A/N: Sorry about the very very late update. I lost interest in Bleach for a little while but after watching a few of my old favorite episodes I have found my love for my ships again so I will be continuing this fic. Thank you for the reviews, favorites, and follows I really really appreciate them.
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 kubo Tite.
Rukia woke up with a terrible pounding in her head and a soreness in her neck. How long had she been asleep? There was an abrupt jerk and she scrubbed at her eyes trying to focus in the dim light.
"You're finally awake, I told Sado to be gentle but I guess a man his size doesn't know his own strength." He was seated across from her a newspaper spread out in front of him.
"Where the hell am I?" if she had to take a wild guess she would say she was on an aircraft, although she had never done any traveling before except by train. Her ears popped and she winced at the discomfort.
"Hm right now? Maybe above the Atlantic, I'm not sure. I was never really good with geography." His lips curved into a devious looking grin and he shrugged, "would you like me to ask the captain?"
Rukia frowned, over the Atlantic? "That doesn't answer my question. Why didn't you just kill me?"
"It seems like the boss has taken a little interest in you so I have to keep you safe until he's ready to meet you. As for your previous question, it's a surprise."
A surprise eh? She removed her seat belt and bolted from her seat. For a moment she was unsteady on her legs as she got used to the feeling. She straightened and headed towards what she hoped was the front of the plane. He watched her curiously but didn't make a move to stop her.
She flung open the cockpit door and sighed, she suspected the man sitting there was the same man who had apprehended her. He was incredibly tall and his dark features were highlighted by a mop of equally dark hair. He didn't even glance back at her but she could tell he was well aware of her presence.
Rukia made her way back to the cabin but she didn't take her seat. The plane was pretty big with the four seats where they were seated and another section in the back. This must be Kurosaki's private jet. If so there may be some information to be gained.
"You never stop do you detective?" he came up behind her and watched as she opened another compartment drawer.
Rukia paused dropping the useless piles of maps and magazines, "if you think I'll sit by idly you are wrong Mr.-."
"Ich, no Mr." he replied dropping into the seat across from her, "I'm doing you favor. I would imagine you would be a little grateful."
"A favor? By kidnapping me?"
"Yes." He opened the newspaper he had been carrying and started reading "Officers are looking for Rukia Kuchiki in connection with the murder of a fellow F.B.I. agent Renji Abarai. She was last seen fleeing the scene of the crime late last night by an eye witness. If you have any information regarding her whereabouts please contact the Tokyo police department." He stopped reading and held the paper out to her.
She grabbed it from him and reread the article. They had an old picture of her from her first days in the Tokyo police department, when she was still baby-faced and innocent. "I didn't kill Renji, you did." She turned towards him and he smirked, "you framed me." she said defensively.
"I wouldn't say that. I warned you of the consequences of continuing your investigation and you didn't take me seriously." He shrugged his lips tilted upwards, "he's in a better place now anyways."
Rukia took a deep breath to analyze the situation. Her partner and best friend was dead, she was being taken to some unknown destination and she had no way to contact anyone. She had to be rational about the situation, where ever he was taking her there had to be other people around. She had to stick it out until she could get proof that he was the killer. Even if she couldn't pin Hana's death on him killing a federal agent was a guaranteed life sentence.
"What is going to happen to me?" She asked lightening her tone.
"That's to be seen-"
Before he could elaborate the 'take your seat' icon flashed on signaling their approaching descent, Rukia hesitantly took her seat and buckled up. The plane lurched fleetingly then the wheels touched the runway and smoothly came to a halt.
There was a small welcoming party waiting when they landed, but it wasn't what she expected. Two big burley bodyguards stood there as the plane's engines were shut off. As far as her eyes could see there was just trees, thick trunked and full branched. Except for the large private air strip that was nearly overrun by brambles, where ever this place was it was deserted.
She glanced over at Ich but he seemed preoccupied with something on his phone. She didn't want to be the first one out the door, when she had no idea what was going on. Once the cabin depressurized he rose to his feet then came to lean over her, "Hands please."
"What? Why?" Rukia buried her arms into lap, "if you need someone to hold yours I suggest you look elsewhere."
Ich chuckled, "nothing like that." His warm fingers wrapped around her slender wrist, "Just a precaution." he cuffed her two hands together then unbuckled the seat belt and waited for her to get up.
"Is this really necessary?" Rukia groaned pulling away from his grasp, the cuffs were already digging into the delicate skin of her wrists. "What the hell do you think I will do? I have no weapons and no knowledge of where I am."
He paused a pensive look marring his features, "I know what you are capable of Rukia. Shall we?" he ushered her towards the open gate and waited for her to exit before he followed suit.
"Sir everything is as you requested." one of the men said once they were both on the ground, they both glanced at her curiously but the second man said nothing.
Sir? He must be really high on Kurasaki's chain if he had these two goons addressing him so formally.
"Great." Was all Ich replied as he grabbed her by the arm and dragged her towards the small cottage. The two thick men fell away into the shadows as they entered the large cottage. The house was warmly decorated with pictures everywhere.
"This is my humble abode." He said somberly breaking through her thoughts, "and now yours for the time being. Make yourself at home." He took a seat on one of the mute colored couches and stretched his long legs.
Rukia glanced around taking note of all the pictures on the wall. There were a few with him alongside a tall dark haired older man. Could this be Kurosaki? No one really knew what he looked like, there was lots of speculation surrounding his identity but no one had ever lived to give an adequate description.
