Eighteen

Previously -

"It's about… Grimmjow," she said quietly.

With the knowledge that her brother supported her choices, Rukia slept soundly that night. And when the sunlight streamed through her curtains, it was not with a heavy heart she woke. In fact, she was full of the Kuchiki determination. The morning shower helped her collect her thoughts and what she would say when she reached the police station.

She planned to tell the police all she knew, and then carry on to school. And, she cheekily had thought, the school uniform would give the air of innocence, that they wouldn't be able to resist.

The wind from the night before had dropped, and now, a gentle breeze made the leaves dance along the pavement. Rukia took a deep breath and began her life changing journey. Occasionally a small smile would creep onto her lips and her eyes would shine with the hope that the murderous scum responsible for the assault on Grimmjow, would be put behind bars. For good.

It was shocking really that some people could do this to other humans. You'd often hear about it on the news, that someone had strapped a bomb to themselves and blown up a campus, or something just as bad. But for something like this to happen in your own town… She shivered. It didn't bear thinking about.

She stood before the small police station, nervously flexing her fingers. A silent prayer for Grimmjow and Hisana was spoken and she took a step forward.

"Excuse me Miss, but have you got the time?"

Rukia spun on her heel and opened her mouth to reply that no she hadn't, when a white cotton handkerchief covered her face. A sweet smell overpowered her senses and she felt dizzy. Her eyes closed and she fell.

Ulquiorra's phone vibrated violently as he shoved more clothes into the shopping basket. He was sure she'd be used to all the designer labels that her brother could buy her, but for now, she'd have to put up with cheap trash like this. Hell, he would have to, so why couldn't she?

"Yeah?"

"I've got her. You nearly done?"

"Gotta pay. Where are you?"

"Parking lot. She's in the back seat. Don't worry, looks like she's sleeping. See you in ten."

Grimmjow shoved the phone into his pocket as his call ended, and headed to the checkout. He watched as the disinterested blonde put all the clothes through. Jeans for them both. Underwear. Socks. A few t-shirts… They'd survive on the road.

He shoved the crumpled notes of money at her, snatching his receipt from the machine as it continued to print. She dropped the change into his outstretched palm.

Neither of them thanked the other.

It wasn't until her break later in the staff canteen, that Hiyori thought it was rather odd that a teenage boy was buying girls clothes, when he should be at school.

She felt even guiltier later, when she spoke to the police officers.