OH. MY. GOSH. Please forgive my tardiness! I am so sorry for being so late! Between job interviews, family issues, and my dog's death, I was really booked. I thank you all for being patient, and I think you won't be disappointed with this chapter. I worked so hard on it! Though, my laptop breaking down for two weeks didn't help a THING.
Another reason was because I was doing some hardcore research on some medical equipment and procedures that follow with what Ichigo suffers from the enormous fire, and that took a VERY long time, but I got it all down (I hope) and I think it worked out pretty well.
This was originally supposed to be uploaded like, WEEKS ago, but here it is now, so... yeah. This is the second-last chapter of The Stray and I have to say... I am so proud of it *sniffs* you guys are the greatest. *wipes tears away* You are probably the greatest audience I've ever had in like... anything! Every review I get makes me smile and just want to make more and more! You guys are so encouraging and I can't thank you guys enough (Well, actually, I can, but you'll see in a few months how I do it!)! Only ONE person knows the surprise in store for you guys! All my faithful awesome readers! I love you!
Meh, only over 11,000 words... I could do better... Don't worry! I will! Also, I may change the chapter title later... because FanFiction gives me such little space for a title... fucking character limits...
Enjoy Chapter 10 of The Stray!
"He's not doing well..." the doctor said with a frown. Rukia felt her blood run cold. "His airways and lungs have received significant damage and the amount of carbon monoxide levels in his body are relatively high." the doctor explained. Rukia shuddered and clamped her hand to Byakuya's.
"Is there anything we can do for him?" Rukia asked, desperately hoping to save Ichigo. The doctor gave a doubtful look.
"We're doing everything we can. His airways are swollen and because we currently don't have an open hyperbaric chamber, his odds are slimmer..." he said regretfully. Rukia was a little confused. What was a hyperbaric chamber?
"Well, you have to do something! You can't just let him die! Whatever this chamber thing is, you better make room! Ichigo needs this! He can't just lie wherever he is and die!" Rukia cried loudly. Byakuya put his hands to her shoulders as he thought she would lunge at the doctor and nearly kill him.
"Rukia, calm down. Yelling won't get anything resolved." Byakuya said sternly. Rukia shook madly in his grasp. She's never felt this uncontrollable emotion like this before. Not even after her parents died.
"There are many other patients with carbon monoxide poisoning in the hyperbaric chamber. A hyperbaric chamber is a large tube-like machine we put patients in with pure oxygen filtering through the chamber. It helps with fire victims, but we don't have many, and there are others in line that need it. I'm sorry, but for now we'll keep him on oxygen." the doctor explained. Rukia felt like breaking down. This can't be happening. Why did it have to be him? Why not her? That was another question: why not her? Why hadn't she been affected by the fire the same way Ichigo was?
"Why wasn't I affected? Why am I okay? I don't understand this!" Rukia cried loudly.
"Rukia, please..." Byakuya whispered.
"That, I'm afraid, I cannot clearly explain. I am very sorry. This is all we can do for now." the doctor said. Rukia shook her head. This can't be happening. Not to Ichigo. She couldn't lose him. Not now. Not to something like this!
"I want to see him. Now. Where is he? I need to see Ichigo!" Rukia yelled. Byakuya gripped her wrist tightly. Hearing Rukia yell like this and see her so upset made his heart shatter. And it was all his fault...
"He'll be coming out of a bronchoscopy in a few minutes. You can see him after his next evaluation." the doctor said. Rukia felt frustrated now.
"When will that be?" Rukia asked.
"In about an hour or two." he answered.
Rukia snapped. "An hour? An hour?! Or two! I can't wait that long! I need to see him now!" Rukia began tugging madly against Byakuya's grip, trying to escape him, but Byakuya held firm.
"Rukia, please stop." Byakuya begged calmly. He reached and grabbed Rukia's other wrist as she began to claw at his bare arms. Rukia desperately wanted to break free and run to Ichigo's side. He needed her. She needed him. There was no way in hell she was going to let him die alone if he was going to go.
"Let me go, damnit!" Rukia yelled, trying to pull away, but Byakuya shook his head, an apologetic expression on his face. "I said let me go, Byakuya! Let me go!" Rukia yelled. Rukia was thrashing now. Renji stepped over Allison and took Rukia by both of her arms, holding her back and bearing with her fury. "Let go of me, Renji!" Rukia wailed.
"Byakuya's right, Rukia." Renji said sternly. Rukia stopped struggling and looked at her brother. Byakuya looked so hurt. She could see concern deep in his eyes, and she was only making it worse. "Freaking out like this is only going to make things worse. Calm down before something else happens." Renji warned. They were both right. If Rukia went mad, then it wouldn't get her anywhere... and it certainly wouldn't help Ichigo get better any faster... if he was getting better. It would also get her locked up in a separate room and she would never get to see Ichigo...
Rukia felt her body melt as the stress finally got to her and she sank to her knees as Renji released her arms. She stared at the white tiles of the hospital, her body numb and tingly. Her heart was racing and she felt defeated. How could one person make her feel this way? One stranger, who she met so long ago. Just a common... stray. A lost soul who finally found a place... and now...
"Rukia... please stand." Rukia looked up and saw Byakuya bent down. He had his hand extended forward. For a moment, she just sat there, staring at her brother helplessly. She wished all of this was just a horrible, horrible nightmare. That Ichigo wasn't literally on his death-bed and shaking her, desperate to wake her up. But the pain in her knee and back were too real, and if she stayed in this stature any longer she'll only feel it worse.
Rukia took Byakuya's hand and squeezed it tightly as he pulled her to her feet and into his chest. She scrunched into him, letting her tears run down his skin. "I can show you the waiting room... and perhaps a stretcher for the young lady on the floor here?" the doctor asked. Renji gave an uneasy smile and picked Allison up in his arms.
"Haha, no It'll be fine. I'll just hold her until she wakes up." Renji said nervously. Without another word, the doctor motioned with his finger for everyone to follow him to the waiting room and Byakuya, Renji, and Rukia reluctantly followed suit.
In the waiting room, Rukia couldn't cease the thoughts swimming madly around in her head. She sat next to Byakuya on one of the sofas in the small room while Renji sat in front of them with a sleeping Allison in his arms. Surprisingly, there was no one else in the small are, and Rukia guessed that the reason was because people were with their hurt, sick, or dying loved ones while she had to sit here and worry about Ichigo. All she could think about was Ichigo as she leaned on Byakuya for support. If she wasn't so weak, she'd be pacing the room like a nut and causing a scene, demanding she see Ichigo, but she was so tired. The pain killers and the exhaustion from everything that happened today was setting in. But her body could do one thing that she couldn't stop no matter how hard she tried. She cried.
