Just a heads up this fic may get confusing from time to time since I wrote this to be a written version of the manga though the plot differs. I tried to keep the same fights in Las Noches though they differ. I put borders for time gaps/scene changes but the time gaps aren't that long and is usually within an hour, either forward or backwards. Anyways, enjoy and review. All opinions and criticism are welcome, as long as it's constructive.

Disclaimer; I do not own bleach or any of the characters. They all belong to T.K as everyone already knows.

Chapter - 1

She used the wall to support herself as she walked down the cold hallway. Blood dripped down her limp arm and down her leg leaving a trail as she continued on. Each step was a struggle and her zanpakutou was held loosely in a hand that couldn't even grip it properly anymore while the other supported her weight on the wall. She knew if she were to be found by the enemy it would be over in a flash. She hadn't the strength to even stand on her own let alone fight anything.

But she was close to her destination now and soon everything would be okay. Soon she would be able to say the words that only her lips had dared to hold back for so long. Many times she had wanted to say it. To allow the words to pass her lips would let the burden she had carried for so long be relieved and she would be free of her self inflicted torment.

Her eyes fell on a door and she knew automatically that her destination was just beyond it. She could sense the fear behind it and knew she had to get to that door. Even if she collapsed as soon as she got on the other side of it then that would be enough for her. As she got across from it she pressed her body closer to the wall and pushed herself off of it to cross the hall.

She hit the door and winced at the pressure it put on the wounds. A moment was taken for her to cough violently. Blood dripped from her mouth as her legs began to wobble under her. She couldn't stand much longer. Her hand fumbled desperately with the door handle for a moment before it opened silently. Her body was supported by the doorframe as she looked inside the room.

It was a decent sized room with a bed on one side and a table ment for only one person a few feet away from the bed. The walls were bare and stone white just as everything else here was. It was all bland and distasteful. The only thing on the wall was a small window just big enough for someone to squeeze through but it was tauntingly out of reach and barred.

She still hadn't been spotted as the one she came here for stood across the room and looked out the window. She smiled weakly and just watched in silence for a moment before she lost all feeling in her arm and her zanpakutou fell to the ground. The girl on the other side of the room jumped and turned around as if terrified of what she would see standing there. Her lips trembled as only one word passed her lips, "Rukia."

Said girl collapsed from exhaustion and her vision slowly began to fade. Before it could fade completely along with whatever life was left in her she felt a loving yet sad warmth above her. The warmth spread throughout her body and the pain of her wounds began to fade away. Rukia closed her eyes and accepted what was happening as she forced herself to roll over.

Her eyes opened as she found the other girl sitting by her side with tears in her eyes. She tried to smile for her as she wiped away any tear that dared to stain that beautiful face. Her arm was too heavy for her to keep up and soon it fell back to the ground but before it did the other girl caught it and held her hand with her own. "Why did you do all this, Rukia?"

"I know what it's like to be in this position, to be alone and helpless. I don't want you to be here like this. I don't want you to be here at all." Rukia said as more tears fell from the girls eyes. "Don't cry, Orihime. Tears are unbefitting of you so don't ever cry."

Orihime smiled weakly down at Rukia as she tried once more to wipe away the girl's tears. With her hand being supported it was a little easier for her to do but even as her wounds healed she still lacked the strength to do anything on her own. "It means a lot to know you came for me but it hurts me to see you like this."

"I know, but there's something I've been meaning to tell you for a long time now, Orihime." Rukia began. "Ever since I first saw you, you had caught my eye and a part of me was drawn to you. I wanted to be closer to you and possibly become your friend and when that happened I was overjoyed."

Orihime smiled warmly down at Rukia as new tears started to form in her eyes while she continued, "But soon just being your friend wasn't enough and I wanted more. At first I didn't know what it was but then I realized that I-"

Rukia cut off as voices were heard down the hallway. The voices were following the trail of blood to them. Rukia reached for her zanpakutou and gripped it as tightly as she could as she tried to get up. Orihime's inner shield was dispelled by her movement and it returned to her hairpin. "Orihime, get back I'll take care of this."

