Ugh, now I'm just about ready to die. This fic turned into such a big project even when I only meant for it to become a one-shot. Anyways, I'm so glad that it's done and I must say I wasn't expecting it become so well liked, so thank you so much for all the lovely reviews I received. It makes me so happy, I'm probably crying with joy by now (before I'll be passing out momentarily).

Right, this is the last of Ichiru deathstrawberry's Gift Fic, I really hope you enjoy as I must confess the lemon in this, I was going to do something totally different but it turned into something else instead, but oh well. I'm happy with it as it is now; I just hope it pleases my readers.

There are some warnings for this chapter though: It contains Yaoi, M/M lemons, a touch of M-preg in the epilogue as there will be children (which was way too much fun to write) and a Blind!Ichigo. Sorry, my lemon may not be as good as it usually is as one of my characters had an impaired sense but hopefully the other things I added into it make up for it.

Right, that's all I can think of. Thanks again for helping me Ichiru deathstrawberry, I really appreciate it. So please enjoy. I'll see you at the end of the chapter and don't remember to turn back if any of the warnings have put you off:

Winter's Tender Caress:

It was warm, so inherently warm and comforting that Ichigo shivered softly at every caress of flowing water as it brushed teasingly against his skin and pushed little beads of sweat to cling to his forehead irritably. Lapping tenderly against his torso and tanned skin with every shift that he made, Ichigo allowed his newly painted fingertips (black in a reflection to his King's as the servants had told him) to skim the surface of the large purifying bath's water playfully. Allowing the sweetly scented steam and air to curl protectively around his nose and skin, Ichigo absently closed his sightless eyes in pure bliss as sticky strands of orange began to adhere to his forehead and cheeks annoyingly. He didn't like the sensation very much or the overly sweet scent from the bath oils that had been added earlier, but he also noted that it easily elevated his sense of smell and touch to new heights. And coupled with the slow rise of luxurious pleasure that such perfectly heated water created within his soul, Ichigo was fairly content at the moment. Especially as it began to melt away all the tension that he had been feeling since early that morning.

Tenderly soothing away all of his fears, upset and unrest with a brush of heady calm; the orange haired Shinigami allowed the back of his head to rest against the edge of the large bath comfortably. Where Ichigo couldn't stop himself from shuddering deeply in rising contentedness. It was becoming a little overwhelming though, the scent that was curling so provocatively around his nose, it almost smelt like melted chocolate but he tried to push its heady effects into the back of his mind as quickly as possible. In the distance of his surroundings, Ichigo could hear the constant rush of running water from a small waterfall. Where settled all around him was the subtle scent of spring flowers and the cooling brush of open air; reminding him that this was an open air bath...not a closed room. And it was right in the middle of the palace grounds too, just as the Reiou had told him.

Considering that the servants were only allowed to enter here when he permitted them to, Ichigo was fairly safe in his granted privacy for now. And after the dizzying and tiring events of his busy wedding day that morning and the past week that had been instilled within him, he couldn't be more content than where he was at the moment. He still couldn't come to terms with everything that had happened in such a short space of time however, his mind reeling in shock at the touch of surrealism that he experienced whenever his thoughts started to stray towards the past few days. Their mere reminder was enough to cause Ichigo to shudder softly in distress, forcing him to bring up his wet hands to lay them across his scarred eyes in search of his rapidly fading sanity. But it was also to hide the dark flush that was starting to taint his cheeks the more his thoughts ran away from him and forcibly reminded the newly instated Consort just what was expected of him that night.

Eventually allowing his strictly controlled reiatsu to spill out into the room to wind it like a cloak of protection around him, Ichigo trembled uncertainly in the climbing heat that was bubbling across his heart and mind so irrevocably. It was a useless endeavour to steady his rising heartbeat though; he already felt unsettled, afraid of his own instinctive reactions towards the Reiou whenever they were close. But no matter what, Ichigo could not stop himself from needing to be close, to bathe himself in that overwhelming presence that Shiro only ever released when he was in the room with him. And just to tease Ichigo, to entice him into wanting more, to arouse him both physically and emotionally...the Reiou was a very affectionate and playful being as the orange haired teen had quickly come to realize, something he was not very good at dealing with he had to admit.

Shiro just loved to wind up his new Bride, to comfort him when he had gone too far, Ichigo was close to snapping in frustration or just to capture the orangette up in strong arms, drag him into a warm lap and kept him captive there for hours on end until Ichigo was close to tears at his teasing. No matter how Ichigo had protested and whined against it in the beginning or how he had flushed in sheer mortification, it had only taken a single day for the orange haired Shinigami to submit to the ethereal being's power, will and odd whimsies that were so childlike and playful in nature. For Shiro, the name that only Ichigo was allowed to use now; his official husband since that afternoon, the being had become the centre of Ichigo's entire world in an instant. Where Ichigo craved the touch of his pure, dark reiatsu that seemed to curl and twist so pleasurably around his soul, binding them both together eternally and protecting him whenever he stumbled in emotion or his heart ached with a yearning need he couldn't understand.

