"Rukia… Rukia! Where are you going?" Renji asked as he hurried his pace to catch up with the small girl. She was walking down the path towards the town and she didn't even flinch when he called out to her.

"Rukia… STOP!" he yelled and grabbed her shoulder. She stopped abruptly and slowly turned her head to the right to look at him.

She didn't say anything but just stared at him till he lifted his hand from her shoulder.

Her stride was steady as she walked through the dusty streets. When they got to the general store in the center of town, they turned right down an alleyway and approached a broken down door that swung uneasily on its hinges.

"Where are we going?" Renji asked nervously as Rukia passed through the doorway.

She smiled sweetly at him before disappearing inside the building. He started to wonder if this could have something to do with the hollow they were tracking and quickly followed Rukia inside. Rapidly a plan started to develop in his head. If Rukia was being controlled by the hollow then he would follow her till they found the monster and then kill it.

They walked through the dirty abandoned house to another broken door which opened up to worn wooden stairs that went down into a dark basement. Rukia didn't seem at all put off by the darkness and steadily made her way down the creaky stairs. When they got to the bottom, Renji took a quick step forward to catch up to Rukia but suddenly she disappeared. A loud bang made him jump backwards and he ran into something cold and hard. It felt like a fence. A burst of light engulfed the room and he looked around him quickly to find Rukia but she was nowhere in sight. All he could see was white bars surrounding him which came together at the top, almost like a bird cage.

"Rukia!" he hollered only to be answered by a hideous laugh.

He could see several other cages nearby but couldn't see what was contained within. His hands clenched the solid bars as he looked around and finally came upon a large, wormlike hollow lying in the corner of the room.

Renji shook the bars on the cage and tried to pry them open… they wouldn't budge. The hollow started to slither its way over to his cage. What Renji had thought was the hollows face turned out to be its rear as he realized the long pointy spike was its tail rather than its nose. Two large eyes assessed him as the monster moved closer and Renji wrapped his fingers around the hilt of… 'Where is Zabimaru?' He looked down quickly, cursing when his eyes confirmed that his sword was not on his hip.

The strange looking hollow stopped a few feet in front of the stairway. The pointy tail lifted up towards the air and then, with a piercing buzz sound, a swarm of bee like creatures came flying out and disappeared up the stairs.

The hollow turned back around and moved across the room to where Renji had first laid eyes upon it. He looked around his cage, desperately trying to find a way out but seeing nothing. There wasn't even a doorway to pass through and he figured the hollow could lift the entire contraption to release its prey since the bottom was non-existent. 'Maybe I can tip it over,' he thought and started pushing against the bars. They didn't budge. Whatever the bars were made of was heavy.

A few minutes later the hollow started to move again. It slithered towards a nearby cage and a loud, high pitched scream filled the air. Renji watched the hollow stand up like a snake would before striking its prey and then wrap its mouth around the top. Slowly, the cage began to vanish as it was sucked inside the beast, revealing a slender blonde woman who was desperately looking for a way to escape. She was trapped between the corner of the room and Renji's cage. Her eyes darted back and forth until they rested on the bars of his cage. She quickly ran towards them and only got one hand on the bars before her leg was pulled out from underneath her and the hollow was slowly devouring her the way he had the bars of her cage.

Renji reached a hand out to try to help the lady but she was too far away now, her fingers slipping through his. Suddenly, the hollow let out a piercing scream and let go of the woman, turning quickly to face whatever had caused the scream. Renji noticed the large gash that split the hollows tail nearly in half just before he saw Rukia flying through the air and splitting the hollows face in half. The hollow disintegrated in front of his eyes along with the cage surrounding him.

Rukia stared at the scene in front of her. Her heart was pounding rapidly inside her chest and her knees were wobbling weakly beneath her body. When she had first seen Renji stand up and start walking away, she'd almost yelled at him for leaving again without saying something to her but before a word was uttered, she stopped herself. She knew he wouldn't do it again. He wouldn't upset her like that. That was when she noticed the strange way he was walking; as if he was following someone or something.

