Okay, I'm going to continue because tonight I'm on a ball and I have an easy part to pick up from. I hope you all enjoyed chapter 20, sort of a milestone, and reviewed! On with chapter 21! If my thinking is right, there are only going to be about five more chapters before it's over :(
-:-
"Rukia?" Renji's voice was muffled due to the weird tubed machine that seemed to dominate his mouth, throat, and lungs. I turned to Ichigo, unsure of what to do. After a few moments of staring Ichigo snapped out of it.
"I'll go get my dad."
"Hurry." He nodded and practically ran for the elevator. I turned back to Renji, a smile spreading over my face. He mumbled something incoherent. "Sh, Isshin and Dr. Tanaka should be here soon okay?" No response. At first I panicked wondering if he could hear me but soon I realized I told him not to talk. "Are you in a lot of pain?" He nodded which worried me. I wasn't sure what to say to him, he couldn't really carry on a conversation and I didn't know any of the medical diagnosis behind his aches and pains. By the time I was done stressing over what to say Isshin and Dr. Tanaka ran in with a few nurses who practically pushed me out of the room. They didn't bother giving me my cane until I asked for it. Ichigo, who was standing right outside the door, witnessed this and came to my aid at once.
"You okay?" I nodded, glad to have my cane back.
"I'm fine, thanks."
"Is he really awake? Did he talk to you?"
"Yeah, you didn't hear him?" He shook his head. "He recognized me by my voice, I'd say that's a fucking good sign."
"Why were you crying?" I looked up at him.
"I found this note Shenji wrote to Ren and he talked about taking Renji off life support."
"...Wow." I nodded. "Talk about good timing." Two of the nurses rushed out of the room but soon returned with some equipment I didn't recognize.
"What are they doing?"
"They're getting rid of the machine."
"Aren't they worried he might relapse or something? What if something happens and he needs it again?" Ichigo shook his head.
"That's pretty rare with coma patients but if my dad has any say in their decisions it'll stay in his room for that sole purpose." He must have taken my silence as doubt because he continued to try to reassure me. "Don't worry, they know what they're doing." I nodded and leaned some of my weight against him. Despite the hour long visit with Grimmjow, I had been out of bed the majority of the day and my hip was extremely sore.
"Do you know where his parents are?"
"I think in the cafeteria."
"Do you want to deliver the good news?" Ichigo smiled down at me and nodded.
"If you're up for it."
"I am." I tightened my grip on my cane and started for the elevator. After pressing the button I made a decision not to go. "Nevermind, I'm just going to slow you down. Go ahead without me, I'll wait up here." Ichigo looked down at me with a concerned expression.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah, I just don't want them to feel the need to wait for me to crawl back up here. I don't want to keep them from their son."
"Okay...I'll be right back. Go sit down while you're waiting, okay?"
"Okay." He got on the elevator and I took a seat on the bench. After only a few minutes Ren and Shenji were rushing out of the elevator doors followed by Ichigo. A few minutes after that Hisagi made his way to Renji's door, waiting with the rest of us. I asked him how Michiru was and he said she was about to get another cat scan. Shenji turned to Hisagi.
"Shuuhei, she's terrified of that machine, you should go be with her." He shook his head.
"Her father's there. She understands." Shenji nodded, absently grabbing his wife's hand. After a few more minutes of waiting the nurses left the room and Isshin ushered us all in. Ichigo, Hisagi, and I stood back letting Renji's parents talk to him for the first time in nearly a month. Ren started crying almost immediately. I sat as they talked, the pain in my hip intensifying slightly. After Shenji and Isshin explained to him about what happened Renji laid there quietly. Ren looked at Isshin with a worried expression. Renji started looking around the room.
"Where's Rukia? Is she still here?" Isshin turned towards me, gesturing for me to go over to the bed. I grabbed Ichigo's arm and hoisted myself up, feeling ridiculously old.
"Rukia's right here." There was a moment of silence as I made my way to the bed. "She'll get here eventually." Isshin smiled down at me teasingly. I laughed.
"Shut up." I finally reached Isshin's side and smiled down at Renji. "Hey."
"What happened to you? Are you okay?"
"Renji, I'm fine. Don't worry about me." His eyebrows turned down.
"I'm so sorry, I can't believe I let this happen-"
"Stop, it wasn't your fault." He tried to argue but I cut him off again. "Renji, the guys in the other car couldn't stop swerving, there is not way you could've avoided them so stop blaming yourself." He nodded slowly, staring up at the ceiling.
"How're the other two?" My chest tightened; I did not want to tell him about Ikkaku's death.
