When I'm Gone

chapter 3

It had already been a week since Byakuya came to stay with Ichigo in the world of the living. He was learning plenty of things about the human world and Ichigo Kurosaki. The noble was currently waiting for the strawberry teen to return from school. He had decided that he had waited long enough. He and teen had gotten close over the last week and he was sure that Ichigo felt the same as he had a year ago. Today would be the day he made his move. He was going to tell the carrot-top how he felt.

Just then his concentration was broken by the slamming of a door as Ichigo entered the room and shut the door behind him. He heaved a heavy sigh before flopping down on the bed face down.

"Everything alright Ichigo?" the noble asked.

"Hmm?" Ichigo hummed as he looked up from his pillow. "I'm alright I guess," he mumbled. In reality the teen had gotten his hopes up in the last week that many Byakuya returned his feelings after all but the Kuchiki heir made no move to prove him right or wrong. He was friendlier then he had been previously but he was on a mission and was probably just being grateful for Ichigo's hospitality.

"You don't seem alright," Byakuya pressed.

"I guess I'm just frustrated," Ichigo said, deciding that he needed to know. "I told you how I felt last year and I thought that you felt the same but you didn't come after me and now a year later you're here but it's not for the reason I want you to be and it's killing me."

Byakuya didn't realize he was hurting the boy so much with his hesitation. Steeling his resolve the noble leaned in and captured the teen's lips with his own. Ichigo hesitated for a moment before giving in with a longing sigh. His lips melted against Byakuya's in a slow sensual dance that was leaving them both breathless. Deeping the kiss slightly the nobles tongue caressed Ichigo's bottom lip asking for entrance that was easily granted. The strawberry's breathe hitched as the raven leisurely explored every inch of Ichigo's mouth. Only when their lungs started burning from the lack of air did they pull apart.

Ichigo scooted over as Byakuya moved to sit lay on the bed next to him. The noble pulled him into his arms and rested his head onto of Ichigo's as he help him tight.

"I'm sorry it took me so long. I'm more prideful then I thought," Byakuya admitted.

"It's alright... I would have waited forever it I had to," Ichigo assured. The arms around him tightened as Byakuya hugged him to his chest.

"I would have never made you wait that long, Ichigo," he informed before kissing the top of the teen's head as they both started drifting off for a nap.

"I love you... Byakuya," Ichigo mumbled into the raven's chest. The noble felt a smile tug on his lips at the confession.

"And I you Ichigo Kurosaki."