Chapter Text
Family outings weren’t actually a rarity in the Kurosaki household.
Matter of fact, since Ichigo started working from home full time with only a few meetings over video call or in person, he was able to manage his time as he wished as long as he completed his work by the deadline, while Orihime only a few years after Kazui had been born decided to get a few hours at the bakery she used to work at, but they were still manageable to get a bit of extra income and so she wouldn’t be so restless at home either.
Most of their days were spent together for the most part, Kazui went to daycare during the mornings, Orihime dropped him off, Ichigo went to get him and they spent the rest of the day together, sometimes Karin and Yuzu would come by, or Isshin as well, sometimes they went over during the weekends and sometimes their best friends came over as well, Chad spent lots of time there when he managed to get time off from his fights, in an attempt to get back to the normalcy he once had, and they were taking the initiative to include Uryu for a dinner out or come over at least once every two weeks and calling frequently, since they were a bit scared that the man would die from overworking and become a lone wolf.
Now that they were in summer, it neared one of Kazui’s favorite festivals, simply because his mother’s name was the center of its legend. He had been excited without counting that it was also Ichigo’s birthday that was coming up, which meant double fun for him.
They were getting ready to go out for the evening. Kazui wore light blue, Ichigo wore blue and Orihime wore a beautiful black and white kimono with a print of red flowers. “Are you boys ready?” Orihime asked as she was tying up her hair, her bangs framing her face as well.
“No.” Ichigo groaned, she stopped her movements heading out to see what had annoyed her husband this time around. “…baby, let's just leave him home.”
She peeked into the living room to find her husband and son looking at one another, then she could recognize the object of discord, Kon. Kazui was pouting but at least he was dressed. “He’s going to cause trouble, Kazui.” He was using his full name, a sign of patience running thin. She had discovered that little fact when she had gotten sick at the beginning of their relationship, using a full name was a warning.
“Dear, what if you get Kon into backpack mode?” She suggested, walking over to them. “Hime, it’s a family outing.”
“Well… Kon is like family, he’s… like a pet!”
“Orihime-chan, that was mean, I’m not a pet, I am-” Ichigo’s hand went over his mouth in annoyance at just hearing his voice. “Shut it.” He muttered. “Fine. Kazui, bring the-”
“I’ll do it, daddy. Thank you!” He exclaimed happily, running back into his room to find the straps and locking them into Kon’s back, Ichigo just sighed at seeing his son.
“You’re too lenient on him.” She smiled sheepishly, as his hand went into her hair, brushing down the tips of her auburn hair. “How are you feeling? Still sick? Are you sure you want to go out?” Orihime couldn’t help but beam at his words, his hand had slowly and innocently found its way to her middle, gently resting on her bump.
“It’s too early for that, Ichi. And I promise I’m fine, nausea is gone and I’m hungry too.” She said, taking his hand in hers.
“If you feel tired or anything, just tell me, we’re going home.” He clarified. Ichigo had never been one to be cautious, but having a pregnant wife surely changed it quickly. He had been by her side through the morning sickness, the random naps, the headaches, the swollen feet and hands, the back pains, most of all during labor. He had never seen her in that state and he was regretting it quickly even if she reassured him that she was fine. Carrying their son had not been easy and he was helpless to do anything practically for her if not stay at her side.
This one was not actually planned, but they had not been using protection to its fullest extent either. He just sighed in disbelief. “If I'm tired I’ll tell you, papa bear.” She went up to her toes, pecking his lips and smiling widely. “Give me a moment and I’ll be ready to go.” She went back to their bedroom, as he stayed there waiting for the two to get a move.
Kazui appeared a few seconds later, Kon strapped on his back, saying something he didn’t want to hear, at least he had mellowed out after his son had been born and he could understand why, while he might not accept it, Kazui did treat him like a pet. “Little one, blanket?” He looked at his father in surprise and ran away, returning later with a light blue blanket, though it was summer, sometimes the night breeze was bad.
“Daddy, what if a hollow shows up?”
“I’m out of commission for the night, the soul reaper in turn will have to deal with it.” He shrugged, he did think about it, if Orihime and Kazui had been safely back home, he would have no complaints but if he was out there with them, there was a shift in his priorities, with his wife pregnant, even more.
“Where’s mommy?”
