Like a Tiger Treading on the Flowers

Stalker: Part 2/3

Taking instruction from Shunsui and Ukitake was surprisingly pleasant. Shunsui taught him more about Kendo and Ukitake the demon arts. Ichigo had skipped a lot of steps in gaining his powers so he had to relearn a lot of stuff that was basic for most Shinigami. This would be beneficial in the fight against Aizen because relying on brute strength alone was apt to get him killed against such skilled opponents.

The only thing that was awkward about the situation was that niggling sense on the nape of his neck that he was being watched. But that was expected given all the attention he was getting from being the famous Ryoka. But it wasn’t just that. Sometimes he woke up to that sensation, a mixture of primitiveness and intensity that sent tingles through his body. Recently he had even been finding salves and healing potions in his room. When he asked around about it, no one he knew could account for it.

It made Ichigo feel very vulnerable, like a mouse being watched by a cat. And yet the person, whoever it was, couldn’t bear too much ill will-given the nature of the gifts. So instead of questioning it, Ichigo took advantage of it. Still, he was very curious who the person was, and if it was anyone he knew.

Kenpachi had also been surprisingly pleasant to be around. Sure, they had gotten into a few fights. He was starting to realize how lucky he was to survive his first fight with Kenpachi. More often than not, he was the one that ended up disarmed and flat on his back with Kenpachi’s sword at his throat. Hanatoro had permanently appointed himself to be the medic for their matches. He was very good at healing, for which Ichigo was very thankful.

Yachiru was also quite taken with Ichigo. She followed him around with a beam on her face, and sometime rode on his shoulders. Sometimes Ichigo felt like she was his little sister or something. He tried to act aloof, but inwardly he was happy to be around Yachiru. Plus she attacked Ikkaku whenever he and Ichigo got into an argument, which was a source of great amusement to Yumichika and Kenpachi.

After a long day of getting his ass kicked by Shunsui, Ichigo looked forward to a nice bath and then bed. The private bath he used was very luxurious. It was big enough that 4 grown men could fit into easily. Ichigo was currently sprawled in it with his eyes closed, tension easing from his body as the oils in the water worked their magic. A light breeze flitted through the room and Ichigo shivered. He reluctantly opened his eyes and saw that he had left the door partially open. With a heavy sigh he forced himself to get out of the water and close it. He whipped around when he heard somebody inhale sharply. No one there. He shrugged it off and closed the door, then slipped back into the bath.

Sleep came to him easily from a hard days work. His spirit force and his body was being put to the test so it was only natural that he would need rest. The comfy bed seemed to swallow him up and lull him with security. It was so nice here…

Kenpachi made sure Ichigo was fully asleep before he slipped out of his hiding spot and crouched next to Ichigo. Ichigo was beautiful as he slept. So vulnerable and helpless to Kenpachi’s mercy. The thought drove him mad with need. He had exercised such control since Ichigo had entered Seireitei. He followed Ichigo around everywhere when he wasn’t dealing with his own duties.

And to his delight, Yachiru also really enjoyed Ichigo’s company. Kenpachi suspected that Yachiru wanted Ichigo for a ‘mommy,’ but he also knew that Ichigo had no idea of that. Ichigo treated the girl like a child, which no one else in Soul Society seemed to do now. They just saw her as a lieutenant, which wasn’t bad most of the time. But Yachiru loved the way Ichigo would get her stuff to eat and allow her to cuddle against him.

Kenpachi sat gently on the bed, trying not to shift it too much so Ichigo wouldn’t wake up. Ichigo shifted slightly in his sleep, but otherwise did nothing. Kenpachi gave a small smile and reached one hand up to cup the base of Ichigo’s skull and thread his fingers through Ichigo’s hair. With the other hand he lightly trailed the fingers down from Ichigo’s furrowed brow to his soft parted lips. He brushed his thumb against them longingly.

A taste wouldn’t hurt…just a little taste. He leaned over and ever so gently pressed his lips to Ichigo’s. Oh gods, this was heaven. He forced himself to pull away and then his one visible eye widened. Bleary brown eyes stared up at him in confusion and surprise. Ichigo blinked a few times and then frowned.

“…Kenpachi?”

LINE

Evil laughter. Next chapter means smut! Oooh, I am going to love writing Ichigo’s reaction.