Gently squeezing his thighs, Ichigo made Kiko slow down to a trot, so the pale blonde could catch up to them. They weren't that far off from Urahara's estate, and he wanted to ride up there with him, rather than race to the finish.

"Something the matter, Ichigo?" Urahara asked, as he and Ryuu began to trot next to him. Ichigo shook his head, keeping himself balanced on Kiko's back. "Then why did you slow down?"

"I've been thinking," Ichigo said, watching as the horses' pen came closer and closer. "Where are we going to be training?" He looked over at his lover, and saw that he was watching him intently. "Kisuke?"

A small smile began to blossom on Urahara's face. "Well, I was going to set up an area behind my place, or..."

"Or?" Ichigo asked, hopping off Kiko, after guiding her into her pen.

"Or we could go where you worked to discover your bankai."

Ichigo stopped what he was doing, and looked back at him. "You mean, where Yoruichi-san and I trained? Your old hideout?"

"Well, when you put it that way, perhaps it was silly of me suggest it." Urahara said, sliding off of Ryuu's back. He went over to the shed and grabbed a handful of carrots for both horses, and headed back into the pen.

Watching as the horses nibbled on the carrots, Ichigo shrugged his shoulders. "I suppose we could go there. I mean, if you think that would be best?"

"With the training I'd like to use with you, it might be beneficial to go train there." Urahara pulled the saddle off of Ryuu while the horse was occupied eating his carrots, and set the saddle back in the shed. "I think that if we were to go there, we'd still be under the radar, even though Yamamoto-soutaichou gave us the permission to train. So, really, I suppose it doesn't even matter where -" He stopped talking when Ichigo put his fingers on the still moving lips, his other hand turning him around to look at him face to face.

Ichigo kept his fingers against Urahara's lips, his hand staying firmly planted on his shoulder. "You know, you're adorable when you babble, Kisuke." He removed his fingers, moving closer to him. Closing his eyes swiftly, he closed the gap between the two of them, kissing him with a quick grace, before pulling back to look at him. "Let's go to your old hideout. Besides, it makes sense to go there, as those springs that are there seemed to help get my body back into shape after being beaten up badly."

"Well, the lake here has similar properties," Urahara turned and looked at the small lake near the house. "So, if that's your biggest concern, then why not just stay here?"

Auburn eyes turned and looked at the lake. "Really? Why did I not notice that before when I went swimming?"

"I think it's probably because we weren't really concerned about what we were doing," Urahara turned and met his eyes. "Was that your only concern?"

Thinking for a moment, Ichigo shook his head. "No, it isn't." As his thoughts about the fight with Grimmjow came to his mind, he spoke quietly. "I'm going to need to learn how to control him more, aren't I?"

"Yes." Urahara said without hesitation. "As much of a nuisance he can be, he can give you that power that can match the Arrancar that you've yet to come across. It would be foolish if we didn't utilize him."

"I knew the pervert knew I was useful." Shut up, Shiro. The familiar quick banter between the two of them made Ichigo's heart begin to be beat faster, hating that he wasn't able to do this all on his own. He inhaled slowly, keeping his eyes closed. "Then we shouldn't do that here. I know that he's taken over while we were inside, but I don't want to train and frighten anything that's nearby, if you're saying I have to learn how to utilize his power. Who knows what he's capable of, in just a small space."

Ichigo didn't feel Urahara's hand on his arm until he was close to the man's body, both arms now firmly wrapped around him. "You must not think negatively on this, Ichigo." The substitute shinigami rested his head on Urahara's shoulder, exhaling. "I can see those negative thoughts written all over your face."

"I can't help it," Ichigo whispered. "Kisuke, you don't know what I've had to go through. I'm afraid of losing control. How are we supposed to train? I don't want to hurt you. And if I let him take over completely, then there's a really good chance that could happen." He opened his eyes and looked into his lover's grey eyes. "I don't like that I can't do this on my own."

The horses whinnied as they looked at each other, neither breaking the contact. "You are doing it on your own, Ichigo," Urahara said, breaking the silence. "Shiro is as much a part of you as you are a part of him. Whether or not he sees it that way, that's the way it is."

"Besides, it's not like you're going to be training with him the entire time."

Quickly letting go of Urahara, Ichigo turned around and saw one of the ghosts from Urahara's story standing there in front of him. "W-What are you doing here?"

