Yumichika stood patiently in the hallway of the squad 6 barracks. it hadn't taken him long to make a decision on the color of his captain's Hakama after seeing the light purple wedding dress Linake had picked out. Yumichika found himself smiling quite smugly as he pictured Linake wearing the dress for Kenpachi-I thought she had looked beautiful wearing that kimono; she will be absolutely stunning in that dress!

"Hey, Yumichika. What brings you this way?" Renji greeted the 3rd seat with a smile.

Yumichika met Renji's smile with one of his own. Turning his head, Yumichika nodded to the Squad 6 Captain, Byakuya Kuchiki before greeting the noblemen. Byakuya simply nodded back, not bothering to speak, seeming to be just as curious as Renji.

"I was wondering if you might do me a bit of a favor?" Yumichika asked; not even bothering to hide behind pretenses. Yumichika knew Kenpachi would never seek out advice from another on his own; sometimes his captain needed a little push...

"Sure. I'd be happy to help, is it something for the ceremony?" Renji asked.

Yumichika shook his head slightly before he replied.

"It would appear that my captain may be in need of some support." Yumichika answered with a smile.

Renji's brow rose as he took in Yumichika's reply.

"Not sure I know what your gettin' at?" Renji stated.

Yumichika let out a sigh as he rolled his eyes; figures the one squad who hadn't heard the news was squad 6.

" I am guessing the news hasn't traveled this far yet?" Yumichika asked.

Renji shook his head as he shrugged his shoulders; confusion growing on the man's features-what the hell is Yumichika talking about?

Byakuya kuchiki cleared his throat before turning his head to speak to his subordinate.

" I believe 3rd seat Ayasegawa wishes for you to be of support for Captain Zaraki, now that he and Linake are expecting."

Renji's eyes widened as he stared back at his captain, realizing why Yumichika had come to him; the only other man who had a child.

"Damn. So it did happen, I didn't expect it to happen so soon." Renji laughed.

"Id be more than happy to talk with Captain Zaraki, but you know how he is; I was surprised he even heard me out the first time..." Renji sighed.

"Yes, I am sure my Captain will be a bit...difficult at first. I am sure he just needs some reassurances." Yumichika replied.

Renji half-laughed.

"I'd be willing to give it a try at least; I'm sure he's going through a lot of the same things I went through when I first found out Rukia was pregnant with Ichika." Renji answered.

"It would be appreciated." Yumichika smiled.

"I never expected to see the day that Kenpachi Zaraki would become a father." Byakuya kuchiki commented.

Yumichika watched as the side of the squad 6 captain's lips lifted into what could only be described as a form of smile.

"Huh, you and me both, Captain Kuchiki." Renji stated.


Kenpachi let out a sigh of exasperation as he walked inside his captain's quarters. With the morning run over with, his squad was about to start sparring, but instead of being in the practice room, overseeing it he was here; standing in an empty room wondering just where the hell his wife had run off to?

Didn't the woman understand that he didn't like it when she wasn't around, when he didn't know if she was safe? Now that Kenpachi knew Linake was carrying Takeo his worry for the woman had been increasing. During the run his mind had wondered to a dark place; thoughts of Linake having complications and being hurt overwhelming him. In hindsight Kenpachi guessed it was normal to be worried; it wasn't everyday that you found out your life was about to change forever.

Kenpachi let out another sigh as he turned his body to face the doorway, with Linake not here he might as well go back and oversee his men.

"Captain Zaraki?"

Kenpachi lifted his gaze meeting a pair of steel grey eyes-the hell is he doin' here?

"May we have a moment of your time?" Byakuya asked, more politely than Kenpachi would have expected.

Kenpachi nodded as he stepped forward, not understanding why or what would make Kuchiki come callin'? As Kenpachi stepped out of the doorway to his and Lianke's room he noticed Ranji leaning against the building.

"Hey there, Captain Zaraki. We heard the good news; decided we'd like to take the father to be out for lunch." Renji smirked; hoping his approach would be taken the right way.

