A/N: Chapter ten is here! Annnd it has a lemon. Yaaaay lol! Thank you guys for the reviews, faves and follows during this eleven month hiatus :)

Chapter Ten

Ichigo

"I know we been at this for a while now, but I still don't know what to make of it. None of this shit makes sense. How the hell is Kaien Shiba an Espada?!" Shinji said, placing both hands on his head.

"It doesn't make sense because that isn't Kaien," Jushiro said as he looked at the picture of the man who claimed to be Kaien Shiba that laid sprawled on the coffee table in front of them. "Kaien was . . . is an honorable man and I refuse to believe that he would betray all of us to work with Aizen."

"Never underestimate how far people will go to betray you," Byakuya chimed in as he sifted through a stack of papers. "Aizen, Ichimaru and Tosen are all proof of this fact. Who of us knew of the deep corruption that laid in their hearts?"

"Um, I specifically remember mentionin' a few years ago that I believed Sosuke was up to somethin'," Shinji said. "He may be good but he ain't exactly doin' Jedi mind tricks."

"Can we please get back to the matter at hand?" Ichigo asked as he ran a hand through his hair. "Kaien or not, we need to find this guy."

It had now been two days since Rukia first told Ichigo about the disturbing video message she received after leaving Muramasa. It wasn't long after that word spread that Kaien Shiba, the esteemed lieutenant of the 13th precinct, who had been missing for almost five years, had suddenly reemerged as an Espada in Aizen's army. Immediately, debates began as to whether or not the man truly was Kaien, or if someone had managed to manipulate a video to make themselves look like him. While the majority of the force believed the Espada was indeed their long lost comrade, many of the superior officers had doubts about the legitimacy of the claim, particularly the officers who served along with him.

Leading the charge in the dissent was Jushiro, who strongly felt the man whom Rukia had been talking to was not Kaien despite the strong similarities. Shunsui felt the same. Both Shinji and Byakuya were doubtful, but did not completely rule out the possibility of it actually being Kaien. Renji had initially doubted that it was him, but changed his opinion after hearing and seeing the second video Number Nine sent his best friend. However, the one who struggled the most was Ichigo. Despite being cousins, he never really interacted with Kaien beyond family gatherings. They were friendly, but their age gap led them to run in different circles. Ichigo could not tell from behavior alone whether or not it was Kaien.

As the four officers struggled over the situation, a fifth officer quietly walked in the room to join them. The men all greeted the petite mommy-to-be as she took a seat on the sofa beside her fiancé.

"These are the photographs of the Espadas that Kyoraku-taicho gave to all of us captains," Byakuya said as he carefully laid ten photographs side by side on the coffee table. He then placed the print-out of Kaien beside them. "As far as we know, there should only be ten total."

"'Kay but even if there are only ten Espadas, still, none of them look anythin' like him."

"They may not have looked like him then, but they may look like him now." Jushiro's eyebrows rose.

"I see what you're saying. You think it is possible one of them had surgery to alter their appearance."

"Precisely." The silver haired captain put a hand on his chin in thought.

"That's fuckin' weird," Shinji said with a look of disgust.

"Yes, but that theory may make the most sense."

"Well, by process of elimination, we can automatically rule out the chick," Shinji said as he removed Tier Harribel's picture from the table.

"Zommari Rureaux as well, since he is now deceased," Byakuya said, removing the picture.

"Well, I know it isn't Grimmjow," Ichigo said, taking the picture. "And considering he calls himself 'Number Nine', I'm guessing he is the ninth ranked Espada. So that eliminates Ulquiorra."

"I definitely know it isn't him," Jushiro said, shaking his head as he removed Starrk's photograph. He remembered how shocked he had been when Shunsui informed him of Lilynette's brother. He figured the girl was trouble for his nephew, but to find out he had constantly been in the presence of a major drug lord? He almost lost it.

"This guy apparently calls himself, King Baraggan," Shinji said as he took another picture. "He's way too old. Ain't a plastic surgeon in the world who could help him."

