'Alright, Ulquiorra.' Ichigo paced in front of the inmate. 'I need that testimony now.'

Visitation hours at the Karakura penitentiary were supposed to be over by 5:00 in the afternoon. It was a highly secured facility with strictly followed rules and an unforgiving staff. But when they saw the young politician barge into the vicinity at 9:00 in the evening, the guards knew that they had to accommodate him. They didn't want trouble. Not even half an hour before his arrival, the prison's entire staff had seen the outburst on national television. Never before had Ichigo Kurosaki been so volatile on camera. It was actually quite intimidating.

So they let him into the interrogation room with the convict he had locked up just earlier today. It was a huge concern that the he had shown up with no security detail, especially considering he was in a building that housed criminals who could only benefit from harming him or holding him hostage. To protect political figures from being attacked, the rule of thumb was that any government official had to have at least two armed men in the room at all times. The warden offered some of his own personnel, but Ichigo vehemently refused. Warily, the warden honored his request to speak with the inmate alone.

He didn't want to piss off the wrong statesman.

He didn't want any trouble.

But he would be answerable to any damages sustained by the asset.

As insurance, three men carrying assault rifles waited right outside the door. They were able to peek in through the glass, but were unable to hear anything past the soundproof material. Not like it mattered too much. They were given the orders that if the prisoner so much as touched the visitor, to open fire immediately.

'I see.' Ulquiorra's voice was ominously metallic. 'You want to get back at Grimmjow because you think it will alleviate that woman's suffering. What a lovely speech, she gave. And you, so obviously moved by her sweet words, jeopardized your public persona. So different from the cool, collected man who saw me earlier today. Who would have thought that you have the emotional maturity of a lovesick puppy?'

'That has nothing to do with it.' he lied through gritted teeth. 'He's a drug pusher, an enemy of the state. It's my job to bring him to justice.'

'Your job title is the Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs. You're meant to deal with negotiations and treaties outside of this country. Policing drug activity is most definitely not part of your government obligations.'

'How about you shift your concern over from my job description to the conditions of your sentencing?'

Hollow green eyes focused on the increasingly angry man in front of him. They twinkled with something akin to the fascination of a snake's leer when it corners its prey. He looked absolutely menacing with his hands shackled together in chains, his skinny body seated eerily still on the metal chair. In front of him was a long table with documents relevant to the investigation scattered messily across it. Not a single muscle moved save for his eyes that seemed to follow the government representative's movements without fail.

Ichigo glared right back at him fearlessly. What was this bastard trying to pull? Some intimidation tactic? He wasn't going to back down, not until he got what he came for.

'I will not be testifying against my boss.'

'You will be testifying. And you'll be compensated adequately for your cooperation.'

'There will be nothing to compensate me for. I won't carry the burden of being labelled a snitch.'

Ichigo's snapped at that very moment. He stopped pacing and stood upright, his head slowly tilting to the direction of the convict. Without warning, he banged his fist on the table and pushed all the documents onto the floor. His face was contorted into a demonic snarl, and he let out a bloodcurldling roar that was so low and saturated with fury that the devil himself would have felt a tinge of fear crawl up his spine.

Ulquiorra didn't even flinch.

'You're wasting a perfect opportunity to ensure your own protection! I'm giving you an opening to be on the right side of the war here, a chance to atone for even just a little bit of your crimes! My generosity is a godsend, and you are burying yourself deeper into the justice system!' Ichigo growled, putting to use all those years of training in negotiation tactics. Panic was swelling up inside of him because he knew he needed this man to testify, and there was almost no way he could press charges against that son-of-a-bitch without this motherfucker's word!

'Thank you for your... charitable offer, but I'll be taking my chances.'

'Do you want to go to prison for the rest of your life?!' he demanded.

'I refuse to move without my lawyer.'

'You can't afford one.' he hissed, pointing a finger accusingly at the lanky man. 'Do you think I'm an idiot? All your accounts have been frozen. If anything, you'll get a state-appointed lawyer to represent you. But what good will he do? I'll send the best private legal team after you, I'll make sure you get the maximum sentence for your crimes!'