Her eyes just kept leaking and leaking; dripping from her eyes and onto her robe, she just couldn't stop. She closed her eyes tightly, but the tighter she closed them, the more they poured from her face. Her heart ached for Ichigo. She repeated the prayer in her head, hoping Ichigo would make it through the night. To make it to tomorrow and years to come, because she wants him back. She wants to take him home. To his home.
Scrunching her hand to Byakuya's robe, Rukia sobbed quietly. "I don't want him to die, Byakuya..." Rukia cried. Byakuya wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close to him.
"I don't either, Rukia... no one wants him to." he replied to her. He leaned down and rested his head on hers and shushed her softly. "Rukia, you need to rest." he told her. She shook her head against him.
"I can't." she sobbed. "Not until I see Ichigo." she said. Byakuya sighed.
"Rukia, it'll be a long while until we may be able to see him, and I know you're tired. Please, Rukia. You need to rest, otherwise you won't get better." Byakuya insisted. He leaned upward and looked at Rukia. Her eyes were wide and red, watery with salty tears that stained her scarlet cheeks. She looked pitiful. Something Byakuya doesn't like seeing in his very strong sister. And it was all his fault. "Lay on my lap. I promise you if the doctor comes in, I'll wake you." he said.
"That's just it..." Rukia cried. "I want to be awake when he comes in." she sniffed. Byakuya shook his head.
"No, Rukia. Sleep. Otherwise you'll feel sick later. I know you're exhausted. We're all exhausted."
"Byakuya's right, Rukia." Renji spoke up. Rukia looked to her friend. He had bags under his eyes. It was obvious Renji was just as tired as she was. With his injuries and the possible heavy dose of medicine for the pain, Renji was probably fighting to stay awake. "Take advantage of the time you have. The doctor said it would be an hour, and Ichigo isn't the only one in critical condition. This hospital has its hands full with patients. It'll probably take more than just one hour, Rukia. For all we know, it cold take two or three... maybe even twenty-four." Renji said. Rukia looked down. She couldn't stop shaking. Renji was totally right. But she couldn't sleep. She just can't. Even though her body told her to lie down, her head said no. Her heart was screaming for her to stay awake. She wasn't going to sleep until she knew Ichigo was all right.
"But Renji, I just can't sleep... you wouldn't be able to sleep if that was Allison in that room fighting for her life, would you?" Rukia retorted. Renji was silent, and an icy stare locked with her eyes.
"Don't you dare bring her into this, Rukia." Renji almost growled. Rukia was surprised. Renji never spoke to her in this kind of tone. Not in the many years she's known him.
"Rukia, that's enough." Byakuya interfered. He knew Rukia struck a nerve with Renji, which is pretty hard to do. Very hard to do now that he thought about it. The last time he saw Renji this angry was... he couldn't even remember. All he knew was that when Renji got mad, it was like setting fire to grease.
"Excuse me, Mr. Abarai?" a feminine voice came. Renji turned towards the door to see his nurse that was taking care of him when he first came to the hospital standing in the doorway.
"Yes?" he answered.
"I was wondering if you would like a room for you and your friend there." she pointed to Allison. "I can see she's very tired." she said. Renji looked to Byakuya. Renji was feeling very tired and didn't know how much longer he'll be able to stay awake. That and Allison was getting heavy in his lap.
"Will you two be okay out here without me?" Renji asked. Byakuya nodded, not giving Rukia a chance to speak.
"We'll be fine. I have to talk with her anyway." Byakuya said. Renji shrugged his shoulders and stood with Allison in his arms. It was a struggle now with the pain and exhaustion setting into his aching muscles and his injuries beginning to sting badly. Carrying Allison, which is usually like carrying a feather for him, was now difficult, but he wasn't about to set her down.
"Thank-you." Renji said to the nurse and followed her out of the room. Now it was just Byakuya and Rukia. Rukia was still silent, her gaze locked to the floor, and Byakuya could sense her ever-changing emotions.
"Rukia, you need to calm down. Lashing out at Renji like that, what was the purpose?" he asked. She didn't answer. She only closed her eyes. "Rukia, I understand you're hurt and worried sick about Ichigo, but acting aggressive is only going to cause more problems. Do you really need Renji against you?" Byakuya asked. Rukia still didn't respond. Byakuya was right, but calming down? How can she? The only guy she ever loved was dying because of tonight, and she may not see him ever again... "Rukia, look at me." Byakuya ordered. For another minute, Rukia sat still, debating on whether or not to look at Byakuya, but when she heard how angry he sounded, she knew better than to act like a little child and reluctantly turned to her brother as more hot tears streamed down her face.
"Byakuya, I..." she choked out. She felt guilty for what she did, yes, but... she was just in the heat of the moment. "I'm sorry..." she apologized. She couldn't look Byakuya in the eyes. She just couldn't... she was ashamed of herself. She never wanted to hear Renji snap at her like that again.
"Rukia..." Byakuya whispered in disbelief. He had no words for Rukia. He understood that she was deeply hurt, scarred even by what happened, but for her to act like this. It just wasn't her. This side of Rukia he's never seen before, and the only reason he was seeing it now was because of him... he's the reason his sister, whom he's loved all his life like no other sibling he's had, is acting so brashly and showing a side he probably created.
Silence fell upon Byakuya and Rukia. Neither of them looked at one another. The room was dead quiet, only the ticking of the clock above the door making a sound and the beeps and bells of the busy hallways outside. Byakuya wondered if Yoruichi was okay. He wondered if she was even going to come to the hospital. He did abandon here in the midst of a wildfire. He didn't blame her if she left town or even went back to the house... if his home was still there... if that was the case, he'd have to find a new home and move Rukia again... and if that has to happen, Rukia will be more than devastated. She'll have to leave Renji, and Allison, and Yoruichi... and most likely Ichigo...
Then suddenly, Rukia started to sob heavily again. Byakuya thought it was because of everything that happened tonight. Because of Ichigo possibly dying in the room, because of his idiocy in nearly killing everyone around him; because of the news about Hisana… just everything.
"Byakuya…" Rukia sniffed. Byakuya grabbed her hands gently.
"What is it, Rukia?" he asked her. Her sobs become louder and shortened and she started to choke on her own cries, trying to talk. "Take your time, Rukia. Just breathe." Byakuya tried soothing her. Rukia's whole body was convulsing with every sob. She swallowed back a hiccup and tried to start over.