She forced herself up as the voices neared them. Orihime didn't leave her side at all as she helped Rukia up. Rukia raised her zanpakutou to the door weakly since her arm was still mostly numb from her previous battle. Two arrancar came into the doorway and looked at Rukia for a moment before they reached for their blades.

Rukia's grip on Orihime tightened and she threw her away from them. She lost her balance for a moment but quickly regained it and picked up her guard as the two arrancar readied for an attack. The blonde arrancar laughed at her attempt and said, "Look at this one. She thinks she can take us both on with those wounds. I'll kill this one you take that bitch over there."

She motioned towards Orihime with a smile and the other laughed and said, "With pleasure."

The dark haired arrancar moved towards Orihime but Rukia stepped right in front of her and swung her blade with as much force as she could manage. The arrancar took a step back to avoid it but Rukia went right after her and swung her blade with each step. She soon lost track of the other arrancar and focused on the one that she was attacking until she felt its presence behind her.

Rukia's eyes widened as she looked over her shoulder. It was already too late to do anything about it. This was the end for her now. But then a small light shot through the arrancar and past her. She watched it as it went right through the other arrancar as well. Rukia watched in shock as the small light went back to Orihime's hairpin. She held her hands over her mouth as she fought off her tears.

Rukia watched her sympathetically for a moment. Orihime had never been one for violence and for her to kill was not something she could handle doing. But there was no other choice here. If she hadn't acted then they both would have died but even telling her that wouldn't help.

Rukia slowly limped over to Orihime but held her zanpakutou tightly in her hand. She feared another arrancar would follow the trail of blood and find her here. Her presence put Orihime in danger and that was the last thing she wanted.

"We need to leave this place before we're found." Rukia said urgently.

Orihime shook her head, "I'm not going anywhere until your wounds are treated."

"Then do it fast. We don't have much time, Orihime." Rukia said. "Just heal the worst of it and do the rest when we're away from here and safe. Do you understand?"

Orihime nodded sadly and brought up her inner shield once more to heal Rukia's wounds. Tears rolled down Orihime's cheeks freely and there wasn't much that Rukia could physically do to wipe them away. If she moved the shield would disappear and then they would leave regardless of any remaining wounds. "Rukia, what were you going to say before?"

Rukia smiled at the other girl but simply said, "Now's not the time, Orihime."

She nodded as if in disappointment as the worst of Rukia's wounds healed. She knew that it was all Rukia wanted healed right now but didn't retreat her inner shield. If she could get away with healing more then she was supposed to then she would be happy.

"Orihime," Rukia said gently. "You don't have to do anymore then that."

She nodded sadly and the shield disappeared but the light didn't retreat to her hairpin instead it moved past Rukia to the fallen arrancar. Rukia glanced over at them before looking back to Orihime. She didn't approve of these actions but she wasn't about to stop them. All she could say was, "Do it quick and don't heal them completely. I don't want them to follow us."

Orihime nodded and moved past her since her power worked better if she were right beside the person she was trying to heal. She lingered on the blonde arrancar for only a moment before going to the next one. Rukia made her way over to Orihime's side and placed her hand on her shoulder when she got there. "We've lingered long enough. We still have to find the others and get out of here."

Orihime nodded and stood up while her inner shield returned to her hairpin. They moved to the door quickly but they went through it cautiously as they feared being caught by anything else. They followed the blood trail much to their displeasure. Rukia wasn't happy about letting Orihime know how much she had struggled to get to her while Orihime didn't like to see all this blood.

Unfortunately for both of them it was a long trail before they would be rid of it. They couldn't backtrack to go down the clean part of the hallway since there was no telling where that even led. If they followed the blood it would lead them outside then unfortunately back to that dark room where she fought that despicable hollow that portrayed itself as someone very dear to Rukia. Someone that she had believed was dead.

They walked on quickly in silence as there were surges of reiatsu all around Hueco Mundo. Rukia focused on each one to identify them. Ichigo was outmatched and fighting an espada that she had seen only once or twice while Renji and Uryu had found each other and were both fighting an espada she was unfamiliar with while Chad had fallen a while ago.

