()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
(Next morning, 10am)
Ichigo's eyes opened, and was met with darkness.
The reason? Just Hephaestus's arm over Ichigo's face, as she snored away by his side.
He was too tired to chuckle, so he opted for just removing the arm from his face.
He looked at her in all of her beauty, and it would seem that Ichigo had failed in removing that towel from last night, so it had come off during her sleep.
Her hair wasn't adequately dried when it came off, so it dried and contracted the hair. Making the hair a bit wavy. Moreso than it's usual straight/curled disposition.
Ichigo's hair was near shoulder length, but he didn't care how his hair ended up. It always seemed to look good now matter how messed up he would sleep.
Hephaestus suddenly grabbed Ichigo's torso, and pulled herself closer.
Ichigo saw her face, and it was obscured by her hair.
She also didn't have her eyepatch on, but her smile was a happy one nevertheless.
Ichigo sighed in content, as he closed his eyes and went back to sleep as he held her in his arms a while longer.
Sitting on her throne, The Goddess of Beauty, Ishtar...and she was seething. Absolutely livid.
How could Hephaestus betray her like this? She knew that she had a great interest in Ichigo..Yet they were seen yesterday hand-in-hand, and her resources say that he and she were involved in something way deeper, when they eavesdropped on Hephaestus's workshop.
Her Tobacco pipe was nearly crushed by her teeth, and her anger was immeasurable.
This, Was Ishtar. Currently, She was sitting on her throne in her compound that very much resembled Babel.
"I-Is there anything I can help you with, My lady?" A young man who had basically nothing on save for a collar and a loincloth.
"No." She said, still mulling over how Hephaestus could steal her man away from her...She had claimed Ichigo, she had even talked to Hephaestus about it too!
(Minor flashback, two weeks ago.)
'Hephaestussss, You know that new god? Ichigo?' Ishtar said, sipping on a glass of soma.
'Mhm.' Hephaestus only hummed in affirmation, as she was tinkering with a small object.
They were at a gathering for the gods, and it would seem that neither Ichigo and Hestia were invited this time.
'Yeah, sooo...I was thinking of taking him on a date sometime, and I would like your advice on how to make him obsessed with me, since you've been around him more than many of us..'
Hephaestus looked up from her small project, and said 'I'm unsure. Ichigo doesn't seem like a romantic person.'
'Really? He's pretty enough, surely he has women wrapped around him.'
'I doubt it.' Hephaestus said, and looked back down to her project.
'Ehhh, Hephaestus? You're being really short with me.. Does that mean you like him and just dont want to give out your secret?' Ishtar said, a devious look plastered onto her face, as she took another sip of the divine wine.
'...No. Don't make assumptions.' Hephaestus said, physically willing away the blush that was threatening to show.
'Oh? You don't? So you don't mind if I go ahead and take him for myself?'
'Do what you will. Don't be upset if he doesn't notice you.' Hephaestus said, and finished tinkering with a ring of some sorts.
'Hehe, Whatever you say.' Ishtar said.
(End flashback)
The pipe in the goddess's mouth broke in half, as the lower part fell down and the still-lit tobacco fell out.
"HEPHAESTUS!" The woman shrieked, her voice echoing through her compound, and out into the streets.
The day was going to be a long one, the man at her side thought, as he cleaned the mess below the goddess.
()()()()(With Ichigo familia)()()()()
"Achoo" A sleeping Hephaestus sneezed, as she rolled onto her side, facing away from Ichigo.
Ichigo's eyes were squinted, and a little annoyed.
His face was covered with saliva, as Hephaestus had headshot Ichigo with her sneeze.
"Well, Someone must be talking about her. Heh." the man said, as he wiped off the liquid with the blanket.
Ichigo was now free, she had let go and was snoozing peacefully.
He couldn't help but want to stay in bed, like he had been for the past couple hours.
But...His legs were getting tired of being still, and he had to stretch them.
Sliding his legs out of bed, he stood up and turned around.
She was still there, in his pajamas, and very peaceful looking.
Ichigo's heart was still fluttering.
He couldn't believe that he had actually done what he had done last night...and twice.
He put a hand to his forehead, and chuckled slightly.
He was now engaged, and didn't even have a ring to give her.
'Remember my son, Every kurosaki man absolutely HAS to give his fiancée a nice ring. It's family tradition!' Isshin Kurosaki spoke to an annoyed Ichigo.
