Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 1:
Fed Up With Not Feeling: Part 1

Ichigo was staring out the window of the train, watching the colors of the scenery slide by. When the train stopped for the third time, he joined the throng of people exiting the train and walked the three blocks to the school’s campus. As he was making his way to his class, Ichigo was just watching the ground in front of him. When other students called out to him, he would look up, not really seeing them, but would wave or give his best attempt at a smile before continuing on. He took an empty seat at the back of the classroom he walked into, again barely giving a wave to the couple of other students who called a greeting when he walked in. As the professor taught, he wasn’t really hearing anything as he rested his chin on his hand. Once in a while he would catch something like, “The human body, while fragile, is extremely resilient.”

Once his class was over, he already didn’t know which class he had attended but was aware he didn’t have any more classes to suffer through, so he headed back to the train station. He stood there waiting for the next train to arrive. Ichigo was looking around at all the rushing bodies and people talking loudly on their phones as they rushed about.

Musing to himself, Ichigo thought, “I remember having to run off at barely any notice all the time, but now it’s like nothing is making me keep moving. I wonder if these people didn’t have any notice or if they are just running late. Are there always so many people...Oh, here’s the train.”

The ride back to Karakura went by in a flash of colors and more noise, but Ichigo hadn’t paid much attention to it, focusing only enough to count the stops and make sure that he was ready to get off at the third stop. As he was walking off the train, he offhandedly realized that there were fewer people getting off here than when he had gone to class but shrugged it off as he made his way back to the house.

Walking through the door, Ichigo noticed that the house was silent which meant that his sisters were still at school themselves and his dad was in the clinic. Deciding he would take advantage of the quiet, he went up to his room where he threw his bag down in the corner next to his desk before removing his pants and laying down on his bed. While sleep eluded him, Ichigo ignored the sound of his sisters arriving home from school and the telltale signs of Yuzu starting dinner. He didn’t feel like being around people and since he wasn’t hungry there wasn’t a reason to have to get up.

Eventually the noises died down from the house and his family as he vaguely noticed the growing darkness past his blinds. Ichigo made the effort to get under his blankets finally, but simply stared up at the ceiling of his room. For a while he traced the patterns with his eyes before his mind started down the familiar rabbit hole of what ifs that usually started with the night when he met Rukia.

"I can’t remember the last time I was able to talk about Soul Society. Oh, I hope Ukitake and Byakuya are completely healed. Didn’t Yachiru die during the fight against Ywach? I wonder if Kenpachi is doing alright without her... Should I even have to think about things like that at my age? No. Kami, why did I take Rukia’s power? I could have saved my sisters just fine if I had actually tried. Dammit, it’s not fair! I shouldn’t have scars and nightmares everytime I sleep. I can’t even sleep anymore, but I’m so tired. Who can I talk to about this? No one. No one understands. I was just a kid!"

Ichigo scrubbed at his face, frustrated. He felt like he needed to cry but knew no tears would fall. He had already cried too much for everyone and he felt like he couldn’t show how much it still bothered him, he had to be strong for his sisters who had finally been told about what had been happening when he was in high school. His dad was never around long enough to even consider talking to him about it, but he wanted to talk to someone.

"I bet if I could talk to someone who understood it would go away. Maybe it would be easier to die and move to Soul Society. It’s not like I will really be missed here and I’m sure Dad and the girls could come and visit me sometimes. I probably could come back once in a while to see them too. Hmm… Maybe I should ask Dad about doing that. Soul Society is full of people who would know what I’ve been through. I’m sure the Fourth could help me too. Yeah, I’ll tell Dad I want to move." With that thought, Ichigo’s exhaustion finally pulled him to unconsciousness.

The next two days flew by with less active thoughts about what was going on around him, but he went through the motions of making the trip to school and home. Smiling at the people who stopped him to talk, Ichigo couldn’t help but think about how fake everything he did felt and was surprised at the thought that no one seemed to see how much pain he was in or how distant he was from the conversations of small talk that meant absolutely nothing to him after everything he had been through.

Finally in the sanctuary of his room each evening, Ichigo thought more about just wanting to disappear and reappear in Soul Society where people understood him. He felt so alone that he didn’t belong in the World of the Living. Even his friends from high school who had helped with the fight against Aizen and the fight against the Quincies who thought they were above everyone else, weren’t really around anymore. Sure, they still lived in Karakura too, but they were in college and had jobs that kept them busy.

Making up his mind, Ichigo thought. "That’s it, I will go to the Shoten tomorrow and see what Kisuke has to say about it. After all, he’s the easiest to get a hold of and he would probably know if it was a good idea or not. The real question comes down to if he will be honest or if he will keep stuff from him like he used to."

The next day, Ichigo walked over to Urahara’s, but stopped on the sidewalk in front of the shop, hesitating before he entered. Movement near the door caught his attention and snapped him out of his internal struggle.

Finally walking inside, Ururu spoke from the counter, “Looking for him again?”

“Um, yeah, is Urahara around?” Ichigo walked around the store as if looking at the sweets that were always for sale here, but he wasn’t really seeing what he was looking at. Panicking about the thought of Kisuke not being home for once in a blue moon when he actually needed to talk to him, he was impatiently waiting for the quiet girl’s response.

“Yeah, I can go get him for you. Please wait.” She scurried into the living quarters behind the shop as soon as she stopped speaking.

Ichigo took a shaky breath as he waited by himself in the shop for the shopkeeper and Ururu to return to her post. He had what he wanted to say to Kisuke running through his head over and over as he tried to figure out how he wanted to tell Urahara about his idea.

“Ah, Ichigo-san, did I forget about a training session today?” Kisuke’s flippant attitude announced the blond’s entrance.

“Ah, no. I was actually hoping to talk to you in private for a bit.” Ichigo walked over to the older man. “You have time?”

“Sure, anything for you. Come on back, would you like some tea while we chat?” Urahara led Ichigo into the sitting room where he motioned for Ichigo to have a seat.

Ichigo frowned as he looked around, “I was hoping for somewhere a little more private than here.”

Ichigo’s words took Kisuke by surprise. Fully taking in Ichigo’s form for the first time since he was called out to the shop, Urahara looked the young man up and down, finally noticing just how ragged the usually bright kid was now as he stood there looking uncomfortable. “Of course, we can talk in my office, I will lead you there before I make us some tea unless you wouldn’t mind waiting here?”

“That’s fine. I can wait here while you get the tea. I should have made plans to talk with you ahead of time.” Ichigo rubbed at the back of his neck in a familiar indication of his uneasiness and feeling of guilt.

“Nonsense, you are welcome here whenever. You know that.” Kisuke responded as he hurried to set the tea to steep so they could take it with them. He also prepared a tray with cups and biscuits for them as well. “This way.”

Ichigo followed studiously and sat in the indicated chair after the blond set the tray on the desk in the middle of the room.

“You’re concerning me some, Ichigo. What’s on your mind?” Kisuke sat down, but didn’t get comfortable the way most people would, he was sitting on the edge of his seat leaning forward as he watched Ichigo for his response.

Furrowing his brows, Ichigo looked down at the edge of the desk in front of him. “Well, I wanted to get your take on the idea of me dying in the World of the Living and moving to Soul Society.” Taking a deep breath, he was surprised that Kisuke didn’t immediately respond. “I don’t feel like I belong here anymore and that the easiest way for me to find people to talk to, that understand what I’m thinking and feeling, would be to be there instead of here.”

Nodding, Urahara busied himself with pouring them their cups of tea, thinking carefully of how he should make it clear to Ichigo what he was thinking. “Well, I agree that it may be true, unless you were willing to open up to me or your dad.”

“You know how I feel about talking to my dad.”

“And that is fair. He kept a lot from you for a very long time, but he does know what was happening. I’m not saying you have to, just think about forgiving him and trying to understand. That’s what I’m asking for there. What about your friends and your sisters? They are all here.”

Rolling his eyes, Ichigo shrugged, but motioned for Kisuke to keep going.

“Have you thought about the fact that you no longer have a saketsu, that your soul chain was destroyed the first time you had to work to get your power back? Or how when you step out of your body you are in a shihakusho instead of the standard yukata of whole souls?”

Frowning, Ichigo tilted his head, “What are you saying exactly? Because it sounds like you’re saying I’m already dead.”

“Well…”

“Fuck, for Kami’s sake! You never thought to tell me that! Kisuke, I thought you were done with keeping stuff from me!”

“I thought it was rather obvious, but I suppose looking back now you may not have had the time to notice that. I didn’t intentionally keep that from you. Your body has acted as an organic gigai since you first regained your powers after Byakuya came and cut your soul chain. You would have noticed as time wore on that you weren’t physically aging the way that normal people were. With that made clearer now, I think that it wouldn’t be much of an issue to make the transition as you wouldn’t need to receive the Konso, but that would really be up to Shunsui, and we would need to get accommodations for you as well.”

“But you don’t think it’s a stupid idea?” Ichigo wasn’t sure if he was believing what he was hearing.

“No, quite the opposite. Afterall, you are naturally half shinigami by birth and after gaining your powers you haven’t actually been alive in the natural sense of this world. However, you WILL have to talk to your family about this, especially your father. You will need his help to make this idea of yours work. Even if you don’t go to him, I will admit I would have to work with him on making this happen in a way that won’t provoke any unwanted questions.”

“I will, I just wanted to get your opinion on whether or not this was a stupid idea.”

“Don’t forget to tell your friends too. If you just disappear with no warning, they will be knocking down my door and causing me more trouble than it would be worth.”

Nodding, Ichigo leaned back in his chair. “Should I wait to talk to them? I don’t really see any of them anymore, but I know that Chad and Uryuu are at home today.”

“If you go to them you need to talk to your dad sooner rather than later. Ichigo, I want you to keep coming by as planned for training, even if you follow through with this. You will benefit even more in Soul Society from the training than you do here.”

“I will keep training with you two, no matter how much I feel like you two are getting some sick sadistic satisfaction from running me into the ground as often as you do.” Ichigo made his way out with that. He heard Kisuke let out a snort of laughter in his wake but didn’t so much as dare to look back at the man. His mind was made up, so he decided to make his way to Chad and Uryuu’s apartment.

Ichigo was poised, hand raised ready to knock when the door opened. Blinking his surprise away, “Eh, oh, um... Hi, Uryuu. Were you on your way out?”

“No, I could tell you were standing there. What brought you out to our side of Karakura?”

“Hey, my control is a lot better than it used to be! Um, do you guys have time to chat?” Ichigo’s indignation was short lived before his hesitancy returned as he thought about why he had made his way to his friends’ apartment.

Raising an eyebrow at the feisty man in his doorway, Uryuu stepped aside to allow Ichigo past, “I never said it wasn’t, your spiritual pressure is just very unique and obvious. Chad!” The usually reserved brunet called for his partner and continued more sedate again when he entered the living room, “Ichigo is here. He wanted to talk with us.”

“Hm.” Sado nodded his usual welcome to Ichigo when they made eye contact.

“Hey, sorry to just drop in on you guys, but I remembered that you two would be home today and I needed to tell you about what I was planning. Keep in mind it’s still in the early beginning stages, so not much is actually planned yet.”

“Tell me you aren’t stirring up trouble again in Soul Society.” Uryuu looked down his nose at him.

“Ah, no. Nothing like that. Actually, I am planning on moving there.”

Chad’s visible eye went wide, the confusion and concern he felt clear in it.

“What do you mean you are moving there? You’re human, you can’t just move there.”

Ichigo felt the corner of his mouth lift in a semblance of an amused smile at Uryuu’s confusion. It was rare to confuse the overly analytic man. “I’m already dead.”

“Um…” Chad actually started to speak but couldn’t find the words to share his lack of understanding of what his best friend had just told them so simply.

“Yeah, it turns out that after Byakuya cut my Soul Chain and my Hakusui, when Urahara helped me regain my powers, I lost my Soul Chain and my life, technically. Apparently, my body has been acting as an organic gigai since then.” Ichigo paused to let his friends absorb what he said. They were sitting there looking at him in a stunned silence. “So, since I’m not actually a human anymore, in terms of the World of the Living, and I don’t feel like I belong here anymore, I’m going to move there.”

“What about your sisters, your dad?” Uryuu was surprisingly silent. It was Chad that asked.

“I’m sure we’ll find a way for visits to happen, either they to go there or me to come back, but it will be odd since I will legally be dead here after I make the move. We’ll make it work.” Ichigo shrugged.

“Have you seriously thought about what you are saying?” Uryuu finally spoke up.

“I have. I talked to Kisuke earlier and I’m going to talk to my family soon. I just wanted you to be aware. You don’t really get a say in this.” Ichigo stated flatly.

The three of them ended the conversation there with begrudging acceptance of the idea and an understanding that the choice was up to Ichigo no matter what anyone thought. They parted ways at the door with a simple “Goodbye” from Uryuu and a solid, meaningful hand on the shoulder from Chad before making his way home.

Ichigo just lounged around the house the next day. Not really moving or doing much. He did at one point stare blankly at one of the textbooks from his backpack but wasn’t able to actually read any of it before he gave up and moved to stare blankly at the TV, completely unaware of what was playing on the screen.

The following day Ichigo waited for the train and then the third stop before the same slow walk the three blocks to his university where he sat without hearing the lecture. On his way back to the station after class, it felt like everyone on campus wanted to stop him for some unknown reason and the fake smiles were making him more and more uncomfortable. Finally, he was at the edge of the campus and this last person was just one too many to have to deal with.

“Look, I don’t want to be a jerk, but I have somewhere to be.” Ichigo didn’t even wait for a response from this unnamed person. Surely, they actually had a name, but he couldn’t remember it and didn’t have the energy to even try and recall if he had been given it at some point. He just wanted to get home.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2:
Fed Up With Not Feeling: Part 2

Finally making it home, Ichigo slumped against the door after closing it behind himself. “Ugh, too much.” Huffing out his breath, he twisted himself to pull his shoes off and drop them heavily one at a time in their place.

“Welcome home, Ni-chan.” Yuzu called out from her place in the kitchen.

“Yeah, hi.” Ichigo slowly picked himself up from the floor and made his way to the table to sit and wait for dinner. He hadn’t been at dinner with everyone for a while, so since Yuzu greeted him, he figured he should stay. The feeling that he absolutely had to stay didn’t negate his desire and followed through by laying his head down on his crossed arms while waiting.

“Are you feeling alright, Ichi-ni?” Yuzu rubbed his back as she set the dishes down on the table.

“Yeah, long day. Hey, is dad coming to dinner?”

“He will be here. Why?”

“I need to talk to him after dinner.”

“Okay. That might still be a bit, I only just got started.” She returned to the stove.

Ichigo just laid there on the table as he waited for the time to pass.

“Hey, get your head off the table. If you’re so tired, go to bed.” Karin admonished Ichigo when she walked into the dining room.

“I’m fine. How was school?” Ichigo decided that trying to get her to talk was the best way to avoid her digging at him.

“Fine. When’s dad coming in?”

“Dunno. Yuzu might.”

“Hey, kiddo. It’s been a while since you were able to join us for dinner.” Isshin startled Karin and Ichigo alike. “Woah, jumpy. What’s up you two?”

“Ask Ichigo.”

Isshin turned to Ichigo with furrowed brows at Karin’s words.

“There were just too many people today. Hey, can you and I talk in private tonight. I need to discuss something with you.” Ichigo had sent a glare at Karin for turning their dad on him but dropped his request on them because he knew that it would stall the conversation until they turned their attention away from him.

“Uh, sure, son, whatever you need.” Isshin looked Ichigo over, now concerned about his usually reserved son. He couldn’t remember the last time he had asked to talk one on one like this, so he was unsure of what to expect.

Karin was watching Ichigo out of the corner of her eye with a scowl very reminiscent of Ichigo’s when he was in high school. It seemed more severe than her usual expression and Yuzu even spoke up to ask her what had her so upset, to which she informed Yuzu of Ichigo’s out of character request of their father.

Yuzu simply nodded, “Yeah, he said something about needing to talk to him.”

Dinner continued much the same way, the three of them talking as if Ichigo wasn’t even present except when someone requested a dish to be passed around. After they all finished eating and the girls cleared the table and with a last glare over her shoulder, Karin followed Yuzu upstairs to their room.

Ichigo and Isshin went and sat down in the closed clinic office.

“So, what did you want to talk to me about without the girls around?”

“I don’t feel like living anymore. I want to move to Soul Society, where people know and understand what I’ve been through and seen. Where I don’t have to hide who or what I am.”

“Ichigo-”

“No, let me explain. I don’t sleep anymore, when I do, I watch them die over and over. I see all the blood that I’ve shed since I was in high school. Before tonight, I don’t remember the last time I had an actual meal. Most of the time I don’t even realize I’m hungry until I get back from training and it feels different being in my body. Kisuke said that my body is technically an organic gigai and that I haven’t actually been alive according to the rules of the World of the Living since I was 15.”

“Hm, I thought that may be, but you seemed to be handling everything alright. I mean you’re in school after all.”

“I can’t even make meaningful conversations with people at school anymore, I can’t play normal anymore. I make it to my classes out of sheer muscle memory. I don’t even know what I’m taking anymore. I feel like I’m ignoring a major part of who I am, and it hurts. But what’s worse, is it feels like there is something super important that I’m missing, and I don’t know what that is, except that I won’t find it here.”

Isshin sat there in silence for a minute, taking in what Ichigo had just admitted to. His eyes were decidedly no longer dry, “What about the girls? It’s the middle of the semester, what about your studies?”

“I don’t know anything that I was supposed to have learned this semester. I’m surprised I’ve even made it to the correct rooms for my classes the last several weeks.” Pausing to take a deep breath because he was starting to feel like he was suffocating, Ichigo shook his head sadly, “I love the girls and I will miss them both a lot. I know it will hurt all of us at first and would likely be really hard for them to understand, but I’m sure you guys could come there once in a while, and I know I will be able to come back every once in a while, too. Please, dad, I need this. I don’t feel like I belong here, like my skin itches and I’m suffocating.”

“Well, you are an adult now and can move whenever you feel like you are ready, I just wasn’t expecting you to want to move to a different world altogether. But, if it’s what you feel like you need, we can make it happen. It will take a few days to get things moving in that direction for you, but I will help you in this.” Isshin felt a tear slide down his cheek. He hadn’t realized it had gotten this bad for Ichigo, but he also had to admit he hadn’t been paying close attention, more concerned with how the girls were handling things and getting the clinic back to its regular hours and practice.

Their conversation ended there with Isshin promising to send notice to Shunsui about letting Ichigo move to The Seireitei and Isshin thought to also add in a request for support for him from the Fourth Division.

The next four days went by quietly. Ichigo was still trying to keep up appearances by going to his classes but gave up after going for two more days. The third day he mostly sat on his bed staring at the wall or around at all of the things he owned.

Day four, Isshin had brought a tray of food to him around what he assumed was dinner time and told him that Shunsui had started the ball rolling on his side to get Ichigo set up in Soul Society. After promising that they have a family chat after Ichigo got home from his training with Ryuuken and Kisuke, Isshin left Ichigo in silence to contemplate whatever it was that seemed to always be running through his head.

As scheduled, the next day, Ichigo trudged his way to The Shoten after vacating his body and giving Kon control for however long the two sadistic bastards wanted to beat him into the ground this time around. Ichigo didn’t really care. He heard the words, “To help with your control” too many times from them to believe them anymore, as if he ever truly believed Kisuke these days anyway, but he studiously went to all of their training sessions whenever they found days that the both of them could get away from their work.

As always when Ichigo dropped into the underground facility, he was met with a Quincy arrow aimed for his head, but there was something decidedly different about the power or angle of the shot than usual. Normally, Ichigo felt like Ryuuken was aiming to kill, but this welcome arrow didn’t. However, the following blow from Benihime was definitely a shot to kill as usual.

Growling, Ichigo used Shunpo to avoid the shot and immediately raised his sword to absorb the next arrow that was coming at his back. “Well, hello to you two too.”

“You’re slower today. Focus!” Ichigo spun to glare at the spot that he had just heard the older Quincy at, only to see empty space.

“Based on your arrows, you’ve been informed!” Ichigo growled out before calling on his Shikai to take on his two so-called mentors.

Meanwhile, back at the Kurosaki residence, when Isshin closed the clinic for lunch he sat the girls down to talk about the plans that Ichigo had to move to Soul Society.

“What do you mean he’s moving to Soul Society? He isn’t dead...is he?” Karin lost all her wind when the thought of her brother essentially being a zombie popped into her head.

“Well, technically, according to the laws of the World of the Living, he is dead. He no longer has a Soul Chain.” Isshin replied hesitantly scratching at his chin.

“Why is he leaving all of a sudden? I didn’t even know he was thinking about moving out!”

“I know Yuzu, but Ichigo needs this. We need to support him the best we can right now, and I am doing everything in my power to be able to get us a pass to visit him after he gets settled in.”

No one spoke for a while, but that was surely not going to last if the looks on their faces were anything to go by, but Isshin didn’t give them time to question him any further. “I have to get back to the clinic, but the four of us will talk after Ichigo gets home tonight.”

“Whatever. He better be here on time then.” Karin grumbled as she walked out of the dining room.

Isshin stood there watching his two daughters walk away after that. He felt like he failed his entire family at this point, but everything he had ever done was out of love for them and to protect them from everything as much as possible. He would have to try harder to make it up to the girls, it was already too late for Ichigo, but he was working to get him the help he desperately needed.

Later that day after Ichigo dropped onto a chair in the dining room and Kon essentially sat in his lap to give him his body back, the girls refused to leave Ichigo alone in a room. Since Ichigo didn’t really want to move after the wringer that Kisuke and Ryuuken put him through, it was easy for one of them to constantly be with him.

Karin was sitting at the table with him, but not talking or even looking at him as she waited with him for dinner to get finished by Yuzu. Meanwhile, if Yuzu asked Karin to do something, she would come and busy herself at the table with placing plates and chopsticks and whatever she could use as an excuse to be at the table until Karin returned.

When Isshin finally came in from the clinic he could feel the tension in the air but didn’t know what to do or if Ichigo even noticed since he was sitting there like he was dead to the goings on around him. “So, what are we having for dinner tonight?”

“How long have you two been planning this without telling us anything?” Karin barely kept her voice from being characterized as yelling.

“I just decided. You can’t really understand, but I need this.” Ichigo flinched at the harsh words but didn’t waver. After his conviction was heard, Yuzu simply sat there with tears in her eyes, but nodded like an understanding mother as she often did, and Karin went back to purposefully not looking at him.

Isshin tried to get the conversation going again, but quickly gave up. “Well, if you are moving soon, then we need to separate what you are taking, what to throw away, donate, and save. Obviously, all the final decisions on your stuff go to you, but I think the girls should help you when they can.” It sounded like a suggestion, but the gleam in his eyes said it wasn’t a choice, but something that was expected of all of them.

Dinner ended quite quickly on that uncomfortable note, only for a long and sleepless night to lead Ichigo into the first day of thoroughly going through his things. As he was going through a drawer, he couldn’t remember the last time he had been in, Yuzu walked into his room and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

“Did you really only just tell Dad?”

“Yeah, I really only made the decision about two weeks ago...I think but looking back it’s been a while coming. I need to have more people around me that understand what I’ve been through.” Ichigo had sighed heavily and slumped where he was on the floor but couldn’t muster the strength to look up at his sister.

“As long as it’s what you need and will make you happy, we understand and can get used to the idea.” Yuzu left him with that and as he watched her go he caught a glimpse of Karin in the hall glaring at him.

Ichigo sighed again but tried to get back to what he had been doing. However, when Isshin walked in and informed him he was going to call the University the next day to tell them that he had a medical emergency and would be withdrawing him from his classes, Ichigo lost all steam and just crawled into his bed.

When Ichigo walked into the Clinic the next day it was to what sounded like the tail end of a phone call that Isshin was having.

“Sure. We understand but thank you for the help and support.” Isshin looked up when Ichigo walked in and held up a finger to have him wait.

“That’s right. He will not be returning. Yes. Thank you. You too.” Setting the phone down, the elder Kurosaki released a deep sigh as he slumped back in his chair. “The school has been handled. You have been withdrawn and copies of all of your records will be sent to us so we will have that information if we need it. You will not be docked for the rest of your classes either, but no money back for us as expected.”

“Whatever. Thanks for clearing me with the school.”

“Of course. So, what brought you in here today?”

“I wanted to go talk to Urahara today for a bit.”

“Kisuke? I don’t know what you need to go to him about, but okay. Why are you telling me this?”

Ichigo swallowed and looked down at his hands, “I don’t know, but it felt like it was what I had to do?” He didn’t understand why he felt like it was so important to make sure that his dad knew where he would be.

Nodding with his brows furrowed, Isshin waved him off telling him to be careful and not stay out too long.

“Yeah, whatever. You know where to send the search party if I’m gone longer than you want.” Ichigo glared back over his shoulder before disappearing out the door.

“My, Ichigo, are you going to be making these visits a regular thing again?”

“Oh, hi. I don’t know about that, but I was wondering if you had an easy and fast way to be able to contact Kyoraku?”

“The Sou-taicho? Hm, that’s a very specific request. I think I have a soul-phone that you can use, but I don’t know if you will get through to him. Why do you want to get a hold of him?”

“That’s not really any of your business.”

“But I didn’t hear a request to buy what you were asking for, just access.”

“Come on!” Ichigo was starting to vibrate with his anger.

“I apologize. You’re right, your business, not mine. Just a minute.” Kisuke left Ichigo in the ringing silence of the shop as he went to dig out the phone he had mentioned.

“Look, I just want to ask him a couple of things, but I don’t really want to go through anyone else for it. Dad’s already up in my business now and I think it’s going to get worse. You have never been particularly in my face when digging for information before and I don’t want you to change that.” Shoulders dropped; Ichigo shrugged as he admitted how he felt about the process of his move to Soul Society so far.

“I understand. I stepped over the line. Here’s the phone, you can keep it until you complete the move.” Urahara handed over the device without any fanfare.

Ichigo hid in his room the following day as he stared at the phone in his hands. After several hours of silence, Ichigo finally tried to call the number that Kisuke had input for him but gave up after not being able to get through. He had possessions to divide anyway. That was something he could control, and he needed to feel in control about something for a little while.

The next day, Isshin made Ichigo promise to start seeing him every day at the clinic, but the next day, Ichigo was woken up by Isshin telling him that they needed to go to Kisuke’s shop. When they arrived about 20 minutes later, they were surprised to see Nel in the sitting room.

“Itsygo!” Nel flung herself at the bright haired Kurosaki. “I missed you!”

“Ugh! Yeah, missed you too, Nel. Can’t breathe.” Ichigo’s arms were in that odd half hug state where the hands stick out away from both of the bodies in the hug as he tilted his head back in an attempt to be able to breathe.

“Nel, don’t break him or everything won’t work out the way it needs to.” Kisuke placed a hand on the exuberant arrancar’s shoulder.

Releasing Ichigo, Nel stepped back and gave a bashful smile. “Sorry. Oh! Harribel asked me to bring you this!”

Taking the envelope that Nel held out, Ichigo tilted his head to the side as he tore it open. “Oh, it’s a pass to come and go freely from Hueco Mundo. She also says she is giving me my own quarters there! Wow, I guess she heard I was leaving the World of the Living.” He was surprised by the declarations given to him but didn’t quite understand how she already knew about his plans, though he refused to question it. Figuring that Kyoraku and her had discussed it to decide what he needed.

“Um, thanks Nel. Please, make sure she knows that I appreciate the promises. I don’t know when or how I will take advantage of them, but I’m sure I will visit from time to time.” Ichigo gave Nel a controlled hug to show his appreciation of the letter and her time.

“I will make sure she hears. I gotta go now. Bye!” Nel gave her usual cheerful farewell as she opened a Garganta and disappeared into the darkness.

After Nel left, Isshin and Ichigo got up to leave the shop. Before they made it to the door, Kisuke called out to them, “Rukia will also be coming through town a little later on assignment. I’m sure she will head your way.”

Ichigo sighed, resigned to having to see the small Soul Reaper as his dad acknowledged the blond before they continued on their way.

They both were walking at a comfortable pace when Isshin looked over at Ichigo, “Can you open a garganta yourself?”

Ichigo hummed, thinking about it and having an internal conversation with Shiro. “I don’t think so, but I’ve also never tried after gaining more control over my power. There might be a chance, but I’m sure it wouldn’t be too difficult to get someone to open one for me.”

Leaving it at that, the two finished the walk, in comfortable silence. Isshin immediately went into the clinic when they returned, and Ichigo went to lay on the couch for a while.

Sure enough, just as Kisuke presumed, shortly after the small raven-haired Shinigami entered Karakura Town, she made her way to the Kurosaki residence.

Ichigo opened the door after the knock brought him back to the present.

“Hey, Ichigo.”

Grunting, Ichigo just stepped to the side in invitation.

“Um, thanks. It’s been a while since I’ve been in the World of the Living. I was asked to stop by and give you this while here on assignment. I don’t know what it is, but Brother said it was important to your plans.”

“Oh, thanks. I will make sure to read this later. I’m moving to Soul Society.”

“I heard about that. If you need someplace to stay when you get there, until you settle, you are more than welcome to stay at the manor. I’m sure my brother wouldn’t mind.”

“I’m sure he would, but thanks.”

“I don’t get it though; you’ll be leaving your family behind and if you move there you won’t live out your human life.”

“I don’t really have a life anymore Rukia and my family won’t be barred from me.”

Rukia just gave him a stern look as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Look, it’s your life and you are clearly going to do whatever you want anyway, but I’m surprised after everything you did to protect your sisters, that you aren’t staying here with them.”

“Whatever, thanks for the letter, but I’m going to ask you to leave. Don’t you have work to do anyway?” Ichigo’s scowl was strong as he stepped into her space.

“You’re right, I do. I’ll see you around Ichigo.” Rukia spun on her heel with that.

Ichigo looked over the letter that he was left with and while it didn’t go too much into things, he noted that Kyoraku was insisting that, even if he didn’t want to go to the academy, he would have to take a couple of courses that he deems absolutely necessary for him to live successfully in the Seireitei, especially if he was going to join The Gotei. He also said that he was welcome and arrangements for his living quarters were underway.

When Ichigo gave the letter to his dad later in the day, Isshin noticed that Ichigo was a bit off, even compared to how he had been lately.

“What happened?” Isshin asked, folding the letter back into its envelope.

“I can’t deal with Rukia’s attitude on top of everything. She basically said she doesn’t agree with me on leaving the girls.”

“Hmm, well, it will be an adjustment, but everything will be fine. Besides, Rukia doesn’t have a say in any of this. Just try and let it go. Worry about getting yourself ready while we wait to hear about when everything will be ready for you to go.” Isshin spoke softly, if Ichigo was himself, he probably would have called him out for using his clinic bedside manner voice on him, but Ichigo didn’t seem to notice. However, the glare he caught over Ichigo’s shoulder told him that Karin had noticed. She didn’t stop though, she merely continued on her way wherever she had been heading.

“I know and you guys know, but it doesn’t feel good knowing that someone I consider one of my best friends feels that way.” Ichigo was slumped over in his chair at this point looking more and more like a zombie in the making.

“Why don’t you try and get some rest. I want you to come by the clinic in the morning though, okay?” Isshin rubbed Ichigo’s shoulder.

“Sure.” Ichigo got up and went to his room.

Chapter Text

Chapter 3:
Countdown to Ichigo’s Move to Soul Society: Part 1

While Ichigo didn’t get any sleep because the bad memories were strong enough to make him feel like he was having a nightmare every time he so much closed his eyes, Ichigo eventually dragged himself out of bed to go down to the clinic to meet with his father. When the young man looked at the clock he scoffed, it was only half past seven in the morning. He thought it was a lot later than it was because of how bright and high the sun looked through his bedroom window, but figuring sleep wasn’t coming anyway, Ichigo continued on his mission to get dressed.

When Ichigo walked through the door to the clinic the following day, Isshin double checked his watch and then really looked at Ichigo’s face and realized that his son didn’t even get a single second of sleep.

“I wasn’t expecting you until later, but now works for me, I don’t have any appointments until later today anyway. Have a seat.”

Ichigo climbed up on the table, a little surprised that his dad was actually going to run this like a full appointment.

“I know I just mentioned that I wanted you to come by, but I think based on how you’ve been doing and your recent decision to move to Soul Society, I thought it would be in your best interest for me to do a physical and some tests. You want to fill me in on how you’ve been doing? I see you didn’t sleep at all last night. Is that a regular occurrence?” Isshin was in full doctor mode, no more fatherly care in his tone, all professional concern.

Ichigo watched his hands as he fidgeted. His dad had a point, after all his physical health could affect his spirit form. It could compromise his Reiatsu and Reishi resulting in lessened Reiryoku. “I don’t remember the last time I actually got any solid sleep, if I’m being completely honest. And aside from the dinner when I asked if we could talk, I don’t remember the last time I ate anything. I think Kon has been eating when I go to train, because I always feel different when I return to my body.”

“I don’t like how that sounds. I will have to check in with Kon the next time I see him. Why aren’t you sleeping?”

“Really? I’ve fought in two wars that weren’t even mine to fight and saw death happen for the first time at the age of nine only to find out at 15 that I was right, and it was actually at least in part my fault that mom died back then. I’ve seen more blood and guts than most veterans did when they fought in Vietnam and the World Wars. I don’t know, dad, take your pick as to why I’m not sleeping!”

“Easy now, I didn’t mean anything by my question, I just wanted to hear what you thought the issue might be. I wanted to hear, in your words, what’s been going on in your mind.” Isshin gave Ichigo a second to calm down by making a note. “Okay, anything else major that I should know about?”

Ichigo rolled his eyes, “I don’t know doc, everything?”

“Ichigo, I know I may be your father, but what is visible on the outside is not always indicative of what is going on on the inside. Energy levels, bathroom changes, focus...Things like that.” Isshin was giving Ichigo a stern look, he really needed his son to be honest with him since he opened the channels of communication about how he has been doing and he just wanted to help him get better.

“Um, fine. I guess I just associated it with the lack of sleep, but I haven’t been able to focus and really haven’t been interested in doing anything. All I want to do is sleep, but that’s not possible. If I’m not trying to ignore the memories, I am fighting the need to vomit, because all that does for me is make me feel worse. Most of the time if I let myself think about how I’m doing I just want to cry. I feel like I’m hiding who I am and I’m just done with it.” Ichigo decided to shut up. He felt like he was rambling, and he had already been far more honest than he was comfortable with, but he couldn’t take the words back now that they’ve been said.

Isshin simply nodded, he had no idea Ichigo had gotten so bad. Was he just that good at hiding all the signs or had I just not been paying him enough attention the last couple of years? Isshin didn’t like the rabbit hole that thought was about to send him down, so he forced himself to refocus on Ichigo.

“Okay, with that information, I would like to do a couple of different blood tests for you.”

“If you think it’s important, that’s fine. I really don’t care.”

“Give me a minute to grab what I need to draw some blood. I will be right back.” Isshin stood and exited the room.

Ichigo flopped back on the exam table and threw an arm over his eyes. He felt like his dad was putting more work into this than was necessary but decided to indulge him to make him feel better about his decision. When the door opened again, Ichigo didn’t sit up, he didn’t even peek out from under his arm. “Do you need me to move?”

“If you don’t want to, I can just use your left arm.” Isshin placed his equipment on the rolling table in easy reach. When all he got in response was a grunt, Isshin set to tying the band around Ichigo’s bicep and placed the stress ball in his hand for him to make finding the vein easier. He wasn’t even surprised when Ichigo just followed his unspoken requests as he prepared him.

Ichigo sucked a harsh breath in through his nose when the touch of the alcohol pad sent a chill through him but didn’t move or react any further. When the needle pierced his skin, however, he did grit his teeth. You would think after all the slices, gashes, and stab wounds he’s gotten since he was a teen, a simple blood draw would be nothing, but Ichigo was not thrilled in the least.

“Almost done, you’re doing great. I know you hate this.” Isshin rubbed Ichigo’s shoulder to soothe him briefly before he switched out the vials. “And... we’re done.” Isshin set down the stoppered vials and immediately withdrew the needle and untied his arm. Once the cotton ball and wrap were in place, Ichigo lifted his hand to pass his dad the stress ball.

“I’m going to get the tests running and then I will come back to chat with you some more.”

“Yeah, alright.” Ichigo still hadn’t looked at his dad again, but he wasn’t fighting any of it, so Isshin let it slide.

Isshin and Ichigo sat there for a while longer talking as Isshin tried to carefully fish for more information on what sorts of things Ichigo can articulate feeling, doing, and eating over the last month. He was concerned about how tired his son looked and realized that the best way to describe his appearance would be to say that he was resigned to his fate, like he is ready to just cease existing altogether and that just broke Isshin’s heart. Ichigo was reluctant as he was earlier in their conversation, but tried to answer as honestly as he could, but wasn’t very helpful as he couldn’t remember much, just feeling tired.

When the machine beeped in the other room Isshin looked at the door briefly before turning back to his son. “I will look at the results and decide what needs to be done medically and let you know the plan going forward from my perspective. It will probably not be until tomorrow when I can get back to you with all that. Please, just have a little more patience and keep trying for now. Okay?”

Ichigo reluctantly nodded, understanding that his dad was worried about him, but was trying his hardest to help him in the only way that he was confident in at this point in Ichigo’s life.

Isshin gave him a sad smile before walking Ichigo back into the house and calling out for Yuzu who bounced into view. “What’s up, dad?”

“I want you to make sure that Ichigo gets a full, well-rounded meal. Make sure he eats it all.”

“Sure!” She cheered before scurrying off to her domain and immediately started up a storm in the kitchen as she prepared him a full meal.

Ichigo didn’t even argue or look back at their dad before plopping down on the couch and awaiting his expected meal. Meanwhile, Yuzu let a sad smile fall on her face as she started thinking about why this had been requested of her and all of the meals that Ichigo hadn’t been coming down for in a while. She decided that this was going to be a new goal for herself, making food for him and keeping him company to make sure that he started eating in front of her again. Hoping that it would help him get better at least a little bit.

Dutifully, Ichigo ate and complimented his sister on her hard work like he used to do all the time. His meal was eaten, albeit slowly. He was very appreciative that Yuzu had only made him a small meal, but it was indeed well rounded and completely nutritious for him. Ichigo was shocked when Shinji was knocking on their door as they were finishing up with the meal.

After a simple head tilt, his confusion only grew when Shinji said, “Alright, let’s go. You’re mine today.” Not even being given a chance to respond, Ichigo was being physically dragged from his chair and along behind Shinji, out of the house.

“Are you going to at least tell me what you’re going to do with me? Seriously! You can’t just barge in and drag people around like this.” Ichigo grumbled with less heat than usual.

Raising an eyebrow at his pupil and at this point, honestly, a friend, Shinji doesn’t respond. He just continued on his way. After making it to the sidewalk he did at least allow Ichigo to stand and move on his own, but he did keep close to him, not risking him making a break for it.

“Wait, what are you doing in the World of the Living? You’re a Captain again, aren’t you?” Ichigo pulled against the hold on his arm.

“Oh, yeah, that. I am, but I guess you could say I’m a go between for the Visoreds that remained here. Something about in person discussions being smoother.” Shinji shrugged him off again and just kept leading Ichigo to the new home of the others.

Hachi was the first one to approach them when the two entered the building. He gave Ichigo a big hug with a gentle smile. Lisa walked up to the group as Hachi was putting him down again.

“I thought we were going to be training today, but you look like you're about to fall over.” Lisa said without looking up from her book.

“Nap Time!” Mashiro came flying into the room and taking Ichigo down, the two of them landing on the pile of overstuffed cushions they had laying around their main space.

Shinji chuckled as he joined the others in getting comfortable in what would be best described as a cuddle puddle. Ichigo didn’t even argue which was concerning for the group of Visorde, but Shinji didn’t call him on it, nor did any of the others.

During the unexpected nap for the Visordes, Isshin was frowning over the results from Ichigo’s tests and called in a long-held debt.

“I need your opinion on how to handle this situation based on some test results.” Isshin said to the silence on the other end of the line. “Can you come by the clinic, please?”

Isshin waited impatiently for the door to open to the clinic. When it finally did, he looked up to see the usual frown on Ryuuken’s face.

“Don’t be that way, you owe me. I’m worried about Ichigo.”

Ryuuken was taken aback by Isshin’s honesty, and his expression softened. “Show me what you have then.” The elder Ishida groused as he motioned for the former Shinigami to lead the way.

The two discussed the vitamins and supplements that needed to be given to Ichigo and the regime that he should stick to until such time as the time was up for the agreement between the two Kurosaki’s.

Once Ichigo finally woke up several hours later, the group did end up spending some time doing some light sparring. Light sparring meant, for this group of oddballs, that there were no cuts that were deep or longer than three inches long. As Ichigo jumped back out of range from another one of Mashiro’s kicks, Urahara walked in.

“Ichigo, it’s time to go home. Your dad’s been bugging me nonstop for a while now. He couldn’t get in contact with you.” Kisuke said as he watched the younger man panting in front of him.

Ichigo jumped and turned his eyes to the blond shopkeeper. “What? He’s never cared before.”

Kisuke didn’t deign to respond, simply grabbed Ichigo by the collar and dragged him off to return the complaining younger Kurosaki back to his father. Thankfully, the blond used shunpo so the indignation of literally being pulled home wouldn’t have to last too long.

“Ah, thank you Kisuke.” Isshin said with a relieved sigh seeing his son dangling from the hold that his longtime friend had on him.

“Not to worry, but I’m not your errand boy. Send Karin next time.” Kisuke dropped Ichigo and to the redhead’s indignation landed on his backside.

Before Ichigo could compose himself enough to turn his energy to his long-time mentor, the man took off in shunpo again, leaving the two Kurosaki’s in his dust.

“You seriously couldn’t wait for me to finish training and come home?”

Isshin shook his head, “No. I need to let you know what me and Ryuuken decided you need to get healthier again.”

“This couldn’t have waited until tomorrow?” Ichigo exclaimed before he registered that his father had mentioned the older Ishida. “Wait, you called Ryuuken in on this? I thought you two hated each other.”

“I wanted to make sure that what I was thinking wouldn’t affect your reiraku negatively or result in you getting sick instead of helping you get stronger again. He agreed with what I was thinking though and reassured me that it wouldn’t cause any negative effects.” Isshin turned and grabbed his file from the counter.

Ichigo sighed but didn’t argue with his dad. He simply followed the older man to the back and into his office for the second time that day.

The two took their seats and Isshin opened the file. “I want to start you on a regime of iron, potassium, vitamin D, and C complex. You will take a set in the morning and a slightly different one in the evenings for a week and then after another test I may decrease that to just the mornings. I couldn’t wait for you to come home tonight, because I need you to take some before bed and your sister is almost done with dinner already.”

Ichigo gave his dad a bored look but nodded. “Whatever. If you think it would be good for me, even if I’m still going to Soul Society at the end of the month.”

A couple of days passed with Ichigo only leaving his room to go down to the clinic, use the bathroom, and when one of the girls dragged him out of his room for a meal. Yuzu made sure he ate at least three times a day even if she didn’t make him leave his room for the food. While he was sticking to his room, Ichigo decided he needed to see his friends and let them know what he was going to do.

That’s how Ichigo found himself knocking on the door of Tatsuki’s and Orihime’s apartment two days after his dad told him he had to take several supplements until he moved.

“Oh, Ichigo. I didn’t know you were coming by today.” Tatsuki greeted him as she opened the door for him to enter their apartment.

“Uh, yeah, sorry about that. I needed to talk to you guys in person and it just kind of happened recently…so, yeah.” Ichigo scratched the back of his neck as he entered into the genkan where he toed off his shoes.

“That’s okay. Is everything alright?” Tatsuki asked, furrowing her brow as she looked him over. She could tell something was off but didn’t know what.

“Yeah, about that…Is Inoue home?”

“Ah, Ichigo!” Orihime rounded the corner from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. “I didn’t hear you at the door.”

“Hi. Can we sit and chat for a while?” Ichigo looked between his two friends.

“Sure, come on over. Make yourself comfortable.” Orihime led them all over to the living room. “Are you okay?” She asked brightly.

Ichigo gave a sad smile, “Yeah. I’m fine.”

Not buying his response at all, Tatsuki pressed. “So, Ichigo, what’s going on? You look worried about something.”

Ichigo looked at his hands in his lap. “I’m moving to Soul Society. Permanently.”

“Oh, you aren’t dying, are you?” Orihime cried out.

“Technically, I’m already dead and have been since like the third day of having powers, but I don’t really belong here anymore and there’s something missing that I will only be able to find there. I don’t know what that is, but it is.”

Tatsuki’s eyes were sad, but she didn’t speak. She was still taking in what he said. Orihime on the other hand had tears streaming down her face already.

Ichigo finally looked up at them with a sad smile. “I’m sorry guys. I’m working with my dad who is working with Kyoraku on this. I think he is even talking to Captain Unohana, er I mean Isane, Captain Kotetsu. Everything will be alright.”

“But it isn’t right now, is it?” Tatsuki finally spoke.

Ichigo didn’t really know what to say to that, so he shrugged and shook his head no. “I’m…I’m not normal and pretending I’m okay and like everyone else has just become too much. I don’t know how my dad does it, or even Kisuke for that matter, but I just can’t anymore.”

Instead of speaking again, Tatsuki moved and gave Ichigo a hug. Before letting go, quietly she assured him, “We understand. We’ll miss you, but you need to take care of yourself. We will see you again.”

“Enough about me, how are you two doing?” Ichigo tries to give them his best smile.

“Stop pretending you’re okay. We’re fine.” Tatsuki gruffly responded.

“We’ve actually been really happy. Thanks for asking, but I don’t want to make you feel bad about that.” Orihime finally spoke again, she still had some tears in her eyes, but they had significantly slowed.

“You aren’t making me feel bad by telling me that. I’m glad for the two of you, even if I can’t really feel happy right now.” Ichigo insisted. “But I think I should be going; I need to get home soon.”

Orihime let out a sad, “Okay.”

Tatsuki gave Ichigo a sad smile and nodded, “Sure thing. Let us know when you leave so we can say goodbye. Oh, and tell the girls they are welcome to come to us whenever they need to.”

