A/N: Uh, hi...*don't kill me!* it's um, me again, the one who doesn't update very much and makes you all mad! XD Well I guess this is the latest chapter of my story, and long awaited from what i read in my reviews! I do have an explanation, you know! Well firstly, I went to Japan over the summer, it was amazing! I was taken everywhere by my host family and I was fed loads of really nice food, Okonomiyaki ftw! So when I came back I was a little drepressed and then I had to go back to college and do work and work and more work and had a fall out with one of my friends over a boy, yes, I know, "you moron!" so yeah, it's so-so.

Anyway, here it is, this hasn't been edited, said friend was my editor and so I am on the lookout for betareaders, if you happen to be one or feel like being the next poor person to trudge through my appaling work, then please say, thanks! Please be aware of, bad grammer, sex changes and missing words!

Ok, enough of my sob story, on with the chapter!

WARNING: This story contains: Violence, language, lime (in this chapter too) and eventual lemon. Do not read if you are not old enough!

Chapter Four

Day Four: Her Hero

The quilt was warm and soft on her skin as Rukia slowly woke to the sounds of the morning. She sat up slowly, realising that she was alone again. She strained her ears for any sound of noise outside the bedroom and smiled as she heard the soft sizzles from the kitchen. She got up slowly, lazily, as she did not want to leave her sanctuary but the thought of seeing him again made her smile as she pulled herself out of bed. As she did however, she found herself gasping and wincing in pain as she stood up and a sharp sting shot through her ankle. She sat back down quickly, cursing the ache that she had. She sighed, what was she to do if she could barely walk? She would have to hobble to even get to the bathroom.

She flopped back on the bed, frustrated and groaning as she did so. She tapped her fingers on the wooden board at the end of the bed, even more pissed off as her stomach rumbled and the incredible scent of breakfast wafted through the door that was open a crack. She thought for a few minutes, heeding the doctor's advice and not putting any weight on her foot. If she couldn't move then how should she move around? She figured that her captain could help her, but that would make her a burden and it was too much to ask. She sighed again, the notion of crying filling her as she lay, confused and helpless, vulnerable and open. She hastily wiped away the first tear that had managed to escape before she took a deep breath and asked for help.

"Captain!" she said loudly, unsure how high to raise her voice. There came no reply and this prompted her to yell louder.

"Captain Ukitake! Help!" She listened again, still hearing the same tone of sizzle and spit of the frying pan. She groaned again, loathing this childish feeling of being utterly feeble. She was a soul reaper for Kami's sake, not a weak girl who can barely move. After a further few minutes, she heard no noise of him approaching.

"Captain!" she called again, desperation tingeing her voice now, "Jūshirō… Jūshirō…"

She stopped calling, realising that she let his name slip out by accident. She smiled to herself however, taking pleasure in saying his first name for the first time fully. She had said his name to herself once or twice when she had first joined his squad, in an attempt to learn the names of her squad members, but this...this was different, alien to her almost. She realised that she liked it however, and even though it was disrespectful to call him thus, she never wanted to call him by his last name again.

"Jūshirō!" she called again, no longer caring whether it was discourteous anymore, "Help! I'm kinda stuck here right now!"

She sat upright now, learning with disappointment that he could not hear her. Tears challenged her resolve once more, threatening to spill down her warm cheeks. She frowned a little, when had she become such a cry-baby? She never used to cry this easily, only during thunderstorms when the image of Kaien haunted her to breaking point. It seemed now that she could cry more easily, like now and during that film that they had watched together, that too had reduced her to tears. She thought for a moment as her tears subsided and it became strikingly clear that her new attitude had started during their time together, is this what he did to her emotionally? Did Jūshirō bring out her emotional side? Was he really capable of bringing this much out of her? The lonely nights did not make her cry, and she never cried when her Nii-sama had been particularly cold or brash with her, but for whatever reason, being with Jūshirō did make her cry. She wiped any moisture from her eyes before taking the initiative and sliding off the bed slowly. She grimaced at the stiffness of her leg as she stood on all fours on the floor, feeling ridiculous at the pose.

Swallowing her pride she crawled out of the room and hit the full smell of breakfast, the sugary scent enveloping her immediately. Despite wanting to continue so she could at least get to the kitchen first, she stayed still, her head feeling heavy suddenly and the loud noise and overwhelming scent overpowering her.

"Jūshirō… Jūshirō…" she called again, convinced her small voice would not reach him. She sat back, unsure what had come over her all of a sudden as she waited for him to approach her. She sighed as she looked into her lap, her foot hurting due to the angle at which she was sitting, she didn't care however, and the only thing she wanted was him. She needed his help and guidance. She wasn't sure how long she waited there but sure enough, Jūshirō came to her aid, scooping her up with ease and taking her back into the bedroom.

"Rukia! Rukia," he asked quickly, his voice full of concern, "Are you ok? What happened?"

"Jūshirō," she replied, forgetting her station, "I'm fine. I just woke up and I can't walk…"

"Oh, Rukia," she said with genuine sympathy, "Are you sure you're ok? I'm so sorry I didn't hear you." He took her to the bed, laying her down across it before lying by her side, keeping himself upright on his forearm as his hand felt her forehead for a few minutes, comparing against his own temperature. Certain that she was not feverish; he ran his fingers through her hair, removing it from her face and smoothing over the slight redness that had appeared under her eyes.

