Quite obviously, I own nothing.
Much to my chagrin. ;)

Reviews (constructive and/or flattering!) are much appreciated!

Most likely spoilers will abound.

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Her heart was pounding wildly, setting a pace she had never before known, as if it meant to break free of her chest. Time seemed to simultaneously slow down and accelerate with each frantic beat. She did not know which she preferred - to live in this moment forever and savor every touch and sensation or to rush ahead to that for which she had waited so patiently, for that which her body and soul so desperately burned. Her kimono slipped down, exposing the graceful curve of her neck and pale skin of her shoulders. One delicate white hand held the front closed at her chest, albeit loosely, while the other found its way to the back of her lover's neck, fingers burying themselves in hair as dark as the starless night sky overhead and as wild and spiky as the grass at their feet. She felt his lips make their way gently along the bare skin of her collarbone, a shiver going through her body. This is right; this is how it should be.

"Kaien," she whispered. He raised his head, midnight eyes meeting violet, searching. She knew what Kaien-dono would see: passion and desire mixed with an intense love. And beneath all of that she knew he would also sense the desperate need emanating from her being; a need so raw she could do nothing to hide it.

"Rukia," he whispered her name in return. She could see reflected in his eyes the same passion and desire she was feeling, his need for her shining just as brightly. What made her catch her breath, however, was the love she could feel radiating from the very core of Kaien's being, a love so pure and strong that it brought tears to her eyes. A single tear escaped each violet eye leaving twin trails down her cheeks that shone in the moonlight.

This smile that touched Kaien's lips was warm and genuine. "Don't cry, Rukia." He took her face in his hands and used the pads of his thumbs to gently wipe away the tears from beneath her eyes. Rukia could not help but smile radiantly up at Kaien. As he bent down to press his lips to her own, Rukia's hand fell away from her kimono, allowing it to fall to the ground. She reached up and wrapped her arms around Kaien's neck, pulling his body close against her own. Her lips parted as the kiss deepened, allowing Kaien's tongue entrance. Kaien released her face and placed his hands gently on Rukia's shoulders before sliding them slowly down the sides of her body, feeling her breath hitch as he grazed the sides of her breasts. He let his hands come to rest on her hips, holding her against him.

Without breaking their kiss, Kaien gently lowered himself to his knees, bringing Rukia with him until they were both kneeling in the soft grass. When their lips finally parted, Rukia gazed up at Kaien's face. Dropping her eyes, she hesitantly placed her hands on his chest, exploring the feel of hard muscle beneath the soft kimono, a shy smile playing across her lips. She continued lower, tracing the lines of his well-defined abdominals. Again, she met his eyes as her hands settled on the sash at his waist. Kaien's smile was encouraging; it told her that this was okay. She tugged lightly on the white sash until the folds on the kimono covering his chest fell slightly open. She inhaled nervously. Several times throughout the years had she seen Kaien's bare chest, but never under such intimate circumstances.

Breathing shakily, Rukia slid her hands up Kaien's chest again, this time allowing her fingers to part his kimono to touch bare skin. It was Kaien's breath that hitched now, becoming quick and shallow at the touch of her hands, his muscles tightening reflexively. His response made Rukia smile and gave her confidence. Glancing up through her lashes to look at his face, she could see his eyes had fallen closed. She continued to move her hands up Kaien's chest to his shoulders, sliding the kimono off. It fell to the ground with a soft rustle. Raising his arms to Rukia's shoulders, Kaien ran his hands along her soft skin until he reached her wrists, which he gently grasped. Rukia's heart was going wild. Kaien leaned forward and captured her mouth in a kiss that started off soft and sweet. Gradually the need behind the kiss intensified. It would have been enough to frighten Rukia if her own need had not matched it.

I love you, Shiba Kaien.

Suddenly, the kiss turned possessive, and not in a fashion that Rukia could appreciate. It became demanding, almost painful. She tried to pull away, but Kaien's grip on her wrists tightened as he attempted to still her. Struggling, Rukia finally broke free of the kiss. What she saw caused her previously pounding heart to freeze. Violet eyes widened and skin turned cold as ice.

The man before her was no longer Kaien. It had Kaien's face, but a distorted version. None of the features were quite right. The eyes were distant and the smile was cold and calculating.

"What's wrong, Kuchiki? I thought this was what you wanted. I thought you loved me!" The voice, like the face, was a twisted mockery of Kaien's soft tones. It was mocking and filled with venom.

Tears streamed down Rukia's face as she screamed at the monster before her. "Aaroniero Arruruerie!"

The Kaien-thing smiled with delight, its eyes lighting up. "You remember! How delightful!" Laughing maniacally, it raised itself slowly into a crouch, ready to attack at the slightest hint of provocation.

Rukia glanced around frantically. Where were they? All around her was barren desert. Hueco Mundo she thought desperately. Just a moment ago they had been in Seireitei, kneeling in soft grass beneath the night sky. How had they gotten here?! He looked around desperately for some sort of weapon. Sode no Shirayuki was no where in sight. She would never be able to use kido; Aaroniero would know instantly what she was doing and counterattack. It was over then; there was nothing she could do. She closed her eyes as Aaroniero shrieked with joy and lunged towards her.