"Your… your knife.…!" she finally choked out. Byakuya was stumped. "Poppy's knife… I lost it! I lost his knife, Byakuya!" Rukia started to cry heavily. As if the fire wasn't bad enough, Rukia just had to realize that her grandfather's one hundred-year-old knife was gone; it was most likely destroyed in the huge fire that swallowed the whole town. Byakuya looked down, then back at Rukia's face. She was a teary mess. She looked so guilty and innocent; terrified and helpless.
"Rukia," Byakuya began.
"I didn't want to take it, but if I hadn't I-I… I just… Ichigo would've–" Rukia cut off as she buried her face in her hands. Byakuya scooched closer to her, forcing her hands away from her wet face.
"Rukia, listen to me. I–"
"Don't hate me, Byakuya…" she cut him off. "I know how much that meant to you and I'm sorry. I'm sorry I lost the last of our family… I'm sorry!" she cried.
"Rukia, let me talk." Byakuya said. "I'm not mad at you. Your health and life are far more worthy than a knife and you know Mother and Father and Poppy would agree to that." Byakuya's words calmed Rukia a bit as he clung to her hands. Byakuya hasn't called his grandfather "Poppy" in years. He was always taught that nicknames were degrading, even for family, no matter how many grandparents they had. Hearing Byakuya say that again made Rukia feel something she hasn't felt in a very long time–the feeling of having her brother back. "A knife can be replaced. Your life cannot." he pulled her forward and embraced her in a hug. Rukia hugged him back without hesitation and held on for dear life. However, she wished losing a knife was the only tragedy of this Hell-Day. Ichigo was still back there, fighting for his life.
"Now, I want you to lie down and sleep." Byakuya said. Rukia looked at him. She had this pleading and terrified look in her eyes, but she didn't speak. She knew better than to argue with Byakuya. Especially now with everything that's going in, but… how can she sleep when the possibility of someone coming in and telling them Ichigo is dead is haunting her mind? How can she sleep when she may wake up to a doctor telling her that Ichigo only has minutes to live? That he's going to die. That she'll never see him again…
"Byakuya…?" Rukia whispered.
"What is it?" he replied. Rukia looked down to the floor. This thought… it's been on her mind since she arrived at the hospital. When she was put on oxygen by the nurses and being poked at by tools and instruments of all kinds; lights shined in her eyes and having a light shined down her throat. Memories of the time when she was sick, stuck in a hospital bed with a raging fever and burning rash, flashed before her, but one thought kept sticking to her mind like glue. One she couldn't help feel guilty about.
"Was this my fault?" she asked Byakuya. Byakuya was caught off guard by this question. What exactly did she mean by that? Did she mean the fire?
"Is what your fault? The fire? Elaborate, if you will." he said. Tears began to run down her face again.
"Ichigo… everything." she whispered. Byakuya was still confused.
"Rukia, I don't understand. What are you blaming yourself for?" he asked.
"Everything…" she sobbed. "You getting hurt is my fault. Renji almost dying is my fault. And Ichigo… he's dying and it's because of me!" she cried louder. "If it weren't for me going out that day, I would've never even have met Ichigo. I would've never known he existed. I would've never invited him into our home and pressure you to let him stay. It's my fault all of this happened. We wouldn't be in this situation and all of us would be safe and sound somewhere. Not stuck in this hospital with wounds and injuries and, and… I wish I never would've met him…" Rukia stood from her seat in front of Byakuya and walked to the other side of the waiting room, seating herself in a small chair, facing the wall, quietly bawling her eyes out. Byakuya has never seen Rukia this deeply hurt before. It was physically making him hurt. He's known Rukia all his life to be happy, cheerful, and bright. Shy and nervous at times, but NEVER this hurt.
Standing, Byakuya walked over to where Rukia was sitting and sat behind her. He put his hand to her shoulder and felt her shake. He wasn't going to force her to look at him, but the least she could do was listen to him.
"Rukia… what happened tonight… it wasn't your fault at all." he began. She stayed still, silent and motionless. "This all could've been avoided if I hadn't let my issues come in the way if your happiness. You meeting Ichigo… that's not what caused this fire. It's not what caused us to get hurt so badly. If anything, I deserve these wounds." Byakuya lightly caressed the gauze where his gash was. Despite the medicine, it was still throbbing. It stung to the touch. A reminder of what happened because of his stupidity. "In fact, I think you meeting Ichigo was a good thing. " Byakuya admitted. Rukia looked over her shoulder at him, peeking at her brother with curious, watery eyes.
"Why do you say that? I thought you hated him?" she asked.
"I did at first, because I thought he was going to hurt you. I thought he was a free loader, but Yoruichi would tell me good things about him. About how he made you smile and laugh again. Something I couldn't do." Byakuya looked down at the floor, ashamed of what he did. "I guess in a way, I was sort of jealous that I couldn't do that anymore." Rukia turned around completely and smiled at Byakuya. Her face was pale, yet blushed from her crying. She knew her brother was telling the truth, and that made her smile.
"But you've always been able to make me smile. Just like now. Just like a few months ago before Ichigo. All of my life. That isn't something to be jealous about." Rukia whispered. She threw her arms around his bruised shoulders, hugging him tightly. Byakuya embraced her in return. He made her smile. Something he should've been doing the whole time. "If anything, you should've been bragging to yourself about how many times in your life you made me happy." Byakuya smiled himself, but it was quickly replaced with a frown.
"That still doesn't excuse my actions or erase the fact that I put all of us in danger… and severely hurt Ichigo." Byakuya said. Rukia released him and sat up to look her brother in his dead eyes.
"Yes…" she sighed. Her depression came back, but no tears fell this time. "What you did was very unacceptable, Byakuya… and I can't imagine how Ichigo will feel if he lives through this…" Rukia whispered. Byakuya shifted a bit.
"I can only apologize to him… and I understand if he doesn't accept my apology. Or never forgives me for what I've done." Byakuya looked back to Rukia. Her eyes were half-lidded and dark. Her face was slowly regaining its color back to her regular peach-tone skin. But she looked so tired and drained. All of her energy seemed sucked out from her tiny body. As if her soul were no longer there. "Rukia, you are exhausted. Lean on me and try to rest." Byakuya insisted. Without a fight or further argument, Rukia scooted close to Byakuya and rested her head against his chest, his arm wrapping around her.
"I should probably apologize to Renji…" she whispered tiredly. "What I said was wrong." her eyes closed and she sighed.
"After you wake up. For now sleep." Byakuya told her. Rukia sighed again and felt tears escape her eyes again.