"Who do you think is going to help train you more?" Shinji said, his newsboy cap twirling in a semi-circle on the tip of his left index finger. "It should be pretty obvious what I'm doing here." He smirked, placing the cap back on his head. "Now, then. Where are we going to do this?"

Urahara's lips were set in a small smile. "Hirako, glad that you made it here safely."

"No thanks to that kitty of yours," Shinji shook his head. "I swear, that woman has got it out for me."

Ichigo still couldn't process that the Visored was here. "So, are you here to train me?"

"Baka, were you not listening to a word I said?" Shinji's smirk widened. "Yeah, I'm here to train you. Now, where are we going?"

"I'll lead the way." Urahara said. Auburn eyes met grey once more. "Are you ready to go, Ichigo?"

Still not quite sure what was happening, as everything was moving so fast, the substitute shinigami could only nod his head. "I guess so?"

"Don't worry," Shinji looked at him. "I'm only here for this training, and then I'm gone. Not that I don't trust the others to take care of things while I'm here, but things are a bit different now."

Feeling his stomach twist at the thought that he was only going to be here only the training, Ichigo gave a small nod of his head. "I mean, you don't have to go back so quickly, do you?"

"Are you two finished talking, so we can go?" Urahara said, looking at the two of them. "Ichigo, he's right. He is needed back in the Living World. I only asked him at the last minute to come here and train you, specifically for the reasons you were just so concerned about. Unless you'd rather I take a go at Shiro myself?" Urahara met his eyes.

"Fuck yes! I am up for that challenge!" Shut up, Shiro. I won't let you damage him. Not here. "What about in sack? Can I do some damage there? You know how much he enjoys things to be rough." Stop it. I'm not having this conversation right now. Things are too important to cloud my head with thoughts of..."That why you're sporting a raging boner right now?" SHUT. UP.

Not wanting to make his problem obvious, Ichigo nodded his head. "I remember where we're going." He took off quickly, heading towards the outskirts of Seireitei, wanting to flee the other two men. Ichigo hated admitting to himself just how much Urahara did like that sort of stuff, but he was always too worried that he would hurt him. Maybe after dinner tonight, I can see if I can do it without any help. "Good luck, prissy boy. You know that you need me for that." Fuck off, Shiro. "Oh, I would like to do that. But you fled before either of those two sexy men could do anything to appease our thirst, hmm?" Oh, Kami. Please, just stop. Or I'll just train without you. "I'd love to see you try."

Refusing to argue with Shiro any longer, Ichigo dropped down, slipping through the cracks of the secret entrance to Urahara and Yoruichi's secret hideout. Thinking about what Urahara had just told him, he had so many questions, but didn't know if it was going to be an appropriate time to ask, since Shinji had now joined them. He looked around and saw that the place was as it had been when he had been here months ago. It felt like longer, the memories of him fighting with the tool that Urahara had designed himself. The man has always been pushing me, whether I noticed it or not. He smiled as he watched both Shinji and Urahara drop down into the area, one landing with grace, and the other...

"Shit, that drop was too much!" Shinji said, picking up his newsboy cap. "You could have at least warned me how steep the drop was."

Urahara chuckled softly. "It isn't my fault that you didn't bother asking. Why would I divulge information, when you're not even trying to ask for it?"

"You know, Kisuke..." Shinji said, tossing his hat to the side. "I don't have to help him out. I can just go back to the Living World and make sure nothing is happening there."

Ichigo stared at the both of them. "Why are you guys talking like I'm not even here?" He asked, scratching the back of his neck. "I mean, it isn't like I'm a ghost or something."

"Did you hear something, Kisuke?" Shinji teased, looking around, pretending not to see the orange-haired teen. "Because, I thought you said Ichigo would already be here."

Rolling his eyes, Ichigo took Zangetsu off of his back. "Oh, ha ha. Very funny, Hirako." He looked around, and met his lover's eyes, thoughts of domination beginning to run rampant in his mind once more. "Pervert." I'm not going to bother to tell you what you know I want to say. "Shut up?" Yep. He gave Urahara a small smile. "Should I release my bankai?"

"I think that would be wise, as that's when your reiatsu is at its most powerful." Urahara said, silently saying Kido spells, protecting the area even more so than it already was. Once he was finished walking around, he looked back at both Shinji and Ichigo. "You two should be safe. This place is already hidden, but just in case the reiatsu spikes too much, I've added more precautionary measures."