If Renji managed to keep things light and watched how he was speaking there was a chance Kenpachi wouldn't shut down on him; it was no secret the man would rather eat glass than actually talk about his emotions.

"My squad's in the middle of trainin'." Kenpachi countered; about to decline the offer, still wondering where the hell Linake could have run off to.

"I am sure that your Lieutenant is more than capable of taking over in your absence." Byakuya countered.

Kenpachi let out a sigh-what the hell, I could use a couple shots of Sake, just makes it sweeter knowing Kuchiki's flippin' the bill.


"Tomorrow's the big day! Are you getting excited?" Isane Kotetsu smiled warmly at Linake. It had been almost two months since the two women had been able to catch up with each other; Linake always so busy with training and her current sky charting.

Linake smiled at the woman as she helped re-stock the supplies cabinet with fresh rolls of bandages and disinfectant. It hadn't been that long ago when Linake herself had been considered an honorary member of squad 4; along with Amaya-time sure has seemed to fly by...

"Have you two gotten everything prepared for the ceremony?" Isane asked, meeting Linake's gaze as she bent down and grabbed another bottle of disinfectant and placed it on the shelf.

"Yes. To be honest, I haven't had to do very much. It seems Yumichika has been waiting for this day, he's taken everything into his own hands; I was informed this morning that invitations had been sent out to each squad captain, and the ceremony will be held in the squad 1 courtyard." Linake sighed.

"Yes, I received mine yesterday afternoon, It made me quite happy hearing that you and Captain Zaraki were granted a ceremony." Isane smiled.

Linake turned her head, looking around the room wanting to make sure that nobody else was in hearing range before she decided to ask her next question. For some reason over the past couple days Linake's mind had begun to wonder, wondering what one woman would have thought about the upcoming changes in Kenpachi's life.

"Isane?" Linake called out in question.

The squad 4 captain paused, lifting her head to meet Linake's gaze once more; sensing the change in the woman who stood next to her.

"Yes?" she replied with a smile.

"W...would she have been happy for us?" Linake blurted.

Isane stilled as she straightened her stance and averted her gaze from Linake while she thought about the woman's question.

"I have no doubt." Isane answered softly.

Linake exhaled a sigh of relief; Yachiru Unohana had been the one who had managed to give her husband a sense of purpose in life by seeking out the Kenpachi title and becoming captain of sqaud 11. While Linake felt the circumstances of their relationship to be bittersweet; Linake found herself feeling a sense fondness when she thought about Unohana-I may never understand it from their point of view, but I will always respect the woman, without her, Kenpachi may never have become the man he is today.

"I'm glad..." Linake whispered.

"Why did you ask? Is there something troubling you?" Isane asked, wanting to know if maybe Linake was having doubts about her and Kenpachi's marriage.

Linake smiled as she shook her head.

"I almost feel like I would be overstepping boundaries if I were to ask Kenpachi such a question. I would have liked to think that she would have been happy for him; but a part of me thought that maybe she would have resented me? I seem to be giving Kenpachi a whole different life." Linake answered.

Isane turned her body to face Linake and reached her hand out, gripping Linake's hand in hers, forcing Linake to meet the woman's gaze.

"Lady Unohana would have enjoyed knowing you, Linake. It's true my captain was a fierce woman who had common ground with Captain Zaraki, both of them enjoying battle to such a degree. On the other hand, my captain also had her fair share of compassion. Lady Unohana would have wanted Captain Zaraki to find his own sense of happiness, whatever it may be." Isane explained.

"I'm pregnant..." Linake blurted.

Isane's grey eyes widened as her lips parted.

"That is wonderful news!" Isane gushed as she pulled Linake into a tight hug.

Linake hugged Isane back, feeling relieved by the woman's reassurances.

"Thank you, Isane." Linake whispered.

"How did I not know about this? I mean, how did you find out?" Isane asked as he pulled away from Linake, but kept a grip on the woman's hands.

Linake smiled.

