Please forgive any mistakes.

Chapter 13

The days went by so quickly. Living day after day was more of a routine now no excitement nothing amazing just living it day after day. It was hard for him knowing a woman that he loved no longer wanted him. It hit him deep in the heart. Ichigo started to stop caring, becoming a shell of the man he once was. He took his kids to school, fed them, and spent time with them called it a day. He went to the bar occasionally, talked to his friends, drank a lot and if he felt like it, found a girl to pleasure him that night. Life was just a never ending loop to him hell even work had become a burden more than an enjoyment. He missed Rukia. He thought of her everyday, every moment, every minute of every second. He was also worried about his friends at work and their jobs but with the whole Rukia thing it just clouded his mind. He was currently at work fixing an old sports car. All the guys noticed Ichigo's mood and decided to take him out for drinks. After work they all decided to go to a small bar across town. As usual they all drank and talked.

"So Ichi how have you been since you know the whole altercation?" Renji asked.

Ichigo sighed as he chugged down his second beer, "You know Ren I loved her and I thought she felt the same, it's just hard you know."

Maki sighed, "Bitches be bonkers Ichi you know this can't trust them."

"Oh please Maki you're just salty no one wants your ugly mug." Ashido stated.

Ikkaku chuckled a bit, "Honestly Rukia made a big mistake choosing that loser over you."

The guys all agreed with Ikkaku. Ichigo gave a small smile. He may have been miserable but at least his friends were there for him. After a bit more drinking Ichigo loosened up and just relaxed with his friends. No one really brought up the company thing after the whole debacle. They all needed time to process honestly. It was a nice night all in all. After the bar the guys decided to call it a night and just head home. When Ichigo got home he was welcomed to a cold house with no one to greet him. He sighed as he went to his room to strip down and just watch tv. It was one in the morning when he got a text from Orihime. He wanted to ignore it but he wasn't an asshole. He yawned and checked the message. His heart almost stopped when he saw it.

'Ichigo Rukia is at my place. She's beaten up pretty bad. Please come over quickly.'

Ichigo changed into some sweats and a plain white tee. He found some flip flops, slipped them on and ran and got his keys and wallet. He sprinted to his car and sped off to Orihime's house. Lucky for him there was no traffic, no one was out late so getting to her house was quick and easy. Ichigo ran into the house knowing the door was unlocked. He searched and saw Orihime coming out of her spare room. She gave Ichigo a pitiful look as tears formed in her eyes. Ichigo went up to her asking what happened.

"I texted Rukia earlier today to check up on her and as usual I didn't get a response but I was okay with that. Then around one in the morning I got a text asking me to meet her at the beach. I was a little confused but I met her. When I got there she had a black eye and bruised face. She was holding her shoulder as well. When I got her here I, oh Ichigo she's so banged up."

Ichigo frowned and walked to the spare room Orihime was close behind. When he saw her he damn near had to control his anger so he wouldn't punch a hole in the wall. Rukia was sleeping as he looked her over. She was wearing only a bra and panties but she was covered up by the heavy blankets. Ichigo pulled the blankets down and saw bruises all over her body. Nothing was broken thank goodness but she was banged up pretty bad. Ichigo turned to Orihime and told her to call her sister. She nodded and ran to go get her phone. Ichigo stooped down next to Rukia and kissed her cheek.

"Why? Why did you leave me? I should have taken you away from his place. I shouldn't have left. I'm so sorry."

Ichigo started to kiss her as tears formed down his eyes. Ichigo was distraught; he didn't know what to do. He decided to leave Rukia to rest and looked for Orihime. She was in the kitchen texting furiously on her phone. She was so in thought she didn't even notice Ichigo was standing right in front of her. She of course squealed and jumped which caused Ichigo to give a small smile. Orihime hugged Ichigo instinctively as she cried. Ichigo held her for a bit; he knew this was hard for Orihime. She was always sensitive and she cared so much for others he was sure she felt Rukia's pain. Ichigo just held Orihime in his arms as she cried. He felt if he was to let her go he would fall as well. Sooner than later Orihime found the strength to pull away and sit on the couch Ichigo followed.

