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"W-Wait, Orihime! Ugh!"

"Ichigo~ I love you~"

"I-It's alright, Kurosa-Ichigo-kun! I-I…!" Orihime could hardly keep a steady thought, let alone a coherent conversation. The shock was still fresh, and while she had learned the art of power-walking backward during conversations with Tatsuki in the past, she couldn't focus when she saw her husband trying to keep stride with her while Nel was glomming all over him. Seeing Nel-san's hands dip excessively under his shirt did not promote the feeling of victory she thought she'd claim years ago, when the girls who would like him really had no interest; before Kuchiki-san was considered a candidate for his affections! Before they had met the boisterous Arrancar now clinging and professing her love.

"R-Really, Kurosaki-ah!-Ichigo-kun! You don't need to follow!" She squeaked when Nel dragged her tongue up the side of Ichigo's face; Ichigo almost made an incredulous look at the act, unprepared for Nel's more unique showing of affection. Orihime rotated swiftly, stiff-shouldered and looking frantic, but not showing him her face. "Maybe you should be alone with Nel-san! Um! You-You can use my room!"

"It's not like that!" shouted Ichigo before his tone melted to an elated shudder as Nel nibbled sensually on his ear. Cursing, knowing he'd eventually trip over himself with her doing all these erotic things to him that kept his blood hot and capable, he finally gave in, spun on Nel, and swept her up in his arms. She gave a delighted swoon and went cheek to cheek with him; nervously, he begged her to calm down and then gave pursuit to Orihime again.

"Can't you keep it down, Ichigo?" Tatsuki was beside him now, casting him a scolding glare; she need only keep to a light jog to keep pace with him while Orihime's awkward stance was steadily outpacing him. He didn't look happy to have her jibing him in this crucial moment, so he just kept watching Orihime, though struggled between panic at catching and somehow consoling her, anxiety as Nel continued to nuzzle him, and annoyance at Tatsuki berating on his right, Rangiku-san howling with laughter on his left, and that crazy Quincy jeering behind him. And he was expected to keep nine wives happy?! "I know this is one great big opportunity for you," continued Tatsuki, "but at least think about Orihime."

Ichigo growled and began to speed up. "I am," he told her sharply. "N-Nel! Don't touch—ugn!—Not there!"

"Does it tickle"

"HAHAHA!" went Rangiku while Candice snickered malevolently, "I've got to see how this ends."

Really, Nelliel was one of his larger wives; more substantial in height, leg length, and… well… her curves were on Rangiku's level, though he needn't make a comparison. It did not escape him that his hand beneath her were high up on her bare legs, close enough to her heat that he could feel it. He gulped and tried not to think of it, nor his hand cradling her breast, nor the intimacy that they'd shared moments ago. Interrupted, but Nel seemed all but determined to see it through to the end, no matter their audience.

He shouldn't be surprised. Her amount of affection had cleared past anyone else's, including Riruka, who loved in private and with a language counterintuitive to her feelings. Nel had been the one to stare him dead in the eye when the idea of consummation was announced by Senjumaru. She didn't hide or shy away from her feelings and wanted him badly. And now that he had a clearer sense of it, it was invading his thoughts.

"Oomp!"

Even Tatsuki jumped when Ichigo missed that step, nearly falling forward. But he caught himself and put more effort into rushing after Orihime. They were coming upon that fork, and he had an inkling that she was going to turn left. Left was safety, right was the dining room, where Squad Zero was, and Osho was dependable to explain the situation; poorly but rationally.

"What was that?" asked Tatsuki to the hitch in his step.

Ichigo forced his frown to be angry at the question, but moved his leg in a manner to lessen the gap in his robes. "Nothing," he said dismissively. Just a few feet off from the slowing wife ahead of him. Was she having second thoughts? He made urgent strides to catch up, grab her… her hand! Be really gentle about it! Confront her face to face and ask/implore that Nel and the others let him handle this.

But all at once, Orihime stopped and turned on him. He'd barrel her right into the wall if he hadn't had such great reflexes. His sandals skidded and probably smoldered, but he stopped. Despite her rather impassive look, he smiled and thanked her for giving him a chance. He lowered Nel onto her feet, but she just threw herself on him, unwilling to leave his side.

"Ichigo-kun." The waver in her voice was gone. Ichigo actually found that more concerning than when she was stammering. She was always so softspoken around him. He hadn't heard this tone from her mouth before. For the first time since becoming a married Soul King… he felt like a husband. Which meant he felt overpowered, compliant, nervous, and yearned to change that tone to a happy one. "I just…" Her eyes crossed the floor, her mouth closing on a murmur. "I'd just like to be alone for a little bit."

