Mating Season

Chapter 15

* 3 Years Later*

Rukia was putting the final balloons around the gift table while Renji was setting out all the plates and silverware on the tables. This was going to be the triplets' third birthday party, and the two godparents were making sure all the last details were perfect. It was really all Rukia and Orihime's idea, any excuse for a party and they were all over it.

Rukia turned over to her best friend and smiled. He looked so tired; the dark circles under his eyes were proof of his fatigue. He looked a bit skinnier, as if he had loss a bit of muscle mass. She understood completely, Renji and Byakuya had their baby only two months ago and were still adjusting to parenthood. She looked towards Byakuya who was sitting under his favorite sakura tree in his garden. In his arms was a small pink bundle, which he was smiling down at.

Renji and Byakuya's relationship started as a secret, but when the couple contacted Kisuke Urahara about possibilities for producing a child about two years into the relationship, the cat was out of the bag. Once Kisuke developed a plan to help the two conceive, then the couple informed the Kuchki elders who only agreed to their union due to the heir that was already growing inside Renji's artificial womb. And the idea that two captain-level parents would make an amazingly powerful child helped. And after nine grueling months, Renji gave birth to a baby girl who was named Kimiku Kuchki. The little girl had the same dark hair as Byakuya and also his dark grey eyes. Renji did not mind that his baby didn't have any of his physical traits, he knew his daughter would be just as gorgeous as his husband, and he couldn't ask for anything more. Besides, he was sure she would be strong as hell and that made his chest swell with pride.

Rukia smiled at her oldest friend, she was so proud of both of them. They finally, after so many years, had admitted their love to each other. And they took strides to make the relationship work against all the challenges. They had to, not only make it not interfere with their duties to the Soul Society and their squad, but also then overcome the obstacle of producing an heir for the Kuchki Clan without having to use a surrogate or concubine. Byakuya was not the biggest fan of Urahara, far from it actually, but he knew that Kisuke was the best shot they had at making their own family. So he learned to put aside his pride and ask for help from one of the most annoying men he had ever know. And of course that damn cat woman was there to make things even more embarrassing for them. Oh yes, she insisted on drawing graphic instructions on how to use the medicines and devices. And once again when they explained how the birth would occur – which was horrifying by the way (at least Renji thought so – since he was the one about to go under the knife).

"Hey everyone!" chirped Orihime as she walked up behind them. "Where should I put the gifts?" Her bubbly voice indicated she was in a very good mood, and when Rukia noticed Uryuu trudging behind her Rukia knew why. Orihime had been nuts for Uryuu for the past couple years once he agreed to make uniforms for the employees at Orihime's new bakery. She was the one to "woo" Uryuu so to speak. She was the one to start making moves, inviting him to dinner, making him food (edible food too! She had taken real culinary classes and it did wonders for her, but of course she still experimented during some occasional free time). She met him outside of his classes and jobs, with warm cocoa. She surprised him by going the extra mile to track down classmates to find out when major exams were planned. Of course she did not interrupt his studying processes… much. She would go to his usual spot at the university library on the third floor, all the way over to the left, the second table in from the window (he said it was so he wouldn't be distracted by what is happening outside). She would come up slowly and quietly (as Uryuu had scolded her in the past for being so loud and rambunctious). Then she would set down a large bag, filled with dinner and snacks for him as well as lots of water and tea. She also usually included little notes that would express her adoration for him and wish him luck on his exams. Of course at first Uryuu was stoic and cold about it, saying she was hassling him by randomly showing up and making scenes. But Orihime being so strong willed, she knew he as just terrible at expressing his true feelings. So she compromised and toned down her arrivals and made them less boisterous and overdone into thoughtful, helpful and quiet. Shortly after that change, Uryuu told her that he appreciated all her efforts and that her being willing to change her approach and appreciated all the love she put in her gifts to him. He apologized for treating her coldly, and asked for a second chance to show her he could be a gentleman. Orihime was overjoyed, to say the least. And ever since that night, they were an official couple, and he would show small signs of affection in public, which was huge step for him.

Rukia and Orihime chirped together about the gifts they got for the triplets and giggled about baby Kimiku who was sleeping comfortably in her father's arms. The girls were suckers for babies. Orhimie was hoping that Uryuu would ask her to marry him soon, and then they could get started on their family. Uryuu was focused mainly on climbing the career ladder at the law firm he worked at. He wouldn't admit it, but he wanted more success so that he would be able to provide everything for her and a child.

Suddenly two boys came rushing by and fell into each other on the grass, laughing and squeeling. Rukia turned around to wave at them when two small arms encircled her leg. She looked down at the cute little girl looking up at her with her big blue eyes. Rukia reached down and lifted the small girl into her arms. "Happy birthday, Masaki! Are you excited for your party?"

"Yeth," Masaki smiled ear to ear. "I want cake." She snuggled in to Rukia's neck and played with her hair in her small hands. Masaki had her long strawberry blonde hair was done in a neat braid, with a large pink bow at the end, and was wearing a cute pink dress with rhinestone strawberries all over it. Rukia recognized the dress instantly, as it was a gift from her.