"Take any room you would like." suddenly he was right behind her, his body mere inches from hers his body heat engulfing her.
"What about these?" she lifted her wrists she could scarcely breathe with him in such proximity, like he had sucked up all the available oxygen in the room. "How am I supposed to do anything?"
"That's what I'm here for." His hand came up to brush through her cropped hair.
Rukia shrugged off his touch "I'll manage." She muttered and hurried away. She had been right, this was going to be the perfect opportunity to finally get some evidence against Kurasaki, all she had to do was keep her cool and keep her head straight.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Nel was startled awake by the brush of fingers against her bare skin, instinctively she pushed away trying to put some distance between them, her eyes were not adjusting to the brightness as fast as she would have liked.
She could smell blood, it had a distinct metallic scent that permeated the air something she had gotten used to working in the hospital. She was completely naked and finally memories of what happened flooded her conscious.
Her hand came up to her breasts feeling the spot where she had been shot, but there was no wound no scar just a slight tenderness. "Nnoitra?" he came into focus his tall frame shadowing over her. Her bloody blouse and bra was on the bed next to her but she couldn't figure out why she wasn't dead.
He was naked, sweaty and breathing heavily above her. She moved slightly beneath him between her legs the tell-tale wetness of sexual copulation greeted her. Frantically she pushed against him and he got up off her. He wasn't entirely naked, a fresh bandage was wrapped around his thin waist. His dark eyes were slowly inspecting her taking in every inch of her body. Without a word he pulled away. "What happened Nnoitra?"
He pretended like he didn't hear her, "No Nnoitra I'm talking to you, you can't just walk away like nothing happened." She rose from the bed grabbing him by the arm, "did you kill him?" anger overran any other emotion she should be feeling. She couldn't forget the look of disgust on his face as he had shot her.
He dragged his arm from hers violently and turned on her his eyes piercing, "what the fuck do you want from me?" He asked his voice heated but his face an emotionless mask.
"I want to know what happened here!" she had so many questions she wanted to ask, but the look on his face told her she may never know the answers to any of them. How could he shoot her point blank and then have the audacity to sleep with her as if everything was ok?
"You're smart, figure it out." She looked around the up turned room, there wasn't a body on the floor there was a little damage to her room but there were two large bloody stains. One on the balcony that must have come from her and the other she could only guess came from Tosen.
"Please tell me you didn't kill him." She couldn't believe that he was capable of something like murder. He was no saint but murder was something that could not be forgiven, how do you take another person's life and not have something very wrong with you?
He smirked taking a step closer to her, "Why? Would you like to know every detail of how I slit his throat and then gutted him like a pig?"
Nel felt nauseas at his words, she had been so blind, why hadn't she seen it before? She didn't know anything about him, their first encounter had been in the emergency room that should have been a red flag from the beginning. "No, no you didn't. Nnoi please."
He grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her against him, "You think you know me." His grip on her wrist began to get painful and she tried to pull them away.
"You are hurting me." She pleaded looking away from his gaze, the darkness she felt emanating from him devoured any doubt that he hadn't killed him.
"Am I?" he asked his face now inches away from her, "I thought you cared about me." The words were coated in scorn and sarcasm.
"I can't care for someone who could take another's life." She pushed away from him and he released her easily. "I don't ever want to see you again." Although he had let her go he didn't budge from in front of her.
He was silent as he cornered her into the wall, "Get out Nnoitra, get out now." Suddenly a wave of fear washed over her it was weird how she had never felt it before but now that was the only thing that she felt in his presence.
They were still like that for what seemed like forever and she thought maybe he would truly kill her, but instead he turned away and sauntered out of the room without a word.~~
Nel had spent the rest of her night wondering what she should do, she was obligated to report the crime that had been committed but she hesitated. Nnoitra was a murderer but that didn't instantly wipe away her feelings for him.
She definitely had to leave this place behind, she couldn't stay in a place where two murders had been committed. She packed up a few items and resolved to come back when the events of that night were not as fresh in her mind.
The sun was barely visible when her alarm awoke her, she shut it off and glanced at the small suitcase she had packed during the night. She dressed quickly and headed down the stairs. There was loud knocking that stilled her where she stood then her phone rang causing her to jump slightly. "Hello? Neliel speaking."
"Ms. Tu Odelschwanck, this is Agent Urahara. Do you remember me?" yes vaguely, he had been assigned to investigate her father's case just to make sure it hadn't been foul play.
"Yes Mr. Urahara it's kind of early, what is the meaning of this?" she left her suitcase on the stair way and slowly made her way towards the door.
"New evidence in your father's case has surfaced, it turns out he was murdered. Where are you now?"
"Do you know who killed him?" why now? Why all of a sudden would he call her out of the blue? Something was not right it seemed like too much of a coincidence.
"Yes, a very dangerous man. Are you at your home?" she could hear his words echoing through the closed door.
He smiled at her when she opened the door and pocketed his phone, "I've been knocking for quite a while. I saw your car outside so I figured you were here but wasn't sure."
"I'm sorry I had a late night, would you like to come in?" she stepped aside to usher him in but he didn't make an effort to move. "I was just heading out to stay with some friend for a while." She added when he didn't speak again.
