it?" Linake asked him.

Kenpachi nodded.

"I don't want you comin' along anymore." Kenpachi stated, his gaze meeting hers.

Linake's brow lifted in confusion at his abrupt statement; she'd been going on runs with the squad for months, why would it matter now?
Kenpachi placed his right palm against Linake's lower abdomen and realization hit her rather hard.

"Don't want you over doin' it." Kenpachi explained.

Linake smiled softly at him; lifting her left hand she cupped the side of his masculine face.

"The run shouldn't be a problem for me." Linake replied.

Kenpachi shook his head, his gaze narrowing at her a little, letting her know he meant business.

"No more training, Woman. I ain't takin' any chances with the two of you." Kenpachi countered as he caressed her stomach gently.

"Okay." Linake relented; deciding not to start an argument over something that in the long run wouldn't matter.

"I gotta make sure you and the kid stay safe." Kenpachi sighed.

"I understand, Kenpachi." Linake answered as she brushed her fingers across Kenpachi's jawline.

Kenpachi smiled down at her from his propped up position, the sides of his eyes lifting, showing her his smile was one of complete happiness; something that still elated Linake down to her bones, just seeing the man smile so fully made her heart rate accelerate.

Kenpachi leaned his body into her, pressing his mouth over hers, taking a kiss from his woman. When Linake kissed him back Kenpachi felt the rush of emotion over take him. Just kissing Linake had become one of his favorite pastimes, something that still made his head spin when he really took the time to think about it.

Kenpachi allowed his right hand to lower, caressing the soft skin of Linake's outer thigh, the woman's soft skin made his fingers twitch every time he touched her, yearning to explore her, to make her cry out in pleasure for him. Kenpachi pulled back from their kiss before he got sidetracked and the simple kiss turned into much more. Linake tilted her head back on the pillow, meeting Kenpachi's gaze. Kenpachi grinned as he stared into her deep blue eyes; he noticed the way they were shining, showing him her own happiness.

"You sleep good?" Kenpachi asked.

Linake half-laughed at him, thinking the question had come out of left field.

"Yeah, I slept fine." Linake answered; thinking that Kenpachi looked way too damn handsome in the morning with his hair tousled from sleep, his green eyes still heavy.

Linake raised her brow, watching Kenpachi push himself up from the bed. At first she figured he was getting up to start his day, leaving her to yet another day by herself with nothing to do. Kenpachi reached his hand out, stripping Linake of the blanket that was covering them both. Linake's breath hitched in her chest and a wide smile spread across her lips when she realized his intention. Kenpachi braced himself on his hands, framing Linake's hips on either side, he lowered his face to her stomach; pressing a soft kiss to her lower abdomen.

"You feel anythin' yet?" Kenpachi asked as he lifted his right hand and caressed her whole stomach, enjoying the feel of her smooth skin under his palm.

"No. Not yet." Linake answered as she lifted her hand to play with Kenpachi's hair.

"We still need a name, Woman." Kenpachi stated.

Linake smiled as she heard him, it seemed the topic of names wasn't going to end until the two of them came to a decision. Linake understood why Kenpachi was adamant about it; he wanted their son to have something he was never given.

"He'll be here soon, so I guess we should pick something." Linake replied.

"What kind of name do you want? I'm sure you'll want it to have some meaning..." Linake continued.

Kenpachi came down on his arms, allowing his forearms to frame Linake's hips. Linake laughed when she felt Kenpachi press his lips just under her belly button, the motion tickling her skin a little. Kenpachi seemed to get lost in thought as he kept kissing her. Linake continued to run her fingers through his raven hair, making the moment between them even more enjoyable for Kenpachi. Kenpachi lifted his head, meeting Linake's gaze.

"He'll be strong, like me, I want his name to stand for strength." Kenpachi answered.

Linake smiled as she nodded her head; thinking that should have been obvious.

"Ken means strong; it could also kind of be a namesake to you?" Linake offered.

Kenpachi shook his head.

"I want him to have something else; something that's completely his." Kenpachi replied.

Linake nodded in understanding, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth she nibbled as she thought, not sure of any other names that meant or had to do with strength; maybe she should see if one of the library's had a book of names?

