This is the alternate ending to Daddy, where Ichigo grows up with the Espada in Las Noches.
x
When he was close to his sixteenth birthday, Ichigo woke up with his hair bleached white, eyes inverted and skin the color of ivory. He'd thought he'd contracted a disease overnight; that he'd finally gotten sick with something so incurable it would spread and pan out to the other Espada.
But it didn't.
He didn't die, nor did he grow any weaker. In fact, he was stronger than ever, as if there was another force combining with his own whenever he fought or sparred with other Arrancar. Of course, he was nowhere near the Espada level as of yet, but Ichigo knew he would someday reach up to their ranks and maybe even surpass them. For now, his goal was to be able to defeat his own adopted father.
Grimmjow was strong, and would always oblige his son for a fighting match, nine out of ten which he would emerge the victor. The Sexta always made sure to fight fairly, and despite telling Ichigo he was going all out, in actual fact he was holding himself back. He never brought out his raw power; it would definitely kill his son – something he vowed would never happen. Ichigo was so very precious to him.
One day, in the middle of fighting Aaraniero, Ichigo dropped to the sand in a dead faint. Aaraniero had to cart him back on his shoulders to the main building, where lesser Arrancar hurried over to treat him and diagnose what just happened. Grimmjow, who had been on a mission at the time, came home to worried faces and no Ichigo to be seen.
For weeks, Ichigo would just lie on his bed, his skin shifting between white and his normal human color. An Arrancar mask would appear every now and then, lasting for eleven minutes at the most. Sometimes he would kick and scream, delirious with nightmares that seemed to plague his very existence, and other times lie there like a dead log, captured in sleep so deep it became almost coma-like. Grimmjow, Nnoitra and Stark would take turns watching the teen, who was grateful for their comforting presence. Sometimes, when he shifted back into human skin, he would awaken and launch aggressive attacks on any Arrancar nearby.
Aizen then ordered him to be restrained to his bedroom, allowing only Grimmjow and Szayel to make visits to see the teen.
Needless to say, Grimmjow was worried sick. He would refuse any mission given to him by Ulquiorra under Aizen's orders, giving the excuse of wanting to stay by his son. Aizen allowed this, much to the surprise of the Espada, but neither objected to Grimmjow's decisions. Ichigo was his responsibility and he would carry out his duty with his utmost diligence.
In turn, Ichigo was steadily digressing. This worried him immensely. He would spend all his sleeping hours holed up in a corner of his bed, unwilling to go to sleep lest the horrible nightmares he experienced would catch up with him and become his reality. He seemed to grow weaker day by day, something that made Grimmjow vastly aggravated.
When he was nearing seventeen, Ichigo seemed to be growing stronger. The restraints that bound him to his bed could easily be ripped off with just a yank of his arm, or a kick of his leg. His nightmares gradually disappeared, and his strength was returning tenfold. His moods fluctuated between the range of happy to frustrated to depressed. Sometimes he would push Grimmjow away a little harder than usual, sending the Sexta Espada flying into the brick and marble wall that made up most of his bedroom. Mostly, he would cling to Grimmjow and beg his father not to leave his side because he was hearing soft voices that would come and go. Ichigo couldn't hear what they were saying in his head, but he knew they were there all the time, watching through his own eyes and listening through his own ears. It was like they could experience whatever he was experiencing.
It was terrifying for Ichigo, who was the only one in the whole of Las Noches going through this rare occurrence. Studies were carried out on him, and he was watched closely like a test specimen, something he detested. Ichigo made sure to stick as close as possible to Grimmjow whenever he got the opportunity. Of course, when Grimmjow could return on missions, Ichigo was made to stay behind with his father's Fraccion. Shawlong and Yylfordt would do their best to entertain the teen, but when it became clear he was bored of their antics, they would have to attempt to restrain his undying passion for following his father out into the Human world – a place he was forbidden to travel to.
Barragan would often offer to bring Ichigo on trips with him into Hell and back, but Grimmjow would never allow it.
"The air there isn't good for him and you know it." The Sexta would place a hand on Ichigo's shoulder, steering his son away. "Thanks for the offer, but he'll have to stay here. It's the safest place for him at the moment."