Ichigo held out his right hand, holding Zangetsu straight in front of him. Clamping onto his right wrist with his left hand, he summoned all of the reiatsu he could, channeling it into his body. "BANKAI!" He shouted, allowing the power to consume him, as he called on his bankai. Once the transformation was complete, he held the obsidian blade in his hands, Tensa Zangetsu resting comfortably in his grip. He lowered his left hand, holding his zanpakutō with one hand, his kimono now longer, his transformation complete.

"Wonderful." Urahara said, taking a place high above the canyon. "Hirako, do not go easy on him. What was the last amount of time you said he was able to keep his mask on?"

Shinji waves his hand over his face, making his Pharaoh mask appear. "Twenty five seconds," his voice came back garbled. "Sometimes, he had moments of brilliance, lasting more than a minute, but they were so few and far between, no one bothered to mark them down."

"Fuck you," Ichigo pulled his right hand over his face, making his own mask appear. "If you want to get me riled up, you're doing a fine job." His voice was garbled, just as Shinji's was, but wasn't quite at the same pitch that Shiro would take, when he had full control over his body.

Urahara gazed down at the two below. "Then, you know what needs to be done. Ichigo, don't let him take over unless absolutely necessary. Is that understood?"

"Yeah, yeah." Ichigo waved his hand, not paying attention to the man up above. He only cared about Shinji, who was standing in front of him with his zanpakutō. "Aren't you going to release your bankaii?" He asked the other man.

Shinji shook his head, holding his sword out. "You don't want me to do that, Ichigo." He placed himself in a defensive stance. "Besides, when have I ever drawn my bankai out for you? It's always been in its sleep form, so why does it matter now?"

"Because -"

"Enough!" Urahara shouted down at them. "Time begins now!"

Ichigo held Tensa Zangetsu tightly in his hands, and raced forward towards Shinji. The Visored blocked his attack effectively, pushing Ichigo backwards with enough force to send him flying into the rock wall. Groaning, Ichigo picked himself back up and could feel the mask still on his face. Grinning, he took a charge at Shinji, knowing that the man would block his attack, but wanted to see if he could keep the Visored on his feet. As soon as his blade made contact with Shinji's, he spun around and threw a punch to his back, forcing the Visored onto all fours with the strength of the hit.

"C-Cheater," Shinji wheezed, picking himself up off the ground. "Swords or nothing."

Cackling, Ichigo shook his head. "No. It's the element of surprise. You weren't expecting it. Why can't I use something like that?"

"Because the ones you're going to be fighting are much stronger than me." Shinji said, making his mask disappear. "You need to understand your opponents before you engage in another battle. I wasn't there to see what happened with the Espada you faced, but I've heard enough to know that you are damn lucky to be here right now."

He removed his own mask, before he felt it begin to crack. "What's it to you? I'm still here, aren't I? I'm tired of everyone tiptoeing around this shit. I get it. I should have died. But I didn't. So, let's work on this shit, so I can get fucking better, and I can kick some ass!"

"Nice attitude." Shinji grinned, pulling his Pharaoh mask back up. "That's what you need to take into the next battle. Because, I know you're not stupid. There's going to be another battle. Which makes my time here precious, so stop wasting it and fucking attack me!" Shinji's garbled voice taunted him, swinging his zanpakutō in front of him in a wide arc.

Feeling the hair on the back of his head stand up, Ichigo charged once more, landing one solid attack before being pushed backwards once more. He could feel Shiro itching to take over completely. "Just let me have some fun!" No! This is about us working together. Now, please, let's do that. "Only if you let me fuck your boyfriend later." No. That won't happen. I refuse to give into you. "Pussy." Shut the fuck UP, Shiro! He drew his zanpakutō backwards, shouting out, "Getsuga Tenshō!" He released his powerful attack, the black wave leaving the tip of his zanpakutō, heading towards Shinji.

Before it hit, a blood-red shield appeared in front of Shinji, Urahara no longer up on his perch up above. "Careful," Urahara said, the shield disappearing as he lowered Benihime. "We need to keep each other alive, if we're going to train properly, yes?"

"Sorry," Ichigo said, his mask crumbling off of his face. He staggered forward, trying not to fall after exuding so much energy at once. He shook it off, and waved his right hand back over his face, making the mask appear once more. "If you came down here, that means it must have been a pretty powerful attack." His voice became higher pitched, cackling at what just happened. "I mean, you think Hirako couldn't keep up with me, oji-san? Is that it?"

