A/N: sorry about the late update. Thanks for the reviews, favorites, and follows so far.
A/N: I don't currently have a beta-er so there might be some errors just pretend they are not there ^_^;; I hope you enjoy this chapter!
A/N: I do not own any characters or bleach they belong to kibu Tito.
Since Ikkaku's blunder of kidnapping Yachiru she had been over every day since, Yumichika had dutily picked her up each morning and dropped her off each night. The awkwardness of that first day had seemed to wear off and she was constantly being fawned over by Yumichika and Ikkaku. Makizo kept his distance but he was never as social as the others. He kept his distance also preferring not to get caught up in the foolishness that they got into.
For the past few days Kenpachi had been putting off going in to the office he didn't usually make appearances at the office but Ukitake was insistent that he come in, something important had come up. It was a very precarious relationship they had, as a member of the C.I.A. he was as devoted as they come, doing everything he could to better the advancement of their government and keep the country safe from all international threats.
"Zaraki, you made it." Ukitake looked up from his laptop a frown etched on his face.
"What do you want?" it wasn't like him to be secretive, the fragility of their relationship depended on open honesty from both sides.
"It seems as if you have come up again on the Bureaus radar."
"Then fix it." Technically he was a wanted man, he had at one point ran the biggest criminal syndicate that spanned not only Japan but Europe and America. Technically he still did, but it was overlooked because he joined Ukitake's division.
"Unfortunately this time it doesn't look like I can." He pushed the folder that he was going through towards him. "She's part of I.I.D, they run with different codes and are not the easiest to buy off."
"So, I'll have Yumichika take over for me while. When is she starting her investigation?" Yumichika was very adept at running every aspect of his business and at several times before he had taken over.
"I just got the notice this morning, so I'm not sure, like I said they don't go by the same rules we do. Be careful around her."~~~
Kenpachi had been trying to reach Yumichika and Makizo for the past 30 minutes since he had left Jūshirō's office, neither had picked up and he knew that Ikkaku was out so there was no point calling him.
There was a strange car parked along the drive way to his home when he returned, the sleek compact kind that a woman would prefer. He heard voices as he walked in and female laughter, something he wasn't accustomed to.
"Two lady friends in one week? Did something happen that I missed? Are you dying?" Yumichika appeared from nowhere a sly grin on his lips. "Although I dare say I prefer your first pick."
"Hm?" so she was already here, no wonder he didn't answer his phone.
"You're finally home, you kept me waiting." A quiet yet sultry voice interrupted them, "now I see why you have kept me away." She was tall, medium build with long ebony hair, her smile said friendly and pleasant but her eyes revealed her true nature sharp and perceptive.
"Unohana what are you doing here?" as stupid as it sounded it was the first thought that came to his mind. Although they had never met he decided to play along with whatever little game she was hinting at. Jūshirō had warned him of the consequences of revealing who she was and what she was there for.
"I hear so much about your friends but never get to meet any of them, especially Yachiru. You never mentioned her before." Her voice was unequivocally soft and soothing, but he was sharp enough to recognize the interrogative undertone.
"Jealous?" Yumichika asked gauging the interaction between the two. "I'll give you two a little privacy." So saying he took his leave closing the door behind him.
"She's not one of yours is she? Is she a pity case? Did you kidnap her? What is a young girl doing here in a house full of bachelors?" all pretense of kindness left her demeanor.
"She has nothing to do with this, she is visiting Yumichika." Partially true, she had spent the majority of her time there with him.
"Is that so, Mr. Zaraki? Either way her visit will be extended until mine is complete."
"And that means?"
"Until my investigation has concluded I will be residing on the premise. I am sure that Ukitake is informed you on why I am here."
The door behind them swung open reminding them where they were, "Boss how was your meeting…?" he stopped short as he caught sight of the woman beside him.
"Uneventful, and your assignment?" he deadpanned his arms crossed.
"Same, are you going to introduce me?" he turned his attention to Unohana realizing this wasn't the time to discuss business.
"I'm Unohana." She initiated reaching for his hand and shaking it briefly, "A secret acquaintance." she added with a wink, "It seems as if no one knows about me. And you are?"
Ikkaku was skeptical, "Ikkaku I'm part of Kenpachi's team. Nice to meet you." He was curt and passed by them both on his way upstairs, a folder tucked beneath his arm.
"Let's get something straight here Zaraki, I don't work for Ukitake or any of your friends over in the F.B.I, I will report your ass if I see any hint of foul play. A criminal cannot just 'see the light' I will be watching your every move." Her sweet demeanor had evaporated like a drop of rain in the desert.
"Do as you wish, I have nothing to hide." Kenpachi replied nonplussed. "I'll have Makizo show you to a room, please enjoy your stay." He added walking towards the room Yumichika had just entered.
"I'm warning you Zaraki." She said with a smile, "I would love to be the one to bring you in."
Kenpachi paused before opening the door and glanced back at her, "I've heard that more times than I can count, and I'm still here." He opened the door before she could reply.