“Thanks, Tatsuki. I really appreciate it.” Ichigo gave her another hug before leaving.

While walking back to the house, Ichigo wasn’t watching where he was going and while lost in thought bodily ran into someone.

“Oh, sorry, I wa-” Keigo stopped mid word, “Oh, Ichigo, hey man! Didn’t see yeah there. Wait, are you Kon? Ichigo never lets me actually make contact!”

“Ah-ha, no, it’s me. I was lost in thought. Sorry about that.” Ichigo gave him a shaky smile. “Oh, but since we ran into each other, I should let you know…I will be leaving for Soul Society in a few weeks. I won’t be around much, if ever after that.”

“What?! You’re just gonna leave us all behind?” Keigo asked, brashly.

“It’s been a while and everyone has been moving on with life, so just think of it as me moving for a job.” Ichigo shrugged. “Look, I’m sorry this is kinda sudden, but it’s gonna happen. Pass it on to Mizuiro, won’t you?’

“Uhm, sure thing, I guess.” Keigo looked really confused but didn’t press or argue any further. “Look, man, I’m gonna miss you and I’m sure the others will too. Can I give you a last hug, in case I don’t see you again before you leave?”

“Sure.” Ichigo opened his arms for his friend to hug him. His actions, clearly both confusing and making Keigo very happy.

“I’ll miss you man. Good luck.”

They parted ways and Ichigo was more cautious on the rest of his walk home. He really didn’t want to run into anyone else. He was exhausted. He didn’t think it was going to be this hard on him to tell a few of his friends what was going on, but it was.

Chapter Text

Chapter 4:
Countdown to Ichigo’s Move to Soul Society: Part 2

Walking in the house, Ichigo kicked off his shoes quickly, not caring how they sat in the Genkan as he pulled himself up the stairs to his room. He didn’t even hear the greeting from his sisters or the shout from his dad when he didn’t respond to them.

Making it to his room, Ichigo flopped on his bed, face down. He only cared enough to turn his face to the side so as to not suffocate himself. With a leg hanging off the side of his bed, Ichigo closed his eyes with a heavy sigh.

Isshin opened the door to Ichigo’s room and looked at the bed and saw the position he was in. He decided not to disturb his son with how exhausted he looked. Thinking that Ichigo needed the sleep right now instead of the dinner that was waiting on them, Isshiin turned to the girls who were standing behind him in the hall.

He held a finger up in front of his lips telling them to be quiet, before shaking his head no with a frown on his lips and glistening eyes. Shooing the girls back towards the stairs Isshin turned back to Ichigo’s room and entered carefully to put Ichigo’s foot on the bed and lay a blanket over him carefully before following back down to eat. Ichigo didn’t even acknowledge his contact or being shifted.

Isshin made a note to himself to make sure he asked about what happened when the two of them sat down again, but focused on the girls as the three of them ate their dinner. He promised Yuzu he would put a tray in Ichigo’s room for him if he woke up hungry, but otherwise insisted that they leave him alone tonight.

The following morning, Isshin greeted Ichigo with a large smile as he entered the office. Ichigo, on the other hand, greeted his dad with, “Ugh! I hate how that stupid vitamin tastes. Have you ever taken a B complex? It’s nasty!” as he chugged more of the bottle of water he was carrying.

Isshin just chuckled, but didn’t respond to Ichigo’s complaints, instead, after Ichigo sat down asked, “So, what happened yesterday? You didn’t respond to any of us and went straight to bed. Did something happen?”

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t hear you guys. Technically nothing unexpected, it just took way more energy than I thought it would.” Ichigo shrugged. “I went and told Tatsuki and Inoue about the plan and on my way home, ran into Keigo, so I told him too.”

“I get it. That was a lot of social interaction for you compared to what you have been having lately. Plus, if you walked the whole way that would have been a lot of exertion that you haven’t been doing on a regular basis anymore.” Isshin nodded, “Other than that, did it go alright for you?”

Ichigo paused, thinking about how everyone reacted, “I guess so. Inoue cried. I expected that. Tatsuki was disappointed but didn’t argue. Keigo…well, he was Keigo.”

Isshin again, just nodded. He waited to see if Ichigo was going to add more, but when it became obvious, he didn’t plan on it, asked, “Did you eat any of the food I left for you last night?”

“About half, I think. Sometime around midnight.” Ichigo answered honestly.

“Good, I’m glad you had some. Have you had breakfast?”

“Yuzu caught me when I came downstairs. I swear, she turned it into her mission to shove food at me after you asked her to make me that well rounded meal.” Ichigo sounded astounded as he reminisced about the meal, she started her fussing with.

Isshin couldn’t help but give a full bellied laugh at that, saying breathlessly, “That’s my girl. She isn’t being too pushy, is she? I don’t want that to cause any other problems for you either.”

“No, she’s gentle about it, just hasn’t failed to check at least three times a day to make sure I’ve eaten.”

“Okay, if it does become an issue, please let me know. I don’t want you to stop eating again, if I can help it.” Isshin responded gently. “We all just worry about you.”

“I know, that’s why I didn’t say anything for so long. I didn’t want to let any of you down.” Ichigo sighed as he looked at his lap. “Does this really have to be an everyday thing? It seems repetitive for not much new information.”

“I understand, but I think it will be the best for you.”

“Fine. Can I go back to my room now?” Resigned, Ichigo looked up at his dad for his permission. Slowly he got up again and returned to his room after his dad gave the go ahead.

Ichigo spent the rest of the day and the following day going through his belongings some more. He put his old textbooks off to the side and any old schoolwork he found in a box for recycling. His clothes were also sorted and anything that wasn’t soft, black, white, or gray, was also set aside. He only stopped digging around when someone brought a tray of food to his room, or he got lost in thought and would stare blankly at whatever he was holding.

Interrupting Ichigo’s sorting on the third day, Isshin ushered Ichigo out of the house, reminding him that he was scheduled to go and train with Kisuke and Ryuuken. When Ichigo tried to argue Isshin gave him his best serious dad eyes and insisted that it was to make sure that his Reishi would be stable enough for him to make the move, to which Ichigo’s shoulders would sag and he would continue walking as Isshin shut the door behind him.

“I thought we had gotten past this impudence.” Ryuuken’s snide voice came from behind Ichigo as he landed on the sands of the training bunker.

“We are.” Ichigo pulled Zangetsu from his place on his back to block the shot the elder Ishida had made.

“Then you would have been on time.”

“Mah, mah, Ishida-san. Ichigo has been a bit under the weather lately. For all we know, Isshin had to drag him all the way here.” Kisuke’s signature fan was in front of his face as he slashed Benihime towards Ichigo.

“Well then, that quack is at least good for something. After all, this will be necessary, will it not?”

“Of course, the stronger and surer his Reiraku is, the stronger he will be in Soul Society. That’s necessary for him to overcome what has been ailing him.” Kisuke responded. The two older men, still firing their best shots and attacks at Ichigo, but mostly chatting amongst themselves as if he weren’t actually there.

Kisuke’s usual smirk grew behind his fan as he felt Ichigo’s frustration rising with their discussion.

“If this is so necessary, then why don’t you talk to me then!?” Ichigo unleashed one of his most charged Getsuga Tensho’s they’ve seen in months, but he immediately collapsed panting in the sand.

“Mah, Ichigo-kun, you know this is all to help you practice your control.” Kisuke alighted next to him, Benihime sheathed once more.

“And to increase your endurance.” Ryuuken stepped up to Ichigo’s other side. “Which is pitifully lacking at this time. Had your father not called me in asking about a case he was working on, I would have assumed your utter lack of skill right now was completely due to childish laziness, but your health has clearly taken its toll.”

Growling, Ichigo pushed himself up onto his feet again to make his first actual attack on one of them. Kisuke snickered as the three of them resumed Ichigo’s training.

The three of them continued for hours, only stopping until Ichigo could regain his feet each time he collapsed. When Karin walked into the shop, Kisuke called for the end of the training and helped Ichigo get into the healing spring for a few minutes before pulling him back out and sending him on his way with his sister.

After dinner, Isshin drew some more blood to re-run Ichigo’s blood tests to see if the supplements and making sure he was eating more regularly have been helping Ichigo’s health stabilize. He wasn’t able to go over the results immediately but continued checking in with Ichigo and allowing him to mostly keep to himself as he had been.

Five days later, Ichigo entered the clinic to check in with his dad but stopped in his tracks. Ryuuken, Kisuke, and Hanataro were standing in his father’s office, all of their heads bent over the table looking at something.

“The hell is going on here?”

Ryuuken looked up at Ichigo, but continued his previous conversation, “Health is stabilized, but still needs help. Think about it. Good day.” The elder Ishida left the office after that, not deigning to acknowledge Ichigo verbally.

Kisuke just smiled as he watched the other leave the office, as he flipped his fan open.

Scratching at the back of his neck, Isshin let out a nervous chuckle as if he was embarrassed or caught doing something wrong by a parent. “Well, we were just discussing the results of your tests. I wanted to discuss with Ryuuken and Kisuke how you have been around others. I also wanted to get Soul Society brought in and up to date about your health here and start discussing with them how to treat and handle your condition. Plus, they need to think about how to prepare for you to move there, but they can’t do that without knowing what is happening here to you.”

“I suppose that explains Hanataro, then.” Ichigo tried to give the timid man a gentle smile, but based on the flinch he received, he figured that he failed.

“Captain Isane was discussing your plan with us, Kioyne, Yasochika, and I. So, I volunteered to be her eyes and ears here. I figured since we were friends it would be easier. When I heard you were planning on moving to Soul Society, I got worried about you and wanted to see you. Plus, it might help Renji and Rukia stay calm if they heard I was helping you.” Hanataro started a little shaky, but his words grew surer the longer he spoke.

Ichigo nodded as he walked over to a chair and plopped down, rubbing his face he mumbled, “Whatever.” He really didn’t have the energy to care about walking in on his dad using him as a freak show.

Hanataro looked at Ichigo with sad eyes after his reaction, so he decided he had stayed long enough. As he passed by Ichigo’s chair, Hanataro set an envelope down next to him on his way out without another word.

Isshin sent a glare at the last outsider still in his office, “Thank you. I will call you if I need you again.”

“Ah? The elder Kurosaki using his manners?” Kisuke’s voice was dripping in amused sarcasm.

“Move it, Kisuke.” Isshin waved off the blond.

Ichigo couldn’t help but huff out a laugh as he watched his mentor get shooed from the office.

“So, your results are showing an increase in all of your levels, but the difference is still low enough that I want you to keep taking the supplements as you have been.” Isshin sat in his chair as he flipped through the file for Ichigo. “How have you been feeling?”

“Not quite as lethargic…I guess. But I’m still moving to Soul Society, this isn’t changing my mind. I still feel like I don’t belong here and that I’m missing a large part of myself.” Ichigo was still sprawled awkwardly over his chair now, as he shifted to get comfortable.

Isshin nodded and indicated that he had assumed as much and that was why he had asked for the fourth to send someone out. “I want you to get a little more active still, even if you have to send Kon out for runs or walk up and down the stairs a few extra times a day. You do have to do at least half of the additional exercise yourself though. Otherwise, I think things can stay mostly as they are now.”

“Fine. I’ll try.” Ichigo left the office and walked back into the house, “Hey, Yuzu!”

“What is it Ichi-ni?”

“Can we have salmon for dinner?”

“Of course!” Yuzu immediately scurried off to take off her apron and get what she needed to run to the store. “I’ll be back in a while. I have to go to the store.”

Ichigo felt his eyebrows raise in amusement watching his little sister hurry out of the house, but once the sound of her retreat cleared, he felt his whole-body droop once again. He headed upstairs to pass on the request of his father for his body to move more to Kon as he started digging through his closet again.

A couple of hours later, Yuzu came knocking on his door. “Your dinner’s ready. Are you still hungry for salmon?”

“Yeah. Thanks Yuzu.” Ichigo followed her back downstairs.

The four of them ate the meal, excited for the change from their usual meals. “Yeah, Ichi asked for the salmon today! Wasn’t it a good idea?” Yuzu boasted.

“It sure was!” Boomed Isshin, his face alight with pride as he turned to Ichigo. “Great idea!”

Ichigo just grunted and rolled his eyes, ignoring his father as outwardly normal as he could. He felt like they were making a bigger deal of the fact that Ichigo asked for salmon than he thought it really was.

Of course, Karin sat there eating as usual side-eyeing her brother and dad’s interaction. She could feel something more was being shared between them but wasn’t positive what it was.

The next time that Ichigo arrives for training it’s two days after seeing the shopkeeper in his dad’s office, but this time he wasn’t immediately greeted by the disdain in Ryuuken’s voice or a shot from Benihime. This time he’s greeted by the grinning face of Grimmjow.

“What’s going on Kisuke?” Ichigo called to the blond standing on the top of the nearest monolithic boulder.

“Well, as you can see, there was a bit of a change in plans for today’s training. Grimmjow here wanted to see your new and improved fighting style.” The shady blond phased out of view as he stepped into shunpo before Ichigo could so much as open his mouth in retaliation.

“Heard you’ve been learning some new tricks. Give me your best fight, Kurosaki!” Grimmjow jeered as he pulled Pantera from her sheath at his hip.

Ichigo immediately drew Zangetsu and started on offense to keep his opponent at bay. Grimmjow’s eyes widened in glee when he saw that his favorite sparring partner had indeed learned some new tricks. Ichigo had him jumping and spinning away from each swing of a new attack, but before long he noticed there was something off about the other.

When Ichigo redirected Grimmjow’s next move and retaliated with his own strike, Ichigo dropped to the ground panting with his palms red, as if burned from holding his sword.

“Shit! He wasn’t kidding. Talk to me, no one will hear what you say. What’s going on?” Grimmjow was immediately kneeling next to the exhausted form of Ichigo, afraid to touch, but hands hovering to brace the heaving shoulders in front of him.

Ichigo leaned into Grimmjow, “If I wasn’t already dead, I’d say I was dying.”

“What now?” Grimmjow plopped back onto his rear as he pulled Ichigo with him, allowing the brightly haired Shinigami to rest against his chest.

“Kisuke said I’ve technically been dead for years now and my body has acted as an organic gigai. Whatever. What I meant was, I’m not going to be around much longer. I just can’t keep living like this.”

Grimmjow’s thoughtful hum almost sounded like a comforting purr, but Ichigo was quickly spiraling down his more negative thoughts and didn’t notice the unusually catlike sound coming from the other.
The arms wrapped around Ichigo tighten and then shift him further into the arrancar’s lap. Ichigo didn’t fight it, in fact he just shifted into the embrace more, tucking his head in under Grimmjow’s jaw and resting against his chest. Ichigo started recounting how things have been for a while and what his dad was doing to make sure he did what was possible to help get him better again.

The two sat like that for a while, Grimmjow mostly listening, but sometimes he’d hum or grumble some sort of response to what was said. He felt like he was failing Ichigo somehow and he didn’t understand that idea, so he tried to ignore the feeling.

Eventually though, Ichigo decided he’d had enough of Grimmjow’s coddling and pulled out of the safety of his embrace and demanded that they spar some more.

After a moment of narrowed eyes, Grimmjow nodded and stood again, but this time when he pulled his blade, he didn’t release her at all. He decided to go easier on Ichigo, but still give him enough of a push that he didn’t piss him off either. Ichigo glared daggers at him when he realized what was happening, but quickly had to refocus all of his energy on the fight again, breathing hard once again.

Grimmjow felt like he won one of the hardest fights of his life when he noticed Ichigo catch on, but unable to say anything as he pushed on. He couldn’t hold back a cackle of laughter as he swung Pantera again and ended up pushing Ichigo down to a knee before he was able to find a way out of the lock they had on their swords.

As Ichigo jumped back, Kisuke dropped back down into the training facility. “Karin’s here. You two are done for today.”

“We’re done when we say we are, old man!” Grimmjow growled, but the noise was cut off when he saw Ichigo straighten up and replace his sword on his back.

“We’re done. I can’t ignore her, or dad will storm the Shoten.” Ichigo complained between breaths.

“Aw, whatever. Keep getting stronger. It makes things fun.” Grimmjow sheathed Pantera and took off in the opposite direction of the ladder.

Kisuke and Ichigo reappeared in the sitting room behind the store. “Sorry, to keep you waiting.”

“As if. You don’t care about that.” Karin responded to the older man.

Ichigo rolled his eyes as he walked past his sister, hoping she would follow him without saying anything else to Kisuke.

Karin finally trotted up next to him and they walked quietly for about a block before she shook her head, “Seemed different today. Did everything go alright?”

“Uh, yeah. Urahara just decided I needed a change of pace today, that's all.” Ichigo shrugged. Other than his complete breakdown which resulted in him cuddling Grimmjow for who knows how long, today’s training felt really good.

Two days later, Isshin felt a shinigami coming towards the house and after paying proper attention to the feel of the reiatsu he was able to recognize Rukia, so he met her at the window to Ichigo’s room before she could fully climb into the house.

“It isn’t proper to enter someone’s house through a window. You should always knock on the front door.” Isshin greeted her with his arms crossed over his chest.

“Wah! Oh, um, sorry Kurosaki-san. I’m just used to coming in this way.” Rukia ducked her chin and felt her cheeks warm in embarrassment.

“In the future, I would prefer you use the front door. Ichigo’s asleep right now, if you were looking for him. Why are you here?”

“I wanted to know what was going on. Ichigo has some sort of plan, and it involves Soul Society, but I can’t get a straight answer from anyone about what is going on. I’ve gathered he’s moving there, but I don’t understand why or how. I deserve to know what’s happening. He’s my friend.”

“Exactly, he’s your friend. You do not immediately have the right to know everything about him or are privy to all the information related to him. As his friend you should be supportive and trust that he will tell you what is going on in time.” Isshin emphasized his words, before continuing on like he was reprimanding his own daughters. “On his own terms and in his own words. As such, at this time, we are only accepting visits with official reasoning and prior notice. This includes letters from Kyoraku or Isane in the future. Now, I think it is high time you left.” Isshin pointed over Rukia’s shoulder out the still open window.

“I-” Rukia started speaking, but was abruptly cut off by Ichigo’s dad, “Now! You are not welcome here today. Leave before Ichigo wakes up…Please.” He finished softer with his plea.

Rukia turned and left without further argument. She was hurt but figured that the former shinigami was right. Ichigo would tell her eventually. “I’ll have to tell Nii-sama about this. Maybe he will give me… no, he won’t say anything that he hasn’t been given permission to share. Maybe Renji will spill if I take him drinking.” Rukia sighed after that thought. She figured it wouldn’t actually work and if it did, it wasn’t something she would be able to live with, it wasn’t right. Resigned to not knowing, Rukia continued on her mission checking Karakura Town for Hollow activity and making notes for her report.

After making sure that Rukia was well on her way again, Isshin went back downstairs where he paused seeing Ichigo curled up in the corner of the couch buried under a blanket. He slowly made his way to his son with the intention of carefully carrying him up to his room, when he received a message from Kisuke letting him know that Hanataro just made it to town and would arrive shortly. Isshin sped up his mission to carry Ichigo to his bed and had to smile down at him when he mumbled in his sleep and pressed himself further against his chest.

Isshin made sure that Ichigo was still sleeping soundly after tucking him into his bed before making his way to his office and waiting for the small healer to arrive.

Chapter Text

Chapter 5:
Countdown to Ichigo’s Move to Soul Society: Part 3

About an hour after the heads up from Kisuke, Hanataro was entering the clinic and waiting for Isshin by the counter in the lobby. “Sorry if I’m late, but Urahara-san said something about unhappy guests when I arrived, so I thought I should give you a bit of time.”

“Nonesenese, you’re right on time!” Isshin boomed, he was thankful for the reprieve even if it wasn’t actually warranted and Hanataro would have actually been slightly early had he come straight to the clinic to see him if he arrived when Kisuke’s message said he did.

“O-oh, that’s good. Um, Captain Kotetsu asked that I bring you this and discuss with you a few things before returning.” Hanataro handed over the sealed letter from Isane before following Isshin back to his office.

“Right, so, what did she want to know before any mail I would be able to get her?” Isshin asked as he sat behind his desk.

“She was concerned about his eating habits as of late. How best is it to get him to eat?”

“We’ve been checking in on him around meal times or taking him a tray of food. We usually have at least one person sit with him to keep him company and focused on the task of eating. If you guys do something like that, just be careful not to pressure him too much or it might backfire.” Isshin scratched at his chin. “He’s still mostly relying on Kon to eat full meals, but he himself is taking in small amounts each time he is provided food. That’s a large step forward from where he was.”

“Oh, well, that’s good at least. She was also worried about the severity of his depression and if he needs to be accompanied 24/7 or if he just needs someone to visit him regularly?”

“That one’s a bit tougher since either one of his sisters or I is around all the time, but not always in obvious proximity to him. I would say regular check-ins, but if you guys see something or something changes do what you see fit.” Isshin shrugged. He was worried about the adjustment period the most for Ichigo, but he didn’t seem to be in any danger from anything but a lack of nutrition and sleep.

“Do you know where the crackers are?” Ichigo poked his head into the office, not even recognizing that there was someone sitting with his dad. His face was pale and his eyes dark.

“Should be in the cupboard above the toaster.” Isshin responded immediately.

After the door shut behind him again, Hanataro asked, “Should he stay here until the month is up?”

“Probably not. If he asks to leave sooner I will let him, but he hasn’t. He seems set on fulfilling our original agreement.” Isshin looked down at his hands where they were clasped together tightly.

“I’ll see what we can do about hurrying the preparations.” Hanataro bowed and left with that. He hoped that everything would go according to plans, but when Ichigo was involved, plans didn’t seem to matter much. It didn’t matter what was happening.

When Isshin found an opening in his schedule the next morning, he hurried up to Ichigo’s room to get him. Leading a grumbling ginger back down to his office. The doctor had realized that out of all of the information that he had finally told Ichigo about his personal history, he had left out a critical piece of biology for individuals in Soul Society.

“What’s so important you couldn’t let me just wake up and come down?” Ichigo was finally coherent enough to form a full question as he sat in his dad’s office.

“We need to talk about coming of age in Soul Society.”

“Wha-?! You’ve already made me suffer through The Talk, we are not doing this again!” Ichigo started to get up from his chair, but froze when his dad started talking again.

“This is different. When a soul living there matures they take on a secondary gender or attribute.” Isshin leveled his son with a look that had him cowing in his seat and sealing his lips shut. “Have you ever heard the terms: Alpha, Beta, or Omega?”

“I am not sure I’m following. Just get on with it old man.”

Isshin delved into the discussion and started explaining how after individuals mature they will present as one of the aforementioned genders and while any soul has the potential for reproduction and carrying a pregnancy, he stressed that the Omegas and Female Betas were more likely to get pregnant with their partners.

Ichigo was dizzy with the amount of information that was coming at him as he tried to file away everything his dad was telling him. He wasn’t sure if he was actually absorbing all of it, but one thing he was sure he picked up was that after Ichigo moved there and settled in, there was a chance for him to mature and present a secondary gender.

As Isshin was finishing, he gave Ichigo a soft smile. “I know that was a lot to take in and I’m sorry I didn’t think that it was something that was necessary to share with you in the past. I didn’t think that it would be relevant for a long time and still then, I had hoped it would come about naturally for you and that I wouldn’t have to actually tell you about it.”

“I frankly don’t really care right now. I’m just trying to process.”

“That’s fair. You can head back in if you want.”

With a nod of his head, Ichigo booked it back into the house as quickly as he could without actually appearing to be rushing or running away from what had just been aired for him.

After Ichigo’s mind had a chance to stop spinning, he changed and made his way to The Shoten to see Kisuke. He walked straight in and only stopped when he approached his mentor.

“Secondary Genders are a thing? And you didn’t think that was something I might need to know, seeing as I had been running around in soul form for the greater half of the last several years?” Ichigo didn’t even bother with a proper greeting.

“Ah, Ichigo-kun. I didn’t think it was something that would affect you so I didn’t see it as something you needed to know…at least not until you properly died.”

“But you said I was dead after my first meeting with Byakuya and my first fight with my hollow.” Ichigo crossed his arms.

“That I did. So, did you have questions that you were too squeamish to ask your dad about?”

“Uh, no. My only questions were that…” Ichigo scratched his cheek as he shifted his weight from foot to foot. “Can I go downstairs?”

Kiskuke bowed his head and motioned in the general direction of the hatch to the underground facility. He was rather amused by Ichigo, but didn’t bother stopping the young man.

Ichigo only stayed for about another half hour before he returned to his room and ignored the rest of the day as much as possible.

Isshin was startled out of his work the next morning by the blond man letting himself into his office. "Good morning, I guess. What can I do for you?"

"So, you told him?"

"Of course I did. I had to so he could understand what he needed to as he settled in. It wouldn't be good for him to have no idea what people were talking about or Kami forbid, that he didn't know what was happening to him when he finally presents."

Kisuke nodded, Isshin had a pretty good point. With that settled, the two chatted some about Ichigo making the move sooner if possible.

"He only interacts with you three, Ryuuken, and myself. Isshin, if he isn't showing you any other signs of getting better, it's not worth it to him."

"It's our choice and he hasn't said anything about changing the agreement." Isshin crossed his arms as he leveled his long time friend with a deadly glare.

Hands up in surrender, Urahara turned and left Isshin to his work.

Groaning, Isshin made a mental note to talk to the kids at dinner.

When dinner arrived it was a silent affair but similar to any other family meal before. He hated to potentially ruin the comfortable atmosphere, but he felt he should bring it up like he had decided earlier. "Kisuke stopped by. He had similar beliefs as Hanataro. They agree Ichigo should go to Soul Society soon and not finish the month here."

Yuzu dropped her chopsticks as she turned her full attention to her father.

"They think it's doing more harm than good at this point."

Standing up, Karin shouted, "You said a month!"

Not looking at any of his family, Ichigo muttered, "Not ready, still need to finish going through my things."

His sisters turned big, hopeful eyes on him.

"I'm staying until the month is up or I get worse again. It's been easier with you knowing how bad it's been, but I will be going."

With a heavy sigh Isshin's shoulders slumped, but let the topic go as he watched Karin retake her seat as Yuzu started eating again. They finished the meal in silence, but Ichigo's mood seemed heavier, making Isshin think, "Maybe I shouldn't have said anything and just let everything play out the way it was going to."

As the girls were cleaning up after dinner Isshin asked Ichigo to come down to see him at ten the next morning before bidding his son a good night.

When Isshin finished with his patient, he looked at the clock and noticed two things as he made his way to his office: one, that it was past 10 am because that appointment had run long and two, that Ichigo still wasn’t in his office. After seeing the chairs in his office empty, he turned and sped through the house up to his son’s room. Halting in front of the closed door, Isshin knocked twice softly before cracking the door open like he does with the patient rooms in the clinic. “Hey, can I come in?”

Ichigo lifted his eyes just enough to look at the cracked door before nodding his head and returning his eyes to his intertwined fingers. “Am I late?”

“Yeah… You, alright this morning?”

“How does it not affect you?”

“Is this about second genders?” Isshin draped an arm over Ichigo’s shoulders. After receiving a nod, he continued, “That’s difficult to explain, but it doesn’t really matter to me anymore. Why don’t we just chat up here today?”

As Ichigo was nodding, the cracked door slid open a couple of inches, just far enough for Yuzu to see that their dad was sitting next to Ichigo on his bed. “Is everything okay?”

“Of course sweetheart. Don’t worry about anything, we are just chatting.” Isshin sent the quiet girl a reassuring smile.

“What are you doing?” Karin grabbed Yuzu’s upper arm and dragged her towards the stairs. “Don’t bother them when they are together in private. It might make things worse.”

Yuzu couldn’t fight her sister, so she just went about making lunch without talking to Ichigo first like she had planned.

“I think Karin has figured out more than we told them.” Ichigo nodded at his father’s words again. He was thankful that his louder sister had stopped Yuzu from asking more questions that he wouldn’t have wanted to answer.

After the two men chatted for a while longer, Ichigo decided to hand his body over to Kon to go eat while he stayed with his father in his room. Isshin was disappointed by the choice, but didn’t say anything against it.

When Kon walked into the dining room asking if lunch was ready, Karin turned to Yuzu, her eyebrows lifted and lips squeezed together in almost a frown as she dropped her chin.

“I didn’t mean to make it worse! I just wanted to see if there was anything that Ichi-nii wanted specifically for lunch.” Yuzu dropped her chin as her brows furrowed, focusing on the cooking and blatantly ignoring her sister.

“Nah, I don’t think he was going to come down anyway.” Kon reassured offhandedly, earning a raised brow from Karin, but everyone dropped it anyway.

As Isshin was heading out to go back to the clinic he received a text from Kisuke. "Oh, looks like Rukia will be coming by today."

"Be there…here…whatever…I need you while she's here." Ichigo stumbled through his soaring thoughts about having to face Rukia again.

"Of course, son. I'll be there for you." Isshin gave a sorrowful smile. "I'll be back before she gets here, but I have a couple of things to take care of in the clinic."

When Isshin turned around to continue on his way out he was faced with Kon.

After eating his fill and grabbing a few rolls and a cold tea, Kon made his way back up to Ichigo as his dad was heading out of his room. After a quick assessment of Isshin's face he said, “I take it Rukia bummed him out?"

"Uh, yeah, I guess you could say that. He just doesn't have the mental energy to handle her it seems."

"Hm, okay."

"Don't bug him, just…"

"Yeah, I got it pops." Kon gave Isshin a thumbs up as he entered Ichigo's room. "Hey, take your meat suit back."

Ichigo grumbled as he turned to look at Kon. "Just lay down on top of me."

When Ichi turned his gaze back to the ceiling Kon pouted, but after setting down the extra stuff from lunch he did as Ichigo requested without complaint. He just hoped Ichi would catch his soul pill and put it in the lion before going back to staring at nothing again.

Sure enough, a little more than an hour later, Isshin walked back into Ichigo’s room. “Do you want to go downstairs or stay up here?”

“Here.”

“Okay. When she gets here, I’ll go let her in and lead her up here.”

“Why does she want to come here so much?” Ichigo was still staring at the ceiling above him.

“Well, this time she should be bringing an update for us, not that she will really know or understand that.” Isshin shrugged.

“Gr. Whatever. Just don’t leave me alone with her.”

“Of course not.” Isshin sat at Ichigo’s desk while the two of them waited in silence.

When they heard a knock at the front door, Isshin helped Ichigo sit back up before heading down to greet their visitor.

As Rukia passed Isshin, since he stepped to the side, to enter Ichigo’s room first, she wordlessly handed over the envelopes to him. “Hey, Ichigo.”

He didn’t respond verbally, barely nodding to acknowledge that he heard her.

“Since, I’m not in town long this time, I was hoping we could get the group together and go out for lunch today. What do you say?”

“No thanks. You can go, but I can’t right now.” Ichigo was trying his best to keep his voice neutral.

“But…” Rukia glanced quickly towards Isshin who shook his head. “Okay. Well, remember the manner has space for you when you get to Soul Society. You’re welcome as long as it takes to find permanent housing or you get accepted at the academy and move into the dorms.”

Isshin smirked before quickly clearing his expression again. He was glad to hear that they were keeping the specifics of Ichigo’s move to only the Captains, Lieutenants, and the select few others as requested.

Ichigo rolled his eyes at his dad’s reaction to the offer, “Yeah, thanks. I guess we’ll see when the time comes. I hope you enjoy your visit here, but I think you should go now.”

Rukia’s shoulders slumped, “Okay.” She slowly turned to leave, stopping briefly to look back over her shoulder before continuing on her way.

Isshin stepped into the hallway to watch her leave, but didn’t so much as step out of Ichigo’s line of sight. Once the door was latched behind her, he returned to Ichigo’s side, “I know it’s hard, but I’m proud of you son.” Isshin laid his hand on Ichigo’s shoulder, with a solemn smile. “I’ll leave you to rest now. When you’re ready, I’ll be in my office downstairs with the letters.”

With a slow nod, Ichigo shifted to lay down properly on his bed again. “Alright, thanks dad.”

At first Ichigo laid there on his back staring at the ceiling, mind mostly blank, but slowly starting to think about who he might want to see when he got to Soul Society. Deciding he wanted a change of scenery, Ichigo rolled on to his side to stare at the wall his bed was pressed against, allowing his thoughts to wander.

“Hm…I miss Renji…Wonder what Hanataro has been up to and if he’s started to stand up for himself more now. I bet Byakuya would understand how I feel…hmm, well, at least partially. That stuck up noble was raised in the life, but I bet having to follow the rules the way he does makes him understand in some way. Maybe having to step up as early as he did made him feel like this…Then, there’s obviously the people that I’ll have to talk to…Isane seemed nice, but I will have to talk to Kyoraku and I’ve never seen him serious, ever…I wonder what that will be like. Him and Unohana were like boogeymen of the Seireitei. She had that feel, but I just don’t know about him. He had to have gotten that reputation somehow…” Ichigo frowned to himself, before sighing.

He just laid there for a while simply not thinking, but letting his mind wander as it pleased. With a groan, Ichigo started thinking about his visits with Rukia. “Why does she bother me so badly? It has to be the fact she triggered my powers…right? Why else would I not want to see her? She is one of my friends, afterall. Or at least was. Now, I’m afraid of her…I think…or am I just mad at her?... I don’t know… Ugh!”

Deciding he was ready to see the letters, Ichigo made his way to the office still thinking. “Should I have told her I already have plans?... No, I would have to tell her where I would be. I don’t want her to be able to drop in on me whenever she wants. I need space. Oh, well. Let’s find out where that will be…”

Before Ichigo made it to the office though, he got distracted by something in the kitchen and after sneaking in to grab one of the small plates with steam buns, he headed back up to his room.

When Rukia stepped outside of the Kurosaki residence, she sighed as she slumped against the front door. “I wonder what’s going on.” Shaking her head, Rukia stood up and walked away from the house. After finally making up her mind she stopped in the middle of the road, “Right. Let’s go talk to Renji and let him know how Ichigo’s doing. Maybe I can get him to tell me more about what’s going on.” Stepping through the Senkaimon, she quickly made her way to Renji’s quarters.

“Oh, hey, Rukia. You’re back already?” Renji greeted with his usual smile.

“Yeah.” She let out a sigh, “Renji, he looks worse than he did when he lost his powers.”

Renji’s usually tanned skin paled almost to the same shade as parchment. “He can’t be that bad…Can he?” He paused, taking a deep breath, almost gasping when Rukia nodded in response. “Ah, don’t worry about him. He’ll get better. I mean, seriously, this is Ichi we’re talkin’ ‘bout. He always makes it through and bounces back!” Renji tried to give her his usual exuberant smile, but he could tell it didn’t reach his eyes.

Rukia didn’t believe Renji and accepting that he wouldn’t give her anything that her Captain hadn’t already told her, she sighed, bidding farewell. She went back to her division, her anger and fear about what was happening with Ichigo building more and more within her until she was barely managing to hold back her tears, rushing through her division.

After Rukia was out of sight, Renji quickly made his way to his own Captain.

“I take it you have an update, since you are supposed to be at the fourth.” Byakuya greeted Renji in his usual detached calm.

“Hai!” Renji quickly responded with a keirei before moving to sit across from the noble and sharing what Rukia told him when she returned.

“Very well, you’ve given me plenty to think about. You may carry on with your assigned duties. I do believe Third Seat Yamada is expecting you.” Byakuya dismissed Renji.

Chapter Text

Chapter 6:
Countdown to Ichigo’s Move to Soul Society: Part 4

As Rukia passed by the main building at the Thirteenth Juushiro watched her sadly from his spot on the engawa next to Kyoraku, he could tell she was struggling to not cry in public.

Kyoraku felt the shift in Juushiro’s energy upon seeing the young officer fly through the division. “Remember, her not being informed is best. The fewer people who know what is going on, the better for Ichigo’s privacy. Plus, I don’t really want Isshin Shiba to come all the way here to put me in line if Ichigo gets worse or is harassed when he gets here. It’s best for his privacy and time, so he can settle down here and recover from whatever is happening to him.”

“I know, it is just difficult to watch things go by sometimes. I hate seeing any of my people in any form of pain.” Juushiro placed his head on Kyoraku’s shoulder.

Kyoraku hugged his long time friend and partner, “We will all get through this with time.”

As soon as Renji was dismissed from his chat with his Captain, he had made his way to the quarters that he and Hanataro had been preparing for Ichigo.

“Oh, Renji, you don’t look too good today. Is everything alright?” Hanataro’s quiet voice cut through Renji’s whirling mind.

“Oh, um, I’m fine. I just got an update about Ichi from Rukia.”

“Is he coming any earlier than the original plan?”

“No. At least, I don’t think so. He probably should though, from what she was saying.” Renji sighed as he placed some of the bathroom supplies in their place.

Hanataro whimpered at the possibilities of what could make Renji think that. Biting at his nail, Hanataro tried to focus as he went about putting some things up in the kitchenette.

The next day, Karin went to Ichigo’s room. Knocking quietly, she waited for Ichigo to respond before entering.

“What is it?” Ichigo asked dully.

“You’re staying for us, hoping to make it easier.” She accused him.

“My stuff isn’t sorted. I didn’t lie.”

“No, but you left off that you feel bad for abandoning us.” Karin stubbornly said, crossing her arms as she frowned at her brother.

“I- Uh, maybe. I also don’t want Rukia in my face all the time when I get there.” Ichigo slumped on his bed.

“You’re hoping she’ll back off.” It wasn’t a question, but Ichigo nodded anyway.

“Hmpf.” Karin left her brother behind.

Ichigo shook his head at his sister’s reaction and sat there for another couple of minutes before deciding to go to his dad’s office, having remembered they had letters from Soul Society to read.

“Oh! Finally ready to see the letters?” Isshin looked up as Ichigo slowly pushed the door open. The response he got from Ichigo was just a nod of his head. With a smile, he passed the letters to Ichigo to read.

As Ichigo started reading through what Kyoraku and Isane said, he made himself comfortable in an armchair in the corner of the office. He smiled to himself when he read that Isane was having a residence readied for him at her division. The thought of being among the gentle souls of the Fourth and so close to immediate medical support made him feel like he could relax a bit more. Ichigo figured that would make him feel the safest too.

The young man grumbled to himself though when he read the other letter, the one from Kyoraku. He had gone on to explain some about the few classes the Sou-taicho believed he needed to take when he arrived and was in a good enough state to start participating in the daily life of the Seireitei.

“Reiatsu control. I’m better than I was, what does he think I’ve been working on since that last war?! I know how to follow instructions and every division lays out the duties for their officers. How is it I will have to take a class about that? Etiquette?” Ichigo was full on frowning at the letter in his hands now. “The fuck does that mean?”

“Ichigo. There is a lot more to everything that you have seen happening in the Gotei. You could use the more focused teachings that come from the curriculum for those things than you could possibly realize. Besides, do you even know how to address higher ranked individuals or how to interact with people from different divisions or nobles versus commoners? Their society is socially speaking, closer to past times than you realize. While there was information about the general interactions between the common folk and the noble lords of the past here in your schools, that barely touched on the surface.”

“Well, that’s stupid! People are people, respect is earned not demanded! Besides, adhering to that bullshit is why Byakuya almost let his sister get killed by a psychopath! Plus, Kyoraku and Captain Ukitake had to hide who they were for over a thousand years! That’s so messed up!”

“It’s slowly getting better. Those two no longer have to hide who they love and I know that Kuchiki came round and did what was right. Also, I don’t want you to forget. Technically, you're of noble blood as well. The Shiba’s might come after you once you are healthy again. They may want to present you to the noble council even. I don’t care if you don’t agree with everything, but you will take the classes recommended to you and follow protocol in official situations. Other than that, I really don’t care.”

Ichigo’s usual scowl had cemented its place on his face. “Whatever.”

Isshin gave Ichigo a small amused smile. “So, have you figured out what you wanted from the things you have been going through? Do you know what you are leaving here?”

“Yeah, you three can go through it and keep or toss whatever you want.” Ichigo sighed as he curled up in the chair.

“Is that so? Well, that can happen. When you get there, Isane will have Hanataro see to your needs and support to make sure you are getting better. She may stop in from time to time herself as you are after all, Capitan class. You will be warded to make sure that you are safe as well as her unseated officers until you stabilize again.”

“Stabilize? Kisuke and Ryuuken said I had better control.”

“Exactly, past tense. You had better control. Since you hit this state, your control fluctuates. I haven’t found a pattern to it, but if you let go entirely you could kill some of the lower ranks by accident. Plus, the warding will make it so that only the people who are informed of your living situation will know where to find you.”

“Oh.” Frowning, Ichigo tried to think about his control. He thought he had been holding on, but apparently not. “Sorry. I hope it didn’t hurt Karin or Yuzu.”

“Of course it didn’t. You couldn’t even if you tried. Your subconscious won’t let it happen.” Isshin reassured his son.

There was a pause as Ichigo looked over the letters some more before Isshin continued, “If I understood Isane you will be getting daily check-ins, just like I’ve been doing with you. You will be brought regular meals and counseling.”

“I’m not an invalid. I can take-”

“Even if you know how to, you haven’t been. You can’t fight it. You have people who are now aware and are going to help you.” Isshin cut Ichigo off. “You will not fight the help that you need. They will however work at your pace and it may not seem like all of that in the beginning, but you will get that.”

Ichigo slumped in his chair, thoroughly cowed by his dad’s pressure on the subject.

Kyoraku looked up from his desk when Captain Kotetsu entered for their meeting. “Oh, it’s that time already? Welcome.”

“I’m not early, am I?”

“No, of course not. I just lost track of time.”

“Being too busy trying to not do your work like always, I would assume based on Nanao’s expression and the pile of papers on her desk.” Isane chuckled.

“Exactly.” Nanao nodded before shifting a few of the things on her desk so that she could more easily take notes for the two Captains.

With her normal calm smile, Isane nodded once more before she started in on her update. “We were able to procure an unused private space for Ichigo and it happens to be more secluded on the Division grounds as well. I have Hanataro and Renji working to provide and organize essentials for the quarters. That way everything will be ready for use when Ichigo arrives. Hanataro, Lieutenant Kira, and myself have been setting up the barriers and other kidos to protect and secure Ichigo while he settles in and his situation stabilizes.”

“Very good. I’m glad to hear that. The protections would be-?” Kyoraku steepled his fingers as he leaned his elbows on his desk.

“Yes, sir. The shields will protect my unseated and lower ranked officers from any uncontrolled spiritual pressure until he completes the course. There will also be a complete masking kido over the residence so that he can remain undisturbed by anyone that has not been provided the information of his whereabouts or been led to him by Ichigo himself or someone he asks to bring the individual to his quarters.”

“That all sounds well and good, but will it hold as long as it is needed? The courses will not be mandatory until he is stabilized according to your medical standards.” Kyoraku paused before adding, “Stabilized and comfortably settled into his new life and considering his placement in a division.”

Isane considered the wards that were going to be in place before responding, “They will, but if they start to deteriorate, they are simple enough to renew or add to, even with him present. So, it won’t be an issue, but the course on control would help him get to that state easier and possibly even faster. We should really consider having him take that course with a private tutor even before he gets to the stage of settling in that you mentioned, sir.”

“Okay. I will think about that some more, but I currently am not sure how true that is, considering it would be stressful to have to handle schooling while not in good condition.” Kyoraku stressed his concern about pressing Ichigo faster than the boy could handle.

“That’s all that I can ask of you, sir. I do appreciate it. Was there any information about how he wants his move to go?” Isane tilted her head to the side, considering.

“Yes, I was informed that Ichigo wishes to keep it as small as possible, with as little fanfare as possible. He just wants to get from Point A to Point B without any undue stressors.”

“Well, that’s reasonable. He will have a lot to take in, knowing that he is leaving behind the World of the Living to live here full time. That’s going to be a major shift for him.”

“Which is exactly why, I promised that it would be us and Hanataro, and Shinji would be the one going to get him.”

“That sounds like a great plan.”

Their meeting ended after a little light conversation about more generalities and how things have been going for one another as of late.

Shinji arrived two days prior to Ichigo’s departure, as planned. His first stop in the World of the Living was Kisuke, before he headed over to meet with Isshin where he ended up finding Ichigo asleep on a clinic bed, pale, but fevered.

“He ain’t look too good, Isshin.” Shinji frowned, looking down at his mentee who was being tended to by his father. “He really can’t stay, can he?” Shinji recalled seeing Ichigo early on when he had still mostly been simply emotionally distanced. He clearly hadn’t realized there was a lot more going on.

“No.” Isshin sounded so resigned that Shinji’s blond head jerked up to really look at Isshin’s face before analyzing Ichigo even closer.

Upon completion of his analysis, Shinji questioned, “Hmm, presenting?”

“Think so.”

Shinji pulled out his soul phone to message Isane to make sure that the wards would also work for his presentation, no matter what his second gender may be. While typing out his message, Shinji offhandedly thought it was too bad that Ichigo wasn’t in Hueco Mundo or Soul Society where they would have likely been able to tell what he was leaning towards at this point.

Isane’s response was quick to reassure Shinji that as long as they stuck to the plan or even waited longer, they would have the time to make sure the necessary wards went up.

After reading the response from the Fourth Division’s Captain, Shinji stated sadly, “He has to stay two more days…at least.”

Isshin nodded as he hooked Ichigo up to an IV to help improve his hydration and combat the fever.

After finishing up at the Kurosaki Clinic, Shinji was greeted by Love and Lisa asking after Ichigo’s condition. Releasing a heavy sigh, Shinji looked them both in the eyes before saying quietly, “Not good. Two days left before he can leave and they won’t pass fast enough.”

Love raised an eyebrow, but it was Lisa that spoke up. “Wh-what do you mean they won’t pass fast enough?”

“His condition was apparently worse than they let on and Ichigo’s health decreased exponentially overnight. Just now, when I got to the clinic, Ichi was unconscious, pale, and had a fever…Plus, Isshin thinks the poor boy is presenting.”

Both Lisa and Love cursed under their breaths as Shinji nodded his head at their bewildered expressions.