"It's ok," she promised him, "I shouldn't be so weak, and it's only my foot after all."

"No," Jūshirō argued lightly, "Your injury is serious, you have to stay and rest and I should be taking better care of you."

"No," she quarrelled back, "You shouldn't have to take care of me, I don't want to be a burden, and I will stay out of your way, don't worry I-"

Rukia didn't have time to finish before Jūshirō placed his finger over her lips, silencing her immediately, "You could never be a burden, you mean too much to me."

He removed his finger slowly, watching her shocked face intently as Rukia's eyes widened, her tears impending fast at his comforting words, "Jūshirō…"

"Yes," he replied, forgetting that she was his vice-captain for a brief second, "Since when have you started calling me by my first name, vice captain?"

Rukia could have sworn that her heart skipped a beat; did this mean that she could never call him by his first name again? Was he offended?

"I'm sorry, captain, it just kinda slipped," she revealed, "But since when does a captain kiss his vice captain for no reason?"

Rukia smiled smugly, pleased with her sudden revelation on how to reply to his question as she eagerly awaited his answer, it would be an interesting reply indeed.

"You mean like this?" he asked before he drew closer to her, gently kissing her as he brushed his lips against hers. She immediately blushed and shut her eyes, taking in his sweet scent as she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed him back with zeal, relishing the emotion that he created within her. She pushed her bottom lip out in a childish pout as he broke away from her, making her displeasure known.

"Rukia," he said with a small chuckle as he saw her face, "I didn't kiss you that first time for no reason, I kissed you because I wanted to. Just like that kiss, it wasn't done for no reason, it gave me true happiness to do so."

Rukia blushed harder as she looked away, a little embarrassed but nevertheless touched deeply by his feelings towards her and she couldn't deny that she felt the same way. Jūshirō sat up, pulling her with him and dragging her into his lap, making her face turn a maroon colour as he did so.

"Um, what is the plan for today?" she asked in a small voice, as she looked down and realised that her short nightgown left little to the imagination. She inwardly cursed, forgetting that this attire was hardly appropriate for the situation that she and Jūshirō had found themselves in. She discreetly pulled on the edge of the fabric, trying, with difficulty, to pull it a little lower and pulling a face when it sprang back, refusing to be stretched. Jūshirō, who had, unbeknown to her, been watching her efforts, chuckled to himself when the material refused to be tugged lower. She jumped a little and looked up at him as she realised she was being watched, her cheeks blazing with embarrassment.

"That's an interesting item of clothing," he stated as he too tried to tug it down further, making her gasp at the intimate contact. She held her breath as his hand brushed her thigh, her tiny involuntary squeak giving her excitement away. Jūshirō raised his eyebrows at the noise and continued to 'test' her nightgown, seeing how his actions affected her.

"Breathe," he advised, leaning down to whisper in her ear. He placed his hand delicately on her stomach, leaving it there for a few seconds before sitting back from her entirely. It was only then that Rukia exhaled and began to breathe normally again. She kept her gaze down as she gripped at the duvet, desperately trying to ignore her desire for him as he sat back so casually. She quickly looked up seeing his loose night shirt revealing a sliver of his toned stomach, prompting her to look away again.

"Are you ok?" he asked her as she was unable to look at him for fear of throwing herself at him.

"Yes," she said quietly keeping her gaze away from him, causing him to chuckle lightly to himself, fully aware of her actions.

"May I see your ankle?" he asked, sitting up and carefully taking her leg by lifting her foot and moving her round so that they were sitting opposite. She blushed as he caught a glimpse her underwear in the process and kept her head down in embarrassment, even though she had sorta wanted him to see them.

He smiled as he inspected her ankle, she seemed so fragile and yet he knew this not to be true. He applied pressure to different parts of her foot, listening to her gasps of pain.

"Does this hurt?" He asked as he squeezed her heel. She shook her head before he applied pressure to the top of her foot, looking up at her for confirmation and proceeding as she shook her head. He moved up to squeeze her calf muscle, making her frown at his actions.

"That's my leg, not my ankle," she pointed out, finding her excitement rise as he slowly inspected her leg, moving up little by little.

"I know," he replied now looking at her thigh, "Just checking for bruises that may need seeing to."

"Yeah, only bruise checking?" she said blurted out cynically, secretly enjoying his 'check up.'

"What else would I be doing?" he asked as he reached the edge of her night gown, looking up to see her reaction, "Why else would I do this?"

"I-I don't know," she said quickly, "Maybe because you want to or…or..."

"Or what?" he asked curious now, raising one eyebrow at her.

"Nothing," she said quickly, brushing off her trail of thought.

"Tell me," he asked as he lifted it an inch higher, causing her to automatically stop him by pushing his hands away.

"Well, I um," she started to explain as he removed her hands and carried on with his previous actions, "I thought that maybe you, uh, you know, are doing it for a reason other than bruise checking. You know, cos you are kinda close to seeing right up my nightgown and all…"

"I am fully aware of that," he said with a laugh, "And this is a simple check, the doctor told me to take care of you and make sure that you heal nicely!"