Ichigo felt his throat clutch. Vaguely, he was thankful that Nel had finally felt the climate and was easing back; some concern was shown on her face for her fellow wife. He wished, however, that Tatsuki and Rangiku-san and the Quincy woman didn't come up around him to stick their noses into it. At least none of them were in a combative, jovial, or teasing mood anymore.

"Um… I know that—uh…" Orihime's gaze cast to Nel; Nel didn't flinch in the slightest. Yeah, her stare was her weakest weapon, Orihime considered dismally. But she had a strong guard. She threw her head behind her head and began to laugh forcefully. "You know, I haven't had much time with Kuchiki-san, and so many people are leaving in the morning! I-I don't want her to leave without having a good talk first!"

"A good talk?" Ichigo dumbly repeated. He wanted to point out that they could do that in her room, which was behind him. Or, for a wider space, in his room! He'd voluntarily leave and stay out for as long as she needed! "I…"

It was too late; she had already started to walk backward, folding her hands behind her and seeming nonchalant while looking very tense. Even so, she brought a hand back around to wave. "I'll-I'll see you in the morning, Kuro-yah!" She tripped over herself, falling flat on her backside with a loud grunt.

Immediately, Ichigo moved to help her, pick her up and carry her if she was sore. But Nel intervened, impressing a steady and strong hand on his chest and keeping him there. Her stern eyes flashed to him for just a moment, and that moment was all the communication necessary. She doesn't need you right now. She needs someone to talk to. Stay away. That intoxicating amorous feeling was absent from her right now; she was an Espada again, a warrior and a soldier, not a lovey-dovey woman obsessed with him. Apparently, she could switch it off.

Before Tatsuki or Rangiku could get to her, Nel was kneeling at Orihime's side and scooping her up with no effort, bringing her up easily and looking to Ichigo. For that moment, as Tatsuki marveled at the ease in which she hoisted the buxom Orihime – which would have been a chore for herself – Nel smiled and cocked her head to him. "I'll see you soon, Ichigo~"

And without his leave, she turned and headed down the way Orihime had traveled. Orihime's hands tucked up to her chest, surveying Nel's adult face up close, unintentionally admiring her. But, before getting too far, she looked back at Ichigo.

And he was looking right back at her.

Surely, everything would be alright. She'd not just have Nel, but also Rangiku-san and Tatsuki, who gave him a look that wasn't scornful but studying. Surely nothing but good came from a wife being surrounded by friends.

But what was she?

She, who was in the room with them when he and Nel fell through the door. Now standing alone with him and flashing him a devilishly thrilled smirk. He didn't want to hear it, but she spoke anyway. "You're even worse with women than the Datan said! But don't worry." She moved forward, stalking languidly after Orihime, Nel, and the others, her tongue lashing against her lips as if to savor a taste. With a lewd look back over her shoulder at him, she declared, "I'll break her in for you. It'd be boring otherwise!"

She was looking right at him, and as it had been when he had faced off against Ichimaru Gin, he felt the intent, but not the direction. There were lustful feelings in the air about her, but not for him. Ichigo gave a start forward as if he meant to catch her wrist and stop her advance to the vulnerable – and impressionable – Orihime, but he hesitated when he saw Candice's full figure. He didn't have time to notice or really appreciate it in the heat of battle, but the way her shorts came up so high and hinted heavily to the globes of her backside… He winced, his left leg pulling back as if a magnetic force was drawing him in. No! If he gave into that feeling to give chase, he wouldn't be coming back. But the sashay of those pert cheeks, the way her left hand idled on her swinging hips… She devoted a lot of time to that form; he, regardless of his pride as a man who more or less conquered his lusts – for a time – had to respect her beauty, demeanor, and sex appeal.

So he turned, trusting Nel to her devices. All the better for him to eat alone.

Not alone…

"Listen, Shinigami! Don't think that you're gonna try any of those tricks on Halibel-sama!"

Ichigo was already beginning to suffer a headache. Of all the Tres Bestia, it had to be the small but loud Apache waiting for him, diverging from the rest of the group while the other two stood posted as diligent protectors as Halibel conversed with Osho. Of course, they – Mila-Rose and Sung-Sun – glanced warily in Ichigo's direction, though maybe they were just keeping watch on Apache to make sure she wasn't going to stir him into a fight.