After Shinji had left the clinic, Isshin had gone into the house to ask Karin to sit with Ichigo and let him know when he woke up. After Karin was left alone with Ichigo’s sleeping form in silence, she glared at her brother. “You shouldn’t have stayed.” She couldn’t help but admonish him and gasped when she noticed him shift and his eyes flutter open. Immediately, Karin jumped up and ran for the door, “Dad! He’s awake!”

Isshin rushed to Ichigo’s room and immediately began checking him over. He was pleased to note that Ichigo’s temperature had dropped about three degrees which put it closer to normal, but still high enough to indicate serious health problems. His pulse was still steady, but much stronger again. Once his vitals were noted, Isshin started talking to Ichigo in order to assess his ability to focus and his reactions. With that completed too, Isshin leveled Ichigo with a stern look and told him to rest before he returned to his other duties and patients.

The next day when Isshin was hurrying through his morning routine, he was surprised by Hanataro arriving, but was thankful for his arrival, nonetheless. “ Oh, well, good morning, Yamada-san.”

“H-hey, Kurosaki-san. Captain Kotetsu sent me. She was a little worried about Shinji’s message yesterday.”

“Oh? No, no, it’s actually good that you’re here. I could use your help.” Isshin responded, quickly to hopefully stave off the smaller man’s anxiety. He then led him to the clinic room where he still had Ichigo being monitored.

When the two shinigami entered Ichigo’s room, Isshin couldn’t help but notice it was as if a switch had been thrown and Hanataro immediately ran his own check up on Ichigo before applying some stabilizing kido. Once that round of kido was done, Ichigo’s stats were equivalent to what they were when he had woken up next to Karin.

Hanataro stayed by Ichigo’s side all day which helped calm Isshin and allow the man to work rather than worry over his son all day. He was able to come and go, checking in on him regularly, but leaving the majority of his care to Hanataro for the day.

The next morning however, Hanataro was struggling to keep Ichigo stable, even with Isshin breaking out all of his tricks and long unused kido to help. As a last ditch effort, Isshin pulled out Ichigo’s badge that he had been carrying for the last month and pressed it to Ichigo’s chest. Ichigo bolted into an upright position panting hard and blinking rapidly trying to clear the spotting from his sight and process what was happening.

“Hey, hey, it’s alright, son.” Isshin grasped Ichigo’s face gently and directed him to meet his eyes. “Look at me. Yes, good. Thank you. Alright, Hanataro here is going to look you over.”

Ichigo’s eyes were still wide and breath uneven, but he was able to flit his eyes between his dad and his friend before attempting a small nod.

Hanataro gave Ichigo a small smile before initiating his scan and making sure that Ichgio was safe and stable in his soul form.

Once Hanataro had completed his task and confirmed his stability, for the time being, Ichigo looked around and saw his body. “Oh, well, it’s a good thing I wasn’t going to be using that anymore.” Ichigo attempted a joke with a corner of his mouth lifted in a smile. He was rather overwhelmed at the moment, but glad that he earned a chuckle from Hanataro.

“Just a little while longer, okay?” Ichigo nodded in response to Hanataro and used the time to try and settle his nerves, including getting his breathing back to his normal easy pattern.

Not long after, Shinji walked in and was surprised to see Ichigo sitting up, looking mostly alert, but definitely low on energy. As he was looking Ichigo over while walking into the room, Shinji noticed Ichigo’s body on the bed next to the kid himself and Hanataro was clearly still scanning him, even if Ichigo thought he was done. “Glad to see you up, kid.”

Ichigo grunted his acknowledgment to Shinji’s jab, but the obvious drop in energy since he was kicked out of his body resulted in a small, sad smile from Hanataro.

“Well, I’m here to walk ya’ home, Ichi. Glad to see we will have a couple of extra hands to help ya get there. Didn’t know Yamada-kun was sent out.” Shinji commented, barely keeping from babbling due to his disappointment in the situation.

After greeting Shinji and getting the all-clear from Hanataro, Isshin turned off the machines that Ichgo’s body was hooked up to, ceasing the signs of forced life, his false life vital readings. He then left Ichigo with Hanataro and Shinji to prepare to leave. Stepping into the lobby of the clinic, Isshin asked the girls to take the last box to The Shoten since they had taken two of the three boxes the previous day. After that was settled he returned to see Ichigo standing on wobbly legs between the two shinigami.

“How are you doing, Ichigo?” Isshin asked his son, but looked between the two Shinigami with him.

“Fine.” Ichigo mumbled as he pulled on his hoodie. Hanataro and Shinji both nodded.

“Okay, then let’s go. Kisuke is waiting.” Isshin reminded them gently.

“Can, can I eat first?” Ichigo asked shakily before his father could cross the threshold back into the hallway.

Isshin turned and met Hanataro’s eyes, making sure that it was safe for him to eat something, and after receiving a nod, responded to Ichigo, “Sure thing. Anything specific?”

“Rice and, if there’s any left, curry?”

Isshin smiled, thinking to himself, “Of course that’s what he would want.” He quickly went and made a dish for Ichigo in the house as the three others made their way to the dining table and took up a seat. The three older men sat there drinking tea as Ichigo ate his fill of his requested meal. Just as Ichigo finished his food, his sisters walked in.

“The creep’s ready when you are.” Karin tried to uphold her usual demeanor when she announced Yuzu’s and her presence to the group at the table.

“Thank you for the meal.” Ichigo said as he pushed back from the table. Yuzu immediately took his dishes to the sink, returning quickly in order to not make them wait.

“Alrighty, then. Let’s head out.” Isshin clapped his hands together and watched for everyone to acknowledge him somehow before leading the way to Kisuke’s shop.

The six of them made quick work of the trek to the Shoten. When the group entered the main living space behind the shop, Ichigo noticed his boxes, “My stuff…” He had been too tired to notice they had left the house without them.

“The girls brought your stuff over.” Kisuke responded, making himself known to the group, as Isshin placed a hand on Ichigo’s shoulder.

Ichigo took a deep, shaky breath as he nodded, turning to see his sisters huddled close, Karin trying to plaster her usual scowl across her face and Yuzu already had tear tracks down her face. He felt a corner of his mouth lift in a sad attempt at a smile, seeing his sisters being so them. He was so proud of how strong his little sisters had grown in the last several years. Ichigo opened his arms to his sisters, he was immediately glomped onto. Yuzu quickly burying her face in his chest and Karin sliding in under his arm to press as close to his side as she could. As he wrapped his arms around them for the last time for quite a while, Ichigo felt the wet heat of tears rolling over his all too prominent cheekbones and that was the last straw for Isshin who had to play up the distressed father role.

With all too real tears streaming down his face, Isshin wrapped his kids up in his arms, “Oh, what am I going to do? It’s too early for my one and only son to move out! He’s growing up too fast! Masaki! whatever shall I do?” The ex-captain cried out, before taking a deep breath and meeting Ichigo’s eyes over Yuzu’s head. “Really, we are going to miss you, but please take your time and take care of yourself. We will always be here when you are ready and allowed to visit.”

“Thanks, dad. I love you all and I’m going to miss you.” Ichigo kissed Karin’s temple before burying his face in Yuzu’s hair and placing a kiss there as well. He was so tired already, but there was more he had to do before he could lay down again, so he released his family and looked to Shinji who dipped his chin and turned to open a Senkaimon.

Once the three butterflies entered view, Ichigo bid his family farewell and grabbed one of his boxes as Hanataro and Shinji did the same. “Thanks Geta-boshi, for everything.”

Kisuke merely nodded behind his fan, unwilling to show more of his pain than his sad eyes over the occurring events.

The trip through the Senkaimon didn’t seem to register for Ichigo, because after stepping into the door, he didn’t remember anything before they were stepping out in Soul Society, feeling like he was about to collapse. With a harsh huff, the box he was carrying met the ground heavily, with him bent over, bracing himself on the edges with his hands. Hanataro immediately followed suit, setting his box down gently as he rushed over to check over Ichigo again.

Deciding it best not to disturb the young shinigami, Kyoraku motioned for Shinji to come over to him and asked for an update. Brows creased in concern, the Soutaicho watched over their newest neighbor. Captain Kotetsu had stayed next to the two Captains until the crucial part of the update was over before moving to help her seated officer with their charge.

Once done making sure Ichigo was okay to make it to his quarters under his own power still, Isane directed Hanataro to grab Ichigo’s box as well as the one he had been carrying before leading the two men to the fourth to help Ichigo settle in. The two members of The Fourth anticipated that Shinji would eventually show up at the division with the last box.

Once they arrived at Ichigo's new home and Isane was sure that Hanataro had everything under control, she left Ichigo in his capable hands. The small medic gave a quick overview of the quarters, pointing in the directions of the areas he mentioned. After he was certain Ichigo would be able to settle in and find his way around, Hanataro promised to bring dinner and tea with him later, before finally leaving Ichigo to get used to his new surroundings and rest. Sure enough, when the young healer returned a few hours later he was laden with what he promised and Ichigo’s final box of belongings.

Chapter Text

Chapter 7:
Ichigo Now Officially Lives in The Seireitei: Part 1

Isane was finally able to see Ichigo about what he had been noticing. He admitted to not feeling, not being happy or able to remember things. He hadn’t been sleeping or eating properly if at all either. Ichigo even admitted all of that had made him decide he needed to change things and get help. Isane sat quietly, listening as Ichigo explained everything and was happy to hear that things had been changing for him. He said that things have changed and that he has been eating more, able to focus more which allows for better memory, and he had been feeling less secluded now that people have been made aware of his issues. Ichigo had been rather blunt and straightforward, barely doing more than listing things in a detached way for Isane.

Now that Isane was able to see what had been going on from Ichigo’s perspective, she nodded, “Thank you, Ichigo. Hanataro will check in everyday with you. I will see you about once a week if possible. Kyoraku will meet with you in ten days.”

Ichigo tilted his head to the side, “Why ten?”

“Because, even if you can’t tell right now, you’re presenting and need to settle in, both into your new secondary gender, as well as your new home.”

“Oh, makes sense, I suppose.” Ichigo looked down and fidgeted with the hem of his sleeve as he mumbled.

“Hanataro will be in later today or tomorrow.” Ichigo made a sad face, so she made a mental note to send him before his shift finished, “Please rest easy. If you need anything, just ask.”

Hanataro came with a cart of food and a few other things. He started by scanning Ichigo then muttered something about omega, “Here, you might want these.”

Ichigo didn’t really know what Hanataro meant or exactly what he had said so he just sat there quietly and listened as Hanataro continued with his perfect business persona by explaining what to expect and what he will get after he gets through his first heat, which would be most notably, pheromone blocking patches and suppressants to protect him.

“I’ll be back tomorrow at about the same time. Please try to be decent for me.” Hanataro’s tone suggested that he didn’t really expect that to be the case, but was resigned to the fact.

Ichigo waved him off, still not entirely getting it, “Yeah, whatever. See you then.”

Hanataro could only hope that he actually listened and relaxed tonight, even knowing it could lead to a spike in his heat if he did.

After Watching Hanataro leave, Ichigo ate part of the meal left for him, put the rest in the fridge and changed before climbing into bed and quickly passing out.

Ichi woke in a panic, twisted up in his bedding and severely overheated as his heat had definitely set in while he slept. Once untangled, Ichigo was able to calm himself down and that’s when he noticed his aching erection. Groaning he threw his head back as he collapsed back down onto his bed, splayed out hoping to cool off, even just a miniscule. Right now he felt as though he was sitting next to an active volcano. Ichigo quickly gave up all hope of getting more sleep when he noticed an ache he had only felt once before, or as close to he could figure, when he attempted fingering himself the one time before.

“I blame you.” Ichigo grumbled to Shiro.

With a chuckle, the spirit responded, “Not my fault for this one, blame the blond shopkeeper and your pops for this one.” Ichigo groaned again, glaring into the crook of his elbow.

With all hope of sleep long gone, he decided to get cleaned up and was happy to find that it was a complete bathroom like he used back in the World of the Living, mildly surprised that it was already stocked and arranged similarly to his bathroom back home. He climbed into the shower not waiting for it to heat up first, he was desperate to attempt to wash the feeling he woke up with off his skin.

When Hanataro arrived a couple of hours later, he was amused to see the bag sitting in the middle of Ichigo’s bed while he was curled up in an armchair across the room glaring at it from above his arms. Hanataro moved the stuff to the top of the dresser before directing his attention back to his charge. “Okay, come here please.” Ichigo startled as if he hadn’t noticed the smaller shinigami in the space.

While completing his check up, he tried to get Ichigo to verbally respond but wasn’t surprised when he couldn’t, “Remember the most important thing for you right now is trying to relax and accept what is happening. I know it’s rough, uncomfortable, and unfamiliar, but fighting it or ignoring it will only make it worse.” After no response, Hanataro shrugged and then he left after completing his task of checking over Ichigo.

Hanataro found himself amused when not only the following day, but two days later he found Ichigo in much the same state. He had clearly been curious and hoping to help the burning need calm, but then feared the new ideas and hidden from them just as quickly, leaving the bag of toys on his bed and curling up away from the new items, afraid to scratch the itch that is driving him mad. While amused with the obvious curiosity, Hanataro was concerned that Ichigo has continually refused to try and relax and give in to what his body so clearly craved.

But when he returned the next day, the fifth day of Ichigo being in Soul Society, Hanataro breathed a sigh of relief when he found Ichigo sound asleep only partially clothed with a masturbator and dildo on the bed next to him with a bottle of lube laying haphazardly on the floor near the bed. Instead of immediately disturbing the very obviously exhausted man, Hanataro went about picking up any trash he found and putting the dirty laundry heaped in a corner near the bathroom to deal with later. Once the room was straightened up he moved to the bed and tapped Ichigo’s shoulder as he called his name.

Ichigo slowly stirred as he blinked trying to clear his eyes of the sleep fog, looking up at Hanataro. “Thanks for the stuff.” He barely managed to croak out.

“Of course.” Hanataro nodded with a smile. After making sure that Ichigo was truly working to wake up for him, he moved to grab a glass of water for his heated friend. “Drink this slowly while I check all of your vitals please.”

Ichigo tenderly took the glass and abided by the smaller man’s request and moved as needed for him to check him over.

After Hanataro finished his physical exam he asked how Ichigo was feeling. “I know you are probably sick of this question, but we will keep asking it for a while to come. How are you feeling?”

Ichigo tried to roll his eyes, but stopped after barely starting with a groan. “I’m groggy and still feel hot, but I don’t feel like I’m fading away like I had been anymore.”

“That sounds about right, you were running a bit of a fever still and the grogginess is to be expected until the heat is completely over.”

Before either of them could say anything more, Ichigo took in the state of his bed and him when he noticed the toys sitting next to him and his face burned even hotter than it already felt. He could tell his face was probably as red as Renji’s hair right now, but Hanataro didn’t so much as look at the toys or say anything about his reaction and Ichigo couldn’t have been more thankful for his discretion.

“It does look like you are on the tail end of your heat now though. Isane will be happy about that.”

“So, can I go out to eat in the dining hall now, then?”

“Not quite yet. I will come back with food for you later and I can stay and eat dinner with you. For now though, you have some food in the kitchen. Do you want me to whip something up real quick for you?”

Ichigo nodded and slowly followed behind his friend where he plopped down on a chair at the table to watch as Hanataro made an omelet and rice for him. With his food placed in front of him, Hanataro promised to return for dinner with a larger meal.

At dinner time, Hanataro arrived with a cart laden with more food than Ichigo had so much as looked at for the last month. He could feel drool pooling in his mouth, just looking at what Hanataro was setting out on the table for them. The two of them took their time eating and chatting and simply sitting in companionable silence. Ichigo was the happiest that he had been in a long time. When they finished Hanataro promised to return to lunch and dinner the next couple of days as he cleaned up before leaving.

Each time Hanataro showed up with food he checked Ichigo’s temperature and vitals, he wanted to know as soon as possible when the heat finally completed. At lunch the next day, Ichigo’s temperature had dropped to a near normal level, but it rose again before dinner time. So when the following day Hanataro found that Ichigo’s temperature had dropped to a normal temperature again the next lunch time came and stayed at normal levels through dinner as well.

“Well, Ichigo, it looks like your heat finally broke. How is your head doing? Are you still groggy or foggy or confused in any way?” Hanataro asked gently as he was stacking their empty dishes on the cart he had brought with him.

“Uh, nope. I’m fine.” Ichigo flinched as he finished speaking and his cheeks bloomed cherry pink. “Uh, embarrassed about what happened during my, um, heat, but I’m fine and coherent again.”

“First heats have a tendency to be like that.” Hanataro grimaced as he recalled his presentation and how embarrassing it had felt when he came to himself at the end of it. Luckily heats got easier to deal with emotionally after the first one.

“It gets better?” Ichigo asked in disbelief.

“After a while. I won’t say it will be super easy next time, but it will get easier.” Hanataro nodded with a gentle smile. “I will be back tomorrow. Rest up. I know the last several days have not been easy for you.”

Ichigo was awake and staring blankly at an unused notebook on the table in front of him. Hanataro asked, after taking in the scene if he wanted to talk, but Ichigo ignored the question and asked instead, “What do you know about why I moved to Soul Society so abruptly?”

Hanataro took a moment while he was checking Ichigo over to think about what he was told and had figured out based on what he’s seen so far. He slowly started explaining that he knew about how much his mental state had declined after being brought into the world of the shinigami and the dead when he was just a teen and how like many of the other shinigami he likely was suffering with the memories from the wars and his loss and regaining of his powers. Hanataro also admitted that it was a lot for anyone to handle, especially someone as young as Ichigo was at the time and still was. Afterall, most Shinigami had been around for nearly a century before they even went up against a low level hollow.

With a snort of derision, Ichigo agreed and said that, “Yeah, fifteen was really young and I was sent after a wanna be god! Twice!” He continued to remind him that he only started learning so many secrets about his family after he had already been fighting in a war that had a lot more to do with him than anyone knew and that he was only 18 for the second quincy war. Before he knew it, Ichigo was complaining about too much death and fighting for life before asking rhetorically, “How do people deal with it all?”

Hanataro patted Ichigo on the back with a sad smile before he decided to redirect Ichigo’s rising energy in the hopes of calming him down a little. He asked about the notebook as he pulled it a little closer to them.

“It’s so that I can get everything out of my head. It’s to write down everything from meeting Rukia for the first time through the wars and how I felt or what I thought about everything. The notebook is supposed to be a way to help me process it all without hating everyone around me or screaming until I’m hoarse.”

“That’s a really good idea. Captain Kotetsu will be impressed. Did you come up with that on your own?”

Ichigo gave him a noncommittal response as he shrugged, but he didn’t say anything else as Hanaratro left. Sitting in the silence of his accommodations again, Ichigo started bulleting things out and how old he was for each major event he had gone through. He started as far back as he could remember when things started changing. He started with the death of his mom when he was 9.

Hanataro didn’t know how long Ichigo sat with the notebook before he returned for dinner, but it was clear that he had actually started writing at some point. He was a little disappointed when Ichigo only answered direct questions and didn’t offer any additional information or simple chatter throughout dinner. He also noted that whenever emotions were brought up, Ichigo avoided talking about them and would close off even more each time they were brought up.

The next time Ichigo saw Hanataro, he moved as required and gave short, to the point answers to any direct questions. He felt like he was simply going through the motions again, not really paying the check up much mind but he did note his friend say that Isane would be by the next day before he left him to go about his daily schedule. Ichigo spent the rest of the day writing and dissociating off and on throughout the day.

When Hanataro arrived with dinner, he was disappointed that Ichigo seemed to have taken such a large step backward in his healing process, but what bothered him the most was that the newly presented omega seemed to be ignoring his existence all together. Instead of bugging his friend about what was going on, Hanataro ate his dinner in silent companionship before excusing himself for the evening.

When Isane arrived with a gentle smile, the first question she asked was, “How are you liking these quarters?”

Ichigo was taken off guard, having expected something more along the lines of how he was feeling, “I- Wai- What?”

Isane gave Ichigo a slightly amused smile, barely holding back a small chuckle before she repeated the question about his living conditions.

Furrowing his brow, Ichigo nodded, “Fine, but I’m looking forward to getting out for a while.”

“Understandable, but for your safety we had to keep you secluded for a while. You are welcome to take Hanataro and visit a couple of your friends now, but don’t stay out too long. You can increase your time out each time if everything goes well. You want to tell me a bit about the notebook?” Isane decided to shift the conversation on Ichigo, hoping his shock would loosen his tongue a little about the subject of his emotions and state of mind.

“Aaaand there it is…” Even though he wasn’t too happy about it, Ichigo submitted to the question. They did discuss why he made his decision to use the book and how he has been feeling for quite some time.

After a while Isane apologized for taking so long to visit him but explained that she wanted to be completely sure that his head was over first for everyone’s safety and comfort. Ichigo readily accepted the apology although he didn’t completely get it yet as he doesn’t fully understand the secondary genders. He was taken aback when she then continued on to remind him that Kyoraku would be by at some point during the day as well.

Sure enough, when Hanataro was cleaning up their lunch a few hours later, Sou-taicho knocked on the door to Ichigo’s quarters. Ichigo easily let him in with, “Let me guess, more of the same questions?”

Kyoraku just chuckled, “Not at all, I just want to know when you want to take your classes.”

Ichigo pursed his lips as he plopped down onto the armchair. “I don’t think I’m ready, but probably when Isane recommends them and she thinks that I can handle them.”

With a hum, Shuunsui acknowledged Ichigo’s answer before changing the topic. “Do you miss your family?”

“Well, not really. At least, not yet. It’s more that I miss people in general since I’ve only seen Hanataro and Isane since I got here. The contact with them has even been fairly limited too.

Nodding along as Ichigo spoke Shunsui smiled, “I was told you can start getting out tomorrow. Do you know who you want to see first?”

Ichigo frowned as he bit his thumb nail gently in thought. He wasn’t sure, but he had been thinking about trying to go and see Byakuya or Juushiro if either of them had time, but he also wanted to avoid Rukia for a while still and they were both potential threats in bumping into her. “Not sure yet, but I’ve got a short list of who I want to see first.”

Kyoraku’s eyes shined with suspicious understanding, but hid his eyes quickly in the shadow of his usual hat.

“Well, you still have time to decide. You don’t even have to make up your mind tomorrow if you don’t want to.” Kyoraku easily responded to Ichigo’s verbal uncertainty.

The two continued chatting for a while longer, but after Kyoraku left, Ichigo collapsed on his bed and
stared at the ceiling, completely drained. Ichigo still had many things to think about and consider before the morning came.

Chapter Text

Chapter 8:
Ichigo Now Officially Lives in The Seireitei: Part 2

When morning arrived it brought Hanataro and a tray of breakfast to Ichigo’s door once more and a frustrating insistence on annoying things.

“Ichigo, it’s really important that you use these pheromone patches before I can let you go anywhere.”

“But why?” Ichigo huffed as he threw his arms up, “I keep being told I need to do things or use things, but I’ve not actually been explained why I need to. You want me to use these so badly, explain it to me!”

Hanataro sighed, “It’s to protect you from unwanted advances and help limit any disturbances caused either to you or by you.”

With an eye roll, Ichigo got the patches placed with Hanataro’s help and then grabbed the smaller Shinigami by the hand and bodily dragged him out the door.

The two started off in the direction of the 13th Division before Ichigo abruptly changed his mind and turned towards the sixth only to stop and step into an alley where he squatted down with his hands on his head, “No, I can’t… Ugh!” Ichigo started to lose his nerve and panic was creeping up faster and faster.

Hanataro stood a few steps from Ichigo for a few moments just watching and listening to his panicked babble before he nodded his head once and grabbed his friend before directing them both back to Ichigo’s quarters. The whole trek back, Hanataro mumbled, but all Ichigo caught was something along the lines, “Too much for first time out.”

When the pair reached Ichigo’s quarters, Ichigo immediately started grumbling about the patches again as he plopped himself onto his bed and started scratching at the annoying plastic sheets tacked onto his skin.

Hanataro had to remind him again, “The patches are for your safety when you go out, you have to wear them. All omegas are urged strongly to wear them, as are the alphas. They’re the ones with the strongest pheromones and are the most distracted when they catch the scents of their opposites when they catch one that interests them. Since you are going to stay home the rest of the day, you can take them off.”

Ichigo didn’t wait any longer after Hanataro said that last bit before he ripped off the patches and sighed.

Hanataro didn’t get a chance to speak when he arrived the next day before ichi was asking, “If the patches are so important, why don’t you wear any?”

The small medic blushed, wringing his hands, “Well, I have a mate, so my pheromones are no longer an issue; or in play for the vast majority of people.” He pulled down the collar of his shihakusho to show his bonding mark. They spent the next 10 minutes discussing bonding and the effects of it.

Ichigo’s head was spinning with the new information, though he had to admit that he was thankful for it. He was tired of always being left in the dark. After their conversation was finished, Ichigo decided to head to the Fifth Division to see Shinji, believing that it would be the safe place to start for his second attempt at visiting people.

When Hanataro and Ichigo arrived at the Captain’s office, Ichigo stopped in his tracks as he opened the door. Grimmjow was in the office with Shinji already, Ichigo’s ears were deaf to Hanataro’s reminder that he was supposed to knock before entering offices, especially those with closed doors.

Grimmjow grinned widely when he turned and recognized the intruder, “That creep said you weren’t around anymore, but I didn’t expect to see you here. I shoulda known when no one was giving me anymore information though.” As he finished speaking he looked Ichigo up and down, sizing him up and trying to assess his condition.

“Yeah, well, I’m here now…and wanting company for lunch.” Ichigo looked around Grimmjow at the Visored behind him.

“Ah! Then, how about the four of us head out.” Shinji didn’t let anyone respond, just ushered the group out and to a restaurant with some secluded booths. After their meal with comfortable company, Shinji returned to his division and allowed the three others to make their way elsewhere.

Grimmjow walked Ichigo back to his quarters and Hanataro left the two to finish the walk alone when they passed through the gates to the Fourth Division again. Once it was just the two of them, Grimmjow looked at Ichigo from the corner of his eye, “You join the Fourth already?”

“No, they’re helping take care of me so I can get my feet under me and get up and goin’ here. They’re giving me a place to help my life get started here.” Ichigo avoided actually talking about why he was living at the Fourth overall, while still being completely honest about his situation.

Grimmjow either didn’t notice the evasion or just let it slide so as to not upset him since he had determined that his friend was not in great shape still. Once they had stopped at Ichigo’s door Grimmjow was about to turn to leave when he paused and leaned in and kissed Ichigo on the lips before he even had the thought register to do such a thing. Realizing what he did, Grimmjow’s eyes went wide and he disappeared before Ichgo could register what he had just experienced.

The next morning when Hanataro arrived, Ichigo was dressed, but curled up in the arm chair staring blankly at the floor.

Ichigo looked up at his company, “Too much.”

Hanataro pursed his lips for a second, “We don’t have to go out.”

“I don’t know what is happening here.” Ichigo pointed at his head sounding pitiful, his voice so small.

“From yesterday?” A whimper and nod answered. “Well, presenting can make-”

“Don’t think it’s all that.” Ichigo mumbled.

“Well it can make interactions more intense for a while, but why do you think that?” Hanataro pushed on and said what Ichigo had interrupted anyway.

“My break down, not being around people, Grimm kissed me, and now things seem to have like twice the sensory and mental input for me!” Ichigo started quietly listing things, but he sped so much his words stumbled into one another.

Before Hanataro could process what Ichigo had just thrown at him, Grimmjow burst through the door. Hanataro grabbed onto one of Grimmjow’s arms to try and stop him or slow him down, but received a growl and a harsh, “Watch it kid!” which caused Hanataro to jump back and release the arrancar. Isane and Shinji rushed through the door the same second that Hanataro jumped back. Amused frustration was clear on Shinji’s face and concern clearly written on Isane’s.

Isane was the first to speak, effectively breaking up the stare down that was happening between Hanataro and Grimmjow in the main area of Ichigo’s quarters. “You have not been given permission to be here.” Her tone was cold.

Grimmjow growled, but turned on her, releasing Hanataro from his panic stricken position. Before he could speak, Shinji cut in. “Now, Grimm-kun. You said you were going to follow the rules if you were allowed to split your time between Hueco Mundo and here.” Shinji raised a hand in a placating move.

As Shinji took over dealing with the intruder, Isane took a look around and noticed Ichio was curled up, hiding behind his hands, trying to make himself smaller while trying to stop his hyperventilating. He was shaking and slightly rocking forward and back. Thankfully, Hanataro had moved closer to Ichigo and was trying to soothe him, speaking calmly and quietly. After verifying Hanataro had Ichigo under control again, Isane turned sharp eyes on the Captain and arrancar. “It appears that you’ve caused too much trouble here. I’m going to have to ask you two to leave…now!” Her tone was clearly practiced and passed down from Unohana as it brokered no argument.

Grimmjow glowered as Shinji winced before smiling widely at the other Captain. The two slowly turned to leave, Shinji wasn’t touching him, but Grimmjow was clearly being led out. Isane moved to help Hanataro and when it was made apparent that words weren’t making it to him she used a simple sleeping kido to make the panicking boy fall asleep to reduce the stress on his body. After they were certain he was sound asleep she helped put him in bed.

As the two moved away from Ichigo, Isane turned to look over her shoulder at him, “That was a more severe reaction than I would have expected from him. What was going on before Grimmjow burst through the Division and in here?”

Hanataro winced as he recalled what Ichigo had been saying before they were interrupted but all he said was, “I’m not entirely sure. He was overwhelmed from yesterday, though.”

After that Isane sent Hanataro off for his standard duties, but a few hours later she called him back from his duties to meet with Kisuke and Kyoraku. They all discussed how Ichigo has been adjusting and when they all believed he would be stable enough for the classes and seeing people from his life back in the world of the living.

“Hanataro, why don’t you let them know what you’ve noticed about Ichigo. It’s been a few days since I allowed his visits outside the Division.”

“Well, he’s still very easily overwhelmed by outside stimulus. Anytime he sees and visits with more than one person, other than me, in a day he is absolutely drained.”

Kisuke frowned as he noticed Isane and Kyoraku nod as if they’ve seen it themselves. “So no visits for a while yet. I understand.”

“Then the classes are still on hold as well.” Kyoraku accepts before dismissing everyone as they wrapped up their meeting.

When Hanataro visited the following day for Ichigo’s daily check in, he found him in the same place as the day before. “Want to stay in?”

Ichigo nodded and asked, “Why did he burst in here?”

“I don’t think I can answer that. There are a few things that come to mind like a fight or maybe lunch again, but I think you said something about him just before he showed up.”

Giving a nondescript hum, Ichigo nodded and asked, “Can we eat in, today?”

With a genuinely happy smile, Hanataro agreed, “Of course we can!”

As Hanataro busied himself making lunch, Ichigo asked another question, “How long does it take to adjust?”

Pausing before digging into his food, Hanataro thought for a moment, “Oh, um, it’s different for everyone, but since you didn’t know much about it and didn’t grow up surrounded by all of this it may take you a little longer.”

Ichigo took another bite of his sandwich with a contemplative hum, “I want to be alone.”

“Okay, I can leave now or after lunch. It is up to you.” Hanataro was more than willing to give Ichigo what he thought he needed, hoping to help him continue getting better and not to set his progress back.

Ichigo shook his head, “After you’re finished is fine, but don’t come back for dinner… Please.”

Hanataro was rather disappointed with the change in Ichigo’s mood, but didn’t argue, only made a mental note to put in his file the change as he left the confused man to process everything in peace for the night. He did return the following day to check on him, but continued to deny company for the next few days as well.

Four days after the initial change in attitude, Isane arrived for her next check in and was pleased when Ichigo answered the door again instead of her having to let herself in like Hanataro has had to do for most of his visits. Her happiness was dampened when she noticed the notebook which he had clearly been writing in before she arrived and even more disappointed when he slammed it shut when they got to the table. His unwillingness to share the book disappointed her, but conceded, “We don’t have to talk about it and I will never make you show it to me, but you need to remember that talking also helps. Sometimes even more than just writing.”

“Mm trying.”

“And you are doing really well, Ichigo-kun. Keep in mind, writing about it is a great first step. I will never tell you not to.”

“Thanks.” Neither spoke as Isane watched Ichigo decide how to phrase what he was thinking about, “How do I schedule a meeting with someone from another division without having to go there first?”

“By hell butterfly. I can teach you how to do it unless you want me to do it.”

“Can you explain it as you show me? I want to ask Byakuya if he can come by.”

“Why the change in company all of a sudden? Nevermind, you don’t have to explain. When did you want to see if he could stop by?”

“Tomorrow for lunch.”

After Isane sent the butterfly off they waited in silence for Byakuya’s response.

Once his answer came in, she did the medical check on Ichigo and told him to wait another week before thinking about the classes.

Hanataro showed up for dinner and apologized for not coming by earlier like he had been, but Ichigo waved him off saying that Isane had been there for a while earlier in the day.

Hanataro walked Byakuya to Ichigo’s quarters when he arrived to have lunch with him. Thankfully Isane had informed him about the requested visit so he was able to be at the gate when he arrived.

“Can you come back later? I want to talk to him privately.” Ichigo asked quietly after opening the door to them. Hanataro bowed and left the two of them to their private lunch.

“You wished to see me and actually went through the proper process. I’m unsure whether or not I should be concerned for, or proud of this development.”

“Figured it would be the most likely to get you to agree...and I wanted privacy.”

“Why is that?”

Instead of answering Byakuya’s question, Ichigo just jumped straight into what he’s had on his mind for a while. “How old were you when you took the academy classes?”

“You want to discuss the age and process of soul reapers connected to the Gotei that were raised in The Seireitei?”

“Yeah, I have had a lot on my mind and was wondering if you might be able to understand more than some of the others.”

“I’m honored that you would seek me out to help you process. While I am unsure how much help I will be of actual help, I will happily speak with you.”

Hanataro arrived with dinner and was surprised that Byakuya was still present. He didn’t interfere with their ongoing conversation, merely left both meals for them on the table rather than sitting down and eating with Ichigo himself. He then quietly left them to it again.

The next two days were very much the same. Hanataro walked Byakuya back to Ichigo’s quarters the second time he visited and made sure the two had food during meal times. On the third day Byakuya made his way through the Division by himself, but Hanataro still brought them lunch as he had. While it made him sad that Ichigo was still being secretive, he was happy to see that Ichigo was opening up to someone.

Chapter Text

Chapter 9:
Giving In To Instincts: Part 1

The next morning when Hanataro showed up, he wasn’t accompanied by Byakuya, which wasn’t all that surprising since Ichigo hadn’t requested that the noble return. What was surprising however, was the fact that Grimmjow was with him. When Ichigo opened the door, Grimmjow told the small healer he would wait outside for whatever he needed to do, giving the two some privacy during Ichigo’s check-up.

With the check-up complete, Hanataro opened the door to the arrancar again. As Grimmjow walked into the quarters, Hanataro was hesitant to leave, considering what had happened the last time the two saw each other, but Ichigo rolled his eyes.

“I’ll be fine. Honest. You don’t need to worry about Grimmjow.” Ichigo reassured his small friend and shooed him off.

Once the two taller men were left alone, Grimmjow started. “So, I’ve been told that I need to apologize about what happened the last time I came here, but I don’t give a damn. It wouldn’t have been an issue if they hadn’t made it a problem. What I wanted to talk to you about was the kiss. Which, I’m not sorry for that either.”

Ichigo’s jaw fell open when Grimmjow had started, but quickly recovered as the hollow spoke. “I didn’t expect an apology from you about anything. I know better than that. I’m not mad at you for the kiss. I just wasn’t expecting it. Did you mean it?”

Scoffing Grimmjow smirked. “Of course I meant it, but I surprised myself just as much as I did you, when I did it.”

The two sat there looking anywhere but at the other as they absorbed what had just been discussed. Softly, Ichigo broke the silence again, “I think it’s been a long time coming.” His cheeks were the same color as cherry blossoms when Grimmjow turned to look at him again in his shock.

“What does that mean?”

“I don’t think we’ve been just friends for a while. Unless I’m mistaken, the last several times we’ve seen each other there was some sort of underlying tension as we tried to figure out what we were feeling. I know I was starting to question if I liked you more than a friend, but couldn’t get myself to admit it. At least, not until you kissed me.

“Feelings like that don’t exist in hollows though.”

With a raised brow, Ichigo crossed his arms, “Don’t lie to me. Remember, I’m part hollow.”

“But you’re also human.”

“Not really, not anymore. Besides, Shiro is all hollow and he was trying to get me to admit it long before I could.”

It was Grimmjow’s turn to raise an eyebrow as he analyzed the younger man in front of him. “So, even your hollow likes me?”

"Well, I didn't say that…"

"So he does. Heh, what? Did he get a kick out of me pounding you into the ground regularly?"

Ichigo felt his face flush further. Shiro was cackling in the back of his head, it hadn't been his hollow that enjoyed the show of strength, but himself, although he distinctly remembered being the one to beat him more times than not.

"I'm going to kiss you again." Grimm stood and slunk around to the other side of the table where he pulled Ichigo away from the table and turned his chair. Stepping between his knees, Grimmjow smirked down at the look of pure need in Ichigo’s eyes.

"You want me to kiss you? To claim your mouth?"

The whimper that spilled from Ichigo's lips made the look on Grimm's face soften. Slowly, he pressed their lips together once more. It felt so natural and good that, while hunched over Ichigo, he kissed him until neither of them could breathe. A gentle rap at the door to Ichigo’s quarters had the two finally separating. Grimm stood slowly and took a deep breath to steady himself before he made his way to the door to find Byakuya standing there.

“Oh, I didn’t realize that Kurosaki had company. I apologize for interrupting.”

Grimmjow looked over his shoulder at Ichigo who now wore a pleading expression. “No interruption.” Grimmjow started as he misinterpreted the look he was receiving as Ichigo asking him to leave so he can talk to the delicate looking Captain. “I was on my way out.” He brushed past the Shinigami noble, leaving the two alone. He couldn’t understand why this made him so angry and hurt so badly.

Byakuya watched as Grimmjow walked off before turning back to the troubled man he came to visit. “I didn’t mean to interrupt anything. I was just concerned since you hadn’t asked me back. I wasn’t going to come by, but both Rukia and Renji pressed the issue with me, saying something about smothering them. You, however, seem in brighter spirits today.”

“That’s actually thanks to you. You have reminded me that I’m not alone in these experiences and you’ve listened without judgment. Grimmjow was here to apologize for his behavior a while back, so no worries there.” With a sigh, Ichigo paused, “I’m surprised he didn’t fight to stay though.” He was questioning the motives and reasoning behind the volatile arrancar’s behavior, but refused to put it into words.

The two chatted pretty lightly for a couple of hours before Byakuya decided he had stayed long enough. As the two were saying goodbye, Byakuya raised a hand without thought. When he realized he was about to reach out to touch Ichigo, he stopped himself and lowered his hand to his side again.

Ichigo caught the movement, though he could tell Byakuya had tried to hide the motion, so he waited until the other turned to leave before he frowned to himself as he shut the door behind his guest. Huffing out a breath, Ichigo made his way back to his bed and almost instantly fell asleep when his head hit his pillow.

When Ichigo woke, he was momentarily confused, until he was able to determine that he slept through the night with no interruptions, either internal or external. Mechanically moving about for breakfast and then Hanataro’s routine visit and then another visit from Isane. Most of her visit Ichigo was only able to really recall that she had apologized for being a couple of days late for her visit and something about the Eleventh having a bunch of barbarians and ruffians that ended up in the ward after drinking one night. The rest of the day was quiet and undisturbed though, allowing Ichigo to rest.

When Hanataro showed up the next day by himself with their lunch Ichigo’s smile didn’t reach his eyes, but Hanataro didn’t comment on it, hoping the other would bring it up on his own.

Ichigo decided to ignore it, asking instead, “Can we go to the sixth, today?”

“But Kuchiki-taicho has been by recently. Why do you want to bother him at work?”

“I was actually hoping to see Renji.”

“Oh! I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have assumed.”

With a chuckle, Ichigo soothed, “It’s okay, Hanataro. It was fair to think that as I haven’t mentioned Renji’s name since I got here and I’ve been talking to Byakuya a lot lately.”

Ducking his chin, Hanataro responded, cheeks rosy, “If you say so. When were you hoping to head over there?”

“Well…” The taller man scratched at his chin, contemplating, “I guess after we finish lunch…If it won’t pull you away from any other obligations.”

“That should be fine, but I’ll still send a Hell Butterfly to Kotetsu-taicho before we leave.” Hanataro was happy to see that Ichigo was feeling a lot better again and improving once more. He would gladly delay his duties to support him, he was listed as his first priority anyway. Most of his other tasks could be shifted to other officers.

After a brief nod from Ichigo, the two continued their meal in companionable silence. Once finished, Hanataro gathered their dishes, placed the tray with them outside of Ichigo’s door and sent a butterfly to Isane letting her know about their outing.

The two left the fourth at a leisurely stroll, soaking in the sun, peacefully. Ichigo periodically pressed at his pheromone patches making sure they were still in place since he put them on himself before Hanataro had arrived for lunch.

Hanataro sighed after the fifth time Ichigo fidgeted with his scent blockers. “If we step off into an alley, I can check those for you.”

“Sorry, didn’t mean to bug you.” Ichigo cowed, leading his companion to the next alley they passed.

“You just seem really worried, but it’s not about these, is it?” Hanataro carefully eyed the patches on Ichigo’s neck, patting each one gently, before rubbing his arm.

“No. I’m worried about seeing Renji and if I will run into Rukia…or that he will give me a hard time about not telling her.”

“I’m sure it’s going to be alright. He’s your friend. I don’t think he would be upset with you about this.” Hanataro placed a hand gently on Ichigo’s arm in a comforting move.

“That’s easy for you to say. You were brought in early and have spent time with me during all of this.” Ichigo slumped against the wall of the building behind him.

Hanataro floundered, trying to figure out what to say to his friend and charge. “I-I’m sorry, but I don’t know what to say except that you won’t know until you talk to him.”

In response to his words, Hanataro had to catch Ichigo’s hands as he started scrabbling at his face and hair. His breath hitching as his heart rate thundered in his ears. As Hanataro was about to say something he was interrupted by the abrupt gurgling in Ichigo's stomach that had the taller man lurching away to dry heave, bent in half at his waist.

The dark haired healer moved to brace Ichigo with one of his arms across his chest and rub his back with the other. “I need you to try and take a deep, slow breath with me… Ready?” Hanataro paused, waiting for any form of acknowledgement before continuing to direct the other, “Okay, breathe in. One, two, three. Hold and out, two three. Good. One more! In, two, three. Hold, and out, two three. Great, your breaths are coming slower again.”

Hanataro stood there just holding Ichigo and softly repeating calming words and praise to him. When Ichigo finally stood up properly again, the smaller man stepped back, giving him some space again. “Are you doing better?”

“Uh, ha. Uhm, I guess.” Ichigo couldn’t help the nervous thought gathering chuckle as he first responded to Hanataro’s inquiry. “Sorry about that.”

“Hey, it’s alright. You’ve been struggling with a lot and have even more on your mind. Remember one of the largest agreements that was made in getting you here, was that everything is on your time. When you’re ready for things to happen they can. And if not, then they won’t. If you change your mind about anything, then alright. We will go with the new choice.

Nodding his head, Ichigo took another deep breath, air shaky on his inhale, as his eyes closed to will himself to relax again. “Right, okay.”

“So, are we still going to see Renji or are we going to get you home?”

“Renji.”

“Alright. Then, after you.” Hanataro stepped aside to allow Ichigo by when he was ready to continue on.

Shaking his arms out, Ichigo took a purposeful step forward and continued steadily to the Sixth Division. As per usual, Ichigo ignored protocall and walked straight up to the main office of the division, but instead of just bursting through the door like he used to, Ichigo paused at the door and knocked.

“Enter!” Came the stoic call of the Noble Captain of the Sixth.

As Ichigo stepped across the threshold of the office, Byakuya looked up and paused mid-stroke on his paperwork. “Did I miss a scheduled meeting, Kurosaki? I do not recall scheduling a follow-up with you for today.”

Renji had looked up when Ichigo entered the office, but he whipped his head around with wide eyes to look at his Captain upon registering the older man’s words.

“Uh, no, sorry for the confusion, Captain, but I was hoping I could steal Renji for a little bit?” Ichigo fidgeted, wringing his hands together, still facing Byakuya and mostly ignoring Renji, who’s wide eyes had turned onto him when he addressed Byakuya by his title rather than his name.

Byakuya narrowed his eyes contemplating the man standing in front of him and the timid member of the Fourth that was trying his best to hide behind Ichigo’s larger form and not draw attention to himself. “While I would have preferred you making your request ahead of time via proper procedure, I will allow it. The paperwork for today is mostly completed, anyhow. Renji, you may go.”

“Wha-huh? Um, I mean, of course! Thank you, sir!” Renji was reeling from the interaction his friend and Captain had just had, so it took a minute for his brain to catch up, but when it did, he shot up out of his chair and gave a saikeirei before scurrying for the door.

After making sure that Renji was on his feet and moving toward the door, Ichigo dipped his head in a quick eshaku before turning and leading his two friends from the office, expecting them to follow.

Hanataro was of course still scurrying along doing his best to keep up with the two taller shinigami. Renji’s brows were furrowed watching Ichigo’s back as the three of them moved through the Seireitei. Before either of them knew it, Ichigo had led them back to his private quarters on the Fourth Division grounds.

When hanataro noticed they were back at his place, he stopped outside the door, “Um, do you want me to go? So that you can talk in private?”

Ichigo whirled around with eyes the size of saucers, “No!”

Renji and Hanataro both flinched back at his volume. “Um, sorry. Please stay. I-I need you…in case…” Ichigo dropped his eyes to the floor as he kicked at his heel.

“Right, sorry. It’s fine, Ichigo, I’ll stay.” The small shinigami hurried over the threshold with a shy smile and closed the door behind himself.

Quietly Renji ventured to ask, “Uhm, what exactly was that about?”

There was a poignant pause as Ichigo looked from Renji to Hanataro with pleading eyes. “It’s been a rough day.” The small man ventured to answer for Ichigo as they all made their way to the sitting area. Renji had merely nodded in response as he waited for Ichigo to finally talk.

“Renji, you were one of the few who were brought in on my move, right?”

“Yeah. What’s up?”

“How much do you know?”

