A/N: Oh you can't even begin to imagine how happy I am that I'm back! Can't wait to hear from you guys and finally, FINALLY, start reading all HitsuRuki fics I missed. I got sick. And wasn't in the condition to do anything at all. Luckily I'm much, much better now so we can continue! I hope you missed me!
Now... New chapter! I had to sort out few things with this one, so compared to that last one it doesn't have so much action. Still, I hope you'll like it!
Thank you for your support! I really like hearing from you, it makes me happy to know that you like this story!

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach!

Together Alone

The Man Behind the Dragon

The sun peeked through the curtains as the man stirred in his bed growling. It was already morning. He tried to hide under his sheets, protecting himself from the suns light, but even though he could run from those rays, his conscience was still there. He needed to get up and work.

"Damn it!" Toshiro hissed getting up slowly, feeling the pain and exhaustion that he suffered last two days. The cuts from the battle could still be seen on his bare tanned torso as he walked to the bathroom, desperate for some cold water to wake him up. It was already morning. And he didn't get much rest. Night before last one he was awake, fighting, and didn't get to sleep until he finished the paperwork he delivered to Captain-Commander Yamamoto yesterday. He just prayed to gods that Matsumoto did the same as cold water washed his tired face, bringing a little color to his paler cheeks.

His shihakusho and haori waited neatly folded on the chair by his desk and he hurried to wear them, placing Hyorinmaru in the holder, and getting on his way. They'll probably get the meeting notice today, if Captain-Commander reviews all those papers in time. Which he probably will. Toshiro was already prepared to expect a hell butterfly sometime in the day. The team will be different though. He was sure of that.

The sun blinded him once again as he exited his room and walked the open halls of 10th division nodding to some shinigami that passed and greeted him very formally. His usual frown could be visible the moment he set foot in those halls. He had a lot of work to do. This mission didn't go as he planned and he knew very well that he made a lot mistakes. Lives of many in group were placed in danger too many times. More than he planned, at least. Maybe my organization wasn't very good this time, he thought running a hand through his hair, nearing his office.

"Good morning sir!" She practically sang it, lying lazily on the office sofa. Headache. Great. Well, at least she was on time for once. Wait…

"Matsumoto, did you sleep here?" He said raising one eyebrow, still standing at his office door. When he saw the grimace on her face, he just sighed and walked to his table. Of course she did.

"It's because of those papers Captain! I was working very late, no wonder-" She whined.

"I don't care." He pinched the bridge of his nose, while his whole head pulsated. And one look at the paperwork on his desk didn't help either. He missed a lot of work, as usual, because of that mission. And well, speaking of that mission…not everything was as bad as it sounded and Toshiro smirked already writing something on the paper in front of him.

"I'll go get us something to eat." Matsumoto said dragging herself across the office, not really enjoying waking up this early in the morning. He ignored her…once again.

Today will be one long, long day. He leaned in his hands that were supporting themselves on his desk, resting his forehead in them, trying to fight off a headache and to call up some much needed moments. He took a deep breath, relaxing; bathing in the pictures he needed and called for. He had to see her today. Since that spar he didn't have time to seek her. He was still unsure if he even will. Damn paperwork!

Light tap on his office door brought him back and he lifted his head to find one Captain standing there, smiling gently.

"Ukitake?" Fuck! The moment he saw the older man he wanted to slap himself. He forgot about that meeting he was supposed to attend yesterday.

"Good morning Captain Hitsugaya." The man calmly said and entered his office. Hearing his last name roll of the tongue of this man he knew that this was no candy-related business. Toshiro ran his hand trough his white hair once again, trying to regain focus and his composure. "I came to see if everything is all right with you. You didn't come yesterday." The man said sitting on the chair in front of Toshiro's table. "I felt your reiatsu nearing, but-"

"Yes, I am sorry about that. Something came up." Yes, indeed, something came up. "What did you want to talk about?" Toshiro said, putting away the papers in front of him, while the smile vanished from that older Captain.