While Rukia was concerned about Chad, getting to Ichigo was her main priority since it would give them a better chance at survival and he was also the closest so it made more sense then going to Chad then backtracking even more. It pained her but he would have to wait for now. For now they just had to get to Ichigo before it was too late but with her current wounds she wouldn't be of much help to anyone. They had to find a place to hide before they were found.

Soon they came across a door and Rukia decided to chance it. They went through it and found it was another small room just like the one Orihime was in. As the door closed behind them Rukia collapsed on the wall in exhaustion. Even as her wounds were being healed none of her strength came back to her. She needed to rest to regain her strength but how long could they really afford to linger here?

Orihime stood in front of Rukia in silence as she fought off her tears and healed the last of the wounds. Rukia smiled warmly at her for her immediate care. Perhaps it was finally time to allow the words to pass her lips and maybe this time there would be no interruption. It was now or never, "Orihime, a while ago I realized that I didn't want a friendship with you. I wanted more then that. I want to be in a relationship with you."

"I know," Orihime said warmly. "I've noticed that."

Rukia's face paled a little. "When did you figure it out?"

"When we were training together it just sort of went off like a light bulb." She said with a giggle. "Shortly after that I realized that I wanted the same thing with you."

Rukia's face brightened immediately and she practically leapt at Orihime in her joy. The two held each other closely for a while before they parted to share their first kiss. It was short lived and they both pulled away with a blush but Orihime was the only one to look away in embarrassment. Rukia smiled at her before she noticed an approaching reiatsu. Luckily both of them had theirs hidden so they wouldn't be noticed unless they were too loud or whoever was approaching planned on coming in here.

Rukia pulled Orihime to the wall with her then brought her against it as well. There were no words between them as the presence came closer. Rukia gripped her zanpakutou while her other hand gripped Orihime's. She didn't want their first kiss to be their last as well but if they were to be found and killed then she was happy in knowing that she had confessed her feelings and that they were returned as well.

Their grip tightened on each other as the presence came to the door but it didn't linger and it just kept going as it followed the blood trail. They remained silent and still until the presence was long gone. When it was gone they still didn't speak but allowed themselves to relax a little. The two met eyes once more and Rukia pulled Orihime into another kiss.

When they parted she said, "If we don't make it out of here I want to at least have shared more then one kiss with you."

Orihime smiled with a blush. "I'm sure we'll be fine, Rukia."

"Let it air on the side of caution then." Rukia replied. "Are you ready to go?"

She got a quick nod and they went to the door. When it opened they once again left cautiously and went away from the hollow that had just past them not long ago. They continued down the hall at a quicker pace since Rukia could manage it and the kisses the two of them shared seemed to give Rukia strength as well as a boost in confidence.

It wasn't long before Rukia found it safe enough to sheath her zanpakutou so they could quicken their pace once more. Both of them were anxious to get to Ichigo since they both wanted to leave this place and be alone together though Orihime's innocent mind was thinking of a date scenario while Rukia's more mature mind was thinking more intimately. She wanted to hold Orihime in her arms and kiss her until there was no more embarrassment between them even if it was incredibly cute to see Orihime that embarrassed over such a little thing like kissing.

A slight smile formed on both of their faces as they imagined how their time together would be once they left Hueco Mundo behind them. But how long would they have until Aizen's attack? Rukia's smile faded as she realized that any relationship they had would have to be put off until after the war was over and they were back in a time of peace. But then what would happen? She still had her orders to take care of and she couldn't leave Ichigo by himself. Not for very long anyways.

They ran in silence and met no one along the way. It wasn't much farther until they reached Ichigo as well. They slowed their pace a little and Rukia released Orihime's hand much to both of their disappointment but both knew what would happen when they reached Ichigo. Rukia would have to join the fight and help Ichigo as much as she could because if she didn't and he lost then they would have no chance of survival at all.

He was just beyond the next door. They burst through it and found just how destroyed the large corridor had become from the fight. Rukia took a quick glance at Orihime and said, "Find a corner, hide, and bring up your shield. Don't move until either Ichigo or I come and get you. Do you understand?"

Orihime nodded quickly and they both took off in separate directions. It wasn't long before she spotted Ichigo as he was pushed back across the room followed closely by his opponent. Rukia stopped for a brief moment to release her shikai before she used shunpo to stop the espada's next attack.

