goodness their married life suck nice chapter

This was so incredibly sad! I loved reading it, but almost from the first moment, probably with Ichigo heading back alone, and mention of Rukia staying late, I just wanted to cry. It feels like a shinigami riff on the challenges that face a career woman who wants to have a family- basically, that she constantly struggles with losing her family life, and here, it seems that she has already lost! And it's not that Ichigo is an MCP or anything like that- as Byakuya noted earlier, he's a terrific dad, but he doesn't quite know how to be a husband anymore. *sobs*

The background is helpful even if it is a bit depressing seeing the distance between Ichigo and Rukia, but it strengthens the story. Thanks for updating!

I congratulate you for not making me wince at pet peeves. (I don't know if you'll take it as a compliment or go "man, that's conceited" but hey...) Overall, I like the way the plot is flowing and there aren't many big gaps of "huh? What?" which often accompany OCs. So congratulations are in order and keep up the good work~

(Fangirl moment: Bya! ~squee~)

~Ice

1st chapter sets a good tone and i think this story will be really good.

I really enjoyed this. Your plot is well thought out, and the children are absolutely adorable! I agree that Ichigo would make a great dad.

this is very good so far and i think i may know were this is going but i'm not going to say anything i want to see how your story plays out update soon

i can only agree with lady dragon and skyless star. the story is very well written and very 'autentic', so keep it up and update soon! this is, by far, one of the best storys i have red until now. really awesome writing, especially when you describe byakuyas thoughts. i simply love it! )

I didn't want to read this at first, despite it being a Ichigo/Byakuya fic (I adore this pairing) because I've found that authors tend to take cruel joy in bashing female characters when it comes to break ups and get togethers. I'm pleased to see you're not going this route. :)

With regards to Rukia's character, I can see her doing this as well. She is someone who has spent her whole career trying to prove herself worthy of the privilege granted to a Kuchiki. So I could see how the stress of her job would get to her, especially since, as a mother of four, she has the added stress of raising her children and not depending entirely on servants and a division to help run. No doubt there are going to be some who question whether or not someone who has missed so much work due to pregnancy could be fit to be a high ranking officer, let alone vice-captain. These people are likely to think her nobility, and the positions her husband and brother hold are what kept her in her station. Even if that's not the case, as someone who is always striving to prove herself, that's got to be running through her mind regardless. Plus I imagine it's hard on her now that Ichigo and Renji are captains and she is merely a vice-captain. Kind of like getting left behind in the academy all over again, except this time it's not just Renji but Ichigo too.

Given her rather violent reactions to Ichigo and Renji's stupidity in their youth, I can see where her frustration could turn to abuse, and Ichigo would serve as her "source" and "venting board".

This is an interesting beginning.

The writing is good and the idea around which the story revolves is rather serious, allowing the reader to expect something worthy to remember even after closing the web page.

As for the characters, given the time that separates the fic from the manga/anime, I think they fit well with their original self.

Seeing Ichigo as a caring and affectionate parent is just natural, considering the way he stands up for his friends, and his passive behavior concerning Rukia's abuses -while in his teen years he wouldn't have been so resigned- is just a consequence of the time passed and of his now having children.

Rukia being the violent one is not an impossible thing, either; even in the manga she has never been all that delicate.

And "Byakuya-ojii-san", allowing himself to openly care for his nephews and nieces -because they are children, and nobody would find it a sign of softening- while worrying for the adult ones secretly, is just like himself.

Well, I'll surely read the next chapters and, one day, this story will most likely go in my favorites.

Kisses

Please do continue this- I do agree with you that Rukia *makes sense*, as does the mellowed out Byakuya! Given Shinigami lifespans, 30-40 years seems just about right for them to change/mature, given the various shocks to SS.

aw this is so cute! update soon! XD