As always, thanks for the support. :)
This is definitely the longest installment so far. I just couldn't stop writing! Also, this chapter comes with a long awaited surprise. :D
Disclaimer: Pffft.
Bits and Pieces
Chapter 9
Swoosh…!
Not much could be seen of him during that moment. Just a mere shadow overhead, a flash of movement that came so quickly that one could not even begin to notice. He was thankful for his feline talents more so now than ever before, hopping along, the clink of the shingles beneath his feet the only sound he dared produce. The surprise interruption in the alleyway had thrown everything off, but now, they were almost there! They could not afford anymore careless fuckups so close to the finish line. Knowing that his precautions were for their own good, Ichigo kept moving, nothing more than a ghost-like figure in the darkened sky.
All the while, his shining ambers led the way.
Their second meeting area, their plan B, was down a block and along a side street belonging to an old business building that had recently lost its funding. The road before it was dull with limited lights shining overhead, giving only a slight glow. In reality, it was nothing worth noticing. But to them, it was an abandoned locale, perfect for what they had in mind.
The district leading to the darkened building was the exact opposite of abandoned. While the rooftops gradually climbed in height, the redhead needing to widen his stride with every step he took. Ichigo watched and listened carefully; bitter and yet curious when it came to the world around him.
That was just in his nature.
Even so, the Nekojin was careful and exact with each footstep, every movement necessary and never going to waste. He would make sure that this trip was as pain free for the raven-haired kitten as possible.
Now, only a building's drop away from their destination, Ichigo stopped in his tracks, eyes traveling to the streets below. It was not even remotely as desolate as its adjoining road that the cat and his humans were using as a meeting location and his gaze hardened at the cheerful display seen. It was clear that Chad and Ishida had not arrived yet but thanks to the heavy traffic, it wasn't very surprising. It seemed that all he could do now, was wait.
Ichigo's eyes narrowed slightly.
Even this late into the night, the city was bustling with life. The sounds of laughter, car horns and sirens gnawed at the male Neko's overly sensitive ears. Nevertheless, He stood along the rooftops, staring down at the human society that was progressing without the simplest consideration that his kind even existed after the army's attack, let alone lived among them.
They no longer knew of the Nekojin race but most of these people would gladly turn them over if given the opportunity. Once graced with the misleading tales told of the Nekojin, it was as if the cat population was nothing more than disgusting cockroaches in the people's eyes, just waiting to fall into the clutches of the military.
Honey-browns were dulled, expression blank as he considered this, hands tightening against the soft skin of the female in his arms once again; never painful, simply defending.
He was feeling it again. That unexplainable urge deep within his chest that was crying, ordering the redhead to protect the broken female currently snuggled against his chest from the cruel, unjust world that was constantly threatening to swallow them up whole.
For the world to get the better of her…No, Ichigo would not allow for that to happen to the precious little kitten in his arms.
Humans could be so cruel.
Humans…
It was clear that even if some of the humans did consider his species to be fact rather than fiction, to them, the Nekojin were a sickly virus; a dangerous mutation. Ichigo knew because that what Aizen had fed them during his uprising; the reason given during his near eradication of the fluffy race.
Aizen had used the people's unawareness to his advantage.
Common knowledge or not, it was true that humans who did not fully understand something were often driven to fear and anger.
Knowing this, the dictator had offered them a solution to the Nekojin outbreak— a cleanup.
To Ichigo, the term was nearly laughable.
No, it was so much more than a cleanup. It was a massacre and if his female companion was any indication, it was still taking place right before the human's eyes, only a short distance across the water's edge. They just failed to notice.
But then again, maybe they just didn't want to notice.
Being ignorant creatures that they were, the humans had supported the insane man and once that occurred, Aizen had no problem executing his takeover of the government.
Ichigo had done enough research on the topic. He knew every detail, inside and out.
It had been gradual at first. A speech here, a rant there, but soon enough, Aizen seized unimaginable power as well as held all the cards. He became the law—the human's savior and the cat people's grim reaper.
Little did the mad dictator know, the remaining Nekojin were fighters.
No, that wasn't quite right.
They were survivors. They knew what had to be done in order to reside in this putrid world they regretfully called home.
It must run deep within their veins, the will to live, because it was clear that the female in his arms was also clinging to life, refusing to give in. She was a survivor. She had proven it that night when she had swam across Karasu River driven by pure instinct alone.
Just as she hadn't given up on herself then, he wasn't going to give up on her now. When she decided to wake, they would find a way to continue living, together.
Whoa. That seemed like a rather strange thought.
Oh well.
A soft flick of light was seen to his left, honey browns moving down towards the side street of the arranged meeting space.
They were there; waiting for him now. Ishida had to flash his headlights to gain the male's attention and that surprised and irritated the ginger all at once. Normally, Ichigo would have sensed such an obvious change in his surroundings; a car pulling up beside him.