"And he is eliminated because of his size," Byakuya said, removing a picture of Yammy. He pushed the remaining three pictures closer. "So these are our main suspects. I highly doubt it is Nnoitra Jiruga. He is the main suspect in the case my squad is investigating and the description the victim gave matches his appearance in the photo. I doubt he has changed since then. It wouldn't really fit his criminal profile." He removed the picture.

"Alright, so we're down to these two assholes," Shinji said, opening his laptop. "I'll search the database and online to see if there have been any updates regardin' these guys or any other Espada."

Rukia grabbed the two photographs from the table. She wondered if a plastic surgeon existed that could make either of them look like the man whom she always admired. The one with the pink hair was moderately handsome, so she was doubtful he was the one behind the harassment. Then again, he did somewhat strike her as a bit creepy, as she noticed viles of weird substances behind him in what looked like a laboratory of sorts.

The other guy was significantly less attractive and seemed to be the more likely candidate for plastic surgery. But why assume the features of her mentor? Why harass her almost every single day with reminders of her long, lost idol? Why taunt her with the possibility that Kaien may be alive after she had come to terms with the fact that he passed on? The whole concept was sick. The thought of it made her sick.

Really sick.

"Rukia," Ichigo said with concern as his bride-to-be bolted out of the living room and down the hall into their bedroom. Chasing after her, he soon knew what caused her abrupt departure as he cringed at the unpleasant sounds coming from their bathroom. He quickly left to retrieve a cold bottle of water from the kitchen.

"Is Rukia alright?" Jushiro asked the ginger haired teen with concern for his subordinate. Ichigo nodded as he walked back to their room.

"Yes. It's just morning sickness. She gets it from time to time."

When Rukia came out of the bathroom, Ichigo was right there at the door to greet her with the water.

"Thanks," she said, taking the drink before walking over to their bed and crawling in.

"How are you feeling?" Ichigo asked, sitting in front of her and putting a hand on her stomach. Rukia shook her head.

"I could be better but I'll be fine."

"You should get some rest."

"Yeah, I know. I just can't get that video out of my head. And my brother's theory too. I mean, do you really think someone would be sick enough to get plastic surgery to look like Kaien?" Ichigo shrugged.

"Who knows? There are a lot of crazy people in the world and one would have to be pretty insane to align themselves with Aizen." Rukia sighed and placed the back of her hand on her forehead. Ichigo grabbed her other and held it tightly.

"Whoever this freak is, we will find him. Just please try your best to ignore him. I know it's hard to do considering how much he is harassing you, but please try. Don't answer calls or texts unless you recognize the number. Don't answer the mail and try not to travel anywhere alone. At least with Byakuya back home, you will have someone to be with you while I'm working at night."

"All of these precautions make me feel like a prisoner."

"I know, but it will be over soon. I promise." Ichigo leaned over to give his fiancé a kiss on the forehead. "Now get some rest," the rookie officer instructed as he headed to the door. Rukia replied with a nod before turning on her side.

"Is she okay?" Byakuya asked Ichigo upon his return to the living room. He nodded before taking a seat.

"Yeah, she is. She's about to sleep it off."

"Well, at least she will wake up to some good news. As Lisa would say, 'I found some tea'," Shinji said as he turned the laptop around. "Accordin' to this report filed by one of the PIs, Aaroniero Arruruerie has been receivin' heavy amounts of Vicodin from one of the local pharmacies. He began getting' these pills four months ago. If he's takin' these, it stands to reason that he may have had an operation. He's the one who has been botherin' wifey."

Ichigo furrowed his eyebrows at the pre-op picture of Aaroniero. He was happy to finally discover the identity of the one targeting the love of his life. He also felt angry that Aaroniero had the audacity to go this far. He was resolved to see the man pay for trying to break her spirit.

