A/N: Happy New Year people! I hope you had fun celebrating and I hope this year will be great one for all of you! I wish you a lot of happy memories!
Can you remember your first dream(Hatsuyume)? According to Japanese tradition it foretells your luck for the upcoming year. I have no idea what mine was! Lol! It was probably some weird shit, like always, that doesn't make any sense!
Anyways, the story... Let's see, after rereading the last chapter I felt I didn't give my all on it. Don't know why, but it just felt that way. The story line was okay, but I think I could have done a better job. This one is different though...at least it looks like that now. It's much longer and it has a lot of HitsuRuki moments. I kicked my blockade, not writer one, but the one with this story. It was moving too slow. And yes, I know, the chapter title is pretty long, but I like it, so...yeah.
Thank you for your support and lovely words! I hope you like this chapter too. See you soon!

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach!

Together Alone

You Breathe In When I Exhale

Oh the hell with it! Rukia was walking the halls of the 13th division eager to find her Captain and ask him for a permission to go back to her assigned mission. She could no longer take ah Kuchiki-san, are you okay bullshit from anyone. It's already been three days, and still everyone was set to annoy her with mindless questions and stupid empty comments. She's okay, okay? On her feet, healed and ready to go back. Yes, she knew they just cared, at least some of them like Hanataro or 13th division 3rd seats, but enough is enough. She's not some weak shinigami that can't take one hit and continue. She's a lieutenant for crying out loud. A lieutenant. Why was everyone set to keep her here when she can obviously go back?
The halls were crowded again, with people she didn't recognize, or cared for in this moment, she assumed they were recruits. Just the way they would pass her shyly, their heads lowered was enough proof for her. She past by them determined to find her Captain. If she had luck, he would understand her. She needed to go back. Her head snapped up, feeling well-known reiatsu nearing. Alright, she can do this. She has to.
A light tap on the wooden door, before hearing a low welcoming voice, she went in to find him sitting by his desk, not doing much, except for drinking his tea. His long white hair hugging his shoulders, while he slowly raised his head to greet her with warm light smile.

"Ah, Rukia…I expected you." He said calmly. She bowed down, but soon had to stand up because of his scolding she was acting too formal, like always. "Come in and take a seat." She did. "What can I do for you?" But she was sure he already knew her reason for coming to him this early in the morning, especially while she was on the leave for few days because of her injury, so she really wasn't expected here, at least not by anyone else but this gentle Captain.

"I am sorry for disturbing you Captain…" Her head was lowered as she watched the dark-wooden floor in his office, now not really sure in herself. "…but I wanted to speak with you, if you have time?"

"Of course I do Rukia. What's wrong?" He asked gently, probably already knowing the answer.

"Well…" This is it, just ask. Her head went up to look him directly at his calm eyes. "I wanted to ask for your permission to go back on my Cleaning mission." A few moment past in dead silence, so she felt the need to continue. "I know very well the extents of my injury, but I believe I am well now and ready to go back." She said bowing hear head a little. Ukitake just sighed.

"Rukia…" He said quietly. "It's only been three days, there's-"

"I know Captain, but I'm better and there's no need for me to sulk around here and-"

"Rukia." He cut her off, his voice a bit harsher than usual, so she stopped talking. "I understand that you want to go back and finish what you started, but…that does not change the fact that you are still not in the condition to proceed. And, even if I wanted to agree to your request, I have clear orders to keep you here." Rukia's head bolted up when he said the last few words.

"Clear orders? Who? Why?" She said losing herself in her own thoughts trying to process what she just heard.

"Well, it's more of a friendly request and…" Ukitake stopped himself from his ranting and again smiled gently at his lieutenant that was standing lost before him, quickly glancing over the badge that was tied on her right hand, remembering a person that both he and young Kuchiki held dear to their hearts. "The point is, you should rest Rukia. And if I acknowledge you are indeed feeling better I will send you back, but right now your request have been denied." He said slowly and carefully trying not to say anything out of a place. He heard Rukia sigh before she spoke again.

"Okay. Thank you Captain." She wanted to protest, but she didn't have enough strength in her to practically oppose to the person before her. She may be stubborn, like some people told her, but she did respect the man before her and held his opinions high after all. Light nod from the man's features was her sign to leave, so she did, excusing herself on the way.