“Give her time, will you? Now, tell me what are you looking forward to?” He knelt down at his height, fixing the wrinkles on his clothes, it had been a good purchase for him, he chose the same shade as his beloved hoodie as well, but his son was also a growing boy, they might need to buy more clothes the year to come as well.
He hummed. “I want to see the lights, I want to eat lots of food-“ Ichigo smiled. The simple mind of a child.
“I’m done.” His wife stepped back into the room. Her hair up with a pin and decorations he had gifted her. She was beautiful, sometimes he couldn’t believe how he had gotten her but he thought that almost dying for her a few times might have done the trick. “Oh, my boys look so handsome.” She caressed her son’s cheeks, looking at the two that were matching, just in different shades.
“And you look beautiful.” He stepped towards her, pecking her lips lightly and quickly, with her stopping him to get her lip tint off his lips with an amused smile, mouthing a ‘thank you’. “Let’s go, then.” They headed towards the entrance, slipping on their sandals and followed out of the door.
They walked down the street, her hand around his elbow as Kazui walked in front of them telling his parents his numerous observations. He only stayed a maximum of a few steps in front of them, he had the habit of running off and with small alleys here and there and the small roads were bicycles and cars could go through, they told him exactly how far he was able to go but in those instances Orihime had also learned how to pin her Shun Shun Rikka on him at all times.
Getting into the festival grounds had him planted on Ichigo’s shoulders, to not lose him and for him to see everything around instead of bumping into people’s arms and backs, he held Orihime’s hand tightly as well. “Sweetheart, are you doing well?”
Orihime was not sure who the question was directed to, her son and whether he was enjoying the view, or her husband who had Kazui’s hands all around his head as a security measure. “Mommy, let’s go there.” He pointed and she could only oblige.
For the first half hour, they were lost in different games to entertain themselves, from fishes to pick, to small balls to throw to a target, true to his nature, Ichigo won them a few things and well, Orihime won him a few things as well. Then the smell of food hit their noses, leading them to settle down on the green part after also buying a new large orange picnic blanket, getting a good spot to later watch all the firework shows.
Ichigo, once they settled comfortably, stood back up, dusting off his clothes. “I’ll go get us food, Kazui don't run off, your mom can’t be running.” His miniature nodded determinedly. “Good job.” He ruffled his hair, looking at his wife with light guilt. “I’m sorry, love, let me have some reassurance.”
“Fine, get going, Ichi, we’re all hungry here.” She beamed, he nodded and left.
She couldn’t help that she actually loved how he fussed over her, it was something unchanged, she remembered how the first time she met Rukia and him at the park, he was fussing over her well-being even back then. It felt good knowing that there was always someone thinking of her and taking care of her, it was reciprocal too and also towards their little sunshine that as she laid out her legs, he took the opportunity to sit on her lap, his tiny hands going over her stomach, palm flat.
“Is the baby sleeping now?”
She nodded with a wide smile. “It’s very little, it’s going to be sleeping for a bit more before they wake up and start moving around.”
“How is it so little? But is it my sister or brother?”
“You were just like this, baby, you grow with time and you’ll keep growing till you're as tall as your father.” He nodded with enthusiasm. “What would you like a sister or brother?”
“Well, Daddy has little sisters, Uncle Sora has you as his little sister, so maybe it’s a sister, I don’t mind.” He answered and well, she couldn’t find the fault in that logic, but as always it was all up to Ichigo’s- “But, I want a baby brother too. Can you have two?” He asked very seriously with the look on his face.
She laughed to hide her own nervousness. “W-We’ll have to talk to dad about that.” There was a fear in her that she might be carrying twins, she knew from the last check ups with Kazui that if either side had twins there was a high chance she might as well, she knew that it terrified Ichigo greatly. Their children wouldn’t be truly normal after all, and Kazui took a toll on her that was helped by her Shun Shun Rikka back then. But it warmed her heart to see her baby so enthusiastic about being a big brother. “You’re going to be a great big brother.”
“Yes This is my first gift to my sibling.” He lifted the ball he had won on his own. “So we can play like with Aunt Karin.” She nodded.
“You want to play with it right now?” She asked and he didn’t hesitate to nod, standing up to go a few steps back with the ball in his hands. She remained seated as they passed the ball to each other. He almost tripped a few times, making her worry but also glad that she thought of this ahead. “My love, come here, let’s get you out of the sandals, your feet are going to hurt.”