"Michiru had a lot of injuries and she was in a coma for about a week but she's doing a lot better. She had some weird black out today and just forgot a few hours as if they never happened but she's being tested for that now." Renji's face held a lot of guilt.
"What about Ikkaku?"
"...He..." Renji turned his gaze to me, a look of disbelief now residing on his face. "Ikkaku died from the impact." His eyes went back to the ceiling and after a few moments of silence he covered his face with his hands.
"I'm so sorry, I never meant for this to happen." I blinked away tears and pulled his hands away form his face, noticing Renji's own tears he was fighting with. Despite the pain now residing in my hip I leaned over and carefully hugged him, trying not to put too much weight on him.
"Renji, stop." He hugged me back tightly, not helping the pain. His chest rose as he inhaled deeply, getting control of himself. "It's not your fault, okay?" I stood once I knew that he had calmed down. Ren reached over, pushing her son's hair out of his face. Renji looked over at his parents who looked overjoyed. Shenji rested his hand on Renji's.
"You are never driving ever again." Renji laughed before turning to Isshin.
"Can I sit up?" Isshin glanced over at Dr. Tanaka.
"Let's wait a little while okay? If you're still experiencing pain you should take it easy." He nodded. Ichigo and Hisagi finally approached the bed, no longer waiting for an invitation. Renji's attention went to them and his expression shifted immediately, making him look angry.
"What is he doing here?" I turned back, glancing up at Hisagi. Shuuhei looked shocked.
"Renji, that's no way to talk to your friend. We've all been worried about you, including Hisagi."
"I don't want him here." For a second I thought Sagi was going to go off on him but instead he took a deep breath, let out a sigh and stepped back.
"Fine." He turned to Ichigo. "I'm going to check in with Fujita, see if they've found anything." I grabbed Hisagi's sleeve.
"I'll go with you." He nodded. I turned back to Renji who was frowning at me.
"You're leaving?" I smiled.
"I'll be back, I just want to see how Michiru's doing. Once her tests are done I'll bring her up here." He nodded. I turned and followed Hisagi towards the exit, moving even slower than before. He noticed and slowed his pace. "I'm sorry, I didn't come to make you wait on me." He smiled sympathetically.
"Don't worry about it." We got on the elevator and I pushed the button for the ninth floor.
"So..." Hisagi looked down at me and cocked an eyebrow.
"So?"
"Are you and Michiru back together?" He laughed, scratching the back of his neck.
"How did I know you were going to bring that up?" My face fell.
"You don't have to talk about it, I was just curious." He shook his head.
"No it's fine." A pause filled the air between us as he thought about how to voice his answer. "We're not together but...we're kind of starting over."
"How so?"
"Well, Michiru's still obviously hurt about the whole thing and even if she won't admit it, she's scared to trust me." He sighed. "We didn't really decide on anything we just sort of picked up where we left off except now there are more boundaries." I nodded.
"That sounds pretty complicated."
"Kind of, but I'm happy with it. I'm just glad she's alive and talking to me." I smiled, patting his arm.
"I'm glad you're happy." We finally reached the ninth floor and Hisagi led me towards Fujita who was now sitting in the small waiting room.
"Hey Fujita, is everything okay?" Mr. Ogawa looked up at the sound of Shuuhei's voice.
"Yes, I just had to wait out here while she gets changed back into her clothes."
"When will they know the results of her tests?" Fujita ran a hand through his hair absently.
"Tomorrow at the earliest. They're keeping her here for another few days." Hisagi's eyebrows turned down.
"What?"
"Has she had anymore issues with her memory?" Mr. Ogawa looked over at me and shook his head.
"No." I sat next to him, relieved to get off my feet. "How're you feeling Rukia?" I stretched out my legs and sat my cane aside.
"I'm feeling a lot better, thanks for asking."
"I'm glad, I just wish all you kids could go home." He rested his head in his hands. "This is no way to live." Hisagi stepped in fron of us.
"Did you hear about Renji?" Fujita looked up at us and shook his head.
"No, what about him?"
"He woke up." Mr. Ogawa froze momentarily.
"Did he really?" Hisagi nodded, smiling at his reaction. "Is he okay?"
"He seems okay; he remembered the accident and could recognize everyone. After all this with Michiru they'll probably be a little more paranoid about head trauma."
"That's reasonable." Michiru was ushered through one of the hallways by a nurse until she was standing in front of her father. "Hey Sweety, how are you feeling?" She smiled.
"I'm fine." She looked up at Hisagi, looking less enthused. "I have to stay for a few more days." He grabbed her hand.
"I know, I'm sorry." The nurse turned to Mr. Ogawa.
"We'll have the results back to you as soon as possible." He nodded.