"I didn't come here for a friendly chat and tea. The man that killed your father may be after you as well. It's been decided the safest thing for you would be to place you in witness protection for the time being."
"Decided? By who? If you know who killed my father why don't you arrest him?"
"I'm afraid it's not that easy Ms. Tu Odelschwanck." He sighed and reached for something in his jacket pocket, he pulled out a small photograph. "This is Nnoitra Gilgal, he is a highly skilled assassin who's killed upwards of hundreds of people. He killed your father and there is strong evidence that you are his next contract. If we assign a detail to you there may be an opportunity for him to still get access to you, but if we put you in witness protection you will be given a new identity. We'll relocate you and it won't be easy for him to find you."
"Nnoitra?" it was like her whole world was shattering around her. So she was a complete fool, the man she had fallen in love with was the same man that had killed her father. Not only that he killed hundreds of people, why hadn't she seen it before? He was reckless with a hatred for everything, even her.
"Do you know who he is?" Kisuke already knew that she did, he also knew that technically she was supposed to be dead. He had gotten a call early that morning from Nnoitra himself. He reluctantly agreed to provide some help if he could make Nel truly disappear. So here he was, he wasn't exactly sure about the details of what happened that night but something big must have went down to force his hand so heavily.
"No, I-I don't. I'll go get my bag." She answered and disappeared before he could tell her she wouldn't need it. The poor girl, a part of him felt sorry for having to reveal the truth so callously but if he had sugar coated it she may not have agreed to come with him.
Nel returned and for a moment paused to glance back at the large house, she looked despondent and he wondered what she was thinking at that moment. With a soft sigh she locked the door and followed him out.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Yoruichi had waited till she was sure that Urahara was gone before she got dressed and made her way towards her apartment. For the first few days he had a tail put on her but now she knew there was no one following her so it was safe to finally get in contact with Ichimaru.
He didn't answer his phone so she decided to pay him a visit, it was a short train ride to his small home in the country. She never understood why he chose to live like that. He had millions and yet he was humbly living in a cottage in the middle of a fisherman's village and he seemed to be happy.
He didn't appear to be home but she had a key so she let herself in. maybe he had gone to town to get some supplies or food. No matter she could wait, last night Urahara had mentioned he would not be coming home till late that night so she had all day.
Just as she was walking out of the kitchen with a bottle of water the door opened and in walked Ichimaru carrying a woman bridal style. "Should I feel offended that I wasn't invited?"
"Yoruichi, it's been awhile." He said pausing to flash her a brief smile before turning to close the door behind him.
"I don't see you for a few months and you go off and get hitched?" she took a seat and watched as he carried the sleeping woman into the bedroom. After a few moments he returned empty-handed shutting the door gently behind him.
"It's not like that, it's a long story actually." He took a seat across from her and sighed. It was just then that she finally noticed the signs of fatigue on his face. His usual bright aqua eyes seemed a little sullen and his smile didn't quite reach his eyes.
"I have plenty of time if you need an ear, you know that."
"Yeah but I don't think it'll do any good. I really messed up this time Yori." He sighed and leaned back in his seat stretching out his long legs.
"Don't worry about it Hun, I'm sure you'll get it straightened out." She had known Ichimaru for a few years but they had gotten closer since he had decided to stop working for Aizen. She should have followed his initiative but she hadn't realized just how far she had dug herself in until it was too late.
"Let's forget about that. What brings you here?"
"I'm in a little trouble myself." She answered with a short laugh, "it looks like I'm being framed for murder."
"Yori, I warned ya. Aizen has his hands in everyone's pocket. Even with the DVDs it's gonna be hard to find someone to trust." Gin ran a hand through his silver hair and an uncharacteristic frown took over his lips. "You should have left with me."
Yoruichi shrugged, "what can I say I got greedy. Remember I was telling you about the agent I know in the bureau?"
"Yea your husband right?"
She didn't make an effort to correct him, "yeah. I think he's still on the up-and-up, but I'm not sure if I can completely trust him yet. I told him that I suspected Aizen, Nnoitra and you."
"Ok." He said unfazed, "should I expect a visit sometime soon?"
She knew that Gin was innocent, he hadn't killed someone in the past two years since he had stopped taking hits for Aizen. There would be nothing to link him to the three murders that she supposedly committed. "I doubt it, I don't think he's ever heard of you."
"I don't know how I should feel about that." he laughed showing a hint of his jovial personality that she knew well. "Either way, I know what to do, I'll give him just enough to set him on the right path."
"Thanks, Gin I knew you would understand. It's about time that Aizen-"she was interrupted by the bedroom door opening.
Gin was on his feet swiftly making his way over to her, "ya shouldn't be up Moto, your body's still weak." He guided her into the bedroom closing the door behind him.
For a moment she thought that she was Aizen's wife. She had a striking resemblance to the young woman she had seen just a handful of times when she had been summoned to Aizen's fortress. Maybe that was the big shit that Gin had gotten himself into? Sleeping with his 'father's' wife would put him in more heat than she was.
"Sorry about that Yori." He apologized taking his seat across from her.
"Don't be. Anyways I gotta get going, I'm sort of on house arrest." She got up grabbing her small handbag, Gin rose with her and headed towards the door.
He gave her a brief hug, "ya know I'm always here if ya need anything." He released her and she flashed him a smirk.
"I know, take care of your self Ichimaru." She waved briefly before turning away her eyes on the amounting dark clouds.