That did not change the fact that she was pissed. Oh she was, walking fast trough the halls she knew very well. Again, she is stuck in this place with nothing to do. Her leave from her duties, that they made her take forcefully, was one thing. Okay, she will manage not doing much for few days.
Then there was that constant worry that took over every single person in her presence, some just doing it out of fear and respect from her name and status or the want to get any information out of her so they can be the main carriers of new and fresh gossip, others really bothered by the fact that she almost died three nights ago. Alright, she just needs to avoid every shinigami in Soul Society. It wasn't impossible.
But the fact that someone asked her Captain to deny her request was something else. She frowned when few rays of sun washed her face, blinding her for few seconds. Who would do such thing? Brother? But Renji said he didn't say a thing when he came to visit. But he never really said much anyway. Most of the things he did Rukia found out about it too late. Or Captain Hitsugaya? But would he really do such a thing? Go all that way just to ask Ukitake something like that. Then again, he was the one who brought her here. Renji told her he personally carried her in the rooms of 4th division after her sudden blackout. And he even made sure that Captain Unohana gets every detail of what happened that night with her and Hisagi, not leaving any information behind. Only remembering the face of the young prodigy, made her face flush in red color.
And then there was that. Yeah. What was that anyway?

"The fuck are you doing walking around?" She heard a familiar male voice that snapped her out of whatever she was contemplating in her head. Okay, she can handle this male. At least he was simple enough, not like other ones present in her life.

"What do you want Pineapple?" She snapped at him automatically, taking a fierce stand before him. So her patience wasn't as great as she thought. The sun kept washing her face, and it was making her more nervous than she already was.

"I want to know what the hell are you doing walking around like that?" Red-head snapped back at her. The frown fell on his face.

"What? I have to ask you for a permission to go out for a walk?" She was starting to feel really annoyed by the men that surrounded her. Will she ever be able to walk and act freely? That's what you get by surrounding yourself with idiots Kuchiki Rukia, she thought bitterly.

"I have no time for your bullshit, just go home and rest already." Abarai Renji said harshly, not minding her deadly look that fell on his face.

"Oh fuck it!" She said out loud and walked pass him in a hurry. She couldn't take this anymore. When will they leave her alone already?She heard him yell something behind her, probably some curses, she didn't care really. She felt the anger rising in her stomach and she knew this was all throwing her out of her balance. They were all throwing her out of her balance. First she almost gets yelled by that teal-eyed Captain for protecting her comrade, then they toss her back here and now they won't let her leave because she was hurt. Was, she thought. I'm perfectly fine now. Damn it! She was almost running to get away from her own division, deep in her thoughts, not really caring or having any energy left inside her to face the people around her just to hear the same sentences she was hearing this past three days.
She finally stopped, feeling a light pain cross her abdomen, and found herself near the place she knew very well, but wasn't actually happy about ending there at all. Just days ago she had her encounter here with a man she was trying so hard not to think about. Damn you Hitsugaya Toshiro, damn you!
She fell down, to sit near the tall tree she got to know because of that white-haired prodigy. Her breathing was heavy, as she fought the pain in her body, trying so hard to calm herself, not to let her reiatsu flare more than it was already flaring. She was sure that that red-headed fool would surely come to her, yelling about rest and stuff she wasn't really in the mood for right now. She needed her peace badly. Her head leaned to the wood behind her, remembering the last person she saw sitting here in the same way she did now, frowning once again. Yet, somehow, that person, that man, even though he wasn't present at all, shattered every hope she had about her peacefully enjoying her fresh air. What did he do to her? She was…normal before she met him, before he glared at her with those stupid teal orbs, before he…Her hand moved to her lips, remembering clearly what happened on that balcony just few nights ago. What the hell is he doing to me?

Hours and hours of silence. Nothing more that few heavy looks exchanged between the males that were now on the roof top of some old building. It was the same, ever since the night he rearranged the teams, placing himself with that orange-headed fool beside him. Toshiro was feeling more and more resentful towards the substitute shinigami that was now looking ahead, on the lights and houses that stood below them, clearly ignoring him. Just one look in that way made the frown on Toshiro's face so heavy it almost hurt.
He knew very well why he felt that way. He knew very well that he had reasons behind it. And he knew very well that he was acting like an immature brat. And…he really didn't care.
His hand went through the white straps on his head, while he tried his best to turn his head other way, not to let this man annoy him more than he already did. Oh there was so much in his white head this evening that he could not stand it anymore. He wanted more than anything for a hollow to show, so he could take all his frustration and anger on it. It would make him feel easier for few moments. He felt the burden of his blade on his back and again cursed himself for failing in many things he did this few days. He tried as hardest he could to concentrate on anything but his thoughts, but his mind kept replaying everything like a broken record.
What was he actually doing here? Why did he actually go all that way for a person he barely knew? How, for the love of gods, did that petite shinigami managed to make him this concerned about her?
He shook his head lightly, from regret and guilt. Somehow he felt, only questioning their friendship or whatever they had, he was betraying her.
But, then again, this night was different. The orange-headed shinigami broke their silence for the first time since they started working together, making no move what so ever, just kept looking at the glowing city beneath their feet.

