Chapter 38

Chad sits on a chair next to Rangiku who is lying on his bed still unconscious. He tried calling Orihime but there wasn't an answer so he called Toshiro who is running like a bat out of hell to his apartment. The bell rings and chad runs to open the door there standing is an out of breath Toshiro.

"Where is she"?

"In my bed room I haven't touched or moved her but she's still unconscious".

Chad leads him to the room once inside Toshiro gasps in horror. Since her hair is out of the way he can see the corner of her lip has dried up blood. Her wound on the stomach is reopened and some blood is showing through her top.

"Do you have clean gauzes and antiseptics"?

"Yes I do I'll be back with them".

Toshiro gently touches her face which is really cold. Rangiku begins to wake up and starts pushing and kicking.

"Get off of me leave me alone"!

"Matsumoto it's me".

"Taichou…" She opens her eyes and automatically starts shaking but she retracts back further away from him till she reaches the headboard. "You shouldn't see me like this…" she continues to shake... "please don't".

Looking closer he sees black and blue bruises along her arms.

"I'm so sorry, I should have been there".

She reaches for him but stops.

"Its not your fault so please don't suffer for me I'm not worth it".

"Do not repeat those words to me or to anyone ever again". Toshiro's scowl is in full effect.

Chad's about to walk in but decides to give them privacy so he steps back. Rangiku in a small voice answers a silent question he doesn't dare to ask.

"They didn't get to do what they wanted to. I fought them off as best as I could. If I wasn't so weak of Reiryoku they would not have been able to land one finger on me. I doubt they will try and touch another female again though".

She smiles a little but grimaces in pain reminding her of the wound on her stomach.

"It never would have happened if you hadn't sent me and Momo to the carnival. Why did you send us there and lie about meeting Yasutora"?

"You looked like you were having fun Taichou".

"That's not an answer were you spying on us and for how long"?

"Long enough to watch you drop your ice cream, anyway none of it is of my concern".

"It's none of your concern, since when? You have always meddled into my business as well as others. You proved that with today's activities".

She pouts.

"Well sorry for giving you exactly what you wanted. You didn't shove her away, did you? I bet your glad I meddled this time Taichou".

She straightens her legs to get off the bed holding her stomach while doing so.

"Don't move without me healing you first".

"I don't need your help".

She gets up slowly but falls to her knees he rushes to her side.

"You are not well".

Her voice gets louder.

"Don't touch me"!

"Why can't I touch you"?

She yells out loud.

"Because I can't have you"!

Her eyes are wide realizing what she just yelled out loud as if for the heavens to hear. She gets up at full strength and heads to the front door grabbing her shoes and running out barefoot. Chad looks at him.

"Don't you plan on going after her? Toshiro doesn't answer he is still kneeling on the floor where she left him. "Fine I will, just close the door behind you".

The door closes with Toshiro still there. He snaps out of it and bolts out the door.

Ichigo, Isshin and Byakuya walk inside the house carrying fish.

"I cannot believe I am holding these things".

Byakuya takes the cooler with fish into the kitchen where yuzu is waiting to start the meal of course she is blushing like mad and staring as she helps him starstruck however oblivious Byakuya does not notice.

"Oi Yuzu where is Rukia"?

Yuzu turns her face to him looking kind of mad.

"Why are you looking at me that way"?

Yuzu never looks at him that way so he is confused.

"Shhh…"

Karin glares daggers in Ichigo's direction and pointing to her lap. Ichigo walks over to the living room. Rukia is sleeping on Karin's lap while she is playing video games. Yuzu walks over and pulls Ichigo by the ear to the kitchen.

"Ough, ough…"

"What is this Nii-Chan? I'm so disappointed in you making Onee-San upset". Byakuya and Isshin laugh. "What are you two laughing at"? Yuzu lets go of Ichigo's ear and grabs the laughing duo in the same manner. "It's not funny to make a mother to be cry. She was so upset she cut herself".

"What, she cut herself"?

Ichigo walks back to the sofa and sees her hand wrapped. His famous scowl comes back.

"I'm going to kill Yoruichi".

"Yuzu-Chan, my sweet, sweet daughter could you let go of Otousan. It's starting to hurt Otousan is sorry".

She lets go of his ear but forgets about byakuya so he leans down to let her know to do the same for him. Isshin gets his phone and is ready to take a pic. Yuzu finally notices Byakuya right in front of her face and instantly blushes while holding her breath. He literally took her breath away.

"Do you mind releasing me"?

Yuzu's mind suddenly travels to a fantasy of a fourteen year old in the Kurosaki house hold…

Byakuya and Yuzu are in the kitchen cooking he has an apron with a picture of her on the front. He is sweating from cooking so she wipes his forehead.