Closing her eyes was like Hell. All she saw was Ichigo's terrified and desperate face, covered in ash and soot, pleading for Rukia to help him. She could still hear him wheeze painfully for air from the fire. The black soot he coughed up, and his dead eyes closing on her. It broke her heart to see him like that. In pain and, and… dying.
Then there was his sweet side–the side nobody would guess he'd have–where he smiled softly and was secretly affectionate. Rukia loved seeing his smile. And his eyes. The deep chocolate color that warmed her heart whenever she saw them. The way they shined and expressed every emotion he had. His eyes told Rukia everything, even if he tried to hide his true feelings and didn't talk… and though Ichigo was shy, he meant well. He cared for Rukia and she knew that. She cared for him as well. More than anybody she ever met. Even Renji, whom she had a crush on when she first met him and got to know him, but she never felt that instant connection as she did with Ichigo. She always saw him as a good friend who would protect her at all costs, but never as a caring partner. She felt that with Ichigo because in her heart, Ichigo was special to her. Very special.
Rukia could no longer fight to stay awake and fell asleep relatively fast, slumping against her brother. Byakuya held onto her to make sure she didn't fall. He almost wished he requested a room so she could lie down, but he wanted to be here when Yoruichi arrived–whenever that'll be.
But Byakuya was battling his own feelings and his heart felt heavy like bricks. The thought of Ichigo dying… Byakuya couldn't even fathom. If he dies, he'll be at fault. He would have to live the rest of his life knowing that he killed an innocent man because of his overreacting, and he can't start to imagine how heart-broken Rukia will be. If only he could've seen how attached she was to him. Then maybe he wouldn't have lashed out. If only he took the time to watch them and realize the good soul that was Ichigo… and if he did make it, Byakuya would understand if he hated him. Ichigo had every right to loathe him with every fiber in his being. Hell, Byakuya would understand if Ichigo resented him for the rest of his life. He would understand if when he woke up, he'd want to kill him himself. He would even understand if… he wanted to leave for good… but that was IF he survived the night…
Byakuya closed his eyes as all these thoughts swarmed in his head. He felt so guilty. He put his family and best friends in danger. He acted like a child. He didn't even deeply investigate Ichigo's profile to get everything straightened out and pieced together… and called himself a professional?
Beyond his own will power which had diminished during the long day, Byakuya had fallen asleep with his arm still wrapped around Rukia.
She was hot.
She was more than hot; she was burning up.
The fever hadn't broke and it was the 4th day her temperature was so high. A loud, desperate moan escaped her lips as she curled into a ball even tighter. Her body was covered in goosebumps and a searing, scorching rash radiated off the skin on the back of her shoulder.
A weak cry came from her throat next, tears welling up and running down her cheeks as her head throbbed. She shivered madly under her covers. Her sweat-slicked skin made the fabric of her night shirt stick to her like fly paper. She was in so much discomfort it made her want to bawl.
How did she get like this? One day she was enjoying the weather at her new home and the next, she was lying in bed, suffering from what felt like the flu, but more like death. Dying seemed like the best option at this point. There was nothing else she could do that would take away the terrible pain causing her this misery.
"Byakuya..." she whimpered, biting her blanket to stop the loud cry about to erupt from her lips. Her stomach twisted again, but she couldn't throw up anything. All that had been in her belly had been emptied hours ago, and it wasn't even noon.
"Byakuya... help me..." she called weakly. Her hand gripped her blanket tightly as another migraine hit the back of her head. Her teeth gritted together hard and she let out another squeaky cry. Byakuya wasn't here. He was miles upon miles away on another investigation. The problem was that he was going to be gone for another four or five days, and she was suffering. Right now, Byakuya was all she wanted instead of being in this house alone, sick, and helpless.
"Help..." her throat was dry. Very dry. Her tongue felt like sandpaper. It's as if all the fluid in her body was leaking off her skin and leaving her body parched. Her mind was reeling and she couldn't focus on anything besides crying for help, which was useless. She was here alone.
She coughed hard and tasted blood. She panicked and started to shake harder under the covers. She covered her mouth and shut her eyes tightly as another coughing fit sent her body jerking in pain. When she removed her hand, and found the strenght to open her eyes, she saw her vision clear to the sight of splattered red drops on her palm. Her breathing sped up as well as her heart rate and tears started to pour from her eyes as pure fear set into her small body. She thought she was dying.
"Byakuya!" she screamed, starting to cough again, this time gagging. "Byakuya, help!" she cried. Just yelling used up so much energy it made her feel dizzy. She started to sob, afraid and in pain. Why did she have to get so sick now? And with something she didn't even know what was? Her brother was gone, the house was empty, she was in the middle of the woods, and she didn't know what to do other than lay in bed and cry out in pain.
She lifted her head up and cried out again, her head pounding and her stomach cramping so bad her scream was cut short. She curled into a ball tighter as the pain suddenly intensified. What was happening? It's like something was killing her from the inside!
She thought she heard the door slam and footsteps come running up the stairs, but she couldn't comprehend what was going on. The pain in her stomach was too much for her to handle. "Rukia!" she heard a shout. The voice sounded familiar, but she couldn't make it out over the sound of her sobbing. The door flew open and she soon felt hands on her shoulder. "Rukia? Rukia, open your eyes!" he yelled. That didn't help the headache that was already pounding so hard. "Rukia, it's me, Renji. What's wrong? Why were you screaming?" he asked frantically. Knowing Renji was here was like being saved from a whirlpool in the middle of the ocean, but the pain was still killing her.
"Renji..." she cried weakly. Renji put his large hand to her forehead and gasped at just how hot she was.
"Jesus Christ, you're burning up." he breathed. Rukia sobbed again and felt herself being lifted from the bed. "I'm taking you to the hospital. Hang on, Rukia. I'm here for you." he whispered to her. She let out a broken cry and clutched Renji's hoodie as he raced down the stairs and to his car. Her tiny hands gripped this shirt tighter as she cried against his chest.
"Renji..." she cried. Renji made his way outside and walked off the porch to his car.
"Hold on, midget. I'll get you help." he said to her. Rukia opened her eyes and saw nothing but a blurred color because of her tears and mucous sticking to her eyes. Her head bobbing against Renji's chest aggravated her headache and made her nauseous. This whole feeling in general made her queasy, and her emotions were spiraling out of control.
"Renji..." she whimpered again. "I want Byakuya..." she cried. Renji paused, not knowing what to say. Byakuya was miles upon miles away. It would be impossible for him to come back from wherever the hell he was, and his heart ached that he couldn't do anything for her.
