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Chapter 10

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Waking the next morning, I pulled Ichigo closer to me, loving the feel of having him safely ensconced next to me. He looked so peaceful, so young. I knew at that moment I would never again willingly let him go. Only death would be able to separate us and not for very long. If he died, I would soon follow. Without him, I have no will to survive.

But now wasn't the time for such morbid thoughts. Today was about celebrating our reunion. Three and a half months apart. Far too long to exist without his touch. Softly, I traced his entrancing features, lingering on the silken lips, slightly parted as he slumbered.

He stirred, one eye opening. "Morning, Byakuya," he breathed, his lithe body unwinding from mine, his back arching as he stretched.

"It's a very good morning. It's been too long since I woke up with you beside me." Tenderly, I kissed him, deliberately keeping it chaste. His father's house was not the place to initiate intimacy; especially considering Isshin's tendency to enter without knocking or waiting for permission. Also, there were Ichigo's younger sisters to consider. I did not want to shock Yuzu or Karin before Ichigo and I talked with them openly about the nature of our relationship.

Slipping out of the bed, he turned towards me. "I'm going to take a quick shower." His eyes glowed, a hint of lust shining in their chocolate depths. "I wish you could join me, but…"his voice trailed off, a silent reminder that we were not alone.

I stood. "I understand." Embracing him, luxuriating in the feel of his boxer clad body against me; I closed my eyes and placed several quick kisses along the juncture of his neck and shoulder. "Go," I ordered, "before I decide to ignore the presence of your family downstairs."

Remembering my promise from the night before, I reluctantly slipped into the revealing garments that Kisuke had dressed me in. I laid out another, more appropriate, outfit to change into after Ichigo has seen me. I vowed to use Senbonzakura to shred the wretched garments before returning to Seireitei.

It wasn't long before Ichigo returned to his room, his eyes widening as he caught sight of my barely clothed body. Hot color washed over my exposed skin as his eyes roved slowly up and down, a wide grin on his face. "Wow…Kisuke really outdid himself. Remind me to thank him."

My blush increased. "Ichigo," I growled warningly. "Surely you don't approve of this outfit."

"Well, not for you to wear in public, but for me…I like it. You are going to keep it, right?"

Was he serious? "No. As soon I change into something appropriate, I intend to shred it, with Senbonzakura's help."

He dropped his towel, wrapping his naked form against me. "Onegai, Bya…keep it; if only to remember the extremes you were willing to go through to find me." That soft plea accompanied by a deep, loving kiss was more than enough to get me to agree to his suggestion.

I sighed. "Fine, koi." I was vaguely amused at how easily he was able to manipulate me. "You better get dressed before your dad comes up here. He has a bad habit of barging in unannounced."

We both hurried to get dressed; I slipped into a pale green silk shirt and black dress slacks, while Ichigo pulled on a pair of faded jeans and a torso hugging crimson t-shirt.

I followed him down the stairs, staying back as he entered the kitchen. The shrieks of joy, the sounds of an exuberant family reunion, reached my ears. I ventured into the living room, giving him precious time with his sisters. It wasn't many minutes later before Ichigo came searching for me.

"Bya? What are you doing here? You are part of this family now." He extended his hand, pulling me to my feet. "Come on. I'm not ashamed of our relationship. Are you? We need to tell my sisters about us." His eyes, darkened with concern and a hint of fear, focused on mine.

"Never," I vowed. "I love you more now than I did before. You are my soulmate; you complete me. How could I possibly be ashamed of that?" I placed a gentle, lingering kiss on his lips. "Let's go talk to Karin and Yuzu. I'm sure they are immensely curious about why I was so insistent on finding you."

I let Ichigo explain to his sisters; Yuzu hugged me and instantly began calling me Bya-ni. Karin smiled and accepted our relationship, but I sensed that she was troubled by it. More sensitive than her twin, she understood that Ichigo would be returning to Seireitei and it would most likely be quite a while before he returned to the human realm.

I hastened to ease her trepidations. "Karin, I promise to take care of him; nothing will happen to Ichigo if it within my power to prevent it. I love him and I will lay my very existence on the line for him." I stared intently into her trouble eyes. "Do you believe me?" I queried softly.

Her eyes studied mine, delving deep to see the truth. I waited patiently, hiding nothing, laying my soul bare for her to see the love I have for her brother. Her arms abruptly encircled my neck. "Take care of him, Byakuya. Even though he is a shinigami, he's still my nii-sama."

Nii-sama. That reminded me of Rukia. Where was she?

"Karin, where is Rukia? I need to let her know that Ichigo has returned."

The dark haired girl merely shrugged. "I don't know. She wasn't here when I woke up. Maybe she went to that shop where that strange man lives. She goes there every day."