Makizo and Yumichika sat with Yachiru in front of the large flat screen TV, "Makizo show Unohana to a suitable room in the west wing." Makizo nodded and quickly rose to his feet meeting Unohana as she was about to enter the room.
"So she's staying now?" Yumichika asked walking over to him.
"Just for a few days. I'll be spending most of my time here for the duration." Kenpachi answered, and Yumichika knew exactly what that meant.
Kenpachi was not a homebody, the only time he voluntarily stayed in was because he was under investigation which meant he would have to take over the reins of his business and make all the decisions. He was used to it by know and although he didn't like handling some of the more gruesome aspects he would do it.
"Oh, does that mean Yachiru has to go home now?" Yachiru turned at the sound of her name.
"I don't want to go home right now." She piped up, "Just because your girlfriend showed up shouldn't mean I have to leave, I was here first."
"You are not leaving, In fact you must stay."
"I don't have to do anything." She replied, "it's not like I'm your girlfriend or anything but I'm just saying it's not fair."
"Make up your mind, damn it" Kenpachi said his voice strained, her being here was a wildcard. She didn't know exactly what they did but Yumichika had fantasized their life as something intriguing and mysterious and she was now a part of it.
"Now now, it's no time for a lovers spat." Yumichika interrupted "it will be fun."
"No it won't, he doesn't ever do anything fun." Yachiru had wheeled herself over to where they stood.
"That's because he was always working, now that he has a vacation we can all have fun right boss?" Yumichika gave him a look that didn't warrant any defiance. One that Kenpachi had used on him many times.
Kenpachi remained silent, he was not going to agree to take part in their stupidity "He'll come around." Yumichika said with a laugh after an awkward amount of time had passed without an answer.
"What about my parents? They aren't gonna let me stay overnight." during the day while they were both out working was one thing, but she had always been back in time for their return. They didn't even know she had left the house.
"Don't, worry I will speak with them, why don't we pick out a bedroom for you? You can stay on the east wing with us." They wouldn't say no as long as he kept paying them. It was a wonder how such a wonderful girl could come from two such appalling people.
She brightened at that, "I want a huge room, with my own TV."
"Of course anything you want, I can move Kenpachi's TV into your room he doesn't use it anyways." They shared a laugh as he wheeled her out of the room.
"Yumichika," Zaraki called him back after he had led her out of ear shot.
"Yes boss?" he knew that tone, it was time to get serious.
"She's a liability, I told Unohana she was visiting you."
"Don't worry boss, I haven't told her anything incriminating." Yachiru was a good girl, even though she was sheltered she was very mischievous and he took a liking to her from the first day. He and Ikkaku told her stories of secret agents and being spies and whatnot just for her enjoyment. She assumed it was all a joke, just fun and games to fill their time together.
"Good, please keep it that way."
Whoever Unohana was she was not telling the truth. He had been assigned to Kenpachi's team when he joined Ukitake years ago. In that time there had never been a woman 'hidden' from them as she had so eloquently put it. "I'll take care of everything. On a side note I think this could be good for you."
"And that means?" Kenpachi questioned flipping off the television.
Yumichika laughed, "I think you have an idea, I know you have work to do so I'll leave you to it."
Zaraki frowned taking a seat behind his desk, it was cryptic, there was nothing good about being under investigation while having an unexplainable sickly girl on his premises. Things could only go wrong if they were ever left alone.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"I'm not going to do it." Lisa said her voice sharp with annoyance, "If any one saw me there would be a shit storm."
"No ones gonna see you Lisa, trust me. You are like 10 miles away, you can't do a favor for a friend?" Shinji had been called back to Japan for an assignment and that meant he wouldn't be able to check up on Hiyori and make sure she didn't escape.
Lisa was in an open hiding that included sun and fun in the European countryside all expenses paid. If only he could be that lucky to get fake murdered and have to go in hiding. "I still don't understand why you have her locked up in the first place, what's the point?"
"I have my reasons." He replied glancing through the window at the woman who followed behind Kisuke as he entered the office. "Please, just this once I'll be back in town within the week."
"Why don't you ask Kensei? He's free isn't he?"
"You would like that wouldn't you? Kensei is on assignment and plus I don't want him freeing her."
"What makes you think I won't?" he could picture the irritation that echoed through her voice, "she is a person not an animal."
"She's a criminal and I recall still being in procession of a certain letter that someone had asked me to deliver." If he knew her, and he did she regretted the whole thing the moment she had asked him.
"You wouldn't dare! You said you burned it."
"Yes, I burned it into my brain. I had no idea how creepy you are." Shinji laughed he was toying with her of course, he had long discarded the letter in question.
"Fine I'll do it just this once. But if I walk in on some sick little sexual dungeon or something I'm freeing her."
No matter how many times he said it even to himself it sounded like some sort of perverted sexual plot line from a steamy hentai. She denied that she recognized him even after he had given her multiple hints about that night. He had even taken off his shirt and shown her the lovely scar he now had because of her. Neither of which had fazed her, she had smirked and commented that he must have deserved it. Well if that was the case she would deserve whatever retribution he would dish out.~~
"Who are you?" Hiyori asked as the door opened and a bespectacled woman walked in.
