Thank you to @theslowesthnery for inspiring this story through their Mayuri and Hatchigo drawing. Your a fantastic artist. Please keep on doing what your doing ๐
Time had flown by these past few months, almost like a flash. One moment he had just received the news, the next it was almost over. It only seemed like yesterday he was in the bar wondering how to process this gargantuan change in his life, now however he was content and cradling medical files under his arm like they were priceless jewels or the key to life itself.
In a way you could say they were.
Never before in his life had Zaraki noticed time sticking around so little. Time usually slowed down when he was fighting, when he was in his absolute element. Maybe that's why he couldn't comprehend it. He had not fought in seven months, time ran normally through the air as easily as wind and the large soul reaper had devoted his time to three people.
His footsteps echo down the hollowed and worn pebble paths of the Soul Society, taking a deep breath of the cool spring breeze. He felt at peace, an odd sensation for him no doubt. Thoughts passed him by as he walked, projections from the corner of his vision.
Walking down the path slowly to see Unohana with Mayuri shortly after their discovery.
Taking Nemu aside to explain the situation to her and seeing her delighted at being a big sister, eyes wide with wonder and joy and shimmering like light reflection off the ocean.
Zaraki couldn't hide his smile, watching as his quarters came into view.
Memories, he wished he made more of them. It was probably his deepest regret about the pregnancy, being as useful as a chocolate teapot. He tried the best his could, clutching the papers harder at the ultimate regret of knowing he could have helped more.
Deep down he felt like he spent too long scared of the situation instead of embracing it, feeling that for so long he let Mayuri down with his fear. Mayuri was not afraid. Mayuri was calm and collected, almost seasoned in the art of being an expecting parent and Zaraki found himself enamoured and awestruck by such a thing, feeling a heat rise to his cheeks whenever his partner was close by.
That sensation was stronger then the most fearsome Hollow he had fought and as Zaraki reached, hands trembling for the door handle and with the news and updates from Captain Unohana, he felt his cheeks redden once more and opening the door with a genuine smile instead of a grin.
He was happy to be home, sun having already set and coating the hallway in a dark void. He could see a light in a distant room, smelling burning insence as he got closer with each creak of the floorboard.
At the request from Captain Yamamoto and with generous funding from the Male Reapers Association Zaraki was able to remodel his living space for his newfound family, doubling it in size. There had been reservations from some Reapers about the events unfolding without their say so but everyone could agree a single Captain's Quarters was not large enough to house a growing group of people, leading to months of quiet work and renovation.
The tall and rugged reaper had been staying in the lab's secret sleeping guest room for those month's, given the key by Mayuri to do so as thanks for going out of his way to accommodate him and his daughter.
Now however, walking through to the front room, he was just happy to be near them when he could. Especially now. Mayuri, his partner, lover and soon to be father of his child needed him now more then anything.
Even if he didn't want to admit it.
"Hey. I'm back. Got those documents from Retsu"
He was met with a painted gaze from across the room, a literal larger then life reaper sat in a soothing rocking chair. It groaned as he tilted gently back and fourth, closing his eyes like the sound was heavenly chorus to his lack of ears.
"I summise she's told you how to care for me like she knows best?"
Zaraki places the papers on the cabinet with a smirk.
A hefty sigh bounces around the room, the shorter reaper folding his arms in dismissal the best he could given his frame.
"I know my body better then she does. She shouldn't tell me how to read the signals of my own self, let alone asking you to do so"
Mayuri waves his hand in the air, opening one eye gingerly when he heard his heavy footed partner moving closer to him.
Sitting down across from Mayuri Kurotsuchi was something Zaraki would never get used to, same went for seeing Kurotsuchi so calm.
He had everything planned, the optimal diet, a gentle stretching workout plan to keep as limber as he could, resting schedules and even time for he and Kenpachi to spend bonding with the baby and Nemuri.
There was a time when Zaraki told him to just "wing it", finding all the fuss unnecessary, telling the scientist just to enjoy the experience.
He also remembers that night having to get Mayuri 2am burger cravings from the living world and combine it with vegetable sushi as a punishment.
He didn't question him again after that.
A green eye wanders over to the documents just out of view, wondering if now was a good time to go over them.
"Aren't you going to say hello to us?"
A chuckle passes by tanned lips as Zaraki stands to his feet, towering over Kurotsuchi as he did.
"Ah how could I forget my two favourite guys"
The scientist smiles slightly and softly upon feeling hot and smooth lips touch his forehead in a soft embrace, seeing the once tall man bend to below his height, hands on the place their child lay.
Something they created together.
A being of pure love. More then creation. No. This wasn't just the ability to create anymore. It was something more and it set a fire alight in the heart of Mayuri Kurotsuchi unlike anything since Nanagou was born. He felt warm and fuzzy like a comforting blanket, finding such a feeling still foreign and strange to him. He was still taking time to open up but he couldn't deny through his tired eyes and sore body that he needed Kenpachi by his side. It filled him with a sense of pride. He had gone further beyond even his wildest dreams and that was euphoria for him.
As quickly as his mind left it was brought back to reality, feeling soft movements under Zaraki's large overbearing hands.
"Hey little guy or gal. Your old man is home"
Much smaller painted hands lay on top of them, gently stroking his thumbs in a comforting manner.
