Heart's Desire Chapter 12, a bleach fanfic

Heart's Desire Chapter 12

By C. LeShay

Genre: Romance, AU

Characters/Pairings: IchiRuki, etc.

Rating: T

Disclaimer: Me no own Bleach! Who does? Kubo of course! And I don't profit from writing this fanfiction, just so you know.

…

Recap of previous chapter:

Everyone stared at the unmoving figure of Ishida.

The hell butterfly had been sent out after delivering its message, but still the fukutaicho of the 14th made mo move to say what was in the report.

Tatsuki gave up asking him to tell it to them minutes ago. Ichigo's family - his father and sisters, as well as his officers stood on one side of the room, mindful of the blank look on Ishida's face and the tensed figure of Rukia who stood behind him, waiting. The people in the room all came in together, dashing after hearing the news that a hell butterfly was sent to Ishida. Logically, it meant that this message was about Ichigo.

Slowly, Ishida turned to face his taicho's wife. "Rukia-san…" he trailed, slightly wincing for reasons still unknown.

"Did they pass judgment already?" she asked him calmly, though her hands were fisted close to her sides. At Ishida's slow nod, she pressed on "What is it then?"

"Kurosaki… Kurosaki Taicho has been found guilty of treason and is hereby sentenced… to death."

…

The announcement of Kurosaki taicho's fate was met with mixed reactions in Seiretei. Many were surprised yet not as much as those who expected the verdict. There wasn't much time to gossip, as they were still in the middle of a decisive war in Hueco Mundo. By the end of the month, on the day of Kurosaki's set execution, the taichos would all gather once more at the Soukyoku Hill to witness the implementation of the death penalty on one of its high-ranking members after such a long time.

Obviously, the presence of these taichos would ensure that this lesson would not be forgotten. It had also been decided that Ishida fukutaicho would be placed in jail (the location was still undisclosed) for an indefinite period of time. Even Kurosaki taicho's high-ranking officers would be punished, as they were to be stripped of their ranks on the day their taicho was to be executed.

As for one Kurosaki Rukia, Central 46 never saw her as an accessory, only as a victim of a convoluted plot. Nevertheless, she would be under the strict supervision of Ukitake taicho and any promotions that would be given to her were temporarily suspended until further notice. People suspected that the Central 46 was turning a blind eye on her, as she was the sister of Kuchiki Byakuya, while others simply believed that she cut a deal with the Central 46 in hopes of getting out of her marriage to Kurosaki Ichigo.

…

"Rukia-chan."

Turning, Rukia spotted Isshin standing near her. "You're not going back to jail to see Ichigo, aren't you?" he asked casually "Considering the kind of rumors going around and what happened recently, I'd like to request you to stay here."

He was of course, referring to the arrest made earlier on Ishida. As of the moment, he was now in the same division as Ichigo. Due to his better judgment, Isshin decided not to inform anyone that his son's fukutaicho would soon be 'disappearing.' Officially, Ishida would be listed as given 'honorable discharge' or 'relocated somewhere else,' but he knew better. The Quincy would be carted off to one of the many hidden cells of the 2nd division – never to be seen again. Ishida was considered lucky that Central 46 decided against executing him as well.

"I need to talk to Ichigo. I need to ask him something." Rukia said without preamble. "I also need to make a petition –

"Rukia-chan," Isshin said gently "You're too tense. Ichigo would be worried if he saw you like that. Have you tried getting in touch with Ukitake again?" he asked, referring to the incident that had befallen his daughter-in-law's taicho. Getting two distressing news simultaneously was not doing her any good. In fact, Rukia looked paler than death and on the verge of fainting from worry and exhaustion. True, she was a trooper and she tried to maintain her dignity and show strength; but she was way too stressed to continue her façade.

She hasn't even slept for two days, for crying out loud. Isshin was forced to admit that his son's wife had a constitution of a workhorse, despite her petit frame. No one could ever remain that alert and decisive with two days' lack of sleep. She went on to contact her division first and then tried to sneak out several times to see Ichigo. Keigo, the one assigned to watch over her, was not amused.

At this rate, Isshin was hoping that Rukia would faint. It would be her only chance to get some shut-eye.

"Sentaro-san said that Ukitake taicho is fast recovering, thanks to Unohana taicho." Rukia said, "Now I want to know what's happening with Ichigo. I can't just sit here, father."

Secretly delighted at being called 'father,' Isshin schooled his features into a serious mien. "Some rest first, Rukia-chan. Then I'll let you see Ichigo tomorrow, I promise."

