Chapter 25: Getting better

The corridors in the fourth division were empty as a group of nurses wheeled Rose's bed down them. Unohana had told Rose that morning that her injuries were no longer critical so she was being moved to a more private and secluded part of the division where she could get some much needed rest.

Earlier that morning

"Well Rose it seems that you are no longer in critical conditions so we will be moving you to a more private part of the division where you can rest in peace. I have done all that I can with your injuries so all that there is left for you to do is rest. Your broken bones have been fixed but you must still stay in bed as your internal organs are still healing along with your burns. However, in order to prevent muscle damage you will have daily physiotherapy sessions so that you can regain the ability to move your legs. The last thing we want is for your muscles to start dying"

"Unohana Taicho…where are you taking me?"

"After a long discussion it was decided that you would spend the rest of your stay here in the Taicho ward. Shunsui was very kind…and quick to offer you his own personal room in the ward. There you will be able to rest and recover in peace while receiving the correct form of treatment."

"Shunsui was here?" Rose asked with curiosity and a hint of desperation in her voice.

Unohana smiled kindly. "Yes, he was here last night but sadly he had to do the piles of paperwork that had accumulated in his office." Rose nodded.

End of flashback

Rose knew that Unohana had been lying to her, not in a cruel way, but in a kind way in order to spare her feelings. Shunsui had been to the fourth division but had not come to visit her the moment she had woken up a few days ago. Admittedly, for the last three days Rose had been in and out of consciousness only being able to stay conscious for a few minutes at a time. In fact today was the first time in three days that she had been fully conscious. But even in her conscious/unconscious haze during those three days she had been able to recognize her visitors. Hana and Ukitake had visited her frequently and even Nanao, Rangiku and Toushiro had popped in a few times, but no Shunsui. Was he so disgusted in her that he never wanted to see her again? Rosa had no idea what she had done wrong but it was killing her inside knowing that everybody had come to visit except Shunsui.

The nurse stopped outside a room and opened it before wheeling Rose in. The room was spacious with a large, comfortable looking bed. There was a large sofa opposite the bed to the right and in a corner stood a large closet. There were two doors (apart from the main door) in which Rose assumed one of them led to the bathroom while the other led out onto the porch that lined the outside of the ward. Everything, the walls, doors, sofa and bed spread were painted white but it looked like Shunsui had tried to add a few personal touches to the room as there were pink throw cushions on the bed and sofa. There were also colourful paintings on the wall which by the looks of it were done by Shunsui himself.

The nurse lifted Rose into the bed and helped her get comfortable, which was easy considering how wonderfully soft it was. Next the nurse checked that all of the tubes and wires were in place before leaving her alone in the spacious room. Unohana had removed Rose's oxygen mask and had replaced it with a tube that fed oxygen through her nose. However, Rose still had numerous drips feeding her antibiotics and pain meds and a heart monitor that beep rhythmically. She may have been moved out of the ICU but she still had a long way to go before being fully recovered.

The sun was shining brightly through the open window and the porch door, bringing with it a cool breeze. People were talking and laughing in the distance clearly enjoying the warm sun. How Rose wished she could go outside and enjoy the weather. It would prove to be a nice distraction from her memories that plagued her mind. Nobody had told her anything, it was like they were trying to avoid the subject. Thus Rose had no idea if Kurosawa was alive or dead and that scared her.

There was a knock at the door.

"Come in" said Rose, thankful for the distraction as her mind was starting to take her down a dark path yet again.

The door opened and in walked Ukitake and only Ukitake. Rose's face visibly dropped as she had hoped that it was Shunsui finally coming to visit her.

"Ukitake Taicho."

"Hello Rose" replied Ukitake. There was an awkward silence that followed.

"So how are you doing?" Continued Ukitake as he made his way further into the room. He had been to this room many times before when Shunsui was injured so it was weird seeing Rose lying in the bed which had always been occupied by his friend.

"Unohana said that I was improving and that I can start my physiotherapy tomorrow." Replied Rose.

"Yes but how are you doing?" Said Ukitake while putting emphasise on his words.

Rose turned away from Ukitake and looked out of the window. How was she doing? Truth be told she felt numb. Maybe it was shock. But one thing was for sure she was not going to talk to Ukitake about her feeling. Ukitake was a kind man and she trusted him, but she was just not ready to talk.

"I don't really want to talk about it." Rose decided to tell Ukitake the truth.

"Oh well that's ok." For a moment Ukitake had a serious look on his face but it was quickly replaced with one of kindness.