Ichigo and Grimmjow were not far behind. Ichigo was smiling as Grimmjow was whispering in his ear, his arm draped around the orange haired man's waist. Ichigo slapped Grimmjow's arm playfully, clearly embarrassed by Grimmjow's comment. "Hey Rukia, I see Masaki found you already." He grinned at his close friend, who carried his daughter in her arms. He leaned down and kissed Masaki on the forehead.

Grimmjow was off to the food table, plucking one of the mini sandwiches and stuffing it in his mouth ungracefully. Ichigo glared at him but Grimmjow only grinned with his mouth full. Grimmjow never failed to irritate Ichigo with his brutishness, but it was also part of his unusual charm. They were both ridiculously in love, though neither would have suspected they would be in this relationship four years ago.

"Boys! Get over here and eat some food!" Grimmjow barked at the two boys who were still roughhousing. The two looked up at him, the taller one stuck his tongue out at his father, the other giggling. Grimmjow lowered his brow and gave them the "I'm serious" face with a low growl. Instantly, the two boys jumped up and ran over to the table, taking their seats, waiting for their parents to get their plates.

Ichigo had assembled three plates for the kids, bringing the two over to the boys and Rukia following with Masaki and her plate. They all sat down at the table with their food and smiling.

"Happy birthday Yoshi! Happy birthday Masaki! And happy birthday Kohaku!" Rukia chirped. She was probably having more fun than the kids, excited for them to open their gifts.

"Daaaaaad, I want cake!" Yoshi whined. He folded his little arms across his chest and glared at his sandwich. His baby blue hair was ruffled and sticking up in every direction. If not for the deep brown eyes, he would have been the spitting image of Grimmjow at his age.

"You have to eat your lunch first, then you can have some cake," Ichigo said firmly. He pointed to the sandwich on the little one's plate and nodded at him when the boy picked it up, taking a tentative bite. "All of it," Ichigo continued. Yoshi sighed dramatically and tried to eat it as fast as he could.

Kohaku had bright blue hair that was longer than his brother's; he didn't much like hair cuts so they let it grow out. His sapphire blue eyes were wide and expressive, taking in everyone at the table while he slowly munched on his food. Kohaku was slower than his siblings when it came to talking, Szayel had told them it was due to his troubles at birth and that it was a slight learning disability, but the parents just believed he just was more physically expressive.

Masaki was a happy little girl; she enjoyed being with the adults more than her brothers, and was quite clean for being only three. She loved the baby, Kimiku, and always wanted to help keep her entertained. "Oh I want cake too!" she grinned.

A moment later Renji came over to the table with a large three tiered birthday cake. Each layer was a different color; the top was pink, the middle blue and the bottom green. These were the triplets' favorite colors, and Orihime made a point to make sure they all had their favorites. On the top was a candle in the shape of a number three. He set down the cake on the end of the table. "Alright little ones, get over here so we can blow out the candle."

"I wanna, I wanna!" Yoshi squealed as he jumped out of his chair. Kohaku followed behind his brother, quietly, and Masaki was right on their heels.

"Alright, now you have to wait until I tell you, then blow as hard as you can, okay?" Ichigo explained as he lifted them all up onto the bench so they could stand in front of their cake. He used a quick kido and the candle was ablaze, the children staring in wonder. Everyone broke out into song and then Ichigo looked at them. "One, two…. And… go!"

The three of them huffed out the biggest breath they could and the candle blew out. Everyone cheered and then Renji stepped in to cut pieces out. Yoshi could hardly wait until he received his piece, and stuffed his hands into the cake and into his mouth. Kohaku followed the example of his brother while Masaki used her fork as gracefully as a toddler could.

Grimmjow took Ichigo into his arms and kissed his forehead. "I love those brats." He grinned. "Ya did a good job on them, Ichi."

"Yeah, they're pretty awesome," Ichigo smiled. He nuzzled into Grimmjow's neck and watched the little ones feast on their cake.

"Yo, we got an announcement to make," Grimmjow called out. Everyone looked up at the couple and all went quiet. Ichigo blushed bright red and looked away. Grimmjow mumbled at him, "you wanna say it?" When Ichigo shook his head Grimmjow's classic toothy grin appeared. "Ichi is pregnant!"

Suddenly, from out of nowhere, Ishiin popped out and burst into tears. "I could not be happier! More grandbabies!" He rushed over to hug the couple, Ichigo was embarrassed and tried to shy away but could not escape his eccentric father. Karin and Yuzu were there as well, clapping and cheering.

"You ready for that, Ichi? I only have one and I can't imagine another!" Renji laughed as he lightly punched Ichigo's arm. "Seriously, though. It's hard work, man. I don't know how you do it."

Ichigo laughed and ran a hand through his hair, "Me neither."

Grimmjow grinned. "It's cause you're super mommy." He was met with a sharp glare from Ichigo who growled, "don't call me that!"

