Heartbeat

Thank you hypotia for my first review!

And also to all of my viewers and readers!

I'd really appreciate it if readers would review and let me know what they think. Since it's my very first fanfic I'm quite self-conscious and feedback will let me know if I'm doing okay. I also welcome suggestions and criticism. Feel free to message me as well

A note about the story: there will be plenty of IchiRuki later on. I'm a HUGE IchiRuki fan but Byakuya is just too interesting a character to be left out! And of course, so story is complete without a little adventure and action so look for that later on.

Anyway, please enjoy this chapter and let me know what you think.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of its characters.

Stopping in front of the door, the two men looked at each other and nodded before the taller of the pair stepped forward and slid the door open slowly. They were met with the angry eyes of the substitute shinigami and Rukia-sama. This, however, they were expecting. Manami-sama had warned them that Rukia and the ryoka boy were notoriously protective of the girl. The strangers held their hands up showing that they meant no harm.

Rukia watched the two strangers as they held their hands up, palm forward, and stepped out of the shadows. She recognized them, though she didn't know them personally. Immediately her stance relaxed. Surely their master meant Ami no harm. After all, it was the old woman who helped Ami out of the main house.

"You two. You are Manami-sama's shadow, are you not?" Rukia demanded in her gruff voice.

"Hai. Rukia-sama, we're here to collect Ami-sama and escort her back to the Kuchiki manor, immediately. Please step aside" the dark haired man she knew as Kaito responded.

"What? You assholes aren't taking her anywhere!" Ichigo bellowed as he tightened his grip on Zangetsu.

"Wait Ichigo. Manami-sama is Byakuya-bo's grandmother, and the head elder of their clan. Why would she send you here? Did she not help Ami flee in the first place?" Yoruichi interrogated.

"Hai, Shihoin-dono. However, the situation has changed. Manami-sama only sent us to retrieve her. She also wrote a letter." The blonde haired boy said as he drew a folded parchment from his haori.

Yoruichi stepped up and took the document, Kisuke stood next to her as she read the contents. Her grip tightened on the paper, her face contorting with anger.

"What does it say Yoruichi-san" Ichigo asked impatiently.

Sighing heavily, she handed the paper to Kisuke and turned to talk to the young ones, "It says that an old enemy of the Kuchiki has found out about Ami's condition and have made direct threats against her… and her unborn child. In order to best protect her, she should be returned to the Kuchiki house…" the woman trailed off.

"Fuck that! We'll protect her here!" Ichigo rebutted.

"No, Ichigo, we can't" Kisuke added, his eyes never leaving the letter in his hand. "We alone cannot keep her safe from this threat. She would be safest at the Kuchiki house, where there will be many to guard her" the man finished.

"Like hell she'll be safe!" the orange-haired teen responded, his words laced with his anger.

"Ichigo calm down! This is Manami-sama. She's always cared deeply about Ami's safety!" Rukia defended.

"Kurosaki-dono, we have no intention to hurt Ami-sama. Our instructions were to see her safely back to the Kuchiki house, where she will be well cared for and under Manami-sama's watchful gaze. She will be safe." The elder guard interjected.

Ichigo did not like this one bit. He trusted no one from that family right now, well, except Rukia. He didn't want Ami to go back to a place that held bad memories for her. Plus, how much could he trust these people? They weren't able to keep her safe the first time around! He shut his eyes and let out an exasperated sigh.

"Fine. But if she goes, we go with her" Ichigo stated in a I-wont-take-no-for-an-answer kind of voice.

The guards exchanged looks. There orders were to bring the girl back safely, nothing was said about any others. Of course, Rukia-sama was to return as well, but what about the rest? While she didn't say to bring any others, she didn't say they couldn't either. If letting them tag along would make the retrieval go smoother, then why not? It would in fact help them in their mission to return her safely.

"Hai. I understand. We were not told she could not bring guests" the same guard intoned once more.

