Chapter 12: Waiting


A/N: I know you guys hate me right now, but hopefully this will make up for it. Maybe? Lol.

Thank you to my beta ShiroKuro OokamiRyu!


(Ichigo's pov)

"LET ME IN! SHE'S MY DAUGHTER!" A grief stricken voice rang out from across the waiting room.

Grimmjow.

I looked over to see Grimmjow arguing with two female nurses. They were on either side of him, trying to keep him in the waiting room. It didn't help that he was twice their size.

"Sir, you can't go in there! You're not allowed!"

"Fuck being allowed! She's my daughter!" The nurses looked at each other, not knowing what to do.

I walked over to them. "I'll take over." I said to one of the nurses.

She hesitated for a moment, but then nodded gratefully, dragging the other nurse with her.

"Ichigo..."

"Grimmjow." I walked over and placed my hands on his chest. He was shaking. "Please sit down." I said softly.

"Ichigo...Nel..."

"I know, baby." I led him down into a seat. I sat down in his lap and wrapped my arms around him. He let out a choked whimper and held on tight to me, his fingers digging into my hips.

"Grimmjow, what happened?"

"I... We were at the park and... N-Nel was playing with a soccer ball. I was sitting only a little bit away from her, but... I looked away for a minute t-to check a text message real fast. T-then... I heard tiressquealing and Nel... Her ball rolled into the street, she went to get it...and they... t-they h-hit her!" I felt wetness on my shirt. Tears.

"Shhhh..." I rubbed his back.

"It's my fault... If I hadn't looked away..." He whispered.

"No." I said firmly. "It's not your fault. Even if you had been watching and saw her run out into the street doesn't mean you would have got to her in time. It's not your fault. None of it is. It was a cruel accident."

He shook his head and buried his face in my shoulder. "Why won't they let me see her...?"

"Unauthorized people aren't allowed in the operating rooms. I'll go and see how she is for you, Ok?"

"Please."

"But you have to promise you'll stay here and not* go anywhere."

"I promise..."

I nodded and tried to stand, but Grimmjow was still holding onto me tightly.

"Grimmjow, baby, you have to let go of me first." I said gently.

"Sorry..." He let go of my hips.

"It's ok. I'll be back."

He nodded.


*A few hours later*

After a few hours they finished in surgery with Nel.

She had a broken left leg, a broken left arm, a concussion, and multiple scrapes and bruises. But she was ok, at least for now.

She was still unconscious though and the doctors weren't sure when she was going to wake up. They said she is* going to wake up though.

They did finally let Grimmjow out of the waiting room to see Nel. But they were a little cautious about it, afraid that Grimmjow might get aggressive again. I promised them that he'd be fine now. He was just worried about his daughter.

I had to finish my other work before I could go see Grimmjow and Nel so I tried to hurry (but thoroughly)through my work.

I didn't get done till about nine o'clock.

I was off duty now, but I decided to stay awhile.

I stopped at the cafeteria on the way (getting a few sandwiches, chips, and mixed fruit), figuring Grimmjow probably hasn't left Nel's bedside to get something to eat.

I knocked softly on the door of Nel's room. Grimmjow looked up at me. His eyes were red.

"Can I come in?"

"Yeah, sure." His voice was rough and husky from crying.

"Hey, I brought you some food." I offered.

"I'm not hungry."

"Grimmjow... You need to eat something."

"I don't want anything."

I bit my lip. "Ok. I'll just... leave it here till you want it then." I set the tray on the bedside table.

I looked over at Nel.

She looked so small and fragile lying in the big hospital bed. She was covered by a white blanket. I could see the casts on her arm and leg. Her head was also wrapped up. Nel... I hope you'll wake up soon...

It was kind of awkward; I didn't know what to say to Grimmjow. We were broken up and now I wasn't sure of anything. Now that I think about it, I don't think calling him baby in the waiting room was a good idea...

I cleared my throat. "I'm so sorry Grimmjow..."

Grimmjow closed his eyes and swallowed, nodding.

"Where's Nnoitra?"

"I...haven't told him yet."

"You should. He cares for Nel a lot. I'd think he would like to know what happened. He'd probably want to visit."

"Yeah, I will. Later. I just want to be alone with Nel for right now." He said.

"Oh." I shuffled my feet awkwardly. "I'll just...go then..."

I started to walk to the door when Grimmjow grabbed my arm.

"Ichigo..."

"Yeah?"

"Nel misses you." There was an underlying 'I miss you' in his tone. He didn't need to say it though. I knew. I knew too well.

"I... I miss Nel too." I miss you too, Grimmjow. So much. I can't stand it. I'm sorry. So sorry.

"Grimmjow? Can we talk later? Not right now of course, but when Nel's better. Please. I really need to talk to you. Just to explain, if anything. I'm not... expecting anything. I just want things to be ok between us, even if it can't be the same anymore. I really do love Nel and y... I would like to be able to be in her life still. Yours too…" I whispered the last part.

"Ok. I want to talk too. About a lot of stuff. Later, though. Nel's more important than our problems right now."

I nodded. "I know. I'll... see you tomorrow, Grimmjow. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Ichigo." He said softly.

I closed the door silently behind me with a shaking hand.


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