"Thank you very much." The nurse turned and headed back towards the hallway, leaving without another word. Michiru leaned her weight against Hisagi, looking exhausted. Hisagi pushed some hair our of her face.
"Do you want some awesome news?" She looked up at him, not looking very hopeful.
"Sure, do you have any?" He laughed and nodded.
"Renji woke up." Her head snapped up and she stepped back from Shuuhei.
"Are you serious?"
"Of course I am."
"Is he okay?"
"Yeah, his memory is fine, he's just still in a lot of pain." She nodded.
"Let's go see him." Hisagi shook his head.
"You guys go ahead, I think I'm going to call my mom, let my parents know what's going on."
"Why? You can't do that later? He just woke up." I pushed myself out of my seat and answered for Hisagi.
"Renji doesn't want Sagi there." Her eyebrows turned down.
"Why wouldn't he want you there?"
"He's still pissed at me." She still didn't look convinced. "Just go, take Rukia and your dad to go see him. When I'm done I'll be in your room, okay?" She hesitantly nodded before offering her dad her hand. She helped him to his feet and turned to me. We moved in silence but Michiru moved quickly, pulling her dad by the hand. I lagged behind feeling frustrated but they held the elevator for me and we headed back towards the ICU. Once we reached his room I sat down on the cot Renji's parents had been residing in for the last month. I had no intention of getting up, my hip was practically on fire. Ichigo noticed us and stepped back, giving 'Chiru and Fujita a chance to see him. Ichigo sat next to me, leaning back in silence. Michiru leaned over and hugged Renji tightly before he even noticed her there.
"Renji, thank God you're awake!" Renji looked at Isshin, cocking an eyebrow.
"Who are you?" Michiru stiffened and pulled away, a frown on her face.
"...I'm Michiru..." I felt a confused expression fall over my own face, panic rose up in me. After another moment of staring at her blankly, without recognition, he smiled and laughed.
"I'm just kidding." Her eyes widened as anger found it's way to her face. She hit his arm.
"Don't even joke about that!"
"Ow." Isshin sighed looking frustrated.
"Renji, please don't joke about that." He nodded, still smiling.
"I'm done, sorry." He grabbed Michiru's arm and pulled her into another hug. She rested her head on his shoulder and started crying. "Are you okay, Michiru?" She nodded, not voicing an answer. "Do they know what happened earlier?"
"No, they'll have my test results by tomorrow or the next day." She stood, wiping her eyes. Renji eyed her cast. Before they could continue their conversation Isshin spoke up.
"Renji should really get something to eat and try to rest." Michiru nodded, squeezing Renji's hand before stepping back. Fujita told Renji to feel better, carefully patting his shoulder. Isshin turned to 'Chiru and I. "You two should probably go back to your rooms and get some rest too."
"When can we come back and see Renji?" Isshin smiled at Michiru's question.
"Tomorrow after all of you get some rest." I stood, grabbing onto Ichigo's arm for support. I said my goodbyes to everyone before heading for the elevator, not waiting for Ichigo although he did follow. Once in the elevator I leaned against the wall, gaining Ichigo's attention.
"You okay?"
"Yup."
"You look exhausted." I nodded.
"I am." Ichigo sighed, sounding agrivated.
"Look, I'm sorry Rukia about earlier."
"For what?" He narrowed his eyes, fighting a smile.
"For getting mad at you for something someone else did, it's not your fault that Grimmjow acted the way he did." I smiled. "Will you stop acting mad at me now?" I furrowed my eyebrows.
"I haven't been acting mad at you."
"You haven't been acting very happy with me either."
"That's because I wasn't very happy with you." He smiled as the elevator door opened. I pushed myself off the wall and headed towards my room. I turned to say something to Ichigo but before I knew what he was doing he scooped me up bridal style. After nearly dropping my cane I looked up at him. "What are you doing?"
"I noticed you earlier limping around in pain."
"That doesn't mean I can't walk." He shrugged and made it to my room in less than twenty paces. After pushing open the door and flicking on a light, Ichigo laid me in my bed and took my cane from me. I pulled my blankets up to my shoulders and relaxed. Ichigo sat in his usual chair and looked down at me.
"Do you want to eat something before you sleep?" I shook my head in response. "Are you sure?"
"I'm sure." There was a short silence as I stared up at the ceiling. "Are you excited to go home tomorrow."
"Hell yes, the first thing I'm going to do is take a nap in my bed." Ichigo laughed, leaning his elbow on the side of the bed.
"You're going home in the morning." I shrugged.
"I miss my bed. Besides it's not like there's much more I can do than sit around all day."
"Is that what you're worried about? Being bored?"