"The doctor was also under the impression that we were married," she pointed out, "And it is acceptable for a married man to look at his wife with very little clothes on. However we aren't married…"

"I know, but still," he said casually as he looked up now, seeing her blushing face bright eyes. He leaned forward a little, guiding her onto her back with a gentle smile. She gasped as she lay back, still unsure of his intentions. Her heart was beating wildly and the she had the feeling of butterflies in her stomach as she waited for him to make a move.

"You have bruises on your side too, don't you?" he asked as he slipped his hand under her attire, gently rubbing her skin, and accidentally catching her breast with his fingertips. She froze as he did so, her back suddenly rigid and her breathing interrupted by the slight gasp she made. Jūshirō looked up at her, prompted by the noise to find her watching him, her eyes shimmering with excitement. He smiled to himself as he looked back down, was it possible that she desired him as much as he did her? He stopped for a minute, did he dare find out? Did he dare try it on with a Kuchiki? It could cause a lot of trouble if she did not want this, not to mention the wrath of her brother if she were to tell him how her captain tried to take advantage of her. He shook his head, he couldn't risk it, and as much as he wanted to…he daren't.

"I think you're ok," he said, his voice slightly melancholy.

"But I thought you had to check," she said quickly, refusing to let him stop now, she yearned for his touch, "My side feels like it is burning up and it hurts."

"It isn't appropriate," he replied, despite him wanting to pander to her needs.

"Please," she asked, her voice silky smooth and innocent as she reached to touch his hand for a brief second before lying as she was again.

"I suppose so," he conceded, joy flooding through him as he picked up the need in her voice, "If you really want."

She nodded as he carefully pushed up her clothing, revealing her flat stomach and curves, nearly sending him over the edge. He lifted her garment and stopped at her chest, fully aware that she was not wearing a bra. He winced as he saw the damage the hollow had done, she was lucky she had not broken any ribs. Her large bruises that patterned her skin were beginning to turn yellow from their original black colour. He ran his fingers lightly over them and heard her gasp when he pressed a little too hard.

"Sorry," he apologized, as she shook her head.

"It's fine," she assured him.

"Well," he concluded, sitting back and watching her lie back with her eyes closed, "They aren't looking too good, but they can only heal in time. However I can make you feel a little better, I may know how to make them heal more quickly."

"How?" she asked as she opened one eye and watched what he planned to do, sending a ripple of excitement through her.

"Well I may be able to kiss them better," he pointed out, making her open both eyes and nod enthusiastically. He smiled as he leant back down to gently kiss her bruises hearing her sigh in contentment at the feeling. Despite the damage, Jūshirō could feel how soft her skin was, making him run his hands over her flat stomach and caress her curves.

He stopped however when his phone bleeped, reminding him of his job, "Dammit."

He sat back up before pulling her night dress back down, much to both his and Rukia's dismay. He hopped off the bed, quickly checking his phone before almost slamming it back down and hurrying out of the room. Rukia sat up before reaching over to check his phone, flipping it open and reading the message. She sighed, he had work to do. Taking the opportunity, she checked through his contacts, noticing how few females he knew. Her heart nearly skipped a beat as she read her own name that was followed by a heart. She froze, unable to put the phone back or move, even when she heard his footsteps approaching.

He suddenly walked back in, stopping dead when he saw the phone in her hand. She looked up, guilt spreading across her features as she clutched at the device. He raised his eyebrows as she blushed and looked down, offering the phone back with her outstretched hand. He slowly took it from her, turning it over and immediately seeing the same thing she did. He flipped it back down before throwing it on the bed, never breaking the eye contact that he held with her, feeling butterflies grow in the pit of his stomach.

"Rukia…I…that," he started as he sat down next to her, however he was interrupted by another beep of his phone.

"Ignore it," Rukia said quickly, encouraging him to continue.

"I can't," he pointed out, although he wanted to heed her advice, "It's my duty. It's not urgent but I need to sort this out."

He got up briskly before flash stepping out of the room and appearing again within the blink of an eye. He handed Rukia a plate of warm chocolate pancakes with cream and strawberries, her eyes widening at his generosity.

"Here's you breakfast," he said as he handed her the plate before passing her some utensils, "They are still warm."

She smiled as she placed the plate next to her, giving him her full attention once more, "Stay with me."

"Rukia, I would love to," he said truthfully, "But I have to do this, that's why we are even here."

He walked over to her before he lifted her by her waist and placed her back within the pillows with ease. He pulled the quilt over her lovingly before he laid her back and gave her the plate once more.

"What I am supposed to do all day?" she asked, slightly irritated by his choosing to answer the call.

"Recover," he said flatly as he stood back up and grabbed his Shihakusho from the wardrobe.

Rukia pouted as he went to change, not satisfied with her answer, she needed him to stay with her not only for company but how else was she meant to get to the bathroom? She sighed as she sat back refusing to eat and pushing her plate away again. She waited unhappily for him to finish dressing, crossing her arms across her chest as she did so. She waited for a few minutes and finally smiled as he entered the room, now dressed in his robes.

"I will be lonely," she complained as she watched him grab his soul candy and phone before putting them in his pockets, "Will you stay and keep me company, please?"

"Rukia," he said as he perched on the edge of the bed, his voice saddened, "Listen, I can't, I have to sort this out and I don't know how long I will be gone."