"I went to see Captain Kurotsuchi; I wasn't even sure if Kenpachi and I would be able to conceive. I figured he would have the answers I needed. When he examined me, I found out I was already pregnant." Linake explained.

Isane laughed happily.

"I can see your reasoning for seeking out Captain Kurotsuchi's expertise. Will he be overseeing your care for the remainder of your pregnancy?" Isane asked.

Linake shrugged her shoulders.

"The only thing he seemed to be interested in is the possibility of studying the baby after he is born." Linake answered.

Isane's smiled widened, her features showing how elated the squad 4 captain really was.

"I will take on the task myself, then. How far along are you?" Isane asked.

Linake bit her lower lip, feeling a bit embarrassed about how long she had gone without knowing she was pregnant.

" He will be here in about four months." Linake smiled.

Isane's eyes widened a little before she laughed.

"My goodness; Captain Zaraki didn't waist any time did he?" Isane joked.

Linake laughed, finding Isane's humor just the thing she needed to hear in the moment.

"I'm sorry, did you say "he"? Isane asked.

Linake nodded as she smiled.

"His name is Takeo." Linake answered.

Isane let out another burst of joyful laughter before she pulled Linake into another embrace.

"I have never been happier for another. You and Kenpachi were meant for each other, Linake. I have always felt this way from the moment I witnessed the way you looked at each other." Isane whispered.

"I'm glad you feel that way! Sometimes I wonder if maybe other's object, but keep their true feelings hidden in fear of Kenpachi's reaction." Linake admitted.

"Oh no! I can assure you that is not the case!" Isane pressed as she pulled back to meet Linake's gaze.

"Everyone I have spoken to is overjoyed that Kenpachi has accepted his feelings for you. The ceremony is all anyone seems to be talking about. I could understand you having these reservations if maybe someone had said something to you; but please, cast these doubts aside, Linake!" Isane interjected.

Linake nodded her head, allowing herself to breath a little easier; she had needed to have this conversation with Isane to put her mind at ease. Now that she had the reassurance from the woman, Linake felt that she could go forward without anymore reservations. Deep down Linake Knew that Kenpachi wouldn't care what others thought in the first place.

"Kenpachi's having a son! It's perfect! I can't help but wonder how strong he will become?" Isane stated; almost looking bewildered.

Linake couldn't hold back her laughter.

" That seems to be everyone's first reaction." Linake replied.

"Can you really blame us? With a mother who can control the elements and "The Kenpachi" as his father, there is really no telling what kind of power Takeo will inherit." Isane countered.

"Have you talked with Kenpachi about Captain Kurotsuchi studying him once he's born?" Isane asked.

Linake shook her head.

" I haven't yet. Everything is happening so fast! In a matter of days I've become a wife and a mother, this all feels so surreal to me sometimes; like I'm caught in a dream." Linake admitted.

Isane squeezed Linake's hands in hers tightly.

"Be happy, Linake. I am always here for you, you know that, right?" Isane asked.

"Yes. I know, and I thank you, Isane!"

"You're quite welcome. In fact, I would like to take you out to lunch, we can't let that baby boy go hungry!" Isane smiled.

Linake felt herself snort.

"Have you been talking to Kenpachi?" Linake laughed; knowing her comment would lead the conversation to more questions and talk about her pregnancy.

As the two women turned to leave the squad 4 barracks Linake found herself feeling even more excited about her and Kenpachi's future.


Kenpachi found himself sitting at a table in the restaurant Renji and Byakuya had led him to. The man wasn't sure what would possess the Captain and Lieutenant to make such a gesture; deep down he thought he knew who was responsible for the sudden invitation-Yumichika!

"Good afternoon, gentlemen." A small woman smiled as she appeared at the head of the table.

Kenapchi turned his head, look at the woman as she continued to speak.

"What could I start you out this today?" She asked.

"A bottle of Sake to start. I think I will take the lunch special myself." Renji stated.

"Excellent, and for you Captain Zaraki?" she asked as she turned her gaze to him.

