A/N: A thank you to Awen Sofer for beta'ing this chapter. Enjoy! x

Dea Tacita - 3

She wanted to reach for him, to touch him and make him talk. The car was moving much faster than should've been legal and her hands spent more time holding onto the seat and door to do much else except hope that they would survive the trip. The deathly silence in the car on the way back to the apartment was disturbing. Lara was usually used to such environments, but this was something else. The air between them was almost thick enough to be seen.

Kenpachi stopped the car suddenly and she lurched forward. If she was able to scream she would've. Seeing that they were at the apartment, Lara tried to get out of the car fast enough to escape. Even with his large frame, he was fast and held onto her shoulder so she wouldn't run away from him. Yachiru, who had been bouncing in the backseat and obviously enjoying how dangerous the drive back had been, was hanging onto his shoulder, swinging her legs around.

"Where do you think you're going?" He steered her through the building until they were inside his apartment. "So your name is Lara?"

She nodded her head, keeping silent, as Yachiru ran around the place. She could hear the little girl singing 'Lala', repeating the words so they blended together.

"What's your last name?" Kenpachi planned on doing a search in the database at his work when he found it out but she wasn't going to give away her identity to him so easily.

Lara took her bag of belongings from him and went to his room. Acting as if she belonged at this place, she went through his drawers and tried to make room to fit her own clothes there. She had a feeling he was going to make her stay for a lot longer than she first thought. Now that he had every reason to doubt her, she wouldn't be surprised if for the whole time she was going to be under house arrest.

The drawer slammed shut and she was able to get her hands out just in time before they were caught. "Okay so you're going to stay silent. I can handle that." He didn't look like he was handling it very well. "How about telling me who the fuck that guy was back there? Ichi-what's-his-name? Obviously he knows you and last night wasn't a first encounter. It would also explain why your drink wasn't drugged, if that is the case." Kenpachi pushed her against the wall, not giving her any room for escape. "So who is he? An obsessive ex-boyfriend who can't let go? Is he behind all the girls disappearing? Give me something to work with!"

She couldn't meet his gaze but he lifted her chin, stretching her neck upwards. The strain caused her eyes to water and after he noticed this, he let go. Kenpachi was going to move away but her hand, which couldn't even half wrap around his large bicep, stopped him. He-he… Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, Lara tried again. His name is Ichimaru Gin. H-he broke up with me… I-I didn't think I was going to see him again, but I don't think he has anything to do with the kidnappings. When she let go of him, there was nothing holding her up and she slid to the floor. The tears didn't stop and she covered her face, not wanting to be seen in such a weak state.

"Ah, dammit!" He turned around with his back facing her, to avoid looking at her in such a pitiful state. "There's no need to fucking cry about it. That Ichimaru guy seems like a loser anyway." Kenpachi wasn't going to fully rule him out as a suspect. He needed to write the name down so he wouldn't forget about it tomorrow when he went to work.

Do you mean that?

This time he hadn't jumped when she surprised him. He'd somehow gotten used to her unexpected ways. "Yeah. It's easy to tell a prick when I see one." He nodded before muttering. "Takes one to know one."

She pushed him so that he was sitting on the bed and sat on his lap. His hands automatically went to her waist to prevent her from falling backwards if she lost her balance. You haven't been a prick to me.

Kenpachi laughed. "Just wait and see, you'll experience that side of me soon enough."

Lara smiled and leaned in close to him, her eyelids fluttering shut. For a second he thought she was going to kiss him. Even though she was younger than the women he normally let keep his bed warm on nights, he wasn't going to turn away the opportunity which he thought was currently presenting itself. The fact that she would be spending more than just one night due to the circumstances hadn't registered in his mind yet. She stopped a few millimetres away from his lips and after he felt nothing but her breath, Kenpachi opened his eyes not realising they had also closed, only to see she was motionless. Was she waiting for him to make the next move? Taking the initiative he moved his head forward, almost wanting to feel her mouth which the previous night placed kisses along his jaw. She leaned away from him before anything happened giving a mischievous grin and leaving the room. How she got out of his hands he couldn't remember.

"Bitch!" He yelled out, falling back on the bed and cursing how stupid he had been. It made him wonder whether she was as defenceless as she appeared to be.

"Are you telling me that she slipped through your fingers a second time Gin?" Sōsuke wasn't pleased and he made no attempt to hide it. "What happened to your speech about not needing to wait much longer?"

"You're such an impatient man Sōsuke, only a day has passed." The silver haired man let his ever present grin falter so it looked as if he were troubled. "I wouldn't say she slipped through my fingers, that brute pulled her away. Do you think Lara prefers her men that way?"

"I don't care what she likes, I just want her back!" His insanity filled features froze and he closed his eyes, composing himself like he was before hearing the news of her escape. "Excuse my earlier outburst. I have to keep in mind the plan. You have one more chance. I'm warning you now Gin, do not disappoint me for a third time."

"Of course not, I wouldn't dare." Gin's smile returned as he left the apartment suite which he had been in a few hours beforehand. A few steps later he was in front of the door to his own apartment. He locked the door after entering and rested against it. "Lara, Lara, Lara. Look at the mess you've gotten yourself into now."