"Can't you stay, for me?" she asked as she picked up a strawberry before eating it. She knew she was tempting him and so she was not surprised when he looked away quickly. She herself was quite shocked at what she has just done, was she that desperate and needy that she would openly tease him like that? She knew that work came first so why was she stopping him? The truth was, she needed him, she needed his company, his care, his love she wanted him for her own.

She watched as he turned back to face her, a small smile on his face, "That wasn't very nice, you know."

"No but they are nice strawberries, they need to be eaten," she pointed out as she picked up another one and held it to him.

"I have already had some," he told her, "And I need to get going. Just stay here and recover, watch TV, read, you know, just get better. I will be back sometime later."

Rukia reluctantly nodded as he began to slide off the bed; however she leant forward keeping him there with her hand on his shoulder. She inwardly gasped for she could feel his board shoulders underneath his Shihakusho, only driving her need for him.

"Don't worry, I haven't forgotten," he assured her as he leant forward and crushed his lips to hers.

xxxxxxx

Rukia sighed as she flicked through the channels, hating her own personal hell. Each channel crappier than the last and her patience wearing thin. She finally settled on some unknown movie and was beginning to regret crawling to the living room in order to watch the television. However the girl on the film caught her attention as she asked her friend how to get a guy to like her. Rukia turned up the volume, wanting to hear all of the possible suggestions, just in case she needed to use them.

She nodded as she noted some of the answers, playing them out in her head with a smile, would they work? Would he get the hints? He didn't have any problems with seeing to her wounds this morning, so he wouldn't shrug off her advances, would he? She sighed again, turning the volume back down as the film changed scenes and lying on her back to stare at the ceiling. She glanced at the clock, groaning at the time and how slowly it was going. It was only eleven in the morning and her captain had only been gone a little while. She was already bored and lonely; she wanted nothing more than for him to be there with her. It was then that she realised that she needed him much more than she had thought, and that perhaps, slowly, she was falling in love with him.

xxxxxxx

Jūshirō sliced through the third hollow of the day, he had only been out a short while and he had already vanquished three hollows and two menos, they hadn't been easy. He watched as the hollow vanished, leaving him to collapse on the floor, exhausted. He sat back, watching how the police were investigating the area, roused by the damage the hollow had inflicted to the buildings, this wasn't good. He sighed, feeling guilty as people were kept away by barriers and police and ambulances arrived rapidly, checking for people caught in the affected areas. He stood up, flashing stepping to the top of a high building and assessing the damage, wincing at the amount of damage he had caused, and the hollow had really done a number this time.

He shook his head, if he hadn't have been thinking about Rukia, he would have sensed it sooner, but alas, his thoughts had been elsewhere. He didn't blame her at all however, how could he? He had been distracted, and he was to blame. He sighed, it couldn't be helped, the only thing he could do now was to check the perimeter once more and try and find the source of all the hollows appearance. Knowing that all these people would get in his way however, he took the opportunity to return to his Gigai and go shopping for Rukia, he wanted to help her as much as possible and he knew that it would put his mind at rest if he tried to help her.

After passing several streets, he found the main shopping district, now packed with people. The noise was overwhelming as cars and busses zoomed past, young children screamed and complained about wanting candy and such like. Women chatted loudly to their friends and schoolgirls met in up in hordes at the centre of the district. Jūshirō frowned as he saw how chaotic it all was but a quick glance at his watch explained that it was now half twelve and many people were on lunch breaks. He quickly walked past a group of girls, hearing their giggles immediately, prompting him to look at them for a brief while. A few of the girls turned away quickly, their faces bright red however one of them, a girl with long blonde hair and bottle green eyes kept her gaze, giving him a cute smile. He turned away after returning the smile politely, shaking his head as he knew he was old enough to be at least her great, great grandfather. He kept his gaze away, even though she was pretty and slim, she wasn't Rukia, and that was a valid reason.

He moved on quickly, finding a small outlet with a medical shop. He browsed the shelves, frowning at the strange packaging to the weird products that he had never seen before. He continued around the shop, unsure what to get her and finding himself overwhelmed with the living world's products. He turned around, finding a small girl in his shadow.

"C-can I h-help you?" she asked, her voice as small and nervous.

"Yes please," he said with a smile, making her blush a little, "My girlfriend has sprained her ankle and we have been to the doctor, but I need something to make her feel better since she is in so much pain, can you suggest anything?"

The girl nodded as she led him down an aisle and indicated at the shelf, "Some painkillers will help with the pain." She turned around pointing at another shelf, "And a support bandage will help it heal more quickly."

He thanked her as he picked up some things before paying and leaving, having already decided what to do next. He swiftly crossed the street, aware of the time restraints pushing him to the store that had been recommended to him. He went inside, the little bell tinkling as he opened the door and the scent of cocoa hitting him straight away.

xxxxxxx

The steaming water lapped over her breasts and stomach as Rukia lay in the bath, proud of her achievements. She had successfully hobbled to the bathroom and ran the bath with little problems, only finding it a little difficult to hop whilst getting into the bath. She glanced at the time, sighing as it was now only three in the afternoon. She had managed to kill some time with a few mediocre movies and a nap but the time was going at an excruciatingly slow pace.