Ichigo would run around Las Noches playing with D-Roy, the shortest, most youthful member of Grimmjow's Fraccion. Sometimes they would draw large pictures in the sand with the hilt of Nnoitra's Santa Teresa – only if they were successful in stealing it from him. Even then, he would find them and box their ears for that. Still, it was one of the few forms of fun Ichigo could find in his home. He was forbidden from leaving Las Noches and traversing Hueco Mundo; Aizen warned him of the extreme dangers lurking there that were potential threats to him in his current volatile state.
Of course, the teen would pout and throw tantrums in an effort to make Aizen give in, but the Shinigami traitor would then ask Yammy to distract Ichigo – either take him out for a walk or play in the sand with him.
More tests were carried out as Ichigo grew older, and the reports seemed to be making an actual headway compared to the progress in the teen's earlier stages.
Later on, Szayel and Aizen helped calm both Grimmjow and Ichigo's nerves by explaining the Horse was now the King.
Ichigo had never felt more elated, and Grimmjow never more concerned for his adopted son. Still, they took things in stride, and Ichigo grew used to having his skin fluctuate between the color of ivory and a healthy tan.
x
It wasn't until Ichigo turned the ripe age of seventeen did he suffer from the dual personalities fighting for free reign inside his body.
The whispers started out with soft, low humming that Ichigo grew accustomed to. They weren't annoying; just weird. At first they were confused, curious, then full of disbelief and fear. He'd tried to calm it down and reason with it, but it grew angrier and would then shut itself away. He could still feel it there, somehow. At night, it would talk to him again, asking him about things like how the King had fallen off his Horse, and why the Horse was now in charge. Most of all, it sent him confused, blurry images of people – humans – he barely knew from Adam.
It was like a routine.
Ichigo heard it on a daily basis so often that it became weird when the voice in his head stopped.
Sometimes he attempted to draw it out, tried to make a full conversation with the other self residing in him, but that part of Ichigo would clam up and send him angry, confused vibes. Ichigo didn't understand any of it. Still, he took everything in stride, fully accepting that this was part of his soul and he could live with it.
After he'd gotten the other Ichigo in his head, Ichigo figured he didn't need to bother about it. Maybe it was a phase, maybe it would go away. Or maybe it would stay and keep him company. He didn't mind either way. He could accept it as a part of him. The other Ichigo would talk to him when he went places other than Grimmjow's quarters.
Like how it was doing now.
Where are we going?
"To see Barragan." Ichigo answered truthfully, skipping lightly over the rows of neat pebbles in the sand.
What for?
Ichigo sucked in a breath of air before doing a triple somersault over the warm sand. "Cause I feel like it. Haven't seen him in a while since he went for that mission in Hell."
You don't mess with Hell.
"Well, Barragan can."
The other Ichigo kept silent. Ichigo flipped himself through a high pillared arch, heading straight for the Segundo Espada's quarters. He'd heard from Ulquiorra that the old Espada was back, and he couldn't wait to visit him.
"Barragan!" The teen leaped through the open door that led into the wide, circular room that belonged to the old Espada. "Welcome home!"
"It's you." Barragan threw him a tired but happy smile. "I brought you something."
"From Hell?" Ichigo whistled. "A souvenir!"
"Made from stuff I killed." Barragan reached into the folds of his robes. "I think you'll like it."
Dropping to the marble floor, Ichigo sat at his feet, chin on Barragan's knee as he waited eagerly for his gift.
This guy could kill you.
A frown marred his handsome features, and Ichigo swallowed before sending a brighter beam of happiness at Barragan. His inner voice was irritating now.
As if Barragan would hurt him. He was considered family here. They all were.
He could kill you with just one flick of his wrist; seep the life force out of you. If he touches you . . .
"This here's for you." Barragan held out a small object wrapped in black cloth. "Hope it fits."
Happily curious, Ichigo lifted the swathes of cloth to reveal a bone bracelet. There were small triangular skulls that made up most of the beads, and shorter, rounder ones that were as thick as his pinky finger. It was all white and ivory, pieced together nicely on a double twined brown elastic. Ichigo stretched it out gingerly to wear it on his left wrist.