Rukia looked like she was considering his statement for a while. "All right then. I'll hold you to that."

"Good!" Beamed Isshin "Now would you like a lullaby? A particular favorite of Ichigo perhaps?" he offered enthusiastically before whispering conspiratorially, eyebrows waggling "Shall I give you Ichigo's Mr. Stubbles? It was his favorite bear, his bestest friend ever when he was five. It's still hidden in the attic somewhere."

Rukia forced back a weak chuckle. "It's okay, I don't really need a bear to snuggle so I can get some sleep." She then bowed politely "I better go upstairs now. I hope you'll keep your word…"

"Yes, Rukia-chan; I promise you, I'll take you to see Ichigo myself. I'm sure Inoue would love to accompany you; she'd like to see Ishida as well." Isshin said, placing his right hand on his chest. "Oh and Rukia?" he asked, "I hope you don't get bothered by all those talks. Don't let it get to you because they're not true. We know you, so we don't waste time listening to gossip."

At his assurance, Rukia nodded and left.

A not very long walk later, Rukia reached the room that was supposedly to be for her and Ichigo. Without another word, she flopped on the bed in a graceless heap of numb limbs. Whatever his plan was, tomorrow would be the day he'd let her in it. Anyone who would attempt to set off this chain of events would NOT have a plan. Besides, fumed Rukia inwardly, why wasn't she updated on it? The bastard acted as if he had all the time in the world.

Execution. Ichigo was scheduled for execution, and there was nothing anyone could do about it.

Rukia was tempted to come out clean about the marriage arrangement she had with Ichigo, but realistically, it wouldn't be doing anything to save his life. All she would do by telling the truth was to make a bigger muck out of everything. Besides, she did give Ichigo her word that she would trust him – no matter what happened.

She had to grudgingly admit that Ichigo was strong and he was definitely powerful enough to take on a lot of things. And if he was right, and Aizen was somehow involved with something about the hyougokyu, he was the one who can help make it right.

Still, she thought that he was a complete moron though.

As she felt sleep beckon her, Rukia's last thought was a grim one: that Ichigo better have a back-up plan.

…

His light yet sure footsteps made no such sound as he walked along the corridor. Stealth and agility, as well as speed were one of the things he was known for – especially for the last one – and he always lived up to that expectation.

It was important to set an example of course.

"Kuchiki taicho." Hitsugaya greets him curtly, yet with no trace of hostility. "I take it you're here to see Kurosaki?"

The noble made no move to reply, but nodded slightly in acknowledgment. After the announcement of Rukia's marriage to Ichigo, up to the latter's scheduled execution, Kuchiki Byakuya had gotten many a subtle and not-so-subtle nudges to comment on the recent events. Sometimes, he wondered if gossip really was the staple nourishment in Seiretei.

Raising a sister was no easy task and Byakuya was almost wishing for the relaxed times where the only mess that Rukia made was to reject outright a prospective suitor in the middle of the dance floor in a very traditional gathering with other nobles.

As they continued on, Hitsugaya looked like he wanted to ask a dozen or more other questions, but he decided to remain silent and instead motioned the other taicho to follow him to Kurosaki's cell.

The walk through the jail cells was uneventful and silent. It was only after they reached their destination did Hitsugaya speak once again. "Kurosaki taicho, someone's here to see you."

Seated on his cot, Ichigo slowly looked up. "Aw hell, now my day's all shot." He snarled as he caught the sight of his brother-in-law's approach. "What are you doing here, Byakuya?" When the other made no reply, Ichigo added snidely "If you're asking me if Rukia moves back to your manor, the answer is no."

Kuchiki Byakuya looked at him haughtily, as if he was something nasty that his sandal-shod feet had accidentally trodden on. How presumptuous of him to think he could anticipate everything. "I came to inform you that whatever child you and my sister might have in the future will be the heir-apparent of the Kuchiki clan, next to my sister that is. It is only fitting that your offspring be raised as such."

"Why is it that you don't look to pleased with the arrangement?" Ichigo asked bluntly, ignoring the choking sound that came from his fukutaicho, who was in the cell next to his. The damn Ishida sounded like he was trying to suppress his laughter.

Byakuya gave the other man a blank stare. "It may be unfortunate… but if in the future Rukia would carry your child, I will have to provide for them."

"My family can handle that sort of thing, Byakuya." Ichigo retorted, hackles rising. If this shit-head thought that he could control any kid he had (okay, granted he was SURE there wouldn't be any future Kurosaki's coming from him and Rukia – yet – if you base it on their signed contract of course), the idea of handing his firstborn over to the stuffy robed Kuchikis was out of the question. "Rukia is a Kurosaki, her children will be a Kurosaki."