"Why do you even care?" The words were clear and they stung the prodigy like a painful needles, making his head turn to look at the orange-top man beside him. He knew very well what he was asking, on what he was referring. That much was clear to Toshiro.

"Why do you want to know?" He asked almost painfully, returning his look ahead. He felt the substitute stir beside him. Good, he was glad he annoyed him.

"She's my friend." Was all the orange-top said looking directly at the white-haired man. Toshiro didn't move though.

"Is she?" He asked it again. A similar question to that on the night Kuchiki Rukia almost lost her life. The words felt bitter and sour in his mouth, just because they held a connection with that bloody night. The substitute moved uncomfortably again.

"Why do you keep asking me that?" His voice was much stronger, and somehow offensive. Toshiro sighed, not saying anything. Ichigo continued. "She is my friend and…" He stopped for a second returning to the light both him and the man beside him now watched. "…I want to know. She's acting different around you, I can see that much."

"I don't see why would I be obligated to say anything to you!" The ice, oh the ice. It was all that this white haired man knew.

"You're not." Those words made Toshiro turn his head to look at the substitute beside him. He's not.

"Hngh." His white canine teeth showing as he fought the urge to smack that orange head as hardest he could. Alright, the substitute wants to know…then he will. "Fine. But…" He turned around to look ahead again. "…you don't deserve to know this. You don't deserve the words that are about to come from my mouth. I just want you to know that before I tell you." Toshiro said serious, without any emotion on his face.

"Fine." Ichigo said silently. Toshiro nodded.

"She helped me." He said sternly. Ichigo's eyes widening slowly, as he was fighting a confusion that was appearing in him. "After the war…and everything that happened, she was the only person who was not afraid to come near me." He stopped again, looking ahead and replaying every memory before this mission he could call in that moment. "She's my friend." He said finally lowering his head a little to look at his feet, and that left Ichigo surprised slightly. He kept looking at the Captain beside him and could swear that he saw a mild, almost inexistent, smile on his toned face.

"Friend?" Ichigo said not even aware that the words left his mouth. Toshiro just frowned looking at the substitute beside him. Every further conversation was suddenly interrupted, because of the ringing that came from Toshiro. A call. When he took the phone from his pocket he saw one name flashing on the screen.

"Matsumoto?" He said in a cold and stern voice answering the phone.

"Captain, we need…" The voice was breaking on the other side.

"What?"

"We need backup!" She said and the phone ended in that moment. He returned the phone quickly in his pocket and turned to face the man beside him.

"Follow me." With that he was gone, Ichigo slightly behind him.

"What the hell is happening Renji?" She said shoving him with one hand, obviously pissed.

"I don't know what you are talking about Rukia." He said scratching his head nervously.

"Oh don't give me that crap. I heard they requested for a seal break. Don't play dumb with me! What the hell is going on there?"

"I don't-" He tried.

"Listen to me you red-headed fool! Just because they made me take this fucking leave doesn't mean I'm not capable for a fight. The next word that comes from that mouth of yours better be my answer or else I'll kick your ass until you cry." She said pointing one finger in his direction, making sure she pours her reiatsu loud enough so he knows she's not playing games. He swallowed…hard.

"Damn it! Captain Kuchiki will kill me for this one!" He said frowning, but continued when he saw the look she gave him. "Fine." He scratched his head again. "They're outnumbered. And…"

"And what Renji?" She asked angrily.

"I...I just know that they suffered a lot of damage, that's it." Her eyes widened when he finished talking. She stood there for few seconds replaying every worst case scenario in her head, thinking about people that were out there, people she cared about, people she proudly called her friends. And she was stuck here and… "Rukia?" Fuck it!

"Tell my Captain that I'm sorry!" She said turning around.

"W-what?" He grabbed her hand angrily and stopped her in her tracks. But when she turned around and he took one look in those violet eyes he knew better than anyone, he let go and forced a smirk to appear on his face. "Sorry, I'm not going to be here long enough for that." Her eyes widened, while he passed her, walking away. "What are you waiting for, let's go damn it!" A wide smile appeared on her face while she ran after him to the Senkaimon gate, gripping the hilt of her sword tighter.

"MOVE DAMN IT!" Ichigo yelled at the Quincy beside him.