Jushiro

It was a very welcomed change of mood and atmosphere when Jushiro met up with Retsu later that afternoon after leaving Ichigo and Rukia's apartment. The couple had gone to the Hilton hotel to celebrate the surgeon's forty-seventh birthday after she had spent the earlier part of the day with Yachiru, and her friend and fellow doctor, Isane Kotetsu. After dropping her daughter off at her father's home for the night, she made her way to the hotel to meet Jushiro for an evening she had been looking forward to for days.

She felt like a queen after seeing all he planned for her. A beautiful meal on the restaurant balcony overlooking the ocean; followed by a relaxing time at the spa where she was provided the works. That was followed by a most relaxing couples massage.

After the massage, the pair returned to their suite for the evening. The two relaxed in front of the fireplace in the corner of the room on top of a soft and warm taupe cashmere blanket. Dressed only in fleece bathrobes, the couple talked about all sorts of things as they indulged in Armand de Brignac champagne and strawberries dipped in white chocolate.

"This is so nice," Retsu said with a sigh as she leaned against Jushiro's chest, staring at the flickering embers of the fire. "I feel spoiled." Jushiro smiled, sliding his arm around her waist and drawing her closer.

"This is nice, isn't it? It feels good to be able to be with you again."

"It kind of seems like we're still sneaking around, doesn't it? Spending time in a hotel room and no one knows where we are?" Jushiro sighed as he put the glass of champagne to his lips.

"Well . . . we don't necessarily have to keep it a secret." He looked his love in her warm, blue eyes. "How do you feel about telling the kids we are in a relationship?" Retsu looked away in thought.

"I don't know," she said after a moment or two. "I think Yachiru has gotten used to the idea of her father and me not living together anymore, but I don't know what kind of impact having a new man around the home will have on her. "

"I understand. I feel the same way about Toshiro. I suppose we don't have to make the decision right away."

"Maybe we should wait a few weeks? That would give us time to gradually introduce the idea of us dating to them." Jushiro nodded.

"Alright. I'm fine with that."

Setting his champagne glass on the table beside them, Jushiro turned and cupped his lady's chin in his hand, tilting her head for a kiss that strongly tasted of chocolate. Retsu sighed and melted into the kiss. She always loved the way Jushiro kissed her. The tenderness reflected his kind, gentlemanly nature but the underlying passion let her know how bad he wanted her. She had no problems yielding to her lover's desire.

Jushiro watched intensely and silently as she loosened the braid holding back her long, silky tresses. She let the mane fall freely, running her fingers through a few times for good measure. He was captivated by her beauty. His gaze did not waver one bit as she moved elegant fingers to the tie holding her cream bathrobe in place. He admired every inch of smooth, beautiful ivory skin as the garment slid off her curves.

She looked just like he remembered. No. She was more beautiful to him now than ever.

Jushiro reclaimed her lips with a more fervent passion, entrapping his hands in the alluring locks. Retsu responded with equal amounts of passion, pulling at the belt around his bathrobe. Jushiro paused for only a moment to cast the barrier away before returning to the one whom he most desired. He groaned as nails left light scratches on his back. He moaned when Retsu leaned just a few centimeters closer to him, her soft, ample chest pressing hard against his. They were both ready to cast themselves off into the oblivion of passion. If they drowned, they'd have no regrets.

Forcing herself to pull away from him, the skilled doctor lowered her back to the floor. She stared up at her lover sensually as she relaxed against the blanket. Butterflies fluttered in Jushiro's stomach as he gazed down upon her stunning beauty. She looked like a goddess with the soft hue of the flames illuminating her skin and hair sprawled into multiple directions beneath her. Her sweet, rosy lips slightly agape as she softly panted with anticipation. He yearned to feel her warm body against his after denying himself her touch for so many years. He needed it more than anything.

Retsu felt absolutely the same as she watched him slowly pull out the hair tie holding his long, wintry tresses in a ponytail. She reached up and twirled a few strands around her fingers as the waist length mane softly cascaded down his back and over his shoulders. Jushiro sighed into her touch. He loved it whenever his partner played with his hair. It was definitely one of his spots and it only made him desire the doctor even more; if that were possible.