And when they touched, just a simple brush of hands, Shiro twined their fingers together intimately in order to guide his Consort around the palace or warm lips whispered across his forehead affectionately, Ichigo felt his heart crumbling in need at the addictive sensations that the Reiou ignited scorchingly through his blood and the depths of his soul every time. It was insane and that voice, it was so dark and rich that it was as if silky chocolate was dripping onto Ichigo's tongue and melting pleasurably through his mouth whenever he heard it. It always sought to consume him whole with its nonchalant sensual and playful lilting tone, but other times it reverberated with such overwhelming power and command that it sent shivers up Ichigo's spine.

It was no wonder that the orangette was being driven up the walls with his growing frustration.

However, the best out of everything that had happened was the sheer consolation, reprieve and neediness that Shiro's mere presence burned deeply into the pit of his stomach everytime that he came within inches of Ichigo's form. It was unlike anything that the orangette had ever experienced in his life before, so much so that Ichigo knew he wouldn't be able to keep his lingering sanity for long; not when he started to depend on Shiro's presence close to him just as much as the Reiou seemed to demand the blind Shinigami's presence by his side eternally. Everytime they were left alone for a bit Ichigo was instantly enveloped in protective power, reiatsu teeming with emotions that promised him nothing but love, comfort and acceptance for eternity...it was―.

'I apologize for interrupting your rest, Heika (1*). But his Majesty, the Reiou is awaiting your presence; I've been sent to get you ready before leading you to the Royal Chambers.' A soothing female voice recounted timidly from the direction of the entranceway, the sudden appearance and press of her barely there reiatsu startling the newly wedded Ichigo out of his trance like daze of swirling thoughts and heating skin. Just barely managing to keep himself from letting out a yelp of surprise, especially because of the sound of that voice and the obvious femininity it carried, the orangette valiantly bit back his violent response as he suddenly felt the back of his head colliding against the edge of bath rather painfully.

'Ow...ow...' He hissed irritably. Rubbing his palm across the back of his head to sooth away the burning ache, Ichigo found himself breathing quite shakily in return. This was something he would never get used to, they always crept up on him and it was usually several of them that insisted on dressing him and no matter how he protested, especially that morning when they had gotten him ready for the wedding ceremony, they would not stop. The young orangette had been put through a new hell with all the sashes, heavy fabrics, silks, kimonos, haoris, obis, veils, jewellery, perfume...he was sure he had lost a little of his head, hell he had barely even been able walk to straight with his geta that day. His ceremonial uniform had nothing on what he had been forced to wear today, but at least his husband had seemed to like it. Something that inexplicably saddened Ichigo the moment that the compliment had left the Shiro's lips. Because in that single earth shattering moment, Ichigo had realized he would never be able to see his King.

The being that was fast becoming the centre of his entire world...

Oh, there may have been several excited descriptions from his sisters, the servants, Shiro himself, but it completely paled in comparison to actually having the ability to see the one his soul was now bound to for the rest of eternity. And then it truly hit the orangette that he had missed his husband's magnificent form, which would have been just as dressed up and astounding as he was said to have looked at the Selection Ceremony, for the second time. It was painful, every day that he was reminded of what had been lost...so deeply painful and heartbreaking―.

'Heika? Are you alright? Do you need some help? Are you too dizzy to stand from the heat?' The timid voice called again, footsteps drawing closer in concern as Ichigo shook his head softly in the negative. He was attempting to conceal his flush from the servant's presence as he mentally prepared himself for the task ahead. Just because he couldn't see them damn it, did not mean he didn't get embarrassed by their presence. At least they seemed professional, no gossip, no giggles, they simply did their jobs. Something Ichigo was very grateful for but still made him wary of their presence all the same. Rubbing the palm of his left hand across the array of scars that transversed his eyes, the orangette attempted to sooth away the heady sting behind closed eyelids at his brief stint of depressing thoughts. Now was not a good time to be overwhelmed by his darker emotions, Ichigo thought harshly as he eventually forced himself to stand when he felt stable enough to regain his balance.

With his hand gripping the side of head suddenly as it spun in dizzying circles anyways, long orange locks stuck sensually to the water that cascaded in shimmering droplets down his spine and traced teasingly against the curve of his hips. Luckily it was only thirty minutes later that he was dressed, the servant telling him word for word the colour of his garments, the fabric and all the jewellery that had to go with it. Ichigo wanted to curse however, it was way too much! He wanted to whine and yell his frustration, he was just going to bed for heaven's sake, even if it was with his husband for the first time since arriving here. Ichigo shivered softly under the press of a ring being slipped over his left ring finger and several bracelets were set around his wrist in tinkling metal. There was even one that went around his ankle, ringing with a soft bell whenever he moved but before Ichigo could think to stop her, he was startled when very soft material was thrown over damp orange locks and he was sure that a crown was slipped over his head to keep it in place.

The orangette trembled uncertainly at its touch, the silk shirt clinging to his still damp form as it brushed teasingly against his over sensitized flesh and he shifted restlessly against its tightness.