"Shit." The moment she tried to move from the position she was in in her bed her whole body rejected it and she could feel a sharp pain flowing fast. This was not what she was expecting to feel first thing in the morning and tiredly she collapsed back on the bed behind her. Closing her eyes she allowed her whole body to relax. She had to get up or else… "Tsk, those fools won't let me see the end of it." She mumbled to herself, frowning.
After few failed attempts, she finally succeeded and went straight to bathroom to freshen up. Okay, she was not stupid. This was bad. Every muscle she knew she had hurt and she was barely moving, feeling sharp pain in the area where she was stabbed just few days ago. But…that was not on her mind right now, not even close. She felt heat rise on her cheeks the moment she allowed her brain to replay every detail from yesterday and she even caught herself smiling for…nothing really. This will be one long day.

It took her more time than she predicted to get ready and she hurried herself through the halls of 13th division. If she gets late they'll surely question why. Not going to let that happen.

"Is Captain here?" Standing near his empty room, she saw Kiyone and Sentaro coming her way, carrying pile of papers and she was sure they were arguing.

"Oh, hey Rukia." Kiyone said, small smile appearing on her face. She was sure now, she interrupted an argument. "No, Captain Ukitake went to have a meeting with 10th division Captain." She said and Rukia could feel her cheeks heat up once again.

"Are you okay?" Sentaro asked concerned, looking at petite raven-head girl.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm fine." She said quickly, trying to act natural. "Then, when will he be back?"

"Probably soon. Do you need something?"

"Oh, no. I was just…I wanted to know if there are any information about what's happening." She said looking at wooden floor in thought. "But never mind, I'll just come back later. I have to finish my paperwork anyway."

Something was happening definitely. That or her Captain just wanted to mess with 10th division Captain. Oh, no Rukia…you have a lot of work to do, she thought quickly shaking her head to remove any memory that would mess her up and make her smile. As if that was a bad thing…

"Oh fucking hell woman. Somebody needs to tie you down." She turned around and saw pissed off Renji walking her way and waving his hands uncontrollably. Not again. "I get why you left yesterday and alright, I followed, but you need to lie down already." She sighed, looking at the pineapple in front of her. He just worries too much. "I don't think your Captain would be very happy about this and don't get me started about Captain Kuchiki. He-"

"RENJI!" She yelled, causing him to stop, to shut his annoying mouth as she thought in her mind. She didn't even had enough strength to explain to him that her Captain approved for her to start working again. After what happened yesterday he was probably convinced that she can come back.
"Instead of worrying about my problems, you should start worrying what will happen to your sorry ass if you don't get back to work." She crossed her arms and lifted her head a little, just to annoy him more. "We Kuchiki's don't like slack offs."

"W-wha-"

"So, move along and work. If you annoy me any more I'll personally go to brother and tell him all about your little walks. And…" She smirked, placing her index finger to her chin, as if in deep thought. "I don't think he'll be very forgiving after what happened yesterday."

"You wouldn't-"

"Try me." Crossing her arms once again and looking at her childhood friend, she challenged him. And…

"Damn you." He lost. Rukia sighed again, after red-head walked away, feeling tired. She would never really betray Renji, but she wasn't really in the mood for his lecture, so she decided to bluff. Luckily, it worked.

And the day passed really quickly for her. Most of the time she was on the training grounds with recruits and if she wasn't there she was then doing paperwork. That was a lot of work. Every paper that she left before she went to her mission was still waiting for her in the office, plus all the new ones that were piling up while she was absent… a lot of work.
Her Captain didn't come back. She started to get worried around noon; he was supposed to be in his office, or at least in his bed. But there was no sign of him. The two third-seats didn't know a thing, and Rukia decided to stop asking them, because she was afraid they would freak out. And if that happened… who knew what would happen. So she focused on her work, thinking that would make time pass quickly and restrain her mind. The last part didn't work very well. She wasn't worried just about one white-haired man. Her Captain was in fact meeting the other one, and that other one couldn't be seen anywhere. She tried to focus on his reiatsu, but failed to find it. It was weird. Before this, if she thinks about it, he was always somewhere near. But she failed to notice that, probably due to her nature of not really giving a damn what other people do. And now, she realized how strange it was not looking at his white hair while he passed through 13th division, always in some business and deep thought. Even if she greeted him he would just nod and mumble something, not even looking her way. Actually, he never looked at her. At least not before everything that happened recently. Not like she minded that. She was actually pleased that there are still people in Soul Society that didn't give a damn about her being Kuchiki.
The point was, she was worried and she needed the information. And if it was anyone else in this situation, they would probably freak out, but…that Kuchiki side wouldn't let her. She had…things to do. And they weren't doing themselves on their own. But then again, she really wasn't doing much either. She would write something for about half an hour and then space out. And most of the time in recruits practice she wasn't even sure what was going on. Hopefully those recruits didn't notice.