She waited until he was nearly out of sight before she stood up and started following him. She always made sure to keep a good distance away until they reached the town. At that point she snuck behind buildings and watched as he moved steadily down the street. She watched him walk into the run down building but didn't follow him. Instead, she had made her way around to the other side and found a tiny window just above the ground that opened up to the basement. Her small body had barely fit through the space but after she wiggled her way inside she was surprised to find that, as luck would have it, the hollow was in the room next to her. She'd wasted no time, running into the other room and slashing at the closest thing to her. When the hollow had turned around to face her, she had quickly slashed him like she'd done to so many other hollows.

Now though, all the adrenaline inside her came crashing down. She couldn't get rid of the horrible images inside her head of Renji's dead body; images of what he would have looked like if she hadn't woken up when he'd moved, if she had ignored him when he left. She felt her body start to sway forward and a pair of strong arms caught her before she reached the ground. She was swept up and held closely to solid warmth. It felt like they were moving, maybe walking up stairs but she didn't care enough to find out. Instead, she buried herself into the warmth, trying to worm her way inside his strength. She'd nearly lost him. This man, this wonderful, perfect man whom she'd loved for longer than she could remember.

Her body involuntarily trembled as her thoughts continued. He was so much more than a friend to her, especially with the recent changes in their relationship. She couldn't imagine life without him. No matter what had happened between them, he'd always been there for her… and she would always be there for him.

She felt herself being deposited on the ground but didn't bother opening her eyes. Instead she clutched Renji's robes and buried her face in his chest, causing him to kneel beside her.

"It's ok Rukia. We're safe now, thanks to you," said Renji as he folded his arms around her.

Rukia nodded her head and took a deep breath. She knew she was overreacting. It had just been a hollow. But the sight of Renji being led mindlessly to his death had made her frantically frightened. When she finally lifted her head, her eyes took in every inch of his face. Her hands cupped his cheeks and she stared at him, stared at him like she was memorizing every detail of his face. She wanted to kiss him, affirm that he was truly alright.

Her lips touched his. The kiss was gently but needy. Her lips trembled as they searched his, tasting him, drinking him in until a shudder ran through her whole body and she whimpered, pressing closer to his body and deepening the kiss. Her hands began a quest to find the opening to his robes and Renji had to grab her wrists to stop her.

"Rukia, there are people near," he said and had to suppress a grin as he watched Rukia's startled eyes look around them.

"Take me home," was her simple request and Renji didn't hesitate before starting to pack up their few things.

XxXxXxX

It was midday by the time they got to the Seireitei. Rukia and Renji stood at the crossroads where they would have to part and go their separate ways to report in to their captains. Renji was relieved to see that Rukia seemed to be her normal self again except for a slight desperation hiding behind her eyes. He reached a hand out and stroked her pale cheek, cupping it and lifting her face up to meet his lips for a long, knee weakening kiss.

"Can you come over tonight?" he asked in a whisper beside her ear.

Rukia shivered as tiny ice shards seemed to slide down her spine. Her hand that was clutching Renji's robes gripped tighter as she replied, "I'll be there." She kissed him one last time and then reluctantly released him

XxXxXxX

Rukia couldn't believe her luck. It wasn't bad enough that she had been ordered to go hunt that hollow (which hadn't turned out too badly since Renji had been allowed to go, besides the whole life scaring incident), but now she had to go do a tour in the living world. 'Four weeks!' she screamed in her head. And to top it off, she had to relieve the current soul reaper in charge of the area by five o'clock this evening. That meant she had just enough time to grab a few things and leave.

She walked into her large room and started grabbing a few pieces of clothing and other items, shoving them into a small purple bag with white straps. Her eyes surveyed the room a last time to make sure she wasn't forgetting anything then zipped up the bag and threw it beside the doorway.

Taking a seat at her small writing desk, she grabbed a small piece of paper and began writing a short note.

Renji,

I won't be able to make it over tonight… or the next 28 nights. I have been assigned to Karakura town for the next four weeks.

She stared at the paper for a few minutes, trying to think of something flowery and nice to say, wishing she could convey the feelings she had for him on the paper. A few words popped into her head but she couldn't think of a way to putting it to paper without feeling like a sappy moron so instead she finished with…

I wish you were coming with me again. See you in four weeks.