It wasn't long before her thoughts began to drift towards her captain again. She frowned as she pondered their 'relationship,' if that's what you could call it. She shook her head, they weren't in a relationship and yet they were kissing and practically stripping in front of each other, is this what Jūshirō liked his relationships to be like? So casual they didn't exist? She shook her head, what ever they were doing confused her; however she knew she could overlook that flaw as her happiness had gone through the roof.

She didn't have much time to think however as a loud knock came from the front door. She sat up quickly, her heart beginning to race as sudden fear crept into her, who would be knocking? She didn't know anyone other than her captain, so who could it possibly be? After a while the knocking stopped and it was quiet once more, allowing her to lie back once more. There was another sudden clatter as metal was placed on a surface, quickly followed by footsteps, causing Rukia to sit upright again and desperately reach for her phone. She got up a little as she stretched for it, her torso having no coverage. She froze as the door swung open, sheer surprise holding her stationary. Jūshirō rushed in, worried that Rukia was not in the flat when he stopped, his eyes wide as he gazed upon her own frozen form. In the brief moments that he had to gaze upon her, his attraction to her only grew as her delicate shoulders and tanned back were made visible to him. She managed to duck back down, hiding in shame and her cheeks blazing.

Jūshirō remained rooted to the spot, still shocked by what had happened. It was only when Rukia prompted him did he decide to move.

"I'm sorry," he apologized, "When I didn't see you in the lounge or bedroom, I panicked and checked everywhere."

Rukia kept low, thinking for a few moments, was she that angry? It was an accident and he had been worried, that was acceptable, right? As well as that, surely, after the way she had been feeling these past few days, she had actually wanted him to see her? And after her short but pleasant dream recently, it had only confirmed her lust for him.

"It's ok," she concluded after a little while, "It was an accident and I should have left a note."

"No, I am to blame," Jūshirō disputed, "That's twice I have done that and I should knock first at least."

He apologized once more before turning to leave, now angry at himself for insulting her like this again, however, her voice stopped him.

"Wait," she said quickly, desperate to keep in his company despite her being in an awkward situation, "Can we talk? You could um, sit somewhere."

He turned back, surprised by her request but content nonetheless, "Ok, I guess I'll sit on the floor."

He sat down, crossing his legs as he watched her rest her folded arms on the side of the bath and look down at the white tiled floor

"How are you feeling?" he asked, making her look up to meet his gaze.

"Um, ok, I guess," she said casually, "In a little bit of pain, bored and very lonely, but ok."

"Well then it's a good job I took a little time off," he said as he watched her frown, "I went and got you some earth medicine from the shops, some supplies from Urahara and I got you a surprise…"

"A surprise?" she asked as she lifted her head.

Jūshirō nodded, causing her to smile to herself, "Yes, but first I have to see to your injury."

Rukia pouted as she pulled the plug, still keeping well down so he could not see her. She watched him as he stood up and smiled before leaving the room so she could get out of the tub. She grinned as she clambered out of the tub, careful to keep her weight off her bad foot before she rapped herself in the towel and perched on the side of the bath.

"Captain," she called softly, smiling as he swiftly entered the room once more, "I don't think I can walk on my foot anymore."

"Ok," he said as he shook his head, "I'll have to carry you."

Rukia's eyes lit up with glee, feeling like a kid at Christmas as he easily swept her up in his arms and carried her into the living room.

"Where to?" he managed asked as she gripped onto his broad shoulders, her body heat and feminine scent sending him crazy with lust for her.

"The bedroom," she replied quickly, knowing her clothes were in there. Jūshirō remained still as the two of them simultaneously went over her words, both picking up the innuendo and knowing the other one was thinking the same thing. There hung a few tense moments, both of them frantically thinking. Rukia hadn't meant to say it so fast, as if she were actually asking him to take her to the bedroom in the spur of the moment. However the more she thought about it, the more she realised that, isn't it what she wants? She had been dying for something to happen between them, something drastic and wasn't that it? Wasn't it what she wanted more than anything right now? Wasn't the overwhelming desire to sleep with him all that mattered to her?

Jūshirō held on to her tightly, the thin towel the only thing that hid her from him. He would have given anything to have gotten rid of that towel. He shook his head a little, there was no way she was asking him to take her to bed, and she is his vice-captain and has a purely plutonic relationship. He ignored his need as he carried her to the room before placing her down on the bed and turning to walk out again.

"Wait," she said quickly, calling him back, "I um, can't get my things…will you get them for me?"

He turned back, keeping her gaze away from her and clenching his fist, anything to stop himself from pushing her down and taking her. He made his way to her drawers, pulling the top one open and instantly regretting it.

"Wait! That's my underwear…drawer…" Rukia tried to warn him, only to be too late.

"Ah," Jūshirō said as he pushed the drawer back, his knuckles white as he gripped the handles, "Sorry, I didn't realise."

"No, I should have warned you sooner," she said quietly, suddenly feeling guilty that she had kind of intended him to do that, "It's fine I can get dressed myself."

Jūshirō reluctantly nodded as he left the room, leaving Rukia to get dressed as quickly as she could.

xxxxxxx

"Ok, this should work," Jūshirō said calmly as he slid the support onto her ankle, keeping hold of her leg and enjoying every second of it. She nodded as he slid it into place before leaning down and grabbing the pain killers and water that he had fetched from the kitchen for her.