Both Urahara and Shinji exchanged a look at the term. Urahara swore under his breath. "I thought he could hold on more than that. This isn't good."

"Oh, but it is," Shinji spoke quietly, keeping his eye on the substitute shinigami. "If we can get Ichigo to recognize just what it feels like with Shiro in power, then perhaps we can channel that into his actual performance. Think about it."

Ichigo's body shook with laughter. "You two sure do talk a lot. Why can't we fight? Isn't that why we came down here? So we could fight with all of our power? What's wrong with fucking around a little? Or is that what you two are speaking about? You want to go a round in that hot spring over there? Because I know Ichigo could totally go for some fun time. Nah, fuck him. I could go for a round!"

"Enough!" Urahara shouted, pointing Benihime at his lover's chest. "Shiro, enough. If you want to show us your full power, then do so. Show us what you did that night you attack the Espada."

Shinji shook his head. "Are you fucking nuts, Kisuke? Didn't you hear the damage it did to that guy?"

"I know, but I'm sure that we'll be fine. We need to see just what sort of balance of power there is. Once he's done the attack, we'll see if Ichigo can replicate it. Do you see what I'm saying?"

The Visored shook his head, preparing himself for the worst. "Sometimes, I wish you weren't as smart as you are."

"I feel the same way," Urahara sighed softly, watching as his lover's body hopped back and forth. "Alright, Shiro, attack us with your full power, please."

The ex-taichou stared at the Hollow's yellow eyes, hoping that Ichigo wasn't freaking out too much by relinquishing his control. Urahara had hoped that this would happen, but didn't want to tell his lover as he knew how difficult it was to just let go. So, instead, he set up the stage to make it happen. He wasn't proud of himself, and he would tell Ichigo after all was said and done, but it was the only way to see just what sort of power they were working with.

Shiro pulled back the blade and threw another attack at them, the wave of black sailing right for them. As quick as he had been before, Urahara muttered, "Chikasumi no Tate," creating another strong blood-red shield. The attack hit them with a force stronger than the last, the shield beginning to spiderweb, as the reiatsu dissipated. The shield held until the wave passed over them, shattering moments later.

"Bring him out, Shiro," Urahara said, standing up as he dusted himself off. "Now, you two will work together to produce that same force. You cannot act as a rogue. If you do so, he will die. Which means, you will cease to exist."

Yellow eyes quickly turned to auburn as the mask fell away. "He's not too happy with you right now," Ichigo said, tilting his head to crack his neck. "Why were you provoking him?"

"Because he needs to see that you two need to work together," Urahara said. He turned and looked at Shinji. "Just how were you training him before?"

The Visored looked at him. "Just the way we're doing now. It's not my fault that your presence seems to make him a bit more off kilter than normal."

"Don't blame him, Hirako," Ichigo said, walking over to the two of them. "If anyone is at fault, it's me. I need to learn how to keep him at peace. Because he was getting worked up before we even got here, so that's my fault."

Urahara placed a hand on his lover's shoulder. "Listen to me, Ichigo. It is never your fault. I can understand what Hirako is saying, as I'm sure you're worried that I may get hurt. Remember what I told you before we came here. I'm a pretty resilient man, so you shouldn't trouble yourself with worrying about me."

"I know," Ichigo whispered, looking down. "But I can't help it, Kisuke. Do you know how broken I would feel if it was you that was being attacked, and I couldn't do anything to stop it? You're not always going to be there, and that scares me. It scares me so much, that I try not to think about it."

His eyes widened at the admission from his lover. "Ichigo, listen to me. This is why we're training. So, if that day should ever come, you'll be prepared And one only knows, here's hoping that whatever I've trained you will actually stick inside that head of yours." He touched his orange locks, running his fingers through the short strands, the minimal contact enough for the moment. "I wanted him to take over, but didn't want to let you know, in case it didn't happen the way I was hoping."

"Really?" Ichigo asked, keeping his head down. "You should have just told me. He's been dying to play."

"Ya know, I'd kinda like to get more training done, so this time isn't all that wasted," Shinji said, picking his nose. Ichigo rolled his eyes. "What?"

The pale blonde pulled the Visored's finger out. "That's what. That is just..."

"Disgusting?" Ichigo offered, a smile once more upon his face.