Retsu smiled to herself as Jushiro quickly turned from her to open the package of protection he had just withdrawn from his trousers. It had always been a habit of his to turn away. Why he did this, she did not know, but she had always found the somewhat modest display quite adorable.

She bit her lip as she moved from her comfortable position on the floor and crawled over to her lover. Jushiro's eyes fluttered closed and he completely relaxed against her bosom as Retsu began to nibble on his ear from behind. Snaking her arms under his, she slowly ran her hands up and down his firm chest and stomach, her skilled hands sending chills of pleasure all over his body. Arching his neck as she trailed light kisses from his jawline down to his collarbone, he softly pulled at the coal tresses that had fallen over his shoulder. He wrapped his elegant fingers within her roots as he guided her head from his shoulders to meet his lips.

A guttural moan escaped when a hand enclosed him, slowly gliding up and down in rhytmn with his breathing. His love responded in kind, turned on by the way his body tremored with pleasure. Rubbing the pad of her thumb over the tip, she deepened the kiss, claiming his tongue as her own. Jushiro was gone and so was she. She had to be his. Right now.

Engaged in the passionate lip lock, Jushiro shifted himself so that he was facing her directly. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her flush against him as both of their hands meandered over soft, supple skin.

The tall man guided his girlfriend back to the floor where she stared up at him passionately as he trailed light kisses along her right leg that was currently draped against his chest and left shoulder. He paused only for a brief moment to watch her reaction as he slowly slid into her. Seeing her tight grip on the blanket as she arched her back with a breathy moan let him know that he hadn't lost his touch.

He hazily stared into her eyes and he kissed, licked and sucked his way up and down both of her trembling legs, intertwining his fingers between her toes to keep a firm grip. "Oh, Jushiro," Retsu panted as her shaky fingers teased her core while the others had a firm grip in her hair. Jushiro licked his own before leaning down to reclaim her quivering lips, his skilled tongue tasting her. When he withdrew, Retsu moved her legs from Jushiro's shoulders and locked them around his waist, pulling him back down for another lingering kiss. They both moaned as she ran her fingers through his damp hair that stuck to both of their saturated skins. She moaned louder when he slid his hand between them to further stimulate her and bring them both over the edge into pure ecstasy.

Shunsui

In his forty six years on Earth, Shunsui couldn't remember a time when he was more stressed and agitated. Even that one month when he trained the K-9s to work with the Squad Eight officers was a breeze compared to now. Maybe it was because his officers were slow in grasping the technical nature of handling the weaponry sent by the NPA. Maybe it was because of the continued casualties, both civilian and law enforcement, that Karakura City suffered.

Tier Harribel could have been the cause of his agony. The third ranked Espada showed up at his precinct only a couple of days ago to turn herself in. Of course when she arrived, Shunsui already had his suspicions. There was no way someone of that high of rank would willingly submit themselves to arrest. Sure enough, Harribel's confession came with ultimatums. The voluptuous woman came armed with video evidence of Ichigo receiving manual pleasure from Cirucci. Harribel offered to turn herself in in exchange for the release of Cirucci and her "Fracciones" as she called them. Because of the questionable legality of her request, Shunsui was unable to accept the bargain.

"When Ginrei Kuchiki returns next week, I will see if we can make some sort of arrangements," he told her as he locked her into a solitary cell in a corridor far from her subordinates. Harribel nodded.

"That is fine. I don't mind waiting. Just know there are numerous video copies available to me at any time; Prison or no prison. I will remain quiet and serve time for seven days. However if Ginrei's decision is unfavorable, expect to make headline news all over the country." Shunsui smirked as he tilted the brim of his police hat.

"I knew you wouldn't make this easy for me. We may come from different worlds but I respect the fact you are willing to risk yourself for your girls. That's one thing we have in common believe it or not."

Yes, the issue of Harribel's unlawful plea bargain did lay on his mind, but even that was not the cause of his frustration. No, it was principally the fact he had had his very last alcoholic drink the night of Lisa's party.