"She is next-in-line to the position of Kuchiki clan head." Byakuya said in a level tone perfected by decades of dealing with people below him. "Because Rukia is the future leader of the Kuchikis she has duties and responsibilities to our family. As for her child, he will undergo the same kind of education as Rukia's."

Snorting in disapproval and disgust, Ichigo rolled his eyes. Right. The Kuchiki's undertook the supervision of Rukia's education… look at what happened to her. No child of him was going to be a miniature version of Byakuya. A mini-Rukia in itself was a potential disaster, in Ichigo's opinion, remembering just how hard the said woman kicked and punched him, several times. "Sorry to disappoint you, but no. Looking back at my wife, I can say with complete certainty that your 'Kuchiki Upbringing' would make my kid worthless."

"Do not presume to even fathom the idea of a 'Kuchiki Upbringing." Byakuya replied in a cool reprimand. "One such as yourself is not privy to what our clan and our elders do."

"Did you somehow conveniently forget that the Kurosakis are of noble blood as well, Byakuya?" the orange-haired taicho snapped back. "Oh wait." He said in mock surprise, as if a thought just occurred. "But the Kurosakis are of much lesser rank in the nobility chain. After all, we're only but two steps down from the Ukitake clan, and heaven knows just how much you try to tolerate Ukitake taicho."

Kuchiki Byakuya's face remained as impassive as ever, not rising to the bait.

Ichigo scowled, but he also sent his brother-in-law a calculating look. "Are you saying that I can trust your elders not to manipulate any child of mine?" he asked "I have heard rumors, Kuchiki-sama. It seems that not all of the members of your council approved of your decision to make Rukia your heir."

"The council's approval has nothing to do with my decision. The council does not supercede my authority."

"Will they stand behind Rukia then?" Ichigo challenged.

"Rukia's word will be law. I trust her not to make decisions that the council will frown upon."

Exasperated, Ichigo growled, baring his teeth angrily "What is it with you Kuchikis that make you assume that you are infallible? You acknowledge her as your heir, but the council doesn't. Way to go 'protecting' your sister– you just threw her in a den of wolves' idiot. You might as well give them a knife to stab her in the back."

Byakuya frowned "They would not dare."

"If there's anything I've learned Byakuya, is that people would dare."

…

"Ah. Rukia-san. Seeing you back here certainly is … pleasant."

Liar. Rukia simmered in silent anger, though her face did not betray her emotions as the less-than-welcome greeting was given. Kuchiki Hajime the elder. A man who held such a high position in the Kuchiki council for as long as she could remember.

A man who has always considered her as an usurper to the Kuchiki clan since she came to live with Byakuya nii-sama after his wife had died. Among all the people in the council, it was Hajime who looked at her with scorn and eyes that were mocking, as if she was trash that dared sit on the Kuchiki compounds. He always had the vilest and cruelest remarks reserved for her, ready to be unleashed once she made even the slightest misstep.

He was also a coward who hid behind Kuchiki decorum when their lord was around.

If Rukia was not too keen in wanting to know what Ichigo and her brother talked about yesterday, she wouldn't even be here anymore. As it is, when she and Yuzu visited Ichigo last night to bring food, he was looking at her oddly.

Of course it had nothing to with what happened the last time she visited… though at one point she could have sworn that Ichigo was looking at her with eyes that seemed to pin her in place… the slightly masked look of approval he gave her as he looked over her lingeringly was enough to make a weak woman run out or just melt into a puddle.

Giving the other a deep bow, Rukia murmured "Kuchiki Hajime-san. I came to see nii-sama."

"I was not informed of this." He sneered. "Kuchiki-sama is busy with important things. I do not think that he would waste time dealing with… you."

Breathe. Rukia told herself, breathe. To react in such a disrespectful manner would only enrage Hajime and make him lash out. To be scorned and punished was not what Rukia feared for a long time; it was the fear of her hurting him back that held her from defending herself. Such actions would greatly disappoint nii-sama and it would make him lose face among the elders.

Of course, Rukia also feared that her retaliation would cut Kuchiki Hajime in pieces smaller than bonito flakes. How unfortunate that the man was unaware of that small tidbit.

"Rukia-san?" From behind her, Keigo took a step forward, asking a silent question to deck the elder on the head on being blatantly disrespectful of his taicho's wife. The moment the… thing dared mock Rukia-san, he had been itching to burn Kuchiki Hajime to a crisp. He was only saved with the thought that Ichigo wanted first dibs on anyone who dared speak to Rukia that way.