"Thank you," she said as she took it from him, resting her legs on his lap and smiling as he automatically began to gently stroke her. She watched him for a few seconds, smiling at his efforts and only tearing her eyes away as he looked up at her, their eyes meeting for a split second. She looked down quickly and fiddled with the package that he had given her, pretending to do something. She busied herself with the painkillers, popping them out of the tray and putting the rest on the table before taking them with two swigs of water. She returned the water to the table before looking up, instantly meeting the gaze of her captain once more and blushing all the more.

"Your present," he said casually, causing her to look up at him again, their eyes locking and remaining in place.

"Thank you, it was kind of you to get me something," she replied, never once breaking their gaze.

"It's ok, I kinda wanted to get you something to feel better," he responded, only now breaking the gaze as he briefly glanced down to her lips, desperately needing to kiss her. Rukia automatically held her breath as she moved ever-so-slightly closer to him; it was like déjà vu all over again.

"Well I know something that may make me feel a little better," she half whispered, now only a few inches from him.

"And what would that be?" he asked as he moved a little closer, closing the gap even further.

"Um, this, maybe…" she said as she brushed her lips against his before kissing him, need consuming her.

He responded, exploring her mouth and relishing her taste as she placed her hands on his shoulders, gripping him as she slowly lay back. She gasped as he lay over her, the feel of his body covering hers, exciting her further. She resisted her urges to slide her hands inside his shirt and feel his muscles, breaking away and biting her lip in her effort.

"Are you ok?" Jūshirō asked as he rested himself on his forearms, "What happened there?"

"It's nothing," she said casually, "I just thought of something sad is all."

"Well, maybe I can make you feel better," he said as he leant down to kiss her, nibbling her ear and his hot breath tickling her. She gasped as he traced her neckline with his lips, his hands working at the buttons on her shirt, the material parting slowly, painfully slowly. Her heart rate soared as she realised that this was it, she could finally do what she had desperately wanted to do for days. She could hear the roar of blood in her ears as she felt his firm manhood press against her, only encouraging her lust.

Jūshirō inhaled sharply, holding his breath as he finally undid the last button, revealing her smooth, milky skin to him. He moved downward so that his lips followed the trail his hands had made, kissing her stomach, his tongue circling her belly button a few times before he continued to caress her defined waist line. He moved upwards, his lust for her increasing even more, if that were at all possible, as he reached her small breasts. He traced the pattern on her red lace bra before gently brushing his fingers over her chest and neck, earning him a small moan from her as she waited in anticipation. He smiled before he reached upwards, capturing her lips in a sweet kiss as he smoothly slid his hands under her back, his fingers working at her bra strap.

She held her breath, expectancy gripping her as he began to undress her. She reached up as she couldn't take it any longer, pulling at his Shihakusho top and pushing it off him, revealing his toned chest to her. He stopped working at her clothes so that he could discard his top on the floor before continuing, his hands arching her back so that he could slide her top off and throw it on the floor with his. He took a moment to look at her properly, her raven hair framing her face and her lust filled eyes encouraging him all the more. His gaze swept over her delicate collar bone and slender arms and her soft breasts. He smiled for he had once heard her complain to Kiyone over how small her breasts were. To him however, they were perfect. He suppressed a groan as she suddenly ran her hands over his broad back, her nails scratching him as his hot breath tickled her neck and his hands continued to stroke her.

The television that had been playing quietly in the background began to flash brightly and a large noise was issued from outside, stopping the pair immediately. Jūshirō sat up quickly, pulling Rukia up with him before grabbing the remote and turning the television up.

"What was that?" she asked quietly, her breath still short as he had taken it away.

"I'm not sure," he replied as he pressed her to him, gently massaging her back and kissing her shoulder before reluctantly turning his attention to the television.

"There are has been reports of unusual activity in the lower east side of town," the reported said, "Explosions have been abundant and building damage is high. It is thought to be the work of a terrorist group, but this has not been confirmed and the police are putting all efforts into finding the cause of these horrific attacks. There have been no deaths so far, but at least ten have been wounded and three are critically injured, we will continue with this story later. In other news…"

Jūshirō felt her shiver, prompting him to hug her all the more, "Are you cold?"

"No," she replied as she shook her head, "It's just what she said. Is it a hollow?"

"Yes," Jūshirō retorted, "And a particularly nasty one too. The soul society has been after him for years. I caught his trail this morning after taking care of some other hollows. I managed to catch a glimpse of him, but he disappeared instantly."

"How will we get him?" she asked quickly as she broke away from his grasp and reached down for her shirt, picking it up and putting it on hastily.

"I will investigate the area first, find where he zips from their world to ours, see his pattern of 'work' and intercept him," he revealed as he retrieved his own shirt, "You on the other hand will stay here and rest. I will be back soon."

He got up, kissing her forehead before he picked up his soul candy and captain's robe. Rukia was powerless as she watched him go, hating her weakness and getting herself injured.

"But, what happens if it takes days to do that?" she asked as he stood on the threshold of the front door, "We…we go h-home in three days…"

"Then we will have to extend the mission," he replied, "It does mean that we will have to spend more time with each other in this flat."