"This is my opponent, find another one!" The Quincy proudly said lifting up his glasses and stretching his bow to prepare himself for another attack. The blue light glowing as he took one look around the place where he stood. The scenery around them was horrible and once again he thanked the gods that they were just out of the city. But still, the damage could be done if they don't hurry. There were at least twenty or even more Adjuchas around them, and then there were Gillian's…what they all were doing here, he wasn't sure. He kept looking in the shinigami direction, waiting for a power change. He knew they requested a seal break, but he also knew it took time for it to be approved. And they weren't doing great. Adjuchas and Gillian's numbers was growing rapidly. The lieutenants were already hurt and that white haired Captain had a cut on his left shoulder. Chad and Ichigo weren't doing better, while Orihime was waiting near for any chance to heal any of them. I hope they hurry, or else…

"Any word Matsumoto?" Toshiro said panting for air, while he just defended himself from the last opponent, Gillian, which was laying cut on the ground.

"No sir, they are still working on it." She said quickly before she charged back in her battle.

"Damn it!" He hissed to himself, holding his shoulder longer than he thought he should. It hurt.

"I see you won't last long shinigami trash. Oh well, at least I got something to play with." Toshiro's eyes snapped wide open when he felt the reiatsu standing behind him. He knew it, he felt it before. It was so familiar to him, when did he felt it before? Was this… Rukia. He turned around slowly to face the grayish Adjuchas that was grinning uncontrollably, and Toshiro saw there was no sign of cut she personally caused.

"I wouldn't talk so easily if I were you." Toshiro said coldly, piercing the grey Adjuchas with his teal angry…no, madly angry eyes.

"I don't know, that injury seems like it hurts." Adjuchas said pointing his blade at Toshiro's shoulder.

"Don't be so sure yet…" Toshiro said as he charged towards the grey Adjuchas standing few feet away from him. In a seconds their swords clashed, Hyorinmaru glowing in the night light. Toshiro swung the crescent-shaped blade attached to hilt of his sword along with it, tying it around the Adjuchas and swinging him feet's away, not even bothering to freeze him right away.
"And I'm just getting started." Toshiro growled, the eyes of Adjuchas flew wide open in confusion of the anger and hate that was pouring from the young white-haired shinigami. The Adjuchas stood up fast, not allowing him to strike him again, and moved few more feet away, panting heavily. Toshiro looked as if he wasn't breathing at all, while he was gripping the hilt of Hyorinmaru tight.

"Oh, I see…" The Adjuchas almost laughed looking in the direction where Toshiro stood. "I know now what this is about." He said and laughed. But before he could say any more he heard the white haired man speak.

"Do not even dare to think that you know anything about this." The Adjuchas eyes grew wide as he watched the white-haired man and his eyes that were glowing bright blue now, before he charged in the air.
"Soten ni zase…" The light blue ice appeared on the katana he held in his hands forming a shape of a dragon and before he directed it in the way of the grey Adjuchas, only one word could be heard, as the others stood in their places for those few moments and watched the fury and anger of the white-haired prodigy Hitsugaya Toshiro. "Hyorinmaru!"

"Shit! Wouldn't want to be in the place of that Adjuchas right now." Ikkaku said looking in the direction where the battle was raging.

"Neither would I. He's not beautiful at all." Yumichika said standing around, not really minding the mess they were all in.

"Yeah, great, the weather is changing too. Guess our visibility won't be that great either." Ikkaku said looking at the sky above them, while the dark clouds were forming from the direction Captain Hitsugaya stood and it looked as it was about to go in full storm mode.
Near them stood Matsumoto and Hisagi that were in the middle of a fight with few Gillian's and Adjuchas. Matsumoto only shot one glance in her Captain direction, not in the position to go and help him. And well, caring about her life too, because he would probably kill her if he even knew she thought about it.

"That's him!" Hisagi said frozen in his tracks. Matsumoto stopped the attack meant for him and shouted, so he would come to his senses. He muttered a sorry and attacked his opponent again.

"What are you talking about? Who is him?" Matsumoto said flash stepping near the black-haired lieutenant.

"The…Adjuchas Kuchiki and I fought." He said moving fast to continue with his fight.

"W-what? You are telling me that that's the Adjuchas that slashed Kuchiki?" Matsumoto asked with her eyes wide open looking in the direction where her Captain was fighting.

"Yes, that's him." Hisagi said.

"S-shit." She returned her attention to the opponent near her, glancing in the direction where Hisagi stood. "Just keep away from him, far away. Got it?" When he didn't respond she repeated. "Hisagi, do you hear me? Keep far away from him."

"But I can take him now." He said frowning.

"I am not talking about that Adjuchas Hisagi." She said deadly serious and he, after realizing on what and who she referred, nodded once.