But the Kuchiki noblewoman shook her head "Do you mind leaving us for some privacy, Asano-san? I'll have someone bring you to the dining room and get you something to eat." She said gently, nodding in encouragement. "I'm sure this won't take long."

"Kami help me if this does." Hajime said snidely, looking down at Rukia with less than hidden disdain before he fixed Keigo with a similar stare.

Keigo snarled in warning before he allowed himself to be led out by one of the servants.

As soon as they were alone, Hajime stood straighter and his sneer became more pronounced. "Kuchiki-sama is not here. If you were asked to see him and he is absent, the meaning would be obvious, wouldn't it?"

Rukia kept her eyes on the floor, counting as far as she could in order to regain a semblance of calm.

…

The vast variety of snacks that were placed on the table in front of him was enough to make anyone drool. Keigo happily looked at the array of cakes and other traditional mid-day repast that was offered to him by the Kuchiki maids.

It was as if he discovered a food nirvana of sorts.

"Please eat your fill, there are more where that came from." The matronly maid who took care of him said kindly. "So you're the one guarding Rukia-sama, thank you for letting her stop by for a visit."

Another maid stopped by to sit across him "How is Rukia-sama, she's lost some weight. Does she get enough sleep?"

A package was hastily pushed to Keigo "Please give this to Rukia-sama; she loves this particular blend of tea."

Quickly swallowing a mochi, Keigo blinked at the women "Oh… well… err… she's fine! She's having trouble sleeping, so what I've heard from Tatsuki and Inoue, but she's holding up pretty well –

"How is Inoue by the way?"

"Saya, ask about Inoue later. That girl will always be fine; it's Rukia-sama that we should ask about first!" one of the women said quickly. "We heard about the execution order, how does Rukia-sama hold up?"

Keigo felt his head ache at the rapid-fire questions that were asked from him. "Well, Rukia-san is holding up pretty well. She's a shinigami, she'll be strong enough for Ichigo."

The girl named Saya sighed, "Its just that since she married Kurosaki Taicho, Rukia-sama has been the subject of scandalous gossips."

"Mind your mouth girl," the older servant admonished, "You know better that Rukia-sama was lucky enough not to be married to Aizen taicho."

"Oh woe, no love in that." A maid tittered as she giggled.

The older maid, Keigo learned that her name was Miyako, continued to feed him with cakes as she shushed the others. "It was a convenient arrangement, it is common in noble marriages."

"But eloping? That's love!" Saya gushed out; her eyes alight with the idea of a romantic arrangement.

Keigo wanted to frown. They made it sound as if Rukia eloped with Ichigo – which was not really the case. However, he was pleased to hear that they approved of the marriage. "Her brother isn't happy about it."

"Oh shush." Miyako said kindly, as if amused at his insane theory "As long as Rukia-sama is happy, Kuchiki Byakuya-sama is happy. His sister's welfare is important! Besides, he ought to be pleased that Rukia-sama finally had the guts to decide for herself. I have a feeling he's suspecting that his sister is a pushover, if you ask me."

"It's the elders who are in a snit!" snickered Saya as she trembled with mirth. "They wanted her to marry a rich noble of their choosing… Rukia-sama is lucky to have made that escape."

Miyako waved a hand at Saya "Oh be quiet, if someone hears us, Rukia-sama is going to be in trouble."

At those words, Keigo choked on his rice cake. "Excuse me?" he spluttered, "I've been meaning to ask a question." He said weakly. It was fortunate that he remembered the order that Ichigo passed to him yesterday. "Is it true that Rukia-san is Kuchiki taicho's heir? I thought that the Kuchiki elders were pushing her brother to get married and have a male heir?"

The servants looked at each other for a moment. As Miyako nodded, Saya made her way to close the door hurriedly while the other servant pulled down the shades on the window.

Miyako took her sweet time to pour more tea in Keigo's cup. "Can you be trusted with Rukia-sama's safety?"

Gulping the mochi, Keigo nodded, half-afraid of the calculating look in the older woman's eye "Even if not under the pain of humiliating torture and long-drawn death in my Taicho's hands should anything happen to her, I would gladly lay my life for Rukia-san."

"I suggest you busy your mouth with the mochi so you don't interrupt me." Miyako said seriously, "This will take quite a while."

…

"Where have you been, old man?" Karin asked impatiently as she met her father at their home's main courtyard. "You're giving Yuzu enough reason to worry, considering that Rukia-nee isn't here yet."