"Rukia, I..." Renji swallowed as he looked down at her. She looked like she was in agony. Her desperate look and her sickly composure. She was so pale. It was unnatural to see her in this state. "Rukia, Byakuya is so far away... I don't know if he'll be able to come back until his case is done." Renji said, and he almost panicked when the frail woman in his hands bursted into tears.
"I want my brother... I want, Byakuya. I want him to come back...!" she wailed weakly. Renji couldn't stand to see her like this. He had to somehow get a hold of Byakuya, but before he does that, he has to get her to the hospital.
He opened the back door of his car and laid Rukia on the backseat, covering her in the blanket he picked her up in. "All right, Rukia. I'll call Byakuya and tell him to come back immediately. I promise." he said, and shut the door, rushing to the driver's side and starting the car. He heard her sob in the backseat and saw her cover her eyes with her arm. "Hang in there, Rukia. I'll help you. And I'll make sure Byakuya's ass gets back here to take care of you." he backed out of the driveway and sped down the road to the hospital, Rukia hoping her brother would come to her rescue.
"Hey," came a soft. Byakuya immediately woke up, thinking it was the nurse or doctor wanting to tell him about Ichigo, but looked up to the door at the other side of the waiting room to see Yoruichi standing there. She looked worried and tired. Byakuya only stared at her as he held Rukia close to her. Yoruichi walked over to Byakuya and sat down next to him. She looked to Rukia sleeping against him and frowned. "How's she doing? Is she all right?" Yoruichi asked worriedly.
"She's okay... physically." Byakuya answered. "I just don't know how or if her heart will mend if Ichigo doesn't make it." Yoruichi looked down on the floor.
"What's his prognosis?" she asked. Byakuya couldn't answer. Yoruichi could sense his discomfort, and she knew it was bad news about Ichigo. She just didn't know what was wrong with him.
"I can't tell you exactly, but I know he's not doing well..." Byakuya said regretfully. His own eyes locked on the floor, his grip tightening around Rukia's body. "I don't know if he'll make it, but if he does... I don't blame him if he hates me for as long as I'm still alive... or leaves." Byakuya prayed that wouldn't happen, but that's better than dying on them.
"I don't think he'll hate you." Yoruichi said suddenly. Byakuya narrowed his eyes at her statement.
"What makes you say that? I practically killed him. You're telling me that no one would hate you if you tried to kill them?" Byakuya asked, turning to the purple-haired woman. Yoruichi d her eyes.
"You didn't try to kill him, Byakuya." Yoruichi said firmly, getting a curious look from the man. Byakuya wasn't used to Yoruichi using this tone. She was usually so quiet and soft-spoken. This was different. Was everyone changing and he just didn't notice? "Ichigo is very kind and has a heart of gold. Plus, it's not like you started the fire. It's not like you wanted him to get this hurt... right?" Yoruichi questioned him.
Byakuya shook his head. "No. Not like this. I just wanted to scare him out of not coming back and touching Rukia, but... things went so far in just a matter of hours. And then when Rukia ran off... I thought I'd never see her again and fail Hisana... my parents..." Byakuya trailed off. He was trusted by so many important people to keep Rukia safe. His parents had told him to keep her safe and well and not let her get into any harm's way. Even Hisana told him that she found Rukia special and that he shouldn't lose her to anything. And in a way, Byakuya feels like he's failed. Everyone...
"Byakuya, I know it's hard, but you need to let things go." Yoruichi said. Byakuya couldn't let things go. Not Hisana. Not ever. "If you don't, well... well, look what happened. I bet if you wouldn't have let your past get in the way, you would've looked at Ichigo in a different way, wouldn't you?" Yoruichi said. Byakuya thought for a moment. Would he? With him being in the investigation business, he's seen his share of corrupted individuals preying and murdering others. But... Yoruichi did have a point, and it was a very good question.
"I can't answer that, Yoruichi." he replied. "But... maybe." he whispered. Yoruichi smiled.
"And you didn't fail your family." she said. Byakuya raised an eyebrow at her. "You did protect Rukia. In a... secretive deceiving way." Byakuya glared at her. "What I mean is, you did keep your promise. Look what you went through trying to guarantee her safety. You looked up Ichigo's profile to make sure he was a good guy, you went nuts trying to find her during the fire, and now look at you. She's safe in your arms. Just like you intended, right?" she asked. Byakuya still didn't feel better. The way Yoruichi said these things didn't necessarily make him feel better. She was still forgetting the part where he barged in the room and pointed a gun at the poor kid and caused his sister to lash out and run off and now the life of an innocent man was hanging by a thread because of him. How was he supposed to feel good with THAT hanging over his head?
"But Yoruichi, I still hurt everyone. I put your life, Renji's life, and Rukia's life at stake. I almost lost my sister and my best friend. And Ichigo..." Byakuya looked away. Yoruichi put a hand on his shoulder.
"I know, Byakuya..." she said softly. "And if he does make it, I know he'll forgive you."
"I still don't see how you think that..." Byakuya said darkly.
"Like I said before, Ichigo is very kind. He forgave me the one time when I spilled boiling hot coffee on his lap. And the time Allison and I scarred him when we covered him in flour. And the time Renji tackled him into the water at the creek and he scraped his elbows on the rocks. And when Allison stepped on his toe when she was wearing high-heels." Yoruichi couldn't help but giggle, but Byakuya continued to glare at her.
"All that is nothing compared to what I did. I pointed a gun at him! I chased him out of my home, accused him of being a murderer, and caused him a great deal of pain. Now, he's lying in a bed somewhere in this hospital dying." Byakuya gritted his teeth.
"I understand that, Byakuya, but my point is that Ichigo is very forgiving. If he can forgive the people who called him a murderer, he can forgive you." Yoruichi raised her voice at him again, her glare making him flinch slightly. "And if I remember correctly, Ichigo left before Rukia. And you told me over the phone that you found Rukia with Ichigo at the creek. Ichigo didn't have to come back. He didn't have to save Rukia. He could've ran, Byakuya. He could've ran to safety, but he didn't. He came back. Now, if he was really scared of you, would he have even come within a thousand feet of Rukia again?" Yoruichi asked. Byakuya was a tad confused at where she was getting at, but... she did have a point. Ichigo suffered years of accusations of being a murderer. He was barely nine-years-old when it happened, and Byakuya couldn't imagine having such a heavy burden on his shoulders at his age. But when he thought about it, Ichigo only came back to save Rukia. Not because he forgave him...
"Yoruichi, I feel like what you're saying isn't accurate." Byakuya said. "Ichigo came back to save Rukia because..." Byakuya paused, not wanting to say it.