'What're you doing?!' Ichigo yelped in mortification, trying to lift his hand to take off the sprawl of fabric that trailed heavily down his back and the crown that kept it in place but surprisingly strong hands stopped him quite firmly. 'I'm just going to bed, please. A yukata would have sufficed. This is far too complicated, Shiro's not going to be bothered by my dress.' Ichigo whined softly in distress. He was hushed into silence however, when soft fingertips tugged at the soft fabric set over the long sprawl of his orange lock, pulling it so that it brushed softly against his forehead and his orange locks were concealed from the world before she helped him into his geta.

'Please do not remove it, Heika. The Reiou may not be bothered with your night clothes in the future, but for tonight it is your duty to please him. Concealing one's hair behind a veil is customary for the Consort, only the Reiou is allowed to see you in your full form and those of us, your servants, who are in sworn fidelity to never divulge any detail of your appearance to the outside world. If you are unhappy about the opalescent white, I can swap out the veil for turquoise as it matches your sash, but for tonight it stays. Also your crown tells of your position as his rightful Bride, unless you are alone in the Reiou's chambers with him, it stays where it is. It is your rightful status now, others have to be made aware of it too.'

'Now, if there are no more objections, all that's left is to tie the turquoise sash and we're done.' After that scolding Ichigo said nothing more in his defence, it was a useless endeavour in any case. He had found that he been overstepping a lot of the regulations and rules of the palace in the last few days. It was only natural as he was new to everything but the Reiou himself seemed more amused by his actions than frustrated as the attendants, servants and advisors seemed to become when Ichigo did something out of character. He still had a lot to learn but it probably wouldn't matter since there was an eternal stretch of time ahead of him now and with someone by his side to guide him should he get lost, Ichigo's future did not look so bleak and bathed in darkness as it had been for the last five years continually.

With a soft sigh of lingering exhaustion that the bath had settled across his form, Ichigo eventually followed the soft pad of footsteps that walked several steps ahead of him and dutifully guided him by the flicker of her small reiatsu deeper into the Royal Palace. Milky white eyes closed and concealed behind a sprawl of damp orange locks, clenched shut as Ichigo shuddered in heady trepidation. It felt like he was walking to his execution; he was filled with such anxiety and an uncomfortable heat that he was sure had been building in his stomach since earlier as it started to make itself noticeable again. His heartbeat was increasing anxiously with every step that he took towards his new, shared room; the soft fabric of that veil trailing down his back to brush sensually against the skin of his bare arms as Ichigo shuddered at the smooth, silky slide of material when it chased a new sensation of need across his blood.

Ichigo tried very hard to keep the rising flush of embarrassment from blossoming across his cheeks. His mind recounting the expectations of that night over and over again, the orangette valiantly tried to settle his unknown anxiety as he attempted to steady his suddenly uncoordinated footsteps and not to flinch at the resounding noise that his geta clad feet and the small bell was making deafeningly against the polished floors of the palace. All echoing loudly in his ears as it messed up the depths of his perception quite deeply, especially with the vastness that he encountered in the palace.

'I will take my leave now, Heika, I am not allowed further than this. The Reiou is just beyond the door at the end of the corridor, I approximate about twenty steps before you reach it. Welcome to your new home, Your Majesty, and please do not hesitate to call should you need anything more.' And with that, she was gone. Her presence vanishing into thin air as she left a dazed orangette in her wake to find his own way towards his King's chambers. Allowing a shaky sigh to spill from his lips, Ichigo tugged his bottom lip between his teeth as he straightened his shoulders and steeled himself for what was to come.

Curling his reiatsu tightly around his form like a cloak, Ichigo took his first steps forward tentatively. His beloved's reiatsu and overwhelming presence already calling out to him excitedly the instant that the Reiou became aware of Ichigo's presence approaching from the other side of the door.

...

Golden eyes set upon a sea of black sclera, fluttered open thoughtfully the instant that he became aware of his Bride's powerful presence on the other side of his chamber's double doors. A slow smirk of anticipation spreading across pale features as a lit golden kiseru was drawn away from pale lips and the white haired being emptied tobacco ashes into a tray with a small tap. Long white locks spilling freely down a straightened back and falling over his shoulders as he leant forward curiously when the doors were opened; Shiro found his breath catching in his throat the moment sharp golden eyes caught sight of the orange haired Shinigami that stepped towards his presence tentatively now. The door swung shut abruptly at a surprised lash of the Reiou's power, the white haired King instantly feeling a dark brush of jealousy igniting within the depths of his heart as he realized someone had taken advantage of his beloved's loss of sight again.

To dress him up so provocatively as this; it was utterly sinful and whoever had decided to expose his beloved's sensual form to those present on the path from the purifying baths to Shiro's chambers, anyone who had caught sight of Ichigo as he was now, were going to be ripped apart by his hands come morning. Dressed up in opalescent white silk shorts that clung tightly to curving hips, barely concealing a pert behind from wandering eyes and long tanned legs that were accentuated by a gold and turquoise ankle bracelet and black geta clad feet; the white haired King could already feel his instincts teeming with the rising need to possess his Bride body, heart and soul. It was utterly astounding and with a tight sleeveless silk shirt in the same white but a Chinese style, moulded to strong shoulders and a perfectly muscled abdomen, Shiro felt as if he was totally losing his mind.