Ulquiorra's lips twitched for a second. It was like he wanted to smile, but the demon in him wouldn't allow it. But there was a spark of something in his posture, a suddenly victorious aura surrounding him. Amusement radiated from his stony stare. It made Ichigo feel heavy just looking at him.

What a truly unpleasant man.

'What's so funny, Ulquiorra?'

'You do realize that I'm going to have to name her in my testimony, don't you?'

His stomach dropped. No. He hadn't thought of that. 'What the hell are you talking about?'

'She knew about the business ventures within Kuchiki Corporation establishments. This makes her a co-conspirator, does it not?'

'You have to be fucking kidding me.'

'You really don't know anything, do you?'

'It seems that you don't know her as well as you think.' Byakuya tilted his head. 'You don't know her, and yet you've been inside of her.'

'She's been involved with Grimmjow for a while now, ever since I can remember.' Ulquiorra continued. 'The first time I saw her was after I met Grimmjow at a local bar. He took me and some other guys to the Kuchiki manor while her brother was away on one of his business trips. The poor woman was so scared. We entered her room and the fear just glistened in her eyes.'

'You-'

'I felt bad for her, I really did. I wanted no part in it, but what good would I have been against that man? He's much bigger and stronger than me, even back then. He truly is as depraved as he is maniacal. His immorality knows no bounds. If anything, it is pleasurable for him to I've never seen him more satisfied than that moment, when he kissed her and she screamed-'

A swift blow to the face silenced him. The slimmer man's face snapped painfully to the left, bringing his restrained hands up to his face. The politician grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him, his grip so ferociously tight he would have broken bones if he held on with any more force.

Ulquiorra allowed a soft scoff to escape his throat before facing directly in front of his assailant, the snake-like slits of his eyes darkening. He was evidently entertained, proud of himself for rousing a reaction from this man. 'You can't take a joke, can you?'

'You better be fucking lying, or I won't be so kind when I destroy you in court. Forget prison. I'll go after you with everything I have! I won't stop, no! Not until you're sent to the electric chair, or to be hung by a noose! If you so much as touched a hair on her head, I'll make sure you bleed!'

'Wow.' he nodded slowly as if to absorb the threat completely. 'So you do possess some darkness inside of you.'

'What!?'

'Watching you rise up to political notoriety, you were always careful not to show any fault in your character. That's why the masses love you; in your goodness you give them hope for a better future. With just one speech, that woman was able to goad you into exposing the ugly underbelly of who you are.'

'What are you trying to say?!'

'You've gone mad, homicidal with vengeance. You just threatened to have me sentenced to death, did you not? Even if you manage to kill me, or Grimmjow, or both of us - it won't bring that woman back to you or take away from her pain.'

Begrudgingly, Ichigo let him go. Ulquiorra just kept looking at him, those taunting eyes boring into him. Like he hadn't a care in the world, like Rukia's innocent suffering meant nothing in relation to the operation of this drug cartel. The worst part was that he was right - no matter what happened now, it could never take away from the past and how it would affect the future. No matter what he did, Rukia would be in pain. She was already in pain.

It was infuriating to think of how Grimmjow and his compatriots exploited that agony to their advantage. It would have been fine if he didn't want to help her. It wouldn't have mattered if he just ignored her. But to seek profit from it, to capitalize on her guilt - that was unforgivable. All that accomplished was setting her up to be even more hurt.

He was powerless against it. He just wanted to hold her, tell her that he loved her regardless whether she reciprocated or not. And now, she didn't even want to see him.

This was all he could do.

Fighting was the only option.

A flash of murderous intent echoed in his soul.

'Killing us won't make a difference.' he repeated. 'But you're welcome to try.'

'What the hell are you getting at?'

'I'll tell you where Grimmjow is, on one condition.'

'And that is?'

'You won't ask me to testify against him.'

Ichigo chuckled humorlessly. He certainly had a lot of control he could exercise in the legislative system, and it was indeed possible. But that wasn't his style and he swore never to stain his honor. 'You know I can't do that.'

'Think about it. It would benefit both of us.'

'The only person it'll benefit is you! I can't grant your request, it's ridiculous! Without your testimony, there's no way I can prosecute him! So you tell me where he is - what then? Want me to drop in, say hello? He needs to be punished-'

'What I'm offering you is more freedom to punish him on your own terms.'

