Chapter Text
Ichigo woke up at some point in the night. He wasn’t sure why until he realized Aizen was breathing heavily. His body jumped, and jolted a few times. His expression gave away his distress. Ichigo gently took Aizen’s hand in his.
“Aizen?” He whispered. Aizen made a few groaning sounds. Ichigo gently petted the brunette’s hair. Aizen began to calm down.
“Captain…” Aizen mumbled softly. Ichigo raised a brow. Does he mean Shinji? He watched tears fall from Aizen’s eyes. He’s crying. I wonder what he’s dreaming about. Ichigo kept Aizen’s hand in his, even after Aizen’s fit came to an end. Ichigo managed to fall asleep once Aizen was still again. Morning came, and Ichigo woke up feeling stressed. Not as stressed as he was the day before, but stressed nonetheless.
“Oh good you’re up.” Karin said as she opened the door.
“Karin!” Ichigo whispered loudly.
“What?”
“Don’t just open the door without knocking.”
“Sorry.” She rolled her eyes.
“Yuzu asked me to wake you two up. Breakfast is ready, and Dad has this whole family meeting thing he wants to do all of a sudden.”
“Oh great.” Ichigo sighed, and ruffled his hair. Of course he does. He stood up.
“We’ll be down soon.”
“Alright.” Karin closed the door. Ichigo changed into a pale pink sweater with a strawberry on the front. A gift from Orihime. He put on a pair of blue jeans. Aizen slowly opened his eyes. He sat up, and grumbled.
“You okay?” Ichigo asked.
“I feel sick.”
“Sick how?” Ichigo asked.
“Nauseated.” Aizen replied.
“That’s normal.” Ichigo nodded.
“I see.” Aizen stood up. Ichigo watched him change into his gray Yukata. Maybe I should get him more clothes. Ichigo thought. He’s got two Yukatas, a nice outfit, and two sweaters, and two pairs of jeans. Ichigo tries to recall everything he’s seen Aizen wear.
“Ichigo?”
“Hmm?” Ichigo looked at him.
“Are you alright?”
“Yeah sorry. I was just thinking.”
“I see.”
“Yeah I was thinking we should get you some new clothes.”
“Thank you.” Aizen nodded. Ichigo smiled.
~
Downstairs Isshin, Karin, and Yuzu were already at the table waiting. They had plates of food set out for Aizen, and Ichigo.
“Thank you.” Aizen sat down. Ichigo nodded, and sat down.
“It looks great, Yuzu.” He smiled.
“Thank you.” She beamed. Once everyone was finished eating, Isshin cleared his throat.
“It’s time for a Kurosaki family meeting.”
“When have we ever had Kurosaki family meetings?” Karin asked.
“When we go to visit mom.” Yuzu reminded her.
“Yeah, but that’s it.”
“Well this is equally important.” Isshin smiled.
“Our family is growing, and we need to prepare.”
“Yes!” Yuzu agreed. Ichigo sighed inwardly. I knew this was what he wanted to talk about.
“We need to decide what room will be the baby’s.”
“Shouldn’t the baby be in my… Our room.” Ichigo corrected himself. Aizen blushed softly.
“In the beginning probably.” Isshin nodded.
“But when the baby becomes a child we’ll have to figure out what room to use.”
“We’ll get to that when the time comes.” Ichigo smiled softly. He enjoyed seeing his family so excited.
“We’ll have to get a crib.” Yuzu hummed.
“And bottles, and bibs!” Karin chimed in.
“Yes, and diapers, and wipes.” Isshin chuckled.
“I haven’t changed a diaper since you two were little.”
“I never have.” Ichigo sighed. How am I going to do this?
“I’ll show you don’t worry.”
“Thanks dad.” Ichigo smiled.
“No problem, son.” He placed a hand on Ichigo’s shoulder. Aizen suddenly excused himself, and went upstairs to the bathroom. He closed the door, and started the shower. Ichigo heard the shower start, and felt a bit of concern. Is he okay? He’s being really quiet. He thought back to when they fought, and about how much talking Aizen did. He never stopped.