It was clear that his racing mind was dangerous in such a serious situation, but all he could do now, no matter his annoyance, was keep moving.
But really, if the Quincy's automobile hadn't been one of those smart cars that hardly made a sound, he knew he would have spotted their approach without trouble.
Ichigo shook his head. He wouldn't allow his emotions to take control.
It was just a simple hop to the Strawberry but his human friends' eyes widened as the cat leapt from the towering building, landing gracefully and easily besides the vehicle.
"Yo."
The rough greeting caused the two men within the confines of the Lexus Hybrid to blink in realization, Chad snapping into action as quickly as his large body seemed to allow.
Ichigo rolled his eyes in response, the door to the backseat being quickly opened by the large paramedic.
The scene was almost laughable but the ginger didn't bother commenting.
With a slight grunt, the bright headed male curled up in the overly clean area, behind the passenger seat, the sleeping female, once again, resting carefully against his front.
Once situated, no words were exchanged because mainly, as the car began to move once again, Ichigo was busying himself with staring blankly out the window. Ishida just shook his head and continued to drive, Chad sitting tiredly beside the Quincy, content with the quiet that seemed to overtake the automobile.
They didn't know but it was almost as if the redhead needed a moment to settle his thoughts. Humans…his two best friends were humans. And besides that, he had been raised by humans. Ichigo knew he needed to stop with the generalization when it came to the public; it was making him even more untrusting of the simplest acts of kindness.
Because really, where would he be without the annoying doctor and the quiet, scruffy, paramedic?
Despite his earlier anger towards them, they had in fact nearly brought the raven-haired Nekojin back to life. Even now, they were fighting for her.
All in all, it was hard to be spiteful after such a thing.
Mind wandering, Ichigo had relocated his gaze to the kitten in his arms when he heard it, unsure of how much time had passed.
"We're here."
Blinking up at the sound of Ishida words, Ichigo saw his apartment complex coming into view. A building made solely of deep red brick; aging back long before their society had became twisted to such an extent.
Built during a time where Nekojin had been safe and free, long before their overwhelming destruction.
But now, they were safe.
They were finally home.
The apartment was dark and dreary, the smell of musky dusk and cigarette smoke filling the chilly air. The aroma seemed to encrust the wallpaper and scarce furniture that dotted the small, open area. As the old door was pushed open fully, the lack of life within its interior the past few days became painfully obvious. Although, the setup was not much compared to their own homes, the humans didn't dare complain because for one, they've both seen it countless times before and two, it was hardly the time to nag the male Neko about his living arrangements.
"It's all set up." Ishida began as led the way through the rickety doorway, narrow fingers flicking on the dull lights overhead, explaining, "Back in the bedroom."
Ichigo breathed out a huff as he moved past the Quincy, the little female once again gathered in the safety of his arms.
To the public eye, his apartment was not much, just a few rooms filled with the basic necessities needed to survive. Everything of actual importance was well hidden. Thus, he held no obvious attachment to the space, just the way the redhead preferred it. If he needed to flee, Ichigo's residence would be the last thing on his mind. He knew his obsessive nature wouldn't allow his actual items to be spotted so easily.
That's how he was trained.
The hallway that led to the master bedroom was painted a dull beige tone and was left bare, no sign of pictures or a personal identity at that. He had thought of everything. It was his specialty after all. If suspicion would arise and the area searched, nothing that pointed to his secret would be found.
Just a boring apartment suited for a boring residence—Nothing more.
Though, the most sophisticated area to his home was clearly his bedroom. A large king-sized bed covered in black silk and plush pillows was centered in the middle of the room. Dark end tables were placed on either side of the bedding and a chair was tucked in the corner besides his tiny closet. Surprisingly, the wallpaper was a deep mint green, an obvious difference compared to the rest of the apartment's lifeless tones. It was the place Ichigo spent a large portion of his time; resting between shifts at the café and his obsessive research. He had made sure the room held as much comfort as he could afford.
But this night, the room was different and Ichigo's eyes saddened. Ishida had come hours before, the IV drip and numerous motors now scattered around the bed's edges and the seriousness of the situation seemed to, once again, make the ginger's chest ache.
They were here. She was finally here.
The comforter had been folded back, most likely by Ishida's hand while he had been adding hospital goods to the area because Ichigo knew that was not something he himself would ever consider. The male cat never made his bed to begin with. As he stared at his unusually clean and grimly different sleeping quarters, Chad strolled past the Nekojin standing in the doorway, moving to pull the bedding back even further in encouragement.
And then, Ichigo was carefully moving to place her down against the darkened mattress, his mind nearly numb as he covered the female in his freshly washed comforter.
Reality was finally setting in.
The Quincy took control then, hooking her up to the hospital technology, checking her progress, and dressing her remaining wounds.