'I'm not getting married anytime soon, you stupid Goat-chin! Why are you telling me this?' a younger Ichigo retorted with a not-yet perfected scowl.
'Just for future reference, my son. It's gonna happen, like it or not. And when you least suspect it. Us Kurosaki men often do what our Hearts tell us to, and only sometimes do our brains check in.' The patron of the Kurosaki household said with a chuckle.
Ichigo laughed again.
'I'm still in Highschool...And now Im gonna be a Husband..' he thought to himself, as a small pit formed in his stomach.
He's gonna end up on one of those TV shows...'17 and Married'.
Wait a minute...Supposedly he was Immortal now. Age meant nothing...And who knows if he's ever going to return to his body.
School didn't mean a thing anymore...
Ichigo turned back around, and saw Hephaestus who was cuddling with Ichigo's pillow with a goofy grin on her face.
Ichigo shrugged his shoulders. As long as it was with Hephaestus, Ichigo didn't care about what came his way.
He touched Zangetsu's handle, and his Shihakusho re-formed.
This time however, there was something new. He now had Pitch-black pauldrons, and not of Japanese design. They had sensual curves and small golden trimmings. There was a third color, and it was light grey that ran up and down the pauldrons.
There seemed to be small blue lights on the front and back of the pauldrons, that pulsed in a slow and Organic way.
Ichigo was pleased with how much they accented his look.
The pauldrons now had two straps that formed an 'X' shape on his back and chest, that seemed to be fused with his shihakusho.
The most odd thing, was these pauldrons had Hephaestus's Reiatsu imprint all over them, and could be detected when Ichigo touched them.
It seems that their 'Activity' had altered Ichigo's soul a tad.
The new armor felt very comfortable, and were warm to the touch, as if they were linked to Ichigo's body-heat.
Ichigo turned back around with a small grin, and tucked Hephaestus in gently. Before he left the room, he bent down and kissed her cheek.
Closing his door, he was face-to-face with Acero, who merely stepped back and greeted Ichigo with a bow.
"Good morning, Lord-Ichigo."
"Good morning, Ace. So, has Cassandra and Daphne come over yet?"
"Actually, That's what I was preparing to come and get you for."
Ichigo nodded and Acero beckoned Ichigo to follow him to the living room, where Ichigo could see the backs of two unfamiliar heads.
Walking into the room, Ichigo heard Ren say "Welcoming the Lord of the Mansion, Ichigo-sama." Ren and Acero bowed.
As did the two women.
"Good morning you two, please sit." Ichigo said, Not a scowl to be seen like usual.
This slightly confused Ren, and Acero wasn't particularly affected. What did affect Acero however, was the new armor Ichigo seemed to be wearing.
"G-Good Morning, Ichigo-sama." Both women said, in differing tones.
Cassandra's tone was Meek and Shy, while Daphne's was Confident and commanding.
"So, Ren here says you two want to join the familia. How come?" Ichigo said, crossing his legs.
"I'll start" Said Daphne, and patted Cassandra's shoulder.
Ichigo nodded, and waited for her to start.
"My name's Daphne Lauros. I'm 18 and level 2. Cassandra and I were forcefully drafted to Apollo's familia. He coveted us for our looks. And now that you and your familia have driven him out of Orario, We've been freed and now I want to serve you, as thanks." Daphne said, her own fierce look never leaving her face.
"Really? Hm." Ichigo said in thought.
His eyes turned to Cassandra, who was hugging a white pillow.
"What about you?"
She turned to Daphne, who only nodded and gave a small smile.
"M-my name's Cassandra Llion..I'm also 18, and l-level 2. D-Daphne s-said most o-Of the things..." Her gaze was driven downwards by Ichigo's rather Imposing Visage.
"I see." Ichigo nodded. "Answer me this. You're walking down the street, and you see someone about to be mugged in an alleyway, what do you do?"
Cassandra's gaze darted around the room in anxiety. Fighting is never her forte, she was a supporter.
"G-get Help I suppose.."
Ichigo nodded once more, and turned to Daphne.
"What about you?"
"I'd rush in and stop the event. Of-course."
Ichigo nodded. Cassandra was a supporter, and Daphne was her fighter.