"It's beautiful." Ichigo broke out into a smile, to which Barragan responded with his own. "I love it."
"That's good." Barragan nodded slowly, settling back into his dark purple cushions on his armchair. "I threaded it myself."
Filled with joy and gratitude, Ichigo stood on his knees, edging closer until his lips met the Segundo Espada's cheek.
"Thank you Barragan."
The old Espada looked pleased.
x
Yammy was just waking up when Ichigo stumbled down the wide tunnel into his quarters.
"Hi, Yams!" Ichigo beamed at him.
"Come here." Yammy held out a hand, the corners of his eyes crinkling up as he smiled back. "Look at you, all covered in sand."
"I was playing with Lilinette just now." Ichigo hugged Yammy's large hand to his chest happily. "Did you know Barragan is home?"
Raising an eyebrow, Yammy lifted Ichigo's smaller form gently so the teen could sit on his stomach and talk. "I felt him come back."
"Look what he got me!" Holding out his wrist, Ichigo let Yammy examine the bracelet around his wrist. "It's a souvenir from Hell."
Yammy beamed at him in reply, bringing Ichigo's small hand to his lips for a kiss. "That's great. Did you show Grimmjow?"
"Not yet, but I will." Ichigo leaned down to give Yammy a hug – as far as his arms could stretch around Yammy's large frame. "Actually, I think I'll go show him now. Want to come with me?"
Shaking his head, the Tenth Arrancar heaved a yawn, making Ichigo giggle as he was lifted up and put down beside Yammy's bed gently. "I'm sleepy now. Maybe later, okay?"
"Okay!" Ichigo stood on tiptoe to kiss Yammy's cheek. "Sleep tight!"
He barrelled out of the door – the one Yammy never used, choosing to lumber through the walls directly instead – and slid it shut quietly behind him. Racing down the long corridor near Yammy's quarters was the best. There was hardly anyone around and as a result, the marble floors were extra smooth. If he ran fast enough, Ichigo would stop suddenly and slide all the way down to the vast hallway connected to all the strips of path leading in from the main building. He shut his eyes as he let himself be whisked down.
Something collided with his forehead, effectively stopping his joyride. Black boots came into sight as Ichigo blinked, steadying himself.
"What do you think you're doing?" Nnoitra held out a hand to help him up. "Running and sliding like Hell's hounds are after you."
"I was going fast!" Ichigo laughed, accepting his hand and pulling Nnoitra down with him. "That was fun. Wanna try it with me?"
"I sure as heck don't." Nnoitra smirked, leaning over the boy to dust some sand from his hair. "Where'd you come from, anyway?"
"Yammy's bedroom!" Ichigo announced happily, twining both hands around Nnoitra's neck. "Carry me, Nnoitra."
The Quinto obliged, lifting Ichigo up with ease. "Where to, little man?"
Dangling his legs around Nnoitra's waist, the teen shrugged. "Anywhere! No, wait. Take me to Daddy!"
"Daddy it is." Nnoitra started off, shifting Ichigo's weight so he could walk better. "So, are you gonna tell me what you did today?"
Ichigo beamed. "I thought you'd never ask!"
x
"Do you believe me now?" Ichigo asked, walking across a short wall, putting one foot before the other carefully so he didn't tumble off. "There's nothing dangerous here. Absolutely nothing for you to worry about."
You don't understand, cried the beast residing in his mind. You're so different.
"No, that's not true and you know it. We're both the same inside." Ichigo replied honestly, coming to a stop at the abrupt end of the crumbled wall.
He knew it was crumbled because Stark had been fighting with Nnoitra again. Well, it was a rare occurrence that Stark willingly fought, but Nnoitra had been teasing Lilinette. The Primera had snapped. Ichigo snickered at the memory of tumbling chaos and flying brick.
You really love it here. The beast observed.
"I do." Slipping down from the wall onto the warm sand, Ichigo scooped up a bone covered scorpion and lightly tapped the dust off its hard skeleton. "This is home for me. It can be yours too."