Kenpachi lifted his head, catching Linake's attention by the way his lips parted.

"You think of something?" She asked.

"Takeo." Kenpachi answered.

Linake smiled, liking the way the name sounded. Deciding to give it a try she spoke it out loud.

"Takeo Zaraki."

Kenpachi nodded; the left side of his mouth lifting.

"What does Takeo mean?" Linake asked him.

"Strong like bamboo." Kenpachi answered.

Linake chuckled, nodding her head, thinking to herself if her son took after his father in any way, it would be a fitting name.

"It's perfect." Linake smiled; loving the fact that Kenpachi had actually came up with the name himself, making it that much more special.
Kenpachi leaned his head back down, pressing his lips against Linake's stomach one more time.

"We'll be seein' you soon, Takeo." Kenpachi spoke to his son as emotions unlike anything he had ever felt assaulted him, making him feel more than out of place.

"Come here, Kenpachi." Linake called out to him, seeing the way he was reacting to the moment; she knew he wouldn't ask for her comfort, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to give it to him; fatherhood was going to be a big step for Kenpachi, something the man had never imagined having for himself.

Kenpachi raised himself up on the bed, keeping his weight braced on his arms he allowed his hips to slide between Linake's legs as she spread them, wrapping them around his lower back as her soft hands lifted and framed his face. Linake lifted her head from the pillow, pressing her lips against his, hard.

Kenpachi kissed back without any hesitation. Kenpachi allowed his eyes to close as he gave into the strange emotions that filled him; he wanted nothing more than to stay with Linake all day, just laying in bed and holding her, but he had a squad to train.

"I love you, woman." Kenpachi growled against her lips.

"I love you, too." Linake whispered back.

"I've gotta get goin'." Kenpachi explained before pushing himself up to his knees.

Linake watched Kenpachi as he stood from the futon and made his way to his wardrobe. The view of her husband's naked body making her bite her lip with appreciation; even Kenpachi's ass was solid muscle. Linake let out a snort-it's no wonder we're having a baby, I can't keep my eyes off of him, let alone my greedy hands!

"Kenpachi?" Linake called out to him as she thought about something.

Kenpachi turned his body to face her. Linake smiled at him as he tucked the top of his Shihakusho into his bottoms.

"What is it?" Kenpachi asked when she didn't speak.

Linake seemed to be hesitating and Kenpachi wasn't sure why.

"I was just wondering something..." Linake continued.

"Spit it out, Woman, you know I don't like guessin'." Kenpachi encouraged her in his own way as he grabbed his captain's haori from the back of the chair.
Kenpachi's gaze lowered to the bagged up dress; a part of him wanted to take a peek pretty badly, even though he didn't understand why, but she had made it clear it was supposed to be a surprise for him-I'll see her in it soon enough...

"How many kids would you like to have?" Linake asked making Kenpachi lift his head in surprise.

Kenpachi's brow furrowed as he met Linake's gaze. His mouth lifted into a cocky half grin as he tossed his captain's haori over his wide shoulders.

"As many as you're willin' to give me, Wife." Kenpachi answered with a grin.

Linake laughed at her husband's answer, the thought of giving him more children in the future filling her with joy; it seemed Takeo was going to be the first of many children for her and Kenpachi.


Linake smiled to herself as she walked down the dirt pathway; heading towards the squad 1 barracks. Not what she had seen Kenpachi and the rest of her squad off for the morning drills, she figured she would take it upon herself to tackle the next big issues—Amaya.

Linake let out a deep sigh, her smile fading a little as she thought about her best friend's situation. Sometimes Linake found herself feeling a bit guilty, thinking that maybe the other officers really did treat her with more respect—is it because I'm with Kenpachi? Do they actually respect me or is their kindness out of nothing more than fear of my husband?

Amaya had chosen to be with the soul society's 'bad boy' a man who had been imprisoned for many crimes against the others who had lived here for centuries. Linake knew raw emotions and past grudges wouldn't be healed simply by telling people Aizen had changed; they would have to see it for themselves.
Linake shook her head as her mind began to race. Even with Aizen's past; Amaya had fallen in love with him and Linake knew more than anyone how hard it was to control the feelings one had for another. Even so, Amaya shouldn't be punished for something she had nothing to do with. Aizen had spent many years locked inside the Muken. As far as Linake was concerned; Sosuke Aizen had done his time.