A turquoise sash was tied in a large bow around a thin waist; trailing tails of tumbling colourful silk down the right side of his beloved's form to brush against supple flesh and bare calves as Ichigo took several more unsure steps towards his King. The Reiou shuddered softly at the heady scent that was beginning to make itself known as it swirled into the depths of his chambers and curled an unsettled warmth in his gut. Shit! He probably shouldn't have summoned part of his mask earlier, it had awakened his Hollow instincts much more than he would have liked. Where he found himself responding to this situation with far less self control as golden eyes; one a shimmering gold, the other tainted in red pigment behind a cracked mask with a long tapering horn that was settled over his left eye, eagerly followed the orangette's steps as every second drew their forms closer together.

The jewellery settled upon Ichigo's form, it was all done so tastefully; glittering in the soft light of many lit oil candles that illuminated the Royal Chambers. It was not too much...not too little either and with a wedding ring settled rightfully upon an elegant left hand as already flushed cheeks were bowed away from the Reiou's presence respectfully, Shiro was sure he wouldn't be able to hold onto his strict self control for much longer. Damn it! That crown, the sprawl of that veil in his colours...the white haired being wanted nothing more than to rip it from his beloved's head so that he could card long black nailed fingertips through a sprawl of beautiful orange locks. To burn into his mind the scent that clung to his beloved's skin, to trace the spread of those delectable tanned thighs with the curl of his blue tongue and to dig his teeth into the side of his Ichigo's neck just to hear the cries of utter rapture he would release in response.

He shuddered deeply; rising to his feet from the window seat he had been reclining lazily in, Shiro never once allowed his captivated eyes to stray from his Bride's form.

'Ichigo...Ichigo...' He sang seductively, deepening the desire in his lilting baritone as he instantly noted Ichigo's form freezing several steps away from him in surprise. A veiled head tilting to the side slightly to follow the sound of his voice as Shiro drew closer with distinctive and confident footsteps; a flutter of his own dark blue silk yukata trailing sensually behind his form as he halted mere inches in front of the one being that had consumed his entire soul since he had first caught a glimpse of him. 'My Ichigo...' He breathed with increasing strain. Gently laying the palm of his pale hand against a warm cheek, Shiro tilted his beloved's chin upwards before allowing his lips to whisper against a small intricate circlet that was fashioned after his own before he lifted it upwards. Dragging the sprawl of that veil away from long orange locks irritably before settling the crown back in place, the Reiou tenderly brushed away the sprawl of orange bangs that had fallen into Ichigo's eyes as he dropped the shimmering material on the floor by his feet.

'S-Shiro, I―.'

'Open your eyes, Ichigo. No talking now, I want to see them again. Show me your soul...show me your love...show me your instincts...I want to see you, beloved. Do not fear and come to me, my King. Trust me my beloved, my consort...I shall forever look after you.'

The orange haired Shinigami, who had entered an odd trance-like daze since first stepping foot into the Royal Chamber the moment he had felt the touch of his King's overwhelming power prickling his skin; breathed shakily at the echoing reminder of those sweetly purred words. They were resounding deafeningly through his mind, lilting with the sound of a soul deep promise as a deep haze of need began to ignite across tanned skin and Ichigo found himself obeying his beloved's words without any further protest or question. Eagerly leaning into the warm palm that was cupping his cheek; sightless milky white eyes fluttered open at the call of his name once more. They fell half mast quickly however, when warm lips slid sensually over his and a slick tongue parted his lips without warning.

The unexpected and unseen act surprising the orangette so much that a breathy cry was muffled against soft lips and Ichigo gripped desperately at the fabric of Shiro's clothes; bunching the material that felt like watery silk between his fingertips in search of a way to ground himself when the world was suddenly ripped from beneath his feet. He couldn't move, couldn't breathe, couldn't think; his stolen breath shuddering shakily across his lover's cheeks as Ichigo felt the press of a long tapering horn and cracked mask digging into his cheek and the side of his head rather dangerously. It was back again, Ichigo thought absently; the partial Hollow mask that the Reiou had warned his Consort he loved to portray. Not that Ichigo minded its presence much, the Reiou's powers still baffled him with the way that they worked but by wearing the cracked mask, Ichigo could feel the difference as it made Shiro's reiatsu seem that much more potent and overwhelming to his senses.