He’s been through a lot since we fought Ywatch. Ichigo’s face was saddened. Pain, torture, and abuse… I doubt he’s okay. I’ve never thought of his mental state as stable since the first time I met him on Sokyoku hill. I can’t imagine what’s going on in his head now.
Ichigo stood up, and went up the stairs. He didn’t say a word. Isshin frowned. Yuzu, and Karin watched Ichigo ascend the stairs. Yuzu turned to Isshin.
“What’s wrong with Ichigo?”
“He’s worried about Aizen.”
“What happened?” Karin asked.
“It’s not for me to say.” Isshin shook his head. The girls looked at each other sadly. Upstairs Ichigo knocked on the bathroom door.
“Aizen?” He spoke softly. He had been reading up on victims of those sorts of abuse after Orihime told him what Aizen said happened. He was worried the brunette may attempt to hurt himself.
“Aizen.” He spoke a little louder. No reply.
“Aizen!” He knocked on the door.
“Aizen answer me!” He knocked again.
“Ichigo.” Karin spoke up. Her brother gasped.
“Karin?”
“Dad, and Yuzu are looking at baby clothes online. I heard you yelling, and got worried.”
“Oh, sorry.”
“What’s going on?”
“I’m not sure, but I’m going to find out.” He said before opening the door. Aizen had lost the privilege of privacy at that moment. The shower was running. The room was filled with steam. The mirror fogged completely.
“Whao.” Karin waved her hand in front of her face. How hot is the water? She wondered. Ichigo grabbed the curtain, and pulled it open. Karin covered her eyes. Aizen was sitting on the floor of the tub, knees pulled up to his chest, with his arms folded over them. His head was bowed, and hidden from them.
“Aizen.” Ichigo turned the water off. He noted Aizen’s back was bright red. He’s burned, I knew it. He gently touched Aizen’s shoulder. Aizen looked up. His eyes were red. Was he crying, or is that from the steam?
“Karin, grab me a towel.” Ichigo reached back to her. She nodded, got a towel down, and set it in her brother's hand. Ichigo gently covered Aizen with the towel.
“Aizen, what’s wrong?” Ichigo asked softly.
“Talk to me please?” Ichigo’s eyes began to glisten as they watered.
“Ichigo, Karin!” Yuzu called up the stairs.
“Your friends are here!”
“Our friends?” Karin raised a brow.
“My friends, or yours?” She looked at Ichigo.
“Both.” Ichigo sighed. He had a feeling he knew who it was.
“Stay here with him please?”
“I will.” Karin nodded as Ichigo ran back down the stairs. Yuzu was standing at the door with it open. Outside stood Momo Hinamori, and Hitsugaya Toshiro.
“Hey guys, what are you doing here?” Ichigo asked. Now he was worried about Aizen’s safety. Not from Momo, but the little captain.
“We came to visit you, and Captain Aizen.” Momo smiled.
“Oh.” Ichigo recalled Momo saying she would visit. He remembered how she’d stood up for them against the central forty six, and the other captains.
“Thanks.” Ichigo felt relieved by her presence.
“He’s upstairs with Karin.”
“Karin?” Toshiro seemed surprised. Momo nodded and stepped in. Toshiro was about to follow when Ichigo stepped in front of him.
“Captain, can I talk with you?” Ichigo asked. Momo glanced back at them before going upstairs with Yuzu.
“Yeah.” Thoshiro’s face softened. He never calls me Captain. The last time he did we were at odds, but his tone is different this time. It’s sincere, not mocking. He’s worried about something. Ichigo closed the door. The two stood outside.
“What made you want to visit today?”
“Momo said Orihime sent her a message via Kisuke Urahara.”
“I see.”
“Apparently she was concerned about Aizen, and thought a visit from Momo may be good. I don’t see why.” He shook his head. He stabbed her, he betrayed her, and manipulated her. He doesn’t care about her whatsoever! Why on earth would he want to see her? Toshiro couldn’t comprehend it.