Tempting… Very tempting… It'd been some time since he lost control of his temper – learning to suppress the outbursts even before his Shinigami work when ignorant teachers thought him an average delinquent – but all these provocateurs were wearing down his patience.

And he had reason to keep in check and have a spritely mood: Kotetsu Isane. Shinigami wife. A woman whose confidence was not well-fortified, but she was making a dutiful effort since he walked in. He'd caught her helping Kirio-san with the dishes, but when she had laid eyes on him so suddenly, she buckled and nearly dropped her stack if not for Kiyone being a quick helper who stabilized her.

Kiyone was a bit pushy, but Ichigo didn't mind; he was almost as awkward as Isane in meeting, but Isane was certainly moving forward in wife attitude. Kiyone took the unreliable stack of dishes, elbowing her sister secretly in the bosom with a smirk, whispering – loudly – to work her magic and charm him. "Kurosaki, I mean, I-Ichigo-san, p-please"—The silver-haired beauty was bowing as she instructed him to the side of the table that still had a spread of fresh food on it—"would you… like to eat?" Her bow seemed more than just a formality when her arms and legs were so tightly tucked against herself; she was trying to make herself seem shorter, shorter than him at least.

Not that he even thought about it. His interactions with her before were very brief. He didn't even remember speaking to her since returning to the Shinigami employ. There was a brief medical exam that Unohana-san had given him that Isane was present for, but just as an assistant. What she was doing there, as a volunteered wife, Ichigo did not know, and he was keeping his intuitive powers in check as best as he could. Whatever her reasons, he hoped to hear them from her in time.

He smiled at her, thanking her for her help, and ignored the clatter and rush of feet beyond the kitchen door as Kiyone came running back to monitor the steps made between her sister and new brother-in-law. She was deeply flushed and sweaty and apparently holding her breath, though she looked like she would explode if she didn't scream out something outrageous like "KISS HIM!" It was such an intense aura radiating from the small, short-haired blonde that both Ichigo and Isane felt the pressure to maybe do it just to lighten the atmosphere and maybe get Kiyone to relax before she popped a blood vessel.

But Ichigo had settled for a kind smile and asked, "Have you already…?"

"Y-Yes!" Isane blurted out nervously, flushed red, and then recoiled. "I mean…! I'm sorry." She regained her poise, hunching again. "I've-I've eaten with the others…"

Ichigo rubbed his neck. Yoruichi-san had coached him during his Bankai training – though he hadn't asked her to – that it was good to converse over food with a pretty woman. "It's easier to get them out of their clothes," she had said suddenly over the quick meal they were sharing, which had made him fall back when he realized she'd gone from her cat form to her very nude and very beautiful form.

Though gestating awkwardly, hoping to move forward with a conversation of some kind to show his interest or at least his appreciation and acknowledgement of her being there, there came the unlikely but exuberant intervening of Hikifune Kirio, back to full mass after chowing down in the back the leftovers that would go to waste now that everyone was retired. She towered over Isane and threw her strong, round arms around both husband and fellow wife in a great big hug.

A hug! Kiyone pumped her fist excitedly, taking it as a win for her sister and a big step forward in the new relationship.

Ichigo and Isane were held close together, their arms pinned and their faces pretty close that if they had the nerve…

They both looked off in opposite directions, tightlipped and blushing.

"Come now, Isane-chan! It's good etiquette to eat with your husband!" jubilated Kirio, laughing merrily so that the two in her arms jostled slightly. "I have some desserts in mind that we could share before bed, certain to leave us energized and with the sweetest dreams."

"Kirio-san," said Ichigo, stretching out his arms a little against her bulk. Luckily, although eccentric, Kirio could take cues and let go of both of them, though retained her smile while placing her hands on her wide hips. "I don't want to force anyone. I mean"—He looked at Isane, and she looked away shyly—"if she's already eaten…"

Kirio held up a finger. "There's always room for more in my kitchen," she boasted proudly before righting up, once again in her proud pose. "But if that's Isane-chan's decision, I'll respect it!" She laughed some more, though Kiyone snapped her fingers and glared determinedly at Isane.

Nevertheless, though Ichigo had said that he was fine with dinner only, Kirio shuffled to the stove and flames and ovens of her elaborate kitchen. "I'll make you a dessert that you'll want to lick clean off the plate!" she promised, which made Ichigo flush.

After his row with Nel, he thought licking was a bit… intimate.