"How is he?" asked Rose after another long and awkward pause. Ukitake smiled and for a moment looked rather sad. There really was no question as to whom Rose was asking after.

"He is doing fine." And that was all Ukitake said about his friend. He did not want to bring up the fact that his friend was drunk more often that sober these days because he was so worried about her.

"Oh ok." Rose was disappointed by the lack of information she was given and Ukitake saw that. Rose tried very hard not to frown. There was something that Ukitake was not telling her. There was another awkward pause until finally…

"What happened to Kurosawa?" Asked Rose. She was rather desperate to know what had happened to the man.

Ukitake looked at her for a moment with a hard face before exhaling. "Kurosawa is dead, his reiatsu trace had disappeared."

Rose smiled and nodded. This was good news so why was she not happier. "How?" She asked trying to get more information out of Ukitake which she was technically entitled to.

Again Ukitake paused to look at her. "Shunsui killed him. He is gone."

Rose only nodded which made Ukitake uncomfortable. Why was she not happier with the news? Was this just the shock talking or was there a deeper emotional and mental problem going on?

The door to the room opened and a little nurse walked in carrying a tray of food.

"Oh pardon me Ukitake Taicho I thought that Rose was alone." Squeaked the little nurse.

"Oh that is ok. Please bring Rose her food." Smiled Ukitake. The awkward silence in the room had been temporarily broken.

The nurse walked forwards and placed the tray down on the table next to Rose's bed before bowing and leaving the room. Rose looked down at the food and frowned. There was nothing wrong with the food it was just that she was not hungry. Ukitake saw Rose frown and sighed. It was not good that she was not eating.

"You really should eat."

"I am not hungry." Replied Rose.

"You have to eat otherwise you will never get better." Said Ukitake a little sternly.

Rose glared at Ukitake for a moment before looking away out the window.

"Ok…well if you feel better later on I have something here for you." And Ukitake pulled out a red tin from his robes and opened the lid. "Hana made them and said that they were your favourite." He explained. Rose looked at the tin and saw that it was stuffed full of millionaire's shortbread. They were her favourite so why was she not happy to see them?

Ukitake placed the tin on the bedside table and sighed. "You don't seem that happy to see me. Hana wanted to come but she had to finish her report. She will come in later to visit."

"I am sorry if I am disrespectful and rude Ukitake Taicho, but I really want to see Shunsui and I don't know why he has not been to visit me. I am happy that you came and please thank Hana for the shortbread, they really are my favourite…I just want to see Shunsui so, so badly." Rose sounded so pitiful and Ukitake felt sorry for her.

"I don't know why Shunsui has not been to visit you yet but I know for a fact that he never left your bedside while you were unconscious. I think that he is just busy right now running the division. They sort of fell to pieces after you were…taken. I am sure that he will come and visit you later." Rose nodded but guilt started to rise within her.

"Don't feel responsible for the division Rose." Ukitake seemed to know what she was thinking about.

Rose smiled weakly. "I can't help it, if I had not been captured then they would be alright…I am responsible." She added in a small voice.

"You are not responsible for anything that happened to you." Said Ukitake with emphasise.

"But I still feel guilty."

"I will say it again, you are not responsible." Rose smiled but did not truly believe him. "Well it was nice seeing you Rose. I wish you the best in your recovery and I will try to get Shunsui to come and visit you after the Taicho meeting. I think that Hana was planning on visiting you soon so at least you won't be alone for long. In the meantime lease try to eat something otherwise you will never recover." Ukitake rose to his feet and exited, leaving Rose with her thoughts. She did not feel ready to face her best friend yet. It was not that she did not want to see her friend, she just did not know what to tell her. Maybe tomorrow after she had collected her thoughts she would be able to face her. Rose looked at the millionaire shortbread next to her before leaning forwards and taking a massive bite from one. The shortbread was buttery enough that it held together without breaking apart in her hands. The caramel was sweet and gooey while the chocolate was solid. All in all the taste was orgasmic. Rose sighed as her taste buds sang in joy at the taste in her mouth. Hana had really done her recipe justice.

"Erm…Rose, can I come in?" Rose looked up expectantly and saw Renji standing in the doorway. His upper chest was covered in bandages and his right arm was in a sling.

Rose smiled. "Of course Renji."

Renji shuffled into the room and then sank down in an awkward seiza, due to his injuries, at the foot of Rose's bed. Rose looked down at Renji curiously.

"Please Rose Bentley forgive me for not properly protecting you against Kagawa. Please subjugate me to any form of punishment you seem fit" said Renji in a formal tone.

