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Breathe Me In, Touch Me, Bind My Soul	By : Snowway32 Category: Bleach > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 4309 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of the characters there within, Kubo Tite owns that right and I am making no money from this, it is purely for my own pleasure.

Chapter List
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Finally, I wasn't sure what multi-chap fic I was going to be updating today. But I finally managed to gather the inspiration I needed to bring out the second chapter for this. I know that there's not a lot going on in this chapter, but I'd like to set the tone for what's to come. It's my first attempt at M-preg after all.

Next chapter's going to be a lot more interisting as I'll be bringing all sorts of characters into this. But anyways, thanks for everyone who previously reviewed this. I didn't think I'd be continuing it but here were are. So thanks for the encouragement, I really appreciate it.

Now, a very important note. I'm running a poll up on my fanfiction profile (ChocolateCarnival) to decide what scenarios I'll be using for my Three Halloween Hichi x Ichi One-Shots. I'll be posting one every week untill Halloween is over, so please make your opinion heard if you wish. I'd greatly appreciate the response.

Okay, I don't think there are any true warnings for this chapter, apart from the fact that this multi-chap fic will be M-preg, if that puts you off in any way, then please do not read any further. For those seeking to continue, I hope you enjoy.

I'll see you at the end of the chapter.

Come To Me

'Che, arrogant bastard. You marked me without me even knowing. And in such an obvious place too...a little warning beforehand would have been nice, Zangetsu.' Ichigo muttered rather fondly for the dark, seething anger he should be feeling right now. He was hoping for a scathing retort to his words from his Zanpactō though, just so that he could bite back to get rid of the odd frustration that was building steadily through his veins. His heart was still unconsciously seeking to quell the unsettled emotions that had been rising steadily through his mind whilst he had been separated from the arms of his beloved and returned to this world with a forceful push. But Shiro(1*) Zangetsu wasn't taking the bait, remaining stubbornly silent (even when his presence was a soothing constant curled against Ichigo's soul) since the Substitute Shinigami had returned to his body several minutes ago.

The reaction alone though, left Ichigo feeling a little unsettled as he tiredly rested his forehead against the cool tiles of the shower wall. Leaning further beneath the spray of warm water that washed over his form continuously from the running shower head. He just couldn't decide whether he should be ragingly furious at Zangetsu for doing something like that without him really understanding what was happening, or if he should merely let his own overwhelming exhaustion pull him into a restful sleep to sooth away the rapid influx of draining emotions and thoughts that had been driving him insane for a while now. But the more that Ichigo thought about his current situation, the more that he found his anger disappearing back into himself as he leaned back against the tiled wall with overwhelming fatigue.

Merely allowing the gentle steam from the shower to numbly cloud his senses as the patter of water ran over the back of his neck, warming the sudden cold his father's concerns had instilled within him. Ichigo had quickly found that returning to his body had not been such a good idea. It had instantly transferred all the previous aches and pains left over from his battle against Ginjo along with the burning seer of numbing pain across his spine Zangetsu had left him with as well. And it was still stinging Ichigo now; reminding him that the sticky slide of fluid down his inner thigh was no joke. Everything that had happened to him that night, was becoming a startling reality to his still dazed sense of self.

And that was not all.

Ichigo was still highly sensitive to any form of touch, even shivering softly from the caress of the running water. His tanned skin prickling headily with the aftershocks of pleasure and the tender comfort his white haired doppelganger had gifted him as the orangette became far too comforted to actually face the reality of the situation or the consequences that could come with it. It was almost as if the rationality present within Ichigo's mind and the consolation of his body that had been satiated by something it had been craving for, for a very long time; was becoming separated from one another and bridging the gap to restore linear thought to his scattered mind, was only becoming an increasingly difficult task to undertake.

But maybe Ichigo didn't want to think about it anymore, or have to force himself to react violently to the situation. He merely sighed softly in rising contentment, feeling his concerns slipping away from him completely. Why would he? He was just too tired to be truly angry, didn't think he would ever be either...not when he had been given something so much more substantial and soul deep than being thoroughly fucked into the side of a building barely aware of his own instinctive reactions. Where the orange haired teen was sure the gentle hum present in his very soul was something only Zangetsu could have offered him. Something that Ichigo had desperately yearned for and only his inner hollow could have known how to settle the ache within his heart with. And dare he admit the crazy delusional thought, but Ichigo felt just a little content with the turn of events...more so than he thought was possible.

Geez, but even thinking about what had transpired in his Inner World brought forth a darkened flush onto tanned cheeks as Ichigo gazed at the bruising marks (now darkening steadily) that traced so obviously across his wrists in rising embarrassment. All he could hope to do was relax his tensed muscles under the tender touch of the running shower, hope not to pass out as it spread warmth so deliciously softly against his skin and allowed his spinning mind to be lulled into a more peaceful, rational state...however long it would take. It was working slowly though, adding warmth to the heaviness of exhaustion that had been chasing through Ichigo's blood as it settled within trembling limbs and the orangette moaned softly in delight to the soothing sensations.