After promising his longtime girlfriend that he would go sober, Shunsui made good on that promise and quit cold turkey. The very next day, after his hangover subsided, the couple trashed or gave away every drop of alcohol in both of their apartments. Beer, vodka, tequila, gin, whiskey, several bottles of wine, and of course Shunsui's precious bottle of Kazeshini White Ace Sake were all abandoned in one way or another.

Shunsui had never considered himself addicted. He always felt he could stop drinking anytime he wanted to. But the way his body was going through withdrawals made him question himself. Normally a charming and easy going person, he was very rigid and short tempered during the past day and a half. A complete 180.

This change also did not go unnoticed by the NPA officers. "Good morning Kyoraku-san," Oetsu Nijimura greeted the police chief with a warm smile. "You doing alright today?" Shunsui sighed as he ran a hand through his long, wavy hair.

"I've had better days, but good morning to you too."

"Perhaps you would like it if I took over for a while? Since I have more training with these kinds of weapons, I can be of some use to your officers. I know every single one of these guns like the back of my hands. Plus, Ichibei would like to meet with you in your office."

"Really? Did he say what for?"

"Go see for yourself. It is good news for a change." Oetsu patted Shunsui on the shoulder before walking over to the KCPD police force. Very curious, Shunsui hurried to his office where he was warmly greeted by the large NPA agent.

"Shunsui! Just the man I've been wanting to see. Please sit down."

"Yea, Oetsu told me that you had some good news for me?"

"Well yes . . . mostly. There is a downside to this information, but the positives greatly outweigh that. I guess I'll just get right to it. The NPA has decided to help your police force with the Wandenreich." A smile immediately spread across Shunsui's lips.

"Really now? Well, that is very good news. I am pleasantly surprised."

"Well, the NPA saw how much of a threat the Wandenreich has become and how undermanned and unarmed your officers are, so they decided to get involved. Including Oetsu and myself, there are a total of five spy units located around the city. The NPA figures that by stationing these units in the city, you will get better information more quickly and more frequently."

"Sounds good to me. So have all of them arrived or – "

"Well to be honest, all three leaders of the units already live in the city and hold regular daytime jobs. If you didn't already know, you would never guess they were spies. I will tell you of whom the other three commanders are, but this information does not leave this room, got it?"

"Yes, of course. My lips are sealed."

"Alright. The first is Kirio Hikifune and she is the lead chef at Gatonden." Shunsui's eyebrows rose.

"Kirio is part of NPA? I never would have guessed she was a spy."

"Indeed. She's been a part of the NPA for several years now. The second officer is Shutara Senjumaru who works as a seamstress at the Kinshara clothing store in Reiryoku. Finally, there is Tenjiro Kirinji who operates a spa out in the heart of the Ryusei neighborhood."

"Okay, I got it," Shunsui said as he wrote down the names and locations of the individuals Ichibei had provided to him. "I'll get in contact with them as soon as possible."

"Wait just a minute. Before I leave, I still have a couple more things that need mentioning. It is best to let these spies contact you. They have gone through extensive training at the NPA academy and know how best to conduct business without blowing their cover as spies. So just let them come to you. Now the second thing is that we have already received word that Yhwach is planning on sending a large influx of Wandenreich into the city within the next few weeks. At least ten Sternritters for sure."

"Is that so? That is the absolute last thing we need right now."

"Indeed. That is why Oestu and I plan to help you with training your men with these new weapons as quickly as possible. We can't afford to have any more casualties due to these sick bastards. We'll stay here until the job is done."

Renji

"Ugh! No, no, no! This is not what I am looking for! I'm looking for a dress that says 'cute' not 'slut'!"

"What are you talking about, Riruka? This is nice. I think it's very cute."

"Of course you would think so. This is more your style, not mine." Jackie smirked as she turned the dress towards her.

"Yea, you are right. I would definitely buy . . . hey wait a minute, are you saying that I dress like a slut?" Riruka bit down on her lip.

"Ummm . . . well, uh I mean you do have big boobs and you wear – hey look! They have a sale on leggings!"