"Yes." He pushed my bangs out of my face absently.
"I promise I won't let you get bored; I will find things you can do." I held my hand up, pinky out.
"Pinky promise." He latched fingers, his smile growing.
"Pinky promise." I pulled my hand away, satisfied. "I love you, Rukia."
"I love you too." Arms outstretched, I reached for a hug. He smiled, stood, and leaned over to wrap his arms around me carefully. I kissed his cheek before he stood. "Can you please turn the light off? I'm ready to sleep."
"Sure." He glanced across the room instead of moving towards the light. "Do I have to sleep in the cot?" I rolled my eyes, a small grin still on my face.
"No, just hurry up." He nodded, walked over to the light and turned it off. I scooted towards the edge of the bed, making room as Ichigo shut the door to rid any further light. His feet shuffled on the floor and I heard him kick off his shoes before pushing the blankets back and crawling into the bed next to me. He turned on his side and got situated. My lids slid shut as Ichigo laid his head on my shoulder.
"Are you nervous to go back to school?"
"Hm? No, I'm just glad the school was willing to work something out with all of us. Why would I be nervous?"
"I just thought you'd hate the idea of taking your cane with you to school." I shook my head.
"At first I hated the idea of having the thing at all but I told myself it could be way worse." He nodded, wrapping his arms lightly around my left arm. "As much as I'd rather not depend on it, I know I have no other choice so I've learned to cherish it." I smiled slightly at the words that came out of my mouth.
"That's really mature of you." I shrugged slightly. "Goodnight, Rukia, love you."
"Night, love you too." I rested my head against his and started drifting off to sleep. Within minutes I was out.
-:-
The next day I woke to the sound of my cell phone going off. I stretched out my arm and after reaching I was able to grab it and answer the call. Byuakuya greeted me but I told him to hold on. Ichigo had turned over in his sleep, putting all his weight on the left side of my body. I nudged him roughly.
"Ichigo, get off me." He sat up quickly because of the urgency in my voice and I winced, rubbing my hip. He scooted farther away to give me room but lost his balance and fell off the bed, landing on his back. "Oh my god, are you okay?" I peered over the edge of the bed to find him staring up at me looking confused.
"What the hell just happened?" I laughed and explained it to him as he pushed himself off the floor.
"Are you okay?" He nodded as he crawled back into bed, laying down on his stomach and burrying his face in the pillow. I rolled my eyes and turned my attention back to Byu. "Sorry, I got distracted, what's up?"
"Everything okay over there?" I laughed under my breath.
"Yeah, we're fine."
"I'm just calling to let you know that I'll be over there in about half an hour so get up and get your stuff around. You should grab something for breakfast if you have time; if not I can fix you something once you're home."
"Okay, I'll get ready."
"Is Ichigo's truck still there?"
"Um...I dunno, hold on." I turned to Ichigo and shook his shoulder. "Hey is your truck here?"
"No, Kon took it home Thursday and Byu gave me a ride here yesterday."
"Ichigo says it's at home, why?" I asked, my words now directed towards Byuakuya.
"I just figured he would come home with us and didn't know if I needed to make room for both of you or not." My eyes went back to Ichigo who was now at least capable of keeping his eyes open.
"Ichigo, are you coming home with us?"
"Yup." I smiled at his bluntness and nodded.
"Okay, well, we'll be ready when you get here. Do you think I'll have time to go see Renji before we leave."
"I suppose, if you get your stuff together quickly." I shoved Ichigo's shoulder.
"Get my stuff, put it all in my duffle bag." He nodded, pushed himself off the bed and started collecting my things. "Thanks. Oh, Byu, I forgot to tell you that Renji woke up yesterday!"
"He did? That's wonderful."
"Yeah, you should come inside and visit him before we go home." I heard papers being ruffled in the background and I figured he was in his office.
"Okay, I will. I'll see you soon."
" 'Kay, bye love you."
"Love you too." I clicked the 'call end' button and sat my phone down. With the help of Ichigo all my belongings were put in the duffle bag and the clothes Byu had brought for me to go home in were laying out. I quickly made the hospital bed even though I knew they'd change the coverings. Byu had packed jean shorts for me which sort of scared me. I had worn nothing but buttoms with elastic waits for the last month and I was scared the constricting waist of the jeans would hurt. Ichigo had to help me change because I couldn't keep my balance long enough to step into the shorts. They were surprisingly comfortable and didn't cause any discomfort. After I finished changing, by myself, Ichigo grabbed the sweats I had just changed out of, stuck them in the bag and then held out my cane. We went to the cafeteria, ate a quick breakfast, and went to Renji's room. I was surprised to find Mina there. She could barely stand the sight of Renji all bruised up and only visited him three times while he was in his coma. After talking for a few minutes Byuakuya showed up and talked with Renji, looking genuinely excited about Renji's recovery. Once Byu and Renji ended their conversation we decided to go see Michiru one more time and visited with her. Ichigo made her promise to keep us up to date with her condition and also promised her to visit her at home before school on Monday. After we said our goodbyes to those two we headed downstairs where Byuakuya signed me out and we headed for the doors.