"Because he loves her." Yoruichi finished, and Byakuya winced. "And she obviously loves him back, otherwise she would've let him go. She would've never went out there to bring him back and would've stayed home and escaped with us from the fire." Yoruichi smiled at the thought of Rukia and Ichigo together. She's been watching them for many months and the bond between the two wasn't hard to see. It was adorable. Mainly because Ichigo was so innocent and Rukia was smarter than she seemed. It was also comical that Byakuya was acting this way towards the thought of his little sister being in a relationship, but he had to face the fact that she was growing up and isn't a little girl any longer. She's a woman and it was about time for her to get a guy. A guy like Ichigo. Someone who was nice, and kindhearted. A guy who was protective of her the same way as her brother. And someone who was taller.
For a while, Byakuya was quiet and Yoruichi kept silent as well. She looked to Rukia and noticed just how tired she looked. She had dark bags under her eyes and her face... she just looked so sad and worn out. She must've went through hell running through that fire, trying to save her life and Ichigo's... if she succeeded.
"She told me he saved her." Byakuya spoke suddenly. Yoruichi looked at him. He was still looking at the floor. "She told me that he tackled her to prevent a tree from falling on her... then she cut his clothing free of two trees that collided together with the knife I gave her. They jumped off a cliff into a river, and that's how Ichigo brought her home." Byakuya then looked up at the clock. It was almost one o'clock in the morning. He's been in this hospital for over five hours now. "And I don't know how Renji knew they were there, but if it weren't for him, I don't think I'd of ever found her... them..." Byakuya looked back to Yoruichi. Her face was stoic, a sort of understanding in her eyes.
"He saved her." she said. Byakuya nodded. "I think he was returning the favor since technically, she saved him. You saved him too, Byakuya." Yoruichi said.
"How did I do such?" he asked her.
"You took him in remember? You were the one that said yes to Rukia on letting him stay. And I think if you had said no, he'd be good as dead." Yoruichi smiled again.
"What do you think he is now?" Byakuya growled, looking back down to the floor. As if Ichigo wasn't suffering from Byakuya now... he'd probably safer than he is now if he would've left all those months ago...
"Strong." Yoruichi replied. Byakuya furrowed his eyebrows. "and brave and sweet and loving, and protective. You just didn't get the time to realize that, did you?" Byakuya rolled his eyes.
"I get it, Yoruichi. I did wrong. I should've got to know him. I should've just... asked him what had happened instead of going off and doing an improper investigation..." Byakuya continued to look at the floor. For a minute, he was quiet before a smile grew on his face and a light chuckle escaped his lips. "Funny..." he started. "Rukia found out more about Ichigo in a few short months better than what I could going back to my old job... it's amazing how simple kindness can work." Byakuya looked to Yoruichi and saw her soft smile.
"Yes... with a little bit of kindness, patience, and trust, it's easy to get to know somebody. I did it with you." Yoruichi looked away as Byakuya glared at her.
"Now just what the hell is that supposed to mean?" Byakuya growled at her. Yoruichi laughed and looked back at him.
"Well, you weren't the easiest to get along with when I first met you, ya know. In fact, it took a lot more patience than required just to hold a solid, laid-back conversation with you. How does Rukia do it?" Yoruichi asked. Byakuya scoffed.
"I beg to differ." he retorted. "I do not think talking to me is such a big challenge." Yoruichi laughed.
"Well of course you would say that. But let's face it, Mr. Kuchiki, you aren't the easiest guy to get along with. And I'm almost one hundred percent positive that Rukia would agree." Yoruichi winked and stuck her tongue out at him. Byakuya rolled his eyes again and looked away, hiding his smile. He had to admit... maybe he wasn't the... cuddliest of all bears, but he meant well, even if his pride got in the way of things.
"How's Renji? Did Allison kill him yet? Yoruichi asked. Byakuya chuckled, turning back to her.
"Renji will be fine in a few weeks. As for Allison... she'll have his head mounted on her wall with time to come." both of them chuckled. Then something hit Byakuya. He hasn't been a real friend (or brother...) for a while now. He's never noticed how easy it was to talk to someone. Even if it was Yoruichi, whom he hasn't really talked to since she first moved into his home. Why hadn't he? She was so open with herself. Unlike his demeanor, which was solid and closed off...
"Yoruichi, I'm sorry." Byakuya said. Yoruichi tilted her head.
"For?"
"Just, acting so cruel lately. And by lately, I mean these past years I've known you." Byakuya said. Yoruichi was dumbfounded, in a good way. It looks like she's finally opened Byakuya's personal world.
"Byakuya, you don't know how much that means to me. And I'm sure Rukia would love to hear just as much if not more." Yoruichi said. Byakuya smiled warmly. She was right. And that's just what he was going to tell her when she wakes up. "You look tired, Byakuya. I think it's your turn to sleep." Yoruichi said, but Byakuya shook his head.
"No. I have to stay awake for Rukia's sake." he answered. "I told her I'd wake her up when the doctor came to tell us about Ichigo's condition." Byakuya then looked towards the door, vigilant for the man to come through the door hopefully soon.
"I'll keep watch." Yoruichi offered. "It's the least I can do. You sleep. And don't be a pain in the ass, or I'll knock you out." she playfully threatened. Byakuya was very surprised at this. He gave the woman next to him a curious look before he smiled slightly.
"You know, Yoruichi... I think I really do need to get to know people better. I've never seen you this aggressive before in my life... I like it." he smirked and Yoruichi rolled her eyes again.
"Go to sleep, Kuchiki. It's getting to your head.
"Excuse me?" Byakuya and Yoruichi looked to the doorway to see Rukia's nurse. She walked towards them at the end of the waiting room with her hands folded in front of her. Byakuya felt himself go cold. He felt like there was bad news coming. "My name is Isane Kotetsu. I took care of Rukia when she arrived." she greeted. Byakuya nodded, not loosening his grip on his sister. "I'm here to tell you about Ichigo." she said, and Byakuya's heart sank. Yoruichi gulped herself, hoping for good news.
"Is he okay?" Byakuya asked. "We've been waiting for hours to see him." Isane went silent, looking down at the ground, and that's when Byakuya went stiff.
In a room not far from the waiting room, Renji sat in a chair by his bed, which was currently taken by his girlfriend. Allison was still asleep, and he found himself bobbing back and forth in exhaustion, trying very hard to stay awake. He was regretting not getting a separate gurney for Allison so he could have the bed... but Allison deserved the bed after what he put her through.