Even Kenpachi seemed to think that Aizen was on a better path now that he and Amaya had found one another. Love was one of the strongest forces on earth, so strong it could make someone act on impulse, doing things one wouldn't normally do.

"I have faith in him, and because of that, I'm willing to fight for them!" Linake stated with a curt nod of her head as she rounded the corner on the pathway.

"Good morning, Mrs. Zaraki."

Linake paused; lifting her head she met the soft brown gaze of Kensei Muguruma.

"Good Morning, Captain Muguruma." Linake smiled warmly as she went to pass him by.

"Linake?" she heard him call out to her, making her stop and turn to face him.

"Is everything okay?" Linake asked, now noticing the way he was averting his gaze from her as if he felt uncomfortable about something.

"Tell your husband there are no hard feelings." Kensei stated.

Linake's lips parted as her jaw fell, her brow lifting in complete confusion—no hard feelings? Had something happened between them?

"I'm sorry; I didn't realize there was anything to have hard feelings about?" Linake countered.

Kensei let out a deep sigh, lifting his left hand to the back of his neck; the man was carrying so much tension in his shoulders she found herself feeling a bit sorry for him.

"Shit. Guess he didn't even think it was worth talking to you about…" Kensei replied.

"I guess so…I wasn't aware that the two of you had even had an altercation." Linake answered honestly.

"Sorry. I should have just told him myself; don't worry about it." Kensei added as he went to walk away.

"Captain, if you don't mind me asking, what exactly was this about?" Linake asked.

Kensei paused, turning his head across his left shoulder.

"Sosuke Aizen." Kensei answered.

Linake felt her stomach lurch at the mention of the very man she was on her way to defend; it seemed Amaya and Aizen were quite popular all of a sudden.

"I see." Linake replied; intending to leave the conversation at that, but when Kensei spoke again Linake found herself in yet another uncomfortable situation.

"I made some comments; your husband seems to think Sosuke Aizen is a changed man all because of that woman he's with." Kensei added.

Linake allowed her eyes to close, reminding herself that Kensei Muguruma was a man Aizen had fouled in a very serious way many years before.

"I would have to agree with my husband. Amaya has been a very positive thing for Sosuke." Linake countered.

"I'm not trying to insult the woman, but, this isn't something that can just be let go overnight." Kensei sighed.

Linake nodded; her features must have been easy for Kensei to read.

" Shit…I can tell I upset you. Look, I just wanted to clear the air, I'm not saying I'm right or wrong here." Kensei continued.

"It's fine." Linake replied; deciding to give the man a bit of a break, it would do no good to start another argument.

"I figured Kenpachi would have talked to you about this, you two seem like the type of couple who shares everything." Kensei half smiled.

Linake nodded to him.

"We do, but Kenpachi was a bit sidetracked yesterday afternoon…" Linake smiled fully.

Kensei's brow rose as he smiled.

"Yeah, I guess with the ceremony and all you two have been pretty preoccupied." Kensei assumed.

Linake met Kensei's gaze and shrugged her shoulders at him.

"I think it has more to do with us finding out that I'm pregnant." Linake announced.

"No shit?" Kensei blurted; his gaze lowering to Linake's stomach, a full smile spreading across the man's lips.

Linake chuckled; a conversation that had started out awkward among comrades had now transitioned into something a whole lot easier.

"Congratulations…" Kensei stated.

"Thank you." Linake replied softly; allowing her head to lower.

"I told that husband of yours he was a lucky bastard. I'd like to come to the ceremony still if it's alright?" Kensei added.

Linake raised her gaze to him and nodded her head, understanding that when it came to Kensei Muguruma it was going to take more than just time to help him come to terms with the changes, he would have to see for himself that Sosuke was a changed man and maybe one day they would be able to see eye to eye, and if not, hopefully it wouldn't lead to more future conflict.

"The fact you weren't at the end of Kenpachi's blade means you didn't piss him off enough for him to hold a grudge against you; so, I think it would be okay." Linake answered.