It was getting harder and harder to keep his eyes open, especially with the tugging on his heart that was calling him back to his Inner World and towards Zangetsu's presence as Ichigo fumbled in the dark to shut off the running water. Feeling much better now after having rinsed off the soap and shampoo that had thoroughly cleaned off the grime and sweat which had been clinging to his form before. Stray, knowing fingertips eagerly clenched around a fluffy blue towel as the teen worked his way through the darkened bathroom unsteadily, drying off messy orange locks and settling dark sleep pants over thin hips and throwing a stray t-shirt over a slightly damp torso as he breathed deeply.

He had been far too lazy to even turn on the lights when he had entered the bathroom in the first place, something that was perhaps not such a good idea when he could barely walk in a straight line. But there was one thing Ichigo was grateful for, once he had returned to his body the bold swipes of two red lines curving beneath his left eye had disappeared within him. It would have been hell trying to explain that one to his friends and family...especially since such obvious 'tattoos' were banned in school and not everyone would approve of what had happened.

Unconsciously however, Ichigo had lain his left palm across the bite mark carved deeply into the skin of his neck, trying to forget his distressing thoughts in the process of the action. But he was left shuddering instead, when the thrum of reiatsu sealed within the wound danced eagerly across his skin and settled headily within his blood. Knowing full well that the white haired hollow within him could forcibly calm his panicked reaction with the swipe of a tongue or send ragging sensations of utter bliss streaking across his flesh with a brush of his reiatsu alone. It was with this that Ichigo knew it would become something he would have to look out for, especially because it could clearly affect his senses quite heavily.

'Fuck...' He cursed uncharacteristically, running curious fingertips over the broken flesh and the touch of blood that still lingered there over and over again with an irritable growl. Wondering just how he was going to be explaining this one later as he sought to sooth away the sting that was still present within the wound. But Ichigo soon found himself humming softly instead, creating a strange purring noise in the back of his throat as pleasured bliss shot sparks of need across his skin at the tentative, exploration of his fingertips. He groaned softly, it was tugging harshly on his heart in a delicious rush, pulling a soft 'oh' pulled from parted lips as the orangette leaned back against the bathroom wall to catch his suddenly stuttering breaths. Pulling his hand away as if burnt by his reaction, Ichigo absently observed the smear of red across his fingers in a uncertain haze...

How the hell could such a simple act from him alone create such pleasured sparks? And it felt so good too, nearly drowning the orangette in a new rush of contentedness as Ichigo stumbled blindly through the hallways. Luckily tomorrow wasn't a school day so he could sleep late, as long as he locked his door to keep his father out. But he knew very well, in his Shinigami form the black and white addition to his kosode that protected the back of his neck, had hidden the startlingly sexual mark from his father's overly concerned eyes earlier. Tomorrow however, it would be in full view and that worried the orangette a little, not knowing what explanation to give in return.

Wounds acquired in his Inner World, showed up in his living body later as well. Perhaps Zangetsu could help him with that, he thought absently as Ichigo gratefully sunk beneath the warm sheets of his bed exhaustedly. Pulling a light blue comforter over his still slightly damp form as dazed chocolate brown eyes finally fell shut. Ichigo crossing his arms over his waist unconsciously and protectively when his mind finally fell freely and deeply into unconsciousness mere seconds after he had lain his head upon the soft, feather pillows. A soft noise of satisfaction spilling from petal pink lips the instant that dazed chocolate brown eyes once more blinked open to find his Inner World spread out before him.

Before he could have stopped himself, Ichigo had felt his soul returning to this place once more. Not because of someone tugging him here or the insatiable need to talk to his Zanpactō, but because Ichigo wanted to feel the comfort that Shiro Zangetsu's arms could offer him. He wanted to encircle himself in them again, recalling headily the short few moments they had spent together before he had been forced to return his world again. The orangette had felt so at home where he had been, never wanting to leave that perfect enclosure of warmth...and his soul was calling out for it again. After so long of cutting himself off from human contact, from finding consolation in another, returning here felt soothingly welcome for Ichigo's exhausted form as he tentatively stepped towards the place where his Zanpactō's rising presence was the strongest. Actively seeking out the one tied to his soul so irrevocably and needily now.

'Zangetsu?'

'I'm here.' The returning call came reassuringly, a shift in the air alerting Ichigo's to his counterpart's presence in the vast world that was beginning to blur before his eyes. 'Back so soon, King?' White Zangetsu asked with a soft leer, his white shihakushō clad form seated on the side of a blue building with one of his knees drawn up. A lazy arm curled around his drawn up leg as fathomless golden eyes flickered open the instant that Ichigo entered his range of senses. A black nailed hand lifting from the hilt of his white blade to beckon his beloved closer to him, where the white haired being was forced to frown however when Ichigo stubbornly stood still where he was. An array of indecisive emotions flickering across pink dusted cheeks as averted chocolate brown eyes became the prelude to a heady scowl furrowing tangerine brows; inadvertently causing his white haired doppelganger to sigh in exasperation. Sharp golden eyes noticing those long tanned fingers tugging at the hem of dark blue t-shirt uncertainly, not sure what to do with himself now that he had come face to face with his claiming Alpha again.