"L-Lord Ichigo..One thing, is.. I often have dreams...And in these dreams come visions. Most are things that will happen.." Cassandra said, Less meek than before.
"Oh? Really?" Ichigo asked, curiously.
"Yes. Last night, I had a dream that...A p-p-prostitute destroys a hammer using a bow made from the sun..." She said, her face going aflame with the word prostitute.
".." Ichigo's face contorted to confusion.
"Hahah, Sorry about that, Lord-Ichigo...Cassandra has a really overreactive imagination..." Daphne said, putting a hand over Cassandra's mouth.
Ichigo just nodded and took what she said in consideration.
Daphne looked like she was sweating and anxious.
Ichigo spent another agonizing minute or two scrutinizing the pair.
"Okay. I've decided."
Daphne held her breath, and Cassandra's hands were starting to shake.
"Welcome to the Familia. Though, I hope you don't try anything stupid like getting revenge on Mirba for kicking you through a wall."
Daphne sweat-dropped and said "I'd never! Revenge doesn't suit me."
Ichigo chuckled. "I was joking."
This got Cassandra to giggle slightly, and it seemed to make Daphne look at her oddly.
"Alright. Let's go to the guest room, and I'll give you two a falna." Ichigo said, and Cassandra's face lit up like a match once more.
"Mirba!" Ichigo called, and about a second later, the woman appeared.
"Hello, Lord-Ichigo! What can I do for you?"
She looked different than she used to. She now had a couple strands of Pale-white hair running an mixing with her blond locks, and her skin was slightly whiter.
Her regenerated eye was Hollowfied, and sort of frightening to those who didn't know her.
However, she kept her eye-patch whenever she walked outside the mansion.
"Come with me, These are our two new recruits." Ichigo said, and Mirba's face lit up with happiness.
"Really?! YES!" She said, and bounded over to the two girls on the couch.
"We're gonna have SO much fun!"
"Y-Yay" Daphne said, Feeling slightly weirded out by this new side of her former adversary.
Cassandra had a small smile on her face, and hugged her pillow tighter.
Ichigo lead the trio to an empty room with a bed, and Told the two women to expose their backs to Ichigo.
Mirba was there for emotional support for Cassandra mostly.
Daphne felt her face heat up immensely, as she felt her back heat up with the newly bestowed Falna.
Daphne Lauros
Human. Age 18 Level 2
•Strength: D 505 •Endurance: E 478 •Dexterity: B 707 •Agility: C 698 •Magic: F 370 •Abnormal Resistance: I •Escape: I Note: Daphne can only use Escape when being chased
[Skills]
Elios Passion: Slightly raises Daphne's agility. If she's being chased, it allows her to temporarily obtain the development ability Escape.
Laurus Wreath: Heavily increases Daphne's endurance if she's exhausted or dying. She is able to select where to activate it and it modifies her skin.
{Magic}
Raumure: Protection magic that raises Daphne's endurance and largely raises her agility. Its effectiveness depends on her magic ability.
(Development Abilities)
Abnormal Resistance: Abnormal Resistance negates the effect of abnormalities such as poison.
Escape: Daphne can only use Escape through her skill, Elios Passion, when she is being chased. Escape increases Daphne's speed when running away.
-_-Ichigo Familia-_-
Ichigo wasn't too impressed, but he already liked Daphne's character, and how loyal she seems to be with Cassandra.
Ichigo folded the paper, and put it into a pocket in his Shihakusho.
"You can put your shirt down, Please sit over there. Cassandra, you're up."
Cassandra shyly sat down on the bed Infront of her, and unbuttoned her top, and let the clothing article slide down her back, while keeping her breasts covered.
Ichigo put pressure into his nearly sealed cut, and a drop of blood came out finally.
She Yelped quietly, and then shivered with goosebumps, as the heat of a Falna caressed her back.
Ichigo's eyes squinted, and then he checked her status with a paper.
Cassandra Llion
Human. Age 18.
Level 2
•Strength: H 101 •Endurance: H 189 •Dexterity: G 248 •Agility: F 341 •Magic: D 588 •Treatment: I
[Skills]
Fifth Dimension foresight: A passive skill where Cassandra sees a deadly accurate vision of the future. It's drawback, is that it's cursed that nobody will believe her. Strangely, This skill is written in Japanese.
{Magic}
Soul light: Soul light is an area healing spell that is able to increase its effect area based on the amount of mind Cassandra uses.