Byakuya also came over and nodded to the couple. "Congratulations." He smiled softly and held Kimiku tightly in his arms, she was cooing quietly and reaching up to grab Byakuya's long hair. "Please let me know when and I shall have some of my caretakers watch the triplets so you may have time to yourselves before the babies come."

Ichigo smiled and hugged Byakuya, it was an usual gesture for both of them but they both chalked it up to hormones. "Thank you, Byakuya. That will be very nice."

"Presents!" Yoshi squawked, tugging on Ichigo's shirt. Ichigo laughed and nodded to the little boy. He took his small hand and then reached out his other hand for Kohaku who was, of course, by his brother's side. They walked hand-in-hand over to the table with the gifts. Grimmjow was right behind them with Masaki in his arms. Grimmjow was in love with his cubs, and everyone knew he had an exceptionally strong bond with his little girl; she was definitely a daddy's girl. He blew a raspberry on her cheek and Masaki squealed and flailed with giggles.

The kids tore into their gifts with fever. They made quite the haul this year. Masaki got a lot of dolls and dresses from Rukia, Orihime and Uryuu bought her a kitchen play set complete with plastic pastries. And Byakua provided a beautiful baby pink silk kimono. Renji got her macaroons, which were her favorite treat. Ishiin and the twins all pitched in for a new bed for her, which was a very pretty canopy bed complete with pink fluffy princess bedding.

The two boys also got some clothes and toys from Rukia. Orihime and Uryuu got them each a kite and toy dinosaurs. Byakua got them both kimonos as well; one was navy blue for Yoshi, and the other pale green for Kohaku. Renji gave them wooden toy planes. Ishiin and Yuzu got them a set of bunk beds and Karin got them soccer balls.

"Grimmjow nodded to Ichigo who then grabbed their gifts. Grinning they handed them out to each of them, watching excitedly as they ripped off the colorful paper. Yoshi yelled out first, "Cool!" and Kohaku squeaked in delight and Masaki gasped. They were each holding small katanas, all had foam blades with unique, plastic handles.

"Ya all have your own katana now," Grimmjow said quietly. "Just like ya papas. Ya gotta treat them right, and never hurt each other. These are special swords." He explained. "If ya train hard enough, you will be as good as ya momma." He winked at Ichigo who blushed bright pink.

Masaki was the first to fling herself into Grimmjow's arms, yelling her appreciation. The two boys ran to Ichigo and hugged him before staring at the small katanas some more.

Ichigo was not so keen on the idea of the little ones having swords, worried they would hurt each other or themselves, but Grimmjow insisted saying that they always wanted to be like their parents and it was time they start training. They compromised on the foam katanas, agreeing that it was too soon for wooden swords.

The party continued with even more gifts from the arrancars, vizords and the other captains from the Seretei. The adults talked animatedly and everyone had to tease Ichigo about the pregnancy, taking bets on how many cubs they would have this time. Ichigo was praying for only twins, but Ishiin and Grimmjow both wanted more.

The party continued into the evening until the children were all tired. Renji and Byakuya bid their goodnight with a sleeping Kimiku in tow. Rukia and Orihime both told Ichigo and Grimmjow to head home while they would clean up from the party. Saying their thanks to everyone, the two parents gathered their sleepy kids.

Ichigo picked up Kohaku who was too tired to walk, carrying him in his arms. Yoshi shook his head when asked if he wanted up, instead just taking Ichigo's other hand. Masaki rode piggyback on Grimmjow's shoulders, sleepily clutching his neck.

Back at home, the parents tucked the cubs into their new beds, kissing them all gently and wishing them a happy birthday. Grimmjow wrapped his arm around Ichigo's waist after they exited the bedrooms, pulling him close.

"Did I tell ya that you're the sexiest, and best mama ever?" Grimmjow grinned at the orange haired man. He leaned in and playfully bit Ichigo's neck. Ichigo just smiled back and kissed Grimmjow in return. "I mean it. I love ya so much, Ichigo."

Ichigo looked up with his chocolate brown eyes, which were shining with glee. "I love you too, Grimmjow." His grin turned devilish, and he grabbed Grimmjow's butt with his hands. "Now let's get to bed."

"Oh yeah," Grimmjow replied, sweeping Ichigo off his feet and rushing to their bedroom, showering him with kisses the entire way.

-FIN-

* Thank you everyone for the continued support and love during this journey. You are all amazing, and patient and sweet. I can't decide if this finale was good enough, but it is how I planned it to end. I wanted to show the cubs' personalities a little, and wanted Byakuya and Renji to have their own family. And I think it's only fitting that the couple have another set of cubs.

I am sorry that this took so long to finish, and I hope you all enjoyed the ending. I do plan on continuing with fanfiction, and do plan on writing a story of Byakuya and Renji, but it won't be the same storyline as theirs in this fic.

Again, thank you so much readers for your amazing support and reviews. I hope you all enjoyed this story as much as I did!*