"Don't change the subject, Riruka. Come back here!"

Jackie chased after her roommate, Riruka Dokugamine, as she raced over to the far end of the store where the leggings were located. The two friends had been in the trendy clothing store, Dollhouse, for about an hour attempting to find an outfit for a party Riruka was attending that night at her ex-boyfriend's new home. Before they even set foot in the store, Jackie had questioned why she was going shopping considering that their tastes were on completely opposite ends of the spectrum. Riruka responded that Jackie would be honest if the outfits she chose were ugly or unflattering compared to the pushy salesgirls who worked at the store who would lie to her just to make their commission quota. As the minutes ticked away, Jackie was beginning to wish that she had abandoned Riruka from the start. But she since Renji was on his way to spend time with her would make the shopping trip a lot more bearable.

"Okay, maybe I should wear leggings instead of a dress. You know, it might make my butt look bigger and stuff. What do you think about these?" Riruka asked as she held up a pair of black leggings with golden tribal print.

"They look nice. You would look good in them."

"Way too shiny."

Both Riruka and Jackie looked up to see Renji walking over towards them, still dressed in his police uniform. Riruka narrowed her eyes.

"Psh. What the hell you know about fashion anyways? And who asked you?" Jackie rolled her eyes and smiled as she walked around the leggings shelf to greet Renji with a hug. She lingered in the embrace for a few moments, enjoying the seductive smell of his cologne.

"Please ignore my roommate. She's got the temper of Satan. This is Riruka. Riruka, this is my friend Renji." Renji smirked, holding out a hand for a shake. Riruka looked at it for a few moments before returning the gesture.

"So you're Jackie's boyfriend. Didn't really expect you to be a cop."

"Didn't you hear me say friend? Renji and I are not together."

"Whatever. Hmm . . . well, I guess you're kinda cute. But you're not really my type." Renji's face contorted into an expression of 'are you serious'.

"Um, thanks? I guess?"

"Anyways, could you please tell your friend that she should get this dress," Riruka said as she pulled a red lace, skater dress off the rack she was currently sifting through. Jackie smirked.

"I'm sure he could care less about participating in this little shopping trip," she said, hoping that her meddling friend would catch a clue.

"Actually, I don't mind at all," Renji said with genuine sentiment. "It's a nice dress. It might look good on you." Riruka smiled mischievously.

"Huh. I'm liking you, friend. You have good taste." Jackie could feel the heat rising to her cheeks, feeling thankful to be blessed with coloring that was always useful in hiding embarrassment. She knew there was no use in arguing. She sighed.

"Fine." She grabbed the dress from Riruka and walked inside of the dressing room. After a few moments of rustling and frustrated mumbles, Jackie emerged from the curtains in the scarlet attire.

Both Renji and Riruka's eyes lit up.

"You look hot!" Riruka said with a big smile. "You have to get that!"

"Beautiful," Renji said with a hint of awe. The dress complimented her figure perfectly. It was a good balance of cute and sexy and made her look softer compared to her usual tomboyish attire. "Yeah, you should get it." Jackie bit her lip, feeling a blush once again heat up her face. She adverted her eyes to look at herself in the mirror but could still feel him staring at her. "If you won't get it, I'll get it for you," Renji said, determined to see her walk out of there with the outfit. Jackie closed her eyes and sighed.

"No, that's okay. I got it." Completely over the attention, she hurried back behind the curtain where she transformed out of her sudden Cinderella status.

After Riruka left to meet up with her eye candy of the moment, Renji and Jackie to a walk to get ice cream cones at the dessert shop two blocks down. "Your friend sure is something," Renji said with an amused smile as they walked down the sidewalk, carrying the dress in the bag draped over his arm. Jackie chuckled.

"Yeah, she's something alright."

"How did you two come to be roommates? You're like night and day."

"We met through a mutual friend." He turned to the woman and cocked a brow.

"Ginjo?" Jackie lowered her head and smirked.