Isane-san was happy to go back to chores to busy herself, however. She was keeping herself tucked up and conserved best as she could while shuffling around, trying to make his dining pleasant. He couldn't help noticing her brown eyes lingering on him when he was engrossed in the food that put his belly at ease, and Kiyone would often catch her with harsh whispers of how to proceed, but Isane seemed very unconvinced that she could sit down next to him. "I'm not hungry" was her frequent excuse as she carted away more dishes, which may have been true. Not only had she dined recently, she looked to be nursing a stomachache of some kind; butterflies and nausea every time she got the nerve to say something to her unexpected husband.

But it was in this lull of conversation that Apache prowled and stomped on the table unceremoniously. The dishes clattered, but Ichigo looked up evenly, his cheeks bulging and his eyes lacking the concern of someone staring up at an angry Arrancar. And at once, she began to go through the paces of insulting and threatening him, throwing her finger at his face, which he was fine with – annoyed, but it only showed in his furrowed eyebrows – until she jammed the finger into his nostril while trying to make her point.

He gulped his mouthful while yanking her hand away, and then said firmly, "I'm not trying to do anything suspicious with Halibel-san!"

Halibel glanced over from her diplomatic conversation with Osho, and even Osho was interested in the raised tone.

"It's Halibel-sama, even for you!" Apache loomed over him, now climbing atop the table with both feet, putting his rice bowl in between them. He felt that it would be at a whim she'd kick it into his face. The frown stayed firm on his face. She'd regret it if she showed disrespect. Not to him, but to Kirio-san's food and Isane-san's attempts to keep the room clean.

Noticing the disdainful, warning look on his face, Apache felt emboldened… or provoked. If she backed down now, it yielded control to him, but a King can't back down either.

An electric standoff ensued…

ccc A little while earlier; Rukia's temporary room ccc

"Inoue? Lieutenant Matsomoto?" It took her a moment, but Rukia was even able to address Tatsuki by name, but not in the false polite way she had used when in the guise of a new transfer student. She was dressed in her Chappy best, ready to sleep until there came the heavy-handed knock on the door and the beseeching wail of Orihime called out to her. Rukia rushed from her bed to answer the call, but the moment the door cracked open just a bit – not that she was trying to keep anyone out – Nel shoved in on a steady march.

Her face unchanging as her armload flailed, now energized beyond Ichigo's presence, and made a beeline to Rukia's bed to deposit Orihime in a jostling heap. The bed didn't have the luxurious feel of her own, but it was a comfortable and soft bed nonetheless. After steadying – and frantically fixing the front of her dress when the wobbling became intense and a risk to exposure – she drew up and looked at Nel-san.

Nel-san was looking down at her; not just from her height, but from her status. She gave Orihime a reprieve, to collect herself and her thoughts. But the moment she uttered out her name, Nel swooped down with a furrowed face that actually seemed intimidating on her; intimidating enough to make Orihime flinch and then freeze, nearly nose to nose with the older woman.

"Ichigo is mine," the Arrancar started with, her hands on the bed so that she could pressed forward further.

The declaration took Orihime by surprise. She hadn't expected something so presumptuous and so sudden from someone who spoke so sweetly most times.

Then Nel jabbed at her, prodding her finger into the supple flesh of her left breast; Orihime winced, but tried not to seem distracted. "He's yours too! And Riruka's, and Halibel-san's! He belongs to a lot of us, and we all agreed to it!"

Orihime swallowed hard, feeling the warmth spreading in her face while a cold sweat spread along her back. "I," she stammered weakly, "I know…" She cut herself off before she could utter the 'but…'

"So you can't act jealous around him when he's with another one of his wives! Or insecure! And you can't blame him!"

Orihime sucked in her lips to stop them from quivering. She had tried not to be any of those things, and certainly didn't want to put any blame on him. But… being that he was… basically a first for all things – at least, presumed to be aside from Candice's sudden kiss in her room – she wasn't entirely sure how she was supposed to control herself. The Overwhelming Victory wasn't affording her the satisfaction she had once believed in.

She looked briefly over to Tatsuki. Tatsuki wasn't interfering, though there was a look of respectful reproach on her face from how Nel was chiding Orihime. It was like the sort of lecture a mother gave her child; maybe, more appropriate, an older sister to her younger. Not too long ago, Orihime had even made the suggestion that Tatsuki join up in the Palace with them as another wife. How would she actually feel if she saw Ichigo-kun draped over her friend, fondling and kissing her?