'Oh, for heaven's sake! I'm not going to bite, not unless you want me to!' Zangetsu snapped, dragging Ichigo's attention fully back on him with a jerk as the white haired hollow leaned back on one of his palms unthreateningly and called Ichigo closer to him again with a warning growl. 'Don't be stubborn now, King, it's far too late to be bashful.' Zangetsu purred with a lascivious grin, much more amused with his Beta's reaction than he should have been when the both of them were lingering on the edge of overwhelming fatigue.

'You're the one who came to me this time, I did not call you, Ichigo. So come here, my King, and lay down. I know exactly what it is that you want.' And he did know, rearranging himself to welcome Ichigo closer to him with a soft, endearing smile that the orangette's eyes missed in his half lidded, averted gaze.

'You just couldn't leave the questions until after you got some rest first, hmm? I thought I told you I'd call you back to me when you were ready, not for you to come here barely able to stand as it is.' Zangetsu chided in a scolding tone but Ichigo barely even heard him, settling himself between his beloved's thighs, the Substitute Shinigami comfortably rested his ear against a warm chest. Seeking out the steady beat of a heart to lull him into oblivion as he moaned softly in delight, eyes closing in utter bliss when black nailed fingers lifted to gently card through hair and a free hand came up to rest against the mark digging deeply into the side of his neck. Reiatsu flowing soothingly into his entire being as Ichigo murmured softly in contentment at the calming action.

'Knowing you, Ichi, you probably came here unconsciously again.' His doppelganger noted and Ichigo nodded softly, allowing Zangetsu to revel softly in his Beta's reaction towards him. Ichigo eagerly curled closely to Zangetsu's side without even having needed any persuasion to come to him other than his scolding words. He must really have been tired if he had come here, dressed in his sleeping clothes and barely even able to stand as Zangetsu chuckled softly against the top of an orange head. Pulling the sleepy teen firmly against a warm chest so that he could lay a chin against damp spiky orange locks and his arms wound protectively around Ichigo's waist. Golden eyes gazing tenderly at the flicker of red marks that traced seductively beneath a closed left eye now that Ichigo had come in contact with his Alpha again and he relaxed back against his beloved without reservation.

And with that action alone, Zangetsu knew Ichigo was far too exhausted to even be thinking rationally to curl so sweetly up to him without putting up much more of a biting fuss.

'It doesn't matter, King, if you sleep here or in your world...but rest you'll get all the same. I'll stay beside you untill you wake, only then will I answer your questions if you'll let me.' But the orangette barely even heard his words, not really paying attention to the world as he drifted off into a deep and all consuming slumber that was plagued by no nightmares and no harsh recalls of his past whatsoever. Surrounding himself so perfectly with what his soul had been calling out for, had been pleading for as everything in his world seemed to right itself once more.

All Ichigo could vaguely ask himself was why he hadn't done this sooner, or why he had always shown such aversion to this part of Zangetsu that was clearly offering him much more protection than the Old Man ever did. Come to think of it, Zangetsu Ossan barely spoke to him at all, and when he did, it was always in such complicated riddles that it left Ichigo's mind spinning instead. But it didn't matter, the both of them, he was sure, were a part of him. And with that alone, his bitter thoughts and lingering concerns left as quickly as they had come to drown him in a dazed but welcoming slumber instead.

...

Tell Me

Sleep had claimed Ichigo for a very long and well deserved rest after that. Where he was sure to spend the next long hours of restful peace, slumbering on in a gentle tranquillity that doused him in the much needed comfort that white Zangetsu's presence curled so protectively around him had offered irrevocably. The only thing that he was vaguely aware of was the subtle spread of reiatsu that was constantly mixing with his through the rush of his blood, leaving a contended heaviness within tired limbs as it skimmed the top of Ichigo's consciousness to keep him wrapped in the thick and heady blanket of pure consolation. And until it became time to wake again, Ichigo slept for the first time in many months without having his dreams tainted with restless images and unsettled emotions like before.

When he finally did wake, even when it was without his consent and in great reluctance, it was to the tickling sensation of warm lips pressing against his forehead briefly before a tender nose moved downwards to nuzzle the side of his neck teasingly. Pressing expertly against the bold mark Zangetsu had left behind earlier as Ichigo groaned softly in annoyance to the gentle action. Irritable fingers swatting away at the tender rousing touches, the orangette sought to burrow himself further into his beloved's restrictive arms as he simply refused to be roused into consciousness any further. He was still too tired, his soul far too drawn out to want to face reality as a whine spilled past his lips and he pressed his nose firmly against the gentle brush of a white kosode that tickled his cheeks and nose headily as secure arms tightened around his waist in consolation.

