"Come in." Byakuya's deep voice sounded from the other side of the rich mahogany wood door of his 6th Division office.

"Ichigo!" Rukia squealed as Ichigo opened the door and stepped into the office. "I am happy you're here. I was just telling Nii-sama some good news!" Rukia said cheerfully as Ichigo sat down beside Byakuya with a smile.

"So, as I was saying..." Rukia stopped to look at the blushing boy beside her. Ichigo didn't even notice Renji standing beside her until now. They were holding hands and he was blushing like a little school girl. Ichigo wanted to laugh, but refrained as he listened to the rest of what Rukia was saying.

"Nii-sama, Ichigo...I am now 4 months pregnant!" she said with a smile on her face that could split her face in two. While Rukia was glowing, Renji stood perfectly still. It was like he was waiting for the two men on the couch to come after him or something.

Ichigo stood from the couch and hugged Rukia. "Rukes, I'm really happy for you. You're going to be a great mother..." he said as he rubbed her stomach.

While Ichigo and Rukia were talking, Byakuya stood up and walked up to Renji. "Can I see you outside for a moment, Abarai-Taichou?"

Ichigo looked up and could see the look on Byakuya's face. "You better play nice, Byakuya."

"I will." Renji and Byakuya stepped outside the door, closing it on their way out. The 6th division captain turned his attention to his former fuku-taichou. Renji cringed when he saw the look in Byakuya's eyes, but the noble quickly softened his gaze. "Have you asked her yet, Renji?"

Renji slumped against the wall. "No, I haven't. Every time I try, she starts rattling off about something else, and I totally lose my chance."

"I know how you feel. Every time the Elders or I try to get Ichigo to go over the plans with him, he completely changes the subject. Sometimes I wonder if he still wants to go through with it," Byakuya replied softly, sitting down on the bench. "Did I make a mistake, Renji?"

Renji looked at his friend. "No, you didn't, Byakuya. Maybe it's what the humans call 'cold feet'. Knowing Ichigo, he's just probably a bit scared or something like that. What you need to do is just make him sit down and talk to you." Sitting down, Renji stared at Byakuya's office door. "Just like I got to get Rukia to be quiet for one minute so I can ask her."

!*!*!*!*!*!*!

Ichigo and Rukia were sitting on the couch. "I wonder where those two disappeared too," Rukia said, looking around. "Well, since Nii-sama's not here, what did Unohana say? Isshin said you had been sick for about the last week."

Ichigo quickly turned his head. "It's nothing."

"Baka, if it was nothing then why have you been sick!" she said, slapping him upside the head.

"Oi, midget, watch that lethal fist of yours!" Taking a deep breath, Ichigo looked out the window and could see Byakuya and Renji sitting there, talking. Turning his gaze back to his 'little sister', he smiled. "If I tell you, you can't say a word to Byakuya. Not one word."

"I promise, Ichigo, but you know you have to tell him sooner or later."

"Oh, I know. I'm actually telling him tonight at the Elder's Meeting." Taking a deep breath, he reached inside his shikausho and grabbed the report that he had gotten from Unohana. "Here, but make sure to keep your reaction quiet."

Shaking her head, she unfolded the piece of paper and read over it. Rukia's eyes went huge. "You're kidding, right?"

"Nope. Apparently, since I'm now in soul form, I am prone to everything that a Soul Reaper is. Also, that means, I was able to get pregnant. I'm 4 months pregnant too."

Smiling, Rukia threw her arms around Ichigo, hugging him tightly. "I'm soooooooo happy for you. Nii-sama's gonna love it."

"I know, but I'm going to wait until tonight to tell him." Ichigo took the paper back from Rukia and tucked it back into his shikausho. Just at that moment, the door opened. Byakuya and Renji walked back into the office. Ichigo looked at his love and then at his best friend. He could tell that something was up. "You know, by the looks on your face, I can tell you two are up to something, but I'm not going to even ask."

"Good, cause we wasn't going to tell you anyways," Renji said with a smile. "Rukes, we better get going. Remember, Unohana wanted to do one more test on you."