The orangette just had to remind himself to be careful not to hurt himself with it as he groaned deeply in rising bliss. It was not fair, all it had taken was a single kiss to drag him into such an unadulterated state of pleasure as Ichigo tentatively twined his tongue with another's that was scorching hot in his mouth and rubbed so pleasurably against his own. The orangette was sure that the rapid rise of his growing arousal was starting to affect his body quite deeply, forcing him to shift uncomfortably with panting breaths as a drawn out moan of enjoyment escape petal pink lips in a whine when Shiro pulled away several long minutes later. A broken string of saliva stuck to his chin headily as Ichigo shuddered softly at the sly fingertips that now passed against the side of his neck. An arm curled around the small of back as strong assured strides began to lead them backwards whilst the tip of curious nose nuzzled the side of his temple in affection.

'Ichigo...my sweet, Ichigo. Your taste is so delectable and your scent, it's so enticing, so arousing that I cannot get enough. I simply cannot control myself around you, beloved. Will you give yourself to me tonight, my Bride? May I drown you in desire, envelope you in absolute and complete rapture, fill your soul with utter completeness?' A deeply seductive voice purred promisingly against the shell of a dainty ear; now flushing red across pale cheeks in embarrassment as the words registered in Ichigo's mind and warm lips pressed slickly against the side of his neck. The small gifted sensation instantly caused Ichigo to arch back with a soft cry of contentment, eventually forcing him to nod his consent to his husband's request when the Reiou repeated his burning question once more.

The orange haired Shinigami abruptly let out a deafening yelp of utter surprise and fear when a warm palm pushed against his chest harshly, leaving the teen to flail against the loss of his balance and his back collided warmly against an unbelievably soft surface several split seconds later. Ichigo was gasping deeply, trying to catch his breath against the rushing adrenalin his unseen fall had instilled within him as he shuddered at the sensation of comfort that chased through his blood when tanned fingertips dug deeply into a luxuriously soft texture that shifted and flowed like fur beneath his fingertips. A stuttering breath of awe left parted petal pink lips, tanned skin trembling in the overwhelming press of double sensation when sly fingertips trailed against the bare flesh of his thigh. Where Ichigo only now realized he had been dressed in shorts that were way too short instead of the long silk pants he had first thought.

But it didn't matter, this material, whatever it was...it felt so good against his bare skin.

'Move back a bit, Ichi. There's still plenty of room on the bed.' Shiro called from somewhere above him, causing Ichigo to obey as he instinctively parted his thighs so that a larger form could settle comfortably between them and the soothing presence of his King could hover warmly over Ichigo's reclining form. Ichigo continued to run his fingertips across the soft surface he now found himself captured on however, shuddering in rising bliss to its supple surface that made him want to pull fistfuls of the material and tug on it until it became burned into his skin. He was breathing heavily, arching his back like a cat when a palm came to rest against his abdomen and warm lips pressed against his crowned forehead soothingly to cool his ragging pleasure. It was insane, it felt so good that it left Ichigo's mind reeling when a reassuring hand suddenly gripped his and twined their fingers together intimately. The orangette unable to form a word of protest when the hand pinned his to the soft material above his head and a sprawl of long locks brushed teasingly against his cheek as he was sure Shiro's hair had just fallen over his shoulder to surround them like a curtain.

'S-Shi? Shiro...what is this? It's so soft...I can't―.' Ichigo asked with a frown, not able to stop himself from running his fingertips through the inherently warm texture beneath his fingertips as he arched upwards suddenly when sly fingernails dragged teasingly against the sensitive skin of his inner thigh. Sightless eyes blinking open pleadingly as a cry of utter bliss was tugged from parted lips, Ichigo groaned deeply when sharpened teeth tugged playfully at the shell of his ear. A small titter of mirth staining Ichigo's hearing sweetly as a sly tongue slipped inside his ear canal to cause a deep shudder to chase through Ichigo's already trembling limbs, igniting an odd inside-out sensation within the fast climbing arousal that was curling and twisting so sensually in the pit of his stomach.

'Oh...oh god...'

'It's a present for you. I thought you'd like it, Ichigo.' Shiro purred sensually, cool fingertips slipping beneath the silk of Ichigo's shirt tenderly; untying the bow in a turquoise sash as soft fingertips caressed bare skin and the orangette's toes curled pleasurably as he rested his feet flat against the bed to cradle the Reiou's form closer to him unknowingly. A lingering ring of the bell attached to his ankle staining the air headily around them when the white haired King dragged sharp black nailed fingertips expertly against two hardened nipples, pinching one between a forefinger and thumb as a sheer breathy cry of rapture was tugged from parted petal pink lips.

'You may not be able to see, Ichigo. But you can feel, smell, taste...hear, so I'm just playing to your needs, beloved. It is my duty to give you as much pleasure and happiness as possible, just as it is your duty to stand by my side for eternity. I just asked some of the servants to dress the bed with the softest fur they could find in the Three Worlds, to bathe you in the sweetest scent of your favourite treat and to give you whatever is that you wish. You are my beloved, my King, my life now, Ichigo. I will always look after you, all that I ask is that you give me the same courtesy in return.' Ichigo was floored at those words, his breath stolen from his lungs as he felt an overwhelming brush of emotion burning harshly against the backs of his unseeing eyes. It was getting difficult to breathe under the press of his emotions again, tentative fingertips reaching upwards to his beloved, seeking to grant Shiro the same reassurance Ichigo had just received.