As we walked towards the car I started feeling nervous. The closer we got to the car the worse I felt. When Byu's black car came into view it hit me that I was simply scared to get in, to be in a moving vehicle. Ichigo threw my duffle bag in the back seat and held the door open for me. At first I just stared at the seat but I didn't want to raise any suspicion so I got in and buckled up. Ichigo shut my door and walked around to the passenger side while Byu slid in his own seat. He started the engine and buckled. Of all the people driving me home I was gald it was Byuakuya, the safest driver I've ever met. That feeling of nervousness continued to build; it was nearly panic once we got on the road. I couldn't watch my surroundings or even straight ahead. Ichigo glanced back at me, his eyebrows furrowed.
"What's wrong Ruk?" I shook my head, resting the weight of it in my hands.
"Nothing."
"Are you feeling okay?" The car slowed down before stopping at a red light.
"I'm fine." Byu turned to Ichigo.
"What's she doing?"
"She just looks sick, her face is really pale." Byuakuya glanced in the rearview mirror before turning his attention back to the road. The car started moving again but soon jerked on the brakes, not drastically but enough to scare me. I glanced up at Ichigo as understanding flooded his face. "She's scared of the car."
"Oh..." Byu met my eyes in the mirror again. "We'll be home in less than ten minutes, okay?"
"I know." I tried to keep the attitude out of my voice but they frustrated me. I covered my face with my hands and simply tried not to think about it. Before I knew it we were home and I gladly hopped out of the car, grabbing my cane. Ichigo grabbed my duffle bag and followed me to the door, a step behind me. The door was unlocked and when I entered the living room I realized why; Kisa had woken up. She sat on the couch still looking drowsy with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. Her hair was disheveled and in front of her the mail was sprawled out on the coffee table. She glanced over at us curiously but didn't say a word.
"Hey Kisa."
"Hey." Byu walked into the house and greeted her before taking a seat on the couch next to her. He noted the mail and started looking through it. Once he was finished with it he turned his attention back to Ichigo and I.
"Did you two have the time to eat?"
"Yeah, we grabbed something in the cafeteria." Byu nodded and turned to Kisa.
"Are you hungry?" She shook her head, staring ahead of herself. Byuakuya tugged on a piece of her hair that had been sticking up, laying it in place. Her hair had grown at a rapid rate since she got it chopped off only two months ago; it now rested a few inches below her shoulders rather than brushing the tops of them. It also started to regain it's curly structure. When it was short her curls all but disappeared, making her hair lay straight but now the spiral like shape of her hair was starting to redefine itself. Needless to say, I was jealous of her. Smiling at the thought I made my way to the couch and sat on the arm closest to her.
"You need to wake up." She shook her head, not meeting my gaze. "Did you sleep okay last night?" I asked, now a little worried.
"Yeah." She looked up at me, her eyes now focused. "Did you?" I smiled at her question and nodded.
"Yes I did."
"What're you gonna do now that you're home?"
"Well, I thought I'd take a nap but I'm not that tired..." I turned to Ichigo expectantly. He blinked.
"What?"
"You said you'd find something for me to do; I'm bored, what can I do?" He smiled.
"You're bored already?" I nodded, folding my arms. He thought about it, glanced at Kisa, and then turned back to me. "Okay, I've got an idea. Get up."
"What is it?" He shook his head and turned to Byu.
"I'm gonna take her to my dad's clinic, is that okay?"
"That's fine." I sighed.
"What are we doing?" Still Ichigo ignored me and turned to Kisa.
"Do you want to come?"
"To do what?" He leaned over and whispered something in her ear. She made a face. "No thanks." Ichigo laughed and nudged her.
"Come on, what else do you have to do?" She didn't answer. "Please, Kisa? We'll probably need your help."
"...Fine." He smiled and pulled her to her feet.
"Awesome, go get ready." She nodded and headed towards the stairs, shuffling up them in silence.
"What are we doing?"
"It's a surprise." I made the decision to be a good sport about it and nodded.
"Am I going to like it?"
"I hope so." While we waited for Kisa, Ichigo pulled out his phone and called Kon. He asked how it was in the clinic and let him know that we were heading over soon.