“He was hurt.” Ichigo replied.
“I saw.” Hitsugaya replied. He remembered seeing Ichigo carrying him to the senkaimon.
“It was more than what could be seen.” Ichigo sighed.
“I’m aware that Mayuri was experimenting on him.”
“He tortured Aizen, and before that so did an arrancar seeking revenge. I know you don’t care, and you think he deserves it, but I just caught him trying to burn himself with hot water, and I’m not sure if that’s all. I’m worried about him. He can’t die, so I’m worried he’s just going to continue to hurt himself.” He can’t die. Something about that hit Ichigo in the chest like a truck.
“I know how you feel about him, but I’m scared.” Ichigo admitted. Toshiro sighed. He called me captain out of respect, and now he’s seeking my advice. I’m not even his captain. His father qualifies more as his captain, or Urahara. Why confide in me?
“I’m sorry.” Toshiro sighed again.
“I don’t know what I think. Part of me does want him to suffer, but I know it’s not right. I know Momo doesn’t want that, and I know it’s not fair to you.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll try to help as best as I can. I am not your enemy.”
“Thank you, Captain.”
“Don’t worry about it. I think you should keep a close eye on him though. He may be immortal, and his wounds will regenerate, but he can’t keep causing himself harm.”
“Agreed.” Ichigo nodded.
“Momo said that Captain Kurotsuchi, and central forty six said Aizen is pregnant.”
“Yeah.” Ichigo blushed.
“I’m not sure how that’s possible, but judging by your reaction it’s true, and it’s yours.”
“Yes.” Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
“Congratulations.”
“Thanks.”
“That reminds me, Rukia Kuchiki asked me to invite you, and the others to dinner at the Kuchiki manor.”
“When?”
“In three days time.”
“Okay.” Ichigo nodded. Is Byakuya having a barbecue, or something? He wasn’t sure what this could be about, but he was looking forward to it. Honestly he would rather have advice about Aizen’s situation from Rukia, but this would do.
~
Upstairs Karin was sitting on the floor. Her back was against the tub. Aizen hadn’t spoken a word, but Karin spoke a little. She talked about school, and how good her calligraphy was getting. There were moments where she would simply sit in silence with him.
“Hey.” She said when Yuzu, and Momo stepped into the room.
“Captain?” Momo looked worried. Aizen didn’t respond.
“What’s wrong?” She looked at Karin.
“He’s sad.”
“Sad?”
“I think so.” Karin nodded. Aizen was always rather surprised about Karin. She seemed to have a decent understanding of his feelings that others didn’t always seem to grasp. Only two people were ever really able to read him. Ichigo, and Gin.
“I see.” Momo nodded. She was aware of everything he’d gone through.
“Karin, I heard you’ve been learning about calligraphy?”
“Yeah, Aizen’s been teaching me.”
“That’s wonderful. Captain Aizen used to teach at the academy. He taught me about it too, although I’m not very good.” Momo chuckled softly.
“Untrue.” Aizen spoke finally.
“You improved quite a lot last I saw.”
“I remember you saying so.” She grinned. Finally, Karin smiled.
“I know. Let’s go teach Yuzu too, and we can show you how much better we’ve gotten.” She stood up.
“I’d love that.” Momo nodded.
“Me too!” Yuzu sounded excited. Aizen nodded, although his expression was rather blank. Karin sighed.
“Let's get your clothes back on you.”
“I’ll be downstairs.” Yuzu excused herself.
“I’ll help you get everything set up.” Momo followed her out. With that Karin shut the door. She crossed her arms.
“I’ll turn around, but I’m not leaving you alone.”
“Thank you.” Aizen replied softly. Karin was surprised. He’s accepting my help. She smiled, and nodded before turning to face the door. Aizen stood up, and finished drying himself gently. His back stung. He put his Yukata on. It felt uncomfortable on the burns, but knew it would be gone in an hour, or two.
“I’m ready.”