Well that was half of her to-do-list done, she suspected the other half wouldn't be so easy.~~
"Mrs. Urahara, the captains not in right now." Ururu said as she walked into the deserted office.
"That's okay, I'll just wait for him in his office." Yoruichi answered.
"Bu-but Mr. Urahara won't be back for a while-" the young woman stammered out.
"That's fine" Yoruichi said again cutting her off, "he said I could wait for him here. Call him to confirm if you'd like."
Which was a lie, what he told her to do was stay in is apartment and do nothing. As quietly as she could she turned the lock and then quickly took a seat behind his desk. She flipped open his laptop and began her search.
They had taken two different paths in life, even though they had started out on similar ones. Now that she looked back she was mostly to blame, she hadn't fought hard enough.
"What are you doing?" Jinta's faced popped up in the right side of the screen derailing her train of thought.
"Nothing really," she replied closing the password required window.
"Is this what you are looking for?" Within seconds her civilian profile came up, in another browser was Aizens.
"How did you do that?" Yoruichi asked scanning the long list of charges they were trying to pin on Aizen.
"Remote access, just in case any of the buildings computers get hacked. I can immediately shut down that terminal before they progress any farther in the system."
"That's good to know," she muttered preoccupied. Her file was clean, even though she had been arrested a few times there was no evidence of it.
"What exactly are you looking for? Maybe I can help, ya know since I'm a master of espionage and such." He paused momentarily and Ururu briefly came into view.
She said something to him, her unusually soft voice even softer, and he smiled widely. "Ok, Ururu thanks for the info." She disappeared off-screen and he turned his attention back to Yoruichi.
"I'm not looking for anything in particular." Although she got along well enough with Kisuke's employees she didn't trust them. Especially Ururu, even though she was Jinta's assistant she always seemed to be watching her.
They all thought she was his jet setting wife who rarely visited. No one knew her affiliation with Aizen or her long rap sheet courtesy of Urahara.
"Well I hope you got what you needed…" Jinta was saying as the office door swung open. She didn't have time to close the browser before Urahara had made his way over to her.
"Yori, what a pleasant surprise." He leaned in to give her a brief kiss on her lips, "if you wanted to play solitaire you could have used the laptop at home."
Curiously her eyes darted to the screen in front of her, sure enough it was the only browser opened. "I was lonely," she replied with a hint of a purr. It had always been easy to distract him, which she definitely needed in this situation. Loneliness did not warrant her locking the door or being on his personal computer.
Kisuke easily scooped her up from the seat, pulling her into his arms so she was nestled between his legs, "Sorry Yori, I didn't mean to make you feel that way." He kissed her gently, his tongue tracing the curves of her plump bottom lip. "It's just my plate is really full with your case, witness relocations, and Rukia going missing." His hands cupped her, pulling her closer as he placed another kiss to her parted lips.
"I understand." She replied sweetly, "I had just forgotten how good it was to be with you, and now you've spoiled me."
Kisuke chuckled, "after all this gets settled, we'll go on a long vacation and you'll have me all to yourself."
"Promise?" She cooed running her fingers up his chest.
"I promise hun, but right now I have a lot of work to do. I'll have someone escort you home."
"That won't be necessary Urahara, I know my way."
"I'm sure you do, Yori, but my delicate sensibilities needs to be assured that you make it there safely." He released her, picking up the phone. "Shinji, can you escort my wife home?...thanks." he hung up giving her another kiss. "There, that was simple."
"I guess I'll see you at home." She replied but her glib smile didn't leave her face.
"Ready?" The door opened and Shinji's blonde head popped in. Wordlessly she followed him out pulling the door closed behind them.
Once he was sure Yoruichi was completely out of earshot he again picked up the phone, "Jinta-"
"Ten steps ahead of ya boss." His screen quickly populated with the log files.
"Did you happen to find out what exactly she was looking for?"
"No, she has trust issues. I can only guess where they came from." Jinta replied with a laugh.
"Your guess is as good as mine." Kisuke muttered preoccupied, after a quick glance at the screen he turned away. "Thanks Jinta."
"No problem boss." With that he hung up.
He could see right through her manipulation, she was still hiding something, but he would not press her too much. Something in these files must be a clue as to where she had the evidence hidden. If what Nnoitra said was true, it would be enough to put Aizen away for life. For that reason alone he had enough patience to give her a little more time.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
She had read through the contents of the notebook for what seemed like the hundredth time, memorizing each perfectly scripted word. For a man, Ishida had very nice handwriting. It was delicate yet precise as if he was very meticulous. He was very smart after all.
Orihime rolled onto her stomach laying the little book next to her on the bed. It had been two days since she last talked to him even though she knew he was on the premises. It was just as he had said, there was a lot of extra people from the landscape company working hard to build the already immaculate gardens into a more extravagant masterpiece.
Both times she had gone for her usual walks he had ignored her blatantly, not even glancing in her direction. It irked her just a bit, but then her rational mind came up with excuses as to why he wouldn't say anything to her.
It wasn't like she just wanted to talk to him or anything, she wanted to know if there was any more information on Rangiku. She wanted to know how well he thought the plan would work out, and most importantly she wanted reassurance that Aizen was oblivious.
There was a knock on her door and she quickly buried the notebook beneath her mountainous stack of pillows and pulled the blankets up over her body. Before she was able to get fully situated the door swung open and Aizen walked in. He closed the door behind him taking a seat on one of the leather back chairs.