The shinigami relaxed their stances, though they were still on guard. Rukia turned and looked at her friend and was surprised by what she saw.

Ami stood clinging to Isshin's arm for dear life. She couldn't believe this was happening. Her initial thought was that she wasn't going anywhere with anyone and that those two fools best turn and walk away before she lost it. However, at the mention of Manami-sama, she stopped and listened. Manami-sama was the one who helped her leave the Kuchiki house and for that she was forever grateful. Ami couldn't begin to fathom why she would want her to return considering the great personal risk she took getting the young woman out. It was then she heard the man say it. He said an enemy of the Kuchiki made threats of her life and the life of her child. Death threats against herself she could handle, but she wasn't so sure she could afford her son the same protection.

Her already tired mind was racing with the possibility of what was to come. It was a no win situation no matter how she looked at it. The last place she wanted to be was back there, where she fought so hard to escape from. But, it would be safe- for her child at least. Well, that was what she hoped anyways. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and let go of Isshin's arm. She had to make a decision; one not born from fear or feelings of animosity. She needed to do what was right for the innocent life inside her. When she decided she was going to have this baby, no matter what, she knew she would have a rough road ahead of her. The last few months she spent fussing over every little detail of her unborn child's life. She wanted him to have everything once he entered the world. No matter what the circumstances of his conception, he was completely innocent in this situation, and it was her job as his mother to shield him from harm. If she had to go back there to keep him safe, then so be it.

Her mind was made. Isshin could tell by the rigidity of her posture and the hard look in her eyes. He was surprised when he heard her breathe deeply and then let go of his arm. Looking at her, he felt relief and pride. She had made a very difficult decision, and she made it for all the right reasons. Even though her son was yet to be born, she was a mother. Mothers are notorious protectors of their young, and Ami was no different. She knew what she needed to do and was prepared to do it. All he could do for her now was pray and hope she was strong to endure what was to come.

"Are you prepared Ami-sama?" one guard asked, bowing slightly as he addressed her.

"Hai" she responded softly and she walked forward and took Rukia's hand.

Rukia tightened her hard around Ami's and shot Ichigo a weary glance. From the look in his eyes, he was equally weary. They didn't know what to expect from this point on, but they would face it together. They would protect her from any and all harm together.

"Well, let's go then" Yoruichi said suddenly.

"You-you're coming too?" Ichigo stuttered, stunned.

"Of course, I can't exactly leave our dear Ami in the hands of you whippersnappers. Times like this calls for experienced players" Yoruichi responded playfully, winking at the shocked teen.

Ami was beyond relieved to hear Yoruichi was accompanying them. She had been afraid that she alone would not be enough to keep Rukia and Ichigo, especially Ichigo, out of trouble when the going got rough. At least with Yoruichi there she would not have to worry about her older children so much. Yes, Rukia and Ichigo were like her own; Rukia with her insecure heart and Ichigo with his heavy sadness. They were children in their own way, and they were so vulnerable despite their obvious strength. She loved them dearly and would always be there when they needed her. But right now, she needed them. And was glad they were by her side through this.

The guard looked at the group. They were certainly interesting, to say the least. He was curious to see how this would unfold. "The senkaimon has already been adjusted. Shall we leave?" he said gently.

They nodded and turned and walked out the shop doors, leaving them to say their goodbyes.

Meanwhile, inside the Urahara Shouten, Ami was engulfed in Isshin's fatherly embrace. They didn't want to say goodbye, because it was too final. So they shared a silent "see you later" and she turned the walk out the door after the guards. Isshin pulled Rukia and Ichigo into sideways hugs on either side of him, telling them to stay strong and make him proud. After saying a quite goodbye to Kisuke everyone walked outside where the guards had already opened the world gate.

Taking a deep breath Ami took a tentative step toward the gate, only to be swept up and held bridal style in Ichigo's arms. She was shocked, but he only smirked. From beside him she heard Rukia laugh and Yoruichi snort. He was being cheeky, but she would let him get away with it for now, besides it would be faster this way.