It was already late in the afternoon, and the sky was already tinged with a pink hue that signified the descent of the sun. The air was particularly still, as if it felt no desire to blow the fluffy, white clouds. Somehow, Karin got the feeling that there was nothing normal about this evening. The thought that something was lurking just away from her reach made her feel a bit of fear.

Ichigo was in jail. Ichigo was scheduled to be executed. Everything was going to hell in the 14th. All the ranked shinigami were frantically rushing about, finishing their last paperwork, while the unseated members felt the heavy aura of a major change. The division had been used to Kurosaki men leading them, and with Ichigo taicho's coming induced demise, the fate of everyone else in the 14th was hanging in the balance.

Karin wanted to break something. Where the hell did her father go that he got home this late? He said he was going to see Ukitake taicho – who was just ordered back to Seiretei to recuperate, did he actually have to stay there that long? Granted they were friends, but at this moment when they were in a crisis, he was supposed to be at home. Or at least wondering why Rukia-nee was still outside.

"Yes, I missed you too, Karin." Isshin sang exuberantly "Now that papa's home, come on and give me a hug and a kiss!" he cried as he dashed to the entrance with his arms outstretched.

His puckered lip was met with the warm kiss of a geta. "Don't. You. Even. Dare." Karin bristled and glared in a way that would make Ichigo proud.

Isshin felt a rush of pride. Oh, his beloved daughter was growing stronger everyday! "My dearest Karin," he cried jubilantly, "You're growing up! After half a decade, my baby is growing up!" Giving the other a knowing wink, he giggled "Is my little baby having boy troubles already? If so, papa's bosom is the best place to cry it out! Let us analyze the feelings, catalogue the facts, and come up with a viable conclusion as we do your dainty toenails! After that, papa gets to be first in castrating the moron that hurt his precious Karin!"

A vein twitching in her forehead, Karin scowled even more before she bashed her father's head with her geta. "I. Do. Not. Have. Boy. Troubles!"

As Isshin fended off his daughter's attempts to maim him, a sleek black cat that was perched on a conveniently placed tree looked at him for a moment before it silently yet stealthily made its way out of the 14th.

…

"Hajime-san." Rukia said as politely as she could "Would you happen to know when nii-sama would be returning?" He had been glaring at her for sometime now, Rukia wanted him to be done with the scrutiny, talking to her brother was more important than pretending she cared for a conversation with Hajime.

Kuchiki Hajime sneered even more "Now why would I know? Does the head of the Kuchiki clan report his daily activities to me?"

Since the day she was brought to live in the Kuchiki manor after Hisana's death, the elder Hajime watched her like a hawk would a prey. As if he was convinced that she would fail in something and he wanted to be there to witness it. His son, Hajime the younger was no less different, although he was more vocal of his dislike. Rukia remembers all too well the incident where the stirrups of the horse she was riding in came off while in mid-gallop.

Byakuya reprimanded her for not being through in checking the stirrups, chalking it to another one of her clumsy moments.

As she grew older, Rukia realized that Hajime's vendetta was deep partly because her nii-sama made it known that she would be the one to take his position as Kuchiki head in the event of his death.

Resisting the urge to glare, Rukia stood up straight. "Very well, I shall be going then. Please convey my greetings to nii-sama and that I shall be returning tomorrow."

Giving her a look full of venom, Hajime stepped even closer to look down on Rukia. "I doubt that it is appropriate for you treat Kuchiki-sama with such a degree of familiarity… Kurosaki Rukia." He raised an eyebrow. "You have brought shame and disgrace upon the Kuchiki name by cavorting with Kurosaki Ichigo. Know that your actions will be paid for by the clan who so graciously took you in despite your low-rank. A crow cannot expect to flock amongst the swans of nobility, as your filthy roots will betray you in the end."

Rage that was blinding hot filled Rukia. All those times that she was taunted and treated like trash was nothing compared to Hajime's insinuation that the blood that flows in her was dirty… that she was dirty…

For a moment, Rukia wanted to draw Sode no Shirayuki and impale him with ice over and over again. But her zanpaktuō did not deserve to make contact with his impure flesh and even filthier blood.

"Whore." He spat out in disgust as he towered over Rukia.

"Step away from her now." Keigo thundered from the doorway. The normally happy-go-lucky shinigami's eyes were flashing with anger at the audacity of this man to address Rukia-san in such a manner. Grabbing tightly on his control, he strode into the room, heading straight for his taicho and friend's wife. "Rukia-san?" he asked her quietly, afraid to see tears in her eyes from the scathing insults.