The night air and weather changed quickly, and cold wind started to blow all around them. Orihime stood near the tall tree, her hair flowing intensively around her on the wind, and kept her shield up with all her force, remembering Ishida's words not to take it down at any circumstances. Her arms were clenched in fists and rested on her chest, while she watched one man in particular and the force he gave on his every attack. Her hand stretched forward to catch the small particle of ice that was flowing in the air. She watched it melt in her hands, while she returned her gaze to direction, to the man that was causing the storm around them. Before she knew, enormous breast were around her head and all she heard before they moved was I need to move you.
When they stopped she found herself further away, not really even seeing that tree she stood near just few seconds ago. Matsumoto was standing near her, panting hardly.

"I-Is everything okay? Why did we-"

"Listen to me Inoue, do not come near them now." Matsumoto said deadly serious looking in the grey eyes before her. "That's the Adjuchas that almost killed Kuchiki, I can't protect you and fight." She said and Inoue gasped.

"T-that's…the…"

"Yeah, so keep your orange thingy up and try not to come near. The storm already started." She said and flash-stepped in an instant. Orihime nodded to herself and commanded for her shield to come up again.
She could still see the battle, but not as good as she did moments ago. The ice that was glowing in that direction helped though. That's the one that hurt Kuchiki-san. Again, she looked at the white-haired man and her eyes softened. The force and anger that came out of that man almost made Orihime cry. His reiatsu could be felt even where she stood, and it was a little heavy. She just kept watching him, understanding every swing that came from him, understanding every hit he received and she almost cursed herself. He could protect, he could defend…all she could do was stand and not be on the way. She didn't knew that Captain very well, but she could sympathize with him. She understood his anger. It's just…she could never do that much for a person she cared for. Tears flowed down her face as she watched the fight, and they burned. They burned her face, and she felt as she failed, not anyone, just herself. Even her shield started to fade as her eyes was pinned to the scene above. The reiatsu kept suffocating her and she wondered how everyone else managed to stand so strong near that white-haired man. It was worse now, because he was in bankai, long ice-blue wings around him, while he glowed with white blue light.

Ichigo was the one that stood the closest to Hitsugaya, but not even he did come any closer. He was quick in defeating any Gillian's that came near him and as soon as he did he would turn to look at the fight near him. Ishida was near him too, fighting with one Adjuchas and he was cut on several places, but like everyone else it was caused because no one could not look at the battle that changed the weather.

Toshiro was panting hard, while his wings protected him from every Cero that came his way. This Adjuchas was strong, he could feel and see that. He went in his bankai a moment ago, but still…it was hard keeping up with him. The cut on his shoulder was still bleeding, as he could see, so he froze it without thinking about it twice. That's better. He just needed little more time until the seal was released. He was sure that Matsumoto would tell him as soon as they approve. But what's taking this long?

Matsumoto was thinking about the same thing as she watched her Captain far away. This is not good. He's angry. Damn it, where's the approval?

"CAPTAIN!" Her eyes flew wide open at the sight of her Captain falling down. She started flash-stepping the moment she saw it, but was stopped by Adjuchas on the way. She swung her sword screaming towards her Captain, now everyone aware what was happening.

He fell, and he fell hard, his whole body slamming on the ground beneath him. The wings shattered, as he wasn't strong enough anymore to hold his bankai. Damn seal. The moment he was aware of the pain he started to move again, trying so hard to stand up, whipping the blood from his face, but the foot stopped him. Only thing he saw was that grey Adjuchas smiling from up, holding him on the ground.

"Stupid piece of shinigami trash…" He said pointing a sword to Toshiro's throat. "I told you, you wouldn't last long enough." He drew blood from Toshiro's throat. "Guess you'll die now just like that shinigami girl I slaughtered!" He said and swung the sword from above. Before it even touched Toshiro, all that he heard was voice of a shinigami he knew very well.

"Guess again." Rukia pierced the Adjuchas from behind and her sword froze him completely. The moment that happened she slashed the ice in pieces. Toshiro's eyes widened at the sight of that petite shinigami standing above him.

"R-Rukia…" The moment she heard him talk she knelt beside him looking all over his body. His haori was torn and he had many cuts on his body and face.

"Can you breathe?" She said not yet meeting his eyes. When she heard a low yes, she took off her gloves immediately.

"What are you doing?" He said looking at her rolling up her sleeves.

"Shut up…" His eyes widened and he saw a small smile flash her face before she added the last part. "…Captain. Keep still!" On that she tore the fabric from his torso, reviling his toned muscles. She placed her hands over him and they started glowing. He smirked.