She made it just in time to save Ichigo's life and caught their opponent by enough surprise to push him back a little allowing Ichigo to get off the ground and to her side. His breathing was heavy and he was clearly exhausted to the point where he was straining himself to keep fighting. But with his weariness his breathing didn't even sound human to her. All her concerns about Ichigo were pushed aside as the espada attacked them again.

He came at both of them but they dodged to the side and attacked him at the same time from each side but he was too fast and disappeared before they even came close to contact. They jumped away as he came at both of them again. As his attack landed he went after Rukia since she had less injuries then Ichigo was even if he was stronger then her. That didn't matter since he was ready to collapse. But Rukia was no better off. She just had a boost of confidence from kissing the girl that ment so much to her.

She blocked his attack but was pushed back to the wall and almost went through it. She winced in pain as he continued to push her into the wall while his eyes never left her nor did they even move in the slightest. They didn't even blink when he disappeared to avoid Ichigo's attack.

As he vanished though Rukia caught a glimpse of Ichigo and found he wore a hollow mask and his eyes were just as black and cold as a hollows. A small tremor of fear went through her as she saw his eyes. She had heard the reports on it and even felt his reiatsu when he was using this but she hadn't witnessed it like this. It frightened her like she was looking at Kaien when he was being controlled by a hollow. Those eyes were just as dark and lifeless as his had been on that fateful night.

Ichigo turned and brought up his guard once more and awaited the next attack. Rukia shook off the bad feeling and picked up her guard once more as she searched for his reiatsu. They sensed it off to the side and turned to face it in time to see him release a cero. Ichigo used shunpo to dodge it and attack him while Rukia stayed there frozen.

At the end of the room Orihime hid behind her shield. If Rukia were to just dodge this she would get hit by it. With the power in this cero it would get through her shield before it even touched it. Her eyes narrowed and she brought up her sword. There was no way she would allow this to get past her. She shifted her sword so it was pointed at the ground and grabbed her wrist with her free hand and said, "Some no Mai, Tsukishiro."

Ice formed a circle around her as the cero came within range. The freezing moisture in the air around her along with her reiatsu made contact with the cero making it explode on contact. The blast sent Rukia flying back but at least she had stopped it. She came to a stop and rejoined the fight without hesitation and was soon crossing blades with the espada and once more he watched her with unblinking emotionless eyes. She met his with cold unafraid eyes.

She jumped away from him as Ichigo attacked from the side once more. He turned to block it and before their blades even touched Rukia attacked him once more. Her blade was barely able to pierce his skin and she understood at once why he was so unharmed while Ichigo was near death. If that was the case then she had to make the most of this one wound.

Her blade twisted in his side and she forced it through his being as he continued to block Ichigo's zanpakutou. He glanced over at her and pointed two fingers at her. Rukia's eyes widened with fear as a cero formed right before her face. There was no way of escaping this one and Ichigo couldn't do a thing about it either. She just stood there frozen in fear as her mind only though of one thing; Orihime.

A swirl of small pink objects flew through the espada and there was a moment of confusion for all three of them before blood seemed to burst from his body in every direction. Rukia removed her blade from his torn body as he fell lifelessly to the ground. The pink objects retreated as they watched and found Captain Kuchiki standing at the other end of the room. His zanpakutou reverted to its normal state and he approached them.

Rukia wasted no time and used shunpo to return to Orihime's side. Orihime was in the corner almost terrified at the reiatsu she had felt. As soon as Rukia came to a stop before the frightened girl the shield was dropped and Orihime flung herself at the other to take her in her arms. It was the longest they had ever held each other before and it was the warmest embrace either of them had ever known but as they sensed Ichigo and Byakuya's approach the separated from each other without word.

They didn't care if others found out about them but they both understood that this wasn't the place for these interactions to take place. Rukia went over to meet them with Orihime close behind her. When they got closer Orihime left Rukia's side to heal Ichigo's wounds while she went to report the situation to Byakuya.

"Sir," Rukia started only for her report to be waved off immediately.

"You're fine?" He asked emotionlessly.

"Yes, but-" She was cut off by another wave of his hand.