A brief flicker of triumph ignited through Ichigo's veins as tanned fingers gained a stubborn purchase in spiky white locks and he gave an irritable tug; desperately trying to dislodge those sly lips and a swiping blue tongue that was now snaking against the side of his neck rather pleasurably. God, it was driving him insane as he growled lowly in his throat when they just wouldn't stop their assault and his mind was fast becoming fused with his rising consciousness. Something Ichigo did not want to happen right now. But he was writhing against the caress, moaning lowly as he tried to convey his wish to stay asleep before a gasped breath hitched painfully in his chest. Tugging teeth had just found purchase against the shell of his ear in retaliation, forcing Ichigo to lay back against a strong chest as Zangetsu bit into the cartilage tenderly. Sharpened canines dragging a breath of surprise into resisting lungs as a spark of pain ignited deeply within Ichigo's heart.

'Hn...ow...ow...hurts!' He whined incoherently, shuddering against the assault with a noisy whimper.

'Wake up, I-chi-go. How long are you going to pretend to be asleep, King? It's about time you came back to me.' A teasing voice purred; the rush of a cool breath against a saliva slickened trail chasing a shiver across Ichigo skin when a warm and moist puff of air skittered along Ichigo's temple and he immediately stiffened against the unexpected caress. Tanned fingers clenching around white fabric harshly as he tried to find purchase for the out of control sensation streaking through his veins. Drawing his hand away from white hair at Zangetsu's low growl of warning, his inner hollow's name soon fell from parted lips in an unexpected breathy cry when Ichigo tried to arch into the teasing touch that was chasing a slow burning need through his blood headily.

It was impossible, he was already shivering against the embrace curled so perfectly around him, his nose and cheek rubbing comfortingly against a white kosode as he tried to burn the memory of that intoxicating, lingering, scent into his skin—.

'Nggh! No, s-stop it, Zangetsu! 'M tired...le' me sleep, damn it!' The orangette slurred unenthusiastically, shuddering unexpectedly when he suddenly felt his entire world tilting dangerously to the side. The overwhelmingly powerful presence of Shiro Zangetsu invading Ichigo's mind and soul as he was abruptly flipped over with no remorse. The warm body he had been laying comfortably against, pulling away so suddenly that the back of his head fell against the side of the building and a looming presence settled itself between his legs instead. Ichigo's white haired doppelganger easily taking advantage of his Beta's dishevelled state and tired limbs as he made himself comfortable between Ichigo's thighs, which had become sensually parted in the tumble he had taken onto his back. Ichigo's legs however, instinctively tightened against the being hovering over his form so dominatingly of their own accord. Cradling Zangetsu's warm body closer to him as a low sound of warning reverberated through the air when the orangette fought too harshly against the grip that now pinned his wrists to surface he was being held captive against.

'NO! Enough, let me go! Let me go! Not again...let me go, Zangetsu!' Ichigo cried in rising frustration, feeling a harsh flush dotting his cheeks hotly at the suggestive position he was in and cursing his eyes that struggled to snap open to perceive his world around him for possible dangers. It was—.

The resounding noise of undeniable discontent from his Alpha however, had Ichigo shuddering in submission intuitively when he had unconsciously challenged Zangetsu with his actions and words. He instantly stopped squirming against the white haired Zanpactō's grip, tilting his head back to expose the mark on his neck as dazed chocolate brown eyes were forced to flutter open to the impossible pull of his waking state. He was no longer able to deny the commands whispered against the skin of neck, no longer able to keep himself wrapped up in the comforting embrace of tranquillity when Zangetsu suddenly sealed their lips together in a bruising kiss that forced his lingering mind into harsh reality once more.

Leaving the orangette to directly tense against the overwhelming embrace in uncertainty, dragging in a gasp of surprise along with the press of a sly tongue pushing into his mouth as he sought to break free once more from Zangetsu's tightening grip. That was until he found his irritation fading away with a brush of domineering reiatsu against his skin, fingertips slyly slipping beneath his shirt to press an overwhelming flood of power into his heart as he eagerly tangled his tongue with another's instead. Completely forgetting what he was so angry about in the first place or why he was fighting the grip as his shoulders fell back against the surface he was lain back upon. Winding his now freed hands around the back of a pale neck, Ichigo arched into his beloved's touch with a resounding moan of sheer and utter unadulterated pleasure.

Brown eyes fluttered half-mast in a lidded, sensual gaze as he fought through the rising rapture echoing in his blood, colouring his brown eyes a shade darker as a strange noise that was caught between and a hum and purr, passed unbidden of his permission by his parted lips, and echoed throughout the recesses of his Inner World rather loudly for the softness if was made with. The small noise alone though, caused sly pale lips to curl into a smirk against their intimate kiss. Shiro Zangetsu pulling away with a lick to his lips as he broke the sensuous string of saliva that had still been connecting their tongues together and a warm nose rested against his forehead in a tender touch before lips pressed there in praise as well.