Shinji scoffed. "Like your little lovey-dovey talked wasn't disgusting." He smirked, pulling his Pharaoh mask back on. "Come on. Let's do this, please. Time's a wastin."

"Mask back on, Ichigo." Urahara said, stepping away from the two of them. "Let's continue this. Now, can you remember how it felt when Shiro took over just a moment ago?" Ichigo nodded his head slowly. "Good. Then, hold on to that, and try to mimic it by doing it alone."

Ichigo pulled the mask back onto his face, growling low in his throat. "Kisuke, you sure do have a fucked up way of training, don't you?"

"I told you it's his fault," Shinji said, the sound of a snort very distinctive, even with the Hollow mask on. "Now, come on. Attack me!"

This went on for a few more hours, with both men attacking each other back and forth. Sometimes, Ichigo relented to his Hollow, allowing him to take over, as he was becoming exhausted. With the renewed burst of energy the Hollow delivered, it made it easier for him to fight. After one brutal attack of Shinji's he collapsed on the ground, and waved his hand, signaling he needed to stop. It had become too much for him. Too much, too fast.

"I think we'll call it a day for now," Urahara said, jumping back down from the lip of the canyon, landing softly on his feet. "Hirako, are you heading back now?"

Shinji gave a nod of his head, sheathing his zanpakutō on his side. "I'd love to stay and keep you guys company, but with how things are at home..."

"Go," Ichigo said, sitting up with the help of Urahara. "Please, keep everyone safe. I...I think we'll be back home tomorrow. Or the day after."

The Visored met his eyes. "You take as much time as you need, Ichigo. Trust me when I say that you should spend as much time here preparing as you can. There are no distractions here, except for your fuck buddy."

"Hirako," Urahara grumbled, his face becoming heated. "Is that really necessary?"

Cackling, the Visored gave a shrug of his shoulders. "Maybe not, but I just love seeing you uncomfortable." He hopped up the side, heading towards the crack in the landscape. "I'll be patrolling. If you need me to come back, you know how to get me here. But, I think that today helped out a lot, and whatever you two can accomplish tomorrow, we should be ready for the next wave of attacks. Because we all know they're going to happen. Aizen isn't going to sit around and wait too much longer."

Ichigo was about to open his mouth to say something, but Shinji disappeared from the hideout, leaving Urahara and himself alone. He groaned as he tried standing up, and let out a gasp as Ichigo felt himself being swept up off his feet.

"Kisuke?!" He said, staring at his lover, who was now carrying him bridal style in his arms. "What are you doing?"

Urahara chuckled softly. "Taking you to those springs over there, so you can heal up. I thought it would be easier if I just picked you up, rather than watched as you struggled to walk the few yards."

"I wouldn't have struggled," Ichigo mumbled, closing his eyes. He moaned low as he felt the warm water begin to surround his body. "Wait, what about my clothes?!"

Urahara untied his hakama and pulled off his pants. "I've got that covered, silly. Just enjoy the warmth of the water." He pulled Ichigo forward, effectively taking off his kimono, the long tail of his bankai hakama sopping wet. "Now, does that feel better?"

"Immensely," Ichigo nodded his head, resting the back of his neck on the side of the spring. "Are you going to get naked too, or is it just going to be me in my birthday suit?"

Standing up, Urahara began to disrobe. "Oh, what sort of boyfriend would I be, if I left you to be naked alone?"

"A cock tease?" Ichigo asked, pulling him close to his body, once Urahara was finished undressing. He nuzzled the side of his neck, inhaling deeply. His nose cringed and he backed away quickly. "You stink."

"And so do you!" Urahara laughed, taking no offense to the teen's remarks. "Now, how about we sit in silence for a little bit?"

Ichigo rested his head against Urahara's shoulder. "Fine. But you let me know when we can speak, because I've got a lot of questions, Kisuke."

"I figured you might." Urahara wrapped his arm around Ichigo's waist, allowing the warm water to do its work. "For now, silence."

The orange-haired teen nodded, biting his lower lip, not wanting to ruin the quietude his lover so peacefully sought.

...

A/N: Okay, so no dinner just yet. But up next, some fun in the hot spring, and then, a dinner date. I hope you all have a safe and happy New Year! And let's all wish our favorite shopkeeper a happy birthday, shall we? I know it's a little early here in the US, but elsewhere in the world, it's already the 31st. :D Thanks for reading!