"Hisana and Byakuya are on their way. I told Rangiku and she took it upon herself to tell everyone else." Orihime explained.

Ichigo chuckled, "Leave it to Rangiku to update everyone."

Orihime gave a small smile then looked at the room Rukia occupied. She looked back to Ichigo and sniffled.

"What are we going to do? She can't go back to Kugo, he'll kill her." Orihime cried.

Ichigo frowned, "Not on my watch Hime he won't touch her again."

Orihime smiled and hugged him again. After a few seconds there was a banging on the door. Orihime immediately hid behind Ichigo both thinking it was Kugo. Ichigo calmed Orihime and sat her on the couch. He opened the door prepared to fight Kugo but instead he was met with a pissed off Hisana and furious Byakuya. Hisana pushed past Ichigo and started searching for Rukia. Byakuya followed behind her. Orihime walked the two to the room Rukia was currently in. All Ichigo heard when they went in was Hisana screaming. Ichigo ran to the room to see Byakuya holding Hisana in his arms as she cried. Ichigo looked and saw Rukia was stirring. Orihime ran over to her and checked her over as she stirred from her sleep. Rukia said nothing as she looked through her bruised eyes. Orihime handed her some water to which she took thankfully. She drank it all in one gulp and took shallow breaths as she tried to relax. No one spoke for a while, they all just looked at each other. Hisana was the first one to make a move. Everyone noticed that Rukia tensed as Hisana walked over to her. Hisana looked at the group and frowned.

"Leave us."

Byakuya went to say something but one single glare from Hisana had him thinking otherwise. Orihime led Byakuya and Ichigo out to the couch and closed the door to give the sisters some privacy. Perfect timing since Rangiku and the others were starting to arrive. Hisana looked at her little sister and sighed. She sat on the edge of the bed and looked at her sister in sadness. Rukia looked down in guilt as she waited for Hisana to speak.

"What happened, Rukia?"

I don't…I-I-I don't k-k-know I was on my p-p-phone when Kugo attacked m-me." Hisana looked her sister up and down and knew that wasn't the whole truth. So she waited for her sister to continue. "I think-k he thinks he lo-o-ost his drive with a-a-all the company's in-in-information on it a-a-and he wa-a-as taking his anger out on me." Rukia stammered out.

Hisana quickly put two and two together and scowled, "Rukia, you got back with him because you wanted the company's information? You put your life in danger for a fucking flash drive?"

Rukia jumped a little, "I-I-I als-s-so thought K-K-Kugo changed. I g-g-guess I was wrong."

Hisana sighed as she grabbed her sister for a hug, "Ruks, I thought he killed you when I got that call from Orihime. You can't keep doing this. Kugo is not good for you. This toxic relationship is ending today and I'm calling the cops enough is enough."

Rukia took a deep breath, "No he doesn't know I took it if we call the cops Aizen will be on to us and this will have all been for nothing."

"Rukia you're hurt I don't give a fuck about the company or Aizen I care about you." Hisana stated.

Rukia gave a small, very small smile, "I know Hisana but I care about the company and everyone's wellbeing. We can't let Aizen win, we just can't."

Hisana closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She was at a crossroad but she trusted that her sister knew what she was doing. She looked her sister up and down then patted her head. She really did hope her little sister knew what she was doing. Rukia pulled Hisana in for a hug. After a bit they both started crying. Hisana held Rukia close to her, afraid to let her go. They stayed in that position for a good five minutes just holding each other. Rukia was the first to pull away reluctantly. Hisana decided to let the others in since she was sure they wanted to see how Rukia was doing. The moment she opened the door Rangiku and Senna came running in. Rangiku gasped when she saw Rukia's condition whereas Senna just shook her head in anger.

"That ugly motherfucker did this to you!" Rangiku screamed.

Senna shook her head in disbelief as she looked over Rukia. She wanted to just hug her but thought against it with her bruises and all. Rukia watched as everyone gathered in the room to see how she was. She felt loved and she was happy she had people to call friends. She noticed how Ichigo was in the back; he didn't make eye contact with her, which she understood. She knew she broke his heart which she had no intentions to do. She did love him that much she knew but in the back of her mind she thought Kugo had changed. Rukia looked away from him hurt and sad that she could make him so disgusted with her that he didn't even want to make eye contact. Orihime bought her soup and tea along with plenty of water. While she ate everyone started talking about the whole Aizen thing. Byakuya was engaging as well, saying he'd keep a close eye on everyone within the company. They didn't know who was for them and who was for Aizen. Rangiku sighed as she looked at everyone in the room.