'This man is an enemy of the state. Therefore, he must be tried in a court of law!'

'Isn't he your personal nemesis as well? You really want to bring him to court? He's going to have the best criminal defense lawyer, he'll get the minimum sentence at the most comfortable cell in the most lenient jailhouse.'

'Oh believe me, I'll make sure he rots-'

'Do you really want me to name your woman in court?'

'Don't you fucking threaten me. I'll build a case for her, sway the jury in her favor, expose all the psycho manipulation-'

'It's not your story to tell.'

Ichigo stiffened.

'It's her story.' Ulquiorra proceeded. 'You want her to relive that nightmare again and again by asking her to relay that information in front of a crowd of strangers, be my guest. But you'll be hurting her. And I don't think you can live with that.'

He was right. Rukia didn't even know that he was doing this right now. He wanted to do this all for her, to bring some justice amidst all the cruelty she had gone through. But would she be happy with that? Would she retain her sanity if he brought her nightmare back to the surface?

He wished that she hadn't been involved. He wished that she didn't allow the operation to exist under her watch. This could have all been so simple, so clean cut and dry. Now it was a struggle to find a way to get at the despicable addict with the icy eyes, without stepping on her heart. It was already so dark, so tainted with the careless footsteps of those who trample over her suffering without thinking about her feelings.

Kind of like what he was about to do.

'Grimmjow thinks I'm testifying against him. I can anticipate his next move. You won't get another chance like this again. It would be foolish not to go ahead with my deal.'

Ichigo was about to fire back, but his phone rang.

'Rukia-chan, do you think it's alright for you to watch that?'

She didn't reply. She was sitting on the edge of beige couch in the living room. Empty eyes were glued to the television, the harsh lights illuminating her pale skin sinisterly. She had just taken a shower, so her long, damp hair clung to her body, which was only covered by a white dress. Her knees were folded up against her chest and supported her crossed arms. She looked ghostly that way, as if a spell had been cast on her to turn her into unanimated porcelain.

'It really is a sad story! But come on - she was sixteen!' the newscaster on the right side of the split-screen insisted. 'She really should have known better! It's not like she was twelve, you know? She wasn't a kid anymore!'

'Not a kid anymore?' the reporter on the left side of the screen chortled. 'The age of consent in Japan is eighteen - two years older than she was at the time! Lawfully, the poor thing was raped!'

'No, no, no! Don't compare it to something as horrible as rape. She knew exactly what she was getting herself into. It was clearly a transaction. She willingly had sex for money - how is she different from a prostitute? Looks like her business-savvy decision-making started at quite a young age!'

'Rukia-chan...'

Keigo had watched her speech on a live broadcast. Alarmed by her bold move, he called her immediately after she stepped down from the stage. Unfortunately, she had missed his call because her phone was set on silent. It was only when she rejected the last of Ichigo's attempts to contact her that she saw that their common friend had tried to reach her as well. In tears from her conversation with her lover, she asked Keigo if he wanted to come over. The brunette enthusiastically agreed.

In fact, he had brought over the necessary ingredients to make rice dumplings. He knew they were here favorite and he wanted to cheer her up. He wasn't a particularly wise man, and he never knew the right words to say to comfort her whenever she was in pain, but he knew that delicious food couldn't possibly worsen the situation. So there he was, slaving over kitchen counter, pounding the dough. He sighed. This was all he could do. He didn't understand her.

Not the way Ichigo did.

He thought about calling him over, but... It would have been disrespectful to Rukia. He knew that they weren't on good terms again, and he winced when he watched their awkward hand-shaking. It always baffled him how two people could be so complete with each other, and yet not be together. What was the problem? Keigo just couldn't get it.

'It isn't like that was a one-time thing anyway. I mean, just listen to her sex tape with Ichigo Kurosaki! It was undoubtedly a move to convince the state to merge the educational sector with Kuchiki Corporation. Knowing Kurosaki-san, he must have been oblivious to the malice behind her advances! She's clearly a genius with this kind of stuff. Poor Kurosaki-san probably didn't realize what was happening. The only explanation is that she recorded their steamy encounter to blackmail him into allowing this merger to happen!'