"Are we just helping out in your dad's clinic because I honestly don't feel like being around a bunch of sick people." Ichigo laughed and shook his head.
"You'll see." Kisa came down the stairs wearing shorts and a tshirt. She had pulled her hair into a sleek and slightly curly ponytail. "Ready?" She nodded and stopped at his side. I grabbed my cane and pushed myself off the couch. Byu turned to Ichigo.
"How has your dad been managing his work while being at the hospital so much?"
"He hired some temporary help and Kon and I have been doing most of the paperwork." Byuakuya nodded and pushed himself off the couch.
"Well, have fun. Don't tire Rukia out too much."
"I won't, bye Byu."
"Bye." I walked around my brother after saying goodbye and followed Ichigo and Kisa, grabbing my keys on the way out. Once we reached my car I tossed the keys to Ichigo and told Kisa she could sit in the front seat. She glanced at me curiously but did so without a word. I slid in the seat behind Kisa and buckled up, feeling slightly nervous again. Ichigo got in the car and started the engine, glancing back at me.
"You okay?"
"Yes." He laughed quietly at my snippy response but didn't say anymore. He pulled out of the driveway and headed towards his house. I rested my head on the back of Kisa's seat and closed my eyes. Ichigo kept a comfortable conversation going with Kisa the whole way there, chatting about school, specifically math class. I did my best to focus on what they were saying which successfully made the drive shorter. Ichigo parked the car behind his truck and we all got out. I noticed quite a few cars parked near the side of the house where the clinic was. My attention was caught by a sign in the yard reading: Kids Day: Flu Shots Available Here. I turned to Ichigo and narrowed my eyes.
"You brought me to a place full of kids?" He smiled as Kisa made her way towards the house, not waiting on us. We walked around the car, meeting at the front. "Why? I told you I hate children."
"I thought they could brighten your mood a little."
"What are we doing here?"
"We're going to give these kids flu shots. Or keep them company while they wait." I sighed and continued through the front door.
"You just ruined my day." Kon greeted us in the living room, standing next to a strange man in a doctor's coat.
"Hey guys!" Ichigo smiled and held up his hand in a wave.
"Hey Kon, Dr. Hara." The man nodded, looking happy to have volunteers. "Is Dad home?"
"Yeah, he said he's going to be here for a few hours but Dr. Tanaka needs him back at the hospital later this afternoon." Kon absently rested his arm around Kisa's shoulders as he spoke. Dr. Hara turned to Ichigo and I.
"Are you guys ready?" Ichigo nodded.
"Yeah, I'll be there in a minute. I'm going to change out of these sweats." Ichigo headed up the stairs and Dr. Hara led us to the clinic. The small waiting area that I had never seen used before was crammed with mother's and children. The ages of the kids ranged from infants to kids as old as six or seven years. Some toddlers were playing on the floor, keeping each other company as one of the babies cried into it's mother's shoulder. The doctor gave the mother's a friendly smile and reassured them that there wait was almost over. We then continued into the other room where all eight cots were occupied by women and their children. There was another doctor working his way from one kid to the next. On the other side Yuzu and Karin were standing by one of the cots. Karin gave the toddler occupying the bed her shot and Yuzu held her attention. The small girl didn't even know she had gotten a shot. The toddler's gaze turned towards us, her expression full of excitement.
"Kon! Come here, come here." She waved him over causing him to step away from Kisa and head her way. "I'm done, can you play with me now?" She held out her arms until he picked her up.
"What? I already played with you, Kameko. Besides, I think your mom is ready to go." The girl frowned and hugged onto his neck tightly. Kon smiled and squeezed her back before sitting her on the ground. He kneeled down and continued to talk to her. "You did awesome today." He held up his hand and the little girl smiled before holding up her own; they fist bumped and Kon stood. "I'll see you next time, okay?" She nodded and waved enthusiastically. Kon said goodbye to Kameko's mother and followed Dr. Hara to another cot.
"Do either of you girls object to giving the kids shots?" Kisa and I shook our heads.
"I don't think you want Kisa playing with the kids, she probably wouldn't say a word." Dr. Hara smiled at Kon's words, obviously amused. Kisa nodded in agreement. "Since Isshin's here and we have so much help, Kisa and I can give shots. Ichigo and Rukia can play with the kids waiting, that way Rukia's not standing for so long." The doctor nodded.
"That sounds like a plan." Ichigo and Isshin walked up to us as Dr. Hara filled them in with Kon's decision. Isshin took Kon and Kisa aside and demonstrated how to properly give a shot and Ichigo led me back to the waiting room. He sat on the floor and started up a conversation with the closest kid. I slowly kneeled down, resting on my knees and getting the little boy's attention. He stopped what he was saying mid-sentence and stared up at me. I froze, unsure of what to do, and blinked. Without a word he turned back to Ichigo and continued to talk. Ichigo smiled at me before asking the kid for his name.