Kenpachi's brow furrowed before he answered the woman.

"Gyudon; extra meat." Kenpachi answered.

"Certainly; and for you, Captain Kuchiki?" The woman asked, her green gaze moving to the handsome captain of squad 6.

" The lunch special should suffice for me as well." Byakuya answered.

" Of course. Will these be on separate bills?" She asked.

"Just one." Byakuya answered.

"Alright then. I will place your orders in and be back momentarily with the Sake." The woman stated before walking away from the three men.

Kenpachi turned his gaze forward once more.

"Tomorrow's the big day, Captain Zaraki. Are you ready?" Renji asked as the corner of his mouth lifted.

Kenpachi nodded, understanding well enough that this lunch was just an excuse to get him to talk.

"That's good. I remember how I felt the night before Rukia and I got married, I was so excited I could barley sleep." Renji admitted.

"Yeah..." Kenpachi replied.

"Congratulations on the news of your wife's pregnancy." Byakuya stated, seeming to get down to business by bringing up the real topic of conversation.

Kenpachi figured Yumichika had opened his mouth to Renji making the man feel obligated to support him like this.

Kenpachi let out a deep sigh.

"Thanks..." Kenpachi muttered; not really caring about what the two men had to say. It was true that Renji knew what it was like to be married and he did have a kid of his own, but Rukia wasn't Linake.

Renji smiled slightly; feeling a bit uneasy about the situation. It was clear that Captain Zaraki wasn't going to be very accepting of Renji's attempt to support him-how the hell are you supposed to support a man who would rather glare at you than accept it?

"Here we are. One bottle of Sake and three ochoko's." The host returned with a smile, placing the tray down in the middle of the table.

"Thank you." Renji replied to the woman as he reached out, taking it upon himself to pour the first round of shots for all three men.

Kenpachi and Byakuya both accepted theirs, lifting the red ochoko's to their lips as Renji made a toast.

" To Captain Zaraki and Linake; may your future be blessed with good fortune and happiness."

Kenpachi let out a chuckle before he tipped the shot back, enjoying the slight sting in the back of his throat and the taste that covered his tongue.

"How are you feeling about all of this, Captain Zaraki?" Renji asked; deciding he may as well cut to the chase.

Kenpachi snorted.

"I was wonderin' how long it was goin' to take you to fess up..." Kenpachi countered.

Renji shrugged his shoulder at the man; knowing him well enough to understand that Kenpachi felt uncomfortable in these kind of situations.

" I'm fine, Abarai." Kenpachi answered.

Renji smiled back at his former captain, knowing well enough the man was bullshiting him; Kenpachi was nervous, it was evident in the way his gaze kept glancing up at the clock on the wall behind him. He didn't like being away from Linake for very long, something Renji could relate with, still to this day, Renji would visit with Rukia a couple times a day if he wasn't too busy.

"That's good. I remember how hard it was for me those first few months after finding out Rukia was pregnant with Ichika. I guess it's normal for a man to feel nervous about it. Wondering whether or not you'll be a good father, so many questions, so many emotions..." Renji rambled.

Kenpachi's brow rose as he met Renji's gaze-Is the bastard being real with me, or just tryin' to get me to talk?

" I myself dealt with a sense of restlessness on Rukia's behalf. It's hard for a man not to feel such things in certain situations." Byakuya commented.

" Yeah, I guess so..." Kenpachi replied.

"Are we interrupting a "Man" moment?" Linake asked as she and Isane appeared at the head of the table.

Kenpachi's lips lifted as he caught sight of his wife; his gaze moving to Isane, making him realize Linake had gone to visit the squad 4 captain.

"Not at all, you ladies are more than welcome to join us." Renji smiled.

"Thank you." Isane replied before walking around the table to sit on the bench next to Captain Zaraki which put her face to face with the squad 6 captain.

Kenpachi reached out for Linake pulling her down next to him on his left side, leaving the squad 11 captain sandwiched in the middle of the two women.