"Guys it's time we need to end this. Rukia has proof, let's just give it to Kaname and be done with it. He's head of HR he's the top of the food chain." Rangiku stated.

Ikkaku frowned, "How do we know we can trust him? Kenpachi always hated Kaname."

"Ikkaku with all due respect Kenpachi hates everyone." Senna stated.

Maki shook his head, "That's not true actually and come on Ikkaku has a point, how do we know we can trust him?"

Orihime sighed, "We just have to have faith."

Ichigo finally spoke up and shook his head, "No I'm with Maki and Ikkaku on this we can't trust Kaname he seems like he has an agenda. We can only trust each other. What even is on the flash drive Rukia?"

Rukia took a minute to find her words. She looked directly at Ichigo no one else and gave a serious look. She looked at Ichigo and saw his eyes were cold, nothing soothing or loving in them as he looked at her. She had to catch her breath. Did he hate her that much? Rukia closed her eyes and found the will to speak without stuttering.

"It has everything we need to know. Finances, clients, providers, employees, and it's all in Aizen's name." Rukia stated.

Renji shook his head, "Something isn't right, why would he have his name on everything?"

"Because he's cocky he thinks he's a god who can't be brought down but we'll show him." Byakuya stated. "I knew something was going on but I paid it no mind though I was simply being paranoid but now I know Sosuke Aizen is a traitor. And he will be brought to justice one way or another."

Hisana squealed, causing everyone to look at her. She was looking at Byakuya biting her lip. Byakuya cleared his throat and decided to keep on subject as his wife stared lustfully at him. The others chuckled at their interactions and were happy Byakuya wasn't the uptight stick in the mud they always believed he was. Rukia gave a small smile at her sister's antics wishing she had the type of love they did. She then looked at Ichigo and frowned. She did have the love Hisana and Byakuya have. Ichigo showed her love and tenderness. He kissed her and made love to her as if it would be their last. She couldn't help but look at Ichigo again. He was talking to the group about something. She looked him up and down and couldn't help but curse herself. She knew she fucked up when it came to Ichigo she lost something good and she would forever regret it.

"Alright guys and girls it's time to get this plan in motion. I'm tired of Aizen's ass." Rangiku stated.

Everyone nodded in agreement. Before the girls left they all hugged Rukia. Hisana asked if she wanted to stay with her and Byakuya. Rukia declined and stated she didn't want to be a burden. Hisana and Rukia gave tight hugs and then said their goodbyes. The guys all said their goodbyes, some stating they'd beat Kugo's ass for her whenever she needed. She gave a small small smile and thanked everyone for coming to check up on her. As everyone left it was just Orihime, Ichigo, and Rukia. Orihime decided to clean up and leave Ichigo and Rukia to themselves. Ichigo looked Rukia up and down.

"Good to see you are okay and didn't need hospital assistance." Ichigo commented.

Rukia nodded, "Thanks umm how are the kids?"

Ichigo frowned, "Look it's really late. I'm tired and I have work tomorrow. I'm happy to see you're okay though. Get some rest."

With that stated Ichigo left without a second thought. Rukia locked the door behind her and went to find Orihime. She thanked her for everything and then went to the guest room to get some more rest. She felt drained and tired and hurt. Thankfully she had friends who actually cared about her. While heading to sleep she couldn't help but think of Ichigo and the pain that she caused him. She sighed and went to sleep wondering why everything had to be so difficult. While she slept she was unaware of the text messages Kugo was texting her and how he was starting to unravel his true side in those texts.

A/N Happy Valentines guys I feel bad because I just feel like you guys aren't enjoying it. I'm sorry. But I hope you guys are having a nice Valentine's day. Please comment and review and tell me what you like and what you don't like. Hope you enjoyed the chapter even just a little bit. See you through the screen.