"Isn't it a little late to be in bed?" his voice was like smooth caramel melting over her.
"I have nothing else to do with my time." She replied trying not to act suspicious. "Or would you like for me to go jogging some more?"
"Jogging? Is that how you rendezvous with your lover?" his eyes regarded her coldly gauging her reaction.
Orihime laughed bringing her hand up to her mouth, "I'm sorry, that's just too funny." She was using all her skills to hide the sudden panic that had taken over her. Why had she trusted that little tart to keep her mouth shut?
"I'm glad that you are taking this lightly, once I discover his identity I will take great pleasure in personally killing him." she had no doubt that he would, he probably would torture him too just to spite her.
"That's fine, considering I don't have a lover. I'm a friendly person I get lonely so I talk to the staff, I'm a human being I need human interaction that I don't feel is threatening." She sighed and tucked her hair behind her ear. "It's completely meaningless."
"If you'd like to talk, you are more than welcome to come to my room." He was very methodical, through the whole conversation the chill that emanated from him never wavered.
"I'll pass thank you. You seem to have your hands full with the maids." She turned her back to him and pulled the covers tighter around her. "If that will be all, I think I'll take a nap." She hoped that he would get up and leave her be, that this would be the end of this peculiar conversation.
Her hopes were not answered, he was on her in an instant his body considerably larger than hers. He wrapped his hand around her neck and turned her to face him. "Don't think I won't kill you if you cross me. I've already done away with that whore of a sister of yours I will gladly let you join her." His fingers tightened, his nails biting into her delicate flesh.
Orihime tried to fight him, scratching desperately at his hand as she felt the air quickly siphoning from her lungs. She could feel her heart beat racing in her chest, could feel the very life leaving her body.
"Aizen." Suddenly his hands left her and he turned away to the intruder.
She caught a quick glance of the man who had saved her life before he disappeared from view. She wasn't sure but it looked as if he was covered in blood.
Orihime rolled away and sat up taking deep breaths trying to replenish her body with much needed air. While she was trying to balance herself Aizen left, slamming the door behind him.
It took her a few more minutes before she had fully regained control of her body. If they hadn't gotten interrupted he might have just killed her. This was getting way more dangerous than she thought, the only good thing was that he didn't know Ishida's identity.
She had to warn him somehow, she had to let him know to be extra careful. She paused halfway out of the bed, maybe that's why he didn't speak to her when she walked the gardens. Even if she couldn't talk to him face to face she still had the cellphone he had given her. There was only one number in the phone so that must be his.
The first time he didn't answer, but on her second try he picked up. "What is it Orihime?" like his handwriting his voice was soft but resolute, strangely her heart skipped a beat.
"Um." She had never been so flustered or at a loss for words so often, as when she was talking to him. "Um, Aizen was just in my room, he-he suspects that I have a lover. I tried to tell him he was wrong but I don't think he believed me."
"Are you okay? You sound breathless."
"No, I'm not okay he was choking me and I couldn't breathe and he said he killed Rangiku and I-I want to go home." she had started out strong but her voice cracked halfway and the rest came out on a choked sob.
The line was silent for a few moments and she feared they had been disconnected, "don't cry Orihime, I promise you very soon you'll be out of here."
She hiccuped but couldn't articulate any coherent words, she didn't miss the exclusion of her sister's safety from his promise. Was she already dead but Ishida just didn't want to tell her?
"You are doing such a good job being inconspicuous just keep it up for a few more days okay?" his voice was reassuring and calming, absently she nodded. "When I leave today I will visit the safe house and make sure Rangiku is still there, so don't worry about her ok?"
"Thanks Ishida, I don't know what I would do without you."~~
Ishida presented his workers badge and waited for the security officer to run it through the system. The whole process of leaving the compound was as complicated as entering.
The guard handed his badge back and the large gate opened with a loud creak. First and foremost he had to check on Rangiku, it had been a few days since he had last been able to leave the grounds.
With Aizens party looming so close, all his time had been spent working both in and out of the mansion. Now he had a good layout of the inside and all the possible exits.
When he arrived the door was unlocked but closed, he drew his gun and carefully pushed it open. The whole place was ransacked, and the air hung heavy. A thorough search confirmed what he suspected, she was gone. Her purse and personal belongings were still intact, so it wasn't of her free will. "Fuck." He muttered to himself tucking his gun back into its holster.~~
Matsumoto groaned as she sat up, she wiped the sleep from her eyes and glanced around the dimly lit room. Her brain felt muddled as she got out of bed. It wasn't like her to sleep so late, by the look of the light that filtered in through the parted curtain it was close to dusk.
"Damnit" she cursed, she was going to be late for work. Quickly she headed for the closet but it was empty, she stilled her ears catching a hint of a conversation.
As quietly as she could she crept towards the source, as she opened the door she realized she wasn't in her little trailer in the woods. Although modest it was a far cry from the cheap looking furniture that had occupied her temporary home.
"All you have to worry about is Orihime," there was silence again as he listened to the other party, "if I wanted to kill her she'd be dead already." He laughed, "For now it seems." Instantly he turned towards her, "One moment Uryū, she just woke up."
She recognized him but she wasn't sure from where, "How was your nap? Feel up'ta talking to Ishida?"
She nodded slowly somehow wary of him, "Ishida?"