“Bad and deteriorating health all around. You didn’t feel comfortable there anymore...”

With a dark chuckle, Ichigo nodded, “That’s the simple way of saying it…”

“Um, if it helps any, I helped Hanataro in getting your place ready. Taicho thought having me help would add a bit more of a sense of familiarity to your new place…So did Isane.”

“Oh, well, thanks. I haven’t really noticed and I don’t really remember much of the first two weeks of me being here… Rukia still doesn’t know…right?” The young shinigami’s thoughts were all over the place as he spoke.

Nodding his affirmation, Renji recounted his Captain's words, “I was told she wasn’t on the short list of non-captains who were allowed to be told…So, she shouldn’t. I’ve been careful not to give her anything. Why? Is that what’s been bothering you?” Renji paused, tilting his head in contemplation, “Do you want me to get her here?”

“No!” Squeezing his eyes tight, Ichigo forced himself to take a deep breath. “I don’t want her to judge me for leaving my sisters. This was my decision and Kisuke and Dad both said it was necessary a day or two before the move finally happened. I’m worried she’s going to judge me and…or…be pissed I didn’t let her know right away…” His voice trailed off.

“Clearly there’s more to it than that, but out of what you did say…Uh, yeah, she probably will be pissed. I can talk to her before you see her if you want.”

“That’s actually part of it. I’m still not ready for her to know anything. I’m glad she hasn’t just been ignoring me out of anger. That’s good to know.”

“Yeah, about that…'' Hanataro let out a nervous laugh, “Only people who have been brought to your quarters are aware you live here. It’s shielded to contain your reiryoku. No one can feel you here. They can only feel your reiatsu if you go out.” His words were shaky as he wrung his hands in his lap. “It was one of the things that was done to prepare for your arrival and why after the schedule was decided on we couldn’t deviate.”

“Oh, well, that’s cool…I guess.”

“Hey, you can tell us anything. You know that, right?” Leaning forward, Renji placed a gentle, warm hand on his friend’s knee.

“Yeah, it’s just- I don’t want to hurt you if I do.”

“It takes a lot to hurt me, Ichi. I come from one of the furthest districts of the rukongai.”

Lifting his shoulders to his ears momentarily, Ichigo huffed. “I know, it’s just that you two have been friends since then and I’ve only known you for a few years comparatively and it’s not exactly like my thoughts are the greatest right now.”

“Really, it’s fine and if you’re afraid I will think differently about you or go behind your back, I promise, I won’t.”

Ichigo growled, frustrated with his own discomfort and indecision, and thought. “I know talking about it will help me start to accept it more and start the healing process, but no matter what Renji says, I’m afraid what I tell him might make me lose his friendship.”

The healer’s concern for his patient had his voice sounding the strongest Renji had heard, being in his presence this time, “Remember, talking helps and you don’t know how he, or anyone really, will react to something you have to say until you share what’s on your mind.” Hanataro’s words were sure, but he urged Ichigo to share gently.

“Just spit it out, King. You not saying anything is only making them worry more about ya!” Zangetsu called out to Ichigo, which cut off the growling and made Ichi scrunch his nose up.

“Fine!” Ichigo threw his hands up as his focus turned outward once more. “Look, a lot of what’s happened to me was caused by Rukia. Yeah, not all of it was bad, but a lot of bad has happened over the years.”

Nodding his head, the redhead slowly responded, “Right…?”

“Well, it’s kinda hard for me to really put into words, but I can’t face her right now. I- I don’t know if I’m angry, scared, or what when it comes to her, but I do know, I’m not ready to go there.”

“That’s fine. So, how has it been going for you here?” Renji lounged back, throwing his arm over the back of the couch.

“Like I said, don’t really remember much from the first two weeks here and since then, everything is just so overwhelming.”

“Right. Why can’t you remember much?” Renji cocked his head to the side.

“Oh, um, I don’t know if it’s taboo to talk about actually.” Frowning Ichigo rubbed at his chin.

“What do you mean?” Renji was completely lost now, hoping his friend would just spit it out already.

“Have you presented yet?” Ichigo finally decided to just ask.

“You mean, do I know my secondary gender?” The larger man received a nod, “Oh, yeah. I’m a beta.”

“Oh, I don’t know what that’s like. I wasn’t really explained much. Um, I was presenting as an omega when I was finally allowed to come here.” Ichigo felt his face heat.

“Ah. Oh, you were experiencing your first heat without a lot of forewarning about the secondary genders, huh?” Renji grinned. “Shit, no wonder you don’t remember much. Head was probably seriously foggy, huh?”

“Yeah, plus, I had a fever for like a week before moving. It actually made me collapse a few days before Isane was ready for me to be here.” Ichigo took a deep breath. “Dad actually had to put me on IV and an oxygen mask.”

“Shit, dude. I had no clue.” Renji’s elbows found his knees hard as his eyes widened impossibly.

“That’s why I had been called away so suddenly.” Hanataro added. “I had to help keep his reiraku stable, but once we finally pulled him out of his body it became clear that he had actually died.”

Ichigo scratched at his neck, “Except, Kisuke said that after Byakuya cut my saketsu I had technically been dead already and I even fought through the shinsoku after that when that freak helped me regain my powers the first time.

“Wait, really? How so?” Renji sat up again.

“My body had acted as an organic gigai apparently.” Shrugging nonchalantly, Ichigo kind of grinned.

“Oh shit! I’m sorry, I had no idea.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m better now, right Hanataro?”

“Yeah, you’re physically healthy, by Soul Society standards now.” Hanataro nodded, but he had to bite his tongue to not say anything about Ichigo’s mental health.

Ichigo raised a brow at the small figure. “Yeah, now all we need to do is put my head back on straight, huh?”

Blushing Hanataro confirmed Ichigo’s words quietly.

“That’s alright. Doing that takes time. I even still struggle with some memories from Inuzuri sometimes and let’s not forget about the fuckin’ wars recently.” Renji’s words were light, even as the shadow in his eyes betrayed the honesty behind his words.

Scoffing, Ichigo grinned, “Yeah, there were pretty fucked up, huh?”

Hanataro watched as the other two started joking and talking about the wars, wondering to himself if he should stop them. “While it’s healthy to air things that have hurt them in the past, is this actually healthy? Joking about all of that negative stuff, like this?” Shaking himself out of his internal struggle, he decided to just make a few mental notes on what has been bothering them the most based on what they were saying and just let them talk as he kept an eye on the boisterous and precocious men he was accompanying.

After a while there was a knock on Ichigo’s door, cutting the conversation off, which had shifted to general catch up and chatting between friends. “I’ll get that.” Ichigo rose to answer the door.

“Sorry to disturb you, Kurosaki-kun, but I need to steal back my Third-seat. Will you be alright if Yamada-kun leaves?” Isane’s request was gentle and her concern was sincere.

“Dammit, woman, where’s my mate?”

“Was that Kenpachi, just now?” Ichigo questioned, leaning to the side as he looked around for the absolute barbarian of a Captain.

“Uhm, khm.” Isane cleared her throat trying to ignore the monstrous energy approaching them. “So, can I take Yamada-kun, now?”

“Oh, right, yeah! Sorry.” Ichigo finally answered, shouting over his shoulder, “Hanataro, Isane’s asking for you.”

Ichigo’s words were accentuated by Kenpachi as he finally relocated the Fourth’s Captain. “There you are! Is that Ichigo? I thought you were getting my mate for me.”

“Oh dear.” Hanataro scampered over to the door. “Sorry about this Ichigo. I have to go.”

“Hey, it’s okay. I’ve kept you long enough for today.” Ichigo beamed as he patted him on the shoulder.

“Yo, Ichigo! I want a fight when you’re all fixed up!” Kenpachi called out as he scooped up his petite partner and left.

Taking a deep breath and releasing it as a heavy sigh, Isane apologized wholeheartedly. “I’m really sorry about that, Ichigo. The only person that ever had any amount of control over him had been Captain Unohana. It doesn’t matter if Hanataro isn’t finished with his shift, if Kenpachi comes for him, there’s nothing I can do. He hardly has a say either, but they are happy together.”

“It’s no big deal, really. Renji and I have just been chatting anyway.” He reassured her.

“Well, that’s good. I’m glad you’re getting to spend some time with a friend that isn’t Hanataro.”

“Yeah. It’s- It’s been good. Thank you.”

Ichigo couldn’t help but notice how absolutely pleased Isane looked as she bid him farewell.

“What was that all about?” Renji immediately questioned Ichigo as he returned.

“Oh, um, apparently Kenpachi is Hanataro’s partner and Isane has zero control over that brute. So, when he comes calling, Hanataro usually has to leave.”

“Ha, yeah, that sounds about right. Is that going to be a problem for you?”

“No, well…” Ichigo started as he looked up at the ceiling and scratched at his chin, “I don’t think it will.”

“Okay. Well, even if I’m not here later and you need something, it sounded like you know how to summon a hell butterfly now, so you can send me one if you need.” Renji reassured his friend.

“I’m not really worried about it. I don’t usually have problems when I’m home. It’s just usually when I go out that sometimes I have a hard time.”

Before either of them could say anything else a hell butterfly appeared. Rukia was looking for Renji and was wondering where he was.

Renji looked at Ichigo with puppy-dog eyes. “Go. It’s okay. I’ll talk to you again soon. I promise.” Ichigo waved his hands to shoo Renji off.

“I’m sorry, but we’ve been together for a while now and I can’t just ignore her.”

“It’s fine. Really. Go, before she gets mad at you.” Ichigo physically shoved at his friend this time.

“Okay, don’t be a stranger!” Renji called over his shoulder as he took off.

Ichigo scrubbed his hand through his hair as he rolled his eyes at his friend, before turning and going to his fridge to pull out some leftovers for dinner. Being left alone in the silence of his new home had allowed his body to relax enough to register his hunger finally. The afternoon had gone by quickly, no matter how long it had really been.

After finishing his meal and getting ready for bed, Ichigo couldn’t help but muse. “I feel so much lighter after getting to see Renji again. Hopefully tomorrow will be alright too.” Ichigo couldn’t help but think that things were finally starting to fall into place in such a way that he truly felt like he was home here and it made him happy.

Chapter Text

Chapter 10:
Giving In To Instincts: Part 2

The following day Ichigo was getting antsy sitting around his quarters, so he decided to wander around the Fourth’s grounds a little bit and before he knew it he had stumbled across the training grounds in the back and was surprised to see members of the fourth sparring. He took up a spot under a tree not far from the fenced area to watch them. It made him happy to see that the healers were actually trained in combat too, even if only a little bit. From what he had heard from people from other Divisions he hadn’t really thought they did much training on anything other than cleaning and medical knowledge and know-how.

After about an hour he started getting antsy again, but before he could leave after climbing to his feet he felt a gentle hand on his arm. Turning to look at who the hand belonged to he was a little surprised to see Isane standing next to him in her Captain’s haori. “Isane?”

“Would you like to try some? It’s been a while.” She motioned with her other hand to the arena in front of them.

“Even if it’s been a while, I don’t want to risk harming any of-”

“You wouldn’t, but you also wouldn’t be going up against any of them.” She smiled in a way that made him lean away from her a little. “You’ll be going against me.”

“Uh, sure. I guess.” He was nervous now and for a completely different reason, but he felt like he wasn’t allowed to say no.

“Good. Hand to hand or wood sword?”

“You’re giving me the option?” Ichigo’s eyes were wide as she nodded to him. “Um, then, sword please.”

“Alright.”

The two stepped toward the now free space and grabbed a couple of the bokuto that were sitting on a rack next to a fence line. Then they moved to stand opposite each other and got into ready stances. Isane was the first to move. She wanted to force him through some basic movements at a slow pace to check on his condition since he had slipped out of his quarters before his check-in could happen, but also because it would help her, as a Captain, gauge his capabilities as a fighter. Ichigo took the bait and responded to each of her movements by blocking and countering where he could.

After about his fifth attempt at an attack Ichigo noticed the practiced nature of the movements and jumped back, “You’re running me through katas.”

“Yes, I was.” Isane agreed easily. “You’re moving really well, Ichigo. How are you feeling?”

“Ugh! I should have known.” Ichigo dropped the sword tip to the ground next to his foot. “I feel fine, can we step it up a bit, just a little? I don’t care if you keep pushing me through Katas. This is just too slow.”

“If you can keep this pace for another ten minutes I will step it up. And if you can hold the next speed for 20 minutes I’ll step it up even more. How does that sound?”

“Like a lot of work.” Ichigo thought about what she said though and then nodded, “If I can keep going that long, I will probably want to change things up. Let’s get back to it.” He lifted his bokuto again and lunged.

They continued for another 20 minutes and Isane had increased her speed when she said she would. It was around that point when Ichigo was starting to drop his arms and was covered in sweat when Grimmjow found them. The arrancar smirked seeing Ichigo holding a sword again and then his expression dropped when he noticed he was standing weakly against another Alpha and he growled. The noise was loud enough to make Ichigo jump and drop his sword entirely just as Isane had lunged for another move. Her momentum carried her forward even as she tried to avoid him and wouldn’t have, had Grimmjow not used Sonido to put himself between them just in the nick of time.

Looking from the bokuto in his hand to the Alpha in front of him, Grimmjow growled again. “The hell you doing going against my omega when he’s about ready to pass out?”

Isane pulled on the sword and Grimmjow released it as she returned his growl with one of her own. “I was testing my patient’s strength. Had you not interrupted everything would have been fine. Now, stand down.” She was about to step forward and say something else when she noticed that Ichigo had grabbed onto the back of Grimmjow’s jacket and was looking at him with some of the largest puppy eyes she’s ever seen on anyone other than her Third-seat.

Grimmjow noticed her looking past him, so he turned his head to look back at Ichigo and frowned. “What is it? You okay?”

Ichigo nodded, “Home?”

“Sure, Ichi. You’ll need to let go of my jacket for a second though.” Grimmjow waited patiently for the brightly haired man to release him.

Isane watched them as she quietly called for a Jigokucho to ask Hanataro to bring food to Ichigo’s quarters and enough for at least two. “Lunch will be waiting for you when you get back to your home, Ichigo. Can I come along to give you a quick check up after all that training?”

Grimmjow shot the Captain a glare, but didn’t speak for Ichigo.

“Fine, just don’t chase Grimm away.” Ichigo mumbled with another nod.

After he accepted that, the three of them made their way to Ichigo’s home where Hanataro was waiting with enough food for six people. As they walked in, Ichigo rushed to the table and grabbed a piece of watermelon and immediately shoved it in his mouth with a deep groan which made Grimmjow smirk and Hanataro chuckle.

“Ichigo, please have a glass of water and then come and sit on your bed for a minute for me. You can eat after I get done looking you over.”

Grimmjow growled at Isane interrupting Ichigo’s lunch, but didn’t speak. Hanataro’s eyes flitted startled between the two Alphas quickly before he passed Ichigo a glass of water.

“Grimm, be nice. She’s my doctor.” Ichigo patted Grimmjow on the chest before going over to where Isane was waiting for him.

As Ichigo laid down he let his mind wander a bit as Isane checked him over and helped him through some stretches for his legs. At one point he caught himself thinking, “Why did I latch onto Grimmjow like that? Is it because I’m an omega and he stepped in to protect me from what he perceived as a threat? She wouldn’t have hurt me. You know what? I don’t care. He makes my heart flutter and my stomach feel like a pit has opened up under me. Who cares why.”

“How are you feeling?” Isane asked, but when Ichigo didn’t immediately answer she really looked at his face for a second before calling out to him, “Ichigo! Ichigo, how are your lungs feeling? Your legs?”

“Hm? Oh, fine. I’m really thirsty and hungry though. Are you done yet?” Ichigo asked just as she pushed one of his knees up to his chest, “Ouch! Too far!”

Grimmjow materialized next to Isane’s shoulder with another growl and a hand pulling hers off of Ichigo.

“Grimmjow!” Ichigo sat up so fast his head spun and he tipped sideways. “Shit, too fast! She didn’t- Urgh! Grimmjow, it’s fine, a muscle just pulled more than I expected. I didn’t stretch before sparring.”

Grimmjow huffed as he threw her arm down and he reached for Ichigo slowly in order to help support him.

Ichigo leaned into the gentle touch with a small smile.

“Um, Taicho?” Hanataro called quietly so as to not startle the other two.

“Yes, what is it?”

“Did Grimmjow somehow imprint on him?”

“I don’t think that’s exactly what happened. I think this has been a long time coming.” Isane responded with a heavy sigh. “He’s doing alright now, but check him over again before you leave. I’m going to leave before it causes too big of an issue, having a seeming threat of another Alpha hanging over him.”

Hanataro bowed as Isane let herself out. “Guys, food’s getting cold.” He quietly called their attention back to the present.

Ichigo pulled away from Grimmjow as his stomach growled loudly. “Food.”

Grimmjow watched with a content smile as Ichigo climbed off his bed and walked steadily back to the dining table and took a seat pulling two plates of food to him, one being the watermelon and the other having a meal of curry and rice. “Good choices.” Grimmjow praised the other omega and wasn’t shocked to see him duck his head with a blush.

Just as Grimmjow was making himself comfortable another hell butterfly appeared, this one moving to Ichigo with its message. “Byakuya wants to stop by. Can he?” Ichigo looked at Grimmjow.

“I just got here.” Grimmjow responded defensively.

“You don’t have to leave.” Ichigo pouted.

Grimmjow narrowed his eyes. “Fine, but I make no promises that I’ll stay long with him here.”

“Why?”

“What do you mean why?”

“Why can’t you accept him in my life too?” Ichigo pushed the curry away. “Why do you make it one or the other? Can’t I have both of you?” Ichigo’s face went bright red when he processed what he had just said. “That’s not- I mean- I…”

“Greedy omega.” Grimmjow smirked at him.

“He’ll be here soon.” Hanataro interrupted as he had been the one to send a reply to Captain Kuchiki since Ichigo had immediately gotten distracted.

“Thanks Hana.” Ichigo responded without looking at his friend until he blushed again and turned to see Hanataro’s response to the nickname.

“Don’t worry about the name, it likely means you’re comfortable with me.” Hanataro waved off Ichigo’s concern. “When Captain Kuchiki gets here, do you want me to stay or leave?”

“Leave” came from Grimmjow and Ichigo responded with “Stay!” The two immediately turned to glare at the other before Ichigo spluttered and broke out into laughter. “Fine, if you don’t mind, Hana, can you give the three of us some time?”

“Sure thing.” Hanataro said and then gently nudged the curry back closer to Ichigo discreetly, hoping it would entice him into eating more. He noticed Grimmjow gave him a soft smile at the action as he climbed to his feet to open the door when the soft knock announced the Captain’s arrival.

“Oh, I’m interrupting again.” Byakuya muttered when the door was opened to reveal Ichigo’s company.

“Stay!” Ichigo called out, having heard Byakuya at his door.

“Please, Captain, come on in. I will however be heading out now. If any of you need anything, don’t hesitate to send for me.” Hanataro bowed and then left.

Byakuya nodded as he stepped into the space and turned his attention back to the man he had come to visit and his company.

“Hey, Bya. Have a seat. We just got started and there’s some food here for you if you’d like.” Ichigo pointed at an untouched setting.

Grimmjow snorted at the surprised look that crossed the noble’s face.

Byakuya glared at the arrancar before he turned a pleased smile to Ichigo. “Thank you. I noticed your spiritual pressure fluctuating. Has everything been alright?”

Ichigo cocked his head to the side in confusion as Grimmjow chuckled before speaking up. “I felt the same thing, that’s why I came by today.” He paused as he looked between the two men in front of him before his gaze settled on the Captain. “Guess where I found him?” Grimmjow was grinning widely.

Byakuya furrowed his brow, “Where?”

“In the training field sparring with Isane.” Grimmjow broke out into deep belly chuckles.

Byakuya’s jaw dropped open before he shook his head and composed himself again. “You can’t possibly be strong enough to be doing that sort of thing again already.”

“I was bored. I hadn’t planned on doing anything more than watching, but when I went to leave, Isane goaded me into sparring with her.” Ichigo shrugged. “It was a lot of fun, but I can tell I’m going to be super tired tomorrow and probably sore.”

“You got that right!” Grimmjow grinned.

“Have you been given anything yet?” Byakuya asked calmly after shaking his head at Grimmjow’s exuberance. “Did you stretch out after?”

“I think so?” Ichigo scratched his chin.

Grimmjow calmed instantly as he remembered Ichigo crying out when the other Captain had been working on Ichigo. “That Captain helped him stretch some, but other than food and water, Ichigo hasn’t had anything.”

Byakuya looked to Ichigo for confirmation and received a nod and shrug. “You might want to take something to help with the pain before you go to bed tonight. Do you have anything here or should I send for Yamada?”

“I think I have something.” Ichigo looked off into the distance, unsure of what he might actually have in his quarters.

“You look unsure.”

“Oh, that’s because I’m not entirely familiar with everything here, yet.”

That comment sobered both Alphas in an instant. Byakuya frowned as Grimmjow growled, “What does that mean?”

“Well, I was presenting for like the first few weeks of me being here and since then I’ve been kinda in my head or trying to see people.” Ichigo shrugged as he pushed away from the table and started hunting around for a med kit. After a while he returned with the box and started digging through it only to drop back into his chair with a growl of his own. “Nope.”

“Nope?” Grimmjow repeated.

Byakuya frowned for a second before summoning a Jigokucho. “Yamada-san, if you would please bring some pain medication it would be much appreciated.” He sent it off before returning his attention to those he was in the company of.

“Come on, Ichi, you should eat at least a little more.” Grimmjow moved the medical supplies and motioned to the food that Ichigo had left forgotten.

“Mm. Too tired.”

“Then at least have another drink of your tea.” Byakuya pushed the cup closer to Ichigo. “You need to stay hydrated, if you don’t want the tea, I can get you some water.”

Frowning, Ichigo took the cup and sipped on it as he looked between his guests. It felt so right, but was so confusing to be in the company of both of them, especially with the way they were acting. “What’s going on?”

Grimmjow tilted his head looking very much like an overgrown cat in his confusion. Byakuya raised one of his eyebrows in his own confusion to the question that Ichigo had just hit them with. “I’m not sure I understand your question.”

“You two are getting along when Grimmjow wanted to rip Isane to shreds earlier for so much as just looking at me. Both of you are also acting…weird… I guess.”

His words sent Grimmjow reeling as he fell back into his chair, “Huh, you’re right.”

When a knock came on the door, Byakuya moved to let Hanataro back in.

“Is everything alright?” Hanataro asked.

“We are just hoping to stave off the worst of the pain Ichigo would be in tomorrow after he rests.” Byakuya answered as he watched Hanataro move to Ichigo’s side to check him over and provide the requested medication.

“That’s understandable. He did spar for quite a while without much activity before that.” Hanataro nodded.

Ichigo willingly succumbed to the check up and followed his instructions to take the medication.

“It looks like everything has been going smoothly here since I left. That’s good.” Hanataro chatted as he watched Ichigo closely to make sure he took the medication completely.

When Ichigo made a face at the taste of the medication, Byakuya wasn’t able to suppress a small bemused smile that Grimmjow caught from the corner of his eye.

Once Hanataro was certain that Ichigo was doing just fine he left the three of them to continue on their own, bidding them farewell and a good night. Grimmjow, Byakuya, and Ichigo chatted until late into the night when Ichigo fell asleep tucked gently between the two alphas.

Chapter Text

Chapter 11:
Giving In To Instincts: Part 3

Just as dawn was occurring, Byakuya woke and carefully extricated himself from Ichigo and the other alpha. He had to admit it was the best he had slept in decades but he was unsure how he felt about that. Slowly closing the door behind himself, Byakuya left Grimmjow and Ichigo to sleep as he made his way back to his home so that he could prepare for the day properly. However, on his way through the fourth, he ran into Hanataro who froze with wide eyes for a second before recomposing himself and bowing without a word before continuing on with his duties.

By the time Hanataro made his way to Ichigo’s quarters for breakfast he had decided if Captain Kuchiki was still here this morning, it was likely Grimmjow was too so he made sure he had enough food for all three of them. Ichigo was not dressed, but he was sitting up in his bed when Hanataro walked in and the small medic smiled at his friend as he noticed he was literally petting the arrancar who grumbled at the disturbance of someone walking into the space.

“I have enough breakfast for the three of us.”

Ichigo turned to look at his small friend finally, but didn’t stop his petting Grimmjow. “How?”

“I happened across Captain Kuchiki this morning so I figured the chances of Grimmjow still being here were pretty high.” Hanataro sat the dishes on the table as he spoke.

“Did he say anything to you?”

“I’m sorry, he didn’t.” Hanataro watched as Ichigo slumped in defeat. “I was rather surprised to see your company was still here this morning.”

“I must have fallen asleep while we were still talking, but I’m surprised Byakuya didn’t just take his leave.”

“Pretty worried you’d panic if we left last night.” Grimmjow mumbled as he pressed his face into Ichigo’s hip.

Turning his attention back to the arrancar, Ichigo looked baffled. “Then why did he leave this morning before either of us woke, before I woke up?”

“Dunno. Have to ask him.”

Hanataro was watching with amusement, but when the conversation lulled he spoke up again. “How are you feeling today?”

“Like my body’s tired, but I don’t hurt.” Ichigo shrugged.

With that the Hanataro was able to usher both men from the bed and to the table where they discussed Ichigo’s plans for the day before shoo-ing Grimmjow off to the fifth with a note indicating good behavior so that Shinji wouldn’t throw a fit for him not having returned to the division the previous night. After Grimmjow was gone, Ichigo yawned before climbing back into bed promising to not get into trouble when he took his walk later in the day.

Thankfully, nothing of note happened the rest of the day and Ichigo was more than happy to bask in the calm as he simply relaxed throughout the day. He did go and watch the members of the fourth sparring, but no one was brave enough to ask him to go against them after the majority of them watched him go against their Captain the previous day. A couple of the braver souls did ask for pointers once in a while, but Ichigo didn’t really know how to help them, but if he could put words to something he shared his opinions with them. Everyone was more than pleased to get any little grain of help from the savior of the worlds, that they really didn’t care how much he could or couldn’t provide them.

After his relaxing day, Ichigo decided he was ready to confront Byakuya about sneaking out so he sent a Hell Butterfly and requested his attendance for lunch the following day.

When Byakuya heard the flutter of the wings he looked up from the last document of the day and sighed. After listening to the message and sending his promise to be there he ran his hand over his forehead, regretting his behavior that morning, but there was nothing to be done now other than to apologize and hope he isn’t put in the situation again. Renji, he noted, had peeked up and raised an eyebrow in confusion before turning his attention back to the end of his own work without saying anything. Byakuya wasn’t having it though and asked, “Have you ever accidentally fallen asleep when with friends?”

Renji’s head shot up as he turned wide eyes on his Captain. “Once or twice, why? Did you?”

“No. How did your friends respond to you in those instances?”

“Like, what did they do after I fell asleep?” Renji needed to clarify, these questions were so out of thin air, he had no idea what to think or why his Captain was asking these things.

“Yes. What did they do after you fell asleep?”

“Well, it differed between the people I was with and the particular situation before I fell asleep. There were times they left me to sleep, times where someone stayed with me, others they woke me up, and regrettably, a few when I woke up with drawings on my face.”

Byakuya frowned deeply at the last situation before composing himself again. “The times where you were left or someone stayed with you. What sort of situations led to those responses?”

“Did something bad happen to you Taicho?” Renji tilted his head worried about his Captain.

“This isn’t about me Abarai. Now, kindly answer my question.”

“The times people left, I was in my own quarters and exhausted or barely inebriated. The times people stayed varied. Sometimes I was in someone else’s room and drunk beyond belief, but there were also a couple of times where I was completely sober and just exhausted…emotionally, and they didn’t want to leave me alone. I think there were a few times where a friend just didn’t want to be alone so they just stayed with me.” Shrugging, Renji tried to recall all the times something led him to staying with a friend or vice versa.

“What if someone was worried about how you’d respond if you woke up alone?”

“I can’t say something like that’s ever happened…Why?”

“It is not my place to say.” Byakuya turned his attention back to his work.

“You know I can just ask Ichi, right?”

Byakuya’s head flew up with wide eyes before they narrowed dangerously as he turned his attention onto his subordinate.

“Heh, knew it. What happened?” Renji looked so smug before his concern quickly returned.

Clenching his jaw, Byakuya took a deep breath. “As you just said, you can ask Ichigo yourself.” He resolutely turned back to his paper and ignored his Lieutenant.

Renji shook his head with a silent chuckle before he returned to his work as well. He decided to go and see Ichigo after he finished his work, maybe take him out for dinner too.

When Renji was finally released for the day he made his way to the fourth only to be stopped by Hanataro.

“I’m sorry Renji, but he has asked to not be disturbed by anyone today.”

Renji stood there like a statue. “Is that something you should be worried about?”

“No, he just had a lot happen yesterday and he wanted a chance to relax.”

Frowning, Renji really analyzed his friend, “Nothing bad happened though, right?”

“Huh? Oh, no! Of course not. He just got to do some sparring and he had a lot of company yesterday. He’s still getting stronger again so he really didn’t have any energy this morning and that’s understandable. Nothing is wrong. I’m sure even you’ve had days where you just wanted to rest and recharge.”

“I suppose I have. Okay. I guess I’ll just be going then. If you see him again tonight, please let him know I’d like to see him.” Renji bid his farewell and returned to his quarters in the Sixth.

Hanataro did pass on his message when he took Ichigo his dinner, but Ichigo said he’d deal with it the next day. He had hoped that Ichigo would at least send a message to Renji upon hearing his request, but didn’t say anything. He was, however, happy when Ichigo shared his plans with him for the day when he arrived the following day. It was going to be busy for him, but he was willing to help him make it happen.

A couple of days later, Ichigo had lunch with Byakuya again where he greeted him with a sad smile before frowning and finally confronting him about his early departure.. “Why did you leave without saying goodbye?”

Byakuya’s jaw muscles twitched as he worked to keep a neutral expression. “I had to get ready for work. I am a bit surprised you waited to bring this up after you asked me to lunch a couple of days ago.”

“Renji was worried one of us got hurt. What did you say to him?”

“I simply asked how his friends behaved when he would fall asleep when they spent time together.”

Ichigo felt his face flame up. He shook his head and pointed to the door, “Get out.” His voice was level and dark, even as his heart beat wildly against his ribs.

Byakuya clenched his jaw as he straightened his back more. “Very well.” With his curt response, he turned and left a fuming Ichigo in his wake, his heart beating so loudly that most of the sounds of the fourth were washed out. By the time he made it past the gate of the division, his thoughts had spiraled so much that he was not seeing where he was going or hearing the thrum of Soul Society around him. That is, until he bodily ran into a warm surface that seemed to instantly grab him as he bounced off it.

“Tai-taicho?” Renji held Byakuya back from his body as he made sure his very distracted captain would be able to maintain his footing. After watching the man for a few moments and gathering his wits about himself he questioned, “Is everything alright?”

Renji’s panicked voice finally cut through enough for Byakuya to blink back into the present. “I just got kicked out of Ichigo’s quarters by him.” Byakuya spewed before his brain could catch up with what he was saying.

Renji froze, his hands finally falling from his captain’s arms, shell-shocked. When he finally gathered his wits about himself again he gently spoke, “Why don’t we go to a nice izakaya I know and talk about what happened.” He carefully guided Kuchiki who had returned to his dark thoughts as soon as he realized what he had said.

Byakuya allowed himself to be guided and directed to sit at a table when they reached their destination. He ordered sake and some food without much thought and as soon as he downed his first cup of sake he started talking. Renji was still baffled by his usually composed captain’s behavior, but listened carefully in case he could help him and apparently Ichigo.

By the time the fourth cup was in his system, Byakuya was barely censoring himself, “I thought he would have been more upset to find out that he had…but he was so angry with me… If I hadn’t asked you about how your thugs for friends behaved and hinted at anything, you wouldn’t have said anything. Then, Ichigo wouldn’t have gotten so mad at me and I could have talked to him…”

Renji barely was able to interject anything to the conversation, but he was alright with that as he was amused by his captain’s true self shining through. It was like listening to an infatuated teen who had their heart broken for the first time and didn’t know how to handle it. He wanted to help his clearly confused captain, but it was also apparent that the reserved man was still very wrapped up in his own head more than in their present reality. Renji was hesitant to jar him back into reality, afraid of how Byakuya would handle the amount of his private information he had shared with his lieutenant.

When he made his way through his ninth cup, Byakuya realized as he snapped back into focus, “We should be in the office…”

Barely choking down a chuckle, Renji nodded, but said, “We’ve somewhere to stop first.” With that he stood and guided Byakuya to the Fourth Division where they were momentarily stopped by Isane.

After the young captain stopped them and did a quick once over of the obviously inebriated noble, she listened to Renji’s quick explanation as to why they were there. “I trust Renji to help you complete your task with minimal disturbance before seeing you home. Captain Kuchiki, you are not to work the rest of the day. You should go home, get some rest and plenty of water after you finish here. Do not upset him further if you can help it.”

Byakuya nodded with a frown that barely concealed his pout as Renji led him to the door he was dreading to see open again today.

When Ichigo opened his door he could feel his blood pressure rise as he noticed Byakuya was at the very least tipsy, but more likely full on drunk as he let the two men enter his quarters. When the alpha managed a slow, but not slurred request to explain, Ichigo considered a moment before he gave in and listened to the man.

Byakuya tried to apologize and explain his thoughts about the events that led to where they were now, but he wasn’t sure how well it went when he finally sobered late that evening in the privacy of his own bedroom. The regretful captain vowed to himself that he would wait for Ichigo to contact him again, hoping the young man would understand that he was truly sorry for his behavior. After a few days it became exceedingly obvious that Ichigo was avoiding him and rightfully so.

“I understand that I hurt you and broke your trust in me. I was just confused and didn’t know how to respond to it or how you were going to respond to the situation. I simply sought out help, but I understand that I didn’t do it properly now. I will leave you alone and let you call upon me again when you are ready.” Byakuya barely mumbled out a complete summary of his jumbled thoughts before he turned and let Renji safely get him home without further conversation. He knew Ichigo was still mad and he deserved it, he really did understand now, at least mostly.

Chapter Text

Chapter 12:
Giving In To Instincts: Part 4

Nearly a week later, Ichigo had made up his mind and he, with his constant companion of Hanataro, went to see Kyoraku to ask him about the class on reiatsu control. With Hanataro standing uncomfortably by the door to the office, Ichigo walked up to the desk. “I want to start taking the class.”

With a raised brow, the Soutaicho asked, “Does Isane know you are here about this?”

“No.” Ichigo immediately responded, but quickly looked to Hanataro for confirmation.

“No, sir. Ichigo didn’t tell me until this morning that he wanted to see you. I didn’t have time to inform my Captain.”

With a huff, Ichigo turned back to Shunsui, “I don’t need permission, I’m bored, not dying.” He dropped into the chair across from the commander.

With steepled hands in front of him, Shunsui chuckled. “You had been, but if you are more free to move around now, you are doing well enough, I’d say. It will take a few days to get it arranged for you. I will come and escort your instructor to your quarters as soon as he’s ready to begin.”

Ichigo beamed, “Thank you. I can’t wait. I guess I should let you get back to your work so that Nanao doesn’t come after me…” With a shuddering pause Ichigo continued, “Or Lisa.” After that he left the office and wrapped an arm around Hanataro’s neck as they made their way back to the division. Hanataro looked up at Ichigo with a small smile, glad to see him so excited as he allowed his friend to guide them back.

True to his word, Ichigo found Kyoraku at his door three days later with an unfamiliar man. “He’s ready!”

Ichigo jerked back at the abrupt enthusiasm. He hadn’t even been able to actually greet whoever had knocked before Kyoraku had called out. “Wha?! Oh, Kyoraku, hello. Um, who’s ready?”

“Good morning, Ichigo-kun.” Kyoraku chuckled before continuing in his more sedate tone, “May we come in?”

“Sure thing. I thought I was going to have to wait longer than this.” Ichigo stepped back, allowing the men into his quarters and closed the door behind them before directing them to the dining table.

Kyouaraku looped his arm around the man that had been trailing behind him, “This is Gengoro Onabara. He’s the instructor for the advanced class at the academy and has so graciously agreed to training you.”

Ichigo flicked his eyes between the two men standing in front of his door. “Please, have a seat.”

Kyoraku immediately took a seat at the table, still dopily grinning. The other two ignored him as they also made their way to the table.

“I will provide your lessons twice a week. Each class typically gets two days a week and I will give you tasks to do between my visits. Everything should build at your level and speed.”

“Okay.” Ichigo nodded.

Gengoro Onabara immediately dove into a spiel about what he was going to do with Ichigo and the goal of the lessons he would provide. As he continued on, Kyoraku dipped his head to the two and silently made his way out of Ichigo’s quarters. “For today though, I think it will be enough to leave you with instructions to write a page a day,” Onabara paused to tap the journal on the center of the table, “and I will want to see the work, I won’t read it. I promise, but I will check that a page has been completed for the number of days between visits. I want you to explore your emotions and thoughts, the way you feel, what you want to accomplish, and the like.. You will also perform jinzen at least three times a week. You will also document each session and the length of each session. You should also stretch five minutes a day, also documenting the sessions.”

“That all sounds reasonable.” Ichigo agreed readily. The two bid their farewell after that as Ichigo led them out.

About four days later, Ichigo found himself sitting with his notebook again and thinking back over some of the more recent events in his life that led to where he was now. He had a second visit from Onabara the previous day and was working toward his goal of a page written when he was struck by a thought, so he summoned a jigokucho. After the butterfly was off carrying his request for Byakuya to come to his quarters for lunch he continued on with his work.

Byakuya arrived carrying a bento with enough food from his manor to feed both of them as another form of apology for Ichigo. He was pleased the younger man had reached out to him again finally, but was cautious about how their meeting may go.

“Oh, thanks for the food. You didn’t have to bring anything. I would have cooked or sent for food.” Ichigo said as he guided the noble to his table.

“I felt it necessary after my behavior the last couple of times we were together.”

“Well, thanks. About that, I wanted to explain a bit about why it upset me so much considering only you’ve explained your actions and apologized now a few times.” Ichigo diverted his eyes as Byakuya listened while setting out the food and splitting it between two sets of dishes.

After the food was dished out and they had been eating for a little while, Ichigo started trying to explain as best he could for the other to understand his reactions. Settling on a summary, Ichigo concluded, “So, after all the new and big things that have happened to me recently, it really hurt my feelings that you left without saying anything. It really didn’t help that it felt like you had broken my trust and privacy by bringing it up with Renji in any way that he was able to bring up that topic with me.”

“I understand that and I did my best to not directly say that my questions had anything to do with you or I falling asleep around others. I can guarantee I didn’t say anything about staying the night here with you or that I left without saying anything to you beforehand. I refused to give him any specifics, especially after I failed to hide the fact that it involved you in any way, though he had guessed that himself without me informing him of that.”

“Just, next time something like that happens, please, just don’t ditch me or tell others that something like that happened.” Ichigo turned his pleading eyes up to the older man again.

“Of course. It actually really bothered me that I made some of the decisions I had, especially once it became known that it greatly upset you.”

After their heavy discussion ended, their lunch felt much lighter and they were both wearing small smiles as Ichigo sent Byakuya on his way.

Nothing much seemed to happen for the following two weeks aside from the regular visits of his instructor from the academy and lunches with Shinji, Renji, and Byakuya had also become regular occurrences and not big unexpected events. It was his fifth lesson with Onabara and they were focusing on Tai Chi and Mindfulness exercises to strengthen his body and mind. Ichigo was standing opposite of Onabara as they moved carefully through a push and pull exercise where they were keeping minimal contact. Sometimes one would move faster forward toward the other or back, pulling the other in more quickly.

They had been working for a little over 20 minutes when Gengoro started eyeing Ichigo more analytically. He could sense something was off, but since Ichigo hadn’t said anything about not feeling well, he continued with his lesson. It wasn’t even ten minutes later when Ichigo’s eyes rolled up and he went limp. Onabara was barely able to move the short distance he needed to in order to catch the young man. After carefully placing Ichigo onto his bed, he stepped just outside the quarters they were in and flared his reiatsu just enough to be certain that Kotetsu-taicho and Hanataro could make their way to them quickly.

Within minutes both medics were entering Ichigo’s quarters with looks of concern on their faces. “What seems to be the issue?” Isane asked immediately as she crossed the threshold.

“He collapsed during our session today.” Onabara immediately replied as he left the side of the bed to make room for the other two to do their jobs.

Isane quickly started scanning Ichigo over. “I’m seeing a few signs that his body is overly stressed. It looks like he’s dehydrated, too.”

“On it.” Hanataro said as he quickly left to get the equipment he needed in order to give Ichigo an IV.

When he returned Isane stepped back giving him the room needed to carefully insert the IV. “It looks like he’s just been overdoing it a bit lately. He will need some rest and we will work to make sure he gets hydrated and remains so. Thank you for being so quick to call us in.”

“Of course Taicho. I apologize for any part in his overworking that I may have played. I will look at the course I had designed for him and see if there is any way for me to ease up on him a little.” Onabara bowed to Isane as he accepted his concern and intentions. “I will be on my way. Please send word when he has recovered enough to begin lessons again.”

After Onabara left, Isane instructed Hanataro to stay with Ichigo for a while to make sure that his IV was functioning correctly and in case the young man woke up any time soon. With that done, she headed to her office in order to send word to Isshin about what happened and to let him know that Ichigo was going to be alright and that the other could still visit as they had previously planned, but to understand that Ichigo may not be fully up to a visit when he arrived in two days time.

Later in the evening, Hanataro checked in with his Captain about Ichigo’s condition before returning with some food that he placed in the fridge in case he happened to wake during the night and was hungry. He also replaced the IV bag before leaving his friend to rest some more, sad eyes betraying how concerned he was with the seemingly large step back in his improving health, but certain he would be alright with time once more.

The following morning Hanataro stopped by first thing, to replace the IV bag again and check Ichigo over again. He was pleased to see him open his eyes and smile for a moment before returning to his slumber. The young shinigami stopped by a couple of more times throughout the day to check in on his friend and each time he was there Ichigo’s eyes would open for more time, but still not fully waking enough to interact with him.

The next time that Hanataro arrived, it was with Isshin in tow the second day after Ichigo’s collapse. Both men were surprised to see Ichigo mostly awake if not fully aware of his surroundings. Isshin stood back as he let Hanataro scurry forward to do his job of checking Ichigo over and replacing his IV bag again, noting that it was likely the last one he would be given if this visit went well. With the smaller man stepping out of his way to find a seat nearby, Isshin finally stepped forward and sat on the bed next to his son’s side.

“Dad?” Ichigo croaked out.

“Yeah, Isane and I had planned for me and the girls to stop by today, but after the notice I got a couple of days ago, I left them behind to see how you were doing. I will let them know when I get back.”

Ichigo hummed with his eyes closed, to indicate he hadn’t fallen asleep and was still listening.

Isshin brushed Ichigo’s bangs to the side and asked gently what happened to him.

“Don’t know. ‘M tired.”

“Yeah, not surprised there. You need to remember to stay hydrated, just like you did back home. How are you feeling now, though?”

“Sore.”

“Yeah? Is it from your lessons or from the collapse?”

“Less’ns, pro’ly. ‘S bedder here.” Ichigo mumbled out, trying to meet his father’s eyes again.

“Good. Your sisters would’a killed me if you were thinking that.” Isshin chuckled softly.

Their visit continued at its slow and careful pace. Isshin told Ichigo all about what the girls have been up to since he left. The older man covered for Hanataro as he left to get them all some lunch. When he returned laden with a cart of food for them all, Isshin was pleased to note there was a bowl of plain rice set to the side.

Smelling the food had Ichigo’s stomach growling.

“Good, glad to hear it.” Hanataro chuckled as he nodded for Isshin to help his son sit up a bit. “I want you to try and eat a bit. I know you want to sleep and you can soon, but first we really would like you to try and eat something real.” He placed a tray with the bowl and a spoon in front of Ichigo.

Ichigo groaned, but nodded as he moved slowly, trying to do as they wished, but his eyes were threatening to close again. Sitting was taking more energy than he remembered it ever taking before.

When Ichigo sat his spoon down and shifted to lean back more again, Hanataro quickly moved the tray. “Thank you for eating. It’s a really good sign. Now, you can rest and be assured that Onabara won’t be back tomorrow, so take it easy. I will be back later to remove your IV.”

“Bye Ichi, I’m glad you’re improving, even with this setback. Just remember to be careful. I will let the girls know you are doing alright.”

Ichigo was sound asleep before either of the other two were out of his line of sight. His exhaustion finally gained the upper hand and their departure.

A few days later Hanataro and Ichigo had returned to their habit of eating quietly together in Ichigo’s quarters, allowing the young man time to recover nicely at his pace. It was on the third day after Isshin had been by that Hanataro was shocked to find the other curled up on his armchair like he had been when struggling with his heat, but this time he was sobbing into his arms.

“Ichigo, what’s wrong?” Hanataro hurried over to his friend, leaving the food forgotten on the table.

Peeking over his arms he tried to look up at Hanataro, but everything was blurry through his tears. “I don’t know why I’m crying. Not really. But, I miss Bya and Grimm, though.”

His words were difficult to decipher through his sobs, but once he did Hanataro kneeled down in front of him. “Hey, It’s okay. Do you want me to see if either of them are around and can come by?”

Ichi nodded, “Mmhmm. Pwease?”

Hanataro sat back on his heel, being sure to keep one hand plastered to Ichigo’s knee as he summoned a jigokucho for each of the aforementioned men. When the responses came in he shared the information with Ichigo, “Byakuya is in a Captain’s meeting and has a few other meetings he can’t get out of that he will need to attend. Sorry. It also sounds like Grimmjow is back in Hueco Mundo right now.”

When Byakuya was finally able to free up a block of time in his schedule it was two days later and he showed up at Ichigo’s door with lunch for them. “Sorry I made you wait, I was unable to get out of some obligations I had.”

Ichigo was able to step back and allow the Captain into his quarters without any fuss, but the moment the door closed behind the man he latched onto him in a tight hug with tears sliding down his face.