"Thank you my darling Kā-sa…" he taps her lips… "could you release me"?

Byakuya turns so she could undo the apron…

"Yuzu-Chan darling, wake up".

"Hmm...Otousan is that you? My head is pounding. What happened to me"?

Byakuya has her head on a pillow which is on his lap but the one who spoke to her was Isshin. She is flushed again.

Byakuya is looking down to her.

"You fainted while holding my ear apparently you were holding your breath. Did I smell that bad? That is why I do not like fish".

"It happened just when I was taking the picture, he caught you too". Isshin boasts at his accomplishment.

She realizes Rukia, Ichigo and Karin are there hovering as well.

"No, no, no I'm used to fish smells". Yuzu begins to shake her head at rapid speed. "Not that you smell like fish, you smell wonderful. I mean…"

"Now you're just rambling Yuzu".

Rukia hits Ichigo upside the head. Yuzu gets up and bows to Byakuya.

"You're not talking to me but you hit me". ichigo rubs his head.

"I'm fine really and thank you".

She walks straight into the kitchen to prepare the fish. Rukia follows her.

"Are you really feeling okay"?

"Yes Onee-San, now since you wanted to learn lets cook".

She smiles at Rukia.

"Great teacher, let's get started"!

Ichigo walks over.

"Wukia, wukia let me explain…" he gives the puppy eyes… "you know I wouldn't touch her". Rukia cuts the head off a fish. Ichigo gulps. "What about your hand? You shouldn't be handling anything".

"Yuzu-Chan tell your brother sticky fingers that I healed it thanks to you and Kido".

"Sticky fingers Onee-San says…"

"Stop Yuzu I'll come back when there's less distraction".

Ichigo walks away mumbling curses about Yoruichi under his breath.

Rukia and Yuzu laugh.

"It's good to do that to him once in awhile don't get me wrong I'm upset just not as much as earlier. Hormones and stuff comes with the territory".

Yuzu laughs.

"Has your brother remarried"?

"Nii-Sama…has not married…again…Kami you like him"! Rukia's eyes are wide open.

"Shhh no I'm just asking because he looks the type to love someone forever. That's all. I do admire that".

"You can tell me Yuzu-Chan it stays between us. It's written all over your face you're blushing and forget to breathe when he's around".

"Okay so maybe I passed out because he was really close to me. I can't help it whenever I see him he gets more charming and alluring".

"My…Nii…Sama is charming…alluring"?

Rukia is having a laughing fit.

"I thought I could talk to you".

"I'm sorry Yuzu-Chan it's just Nii-Sama is popular with the females but it never fails to amaze me whenever I hear it. He's like a boring robot to me". Rukia takes a deep breath. "Nii-Sama should be honored to have someone like you crushing on him".

Rukia bows causing Yuzu to giggle.

"Thanks Onee-San but its more than a crush. It is your fault you know for talking about him so much and carrying pictures of him from The Shinigami Women's Association".

Rukia puts a thumb to the corner of her lips then looks at a very mature Yuzu. She has longer hair reaching her shoulders, she's still petite but her breast and hips are that of a young lady. Yuzu is baking the fish in the oven.

After sometime passes they are sitting around the table ready to eat. There is fried, broiled and baked fish as well as vegetables and white rice. Everyone starts digging in. Rukia and Yuzu are looking at Byakuya as he is apprehensive about the fish.

"Kuchiki-Sama do you mind trying this fish here".

He reluctantly nods at Yuzu as she gets up and walks to serve him a particular fish she prepared for him. It's baked with herb and spices. He bows to her in his seat and takes a bite. He smiles a little.

"How did you get it so that it does not have a strong fish taste? It is spicy the way I like it. You must give me your recipe so my cook can prepare it".

Yuzu's smile is beaming with pride. Rukia smiles at Yuzu winking at the same time. Ichigo notices but doesn't really understand it.

"I will definitely tell you Kuchiki-Sama".

They continue to eat and make small conversation. Yuzu brings out the dessert. It's fried bananas with a choice of caramel, strawberry or chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. Once again Yuzu with Rukia's help serve everyone.

"Nii-Sama since you do not like sweets Yuzu made this especially for you. It's bananas your favorite".

"You did not have to go through all this trouble just for me but I am grateful".

Yuzu lights up.

"It was no trouble at all I love to cook besides this way everyone can pick out what they like. It's only sweet if you add the sauce".

Rukia gets up to get some water and Ichigo follows.

"Are you still mad at me"?