Cure Ephialtes: Cure Ephialtes cures status ailments.
-_-Ichigo Familia-_-
Again, Ichigo wasn't too impressed. Though, That 'Five Dimension Foresight' had startled him. Visions with 100% accuracy? That means that her 'Dream' last night about an arrow destroying a hammer actually meant something...
Ichigo nodded, and again, withdrew the paper and put it with Daphne's.
"Okay, you can re-dress." Ichigo said, and she Hastily put on her dress.
"So, again Welcome to the familia, Mirba here will set up living arrangements, whether you two want to sleep in this room or separate is up to you two." Ichigo said, as he moved to leave for the room.
"W-Wait...Lord Ichigo..." Cassandra called to him quietly.
Ichigo turned around to look at the woman, and she said "That dream I had...It comes with two variations.. The first one I've already t-told you about. The other is, a black sword decapitates the p-prostitute and burns the bow that shot the arrow.."
Ichigo's eyes widened, and he said "Thank you.. I'll think about your dreams."
She turned around to face him, and her eyes were slightly widened as well.
She wanted to say 'You believe me?' but she was too scared to.
Ichigo closed the door and left the women to their devices.
Standing in the well-lit corridor, Ichigo put a hand to his head.
Those dreams...What did they mean? What significance did the prostitute, Sword, Bow, Arrow, and Hammer suggest?
Ichigo opened his door to see Hephaestus who was sitting up reading one of her books...Where the heck did she get them from?
"Hello, Lov-...What is with your shoulders?" Hephaestus asks, putting her book down.
Ichigo looks back at the dark-ornate pieces of armor on him and shrugs.
"I dunno. They look neat though."
She cocks her head, and examines their make and quality...
"Oh my, Come closer?" She said, motioning to come closer with a finger.
He obliges, and she runs a finger down the...metal? Using her legal Arcanum "Armor Appraisal", and her eyes widened with disbelief.
"...Ichigo? Where did you get these?"
"Hm? They came with my Robes. You've seen how my robes manifest onto my body at will, right? They came with em."
"Did they..." She said under her breath.
The armor pieces were enchanted, with arcanum belonging to Hephaestus. She could tell that much, simply by appraising the pieces.
Additionally, they also had a multitude of protection runes, defense wards and a new magic called 'Soul Bonding'.
She had no clue what 'Soul Bonding' was, but assumed that it came from his Zanpakuto's ability to deal with souls.
"Yep. Anyways, How are you?" Ichigo asked, as he sat down on the bed.
"...my body is sore. My legs can barely move, and my...Area...Is also kind of sore as well. My uh.. Stomach, is, well, Warm. For lack of better words."
"Oh. I see, Do you need help using the restroom?" Ichigo asked, somehow unashamedly.
"N-No! I can still walk...I think, But that's not it. Remember when I said that I was now 'Pregnant'?" She said, whispering that last part out loud.
Ichigo's eyes widened. How could he forget!
"Y-Yes!?" Ichigo blurted out somewhat loudly.
"...You forgot, Didn't you." She deadpanned.
"N-No! Ugh, ANYWAYS why do you ask?" Ichigo said, crossing his arms with a huff.
"..Heh. Well I ask because do you know how pregnancy for Goddesses are?" She asked, and then before he could say 'No' she interrupted with.
"Oh.. Right Different dimension, New god. Apologies." She said, and put a palm to her forehead lightly.
"...You forgot, Didn't you." It was Ichigo's turn to deadpan.
"Shut it!" She said, and playfully slapped his arm.
Ichigo chuckled and motioned for her to continue.
"Well...Humans give birth in 8-9 months, correct?" She said, to Ichigo's nodding, she continued.
"Well, Gods give birth...in 8-9 weeks, as our bodies are divine, and we have Arcanum which speeds everything up. I am unsure if it is the same for you and I, but that is what I am expecting." She said, and put a hand to the place her womb is located on her abdomen.
Ichigo's head nearly exploded.
8-9 weeks? That's roughly 2 months!
Ichigo was glad he was sitting, as he put a hand to his head.
"W-what's wrong?" She said, worried now about what he was thinking.
"..." Ichigo wasn't sure on what to say. He now had about 2 months to plan a wedding, and...Wait a minute! He had JUST the solution!