They would have moments like this, silent by candles, staring into each other's green and amber oceans. Time had passed by quickly but in these moments it slowed, if just for a few seconds. The world came to a halt, nobody was here but them and even if just for a fraction of time they felt like things had been this way forever.
Leaning forward as best he could given the space between them Mayuri found himself closer to Zaraki, hand having migrated softly to lay on his tired and rugged skin.
Closer still, inches from each other and about to share the ultimate display of affection as their hearts pounded together to the rhythm of love they both so desperately craved their entire lives.
"I'M BACK AND I GOT SNACKS!"
The moment had gone, yet their hearts still synced as one. There would be another time. They had felt this many times before. However at this time there were more pressing matters.
Nemuri stood before them wearing a nurse outfit she made from old curtains and felt tip pen, crudly drawn cross on the torso.
Zaraki turned to her with a bellowing laugh, causing Mayuri to jump from the sudden jolt he felt in response to such a rukus, turning to hold Mayuri's hand in his once again in apology.
"What ya doin' little Nurse Nemu? Aren't ya supposed to be in the 4th division?"
The little reaper shakes her head in protest, laying her head upon the curve her father had gained to his body over the last few months. Her eyes were wide and determined, resolve on her features and a twinkle in her smile.
"I'm looking after papa and the baby! I brought snacks!"
Looking over to where she was pointing Mayuri sees a plate of burnt toast, lathered in butter and jam. It brought tears to his eyes, holding them back to avoid smearing his delicately crafted makeup.
Alas it was all in vain, droplets running down his cheeks and onto his cotten nightgown. In the last few weeks hormones had always gotten the better of him. Quick to any emotion other then anger, mostly sadness and joy. This was a mix of both. His daughter and tried her best and that's all he could ask for, soon feeling himself hiccuping from how intense his sobs had gotten and how quickly they had arrived.
Small arms wrap around his waist with a delicate touch.
"Shhhh it's OK papa. I can try again. Don't want to make baby sad"
This only caused the scientist to bawl harder, his already frail emotions shattering like glass at such a display of cuteness and affection. Deep rooted in his soul he felt weak to cry over things so trivial but he couldn't help it, feeling his entire being filled with feelings once lost to him, bubbling over like a overfilled bath. He wanted to stop it but the tap was broken and there was no turning back.
Nemuri turned to Zaraki, concern written all over her face. This wasn't the first mood swing and certainly not the last.
Two months were left before they could see their son or daughter in the flesh, Mayuri getting more complex by the day. He wanted to see his child, feel more then kicks and turns. He wanted to wake up to tend to their baby, not because he couldn't get comfy. He wanted to bond with him or her in person instead of just talking. The fact he couldn't upset him more with each passing day and as such Zaraki dealt with at least one quick change of emotions per day and as he did every day he would deal with it the same.
"Nem. You go and try again with them snacks. I'm gonna clean ya dad up"
Zaraki watches her leave reluctantly, grabbing a cloth from his haori and beginning to wipe away the now ruined paint, revealing beautiful dark skin under it all.
"Dunno why you keep insisting on painting yaself each day. Gonna get ruined..."
Kurotsuchi answers between sobs, hiccuping still as he does.
"It makes me feel... Better"
"Look just try one day without it... For me. Think of the time you would save.... You could... Spend that with our kid"
A look on contemplation washes over the golden eyed reaper, a nod following shortly after.
"Besides. I love ya skin color.. Shouldn't hide it. Hope our kid gets that from ya"
The sniffles subside as the last of the paint is washed away, leaving Mayuri Kurotsuchi paintless and open for the world to see. Blue locks drape down and shape his face, eyes suddenly as bright as the sun and smile more noticeable.
It was like looking at god and Zaraki was more then happy to worship, leaning down to once again place his head down on Mayuri.
"I'm with ya. Remember that"
He thinks back to the files. Now wasn't the time to dwell on those. Mayuri didn't have the heart in it. He was nervous and fed up. Zaraki did know what was said however, he was there and everything was covered with him. He wanted to do something, anything to help.
A thought crosses his mind however, a plan to see the toothy smile he loved once again.
The small reaper turned his head aside, seeing a smirk appear on his lover's lips, unable to respond to being suddenly ambushed by tickles under his arms and on the backs of his knees, places Zaraki knew he couldn't reach.
Laughter rang out like church bells, loud and powerful, throughout the quarters. It was like angels were singing.
"Nuh uh! Nemu come help me!"
Before Mayuri could protest or even resigter what was happening he felt two smaller hands tickling his bump in all the new ticklish spots that had formed since he changed. The tears were now of joy, replacing the sadness he once felt, like his melancholy was but a distant memory. He felt lighter, happier and most importantly stress free.
Zaraki's plan had worked, leaving the smaller reaper breathing with a smile on his face.
He simply chuckles through deep breathes.
As Nemu climbs down back into the kitchen in a rush for snacks he turns to the reaper before him, looking to the files himself.
"What did she say anyway?"
Zaraki reaches out for his hand, kissing it softly.
"That ya needed to smile more"
Mayuri Kurotsuchi had been had and he couldn't be happier, laughing along with Kenpachi Zaraki as they waited for yet another round of burnt toast they could smell from the kitchen already.
It wouldn't be long. Time would move fast again but for now it was slow. The sands had stopped falling, the pendulum had stopped swinging and seconds turned to hours. Time would pass but maybe they had time to make more memories together.
After all. Zaraki wished he could.
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