"Great way to treat your superior Kuchiki." He said smirking and saw her smirk too. "Add that to the fact that you weren't allowed to leave Soul Society…" He tried to lift himself with his hands, but she stopped him, throwing him back on the ground with one hand. And that was the first time he met her eyes. The smile she flashed him never reached them.

"You talk too much…Captain. And stop moving, I need to heal this." She said and returned to his wound.

"Tsk." He allowed his head to fall on the ground while he closed his eyes feeling a cold rush from the spot she was healing. Shivers went through his whole body.

"CAPTAIN?" He felt the vein pop on his forehead when he heard the shout near him. When he opened his eyes he saw Matsumoto standing above Rukia looking at him. And Rukia wasn't moving, just kept concentrated on his open wound.
"Kuchiki?" Matsumoto said looking at the girl beside him, every fear evaporating from her face, and a wide grin appeared. "Oh good, your girlfriend saved you!"

"MATSUMOTO!" He shouted, but the same small hand kept him on the ground again, while she continued with healing again. He could see that the wound almost disappeared. He could also see Matsumoto laughing in the background and he frowned, closing his eyes.

"Done." Rukia said standing up and putting on her white gloves, looking at the ground. He stood up too, taking his sword.

"We need to go back Captain, the seal is off!"

"Matsumoto, are you done?" He said coming down the stairs, while every shinigami from his group stood by her and the gate that started opening.

"Here…it's done." She said tiredly. They all were. The sun already up, and they were up the whole night fighting with those things, not really sure why or for what they came.

"Good. We're going back to report. This is no longer a job for a Cleaning squad." He said passing him and looking at Rukia, who was still keeping her gaze glued to the ground. "Follow me." They did.

Soon enough they all found themselves back in the Soul Society, their mission Captain dismissing them and every one of them went in their rooms or homes to rest.

Except Rukia and Renji. They stayed staring at each other, not sure what to do now.

"You think anyone noticed?"

"Fool, of course they did. We were out all night." She said looking at her red-headed friend.

"Well, no one is after us, so…" He said looking around. "…I guess I'll just go and-" The moment he turned around he bumped into someone right in front of him. He didn't even need to look up, reiatsu said it.

"C-Captain Ku-Kuchiki." He could only mutter that and bow down quickly. Rukia gasped. What now? The eyes of that noble man were set directly on her, while his face didn't gave up much. It never did.

"B-Brother…hello." Hello? Really Rukia? She wanted to slap herself, but instead she just bowed a little.

"Rukia." He said as an acknowledgment to her greeting. "Abarai…" That name was much harsher on his lips. "I expect you will be in my office when I return."

"Yes…yes sir." And with that he was gone. Kuchiki Byakuya returned his look to his sister.

"Brother, I can…I can explain." She said still looking at the ground.

"Then do." His black hair was slightly moving on the morning breeze, while he stood in front of her, proud and gracious like always. Not that she noticed, her eyes never left the ground.

"I…well, I…" What? Whatever she says now it won't be enough. "I-"

"I called her back." Her eyes snapped open when she heard the voice and felt the reiatsu right behind her. Byakuya's eyes moved to the person behind her too. She felt the fabric of his haori on her shoulder as he passed her and stood almost in front of her, in front of Captain Kuchiki Byakuya.

"Captain Hitsugaya?" Byakuya questioned.

"I am allowed to do that, am I not?" He said. "This was my mission. I do apologize for not informing you though." He stood as stern and serious as the black-haired man before him. Byakuya probably didn't buy that, as Rukia thought, but it was a valid explanation…at that moment.

"I see." And he just nodded and walked away, without any word. But he shot a glare at Rukia, and she was sure this was not the end of it. The white-haired Captain was still standing before her, his back right in her hand reach. She felt the need to touch him, but fought the stupid urge.

"I felt his reiatsu, so I thought-"

"Thank you." She said quickly.

"Stupid." Her eyes shot wide open as he turned to face her. "Don't thank me, I should be the one to thank you for what you did last night." Finally, she was looking at him…finally. He missed those eyes. "Although, I still want to know what possessed you to go back in that condition." He said more harshly. And…she frowned.

"I'm fine. Why does everyone keep talking about me like I can't walk? I'm fine, look. And I didn't need that fucking leave." His eyes grew wide as he kept looking at her. She basically exploded. "And I had to come. Nobody would tell me anything. I had to force it out from Abarai and that damn fool was tougher then I thought. And it's not like I didn't try to get a valid permission. I did, but then my Captain told me someone asked him to keep me here. I had to go back. What if something happened to you down there, I would-" And she stopped herself right there, panting hard, realizing she just snapped. He was still looking at her, his shock passing.