"Rangiku." He said with a relived sigh, "I'm glad you are okay."
"What's going on?" She whispered turning her back to the tall silver haired man whose aqua eyes seemed to cut right through her.
"There has been a slight setback, I won't be able to check in with you regularly so I've asked my partner to stay with you."
"What about Orihime?"
"She's safe, in a few days you guys will be back together and this whole thing will be in the past."
"Thank you Ishida." She murmured then finally turned towards the other occupant of the room.
"If you want to thank me just be careful, let me speak to GIn."
Hesitantly she handed him the phone, "Go back to bed Masumoto." he whispered before holding the phone to his ear and turning away from her. "Sure Uryū, I'm not going to let anything happen to her. Hm?" he walked off towards the other end of the room. "I can handle it, just do your part… I'll be in touch."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Yachiru nodded absently as she listened to Yumi explain why he was leaving her alone with Kenpachi and his supposed girlfriend. "It'll only be a few days, you won't even miss me. Ikkaku will be here and of course Makizō."
"He doesn't like me." She pouted with an exaggerated sigh. "All Badly ever wants to do is talk about fighting and guns."
"Sometimes that's fun too." He smiled at her but understood her hesitation. Ikkaku didn't understand the difference between what was appropriate conversation topics for a young woman and a group of men. "Would you rather go home?"
It didn't take her a second to reply, "No, I rather listen to his stories."
Yumichika laughed and stood up, he pulled her wheelchair to the edge of the bed, "then it's settled. Don't forget that you will be walking soon, you'll be so busy enjoying that the time will fly by."
She should have put up more of a fight instead of conceding so easily, breakfast had been a horrible stare down between her and Unohana. Ikkaku hadn't even been there to distract her, Kenpachi seemed as disinterested as Makizō. It was unbearable, if she had the choice again she would rather be at home sorting mail.
"Is that too tight?" Makizō buckled her seat belt and adjusted it across her shoulders.
"It's fine." She answered and he closed the door.
Unohana sat behind her seat quiet but Yachiru could feel her eyes on her. Even though they were heading to her doctor's appointment Unohana had insisted that she come along.
She didn't understand what the hell was going on, between Kenpachi and Unohana the air seemed icy. Even though she claimed they were lovers Kenpachi was just as cold to Unohana as he had been to her.
After a few minutes of being in her company Yachiru had decided that she didn't like her. Her arriving had put a damper on her fun, Yumi was not going to be around to play with her anymore. A mischievous thought came to her mind, "Ken-chan when I get my legs fixed will you finally take me out like you promised?"
Instantly she sensed the change in both of them. "Hm a promise?" Unohana asked softly from behind her.
"Yes," Yachiru replied with a hint of playfulness. "Something romantic, right Ken-chan?"
Kenpachi frowned his dark eyes not leaving the road in front of him. Yachiru pouted trying to hold the laughter from her voice, "You promised! You can't go back on your word now just because your girlfriend is here."
"Oh? I thought you were Yumichika's 'friend'." Her voice was still gentle but there was a trace of curiosity.
Yachiru laughed, "No, Yumi is like a brother to me. Do you think Ken-chan would be paying all my bills for nothing?"
Kenpachi coughed and she continued, "What he couldn't get from me I suppose he had to get elsewhere." She turned in her seat to stare into Unohana's shocked face. "But after my surgery he won't need you anymore, so you better enjoy him while you can." Yachiru flashed her an innocent grin then turned back in her seat.
Unohana was silent behind her and that gave her a rush of enjoyment, maybe if she made her totally uncomfortable she would leave and things would return to normal. The tension in the air was excruciating but encouraging, "We need to have a little talk." Unohana said as they pulled up to the private office.
"Fine, let me get her settled first." Kenpachi replied as he hoisted her easily from the seat and placed her gently into her wheelchair, he bent in front of her to make sure her legs were securely positioned in the footholds.
This was the first time he had ever been so close to her, he had always kept his distance as she and Yumi got into mischief as he called it. She had originally thought he looked rough, but as he bent before her she studied his face. There were hints of laugh lines around his eyes, and although his features were sharp they weren't as severe as she had first thought. He had a rugged aspect about him that she supposed some women might find attractive.
He stood up rolling her into the office while Unohana stood awkwardly by his van, "That little stunt that you just pulled-"
"It was hilarious right?" there was not a hint of mirth in his features and she rolled her eyes, "you are no fun, and anyways you don't really like her do you?" Nobody it seemed liked her. His silence was all the answer she needed, "Well I'm doing you a favor then aren't I?"
"Did Yumichika put you up to this?" he asked knowing that this little ploy was something he would dream up.
"Nope! I thought of it all by myself." she giggled at his agitated face, "Just go see what she wants."
"What the hell was that?" Unohana asked once he returned. "You told me-"
"Did you really think I would tell you the truth?" he asked gruffly.
"No, but it's really hard to believe-" she started her eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms in front of her.
"Believe what you want." He cut her off and left her standing there simmering. She hurried behind him, regaining her composer as they walked into the almost empty office, save for the receptionist that looked up as they entered.
"Mr. Kenpachi, right on time. I'll let the doctor know you are here." Before he could answer she lifted the phone and began speaking. "Mr. Kenpachi and Ms. Kusajishi have arrived with a guest." She paused momentarily to glance at Unohana as she listened to the other end, "Yes Dr. Mayuri." She placed the phone on the receiver. "he'll be right with you, please have a seat."