He brought his attention to Ichigo and said, "Kurosaki, we're leaving."

Ichigo glanced over as Byakuya turned to leave. Orihime stood up in protest and said, "His wounds haven't healed yet."

"It's fine. He isn't of any use." Byakuya said coldly.

As he finished saying that there was a crash and the wall collapsed not far away from them. Three of them looked over with concern of what would happen next while the fourth just glanced over without care. As the dust settled they made out a lone silhouette standing while another scrambled over. The one that was coming over turned out to be Hanataro of Squad 4. "Captain Kuchiki, how could you leave me behind like that? I told you I couldn't use shunpo."

Byakuya looked away from him as the other silhouette made its way out of the dust and rubble. Rukia took a quick glance at her brother and relaxed with his lack of concern for the intrusion. That meant it was another ally and not an enemy. Regardless of what side the other figure was on Rukia watched as it made its way out of the settling dust revealing himself, Captain Zaraki.

"Yo, Ichigo." Zaraki shouted. "You're not getting yourself killed on me before our rematch are ya?"

Rukia glanced over at Ichigo and found the slight annoyance on his face as the last of his wounds finished healing. She couldn't help the slight smile as Orihime returned right to her side and took her hand with hers. Their eyes met for a brief moment and the two shared a warm smile before they looked away from the other. They had wordlessly decided that it would be best to announce their feelings and possible relationship after. Though they confessed that they wanted to be with the other nothing had really been decided on the matter.

As Zaraki made his approached Rukia noticed that he wasn't alone as she had originally thought as his Vice-Captain peered over his shoulder with her big goofy grin. Orihime smiled joyfully at the sight of her and called out, "Hey, Yachiru. It's nice to see you again."

Yachiru waved joyously back to her and leaped off of Zaraki's shoulder and ran over to her as she yelled, "Kenny, look it's big boobs."

There was a slight twitch in Rukia's face. She was well aware of Orihime's bust size but it didn't need to be shouted so joyously to bring more attention to it. Though she was concerned about Ichigo's eyes more then anyone else since he was the only one that would pursue her but he seemed to be looking around the room more then paying any attention to what went on around him.

What he was looking for soon made itself known rather loudly as Nel came running over in full tears as she babbled her concern for him. Orihime watched as the hollow child jumped on Ichigo's arm and clung to him. Surprisingly she wasn't too upset about it which meant that she didn't care much for him anymore and her eyes were more on Rukia then anyone else. That at least made her happy.

She glanced over at Orihime and found she was giving Yachiru more attention then anything else. Rukia smiled warmly as she pictured Orihime with a child of her own to look after. Even if it wouldn't be possible for the two of them to bear a child together it was a warming thought. Her joy didn't last long however as Byakuya walked away with only two words, "We're leaving."

Rukia followed him without question as she sealed and sheathed her zanpakutou with Orihime right beside her. Hanataro shrugged and stumbled to keep up and Ichigo followed silently. Zaraki stood his ground however as he called, "Oi, I came here to fight and I don't plan on just leaving when things haven't even gotten interesting."

"Do what you wish." Byakuya said. "I'm leaving and taking Rukia and the human with me. The others can do what they want. It doesn't concern me."

Zaraki turned his gaze to Ichigo and said, "I thought you were more of a man, Ichigo but your running away with that sissy."

"I came here to save Orihime and that's it." He said. "Seeing as how she's safe I don't have to stay here."

"What bullshit. You didn't just come here for the girl." Zaraki said. "You came for the fight. Just like me you want to experience the joy of a great battle."

Ichigo looked back at him and said, "I'm not interested in any of that."

"Then why do you still have your bankai out?" He said with a laugh. "You want a good fight."

This time Ichigo stopped and turned to face him properly. "I want this to end."

The Captain smiled victoriously as Ichigo went to join him. Hanataro quickly went after them as well saying that they would need someone to keep them alive. Rukia glanced over at Orihime and saw that she wanted to do whatever she could for them. They both walked over as well but before they even got halfway an espada appeared before them.

Orihime gripped Rukia's hand in fear as he placed his hand on her shoulder and said, "I apologize, but I'm borrowing you."