'That sounds like one hell of a conspiracy theory!'

'It isn't a theory, these are facts! Kuchiki-san is a disgusting woman who degrades by using her body to get what she wants. She's the absolute worst kind of person!'

'Rukia-chan, please.'

'Keigo is correct, Rukia.' Byakuya interjected as he entered her apartment suite. 'It will do you no good to torment yourself with this nonsense.'

Rukia remained still. Her brother wasted no time in walking to her side to snatch the remote control away from the coffee table in front of her. He switched the television off and she gave no reaction. He looked down at her but she never met his gaze. She was still staring, unblinking at the blank screen in front of her. They stayed like that for a while, with Keigo watching the whole scene play out from his place in the kitchen. There was no suspence. It was like Byakuya was standing alone in that room, as if Rukia was choosing not to make her presence known. Like she was trying to disappear, but was stilling holding onto this world.

Finally, the tears fell. They were hot and stung her cheeks. She made no effort to wipe them away or bury her head. She was just looking at nothing, thinking of everything.

'Rukia.' Byakuya's tone was void of his strict character. 'How do you feel?'

'Lonely.'

Gray eyes opened just the tiniest bit wider. It was mortifying how robotic she sounded.

Keigo took notice of the unusual quality of her voice as well, dropping the flour mix in his powdery hands and gaping at his friend. Fuck, she sounded dead. She sounded like it was such a difficult task to live. It was like she was waiting for the world to finally crush her under its weight, because she didn't have the strength to throw herself off a building. A chill ran up Keigo's spine. Had she gotten to that point? Was she thinking of ending it? Was there even a need to? The monotony in her words - she was practically rotting on the inside already.

'Come now, don't be like that.' Byakuya attempted to soothe her. 'You mustn't be lonely. Your friend and I are here.'

'Sorry.'

Her brother took a deep breath in. 'Is there someone you'd like to see?'

A long pause. 'No.'

'Do you want us to leave?'

'Yes.'

'Why?'

'I...' her voice cracked. 'I don't want either of you to see me like this.'

'Like what, child?'

'Like... this.'

'I taught you to be more eloquent in your use of language.'

'Nii-sama.' she shut her eyes and exhaled in exasperation. 'Please. I don't want to be seen like this.'

'You don't want people to know you're hurting without him?'

She didn't reply or open her eyes.

'I know that loneliness all too well, Rukia. Even if there are others surrounding you, it is still lonely when the person you love most is not with you.'

A sob escaped her lips. Now, she slumped her entire weight onto the couch, laying down on her side as she cried into a pillow. Her small body shook, and she felt one of her attacks coming on again. The shortness of breath, the dangerously frantic beating of her heart; she had to calm herself down or risk another trip to the hospital. But she kept crying and crying, without a sound.

Keigo swallowed hard. Looking for an excuse not to stare at her anymore, he turned around to head over to the sink and wash his hands. But he still felt her sorrow permeate the air, as grating as the wailing of a wounded animal caught in a trap as it lay begging for someone, anyone to put it out of its misery. Tears prickled his own eyes as he dried himself, a single drop running down his face. He brushed it off with a thumb, but his chest was heavy.

Rukia didn't move from her spot, but she heard Byakuya's footsteps trudge away from her. A slight wave of relief washed over her, hoping that he got the message and would be on his way. She didn't want to make her compassionate companions feel inadequate. It wasn't their fault that she felt this way. It wasn't their fault that she felt so alone.

'Let us go, Keigo.' he looked at the unfinished dumplings. 'Rukia will be able to finish making those herself. I think it would be best for us to leave. Besides, it is not us she wants to see.'

'Umm...' the brunette glanced at Rukia warily. He was hesitant to go.

'Come on. I shall drop you home.'

'If... If you say so.'

Byakuya nodded and opened the door, just as a third person was about to knock. The newcomer was surprised at the perfect timing, eyes wide as his knuckles were positioned to hit the air. Keigo stifled a gasp, not at the fact that this guy showed up - but because Byakuya was uncharacteristically aloof about it. 'Let us go, Keigo.' Who was he to argue? He followed suit, wishing that no matter what happened, it would be for the best.