Rukia gets the water bottle out as Ichigo stands behind trapping her up against the sink. He licks his lips causing her to pull him down and practically touching lips".

"Yes I am you're going to work for it besides I want to hear the explanation behind that picture".

She bends down and gets out of his grip walking back to the table but stops her. He inspects the wound by undoing the bandages. The wound is closed. He takes Rukia by the hand.

"Please excuse Rukia and I we need to talk".

With that said he takes her upstairs into his room, locks the door and sits her on the bed.

"Strawberry what's up? You look angry".

"I am angry Rukia. I don't like that you hurt yourself because of a misunderstanding…" she tries to speak… "Yoruichi loves to tease me because I get flustered at stupid things she does. She yelled out loud claiming something she fished got in her top stupid naive me ran over to help but she had loosened her top already causing me to trip and fall clumsily pulling her on top of me. Her top had no straps and there is Urahara with my phone conveniently snapping one. Of course she had to send it. It's like all the women love to tease me because I'm shy around them but I'm not with you…" he kneels with both legs in front of her nudging himself between her legs… "luv don't you trust me? Don't you know I only love you"?

She wipes her face but tears flow anyway.

"It isn't you Ichigo it's me and my damn insecurities. I hate letting that ugliness inside of me to show. Normally I keep that side hidden from view, it stems from my Rukongai days since before meeting Renji but followed me through Shinōreijutsuin (The Shinigami Academy) and entering the Kuchiki family. Did you know I got into the thirteenth division without the entrance exam just because I was Nii-Sama's adoptive sister? I felt so pathetic, undeserving and ashamed people would talk behind my back and at times I ignored it my Lieutenant, Shiba, Kaien helped me regain some respect and gained the ability to believe in my strength, that perhaps I truly belonged there, he put his faith in me…" Rukia smiles bitterly… "but we know how that story ends, with that I finally became the Kuchiki ice Princess. That was my nickname and I played it to the hilt it became my armor so that no one could penetrate…" Ichigo holds her hands… "you broke through my every wall, helped me find myself again. Friendship, trust, loyalty and love the very things I thought were useless you gave them all to me so Ichigo I'm selfish with you. I'm sorry".

Ichigo grabs her face gently wiping away many tears.

"Rukia look at me…" violets meet warm amber eyes… "what happened to your Lieutenant was a tragedy but not your fault. You must know he trusted you even in his final moments thanking you for what you did. I trust you blindly with myself our family our friends our future kids. Everything I am and have now is because of you. I got my heart and soul back because of you. Rukia you are my pillar of strength without you I would fall. I'm all yours Rukia so you can't be selfish with something you own. I hate you were alone suffering for so long, I wish I could have been there to protect you. I can't do anything about your past except comfort you but the present and future belong to me and I will give you all of the love and support that you deserve".

Rukia cries louder and collapses in his arms.

"Ichigo I'm so in love with you so much my heart is going to burst. I trust you whole heartedly my love".

"I'm in love with you my midget. What no kick in the shin"?

"Not this time. Could you just hold me"?

He kisses her forehead and gets up to sit on his bed. He pulls her hand gently and they both lay down. Rukia is lying in his arms.

"Could you tell me about being imprisoned for rescuing Orihime"?

"Why would you want to know such insignificant crap"?

"It's not crap Rukia you were there locked away while I was being a self centered jerk".

Rukia sighs heavily.

"It was like reckless endangerment and insubordination charges. Some members of Central forty six felt left out of the loop on making decisions even captain Yamamoto got into some kind of trouble. It's all political".

"Rukia how…was it? Being imprisoned like a common thug".

"You're not going to let it go are you"? Ichigo shakes his head. "There were times I became claustrophobic from the dark small cell. It was damp when it rained and scorching when there was none some nights chilly. I adjusted having no Reiatsu to rely on but none of it mattered Orihime was rescued, aizen locked away, my love was safe…" she squeezes his arm wrapped around her… "my nakama and companions alive and well. I was content some guards were nice and snuck stuff in for me some said I'm a traitor for breaking the rules for humans. They didn't understand that particular statement brought me happiness that I had gained my humanity back by meeting you, your family and friends here".

She senses Ichigo's anger and sadness so Rukia climbs on top of him. "Strawberry I'm okay really…" she pulls his face to look at her… "my beautiful King I had time to think and clarify my thoughts…" she is caressing his face… "to strengthen my feelings for you. I knew then I couldn't live without you and found my resolve to confess so it was all worth it".

She kisses his soft lips then pulls away a little and smiles.

"You're not off the hook though. How did you fall in love with Orihime"?

"Rukia why would you want to know"?

"She got you to give in to her. I didn't get your first kiss, real hug…" she places her head on his chest over his heart… "or your first confession".