Kensei let out a laugh as he nodded, realizing his earlier statement had been for nothing. Linake was right; Kenpachi Zaraki wouldn't have walked away from him if he'd taken the argument seriously, either the squad 11 captain hadn't been affected by Kensei's show of anger, or the cocky bastard didn't classify Kensei as an opponent worthy of fighting him.

"Yeah, I guess you're right." Kensei replied with a slight grin.

Linake tilted her head to the side as she watched Kensei stand there, seeming to be lost in thought. Linake wondered how she would have reacted if someone who had betrayed her had been freed, would she be just as bitter, or would she be able to one day let go of the past?

" I'm actually on my way to speak with the Head Captain on Sosuke's behalf." Linake admitted, courious to see Kensei's reaction.

Kensei turned his head, giving Linake his profile, his brow furrowing deeply.

"What else is there to talk about? He's already been released..." Kensei sighed.

"Amaya and Aizen wish to marry; just like Kenpachi and me. I was told they have been denied the same privilage of having a ceremony that was given to me." Linake answered.

Kensei let out a sarcastic laugh; Linake could see there was no real humor behind it and it make her frown-was Amaya right in her reasoning? Would nobody show up to support them even if they did have permission?

Kensei allowed his head to turn, once again meeting Linake's gaze.

" You're a good friend, Linake, Amaya is lucky to have you." Kensei replied, surprising Linake with his words.

Linake turned her gaze away from him; once again the subject had been brought back to her, when all she wanted was recognition for Amaya.

"Yes, I guess she is, it seems I am all she will ever have." Linake answered before deciding to leave the conversation at that.

Kensei watched as Linake gave him her back, he wasn't sure what it was, the expression on her face or the final sentience she had muttered before walking away but it made Kensei realize something-Zaraki had been right about his statement, Kensei hadn't even given Amaya Mori the benefit of the doubt.

"Amaya should be able to have what you have; I'll say that, even if I don't agree with her choice of husband." Kensei called out to Linake, making her pause on the pathway.

Linake didn't bother to turn her head back to the man, the simple fact Kensei had managed to admit that Amaya was not to blame for his situation was enough for Linake-this is progress!

"Thank you, Captain." Linake replied with a smile.


"Captain Zaraki?"

Kenpachi turned his head when hearing his 3rd seat address him. The men had just arrived back from their morning run and were about to start sparing practice. Kenpachi had decided to check up on his wife, but when he'd stepped into the room, Linake wasn't there.

Kenpachi frowned down at his subordinate, not liking the fact Linake had taken off without telling him were she was going. Now that Kenpachi knew she was carrying their son his worry for the woman was increasing by the hour. As Kenpachi had run with the men thoughts of Linake having complications with the pregnancy started to run though his mind-is it normal to worry so much?

"What is it?" Kenpachi sighed heavily at Yumichika.

Yumichika narrowed his gaze at Kenpachi, his lips pursing slightly as he realized something was bothering his captain.

"I was going to ask to take a peek at Linake's dress..." Yumichika answered; the 3rd seat wanting to make a final decision of the color choice for the Hakama he was having made for the man.

"It's on the back of the chair, knock yourself out..." Kenpachi answered as he began to step away, thinking he needed to keep his mind busy.

"Captain?" Yumichika called out; making Kenpachi grunt in frustration as he turned back to meet Yumichika's gaze.

"She will be fine, Captain." Yumichika assured him, knowing very well what had Kenpachi twisted up in knots; Kenpachi had confided in both him and Ikkaku earlier that morning, informing them both that Linake was carrying their first child.

"Go look at the damn dress, Yumichika." Kenpachi growled back at him, not in the mood to hear his reassurances.

Yumichika smiled, thinking he knew just what to do; there was only one other man in the soul society who had walked in the same shoes as his captain-I think I'll stop by squad 6 on my way back from the tailor.


Linake stood patiently, waiting for the head captain to arrive in the great hall. Nanao had answered the door with a smile of her face, another congratulations and another formal addressing-Linake wasn't sure if she would ever get used to being called 'Mrs Zaraki.'

Linake lifted her right hand, placing it over her stomach as she waited, the news about her pregnancy still so fresh in her mind, but at least her and Kenpachi had made one big decision already; their son had a name!