"You would?" He asked, very interested in the end of that sentence. Why not? The Kuchiki girl was finally eased around him.

"I would…" She was once again looking at the ground. "I would never forgive myself."

"You think I can't take care of myself?" She looked up, a frown on her face again.

"You almost died there, damn it. He held that sword right beneath your neck. How can you say you could take care of yourself?" She was clearly shaken, he could see that much. "And the cuts, and slashes…and you wouldn't even hold still." He kept looking at her violet eyes that were on him for one second then on the ground and that went in circle. "If something worse happened, my kido wouldn't heal you in ti-"

"Why do you care that much?" Her violet eyes grew wide.

"You…you're my friend, of-"

"Don't lie to me Kuchiki." He said and took one step forward. He stopped right in front of her, as close as he could. "What am I to you?" His voice was low and husky, she knew that one already.

"Frie-"

"Really?" He cupped her chin and lifter her head softly to look directly at his teal eyes. She trembled, but didn't move.
"Tell me then…" He said moving closer to her face, to her lips. "…do you feel like this when any friend is near?" She could feel his breath on her lips. "Don't lie to me Rukia. I am simply asking, what am I to you?" She felt shivers going down her spine every time his words clashed on her lips. She could smell his white hair and feel the heat that emitted from his skin. The hand on her face felt as it was burning. She could not take this anymore. In that moment her hand gripped his haori and pulled. Their lips crashed harshly this time. He was surprised for a whole second, before he surrendered to the touches she gave him. Toshiro pulled her even closer with his hand on her back, while Rukia gripped his hair, the other hand still on his chest. Who was she laying? He felt right. Toshiro tilted her head with the hand on her face, deepening the kiss, that was much stronger and heated this time. They waited for too long. He waited to touch her for too long.
Rukia felt the heat between her thighs getting stronger every time she felt his tongue caress hers. She almost lost it when he bit her lip, soothing the bite with his tongue after. He broke the kiss slowly, allowing them some much needed air, but they haven't moved. His forehead was leaned on hers, while their pant's of breath collided with one another. Her eyes opened to meet the teal before her. The teal was half-lidded, not doing much better than her. Who was she lying? Herself, obviously.

He went in his office just to find Matsumoto laying on the sofa, asleep. Her snoring tore the silence in the room, while he just sat behind his table. He didn't mind that this morning though. He would probably withstand her drunken ass right now too.

Toshiro pulled her even closer with his hand on her back, while Rukia gripped his hair, the other hand still on his chest. He tilted her head with the hand on her face, deepening the kiss, which was much stronger and heated this time. They waited for too long. He waited to touch her for too long.

Finally…finally, he had her. Her eyes, her mouth, her touch…she was his now. And she didn't run. He could still feel her reiatsu around him, her scent, her touch. Kuchiki Rukia belonged to him and-

"Oi Captain, what are you doing?" Yeah, he was not that far with Kuchiki girl to be immune to the woman on his sofa.

"Well, I am not sleeping." He said and started to do his paperwork, ignoring the blond-haired woman that sat up, still looking at him. "When do you plan on doing you paperwork Matsumoto? The Captain-Commander said he needed every information till-"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah…I'm starting now." She said as she dumped carelessly the papers in front of her. "Where were you?"

"That's none of your business, start working." He said scribbling something on the piece of paper in front of him.

The way she kept looking at him, made him kiss her again. It was just fair, she pulled first. She didn't complain though. The second kiss was much lighter and he kept biting her lower lip which made her sigh uncontrollably every time. He would soothe it with his tongue after. She just felt great. He felt his body tense every time her grip in his hair tightened. And that arm on his chest, that pulled his haori, wasn't helping at all.

"You went back for Kuchiki girl, weren't you?" Matsumoto said grinning. "I felt that reiatsu too, you know, and-"

"Matsumoto." Oh for the love of gods, does this woman ever stop? He needed some peace, he needed his thoughts. "Start working…now." He pinched the bridge of his nose, to calm himself. He heard her letting out a deep breath.

"Fine, fine."

"Yeah, yeah." The dark-haired kid watched her numb for few moments before he nodded and went back to the training ground. She didn't punish him? Hell, he would not complain about that!

Rukia sat on the ground, her brush tucked on her right ear, and she held one piece of paper in her hands, that was there long forgotten.

He traced her lips with his thumb, that felt rough compared to his lips that were just kissing her. But strangely, it was only making her want him more. It was quite sensual, the way he looked at her lips and followed his thumb. When the second kiss came, that she already saw was inevitable, she couldn't stop herself from pulling his haori. She needed more contact.