"Yeah. Riruka also used to run drugs for him back in the day, but she got out of the game around the same time I did. So because were in basically the same situation, we decided to live together to save cash. It actually worked out better than either of us thought. We really get along."

"It's always good when you get along with roommates. I'm glad I get along with both . . . well, scratch that I guess it's three now – of my roommates."

"Three now? Did you just get a new one?" Renji rolled his eyes.

"No. It's just that he is constantly in an on-again-off-again relationship and right now they are off. But this time, she kicked him out of her home and he had to move back in with us." Jackie stifled a laugh.

"Aww, poor guy. Is he ok?"

"Now he is. I mean, he still gets mopey from time to time but he's much better than the emotion train wreck he was a while ago. I think it's because he's finally starting to come to terms with the fact that they may not get back together." Jackie nodded.

"That's understandable. So what are your other roommates like?"

"About the same as him," he said with a laugh, "all of them are kind of emotional wrecks right now. It's so ironic that after I struggled so much during our days at the academy, I'm the only one who has it together professionally. Even I can't believe that shit." Jackie's eyebrows rose.

"Academy? Are they police officers too?"

"Yes. That's where we all met and when we first started rooming together. Normally, they are the chillest people I know but after everything went down with Aizen and – "

"Aizen? As in, Sosuke Aizen? Wait, you know that crooked cop?"

"Yes, very well. He was one of my roommate's captain. And the other two cops that went with him are the others' captains." Jackie shook her head and laughed.

"I swear this world is too small," she said, more to herself. Renji stared at her inquisitively. "Ginjo used to give bribes to Aizen on the low so he could continue to run drugs in and out of Karakura City without being thrown in jail. It was the same deal he made with the police here." Renji's eyes widened.

"How long was this going on?"

"Mmm, about three years or so before he became the leader of that cartel. Aizen was really shady, man. I'm not surprised he became a drug lord. He had all the connections and Ginjo was beyond lit to work with him since Aizen could get quality weed and shit like that." Jackie laughed as the duo walked out of the bakery with a cone in each of their hands. They took a seat at one of the tables outside of the parlor. "Although Ginjo ended up pretty pissed at him because he wouldn't hook him up with that German mafia. Aizen never wanted to fuck with them dudes even though Ginjo swore they had the best weed supply." Once more, Jackie's story had greatly aroused his interest.

"This German mafia wouldn't be happened to be named Wandenreich would it?" Jackie shrugged as she licked the lemon flavored treat.

"I really don't know, but I feel like I've heard that name before. That could be it. I do know that their don has some weird ass name tho. Yawa or some shit? Yabach? I don't know."

Holy shit! How interconnected are these gangs?! This is more complicated than I thought.

"The world of crime truly is small," Renji said, swirling some chocolate ice cream around his tongue. Jackie smirked.

"Well, it isn't exactly an attractive business. Only a few of us are crazy enough to willingly get in it." Renji nodded. He regarded his companion as she took another lick of her ice cream. It was something about the way she moved her tongue against the sweet, wet treat that stirred something deep within him. He started to imagine how it would feel if instead of the dessert on her lips, it was his –

"I really enjoy spending time with you, Renji," Jackie said with a smile, knocking the redhead out of his lustful thoughts. "I feel like I can talk to you about anything. Even shit I probably shouldn't be." Renji chuckled.

"Yeah, the feeling is mutual. Hopefully we can hang out more once some of these cases are over and my captain returns. But lucky for us, I have tomorrow night off. You want to go out?"

"Clubbing?"

"Yea, that's cool. We could go to Fuji Kujaku or somewhere more mellow like Katen Kyokotsu. Or we can go somewhere else if you'd like." Jackie's eyes lit up.

"Katen Kyokotsu sounds nice. I've always wanted to go there." Renji nodded.

"Katen Kyokotsu it is. I'll pick you up sometime like around ten or so. And don't forget to wear this dress."