Rukia

She sighed as she read the letter over again before folding it up and rising from her seat. With her bag hefted over her shoulder and the letter in hand, she made her way over to Renji's quarters and slid the note beneath his door.

She hated leaving this way. She wanted to be able to at least speak to him; tell him she didn't want to leave him and that she would miss him.

She sighed again and headed out of the barracks.

XxXxXxX

"What are you doing here?" said Ichigo with a slightly shocked look on his face. He was standing just inside the doorway to his room, wearing his normal school uniform and his school bag thrown over his right shoulder.

Rukia didn't bother to turn and look at him as she situated her things inside his small closet while answering. "I'm on duty here for a few weeks."

Ichigo let his bag drop to the floor and took a few steps to the center of his room, scratching his head and staring at Rukia's back. "But why are you staying in my room?"

"Because I like your closet… and besides, your father and sisters don't need to know I'm here. I'm only here to do my duty. I won't be going to school or anything." She huffed as she slid the door closed and turned to face the spiky orange haired teen. A hint of red colored her cheeks as she remembered the last time she'd seen him.

Ichigo ran a hand through his hair and rolled his eyes. "Fine. Just make sure you keep the door closed so my sisters don't find out."

She didn't bother to answer and instead grabbed the newest manga from the top of Ichigo's dresser and took a seat on the floor, leaning against the narrow bed.

XxXxXxX

Renji walked down the hallway to his rooms, his head pounding and his whole body just exhausted from the long day. Because of the hollow incident the previous night, he'd barely gotten any sleep and then upon returning, Byakuya had sternly demanded that he make up for the day and a half of work he'd missed. It was now nearly ten at night and all he wanted to do was lye down and hold Rukia in his arms till he passed out.

His thoughts wandered to earlier when they'd said good bye before heading off to their own barracks. Her eyes had lit up with a flash of lust as she'd promised him that she would be at his place tonight. As exhausted as he was… maybe he could muster up enough energy to 'play' a bit before he passed out. His body responded to his thoughts.

A large grin spread across his face as he pushed his door open and searched the room. He had figured she would be there already but maybe she had been stuck working late too since he didn't see any trace of someone being there. Taking a step inside, he noticed the neatly folded note laying on the ground and bent to pick it up. His face fell as he read the perfectly draw words.

'Well that just sucks,' he thought and leaned his head back with a groan.

XxXxXxX

It had been eight days since Rukia had entered Karakura town and all she could think about was Renji. Just a few weeks ago she wouldn't have cared at all about leaving Soul Society. Actually, she would have probably looked forward to it. She enjoyed her friends down here. This time however was just not the same. She missed her crimson haired lover. She missed being able to touch him whenever she wanted. Her lips longed to press against his and every nerve in her body begged to be caressed by his expert hands again.

She jumped up through the open window and skipped over Ichigo's sleeping form on the bed, landing in the center of the room. She slid the closet door open and found a note lying in the center of her small bed. Her hand reached out and lifted the note up, a small credit card looking thing slipping out, and she started reading the messy handwriting.

The Tower Hotel

Room# 405

-R

Rukia peeked behind her to see if Ichigo was still asleep, for some reason feeling like she was a teenager sneaking out to meet her secret boyfriend. She tucked the note and the card inside the folds of her uniform and jumped out the same window she had just come through with a huge grin spreading over her face. She was going to see Renji.

She found the hotel easily and made her way through the lobby to the stairs. She decided it probably wouldn't be a good idea for her to take the elevator since people would be curious as to why the elevator buttons were being pushed when they couldn't see anyone. When she got to the 4th floor she followed the signs till she found Room# 405. She slid the key inside the device and the door clicked open. Her eyes scanned the room, noting the large bed in the center but also noting that the room was empty. 'Where is he?' she wondered as she closed the door behind her and stepped further into the room.

On the large dresser was another note with a black sleeping mask lying beside it. She picked up the note and read:

Go inside the bathroom and take the mask with you.