'W-why me, Shiro?' Ichigo whispered softly, the uncertain fingertips of his right hand finally finding his lover's form as it trailed against an arm that was resting close to his head. Following the limb upwards to brush against a soft neck until Ichigo could pass feathering fingertips against smooth cheeks and the edges of a cracked mask. 'W-what can I give you, Shi? I'm just a blind Shinigami. A mere child compared to you, my power cannot protect you from danger...I don't understand.' Ichigo noted with a lilt of true despair. His lingering sorrow prompting the orangette to bring up his other hand as he rested one against a smooth cheek just to make sure all this was real. He was tracing a sharp nose softly, following smooth eyelids that fluttered shut at his touch and warm lips that parted softly to trace the pads of his fingers with the tip of a sly tongue.

Ichigo also bravely explored the headily pointed horn of that cracked mask back and forth from the sharp edge at the base to the deadly pointing tip several times. He was startled however when got an odd reaction out of the Reiou from that; the long haired being purring pleasurably in his touch as his overwhelming presence leant into Ichigo's fingers happily and the orangette's lips were forced to part under a tender caress when slick lips slid sensually over his and a brief entanglement of dancing tongues stole his sorrow and upset straight from the depths of his soul and replaced it with ragging and climbing need for rapture again.

'Because you can love unconditionally, Ichigo. I don't need another person protecting me, beloved. I just want you, your soul to be bound to mine for eternity so that I can protect you, my Bride, my King, my most beloved Consort. You are my comfort, Ichigo. My guiding hand when I lose control. That's all that I wanted, and you are powerful enough to stand by my side as an equal so do not sell yourself short. I would not have chosen you otherwise, but enough talk, Ichi, please and stop doing that,' A rumbling voice warned suddenly, warm fingertip capturing the fingers that were tracing a tapering horn so seductively. 'It's sensitive and if you really want me to lose control, then carry on as you are doing now.' Shiro purred dangerously as Ichigo suddenly felt a dark flush burning against his cheeks; a muffled moan passing his lips when sensual silk slid against his torso to expose his quivering flesh to the cool air of the Royal Chambers and a cry of sheer indignation left his lungs when unseen hands slipped his shorts down his thighs without warning.

'Hush, Ichigo. I'll take good care of you, I promise. Just trust me.' Before Ichigo could have voiced his own concerns, to warn his lover that this was his first time, he was forced to drag a sharp gasp into resisting lungs when knowing fingertips curled firmly around the base of his hardened arousal and began to drag a heady pattern of pleasure against his overly sensitized flesh. Up and down, curling and twisting, dragging fingernails...it was all building and tightening the coil of slow burning anticipation that Ichigo had been feeling heatedly for a while now. Chasing it into a much more carnal state as his own black nailed fingertips dug deeply into the luxuriously soft fur beneath him; the orangette found himself rocking into the exploring touch, drowning in the bliss that it gifted him as the Reiou chuckled softly above him.

Ichigo could practically feel the dark smirk curling at soft lips as they pressed to the side of his neck, his arms curling instinctively around the base of pale neck to steady himself just as long tickling locks of white fell forward to splay against his newly exposed flesh. The orange haired Shinigami felt his very breath catching in his throat; his skin so sensitized and heated that he could practically feel every strand that brushed teasingly, sensually, across his torso and face. And when a warm forehead fell forward to press reassuring against his, Ichigo twined elegant fingers in hip length locks. Seeking to ground himself to the triple attack of pleasure that Shiro caused when lips teased his for an erotic entanglement of slick tongues once more. Ichigo was startled however, when that same tongue traced his cheek lovingly when they broke apart. The orangette's litany of cries soon silenced as several fingers were slipped deeply into the depths of his mouth.

'This may hurt you a bit, Ichigo. But get them a wet as you can, I'll try to be gentle.' The teen nodded dazedly; milky white eyes fluttering open half-mast as he traced his tongue across warm fingertips one for one. Counting three of them as he slicked them up, Ichigo was sure that he was beginning to lose the last tethers that bound him to reality. It was too much: the pleasure from Shiro's hand that was curled around his arousal, the sensation and softness beneath his back from the fur...warm kisses peppered across his cheeks. Ichigo was losing his mind little by little and when those warm fingers retracted from his between his lips, trailing wetly against his abdomen before Ichigo's thighs were parted further; he found that he couldn't protest or ask any more questions of his beloved.

It was impossible, Ichigo's back arching against the odd sensation of a single finger slipping deeply inside of him as it dragged a low whine from parted lips. And when Shiro took away the pleasure that had been winding and building around a pulsing arousal to ground Ichigo by twining their fingers together instead, it left the orangette to try and move away when one finger became two and then three. They were all opening him up for something bigger, something much more pleasure giving as Ichigo felt tears of frustration start to trail down his temples coldly. The instant that they brushed a deeply pleasurable spot inside of him though, it had Ichigo arching deeply towards the painful stretch that was filling him up. A series of cries tumbling from kiss swollen lips; Ichigo tugged harshly at long locks that he had been told was as white as snow before he licked his suddenly dry lips in distress when those pleasure giving fingers pulled away from him.