His grip on her gets tighter.

"I don't want it to hurt you".

"I'll be fine besides I have you now".

Ichigo takes a deep breath and lets it out.

"What can I say? Orihime was there through bad times. I felt abandoned, betrayed and used. I was lost and felt powerless to help the people I love and care about. Saving and protecting those precious to me or those who need me is my way of coping with not having been able to save my…mom. At first it was like a drug being a Shinigami a crutch of sorts but slowly things changed. You changed that and taught me, being who I was as Ichigo the man in your heart was far more important than my role as a Shinigami/Vizard ever could be. I was able to let go of the crutch and baggage I kept lugging around. When I didn't hear from anyone especially you and my powers gone I fell once again into futility. For awhile I had to let go of… you and everyone else and realize I was still depending on my powers to compensate causing me to revert back to where we had first met. I was a mess to be around but my family, friends and Orihime faced me head on and helped me..." he smiles… "Orihime made it easy for me to open up to and gain little by little Kurosaaki, Ichigo…"

"I'm sorry I couldn't get to you allowing such sad lonely emotions. I'm sorry that she…" Rukia stops herself… "that she…"

"Rukia…"

He tries to move her up to look at her but she stiffens refusing to move.

"Let's end it for tonight just hold me tight, please Ichigo".

"You are hurting".

She shakes her head.

"No I'm just tired and there's no use in talking about things that cannot be changed strawberry. That can be tiring and burdensome".

Ichigo rubs circles on her back trying to comfort her.

"Rangiku wait up. You're hurt and need to heal".

"I'm fine Chad…"

Her legs become wobbly causing her to hold on to a light pole. Chad finally catches up.

"No you're not…" he carries her bridal style… "we should go to Orihime's".

"No she is kind of busy right now". Rangiku smiles mischievously. "I just need to rest up and I'll be able to heal myself".

She grimaces with pain holding her stomach and chest.

"Rangiku you're burning up. You have a fever".

"There you go again worrying for nothing I can take a whole…"

She faints. Chad transforms to run faster as there are no cabs in sight, knowing where to get help.

Chad arrives at Urahara's knocking like a mad man. Tessai opens the door.

"I apologize for being rude but she's really sick".

Tessai welcomes him in.

"You don't have to apologize. It's good you brought her here I can feel her rapidly diminishing Reiryoku".

Tessai leads him into a room and leaves to get Urahara.

"Rangiku can you hear me. You have to stay so fight this". Rangiku is screaming and thrashing around. Chad is holding her down so she won't hurt herself. Urahara wearing a robe and no hat storms in with Tessai. "What is happening to her"? Chad looks really concerned.

"Tell me what happened".

Chad gives a brief summary of when she got hurt not mentioning the emotional roller coaster details. Tessai puts his hand over her body without touching her.

"It's traveling towards her heart".

"Yare, yare this is bad". Urahara closes his eyes thinking while chanting some words. "That should buy us some time for now".

"What is happening and what does buying time mean"?

"My friend, Rangiku-San is dying".

Chad shakes his head.

"She had been healed by Orihime".

Chad leaves out the Ulquiorra factor out. Yoruichi stands in the door in a semi see through black satin robe.

"The stinger removal was not complete. I'm afraid that Hollow had one last nasty trick before dying. The pointy tip of the stinger was not taken out. That Hollow isn't like a bee in the sense it dies once it stings. This Hollow is reviving itself inside of her thus draining her Reiryoku".

"Okay then remove it"!

"I wish it was that simple my friend. If we remove it now she dies instantly. The stinger is already in her heart". Chad makes fists in anger while everyone else is somber. "If so much time had not been wasted Rangiku-San would have had a chance".

"Then what did you mean by buying time"?

"To…say goodbye…"

Chad freezes in place with a horrified look on his face.

"There has to be something Kisuke".

"I wish there was Yori but there aren't any options. Where is Hitsugaya"?

"I don't know…I left him in my apartment but I doubt he's still there".

Chad removes some hair from her face.

"I will send a message to all here in the human world and let Hitsugaya decide when and what to tell Soul Society".

Urahara walks out with Yoruichi behind him. Tessai remains holding a spell in place. Chad takes her now much colder hand.

"It isn't fair Rangiku. You keep losing…"

Chad lowers his face while warm drops touch her hand.

Author's note: Hi my wicked ones! =) It's been a while. Hope everyone is still here with me sorry for taking some time to put this up. =/ I'm having so many wicked delicious thoughts running through my mind all at once! lol ;) I have been incorporating many characters in let me know what you think! Anyhoo stick around! =)