Strange man. She must be talking about Kisuke. It seems that I won't be the one to tell her; Kisuke, undoubtedly, is aware of Ichigo's return to his home.

"Ichigo. I'm going to Kisuke's; stay here with your sisters. I'll be back soon. I need to arrange our return to Soul Society." I grazed his lips briefly, just a tantalizing touch that I believed appropriate for his sisters to witness.

The walk didn't take very long; I was eager to finalize the passage back home. It turned out that Karin's intuition was correct—Rukia was there.

I greeted her warmly, unable to repress the smile lurking around the corners of my mouth. "Rukia," I began.

She cut me off. "You don't have to say it; it's obvious that Ichigo has returned. Why else would you have that blissful expression on your face?"

"So the errant lover has returned. I assume you want to open the gate today?" Kisuke, ever observant, ever eager to assist the shinigami, expressed his curiosity about my plans.

"Yes. Ichigo and I are ready to return. Right now, he's visiting with his sisters; we explained our relationship, they seemed to accept it." I faced the former taicho. "So, how soon can you open the gateway?"

He stopped and considered the matter seriously. "First, I have to send a message requesting permission to open the gate; then I have to wait for a response…it shouldn't take more than three or fours hours, depending on the traffic. I suppose I can do it quicker if you need me to."

I shook my head. "That won't be necessary. Ichigo and I will be here in three hours. If we have to wait a while longer, that will be fine." I laughed lightly. "After all, I've waited for three and a half months; I suppose I can wait a few more hours to have my koibito back home with me."

Rukia pulled me aside. "Nii-sama, have you told Ichigo about Renji and the reasons we spread the rumors and caused all the trouble?" Her eyes were large and filled with fear and regret.

I responded negatively. "No, Rukia. Ichigo and I have not discussed any of the specifics regarding his exile. All I explained was that there were extenuating circumstances and the Commander reversed his decisions." She received my patented Kuchiki glare. "I will fill in the details before we return."

"Kisuke, please proceed. Ichigo and I will be here at noon." I took my leave, hurrying back to the Kurosaki house.

Isshin had joined his children; the four of them were chatting, enjoying the time they had. I almost regretted having to end their reunion—almost. But I was anxious to return to Seireitei. I was tired of the noxious fumes that permeated the air, the chemical taste of the water. But my innate honesty forces me to admit that my desire to have Ichigo to myself is the truest reason.

I cannot wait to get him back home; we have lost so much precious time, I didn't want to waste one more second before continuing the life we had begun to create together. I offered up a silent arigato to Shuuhei for having the courage to confide in me, even though it could have had very negative ramifications for him.

Abarai is a very fortunate man, I mused. I prayed that he and Hisagi will be blessed with a very long, happy life together. If not, I wish that whatever time is granted to them, they will not squander it in foolish, senseless arguments.

Lost in thought, I was unaware that I had become the center of the Kurosaki clan's attention. "Bya?" Ichigo spoke, rising and wrapping his hand around mine, pulling me into the room to sit beside him. "Is something wrong?"

I smiled. "No. Everything is perfect. Kisuke is arranging for our return to Soul Society. He says the gate should be open and operational in three hours." I tightened my grip on him. "We'll be home soon, Ichigo."

I didn't miss the stricken look that crossed Karin's face, the tears that filled Yuzu's eyes, or the sadness that emanated from Isshin. A deep sense of guilt coursed through me, yet I could do nothing to ease their emotional distress. I prayed that none of them would do or say anything in an effort to keep him with them.

Ichigo's eyes widened, shining with happiness and anticipation. "Home. We are going home." He released my hand and embraced me tightly, his lips touching mine briefly. "I didn't think that this would ever happen, Byakuya. Please tell me that I'm not dreaming!"

I laughed at the joy radiating from him. "It's no dream, koi." I returned his kiss gently, aware of the intense scrutiny given us by his family. I couldn't fault their feelings, but I would be damned before I'd allow other people to manipulate out lives…again.

Yuzu wiped the tears from her face, stood, and embraced us tightly. "Bya-ni, arigato. I'm so glad that Ichi-ni fell in love with someone like you. It's so obvious that you love him as much as he does you; I don't have to worry about him as long as I know you are there to protect him."

I hugged 'my little sister'. "Yuzu, I can't say that he will never be in danger, but I promise to protect him to the best of my ability." I held her at arm's length so she could clearly see the truth, the determination, in my statement.

Her eyes bore into mine; a silent communication occurring between us. I was deeply touched by her faith, her trust. I made a vow that I would do whatever is necessary to ensure that she never regret supporting mine and Ichigo's relationship.