"Oh yeah! I can't believe that I completely forgot," she said standing up from the couch. Walking over to her brother, she smiled. "Are you sure you're okay with this, Nii-sama?"

Taking his sister's hands in his, he smiled. "Yes. I told you that you will be a wonderful mother. Honestly, I'm glad that you chose Renji. I know you're in good hands with him." He placed a small kiss to her cheek. "To tell you the truth, I can't wait to greet my niece or nephew."

Grinning huge, she threw her arms around her brother. "Thank you, Nii-sama." With that, she releases her brother and grabbed Renji's hand. Together, they headed out.

Ichigo looked over at his fiancée. He could tell something was on his mind. "Kuya, are you going to tell me what is bothering you?" he asked in a loving tone. He got up from the couch and walked over to Byakuya. Wrapping his arms around Byakuya, he smiled. "Please, Byakuya, tell me."

Looking at his lover, Byakuya sighed. "I was wondering if you still wanted to marry me?"

"Why would you ask that?" Ichigo asked, as he stepped back a bit but stay in the embrace.

"Every time that the Elders or I try to get you to help with the planning, you completely change the subject. I can't help but wonder." He lifted his chin and looked into his amber eyes that he loved so much. "I love you, Ichigo. If you feel like I'm rushing you into this, please, tell me. I can wait; I just want you at my side forever."

Ichigo's heart hurt with what Byakuya had said. True, he hadn't helped with the plans but he didn't know that it hurt Byakuya that much. He could feel his welling up with tears. DAMN HORMONES! Taking the raven's face in his hands, he tilted Byakuya's face to where he could look into the misty grey orbs that he loved so much. "I had no idea that was hurting you. You should know that I want to marry you. You're not rushing me." Ichigo placed a small kiss to his lips, as he wrapped his arms around Byakuya's neck. "I love you and I wanna spend my life with you. How about tonight at the meeting, you guys can show me the plans and I promise to take more of an interest. Okay?"

Instead of answering him with words, Byakuya leaned closer and crashed his lips to the strawberry's. As he wrapped his arms around Ichigo's waist, he brought the strawberry closer to him as he traced his tongue across his bottom lip. As Ichigo opened up to him, he slid his tongue in and tasted every crevice of the mouth that he had come to love. He could feel the love coming from Ichigo and it felt wonderful to him. Not wanting to be caught, he reluctantly parted from Ichigo. "Thank you, Ichigo. I needed to hear that," he said as he rested his forehead against his. "I truly love you."

Ichigo smiled. He was happy that he had gotten Byakuya into a better mood. "I love you too, Byakuya."

The 6th squad taichou released the younger man and walked back around to sit down in his chair. "Your dad had mentioned you went to see Unohana. What did she say?" he asked his lover with concern.

"Well, um…." Ichigo started with hesitation. "Actually, this is something I wanna wait till the meeting tonight to tell ya. Don't worry and trust me." He walked around the desk and leaned over to the taichou's level, planting a small kiss to the bridge of his nose. "It's good news, that's all I'm going to tell ya, okay?"

Byakuya looked at his fiancée. He could tell that Ichigo was hiding something, but he decided to let him have his way this time. When Ichigo puts it like that, he knows it to be true. "Okay. But you are going to tell me tonight, even if I have to get it out of you," he said with a smirk. "Oh, since you are here, I have some papers that need both of our signatures. I was going to bring them home tonight, but….."

Ichigo chuckled at his lover. "It's okay, Taichou. I'll deal with them while I'm here."

The lovers spent the rest of the day, just enjoying each other's company.

Later that night, Ichigo stood in front of his mirror, messing with his formal kimono. He really hated wearing them, but he wore them when they had a meeting with the Elders. He remembered the first time that he had worn one of these. It was the first time that he had been introduced to the Elders and Byakuya's and his relationship was revealed to them.

"God, I still hate this thing," he said to himself.