“Let’s go.” Karin turned, and smiled at him before opening the door. They headed downstairs. Isshin was still browsing on his laptop. Momo had already started drawing. Yuzu was watching closely.
Karin sat down with them. She patted the chair beside her. Aizen paused for a moment before taking a seat. At first he simply watched them before becoming interested. He stood up, and began walking around the table like a teacher glancing over the students' work.
Yuzu had never done calligraphy before, and it was obvious. He decided to give her his undivided attention, and instructed her. First he placed his hand over hers, and showed her how much pressure to use. After that he sat beside her, and drew a few characters.
“You can trace these, and get a feel for the brush strokes.” He said as she watched the order of strokes in each character.
“Thank you.” She smiled. He nodded.
“That’s how I started too.” Momo hummed. Karin nodded as Aizen had done the same for her. Ichigo, and Toshiro stepped back inside. Isshin looked up.
“Would the two of you mind going to the store, and getting something for dinner?”
“Sure.” Ichigo shrugged. Toshiro was a little annoyed, but he wouldn’t deny his former captain.
“Aizen?”
“Yes?” He looked up.
“Come with us, I wanted to get you some new clothes anyway, remember.” Ichigo smiled softly. Aizen nodded. He stood up, and followed Ichigo, and Toshiro out of the house.
~
The three of them went into a clothing store first. Toshiro had no interest in any of this. He mostly kept an eye on his pager in case a hollow showed up. Ichigo, and Aizen looked through the clothes. This time Aizen began to choose things he liked.
Ichigo grinned. I think he’s feeling better. Definitely more comfortable, and more like himself. Aizen picked out dark blue jeans, a white suit, and a pink scarf. It reminded Ichigo of the sash Aizen had around his waist when he saw him in the fake Karakura town.
He must like this color scheme. His arrancar outfit was similar. Aizen picked out a long coat in the same shade of pink, and a purple long sleeve shirt. He grabbed another pair of black pants, and a nice pair of black shoes.
“These are nice.” Ichigo nodded. He grabbed himself a black turtleneck. He also picked out a pair of brown shoes like Aizen. I want something nice to match him, especially if we go out. He found a gray suit jacket, and pants with white pinstripes that crossed vertically, and horizontally. He also grabbed a brown coat for the coming winter.
They paid, and headed over to the grocery store. Toshiro was keeping an eye on Aizen. Ichigo noticed in the clothing store, but now he was getting annoyed. Aizen browsed the tofu, and mochi. While he was doing that Ichigo stepped over to Toshiro.
“Hey.”
“Hey.” Toshiro replied. He sounded like an irritated little brother.
“He seems to be doing better.” Ichigo nodded towards Aizen. Toshiro glanced at him but didn’t reply.
“What are you thinking?” Ichigo decided to ask flat out.
“I don’t know…” Toshiro shook his head. Ichigo nodded.
“You know if the soul society paid any attention to mental health he probably wouldn’t have done any of the things he did.”
“Mental health?” Toshiro looked up from his pager.
“Yeah. To be honest, we could do better in this world too. I’m not a doctor, but my dad is. I can’t make any kind of diagnosis, but Aizen definitely exhibits traits of personality disorders.”
“Disorders?” Toshiro was a little curious.
“He shows signs that seem antisocial, narcissistic, and psychopathic.”
“I’ve heard these terms before, but I don’t know much about them. I saw something about them in the world of the living.”
“Yeah.” Ichigo nodded. He wasn’t surprised. The soul society always seemed like it was stuck in the past compared to the world of the living. Toshiro watched Aizen, and thought back to when he found the former captain, and Gin in the central forty six living quarters. He remembered what he thought after the three had fled to Hueco Mundo.
He specifically remembered visiting Momo while she was unconscious. I thought this was a sick thing to do. Only a sick person would do all of this, but I didn’t really know what that meant. I’d only heard others say things like that about someone who’s done something unspeakable. I didn’t realize that he really is sick.