"A friend of Shinji's" she answered taking in the girl that stood in front of her. She didn't look hurt or uncomfortable at all. "He asked me to pick up something for him."
"Be my guest." She replied indifferently, going back to flipping through channels.
She didn't seem to be in any hurry to leave or to explain her circumstances, she seemed so blasé about the whole thing.
"You aren't really here on an errand are you? Did he send you to check on me?" she turned peering over the edge of the sofa.
"Why would you say that?" Lisa asked just then noticing the long chain that ran from the opened bedroom door and disappeared at the edge of the sofa she was sitting at.
"You would have already been gone if that was the case. Where is he anyways?"
"He's on assignment." Lisa went closer taking in her fully, she was dressed decently and she didn't seem malnutrition or in need of a 'rescue' at all. The only thing that gave away her predicament was the shackle that was on her right leg. "You aren't going to ask me to free you?"
"What for? You are his friend why would I think you would let me go?"
"I'm his friend but I'm still a woman, I am sensitive to your plight."
"I'm perfectly fine as it is." She said with a little laugh. "I haven't had a vacation in a long time. I have everything I need here why would I want to escape?"
"Are you really an assassin?" Lisa took a seat across from her propping her feet up on the couch.
"Yes, and I make no apologies for it. Since you are so sensitive to my plight I will let you in on a little secret." She pulled a hairpin from her neatly brushed hair and drew her leg up towards her. Within seconds the shackle fell off her ankle and she shook it free.
Lisa couldn't help but laugh, "Why stay here and pretend?"
"Why?" Hiyori asked slipping the shackle back on, "because I shot him." she sighed turning off the TV, "for a long time it ate at me, just because I kill people for a living doesn't mean I enjoy it. I figured it's the least I could do."
"And here he thinks he's getting payback on you." This was a great turn of events, she had come over here with the intention of setting the girl free if she wanted. She knew Shinji would be mad for a little while but it just wasn't civilized keeping someone locked up. "How long do you-" her phone interrupted her questions and she put it on speaker.
"Yes what do you want Shinji?" Lisa schooled her features and her voice into her usual delight less tone.
"How is she?" he asked sounding way too eager.
"Great she was sleeping when I got there. Again I've got to ask what the point is. She seems like a nice girl."
"Don't let her pretty face fool you. Damn it." the phone was silent for a moment but they could hear voices in the background, "sorry Urahara came in unexpectantly."
"Are you at the office? I thought you said you were on assignment!"
Shinji groaned, "I am, I forgot to file all the necessary paperwork for the Sakura case."
"That should only take a few hours not days." Lisa chided cheekily.
"Apparently I didn't file any of the necessary paperwork for any of the cases I've worked recently." Lisa and Hiyori laughed, "Is that Hiyori?"
"No, I'm at the hotel. You owe me big time. If Urahara found out what you are doing you know you would be in big shit right?" Lisa held her finger to her lips in a shush gesture, Hiyori nodded but the smirk didn't leave her lips.
"He's not going to find out and anyways it's not going to be for long. I just want to teach her a lesson then I'll let her go."
"And what lesson would that be?"
"I'm not sure about that part either just yet." He was hopeless, Shinji fancied himself a ladies man but on every occasion she had witnessed his so called charm he had always fallen flat. He was a good looking man he just didn't have the suave to pull off his little pick-up tactics.
"Are you sure it's not sexual, from what I saw of her she's very pretty. It would be easier for me to believe you want to keep her as a plaything then just to teach her a lesson."
The line was silent for a moment too long, "it's not like that. She almost killed me for Kami's sake. It's kind of hard to imagine doing anything sexual with a woman that is that heartless."
Hiyori's face was one of indifference, she deserved just as much it wasn't like she had thought this kidnapping plot was anything but. It was fun watching him scramble around but she knew he had no clue what the hell he was doing.
This had basically been a vacation for her, he prepared their meals, she spent most of the time watching TV and listening to him go on and on about that night. Being cooped up began to get restless but then she remembered what she would be returning to. Another contract or hit and the thought of just staying curled up on the couch regained its appeal.
It's not like the few days she had been there was anything to her. Laying in a bed next to him was like planning for a next hit, she got in character and told herself that she was doing the right thing. As long as there wasn't any advances she could endure it for a few days as retribution. That's what she told herself, if she believed it was a different story all together. Hiyori got up and walked out of the room having heard enough.
"Well anyways thanks, I'll call you later gotta try and finish up this paperwork before Urahara returns."
"Talk to you later." Lisa replied and the line went dead. Well she held up her end of the deal Hiyori didn't seem to need anything and though she did seem like a nice girl she had to be cautious as Shinji had warned. She was a killer, just innocent looking.
"Hiyori, I'm going to leave now." She called out as she approached the closed door, she expected to her a reply of some sort the room was silent. "Hiyori?" she tried the door and it swung open easily.