Once again, as Ichigo watched on, it was clear that all the Strawberry could do now, was wait.
The clock had just chimed midnight when the doctor finally made his way into the living room, the man letting out a heavy sigh.
They had already discussed it but he couldn't help but worry. "Are you sure you're ok with this?"
The Quincy was eyeing the unusually quiet ginger currently slump against his ancient couch, staring blankly at the wall ahead, just as he had been for the past hour. He had long ago left the confines of the bedroom, too anxious so watch on as the doctor worked his magic.
In all honesty, Ishida couldn't help but worry.
She was recovering perfectly. Though, Ichigo's reaction had almost nothing to do with that and everything to do with the conversation they had been having during the examination itself.
As he the raven-haired man tended to her, Ishida had decided to verbalize his thoughts about Ichigo's involvement when it came to the little female.
In the beginning of all of this, the Quincy almost saw the redhead as a danger to the girl but after days of watching him care for her at the hospital and worry about her well-being; it became perfectly clear that the doctor didn't have anything to worry about.
But even now, Ichigo remained unreadable. Why wouldn't he be happy about this new development? Proud even?
All the while, Chad watched on, making a bowlful of instant ramen from within the Neko's scarcely used kitchen. He was always close at hand if needed. But this didn't involve him. Not now.
"Yeah," Ichigo finally replied, eyes conflicted and weak of their usual fire. He wasn't filling with apprehension at the thought of the humans leaving. No, it had everything to do with the fact that he would be the only one on guard while anything could possibly go wrong. He wasn't a doctor by any means and he didn't feel completely capable. Not when it came to her. Though, he would never admit it. He remained calm, cool and collected. At least, on the outside; "You have work in the morning. I understand."
"I'll stop by before I head in…to check on things." To check on her, "Chad's on call so I don't think he'll be able to until after work." Bright blues moved to the scruffy man, questioning, "Right Chad?"
They had to have faith in the male Nekojin.
The water was boiling, the packet of noodles being added, "Mhmm. I'll stop by sometime after seven."
"Alright," the redhead grunted, "So, keep a watch on her temperature, keep her warm, replace the IV bag when its running low, and use the payphone out back to call you if…anything acts up?" If anything goes wrong. He couldn't say it.
"Yes, but everything looks good. She's just resting now. Though, it doesn't look like she'll actually wake up for a couple more days."
There was a brief moment of panic in the cat. Ishida spotted it easily, "She will wake up."
Forced reassurance; the carrot top was sure of it. Though, the Quincy was a doctor. Maybe there was some actual truth to the statement.
Nevertheless, Ichigo needed to stop doubting himself. He had taken on the responsibility long ago and there was no way in hell he would back out now. This wasn't something the two humans could help him through.
On his own, he would protect her. He had to.
While the ginger's expression hardened some thanks to his inner pep talk, Ishida, on the other hand, was once again having second thoughts about leaving them so soon. Well, about leaving Ichigo alone with the wounded female. No matter how shameful the thought might have been, it kept itching at the back of his mind.
He couldn't ignore it.
What if he isn't ready?
Besides, he was the girl's attending doctor; he should the one watching over her, "I can stay if you want—"
"No. You did your part. This is all me." Ichigo broke in, "I can handle it."
The humans were surprised by the male cat's sudden change of heart. But really, they should have known better by now. After all, this was Ichigo.
Ishida almost wanted to double check, to make sure, but the fire had returned, burning deep within amber irises and it pushed away any remaining doubts the doctor once had.
"Here," Chad broke in gently, interrupting any reply the Quincy once had. The large male moved to place the large bowl of noodles on the coffee table, "You haven't eaten today, have you?"
Caught, the cat's gaze moved down to the meal set before him, scowl deepening. He wasn't hungry.
"I've been...preoccupied."
It was a smartass comment, coming from a smartass Nekojin. But really, it was true.
Though, Chad's point was indisputable, "You aren't now."
As Ichigo gave a stubborn huff and began digging into his dinner, all the while ignoring his belly's protest, Ishida knew that everything would work out.
He would believe in the bright-headed Neko.
And besides, Orihime had asked the doctor to pick up some sweet pickles on his way home from work.
He needed to get home to her.
"Lock the door after us." The Quincy said after a moment, now gathering his coat. Chad followed suit; it was late and everyone was ready to crawl into bed for some much needed rest.
As the two humans collected their things, Ichigo waved them off, well aware. A distracted grunt muffled by a mouthful of noodles was their goodbye. Once the old oak was slammed behind them, the cat stared at it, as if challenging.
It only took a moment for the fretfulness to get the better of him and with the bowlful of noodles still in hand, Ichigo was before the door, clicking and bolting the large collection of locks back into place.
With a nosy slurp, he was wandering back to the sofa.
It seemed that the ginger was hungry after all.