"Ichigo?" She said, quieter, as she observed the panic on his face.
She began to bunch up the blanket in her hands, and her heart raced.
'Why is he acting like this? He didn't mind last night!...Did...Did he lie to me?' She began to wonder, as the corner of her eyes stung with tears that were welling up.
'He...I-...I can't believe he played my heart like that..' she thought, as he stood up and walked to the door.
She began to remember every 'sincere' time they've spent together.. Picnics, dates, falling asleep on each-other, their...intimate moment...-*CLICK*
Hephaestus's thoughts crashed to a halt as they snapped to the door, and she looked up to see that Ichigo had not left her alone, instead, he closed the door, and locked it.
A warm trail of tears ran down her worry and panic ridden face.
Ichigo was walking back to her, with a soft smile.
"I was just thinking-" He said, as he sat back down next to Hephaestus, and wiped the tears from her face as he kissed her 'Deformed' cheek.
"-About what to name the baby...and the wedding ceremony."
Her heart nearly imploded. Why.. Why didn't he just say this outright?! Why did he walk away like that, and lead her to think the worst!? WHY did he insist on teasing her so?!
Ichigo observed as her face contorted from painful hurt, to angry relief.
"Why did you do that to me!" She whined, and sniffled.
Ichigo was clueless, All he did was walk to the door to make sure nobody saw them or interrupted them...Did he do something wrong?
"...Do what?"
Hephaestus's face burned with irritation, and said "Y-You...You...Jerk!"
And with that, came a pillow from out of nowhere, absolutely decimating Ichigo's face with the force of impact.
Ichigo was now on his back, on the bed, with a goofy smile on his face.
"You're lucky I'm sore. Or I'd kick you off." she said, and pouted with crossed arms.
"...I'm sorry, I won't do...That? Again." Ichigo said, still not knowing what pissed her off.
Hephaestus rolled her eyes, and then put a hand atop Ichigo's forehead, and ran her fingers through his hair.
()()()()(Later that day, Ais and Bell)()()()()
Clashing steel echoed for quite a ways, before silence and panting followed.
Ais and Bell had been training atop their usual wall for about four hours now.
Bell had been growing exponentially, and it was Pleasing to Ais. She did not know why, but the thought of Bell growing stronger seemed to stir something in her mind that motivated her to help him.
She liked this feeling, and liked him a lot more. How could she not?
His white hair, Pretty eyes and face, his calming voice and hell.. Even his strength. He was shattering records she unintentionally created.
And she wasn't even mad.
That night Bell asked her to dance would constantly pop up in her dreams, and even the thought of doing something such as that always made her face threaten to grow bright with a blush.
If any dullard looked at her and Bell, they'd probably assume that she keeps Bell around as a pet.
Insulting.
She knew she liked the boy, but.. She never knew how to go about it.
He always seems to catch the attentions of other girls, but not once does he reciprocate any of their advances. There's so many, she cant possibly count on her fingers.
'The Barmaids: Ryu, Syr...Hestia-sama, That little pallum girl, At-least twenty other goddesses, Eina tulle, and...Me'
The reason she had this much time to think, is she Knocked Bell unconscious, and is now giving him a lap-pillow.
She looked down at his downed form, and snaked her hand under his chest plate to put a hand on his chest.
Feeling the soft rumbling of his heartbeat, her face began to grow warmer.
...Why didn't she have the courage to just...ask him out on a date? She's certain he'd most likely...probably...possibly. say yes. Or even consider it..
What's stopping her?
..
..
"Nothing.." Ais, the sword princess, muttered with her hand gently caressing Bell's cheek.
Speaking of: Bell's eyes fluttered open and adjusted to his surroundings.
Ah yes...The sacred Lap-pillow.
Bell's eyes widened, and he nearly bolted from his position like usual, but this time...
Ais's hand never moved from his chest, and served as a weight to keep the lad in place.
Bell's mind cleared up from shock to realize that this was different. She had always let him dash off from this position, what changed?
"Bell." Ais spoke, with her dignified and mature tone.
"Y-Yes?" Bell spoke out.
"Do you.. want to...date me?" Ais said, her blue eyes nearly sparkling in the afternoon sun.
Bell blinked, once, twice, and now his entire face was up in flames as his pupils expanded upon the realization of what she asked of him.
Bell's nerves began to shoot the familiar cold of adrenaline, and his heartbeat pumped like a war drum.