He isn't avoiding me, is he? She was walking down the halls of her own division, slowly nearing her room. She needed her bed and sleep. Her whole body screamed in pain. She shook her head angrily, not really in the mood to act like a hormonal high school girl now. That was a mistake. As soon as she moved her head she felt a severe pain in her neck.

"Argh." Rukia immediately stopped, near her room, trying to gain enough courage to move her head. She could feel her whole neck stiffened, so she moved one hand to regain any movement and to ease the pain. "Damn it." This day just wasn't working out for Kuchiki Rukia.
She tried to calm herself as her hand fell back down and she took one deep breath, but she failed to exhale it because Rukia felt cold hands on her back, two thumbs placed on the back of her neck. She tried to jump from surprise, but when she heard the voice of the person behind her, air left her lungs and she slightly relaxed.

"Calm down." Husky, deep voice said, and she felt his breath on the back of her neck. "It's me."

"D-damn it, you scared me to death." He heard small amount of anger in her voice, and her body stiffened again, so he smirked, as her scent washed him.

"Sorry. That wasn't my intention." Now she relaxed completely, surrendering to his touch as he massaged the back of her neck, his voice calm and reassuring.

"Next time at least flare some reiatsu." Rukia said softly, closing her eyes. "You're lucky, I could have punched you." She said, smirking.

"Well…" He moved a little closer to her back, still massaging her neck. "You could have tried."

"Oh I would punch you, don't even doubt that." Rukia felt larger amount of breath hitting her skin, so she assumed he laughed, or something similar to that. She couldn't really tell, she was…distracted. After few seconds of silence Toshiro spoke again, this time little more serious, but didn't stop his hands movement, while Rukia relaxed under his touch, feeling the pain leaving her system.

"Now tell me, why do you keep ignoring everyone's advices and continue walking around like this?" She could feel his voice stricter now, but still soft enough for her to read concern in it. She sighed.

"I'm fine. Just work, that's all." The moment her sentence ended he twirled her around in half circle to face him. She froze for a moment seeing his teal eyes, and felt like it was long time since she last saw them. And Toshiro tried to frown, but the moment their eyes locked he failed and his expression softened. She was…beautiful. Even with those black circles he saw and wanted to warn her about, she still looked…really beautiful. His breath stood in his throat.

"Tsk. Stubborn girl." He cupped her face, while his other hand moved to her back and pulled her closer. She smiled, but before she could respond or say anything he leaned down and kissed her. Rukia closed her eyes and welcomed his soft lips. This time kiss didn't deepen, because Toshiro lifted his head and their eyes locked once again. "I'm sorry I didn't come earlier, I had a lot of work to finish…and then Ukitake came…." He said quietly and Rukia felt her brain working again…finally!

"Yes, what is exactly happening? I wanted to speak with my Captain today, but he never returned to his office…or room." She said more seriously now and Toshiro frowned a little. "Is he alright?"

"Who? Ukitake?" She nodded. "He's fine. Probably had a lot of work to do as well…" Before she could ask him a question he was sure was coming he spoke again. "I can't tell you anything else. At least not yet. Just that they'll pick teams tomorrow." And that earned him a deep, dark frown.

"Fine." Was her response. She wasn't really happy about this, but he knew that she had enough of sense to understand that she'll just have to wait till tomorrow.

"Oh and…I forgot to tell you something else." He said smirking and cupping her face.