Before they had time to get situated, the door opened and a nurse walked out. She frowned as she glanced down at her clipboard then over to them. "The doctor will see you now." Her voice was clipped as she scrutinized them.
"I'm sorry, are you her mother?" She asked as Unohana approached.
"No of course not, I'm-"
"Then you must wait out here, only the patient and guardian are allowed beyond this point." Her voice was light but her tone was rigid. If Unohana was insulted it didn't show on her face, she smiled graciously and returned to her seat.
"Follow me." She closed the office door and led them down the brightly lit corridor. The first door they came to she ushered them in.
The doctor sat behind his desk, his long curly hair pulled away from his face by a simple black ribbon. He smiled widely when he noticed them, "I have to thank you."
"What for?" Kenpachi asked as he wheeled her over to where he sat.
"You got Nanao chan back into her cute little nurse's uniform. She never wears it for me anymore."
She let out a sigh. "Don't even, I don't know why I let you guys talk me into these things."
Yachiru turned her attention from him back to her, she had removed her glasses and was cleaning them with an aggravated look on her face.
"Now now, don't be like that Nanao chan."
Yachiru was surprised at how easy they were speaking to each other, "You must be Yachiru." The doctor said coming over to her, "I'm Shunsui and this is my assistant Nanao. We work with Zaraki."
"Nice to meet you" she replied hesitantly still lost.
"Such a pretty girl, what are you doing with a man like Zaraki?"
Nanao not to lightly hit him on the head with her clipboard, "Not so rough Nanao chan." He groaned but his smile never wavered.
Kenpachi cleared his throat, "Can we get down to business?"
"Yes, follow me." Shunsui led him from the room leaving her and Nanao.
"You look confused. I take it you have no idea what you have gotten yourself into." She frowned then her features softened a bit as her eyes ran the full length of her, from her bright pink hair to her pale thin legs. "I suspect there must be something special about you to get to that pack of mercenaries."
Yachiru wanted to ask her exactly what she meant but the door opened and a different man in a white coat entered, "This is Dr. Mayuri." Nanao stated taking a step back allowing the doctor space to come stand in front of her.
"Well, I'm not really a doctor." His lips curled up into a wide almost comical grin "But I do have a lot of experience with making dead things come to life. Now, let's have a look at those legs." He said as he bent in front of her his gloved fingers brushing against her delicate legs.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Toshiro groaned as he sat up his limbs feeling slightly heavy. He vaguely remembered the past nights events, Hina naked on top of him, their vague conversation about her brother. The space next to him was still neatly spread, with few wrinkles in the coverlet. Slowly he swung his legs over the edge, they tingled bordering pain as his feet hit the ground.
He wasn't sure how much time, if any had passed since he had been out, she must have poisoned him again but he wasn't sure how. The feeling began to return to his limbs so he quickly dressed noticing the erratic path his clothes had been discarded in.
The house was completely empty, he took his time canvassing the entire premise, searching every room for any clue. Not surprisingly his search came up empty, this no doubt was a just staging house and all the shit she told him about her brother were probably lies. He did notice that she had taken his gun and his cellphone was not where he left it.
Tōshirō locked the door behind him as he dialed the department's main number, strangely there was no answer. It was Sentarō and Kiyone's job to answer and divert calls to their appropriate destination.
He pulled his jacket tighter against the brisk night air and made his way towards the row of cars that lined the street. It took him mere minutes to get the door opened and hotwire the small vehicle.
The glare of blue and red lights behind him stilled his wandering thoughts. Don't stop, was the first thing that came to his mind, but just as quickly he dismissed it. There was no reason to draw any unwarranted attention to himself. He had several fake ids on hand, and he was a superb liar.
He pulled over to the side and glanced into the rear view mirror, there were two people in the car. One got out while the other searched for something in the back seat.
The moment his window was down, he realized something was wrong. The bright lights from the cruiser hid the face of the officer, but not the gun that he pointed right in his face. The passenger side door flew open and another long barreled gun was trained on him. "Well if it isn't my old friend Hitsugaya? Funny meeting you here. "
"Don't try anything, I'll just as easily blow your fucking head off, then sit in a room and talk."
The first guy pulled him from the seat and cuffed him, "let's take a little ride, shall we?" He pushed him towards the car and then into the back seat. He could see both their faces as they got in. Toshimori was his partner while working for Ōmaeda, and Keiji was a guy used as muscle.
"Well well well, what do we have here?" They had barely gone a few miles down the street when Toshimori spoke. Tōshirō lifted his head slightly to catch a glimpse of the scantily clad woman walking down the dark street.
"It's been a while, violence always puts me in a hungry mood." Toshimori stated as the car pulled up next to her. "Hey pretty girl, you need a lift?" he asked his voice slick with lust.
She turned a scowl on her face, "Last time I checked it's not a crime to take a walk at night."
Tōshirō froze, the soft underlying hint of sexuality again caught him off guard. What the hell was Hina doing walking the streets so late at night?
"Oh, we aint cops and I've got plenty of money." He pulled out his fat wallet and flashed some large bills. Even in the darkness her large brown eyes were clearly visible, they swept the length of the car when their eyes met she put on a sweet smile.
"Maybe I will take ya up on that offer, after all it is getting a little chilly out here." Toshimori unlocked the door and she slid in next to him.