"Captain Kuchiki." Isane nodded to the man as she made sure to sit far enough away from Kenpachi to give him enough space for his large frame.

Byakuya nodded back to her in greeting.

" I figured you would still be training with the squad." Linake spoke to Kenpachi.

"I was..." Kenpachi answered as he wrapped his left arm around Linake's waist, pulling her into his side.

"Captain Kuchiki and I thought we'd take your husband out to lunch after hearing the good news." Renji winked at her from across the table.

Linake smiled, feeling her cheeks flush a little as she allowed her gaze to move to Byakuya. Linake's lips parted as she met the man's steel grey eyes, seeing something other than cold indifference behind his gaze. Byakuya nodded to her before speaking.

"Congratulations, Linake."

"Thank you, Captain Kuchiki." Linake smiled warmly.

"Good afternoon, Ladies. What could I get for you?" The host returned to the table when seeing the two women join the group of men.

Linake turned her gaze, meeting the woman's gaze.

"A pot of tea and some honey for me, please." Linake answered.

"I will take the same." Isane spoke up, leaning forward a little in order to meet the woman's gaze.

"And for your meal?" The host continued.

"You should increase the amount of protein you are eating, Linake." Isane suggested.

Linake turned her head and smiled as she nodded.

"Chicken curry and steamed vegetables for me then." Linake stated.

"Make it a large..." Kenpachi demanded.

"Yes, sir." The host smiled back at Kenpachi.

"And for you, Captain Kotetsu?" The host asked.

" Pork Ramen for me, please." Isane answered.

"Excellent, I will put these orders in for you now." The host stated about to turn in order to head to the kitchen when Byakuya called out to her.

"Add their orders to my bill."

Isane turned her gaze to the squad 6 captain, her lips parting a little as she heard the man's demand.

"Certainly, Captain Kuchiki." The host replied with a smile.

Byakuya turned his gaze back to the two women who were looking at him as if he had grown another head within the last few minutes-was it really such a surprise that he would offer to pay for their meal?


Rukia stood in front of the main Senkaimon, a smile on her face as she watched the doors to the gate open. She had received the E-mail from Orihime about an hour ago alerting her that Ichigo had closed up the clinic and the three of them would be on their way to a secluded gate and were requesting entrance into the Seireitei. Rukia had sent a message to squad 12, requesting that the pathway from the human world be converted for human travel, in order for Orihime to travel safely.

"Aunt Rukia!" Kazui yelled as he hopped down from his father's arms and ran to the squad 13 captain with open arms.

Rukia smiled as she leaned down allowing the boy to hug her.

"Hey champ." Rukia smiled as she hugged him back tightly.

Orihime and Ichigo walked forward, the couple stood hand in hand as Rukia stood to her full height and ruffled Kazui's unruly orange hair with her hand.

" Hey, Rukia." Ichigo greeted his longtime friend.

Rukia smiled up at him, her gaze moving to Orihime, the woman stood smiling from ear to ear.

"Where is Linake?" Orihime asked.

"I'm not sure. I sent a message to squad 11, but, I got a reply from Ikkaku saying both Captain Zaraki and Linake were not at the barracks." Rukia answered.

"I've made arrangements for the three of you to stay at Kuchiki manor." Rukia stated.

Ichigo made a choking sound from the back of his throat.

"Byakuya was okay with that?" Ichigo asked.

Rukia half-laughed.

"What? does that come as a shock to you?" Rukia countered.

Ichigo shrugged his shoulders, his lips forming a smile.

"I guess I expected to stay at one of the barracks." Ichigo answered.

"We're kidnapping Linake a little bit later, so, I asked my brother if we could use the manor to prepare for the ceremony tomorrow." Rukia smiled.

Orhime giggled.

"What's so funny?" Ichigo asked her.

" Are you sure you'll be able to kidnap Linake?" Orihime smiled; knowing well enough that Captain Zaraki wasn't about to let his wife spend a night away from him without a fight.

"That's why we have Ichigo..." Rukia teased.

"Very funny, Rukia..." Ichigo countered.