To his surprise, only anger and determination was showing in her face. In his apparent self-confidence and gloating at the chance to pull her down again, Hajime completely missed the fact that if Rukia were not in control of her actions, he would have been a dead man. Keigo felt a rush of triumph at Rukia's pride and strength of character. Ichigo was lucky this one married him in the first place, he thought smugly.

Rukia took a deep breath, "I'm fine Keigo. We should go now, I'm sure Karin and Yuzu would be wondering why I'm not yet home."

Home. The thought nearly made her smile. She had a home out of this place. Undoubtedly she would miss Miyako and the rest of the staff, as well as her brother, but not stepping foot in the Kuchiki manor gave Rukia a certain degree of happiness.

Until her brother died (which Rukia did not believe would happen soon), she would remain in her home with the Kurosakis and their friends, not here. No big loss for her anyway. She was welcome to visit her brother and Renji at his office in the Court of Pure Souls anytime she wanted.

Rukia's lips curled into a satisfied smile. One that Hajime did not miss.

As the man turned red in the face at her supposed insolence, Rukia turned and walked to the door. She was going home.

…

"Are you sure she will be all right, Yoruichi-san?"

"Yoruichi-san? Since when have friends been so stiffly formal, Jyushiro?"

From over the rim of his teacup, Ukitake Jyushiro smiled softly. In order not to attract the attention of his over-concerned 'guards' that were lying in wait outside, they decided to talk as quietly as possible. Kotsubaki and Sentaro were good shinigami subordinates, but sometimes, they were a tad too clingy and eager to be of 'help.'

Yoruichi flicked back her tail. "She'll be fine, don't concern yourself too much. You need to heal."

"When will this occur?"

"Tonight."

Ukitake sighed. If he was well enough, he would have been able to give support to Rukia instead of letting other people look out for her welfare. As her taicho, it was his responsibility and duty to support her. Kuchiki Rukia was a talented shinigami and a kind woman at that. A far cry from the Kuchiki persona she carried gracefully, Ukitake knew that the woman she was underneath was simply what others did not expect.

There were a lot of things Ukitake blamed himself for. Rukia's sudden engagement to Aizen was one of these. It wasn't that he did not approve of his fellow taicho, but everything seemed to be rushed for Ukitake. Granted, the two had been within close contacts for many decades, but their interactions were of a professional nature. In fact, Rukia was all-too mindful of Aizen's rank and position to treat him with any degree of casual familiarity –she even called him Aizen taicho, not an indication of romantic affections at all. The sudden change of their relationship from mentor and student to would –be – lovers was too hurried. Even if he didn't know Aizen taicho that well, Ukitake would never have thought that the two were secretly carrying it on all these time.

If only Rukia had gotten to know Aizen better, maybe she would have figured out her true feelings for him, thereby avoiding this disaster she was in. The secretive Yoruichi was, as usual, hiding something from the bare sketch of the story that she gave him. There were too many details that were blurred and vague. The feelings of Ichigo taicho and Rukia for each other, in particular was still unaddressed. However, it was only polite not to pry, and Ukitake Jyushiro was anything but impolite.

"Don't blame yourself for this mess. You don't have the power to protect all of your subordinates from pain and failure. Even without your illness, it would be impossible for you."

Trust Yoruichi to get to the heart of the matter without coddling or berating him. Ukitake smiled, things never change even after all these years. "Can't I tell Shunsui about this?"

Yoruichi shook her head "The less people know about it, the better for Rukia."

Giving the other a seriously piercing gaze, Ukitake voiced the one question he had wanted to ask. "Will he take care of her? Will he be there for her?"

Chuckling, Yoruichi looked out the window. "He's Isshin's son. His stubbornness is ingrained since the day he was born. If he said he'll take care of her and protect her, believe him – his heart is in the right place."

"There is a difference between caring for her safety from caring for her heart."

Ah, thought Yoruichi, this is what you meant, eh? Trust Ukitake to ask such a question. No doubt, his natural empathy for his subordinates made him such an adored and revered man in Seiretei. "I know nothing about hearts, Jyu-kun. Let alone theirs."

"Fair enough." Came Ukitake's husky and quiet laughter. "But he IS Masaki's son, the capacity for loving whole-heartedly is ingrained in him as well."

"Then I say we watch what happens, because Byakuya's sister seems to be also capable of sacrificing everything for love."

With a brisk nod of farewell, Yoruichi climbed out of his window and darted into the dark night.

Ukitake Jyushiro sipped his tea calmly, carrying in his heart a fond wish of safety for his subordinate.