The room was empty, the shackle lay in a neat pile in the middle of the bed. "Fuck." Lisa muttered going to the open window. Shinji was really going to kill her now.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It had taken him a few days to track her down, the signal from her cellphone had been non-existent until yesterday. There was something to be said about beautiful maidens in precarious situations. She hadn't left the small house since he had been watching her, but he knew she was in there. She had come out to check the mail and then quickly disappeared back inside.
All the years he had been with Aizen he hadn't given thought to what kind of man he really was. He had raised them up to be killers and machines who only obeyed him. It was simple at first, collecting money making sure no one encroached on Aizen's territory. Then it became more hardcore killing Aizen's competitors, taking hits for money. He spent most of his life doing Aizen's bidding.
Aizen's true colors didn't show until the death of his brother, shot by Aizen himself because he refused to relinquish hold on the family estate. It was then that Gin finally reevaluated what he was doing with his life, the man he was working for. It had become routine doing just as Aizen instructed without a single thought of his own. That's when he decided to leave and he moved to a quiet little town and left that lifestyle behind him.
It had been hard walking away from the only family he had known. He had no memories of his real parents or life before living with Aizen.
His phone buzzed in his pocket and he glanced wearily at the caller Id. Speak of the devil, "Aizen, what's up?"
"I have one more favor to ask of you." Gin grinned to himself, if he knew how well he had handled the last one he would think of asking someone else.
"And that is? Not another woman I hope." Even saying the words turned his stomach, and to think he had almost went through it.
"There is insurrection in the ranks…" his voice had taken on a cold curt tone, "He has to be dealt with." He didn't have to say a name, there were only two other men that Aizen trusted enough to contract.
"Why not ask Tosen? I told you I'm retired." A retirement that hadn't even lasted two years.
"He isn't competent enough to get the job done. Nnoitra is not going to be easy but I know you will be able to get it done."
"You're serious?" Gin laughed, "I'm not stupid enough to fuck with Nnoitra. If you want him dead find another idiot." Nnoitra had always been a force to reckon with, he had kept his distance having seen his brutality first hand on several occasions.
They may be on the same par of skill but whatever reason Aizen wanted him dead was of no concern to him. He didn't mess with Nnoitra and Nnoitra didn't mess with him, it was a shaky pact to begin with he wasn't going to jeopardize that.
"Just think about it Ichimaru, at some point you knew this would happen. He has gotten way out of hand-"
"What you really mean is if you can't control him he has to be put down, count me out. You created the monster he is now you deal with it. I'm retired remember?" with that he hung up. A move that surely would put him on the top of Aizen's suddenly full shit list.
He wasn't worried, if Aizen himself knew that Tosen was incompetent there was no way he would risk his only golden boy against him, he would have no one left to manipulate.
There was movement in the bottom window that caught his attention, oh right that's what he was supposed to be doing. There was some truth in what she had told him. After he staged her murder he cleaned her up brought her home and thought of what his next move would be.
He was still there when her friend came banging down her door, he was very sharp realizing that she had not been alone even after all the precautions he had taken to cover his tracks. It wasn't until he was at Aizen's home that the pieces did start to fit together.
There was a woman with a striking resemblance to Rangiku in the back gardens with the same man he had seen at her home earlier. He had watched them for a while cursing himself for getting involved, knowing exactly what he was going to do even as he laid out the polaroid's of her nude bloody body.
So here he was sitting in front of her home unsure of how to approach her, he had never been a timid man but given the circumstances there was some apprehension. The worse thing that could happen is she would slam the door in his face, and he would go back to his car.
She didn't open the door but a few inches looking just as sexy as she had been in the strip club, "can I help you?"
"It's about Orihime," he stated and he could see the flash of trepidation in her eyes, "don't worry she's fine."
"Did Ishida send you?" she opened the door fully ushering him in, he was right there was nothing that she could wear that wouldn't look appealing. She was dressed down in sweat pants and a worn t-shirt but she still exuded sexuality.
It was as modest on the inside as it was out, barely furnished and still gave off a claustrophobic feel. "Yes, I'm his partner Ichimaru Gin. Nice to finally meet you Matsumoto."
"Nice to meet you too." She took his extended hand then quickly withdrew it, "he never mentioned you before." Her eyes lingered on her fingers and then back to his face.
"I just got assigned to this case a few days ago, Ishida is currently there right now, he asked me to stop by and check on you." He flashed her what he hoped was a reassuring smile and she nodded still a little hesitantly then ushered him towards the living room.
"Can I get you something to drink?" she had paused before sitting across from him. "Some coffee?"
"No thank you, have a seat Matsumoto." Again her movements became a little stiff and cautious.
"You aren't Ishida's partner are you?" Her tone was guarded and her body language screamed fight or flight.
"No I am not, do you remember me?" He thought he had used enough drugs to wipe that night from her memories but apparently he hadn't used enough.
"No did Aizen send you to kill me?" her eyes darted frantically around the room and it was reminiscent of the night they spent in the hotel.