As he showered, all Gin could do was think. A planned was needed. This time, chance and luck were out of the picture, he was going to get help. With a towel wrapped around his waist, he went to the bedroom where his cell phone was and called the third person on his speed dial. He listened to the tone as it kept ringing and eventually connected with voicemail. After hanging up he tried again, knowing this time it would go through.

"Giiiiiin…what do you want? I'm working…" The faked whining tone she used evened out and he could not help but chuckle at her. "I'm serious! This better be important, I'm losing money as we speak!"

"What's this one's name?" There was no reply and he heard a short argument between the two. A door slammed and he could hear her breathing. "Oops, guess he wasn't willing to wait. Anyway, I need you to do something for me Rangiku."

"I never thought you'd ask! Well a blowjob will cost you-"

"For me Rangiku, not to me." Gin ran a hand through his drying hair. "There's this girl and I want you to tell her something. I'll send you the details and I'll be sure to pay you generously for this service."

"A girl? I hope you haven't been doing naughty things to someone underage…" Rangiku let out a loud sigh that was in no way befitting for a woman. "What did you do to her? Why can't you just tell her whatever it is yourself?"

"Yes. NO! It's complicated."

"Are you stalking her?"

"No!" It was his turn to let out a sigh. This one was due to frustration. "Rangiku, it's not like I ask for favours from you often, but if you're really unwilling I will get someone else to do it."

She laughed at him. "Gin, you know I'm only joking. So, what is it?"

He related the message to her and needed to repeat it a second time so she could write it down. "Got it now? Don't expect a reply from her. She doesn't talk much."

"Sure, okay, leave it to me. I'll get it done tomorrow." With all that said she hung up and Gin started typing out the details and sent them to her.

I wonder if Sōsuke knows that Lara is able to communicate… It wouldn't help him in any way if he told the brown haired man, so he kept quiet. There was always a chance that the information would be useful and could be used to his advantage. He just needed Rangiku to do her part properly and everything would fit together. Just like a puzzle. Without bothering to get changed, Gin went to his bed. A sinister grin could be seen on his face. Yes, it will all work out perfectly.

"Holy shit!" Lara could faintly hear a shout from somewhere close to her, but was still in a state of semi-unconsciousness to figure out who it was. "She must be the one from the other night. Zaraki sure moves fast!"

Her eyes instantly opened and she saw four pairs of eyes staring down at her. The suddenness made them jolt backwards and the closeness made her move away from them and into the figure sleeping behind her. Already only occupying one side of the bed, the momentum caused both bodies to fall off the side. Kenpachi's form made a firm landing place for her and while he was still in the middle of waking up properly, Lara untangled herself from the sheets and locked herself in the adjoining bathroom.

"What the fuck are you guys doing here?" He glared at each of them in turn. "Make breakfast or play with Yachiru if you're going to be staying. I've got to get the woman out of the bathroom."

"Is she the one I rang a taxi for?" Only the bald man remained in the room, staring intently at his boss.

"Yeah that's her Ikkaku." Kenpachi picked up the sheets that were on the floor and dumped them on the bed. "She's going to need constant protection for a while."

Ikkaku looked over at the bathroom door before turning to leave the room as well. "She better be worth all the trouble she's causing you."

"What?" He was confused about what the other man meant and continually switched his gaze between the bed and the opened door. It all clicked and he yelled out in anger. "I haven't even fucked her yet!"

"Yet? So you're expecting to do it soon then?" A distance call replied, followed by the group of them laughing.

"Idiots." Kenpachi mutter. He went to the bathroom door and banged on it a few times. "Oi! Open up unless you want me to knock this door from its hinges!"

As soon as she started moving the door, he pushed against it and she had no barrier to hide from him. She was only wearing a mid-thigh length black silk nighty which bared a lot of skin, and he was only in a pair of sweatpants, so no wonder his team thought something happened between them. "Put some clothes on and get to the kitchen. If it's Yumichika who's cooking then the food is going to be a lot tastier than it was yesterday."

Thank you. Lara brushed past him to do as he said.

After she had left the bedroom the last evening, she found Yachiru on the phone ringing up the local pizza delivery. She smiled at the brief memory, remembering how much better the dinner tasted than the breakfast she had during the morning of the same day. Lara followed Kenpachi to the kitchen, staying behind him and out of sight of the visitors. Sizzling could be heard and the smells coming from that part of the apartment were more pleasant than the smell of something burning.

"So who's the broad?" The closest man asked. He had dark hair and was wearing tiny shades even though he was inside.

Kenpachi pulled her from behind him and placed her in front. His hands rested on her shoulders to prevent her from moving. "This is Lara. I don't know her last name."

She found the weight of his large hands, strangely comforting. Who are these men? Instinctively she wanted to step back when the bald one stood and came up to her, but Kenpachi stopped her.

"Baldy, leave Lala alone!" Yachiru jumped from her spot at the table and latched onto the man who started trying to shake the little girl off of him.

"There's nothing beautiful about being eager Ikkaku." The man with chin-length straight hair turned around.