Maybe Ichigo is right. If anyone had gotten close to the real Aizen like he has, maybe we would have seen these signs, and he could have been helped, and this could have all been avoided. He sighed inwardly. I don’t fully understand any of this, but I guess he can’t help how his mind works. If someone like Ichigo had been around back then, maybe that would have helped him to resist urges to kill, and hurt others.
Maybe he wouldn’t have committed these crimes, and tried to become a god. I can try to forgive knowing this now, but I won't excuse his actions. He's still responsible for himself regardless.
“Toshiro?” Ichigo interrupted his thoughts.
“That’s Captain Hitsugaya.”
“Whatever.” Ichigo sighed, and began to walk over to Aizen.
“Ichigo.”
“Hmm?”
“Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I still hold him accountable for his actions, but I want to help you. I would like to prevent him from committing further atrocities. I want to learn more about this. Consider my interest, and curiosity peaked.”
“Thank you, Captain.” Ichigo smiled. Toshiro nodded, and they followed Aizen through the store.
“What did you find?” Ichigo asked as he looked in the basket Aizen held.
“Tofu.”
“That was always your favorite.” Toshiro nodded.
“Yes.” Aizen replied. I guess that was genuine. Toshiro smiled. Maybe Momo was right, and not everything was a lie, or fake.
“Mochi too?” Ichigo asked.
“Yes. I want Sushi too.”
“Okay.” He followed Aizen, and watched him pick up chocolates, chips, rice crackers, miso, and various snacks. This isn’t like him. Ichigo though. Aizen wasn’t much of a snacker. Must be the pregnancy. Once they gathered all of the groceries they headed back to the Kurosaki home.
~
The girls had finished their calligraphy practice, and were excited to show Aizen they’re work.
“You’ve really improved Hinamori.”
“Thank you captain.” She smiled sweetly. Yuzu started making dinner. Aizen touched his forehead before sitting on the couch.
“Are you alright?” Ichigo asked.
“I feel dizzy.” He replied. Momo sat down beside Aizen.
“You should rest.” She reached up, and ruffled the man’s hair. Aizen nodded. Karin was cleaning up, and setting the table. Isshin was still on his laptop looking at baby clothes, and toys. Toshiro helped Karin finish setting the table, then the two of them stepped outside to practice soccer. Aizen groaned softly.
“Captain?” Momo looked at him.
“It hurts.”
“What hurts?” She asked with concern. He shook his head, he seemed tired.
“It’s normal to feel cramping.” Isshin said. Ichigo was a bit relieved to hear that, but still he didn’t want Aizen to be in pain. Momo gently placed her hand low on Aizen’s stomach. She closed her eyes.
“I feel spirit energy!”
“Yeah?” Ichigo grinned.
“It’s not the captains, or yours, but it feels similar.” She said as she gently rubbed her hand back, and forth. Aizen closed his eyes. Eventually he slumped over towards her. Momo giggled, and let the man rest his head on her lap. Ichigo sat at the table with his father, and looked at different cribs with him.
“I like that one.” He pointed to one that Isshin had recently viewed. It was white with lions painted on it.
“I knew you would.” Isshin hummed.
“I think Kon will like it too.” Ichigo chuckled.
“Yeah.” Isshin agreed.
“Dinner is ready!” Yuzu hummed.
“Alright!” Isshin placed an order for the crib, and closed the laptop. Ichigo stood up, and stepped over to the couch.
“How’s he doing?”
“I think he’s just exhausted.” Momo said. Ichigo nodded. He got down on his knees, and gently caressed Aizen’s cheek. The brunette opened his eyes slowly.
“It’s time for dinner.”
“Okay.” Aizen nodded before closing his eyes again. Ichigo smiled. Cute. He carefully lifted Aizen’s head, so Momo could get up. She placed a pillow down, and Ichigo lowered Aizen’s head onto it.
“He can eat when he’s ready. We should let him sleep for now.” Ichigo stroked Aizen’s hair. Momo nodded. She opened the front door, and yelled for Toshiro, and Karin to come in. The two of them went inside, and sat at the table.