"You say that every time, Ichigo-sama," Dai said, as he walked into the bedroom. "Here is the obi." Dai helped Ichigo tie the obi and make sure it sat right on the kimono. "It's not too tight, is it?" Dai had asked. When Ichigo had returned home, he had explained to Dai his situation and the young man was more than willing to help out his young master.

"Nah, it's fine. I'm just hungry now," Ichigo replied with a chuckle.

"I figured you would be, so I brought you a small sandwich. You probably won't be able to eat again until after the meeting," Dai said as he handed Ichigo a small plate with the sandwich.

Ichigo laughed. "You know me all too well, Dai, and I've only been here four months," he said as he took the sandwich and started to stuff his mouth. As he finished his sandwich, he glanced over at the clock. "It's just about time, Dai. Byakuya should be here any moment."

Dai nodded at his master and helped him finished getting ready. Just as the clock chimed at the top of the hour, the doors to their bedroom opened and Byakuya walked in, dressed in his formal kimono as well. Ichigo was too preoccupied with finishing getting ready that he didn't notice Byakuya as he stepped behind him, wrapping his arms around his waist. "You look fine, love," Byakuya whispered, planting a kiss to Ichigo's neck.

Ichigo jumped slightly at the touch, but immediately relaxed into it. "I know, Bya. I just hate this thing," he said referring to the kimono.

"Well, as soon as the meeting is over, we can come back here. You can get out of the kimono and I'll ravage you within an inch of your life," he whispered huskily, nipping at his neck.

"Byakuya….." Ichigo moaned, as he felt himself slowly giving into the sensations that Byakuya was giving to his neck. "…..We…we need to get to the mee…meeting…." he finally got out, but was moaning at the same time. Regaining control of his senses, he loosened Byakuya's arms a bit and turned around to where he was facing his love. "You know, we better get to the meeting before the Elders send someone looking for us."

Byakuya smiled softly as he kissed Ichigo's lips gently. Not lingering for long, Byakuya inhaled the strawberry scent that was Ichigo. "You're right, love. We should get going. Shall we?" he asked, as he stepped back from Ichigo and held his hand out for him.

Ichigo took his hand and tucked himself into Byakuya's side. "Now, are you going to show me these plans or not?" Ichigo asked with a chuckle.

With that, Byakuya led him out of their room, heading to the Meeting Hall.

!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!*!

An hour has passed since the meeting had started. Ichigo was remaining true to his word and was taking an interest in the plans. He had loved everything that Byakuya and the Elders had done so far.

"Ichigo-sama. I am glad you decided to join us this time," Kimoko, the Head Elder, said.

"Well," Ichigo had started, taking a quick glance at Byakuya, "I didn't realize that I was being neglectful, so I promised Byakuya I would take a more active role in the wedding plans." At that moment, he had felt a slight pain in his back, and arched it in response. Thankfully, the Elders or Byakuya hadn't noticed, but Rukia had.

Rukia was quick to his side. "Ichigo, you okay?" she asked quietly.

Ichigo turned to where only Rukia would hear his response. "Yeah, just a slight pain in my back." Looking over at Byakuya who was talking to the Elders, he smiled. "Maybe it's time to let the cat out of the bag."

"Yeah, it is. Honestly, I can't wait to see Nii-sama's reaction!" Rukia said with excitement.

Ichigo took Rukia's hand and they headed back over to where everyone else was. "Ummm, I hate to interrupt, but there's something that I need to tell everyone, especially you, Byakuya?"

Byakuya looked at Ichigo, with a worried look. "What's going on, Ichigo?"

All Ichigo would do was smile as he reached into his kimono, taking out the report Unohana had given him. Handing the report to Byakuya, he simply smiled again. "Just read this. It explains everything." Byakuya took the report and read over it with unbelieving eyes.

"What does this all mean, Ichigo?" Byakuya asked.

"It means that I am now officially four months pregnant with the child of Byakuya Kuchiki, the next Kuchiki heir." Ichigo announced proudly with a hand on his slightly bulging stomach.