He gave her a smile before leaving, shutting the door carefully behind him. Rukia sighed as she watched the flickering images on the screen, not bothering to really watch it. She slumped back down, suddenly realising what she had done, had that really happened? Did her captain really push her down and try to undress her? She felt a shiver run down her spine as she replayed it in her memory, still in shock that it had occurred. Since when was he so forward? She laid back; contemplating this as she suddenly began to feel slightly dozy, and the medication slowly taking effect. She managed to slowly hobble to the bedroom, deciding to let the heavy grogginess take over her weary body.

xxxxxxx

Jūshirō crouched low to the floor, trying to push the memory of his time with Rukia out of his mind as he traced the levels of reiatsu. He found it excruciatingly difficult to remove the feel of her from his thoughts and the image that had been imprinted into his mind made him bite his bottom lip. The very thought of her made him begin to harden. He followed along the base of the building, measuring the reiatsu change and the metal device beeping in confirmation. He stopped as the reiatsu level shot through the roof, the measurer screaming out.

After a few minutes investigation, he smiled as he figured out the pattern in the reiatsu and how far and how close each pocket of strong reiatsu was spread out. If he kept up like this, figuring this riddle out would take no time at all, giving him time to pour all of his time and effort into Rukia.

xxxxxxx

Rukia shifted as she felt an impression on the bed, the mattress being pushed down beside her. She sat up, looking beside her and seeing Jūshirō lying on the bed, spread out in a relaxed way, his eyes closed and his face tranquil.

"When did you get back?" she asked, keeping her voice quiet as he was clearly resting.

"Just now," he replied as he sat up, sitting close to her and suddenly taking her hand in his, "Rukia…"

"Yes…" she retorted, speaking in small voice as he quickly crashed his lips against hers, pushing her down slowly as he deepened the kiss, his tongue sliding over hers. She gasped as he wasted no time in pulling her top up and over her head before throwing it on the floor, only breaking the kiss to do so. She arched into him as he nibbled her neck, leaving red marks as his fingers worked their way over her.

She gasped as he moved quickly, taking off his own shirt, letting her run her hands over him as he removed her bra, dropping it on the floor with her shirt. She couldn't help but blush a little as she was exposed to him, however this embarrassment was soon gone as he worked down from her neck, one hand moving lower and lower as he did so.

"Jūshirō…" she managed to say in between small moans.

"Yes," he replied as he casually slipped one hand under her trousers, making her gasp at his sudden forwardness.

"What are we doing?" she asked, "Since when does a captain pleasure his subordinate?"

"Since the first night we spent together," he revealed, his fingers running along the rim of her panties, "I have wanted you so badly ever since."

"R-Really?" she asked, astonished that he has wanted her since the first night.

"Of course," he replied as he continued pleasuring her.

She smiled to herself as she remembered the first night, how awkward the situation had been as they had to share the bed. Now however, the pair got into bed together willingly as they enjoyed lying in each others arms. She replayed the evening in her head, getting slightly distracted from her current situation and not noticing how Jūshirō sneakily moved downward, kissing a line down her stomach. It was only when he was half way through removing the rest of her clothes that she broke out of her daydream.

"Oh, Kami!" she cried as he moved downwards.

She couldn't help but thread her fingers through his hair, encouraging him even more.

However she frowned as she heard a bang from nearby, as if something had fallen on the floor and made a huge noise.

There was a sudden flash of light and Jūshirō had vanished, leaving her alone once more. The darkness crept around her and she heard more noises and someone muttering under their breath.

"Jūshirō?!" she cried out, "Where are you?"

No reply came, making her all the more worried that she was all alone in the pitch blackness.


"Help!" she cried out, "Please…help me…"

She felt a warm tear trickle down her cheeks, "Don't leave me…please…don't leave me…"

xxxxxxx

"Don't leave me!" Rukia cried as she sat up, her face damp with tears and her body covered in a light sheen of perspiration. She breathed heavily as she brought her knees up to her chin and rested her forehead. She hugged her knees tightly as she allowed herself to cry, the dream still so vivid in her memory.

"Please…please…don't leave me…" she repeated, her tears splashing onto the bed.

"I would never leave you, you mean too much to me," came the familiar voice as she a pair of arms locked around her protectively. She looked up quickly, the bright light hitting her eyes, making her recoil in slight pain.

She gasped as the man was sitting on the bed behind her, holding her to him. She sat for a minute, still disorientated, was she still dreaming?

"This is a dream…isn't it?" she said to herself quietly, not intending for him to hear.

"No," he replied, concern saturating his voice, "Are you ok? I heard you crying out and you were thrashing around a minute ago?"

"I…I…h-had a bad dream," she replied, beginning to shake a little from the sheer fright of the dream.

"I am glad that you are ok," he said with relief, "I was so worried about you."

Jūshirō held her for a moment, waiting until her breathing had returned to normal and she has calmed down a little. He gently began to lift her t-shirt off, noticing how she had broken out into a sweat during her dream. She went rigid as he prised the damp article off her, putting it beside them.

"W-What are you doing?" she suddenly asked, remembering the better part of the dream that she had. She blushed however, had she really dreamt that? She knew that dreams were a gateway to one's desires, so did mean that she desire him? Did she want him in bed, like he had claimed that he wanted her? Did he really want her? Or was that something she had dreamt too?

"You are really, really hot," he replied, snapping her out of her thoughts "So you will need to take some clothes off and cool down a little."