The two were waiting for the elevator when the large man finally decided to utter his concern. "This might be a bad idea."
At the sound of Chad's deep voice, Ishida turned, an eyebrow raised.
"You didn't see him in the ambulance." The scruffy man explained simply.
Although it sounded hypocritical considering the Quincy had been thinking the same exact thing only moments before, he couldn't help asking, "You don't think he's ready?"
Ishida would stick to his decision but it was nice to hear someone else's opinion on the matter.
There was a moment's pause, "It's not that." A ding sounded, the metal door opening, "He seemed different. That's all."
Ishida sighed, pressing the button for the bottom floor, the two standing beside each other in the tiny square of space. "I saw it too. He's obviously attached, though, Ichigo is no fool. I'd say it's more out of loneliness and curiosity that he's so interested in her. He's been alone all this time, even if we were always there."
"We aren't the same." Chad finished for the doctor, "She's like him."
"He'll take good care of her," they were walking down the hallway now, on their way to the parking lot, "Besides, it's just for a couple of hours."
Chad only grunted his agreement.
Besides, what's the worst that could happen…?
The furrow between his brow intensified, worry clearly seen within his chestnut gaze.
What the fuck am I going to do?
The thought was madding because in all honestly, there wasn't much he could do.
After finishing up his ramen, Ichigo had made his way back into his bedroom, well prepared to check on his little female and settle in for another night at her bedside.
Then, with a thin blanket in hand, the male had tossed a spare pillow on the single chair that was tugged away in the corner of the room, ready for guard duty.
That was when he spotted it.
It was slight at first, hardly noticeable from within the fabric of his bedspread.
He had taken a step forward, eyes focusing.
As he stood, the air was nearly a thick sheet of ice, stinging his lungs with every breath. It was clear that winter had officially taking its bitter turn. To make matters worst, his heater had broken long ago, the reappears surpassing anything remotely close to his budget. But every year brought the cool chill and over time, Ichigo had grown well accustomed to the drastic change. But as his large hand made contact with her freezing appendage, it became clear that she was in fact, not used to the intense weather conditions.
His raven-haired kitten was shivering.
And in her weak state of health, such a danger was nothing short of deadly.
Fuck.
This time a rough jolt of movement pushed Rukia to semi-consciousness. The Neko gave a soft mew of protest, eyes closed with heavy lids that refused to budge, breathing deep and even.
…Where am I?
It was a thought that had been reaching her often; minuets, days, months, years—the cat didn't seem to have a sense of time in this strange, dreamlike world. It was as she was in some twilight paradox, frozen in place. Noises intensified and as her pained body rested, her mind struggled to regain some form of control.
It felt as if she were levitating within heated clouds consisting of cinnamon and smoke tobacco.
It was a strange combination but as lights flashed before her feeble eyelids, the unusual blend of scents seemed to ease her panic. It was strong and constant and Rukia appreciated that in such an unknown environment.
"We're almost there, kitten."
It was that voice again; deep, calm, concerned, and masculine. The female gave a slight sigh, warmth surrounding her—consoling.
Sleep that only hazed the mind overtook her once again; a soft brush against her sensitive Neko ears weakened her will to wake just yet.
In her continued, dreamless sleep, more time could have passed. Again, Rukia wasn't quite sure but she felt a whimper leave her as she was surrounded in the unique blend of smells once more. Though, this time, the fragrance was far stronger and it left Rukia purring in contentment.
She now felt a chilling breeze against her burning skin, but paid it no mind. The continuous movement she had been experiencing had thankfully ended and the female was left resting in silence.
It was calming, comforting, and as Rukia allowed her psyche to settle, she felt a soft rumble against her tossed locks, a purr that wasn't her own being nuzzled against her throbbing crown.
Only moments later, she was warm, but this time, it was different. Rather than a thick, sickly, warmth, as it had been before, the sensation was far less dangerous. Not only did this new sense surround her but it left her sighing in gratification. Never in her life had she felt so comfortable, so cozy.
It felt…good.
There was a moment of complete surrender, Rukia's deep black Neko tail curly in front of her, around the source of the comfort; holding it in place.
That moment was followed by a surprisingly gently press against her lower back, the unknown hum growing in volume and then the female found herself blinking open groggy violet orbs.
Something was off.
Rukia wasn't in her tent and Renji wasn't seen snoring at her side. The fire wasn't warming her and the flimsy cloth she traded a bundle of freshly caught fish for wasn't draped over her form.
No, she was in an unknown darkened space, clinging to a wall of warmth that smelt of cinnamon and smoke tobacco.
Ichigo's orange locks registered in the female's mind only moments before her deafening scream filled the dreary, drab, apartment.
I know. I'm evil. But think of it this way...Rukia's awake! Yay! Next chapter, our adorable Neko couple officially meet!
As always, reviews result in faster updates so stop by and say hi, ne? ;)