"Relax, I'm not here to hurt you. On the contrary I'm here to keep up my end of the deal we struck. You don't remember anything?" Gin reached into his pocket for the polaroids he had taken of her dead body.
In the second it took him to reach into his pocket she had sprang from her seat and made a mad dash towards the front door. Surprisingly she was fast she made it as far as the door throwing it open before he caught her and pulled her back into the house.
He trapped her against the door beneath his taller frame and stared down into her flushed face. She was breathing heavy her lips were parted slightly and her chest heaved temptingly beneath his gaze. Against his better judgment he leaned into her capturing her lips in a kiss. She didn't resist but she didn't concede either, her lips were pliable beneath his and he languidly teased them apart with his tongue.
He broke the kiss and glanced away, what was he doing? He had to get in control of himself he was acting like a teenager that had just gotten his first taste of what a woman had to offer. "I'm not here to hurt you Matsumoto." He kept her prison against the door with one hand while he reached for the pictures.
"Be a good girl and promise me you won't try to run again." Matsumoto nodded but he didn't ease away from her. "I was supposed to kill you, but we made a mutually beneficial arrangement and I let you go." He handed her the six Polaroids of her nude bleeding body and she quietly sifted through each one.
"I, I don't remember this." She said finally after scrutinizing each one carefully.
"Yes and you never will." She seemed shaken and Gin took a step back putting some space between them. "As I said before, I'm here to keep up my end of the deal."
Matsumoto handed him back the pictures her stomach turning. They were just too real, she knew her body well enough to know that they were of her. "What deal did we strike up? I don't have any money if that's what you want."
"Don't worry about that, I've already gotten my payment." Which now considering the revision on his part, seemed lacking. The knowledge that he was doing a good deed and helping her would not keep him warm at night.
"I don't understand this. You were supposed to kill me but you didn't, so why are you here?" she ran her hand through her thick strawberry blonde hair and sighed.
"That's what I've been asking myself the whole time I've been here." He laughed shaking his head, he had no clue why he had come back. Perhaps to do a little good to even out all the bad things he'd done thus far?
"I think you should leave." She said eyeing him warily, "I don't remember anything about a deal and I'm not sure how you got those disgusting pictures but, I think you should just go."
"If I leave I take you with me."
"No, I'm not going anywhere, I'm perfectly safe here." She turned away from him and walked back into the small living room where she reached for her purse.
"You aren't safe here, it took me one day to find you with my limited resources imagine how fast Aizen will be able to track you down." He exaggerated a little it had taken him actually a few days to pick up the signal from her phone.
"I just can't pick up and leave, what about my sister? What about Ishida?"
"Ishida is a capable man, he will take care of Orihime. Once the shit with Aizen blows away we'll get in contact and you guys can live happily ever after." He would go back to his quiet existence in his quiet little town and he would live somewhat happily ever after.
"I just can't do that." She turned her back to him searching through her purse for something, perhaps her cellphone. Gin was glad he had taken the forethought to come prepared, he knew she wouldn't come with him easily.
"Sorry Matsumoto, this really is for your own good." He came up behind her and stuck her in the neck with the small syringe he had hidden in his pocket. She gasped softly and he caught her as she fell backwards.
Gin scooped her up into his arms and grabbed her purse tucking it beneath her limp arms. He had to take her now, he couldn't risk leaving her and having her disappear again. He locked the door behind him carefully carrying her to the car and laying her out on the back seat.
He took his seat and adjusted his mirrors. From the corner of his eyes he caught sight of a small indescript car pulling up to the empty drive way. He ducked his head low and watched as two suited men got out of the car and headed up the path. Gin waited till they were at her door before he started his engine and sped off.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The house felt too large and too empty and too cold but it was home. She should move far away maybe to the states where she wouldn't have to face the memories of her father's death and her ridiculous infatuation with a man who didn't care about her.
She was tired but her mind was still too occupied to shut down, if anything she would climb into bed and wait for sleep to overtake her. She trudged up the stairs discarding her clothes on the way, by the time she reached the bathroom she was nude and ready to scrub the worries of the day away.
Hesitantly she paused at the open door to her room, now feeling foolish having taken off her clothes prematurely. "Nnoitra is that you? Nnoitra?" she reached for the light switch but the room was empty, a chill ran up her spine as she surveyed the empty room.
If Nnoitra was there he would have already shown himself, he didn't like to play games preferring to get his high as soon as he could instead of fooling around with the niceties. But she could shake the feeling that she was being watched.
Nel showered quickly and dressed in a simple flannel night gown, leaving the bed side lamp on. She definitely needed to get a smaller apartment, a seven bedroom mansion was a little too much for a woman by herself. Not to mention the possibility of another thief seeing a large home and envisioning a large haul.
She had money but nowhere near the amount an outsider would think, her father was one of Japan's most prominent judges but they had still lived very modest. Other judges who took bribes and such lived much lavish lifestyles flaunting their blood money and ill-gotten gains.