Rose felt very uncomfortable. "I don't blame you for what happened as it was not your fault. Kagawa was a powerful man who managed to break into an area surrounded by a powerful Kido barrier. It is understandable that he defeated you. At least you tried to defend me Renji."

Renji looked at her like she was insane "But, but"

"Please Renji, you are making me feel uncomfortable." Said Rose.

Renji sighed in defeat before getting up and sitting down on the chair which had been previously occupied by Ukitake.

"Now, that is better isn't it? Do you want one?" asked Rose while offering Renji the tin with the shortbread in it.

Renji eyed the tin. "What are they?"

"Its millionaire shortbread…try one."

Renji took one of the shortbreads and took a hesitant bite and smiled as his taste buds sang in delight. "This is good." Said Renji with a mouth full of shortbread.

"I am glad you like it, it is one of my recipes."

Renji looked at her in shock. "You made these?"

"Yes and no. I made the recipe but Hana was the one who baked these."

"Wow, well this is really nice. You have talent." Rose smiled at his comment.

"So how are you doing?" Asked Rose after a pause.

"Oh me? I am fine, this is really nothing." He gestured at his bandages. "How about you?"

"I am fine." Renji looked at Rose for a moment before nodding, he like Ukitake did not believe her.

Although it was only just past midday, Rose felt suddenly very tired, which shocked her slightly as she had spent the last few days doing nothing but sleeping.

"I am sorry Renji but I am suddenly very tired." Yawned Rose.

"Oh well I'll leave you to sleep. Good to see that you are doing well." Said Renji before standing up.

Rose smiled. "Thank you Renji for coming to visit me."

"Oh it was nothing really."

Rose watched Renji leave before gingerly setting herself down on the pillows and closing her eyes. Her injuries still hurt her but it was more of an irritating pain than a piercing pain. Slowly her eyes started to droop until she felt into a deep sleep.

Kurosawa leaned over her battered body and smiled. "Beautiful Rose…such a beautiful, beautiful Rose. Your Taicho has still not come to rescue you. Looks like he really did not care about you after all. You must be really worthless if your Taicho is not even bothered to come and save you. It makes you wonder how much you were worth to him after all."

Rose woke up from her dream with tears in her eyes and realised that she was alone in the large room. Shunsui had not come to visit her and by the looks of it would not come to visit her. Kurosawa was right, she really was worthless in his eyes.

Ukitake walked along the corridors in the fourth division towards the exit. His conversation with Rose had been very educational. He learnt that although she was responsive she was also emotionally distance and turned off. This could be caused by the shock she was obviously suffering from but he also feared that a mental problem might be the underlining problem. Ukitake also knew that Rose missed Shunsui and was confused as to why he had not visited her yet.

"Jushiro." Ukitake turned around and saw Unohana walking towards him.

"Retsu…Are you heading towards the first division?" Asked Ukitake.

"Yes and may I ask why are you in my division?"

"I came to visit Rose."

"So I guess you noticed it as well."

"The fact that she seems emotionally closed off and considers herself responsible for what happened to her." sighed Ukitake.

The two Taichos walked out of the fourth division and made a left turn towards the first division.

"It seems that she is unwilling to talk about the event and that worries me. If she keeps it all locked up inside of her in it will eventually eat her up. She needs to talk to somebody and I think I know who."

"You are thinking about Shunsui right?" Asked Ukitake.

"Yes, she and he share a bond that is rarely seen in Shinigami and so I believe that he is the only person that Rose will open up to. However."-

"-Shunsui might not be able to stand hearing about all the gruesome details that Rose had to suffer through. You know they both believe that they are responsible for what happened." Said Ukitake.

Unohana smiled. "Yes I noticed that as well but in a situation like this neither one is responsible and you are right, hearing about what Kurosawa did to her might make his rage return."

"No, I don't think that will happen as Kurosawa already told Shunsui, in detail, what he did to Rose."

"Really?"

"Yes apparently he used it to torment Shunsui during their fight. And it worked because Shunsui used his Bankai. He won't go on a rage rampage but seeing Rose like that will hurt him. He obviously cares deeply for her as shown by the fact that he spent every waking moment with her while she was in the ICU. Now he is avoiding her because."-

"-Because he does not know what to say to her. "Finished Unohana.

"Exactly but I will convince him to go and visit Rose after the Taicho meeting. It is time that the two of them had a reunion. It would do Shunsui the world of good to see Rose awake." Said Ukitake as they arrived outside the first division.

"Yes he might be happier after seeing her awake and alert." Said Unohana after they had removed their sandals and continued their journey through the first division.