No it can't. The other Ichigo said sadly. I don't belong here.
"Nonsense." Ichigo shook his head, gently setting the scorpion back down onto the sand. It scuttled over his boot and burrowed into the sand. "You have every right to be here just as much as I do. Dad loves me. You're me, so he'll love you too."
I know. He really does love us.
Ichigo laughed aloud and broke out into a run for the dome shaped building, where he could feel tendrils of Grimmjow's spiritual pressure.
"Daddy's home!"
He sent waves of happiness toward the beast residing within him, hoping to receive the beast's own in return. None came, save for a dour reply.
He's not really my father.
Stopping in his tracks, Ichigo frowned. "So there's another, right? That human man you call Isshin."
I have another family.
"Good." Ichigo nodded approvingly. "That means you accept everyone here as your family, too."
Yes, but . . .
"Hush now." Ichigo continued to walk at a slower pace. "You're loved. Isn't that enough?"
The beast was silent.
x
"We're goin' on a mission." Nnoitra slung Santa Teresa over one shoulder, his eyes glinting with anticipation. "We're about to kick some Shinigami ass today."
They were grouped around inside the meeting room, where a decision had been adjourned. Ichigo danced around Stark, using the Primera Espada's hands as leverage while he did a few dips and twirls.
Seated on the couch, Grimmjow looked at his son. "We'll be fighting for you."
The teen slipped, almost losing his balance. Stark obliged him by catching his wrist, pulling him upright.
"For me?" Ichigo asked, surprise flooding his features. "Why me?"
"The Shinigami wanna battle to get you back." Nnoitra snickered, tapping the hilt of his scythe on his shoulder, loving every clink and jingle the chains on his weapon made. "So I say, 'bout time don'cha think? They think you're so special, so precious, they can't wait to save you."
Yes, Horse. They're coming to save me now.
Ichigo licked the top row of his teeth, contemplating. "But I don't need saving."
"Don't matter. You're comin' along to play." Nnoitra grinned, slinking over to an empty sofa and throwing himself down on it. "And we're gonna play with the Shinigami all day, for as long as it takes, just to show 'em who's boss and who you belong to."
I don't belong to anyone!
Ichigo ran a hand through his hair, feeling like something had just hit him hard in the gut. "Fuck you, Nnoitra. I don't belong to nobody."
Grimmjow threw a pillow at his son. "Damn right. You're your own man."
"That's what I was sayin'." Nnoitra gave them an eye roll. "Nobody listens to me properly."
Lilinette piped up from the corner where she was braiding Wonderweiss' pale blond hair. "That's 'cause no one wants to, stick man."
"Shut up, kid."
"I'm not a kid!" In a flying rage, Lilinette dived for Nnoitra's legs, all teeth and flailing fists. "Don't look down on me!"
Nnoitra caught her easily by the ankles, holding her in a relaxed grip upside down, laughing at her cry for help as she struggled to keep her skirt covering her lower regions. The smirk melted off his face when a sword was held to his throat.
"What did I say about touching Lilinette, Nnoitra?" Stark asked tiredly. "Give her to me."
"She attacked me first." Nnoitra handed her over with a leer.
"Are we all going?" Ichigo asked.
Grimmjow pulled his son into a one armed hug. "Yeah. You stay by me, you hear?"
Ichigo felt nothing but love pull at his chest. "Okay Dad."
Are you going to kill anyone?
The beast was rearing his head. Ichigo chewed on his lower lip as he felt the other Ichigo's fearful anticipation. Images of human and Shinigami friends alike floated into his mind. Ichigo exhaled a long, slow breath.
"Let's compromise. I'll try not to."
And for me?
"You stop worrying so much."
x
Ichigo bit his bottom lip hard, tongue tasting blood even before his teeth loosened from the tender skin to let the metallic taste fill his mouth. One hand gripped the hilt of his sword; the other clutched the folds of his white robes as he stood motionless, his chest barely heaving with the slow, small breaths of air he inhaled and exhaled.
The Shinigami had attacked him, so he had fought to protect his own life. He hadn't wished to do it, but now that he had, a dozen regrets were forming in his mind, accompanied by a loud cacophony of no, innocent lives, no, you would have died if he didn't, no, you should have died, why did you do it, now you're a killer, now you're a murderer, you're going to Hell.