Byakuya had to lift the box of food up and over to the side in order to save it from Ichigo’s enthusiastic welcome, but his arm dropped a little when he realized the other was actually crying into his chest. Carefully, Byakuya continued into the living space with Ichigo connected to him. He sat the food down on the table as he passed by it and carefully helped Ichigo into his lap as he sat down on the large armchair. Ichigo soon fell asleep in the peace of his arms, with tear streaks staining his face.

When his Captain hadn’t returned from his lunch meeting with Ichigo, Renji went searching for him and found him sitting with Ichigo in his lap at his friends quarters in the Fourth. He quickly snapped his mouth closed and held up a hand, hoping his Captain understood he didn’t need an explanation and carefully closed the door again, leaving the two in their peace. Byakuya happily sat there petting Ichigo’s hair as he slept. It was clear to the older man that he had missed something major in the last week or so since he had seen the younger man, but refused to wake him or to be embarrassed by the predicament he found himself in.

Onabara arrived a couple of hours after Renji had left them to their time and had a similar reaction where he paused just inside the door and raised his hands up in front of himself, but unlike Renji hadn’t immediately retreated. He was mildly concerned since he had been under the impression that the two of them were able to return to his lessons.

Quietly as he could, Byakuya spoke to the obviously confused man, “He needs rest. I’m sure his lessons can wait a few more days.”

Onabara bowed his head in a saikeirei before leaving the two of them as they were. On his way out of the division he stopped to see if he could speak with Captain Kotetsu or her third seat, Yamada. When he was directed to Hanataro’s whereabouts he informed him of what had just occurred and then excused himself to return to the academy grounds.

Eventually Byakuya grew weary and gently woke the young man in his arms. “I promised I wouldn’t leave without saying anything again. I’m sorry Ichigo, but I must retire for the day and I am quite sure you’d feel better being able to sleep in your bed instead of curled up the way you are in my lap.”

“Hm? Bya? You have to leave?”

“I do, I’m sorry. I can stop by again another time, but it’s late and I am quite tired.”

“Mkay, ‘mm tired, but I’m happy. Thanks for staying.” Ichigo carefully climbed to his feet with Byakuya’s aid and then they moved him to his bed where he quickly fell asleep once more.

“Good night, Ichigo.” Byakuya said gently before excusing himself from the space.

Chapter Text

Chapter 13:
What’s Life Without a Few Hiccups: Part 1

After Ichigo took a few days to recover from his collapse and the emotional highs and lows he experienced he was surprised by Hanataro appearing at his place with Kyoraku Sou-Taicho in tow. Silently, Ichigo allowed both men to enter his quarters and waited patiently for the ever relaxed Captain to finally explain why he was there.

“I want you to see something today, so you and I are going on a fieldtrip!” Shunsui cheered once Hanataro was finished with his work checking over Ichigo and verifying that he was completely back to the level of health he had gotten before he collapsed during his training.

“Sir, just please remember to not overdo it with Ichigo today.” Hanataro sighed as he turned to look at the older man. “If Ichigo wishes to return here, do not stop him.”

“Hey, guys. What are you even talking about?” Ichigo cut in, tired of them not really paying attention to him, even if they were technically here for him.

“Oh, right. A Hakuda class that Onabara is teaching today. I thought it would be a good idea for you to see how most kids start out with learning many of the skills you seem to already have. This class might just teach you something new too, though.” Kyoraku answered as he scratched his chin.

“Hakuda, huh? Sounds interesting.” Ichigo just shrugged him off.

Hanataro hid a small chuckle behind his fist and cleared his throat, “So, if you two are set for the day, I should be on my way.”

“Oh, right. Sure thing, kid.” Shunsui waved him off.

Ichigo waved as he watched Hanataro let himself out. Once the door was closed he turned back to the Captain sitting in front of him, “So, what’s going to be happening at the class that makes you want me to see it so badly?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I suppose it was mostly my curiosity that made me want to have you see how the cadets are usually trained and to see if you might think you’d like to take the class even though you’ve already been field tested.” Shunsui shrugged.

“So it’s not even a special class, just their regular training?”

“Whatever, I think it is still going to be interesting to see. So, when do we need to leave?”

“I’m sure if we left now we’d arrive shortly after it began.”

“Alright, show the way. It’s at the Academy, right?”

“Sure is.” Shunsui led the way, using his shunpo to force Ichigo into a bit of a game of chase, testing him and having a bit of fun at the same time.

“You did that on purpose!” Ichigo accused Shunsui as soon as they alighted near a smaller building with a large training square in front of it.

“Did what?”

Ichigo glared, but instead of following that thread of conversation he focused on the building, “This where we’re going?”

“Sure is.”

Leveling the older man with an unimpressed look, Ichigo rolled his eyes before making his way to the door and stopping.

Shunsui chuckled and patted Ichigo’s shoulder as he walked past. When he opened the door he spoke up with confidence, “Ojama shimasu!”

With wide eyes, Ichigo swallowed thickly as he stepped over the threshold, “Sumimasen,” he greeted hesitantly as he scurried behind Kyoraku.

Onabara waved them in. He continued giving his directions to his students for them to break up into pairs so they could practice some easy blocks and jabs. With his directions set and the class set to task, he moved around the bustling students to properly greet his guests. In closer proximity to Shunsui Onabara’s eyes went wide as he bent in a saikeirei, “My apologies, sir. Welcome.”

Shunsui waved him off with a laugh that had some of the closer students turning to see what was happening, only for them to gasp at their instructor bowing to someone. “Don’t worry about it, it’s why I left the coat in my office. Please. You agreed to have Ichigo come and sit in on a class, so I figured I’d bring him in.”

“You didn’t even put together an actual plan?” Ichigo turned to Kyoraku with indignation raising a brow. After shaking his head, Ichigo turned back to his instructor, “Sumimasen!” He bowed his head in a keirei.

“Oh, no, Ichigo, please. I did leave it up to him after all, it was his idea. So, what do you think? See anything new to you?” Onabara stepped to the side with a wave of his hand to indicate his students.

“Um, just the class training for this I suppose. I had done karate and a couple other martial arts growing up as a kid, but a lot of the stuff more designed for here my dad just kind of threw at me with surprise attacks I had to learn to defend against or avoid.” Ichigo kind of shrugged off his upbringing as he looked around the class. It really brought back the memories of his childhood and he had to quickly curtail his train of thought before it bent too far in a particular way.

“So, Ichigo, feeling up to giving a demonstration for my students? Or, Captain, how about you?” Onabara asked before quickly turning to the Captain, hoping he hadn’t offended the man.

“Um…” Ichigo bit his lip as he considered and turned a quick look up to the Captain.

“Don’t worry about it. A short demonstration shouldn’t be too much and we can take our time walking back after that.” Shunsui nodded as he flicked his hands in a go on motion.

“Um, sure.” Ichigo turned back to his instructor.

Onabara gave him a reassuring smile, “No need to sound so hesitant, we can start out slowly with the push and pull and move to exaggerate it to reflexive actions.”

“Oh, okay, that doesn’t sound too bad.”

“Alright, I’m glad. This class just recently went over that basic as well and we were going to extend the skill in our next class after returning to review this stuff.”

“I’m ahead of them in the curriculum?”

“Ichigo, you’re on your own curriculum. I thought you knew that. In fact I use our classes to think of smaller and simplified classes for this lot.” Onabara couldn’t hold back a chuckle of his own as he threw a thumb over his shoulder to the room full of students practicing behind him.

“Right, special case, not actually taking the academy courses.” Ichigo shook his head. “So, simple demonstration, how long are we going to do it?”

“Just a few minutes, unless the two of you would be alright with going until you felt burning in your muscles or fatigued.”

Ichigo merely nodded as he took in his surroundings more thoroughly, sizing up the space the two of them would have for their demonstration so he wouldn’t risk harming himself or the students with his moves. “I think we should just aim for a few minutes. We can go until you think they’ve seen enough to understand what you are going to ask of them in their next class.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.” His instructor grinned at him before turning back to his current class, “Alright, everyone! We have a couple of guests with us today and one of them just so happened to agree to a demonstration with me for all of you. If you recall, last time I introduced the push and pull, mindfulness exercise where you were paired up and worked to move with each other keeping minimal contact. Ichigo, here, will be demonstrating that for you all and continue into a more complex set. Please, take a seat around the perimeter of the room and keep the door clear.” Finishing his explanation and instructions, Onabara sliced his hand downward at an angle from his shoulder to the opposite hip, marking the start of their tasks.

Taking a deep breath, Ichigo stretched out his shoulders and neck a bit nervously as he watched the students scurry about and settle down. Some of them were looking him up and down, trying to understand what their Sensei saw in this seemingly normal young man they had never seen before. Once the center of the room was free, Ichigo stepped forward toward his tutor who had waved him toward the space in front of him. Turning to face Onabara, Ichigo closed his eyes and breathed to center himself before squaring his shoulders and dipping in an eshaku, before stepping one foot back while raising his hands at the ready in front of him and settling to rest his forward hand across the man’s between them.

It seemed like the entire room held their collective breath as the two in the center of the room started moving, completely synchronized, mirroring the movements of the other. After ten consecutive movements their speed started fluctuating. The escalation of the practice seemed to be enough to break the dam as someone gasped at a quick move that Ichigo easily yielded to which resulted in him bent back, nearly in half at the waist since he was unable to move his legs quickly enough to ease his motion. Onabara’s eyes glinted as he looked down on his student with a hidden smile, one that Ichigo responded to with a smirk.

Shunsui chuckled from the wall where he was leaning next to the door. He was even a little impressed that Ichigo was able to follow the move enough to keep their light contact. Cocking his head to the side he raised an eyebrow as he watched Ichigo shift his back leg, opening their position enough for him to stand without directly repeating his action by forcing the Instructor to lean back.

Standing straight again, Ichigo’s arm positioning had the older man standing with his side open to attack if they were sparring or fighting properly. Their development had more gasps sounding around the room.

“Sir?” A student called out, curiosity prevalent in their voice.

“Yes?” Onabara answered without looking away from Ichigo.

“Was that the only move he could have made in that situation?”

“Well, Ichigo? Was it?”

“Without standing back up and reciprocating your action, it was the simplest I could do to open our stances again. It felt the easiest in my mind with my body’s current condition.” Ichigo answered.

“If you were in top shape, would you have moved differently?” Onabara slowed their actions again for their conversation, allowing for Ichigo to respond easier.

“I likely would have moved similarly, but with the addition of pushing our arms down in the opposite direction I moved my body. I would have moved with the intent to put you, my opponent, in the most vulnerable state I could have while keeping myself protected. It would have ended up with you bent slightly in the other direction at the waist, allowing me better access to your side and or back.” Ichigo could feel his thighs burning and his upper arms were starting to feel the strain of maintaining his position with his arms up in front of him at the ready. “Does that make sense?”

“Yes, thank you Ichigo-san, Sensei.” The student answered quickly with a bow of his head that neither likely saw.

Ichigo took a deep breath and as he moved his arm forward a little, the arm connecting them, he dropped his other arm back toward his side and stepped back. Onabara readily responded to Ichigo’s unspoken request to end, by mimicking the actions of Ichigo’s body with the exception of pulling his forward arm back toward his chest. Once the two were separated the gave another quick eshaku before stepping back once more and turning out of their stances.

“Sensei? Did Ichigo just give a non-verbal request to end the demonstration by breaking his stance the way he did?”

Onabara looked to Ichigo, silently asking if Ichigo would answer his student.

“Yes, I did. I’m actually impressed you caught that.”

“I was mostly sure, since you broke your original stance that you two kept during the whole demonstration, but wasn’t sure. Sensei, how were you able to tell and did your moves indicate you recognized the request?”

“That was my goal, yes.”

“Retreating and mimicking me made it helpfully obvious.” Ichigo inserted, with a soft chuckle of his own.

“I’m glad.” Onabara gave Ichigo a kind smile before he looked around the room. “You all will be performing a similar exercise next time. I will be asking you all to practice the basics and then as you feel comfortable to change up speeds and directions. I won’t expect anything as extreme as we showed you today, but I figured it would provide an idea of how flexible this practice can be.” Giving the students a few moments to whisper amongst themselves about the task he was warning them about, Onabara waved Ichigo back toward his companion near the door where the younger noticed Hanataro had joined them without actually stepping foot inside the building. “With that said, everyone is excused for the day. Thank you all for continuing to work so hard and for those of you who asked questions, good for you. If any of you still have questions about what you saw, let me know and I will answer as best I am able. For now, it does seem that our guests need to leave for the day as well.”

The room erupted with gratitudes and farewells as Ichigo and Shunsui stepped out of the building with a wave back at everyone.

“It looks like you had some fun while here. I’m glad.” Hanataro beamed.

“I guess I did. It was also interesting to see how these classes are typically taught.” Ichigo scratched at his forearm as he started slowly walking back in the direction he and Shunsui had come from.

“When we get back-”

“I know, you want to check me over and be sure I didn’t overdo it. I feel alright, but my legs and arms were starting to burn near the end.”

“Well, you two were at it for nearly thirty minutes at least.” Shunsui thumped Ichigo’s shoulder with a heavy hand.

After returning to his quarters and Shunsui heading off on his way for the day, Hanataro informed Ichigo of why he had made his way to the Academy instead of waiting for the two of them to return to the Fourth.

“We were really gone for that long?”

“Yes, in fact, even Isane was getting mildly concerned for the length of your excursion.” Hanataro nodded as he finished his scan.

“Are the Academy classes usually so long?”

“Well, no. I believe that you two may have taken longer to get there than you may have realized. I’m sure Shunsui was aware of just how slowly you were actually moving on the way, but didn’t let it be known.”

“No, if he knew I definitely didn’t get the slightest hint. We even used Shunpo to get there.” Ichigo huffed as he crossed his arms, perplexed. “You know, I really thought I was recovering more than I apparently have.”

“Getting things back like your speed and skill will take time and practice that you haven’t exactly had until now. Being as it may, you still will need to be exceedingly careful not to push yourself too hard.” Hanataro straightened as he imparted just how seriously Ichigo needed to take this information. “With that in mind, I don’t want you going anywhere tomorrow, except maybe the mess or the field, as long as you promise you won’t participate out there beyond giving feedback and encouragement.”

“Fine, I get it. It’s that or bed rest again.” Ichigo held up his hands defensively.

“Exactly. Now, would you like dinner in tonight or do you want to go to the mess hall tonight?”

“Uhm, in. Please. I’m tired and the more I relax the more it’s becoming obvious.” Ichigo dipped his chin, knowing that admitting so would likely concern Hanataro, even if he knew he had to tell him or risk getting yelled at later.

“I’m not surprised. You shouldn’t have done that for more than ten minutes. Not after what happened last time.”

“Look then and now are two completely different things.”

“A matter of days.” Hanataro frowned. “Me cook or me go and grab some food and bring it back?”

“Can you make something?”

“Of course. How about some fried rice and stir-fry?”

“Sounds delicious.” Ichigo grinned. “Thank you.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 14:
What’s Life Without a Few Hiccups: Part 2

Several days after Ichigo’s outing with Kyoraku, Grimmjow knocked on his door looking a tad forlorn. Ichigo opened and closed his mouth a couple of times before he just stepped into Grimmjow’s space and hugged the man tightly before jumping back and slamming the door in his face as he scrambled to put his scent blocking patches on. He had gotten good about remembering to put the patches on before leaving his quarters, but he didn’t often remember them or even think about them when he was just in his space. After they were securely in place he opened the door again looking sheepish.

“The hell?”

“Sorry, Hanataro has been getting on my case about not wearing the patches in my quarters when I have visitors over. Please, come in. Are you okay? Why the long face?”

Grimmjow’s jaw tightened as he fought with himself over answering the omega. Reluctantly he grumbled, “I couldn’t be here for you when you needed someone.”

Ichigo’s eyes widened as he stared at his friend. “You can’t be here all the time, I completely understand. I’m just a mess sometimes because I’m still getting used to my new thoughts and reactions and senses and everything. Please, I’m just a mess. It wasn’t anything really all that important. You have your own life you have to live. Forget it.”

“Yeah, but it’s because of those types of things that make me react this way too. Ichigo, just because you’re new to it doesn’t mean it doesn’t also affect me or others, too. Even if we’ve had our second gender longer than you have, sometimes we can even fall prey to what our secondary is screaming at us.”

Brows furrowing, Ichigo plopped down in his armchair, still staring Grimmjow down. He was confused, admittedly, but he was trying his best to understand. Afterall, he was new to the whole second gender thing, so he had to at least consider what Grimmjow just admitted to and hear out anyone who would give him even a sliver of information about the whole thing so he could try and learn to understand.

“Look, Ichi, instincts suck sometimes because there is no turning them off. Frankly, it’s one of the most sucky things about them. When I got back and that piano-face told me he had received a butterfly asking after me, it felt like my stomach dropped out from under me. So, I had to come and check on ya. I’m glad you’re looking like you feel good today.” Grimmjow pulled a chair from the table and sat on it backward with his arms crossed over the back.

“I’m feeling pretty good today. I spent the last few days not doing much after an excursion that Shunsui took me on. Hanataro seemed terrified I would collapse if I did anything more than walk around the division.” Shrugging, Ichigo gave Grimmjow his best, “What can I say?” smile.

Grimmjow leveled a glare at Ichigo, “Why would he be worried about that?”

“Umm… How much do you know of what happened since you were here last?” Ichigo wrung his hands together, surreptitiously glancing up at Grimmjow before refocusing on his hands again.

Grimmjow’s head flew up as he let growl slip out. “The hell does that mean? What the fuck did I miss?”

“Uhkm, um… Well, apparently I got dehydrated and then overdid some physical exertion. I collapsed and was bedridden for a couple of days.” Ichigo couldn’t even get himself to attempt to make eye contact. “Dad came by for a little bit, but that visit is a bit hazy.”

“Ich, that really can’t be good for you. Does Hanataro know that you don’t fully remember that?” Grimmjow struggled as he worked to contain his reaction to hear the younger man out fully.

“I don’t know, probably not.”

“You should probably tell him the next time he comes to give you a check up. Or if you don’t want to admit it directly to him, I’m sure Kotetsu would hear you out. She would tell him, though. I’m sure.”

Ichigo grumbled to himself, but didn’t actually respond to Grimmjow.

“So, what have you been up to since then?” Grimmjow decided he should turn the topic to something else to get Ichigo to open back up instead of risking him closing down even more.

“Oh, well… I mentioned an outing with Shunsui-”

“The head-honcho guy, right?”

“Yeah. Anyway, he took me to the Academy to watch a class that my tutor was teaching on Hakuda. It was interesting to see how that stuff is typically taught here. Towards the end of the class Onabara, my Instructor, asked if I would be willing to do a demonstration with him for the class on something that he and I had done previously and his current class was going to do the next time that they met. It was actually a lot of fun, but after having played a game of chase using shunpo with Kyoraku, I was feeling the strain on my muscles toward the end. It was a lot of fun and the students were actually quite interested in the demonstration. A couple of them even asked questions. It was nice getting to use my reflexes and muscles like that again.” Ichigo couldn’t stop himself once he started. He couldn’t help but babble about the class, it had been a great experience and he had felt amazing after the workouts.

Grimm couldn’t stop the smirk from growing across his face the longer that Ichigo continued on, he was exceedingly pleased that Ichigo had had such a great time. Unable to contain the chuckle, Grimmjow shook his head.

Blushing brightly, Ichigo sat back in his chair from where he had leaned up in his excitement. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’m glad you had so much fun.”

Before the usually boisterous man could continue, they were interrupted by a knock on the door. Opening the door, Ichigo gasped. “What? Why didn’t I get told you were coming today?”

“Just let us in, idiot.”

“Karin! That’s no way to greet our brother after so long.” A second young female’s voice cut off the first.

“Dad, Karin, Yuzu! Please, come in. Sorry, Grimm just got here too.” Ichigo waved the group in from the doorway.

Grimmjow watched, grumpily judging the others silently as Hanataro was followed in by an older man and two younger girls. He didn’t say anything though, just waited for Ichigo to turn his attention back to him or for one of the others to notice him and see how they reacted to him.

“Sorry, Ichigo. I wasn’t even told until this morning when I had to go and wait near the Senkaimon for them. Isane figured it would be best to not let you get too worked up over having to wait to see them.” Hanataro bowed as he gave his explanation to his friend.

“Aw, it’s alright, Hanataro. I’m just surprised.” Ichigo said, looking over Yuzu’s head where she was pressed into his chest in a tight hug.

“Hey kid. He treating you alright?” Isshin asked as he eyed Grimmjow up and down.

“Dad!” Ichigo shot his father a glare as he moved to put himself between Grimmjow and his father.

Grimmjow chuckled and patted Ichigo carefully on the back as he stood to face Isshin fully. “Nice to meet ya, too.”

“Grimm.” Ichigo whined as he turned to look at his friend.

“None of that now, you want me to be civil with your sire, don’t ya?”

“Well, yeah, but-”

“No buts. That’s all that was.” Grimmjow draped his arm across Ichigo’s shoulders.

“Grimmjow, don’t make me summon Shinji.” Hanataro threatened as he tried his hardest to hide his amusement.

“Hey, now!” Grimmjow separated himself from Ichigo and held his hands up in front of himself. “I’m not doing anything wrong.”

Karin snorted. She had been concerned about the bright haired man when they arrived, but after his interactions with her brother and father, she figured she could grow to enjoy his company and sense of humor.

At the noise, Ichigo turned a bewildered look to his little sister, but didn’t say anything to call her out. He was just glad it seemed like everyone was willing to be at least civil with each other for his sake. “Um, please, find a seat. Sorry I don’t have many chairs, but these rooms aren’t exactly set up for entertaining large groups of people.” He pushed Grimmjow back to the chair he had vacated before retaking his own chair.

“I’m going to go ahead and continue on with some of my other duties. You know how to get a hold of me if you need anything. Enjoy the visit and hopefully they can stay longer than the last time your father visited.” Hanataro said as he moved to excuse himself from the space.

“Alright, if you’re sure. Thanks, Hanataro.” Ichigo waved to the smaller man as he opened the door to head out.

After the five of them were left alone an awkward silence built as no one seemed to know what to say with the unexpected company with them.

Once Ichigo’s patience broke and he sighed with an eye roll, Yuzu jumped forward in her seat. “It’s been like two months now. What have you been up to? How is everything going? Have you been eating enough?”

Karin rolled her eyes at her sister’s enthusiasm and motherliness, while Grimmjow snorted. Ignoring both of them, Ichigo answered Yuzu, “Sure have been. Minimum of two meals a day but more often it’s three or at least a couple of snacks between the two. Hanataro and a few others make sure I eat plenty of good food.”

“Bet one of the others is that prissy noble.” Grimmjow cut in with a sneer.

“Who? Rukia?” Yuzu asked, confused, looking between her brother and his friend.

Shooting Grimmjow a glare before he beamed, “Yes, actually, he’s been great company for lunch, several times.”

Isshin tilted his head to the side as he watched their interaction. “You didn’t respond about Rukia, but the only other Noble I know you’ve interacted with was Byakuya. Are you talking about him?”

Intentionally turning his full attention, physically, to his family, Ichigo responded. “No, not Rukia, but yes, her brother, Byakuya.”

Karin crossed her arms as Yuzu wilted a little. “Oh, but why? Have you talked to her at all since you moved?”

“No Yuzu, I haven’t and frankly, I’m not sure when I will talk to her again.” Ichigo ground his teeth together, trying to keep his composure since his sister didn’t know why he’s been trying to steer clear of her.

“At least you’re moving again and talking to people more.” Karin interjected, hoping to keep both her siblings calm.

“Yeah, you mentioned seeing multiple people for meals on at least a somewhat regular schedule.” Isshin couldn’t help but beam at Ichigo’s obvious progress.

“Right, I’ve gone out with Shinji a few times and Grimm’s gone out with us a couple of times, too. Renji and I’ve hung out a couple of times also. Plus, I’ve started my tutoring too! We’ve been going slow and I had to postpone a few sessions because I needed a break, but we started up again when I visited my Instructor’s class at the Academy.”

“I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying yourself so much and progressing so quickly.” Feeling a weight lift from his shoulders, Isshin gave Ichigo a watery smile.

Before anyone could say anything else a jigokucho flew into the room and fluttered around Ichigo until he held out a finger for it. After listening to the message he turned back to Grimmjow. “Shinji said he just had a request for you and needs you back at the Fifth.”

With a scowl, Grimmjow nodded as he stood.

“It was nice meeting you, Grimmjow.”

Yuzu’s enthusiasm surprised Grimmjow, “Yeah, you too, kid.” Moving over to Isshin, Grimm held out a hand, “You too, sir. It’s obvious where he gets his strength and enthusiasm from.”

With a smirk, Isshin shook Grimmjow’s hand strongly.

As he made his way over to the door, Grimm looked back at Karin, “Don’t lose that snark, kid.”

Karin watched Grimmjow leave with a smirk, bewildered by his comment.

Ichigo had to swallow as it felt like his heart tried to do a backflip in his chest as he watched his family interact with Grimmjow.

The family continued on with their visit, the girls updated Ichigo on what they’ve been up to since he made his move as Grimmjow begrudgingly entered the Captain’s office at the Fifth.

“What?”

“Aw, nice to see you too, Grimmjow.” Sinji coyly greeted Grimmjow’s gruff entrance.

“You said I could spend the day with Kurosaki and then you went and called me back here.”

Shinji rolled his eyes, “Captain Kuchiki requested your assistance at three o’clock. You are to meet him at the gate to the Sixth promptly, ready to aid him.”

“Whatever.” Grimmjow checked the time before quickly making his way to his meeting location.

Just as Grimmjow landed in front of the gate to the Sixth Division, Captain Kuchiki swept through, “Good, you are on time. Follow me.”

“Wh-ugh!” Grimmjow rolled his eyes, clearly he wasn’t going to be given any information for a while yet.

As the two men came to a stop on the edge of a clearing quite a ways out from the Seireitei Grimmjow was digging holes into Byakuya as best he could with his glare. “You going to tell me what you requested me for, before anything happens?”

“You will be helping exterminate an infestation that was found near here.” Captain Kuchiki simply gave his order without acknowledging the attitude coming from the other.

Growling, Grimmjow just started sweeping the area with his Pesquisa as he started stalking into the woods up in the branches of the trees. Finding a gathering of hollows he stopped directly over the mass of bodies and drew Pantera. He took a slow, deep breath before he dropped onto them, efficiently taking out the majority of them before they even knew he was there.

By the time that Byakuya decided to deign Grimmjow with his presence once more there was only two hollows left facing off with Grimmjow. As he watched Grimmjow raise his sword to attack, Byakuya silently called forth Senbonsakura to finish off the last two.

“Why did you need me, if you could’a just done that to all of them and saved yourself the irritation of dealing with my ass?” Grimmjow turned to the Captain as he sheathed Pantera.

“Because otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to find myself alone with you.” Byakuya simply said.

Grimmjow tilted his head to the side as he frowned, not understanding the other man.

“I wished to ask, in private; what your intentions are for Kurosaki.”

“The hell?” Grimmjow’s head snapped up.

“Don’t make me repeat myself. It’s clear you have a deep seeded interest in him.” Byakuya leveled Grimmjow with a glare.

“If you can already tell that, surely you know what my answer would be?”

Taking a deep breath to settle his increasing frustrations toward the other Alpha, Byakuya squared his shoulders more, “What are your intentions?”

“I’m going to take him as my mate…if he’ll have me.” Grimmjow smirked as he crossed his arms.

Byakuya had to swallow the need to growl at Grimmjow. He was better than his instincts. “Then you had better hope he chooses you instead of me.”

Grimmjow snorted as he turned his shoulder toward the Captain. “So, are we done with our task?”

“Indeed.”

“Then, I’m off.” Grimmjow stepped into a sonido to distance himself from the prissy noble. He decided he was done with the day.

Chapter Text

Chapter 15:
Everything Comes to a Head: Part 1

The next day, Grimmjow was knocking on Ichigo’s door once more. When he heard shuffling around nearing the door he called out, “Don’t forget the patches!” He couldn’t help but chuckle when he heard a muffled “Fuck!” from Ichigo on the other side of the door.

Finally opening the door Ichigo smiled up at Grimmjow, “Thanks.”

“No problem, Ki-. No problem. How was the rest of your family visit yesterday?”

“Fine.”

Grimmjow frowned at Ichigo as the two of them sat down. “Ichi-”

“It was! It was fine. I just really miss them and I hadn’t realized just how much. So, why did Shinji call you back so suddenly?”

Pausing, Grimmjow raised an eyebrow. “Has Kuchiki reached out to you?”

Frowning at Grimmjow with slit eyes, Ichigo tilted his head, “What’s that got to do with my question?”

“Not much, I suppose, but he was the bastard that called for my assistance yesterday with a simple fucking mission he didn’t even need me for.”

Ichigo didn’t know how to answer that, so he just sat there.

“Look, Ichi. I don’t know if you’re ready for any of this, but he basically issued me a challenge.”

Ichigo was about to ask him what he meant when a jigokucho flew to him and hovered there until he listened to the message. Frowning up at Grimmjow once again Ichigo relayed the message. “Byakuya wants to come by today, as early as I’m available.”

Growling, Grimmjow couldn’t help but let out a snarky chuckle before mumbling, “Of course he didn’t want to allow me a chance to beat him to the punch.” Shaking his head, Grimmjow nodded to Ichigo, “Tell him he’s welcome to come by.”

“Y-you won’t mind?”

“It’ll be easier if we just get this over with. It’s fine if he comes over.”

Confused, Ichigo acquiesced and sent his acceptance of his visit to Byakuya, warning that Grimmjow was already present. After sending off his butterfly, Ichigo and Grimmjow just sat there in silence that had Ichigo’s skin crawling, but he didn’t know what to say or do to fix their situation. Trying to ignore the atmosphere, he grabbed his journal to make a note about what his head was spinning with and to try and list everything he’s been told and come to understand about the secondary gender system they lived in. Just as he was finishing his page, he looked to the door when there was a slight knock.

“Go on, let him in.” Grimmjow waved Ichigo on with a flippant hand.

“You’re not my alpha, you don’t control me.” Ichigo growled as he stood.

“No, but you wouldn’t have moved otherwise. Too fucking confused for your own good.”

“Yeah? And whose fault is that?” Ichigo pulled open the door trying to tame his scowl into something more friendly, “Come on in.”

Byakuya walked in and frowned when he noticed he couldn’t smell Ichigo’s enticing scent.

“What?” Ichigo bit out.

“You must be wearing patches. You hadn’t been wearing them in your quarters, it unsettled me for a moment.”

“Yeah, Hanataro chewed me out a few times for that when he realized it.”

Byakuya barely dipped his chin in a nod to acknowledge Ichigo’s words as he turned a cold look on Grimmjow.

“What the hell, guys? Last time the two of you were in the same room with me you were fine.”

“Things are different now.” Grimmjow grumbled.

“Fuck, is this some pissing contest over me?” Ichigo growled.

Byakuya sniffed haughtily as Grimmjow just snorted his amusement.

Ichigo just heaved a sigh and rubbed his face as he dropped back down into his chair. “Why can’t you just act like that night again? I’m too tired for this shit.”

His drained tone accompanying his statement had both older men sagging slightly, feeling slight remorse for causing Ichigo any level of discomfort, but their instincts were fighting for them to push for him now.

“Look, I really don’t understand what’s going on. This is all so new to me I can’t keep up with everything yet. You’re going to have to calm down or you’re going to have to spell whatever this is out for me… or get out.” Ichigo squeezed his hands together, but his head whipped up and between the two Alphas in front of him when his words resulted in twin growls.

Byakuya was the first to recover his composure and he sighed. “Very well. I’m sure that brute at least mentioned that I spoke with him yesterday, am I correct?”

“Yeah, but he didn’t explain what he meant when he said you basically issued a challenge.”

“That is what all this is about. The challenge: To see who could win you over first.”

Ichigo’s jaw dropped at Byakuya. “Win me over? Like, like-like? Like, to date or whatever freaky terms you would want to put on it?”

“Yeah, Ich. We want you as a mate.” Byakuya glared at Grimmjow’s interjection.

The three of them sat there as Ichigo absorbed the information, but he could feel his pulse quickening as he sat there trying to think. The longer they all sat in silence the louder his pulse got and the shallower his breaths grew. “Get, get out.” He barely managed to stammer out as he felt his anxiety attack building.

Grimmjow reached for him, but Ichigo jerked back so hard that his chair shifted several centimeters away from him. When Grimmjow dropped his hand at the reaction he looked at Byakuya who was frowning again, but instead of saying anything to the noble the arrancar stood and left the space.

Byakuya was tempted to try and speak to him, but Ichigo shook his head rather violently before trying to shoot him with a glare of his own. Byakuya decided to nod silently before standing and making his way out of the quarters himself. Before leaving the fourth division though, he decided it would be best if he could speak with Kotetsu-taicho or Hanataro. It took him a little bit to track down the two constantly moving reiatsu signatures, but he was finally able to catch them when they came together in a room for a moment.

“Excuse me, but I felt it necessary to inform you that Ichigo is likely in the midst of an anxiety attack and I do apologize for my part in it.” Byakuya turned and left it at that, not feeling up to answering the slew of questions that likely would have fallen upon his head at his words.

Hanataro and Isane shared a quick frown before they both took off to Ichigo’s quarters and carefully entered the space with a light knock.

“Ichigo-kun, sorry to intrude, but we were informed you may not be feeling too well at the moment.” Isane called out gently.

“Go away!” Ichigo called out from his bundle of blankets on his bed.

“Ichi, please. Can you talk to me a little bit?” Hanataro said even quieter than his Captain.

“N-no. Please.” Ichigo panted out as he tried to control his breathing rate.

Hanataro shrank a bit, but looked up at Isane with a look of determination, so she simply nodded and left the two friends together. Without speaking or even trying to look at Ichigo, Hanataro moved to sit on the edge of his bed, just to be there for him.

After a while, Hanataro felt the blankets shift before a searching hand bumped him a couple of times before the smaller man could grab Ichigo’s hand and hold it gently, but securely in his. A small smile graced Hanataro’s face, but he simply kept sitting there with his friend, just waiting for him and being there with him.

Slowly a stuttering pur started from under the pile of blankets behind him and Hanataro couldn’t help but melt at the sound and look over his shoulder at the bundle that was his unseen friend. Again, Hanataro just continued being there for him.

“Hana?”

“Hm?”

“Why are Alpha’s like that?”

Hanataro frowned, but carefully didn’t tense in any way that Ichigo could feel. “I’m not sure what you mean?”

“Grumpy, assuming, competitive, possessive… I don’t know.” Ichigo muttered.

“Oh, um, I’m not sure. They usually try not to be.” Hanataro rubbed small circles with his thumb on Ichigo’s hand. “Why do you ask?”

“Grimm and Bya are, um, challenging each other… for me…”

“Does that make you uncomfortable?”

“I don’t want to choose.” Ichigo’s mumbled answer was barely audible around the blanket he was speaking into.

“Did you tell them that?”

“I, I couldn’t.”

“Are you uncomfortable with feeling that way?”

“Mm, maybe?”

“Why do you not want to choose? Do you not want to break one of their hearts or do you not like either of them that way?”

“Hrgm… It felt right with both of them when I fell asleep.”

“You mean that night a while back?”

Ichigo nodded, the only telltale sign the slight shift in blankets like he forgot he buried himself after Grimmjow and Byakuya left his quarters.

Hanataro was unable to stifle a breathy laugh when he noticed the blankets shift. “I’ll take that as a yes. Did you say anything about that day?”

“Sorta.”

“So, not in any way they would understand what you were really wanting.” Hanataro sighed quietly, “Ichi, you will need to speak with them and be completely honest. Otherwise, this will likely get worse for all three of you.”

Ichigo didn’t respond or budge, he was terrified of what the potential outcome of doing that would be and what it would mean for him. Everything was moving way too fast for his liking.

After sitting there in silence for so long Hanataro was hit with a thought, “There’s more to it than how you feel toward them or them toward you. What is it?”

“Fast.” Ichigo reluctantly gave that single word answer, hoping Hanataro could make the right connections to understand what he meant.

“You’re afraid of so much new information and practices. You don’t feel like you can keep up.” Hanataro sounded relieved that he could start to understand what was bothering his friend so much.

By way of answer, Ichigo squeezed Hanataro’s hand for a moment. When he received a contemplative hum in response he tugged his hand into the blankets a bit more again, but kept hold of his friend’s hand.

Hanataro continued sitting there simply being with Ichigo as he thought and processed. He would stay until Ichigo indicated that he wished to keep talking or until the overwhelmed young man fell asleep, which he eventually did. Hanataro smiled down at their hands when he noticed that Ichigo’s hand fell limp and the blankets rose and fell in a calm rhythm indicating he fell asleep. He stayed for another half hour or so to make sure that his friend was comfortably and fully asleep before carefully removing his hand and leaving to give an update to Isane.

Just like the last couple of times that Ichigo had become overwhelmed he seemed to have taken a step or two backwards in his progress. Hanataro was a little disappointed but unsurprised that Ichigo wasn’t in the mood to go out and see anyone or to even keep up a conversation for their shared meals in Ichigo’s quarters. The quiet caretaker was more than willing to provide his peaceful presence to his friend when he accepted a shared meal a couple of times over the following three days after Ichigo’s anxiety attack from the stress of the situation provided by Grimmjow and Byakuya’s tension clashing in a way that Ichigo was made aware of their intentions.

On the fourth day after the uncomfortable gathering, Ichigo asked Hanataro if he could talk to Juushiro, which surprised the smaller man.

“I will definitely see if he would be willing to come by, but why are you asking me instead of sending a butterfly yourself?” Hanataro asked, concerned that Ichigo had taken a larger step back in his healing than he thought he might have.

Ichigo shrugged and turned away from Hanataro without saying anything. To be honest, he didn’t even know why he felt the need to ask for this instead of sending the meeting request to the Captain himself.

“Okay, I will send the request to him and try to get a meeting set up for you. Remember, sometimes these things can’t happen right away so, please, don’t let it bother you if it takes him a couple of days to make it work for his schedule.” Hanataro watched Ichigo for a response and when he didn’t receive one gave a sad smile to the back of his friend’s head. “I will leave you be for a while, please don’t forget to continue with your homework and try to get some rest.” He carefully left the space and returned to the rest of his duties.

Two days later, Juushiro had finally been able to find some free time to allow himself out of the office or his own quarters so he found himself waiting for the Third Seat to meet him in the lobby of the division.

“Ukitake-taicho, thank you so much for making the time to come by. I would like to speak with you privately before I lead you to your destination for this visit. Would that be alright?” Hanataro greeted the gentle Captain when he finally arrived to lead the Captain.

“That is more than alright, Yamada-kun. Please, lead the way.” Juushiro motioned for Hanarato to lead the way.

“Thank you. I know this is probably a bit surprising and unique of a situation, but I wanted to warn you of my current concern over Ichigo before I took you to him.”

“Is that so? What seems to be bothering you? I had been informed he seemed to be making quite the progress.”

“He had been, there is no denying it, but it seems that he had quite the shock about two weeks ago and his anxiety has been heightened in response to it. I’m worried that he may be seeking you out as a leap to making a connection with Rukia and at this time I think that would be detrimental to him. However, I do hope that I am wrong and he is just seeking out your mind and caring presence as he continues to learn about a rather large part of himself he didn’t have enough warning about before everything happened.”

Ukitake sat there quietly contemplating what the young man in front of him had shared. It seemed they were both at a loss as for why Ichigo would have requested his company. “Alright, I will keep that in mind. Will you be staying with us or will you be returning to your duties after you escort me to Kurosaki-kun?”

“I will likely be continuing with my other duties unless he requests that I stay with the two of you.”

“And if you do return to your duties, if something were to occur, what shall I do to alert you?”

“If it seems like an immediate concern you need just step outside his room and flare your reiatsu just enough to form a beacon and I or Captain Kotetsu will immediately come to your aid. If it doesn’t seem to need immediate attention you can seek either of us out if you feel he can be left alone.” Hanataro answered with a surety that comes from someone confident in their practice.

“Very well. Shall we? I don’t want to keep Kurosaki waiting too long.” Ukitake asked politely.

“Of course.” Hanataro nodded as he stood and held the door open for the Captain to step into the hallway.

When Hanataro knocked on Ichigo’s door, the two of them could hear him mumbling to himself as there were some rustling noises happening before the door slowly slid open.

“Good morning, Ichigo. Still up for seeing Captain Ukitake?”

Ichigo nodded before stepping to the side to allow the man into his quarters. He raised a lethargic wave to Hanataro as his friend said his farewell to return to his other work.

“Um, hi.” Ichigo said haltingly as he motioned for the Captain to take a seat at the table before turning to grab his pot of tea and two cups from the kitchen area.

“It’s good to see you, Ichigo. How are you doing today?” Juushiro was mentally kicking himself for asking that question out of reflex.

Ichigo rolled his eyes. “I’m fine, been a bit overwhelmed lately. Thanks for finding the time to visit.”

“Of course. I’m just sorry it took me a couple of days to work out the time. I just didn’t want to worry about rushing our visit. I wanted to be able to provide you the time you deserve. So, what can I do for you?”

“I was wondering about a few different things and I figured you’d probably be the best person to answer them for me.” Ichigo gave his non-committal response.

“What sort of questions were you wanting answered?”

“Well, I think we should start off with one that feels the easiest to me. How do people usually learn about the secondary gender system and how it works and what people can expect from the different aspects?”

“Well, the best way to put it, it would be kind of like how people in the World of the Living learn the differences between men and women, I suppose. Raised with the information around them and people get used to the idea of the differences and it is just normal with some form of information sharing like schools or the public hand out about the sexes.” Juushiro was having a difficult time putting words to it, it was just kind of there and most souls that wake up in Soul Society get used to it since the only real information they know is what is around them and they learn through existence and living in Soul Society. “Does that make sense?”

“So if I had been raised here, my family would have introduced it to me?”

“Most likely, yes. And then if you attended the Academy or were tutored there would have been a brief course over the general effects of the presentation aspects and how they could impact you as a student.”

Ichigo nodded. “Um, my next question is personal and I really don’t mean to make you uncomfortable, but I was hoping it might help me…um, navigate my own… concerns.”

Juushiro tilted his head to the side a bit, “You wish to know how I live with my condition, do you not?”

“If you don’t mind.”

Pausing, Juushiro picked up his cup of tea and looked down at the liquid, watching as it settled before he looked back up at Ichigo. “Well, it may sound simple, but it’s a day to day practice. I never know how I am going to be when I wake up so I have to think about how I feel each morning and decide from there what I think I can handle. I do my best and work as much as I can and sometimes I overdo it, which will make me take some time at home or on some of my worst flare-ups in the Fourth. I also trust in many around me to help me out when I need it most, though the constant fretting does have a tendency to get to me sometimes.” He couldn’t help but chuckle fondly as he thought of his overly competitive third seats.

Ichigo hummed as he contemplated the answer. “I was afraid of that. How can I learn to depend on others when for so long I’ve been the one people depended on?”

“By acknowledging that they likely were supporting you more than you may have taken the time to notice before. Take some time and think it over. Plus, you have some really good friends here. Let them be there for you. Start small by allowing them to accompany you to lunch or just chat for a few minutes for some company. Allow someone in every day, little by little and you will grow to understand that accepting help and support doesn’t make you weak or lesser than you once were, but more open and understanding. Think of this as a chance to grow.”

Nodding, Ichigo twisted his tea cup between his hands before slowly looking back up at the Captain across from him. “Was it something you’ve always had to deal with or something you had to get used to?”

“The condition itself has been around since the beginning I believe, but the care and attention was something that I had to adjust to in my academy days.”

“And it just took time to adjust to it?”

Juushiro nodded. “I know waiting and working to adjust to the extra support is not something you were particularly looking forward to hearing.”

“It’s not, but it’s better to hear it from someone who had to live through it than someone else.” Ichigo shrugged with a frown. “Thanks.”

Ukitake sat there and watched the younger man for a minute. “You’re worried about something else.”

Ichigo’s eyes widened as he gulped. “Ah, I suppose that’s true enough. I’m just not sure I’m ready to talk about it.”

“I know it is still taking quite a bit of energy to see people, but maybe think about having someone that you have let in, help you with it.”

Ichigo nodded, but didn’t say anything to that. He didn’t feel like he could open that box yet, too worried about too much. “Thank you for taking the time to come by and chat with me. I’m sure it was difficult for you to.”

“It really wasn’t. I was more concerned that I just couldn’t make this visit any earlier. I appreciated the invite. If you need any more help or simply someone to listen, that isn’t too close to you, I do consider you one of my dear friends and someone I care for. Simply let me know and I will make the time for you.” Juushiro said with a kind smile.

They continued to talk for quite some time before Juushiro left a heavy-lidded Ichigo behind, promising that he would happily return whenever Ichigo wanted and guaranteed that Ichigo was welcome at the Thirteenth whenever he felt ready to make the trek there.

When Hanataro came by the following morning he grinned wide at the sight of Ichigo humming to himself as he made some tea in his kitchen. “Glad to see your conversation with Ukitake-taicho seemed to help lift your spirits so much.”

Ichigo jerked and dropped a cup on the counter with a loud clunk as he gasped and spun around to see his friend had let himself in. “Morning.”

“I didn’t mean to startle you. I wasn’t sure you would be up this morning.” Hanataro dipped his head in apology.

Shaking his head, Ichigo smiled at the smaller man. “It’s alright. I’m sorry I didn’t hear the door.” He turned back to his task, “You have time for tea this morning?”

“Yes, thank you. After tea, unless you had something on your mind already, I would like for you to accompany me for a while today.”

“Um, sure. What for?”

“I’ve been assigned to check in on the Academy and their nurses office and any injured students.”

“Okay. I still don’t understand why you want me to go with you though.”

“Kotetsu-taicho asked me to take you with me. I’m not entirely sure, but it would probably be a good idea to get out and for you to see some new things again.”

“I guess if Isane wants me to go there is no arguing with it.” Ichigo shrugged as he sat down the tray with their tea accouterments.

They shared their tea in good company before Ichigo sighed and cleaned up, “I suppose we can’t put off your duties any longer. Thanks for sitting down to tea with me this morning.”