'Z-Zangetsu...let me sleep, please.' Ichigo whined softly, seeking to close his eyes again but gold and black eyes invaded his blurry vision irrevocably. A warm forehead pressed against his and warm puffs of air skittered across his cheeks warmly as Ichigo felt his breath hitching within his chest. Bending backwards to create some space between them as the orangette felt suddenly overwhelmed at the proximity between the two of them. His blood was roaring deafeningly in his ears, his mind suddenly forgetting he was even tired at all as a dark flare of red rushed across tanned cheeks. Ichigo's heart was hammering painfully against his chest as he felt his whole world coming to a stop around him. It was almost as if everything was melting away from around him, his consciousness centring around only one single focal point as those golden eyes bored deeply and perfectly into his very soul.

'Z-Zangetsu...what—?' Ichigo asked, a frown furrowing his tangerine brows, finally allowed to sit up as the white haired being pulled away. Leaning back against his palms to distribute his uneven weight more, Ichigo watched vaguely with a lingering yawn as Zangetsu settled himself beside his beloved now. Absently twining their fingers together before he brought the back of Ichigo's hand up for a caste kiss, smirking headily at the mortified scowl and simultaneous flush it dragged across tanned cheeks when Ichigo tried to wrench his hand back from the tightened grip. His mind suddenly screaming and yelling through the events that had lead him here, refusing to accept it as he tried to place some distance between them again. But Zangetsu wasn't having it, shaking his head in the negative when a sudden seriousness entered his usually leering gold eyes.

'Stay still, Ichigo.' He commanded and Ichigo felt anger igniting through his body again, simmering beneath the surface of his skin at the prospect of being played with so easily. But it left as quickly as it came when a stray fingertip reached forward to trace the tender skin beneath his left eye softly, igniting a foreign sensation of calm through his blood as Ichigo whimpered softly. Leaning forward to shamelessly get more as his entire being became centred around his white haired doppelganger once more and a warm temple was laid in his lap instead. Sly black fingernails buried the tanned fingers of his captured hand in messy white locks, subtly telling him what to do as Ichigo complied.

'Shush and stay still, no fighting back, no shouting because what I'll be answering now is going to cause quite stir within your soul.' Zangetsu warned, a soft nose nuzzling the loose fabric of Ichigo's black sleep pants and the thigh beneath it, inadvertently causing Ichigo to shiver at the touch. Feeling his own fingers carding through white locks instinctively, seeking to offer his beloved what he asked for without even a word being passed between them; Ichigo felt his eyelids falling shut against the pull of his lingering exhaustion again. But sharpened black nails slipping beneath his t-shirt stopped that, especially as they trailed dangerously low towards the hem of his pants. Affectively causing dazed brown eyes snapped open in surprise with a noisy gasp, leaving Ichigo to scowl deeply at the chuckle his white doppelganger made in response to his reaction.

'Ah, ah~, King. Don't fall asleep now, I know that you're still tired but bear with me for a while, okay? It's time to wake, Ichi, trust me. There's only about half an hour untill your old man breaks down your bedroom door and charges inside to wake you. I'll give you a chance to ask all the questions that you want to know now, Ichigo. We don't have much time before you have to return but I can at least answer them truthfully.' And at the soft spoken words of sincerity, Ichigo suddenly found his mind reeling with information. His wakened consciousness now forced to run through all the dark, dangerous and odd questions that had been floating against the tip of his tongue for a while now. To suddenly find one to ask was near impossible but before he could stop himself, it was pulled forth from his lips as he felt Shiro Zangetsu shift against him to bring them closer and he quietly listened to every word that his Beta spoke.

'I-if I've been born like this, like you said. Then why have I never felt this before, you know the—.' The orangette trailed off in frustration, not able to complete his thoughts for fear of ruining the control over the flush on his cheeks he had gained. But luckily he did not need to as Zangetsu seemed to know what he was asking. Humming against the orangette's lap, Zangetsu leaned back into Ichigo's carding fingertips with a contented noise of acceptance as golden eyes fluttered shut behind pale lashes at the Zanpactō's own exhaustion. A soft murmur of his breath brushing teasingly against the skin of Ichigo's wrist as the orangette tilted his chocolate brown eyes towards the sky to hide the dusting of pink that coloured his cheeks in any case.

'Need? Instinct within you? The rush in your veins when I'm close or you are confronted by a strong dominating hollow like you felt with Grimmjow and Ulquiorra? I'm surprised that you can recall such details from last night after the state I left you in.' Zangetsu noted with an amused snicker, quieting down though when Ichigo tightened his grip in spiky white locks with a scoff of irritation at the mention of those two names. 'It's like I told you, King, it's because you were too young to understand and we were together for only a short time. You may have unconsciously felt it...especially when you stormed into Hueco Mundo to protect the one you see as a part of your 'young'. But your soul wasn't developed enough yet, your powers still far too unstable to support the soul deep bond that is slowly being forged between us. You won't be experiencing your first cycle of heat for a few weeks still and only then will you truly be considered a mature Beta.' Zangetsu noted, frowning at the look of alarm that swam into brown eyes as Ichigo looked towards him now with utter confusion.