"Him too?" She questioned glancing at his cuffed hands. "This looks like it will get kinky," she said with a little giggle, "that's gonna cost ya extra."
"Don't worry about him, he's just along for the ride." Keiji purred turning in his seat to ogle her. His eyes followed the curve of her small breasts down to the dip in her thighs.
"That's a pity, I've never had a foursome before." She sat back in the seat and crossed her legs.
Toshimori laughed "Maybe if he's good we'll fulfill your fantasy." With another short snicker he sped off down the street.
It didn't take long for them to reach their destination, Keiji pulled him from the car and dragged him towards the abandoned building.
Hina followed behind them shivering in the night breeze. "So...it's gonna be 2 bills an hour, if ya want to both have a go at the same time it'll be 5."
"I'll go first." Toshimori said pulling her petite frame against his much larger one.
She giggled prettily before pulling away, "uh huh uh," she outstretched her hand and he placed two hundreds in her palm. "Now let's go somewhere private."
She winked at Keiji as she led Toshimori into another room, the door closed and he turned his attention back to Toshiro.
"Now I'm just gonna ask you a few questions." He said as he approached him rolling up his sleeves. "Did you think that Ōmaeda would not find you? You could'a had it easy. Lottsa money, pretty women what'eva you wanted."
"Fucking whores in a dark room isn't quite 'what'eva I want'." Tōshirō replied with a shrug of his shoulders. He anticipated the punch, he just didn't expect it to feel like a ten pound weight slamming into his face.
"Let's try this again shall we?" Keiji steadied himself then punched him hard in the face again. He groaned shaking away the dead ache in his fingertips, "What did you tell the dead bitch from the FBI?"
Tōshirō refused to answer him even though his face was on fire, he spit the clog of blood in his mouth to the floor. His quickly swelling lips curved into a smirk," I told her what a fucking ridiculous piece of shit-"
Keigo cut him off with a hard hit to the gut, Toshiro gagged on the rising bile but bit his lip to suppress the pain.
In the quiet as Keiji caught his breath, Toshomori's moans filled the room. Hina's voice could also be heard softly mumbling something, as his moaning got louder.
Keiji used it as his soundtrack as he relentlessly pummeled him over and over again. After a few minutes he took a step back to admire his work.
"Fuck, it sounds like he's having all the fun." He said, when he had finally caught his breath. "I think I'll let you sit here and think of what you've done, while I go in there and tag team that slut." He wiped the blood from his fists on the leg of his pants and walked into the now silent room.
A single shot echoed around him then the door flew open and Hina was immediately at his side, "I'm so sorry Shiro," she said trying to undo his cuffs. "I shouldn't have left you alone."
"What the fuck just happened?"
"I-I shot him." She replied her voice heavy with guilt, "I didn't know what else to do."
"And Toshimori?"
"He's dead too. Oh Shiro, you are bleeding everywhere!" She lamented as she gently touched his swollen features.
He pushed her fingers away and stood up. This was nothing, he had been through worse before and survived. A few weak handed hits wasn't going to kill him. "What the hell were you doing out on the street?"
"I couldn't sleep, after we had sex I was just so confused about what I was feeling. I just needed some fresh air and time to think. So I decided to go for a walk."
"So you take my gun?"
"I needed some protection, I'm sorry. How was I supposed to know you'd wake up while I was gone?"
Even as she was explaining herself all he could think of was her alone in the room with Toshimori. "Did you fuck him?" He hated that he had to ask, her whorish persona was a little too convincing?
"Huh, what? No of course not." He frowned at her dubiously, "A man will do anything it seems once you have a gun pointed to his crotch. I told him to make it believable."
Toshiro grabbed the gun from her and walked away, he pushed the door open taking a minute to survey the scene in front of him. Toshimori was tied to the bed nude the pillow still on his face, and Keiji was splayed out on the floor, a pool of blood by his head.
"You're bleeding pretty badly, we need to get you to a hospital." Hina's voice seemed far away. "Shiro, let's go please."
He turned towards her, her face was a mask of apprehension and distress. "Please." Her eyes teared up and she looked away scrubbing at them with the back of her hand.
Suddenly the pain he was trying to subdue overwhelmed him and he faltered on his feet. He managed to stumble to the car with her help, before passing out.~~
Hinamori stepped out of the small waiting room and hesitantly headed towards the brightly lit cafeteria. The look in his pure turquoise eyes when she left the room, almost tore her apart. It was like his heart was calling out to her, even while his mind was putting space between them.
At that moment she had stopped frozen in her tracks, this was an innocent man who nearly died because of her. What kind of woman was she becoming? Compared her own personal vendetta seemed insignificant.
She dialed the familiar number and waited anxiously for an answer. "Did you have to beat him nearly to death?" She inquired heatedly once the line picked up.
"No, but it felt good to do it. He had it comin, nobody double crosses the boss." Keiji replied with a hint of self-satisfaction.
"I told you to go light on him, just make it seem authentic enough so he will believe he's in danger."
"I don't know how much more authentic ya want, if he doesn't cling to ya skirt after this it aint gonna happen."
"I know it will, I can tell he trusts me more now."
"Don't take too long to get that information, Ōmaeda is losing his patience."
"I won't." She answered ending the call, even though she was already having doubts. The haunting look in his eyes stayed with her, reminding her that at the end of all this one of them would have to die.