"..." Her eyes narrowed slightly, as she was anticipating his answer.
What was it she said...When Bell asked her to dance? ...What was it...
"I-I ..Would L-Love To!" Bell said, a little louder than intended, but as surprise was evident on Ais's face, she didn't expect him to say yes.
"Really?" She said, still playing with his hair as she always did.
"Of course" Bell said, sounding more resolute. "Truthfully...Ever since you saved me from the minotaur in the dungeon, I've...Liked you."
He loved her, It was evident, but he couldn't just outright say that before they've had their first month together? It wasn't that flimsy.
"I see.." She said, Connecting the dots in her mind. so THAT's why he looked at her like that...despite being drenched in blood.
"That makes me happy..." She said quietly, and moved to caress his face.
Happy? That couldn't begin to describe what Bell was feeling.
Actually, He was feeling kinda weird.
"Bell?" Ais asked.
Bell's eyes re-focused on Ais's and he responded.
"Yes?"
"Your eyes are glowing." She said, a hint of both curiosity and awe in her voice.
"Huh?" He dumbly said, and she just nodded in affirmation.
"...That's weird, I hope it's nothing bad." Bell said, and with a shaking hand, touched Ais's own and grabbed it.
He could now do everything he always wanted to do with Ais!
Like the Magnificent Hand-holding he's heard so much about! Perhaps he'd stir up as much news as Ichigo and Hephaestus did when their relationship was exposed...Damn, He'd never seen that amount of jealousy from everyone in Orario before, and it was kind of scary.
The only one who he saw that didn't care was Goddess-Loki. Odd.
"Let's pick up training some other time, I'm hungry." She said, and Bell sat up.
"I see...Let's go and find something good to eat" Bell said, still unsure if he's conquered his nervousness.
To Ais, he was sometimes stuttering, but looked determined.
She was truly happy he decided to accept her.
"Lets." She said with a smile.
With that, they left, hand in shaky hand to go to sate their hunger.
Turning many heads, and one specifically that shouldn't have been turned.
()()()(Back With Ichigo.)()()()()
"Thanks.." Ichigo said with an eye roll.
"I'm only saying so because I love you." Hephaestus said, finally able to stand up, she was getting out of the shower.
"Sure. Besides, It wouldn't matter anyways, if I get into a fight, it'll just get messy again."
"Then you'll come back to me, won't you?" She said, putting on the boxers that Ichigo lent her. She still has yet to return home and wash her clothing.
"Hmph" Ichigo breathed out, and put a rested his chin on his Knuckles.
There Ichigo sat, his hair was now tied back into a ponytail with his bangs left alone.
He didn't like this look, It didn't suit him, he thought.
It didn't help that Hephaestus had brushed and combed the ever-loving shit out of his hair too.
He should probably just cut it, but what would that serve other than disappointing Hephaestus?
Other than that, Ichigo was very happy. Hephaestus had asked Ichigo to move in with her, but he denied on the count of this being his established base of operations...whatever that meant, so she had conceded and decided to move in with him. There was no protest in this, other than Ichigo might have to acquire another, more expansive, closet or Dresser/wardrobe.
"Ichigo...I hate to be a burden and ask, but...What kind of wedding do you want to have?" Hephaestus said, putting on her near skin-tight pants.
"...I was thinking, Just us and our Familia?" Ichigo said, with a hand to his chin.
She nodded in consideration, and said "What about a big wedding? Do you not prefer one of those?" Hephaestus countered.
Ichigo was only 17 (Chronologically) ...He hadn't ever thought about marriage and well, Children for that matter. But..Ichigo had also never been one to fully plan things out before rushing headlong into something...Which is why we're here.
Oh well. What is age to an immortal?
"Eh, I dunno...I don't really like popularity. It annoys me honestly. A bunch of people kissing your ass just to get favors in with you. And others who hang around you, just to talk about you behind your back."
Hephaestus could relate. Lots of lesser gods have tried to hang around her to get her to give their children an edge equipment-wise, and only to leave when Hephaestus didn't give them for free. Then came the shit talking.
"I can relate. But some strategic relationships can also be formed, and even new friendships. At the very least, can Hestia and Hermes come?" She asked, and finished buttoning her top.