'First cycle of heat? 'Young?'? Mature Beta? Soul deep bond? What are you—!' Zangetsu quickly cut off the ragging torrent of words and questions he saw coming by pressing a single black nailed finger across petal pink lips, quieting Ichigo's concern with a tender smile and a chuckle of amusement as he turned on his back to better observe the play of emotions across Ichigo's features in case any true alarm and panic was shown.

'You really don't wait to ask the most difficult questions do you, King?' Zangetsu asked with a sigh. 'Trust you to pick up on those subtle words first. You couldn't just ask me about how I can calm you down, how I marked you, how I can send you into a state of lust or if I can heal you before your father sees my claim? It would have been so much easier on you but you just had to ask that one. The one I know is going to make you either go into shock or try to tear me to pieces later on when it finally settles into reality.' Zangetsu muttered in subtle exasperation.

'You're turning eighteen in the next few months right?' At Ichigo hesitant nod, Zangetsu sighed softly as he closed his eyes in contemplation.

'Right, then that means you'll be entering your first cycle of heat on your birthday, and it also means that you'll become mature. So let's make this quite simple to understand. When claiming a mate, and I mean a life mate, Ichigo, hollows have a set system of dominance in Alphas and submission in Betas. You are a Beta, incredibly strong with an unwavering instinct to protect those close to you, especially your family and 'young'. And I mean instinctive Ichigo, what you did to Ulquiorra and Aizen is nothing in comparison to what you are truly capable of when you feel either your mate is threatened or your family is in any true danger.' The white haired doppelganger noted softly, observing Ichigo's reaction as he tilted his head to the side to indicate he was listening intently.

'I'm an Alpha on the other hand, a little less honourable in that aspect as I'm more of the possessive one. I like to stand at the top, to claim dominance over others and I don't bow down to anyone but you, even when it is reluctantly. The only being that I will ever take care of as possessively, even more so than your own instincts, is my mate, Ichigo. And after last night that means you and any of the offspring that our union will create—.' The white haired doppelganger was forced to trail off as he saw those chocolate brown eyes suddenly darkening in alarm, widening in surprise as petal pink lips parted with a raggedly drawn breath.

'Tsk! Don't interrupt me, King! Let me finish because this ties in to everything you just asked. Your first cycle of heat this year is very important, Ichi, because it means that you'll be going through some changes to your soul. You'll become able to bear younglings. Beta's are not only there to protect their mates and family, but they can procreate as well. That's the reason why they are so uncommonly strong and so very rare to find. Strong Alphas usually have an intense desire to kill them off before they can mature, just because their strength threatens the dominant's rule over the subjects that usually gather around them. The reason why Grimmjow was so hell bent on killing you in your fight before, King. Ah but why am I telling you this?' Zangetsu asked with a scoff. A deep scowl tugging at his furrowed brow as he noted the stubbornly defiant and disbelieving glare that had entered his Beta's chocolate brown orbs. Ichigo had even crossed his arms over his chest defensively, the classic pose he adopted that told the world he was not believing a word Zangetsu had just spoken to him.

'You'll not believe me until you have experienced it first hand for yourself, Ichigo, am I right? But this time, King, it's not going to be so much fun afterwards to learn control over your instincts again.' Zangetsu cautioned, suddenly sitting up as Ichigo refused to look him in the eye, his mind still clearly caught up in the rush of new, dizzying, information that his doppelganger had given him as the white haired hollow suddenly and unexpectedly flicked his black nailed forefinger against a furrowed tangerine brow. 'Do me a favour, Ichigo, and ask your Dad about Shinigami coming into maturity, especially the males. Because he's going to tell you the same thing I just told you. Don't look at me like that,' Zangetsu murmured with a leer, resting his forehead against Ichigo's calmingly as he laid his hand against a frantically beating heart to sooth it into a more natural rhythm again.

'The construction of my soul is not much different than theirs and neither is yours. Speak to your father, King, because I'm not lying to you. The only difference we posses from him and any of your Shinigami friends is our system of Alphas and Betas and the instinct to mate. That's it. But seeing as you'll not believe me, we'll have to wait until your birthday before the real fun begins.' Zangetsu chuckled with a deadly smirk, suddenly hovering over Ichigo's form as he pushed him back against the building. Each of his palms resting beside an array of messy orange locks that feathered around Ichigo's head as the wind picked up around them. Warm lips briefly pressing a kiss to the tip of Ichigo's nose before Zangetsu drew back and prepared to push his beloved back into consciousness in his world.