Her mind started to slip away as she drifted off to sleep remembering fond memories of her father and brief memories of a mother whose face she barely could recall. ~~~
Neliel woke with a start, her heart pounding and sweat beading on her forehead. She didn't know what this feeling was or what had awoken her but her body was grasped in a cold sweat. The curtains billowed in the night breeze, letting in small shatters of moonlight.
"Nnoitra?" she called out in the darkness not sure why, after the fight they had she was sure he was done with her.
She was too compassionate, too caring and that's what hindered her the most. He was a person who didn't have the capability of caring for himself much less another human being. He spent his days and nights in blood, fighting for sport. She had never been able to get much out of him, and honestly she realized that she probably never would.
"Nnoitra? I don't have time for this, I have work in the morning." She sat up reaching for the other bedside lamp, the room illuminating casting a wide shadow into the corner next to the balcony window.
"Nope, I'm afraid it's only me." A tall clothed figure stepped out of the shadows.
"Who are you?" Nel asked wondering how he had gotten in.
"You don't know me Ms. Odelschwanck, but I do believe you know a colleague of mine." He stepped fully into the light his eyes guarded by large glasses his facial features indifferent.
"I don't know what you are talking about." She answered coolly, he was tall and solidly built but would he be fast enough to catch her if she made a run for it? She was on the first floor if she got to the window she could easily disappear into the thick brush behind her home. It would only take her about ten minutes to find her way onto the street and she would be safe from there.
"Oh but I think you do, and believe me you have no idea what kind of man you are dealing with." He didn't make a move to come closer but his head turned slightly towards the open window, "I am not here to hurt you, but if you try to run I will have to stop you."
"What do you want from me? If its money I will give you the code to my father's safe. You can take all that you want, just leave me alone."
"I'm afraid it's not that simple." He took a few steps closer to the bed, and she realized that he wasn't looking directly at her, "call him."
"I don't know who you're talking about!" she said heatedly, a wave of fear washing over her. What had Nnoitra done to raise the ire of this man?
Before the thought even completed in her mind he was right next to her, his arm pressed against her chest painfully, "Do you really think you will somehow be his saving grace? That he is just a broken man who with time and love will become whole?"
Truthfully yes that is how she felt, she stayed with him hoping that he would somehow change into the man she knew he could become. She never refused him because she wanted him to know she would always be there for him that no matter what he had at least one person in the world that cared for him.
"Nnoitra is a killer, he has no compassion for anyone but himself, he lives to make people suffer as he has. That is his only driving force hatred. Now call him." He seethed his voice had taken on a menacing tone, he dragged her towards the phone on the night stand.
"What makes you think he will come? He doesn't care about me. You are just wasting your time." Saying the words out loud finally drove home just how true they were, she lied to herself hoping that she was wrong that somewhere inside of him there was emotions. Stupidly tears came to her eyes, and she stilled, "he's not going to come."
"Now that is where you are wrong." He shoved the phone into her hands, "don't test my patience, I am being as courteous as possible."
Nel decided not to fight it anymore, she only wondered what would happen when Nnoitra proved her right and didn't show up. She dialed his number listening to the tone her mind filled with images of Nnoitra and the numerous scars on his body. He wasn't a killer, he was a fighter he was a troubled man but was he really capable of murder?
There was a click and then silence, "Nnoitra?" she called into the empty line. She could hear breathing faintly he was just not answering, "Nnoitra there's a man here that wants to see you." Her eyes darted to him and the bizarre smirk that taken over his lips.
"Nnoitra, please why aren't you answering?"
"Maybe he needs some incentive?" he slapped her hard in the face and she let out a loud cry of pain, she dropped the phone cupping her reddening cheek.
He picked up the phone, "what are you going to do Nnoitra? I wasn't going to hurt her but if you refuse to come I think I might have a little fun with her. Where do you think you're going?" he grabbed her by the ankles and dragged her back towards the edge of the bed. "Is she pretty? Never mind I will take my time learning every curve of her body before I kill her." He ended the call ripping the wire from the wall.
Her cheek still stung and his hold on her leg was cutting off her circulation, "please I told you he wouldn't come, please I am of no use to you." She tried to wrench free from his hold but it was solid.
"On the contrary, you have served part of your purpose very well." He release her ankle just enough that she could feel her foot again, "Now what should I do to you while we wait?"
He looked down at her and her breathing stilled, he was going to rape her. The realness of the situation suddenly dawned on her and her blood ran cold. What had Nnoitra done to this man that would drive him to such lengths?
She was no idealist, she knew the world was filled with wicked people, working in the E.R. was proof of that. But to be on the wrong end of such a person was a shock she had never expected. "Please, don't do this! Please I beg you." She pleaded trying to squirm free once again.
"You must be something special to still be breathing Kami's given air." his hand crept higher up her leg his finger rounding her calf as he spoke. "What does he see in you?" he pulled her closer his hand continuing its strange exploration of her body.
"Please don't, I will call him again I will make him come over her please don't touch me." She begged as his fingers brushed up her stomach, "please." In one last desperate attempt she used her free leg to kick him as hard as she could.