…

"Ichi-nii!" Yuzu sobbed as she tried to hug her brother from the gaps in the cell bars.

Fluffing his sister's hair playfully, Ichigo nodded "How are you doing eh, Yuzu? I suppose you're drowning everyone with food?"

Yuzu nodded, "I've been feeding everyone, Ichi-nii, Tatsuki bemoans gaining weight."

Beside her, Karin chuckled. "Yeah, but Keigo's looking slightly rounded from all of those sweets you've been giving him." She looked up at her brother "So, you bored here?"

"Are you kidding? I'm already talking to Ishida over there," he said in disgust, pointing to the direction of his fukutaicho who was busy trying to say no to Inoue offering him more of her 'dishes.' "The scary thing is that he's talking back."

From their vantage point, they could see Inoue passing Ishida several containers of her cooking sample, describing each dish by their color and ingredients. The Kurosaki siblings blanched as Inoue made mention a dish that combined takoyaki, chocolate, and wasabi. Ishida tried valiantly to protest, but in the end, Inoue fed him herself.

"When they said love was both blind and dumb, I didn't believe it at first." Karin said wryly as she saw Ishida's face turn green and then purple, "Until I saw those two."

Yuzu giggled "But its romantic! I mean what girl wouldn't be flattered if the guy she loves eats her cooking? I would be happy too."

Ichigo snorted "Yuzu, you're cooking doesn't require much prodding to eat. I doubt anyone would say no to the food you prepare. Her cooking on the other hand," he said pointedly "gives a new spin on the 'In Sickness and In Health, Till Death Do Us Part' thing."

"He is so whipped." Karin agreed.

"There is nothing wrong with that!" Isshin's booming voice came from nowhere.

"Great. Did you have to bring him?" Ichigo asked Karin balefully. His father's arrival would make this whole visit look like a scene from an asylum. If they wanted to execute him, they should do it now.

"My poor children, so ignorant about love!" Isshin bemoaned, "Did I not tell you all about what love is? Do I have to do it in detail?"

"NO!" his children cried out simultaneously. Each looking at their father in horror.

Isshin sighed. Well, it had been worth the shot. Seriously, he better give his girls The Talk soon. They were late by a good many years. He hopes it would turn out better than when Ichigo had to learn about the bees and the flowers thing. Now that was a disaster. "Well then, I think its time for you young ladies to head home. Let papa escort his precious girls!"

"But we just got here!" Yuzu cried out, tears forming in her eyes.

Oh dear. If there was anything that could bring a father down on his knees, it was a daughter's tears. "Oh but surely you don't want to deprive Ichigo the chance to talk with his wife, would you?"

At that, three heads looked up to the doorway, where Rukia stood quietly, holding a small bundle in her hands.

Yuzu brightened "Well, see you tomorrow Ichi-nii!" she chirped.

Karin grinned and nodded to her brother before she walked out with her father and sister.

Isshin winked at his son suggestively.

As for Rukia, she looked on, confusion written all over her face. "You're leaving?" she asked. "But why? And uh… what should I do with this thing?"

Smiling as he patted his daughter-in-law on the head, Issjin replied, "Keep that, it's yours. Open it later." He said as he handed her another bulky pack. He then looked at his daughters "Say goodnight to Rukia-chan girls and lets go home. Don't worry, they'll be safe, Keigo will pick them up later." He assured Ichigo.

"Oh so I'm staying here for a while too?" Inoue said excitedly "Wow, now I can feed Ishida more food, he looks so thin…"

The said thin fukutaicho made a gurgling sound as he sagged against the bars of his cell.

Quickly, Yuzu wrapped her arms around the petit shinigami as her twin nodded at her brother's wife in farewell. "Goodnight, Rukia-nee."

"I'll see you tomorrow." Rukia said fondly. To her surprise, Isshin stepped up and hugged her tight. "Uh… Isshin-san… father?"

"Oh! Rukia-chan called me father!" he crowed happily.

His son on the other hand, looked livid "Hey stop it – she can't breathe!"

Ignoring Ichigo's protests, Isshin continued to hug a shocked Rukia. "Take care of him." He said softly in her ear before he let go with a wink. "Ja ne!" he told his son with a wave before he led his daughters out."

There was silence for a while, and then Ichigo muttered, "What was that all about?"

…

Yoruichi dashed as fast as she could to the 10th division… it was going to start soon and they didn't have enough time to spare.