"Well whatever happened I think that Shunsui and Rose will be happier when all of this is in the past and they can focus on their relationship." Said Ukitake before rounding the corner and walking towards the group of Taicho's already assembled outside the doors to the meeting room. Shunsui was already there but he was standing slightly away from everybody else with his hat pulled low over his face to hide his bloodshot eyes. Ukitake sighed, his friend had gone on a bender last night which had resulted in him getting alcohol poisoning…again. Shunsui was taking Rose's hospitalization very badly that was obvious. Poor Nanao had to constantly stay by his side to ensure that he did not choke on his own vomit or drink until he died. However, last night Shunsui locked himself in his quarters and drank until he physically could not drink anymore. When Nanao had finally managed to open his door Shunsui was already out of it. It had taken hours to remove the alcohol from his system a feat which Nanao knew how to do having performed it on him several times in the past. No wonder Shunsui looked like hell.

Ukitake walked up to Shunsui with a smile on his face. "Hello Shunsui."

"Hi Juu. I bet you are wondering how I managed to get here on time."

"Well I am curious and if I am honest surprised that you were able to get out of bed considering what happened."

"I woke up in time so Nanao-Chan forced me to come. She has also hidden all of my Sake stashes and told all of the bars within the Seireitei to not serve me any alcohol until I have completed all of the paperwork that has been piling up on my desk for the last few weeks. She also made me write my report on the…incident." Explained Shunsui in a melancholic tone. So Nanao had forced Shunsui into sobriety, it seemed that she was incredibly worried and angry about his drinking.

"Well I can't blame her because now you are actually going to do some work." Said Ukitake.

"Mean Juu." Replied Shunsui just as the giant doors leading into the meeting hall opened. "Paperwork is not a good distraction." He continued in an undertone that only Ukitake heard.

The Taicho's got in line and waited for the Soutaicho to start the meeting.

"This Taicho meeting is now called to order." Boomed the Soutaicho while banging his staff on the ground. The Soutaicho looked around the room and when his eyes fell on Shunsui he frowned slightly. It seemed that his old student was going through one of his drinking binges again. He only ever did it when a member of his squad had died. It did not take a genius to work out why Shunsui was upset. He was worked up because the human, Rose Bentley was currently lying in the fourth. The only reason his squad had not fallen to bits was because is Fukutaicho did most of the work. Damn! Why did his student have to act so childishly?

"This meeting is about the events surrounding Aoi Kagawa involvement in the Kurosawa incident, Rose's Bentley's rescue and Kurosawa's death. We will commence with a report from the Twelfth division." Said the Soutaicho after a short pause.

"After a lot of investigation we were able to determine that Kagawa left the Seireitei with the girl by means of an illegal space and time Kido. This is also the same method used during the hollow invasion a few weeks ago as it was used to transport the hollows right into the centre of the Seireitei. However, it seems that it was not Kagawa who used the Kido that time. Moreover, the Kido corp has reported that the kido barrier which was placed around Kyoraku Taicho's quarters had been secretly modified by Kagawa to accept him passing through without raising the alarm." Said Kurotsuchi in his usual arrogant tone. Shunsui frowned. So that was how the bastard passed through the barrier.

"Moving on," continued Kurotsuchi. "We can never officially prove that Kurosawa's soul had been stitched as no body was ever brought back." The last part was directed towards Shunsui.

"Don't act so glum Kurotsuchi. You only wanted the body to dissect it anyway." Said Shunsui rather darkly. He was in no mood to talk about Kurosawa and his ragging hangover was making his patients really limited.

"Insolence! Just think of all the scientific discoveries that you have ruined." Cried Kurotsuchi.

"Enough," Boomed the Soutaicho. "Kurotsuchi is that all you have to report?"

"Yes sir."

"Very well, Soi Feng what do you have to report?"

"Sir, the criminal Aoi Kagawa is being held in one of my division holding cells and even after severe interrogations he has refused to speak. His crimes are as followed: the rapping of minors, kidnap, the breaking into a secure location, attacking two Fukutaichos and the aiding of the criminal Kurosawa. Although his crimes do not warrant the use of the Sokyoku he will be stripped of all rank, have his Zanpakuto confiscated and being locked in the Maggot's Nest until further notice." Shunsui sighed, 'until further notice' was just another way of saying 'until we feel like releasing you'. At least he now had the comfort of knowing that Kagawa was going nowhere.

"Very well. Now about the rescue of the human, Rose Bentley, Your report Hitsugaya." Said the Soutaicho.