Momentarily he released her foot the heaviness of his body easing off her as he groaned in pain, she struggled to get off the bed. Nel ran towards the open window not pausing as she heard his curse and his footsteps behind her. She was nearly there, just a few steps and she would be free, as her feet hit the cold tiles of the pavement she was still by two arms she screamed trying to pull out of his tightening grasp.
"Stupid woman," Nnoitra whispered and Nel stilled in his arms.
"So you finally decide to show yourself." The other man said approaching them, "I was wondering how long you would stand there and watch, how far would you have let me take it? You really have no compassion for her. Aizen was right. "
Nel looked up into his guarded features, had he been there watching the whole time? Why hadn't he stopped him? She pushed away from him unsure of which fate was worse. Being raped physically or knowing that Nnoitra didn't care enough about her to do anything.
"Silence. How so like you. I suppose you know why I am here?" he stepped closer to them pulling a weapon from somewhere.
"To die, am I right Tosen?" Nnoitra replied cockily his arms crossed in front of him, "I was expecting Ichimaru."
That seemed to infuriate him because he turned his gun on Nel, "why he is no better than me. Now come with me I will have to kill her."
"If that's what you have to do." Nnoitra answered.
"What?" Nel whispered turning towards him in shock, "Nnoitra why..?" he didn't look at her his eyes on Tosen his lips curled into a sickening smirk.
"What is it that you will think will happen? I will turn myself in just to spare her life? Even after all these years you do not know me at all do you?"
Tosen laughed menacingly his finger poised on the trigger, "I don't want to kill her, Aizen just wants to have a few words with you."
It was then that Nnoitra pulled his own weapon, "Aizen is nothing to me, she is nothing to me. I will send your body to father in a thousand pieces and then he will have no one."
"Then there is no reason for me to let her live I-" his words were silenced as Nnoitra shot Nel, she yelped in pain and blood began to seep into her clothes as she fell to the floor. "What the fuck." Tosen exclaimed, there really wasn't any end to his lunacy.
"Now it's your time." Tosen dodged his first two shots and fired two of his own ducking beneath the table he had overturned. "This doesn't have to end this way, Nnoitra. Whatever it is that you want Aizen will provide."
There was silence and Tosen took that moment to peer around the bottom of the table, Nel lay still on the balcony but Nnoitra was nowhere in sight.
"I don't need him to provide for me." Nnoitra appeared behind him and grabbed him by the neck. He squeezed hard his nails digging into the sensitive skin of his neck.
Tosen gaged his eyes rolling in their sockets, his mouth moved but only mumbles and sputters escaped him. Nnoitra watched as the life began to die out of his brother, he knew that this day would come eventually. He had expected Ichimaru to be the one Aizen tasked with killing him he was more on par than Tosen.
Tosen tried as hard as he could to control his hand that hung limply at his side, it was still grasping his pistol if he could only get one shot out. Feebly he lifted his hand and pulled the trigger. Nnoitra dropped him to the floor a groan of pain escaped him as he clutched his side.
Tosen took that opportunity to escape, he swallowed air as he ran from towards the window she glanced once more at Nel's bloody body the jumped from the balcony.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
"We seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot." She had been sleeping for most of the time they had been driving and those were the first words she uttered when she woke up.
Toshiro didn't feel the need to respond, Ukitake hadn't answered none of his phone calls but he had received a cryptic message from Ikkaku. At this point there would be no assistance given to him so he was on his own until further directive.
With no communication with any of his team available he had to rely on Hina until he could find out what the hell was going on. "I'm sorry I drugged you, but I didn't lie about my mission. I'm here to assist you until you have taken down Ōmaeda."
She had discarded the whorish persona and now looked at him with her wide doe eyes. "You don't have to believe me Toshiro, but that man you were supposed to meet was working with Ōmaeda. You would have gotten into his car and he would have killed you immediately."
"That's where you are wrong, I was well prepared for anything. Unlike you I didn't join the bureau two days ago." Her knowledge of policies and lousy acting was proof of that.
She laughed, "I've been in the bureau for two years, this is my first undercover assignment. I've mostly been doing desk work but Yamamoto though I was ready for some excitement."
"He must be blind dumb or stupid to put faith in such an inept woman."
"I've worked hard to be where I'm at, just because of one mistake you can't judge my competence. Anyways I need to make a stop. I need to gather some supplies." And that was the end of it.
The accompanying silence gave him ample time to think about his next steps. Lisa's death was supposed to be his ticket in but it had backfired. Ōmaeda took the murder of a sign that he had contacts within the F.B.I which means he may have more of an affiliation than would be useful to him.
They pulled up to modest looking one story home and she quickly exited the car. "You might want to change, the blood splatter on your shirt is not as inconspicuous as you might think. I should have something that will fit you." She fiddles with her keys as she spoke sighing when she finally got the door open.
"Your boyfriends? Husbands?" he asked wearily his hand on his concealed weapon, she wasn't cautious at all turning on the lights with a wide smile.
"My brothers." She answered flipping on more lights. "He was about your height and build."
"Was?" Toshiro had finished his sweep of the small house there was one bedroom one bath and a split kitchen area.