…

Avoiding Ichigo's eyes, Rukia blindly stuffed the bundle into the pack Isshin gave her. She wondered exactly what the pack was for. Did he think she'd spent the night here? What the hell would they talk about again? She really couldn't remember.

"Rukia." Ichigo said, ignoring the stares they were getting from Ishida and Inoue. What the hell was she doing by the door? After a while she was standing so still, he thought she grew roots. In his highly detailed and very suggestive messages, Keigo had been insisting over and over again that Rukia attempted to sneak out of the 14th to see him. Whatever for, wondered Ichigo. Was it important? He wanted to ask about it and to talk to her about the kind of relatives she was unfortunate to have. But that was next to impossible considering she didn't even act like he existed.

"Oi!" Ichigo's voice called out in annoyance "You're ignoring me."

Keep it, it's yours. Open it later."

Rukia was suspicious why Isshin said such a thing…

"Hey, you're still ignoring me!" Ichigo said angrily.

"Maybe she doesn't want to talk to you." Ishida mocked him. "Not after you practically assaulted her last time."

"Oh!" Inoue gushed out in wonder "Are you going to assault her again, Kurosaki-kun?"

Ichigo turned red at the insinuation "Shut up, you two!"

"Say goodnight to Rukia-chan girls and let's go home."

Why was he especially keen on letting the girls say goodnight to her? What was going on? Rukia couldn't put a finger on it but everything seemed to be weird, like she was missing something important that was happening.

"Oi! Rukia!"

"Take care of him."

Why would Isshin say such cryptic words? How could Rukia take care of Ichigo here?

Rukia looked up to see Ichigo scowling at her. He looked like he didn't know… judging from Ishida and Inoue, neither of them seemed to know it too…

She opened her mouth to ask Ichigo – not about what he and her nii-sama talked about, but about something else… she wanted to ask if maybe… "Ichigo, did your father –

Suddenly there was a succession of explosions that were heard. It must have been huge, because from Ichigo's cell window, Rukia saw a bright light in the distance, probably near Rukongai.

"What the hell?" Cursed Ichigo, "What was that thing?"

From around them the bells rang and the sound of people mobilized into action was heard.

Ichigo turned to Rukia "Don't get out, whatever you do. Wait for Keigo to get here and keep your zanpaktuō ready at your side!" He wondered if this was an attack. Unfortunately, there were only a few taichos present and Ichigo doubted that Byakuya or Aizen would go in the 10th division holding cells to check on Rukia. Not when everyone knew that she was at the 14th. Besides, the priority was to secure Seiretei first. "Where are you going?" he barked at his wife who made a move to rush out.

"My division needs me. If this is an attack –

Screams of pain were heard outside. To Ichigo, it meant that someone was trying to get into the 10th – specifically in the holding cells. "Shit, Rukia, get me out of here! If whatever it is gets here, I have to fight it."

"You want me to break you out of prison?" she asked in aghast "Are you crazy?"

"I think the explosion was a distraction." Ishida said "Or it was part of this."

What was that explosion, really, and was it in any way connected to them?

Rukia stepped forward "Then let it come and I'll handle it." She said resolutely. As if sensing her determination, Inoue stepped forward as well and placed her hands on the hairpins she wore. "Hinagiku, Lily, Baigon; Santen Kesshun…"

To the surprise of the men, three small fairies appeared beside Inoue, waiting for her order.

"I'll watch your back, Rukia-san." She promised seriously.

"Whoa!" Ishida said, "What is that?"

But Ichigo was not in the mood to play twenty questions or any other trivial game to guess Inoue's abilities. "Rukia! Don't be stupid and get me out of here, you'll hurt yourself!"

Without another word, Rukia dropped her pack and unsheathed her zanpaktuō. Ignoring Ichigo's order to stand close to his cell and open the doors, she called out the release command "Mai. Sode no Shirayuki."

Once again, her pristine blade of purest white transfixed Ichigo, rendering him to say anything as of the moment. At the moment, she wasn't hearing Ichigo's rants, focused as she was at whatever threat that was ahead. Of course, Isshin's weird behavior was also a factor in why she was ignoring her husband.

"Ja ne!"

No! She thought in a hurry. There was no way it was possible…

To her surprise, Yoruichi's form stood in front of them. The cat looked smug at something.

"Oh boy, don't tell me…" murmured Rukia.

"Lets get you out of there, Ichigo, Ishida." Yoruichi said, chuckling.

C.LeShay's corner:

Gyah. Now comes the hard work for me. I'm running into a bit of a roadblock for the future chapters, as the plot bunnies are eluding me. Reviews will be greatly appreciated!