"Sir, myself and Yamada Fukutaicho entered the cave using the passageway located outside the village. However, while walking along the passageway we experiences a cave in. While making our way through the cave we came across Zaraki Taicho. We eventually found the captured children and fought it best to lead them out of the cave and back to the Seireitei safely." Said Toushiro.

"And how are the children doing?" Asked Ukitake, directing his question towards Unohana.

"Most of the children had mild injuries ranging from cuts to bruises. However, a few had serious injuries such as broken bones and burns. All of them show signs of rape. We have left them together in the north wing of my division. We thought it was best to leave them together as they are more likely to feel safer when left together." Replied Unohana.

"Are and they talking?" Asked Komamura.

"A few of the younger ones are talking. They seemed to have formed an attachment with Kusajishi Fukutaicho." Said Unohana over Kenpachi's grunt. "However, the older ones are more reserved and silent." She continued.

"The human, Rose Bentley was able to get the first one to talk. Maybe she can get the others to talk." Suggested Komamura.

"Rose is in no condition to be moved at the moment." Replied Unohana.

"And how is the human doing?" Asked the Soutaicho.

"My division was able to fix all of her injuries but she is still too weak to be moving around freely. She was moved out of the ICU this morning into a more private room where her recovery will hopefully continue." Explained Unohana.

The soutaicho grunted in understanding before turning his attention to Ukitake." And your report Jushiro?" He asked.

Ukitake looked at Shunsui who had his sakkat pulled low over his face before speaking. "My team and I entered the cave using the passageway located at the top of a waterfall. We followed the passageway until we found a cell which contained a severely injured Rose. We thought best to get her as quickly as possible back to the fourth division where she would be able to get medical attention." Said Ukitake, being very cautious of what he said to not hurt Shunsui anymore then needs be.

"And you Kuchiki Taicho?" asked the Soutaicho.

"I agreed with Ukitake Taicho that the human needed medical attention so I assisted in escorting her back to the Seireitei." Replied Byakuya in a cold tone.

The soutaicho nodded. "And your Fukutaicho?"

"Alive."

"And Matsumoto Fukutaicho?"

"She is doing fine." Replied Hitsugaya in a bored tone.

The soutaicho nodded before turning his attention towards Shunsui. He hated to do this because he knew how much his old student felt guilty over the incident. But he needed a report so with a heavy heart he asked the question." And what do you have to report Shunsui?"

There was a murmur around the meeting hall as all eyes were fixed on Shunsui. Shunsui lowered his hat even further before speaking. "After entering the cave by the main entrance Nanao-Chan and I split up. According to Nanao-Chan she met one of the fracciones who could shape-shift. She defeated him before re-joining me." Shunsui voice was serious with a hint of steel underneath that threatened anybody to contradict him.

"And what about Kurosawa?" asked the Soutaicho.

"Dead"

"How"

"I used my Bankai." Shunsui did not need to say anymore. The Soutaicho and all of the Taicho's knew that Kurosawa was well and truly dead if Shunsui had used his Bankai, an attack so dangerous that only a select few knew what it really did.

"Very well," said the Soutaicho. The atmosphere in the room had turned more sinister after Shunsui's report. It seemed like a good time to end the meeting. "You are all dismissed."

Shunsui walked along an empty path that led towards the fourth division. Ukitake had convinced him to go and visit Rose again that day. Admittedly it had not taken him much convincing to go and visit her as he was planning on going anyway. Giving his oral report had been easier to do than previously thought, but that might have been because it happened after he had handed in a detailed written report.

Contrary to what Ukitake believe, Shunsui had not been avoiding Rose. Yes he had only seen her while she was asleep but that was only bad luck. In fact Shunsui was desperate to see Rose awake so that he could hold her in his arms and protect her. Seeing her awake meant that she was alive.

Shunsui entered the fourth division and greeted the nurse while walking along the corridor, heading towards the Taicho ward. He had heard from Ukitake after leaving the Taicho meeting that Rose had been awake and alert when he had visited. Maybe this time she would be awake when he visited.

Shunsui opened the door to his room in the fourth division and saw Rose lying on the bed, fast asleep. With a dejected sigh, Shunsui sat down on the chair and removed his sakkat. Around him there were bouquets of flowers and boxes of chocolates from her numerous visitors. For a moment Shunsui felt bad for not bringing anything for Rose. Hell he would fill the entire room with flowers if it was going to make her wake up. With another sigh Shunsui placed his elbows on his knees and then his head in his hands before closing his eyes and falling to sleep for the first time without alcohol in a long time.