~
After dinner Aizen slowly sat up. He rubbed his eyes, and looked around. He was groggy. Toshiro, and Momo were preparing to leave. Isshin kept ruffling Toshiro’s hair much to the little captain’s dismay.
Momo hugged Yuzu, and Karin. Aizen stood up, and stepped over to the group. Ichigo smiled, and chuckled. Aizen’s hair was a mess. Momo hugged him. Aizen gently hugged her back.
“See you next time, Captain Aizen.” She looked at him, and smiled.
“Yes.” Aizen nodded. Momo stepped back.
“Until next time.” Toshiro held out his hand. Aizen nodded, and shook his hand. Ichigo, and Momo were equally stunned, but happy.
~
After the two soul reapers left Ichigo sat down with Aizen, and the family to watch a movie. It was Yuzu’s turn to pick the film. They ended up watching a comedy. Isshin found it hilarious. Yuzu laughed a lot, and Karin laughed a bit as well.
Ichigo chuckled a couple times, and Aizen was as stoic as ever. After the film ended, the family began getting ready for bed.
“Aizen, and I are going to Rukia’s in a couple days.”
“Okay, sounds good.” Isshin nodded. Aizen looked perplexed. His expression seemed to say ‘we are?’.
“She invited us to dinner.” Ichigo explained.
“I see.” Aizen nodded. He didn’t expect to ever pay a visit to the Kichiki manor.
“Ready for bed?”
“Yes.” Aizen nodded. Ichigo smiled, and took Aizen’s hand.
“Come on let’s get you to bed.” They went up to the bedroom. Ichigo changed into a pair of pajama shorts, and climbed into bed. Aizen put on a new pair of pajamas. A long sleeve flannel button up, and pants. They had black, and deep emerald checkers on them. He laid down beside Ichigo.
“Aizen?”
“Yes?”
“Do you remember what you dreamt about last night?”
“What I dreamt about?”
“Yeah, you were talking in your sleep a little.”
“I’m sorry.”
“You said captain.”
“I was just confused. I was cold, and cruel to him for my own gain, and yet he stopped Captain Kurotsuchi from hurting me further. I don’t understand.”
“What don’t you understand?”
“Why would he want to help me after I used him as an experiment?”
“Because he felt empathy for you.”
“Pity?”
“He probably felt that too, but he likely just felt empathy, and sympathy.”
“Sympathy… Why would he feel that for me? I was the one who hollowfied him.”
“Exactly he knows what it’s like to be used as an experimental subject, and he knows how it feels to suffer. You think he should have enjoyed what Captain Kurotsuchi was doing to you?”
“Why wouldn’t he? It's what they call karma. Quite the revenge.”
“He probably felt that way for a moment, but Shinji isn’t that bad of a guy. I’m sure he felt conflicted, and as far as I can see he doesn’t suffer from a personality disorder. Emotions like empathy, sympathy, and pity come easier to him. That’s why it’s hard for you to understand.”
“Because I’m different.”
“You are, but that’s not always a bad thing. You’ve always felt different, and it’s bothered you hasn’t it?”
“Yes. I’ve always known that I was different. Eventually I realized I was better than others, stronger, meant to be more. I won’t be controlled by anyone who is weaker than me. You are the only one capable. Still I hate that the soul society is being ruled by a corpse.”
“Yeah…” Ichigo thought about how they were likely planning to chop him up, and use him to replace the soul king if he was killed. Thankfully another took on that role. He believes he’s superior to soul reapers, and hollows alike. He believes he’s superior to everything, and everyone but me. Narcissistic, anti-social.
He shows so many of these traits. He’s undiagnosed, and untreated. Aizen probably struggles experiencing emotions like empathy. He knows he’s different. He can see all these emotions others feel so easily, and yet it’s difficult for him to feel them all. He was a ticking time bomb, it was all bound to happen. He’s here with me now, and I’ll take care of him. Ichigo gently stroked Aizen’s cheek. Aizen closed his eyes, and fell asleep.