Isshin rose to his feet. "Ichigo, Byakuya…We," he indicated the Kurosaki twins, "would like to accompany you to the gate." His eyes were intense. "Being a shinigami is very dangerous; who knows when or if all of us will be together again."

"Dad…" my koibito spoke up. "Thank you…for everything. For always being there for me, for watching over me, for allowing me to make my own decisions, and supporting my choices, even if you disagreed with them." He stopped, gathering his thoughts. "I don't want you there at the gate. I'd rather say goodbye here, at home. This is where I want to spend the last of our time together, surrounded by familiar possessions and priceless memories."

At exactly 11:45, Ichigo and I embraced his family one final time, before exiting and heading swiftly towards Kisuke's shop anticipating our return home. We arrived with several minutes to spare; surprised to see Yoruichi waiting for us.

"I had some business to discuss with Kisuke; he mentioned that you were returning to Seireitei, so I decided to stick around and see you before you left." She paused, studying Ichigo intently. "Are you sure this is what you want? You don't have to do this, you know."

"I know. But I want to. Byakuya lives in Seireitei and I want to be wherever he is. I belong with him; without him, I am only half alive." Those words echoed in my mind, eerily similar to a statement I had made regarding my feelings for him.

The former taicho interrupted us. "It's time," he stated simply. Eagerly, we clasped hands and joined Rukia at the gateway.

On the other side, we were greeted by all the remaining taichos and fukutaichos, including Yamamoto. He stepped forward. "Welcome back, Kurosaki Fukutaicho. I deeply regret the unfair judgment I passed on you. The fact that you have returned is proof that you are willing to put that unfortunate incident behind you and move forward with your life."

Ichigo faced the Commander proudly. "There is one thing I must do before I can consider it closed." Releasing my hand, he whirled around, his fist clenching. I realized his intention a split second before his fist made contact with Renji, hitting him squarely in the center of his face. "Now I'm satisfied."

Renji was stunned; blood dripping from his nose and his mouth. A wry smile twisted his rapidly swelling lips. "I deserved that, Ichigo. I'm glad to have you back; I'm sorry for everything."

"It's in the past, Renji. Byakuya and I are together again….that's all that matters to me." He smirked, seeing Shuuhei wrap his arm protectively around the strong shoulders of my fukutaicho. "It seems that you have found someone who cares a great deal for you, Renji. I hope that the two of you are as happy as we are."

I cleared my throat. "We're both pleased that everyone took the time to welcome us back, but Ichigo and I would like to continue on to the Kuchiki estate and spend some quality time together…alone." I didn't miss the speculative searching glances directed at us, but I was too busy anticipating our rendezvous at the healing crystal pool.

We shunpoed home; I let Ichigo take control, leading us back to the crystal pool. He kissed me deeply, his tongue lightly tracing my lips before delving inside, stroking, teasing my tongue with his.

"I love you," I breathed, my lips brushing against his with each word.

He smiled enigmatically, stepping away from me. I watched as he slowly, deliberately removed his clothing, his eyes never leaving mine. Enthralled, I watched, my eyes widening as he stood boldly before me.

Ichigo was so beautiful. Proud, strong, determined. His sculpted body glowing in the flickering starlight, his eyes warm, shining with the love he proclaimed to have for me. I closed my eyes, thankful for the gift of having him for my soulmate.

I trembled as he disrobed me, tossing my clothing aside. I wrapped my arms around his muscled shoulders, my lips tracing over the deep scars inflicted by Abarai, Zaraki, and myself. They were not disfiguring; they were a testimony to his strength, his courage, his commitment to never surrendering. I stood in awe of him. "You are amazing, Ichigo." Catching his lips with mine, I kissed him deeply, his tongue stealthily slipping around mine to enter and explore the depths of my mouth.

Breaking the kiss, we wordlessly expressed our mutual love and need for each other. Sliding down to the ground, the soft grass cushioning our bodies, we touched and tasted every inch exposed skin…save our straining erections.

"May I?" he whispered, his lips hovering above the weeping head of my over-sensitized flesh.

I shifted up slightly, gasping as his tongue gingerly, lightly contacted the tip, tasting me. More…I wanted more. I wanted him to take my throbbing length into his mouth, I wanted… I don't know what I wanted…I just know that I was aching for release. And it seems as if my lover was in the mood to play.

He teased me, lightly flicking his tongue over the dripping slit, trailing the warm muscle down the erect shaft, nipping at my flesh gently, touching, teasing, incredibly arousing me further. As his mouth lips closed over the head, and he took my length deeper in his mouth, my composure shattered. I screamed, the intense pleasure overwhelming me. My reiatsu flared, flashing uncontrollably through Seireitei, no doubt sending a wave of panic throughout the lesser shinigami.