"Yeah, I have no issue with them. It's just the people like...f-fry? F..Fra-"
"Freya"
"Yeah, Her. She gives me the creeps." Ichigo said, remembering the weird smile and odd wave of the hand she gave him during the very first time he met everyone.
"Don't worry, I do not plan on inviting her...But if she does indeed show up, we have no choice but to accommodate. I'd rather avoid a war haha." She said, joking.
"Well, if things get that bad, and she what...Has the only level 7 in the city? Well I guess I'll just have to step in."
Her face went serious, and said "No, You're a god. You're barred from using your po-"
He interrupted her and said "I don't follow arbitrary laws when my friends are in danger. If stepping on that rule means my friends get to be safe and comfortable, I'll dance on it."
"Don't interrupt me... but I guess I can see where you're coming from." She said.
"Remember when I told you that I stormed the soul society?"
Her face gained a look of remembrance, and then she looked relieved...sort of.
"Yes, I remember."
"Then you should know the lengths I'll take. But, It wont ever come to that. I hope not at least."
"I hope not as well." She said, lightly caressing her stomach.
"Well...Don't worry."
"Ooh, I just remembered." Hephaestus said, standing up. "Ichigo, Can you take me home so I can pack a few things? Additionally, I have to talk to Tsubaki."
Ichigo nodded, and stood up.
Hephaestus was now perfectly ready, but her hair was a bit damp.
"Let's go." Ichigo said, and scooped the waiting woman in his arms bridal-style.
She enjoyed being carried like this, by him.
Leaving through the window, the duo had disappeared via Shunpo towards Hephaestus's home.
Five seconds later, Ichigo and Hephaestus had re-appeared at the front doors, and walked in.
Hephaestus breathed in deeply, and exhaled with a sense of longing.
Ichigo noticed this and said "It's not like you're never going to come back, right?"
A flash of realization hit her face, and she resisted the urge to face-palm.
"You are right.."
A couple of maids and butlers greeted the duo with bows.
Ichigo chuckled and sat down in a chair nearby and said "Well, I'll be right here. Go ahead and get whatever you need."
She nodded, and went to do exactly that while Ichigo began to converse with a butler.
"Tsubaki!" Hephaestus called, and seconds later the woman appeared before her goddess.
"Yes, Lady-Hephaestus?"
"I am going to move in with my...'Fiancé' and thus will be here a lot less than usual." She said, looking absolutely smitten when she said 'Fiancé'.
Tsubaki's eyes widened impossibly.
"No way!" She silently squeaked.
"Yes way!" Hephaestus nodded and nearly jumped in place.
"W-With Ichigo-sama?"
Gaining another nod, Tsubaki put a hand to her face and gave a hearty laugh.
"WOW! AH..." Tsubaki bellowed out, and then after the duo cooled down, she said
"I'm happy for you.. Truly."
"Thank you.. You are coming to the wedding, right?" She said.
"I most definitely will. Just make sure that you tell me the details, Okay?"
Hephaestus nodded, and gave the woman a hug.
"I know you all are 'children' but nearly every other goddess is so insufferable...It's nice to have a friend to count on."
Tsubaki stiffened at the presence of a compliment.
"T-Thank you..." Tsubaki said, hugging the goddess back.
"NOW before I get misty-eyed, I think it would be best to hurry and finish packing. I better not keep him waiting."
"Indeed-wait... He's in your house, on your time..." Tsubaki said, with a stern voice.
"True, but He's my Fiancé. He always hurried for me, so I can't help but be as polite as he is." Hephaestus said, walking into the master bedroom.
'What the hell...did he do to her?' Tsubaki thought to herself, as she nodded and walked down to the living room where Ichigo resided.
'How the hell does someone as strong as Hephaestus of all...get so submissive?' she thought, as her eyes laid on Ichigo's form.
She stared for what seemed like forever...
"What 'cha looking at?" Hephaestus whispered seductively in Tsubaki's ear.
"...How...How...did he get so...Handsome?" Tsubaki muttered, not understanding how the man could go from good-looking, to absolutely breathtaking in the span of 6 months.
"My secret, not yours hehe" Hephaestus said as she walked down the remainder of the stairs, leaving a bewildered Tsubaki in her wake.
Ichigo noticed her approaching with a packed bag and a bunch of extra cases.
The man had to chuckle, it looks like his estimate of requiring an extra dresser would prove to be true.