"Good morning, Linake." Shunsui greeted her as he stepped into the large room, his voice echoing off the empty space.

"Good Morning, Head Captain." Linake replied with a smile.

"What can I do for you?" Shunsui stated as he closed the distance between them to stand in front of her.

Linake squared her shoulders, inhaling a deep breath.

"I had a conversation with Amaya yesterday while looking for my dress. She told me you refused to allow her and Aizen to have a ceremony?" Linake asked.

Linake watched as Shunsui averted his gaze, his expression looking guilty.

"I did deny them. You see, Amaya and Aizen are different, Linake..." Shunsui started to explain.

Linake held up her hand as she shook her head.

" Amaya should be given the same opportunity that I have been given." Linake countered.

Shunsui allowed his large shoulders to slump; he had been expecting this, the two women were like two pea's in a pod, one didn't do anything without the other knowing about it.

"Hell, Linake. I was trying to make it easier for Amaya. You and Captain Zaraki are going to have just about everyone in the soul society and even some from the human world coming to your ceremony. How do you think Amaya is going to feel when only a handful of people show up for hers?" Shunsui countered.
Linake sighed; understanding where the man was coming from, but it still didn't change anything for Linake.

"Those handful of people should be given the option to see them, don't you think?" Linake pressed.

Shunsui found himself smiling down at the woman. Linake had come a long way in such a short time; already Shunsui could see the woman's confidence coming to the surface and Shunsui figured it had a lot to do with her husband; spend enough time around a man like Zaraki and his confidence is bound to rub off on you.

"I didn't realize Amaya was upset about this, she seemed to agree with me when we spoke about it." Shunsui offered.

Linake snorted.

"She said the same to me; It's Sosuke who is upset on her behalf and I agree with him. Sosuke just wants it be fair; for Amaya to get the same opportunity and treatment as I have been given." Linake replied.

"Well, alright then. I'll send a message over to squad 2 giving them my permission." Shunsui agreed.

Linake smiled warmly at the head captain, a bit surprised that he had decided to change his mind so easily. Linake had been prepared to fight tooth and nail for her best friend and she hadn't even needed Rukia's assistance.

"Is there anything else you wanted to talk about?" Shunsui asked, his brows rising, a warm knowing smile spreading across his lips.

Linake met the man's gaze, her smile deepening.

"I take it Captain Kurotsuchi informed you of our discovery." Linake laughed.

Shunsui nodded; reaching his hands up over Linake's shoulders. Linake felt the man squeeze her quite affectionately before pulling her into an embrace. Linake allowed the show of affection from the man even though she hadn't expected it.

"I'm very happy for you two." Shunsui spoke softly before releasing Linake from his hug.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Zaraki!" Nanao called out to her from the other side of the room, her lips lifted in one of the warmest smiles Linake had ever witnessed the woman give.

"Thank you, both of you." Linake smiled.

"Well, now that we know the news, there is something we should talk about." Shunsui informed her.

Linake's brow rose.

"What's that?" She asked.

"Well, traditionally you and Zaraki would be drinking Sake from three glasses upon the alter. With the news, I'm thinking we might need to make a change?" Shunsui asked.

Linake's lips parted at the head captains concern for her unborn son.

" Would that be in bad taste?" Linake asked, not wanting to offend their traditions, she could take small sips without hurting Takeo, that she was sure of.

"I don't think it would matter much; in fact I think Captain Zaraki would prefer it if I talked to him about it." Shunsui answered.

Linake nodded in understanding; the way she saw it her and Kenpachi had managed to do everything backwards anyway, what was one more change?
"I guess we could use water or something..." Linake offered.

Shunsui smiled.

"There is a spring not to far away from here; it's rumored to be blessed and bring whoever drinks from it good fortune, how about we take some water from there?" Shunsui offered.

Linake allowed herself to chuckle at the head captain, a man who had become more than a friend to her over the past couple months, in some ways she felt like she too had an uncle in Shunsui Kyoraku.

"I think that would be perfect." Linake agreed; feeling a wave of happiness wash over her-in one more day her and Kenpachi would be standing at the alter exchanging their vows and soon after that they would be welcoming their son into the world-I already feel more blessed in life than I could have ever imagined!