Hanataro chuckled at Ichigo as they got on their way.

Ichigo found himself completely fascinated by Hanataro’s duties as they went through his routine, but didn’t say much or ask many questions, too concerned over distracting his friend from his work. By the time the two were sitting down with a fourth year who had severely injured himself during a practical class, Ichigo’s energy was waning quite a bit, but he smiled as he felt the flow of Hanataro’s kido as he worked to heal the worst of the injury and allow him to finish healing with minimal scarring and time.

“I’m sorry it’s taken so long, today. I hope you weren’t too bored.” Hanataro said as they started back to the Fourth.

“Not at all. It was actually really interesting. I’m sorry if I slowed you down at all.” Ichigo finished with a yawn and apologetic blush.

“It was actually one of my easiest days, probably because no one was willing to mess with me with you there too.” Hanataro chuckled as he patted Ichigo’s shoulder.

Ichigo raised a brow at Hanataro but didn’t respond as he refocused on making sure he didn’t trip over his feet in his exhausted state as the two of them returned to the Fourth Division.

Grimmjow had been wandering around instead of sitting around the office at the Fifth Division bored out of his mind. He was walking past an alley when he noticed a very distinct head of hair, but when he turned to make his way after him saw that his little shinigami friend had a pack that he’d learned to associate with a Fourth Division member going about their business and thought better of interrupting the two.

Growling to himself, Grimmjow rolled his eyes as he raised a shoulder, physically turning him in the opposite direction and heading to the Sixth Division instead. Upon his arrival he let himself into the Captain’s office unannounced and was met by the expected glare from the stuffy noble.

“What can I do for my unannounced guest?” Byakuya spoke coolly.

“Um, I don’t know why I’m here actually.” Grimmjow scratched at his jaw mask. “Just saw Kurosaki following around that little guy, but he had his medical bag so I turned and went the opposite direction and here I am.”

Byakuya’s brow ticked as he returned his focus to his work, deciding that Grimmjow would either leave bored or get to his point eventually.

“Neither of us deserve him since we couldn’t put him before either of our own desires.” Grimmjow mumbled as he dropped onto the zabuton near the shoji to the balcony overlooking the training field.

Byakuya’s hand froze, brush hanging over his paper. After taking a moment to absorb the words from the other man, he continued on with his work.
Grimmjow was too busy staring at the training to notice the hitch in the captain’s work, but didn’t continue talking either.

At some point Renji had entered the office upon invitation and after a moment’s discussion with his Captain left to continue on with his work, but Grimmjow paid him no mind either, completely ignoring the confused look from the Lieutenant.

By the time Byakuya was packing up his desk for the evening he was surprised to note that the arrancar was still sitting in his office. “Do you wish to accompany me?”

Grimmjow cocked his head to the side trying to decipher what the cold man was asking of him. When it finally clicked he smirked and then followed along as they walked to the Fourth Division where they were both stopped by Isane.

“I won’t allow it. Leave.”

“We’ve only come to apologize if he’ll have us. We will not overstay our welcome.” Byakuya dropped his chin minutely.

Isane narrowed her eyes at the two men standing before her as she analyzed them skeptically. “Fine, but if you cause any problems you won’t be allowed in my Division for a month barring emergency medical aid.”

Grimmjow’s eyes went wide as Byakuya nodded his agreement. Once she stepped to the side, both of them tried to hurry past without looking rushed.

As Hanataro was turning away from Ichigo’s door he was closing behind himself he squeaked as he nearly ran nose first into Kuchiki-taicho and Grimmjow. “Go away. He’s resting.”

“We have permission to see if he’ll speak with us from your Captain, twerp. Leave us be.” Grimmjow glared at Hanataro.

Hanataro shrunk in on himself and scurried away from the two men, too afraid to push anymore than that. If they had permission then Kotetsu-taicho had to have tried to stop them when they arrived.

Taking a deep breath Byakuya stepped up to the door and knocked carefully.

“Hana? I thought you were going to report in?” Ichigo called out to the door, but didn’t try to get up.

Grimmjow rolled his eyes and shouldered Byakuya out of his way and banged the side of his hand on the door relatively gently.

“Ugh! Alright, alright.” Ichigo pushed himself up to his feet and made his way to the door. When he opened the door his jaw dropped. “No.” Ichigo was frozen regardless of what he said as he stared at the two standing before his door.

“Please allow us to apologize for our behavior.” Byakuya said softly.

“Really? Both of you?” Ichigo looked between the two of them and was surprised to see a look on Grimmjow’s face that could only be described as a kicked kitten. “Fine.” He finally stepped back to the side to allow his company in.

Both his guests looked at Ichigo in concern when he huffed out a harsh breath when he dropped onto the side of his bed instead of one of the other chairs in the quarters. Byakuya and Grimmjow shared a quick glance before Grimmjow moved to chairs to sit across from Ichigo and plopped down on one with a pat to the other with a look requesting that Byakuya sit too.

“So? Get to it.” Ichigo pushed his hands at them.

“Look, Ichi, my competitive spirit got in the way of what I really care about.” Grimmjow said carefully. He found it difficult to apologize in front of the other man.

Ichigo huffed and rolled his eyes, but didn’t say anything as he waited to hear what the other would say.

“Our behavior was unforgivable. I pushed a topic that you are clearly not ready to handle. It was unkind of me.” Byakuya nodded, keeping his eyes on Ichigo as he spoke. “My apology. I will try harder to take into consideration how new everything is for you and all of the changes you are currently facing.”

Grimmjow quirked an eyebrow, but nodded. “Sometimes fighting instinct is hard to see past, even when the object causing the instinct to rear up requires more care than pure instinct typically allows. I’m… sorry.”

Ichigo couldn’t even believe his ears or his eyes as he looked at the two men in front of him. He glared at them for a moment before he shook his head at himself and gave them a sad, crooked little smile. “Fine. Now, I’m really tired after the day I’ve had, I’d like some sleep.”

Both of the others nodded, but as they started to return their chairs to the table, Ichigo grabbed a sleeve each. When they stopped and looked back at him his head was hanging and a light blush graced his cheeks.

“What if I don’t want to choose?” He murmured.

“What?” Came Grimmjow's undignified response as Byakuya raised a confused brow.

“You do not want either of us?” Byakuya tentatively searched for more information.

“No.”

“What? You want both of us?” Grimmjow’s abrupt question had Ichigo jerking back and his blush darkening.

“I- I don’t know. Po-possibly. I’m still trying to understand what I’m feeling and thinking.”

“Very well. We will allow you to rest now and provide you the time you need to think things through.” Byakuya started to move forward again to replace the chair, but felt his sleeve get tugged on again, causing him to turn back to his host.

“Stay?” Ichigo nearly whispered.

Grimmjow’s face fell, thinking that Ichigo was only asking the noble since he watched his sleeve get tugged on. However, when he went to put his chair back he felt his own sleeve get tugged on and he turned around with mouth agape in confusion. “Both of us?” He slowly asked, not believing what his brain was concluding.

Ichigo merely nodded as he felt his face heat even more at his request. He felt so small and childish to request this, especially since he knew that Byakuya had to work again in the morning.

Both Grimmjow and Byakuya shared another look before Grimmjow shrugged. “Why not, Ichi. Let us put the chairs away. We won’t leave.”

Slowly, Ichigo released them. He looked up just enough to keep an eye on both of them too, afraid they’d leave him alone in his quarters. “You have to say goodbye in the morning before leaving.”

Grimmjow smiled at the flustered man as he looked over to the noble.

“I learned my lesson last time.” Byakuya couldn’t help but respond to the goading look from Grimmjow and to Ichigo’s demand. “How do you want us?”

“Can I be in the middle?” Ichigo quickly looked between the two before ducking again.

“Sure thing, Ich. Sure thing.” Grimmjow nimbly climbed to the far side of the bed after removing his shoes and dropping his coat near the bed.

“Give me a moment please to make sure that we all stay comfortable during the night.” Byakuya requested, but waited for acknowledgement before returning to the table. Once he gained it he quickly divested himself of his Kenseikan and his Captain’s Haori. He was about to move back to the bed before he changed his mind and also removed his shitage. Now content with his level of dress he returned to the others and climbed into the bed carefully situating himself to cradle Ichigo as best he could against his chest without pulling him away from Grimmjow.

Chapter Text

Chapter 16:
Everything Comes to a Head: Part 2
When Ichigo woke up, he felt completely trapped, but comfortably warm. It took a minute for his sleep-addled brain to catch up with his current predicament. When he remembered the previous evening Ichigo found himself smiling to himself as he peeked his eyes open before nuzzling into the warm chest in front of him.

When Grimmjow woke up he hummed in contentment as he wrapped his arms tighter around Ichigo as he nuzzled into the nape of his neck. A smile broke out on Grimmjow’s face when his actions caused Ichigo to murmur in his sleep and wiggle back into his chest more. He carefully didn’t move any more than that though, worried he’d wake the omega before he was well rested. Allowing his eyes to fall shut once more, Grimmjow reached out his senses to make sure that everything was still in place correctly around Ichigo’s room. Slowly, he felt himself drifting off lightly once more.

Byakuya was the last to wake, although both of his companions seemed to be sleeping peacefully still, upon his initial waking. He went to stretch only to groan at the pins and needles that sparked up his arm, alerting him to its state of numbness due to Ichigo’s head having found it a more comfortable pillow than the actual pillow he had started the night on. The groan caused Grimmjow suck in a breath as his light doze was interrupted now that one of the others was awake as well. Byakuya looked over Ichigo’s head to the blue-haired man on the other side of the omega between them.

“Mornin’ did you sleep well?” Grimmjow murmured as his arm tightened again around Ichigo.

“Indeed. What about yourself?” Byakuya responded just as quietly.

Grimmjow answered with a nod.

Ichigo sniffled as he shifted at the tickling sensation caused by Grimmjow’s answer to Byakuya. Both the Alpha’s eyes jumped to the smaller man between them and waited to see if he would wake.

With a yawn that led to a full body stretch, his eyes squeezing tighter before they fluttered open fully. This time when he opened his eyes and saw that Byakuya was watching him he blushed hard before curling in on himself as much as Grimmjow’s tight arms would allow him. “Morn’” Ichigo mumbled before he felt a vibration along his back informing him that Grimmjow was also awake.

“Good morning, Ichigo. How are you feeling this morning?” Byakuya asked gently as he caressed his cheek with his free hand, gently urging the younger man to look back up at him.

“Better.” Came his reluctant answer.

“Why so shy this morning, Ichi?” Grimmjow asked quietly behind his ear.

Ichigo shook his head and tried to curl in on himself again, but this time Byakuya caught his chin as Grimmjow hooked a leg over his, so he wasn’t able to tuck his knees up. The team effort resulted in Ichigo glaring up at the noble in front of him. Byakuya merely smiled at him. “Mm fine.”

“Really?” Grimmjow’s amusement was evident in his tone. “Whatever you say, Ichi. We should get up. I’m sure Kuchiki needs to get into the office at a decent time since he’s already late as it is and I’m sure I need to appease Shinji after disappearing yesterday.”

“Kay.” Ichigo pouted as he pushed himself up, but collapsed when he shifted, and he felt something he wasn’t very familiar with yet and his face bloomed bright red.

Byakuya was about to ask what was wrong, but his intake of breath cut off his words as he smelled what was causing Ichigo his current distress. Clearing his throat, Byakuya pulled back gently, “It’s alright, it’s normal. Just breathe and we can leave it be.”

Grimmjow frowned at the noble until his own senses caught what the other was talking about, and he felt his mouth water. Closing his eyes, he shifted his hips back until his ass was pressed to the wall trying to keep any intimate contact at a minimum in order to control himself. “You’re alright. Think of it as morning wood. You’re used to that, right?”

“Familiar with the idea, sure, not the actual thing though.” Ichigo grumbled as he was thankfully allowed to curl in on himself. “Fuck, this is just great.”

“It’s really an honor, please don’t let it make you uncomfortable.” Byakya carded his fingers through Ichigo’s hair until he felt him start to relax again. Once Ichigo was melting into the bed again, he sat up and watched to make sure that Ichigo was still alright with the change and the idea of them getting ready to leave.

“Alright, Ichi. Don’t move and I won’t squash ya.” Grimm pet Ichigo’s shoulder and waited for a nod of acknowledgement before climbing over him to get to his feet. “Let us know when you’d like us ta come back, okay?”

“Yeah.” Ichigo muttered with a shy smile up at the other men. “Thanks for staying. I slept really well. Now get to work before anyone has to come and knock down my door looking for either of you.”

Finally left in the silence of his empty quarters, Ichigo grinned to himself. He really did feel a lot better after they stayed to sleep with him. It felt so right.

Byakuya was fast in returning to the office after stopping to quickly take care of his morning freshening tasks.

“Captain!” Renji shot up to his feet when he finally felt his captain walking to his office.

“Yes, Abarai?”

“I was worried about you. You never show up late.”

“All is well, I was simply tending to some personal matters this morning that didn’t allow me a chance to send you word.” Byakuya brushed off his concern as he took a seat at his desk and set to task.

“Well, as long as everything is alright, that’s what matters. I guess.” Renji frowned at his Captain.

“Is there something that needs my attention, Lieutenant?”

“Oh, um, sorry. No, sir. I will return to my desk.”

As Byakuya was being questioned by Renji, Grimmjow was also being eyed by Shinji at the Fifth Division.

“If you’re so curious, just ask.” Grimmjow smirked at the captain still staring at him.

“You went for a walk yesterday and then never came back and it felt like you ended up at the Sixth before going to the Fourth.”

“So, you know everything already. Why are you still staring at me?”

“Am I going to have a pissed off Captain and Third seat bangin’ on my door today?” Shinji couldn’t help but smirk at the arrancar.

“Nah. We’re all good.” Grimmjow gave the blond a self-satisfied grin.

Shinji narrowed his eyes at Grimmjow, “Uh-huh, that so?”

“Yeah, now unless you actually care and ask me something else, isn’t there something you're supposed ta do right now?” Grimmjow crossed his arms as he looked at the paper in front of the captain.

“I do, you will also be working with the unseated with their training today too.” Shinji informed Grimmjow of his own duties for the day.

“Ah, the clumsy fools again?” Grimmjow’s smile faded as he considered the group he would be working with in the field later.

“I didn’t realize they had gotten so complacent either. Don’t push them too hard, they’re still building back up too.”

“Yeah, yeah. After that, anything else or can I leave again?” Grimmjow was itching to return to Ichigo again already.

“No cuttin’ corners, but after training and reporting back you can head over again. Just show up on time tomorrow.” Shinji waved him off.

“No guarantees about that, but I won’t leave until they can’t move again. No worries there. Somebody’s got to become a challenge for me eventually.”

Shinji bellowed out a laugh before he cleared his throat, “Not likely.”

“At least not any time soon.” Grimmjow shrugged before hefting himself back up to his feet.

“Oh! Grimm, it sounds like the Head-Captain is going to send you back to Hueco Mundo for a week or so in a few days, you might want to prepare for that.” Shinji called out as Grimmjow was walking through the door.

Grimmjow paused and frowned heavily at the captain. “What now?”

“I’m sure you’ll get an actual notice and information in a day or two, but you’ll need to be ready for that.”

“It better be good information this time. I just sat around most of the time I was back there last time. I ain’t got the patience for that anymore!” Grimmjow growled as he spun to leave again.

Shinji frowned at his paperwork. He didn’t like the reaction to that information this time. Last time Grimmjow was warned he would be leaving he just rolled his eyes. There was definitely something more pressing in Soul Society for him now. He should figure out just how much and inform Kyoraku sooner rather than later, so that they wouldn’t be blindsided by any issues from Grimmjow.

When Hanataro arrived with lunch for Ichigo and himself, Ichigo called out happily, “Hey, Hanataro!”

“Hey, Ichigo. You seem in a really good mood today.”

“I slept super well last night! Oh, and I told them.” Ichigo blushed as he ducked his chin.

“Told them? Oh! Really? How did it go?”

“Well, they seemed a bit confused, but they also seemed to calm down a lot.” Ichigo looked away from his friend before he mumbled, “They also stayed last night again.”

Hanataro just sat there and blinked at Ichigo for a minute before his brain was able to process what he meant by that. “Oh, so that’s why it felt like they didn’t leave last night. Everything go alright?”

“Yeah, we just talked for a bit and then they just held me last night. It felt really good.”

A genuine relieved smile spread across Hanataro’s face. He couldn’t be more pleased with the recovery of Ichigo after he actually told the two Alphas what he was thinking. “Well, that’s good to hear. How was sleeping in your patches?”

“Oh, didn’t even think about them, but I guess my neck itches a bit now.” Ichigo started scratching at the edges of his patches that had bunched a bit over the night and had escaped his mind until they were mentioned.

“I’m not surprised. Want help taking them off?”

“Nah, I can take care of them.” Ichigo caught his nail on the edge of the patch he had been fiddling with at the apparent clearance to remove his patches. He winced as the patch pulled at his skin but gave a relieved breath before moving to pull off the other one as well. After getting both patches off his neck Ichigo rubbed at both sides of his neck before rolling his shoulders and slumping into his chair and turning his attention to the food on the table.

Hanataro had chuckled as he watched Ichigo remove his patches. He remembered how awkward they felt after the first time he slept in his patches when he was younger. “Feel better?”

Ichigo beamed up at him, “Much.”

“Want to talk about your visit with them before you went to bed?”

“Nothing to talk about. They just apologized for pushing me faster than I’m ready to go and said they hadn’t handled themselves properly.” Ichigo shrugged before stuffing his mouth with a scoop of rice.

“I was really worried about you last night when I ran into them just after I left here, but Isane had given them permission to speak with you if you allowed them to.” Hanataro sighed as he remembered his run in with the two men the previous night. “I did try to turn them away.”

Hanataro frowned when he noticed Ichigo’s entire demeanor drop upon hearing his words. “What?”

“Oh, um, nothing.”

“Ichigo, please.”

“Hearing you say you tried to turn them away made my chest feel tight for a second.” Ichigo wrung his fingers.

“Oh, I’m sorry. It’s just after the last time they were here you had taken several big steps back in your progress. I promise it was just out of concern for you. They are good for you individually; I just worry about them together around you without me or someone else there.” Hanataro’s shoulders dropped. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I didn’t want to upset you since I didn’t expect that sort of reaction or really understand it.” Ichigo huffed.

Hanataro’s eyes twinkled as he smiled at Ichigo, “Love instincts, right? They’re potential mates, it’s something that makes sense to those of us who are used to the instincts. I should have watched what I said more. You’ll get used to it and those feelings won’t be so overwhelming with time.”

“I know. Everything will come in time, it’s just that I don’t want to wait anymore.” Ichigo dropped both elbows to the table as he slouched forward with a glare at the table in front of him.

Hanataro got up and rounded the table to rub Ichigo’s back in comfort and reassurance. “I know. I’m sorry. Just think though! Think about how far you’ve come since you finally talked to your dad. And think about how much you’ve already settled since you presented. You’ve gone through so much change and have already seemed to find a middle ground, so you aren’t completely overwhelmed all the time. You are showing more and more legitimate emotion again too. Before, you would stare blankly into the distance or look on the verge of tears at seemingly nothing. But now, now you’re smiling, laughing, glaring, frowning, and talking.”

The corner of Ichigo’s mouth twitched up as he listened to Hanataro ramble on about how well he’s doing. “Thanks Hana.”

“Anytime, Ichi. So, feel up to doing anything today?”

“Oh, um. I kind of just wanted to take it easy and maybe do some writing. If I want to do anything I think I will take a walk out to watch the training field.”

“Alright, sounds like a plan then. I won’t bother you too much today. Want me to bring you dinner?”

“Um, no thanks. I think I’ve got plans.” Ichigo smiled to himself hoping the warmth in his cheeks wasn’t visible.

Hanataro only smiled widely at Ichigo before nodding and bidding him farewell for the day. “I will see you tomorrow then. If you change your mind and want me to come by later today, go ahead and send me a butterfly, alright?”

“Okay, thanks, Hana.”

It was late afternoon by the time that Ichigo found himself itching to move so he had found himself standing against the fence surrounding the training field watching the members of the Fourth as they trained. Like in the past he gave some feedback once in a while to some of them as they worked through their skills. During a lull in his participation with the other members, Ichigo felt hands slide over his hips and as he jerked his head back and tensed to spin the hands tightened as he heard a chuckle.

“Easy, Ich. It’s just me.” Grimmjow peeked around Ichigo’s shoulder to get into his peripheral vision. “You look like you’re still doing well this afternoon. Having fun watching them?”

“Hm? Yeah.” Ichigo’s mind was still whirling and his heart still hammering at the unexpected contact, making him take a second to process what Grimmjow had just said to him. Ichigo leaned back into Grimmjow’s chest more as he refocused on the training happening in front of him when a breeze swept in from behind him. “Mm.”

“Yeah? Ya like how I smell?” Grimmjow chuckled as he leaned his unmasked cheek on Ichigo’s shoulder to get a glimpse of his face. “I had to train a bunch of rookies again today. Didn’t think I worked up a sweat, but maybe I did, considering that reaction.”

Ichigo’s face burned. He hadn’t meant to moan at the unexpected scent of Grimmjow on the wind. His reaction had come about completely unexpectedly. “Please stop.” He muttered.

“Alright, since ya asked so sweetly.” Grimmjow grinned as he pulled back a bit and placed a chaste kiss to Ichigo’s shoulder before looking up at the members of the Fourth on the field. “You done here?”

Ichigo’s brows furrowed at the unexpected question and pulled away to turn and look at Grimmjow. “Why?”

“I, uh, need to talk to ya fer a minute, hopefully before Kuchiki gets done working.”

Ichigo frowned, but nodded and let Grimmjow take his hand as they walked back to his quarters.

“What’s up? Why do you sound so hesitant all of a sudden?” Ichigo asked as he curled up into his armchair.

“Um, well, you see…It sounds like I will be leaving for Hueco Mundo again soon and I will be gone for a while too, not just a couple of days this time.” Grimmjow scratched at his chin below his mask as he tried to look anywhere but at Ichigo.

Ichigo frowned even harder as his bottom lip wobbled. Taking in a breath, Ichigo tried to speak, but his breath left with a whine.

In an instant Grimmjow was on his knees in front of Ichigo with both his hands on one of Ichigo’s bent legs and looking up into his face. “I’m sorry.”

Shaking his head, Ichigo grabbed at one of Grimmjow’s hands hard, his knuckles white with his grip.

“I know you split your time. I don’t know why…”

“It’s okay.” Grimmjow turned his hand in Ichigo’s hold so he could rub circles with his thumb. “This is why I wanted to give you a lot of warning. I was worried how you would take the news. I will do what I can to get back as fast as possible. Or I will see about taking you with me. What do you say? Wanna see Las Noches now? It’s changed a bunch.”

Ichigo started to nod and then paused as he realized if he went with Grimmjow he would be away from Byakuya, so he just frowned and stared at the door over Grimmjow’s head.

“Hm, yeah, that’s what I thought.” Grimmjow mumbled to himself. “I will see what I can do, Ichi. I promise.”

Ichigo just nodded as he tried to reel in his emotions. “Sorry. I know you have work.”

“Nothing to be sorry for.” Grimmjow reminded him as he squeezed his hand again.

“If you say so.” Ichigo’s voice sounded absolutely defeated which made Grimmjow frown at him, but didn’t say anything more on the subject, just let it sit there as they both thought about the inevitable task for Grimmjow to come.

As Ichigo moved to take his hand back a jigokucho flew to him and hovered around his head until he lifted a hand. After the message was received the butterfly disappeared as a tear rolled down Ichigo’s cheek.

“What is it Ichi?”

“You have to leave early in the morning. There’s been a call for an early meeting. Shinji thinks it has to do with your orders.”

“Oh.” Grimmjow dropped his forehead to Ichigo’s knee. “I’m sorry.”

“It is what it is. You have to follow orders and I don’t understand completely why I’m so bothered by this and why it hurts so much beyond the label of instincts.”

“At least you understand that. Remember what Bya said this morning?” Grimmjow looked up at Ichigo and waited for the inevitable head shake. “It’s an honor and natural.”

Ichigo flushed remembering what those words had been in response to, but he nodded understanding what Grimmjow meant here and now by repeating them.

A few minutes later there was a gentle knock on the door and Grimmjow got up to open it for Byakuya as if this had been planned.

As Byakuya entered the space and looked over Ichigo he frowned. “Ichigo, what is bothering you?”

Ichigo looked up to Byakuya before turning to look at Grimmjow.

“I was told today by Shinji that I have to leave again soon and for a good while this time.” Grimmjow answered the glower from Byakuya.

“Hmm, then that may explain the early meeting in the morning.”

“That’s what I was thinking after Shinji sent Ichi a butterfly.”

Byakuya sighed as he looked at Ichigo. “I was going to ask if you would like to go out to dinner tonight, Grimmjow would be invited as well, but if you are not feeling up to leaving I can have my staff prepare a meal for us, here instead.”

Grimmjow raised an eyebrow at the noble, but he quickly had a smirk take over his face at the brightening look and hopefulness on Ichigo’s face at the question.

“Can we go out?” Ichigo asked.

Grimmjow snorted at Ichigo’s excitement as Byakuya’s eyes softened at his response before nodding.

Ichigo climbed to his feet to dig out clothes to go to dinner in. Digging through his wardrobe he paused, “What type of dress do I need to be in?”

“A nice yukata should suffice if you have, otherwise I would presume business casual should do.” Byakuya answered calmly.

Grimmjow scratched at his jaw as he thought about the styles of dress Byakuya mentioned. Looking down at his clothes he shrugged before zipping his jacket up some more. He decided that he should probably get himself a few nice yukatas if he was going to be spending more time with the haughty noble for Ichi’s sake.

“Ichigo, are you alright?” Byakuya asked, concerned when his answer resulted in a groan from the young man.

“I will do my best, but it looks like I need to go shopping soon.” Ichigo grabbed a pair of black pants and his flannel shirt before digging for a t-shirt that would look good underneath his button-up. Frowning to himself he scurried into the bathroom to get dressed. When he reopened the bathroom door he paused, “Will this work?”

Grimmjow smirked as Byakuya looked the younger man up and down before humming with a small nod.

The trio made their way in companionable silence to a small ryotei for their supper. As Byakuya pulled the door open for them, both Grimmjow and Ichigo paused and shared a look before returning their attention to the noble.

“Um, I don’t know that we’re dressed well enough for a place like this.” Ichigo scratched the back of his neck.

“Nonsense, you look fine. Please.” Byakuya motioned for them to enter the restaurant.

Grimmjow shrugged as he strode into the restaurant and paused inside the door to look back at Ichigo and wait for Byakuya.

“If you say so.” Ichigo finally conceded.

Byakuya placed a hand low on Ichigo’s back in a guiding fashion and followed him into the ryotei. They all paused to wait for someone to guide them to their room.

Grimmjow was looking decidedly bored, even though he was thoroughly amused by Ichigo’s growing interest and curiosity for their current location. Byakuya simply sat there allowing the other two to soak in their setting as they waited to be served their tea and meals.

When the door on the other side of the room from which they had entered opened, there was a taikomochi kneeling next to the threshold with a tray of tea in front of him. Once Byakuya allowed him entrance he poured the three of them a cup of tea before asking them if they would appreciate some entertainment during their visit or his service only.

Ichigo blushed upon hearing the question. Byakuya looked at Ichigo from the corner of his eye before answering the man. “Only your service is necessary.”

“Of course my lord. I shall endeavor to not interrupt your evening as much as possible then. Please enjoy your tea and I will ensure your meal is brought to you as soon as it is ready. If you find you are in need of more tea or would like another beverage during your visit, do not hesitate to call for me. My name is Daisuke.” He bowed deeply before sliding his serving door closed once more, providing the trio with their privacy.

“Damn, you brought us to a proper teahouse.” Grimmjow grinned appreciatively at Byakuya. “What did you do? Ask for a taikomochi instead of a geisha for our gay asses?”

Byakuya leveled Grimmjow with his most unamused look before responding, “No. I did request a taikomochi, but not due to our current interests, but out of concern over Ichigo’s comfort. If you’ve cared to notice or not, he hasn’t interacted with any females since he arrived, other than Kotetsu-taicho, of course.”

Ichigo melted at Byakuya’s consideration. “I wouldn’t have minded either way, Bya, but thank you for thinking of me.”

“Anything for you.” Byakuya caressed Ichigo’s cheek before reaching for his tea to sip at it.

Grimmjow actually looked at Byakuya in real consideration. He was rather impressed that he had gone through the effort to do what he could to provide comfort in an unfamiliar situation for Ichigo.

“Wait! That means you had a reservation made for us before you knew whether or not I would be up for coming out to dinner tonight.” Ichigo called out Byakuya after his realization.

“That is correct and it would not have mattered had you decided you were not up for this.” Byakuya gave a small smile.

Ichigo’s answering smile was just as sincere, but twice as large.

“Don’t make me like you, Kuchiki.” Grimmjow’s eyes were twinkling with his appreciation as he feigned exasperation over the caring move.

Ichigo rolled his eyes before pushing Grimmjow’s shoulder.

The rest of their evening went well as they were provided three courses and an after meal beverage before they returned to Ichigo’s quarters.

Once the three settled in for the night, Ichigo hummed as he pulled Grimmjow and Byakuya into him more and released a pleased sigh. Grimmjow melted as he smiled at having been partially pulled over Ichigo and was amused to see that Byakuya had been pulled into a mirrored image of his position. He reached out an arm to rest his hand on the noble’s hip to fully encircle Ichigo between and under them. Byakuya’s eyes flicked up to Grimmjow when his hand came to rest on his hip, but when it didn’t move any more than that he smiled, before wrapping an arm up and carding his fingers through Grimmjow’s locks. Byakuya’s chest felt tight as the arrancar pressed into his hand before sighing and the two of them returned their attention into pressing into Ichigo who was lightly purring as he drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Text

Chapter 17:
Everything Comes to a Head: Part 3

The next morning, Byakuya was the first to wake and was surprised to find his leg tangled with Grimmjow’s over top of Ichigo’s legs. Shaking his head he shifted to pull back from the Omega and the other Alpha. The motion resulted in a huff from the other Alpha as he nuzzled further into the smaller man in front of him and a whine from the trapped man as cool morning air rushed in to replace the noble’s warmth. “I’m sorry, it’s morning and Grimmjow and I need to get up. We have a meeting we must attend this morning.”

Grimmjow let out a low growl upon hearing Byakuya’s words, but started pulling his limbs back to himself. “I don’t want to, but he is right, Ichi.”

“Come back after?” Ichigo mumbled as he rolled over and buried his face in his pillow.

“Of course.” Byakuya leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on Ichigo's temple before standing from the bed and watching Grimmjow do the same on his other side with a few more murmured words he was unable to catch before the other climbed over Ichigo to climb to his feet.

Ichigo spent his time alone, simply laying in his bed, awake, but too tired to get up and do anything. Hanataro watched him as he slowly sat up in order to eat the breakfast that he brought to Ichigo, the younger man quiet, but clearly thankful for the food and companionship.

During the meeting Grimmjow seemed to be staring off into the distance like normal with his usual scowl etched across his face, but unlike usual behaviors at the meeting, Byakuya found his attention regularly being pulled back to the other alpha. Both men were not particularly paying much attention to the information being shared as it was all the usual updates from the divisions. However, when the information turned to Hueco Mundo both men’s attention was sucked back to their present meeting.

“Now, for the part of the meeting that you are all truly here for: It has been brought to our attention that there has been such an influx in adjuchas in Hueco Mundo that it is believed to be artificially caused.” Kyoraku sighed as he paused.

“What do you mean, artificially?” Interrupted Shinji as he stepped forward out of line to look more directly at the Soutaicho.

“Hallibel has sent us enough information to tell us that the numbers don’t show a normal influx of hollows to keep the worlds balanced, but something more along the lines of what was seen with the influx of arrancar when Aizen defected.” Kyoraku answered, seeming unperturbed by the interruption.

Kurotsuchi stepped forward as he held a hand out to the side for Nemu to hand him his reports on the readings he had taken in preparation for this meeting. “In fact there has been a level of reiryoku and reishi that almost overloaded the original sensor we had set up near Las Noches after the treaty was created. The readings also echo that of the use of the hogyoku and quincies in such a way that the readings looked like they had been a combined use of both power types. This is something that we have never seen before even while the quincies originally showed up in the aftermath of Aizen.”

“Thank you for that, Kurotsuchi. Now, that information brings us to a notice that I sent out yesterday. I am asking that Grimmjow return to Hueco Mundo in order to help track down more information in the hopes we can get a lead on what is causing this.”

“And how long am I expected to stay there, huh?”

“That is to be determined, I’m sorry to say. We are expecting this to take at least a couple of weeks for any amount of information to be found beyond what our instruments are able to pick up now.” Shunsui leveled a look at Grimmjow.

“I’ve got things to consider myself too, you know.”

Grimmjow’s frustration was washed out by Shunsui continuing on with his information. “Now, Hallibel had also requested you be sent back to her, so I am also asking for one Captain Class to go as well. Whoever they are, they are expected to work closely and reliably with Grimmjow as well as answering to Hallibel while they are in Hueco Mundo. With that being said, does anyone volunteer for this mission?”

Byakuya could feel Grimmjow’s burning gaze locked on him the moment Shunsui made it obvious that the Shinigami hadn’t been chosen yet. Stepping forward he turned to the Soutaicho. “I would like to volunteer for the mission.”

The hall fell silent upon hearing Byakuya’s request. Shinji narrowed his eyes at his fellow Captain, knowing that he and Grimmjow have had a rocky relationship over the past few weeks and that both had become steady pillars for Ichigo.

Shunsui’s eyes were sparkling as he attempted to contemplate Byakuya’s offer. “You understand you will be spending an unknown amount of time in close proximity to Grimmjow, yes?”

Initially tensing, Byakuya breathed deeply before nodding, “I do.”

“Very well. Captain Kuchiki, you will be tasked with searching Hueco Mundo for any information regarding the influx of adjuchas creation. You shall be leaving with Grimmjow by end of day today. That will be enough time for you to make arrangements for your family, yes?”

“Yes, sir.”

Grimmjow grinned before he looked around the room again and caught Captain Kotetsu eyeing him. After their eyes caught, the Fourth Division Captain refocused her attention on the Head Captain.

Before the group was able to continue the meeting the doors to the hall opened, revealing Kisuke Urahara’s form.

“Tsk.” Kurotsuchi huffed as he turned away from the intruder.

“Urahara-san, what brought you here?” Shunsui knew better than to wave off the blond after all the protection and information he has provided since Ichigo was a young teen.

“Some of the concerning reiatsu has entered the living world.” His face was dark, but he didn’t hide under the shadow of the brim of his hat, indicating just how concerned he was by his findings.

All the Captains present looked around the room and between the two on either end of the hall.

“Very well, Hitsugaya, your division is assigned the situation in the World of the Living. Shinji, you’re familiar with Karakura and the Living World, you will also help out with the investigation there. We need everyone on the move as quickly as possible today! Excused!”

All the Captains bowed before turning and leaving the room. Kisuke looked intrigued as he glanced between Byakuya and Grimmjow who had moved in the opposite direction that the rest of the Captains, before returning to his Shoten.

“What is it? You two need to be on the move.” Shunsui asked them with more curiosity than hardened determination.

“Permission to take Ichigo with us?” Byakuya decided to be direct.

“He can’t be alone. He’s best off with us.” Grimmjow crossed his arms as he turned half away from the Head Captain.

“I was wondering if the two of you were plotting something. If Isane approves, he may go. If not, he will remain here under the care of the fourth. Will that be a problem?”

Byakuya and Grimmjow shared a half glance before Grimmjow smiled. “Nope.”

“Very well then. You are dismissed.” Shunsui waved them off, fairly certain Isane would agree to the two of them based on what he had been informed of.

When the two alphas left the meeting hall in the First Division, they returned to the Fourth Quickly. Instead of veering off to go to Ichigo’s quarters immediately, they turned to the Captain’s Office where they could feel Isane calmly waiting.

“Enter!” She called out before Byakuya could so much as twitch a hand toward the door to knock.

Carefully, both men stepped inside before closing the door behind them.

“You going to tell me what you two are plotting? And what the Soutaicho said after you stayed behind?”

Grimmjow snorted as he smirked, but didn’t say anything, waiting for the quiet noble to speak up again like he had already.

Byakuya sighed as he glanced at Grimmjow from the corner of his eye before turning his full attention to the Captain sitting in front of them. “We request permission to take Kurosaki with us to Hueco Mundo. I would hope you understand just how much he needs to remain in contact with the two of us.”

“Request my ass! He’s going with us unless you want him to get worse!” Grimmjow growled out.

Isane had just sat there straight-faced as they spoke and as soon as Grimmjow snapped she smirked. “And how exactly do you plan to make sure that he continues to eat balanced and regularly? Can you guarantee that he will maintain a regular sleep schedule that is restful?”

Grimmjow was straight up growling at the woman in front of them, but he couldn’t find the words to assure her that he would continue to get the things she was asking about.

“We will take plenty of our rations as well as utilize Las Noches to the best of our ability.” Kuchiki cut in as he considered elbowing the arrancar. “Our rations are balanced nutritiously, regardless of lack of flavor or appealing texture. If I’m not mistaken, Urahara has found a way for them to have all sorts of food in Las Noches as well. Grimmjow will allow us to use his rooms as well, providing a safe and comfortable place for Ichigo to rest at any point, as well as remain protected and secure if he isn’t up to joining us on our hunt.”

Grimmjow’s jaw had dropped as he listened to what Byakuya said, he couldn’t figure out how the other man had come up with such a solid answer unless he had already been planning how to make this work before he stepped up for the mission.

“As long as you know what he needs and make sure you provide it, I will allow it on the condition that Ichigo agrees to travel with you.” Kotetsu-taicho stood smoothly before walking to the door, “I suppose now all that is needed is to check in with Ichigo and Hanataro.”

Both men were too baffled to say anything, so they simply followed the Captain out of her office, Byakuya pausing only long enough to shut the door behind the group before catching back up.

When the three of them stopped at Ichigo’s door, Isane knocked and announced the three of them before entering. “Ah, good. I had hoped you were still here Hana-chan.”

“C-Captain?” Hanataro questioned with his shy stutter.

Isane didn’t respond to him though, turning her attention to Ichigo. “Ichigo, would you feel up to going on a mission with Kuchiki-taicho and Grimmjow?”

Ichigo initially frowned before he tilted his head and looked at his two alphas.

“He’s not stable enough.” Hanataro stepped between the group and Ichigo.

Isane sighed, “He’s stable, just not conditioned.”

“We plan to take very good care of him and he can stay in my rooms at Las Noches if he doesn’t feel up to keeping up with us as we work.”

“But, Captain! He still needs medical observation and attention.” Hanataro was giving Isane his puppy dog eyes as he continued to stand in front of Ichigo.

“We still have Szayel. He’ll help us if something comes up. What Ichigo needs most now is to not be separated from us. Look at him.” Grimmjow glared down at the smaller shinigami as he waved his hand at Ichigo.

Hanataro looked over his shoulder and paled. Ichigo was on the verge of tears at the prospect he would be separated from both his alphas. “Ichi! I’m sorry, I just- I just worry so much.”

“He has my permission if he wants to go, Yamada-sanseki.” Kotetsu gave her third seat her most Captain and serious tone.

Ichigo’s head popped up and he was looking hopefully at Isane. “Really?”

“Yes, Grimmjow and Byakuya, both advocated for you and promised to make sure you were okay above all else.”

“If he can’t handle it, promise to bring him back, straight away.” Hanataro pleaded, having given up on keeping Ichigo in Soul Society.

“Of course, Yamada-san.” Byakuya nodded carefully.

“Ichi?” Hanataro questioned his friend as he turned to him.

“Please?” Ichigo pleaded.

“Okay, I will pack a bag for you.” Hanataro gave in before turning and filling a bag for him, making sure that there would be plenty of patches for Ichigo since he didn’t know how long the mission would last.

“You both really want me to go with you?” Ichigo pried his focus from watching Hanataro hustling around the room to look at his alphas as he questioned them.

“Ichi, you nearly broke with the idea that you would be left here with just one of us or that you would leave one behind. We came up with this plan thinking about what you need right now. If you want to come with us, we are more than happy for you to join us. If you don’t want to leave or you don’t think you can handle the effort, you can also stay here.” Grimmjow moved to kneel next to Ichigo again as he spoke softly to the overwhelmed omega.

“We want you to be happy and this was the most likely route for you. We would be more than pleased for you to join us.” Byakuya moved to stand next to Grimmjow as he placed a hand on Ichigo’s shoulder in calm comfort.

Ichigo felt a small smile grow on his face as he leaned his head onto Byakuya’s hand and reached to grab one of Grimmjow’s hands. “Thank you.”

Hanataro paused long enough to look over at Ichigo and notice just how happy he was for this allowance. He felt his chest tighten at the realization of just how upset he had likely made his friend by trying to prevent him from going with the two alphas to Hueco Mundo. Taking a deep breath, Hanataro returned his focus to the bag as he made sure it would have necessary supplies and spare clothes for Ichigo.

“Here, Ichigo, I…hrmm…I hope I didn’t upset you too much. I’m just really worried about you. You are one of the strongest people that I’ve ever met and seeing you so broken before… I just really don’t want that to happen again.” Hanataro gently sat the bag next to Ichigo being careful not to disrupt the contact he had with the two alphas.

Opening his eyes again, Ichigo looked at Hanataro carefully to keep the contact he had with Byakuya intact. “I get it, but I’m not nearly as broken as I was and I can’t fully get better if I’m not allowed to do things for myself again.”

Ichigo hadn’t meant anything bad, but his words still clearly stung as Hanataro’s face dropped and his eyes fell to the ground. “Right. I will continue on with my other duties. Please, just be careful.”

Leaving as quickly as he could without appearing to run away, Hanataro left Ichigo’s quarters before returning his cart to the kitchen and dropping off his other supplies in their respective closets. Once everything was back where it belonged he found his feet pulling him away from the Fourth Division and before he knew it he was standing in front of the Eleventh Division Gate.

“What’s this? We have ourselves a little mouse, do we?” A booming voice had Hanataro’s head jerking up to find the face of the person that was now standing in front of him. The only person that had ever called him that was his Alpha, but this person clearly was not him.

“I’m here to see Kenpachi.” Hanataro’s chest felt tight, but he raised his voice as best he could in his current condition.

“Cap’n? You? Ha! Yeah, right.” The thug was now leaning forward, hand propped on his knee to get closer into Hanataro’s face.

“I’m here to see Kenpachi.” Hanataro squared his shoulders more, his disappointment in himself quickly turning into frustration.

“Why would a lowly maid like you want to see him?”

Hanataro moved just as the man in front of him finished speaking and had jabbed him in a pressure point that dropped him in an instant thanks to the amount of reiatsu he put behind his attack. “I’m here to see the Captain, you have no right treating me like this.”

Just as the brute was about to say something again he was caught off guard with his mouth wide open with scorn as Kenpachi stepped up behind him. “Why is my mate being kept out?”

“Uh-um, mate?” The brute was shaking as he barely was able to squeak out his confusion while trying to turn to look up at his Captain behind him.

“Ya heard me.” Kenpachi bent over, “You’re lucky you’re already on your knees kid. But, next time remember what a healer can do to ya when pissed, ‘kay?”

Watching Kenpachi terrify his subordinate, Hanataro shuffled around to the larger man’s side, but waited to do anything else until he had stood back up. Once Kenpachi was back to his full height, Hanataro face planted into his side with a whine.

“Aw, kid, come on.” Kenpachi scooped him up and carried him to his quarters, completely ignoring the shouted questions from the unseated members of his Division.

After having watched his friend shink in on himself and then retreat, Ichigo looked between the two Alphas with him and whined.

“I’ll excuse myself as well. You three be careful out there.” Isane said gently before departing as well.

“I’m sure Yamada-san is just worried about you and feeling protective of you. Don’t let his concern bother you too much.” Byakuya rubbed Ichigo’s cheek with his thumb.

“He’s probably gone to his Alpha and will be fine when we get back.” Grimmjow squeezed Ichigo’s knee where his hand was still resting.

“I know, it just really hurt seeing him like that. It was like how he was back when I first came to Soul Society. I like how much he’s grown, but that was like the old him.” Ichigo felt his lower lip wobble as he finished speaking.

“No need to worry over him any more right now. We have things to do.” Grimmjow grinned at Ichigo’s pouting face.

“Yes, we should be going.” Byakuya chimed in with a nod. “I will need to stop by my office and I’m sure Grimmjow should like to check in with Hirako-taicho as well before we leave.”

“Right. Okay, um, is it weird I want to take a blanket or my pillow with us?” Ichigo finally released his insistent connection with the other two to look around his bed.

“Not at all. Why don’t we bring both?” Byakuya said.

“Yeah, it won’t be a problem. We can set everything up for you at Las Noches when we get there so it will feel as comfortable for you as possible for when you aren’t feeling up to being out with us.” Grimmjow climbed back up to his feet. “Grab the ones you want. We can tuck the blanket in the pillow.”

“Okay.” Ichigo finally looked like he had his normal light come back to himself as we gathered the pillow and blanket he wanted to take with them and checked through the bag that Hanataro had put together for him. “I guess I have everything I need while we are gone.”

“Alright, let us go then.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 18:
Everything Comes to a Head: Part 4

“Now, for the part of the meeting that you are all truly here for: It has been brought to our attention that there has been such an influx in adjuchas in Hueco Mundo that it is believed to be artificially caused.” Kyoraku sighed as he paused.

“What do you mean, artificially?” Interrupted Shinji as he stepped forward out of line to look more directly at the Soutaicho.

“Hallibel has sent us enough information to tell us that the numbers don’t show a normal influx of hollows to keep the worlds balanced, but something more along the lines of what was seen with the influx of arrancar when Aizen defected.” Kyoraku answered, seeming unperturbed by the interruption.

Kurotsuchi stepped forward as he held a hand out to the side for Nemu to hand him his reports on the readings he had taken in preparation for this meeting. “In fact there has been a level of reiryoku and reishi that almost overloaded the original sensor we had set up near Las Noches after the treaty was created. The readings also echo that of the use of the hogyoku and quincies in such a way that the readings looked like they had been a combined use of both power types. This is something that we have never seen before even while the quincies originally showed up in the aftermath of Aizen.”