He knew the war still wasn't over yet, despite the Shinigami retreating.
His head hurt. His chest was heaving, even if he hadn't done any strenuous movements.
Someone stepped up next to him. Strong arms picked him up and tossed him gently over one shoulder, but Ichigo wasn't struggling. He was barely moving, the loud mantra echoing around his mind, zinging off the walls of his head, colliding against one another as if they were atoms of a liquid being heated to its boiling point. The dissonance only receded when he was put down somewhere and a hand started rubbing his back in a slow, patient, we-have-all-the-time-in-the-world manner.
"Look at those birds."
Grimmjow smiled at him. Ichigo stared back, his own smile sculpting his lips as he watched blue eyes watch him.
"I said the birds, idiot, not me."
His father's voice was calm, reassuring, holding the gratifying promise of safety.
Ichigo could hear his mangled mental discord dying down completely into a comforting hum. The teen took one look at the cheeping feathered duo on a nearby telephone wire, oblivious to the souls sitting on the edge of the roof of a dilapidated building, its walls full of moss and dirt and scum no one could tell what color it had previously been painted anymore.
"Fucking birds."
"But they're free."
Ichigo turned to his father, who shot him the grin he loved so much.
Pity he didn't look more like him, though.
"Ready to go home?" Grimmjow asked, his voice muffled in Ichigo's soft spiky hair. "I'll ask Szayel to make you your favourite dish for dinner. We're gonna blow up shit in someone's room and have so much fun tonight we're gonna be bleeding it out of our ears tomorrow morning."
"Whose room are we blowing up?" Ichigo crinkled the skin on his nose as he made a face at his father.
Grimmjow kissed him on the nose. "Nnoitra's. You get to pick out which of his clothes you feel like burning."
"Fucking shitheads, I can fucking hear you." Nnoitra called from the other end of the building, from where he was walking in long strides, his lanky legs in their long black boots going clack, stomp on the rough cement. "I swear you assholes live to fuck with my head."
Grimmjow pumped a fist. "Yeah!"
"Shut up." Ulquiorra appeared before them in a breathless whoosh of Sonido. "We're done with our mission. It's time to return home with the report."
Ichigo swung both his legs over his father's lap, using Grimmjow's shoulder as a balance. "Carry me home, Daddy."
Grimmjow chuckled and stood up, supporting Ichigo's weight in his strong arms. "Christ, you're heavier than Nnoitra. No more human food for you, you little monster."
Sighing, Ulquiorra duly opened a Gargantuan, his firm, disciplined spiritual particles already paving a pathway out into the depths of the darkness within. Nnoitra stepped in first, followed by Grimmjow and Ichigo.
"I'm a killer, Daddy." Ichigo said in a stage whisper, nuzzling his face into the crook of Grimmjow's neck. "I'm a murderer. It keeps telling me that. At first I didn't want to, but now I want to kill it. Shut it up forever."
Grimmjow shifted his weight in his arms, and for a split second Ichigo wondered if he really was getting more than a little heavy, but lips met his forehead and Ichigo shut his eyes with a soft sigh.
"You're a killer." Grimmjow drew back to show him a crooked grin. "You're a murderer. You were then, and you still are now. He's the same too. How is it any different, whichever side you choose to be on? Once you hold a weapon against someone, you gotta be prepared to take their life away with those hands. So long you know what your heart's fighting for, everything's golden."
Ichigo shook his head. "It wants to take over me, Dad. Let me kill for you, Horse. That's what it loves saying the most. Especially when I sleep. But I'm not the Horse anymore. I'm the King."
"Yeah, well. It's you." Grimmjow smirked. "He's a part of you, and vice versa. Just like how you've been changing since you've been growing, he's been doing the exact same thing, too."
Keeping one arm around Grimmjow's neck, Ichigo reached for his hair with his other. The edges were still spiky, but they were longer now. His hair was all white, not orange like he used to have as a kid. The same went for his eyes. Now they were inverted, black sclera and bright gold irises mirroring his human version.