"Oh, I see," she replied as she looked down, staring in her lap as the erotic dream encouraged her less than innocent thoughts, "W-What was that noise? The loud bang I heard?"

"Oh, I didn't mean to wake because of it, I'm sorry," he apologized as he began to massage her moist shoulders, relaxing her a little, "I accidently dropped something whilst I was making dinner…oh, right, dinner! I'll be right back!"

He quickly hopped off the bed, rushing out of the room and sorting out some things in the kitchen. Rukia couldn't ignore the excitement that rippled through her, she now knew exactly what she wanted and he taking off her top only brought her closer to the conclusion that he wanted her too. Why else would he kiss her and undress her like he had done earlier? She listened as the sound plates and pans being moved and clattered as she lay back, undoing her trousers so that she could cool down. She closed her eyes, breathing in a pattern as she relaxed a little. She only had time for a little relaxation however as her phone buzzed.

She frowned as she picked it up, who could be texting her? She raised her eyebrows as she read the message.

Hey Rukia, I was wondering if you wanted to meet up tomorrow, cos Orrihime and I kinda had a fight and I really need to talk to you. Please text back; I really need you to help me.

Thanks, Ichigo xx

"Dinner is rea…dy…" Jūshirō managed to say, stopping where he stood as he saw her sitting back in only her underwear, he phone in her hands, "R-Rukia…what are you d-doing?"

"I was kinda hot, as you had pointed out, and as you came in, my phone went," she replied as innocently as she could, sitting up and consequently showing herself to him more clearly.

"I can see," he retorted, trying to escape before he did something stupid, however he found he could not leave, "Dinner is ready."

"I guess I had better get dressed," she said with smile as she got up slowly, half hobbling half hopping before looking through her drawers, nearly sending him over the edge.

"You don't have to," he blurted, prompting her to look at him, shock covering her face, "Uh, dinner's ready."

He left abruptly, trying to avoid an embarrassing moment and finishing the dinner quickly.

Rukia smiled to herself as she text Ichigo back with a confirmation that she would meet him, he was still her friend and she promised she would always help him no matter what. She hastily threw on her long t-shirt, which, was fairly short on her as it was the only thing apart from underwear that she was wearing.

"Captain," she called, laying her innocent voice on thick, "I can't get to the kitchen, will you help me?"

Jūshirō rushed back into the room, before picking her up bridal style and carrying her into the kitchen, keeping his head turned to the side so that he did not focus on her bare legs and petite frame that the t-shirt did little to hide. He popped her down on a chair before sitting down himself and telling her about his discovery in the case and the new plan of action.

xxxxxxx

The sheets were already warm when Jūshirō slid into bed, slotting into the curves of Rukia's body and wrapping his arms around her. She hugged his arms as she was pulled into him.

"Are you awake?" he asked, leaning on one arm so that he could look at her properly.

"Yeah," she replied as she turned to face him, prompting him to rest his head on the pillow once more, their faces inches apart.

"Are you feeling any better?" he asked as he ran his hand over her waist, "You really scared me earlier."

She nodded with a smile, "Yeah, I'm sorry, it was just a dream."

"What happened? It must have been a traumatic nightmare!" He exclaimed, sitting up now.

"Oh no, the first bit was very nice," she sighed dreamily, the vivid images flooding her mind once more.

"Oh? Care to explain?" he asked, sneakily running his hand along her inner thigh.

"It was nothing really," she said casually, turning on her side away from him, hiding her blush.

"Uh huh," he said, unconvinced, "Did it have something to do with this?"

He continued to move his hand upwards, hearing her gasp in apparent surprise, "No, nothing at all."

Her phone buzzed once more, causing him to move his hand and her to reach over and grab her phone. She flipped it open before briefly reading the message from Ichigo. Jūshirō, who had been reading over her shoulder, removed his hand and sat back, studying the back of her as she replied, slight betrayal and jealousy creeping over him.

"May I remind you that we are here on duty, not for pleasure and not so that we can fraternise with humans," he pointed out, his voice tinged with jealousy.

"So you wouldn't call the time we had on the couch today pleasure?" she asked him with a smug smile as she replaced her phone on the side.

"Well I wouldn't say that," he said with a smile, "I found it very pleasurable indeed, especially when I am pleasuring you."

"I see," she grinned, moving backwards into his embrace once more, "But I, I promised I would see Ichigo, he is really upset right now and needs my help, so I will meet up with him tomorrow and then join you, my foot is getting better and I can walk faster on it!"

"Oh, um, ok," he replied, still a little cautious of Ichigo's motives for the meet up, but he trusted her nonetheless, "Don't strain yourself too much. You should sleep, it's late."

Rukia nodded with a yawn, as if on cue, before settling down to sleep. Jūshirō however, lay awake for a few hours before he succumbed to sleep, his mind full of worry about her meeting in the morning, he could trust her, couldn't he?

A/N: Please review, it makes my week! Thank you to all who reviewed last chapter, I would reply to them personally, but I have like 3 months worth of reviews to filter through (I love all of them though) and it is like 20 to 2 in the morning and I will fall asleep half way through!

In the next chapter, Rukia meets up with Ichigo and is confronted by something she wasn't expecting, leaving her torn into two over what she should do about it!