-R

Rukia picked up the black silk mask and let it dangle off her finger as she made her way to the bathroom. As soon as she opened the door she was assaulted by billowing steam which smelled of lavender and noticed another note sitting on the marble countertop.

I hope you enjoy the bath. Put the mask on once you get in and don't take it off no matter what.

-R

Rukia's body started to tingle with anticipation. She tested the water that already filled the tub and was surprised by how hot it was. He must have just filled it up. The tub was positioned against the far wall of the room, a white shower curtain pulled to the left side.

She quickly disrobed and tentatively stuck her foot in the nearly scalding hot water. Her body sunk in slowly, adjusting to the heat. The water came up to just above her breasts and she relaxed her neck, letting her head rest on the cool ceramic. She almost forgot the mask, remembering it when she lifted her hand to brush a damn lock of hair from her forehead. She secured the mask around her head and leaned back again to enjoy the bath. The hot water made her skin feel alive and excited.

A few minutes later, she heard what sounded like the door closing and then steady footsteps approaching. She could feel the presence of somebody beside her and her body was on high alert as she waited for whatever it was he was going to do. A gasp escaped her lips and every muscle in her body tightened up when she felt a thick, soft, wet sponge rub over her feet. A hand lifted up her leg and the sponge rubbed over the arch of her foot and then down the heel. The actions were repeated on her other foot and then the sponge started to drift up her calves and stopped at the sensitive skin behind her knees.

Renji placed her foot back in the water and positioned her leg so that her left knee was slightly bent. He moved the sponge up and down her calf and shin, covering every inch of skin. Every time he moved over the back of her knee she couldn't help the involuntary shiver that passed through her body.

When he was done washing her left leg which was furthest away from him, he draped her leg on to the side of the tub where it met the wall then started on her right leg. After he finished with that one, he once again draped it over the other side of the tub so that both her legs were now forced open. Rukia felt the sponge move from the top of her knee, up the inside of her thigh. Her breath started to come in quick little intakes as his hand moved closer and closer to her center. He stopped just a few inches from where she wanted him most and she groaned her disappointment causing Renji to chuckle throatily beside her.

"Shhh. In time Rukia," he said moved the sponge up the other side in the same manner. This time, when he came within inches of her swollen heat, he slid his middle finger off the sponge and trailed it up the last few inches of her leg till he brushed against the wet curls under the water. He flicked his finger between her folds and lightly traced her clit, retreating quickly.

He started washing her thighs again, taking his time to caress each and every inch of her. When he slid his finger between her folds again, Rukia arched her back up and grabbed the sides of the tub with her hands. Renji couldn't resist capturing a taut nipple between his lips before it submerged back underneath the water. He nibbled on the pink tip before releasing it and removing his finger from her core.

Rukia's chest was now heaving beneath the water and her lips were seductively parted as she took each raspy breath. The delicious sponge started to move to her stomach, rubbing over the area that was filling with waves of heat. Her back arched up with every stroke till it was circling her small breasts. He rubbed over her nipples, sending sparks of electricity through her body to pool low in her belly. She knew she was moaning uncontrollably but she didn't care. She wanted him so badly; wanted to look at his amazingly sexy body, but she couldn't.

When slightly cool lips brushed against hers, she leaned forward to try and deepen the kiss but only found air. She let out a frustrated moan and leaned back against the tub. The sponge smoothed up and around her neck then slid down her arms. Her body was putty beneath his hands. Every spot he touched yearned to be caressed. When he got to her right hand, he lifted it out of the water and brought it to his mouth. He pressed his lips to the center of her palm and then licked, making her feel like he was licking somewhere farther south as well.

"Renji!" she cried out and then bit her lip to keep from whimpering when his teeth raked the spot he just licked.

"Let's get you out of here," Renji's gruff voice said and he slid an arm beneath her shoulders and started to lift her up. His other arm moved under her knees and he stood up easily. "Leave the mask on," he said when he saw Rukia's arm move up to her face.