"What?" Rukia said confused. And he just leaned down and kissed her again. She blushed feeling his soft lips on hers again. The gentle kiss quickly turned into a passionate one as he pulled her even closer, their bodies clashing and that made Rukia quietly and uncontrollably moan. That was music for his ears and he titled her head, deepening the kiss as soon as she let him. They were still standing in the middle of the 13th division halls, but that really wasn't a problem here. Well, it should have been, because someone could have passed those same halls and she wasn't really sure if the idea of gossip about them spreading around Soul Society was the best way to let everyone know. Were they even supposed to let everyone know? But that wasn't important now. The thing was…she knew, as well as he did, that her room was just few steps away and her blush only got worse. She could not believe what she was thinking of right that moment. He broke the kiss moments after her mind-rant and moved to her neck. If she was planning to slow things down, ask questions or anything at all, then this wasn't really a great way to start. His open kisses made her breathing accelerate and few soft moans left her lips.
Toshiro smirked, still following the soft skin on her neck, inhaling her scent. He felt as he waited a lifetime for this, for her touch, scent, taste. And that was strange…really strange. Every moan that left her lips made him want her even more. Dark, lustful thoughts filled his mind, making it harder for him to control himself. Almost impossible. Her one hand was clenching his haori, just like yesterday. She tends to do that, he noted, probably trying to regain her control too. He moved to her face once again, then stopping his movements, and their eyes locked. Her cheeks were really red, eyes half-lidded and lips partly open, as if trying to inhale more much needed air. Gods only knew how he looked to her.

"You should…go… rest." His thumb traced her collar bone, his eyes following it. He had to stop himself and gain some control over his lustful thoughts. Toshiro really didn't want to scare her away now. Just yesterday he managed to come close to her, without her running away after it.

"I'm not tired." His eyes widened slightly and he looked up to meet hers. Her hand moved to his white hair and she ran it through, smiling softly. He relaxed in her touch, closing his eyes, deep, heavy breath escaping his lips.

"You should anyway. You've been through a lot lately." His voice was almost a whisper and she heard that low husky tone in it. His jaw was set firm, almost shut too tight, while his whole body stiffened immediately. And that's when she saw it…he was trying to control himself too. Her hand moved to his face, while he still had his eyes closed, trying to breath evenly…hell, just trying to breathe. She took that time to examine him more, as moon casted a soft light on him. His skin was few tones darker than hers, lines of his jaw almost perfect, while that silvery-white hair just fit to his whole appearance. He was really handsome…and she almost giggled to her own choice of words. Her thumb started to cares his lover lip and that made him open his eyes slowly, looking at her. And then there are those…How can anyone have those eyes? They are…breathtaking.

"What did you do to me?" Her voice was a whisper, soft, almost absent-like whisper. That question was haunting her ever since he came close. He took her hand from his face, not breaking their look and smirked.

"I think I should ask you that same question." She smiled and he leaned down and rested his own forehead against hers, closing his eyes again and she did the same. "You should really go now. It's late and…it's late." Ending that with and I'm afraid if you don't I might lose any control that I have left and take you right here was not really a great plan. That much he figured out.

"Alright." She said as she straightened herself taking one short breath in.

Many wouldn't understand the desire he held in him. Many wouldn't dream that he was even capable for that emotion. Many couldn't know or comprehend the meaning behind his dark stare. There was something all of them knew about him and that was how protective he could get. But they weren't even close to understanding it. He knew that that was his problem, mental problem. There was not a single cell in his body that denied that, but that was part of him for a long time now and so he almost forgot to consider it as a bad thing. Most of his life he was alone, locked from every warmer emotion. He lived with that ice for too long. Sometimes there was a hint of fire around him and those were so rare moments that he learned to cherish, save and have it all for himself. But as the time passed those moments came much less than they once did. And until recently he was starting to think he was becoming numb, that maybe he didn't care as much as he did. And that maybe he lost the ability all together. Somehow he felt he was only capable of anger and rage at that point. But oh how wrong was he…

"What is this?"

"Oh hello to you too Captain Hitsugaya."

"Cut the formalities Ukitake, I'm asking you…what is this?" The paper that he was holding was roughly slammed to older man's table, while that older man looked up, slightly confused. Ukitake took the paper and scanned the names.

"This is a list of names for new team." He said bluntly.

"Yes, I know that." Hitsugaya was losing his temper, there was no need in looking at him, the cold air was proof itself. "I am asking you what's the meaning of it?"

"Meaning?" Ukitake took one more look on the paper in front of him and that only confused him more. "I don't see-"

"Kuchiki Rukia is on it." Hitsugaya said, his anger getting the best of him. The older Captain lifted his head to look at him. Ukitake's eyes narrowed slightly, one eyebrow up, as if he wasn't sure what that meant.

"Yes, and?" But his voice gave a hint of amusement.

"What yes, and? She was on my Cleaning team and almost died few days ago. Who the hell placed her there again?"

"Are you saying her abilities are not suited for this mission Captain Hitsugaya?" Ukitake was serious, or at least tried to be.