He stopped and went up to his mother. Sitting in front of her as she took off the sandals, getting the socks she had tucked in into her kimono, they were those thick socks almost apt for skiing, black so it didn’t matter if they got too dirty. It was better to have his feet all sweaty than to have cuts of small rocks if she let him play with nothing at all. “There we go, how do you feel?” He made small jumps like a player ready to get into the field.
He went back to his previous spot, though in the excitement to show his mother a move he had let the ball wander away, he ran after it before she could say anything “Tsubaki, please.” She murmured, a grumbled voice appearing as it went after her little sun.
She sighed, straightening out her clothes. “Excuse me.” Her attention went to the unknown voice, she turned to the man appearing on the other side. “Hi.”
She brushed her hair back, making sure that her wedding band was fully on display as he spoke, shining under the lights. “May I help you?” She asked carefully, a bit unnerved, since she was sure he had just seen her son run away.
“I was just-“ “Mommy! I got the ball!” He ran back full force, a bit of relief filling her though the man persisted on staying there.
“Your son? He’s cute, hey buddy-“ “My daddy can kill you with his sword, he’s-“ Orihime’s hand went up to his mouth, her eyes wide, as the man chuckled in shock and left quietly. She kept herself from laughing, this was supposed to be a learning moment, where she scolded him for threatening somebody, but the way his eyes narrowed in a frown was so similar to Ichigo that she found it too endearing. She cleared her throat. “That is not something to say to people, Ka-chan.” She said trying to be as stern as possible. “That’s daddy’s secret job, remember?”
“But daddy said to shoo off everyone, no matter what. Right, dad?” They looked up to see him finally coming back, bags at hand abd a confused frown on his face.
“Right about what?” He sat down, taking off his sandals while Kazui went back into his mother’s lap, comfortably sitting.
“ About shooing people off, apparently. Dear, Kazui just threatened somebody to be killed off… by you.” Ichigo looked at her as she said it, then at his son, who nodded proudly.
“Good job, buddy. Keep that up, I knew I was doing good by buying you sweets.” They fisted their bumps together, leaving her with her mouth agape before she laughed it off, the sheer amazement as she shook her head. He put his hands into the bags, taking out different containers of food and different beverages, handing what he knew the two would want to each. Kazui in the meantime even re-enacted the scene, Ichigo laughed at it, and though she didn’t really like those methods, their child had like a sensor for different people, he was a social butterfly like his mother but had the cautiousness of his father, she could recall the time when they had gone shopping together, she had gone back into another aisle to change a product that had a date too close to spoil for it to be fresh and when she came back to them, there was a woman trying to make conversation, her hands on their cart, leaning into her husband. “Mommy, this old lady doesn't leave us alone.” Kazui said it out loud, Ichigo was visibly laughing, the woman was beet red as she left in a hurry, excusing herself to her. She had to be the one to scold him for being mean, but also appreciated his honesty.
Ichigo had told her that she was trying to make conversation, he kept leaving with his cart but she kept following him and then the woman started commenting about Kazui and how he looked like his father to which he had promptly replied. “He is the copy of my wife.” Putting emphasis on ‘wife’ but even after that, she kept saying no and trying to talk.
She knew she had a handsome husband, but he was a wall to climb to get into his considerations, though she did find the short way inside his heart instead, but she was his wife for a reason. Kazui was a guard for his parents’ safety and he was not shy in sharing what had happened with zero filter applied.
“I was starving.” She took a bite of her food, Her cravings were not particular in that sense, she just needed her stomach properly filled.
“Please.” Kazui held up his cup and the straw for his father to take, he put down his food, opened the straw from the paper envelope, put it into the plastic bag and gave him the drink back. “Be careful with it, and don’t play with the lid.” “Thank you, dad.” He nodded, holding it carefully.
“Did you get to know when the fireworks will show out?” She asked him.
“In a bit still, he’ll still be up for that, I brought the blanket for emergency.” She nodded. “Do you want something else?”
“Let me have a bite of yours, please.” He held it up for her, his chopsticks going into her mouth. “That one is good too.” She said, covering her mouth as she chewed.
“I got a smaller portion of this as well, if you want it, I bought a little of everything.” They were a family of big stomachs to be fair, where did all the food go? They didn’t know but probably towards their powers or maybe they all just had fast metabolisms. She nodded happily, her hand going to the bag to see that there was in fact more stuff.