Her wet body slid against his and she realized he must be naked as well… at least the top half. Her hand reached out and splayed over his chest. She sighed at the feeling and groaned once more when Renji released her legs to make her stand and took her hand away from her chest. A moment later, a soft, thick towel was being rubbed up and down her body. He was thorough in his ministrations; drying every single inch of skin and making her body shudder as the cool air hit her skin. His lips pressed against the taught skin over her stomach and she reached a hand to grab his hair, wanting to keep him close but he was gone before she was able to grab him.

"Come," he said and took her hand, leading her out of the bathroom and onto the carpeted floor. She walked till he stopped her and then felt his arms once again lift her in the air and then drop her in the center of the large bed. The bed shifted to the side when Renji's large body knelt beside her and then his lips captured a sensitive nipple. Rukia's back arched up and her fingers finally threaded into his long locks. His hair was already released from its normal pony tail and she smiled slightly knowing that he did that purposely for her. She loved playing with his hair.

Renji sucked gently on her sensitive peak, licking the nub with long, slow strokes. Her chest was rising and falling with every breath she took and her fingers grasped the strands tighter as sparks shot down from her chest to her groin. He moved from her nipple and kissed her lips, sliding his tongue inside her mouth and moaning when her lips wrapped around his tongue and started sucking. His body moved without thought on top of Rukia and his arousal dug into her hip as the kiss deepened. Her legs opened invitingly for him and he almost caved, wanting more than anything to push himself inside her warmth. This wasn't going at all as planned. He'd wanted to draw the pleasure out, make her beg for him before making love to her.

He tore his mouth from hers, panting as he balanced his weight on both of his arms on either side of her body. She looked so incredibly sexy laying there, her mouth slightly parted as she ran the tip of her tongue over her lips. He sucked in a harsh breath when her hand wrapped around his erection and started sliding up and down the length.

"Rukia," he groaned and knew his plan was destroyed. He wanted her desperately. His eyes watched her other hand move up and remove the mask, her violet eyes looking into his and begging for him to kiss her again. His lips claimed hers once again and he felt Rukia's hips moving to try and bring him inside her. A moment later, the head of his shaft prodded her opening and he let out a quiet curse as slid his length inside.

No, this was not going at all as planned.

His hips began to move, pushing his cock in and out. Rukia's arms wrapped around his back and her hips matched his rhythm, back arching off the bed with every thrust.

It felt so good to be inside her again, to hold her close to his body and lose himself within her. His thrusts became long strokes, sliding nearly completely out and then pushing back in till he was completely sheathed. He was losing himself in her, in the way she cried out with every movement of his hips, the way her eyes looked into his without restraint. He wanted every piece of her.

"I love you," he whispered suddenly and then froze his entire body. 'Shit!' he cursed at himself. He hadn't meant to say it now. It felt so meaningless to say something like that during sex; like it was an emotional response due to being too caught up in the moment. He tried to hide his face against her neck but her hands cupped his cheeks and lifted his face up to force him to look in her eyes.

He stared into her beautiful eyes, trying to figure out what thoughts were running through her mind. Her face gave nothing away as she searched his. Finally she smiled. His whole body sagged with relief and then the sweetest thing happened.

She answered, "I love you too," and his entire being exploded. His heart thudded loudly in his chest and he almost couldn't contain the emotion within. She loved him. Heat filled his veins and he started to move inside her again, grinding his hips slowly into hers with deep strokes. His mouth found hers and they kissed, showing each other the feelings inside them with that kiss. Their bodies moved together with a renewed sense of vigor. A different sense of desperation took over them and they clutched to each other, mouths breaking apart as they held each other closely, hips still grinding together. They could both feel their releases approaching, and they strained together to soak up every last bit of feeling inside them. They cried out in unison a few moments later and Renji fell forward in exhaustion, rolling to his side and bringing Rukia over with him and situating her body over his.

Renji pressed small kisses to the top of her head and Rukia wiggled against him, trying to get as close to him as possible. She remembered how she'd felt when she'd heard him whisper that he loved her. It had felt like fireworks had just exploded inside her. She had wanted to scream out that she loved him too the moment he'd said it but hadn't wanted him to think it was just an automatic response. She wanted him to know she meant it with everything inside her.

She traced a small nipple and smiled against his chest before saying, "I missed you Ren."

"I missed you too."