"He was killed a few years ago while undercover trying to bust Ōmaeda. He worked for Yamamoto and when he died I took his place. I have been waiting for my chance to finally get my revenge on Ōmaeda. Are you hungry? I'm starving."
"No thank you." He just wanted a shower and then get back on the road.
"Suit yourself. I make a mean ramen." She turned her back to him and began browsing through the small refrigerator for ingredients.
Toshiro disappeared into the bedroom and rummaged through the closet for something appropriate to wear. Coincidently all the clothes hanging there were a perfect fit making the whole situation even more suspicious.
Hina waited until she heard the shower start before she crept into the bedroom and pressed her ear to the door. When she was finally convinced that he was actually taking a shower and not pretending she went back to the small kitchen and made her phone call.
"Umesada, it's me." She whispered.
"Hinamori, it's been four days since you last called me."
Hina rolled her eyes, as handlers go he was the worst. He was disgusting pig of a man who thought he was Kami's gift to the world and everyone should be so fortunate to share the same breathing air as him. "Tell Ōmaeda I need more time. How does he expect me to accomplish anything if we are constantly on the run?"
"That is your problem, figure it out." He answered gruffly, "And another thing, stop killing off his men."
"I'm trying! Rin almost blew my cover I had to kill him. Just tell Ōmaeda to give me some more time." Talking to this man was like banging her head against a brick wall, nothing she said was right because he knew everything. It was frustrating trying to carry out a mission without any support.
"If you ask nicely." Umesada said with mirth in his thick voice, "just say please sweetly and you'll have all the time you need."
Hina swallowed the rise of bile at the insinuation in his voice, she couldn't wait till she was through with this job and she could go back to a normal existence. "Please Umesada." She cooed the words tasting as nauseating as they sounded.
"Ok just because you are so cute." She wasn't sure but it sounded as if he made a smooch sound before he hung the phone up. The shower was still going so she finished up the ramen and waited for Toshiro to emerge from the bathroom.~~~
A little while later Toshiro exited the bathroom feeling a more in control and at ease. Hina was sitting at the table eating a large bowl of ramen, she looked up as he approached. "Perfect fit right?"
He nodded and took a seat next to her watching as she continued eating, "There's more if you are hungry, I made a lot." She frowned setting down her chopsticks and going to the stove where she piled the noodles high in a small dish. She grabbed another set of chopsticks and placed them in front of him.
"I didn't poison it if that's what you are thinking, we are on the same side remember."
"Fine, you eat this bowl and I will take yours." He pushed the full bowl towards her his eyes searching her face for any hint of reluctance.
She did hesitate but then agreed removing her chopsticks and began eating from the full bowl. After a few bites he ripped his set of sticks apart and began eating from her bowl. There was no conversation as they ate just an uncomfortable silence that settled over them both.
"I told you I didn't poison the food." She joked as they both finished, "I'm going to take a shower and then we can get back on the road ok?" she cleared the table and didn't wait for his answer as she walked out.
Toshiro felt fatigued his limbs grew heavy as if he was tired, just minutes ago he was alert and wide awake. "Shiro?" Hina's voice called to him from somewhere, "what's wrong Shiro? Why don't you have a seat." She pulled him down on the couch next to her.
She wasn't wearing a blouse and her small breasts were pressed against his arm as she touched his forehead, "Shiro…" she cooed into his ear, "let's go to bed Shiro, would you like that?" her fingers trailed down his chest towards the apex of his thighs.
His eyes could barely focus and his brain was muddled to the point that her voice and his breaths melded together. How had she poisoned him without him knowing it? "Shiro, will you fuck me again please?" she positioned herself on top of him, pressing her lips against his as her fingers worked against his stiff cock.
"Do you remember how good it was the first time?" she whispered drawing away to stare into his half-lidded eyes, "Shiro?" she kissed him again slipping her tongue through his slightly parted lips. When she pulled away she giggled rising to her feet and grasping his arm.
"Let's get more comfortable shall we?" on their own accord his feet followed behind her as she walked towards the bedroom. She was naked by the time she had climbed onto the bed and somehow his clothes were gone also.
She straddled him trailing light feathery kisses up his chest and towards his neck, her hand buried in his hair. At this point Toshiro's body was rigid beneath her, he was unable to move and he had to fight to keep his eyes from closing.
Hina placed a single haunting kiss to his lips before she whispered, "I didn't want to have to do this." There was a small pinch of pain where his neck met his shoulder and then she threw the needle on the floor. "Good night Toshiro." Her words sounded as if she was miles away and she pulled away darkness encompassed him.
Hina waited a few minutes before she checked his pulse and checked his pupils, she didn't have much time he would only be out for a few hours. She had thought the first batch of poison would knock him out completely but when she had returned from her shower and he was still awake she knew it would take a little more to knock him out.
Quickly she dressed and picked up the needle, she had to take the necessary steps to make sure her plan would succeed and with only a few hours she would be cutting it very close. She drew the covers over his sleeping body and locked the door behind her.