'This damn medicine they gave me is fucking me up...' Renji thought as he sighed and pulled his head back. He crossed his arms and bit his tongue, trying to stay awake. The combination of pain and drugs was too much for him. The last time he felt this way was when he got into a bad car accident a few years ago and was in the hospital for a week. He wondered if this is how Rukia felt when she was sick two years ago. Lying in the hospital in more than one type of pain and... scared...
While he was half asleep, Renji felt bad for talking to Rukia the way he did. He looked out the window and saw the dark, crowded parking lot of the hospital. His eyes half-lidded, he fought to remain conscious. 'I shouldn't have snapped at her... damnit, Ichigo, you better not die on us.'
Renji sighed again in frustration and started to rub his knee. He was aching all over. His head especially was throbbing painfully. That damn tree... looks like he'll be staying the hell away from nature for a very, very long time...
"Renji?" Renji looked up and saw Allison waking up. Her eyes slowly opened and he hobbled over to her. He smiled at her and chuckled nervously.
"Morning." he said. Allison stared at him for a while, not moving or talking, and Renji found this a bit worrying. "Are you okay?" he asked. Then, in a flash, she sprang upright and slapped him clear across his already bruised face. With a shout of pain, Renji stumbled backwards, holding his cheek, which was starting to sting already. "Jesus Christ! What was that for!" Renji yelled.
"That's for being an idiot and running into the fire!" Allison screamed. She hopped to her feet and approached Renji, slapping his other cheek and getting another shout of pain. "That's for leaving me home alone to worry about you!" she yelled again, then landing a punch to his guy. "And that's for getting all messed up! You fucking idiot! I am so angry at you!" Renji held his stomach, tyring to catch his breath. He's only felt the pure, unadulterated wrath of Allison only once before, and he wasn't planning on feeling it again, but it looks like he was.
"Ow! Allison, stop it!" Renji yelled. He had bent over in pain, only to have Allison pull his ear and bring him up to her eye-level, and boy, did her eyes scream death.
"Then you fucking knock me out in the middle of the hospital? What kind of person are you?! Why are you so stupid!" she yelled at him. Allison raised her hand to clock Renji over his stupid pineapple head again, but this time, Renji caught her fist and secured her other hand in his.
"Allison, stop! I'm hurting enough!" Renji yelled. Allison began flailing in Renji's grasp, trying to free her arms so she could hit him again, but she knew she was no match for his strength, even if he was severely hurt, Renji was still stronger than her by a lot. "Allison, I said stop it!" Renji yelled again.
"No!" she spat back. Allison leaned forward and bit Renji's knuckle, and Renji howled in pain.
"OW! That's it!" Renji yelled. With all his strength remaining in his body. Renji picked Allison up by her arms and slammed her down on the bed, pinning her by keeping both of her hands above her in his tight grip. Renji then squeezed his legs together to keep her own legs still, and it worked. Allison couldn't move.
"Renji Abarai! Let me go!" she screamed. She flailed against the bed in a blind rage, wanting to tear him apart.
"Allison, calm down!" Renji yelled. Allison huffed loudly, glaring at Renji's brown eyes before she stopped struggling and gave up. Renji sighed in relief, but he wasn't a fool... exactly, and didn't let Allison up. "Now, you're going to let me talk, or I'll never let you up and find a needle and tranquillize you." Renji threatened. Allison narrowed her eyes at him.
"You'd like that, wouldn't you? You asshole!" she screamed.
"Allison, what is wrong with you? Why are you acting this way?" Renji was completely taken aback at how his girlfriend was acting. He understood she was mad, furious, yes, but to snap at him like this?
"What's wrong with me? Nothing is wrong with me, Renji! It's you who has something wrong!" Allison yelled. "For starters, you didn't even tell me you weren't coming back to my house. Second, you ran into a fucking fire and nearly died, and third, you're a jackass! Do you know how worried sick I was? I physically got sick!" she yelled. Renji blinked. Okay, so... maybe that was a good reason for her to be mad...
"Allison, I'm sorry. I had to make sure Byakuya got out of his house okay, and then when I heard that Rukia was gone, I had to find her. She's my friend." Renji apologized.
"Oh, so Rukia's more important than me? Is that what you're saying?!" she snapped. Renji felt himself go hot with anger.
"Allison Danvers... how dare you. I cannot believe you! Rukia is my best friend and she was in danger! Tell me you wouldn't have done the same thing for Yoruichi if she was stuck somewhere with her life one the line!" Renji yelled, Allison opened her mouth to speak, but Renji inerupted her, "And don't say you won't because I know you'd take a bomb for that crazy ass woman!" and she went silent. She looked away and started to blink fast, and Renji soon saw tears form in her eyes. "Damnit..." he sighed angrily, looking away with frustration. Renji released Allison's hands and stood up straight and walked back to his chair as Allison sat up in bed. He put his head between his legs, locking his gaze with the tiles on the floor. The silence was suffocating. Something Renji never experienced with Allison before. He's also never made her cry like this before, and it was physically killing him. He's never felt so guilty in his life.
"Allison, I..." Renji paused when he looked up and saw that Allison had turned her back to him. He bit his tongue to stop the groan from breaking out of his throat. He's really done it now... "Allison, I'm sorry... I meant to call you and tell you what was happening, but... I panicked. I thought I was going to lose Rukia. It's not that she's more important to you, but I know that you would be devastated if she... ya know... didn't make it." Renji stood, wincing at the pain shooting up his leg. He limped over to the bed and sat next to Allison, but didn't look at her. "I thought about you the entire time I was out there. I kept thinking, 'I hope she doesn't try to come out here and get in trouble'... because you would. You would run straight into a fire just to save my dumb ass and your friends because you love us no matter what may be in your way. And I guess I picked up that bad habit from you." Renji smiled, turning his head to look at her. Allison was still for a second before finally looking at Renji. She had tears streaming down her face and her brown eyes looked so hurt.
"You could've died... look at you." she said, her voice cracking. Renji, painfully and with much effort, turned around on the bed so he was sitting the same direction as Allison.
"I know, and I'm sorry I didn't take that into consideration. It's not every day you have a flaming pine tree fall straight on your head ya know." Renji joked.
"And you find that funny? What if you got killed? What was I supposed to do it that would've happened? Did you take that into consideration? What if you got paralyzed or something? What were you expecting me to do?!" Allison yelled. Renji put a finger to her lips to silence her.