'N-no...don't stop...S-Shi...Shiro...more...please...I...' Ichigo cried out desperately, his harsh wailing cry echoing deafeningly into the room when a heady pain shot up his spine and something much larger buried deeply inside of him to replace the white haired King's fingers. The orangette felt his breath catching in his throat, his world shattering to pieces around him when his fingernails clawed against a strong back and a warm forehead fell against shoulder in his lover's sudden strain to control himself. Moist breaths skittered against Ichigo's partially clothed form, brushing against the side of his neck as the Reiou breathed deeply with the strain it took to kept himself as still as possible.

'Shit...you're tight, Ichigo. You're going to shatter me, you need to relax―.'

'H-hurts...it hurts, Shi.' Ichigo whined pitifully, thighs tightening against the hips that came to rest against his in rocking movements as he tried his best to breathe through the overwhelmingly intense sensations that were boiling heatedly through his blood and somehow still chasing up his rising need for completeness. Ichigo was panting headily, his breaths stained with groans of pain as soft lips pressed against his eyelids soothingly. Feeling the older being pushing himself to lean more fully over his form in comfort and protection; the orange haired teen finally allowed his tensed muscles to relax bit by bit under the heady assault as his lover implored him to do.

He didn't know what to feel anymore...the pain or the pleasure...both were such a heady mixture that he could barely contain himself.

'I know...just try to relax, you'll feel better in a moment.' Shiro breathed promisingly and Ichigo found himself cursing freely now, a cry leaving his lungs when that hard length shifted inside of him and brushed against a button of pleasure that had him seeing stars of rapture as a new rush of echoing pleasure exploded through his very being. Ichigo wailed deafeningly, losing his own control as he urged his beloved to move, to give him more, to drown him completely in sensation... The instant that the Reiou gave into his pleading cries, he dragged a series of breathy noises of rapture from petal pink lips where Ichigo was fading into a world that was bathed in nothing but utter bliss. And the sheer completeness he felt, it was so deep and overwhelming that the orangette found himself sobbing softly in relief.

He couldn't hold on, couldn't grasp onto a single thought as his pleasure exploded through the depths of his very soul. Ichigo was moving with Shiro, rocking into his climbing thrusts; seeking the all welcome pinnacle inside of him that he had been trying to reaching for the longest time. The pain was forgotten, the emotions were oh so sweet and when a harsh thrust pressed deeply against his prostate, Ichigo literally felt himself breaking in his lover's arms. His back bowing in a deep, sensual arch; teeth tugged at his bottom lip so hard that blood flooded his mouth...the orangette reached his all welcoming climax in a heady rush.

He was calling out in wailing cries, repeating only his beloved's name as every colour, every sensation he could have thought off exploded through his veins and a deep and dark dizziness began to descend upon the far reaches of his mind. Ichigo had found his home, his heart and the single being the completed him wholly. Nothing could have made him more content and when he heard Shiro's own cry of rapture staining the air in his name, something warm and not entirely uncomfortable painting deeply inside of him. Ichigo welcomed the sensations into him, leaning eagerly towards the protection of Shiro's reiatsu swirling potently and headily in the room around them now.

It was bliss...ambrosia...a home for Ichigo's lost heart and soul.

Epilogue: Enveloped In Love

Several years later, the patter of small feet could be heard echoing softly throughout the far reaches of the Reiōkyū (2*). Two small, childish, hands twined intimately together as the small and indistinguishable forms of two young children made their way hurriedly across twisting corridors of the Family wing in search of their parents comforting presence that lay in the direction of the Royal Chambers. The darkness of the deep night was bathing the entirety of the Reiou's palace in an uncontainable shadow; throwing up haunting brushes of light from the half moon that was peeking in from the many windows and glimmered sharply across polished floors. The first indistinguishable being; quite small and pressed closely to his brother's side, wiped shamefully at the trickle of tears that was trailing like droplets of crystal down his pale cheeks.

Large golden eyes, set upon a sea of black sclera, gazed fearfully up at his twin from behind a sprawl of messy and spiky orange locks. Following the moving form of his brother that was running several steps ahead of him and dragging little Ryuu behind him without mercy; the youngest of the two clutched a warm toy in his hand quite protectively in search of the warmth that was slowly draining from his form with every step that they took towards the chambers that no one was allowed to enter but them and their parents. The spiky white locks of his twin, Ryo-nii, was shimmering near silver beneath the flowing moonlight when the older of the two lead his crying little brother towards their parents room that was situated too far away from their own.