She pulled inward and returned her full attention to Nel, who still had more of a lecture to give.

"Ichigo is in a very important role now, and so are we. As representative of the humans, you must conduct yourself properly and with understanding."

Orihime's eyes lowered to consider these words while Nel stood up with an arched back, her body poised and beautiful.

"Regardless of what powers he gets or what roles he takes," Nel advised her, speaking more eloquently than her child form, "Ichigo will always be Ichigo. His heart will never change."

Despite the gravitas atmosphere, Candice snorted near the door and said how cheesy. While at the other end of the room… Byakuya – who had come to the Palace as well, but only as a formality and not to enjoy parties and gatherings – was sitting up in his bed and wondering if they really needed to be in here to talk.

ccc Dining area; the standoff ccc

The standoff came to an end by Isane's intervention.

Sensing the tense atmosphere, she had run to Kirio for help, and Kirio gave her a quick plate of riceballs. "Something simple can often be the most soothing," advised Kirio before going back to her chocolate delight frothing. Isane agreed with her because there was no time. She was hoping the greater strength of a member of Squad Zero could make the aggressive Arrancar back down; she wasn't sure her own combative capabilities would be enough to detain the Arrancar without making a mess and without making Ichigo-san get involved.

"I-Ichigo-san!" She appeared at his side, forcing a smile and holding out the plate of riceballs. "How about some riceballs? You've been eating so healthily. I think you should treat yourself!" She hoped her politeness would make her unseen or at least not appear a threat to the Arrancar. She'd dealt with the Eleventh Squad long enough that the best way to diffuse their aggression was with distraction – when you weren't Unohana Retsu, that is. They'd continue to be loud and obnoxious as they ate, but at least they were eating and not fighting.

So she hoped, as she finally looked to the Arrancar sneering at her. "Would-Would you like some too?"

Apache paused, gave a snorting "Ha!", and smacked the tray immediately back at her face.

Ichigo deflected it all in a blur, saving not just Isane's face from the pang of the platter, but also catching all the displaced riceballs on it so that not a single grain was wasted.

The room suddenly burst with a heavy aura. "Oh!" gasped Osho, his eyes going wide, his attention leaving Halibel just as she herself spun around to see what her fracción had caused. Even Mila-Rose, her sword half-drawn from its scabbard, cussed out at Apache for this provocation.

And for once, Apache felt humbled in Ichigo's presence. Staring down an angry Soul King… The weight pressing down on her, making the mighty furniture creak under its strain; she could sense that this was only what he was allowing to flex out of him. Everything else, he kept in check.

Everything, but his temper. He'd dealt with it long enough! These provocations, the blame, the teasing! It all escaped him in a sudden rush as he snatched Apache by the elbow and took her down from the table, She staggered, trying to keep from falling, and before she could get out the full "What the hell?!"

SMACK!

…

…

Deafening silence. The impact echoed in it. Halibel's eyes widened and her posture froze. The riceballs Ichigo had effectively saved began to fall on the tray teetering from Isane's weakening grasp. Kirio, who had poked her head into the room, her beady eyes opened to observe. Mila-Rose's hand on her sword's hilt went limp, the blade returning to its sheathe with a click.

"Did… did he just…?"

Even Sung-Sun could not find a way to jibe.

Ichigo was done seething. He was now in reflection of what had just occurred. He'd lost it. For a brief second, he'd lost it and wanted to smack Apache. Only… at the last second… when he reclaimed a little bit of sense…

Apache stared at him, wide-eyed and flabbergasted. She was turned halfway from him, but her neck turned so that she could face him. "Did… did you just…?" Slowly, her limp hand came up and touched her throbbing backside.

Did he…?

He looked at his offending hand. Fingers splayed, his palm tingling from the hardness of her hierro. He had thought he was going to… smack her in rebuke. But such barbarism was foreign to him. At the very last second, he had turned her away and… and…!

I spanked her!

He looked mortified at his hand, as though it was a separate being moving of its own volition and committed heinous crimes.

But the first to recover from the incident was the opportunity-seeking Kiyone, who rushed up behind her sister, jabbering excitedly, "Ichigo-san, Ichigo-san! Nee-san likes to be spanked too! See?!" She swatted her hand fully across the unprepared Kotetsu's backside, which made Isane leap and wail for mercy.

From the archway leading into the corridor, Senjumaru lingered, brushing a hand against her cheek. "It's about time," she whispered.

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