"Kyan." The boy looked like a toddler but spoke clearly; I figured he was about five but then again what do I know about kids.
"Hi Kyan, I'm Ichigo and this is Rukia." He nodded and glanced up at me again. In his hands he held a small car, rolling it over the hardwood floor absently. "How old are you?"
"Six, how old are you?" Ichigo laughed, smiling down at him. Kyan simply stared back, a serious expression on his face.
"I'm eighteen."
"Oh." Kyan sat the toy car down and continued. "Is Rukia your little sister?" Ichigo contained his laughter, only smiling at me before answering.
"No, she's my girlfriend." A surprised expression fell on his face.
"How old is Rukia?"
"Eighteen, why do you ask?"
"She's too small to be that old." He turned to me. "Are you really that old?" I nodded, a small smile forming on my face.
"Yup." I glanced at the door as three more women escorted their kids in. A woman approached us and kneeled down next to Kyan.
"Sorry to interupt, Sweety but it's your turn." She helped her son up. "Say goodbye." He waved and followed his mother towards Isshin's open cot. I turned to Ichigo who was laughing into his hands. I smacked him.
"What is so funny?"
"Even children know there's something wrong with you." He continued to laugh, elbowing me. I pulled away and folded my arms. After catching his breath he smiled down at me. "You have to admit that's pretty funny." I shook my head. Again the entrance opened and a man ushered in two little girls. They both had long blonde hair and bright green eyes. One was taller and obviously older, she appeared about six or seven. The younger of the two was probably only four. The older one caught site of Ichigo.
"Ichigo!" He turned his head as the two girls ran towards us. Their father smiled down at them, greeting us.
"Hey Sachi, Usagi. Hi Mr. Yamashita." The smaller girl, Usagi, sat in Ichigo's lap without a word. I smiled down at her as their father asked Ichigo a question.
"I know you're busy helping out Dr. Kurosaki but would you mind keeping an eye on them? I have to pick up my wife's perscription before the pharmacy closes. If you'd like I could give you some money." Ichigo shook his head.
"Don't worry about it, we'll watch them." The man smiled and thanked us before telling his daughters where he was going. He also told them to behave and left, thanking Ichigo again before heading out the door. Sachi walked behind Ichigo and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I wanna piggy-back ride, Ichigo!" He turned his head to look at her.
"There's no room for a piggy-back ride, too many people." She frowned, her lower lip sticking out.
"Where's Kon? He'll do it." Ichigo laughed.
"Kon's busy, he's helping my dad." She sighed, defeated, before she noticed me.
"Who're you?"
"I'm Rukia." I said in return, uncomfortable with all the uneasy stares I was getting. She smiled, pulling away from Ichigo.
"Will you give me a piggy-back ride?" Her arms wrapped around my own neck, her weight off-setting my balance. I rested my weight on my right hand and winced slightly as pain shot through my hip.
"Hey, be careful Sachi." The girl let go and looked at me, confused.
"I'm sorry." I smiled.
"It's okay." Ichigo nudged her.
"Rukia just had surgery, she can't pick you up and no one is giving you a piggy-back ride so can it." He smiled, earning a weak glare. She turned, looking at the children getting shots.
"Who's that girl with Kon?"
"That's Kisa, Kon's girlfriend." Sachi gave Ichigo an unsure look.
"What? Kon doesn't have a girlfriend!" I noticed Kon turn at the sound of his name. He narrowed his eyes and smiled at the cute blonde standing between Ichigo and I. Ichigo laughed and nodded.
"I know it's hard to believe but it's true." Sachi shook her head.
"She's too pretty for him." This time we both laughed causing Sachi to smile. "What, it's true."
"Don't say that, that's mean." She shrugged.
"Is Rukia your girlfriend?" He nodded.
"She is."
"Why aren't you dating someone as pretty as Kisa?" There was a small pause of silence as her question sank in. I couldn't contain my laughter. My left hand covered my mouth as I tried to muffle the sound.
"Hey, Rukia is very pretty. Why are you being so rude?"
"I didn't mean it like that!" She said, sounding offended. "I just meant that Kisa's prettier."
"Not in my opinion." I looked up at him, still grinning, amused with Sachi's blunt statements.
"Right."
"I mean it." He turned back to Sachi. "Rukia is beautiful inside and out, I'm very happy with her so butt out." She smiled and nodded.