Byakuya

It had now been a week since Byakuya had been home; and although he had been greatly missing the comfort of his soft, king sized bed, he found it quite difficult to get rest during the past two nights. He wanted to blame his struggles on pain, but the medicine he took for the ailment said otherwise. His recovery was going along smoothly so the interference with his rest was not from a physical source.

It was from a source deep within that he tried his best to ignore. Dreams from that night continued to haunt him and served as a reminder that he had become too complacent as a captain. He had a long way to go if he ever desired to become the legendary captain his grandfather was.

To do this, he did his best to stay up to date with all of the cases his squad had been investigating before his injury. That Saturday afternoon, he requested that his lieutenant come pay him a visit to relay the latest news regarding the case that had put him under.

"The Zommari/Jiruga case should be wrapped up by the end of next week," Renji said with a smile as he handed Byakuya the folder containing all of the latest updates related to the case that had occurred while he was on leave. "Kyoraku-taicho requested that Zaraki-taicho and his team handle the arrest itself since they are currently more prepared than the officers at our station. However, after he is captured, we will finish everything else. They are planning to make the arrest within the next few days." Byakuya nodded as he quickly read over Renji's notes.

"Good. Although I would much rather not have that barbarian involved in Squad Six matters, I understand Kyoraku-taicho's decision considering the circumstances." He set the folder on the table and looked Renji in his chocolate eyes. "I am impressed how you have picked up the slack since I have been away. Excellent work." Although he was able to maintain his exterior composure, inside, Renji was giddy with joy for being praised by one of the men he most admired.

"Thank you, taicho. I had a great example in you." Byakuya acknowledged the compliment with a nod. "How is the recovery going? Do you think you will be able to return to your old self after the doctor clears you?"

"Yes, I believe so. Apparently, I'm healing fine and recovering a lot faster than the average victim. I may be able to return in a couple of months after all of the physical problems have healed." Renji stared into his captain's grey eyes. While his superior still maintained his signature stoic and silent aura, it was something about the statement of "physical problems" that gave Renji the idea that more was bothering Byakuya than he let on. Is he having problems with what happened that night?

"Pardon me for asking, captain," Renji said, ready to bluntly ask his question as there was no real way to sugarcoat it. "You said once your physical problems have healed. Could it be that you are still bothered by that night?" Byakuya's eyebrows rose a mere fraction, a bit surprised that Renji had been observant enough to catch the comment. He wasn't one too keen on expressing his emotions openly, but even the strongest of men sometimes needed someone to listen.

"It is the responsibility of any captain who leads his squad into battle to make sure that his forces are prepared enough for what may lie ahead. The captain should make sure that every person on his team knows how to handle anything the criminal may throw their way. To fail to do this would mean that the leader is not yet capable enough to take charge. I feel like I failed, Renji. I failed you and the officers who went to the hospital with me that night. I failed Yoshitoru, who bravely gave his life in service and I failed his family who now have to deal with the fact that he will never return to them. And it all could have been avoided if I had done better to prepare for the situation. It was foolish to go after Zommari with our inferior firearms knowing that the possibility existed that he had assault rifles. I should have requested assistance from Squad Two prior to the arrest. Perhaps then, things would have been more favorable."

"Or they could have been worse," Renji said, staring at his captain with a mild sense of disbelief. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Did his captain really blame himself for the misfortunes that fell on their subordinates? "It's easy to say what you could have done better after the situation is over. But I believe, captain, that you did the best you could. You didn't fail us. If anything, you sacrificed yourself to save us. We might have all died that night if you hadn't stayed calm and taken charge of the situation. We all were freaking out and couldn't figure out how to get around those shots. But you did. You were smart enough to observe Zommari's behavior and got the jump on him before he could execute us all. If you ask me, that's the move of an excellent captain."

Byakuya listened to the honesty of the man's words. He had to admit that hearing that Renji did not blame him for what happened lifted a burden off his shoulders. He acknowledged his subordinate's feelings with another nod.

"I appreciate that, Renji." Renji smiled.

"Of course, taicho. You know I'll always have your back."

A/N: Thanks for reading. As always, reviews are appreciated and see you next chapter! :)