It was a month later when Byakuya led the way back into the Seireitei for Grimmjow who was carrying Ichigo against his chest. The two came to a halt just inside the Division Four gates where they were met by a scowling Isane.

“I guarantee he is quite alright, Captain Kotetsu.”

“That remains to be seen, Captain Kuchiki. As it stands that is hard to believe since he did not return under his own power.”

“Look, we had a long night and his sleep was restless wanting to be back. He just got tired on the walk.” Grimmjow began in a growl before his voice softened as he looked down at his cargo.

Isane sighed as she led the men to Ichigo’s quarters where, after a complete scan, she agreed he seemed to be in just as good a physical condition as when they set off on the mission. “Kyoraku said that you three were to rest today and report to him first thing tomorrow.”

Byakuya raised an eyebrow upon hearing that. The noble had figured that at least one of them was going to have to give a preliminary report upon arrival.

Isane must have caught the other captain’s confusion because she shared an explanation unprompted. “While the situation is not ideal, Ichigo takes priority no matter how important your mission has been. It took you longer than expected to return, so one more day won’t hurt anymore than it already does.”

“Look lady. Ichigo didn’t slow us down. We were constantly moving.” Grimmjow’s scowl could have been lethal.

“I meant nothing against you or Ichigo. I was simply stating facts as I saw them.”

Byakuya stepped closer to Grimmjow in response to his protective aggression, but refrained from actually reaching out and touching the other man. “Now, Captain, if you’ve verified Ichigo’s health, I’m sure you’d agree the three of us could use some rest after our mission. We will report to Kyoraku in the morning.”

“Very well. Rest.” Captain Kotetsu bowed before leaving Ichigo’s quarters.

After the door closed gently behind Isane, in the silence of the room, Ichigo’s face scrunched as he made a soft questioning noise in his sleep.

“Easy Ichi. We’re still here.” Grim brushed his hair off his forehead. “Bya and I are going to get comfy. We will be here in the morning.”

The following morning the three of them found themselves waiting at the doors of the First Division office to report. Ichigo had deep circles around his eyes and kept eyeing a spot on the floor next to a protruding column from the wall, but stood shifting his weight between the two Alphas. Byakuya on one side looking as regal and indifferent as usual and the other a scowling Grimmjow.

After a half hour of waiting Grimmjow growled. “Ichi, go sit. This oaf doesn’t seem to care about other people’s time.”

Ichigo opened his mouth to complain, but was cut off by Byakuya, “You’ve been kept busy and need the rest.”

Rolling his eyes, Ichigo finally complied and sat in the little corner he had been eyeing close by. After a yawn, Ichigo looked between the other two, “If he’s taking so long, can’t we just come back later?”

“That would be nice, but we haven’t left because the Captain that went to the world of the living is in there now.” Grimmjow huffed as he crossed his arms.

“Indeed, it seems Captain Hitsugaya has returned as well and made his way here before we could make it.”

“Well, if Toshiro is in there, shouldn’t we just go in there anyway? Afterall, we were on a related mission.”

“Normally I’d be all for it, but that creep with the fan came with him.” Grimmjow grumbled and kicked the wall next to the door.

“This is why I was surprised you both agreed to wait.” Byakuya sighed, “Regardless of the connection between our missions the Head Captain needs adequate time to hear out each report and consider the ramifications.”

“So, can’t that be done with all of us together?” Ichigo dropped his head onto his crossed arms, propped on his knees.

Grimm spun around before leaning against the wall with his eyes closed, leaving Byakuya the freedom to move and kneel to rest a hand on Ichigo’s head. “Some things must follow certain protocols. We just need to wait a while longer.”

When the door opened to Kyoraku’s office, Grimmjow and Byakuya stood to attention immediately off to the side to stay out of the way of the two departing men, but when Ichigo made it to his feet he didn’t feel right. He attempted to move over to the two alphas, however after one step he began to fall. Byakuya and Grimmjow tried to move to catch him, but were beaten by Kisuke. Upon hearing Grimmjow growl at him, Kisuke chuckled before hiking Ichigo into his arms to deposit the blushing young man in the grumpy alpha’s arms.

“I heard he accompanied you on your mission. You best be keeping him close for a while.” Kisuke tipped his hat and disappeared before a response could be formed.

Grimmjow nuzzled into Ichi’s hair, only holding him tighter as the younger man wiggled in an attempt to free himself.

“If you were so tired, you should have informed us. One of us could have escorted you home.” Byakuya stepped forward and actually rubbed Ichigo’s back in an attempt to placate the young omega and ease his own concerns.

“Honest guys, I didn’t realize it. I probably just stood up too fast.” Ichigo sighed as he gave into them and melted between their affections.

“Ah! You three are here as well! If everything is settled and alright out here, you may come in now.” Kyoraku grinned his usual shining, laid back smile.

When Byakuya went to follow the head captain into his office, Ichigo whimpered as he reached out to grab for the noble.

“Easy Ichi. Let him go talk to the Captain. We will go get you a snack and get you comfy. You need to rest.” Grimmjow quietly appeased Ichigo and made eye contact with the other alpha.

“I need to make the report. I will visit you later.” Byakuya pulled from Ichigo’s grip and closed the door behind himself.

Hanataro was sweeping the front steps of the division’s main building when Grimmjow walked through the gate carrying Ichigo. Immediately dropping the broom, Hana sped over to the two. “What’s going on? Is Ichi okay? I thought you three went to report this morning.”

“Yeah, we did, but we were beaten there and had to wait forever. When it was finally our turn, Ichi collapsed.”

“I did not! I’m right here and can walk you know!” Ichigo spoke up with indignation.

“What do you mean he collapsed?” Hanataro gave an apologetic smile to Ichigo before turning his eyes back to the alpha.

“Kuchiki and I got him to sit down when it became obvious he was tired but we still had to wait. When the door opened we were getting ready to go in. Kid nearly fell when he went to follow us in. Urahara was the fastest and caught him before his knees completely buckled.”

“Is Kuchiki-taicho making the report?”

“Yes. When he gets back I will go and make mine.”

Ichigo had given in to the fact he was being ignored and was glaring around the division with his arms folded as Grimmjow explained to his friend what happened that morning. As Grimm finished speaking, Ichi had to suppress the urge to whimper hearing that he would leave him. Instead he managed a huff of frustration and glared at his knees. The only thing that interrupted that was being placed on his bed after they made it to his quarters. Once free from the iron grip, Ichigo scooted over, away from them and turned to face the wall.

Hanataro barely covered a chuckle with a cough as he watched the other omega. When Grimmjow leaned forward to reach out to Ichigo, Hana stopped him with a gentle hand on his forearm and a shake of his head. With a sad smile, the small omega took Grimmjow’s spot when he moved to the armchair across the room, focusing on his task, Hanataro scanned Ichigo closely to make sure that there wasn’t any major issues, but was disappointed when he noticed how dehydrated he was.

“Shit. What did we miss?”

“He’s severely dehydrated again.” Hanataro answered with a glance over his shoulder. “Ichi, I’m going to have to give you an IV again.”

Ichigo shifted enough that he could easily give his arm to the medic but continued to refuse to look at them again.

The move alone told Hanataro just how bad his friend was feeling, but didn’t acknowledge it, simply continued as he would in any other situation. “I will be right back.” Hanataro moved as quickly as he safely could to get the supplies and return to give the IV. “Stay in your quarters and do not remove the IV until Captain Kotetsu or I give you permission to leave.” With that he left them in silence.

“I’m sorry, Ichi. We should have been more careful.” Grimmjow sighed when he got no response.

When Byakuya finally made it to the Fourth Division after making his report it was to find Grimmjow standing leaned outside Ichigo’s door. “Why are you out here?”

“Find out for yourself. I’m reporting in. Probably won’t be back today.”

After Grimmjow was out of sight, Byakuya stepped into Ichigo’s quarters where he instantly froze as a bead of sweat formed on his temple. He took a deep breath and stepped back out of the room before shutting the door. With a sigh the Captain stood tall before heading to the Sixth Division to begin working on his written report and check in with Renji.

By the time Hanataro returned with dinner and another IV bag, Ichigo’s temper had decreased allowing him to reign in his reiatsu again. “Oh, you’re alone. You doing alright?”

“I’m fine.” Ichigo quietly answered.

“Do you need help sitting up?”

“No.”

“Okay. Here’s some food. I put more in the fridge already on my way in. Do you want me to sit with you or leave?”

Looking at his food, Ichigo contemplated the options before patting the bed beside him and took a bite of rice. It was slow going, but Ichi ate the entire serving of curry and rice that Hanataro gave him for supper.

Ichigo scratched at his arm while he waited for Hanataro to finish his food. He didn’t know what to say when his friend gave him a questioning look, so he just sighed and shook his head.

“Is it bothering you? I could start a new line instead of just replacing the bag.”

Ichigo shook his head again. “How many are you going to give me this time?”

“Probably just this next one and then I can remove it. As long as you drink more tomorrow, I think you will be alright. Do you need anything else? I can send for Grimmjow or Captain Kuchiki if you want.”

“No.”

“Okay. Let’s get that switched out so you can get some rest.”

“If I’m asleep and you come to remove it, just do it.” Ichigo mumbled as he laid down after Hanataro took the tray from the bed.

“Alright. Get some rest, I will try not to disturb you later.” Hanataro placed a hand on Ichigo’s head for a second before he moved about replacing the IV bag and clearing the room.

After getting everything taken care of, Hanataro sat down at his desk and put his head in his hands. He didn’t know how to feel about Ichigo shutting down again after he had gone to Hueco Mundo with Grimmjow and Captain Kuchiki. Captain Kotetsu had agreed to let him go, but he felt like he was being proven right in his concern about letting the young man go on the mission. Starting on a report about the day, Hanataro barely acknowledged another member of the division as they set down a stack of papers on the corner of his desk.

“Hanataro.” Isane knocked on the desk gently.

Hanataro’s head whipped up, finally snapping out of his focused state to look up at his Captain. “Yes?”

“How long have you been glaring at that paper?”

“This is the fourth page.” Hanataro shifted the papers to check his words. “What can I do for you Captain?”

“You need to get some rest, but if you are writing up a new report you can finish it.”

“I’m done with my report. I’ve been completing the reports that were turned in to me today.”

“How much more is left?”

“This is the last page. Captain?”

“Yes?”

“I think Grimmjow and Captain Kuchiki need to refrain from visiting him for a few days.”

“What makes you believe that?”

“He was alone when I took his supper to him and he barely spoke again.”

“Hmm, I suppose I should call them in and get a report from them then. It might do us some good to hear how the trip went for them. Perhaps until we see how they interact just observe them. Don’t try to keep him isolated though.”

“Alright.” Hanataro shifted the papers again before gathering a small stack and holding them out. “These are the only ones that need your signature before they get sent off.”

“I will take a quick look before having an unseated officer run them. I want you to take the next day off. Keep your partner out of mischief for a while if you can and get your head off of things.” Isane was just about out the door when she stopped and looked back over her shoulder. “Perhaps I will invite Renji over to spend some time with Ichigo tomorrow.”

“That might be a good idea.” Hanataro murmured as he watched his captain leave his office. Finally done with his work, he went to check on Ichigo’s IV. When he noticed it was done, he carefully took care of it and bandaged Ichigo’s arm and set out some water next to his bed. Job completed for the day, Hanataro headed to the Eleventh and just ignored anyone who tried to speak to him until he closed the door behind him to the Captain’s quarters.

“You get kicked out of your division again?” Kenpachi asked when he poked his head out of his bathroom. “Come on, get comfy.”

Hanataro nodded before stripping his shihakusho and pulling on a silk yukata he had hanging in the closet. “Isane said I can’t go in tomorrow.”

“Good for her. So, how is your charge?”

“He’s alright.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Yeah, me neither.” Hanataro laid down on the bed and covered his eyes with an arm.

“Hey, flower, what are you worried about?”

“He shouldn’t be dealing with two alphas fighting for his attention.”

“The Princess and the cat?” Kenpachi snorted. “I don’t think they’re fighting.”

Kenpachi’s comment had Hanataro peeking at the larger man.

“I’ve noticed Grimmjow spending more time over there before the mission and even since they got back. After he stopped by the Fifth, he went to the Sixth.”

“Really?”

Kenpachi nodded before crawling over Hanataro and nuzzling his neck. “Yeah, they seem to be oddly chummy. Enough of them though. Your boss said you're mine tomorrow, right?”

“Yeah.” Hanataro answered before giving a shuddering sigh. He was willing to give in to what he wanted and listen without argument for once about a break from work.

Isane went by Ichigo’s quarters to poke her head in for a moment to check on him before turning in for the night herself. She gave a small smile when she noticed that Ichigo was curled up around a pillow facing the room. He looked relaxed which surprised her after how everything seemed to be going for him since his return. She would leave him be and hope it lasted through the night.

Grimmjow knocked on the office door and waited for permission to enter. “So, did you figure out why I was outside?”

Byakuya raised an eyebrow before nodding. “How long had he been like that?”

“Almost an hour.”

“Renji’s presence has been requested at the Fourth tomorrow.”

“Is that so?” Grimmjow dropped onto the couch. “They must not want him alone with us.”

“It also seems Captain Kotetsu was hoping for the two of us to visit her office to make a report on Kurosaki’s health during our mission.”

“Why the hell are you back to calling him that? You know he’d not like that.”

“Habit, I suppose.” Kuchiki stood and moved to the couch. “I was…hoping you would accompany me tonight.”

Grimmjow blinked owlishly at the noble.

“You do not have to if-”

“You want me to stay the night with you?” Grimmjow’s brain finally kick-started again.

Byakuya simply looked at the other, waiting for a response.

“Alright. Show the way.” Grimmjow stood and swept his arm toward the door.

When the two made it to the Captain’s quarters at the Sixth Division, Grimmjow dropped his jacket on the back of a chair.

“So, you’re worried about the kid.” Grimmjow broke the silence.

“I got used to having company.”

Grimmjow snorted before crowding into the alpha’s space and wrapped his arms around his waist. “You done being lonely? Ichi’d be happy about that.”

Byakuya turned in Grimmjow’s loose hold and wrapped his arms around his neck. “Just as much as he would be pleased about you being more civil with others. He may not be happy with us tonight, but he has made up his mind.”

“And I can live with his choice. How ‘bout it pretty boy?”

“Don’t make me regret this.”

Grimmjow grinned and leaned down to kiss Byakuya. “I am not going to ruin this for Ichi.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 19:
Emotions Running High: Part 1

When the two made it to the Captain’s quarters at the Sixth Division, Grimmjow dropped his jacket on the back of a chair.

“So, you’re worried about the kid.” Grimmjow broke the silence.

“I got used to having company.”

Grimmjow snorted before crowding into the alpha’s space and wrapped his arms around his waist. “You done being lonely? Ichi’d be happy about that.”

Byakuya turned in Grimmjow’s loose hold and wrapped his arms around his neck. “Just as much as he would be pleased about you being more civil with others. He may not be happy with us tonight, but he has made up his mind.”

“And I can live with his choice. How ‘bout it pretty boy?”

“Don’t make me regret this.”

Grimmjow grinned and leaned down to kiss Byakuya. “I am not going to ruin this for Ichi.”

The next morning when Grimmjow and Byakuya made their way to the office, Renji looked up with wide eyes as they entered. Grimmjow snickered and dropped onto the couch.

“Abarai.”

“Sir!”

“Relax. You have been requested at the Fourth today. I recommend taking plenty of food to Ichigo’s quarters so you may wish to stop and pick up some of your favorites to share.” Byakuya spoke without looking at his Lieutenant as he settled into his desk.

“Oh, alright.” Renji looked confused for a second but nodded.

“Captain Kotetsu sent her request for your support after you left for the day yesterday. I will also be stopping by that division later during the day as well, but you will not likely see me.”

“Okay. So, I’m on Ichigo duty today. What about Hanataro?”

“Kid was probably told to take the day off.” Grimmjow bent his arms behind his head.

“When should I head over?” Renji ignored Grimmjow and questioned his Captain again.

“You may go now.”

“Hai.” Renji stood and bowed before leaving to check in with Captain Kotetsu after grabbing some of his favorite foods.

Grimmjow smirked at the door before turning his attention to the quiet Captain, “Don’t tell me you regret last night?”

“No, but you needn’t make things so obvious.”

“Whatever. So, we getting breakfast before we head over there or are you going to listen to my stomach all day?” Grimmjow turned and crossed his arms over the back of the couch.

“I already ate. It is not my fault you refused to get up early enough to eat.”

Rolling his eyes, Grimmjow huffed, “Fine. I will stop on our way.”

The two men alighted in the Fourth Division grounds as Grimmjow licked his lips and brushed the remaining crumbs off his jacket. “So, which way to the office?”

Byakuya silently guided them to the office and knocked.

“Thank you both for coming today. I was hoping we could discuss your mission and how Ichigo held up. He seems to be rather tired now.” Isane motioned for the men to take seats.

Renji knocked gently on the door before entering Ichigo’s quarters. “Morning. I brought some faves!”

Ichigo rolled over to look toward the door. He sat up after he saw Renji hold up a bag that smelled delicious. “Did I drive Hanataro off?”

“Nah, he just wasn’t scheduled today. Captain said I could leave him alone, so I thought I’d come and hang out with you.”

“Uh-huh, so Isane called for you to keep me company today. Whatever. Hand over the food.”

“What, did Hanataro not leave you any food last night?”

“I just haven’t gotten up.”

Renji filed that information away for later as he dropped onto the foot of the bed and started pulling containers out and setting them down between them. “Here, I got this one specifically for you.”

With furrowed eyebrows, Ichigo reached out and took the container cautiously. “What is it?”

“Open it.”

Rolling his eyes, Ichigo opened it and gasped. He didn’t say anything as he popped a ball of sesame covered, fried dough in his mouth.

“Don’t eat all of them before you have some actual food too.” Renji chuckled as he shoved a box of a rolled omelet toward Ichigo.

With a scowl, Ichigo popped another sesame ball into his mouth.

Chuckling, Renji shook his head and just started shoveling food into his own mouth.

After the two finished eating and were just lounging around, Renji cleared his throat. “So, Grimmjow walked into the office this morning with Captain.”

Ichigo huffed and turned his head away from Renji. He felt like shit about how he treated Grimmjow the day before, but he was done with being coddled. “Yeah? What was he doing up so early?”

Renji snorted, “That’s what you ask?”

With a shrug of his shoulders, Ichigo finally turned back to his friend. “I’m glad Bya didn’t want to be alone.”

A pleased smile slid across Renji’s face as he absorbed how Ichigo was feeling and what he said. “Yeah, I’m glad he’s spending less time alone too. You really like them both, don’t you?”

Nodding Ichigo shifted to the edge of his bed. “I didn’t want to choose.”

“I know. You finally actually tell them then?”

“Yeah. They seemed willing to make it work too.”

“That’s probably why they were together this morning then. If you had kicked them out yesterday, they may have wanted to check in on the other. I’m glad you three seem to be making it work. Hopefully you’ll keep getting better, Grimm will be less of a wild card, and Captain can loosen up.”

“We’ll see. Being in a relationship doesn’t change a person, especially not overnight.” Ichigo scratched at his jaw. “Hey, Ren? Do you ever get overwhelmed by just existing?”

“I don’t know if I understand what you’re talking about.”

“That figures.” Ichigo looked at his hands as he formulated his next question. “How do you get over the nightmares?”

“From the wars?” A nod. “Uhm, working, I guess. Drinking. Sleep.” Renji knew his answers weren’t helpful, but he couldn’t exactly make his brain form the words to tell Ichigo time and tears.

Ichigo watched Renji as he struggled to answer him. “Has it been better or harder than before you started at the academy?”

“I suppose that’s hard to answer. Mostly, it depends on which memories decide to crop up. So, sometimes it’s about the same and other times are easier or harder.” Renj shrugged. “Overall, I think there was more fear going through the wars than living out in the rukongai. I mean, while there was worry about getting enough food back then, I wasn’t as terrified for my life or fighting such dangerous opponents. I seriously thought I was done for when I went against Captain Kuchiki, then some of those quincy were major trouble.”

“Yeah, he’s a rough fight.” Ichigo smiled thinking back on the fights he had with Byakuya in the past.

“Not that you didn’t enjoy any of them.” Renji grinned.

Ichigo ducked his head as he blushed thinking about just how much he started enjoying the difficult fights with Byakuya and Grimmjow over the years. “Yeah, so what? You laugh during your difficult fights, so you don’t exactly have room to talk.”

“I don’t deny I enjoy a good fight once in a while.”

“Hey, thanks for breakfast.”

“You’re welcome. Want to go for a walk?”

“I haven’t been cleared to leave my room yet.” Ichigo grumbled.

“What do you mean?”

“I almost collapsed yesterday and Hanataro revoked my ability to leave my room until I’m cleared by him or Isane. I had to have two bags of IV fluids yesterday too.”

Renji frowned. “Did you not stay hydrated during the mission?”

“I thought I did, but I guess not or I got too tired and that’s how my body decided to show it.” Ichigo shrugged.

“I say let’s go watch the training field anyway. They can yell at me later if they feel the need. I don’t think you being stuck in here is going to do you any good.”

“We can try.” Ichigo stood carefully. “Shit, gotta pee.”

Renji bent over laughing as he watched Ichigo try to rush to the bathroom after getting to his feet. “What? Haven’t even gotten up to use the toilet since yesterday?”

Ichigo glared at Renji as he slammed the door in his face. Once he was finished he grumbled about how he had been too tired to do anything the previous day and angry to do anything more than to burrow into his bed. “Shut up, let’s go.”

Renji was still snickering as they headed out to the field to watch the unseated officers training. “At least it’s a nice day for you to stretch your legs and get fresh air.”

“Yeah, yeah, snickerson. Hey, slow down.” Ichigo grabbed Renji’s shirt and tugged on it.

“Was I really walking too fast for you?”

“Look, I’m still tired, jackass. I’m walking as fast as I can without tripping.”

“Hey, Ichigo! I thought you were still confined to your room?” Kiyone called out as she approached the two friends.

“Take it up with Renji. He’s the babysitter today. He was bored and insisted we come out here. I’m just going to plant myself against the tree.” Ichigo waved her off as he kept walking to the shaded area under the indicated tree.

“Look, he can’t truly get better being stuck in his room all the time. I won’t take him any further away from his quarters than this. Besides, you don’t want a bored Ichigo on your hands.” Renji wrapped an arm around Kiyone’s shoulders whose face immediately blanched. With that Kiyone continued on her business leaving the two friends to settle in and enjoy watching the training.

Once Grimmjow and Byakuya finished their meeting with Isane, the two noticed Renji and Ichigo out in the courtyard watching the training and decided to take a small detour to check in with them instead of just leaving the division as planned. “Abarai.”

“Captain!” Renji jerked as he twisted to look up at their company. “Grimmjow. Hi.”

“At ease, Renji. What are you two doing out here?”

“Getting some fresh air.” Renji rubbed his hands on his thighs.

Grimmjow snickered, “Yeah, so both of you were bored being trapped inside, huh?”

“Like you’re one to judge. You would have been more shifty than Renji was.” Ichigo grumbled, eyes still focused on the training field.

“Did you at least get clearance?” Grimmjow squared his shoulders as he looked at Ichigo who just pointed at Renji.

“We just spoke with Kiyone. We’re all good.”

“Captain Kotetsu will not be pleased.” Byakuya shook his head. “Although, I suppose you probably did the best thing for them by coming to sit out here.”

“Oh, here you are.” Isane walked up. “You really shouldn’t frighten the Lieutenants of other divisions, Lieutenant Abarai.”

“I just spoke the truth.”

“Uh-huh. So, who was more bored?”

“Not you too, Isane?” Renji threw his hands up. “Okay, I didn’t want to be inside if I didn’t have to be and he seemed happy enough at getting out. We walked, slowly, out here and he took a seat, that is all.”

Isane smirked, “It’s fine. Thank you for coming here today.”

Grimmjow dropped down next to Ichigo as the others were talking, “Having a good day so far?”

Ichigo nodded, “I’m sorry about-”

“Don’t. There’s nothing to apologize for. I was smothering you. Just remember, we’re all worried about you.”

“I'm still getting used to it. I had a great time in Hueco Mundo, even if you two were busy with the mission. I just need some space still from time to time.”

“Which is understandable, however, you really should not completely block everyone out when it starts bothering you so much.” Byakuya entered the conversation as he took a seat on Ichigo’s otherside. “What did he do that left you in such a state yesterday?”

“The idiot wouldn’t stop apologizing for failing and hovering.” Ichigo’s mood dipped for a second as his reiatsu spiked before taking a deep settling breath. “How long are you able to hang around today?”

“I need to return to the office shortly.” Byakuya sighed as he answered.

With that the group settled into a comfortable silence as they all focused on enjoying their time together and watching the training in front of them. After Grimmjow and Byakuya took their leave, Ichigo and Renji returned to Ichigo’s quarters where the younger swiftly settled into his bed and fell fast asleep. Renji gave his friend a silent and sad smile before he slipped out of the room to track down Isane to talk to her. Once done meeting with her, Renji took off to his division where he found a lounging Grimmjow and a busy Captain Kuchiki.

“Excuse me sir.”

“You may enter, Renji. Please, continue.”

“I just wanted to let you know that since Ichigo was taking a nap I thought I would come and get some work done, but it doesn’t look like there is any work on my desk.”

“No, I have taken care of it all. This was the last page.” Byakuya wrote his last signature before looking up at his Lieutenant. “Once these are all dry you can deliver them if you’d like, or you could have Rikichi do so.”

Renji bowed before gathering all the papers and making sure they were all grouped for easier delivery. With that completed, he left on the delivery run.

“Are we doing this Pretty?” Grimmjow asked vaguely once the redhead was gone again.

“Remember, this must go at his pace.” Byakuya stood from his desk and met Grimmjow by the couch.

“I know, just wanted to make sure we were still on the same page.”

Ichigo woke with a small questioning noise as he felt the bed shift next to him before a warmth met his senses. He wiggled to shift into the sensation as his brain slowly woke more. “Hm? Grimm?”

“Nah, Ichi, open your eyes.” Grimmjow answered with a smile from the other side of the warmth that Ichigo was snuggled into.

Upon hearing the instructions, Ichigo fluttered his eyes open to jerk back, “Bya?”

Byakuya’s eyes softened as he smiled at the surprised omega. “You looked too comfortable. I felt the need to join you, I hope you don’t mind.”

Ichigo smiled as he snuggled back into the captain. “Not at all. I thought you had to work.”

“I did, but that is all completed now. I am also able to take the next few days off, as is Grimmjow.”

Ichigo gasped and lunged on top of Byakuya. “You get to stay?” He nuzzled under Byakuya’s chin.

Byakuya chuckled as he wrapped his arms around Ichigo and pulled him tight against himself. “When was the last time you ate?”

With a huff, Ichigo pulled back. “Before going out to the training field.”

“Then we’re going to eat.” Grimmjow walked into the kitchen area and started pulling out food. “Come on, to the table now sleepyheads.”

“Renji told me you two were together this morning.”

Grimmjow’s hands froze for a second before he continued with his meal preparation. Byakuya looked over to the arrancar before looking back at Ichigo, “Does that bother you?”

“No, it actually made me really happy.”

“Good, ‘cause it’s for you.” Grimmjow muttered.

“We are doing everything we can to make sure that everything works out for you. We want you to be happy and to get better.” Byakuya led Ichigo to the table and pushed his chair in. “Let us eat. It looks like Grimmjow prepared what Yamada-san had left for you.”

The three ate and chatted amicably until all the food was gone and Ichigo was quietly sitting with a small smile leaning on an elbow. “You two really don’t care that I want you both?”

“Not one bit.” Grimmjow moved around the table and kissed Ichigo’s temple.

“We want to make you happy, what part of that makes you believe we would be bothered by that?”

“I suppose, nothing.” Ichigo pulled back from the table. “Thank you.”

Byakuya pulled Ichigo into his lap, away from the chair he had been in as he pushed away from the table. “Will you allow us to show you?”

Grimmjow stepped up so his knees were pressed to Byakuya’s, trapping Ichigo on the noble’s lap. “We would really love the chance.”

“Please.” Ichigo breathed out as he melted into both men, one hand on a shoulder in front of him and one looped up to grab one behind him. “Please, show me.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 20:
Emotions Running High: Part 2

Byakuya pulled Ichigo into his lap, away from the chair he had been in as he pushed away from the table. “Will you allow us to show you?”

Grimmjow stepped up so his knees were pressed to Byakuya’s, trapping Ichigo on the noble’s lap. “We would really love the chance.”

“Please.” Ichigo breathed out as he melted into both men, one hand on a shoulder in front of him and one looped up to grab one behind him. “Please, show me.”

Grimmjow was starting to pepper kisses all over Ichigo’s head and shoulders as Byakuya was kissing his face and neck. Ichigo was gripping both of them desperately, but jolted as they both growled at the knock on his door. The three of them turned their attention to the door as it opened.

“Shit. Sorry.” Renji ducked as he tried to back out of the quarters again.

“Ren!” Ichigo called out with a voice that cracked.

“Abarai, did you read the paper on your desk?” Byakuya asked, voice flat.

“Yes, you set up plans to cover your leave. I returned here because I didn’t see anything about the rest of today and had been assigned over here.” Renji rubbed the back of his neck, looking anywhere but at the three men he clearly interrupted.

“You were correct. That was my failure. You are in charge of the division while I take my leave. As you can see, Ichigo is taken care of.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Now, leave.” Grimmjow grunted.

Ichigo jerked on Grimmjow’s shoulder, “Thanks for a nice day Ren.”

Renji nodded and finally scrambled out the door.

Grimmjow snickered as he leaned back down to get back to what he had been doing before they were interrupted. Ichigo, on the other hand, just sighed and shoved back as he swung a leg off of Byakuya’s lap again. Pouting, Grimmjow let Ichigo climb to his feet without comment.

“Ichigo?” Byakuya asked gently as he gently held Ichigo to keep him stable as he got to his feet.

Ichigo’s face was red as he walked over to his bed. He could tell he was wet, but his embarrassment was a combination of his reaction to that and to Renji walking in on them. “I’m fine, just a little embarrassed.”

With a grin, Grimmjow chuckled, but didn’t comment.

“I do apologize for my part in Renji coming back, but do not forget, it is an honor to earn your reactions.” Byakuya got up and moved to slide his arms around Ichigo’s middle gently. “Will you still allow us to show you?”

Ichigo took a deep breath before nodding without a word. He quickly gasped as Byakuya pressed into him, allowing the young man to feel his own interest for the situation at hand. Ichigo hummed and let his head fall back on Byakuya’s shoulder. “Grimmm, lock that damn door.”

With a grin, Grimmjow sauntered over to the door and locked it as per Ichigo’s request. Stalking back to the others, Grimm slid his top off and draped it over the back of the chair Byakuya had sat in. Instead of slotting himself against the omega, Grimm sidled up behind Byakuya and gently gripped the sides of his kosode to tug it out of his hakama. Once that was complete, he slid his hands around to find the tie. Grimmjow buried a smile against Byakuya’s neck when he arched his back into him to make space between him and Ichigo’s back for Grimmjow’s hands. As he tugged the tie apart, Grimm kissed the side of Byakuya’s neck unoccupied by Ichigo’s head before sliding the garment around his hips as he freed his hands that then traced up his back to grab the collar and slide it off of his shoulders.

Byakuya shuddered as he released Ichigo to allow Grimmjow to completely divest him of his kosode. The shudder led to Byakuya gently biting at Ichigo’s shoulder. Once his hands were free from his own top, Byakuya slid his hands up Ichigo’s hips to hook the waist of his shirt and slide it up his torso. When the shirt hooked under Ichigo’s arms, the noble slid his hands around to his chest where each hand found a pebbled nipple that he then gently pinched and twisted, eliciting a deep moan and an arched back that pressed Ichigo’s chest into the teasing touches.

When Byakuya bit his shoulder, Ichigo had brought a hand up to claw at the dark locks that draped down his shoulder. Arching his back led to his arm shifting and bumping against textured hair that startled Ichigo for a moment at the unexpected touch, but once his brain kick started again, he shifted his hand to thread into the coarser hair and fist in it. Using the grip on the hair, Ichigo pulled Grimmjow forward enough that he had to round more to their sides so Ichigo could search out his mouth. Ichigo was docile under Grimmjow’s domineering kiss, melting more under their attention again, barely keeping enough focus to keep his legs strong under him as he wanted to fall into a puddle for them.

Grimmjow’s head was pressed into the crook of Ichigo’s arm where his cheek slid across Byakuya’s hairline before he pulled back and pressed kisses along the brash man’s cheekbone keeping out of Ichigo’s way. Feeling the shift as Byakuya pulled back, Ichigo opened his eyes a crack and felt even more heat pool in his stomach as his mouth stopped responding to watch Byakuya kissing Grimmjow. When he stopped responding to the kiss, Grimmjow growled as he reached around to fist the orange hair to pull him back into the kiss.

Byakuya chuckled as he pulled back enough to watch them again. After allowing Grimmjow some time to dominate the younger man’s mouth, Byakuya pulled at the shirt still stuck around Ichigo’s chest and he allowed the move to lift his arms and displace Grimmjow from where he was draped over their shoulders. The noble let his burning eyes meet Grimmjow’s glower for a moment before they moved to take in the tanned skin of Ichigo’s shoulders and neck. Grimmjow’s gaze followed Byakuya’s as it shifted, but his view also included the younger man’s chest and perked nipples.

As Byakuya shifted to drop Ichigo’s shirt onto the pile of cloth that Grimmjow left behind him when his own shirt was removed, Ichigo panted, “Be-bed, ple-please.”

As Grimmjow pulled on Ichigo to entice him to finish the two steps to the bed, both he and Byakuya gasped as their hands moved to catch and support Ichigo whose legs just gave out when he was urged to move under his own strength. “S-sorry.”

Both alphas sucked in a harsh breath as their chests released from the instant of panic. “I gotcha.” Grimmjow said as he met Byakuya’s eyes over Ichigo’s shoulder to make sure the noble kept a hold of the omega so he could shift to lift him up into his arms. After getting a nod, Grimmjow scooped Ichigo up and let Byakuya climb onto the bed after dropping his hakama. Carefully, Grimmjow set Ichigo between Byakuya’s spread thighs and leaned him against his chest. Once his hands were free again, Grimmjow went to work opening Ichigo’s pants and pulling them down his smooth legs. As Grimmjow was sliding his hands back up Ichigo’s legs he noticed they didn’t feel as smooth as they looked, so he looked closer at them and noticed parallel lines on his upper thighs.

When Grimmjow’s movements stopped, Byakuya looked up from Ichigo’s neck to look at him. When he noticed the arrancar’s attention was focused on the omega’s legs he looked down and noticed the lines his fingers were trailing. “I hope we can make that better for you.” He whispered into Ichigo’s ear before nuzzling behind his jaw.

“You already have.” Ichigo moved a hand to grab one of Grimmjow’s hands to pull his attention up. “If you look, they are all healed and fading. It stopped that day in the bunker.” Ichigo watched Grimm tilt his head, obviously trying to follow the line of thinking.

It was obvious when Grimmjow remembered the day he was referring to. Grimm commented softly, “The day Karin picked you up.” Ichigo nodded.

“What day?” Byakuya asked gently.

“I had heard that Neliel had gone to see Ichigo and it pissed me off, so I went to pick a fight with him and the shady shopkeep told me Ichigo wasn’t holding out as long as he used to but had picked up some new skills when fighting. Blondie said I could be his sparring partner for the day, but to pay attention. Ichi had no idea I was there before I started in on him. He practically collapsed after one of his counters burned his hands. We sat there for a while as he talked. We had just gotten back to it when Urahara came down and said his sis was there. It pissed me off, but Ich agreed we were done for the day and left.”

“That’s the long and the short of it.” Ichigo said as he rolled over to hide the marks from their eyes and started kissing up Byakuya’s neck. “I don’t want to think about that now. You were showing me something.”

Ichigo’s new position put on display for Grimmjow just how wet he had gotten from their attentions, completely distracting the alpha from his concern and redirecting his attention back to the present situation. Reaching up, Grimm grabbed a cheek in each hand and squeezed before pulling them apart and diving in. He licked up the inside of a thigh tasting Ichigo for the first time in his full lush flavor. After filling his mouth with Ichigo’s flavor, Grimmjow moved and with his nose pressed to Ichigo’s tailbone, inhaled deeply to fill his nose with his smell.

Byakuya had pulled Ichigo into a full kiss, exploring his mouth with all of his attention. However, the gasp that had Ichigo withdrawing from the kiss had Byakuya looking down his long back at what Grimmjow was doing. The noble’s head dropped, his forehead unceremoniously landing on Ichigo’s shoulder with a groan at the sight of Grimmjow’s nose buried in Ichigo’s ass.

“Oof.” Ichigo grunted when Byakuya’s head fell heavily on him. “Do you really want him upstaging you?”

Almost giving himself whiplash, Byakuya looked up at Ichigo before grabbing his hair and dragging him back in for another breath stealing kiss before shoving his head down to his lap where his grip eased but steadily held Ichigo’s head in place.

Unsure of what to do, Ichigo tilted his head up against the hand in his hair with a question clear on his face, but he didn’t even know how to phrase what he was wondering, so he just turned his eyes back down to the erection in front of him. Leaning down, Ichigo breathed in against Byakuya’s skin that was dusted by black curls. Ichigo heard Byakuya’s head fall back and land against the wall he was leaning on. With a smirk, Ichigo felt confident enough from that reaction to stick his tongue out and taste the alpha’s skin. Tongue lapping flat around the base of the penis. The heady flavor that came from his silky skin had Ichigo moaning at just that simple taste.

Ichigo’s moan had Grimmjow straining to open his eyes again to look up his body to see what was going on at the other end of the body he was still suffocating himself in. What he found was an unraveling noble and a curious omega. Pulling back with a slurp, Grimmjow grinned. “Taste good, Ich?”

“Mmhmm.” Ichigo hummed as he licked up the length to taste the pre that was slowly oozing from the tip. After dabbing at the liquid curiously with his tongue, Ichigo licked it up and tilted his head up, away from Byakuya’s penis to savor the flavor. Between the taste and the fist in his hair, Ichigo’s eyes rolled back as he hummed again.

Byakuya released his grip and slid his hand down to caress Ichigo’s cheek. “Go ahead and explore. Taste what you will.”

Ichigo leaned into the hand on his cheek for a second before he lifted up to kiss over Byakuya’s solar plexus and then his sternum. Once there, Ichigo looked up through his lashes at Byakuya as he flattened his tongue to the creamy skin and slid to the side in search of a pert nipple. After finding his destination, the omega sucked it into his mouth where he flicked at the nipple with his tongue. All the while, Byakuya sucked a breath in through his teeth at the cooling sensation of the saliva on his skin and the look in Ichigo’s eyes before they fell closed again for him to focus on the flesh in his mouth. Carefully, Ichigo brought a hand up to support himself against Byakuya more and to squeeze his pectoral to provide easier access to his flesh to taste his skin and draw out more reactions from the usually stoic man.

Not to be forgotten, Grimmjow sat up on his knees and leaned down to trace up Ichigo’s spine with his own tongue eliciting a shiver from the man under him. Reaching Ichigo’s shoulder, Grimmjow nibbled at the bend where it met his neck before whispering in his ear. “You taste good too. You’re so wet for us. I want you to watch this.” As he was pulling away from Ichigo’s ear, Grimmjow kissed his cheek before pressing his clothed erection against his ass to reach forward and pull Byakuya into a claiming kiss that the noble quickly reacted to and started fighting back to gain the upper hand.

In surprised pleasure at watching the two making out above him, Ichigo bit down on the nipple he still had in his mouth. Byakuya jerked and arched into the sensation as he gasped before groaning into Grimmjow’s mouth. Realizing what he did, Ichigo released the nipple completely before lapping at it in apology. His little kitten licks resulted in a chuckle from Byakuya that had Grimmjow pulling back enough to look down at Ichigo to figure out what was happening.

“You should tell him you enjoyed the bite.” Grimmjow whispered to the raven-haired man with his nose pressed to his temple.

“Ichigo.” Byakuya waited until the caramel eyes were looking up at him again, “You have nothing to apologize for. It was just right. It felt good when you bit me like that.”

Brows furrowed in confusion, Ichigo searched Byakuya’s face. He didn’t understand how being bit could feel good like that. The nibbles and bites on his shoulders had to be completely different than bites on his nipple.

Grimmjow could feel his tension rising so he leaned down and spoke as he hooked his arms around him to pull him up on his knees, “Like this, trust us.”

Byakuya met Grimmjow’s eyes as he leaned forward and mimicked Ichigo’s own actions on his chest. The flat of his tongue pressed to his sternum before searching out a nipple that he teased for a moment before closing his teeth around the perky flesh.

Ichigo’s head whipped back as his chest pressed into Byakuya’s mouth, Grimmjow barely avoided getting his jaw slammed into as the omega mewled. Both alphas smelled the increase in Ichigo’s slick in reaction to the bite. Grimmjow smirked as he tilted his head to kiss at Ichigo’s pulsepoint beneath his jaw, “Now can you believe, Bya?” Whimpering, Ichigo nodded in response to Grimmjow's question. His hands were tangled in Byakuya’s hair, keeping him pressed to his chest as best as his shaky muscles allowed.

Letting Grimmjow work over Ichigo’s neck and shoulders as he held him up, Byakuya nipped and licked at the nipple he had in his mouth for another few moments before licking his way over to the other side of Ichigo’s chest. As he latched on, Byakuya reached a hand between them by sliding it up a thigh in search of Ichigo’s own hard erection. Bumping gently into the taught flesh, he first slid his hand down to cup Ichigo’s balls and reached back with his middle finger to press against his taint and slide through the omega’s slick before sliding up and circling his erection. With a gasp and tug at Byakuya’s hair, Ichi thrust into the light grip around his burning length. Byakuya bit the nipple gently and relished in the feeling of Ichigo’s penis throbbing in his hand as more slick dripped down his thighs.

“Please.” Ichigo managed to breathe out his plea.

“Please what, Ich?” Grimmjow’s voice was husky at his throat.

Ichigo was only able to shake his head with a whine as he tried to thrust back against Grimmjow’s hips, but jolted forward into the sweet pleasure of Byakuya’s hand.

“Stretch him.” Byakuya huffed as he pulled free of Ichigo’s chest with an audible pop.

Smirking, Grimmjow slid one hand down Ichigo’s abdomen, pausing to flick at an abused nipple a couple of times before he slid his hand around his hip where he rubbed his knuckles along the dip of his curved back over his ass. “You want that? You want me to put a finger in you?”

Ichigo whined even higher as a nod left his head lolling into Grimmjow’s neck. “Please.”

Grimmjow’s massaging knuckles found the dip leading to Ichigo’s crack and he wedged his middle finger in between the omega’s plump cheeks, still mostly teasing and hinting at what he was going to do for the man in his hold. The outspoken alpha looked down and watched for a moment while Byakuya ran his unoccupied hand all over Ichigo, the other still softly stroking him. Slowly, he slid his finger down into the crease. Finding the twitching muscle he was searching for, Grimm rubbed over the opening of Ichigo’s ass. “Okay, keep breathing for us.”

Ichigo took a deep breath in and willed himself to relax his muscles as he leaned into Grimmjow’s broad chest. His fingers still tangled in Byakuya’s hair, Ichigo gently scratched at Byakuya’s scalp. It was hard to focus on all the hands rubbing over his body, but he was certain it all felt so good.

After Ichigo leaned further into him and Grimmjow was able to feel the muscle under his finger spread open a tiny bit more in welcome, he pressed gently against it. He was slow and careful, continuing to massage the muscle in little circles Grimmjow eased his finger in until the muscle contracted around it, stalling his progress. He continued his process until he had pressed his finger to the second knuckle where he started working to open him and ease the muscles. Circling his finger he worked to stretch until he was able to slide his finger out and back in with little resistance. “Good, Ich. You’re being so good.”

Ichigo felt like he was wetting himself as Grimmjow worked. It was an odd sensation since he used his dick to pee, but it was the only description he had for what it felt like. The sensation distracted him away from the pleasure long enough for Byakuya to pull his body away from the omega so he could lower himself enough to suck Ichigo into his mouth. The moment that his length was engulfed in the heat of Byakuya’s mouth his hips stuttered, pressing fully into the mouth as he spurted his omegan-imitation of a standard male ejaculation. His ass squeezed around Grimmjow’s finger halting the other alpha’s actions while he breathed through his first climax of the day. With a whimper, Ichigo tried his best to untangle his fingers from Byakuya’s hair to release the man who was still swallowing and licking at his dick. “Sorry.”

“No sorry, it’s an honor.” Grimmjow kissed along Ichigo’s jaw, reminding him of Byakuya’s words from so long ago.

Chapter Text

Chapter 21:
Emotions Running High: Part 3

“No sorry, it’s an honor.” Grimmjow kissed along Ichigo’s jaw, reminding him of Byakuya’s words from so long ago.

Slowly, Byakuya pulled off Ichigo with a wet, ‘Shlop’ as he licked his lips. “That was the point, sweetheart.” The noble crawled up to meet Ichigo’s lips and kiss him. “It was an honor, Grimmjow was correct.”

With another kiss to Ichigo’s lips, Byakuya pulled him up slightly off of Grimmjow. Before moving too much more, the noble met Grimmjow’s eyes over the heated omega’s shoulder. “Why don’t we get a little more comfortable, hm? How does that sound, Ichigo? Would you like to lay down?”

“Please.” Ichigo still panted as he leaned his forehead on Byakuya’s shoulder. When Grimmjow pulled his finger free, Ichigo winced a bit at the oddity of the sensation before letting Byakuya guide him down onto his back with a pillow under his hips.

Byakuya made himself comfortable on Ichigo’s side, pressed into his hip the best he could and was still able to caress him with his free hand. “So beautiful like this for us. Thank you for this honor.”