"Okay." She glanced back over towards the cots. "Can I go talk to Kon now?"
"Only if you promise to be nice."
"I promise." He nodded.
"Kon, keep an eye on her." Kon nodded as she ran towards him, holding her arms out to him until he picked her up. Ichigo looked down at Usagi. "Do you want to go talk to Kon?" She shook her head and stood, hugging onto his neck in silence. "Hey what's wrong, Usagi?"
"I don't feel good." He felt her forehead, a concerned expression on his face.
"She's really warm." He pushed her long hair behind her shoulders and away from her face. "What's wrong?"
"My tummy hurts." Ichigo stood.
"I'll be right back, I'm gonna take her to my dad." I nodded and watched as he carried Usagi towards Isshin. After explaining the issue to his dad, Ichigo held the girl out to him and took the seringe from Isshin's hand. He picked up where his dad left off while Isshin examined her at another cot. I turned back to the kids on the floor and slowly stretched out my legs. A little boy caught my eye and smiled. I returned the gesture as he grabbed the book in front of him and dragged it towards me.
"Will you help me with this puzzle?"
"Sure." He stretched out on his stomach facing the book. I readjusted and did the same. He grabbed a corner piece and held it out to me. After placing it in the proper spot he held out another pieced and another. The puzzle was only about fifteen pieces and once I got the outline finished he was able to fill in the rest. "Wow, good job." He grinned up at me.
"Thanks." He took the puzzle apart and again held out a corner piece.
"Aren't there any other puzzles you can do? You already know how to do this one." He shook his head and pointed towards a baby sitting on the floor across the room.
"She's playing with it." The baby had a piece of it in her mouth, chewing and drooling on it with a concentrated look on her face. The little boy laughed before turning back to me. "Let's do this one again." I nodded and redid the puzzle three more times until his mother called out to him.
"Come on Haru, it's time to get your shot." He smiled up at his mother and stood. Before he followed her he looked down at me, still grinning away.
"Thanks for playing with me Rukia!" I smiled up at his mother before answering him.
"Any time, Haru." The woman grabbed his hand and led him towards Dr. Hara. As they left, Ichigo returned with Usagi in his arms. As much as I didn't want to admit it, he was pretty cute with all these kids. He smiled down at me before taking his seat. "Is she okay?"
"Dad said her temperature is a little high but no fever. She had a few saltines; she said they helped. When her father gets back my dad's going to talk about making a real appointment for her." I nodded, leaning back on my hands. I glanced at the clock and I was surprised that we had already been there for nearly an hour. Ichigo and I continued to sit in the waiting room, keeping the kids company for another hour and a half. There were several of Isshin's regular patients that came in who recognized both Kon and Ichigo. By two o'clock the clinic closed for lunch and Isshin left to go back to the hospital. After Yuzu fixed us lunch the two doctors went back into the clinic but they told us that they could take care of everyone. It wasn't that busy, they claimed they could handle it. Kon and Kisa stayed in the kitchen with Yuzu and Karin. Ichigo and I sat on the couch in the living room, I rested my head against his arm, feeling exhausted.
"Ichigo?"
"Hm?"
"Can I take a nap?" He looked down at me.
"Seriously?" I nodded. "Of course." He nudged me and stood, handing me my cane. "Come on."
"I can't just sleep on the couch?"
"Listen to them." He gestured toward the kitchen. "You'll never sleep with Kon running his mouth." I sighed and followed him up the stairs and into his room. He pulled back the blankets before I sat on the edge and kicked off my shoes. I laid down and sat my cane on the floor. Ichigo covered me up and closed the blinds. He sat on the floor next to the bed, resting his head on the edge of the matress. "Are you feeling okay?"
"Yeah, I'm just really tired."
"I'm sorry, you should probably be home resting." I shook my head.
"As much as I didn't want to do that, I had fun. You're really good with kids." He smiled, brushing my hair out of my face.
"I told you, I love kids." His thumb absently brushed the side of my face. "You weren't bad with them either, they obviously like you more than you let on." I shrugged.
"You're going to be a great dad one day."
"What are you saying? You've opened your mind to the idea of having children?"
"What are you saying? You think we're getting married?" He thought about it.
"Yeah, I can see it. If our relationship continues this way than definitely yes." His smile widened. "Which means you will be open minded about having children." I laughed and rolled my eyes.
"Yeah, yeah." I closed my eyes. Ichigo stood and kissed my head.
"Night, Rukia, I'll wake you up in a few hours."
"Night." I heard the door click shut and allowed myself to drift off to sleep.
-:-
What a miracle! I updated twice in just a few short days! Spring break hasn't been a total waste! ;) I hope you enjoyed, please review!