"Lieutenant Kuchiki, we are done with warming up. S-Should we proceed with the practice?"

"Huh?" The kid blinked few times, before he spoke again.

"T-The practice…should we-"

"Oh, yeah, right. Okay! I'll be right there with you!" She said coming to her senses. Damn it, I'm on training grounds. I need to focus on my work…now! She stood up quickly, dusting off her clothes, as she went to join them. Okay, practice…this will take my mind of him.

"Okay, you…" She said pointing a finger to one shinigami that was somehow already taller than her. "Spar with me, and the others just split in groups." They all nodded and the tall blonde boy came near her. "Alright, let's see what you got!" She said and their swords clashed.

"Did he tell you anything else?" The Quincy asked. The orange-top sighed.

"For the third time no! He just told me they'll be back, probably with different crew and that they're sending Ikkaku and Yumichika just in case something else happens till then. Got it now?"

"Yes, I know that already, I was simply asking if you can recall anything else beside that Kurosaki."

"No." He said brushing him off. Ishida frowned lifting his glasses up.

"Ichigo, they're here." Chad said motioning towards the two shinigami that were walking to them.

"I can't go into shikai with you guys." She said standing before her disappointed recruits. "I'm afraid I could hurt you." The faces of the her recruits fell to the ground, trying hard to hide their disappointment. Rukia took a deep breath, but it stopped in her throat the moment she felt someone was standing behind her.

"Maybe I can help with that?" Oh fuck! Her whole body froze at the sound of his voice. She turned around slowly and smiled watching him coming her way. His haori flew around him in the wind, along with his white hair.

"I don't know about that Ca-"

"Are you afraid, lieutenant Kuchiki?" He said stopping just few feet away from her. She smirked.

"Never."

"Alright then, let's show them your dances." He said unsheathing his sword, she nodded and did that too, while they moved away from the crowd that followed them with their eyes eager to see two ice wilders sparing.

"Mae, Sode no Shirayuki!" She said that, turning her sword clock-vise, just like always, and it turned pure white, with one long ribbon appearing on the hilt. Rush of cold air hugging everyone that stood near. Toshiro watched it carefully, still not accustomed to its beauty. The recruits all gasped and some of them even clapped from excitement. They took few moments to look at each other, before they both smirked and charged.
The swords clashed, sound of a metal piercing the silence that overcome their surroundings as soon as everyone saw that the sparring began. Few gasps could be heard as they pushed from each other allowing themselves some space for another attack. He swung his sword first, that was immediately met by hers, drops of sweat already appearing on her skin. Their bodies were close now, as they held their swords locked, feeling the heat from each other's skin. They took their time, standing like that. Toshiro was looking directly at violet eyes before him, while she pushed him back with all her force to get ready for another attack. He smirked when he saw her panting hard.

"Done already, Kuchiki? He saw a light frown appearing on her face, before her lips went into a smirk.

"Hah, not even near Captain!" As she said that she rushed in his direction and for the next few minutes all that those recruits could hear was metal clashing over and over. Every time they came closer their breaths would become heavier. The drops of sweat appeared on Toshiro's skin too, but they weren't from exhaustion…at all. First, he would look directly at her eyes, but as the time past and she came closer and closer over and over, his gaze would slightly fell to her pink lips, her bare neck and eventually to the rest of her body. Seeing that only made Rukia breathing heavier. The heat that was mixing between them wasn't helping at all. And he could not take it anymore.
The next hit she threw he avoided it, appearing behind her thanks to the flash step and swinging her down on the ground. His one hand was holding the hand in which she held her sword, while his other was placed directly under her chin, on her bare neck. His sword already in its holder, he looked down, so close to her, their noses almost touching, while Rukia's breathing accelerated. If it weren't for the shouts and claps that came from their recruits he would not made his way up, but that brought him back. He stood up quickly and offered her a hand.
This was definitely more than just a spar. Luckily, those recruits were oblivious enough not to acknowledge their flushed faces and heavy breathing as anything else than exhaustion. It could be just because they spared. She took his hand, both of them letting each other go as soon as they could, not really having enough strength.

Shower. Shower. Shower. Shower. That's all he tried to think about while he rushed through the halls of his division, his appointment with Ukitake that he needed to attend long forgotten. He did not need that spar right now…in the middle of his work hours. But he just couldn't resist, seeing her standing there. The opportunity was too good to pass.

"Captain?" He heard Matsumoto's voice behind him.

"Don't have time." Was all he mumbled and in that moment he decided not to risk it and flash-stepped to his room. Shower.