They were halfway through their meal, Kazui telling them adventures in daycare as he also asked if he could do a sport like Ichigo had done in the past, they knew that he was inclined to football and martial arts, they had produced an athletic kid that was just fitting for a soul reaper, fullbringer, quincy, human and full fullbringer to have… probably. The fireworks started then, Orihime taking out her phone to take a few pictures of her baby, his bright smile as he looked up, it was fascinating. There were also a few pictures together and a few others she took of Ichigo and Kazui together.
When they were done with their meal, Kazui had to wait a bit to go out and play as he found some of his friends a few rows down, coming back when they had to go home and playing with Ichigo instead, kicking and running after the ball till he took a break and just ended up sleeping in his mother’s chest.
“I think it’s time to go.” She whispered and he nodded.
He took the blanket they had brought from home, opening it. “I can carry him, Ichi.” She pouted knowing that it was for nothing as he shook his head.
He laid it out on his back, and slowly pried him off her. “Sh, shh, shh, it’s okay. Come here, baby.” He said, latching from her to his neck as she fixed the blanket so it covered all his body. Orihime picked up their things, the new blanket and the bag of waste as they started to walk off. Once she found a bin, she threw the bag, her now free hand went up to look at her sleeping boy, his face squashed into his father’s shoulder.
Brushing her hand through his hair, she caressed his face. “He got really tired.” She murmured. “But he had fun, that’s what matters.”
“We’ll have to wake him up once we get home though, he needs a shower, or should we wipe him down?” He asked her, there was no way he was going to sleep like this after rolling in the grass and sweating.
“We could wipe him down, but let’s see how he is when he gets home. I’ll change the sheets in the morning if we can’t do anything. Kon?” She called for the other presence that was pushed down a little since he couldn’t just wander around on his own. “I think he’s asleep too?”
Ichigo laughed. “Imagine being strapped around a toddler for hours, he probably fainted a long time ago.”
“I feel a little bad for having forgotten about him.” She said.
“I don’t, that’s how it is, he can’t just talk and walk around, at least he went out for once. Anyway, how are you feeling now? Do your feet hurt? I can make space.” The question on how she was, escaped his lips dozens of times a day now, she rolled her eyes playfully, she was walking just fine and he was already carrying Kazui to bother for more. But that would continue till she went into maternity leave, then it would increase and then she would get bigger which meant more fussing if it was possible… therefore that question would never stop.
“I’m doing fine, we’re not that far away either, I just can’t wait to get back home and be in bed with my husband.” She grinned at his reddening cheeks, he looked around, careful that no one else heard what she had said.
“Hime…” He sighed. His wife would drive him to an early grave, between his concern for her well-being, her pregnancy, their son and her infinite ways to tease him, he was grateful that they already had a spot in the Seireitei, God forbid he went off alone. He wasn’t a prude, not at all, a second kid on the way was enough to say so, but he was still easily embarrassed at displays of affections which didn’t really go well with his wife who openly loved him and declared so, he wished to have that openness, he was only slowly acquiring it, so for the most he chose to show that in other ways and to say those words mostly when they were alone. But for now, he leaned down to kiss her lips, a kiss lingering for only a few seconds before he pulled away and she was just smiling with her eyes bright as stars.
“It was a beautiful night out.” She said, leaning her body into his side even more than before.
“It was.”
He had his wife, his son, his unborn baby, his home, his weird but amazing family, numerous good friends and much more that he never expected to even have at one point. Ichigo was truly feeling like he had won in life.
“Oh by the way, dear.” She poked him, making him lean down to listen to whatever she was going to tell him. “Mhm?”
“Kazui said he wants a baby sister and a baby brother, I think we might need to work on that front.” His eyes widened, heat going all over his body as he understood the implication. He remained standing in place, looking at her as she stepped away. “Come on, Ichi, we need to get home.” She looked back, a sly smile on her lips and a glint of mischief in her eyes.
This woman was his peace and his absolute terror. “Orihime.” He hurried to get back to her, ignoring his blush and embarrassment, letting himself smile and making sure Kazui wouldn’t wake up while looking at her hoping she wouldn’t just trip into anything on the way or run into something or someone. “And don’t walk too fast, be careful, please, Hime.”