I locked my fingers in the silky orange spikes, pulling him up, my lips hungering for his. His strong body slid up mine, the gentle friction sending tremors through my incredibly sensitive skin. He kissed me harshly, his warm tongue penetrating deep into my eager mouth; I tasted myself on his lips, in his mouth.

"Ichigo," I moaned. "Please…don't tease me anymore; I can't bear it." I bucked my hips, our arousals rubbing against each other. Kami...I was desperate for him; I needed to feel his hardness inside of me.

"Byakuya," he whispered, his breath brushing across my face. "I don't have any lube, and I'm not going to take you dry."

I was desperate for him and I didn't want to wait until we got home. I wanted him NOW!! Releasing my grip on him, I rolled, pinning him beneath me. I licked my way down his toned chest, teasing his nipples before tasting the taut flesh of his abdomen. I paused, my mouth mere millimeters from his weeping, straining arousal. I raised my eyes, locking onto his, smiling at the lust glowing in his darkened orbs. I licked a path down the underside of his erection, trailing the tip of my tongue lightly along the satiny texture. Moving back to the tip, I dipped into the slit, catching the drops of pre-cum.

He moaned, pulling my hair, forcing my head back. Sitting up, he captured my lips, his tongue plunging in, battling furiously with mine. Breaking the mind-shattering kiss, he erotically sucked on his fingers before moving them down to tease my entrance.

I closed my eyes as he proceeded to stretch me, his fingers randomly brushing against my prostate, increasing my pleasure and my need for him. Unable to wait any longer, I once again forced him backwards, my mouth swallowing his sensitive throbbing length. I sucked lightly, coating the tasty flesh liberally with my saliva.

Straddling his lean hips, I eased myself down on him, gasping at the fullness, the heat of him filling my tight passage. Once he was fully seated within me, I stopped, giving my body time to adjust. Placing my hands against his chest, I slowly lifted my hips, sliding up the sensitive staff before swiftly dropping down, gasping at the incredible sensation.

His hands gripped my hips, moving me up and down on him; he adjusted his position slightly, his thrusts hitting my prostate every time. I was in heaven. The stimulation against that sensitized bundle of nerves was overwhelming. I could feel it; the fluttering in the depths of my abdomen, the coiling tension building in my testicles. I was on the verge of an intense orgasm.

"Byakuya," he breathed. "I…I…I'm gonna…" he stiffened, a harsh cry breaking free from his lips. Hot fluid filled me, his pulsing length pressing against my prostate. That was the catalyst. Throwing my head back, my body arching above him, I screamed as I achieved my own release. The sticky white fluid spurted across his abdomen and his toned chest.

Sated and exhausted, I collapsed, my body rolling to the side, his softened member sliding from me. "Wow," I sighed. "That was…." I couldn't describe the intensity of our lovemaking. It was far beyond any of our previous experiences.

He agreed. "Yeah…" Leaning down, he kissed me gently. "I love you, Bya."

I reciprocated that affection. "I love you, Ichigo." Managing to stand, I walked to the pile of our discarded clothing, retrieving a small package from the interior pocket of my haori.

His eyes watched me curiously as I returned and knelt beside him. Sitting, he remained uncharacteristically quiet. "Ichigo, while I was waiting for you to return to your family's house, Rukia and I made several trips to the mall. I had this custom made, hoping that one day I would have the opportunity to give it to you and that you would accept the gift."

I handed the small box to him, my teeth nervously chewing on my lower lip as he slowly opened the hinged lid. A soft gasp was accompanied by a wealth of tears flowing across the sculpted planes of his face. "Byakuya…what?"

I removed the platinum band etched with our names in interlocking kanji. "This ring is a symbol of my commitment to you. I would be honored if you would wear it."

The tears fell faster; the fingers trembled as he lifted his left hand giving me silent permission to place the simple band on him.

"Is there…is…is there…a matching ring?" His voice was soft, timid, unsure. I removed the matching band from beneath the velvet lining of the jeweler's box.

He took the ring and placed it on the ring finger of my left hand. "This is a physical representation of my love for you. You honor me by wearing it."

A deep peace settled in me as our love flowed around us, binding us together. I knew that together we could face whatever life or fate threw at us. Rising, I pulled my soulmate to his feet. "Welcome home, Ichigo."

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Okay…that's the end. I hope I didn't disappoint anyone; I had to give these sexy men a happy ending….

So, please review and let me know what you think!!

Arigato to everyone who has bothered to continue reading this story!! Hugs to everyone for your wonderful reviews!!!

Extra special thanks to Mansex for critiquing and his valuable assistance in writing the story and helping me with that evil writer's block