"It gets louder when I kill things in the Human Realm." Ichigo snickered, shaking his head. "But in here it comes out all weak-like, muffled like there's a thick cloth covering his mouth so he can't shout."
Grimmjow set his son down, straightening up as he pulled away from Ichigo. "He's never really embraced you, has he?"
"But I can do so many more things that he can't." Ichigo pouted, following Grimmjow and trying to keep up with his father's walking pace. "And you love me more."
"Nope. I love both of you the same." Grimmjow reached around to sling an arm around Ichigo's neck, bringing him closer into a one armed wrestle. "You're both equal to me, because it's exactly like Szayel said – you're both Ichigo. You're him, he's you; and I fully accept that. No one's gonna love you any more than I will."
Ichigo ducked out from under his grasp and dashed into a run before him, bumping into Ulquiorra. "You're so full of shit, Daddy."
"Stop running so carelessly. You want to fall off the spirit strand?" Ulquiorra nudged Ichigo back with the hilt of his sword.
Ichigo flipped him two choice fingers before turning on his heel and racing ahead at full speed.
"Last one home sucks my sword!"
x
"Try to remember that you're mine." Grimmjow hissed, dropping to one knee so he could pick Ichigo up from the pool of blood he lay in. "Why'd you let yourself get cut up like this?"
"S'not my blood." Ichigo slurred, a slow smile spreading across his face. "It's his."
A nameless Shinigami lay dead on the grass a few feet away. His eyes were still open. Grimmjow shook his head.
"It doesn't explain why you're lying on the ground."
Ichigo laughed. "Cause the other Ichigo won't fucking shut up, Dad. He's saying you killed him, you killed another of them you murderer now you're really gonna get it, now you're fucking gonna die, as soon as I get outta here I'm gonna fucking kill you and wipe out your entire existence so you can't do anymore of this shit."
"Stop thinking those things." Grimmjow pressed a kiss to his son's forehead. "If you think about other stuff your brain won't go there."
"I'm not thinking them, Daddy." Ichigo dusted some grass off his robes. "He's saying them to me."
"You know what I think?" Grimmjow said, pulling his boy to his feet. "We're gonna have a talk with Szayel."
"Huh?"
"If he wants out, then let him out. He's not gonna make you feel any better, and he's not gonna be feeling any better stuck inside your soul. So why not set him free?" Grimmjow frowned. "I really want you both to be happy."
The other Ichigo was hurting. It was a raw, foreign feeling.
Ichigo nodded. "I'm already happy here with you, Daddy."
"But he's not."
They both knew it.
"No, he's not."
x
Ichigo stared at himself, the familiar orange hair clashing with the black robes he wore. He looked exactly like him, though a little nervous. Ichigo threw him a grin.
"Alright." Aizen set down his cup of tea. "Now that we've come to an agreement, we're allowing Ichigo here to go home to Karakura."
"And you promise never to harm anyone in my home town, ever." Ichigo spoke up, his voice laced with the tremors he was so bent on hiding.
Ichigo knew he was scared, though. There was fear radiating off him in waves. It felt like a slap of surprise. Why should he be allowed to feel this afraid?
There was nothing to fear in here.
This was home.
Ichigo tried to make the other Ichigo feel the same way, but his mind was full of barricades and barriers, shielding his thoughts from being read. Ichigo frowned, a little disappointed in Ichigo.
"We didn't have an agreement on that." Aizen narrowed his eyes, watching the orange haired Ichigo like he was something squashable. "We promised to grant you permission to return to your birthplace unscathed."
A lesser Hollow walked in quietly, wheeling a noiseless trolley laden with plates of food. Ichigo's stomach growled. He beamed up at Grimmjow.
"I see your favourite dish."
"Steamed egg and meat!" Ichigo cheered as the nameless Hollow set the plates down before him. "And abalone sauce vegetables!"
The other Ichigo watched him, equally hungrily. Ichigo shot him a vision of them sharing the food together. Orange haired Ichigo flushed, and Ichigo could tell he was starving, but didn't want to succumb to his hunger. Smirking, Ichigo sent him another vision, one where the orange haired Ichigo was lying down on the ground, looking weak and half-starved.