Byakuya just started at Ichigo incredulously for more than a minute. The silence quickly grew from unbelieving to just plain awkward and Ichigo was starting to get scared. Then, as soon as Ichigo opened his mouth to speak again, he saw Byakuya starting to sway slightly and tears rolled down his perfect face. Ichigo stepped closer to him, and after only taking a step, Byakuya fell backwards. Passed out. Luckily, Ichigo ran over to him in time to catch him before he hit the floor.

"Byakuya!" Ichigo yelled. Byakuya was completely passed out from shock. The elders all gasped and gathered around to see if he was okay. "Byakuya!" he said, as he tried to wake the passed out man in his arms.

"Is he okay, Ichigo-sama?" Kimoko asked, visibly worried for the young Kuchiki Clan Head.

"Yeah, he just literally passed out from shock," Ichigo replied as he pushed the hair from in front of Byakuya's face. He couldn't help but be memorized by his perfect face.

"Um, Ichigo-sama, is what he said true? Are you….pregnant?" Kimoko asked with some reluctance. She really didn't want to bother him.

Ichigo looked up at the older woman, who was surrounded by the other Elders. "Yes, it's true. It seems, now that I'm in my shinigami form; I'm susceptible to everything a shinigami is. Hence, me becoming pregnant."

The Elders took a moment and conversed amongst themselves. All their faces were graced with smiles and Ichigo was surprised. Kimoko turned back to Ichigo, with a smile on her face as well. "Then, with great pleasure, we welcome the newest member of the Kuchiki family. Even though they are not born yet," she said with a chuckle. "Now, don't you think you should wake up our Clan Head?"

"Well, he seems to be out," Ichigo said looking down at Byakuya.

"Ichigo, maybe try kissing him" Rukia said with a chuckle. "Would be priceless, don't ya think?"

Shrugging his shoulder, he smiled. "Well, it's definitely worth a try." Ichigo leaned down and brushed a light kiss to his lips. He could feel Byakuya start to stir and soon started to feel a response to the kiss. Arms snaked around his neck, bringing him closer and deepening the kiss. After a few more seconds, they parted and Ichigo looked in the smoky eyes of his unborn child's father. "Hey," Ichigo said softly.

"Hey," Byakuya whispered back. "Was the paper true? Are you really carrying my child?"

"Yeah, it is. You're going to be a father, Bya-kun. I love you."

"I love you too, Ichigo and thank you." Byakuya sat up slowly, keeping his hand in Ichigo's since he was still a little light-headed. "Let's finish the planning."

"Are you sure, Byakuya?" Ichigo looked at him with concern.

"Yes. I'll be ok. Just help me stand up, Ichi?"

"Okay, just as long as you're okay." Ichigo took his hand and helped him stand to his feet. Byakuya was back up, but Ichigo refused to let go of his hands. The two lovers moved over to the table that the Elders were at and sat down. "I believe that only two things were left, correct?"

"Yes, just the date and what last name Ichigo-sama will be using after," Kimoko replied after she took a glance at the plans.

"I can answer that one," Ichigo spoke up. "I want the wedding in a month."

"Are you sure, Ichigo?" Byakuya asked as he turned to face his lover.

"Yes, I'm sure. I want to be married to you and I want it as soon as possible," Ichigo said anxiously. "I love you more than anything and I want to be a Kuchiki and your husband as soon as possible."

Byakuya caught what he just said. "Ichigo…..you're taking my last name?"

Taking Byakuya's hands in his, he used his free hand to caress the side of his face. "Yeah. I love you and I want everyone know it."

Byakuya leaned over the side of his chair and kissed Ichigo softly. "Thank you, Ichigo. You're my world." Sitting back in his chair, he looked back over at the Elders. "Does that take care of everything, Kimoko-san?"

With a smile on her face, she stood with the rest of the Elders as she shook her head yes. "Yes, it does, Byakuya-sama. We finish finalizing everything. You two just enjoy each other and take care of yourself, Ichigo."

"I will, thank you," Byakuya and Ichigo stood and along with Rukia, bowed to the Elders. They watched as the Elders left.

Rukia walked up and gave Ichigo a hug. "You heard, Kimoko. Take care of yourself, Ichigo."