"Don't complain if you can't feel your arms later" Ami mumbled with a mock pout on her face.

The young boy chuckled and followed the guards through the gate; Rukia and Yoruichi two paces behind him. The silence was stifling inside the dark severed world. Ami thought it was the opportune time to get some answers about what exactly this threat against her was.

"Ano..hey wait, what's your names anyways?" she asked, feeling stupid for not having done so earlier.

"I am Saito" said the older, dark haired man.

"And I am Reiichirou" said the blond haired boy.

Ami nodded thoughtfully. Reiichirou was one of the names she was considering for her son. She smiled lightly at the thought.

"What is this threat against her and her baby exactly" Ichigo asked impatiently.

"I am sorry, however we are not to discuss any kind of details pertaining to that matter" Saito replied matter-of-factly.

"What the-" Ichigo began, only to be cut off by Yoruichi.

"Leave it alone Ichigo. They couldn't tell you even if they wanted to. Clan matters are just that, they are only to be discussed among clan members and only within the walls of the House" she sagely informed the brash young boy.

"Feh, whatever" Ichigo mumbled.

All the while Rukia was quiet. She was nervous about what would happen once they arrived at the Kuchiki household. The one thing that kept her in line as a proper Kuchiki lady all these years is her fear of having nowhere to belong. However, that fear died when she found a place in the real world with Ichigo and his family; a place where she could be herself and still be accepted. She was a Kuchiki in name only, and would not hesitate to stand against them should she need to. For Ami, she would throw her brothers generosity back into his face.

Ami was calm, but it was a deceptive calm. She knew that when she came face to face with him she would break. But it was too late to have those thoughts, they were nearing the end of the path and soon she would be in the belly of the beast and there would be nothing she could do but make the best of whatever hand she was dealt. All she had to do was keep reminding herself that this wasn't about her. Before she had time to think any more, she saw the other end of the gateway and her heart sped up as they slowly approached the threshold. As they crossed into the Soul Society, she felt her heart beating so hard she thought it would rip through her chest.

The sudden light hurt her eyes. They were in the garden that held the senkaimon owned by the Kuchiki's. She felt Ichigo's grip tighten. Looking up at him, she whispered to let her down. At first he was hesitant, but she gave him a look that said to do what he was told, and so he did. Holding Ichigo's arm to steady herself, she breathed deeply and turned around the meet her maker. She couldn't help but smile when her eyes met those of Manami-sama. Without thinking, she walked toward the elderly woman and embraced her. Manami laughed and returned the gesture.

"Thank you for returning, child" she whispered to Ami as they broke apart.

"I didn't want to" she answered honestly, looking down.

Manami only smiled kindly in response. She couldn't blame the girl for not wanting to return. "You brought guests I see" she said next.

"No way we'd let her come back here alone!" Ichigo ground out.

"Ichigo do not show Manami-sama such disrespect!" Rukia scolded, hitting him in the arm. They began bickering and only stopped when Ami pulled both their ears and scolded them for their childish behavior.

"You have to forgive them Manami-sama, those two never stop. Ah, I'm sure you already know Shihoin Yoruichi, she will also be staying with me, if you will permit it" Ami said politely, eyeing the woman carefully.

"Of course! How could I forget Yoruichi! She played with Byakuya quite a bit when he was young" Manami replied.

"I wouldn't call such uncouth behavior playing, Obaa-sama" came a deep, cold baritone voice from the sides to their left.

Ami froze immediately as she recognized the voice. She felt Rukia put a hand on her back, and she let out the breath she was holding. Turning her head slowly, she watched the newcomer emerge from the shadows and came to a stop a few feet away from them. She felt his cold eyes on her and wanted to flinch, but didn't move.

"Explain" was all he said in a dangerous tone.

Thank you for reading! I'll try to update soon!

~asm-hime