"It's too much to finish all by myself." Ichigo said loudly, smiling at the other Ichigo. "Would you like to share it with me?"
Ichigo watched himself give himself a small nod. "Yes."
Then "Please." As an afterthought.
Grimmjow watched them watch each other with a small smile.
x
"Tomorrow you're going home." Ichigo smiled, turning to face the other Ichigo in the bed they shared.
Their bodies felt warm, skin touching lightly as they lay, curled up beside each other. It felt cosy and nice. Ichigo wondered if he could live with this.
"I am." The other Ichigo smiled back. Ichigo couldn't tell if he was happy or not. "I still can't believe it."
With a sigh, the other Ichigo cupped his face with one hand. "I'm sorry I was mean to you."
"Don't be." Ichigo answered sincerely. "You can't stay here if your heart's in another place."
The other Ichigo watched him carefully.
Reaching out with one hand, Ichigo placed his palm flat out against the orange haired Ichigo's. Their finger lengths were the same. Every line he traced on the other Ichigo's palm mirrored his own. It was beautiful; there were no other words for it.
"You are beautiful." Ichigo said, and he knew the other Ichigo could taste the honesty in his words.
Orange hair filled his vision, and the human Ichigo dropped a kiss on his forehead.
"You are, too."
Ichigo beamed at him, slender white fingers tracing the outline of the other Ichigo's face. His long eyelashes fluttered, creating small shadows as he blinked sleepily at Ichigo. They felt at peace, in harmony, in tandem. Two hearts beating in synchronised pumps as they breathed steadily, inhaling and exhaling at the same time.
"Can I kiss you?" Ichigo whispered, marvelling at how the other Ichigo's hair glowed in the soft moonlight streaming in through the window slits.
"On the lips?" The other Ichigo asked in a low voice.
"Yes."
"I've never kissed anyone on the lips before."
Ichigo chuckled. "Me neither."
Smiling, the other Ichigo pulled him closer, hands wrapping around his waist and neck. He guided their mouths together, lips brushing gently before leaned in to claim Ichigo's mouth, sucking at his lower lip lightly. Ichigo kissed back, shutting his eyes as he felt every fibre in his body concentrate on the feeling the other Ichigo. His grip was firm yet gentle, toned biceps strong and supple as his hands roamed the expanse of Ichigo's back.
They broke the kiss to breathe, a smile on each of their faces.
"You're good." Ichigo breathed. "Sure you haven't kissed before?"
The other Ichigo pulled him back for a tight hug. They stayed like that for a good half hour, eyes shut as they listened to each other breathing.
"Boys." Grimmjow tapped on the door before opening it quietly. A stream of yellow light followed him into the dark room. "Are you asleep yet?"
"Almost." Pulling away from his other half, Ichigo answered his father.
Grimmjow walked in to sit on the edge of the bed they shared. He smiled lovingly at them. "Not sleepy yet, then?"
"Soon." Ichigo nodded, sitting up to get a kiss from Grimmjow. "I want a story."
"A bedtime story?" The other Ichigo suggested, though it sounded more like a question.
The look of disbelief was back on his face again. He smiled at Ichigo, warm amber eyes telling him but we're too old for bedtime stories.
Grimmjow leaned down, and Ichigo made space for him so he could lie between them.
"There once lived two little boys who were twins." Grimmjow began.
Ichigo giggled at his father's deep 'pretend' voice. The other Ichigo smiled at him tentatively.
"They were brought up in different families and had no idea the other existed."
This time, the other Ichigo chuckled. Ichigo smiled at him, nuzzling closer to his father's warmth. Just being like this, having both his father and the other Ichigo cuddling together made his heart give a light skip.
He'd never felt this happy.
Maybe, if the other Ichigo changed his mind, he could stay.
x
Wow. This turned out a whole lot more different than how I'd planned it in my head. I guess my fingers ran away with my imagination.
Anyway, hurray for Hichigo and Ichigo love! And Daddy Grimmjow came out just as I expected him to. Looks like I'll have to continue this in another chapter. Thoughts?