'One more thing before I let you go, Ichi. The soul deep bond I was talking about, it's like a lifeline of reishi that is being forged between us at the moment. It is literally weaving our souls together, but it'll take about a week before it is at it's strongest point. It's still too new now, but know that the bond that ties us together will allow us to sometimes perceive when we are in trouble or need help. So the next time that you feel threatened, the next time that our bond is being trodden upon by others hurting you or seeking to claim what is mine, I'll appear by your side to protect you.'

'Whenever you are in distress, whenever you need someone to calm you or merely wish to be comforted, I'll come to you. So there's no more reason to fear anything that's going on. I will always protect you, my King. I was not lying when I told you that, I have never lied to you before.' Shiro Zangetsu promised sincerely but Ichigo could only nod dazedly at his words. His mind was still spinning far too fast to truly take in any of the information Zangetsu was whispering so promisingly and seductively in his ear. He was far too bothered by the fact that he may able to bear children in the future and—.

'I'll see you again soon, King. Now go shut up that infuriating father of yours, he's driving even me insane and then get some more rest. The forging of the bond between us will take quite a bit out of you, out of the both of us for the next few days.'

Still My Heart

Dazed chocolate brown eyes snapped open in startled surprise; blinking owlishly at the overwhelming push of reality swimming back into the focus as a headily resting gasp was drawn into heaving lungs. The sudden bright sunlight, creeping in from the partially open curtains, sought to temporarily blind Ichigo through its intensity as he felt his world spinning around him at the information echoing loudly and incessantly through his head. The window that he had unconsciously left open the night before, inviting inside the brush of cool morning air as he desperately sought to burrow himself further and further into the gentle warmth of his blankets just to forget what Shiro Zangetsu had just told him.

He hadn't even able to ask half of what had been running through his mind, not even half of what was truly important, Ichigo thought to himself with a disappointed sigh. His brown eyes, now ringed in dark circles from lack of sleep and lingering exhaustion, tried to fall shut again in an attempt to forget his newly acquired status as a damned Beta that could—. Fuck, it wasn't even funny. Ichigo couldn't even think about those words without feeling as if his mind would implode in on itself and drag his sanity along with it. He was even shuddering at the information that was bouncing around against his skull in a subtle ache; trying despairingly to wrap his mind around the mere possibility that he could bear children.

Ichigo was sure he was going into shock, shivering underneath the blankets of his bed as he barely even heard the constant calls of his name from the other side of door that his father's usual morning antics created. It was not helping the haze of concern that had settled across his mind, not helping him find purchase in the sudden surreal situation at all. And it sure as hell didn't help his sudden sense of detachment when his bedroom door was flung open with a deafening cry of: 'GOOOD MOOORNING! III-CCHI-GGOO!' before he only had a second to wonder how his father had managed to get inside when he had locked the door the night before, and an instinctive need to defend himself crept into his mind headily. Forcing Ichigo's reactions to come forth without him really needing to pay any attention at all.

'SHUT UP, OYAJI!' Ichigo yelled, 'You're fucking noisy!' He cursed, glazed and glassy brown eyes lazily turning towards the flying form rushing towards him with a heady war cry. Expert fingers absently deflected the leg seeking to swipe across his torso, blocking it midair before the orangette grabbed a hold of his father's ankle and a rush of sudden superior strength allowed him to throw the older male towards the open window beside him. Ducking beneath the failing body intuitively as he cringed at the volume of his father's now echoing shout. Isshin's cry of unusual surprise, the only thing Ichigo was vaguely aware of outside of the argument ragging within his mind as he saw strong fingers hanging onto his windowsill through distant and detached eyes. His father having caught the outside ledge just in time before he could have taken a tumble towards the ground...

The spiky black haired Shinigami however, was trying desperately to pull himself up from his purchase once again. Recreating a scene that was fast becoming far too familiar in the Kurosaki Household as he grunted in the apparent effort it would take to crawl through Ichigo's window and towards safety. He was frowning deeply though, only now taking notice of the distant haze within his son's usually fiery brown eyes and the ashen pale features that were staring up at him. Looking right through him at something much more compelling as the orangette shifted to sit up in his bed, long tanned fingers curling in his sheets as he breathed rather calmly. Isshin cursed the sight, this was the second time in one day that he had seen that look and he didn't like it, especially because of the way that Ichigo seemed to completely fade into himself with no perception of the outside world around him.

'Ah~! Ichigo! Daddy's beautiful son, what's the matter? You're as pale as a sheet, did you see a ghost?' He asked and Ichigo scoffed in clear annoyance, life creeping back into his eyes with a cringe as the teen chocked around the terrible joke. Damn, at least he had he enough sense in him to not care but merely gazed absently at his father's form that was slowly shuffling his way through his window again. He'd have half a mind to close the damn thing on him and leave his father to tumble to the ground just for that, but Ichigo found his mind catching on some of the words Zangetsu had spoken to him instead. Recalling the words spoken to him not too long ago, the orangette suddenly found his mind snapping back into a more solid state of reality as he turned towards his father with an inquisitive frown.