"I wasn't thinking... I'm sorry. But the important part is that we're safe now, right?" Renji asked. Allison turned away from him and Renji frowned. She was going to be mad at him for a long time. "Allison, I swear to you this will never, ever, ever happen again so long as I live. I'll stay by your side through everything, I'll buy you whatever you want for the next year, I'll give you a massage before bed, I'll make you your coffee and tea just the way you like it, and..." Renji stopped when he heard Allison start to giggle and shake with laughter. As a response, he started to chuckle too. "What's so funny?" Allison turned to him with a wide smile and squinted eyes. This time, there were tears of laughter rolling down her cheeks.
"You." she answered. "You're funny. You being all, 'I'll make your coffee' and whatnot. Since when did you become all chivalrous?" she giggled. Renji glared at her.
"Hey! I have always been chivalrous! Maybe you just haven't noticed!" Renji poked Allison in the side, prompting more laughter from her. "So, am I forgiven?" Renji asked. Allison stopped laughing and narrowed her eyes at him. Renji for a moment became scared. Allison wasn't usually the one to hold grudges, but... she had every right to at the moment and was barely prepared for what she was going to say. However, instead of words, Allison said nothing and threw herself at Renji in a hug. Renji caught her, but at the expense of his body erupting in pain and him crying out like a little bitch.
"Of course I forgive you, you stupid ass pineapple." she said, and Renji smiled with tears in his eyes.
"That's... good to hear." Renji croaked. Allison released him and flashed him an evil smirk.
"So... did you really mean all that you said?" she asked. With a defeated sigh, Renji smiled and nodded.
"Yes, I meant it." he said with sincerity.
"Massages before bed, gifts for a year, and your car?" she asked. Renji sighed and nodded again.
"Yes, yes, and yes, and I- wait one fucking minute... I never mentioned my car! My baby!" Renji shouted. Allison laughed harder.
"I thought I was your baby." she smirked.
"You're impossible." Renji barked with a smile, but it soon faded when the thought of his car came into his mind. "I left her back at Byakuya's house... I'm not even sure if she survived the fire... or his home." Allison frowned and sighed.
"I'm sorry, Renji..." she apologized. She scooted closer to him and leaned on his bare torso. Renji wrapped his bandaged arm around her and pulled her into him. He smelt slightly of blood. She wondered if it was his. "So... is Rukia okay?" she asked, trying to change the subject. That, and she was worried about her friend.
"She'll be fine physically... and Byakuya is all right too, but... Ichigo... I'm not sure if he'll make it." Renji said. Allison scrunched her hands on the bed sheets. She had gotten attached to Ichigo quickly. He was shy, yes, but was so nice and patient with the littlest things she did to him. Including stepping on his food when she had high heels on the one day. Boy, the sound that came out of his mouth... she didn't even know humans could create a sound so... ungodly. And she couldn't even imagine the type of pain Rukia's going to go through if he dies.
"Hey," Renji suddenly spoke after a long pause. Allison looked up at him. "How did you get here?" he asked, staring at the door in front of him. Allison was a little caught off guard by his question.
"I drove here, why?" she asked. He looked down at her with narrowed eyes.
"Did you wear your glasses?" he asked sternly. She smirked.
"No. No I did not!" she stated proudly. Renji smiled. "Promise me one more thing?" she said. Renji raised an eyebrow at her.
"What more could you want? I already offered you all the money I'm making." Renji argued.
"I want something instead of your money." she said.
"Okay... what is it?"
"I want you to promise me you'll quit smoking." she said sternly. Renji blinked in surprise, but smiled warmly.
"Oh, I can't promise you enough... after today, I'm so done with smoke. And trees. And fire for that matter." he chuckled, giving Allison a well-deserved kiss. but the kiss was short-lived when a hard knock came to the door.
"Can I come in, Renji?" that was Yoruichi.
"Yeah, come in." Renji answered. Yoruichi walked in, a sad frown on her face. Renji felt panic set in. "What's wrong?" he asked. Yoruichi paused, her hands behind her back.
"They came to talk to us about Ichigo." she said. Allison sat straight up.
"What did they say?!" she yelled. Yoruichi looked away. She bit her tongue before taking a deep breath.
"They said that he has a 20% chance at surviving the next day..."
Okay, I'm going to stop RIGHT HERE, because 1.) School has started (FUCK MY LIFE. At least it's my last year!), and 2.) I'm addicted to cliffhangers. Yes, it was supposed to be MUCH longer, but I think it'll work out better this way for my sake and because I LOVE torturing you guys! Sorry for the delay, life was just repeatedly punching me in the gut and I'm barely making it! ACK! Besides, I think you guys have waited enough, and I think because I have to stop here, there will be another chapter. Then again, if I make it work, there may be not, but I assure you there will be no disappointments (That is, of course, if I decide to put more cliffhangers~!) MUWAHAHAHAA!) Actually... now that I think about it, I'm starting to hate cliffhangers! That means more work for me! DX Oh, well...
I apologize for any small errors. Please forgive me. This chapter took a long time to type up and I kind of lose my keen eye temporarily when I'm staring at a screen for such a long time. Bleh! :)
Sooo, it looks like there a bit of fluffiness going on between Yoruichi and Byakuya... could that mean something? Let's hope so! ;) (Maybe, maybe not. I usually don't ship them, but I think a friendly relationship between them will make a good plot! I'm still experimenting!)
Also a flashback of Rukia with Dengue Fever (It is a real thing and it sounds AWFUL. Though I do not think it's around here in the United States, so don't worry bug phobic people! :D) yeah, I've been wanting to put that in there but just couldn't find the spot until now! Perfect is it not? Can you not feel sympathy for Rukia as she calls for her big brother for help? Then Renji comes and swoops her away to the hospital in the nick of time! Yeah, now you guys now how Ichigo felt! Sort of... So, now you know what Rukia went through because I KNOW some of you have just been DYING to know... or was that me? I think it was just me... haha! Oh, and this illness causes the person to vomit blood, so, yeah, maybe she threw up a little in her mouth... hey, it can happen! Ever coughed so hard you started to gag? I have! It can happen!
I WAS going to put in a dream for Byakuya, but I decided not to. Instead, they're having the same dream (I guess...) of when Rukia was sick. Maybe I'll put it in the next chapter... but for now, it'll stay saved on my laptop, nice and safe until I can use it!
But the more important thing is our poor Ichigo! Will he make it through the night? Will Rukia ever be able to find out if he loves her back? Will Ichigo live? Will Byakuya be responsible for his death? Will he really have to move with Rukia again? Will Renji keep his promise to Allison? Will I ever stop asking you these questions? WILL I EVER CEASE AT CREATING CLIFFHANGERS?! MOST LIKELY NOT! HAHA!
Tune in soon for the last chapter(s) of The Stray! GOOD NIGHT, AUDIENCE!