Rukia couldn't do anything except continue crying. Whether her brother or Keigo were there... It didn't matter to her. She still felt as alone as she did when they were still in the apartment. It didn't feel different. If anything, it felt better. She didn't have to think of anyone else, just herself. She had been trying to power through for so long now that it was therapeutic to shed tears.

A hand rubbed her back, and she stiffened at the touch. She didn't want to be touched right now. Especially not like that, not so tenderly or careful, not like she was made of fine china.

Ichigo used to touch her like that.

She scrambled to sit upright, ready to yell at whoever it was between the two to listen to her and get out. But when she saw who it was, she suddenly felt weightless. The crying stopped and her hands flew to cover her mouth. Her heart resumed its normal beating enthusiastically, but it was threatening to punch out her chest as if it wanted to be as physically close to this man as possible.

'We won't talk about it.' Ichigo whispered, taking a seat next to her. 'I know you don't want to.'

She wanted to say something, but she was dumbstruck. A flurry of emotions struck through her, each and every feeling whipping like lighting. First fear, then anger, followed by love and finishing with sadness. 'I thought I told you I couldn't talk tonight.'

'I know. That's why we don't have to talk.'

She eyed him suspiciously. 'Then why are you here?'

'I just... I wanted to see you.'

Their gazes locked and refused to look anywhere else, despite the mute pause. There was no apprehension or suspense between them. They were simply savoring every second so close to each other, not thinking of the events of that night or the world outside. It was like they were stuck in that moment in time, a window where they could finally be together without the hindrance of uncertainty.

Ichigo didn't want that window to close. He seized that opportunity, reaching out to take her hand in his. She said nothing as he intertwined his fingers with hers. He took that as a good sign. His other arm hooked behind her, pulling her closer to him. 'I love you.'

The pain was wilting away. She was starting to breathe again. Her shackles were breaking, her cage disintegrating at the sound of his magical words. His effect on her was unreal. A great weight had been lifted off of her shoulders, only spearheading her desire. Almost losing herself to the euphoria of his sweet words, she bit her lip to bring herself back to reality. 'We aren't good for each other.'

'I don't care anymore.' he stressed, his eyes wobbling. 'I love you, Rukia. Teach me how to be good to you. I can learn. But I can't wait anymore. Who cares if we aren't perfect together? We can get better. What's important is that we're trying.'

'Ichigo, you're not being logical. The issue is so far beyond that. Don't you realize that everyone knows about my past now? Attaching yourself to me is political suicide, and you know it.'

'I'll fight them.'

'You can't win.'

'I will win. I want to be with you.'

'You're a liar. I saw you with that girl. You...!' she trailed off. Her resentment lodged in her throat, preventing any words from coming out. She just stared at him incredulously, her world spinning around her. She was delirious with emotion, unable to process the hundred directions her thoughts were taking her to while calming her imploding heart.

'I love you.'

'No, you pity me.'

'I love you.' he repeated, and she saw in his eyes that he was sincere. She could always see it, she just never wanted to. His aching need to protect her wasn't just of his own inherent heroism. She was special, and she knew it. That was another reason it was so hard to resist him. What they shared was unique and unbreakable, transcending time and pain. They were infinitely drawn to each other, incomplete when apart and magnetically joined when together.

'I know you want to protect me, Rukia. But I'm not your responsibility.'

'All I ever seem to do is hurt you.'

'That's not true at all. I want to be by your side.'

'Then they'll drag you out of office.'

'You should have more faith in me.'

'I just don't want you to lose everything, Ichigo.'

'You are my everything.'

She made no move, but sapphire orbs were glossing over in a mix of longing and affection as they gazed up at him. Her free fingers came up to trace the outline of his lips, not once letting those fiery amber eyes out of her sight. Wriggling her hand out of his hold, she cupped his neck tenderly. She felt the vibration of a soft growl, brushing her thumb against his chin in response.

'Rukia.' he warned, balling his trembling hands into fists. 'I don't have the willpower to resist you.'

'Then... don't.' she reassured him, claiming his mouth in hers.

'Are you sure it's cool to leave those two alone?' Keigo asked nervously. The limousine was way too cold, but he was aware that his shivering was due to more than the temperature

'Does that matter?'