'That's not funny Dad,' Ichigo pointed out in disappointment, rubbing irritably at the sleep that had settled in the corner of his eyes with a barely suppressed yawn. The sudden seriousness and concern that furrowed his tangerine brows, instantly halted his father's progress through the window as he stilled his movements and waited for his child to say whatever it was that was weighing on his mind. 'This going to sound really weird, Oyaji, but can male Shinigami bear children?' Before Ichigo could have stopped himself to think over his words, it had already drifted past his lips and he was forced to jerk back at his father's instantaneous reaction. There was only a single moment spent in silence as the spiky black haired father frowned deeply through the information his mind was now trying to process. A heady flush of deep and dark red spreading across his nose as he suddenly lost his balance, falling from the window sill in sheer surprise and panic. A loud, wailing cry of alarm echoing into the distance as gravity tugged him two stories towards the unforgiving ground below.

A resounding 'Oof!' was the only sound the older male made as he crashed into the ground before he cupped his hand over his mouth, dazed brown eyes staring up at the open window with sheer surprise. 'IIICCCHIIIGOO! THAT WAS MEAN! Don't surprise Daddy like that, damn it! I could have gotten hurt!' The black haired male yelled up at his spiky orange haired son, who was by now passively observing him through the open window with a lazy shrug. Not at all fazed by his father's cries as he willed his mind to start making sense of reality again and he only briefly leaned out of the window to make sure his father was unhurt. No matter how nonchalantly he could have acted, Ichigo still felt protective as he gazed at Isshin slowly climbing to his feet and dusting off his knees. Leaving the orangette to not be surprised by the fact that the older male was completely unhurt and sharp brown orbs were gazing up at him with a spark of amusement and mischief.

'My son's growing up if he can surprise me so much with such an inventive way that I fell out of his window!' He yelled in return and Ichigo just rolled his eyes. Shifting the warm sheets away from his hips with a sigh as he prepared to test his uneven coordination on his feet, still headily aware of a numb ache shooting up his spine.

'I wasn't joking, Dad!' Ichigo yelled back with annoyance, barely even hearing his sister's sudden scolding voice ringing from downstairs that they were getting too loud. It was assured that they were going to wake the neighbours at this rate, but Ichigo didn't care as he tested his balance on unsteady feet. He may as well stay awake now, seeing as his father wouldn't let him sleep any further before he decided to throw one more retort over his shoulder for having his serious question ignored. 'Since you don't want to tell me, I'll just go ask Urahara-san myself, besides I need to go see if Chad and Inoue are alright as well.' And with that said, the window was forced shut with a resounding click as Ichigo grabbed at long sleeved shirt in his closet. Cringing internally at the dark, obvious marks that still encircled his wrists as he was forced to cover them up. But the instant that he passed by the mirror in his room, he was surprised to find that the sexual claim mark carved upon the side of his neck, was gone.

Only a white scar was left behind, even when Ichigo could still feel his beloved's reiatsu pushing deeply into the wound.

The newly reinstated Substitute Shinigami smiled softly, silently thank his white haired doppelganger as Zangetsu must have healed it the night before. He still wound a light blue scarf around his neck though, just to be sure and so that no questions could be asked as he tried to snap himself into a more attentive state by locking away the information his white haired hollow had given him until he would be ready to face it again. His father had thankfully gone quiet again, probably too shocked to answer, much like Ichigo's reaction was, as the teen chuckled at the dark flush he had seen across his father's cheeks mere moments before. He really couldn't face breakfast now, so instead he only got something to drink from the kitchen. Saying a brief farewell to his two sisters as he braved the streets towards the one man he would rather not ask for such information. But seeing as Isshin wasn't going to answer him...someone would eventually have to, and the blonde haired shopkeeper was the only one that Ichigo would trust right now.

Ichigo shivered softly as he felt his beloved's presence curling lazily against his soul again, sure that this time his white haired doppelganger was probably sleeping. It was probably why Zangetsu had not answered Ichigo earlier that night as well. He couldn't still the soft smile of indulgence that spread across his lips, the sensation alone chasing away any of his previous misgivings as he transversed the well trodden road towards the Urahara Shoten.

Oyasumi, Zangetsu. Sorry for keeping you awake. And even if I'm still sceptical, thank you all the same for sharing your information.

1* Shiro – White (I'm using this word as I'm not sure if I'll be calling Hichigo Zangetsu through this entire fic and working it in here now, can later be used and shortened by Ichigo as well.)

Okay, I think that covers it all. Sorry for my abrupt author's notes but I'm really tired and cannot think of much else to add. So please leave me a review if you're so kind, I'd really appreciate it and I'll see you guys again for my first Halloween One-shot in the next few days.

Ja Ne

Uchiha Madara
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Breathe Me In, Touch Me, Bind My Soul