Ichigo turned his head to kiss Byakuya again, marveling at how good it felt to be connected to him in such a way. Grimmjow took the opportunity to finally remove his own pants and get comfortable between Ichigo’s legs so he could continue his steady work. Carefully rubbing Ichigo’s thighs with his hands to give him some warning that he was back before he started working, Grimmjow watched Ichigo and Byakuya for a long quiet moment where only their labored breathing could be heard. “Okay, here we go again. Remember, breathe.” Grimmjow slid his finger back into Ichigo and got him used to the feeling again before pulling back to tease at his entrance again with two fingers.

Grimmjow couldn’t help but chuckle as Ichigo lifted his hips to press against his fingers wantonly. “Okay.” Was all the alpha said before he started working in earnest to stretch Ichigo for them. Once he had two fingers easily moving within Ichigo, Grimmjow bent his fingers in search and immediately could tell when he hit his prostate as his hips jumped from the bed and he pulled free of Byakuya to gasp at the overwhelming light that shot through him.

“Be gentle with him.” Byakuya demanded as Ichigo settled on the bed again.

“I am. Kid’s just sensitive.” Grimmjow pulled his hand back and got started on three fingers. “He’s gonna burst the moment one of us enters him.”

When Ichigo winced at the stretch, Byakuya brushed his hand over his hair and cheek. “Breathe and try to relax. It shouldn’t be too uncomfortable.”

“Is weird. Don hurt anymore.” Ichigo muttered as he shifted his hips.

“I’m glad it doesn’t hurt.” Byakuya kissed his cheekbone before sliding his hand down Ichigo’s stomach to start teasing at his slowly filling penis again. “Is it starting to feel better?”

“Yeah.” Ichigo sighed as his hips sought out Grimmjow’s retreating hand.

Grimmjow made sure that Ichigo’s body was willingly accepting his intrusion before he fully removed his hand and wiped it on the bedspread so he could rub his legs again. “Ready for more?”

“Please.” Ichigo turned and the heat and need in his eyes was apparent for Grimmjow when they met eyes.

Grin wide, Grimmjow slid closer to Ichigo and put his legs over his hips so he could slot them together better. Leaning down, the alpha claimed Ichigo’s lips as he felt Byakuya playing with both their hair. Slowly, Grimmjow pressed into Ichigo, swallowing his whines and matching each one with a deep groan of his own.

As Grimmjow came to a halt, Byakuya slid his hand down the long body, carefully skirting around the edge of the hole the arrancar had in his middle before squeezing a cheek in his hand and pulling it aside in an attempt to look at his own twitching muscle. The feeling had Grimmjow bucking further into Ichigo’s hips even though all that did was push the smaller man up a bit. Both of them groaned at the move. Byakuya merely huffed a breath, akin to a chuckle at them in response as his fingers delved into the crease to tease the alphas hole, being careful to not press too hard since his hand was dry.

Lifting his head, Grimmjow sent Byakuya a side eye before pulling back about halfway out of Ichigo before pressing back in. Setting a steady rhythm that unseated Byakuya’s hand, Grimmjow sneered, “If you want to play with a hole so much, move your hand about a foot higher up my body.”

Byakuya readily followed the recommendation and started toying with the edge of Grimmjow’s hollow hole. The first time his fingertips dipped to feel the black edges, Grimmjow’s hips stuttered causing a shift in the angle that he was thrusting into Ichigo. That slight shift seemed to be all Ichigo needed as he arched up off the bed with sharp gasp as his muscles spasmed and clenched. Grimmjow dropped his head and bit into the omega’s shoulder hard enough to prick the skin as he groaned at the feeling of Ichigo coming around him.

Ichigo panted out his demand as he collected himself to string his thoughts together again, “Come, come in me.”

The demand had Grimmjow’s hips stuttering again as he picked up his pace. He pulled away from his mouthful of Ichigo’s shoulder to watch his face as he chased his own end as directed. It made his chest tighten as he watched Ichigo’s face streak with tears. He was about to stop when Ichigo wrapped his arms around his head and arched into him again with a gasp. All thoughts of stopping were shoved out of Grimmjow’s head in response to that and doubled down on chasing his end. His hips finally started to stutter as Grimmjow struggled to keep moving as his peak arrived, finally he pressed up into Ichigo a final time as he felt himself spill into the omega beneath him.

When Grimmjow’s movements ceased, Ichigo unwound an arm from him in search of Byakuya’s hip. When he found it he squeezed it for a second before trailing his hand around to find the other alpha’s erection, but was stopped by a strong hand.

“Don’t worry about me. Give Grimmjow a little bit more and then you can take care of me.” Byakuya kissed Ichigo’s temple.

With a pout, Ichigo nodded and pulled his hand to scratch lightly at the nape of Grimmjow’s neck with both hands. After Grimmjow pulled back and shifted to Ichigo’s other side, the omega rolled onto his side where Byakuya lifted one of Ichigo’s legs to slot his own erection between the long limbs and started thrusting slowly in the mess of Ichigo’s wet legs. Once Ichigo’s brain caught up with what was happening he clenched his legs together, tightening around Byakuya’s length which caused the alpha’s hips to stutter and ejaculate between his legs, some of which stretched out to hit the side of Grimmjow’s thigh as well.

All three of them melted further into the bed with a groan and small smiles stretching across their faces. After a few minutes of catching their breath, Byakuya and Grimmjow circled Ichigo’s body with their arms and hugged him tight between them before shifting to kiss each other over his shoulder again.

Ichigo groaned again when he turned his head and saw what they were up to before burying his head in the pillow under him.

Slowly, Grimmjow pulled himself away from the messy tangle on the bed to grab some rags to wipe them up with so that it wouldn’t be too uncomfortable when Ichigo was finally ready to get up and properly get clean. When he returned to the bed, Ichigo had either rolled to straddle one of Byakuya’s legs or had been pulled by the alpha to do so. Either way, he was greeted by the glistening view that was Ichigo’s ass which made him lick his lips and stalk toward the bed. He was able to get himself back under control by the time his knees met the side and carefully wiped up the mess on their skin. Grimmjow took the liberty of wiping Ichigo extra to clean him up because he knew the omega was still getting used to the sensation of his fluid caused by arousal.

With all three wiped up, Grimmjow crawled back onto the bed and draped himself over the part of Ichigo not already on top of Byakuya so that he wouldn’t crush the other alpha. “So, did we show you alright?”

Ichigo snickered into Byakuya’s chest before nodding and sighing, “I think you did alright.”

Byakuya was scratching lightly at Ichigo’s head, simply basking in the comfort, “I’m glad you think so. Let us know when you think you can stand again.”

“I don’t know if I remember how.” Ichigo wiggled his hips into Grimmjow to get more securely sandwiched between the two men.

With a groan, Grimmjow nosed at the back of Ichigo’s shoulder, “Be careful what you start then. I’m sure you will remember if you collect yourself again, but wiggling like that won’t help any of us.”

Ichigo chuckled and shifted again before forcing himself to flop back on top of Grimmjow and off of Byakuya’s chest. Looking down over his shoulder he grinned, “Then take me to the shower big scary alpha man.”

Byakuya rolled his eyes at their antics, but sat up to watch as Grimmjow shoved gently at Ichigo to get him to sit up too, “As you wish.” After some more shifting, Grimmjow scooped Ichigo up and did in fact take him to the bathroom where he carefully set him on his feet outside of the bathtub. “You good?”

Ichigo looked thoughtful as Grimmjow’s hands eased their grip, “I think so, but now I’m cold.”

Chuckling, Grimmjow reassured that he would take care of that in just a moment as he turned to turn the water on and heat up. Unbeknownst to him, Byakuya had walked up behind Ichigo and pressed into his back to help keep him a little warmer while the water was being prepared. “It truly is lucky that most of the rooms over here have baths like these. They are only outclassed in a situation like this by my personal bath. Perhaps once you are released you can experience it.”

“Your personal bath? You mean like on the Kuchiki Compound?” Ichigo turned to look up at the noble.

“Indeed.”

“Wouldn’t the three of us cause most of your clan to have heart attacks if we did?”

“I suppose that would indeed be possible…not that I’d mind. The ones that deserve to live would survive the shock just fine.” Byakuya nuzzled Ichigo’s nose.

Grimmjow threw his head back and cackled. “That coming from a stuffy noble like you really means something.” Turning from the shower he walked over to claim Byakuya’s lips again. “I’m glad you think so.”

“Me too.” Ichigo breathed out before stepping from their grasp and into the running water where he moaned loudly at the temperature.

“Are you trying to start another round?” Grimmjow turned around and with a hand on hip jutted his hip out with attitude.

“No, but this feels good.” Ichigo grinned at them. “Now, are you two going to make me wash myself or am I going to get some help?”

“I think it would be best if Grimmjow showered separately,” Byakuya stepped into the tub, “He’s clearly instigating something you aren’t ready for and seems warm enough. I will help you so that I, too, can warm up.” With a kiss to Ichigo’s shoulder, the noble pulled the curtain closed in Grimmjow’s face.

“Fine, I’ll make food. No funny business you two!” Grimmjow turned and left them alone with a content smile on his face. He stopped long enough to wrap a robe around himself before getting busy digging through the kitchen space.

By the time that Byakuya and Ichigo resurfaced, Grimmjow had food lying on the table ready for them. “I ate some already, I’m going to shower. Go ahead and eat.” With a kiss to each man’s cheek, Grimmjow went to wash up.

After eating the three of them sat around and chatted idly. In a lull, Ichigo looked between the two alphas.

“Stop thinking so hard.” Grimmjow raised an eyebrow at him.

“Well, you two seem to get along just as well and it makes me happy, even if it’s confusing.”

“We worked out quite a bit during our mission, don’t let it eat at ya so much.” Grimmjow sat back and spread his legs. “Remember, Renji complained about seeing us together this morning.”

Byakuya shook his head. “Must you really. Ichigo, what exactly are you confused about? I thought this was what you wanted.”

“It is. It’s just…too good.” Ichigo frowned at his hands.

“Too good?” Grimmjow repeated.

“Sometimes people are owed some good in their lives. I thought you had started accepting that.” Byakuya placed a hand on Ichigo’s knee.

“It’s hard to accept. Don’t get me wrong. I’m really happy right now…and tired.” He admitted sheepishly after a yawn cut him off.

“That we can fix. Let us hold you.” Byakuya stood and held a hand out to Ichigo.

“Yeah, that sounds good.” Ichigo took the offered hand and let himself be pulled to the bed where the dirtied blankets had been stripped and replaced by a spare from the closet. With a tired smile, Ichigo looked over his shoulder at Grimmjow, “Thanks for cleaning the bed.”

“I thought you might want to go to bed after eating and there was no way I was sleeping in that mess.” Grimmjow ruffled Ichigo’s hair.

Grumbling, Ichigo shoved his hand away and climbed into bed and snuggled up to Byakuya’s side to start soaking up as much warmth as possible right away. “Whatever, ‘m sleepy. Shut up’n give me your warmth.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 22:
Life is Not Linear: Part 1

Trigger Warning: Discussion of SelfHarm scarring and scratching them until they bleed. Discussion of desire for SelfHarm. Depression is rough.

If you don’t want to read about it, stop after the line “A couple of hours later, Grimmjow woke up…” The rest of the chapter is about bandaging and checking on him before he’s allowed outside again by Isane.

Grumbling, Ichigo shoved his hand away and climbed into bed and snuggled up to Byakuya’s side to start soaking up as much warmth as possible right away. “Whatever, ‘m sleepy. Shut up’n give me your warmth.”

The three men were woken up by the tickling flutters of a determined jigokucho. Grimmjow swatted the black butterfly away from his head and rolled over which made more space for Ichigo to curl up and bury his head into the warm cave he created. Byakuya sighed as the butterfly bounced off of his head from Grimmjow’s crude actions. Slowly the noble sat up and allowed the thing to land on his finger to report to him. As he listened to the request from Kyouraku-soutaicho he frowned at his bed mates.

Before he sent a response, Byakuya reached out to pet both men on the head, lightly scratching their scalps. “Very well. I’m sorry my sleepy loves. I must get up.” Leaning over Ichigo to better reach him, Byakuya tapped Grimmjow’s shoulder and demanded he make way for him. Once on his feet, Byakuya finally sent off a reply indicating he would head to the First immediately and hurried about getting dressed.

“Bya?” Ichigo called out in a small voice as the alpha stepped out of the bathroom.

Byakuya’s head snapped to the younger man and quickly made his way to the bed and took the reaching hand. “I’m still here, Ichigo. I do need to leave though. The Sou-tiacho summoned me this morning.” He gently placed a kiss to the back of Ichigo’s hand as he groaned his displeasure. “I will return to you as quickly as I can, no matter the topic of this meeting.”

Grimmjow wiggled around and wrapped himself more firmly around the omega and buried his face under Ichigo’s chin. “Let Bya go, you want more sleep like I do.”

Ichigo finally released his death grip on Byakuya’s hand, but didn’t immediately take his hand away.

“I will not leave you behind if that is your concern. You will however need to allow me to attend this meeting. I will return once it is completed, no matter what is being asked of me.”

“Sorry.” Ichigo mumbled.

“I will return to you as quickly as I am able. Until then, rest some more.” Byakuya kissed Ichigo’s forehead and to the back of Grimmjow’s head before pulling away and departing.

Grimmjow immediately fell back asleep with Ichigo tangled in his hold, but Ichigo couldn’t shake the feeling that something bad was lurking for him. As he tried to relax again, he started rubbing at his thigh. He barely noticed when his nail caught on a line that stretched over his skin. The catch in texture led to Ichigo digging his fingers in and scratching. Sleep finally found him as his fingers slid slickly across his skin.

A couple of hours later, Grimmjow woke up and answered the door as he rubbed his eyes. “What?”

“Captain Kotetsu informed me that you would likely be here, but I need to give Ichigo a check up…” Hanataro’s voice was level and calm as he spoke to Grimmjow, but his voice lowered as he took in the sleepy hollow’s appearance. “Grimmjow-san, why is there blood on your pants?”

Grimmjow looked down and gasped before running back to Ichigo, Hanataro hot on his trail. “Ichi.”

“Umhm.” Ichigo rolled over and pulled the blankets over his head and held tight, still mostly asleep.

“Ich.” Grimmjow tugged at the blankets. “Ichigo.” His gentle coaxing falling away for a commanding tone. “Ichigo, look at me.”

Slowly, Ichigo peeked out of the blankets.

“Can you pull the blankets down, please?” Grimmjow softened his voice after meeting the omega’s sad eyes.

Ichigo sat there for long moments before he finally shifted to sit up. Once upright, he threw the blankets off of himself and gasped. “Why is there blood?” Turning scared eyes up at the alpha, Ichigo noticed Hanataro behind him. With labored breath, Ichigo questioned Hanataro silently about the sight.

“This isn’t omega related, Ichigo.” Hanataro spoke gently as he stepped up to the bed.

Before the medic could continue, Grimmjow reached forward and pulled up the leg of Ichigo’s shorts. “Is this because Bya left this morning?”

Ichigo shook his head. “This is mine? I-I don’t know why I’m bleeding.” Ichigo moved his hand and noticed his fingertips. “Oh, I scratched myself.”

“Ichi?”

“I really don’t know Grimm.” Ichigo looked back up at the alpha with confusion.

Grimmjow frowned, but instead of saying anything he sat down and pulled Ichigo into his lap. “Alright, doc, patch’im up.”

Hanataro immediately started moving about to gather what he’d need to clean Ichigo’s leg up and bandage it. He was as gentle as he could be, but every time he tugged at a ragged edge of skin Ichigo would wince and he’d have to pause as Grimmjow pushed his leg back down. “Ichigo, I’m trying to be careful but this is taking longer than it needs to since you aren’t sitting still.”

Ichigo had his face buried in Grimmjow’s neck where his tears were sliding along both his cheeks and Grimmjow’s skin before they soaked into his shirt. “I’m trying.” He mumbled. He was scared, not of the pain, but by what the blood meant.

Grimmjow waved Hanataro off for a moment to shift how he had Ichigo held so that he could trap his legs behind his back to make it so that Hanataro could work on his leg at his hip. “I know you are, keep breathing for us. I’ve got you and remember that Bya said he’d be back after his meeting, so he should be back soon.”

In the new position Ichigo squeezed into Grimmjow like his life depended on it and Hanataro was able to complete his task. Choosing to keep the situation as calm as possible, he didn’t poke into what occurred at all. “All patched up. Can I do the rest of your normal check up?”

With a nod Ichigo turned his face out so Hanataro could see it.

“Thank you, Ichigo. After this, I will leave you to rest with Grimmjow.” Hanataro put a hand on Ichigo’s back for a second before he went about checking everything. “Make sure to drink several glasses of water today. I don’t want you getting any more dehydrated and I want you to make sure to eat twice today at least.”

As Ichigo nodded into Grimmjow’s shoulder, the alpha spoke, “Sure thing. I’ll make sure he eats and gets plenty to drink. Is there anything else that he needs?”

“I might bring him some medicine later, but that is still to be determined. The food and water is what he really needs.”

“Okay, all taken care of. Will do.” Grimmjow hugged Ichigo.

Hanataro gave Grimmjow a sad smile and nod before leaving them in silence. Ichigo had turned his head back into Grimmjow’s neck to cry silently. “Sorry. I don’t know what happened. I told you yesterday I didn’t do stuff like that anymore. I don’t know-”

“Ichigo. You’re okay. I’m not mad at you. I’m worried about you. You probably scratched in your sleep. You can’t be blamed for that.” Grimmjow shifted to lean against the wall, being careful not to bang Ichigo’s head against the hard surface in the process. Once he had them settled, he grabbed a blanket that had been bunched up and pulled it around them.

It was in that same position that Byakuya walked back into the room to see. “Is everything alright?”

“Yes. I’ll explain later. What was the meeting about, that was so important to call you away so early?”

“The situation that we’ve been tracking has shifted. The usual group will be coming to stay here for a while. His family and friends that have high enough spiritual pressure, the visored that remained behind, Urahara and crew as well.” Byakuya removed his shoes and made his way into the room.

Ichigo whimpered and clutched at Grimmjow’s shoulders harder.

“I really hope they weren’t planning on housing the runts and his old man in here with him.”

“No, but the idea had been posed to put him in the house they are going to use.”

“No, especially if his friends end up hanging around there.” Grimmjow nearly growled as he held Ichigo tighter. “Damnit. Ichi, I got to tell him now. Will you be okay with that?”

As he shook his head to indicate that he didn’t want it to happen, Ichigo muttered, “Fine.”

“Just remember to stay calm, okay?” Grimmjow said gently, not really clear to which of the other men he was directing his words to. “Come here Bya and have a seat.”

Byakuya moved to sit on the edge of the bed sideways and placed a hand on Ichigo’s back.

Slowly, Grimmjow spoke as he looked at Byakuya from under his lashes. “Everything is fine, but at some point when Ichi and I were sleeping, he scratched his leg.”

“It’s natural to scratch yourself when you’re asleep if something bothers you.” Byakuya did not understand what Grimmjow was trying to tell him.

“No, he scratched open a spot on his scars.” Grimmjow rolled his eyes while shifting to expose the side of Ichigo’s leg that was bandaged.

Seeing the movement, Byakuya leaned to the side to see what was happening before he was able to comprehend the words being said. The bandages and some of the blood stains became visible, just as Byakuya understood what Grimmjow just finished saying. Wide eyed, the noble looked up to meet Grimmjow’s eyes. He didn’t know what to say that wouldn’t upset Ichigo.

The extended silence after Grimmjow made clear what he was meaning had Ichigo whimpering into the alpha’s neck. The small sound made the arrancar glare at Byakuya.

“I’m not upset, Ichigo. I just don’t understand what happened.” Byakuya rubbed Ichigo’s back as he finally spoke. “Did it upset you that I had to leave?”

“I wasn’t happy you had to get up, but none of us were ready to get up. You said you had taken a couple of days off. I don’t know why I scratched that hard. I didn’t know I scratched my leg at all.” Ichigo was still buried in Grimmjow’s neck, his words soft and shaky.

“Okay.” Byakuya responded simply. “Is there something I can get you?”

Ichigo shook his head, but Grimmjow snorted. “Water. Doctor’s order.”

“Alright. Who came by this morning for his check in?”

“Hanataro. He’s the one that spotted the blood on my pants.” Grimmjow answered as he carded his fingers through Ichigo’s hair, reassuring the omega he wasn’t angry and that he was cared for.

Byakuya filled a pitcher with water and grabbed a few glasses for them before he returned to the bed. After situated himself next to the two men on the bed, Byakuya filled a glass and gently urged Ichigo to lift his head and sip at the water. He allowed the younger man to pull away from the glass after he finished half of it. “Your father and sisters will be here tomorrow. Kyouraku asked if you would be willing to see them. If you aren’t up to seeing everyone, would you be able to at least allow your father to visit?”

“I doubt I have any choice.” Ichigo grumbled.

“You have more sway in what happens than you allow yourself to see.” Byakuya gently chided.

“Yeah? Like I could go or stay when you had the mission to Hueco Mundo? Like I had a choice in being an omega or having depression? Like I had a choice in fighting in two wars that didn’t have to have anything to do with me?” Ichigo spit out with anger in response before his words started spilling from him before he had completely thought them through. When he realized what he said, he pulled away and crawled off of Grimmjow’s lap and made for the bathroom to get away from them.

Grimmjow looked like he just took a punch to the diaphragm at Ichigo’s words as he watched the omega run away. Byakuya looked surprised if you looked close enough at the width of his eyes, as he also just watched Ichigo escape from them. When the bathroom door closed in a surprisingly controlled manner, both alpha’s sighed.

As Ichigo slid down the door to sit on the floor he squeezed his head between his hands. He wished he had made his way past the table before hiding so he could have his notebook while he hid. He didn’t know what made him say those things to them when both Grimmjow and Byakuya had both been so caring for him. Ichigo regretted that he probably upset them or at the very least momentarily offended them before he was able to control his voice. With his thoughts racing, Ichigo could feel his breaths coming faster, but couldn’t get them to flow by his command. Quickly he gave up on controlling his breaths and focused entirely on his spiritual pressure so that neither man on the other side of the bathroom door could tell he wasn’t alright.

After he started focusing on his reiatsu instead of his breaths, Ichigo let his head fall back against the door carefully so he could rub at his thighs. This time he was aware of where his hands were and he was careful over the edges of the bandages. The more his panic built he dropped his eyes to watch his hands and it clicked. Ichigo remembered rubbing at his scars after Byakuya left. He still couldn’t determine why he had done it, but at this moment he wanted to scratch at the lines that were the reminder of moments he had complete control over what was happening to himself. He wanted to feel that control again and wouldn’t say no to feeling the sharp pain to cut through the gnawing feeling deep in his chest.

Ichigo’s breath stilled as he toyed with the edge of the bandage. He was so tempted to peel it off. He wanted to see the damage he had already done to himself. He wanted to reopen or irritate the already open wounds. He didn’t want to fall back into the habit of hurting himself. He wanted to be true to his words to Grimmjow and Byakuya the day before. He wanted to be done with it.

Byakuya was focused on his hands that he had clasped in his lap. He wanted to both give Ichigo time to process and work through his feelings, but also go and push his way into the little room to pull the lost man into his arms like Grimmjow had done earlier. His split need left him motionless and concerned. The noble wasn’t surprised by the questions that had been thrown at them before Ichigo left them, they had already discussed those issues during their meetings since he arrived in Soul Society. He was however concerned about the severity of his tone of words as he threw them at them.

Grimmjow had finally let his hands drop to his lap after Ichigo pulled away from him. His concern furrowed his brow, but he thought going after him would result in a similar situation as when they arrived back from Hueco Mundo and didn’t want to do that again. With a huff, Grimmjow moved to sit directly next to Byakuya and asked lowly, “What do we do?”

“We wait.” The noble laid his head on Grimmjow’s shoulder thinking about the jigokucho he was meant to send to Kyouraku about who could see Ichigo when they arrived. The two sat there in silence for long minutes before Byakuya held up his hand and summoned the black butterfly. “Isshin.” Was all he was able to get his voice to say before he could no longer keep his arm raised. When his hand fell, the butterfly flitted off in the direction of the First.

“Was that the right call?”

“It was the only one I could make.”

A knock had the two alpha’s looking to the door. Neither was sure they wanted to know who was on the other side with Ichigo locked away in the bathroom. The knock sounded again before a voice rang through the door. “I will let myself in.”

Byakuya allowed the other person in without a word.

“Be honest. Was this the first instance since he moved here?” Isane was holding herself with all the power and strength that was left to her.

“Yes.” It didn’t matter who said it. They were both thinking the same thing.

“Is it something he needs to be watched for now?”

Byakuya and Grimmjow shared a look before the arrancar shrugged.

“Well?”

“I do not believe so, however I know we will have our answer once he returns from the restroom.” Byakuya said quietly.

Isane grit her teeth. “Do I need to know?”

“He was upset and removed himself from the situation.” Grimmjow scratched his jaw. “But…He’s concerned about his autonomy.”

Byakuya’s brow twitched at the word choice from the usually simply spoken man. “Indeed.”

“You two.” Isane sighed.

“Oh, Captain Kotetsu.” Ichigo walked out of the bathroom and in his surprised tone greeted the captain with overt respect.

“Don’t start that with me.” She relaxed her shoulders. “Hanataro told me what happened this morning.”

Ichigo frowned. “I’m not a threat to myself.”

“I’m more worried about how you are feeling than that. I want to run a blood test to see if there is anything that we’ve missed lately. I will take your word on that for now though.”

“I had a chance to make it worse. I didn’t.” Ichigo belligerently insisted as he pulled up his shorts’ leg to show the untampered bandage.

Byakuya and Grimmjow both gave him a small smile. They were so proud of him.

“Thank you.” Isane said as she pulled out the equipment she needed for a blood draw from her sleeve. “Now, please, have a seat.”

Ichigo rolled his eyes, but complied. Byakuya was the closest so he reached for the noble man’s hand who willingly gave it.

“Your father did inform me that you weren’t a fan of blood draws. That is a bit surprising to see in action after how you’ve fought and trained. This is almost over.”

“Fighting is one thing.” Ichigo grouched.

“That it is, I suppose.” Isane chuckled.

“Don’t judge me and do your damned job.”

“Done.” Isane taped the gauze in place and packed away the items she brought. “Now, I see a half a glass of water. I’m sure that’s all you’ve had since Yamada-san was here so I want to see you finish that and another half before I leave you with these two and the order to not upset you.”

Ichigo didn’t say anything as he moved to do as requested. He made a show of downing the cup and drinking another entire cup with a glare. “Done. I want to sit outside. At least tell me I’m not grounded again.”

“You may go to sit under the tree by the training field. That is the furthest I want you from your quarters until after tomorrow.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 23:
Life is Not Linear: Part 2

“Done.” Isane taped the gauze in place and packed away the items she brought. “Now, I see a half a glass of water. I’m sure that’s all you’ve had since Yamada-san was here so I want to see you finish that and another half before I leave you with these two and the order to not upset you.”

Ichigo didn’t say anything as he moved to do as requested. He made a show of downing the cup and drinking another entire cup with a glare. “Done. I want to sit outside. At least tell me I’m not grounded again.”

“You may go to sit under the tree by the training field. That is the furthest I want you from your quarters until after tomorrow.”

After Isane had left the three men in Ichigo’s quarters again, Ichigo turned away from the door with a frown mumbling. “She thinks that’s not grounded, but here I am grounded again for something I didn’t do on purpose. I’m a grown ass man who just happens to be dealing with depression, but noooo…I can go to the training but no further, that’s being grounded.” While mumbling, Ichigo made his way to Byakuya where he quickly pecked his cheek before ducking into the bathroom again where he turned on the shower.

Byakuya cleaned up the space a bit while Grimmjow got dressed while carefully staying out of Ichigo’s way. Once the omega was dressed, Byakuya carefully asked him again, “Would you be willing to see your father when he arrives?”

With a dejected sigh, Ichigo answered as simply as he could. “He can come see me. No one else. No promises I talk to him though.”

“That is acceptable. I’m sure he would be happy with just the opportunity regardless of how much you speak to him.”

“Mn.” Ichigo nodded before leaving his quarters without another word. He needed to be in the open, even if he didn’t want to interact with anyone at the moment.

Silently his ever present Alphas followed him along his path, determined to be there for him even if he didn’t speak to them. They sat on either side of Ichigo under the tree as they watched the unseated members of the Fourth for a while.

When Ichigo began fidgeting, Grimmjow decided to go and get the three of them some food and silently left them with a gentle pat to Ichigo’s shoulder. When he returned laden with food, Ichigo finally broke the silence among them.

“I’m sorry about my anger, earlier. It was uncalled for. I’m just scared. I’m scared I’m getting worse again even though everyone keeps saying I’m so much better. I don’t want to get worse and fall into old habits. I am…afraid of not knowing what is going on inside my own head.” Ichigo didn’t meet either of their eyes as he spoke, only looking down at his lap where his hands were clasped and twisting with unease.

“There is nothing for you to apologize for. You didn’t do anything wrong.” Byakuya’s voice was gentle as he placed a hand on Ichigo’s knee. “I did not take it personally and you should remember as you heal, the process is not linear. It is alright to be hesitant, but do not forget you are not alone.”

Grimmjow placed food in front of them to share as he nodded along to the noble’s words. “I was just scared of what you would do when you pulled away from me this morning, but I will do whatever I can for you and whatever you will let me do for you.” Once the food was out, Grimm retook his seat and bumped Ichigo’s shoulder. “I care a lot for you and will remind you every day that you didn’t do anything wrong by taking a few minutes to think alone or by sharing what was on your mind. Now, eat. It will help you feel better.”

The three of them only returned to Ichigo’s quarters after he fell asleep leaning against Byakuya’s shoulder. When Grimmjow and Byakuya both noticed he had relaxed into the older man, they gathered up their dishes and Ichigo in their arms before making their way to his room to allow the younger man to rest comfortably. They had been stopped by a few of the more bold members of the Fourth to verify that Ichigo was alright along the way, but after the third person stopped them, Grimmjow started to growl and would snarl at anyone who dared to step in front of them. Byakuya managed to keep the situation calm by apologizing to the individuals and would assert that Ichigo was “...quite alright and had simply fallen asleep while sitting outside.”

Safely locked away in Ichigo’s quarters again, Grimmjow was finally able to lower his hackles once more as he went about cleaning their dishes and putting everything away that he had used for their picnic. Once Byakuya was certain that Grimmjow had completed his task he requested the other man sit with him. After Grimmjow sat next to Byakuya on the couch, the noble pulled him into his chest and held him tight in his arms. Grimmjow tensed for a moment at the unexpected contact, but melted into his arms and rested his cheek on his chest with a sigh.

Isane decided after giving the three men a couple of hours alone that she would stop by and confront Grimmjow about his behavior towards her people. She didn’t want to have to wait for a response or risk being sent away so she let herself in and paused in awe at the sight that greeted her. She knew that they were willing to set aside their differences for Ichigo, but she had not expected to see the two Alphas showing any amount of actual care for each other. The gentle captain had to mentally shake herself as she snapped her jaw shut.

“Please, do not aggravate him.” Byakuya quietly asked, when he looked toward her.

With a small nod she requested, “Do not let him bully my people if you do not wish to have a problem with me.”

“I do my best, however they were impeding our ability to bring Ichigo to rest on his bed.” Byakuya countered.

“If that is so, I will have a word with them. The needs of those in our care are more important than halting the move of our charges.”

“The fresh air agreed with him and had allowed him enough relaxation that he had fallen asleep. We were simply trying to get him here so he could be more comfortable. They kept stopping us trying to ask after him rather than allowing what was needed for him.”

“Very well, I will have a word with them.” Isane bowed and turned to leave, but paused and looked over her shoulder, “His father and sisters will be arriving tonight. It sounded like Kyouraku already had a house set up for them.”

“Ichigo isn’t ready to see his sisters or anyone else right now.”

“I will make sure he isn’t disturbed by any unwelcome guests.” Isane left without further ado.

Grimmjow let out a huff as he shifted in Byakuya’s hold, but didn’t open his eyes.

“I do hope I didn’t wake you.”

“Nah, it was just a cat nap. I would have woken up anyway.”

“Hm.” Byakuya carded his fingers through the arrancar’s hair and simply held him.

“Is Ichi up yet?”

“No.”

“He needs to eat again.” Grimmjow’s stomach growled loudly as he finished speaking. “I guess I do too.”

“Shall we go out or should I have my people bring us some food?”

“I don’t know, let’s ask Ichi.”

“Mm? Ask me, wha?” Ichigo mumbled before letting out a big yawn.

“Didn’t wake ya, did I?” Grimm asked, finally opening his eyes and sitting up again.

“No.”

“Would you like to eat out or should I have my people bring us some food?” Byakuya asked straight.

“Bring, but how?”

“They can deliver it to the front and someone can bring it to us from there.”

“Okay.”

As the three of them were eating at the Fourth, Isshin and the girls had arrived at the First and were speaking with Kyoraku and Kotetsu.

“The house is ready, but Ichigo will not be meeting you there tonight.” Kyoraku admitted.

“What? I thought Ichi-ni was going to live with us.” Yuzu whined.

“Now, Yuzu, I said it was possible if everyone agreed. I didn’t promise he would. He has been here for a while setting up his own life.” Isshin held his kind daughter against his side.

“It sucks, but he may still need help and hanging around us probably won’t help. Look at what good it did before he came here.” Karin’s words were not meant harshly, as she grabbed her sister’s hand.

“Isshin, you may see him after you help the girls and everyone else settle in. More should be arriving tonight and the rest will likely get here in the morning.” Shunsui gave them a dark smile.

“You won’t even let me see him tonight?” Ichigo’s father turned to the healer.

“It wouldn’t do you any good. He’s been resting most of the day and was asleep when I checked in on him not long ago.” Isane met his eyes. “You may see him after everyone else gets here.”

“Very well.” Isshin grumbled before taking the papers from Kyoraku about where they will reside while staying in Soul Society. On the way out of the office they ran into Urahara who indicated that Tessai and kids were outside waiting. “You will be in the house next to us. If you don’t want to deal with them you can just tag along with us.”

“Mah, why don’t you three take my three with you. I will see you shortly.”

Isshin nodded, “Don’t get yourself kicked out while we are trying to get this weirdness settled.”

“I won’t, I just want to check in on things.”

“Come on girls.” Isshin led them outside where they met up with Tessai and the kids before making their way to a row of empty houses among the upper divisions and went their separate ways after Isshin indicated which building belonged to which group. The group went about placing the things they brought with them and searched out food before settling in for the night, much like Ichigo and the two alphas did.

By breakfast, Ryuken and the rest of the kids from the world of the living arrived. Some looking more confused than others, but Sado, Orihime, and Uryu were looking concerned when they stepped up to Isshin when he arrived at Urahara’s temporary lodging.

“I will see him today. Is this everyone?” Isshin waited for Sado to nod before he continued. “I’m sorry everyone had to uproot to come here on such short notice, but it sounds like it will be the safest for them and you three. Hopefully we can all go home soon.”

“I don’t care about that. You didn’t see him last night?” Uryu cut in.

“No, he was resting and Isane didn’t want me to disturb him. If you all found where you are staying, I can go and see him by lunch.”

“We have. That’s why this room isn’t covered in bags.” Tatsuke stood. “So, go. We’re more worried about him than the hollow situation.”

Isshin nodded before leaving them all to chat.

Upon his arrival to the Fourth Isane sighed as she waved him through.

“He is finishing up his breakfast now.” Byakuya said by way of greeting as he opened the door for Ichigo’s father.

“I’m glad to hear he’s eating.”

“Of course he is! What do you take us for?” Grimmjow complained.

“Shut up.” Ichigo backhanded Grimmjow’s chest. “Everyone safe?” Ichigo looked at his dad from the corner of his eye as he took another bite of his food.

“Yes, even that stick in the mud Ryuken.” Isshin chuckled. “So, I’ve heard you’ve been feeling better.”

“Yeah and more, I’m sure.”

Grimmjow winced as he started clearing the table of the empty dishes. Byakuya simply shook his head as he retook his seat.

“Did you enjoy getting out on that mission?”

“Don’t know how anyone can enjoy a mission.” Ichigo was still refusing to look at his father.

“Ichigo, I know about the self harm. You don’t need to evade me.”

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

“So? I had a step back and nothing was intentional.”

“I’m just worried. You never indicated you had been doing that when you finally came to me, back home.” Isshin rubbed a hand down his face. “Why did you keep that from me?”

Ichigo dropped his spoon and crossed his arms as he leaned back in his chair.

Byakuya pulled Ichigo into his lap as Grimmjow pushed his plate over so that the noble could entice him to continue eating if possible.

“He didn’t do anything wrong.” Grimmjow glared at Isshin.

“Of course not! I’m just concerned. I might have been able to do more for you if you had told me.”

Ichigo shook his head as Byakuya scooped a bite onto his spoon, but didn’t try to feed him, simply sat the spoon down to allow for him to eat if he would. Ichigo eyed the food before clenching his jaw and leaning into bury his face in Byakuya’s neck.

Isshin didn’t speak for a while. Slowly his frown eased as he became more curious about his son’s situation. He had been kept updated about his health and that he had gone on a mission with these two, but Isshin had no idea what the relationship was between both alphas and his son. He had assumed that Grimmjow had been with him when the girls and he had visited before, but now here Ichigo was being held by Byakuya.

Eventually he asked, “Isn’t Ichigo in a relationship with Grimmjow?”

Grimmjow snorted as he smirked at the older shinigami. “Yes.”

“Then, why is Kuchiki holding him and why is he hiding in his neck?”

“Because we are also in a relationship.”

Isshin clenched his jaw. “You two aren’t using him are you? He can’t deal with that. He isn’t in any state to deal with being used like a toy.”

Ichigo growled into Byakuya’s neck, but didn’t sit up.

“You have no idea what you’re talking about!” Grimmjow slammed the table with his hand. “You have no right accusing us of using him. We’ve protected him and supported him more than you have recently.”

“Grimmjow.” Byakuya quietly scolded without taking his eyes off of Isshin.

Isshin winced. “You’re right. I should be going.” He didn’t wait for anything, just got up and left without another look or word.

Grimmjow followed Isshin and locked the door before returning, pulling Ichigo’s abandoned chair closer, to the two men still sitting at the table together. After sitting down, Grimmjow gently sat there rubbing Ichigo’s back. Not knowing what to say to the omega after that disastrous visit with his sire.

Byakuya gave the other alpha a sad smile as he held onto Ichigo’s trembling body. He was just as lost as Grimmjow.

“Talking like that and he wondered why I didn’t go to him earlier.” Ichigo huffed after speaking for the first time in an hour.

“Just try to remember, while you may not agree with his form of caring for you he does.” Byakuya gently chided before nuzzling Ichigo’s hair.

“Grr. I know.” Ichigo sat up. “I want to stand up.”

Byakuya gave him a small smile and a nod as he helped the younger man stand up and find his balance before removing his hands.

Once up and free to move around, Ichigo walked into the bathroom and closed the door. Byakuya and Grimmjow shared a frown before they heard signs of Ichigo actively using the amenities and they relaxed while they waited for him to come back. After returning he climbed onto his bed and held out both hands.

Grimmjow flew onto the bed and pulled Ichigo into his lap while Byakuya smiled as he watched his overenthusiasm as he made his way over to the bed and climbed on next to them.

“How are you feeling after your father’s visit?” Byakuya asked as he wrapped an arm around Grimmjow’s shoulders to hold both of the other men closer to himself.

“Disappointed…no, tired. I can’t be disappointed if that was kind of how I expected things to go, although for a different topic than expected.” Ichigo pressed back into Grimmjow further. “Sometimes it feels like he’s still treating me like a little kid even though he let me go off and fight in two wars.”

“Even if you felt like you predicted the meeting going as such does not negate your right to feel disappointed. Nor does it mean your initial reading of your emotions in response to the meeting, incorrect.” Byakuya placed a kiss on Ichigo’s temple.

“Fine, I’m disappointed he didn’t want or seem to try to hear us out about us or about…” Ichigo cut himself off before finishing his thought. “I want to go for a walk.”

“Okay.” Grimmjow released his hold and carefully helped Ichigo by pushing him to the edge of the bed.

Ichigo went over to the closet and dug out a large over-shirt for comfort even though he could just head out dressed the way he was. “Okay, Isane said I can go as far as the tree. She didn’t say that I couldn’t go that distance in any other directions.”

“Let’s go.” Grimmjow was grinning as he opened the door for Ichigo and Byakuya.

Grabbing his hand, Ichigo pulled Byakuya with him out and started heading to the front of the division to start their walk.

The three of them had walked the diameter of the circle they could by using the distance given to them by Isane multiple times when they bumped into Hanataro.

“Hey!” Ichigo called out to Hanataro to get his attention. “Can you walk with us, please?”

“Sure, why?”

“If you’re with me she can’t get mad at them.” Ichigo grinned as he thrust his thumb over his shoulder at Byakuya and Grimmjow.

“Um, I’m not going against my Captain, Ichi. If Captain-Kotetsu gave you a distance, I’m not helping you go beyond that.”

“Fine.” Ichigo rolled his eyes and walked off. Grimmjow was about to say something when he realized that Ichigo was leaving the Division anyway. Byakuya frowned slightly, but didn’t stop the omega. He was glad that the three of them had put patches on this morning since it looked like Ichigo’s emotions were running high and was leading them into a busy market area outside the upper divisions.

As they were walking around Ichigo’s eyes weren’t on the things for sale like Grimmjow’s were, but were more on the people and especially the gender markers. It became obvious the longer that Byakuya watched that Ichigo was looking for patches or bites on people and his eyes would linger longer on jewelry as well, but his focus was solely on their necks.

After a while Grimmjow had pulled Ichigo over to a stall and was getting food for them when Ichigo gasped and a hand went to his stomach. Grimmjow had been too busy with the merchant to catch the quiet noise, but Byakuya did and saw his hand move.

“Ichi?”

“I’m fine, promise. I just…My stomach just clenched. I’m fine. Probably need a drink is all.” Ichigo gave his best smile to the concerned alphas.

“Let’s have a seat while we eat then.” Grimmjow pulled him over to a bench.

When Ichigo sat down he tugged his over-shirt off harshly before taking his food and digging in. At this point both alphas were watching in concern how Ichigo was behaving, but they didn’t understand the sudden shift in severity of movements. They left him to eat in peace while they ate their own food.

“Is it hotter today than usual?” Ichigo asked as he finished his water and happily took Grimmjow’s offered cup.

“No, we should get you back and have Isane or Hanataro look you over.” Grimmjow furrowed his brows as he looked over the omega.

“This could be concerning.” Byakuya nodded mostly to himself as he thought about what could be happening. “We shouldn’t dally any further. You need to get back to your quarters.”

As they were walking through the hall to Ichigo’s quarters an angry Isane stepped into their path until she looked them over and stepped to the side and followed silently. When they entered Ichigo’s quarters he took off to the bathroom where he jumped, fully clothed into a cold shower. Leaving a confused Isane with concerned alphas.

“What’s going on?” She asked, getting straight to business.

“To be honest, we aren’t sure.” Grimmjow started.

Byakuya quickly continued, “But he did ask us if it was hotter today.”

“Anything else noteworthy?”

“Don’t let his sire anywhere near him until he asks for him.” Grimmjow shrugged.

With a frustrated sigh, Byakuya explained, “Isshin was not exactly tactful earlier today when he came to see how Ichigo was doing and it upset him.”

“Was he extra clingy after that interaction?”

Grimmjow shrugged as he and Byakuya shared a look before Byakuya turned back to the other captain. “Not particularly more than usual.”

“Well, he did bury himself into you for an hour before talking again after he left. Usually it doesn’t take that long before he speaks again.” Grimmjow scratched his jaw.

“I suppose that is accurate.”

“Did he seem to be breathing in your scent or trying to, more than usual?”

“Come to think of it…It did seem as though he was taking deeper, slower breaths than usual. I hadn’t thought anything of it. I just believed he was trying to control his emotions.”

Isane frowned as she considered the information the alphas were able to give her, but her head snapped up as they heard a thud come from the bathroom.

“Ichi?” Grimmjow knocked on the door.

When Grimmjow didn’t receive an answer, Byakuya knocked and called out, “Ichigo!”

“Gmm. I’m, uuh, I’m fine. Just slipped. Not hurt.” Ichigo finally responded.

“Ichigo, may I come in?” Isane stepped up to the door, both men glared down at her between them.

“Yeah, I’ve got pants on.”

Isane stepped into the bathroom and left the door open enough for the men to see what she was doing. “I would like to take your temperature.”

“It will be off. I’ve been in a cold shower.” Ichigo answered through chattering teeth.

“If my hunch is correct, that won’t matter.” Isane’s voice was soothing.

Ichigo winced as Isane was taking his temperature, “What’s wrong?”

“Um, cramp, I think.”

“This the first one?”

“No, it happened earlier too.”

“How many times?”

“Just a couple.”

“Does your skin feel more sensitive?”

“Kind of.”

“Is that so? In what way?”

“Like, when Grimm touched my arm earlier, it sent a shiver down my spine.”

Nodding, Isane turned around, “Right, gentlemen, out.”

Ichigo whimpered before swallowing thickly. “Don’t tell me…”

“Sorry, Ichigo.” Isane leveled him an apologetic smile, “They can’t be around you for the next few days.”

“You’re kidding.”

“We are not leaving him!” Grimmjow growled.

Ichigo peeked out around Isane and gave the alpha a bashful smile. “Grimm, think about what she just said.”

“Yeah? So?”

“Ah.” Byakuya said as he blinked, finally putting all of the pieces together. “Grimmjow, he’s going into heat.”

Ichigo blushed hard at Byakuya’s words and ducked his head.

Grimmjow’s next words froze in his throat. “Ah.”

“Gentlemen, out.” Isane stood firm as she pointed to the door with a glare.

Once they finally stepped out of the room, Ichigo groaned.

“Do you still have the supplies from your arrival?”

“Yeah. Do you need Hanataro to come and check on you?”

“No, but I don’t want to be alone.”

“I’m sorry, but not yet.” Isane cupped his cheek. “Please, remember to drink plenty of water and I will have Hanataro check on you tomorrow.”

“Okay.”