'We mustn't Ryo-nii...' Ryuu cried softly, messy orange locks which he had inherited from his Okaa-sama descending into shy golden eyes as it brushed the tanned skin of his cheeks quite softly with every guilty shake of his head. He was trying valiantly to break free from his brother's grasp, to stop him from going any further towards those large, imposing double doors when he was reminded headily of his father's words earlier that day. 'Otou-sama said that we're not allowed to cry anymore, were turning six next year, Onii-san. If he sees me now he's going to get angry again.' The youngest wailed softly in fear, trembling uncertainly when his older twin's beautiful chocolate brown eyes gazed at him sternly before he shook his head in the negative quite forcefully; long white locks fluttering around his head in a long splay of wavy strands as he enveloped his little brother in a tender embrace instead.

'He won't be, Ryuu. So don't be upset, he was just playing with us. I'm the one that's not allowed to cry remember? I was born to protect you.' Ryo assured softly, small fingers tightening around his brother's hand as he lead his twin down the last the corridor with a small reassuring smile that he only spared for his family. 'Okaa-sama said that we could come to him whenever we wanted, and you're sad, Ryuu. I knew that Ojii-san telling you about Okaa-sama getting injured was going to hurt you. So it's my fault, I should have taken you away earlier. Don't be afraid, we'll both go together.' With those last few words, the eldest held out a pale hand to press it against the large double doors firmly. Seeking to push it open with a brush of his power.

The both of them were startled when it swung open at the first brush of his black nailed fingertips however, chocolate brown eyes widening in surprise when the moonlight bathed form of the father stood on the other side of the opened door quite menacingly. Sheer white locks tumbling down an imposing figure's back, shifted softly with his every move as mature golden eyes gazed down at the ones who had dared to disturb his rest with a little glare before those eyes instantly softened when the Reiou spotted two tiny forms gazing up at him in fright. Shiro sighed softly in defeat, a small frown furrowing his brows as he observed his youngest trying to step away from him when he reached forward to pat his head reassuringly.

'Come inside then, Ryo. Try not to wake your Okaa-sama, he's very tired tonight.' The white haired being warned softly, the words scarcely having left his lips before the small white haired five-year-old was already across the room and onto the large bed that was draped in soft furs and silks where his Okaa-sama was fast asleep. The oldest, momentarily having forgotten his younger brother at the prospect of sleeping next to his 'bearer', left a concerned father to kneel next to his youngest child's side. Ryuu shifted restlessly where he was frozen on the threshold of the Royal Chambers though; refusing to lift his golden eyes to look his father in the eye. He knew that if he did that, he would show the older being the obvious tears that were still trailing down his cheeks with little sniffles of distress.

The youngest twin was startled from his racing thoughts however when a large and infinitely warm hand patted the top of his head, briefly caressing the sensitive cracked mask with a small tapering horn that was settled across Ryuu's left eye in a reflection to his father's mask before the orange haired five-year-old was suddenly tugged against a warm body. Strong arms picking him up reassuringly to cradle him against a strong chest when the Royal Chamber's doors swung shut behind them at a brush of his father's powerful reiatsu. Warm lips pressed against a smooth forehead as Ryuu found himself crying harder at the affectionate touch. Small arms winding strongly around a warm neck as he buried his nose in long white locks that smelled just like his father, a tumble of apologizing words spilling harshly from his lips as he tried to explain himself through his ragging sobs.

He was expecting his father to be angry at him, to scold him for crying and even as he flinched in fear, he found himself being put down onto a soft bed instead. Warm and luxuriously soft blankets pulled over his shivering form as his Otou-sama's arms came back to him seconds later to wind him up protectively and shared half of the large feather pillow with his youngest as well. Shiro cooed soothingly to still his child's distressed tears, warm fingertips never once leaving soft orange locks as he hummed softly to hush the hiccupping sobs that were still staining the late night air a few minutes later.

'Hush now, Ryuu. Why are you crying, hmm? Did my little Dragon Spirit have a nightmare?' The Reiou asked concernedly, brushing his nose teasingly against a smaller one as he moved the both of them closer to where Ryo was already curled up to their Okaa-sama's side and Ichigo shifted sleepily to the middle of the bed so that a long sprawl of orange locks and a warm back could press against Ryuu's soothingly. At the small orangette's tentative nod, Shiro pulled him closer reassuringly as he allowed his reiatsu so spill into the room comfortingly and wound them up in a touch of double comfort when large golden eyes started to drift shut at his child's own exhaustion.

'I won't be angry with you when you come here seeking comfort, Ryuu. Just come inside next time, please. If you stand in the cold air too long you're going to get sick and then you'll make me worry. You're already freezing cold as it is. Try to get some sleep okay, we'll see if we can do something fun tomorrow.'

1* - Heika – Means 'Your Majesty'

2* - Reiōkyū – Palace of the Reiou

Okay, that's all my notes. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. I tried to keep this one very sweet and heart warming, it is a sort of prelude to my Christmas fics as well. But for now, if you would please leave me a little review, I'd be very happy. It's all done, thank god. Also, my Christmas Request List is still running until the end of November, so please get your entries to me if you wish to enter it.

For those who already entered, thank you so much for taking part. For now though, I'm off for some hot chocolate and a warm bath, I seriously need to relax.

Chocolate Carnival