"Shut up Peacock."

Peacock? She thought it was a weird name for a man, especially one who was on the police force.

"That's Yumichika. Renji is the redhead, Iba's the one wearing glasses and Ikkaku is bald." He pointed at each man, ending with the one still trying to get the pink haired child off his back. Yachiru was now holding a marker she'd been hiding and was attempting to draw on his head.

Ikkaku growled like an animal. "I'm not bald! Can't you tell when a head is shaved?"

"He's bald." Renji and Iba stated at the same time in monotone.

Kenpachi sighed and led Lara to the table. "This is my team. We're the ones behind catching who is kidnapping those missing girls."

Lara touched his arm when he let go of her. Why are they here?

"That's a good question. What are you guys doing here?"

They all looked at each other, muttering between themselves before Yumichika started talking while serving everyone. She was able to get a closer look at him and noticed the way his features were quite effeminate. The apron he was wearing suited him and then she wondered what such a frilly garment was doing in a place where Kenpachi lived at. "We were worried about you since instead of slacking off you've actually been working these last two days. Now we think you've lost your mind."

He grunted at them all, not bothering to offer an explanation or deny it. Kenpachi started to think himself that maybe he'd lost his sanity. How was it possible to hear someone else's voice in his mind? Since there was decent food to stuff his mouth with, he focused on that and ignored everyone who was staring at him. "What?" He asked while pieces of stray food bits flew from him mouth, causing Yumichika to grimace. "When we're done, we're leaving. Renji stay with Yachiru and the woman. Make sure she doesn't leave."

"Right."

Lara stared at the ceiling while lying on the bed. She was bored and Renji offered no help to relieve it. Yachiru was keeping him more than busy. For a few minutes they were able to amuse her as the girl rode him like a horse, but watching them got old quickly. It astounded her that the redhead would do anything the child asked with little resistance. She was glad it wasn't her playing with Yachiru because the previous day had been tiring for her. The girl's enthusiasm and energy levels were limitless.

A knock sounded on the other side of the bedroom door, and Renji opened it up. Even though she wasn't able to reply to him from where she was, Lara though it a bit rude that he didn't bother waiting at least a few more seconds, just in case she was doing something not suitable for his eyes to see. Lifting her head off the pillow to stare at him, he started clearing his throat and scratching the back of his head.

"There's… uh… someone here who wants to talk to you."

The first thing that went through her was fear. Was he here? Had he found her to take her back with him? Renji seemed to notice the sudden change of her mood and tried to reassure her, though he had no idea why she was feeling that way.

"She's in the lounge with Yachiru at the moment. She said it's important to talk to you straight away."

She? All of the tension left her and she relaxed. If the person was female, then it was likely she didn't have anything to worry about. Following Renji to the lounge, she changed her mind when eyeing the blonde, someone she'd never seen before, sitting there trying to keep the little girl away from the scarf which was the same colour as her hair. Lara would be in trouble if the woman wanted to hug her because she would surely suffocate in her insanely large breasts. How many implants did the woman need? They were barely covered in a skimpy top which had trouble keeping them in check anyway. A few times the lady needed to rearrange herself and Lara would briefly glance away at Renji, noticing that he didn't seem to mind the display at all as he continued to stare at them.

"These girls just don't know when to behave themselves!" The blonde laughed to herself before setting her blue eyes on the dark haired female sitting in front of her. "Hello, I'm Matsumoto Rangiku. It's nice to meet you Lara."

Kenpachi sat at his desk, staring at the computer screen with frustration. After doing a search on Gin Ichimaru for the last hour, he came up with nothing. He brought his fist down hard on the desk which jilted and spilt his half drunken coffee all over the keyboard.

"Fuck!"

How hard was it to find one man? There was not a single record on him. No overdue parking tickets or any tickets issued at all. Nothing came up even when he typed in a description of the man. For someone who looked so peculiar, he did a good job keeping undercover and a low profile. What annoyed him the most was Gin had told him that there would be nothing, but Kenpachi wanted to prove him wrong and wipe the smug smile off of the sly man's face.

The sound of his phone ringing lifted his spirits slightly until he saw the caller ID: it was Renji. "What is it?"

"Well… uh… try not to be mad at me… but… I know how-" He could tell that Renji was nervous and he knew that the redhead could tell he was already angry enough as it was.

"Just spit it out already!" Kenpachi shouted through the receiver.

Renji took a deep breath before answering him. He spoke fast that the words seemed to mould into one. "Lara left the apartment with some lady. I don't know how it happened, I just let them go. Please don't be mad?"

"What? Are you an idiot?"

"Do I need to answer that as well?"

"No, for your sake don't." Kenpachi sighed and resisted the urge to crush his cell phone in his hand. "Do you know where they went?"

"The lady, I don't quite remember her name, mentioned HYPNOSIS and just dragged Lara out." The tone of Renji's voice was weakening, knowing how much trouble he was getting in and how big of a grave he was digging himself. "I think they went there."

"No shit." He closed his eyes and banged on his desk for a second time. "Stay there and make sure Yachiru doesn't run away. I'll sort this out."