"I could say the same to you, Rukia," Ichigo said with a smirk.

"Okay, okay, you got me. I better get going." Rukia hugged her brother and left the Hall.

Byakuya held his hand out to Ichigo, who put his hand in the noble's slightly larger one. The two headed out of the Hall. Walking along the halls, neither said anything for they knew how the other felt. Byakuya lead them the rest of the way, and stopped in front of their bedroom. Sliding the door open, he stepped inside and waited for Ichigo to come in. As soon as Ichigo has stepped in, he swept Ichigo into his arms, kissing him hard. Pushing him against the wall, he continued to plunder his mouth, nipping and tugging at his bottom lip. Ichigo opened his mouth slightly and allowed Byakuya's tongue to come in and play. Their tongues tangled around the others. Ichigo pushed at his chest gently and started guiding them back towards the bed.

Byakuya knew what Ichigo was wanting and turned them around as they reached the bed, and gently pushed Ichigo on the bed. He made quick work of his robes, as Ichigo did the same with his. As soon as they both were in their underkimono, Byakuya climbed onto the bed, straddling Ichigo's hips. Leaning over, he kissed Ichigo again, but didn't stay at his lips for long. Byakuya kissed along his neckline, earning small, lustful moans from the man underneath him. Loving the sounds coming from Ichigo, Byakuya continued his path downwards and left a trail of hot, searing kisses all over Ichigo. Gently, he slowly removed their undergarments, and then proceeded to make love to his fiancée.

About half an hour later, the two laid together, entangled limbs and all. Byakuya soothingly rubbed Ichigo's lower back as the two enjoyed their afterglow. He couldn't believe how much his life had changed in the last few months. Untangling himself from Ichigo, he pushed down the covers, revealing Ichigo's slight bump in his stomach. Lowering his head, he kissed his stomach softly. "My child," he whispered softly. "I love you and your dad so much. You're going to be spoiled rotten," he said with a smirk on his face.

"Oh, you're rotten, Byakuya, and we love you too," Ichigo laughed as Byakuya moved up and kissed him on his lips. "Unohana was telling me since I was this far along, maybe we should start considering names. Wanna help me name our child?"

Byakuya put a finger to his chin, telling Ichigo that he was in deep thought. After a few moments, he smiled. "What about Shotaru for a boy? If I remember correctly, it was my maternal grandfather's name."

"I like that." Ichigo tried figuring out a girl's name but was coming up empty. Suddenly a light bulb went off I his head. "What you think about Yukie for a girl? I've always loved that name."

"Yukie, huh?" Byakuya asked with a raised eyebrow. "Kuchiki Yukie. It has a nice ring to it." Leaning up, he hovered over his lover. "I love it," he whispered, nipping at his bottom lip.

Ichigo smiled. Glancing over, he saw that it was past midnight and he knew that both of them were needed in the morning at the squad. "Come on, Byakuya, we better catch some sleep."

"As usual, you are right, my love." Both men got up and changed into their sleeping kimonos.

Ichigo climbed back into bed, waiting for Byakuya to get back in. Looking over, he noticed him having a lil trouble getting the kenseikan out. "Love, come here." Byakuya walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. Ichigo worked his fingers through his hair and loosened it enough to where it finally slid out. "Get in bed; I'll go put it up." Ichigo got up and walked over to the dresser, while he climbed into bed.

After placing it in Byakuya's box, Ichigo walked back over to the bed, and climbed under the blankets. Immediately, Byakuya pulled him over, spooning him. This time was different. Ichigo looked down and noticed that Byakuya's hand lay across his stomach, gently caressing it. Ichigo could feel him drifting asleep from the sensation. "Night, Byakuya. I love you."

"Goodnight, Ichigo. I love you as well," Byakuya whispered, kissing his cheek gently. The two lovers drifted off to sleep in each other arms and more complete than ever.

Well, hope you loved it as much I enjoyed writing it…lol! Make sure to R&R!

A/N:: From now on, the chapters will have a time skip, so I will make sure to let you all know just as much time passes for our favorite star-crossed lovers!