'I mean... I'm just surprised that you aren't really bothered. When I talk to those two separately, they both made it seem like you're the overprotective type.'

'Did they?' Byakuya crossed his legs. 'On my way to see you and my sister, I was the one who called Kurosaki over.'

'What?!'

Byakuya didn't acknowledge the shocked outburst. It was evident that he was thinking very hard about something, grey eyes stonily staring at the vodka-based concoction he swirled the strong-smelling liquid around in his glass. He liked to have a drink every now and again socially, but this time he allowed himself a solitary swig to cope with the fact that his daughterly sister was with that... Ingrate. He initially reached for the wine glass, but the tugging bundle of nerves at the back of his head reminded him that he was the one who decided to bring those two together this evening.

So he poured himself the vodka.

'It's hard to believe you'd do that.' Keigo continued. 'Are you regretting it? Cause that's a lot of booze, Kuchiki-san.'

'It has been quite a night.'

'So... Does this mean that Ichigo has your blessing?'

'I do not believe that it matters what I think.' Byakuya admitted.

'But... Rukia-chan is still your sister. Don't you have an opinion?'

'Those two are bound by something stronger than my wrath. Do you actually believe that I could ever tear those two apart?'

'Yeah. I guess you're right.'

Byakuya shut his eyes. 'I just want her to find happiness.'

'She likes it rough. She likes being hurt.' Kaien insisted.

'Rukia... Rukia...!'

No. She wants to be loved.

'She likes being bit and spanked. I didn't rape her.'

'Ah... Anh, Rukia!'

That's not true. She likes being kissed and hugged.

'You've slept with her too, Ichigo. You know what she's like.'

'Rukia!'

'I-I..! I'm... h-here..!' she breathed, unable to speak coherently with him moving so tantalizingly slowly inside of her. Her entire body was encased by his, her arms folded in front of her to press against his chest. His hands cradled her head against him, his passionate vocalization of their lovemaking muffled by her hair.

Looking at him was enough to drive her mad with needy love. Hard muscles tensed around her, his tan color glistening with his musky sweat that also dotted in beads on his forehead. His eyebrows were furrowed erotically, nothing but her name torn time and time again from his slightly parted lips.

She screamed into his damp skin, thrashing her legs wildly as he bucked into her. She felt his pelvis begin to retreat, so she wrapped her pins around his hips to prevent him from leaving. He growled and kissed her deeply in appreciation, moaning against her open mouth as they rode out their climaxes.

When they were both spent, he snaked his arms around her back and pressed her form so tightly against him it was like he was trying to memorize her every detail. He kissed the top of her head over and over, whispering that he loved her repeatedly as he felt her tears stain his skin. She wasn't replying, but he didn't care. As long as she knew he loved her, nothing else mattered.

He knew she loved him too. It was just hard. It had always been hard, for both of them.

'Why?' she asked quietly, and he pulled away so that they were looking at each other. 'Why do you keep coming back?'

'I love you.' he kissed her forehead. 'I love you so much.'

'I love you too.' she choked. 'But that isn't enough.'

'Yes, it is.'

'What if we fight again?'

'We'll work through it.'

'What if we leave each other again?'

'I'll never leave you again.'

'Why me?'

'I love you.' his amber eyes were now glowing at their centers with an emotional fire. 'I want a house, with a nice bedroom where I can wake up to you. I want your beautiful face to be the first and last thing I see every day for the rest of my life. I want children with you. I want to grow old with you, I...' he shook his head. 'I want you, Rukia.'

'What if we can't have that?'

'Then that's fine by me. I just want to love you.'

She remained silent for a long time. He was starting to worry. He pulled one arm from around her so that he could cup her face. Her features softened and she smiled sweetly at him. His heart jumped at that. It was a genuine smile, one he hadn't seen on her for a very long time. 'I want a future with you, too.'

He bit his lip and kissed her roughly, groaning and hissing as his tongue probed her moist crevice. He couldn't see, but she was crying heavily all throughout. No matter what happened in the past, no matter how hard the present was, no matter what - she wanted that future with him. It was selfish and they weren't ready, but she wanted it.

Eventually, he lifted her up and carried her to the bedroom. He laid her gently on the bed and she immediately ducked under the covers. He playfully feigned irritation until she came out of her hiding, her eyes twinkling as she pulled him under the sheets with her. He enveloped her in his warm embrace until he felt her entire body relax in his arms. He set her down on the mattress gently, laying on his side so that he could have a good view of her angelic face.

Ichigo stared at her peaceful body, ironically knowing more than anyone that she couldn't go on like this anymore. The course of her life was too fast-paced. If nothing changed, her illness would take a turn for the worst.

He didn't know what to do.

He wanted to save her.

He didn't know what to do.

He needed the strength to get through this.

He stood up and slipped on his trousers. He had to attend to his phone, which he had placed on silent. Rubbing the back of his neck, he grumbled to himself in anxious anticipation of the dozen messages that were sure to crowd his home screen. Most would be from his security detail, the others were sure to be from his press secretary.

Before committing to replying back, he wanted to wash his face in the bathroom. After splashing himself with refreshing water from the sink, he examined himself in the mirror. His cheeks bronzed a reddish tint when he noticed something different about himself. There was a golden glow glimmer about him, a happy light reflected in his features. His skin was flushed, highlighting the vibrancy of his eyes and hair. He looked younger, more alive.

Rukia always had this effect on him.

He dried his hands with a towel and turned on his heel. He walked slowly, stretching his sore limbs. For some reason, he was untroubled. Tomorrow, the media would peck at both of them but he would come out with his feelings for her. They'd burn him, but he'd steer the conversation to the issues that people should be talking about rather than how his private affairs were of any concern to Japan's progressive revolution.

He had to stand up to centuries of traditional norms and attitudes.

He could do it. He had to do it, to be with her.

Out of nowhere, a bicep curled under his neck painfully, a large hand yanking his hair back.

'Hey, Kurosaki.' Grimmjow hissed into his rival's ear. 'Did your mother never teach you to lock the door?'

A/N: Thank you to everyone for supporting this story! You guys really make my day and give me the confidence to write each and every chapter.

Thank you to Althatsyu, Shirayuki992, Carupin, NieveDrop, blissbeat, achalida, schoolgurl95, Redly24, Kasai to Kasumi, RukiYuki, han-ichiruki, ZIRS, Luna-Dara, FunnyEasyMe, jobananasan, applepieshiomai, and all the Guest reviewers!

Althatsyu, it's an inconvenient truth that people just generally like to watch others burn. I think society is very critical, which is why it's so important to have conversations that challenge the way the public perceives something. Sex tapes are a prime example of how we tend to butt into things that we shouldn't. I totally agree that people need to be more compassionate!

Shirayuki992, thank you for your well wishing! I am now in perfect condition, thanks so much!

blissbeat, agh thank you so much those are such huge compliments! I'm honored by your support. As exposing as it was, I think it's important that she take back her agency.

Guest, Marry Me, Shinigami! has already been updated.

han-ichiruki, her selflessness is definitely what I like most about her character! I think what I'm trying to show in the beginning of this chapter is Ichigo's struggle to fight by his code of honor; legally, with consensual input from those involved. But he's realizing by the end of it that it's hard to do so when your opponent fights dirty.

jobananasan, exactly! This really pisses me off about a lot of people; they pass moral judgement as if they haven't done anything wrong in their lives, ever. Unfortunately, judgement doesn't discriminate between age or sex. Yes, to be fair, Ichigo was young and he didn't know what was going on. Byakuya tried to help her by controlling her, which only pushed her further away. Also, I'm so happy you got the meaning of the chapter title! I thought it appropriate to entitle it Goddess because in that moment, she is powerful and totally selfless. It was empowerment by protecting the one she loves.

applepieshiomai, at this point Ichigo no longer cares about working up to it. He's just laying his heart out on the table even though he knows that isn't enough. But he can't wait anymore, he fears that he'll lose her.

Guest, Kaien's talk with Ichigo was more confrontational than it was plot progression. He insists that he did nothing wrong and that Rukia is the one at fault for half-heartedly involving herself with him. I wanted this conversation to underline how narrative can really convolute the reality of a situation.

Thanks so much, everyone!

Working hard on the next chapter for you guys!