"Wha-? No. That's not… Hngh." Younger Captain pinched the bridge of his nose, taking one deep breath. He had to calm himself. Meanwhile, smile on Ukitake's face appeared again. "I am simply asking who placed her there. If I'm not wrong, she is still on that leave."

"I was the one that wrote her name on there. And yes, she was on that leave, but I evaluated that and came to conclusion that she is well enough to proceed." Ukitake said, acting out a formal voice. "Why are you so concerned Captain Hitsugaya?" And at that moment Toshiro's brain started to function again, up until recently clouded with anger. Why are you so concerned Captain Hitsugaya? The question repeated itself in his mind, but he just stood there. What does he say now? Is he supposed to tell Ukitake about them? Them? What are they? Together, couple, dating? Dating? That was more a human thing. Right? How is he supposed to put that in words? "Captain?" The voice of her Captain brought him back.

"I…umm…" He was dumbstruck for few seconds, before he cleared his throat. "I feel obligated, because I was responsible for that mission and everything that happened there."

"Oh, so you feel responsible for Rukia?" When he didn't get an answer from white-haired prodigy Ukitake just smiled and continued. "I can assure you Captain that my lieutenant is capable for these kinds of missions."

"I never said that she wasn't. I simply-"

"But…" Ukitake interrupted him, raising his index finger. "…since you feel the obligation to question this, I'll entrust her in your care." Toshiro kept staring at him. What is it with this man? "If that's alright with you, of course." Gentle, almost amused, smile appeared on Ukitake's face.

"Tsk. Fine." If he wanted to act neutral, to hide what he had with Kuchiki girl for reasons he didn't even know, then this was his first mistake. Well, if you don't count that scene from moments ago. Because when did Captain Hitsugaya Toshiro accept something so easily before? Especially if that something was taking care of another subordinate, Kuchiki princess, how they once called her. Unless it suited him completely… His face showed attempt of annoyance, but Ukitake smiled. Knowing this young man for long as he did, he could clearly read concern under it.
Not that he wasn't glad. He was. Even though that was a negative emotion, Ukitake was glad he at least cared enough to have it. This Hitsugaya Toshiro was much different than the one he met years before. Maybe he didn't know how to express himself like many did, and maybe he acted too harshly sometimes, Ukitake was still glad that something, or better yet someone, affected him that much. Why? He knew he wouldn't hear the answer from white-haired man now. But he'll be watching them, in that he was sure.

"Good. Do you need anything else Captain?" Gentle voice of 13th division Captain filled the room, while he flashed a smile to the man standing before him, anger slowly evaporating from this mans features.

"No." Toshiro just turned and left the 13th division offices. Was that rude? No, if you knew that young Captain as well as Ukitake did.

"Interesting." Ukitake mumbled to himself, contented smile on his face. "Kiyone, Senataro…" The two appeared in few seconds before his office, as if they just waited to be called. "Please call Rukia. Tell her I need to speak with her." Few energetic yes sirs could be heard, as the two third-seats left his office in a hurry to find raven-head girl.

Night sky was amazing that evening, if you ask Kuchiki Rukia. The whole day was. First the pain she felt was much less bothering that evening and she was relaxed enough to look at stars that decorated the night sky above her and she felt the remains of stress leaving her body. Second, she got the mission. Again. Two missions in a row was really something for any shinigami and she grinned, letting the cool wind wash her face. Although her Captain didn't explain anything at all. That was the only thing that was bothering her. It could be because he himself didn't know much or he just wasn't allowed to tell. She leaned to that second option, because one other Captain was too secretive about information. Frown appeared on her face. This was serious, she could tell. No meeting was called and even she didn't know the names on that list. One week from now and I'll know.
But there was something else on her mind too, so she jumped from the tree she was on and dusted off her clothes. There was no sign of him. No white hair, no icy reiatsu. Nothing. She'll find him.

Minutes later she found herself standing before the 10th division building, looking at one door in particular. If someone told her months ago that she'll chicken out and turn around, not having enough courage to face this man…well, any man, she was sure she would laugh. But she did. So she turned around to leave. Well, she tried.

"You do know that I sensed your reiatsu fifteen minutes ago?" She stopped, hearing the voice behind her back, her eyes widening slightly, but soon after that small smile appeared on her face. "I just wanted to know for how long you were planning on staying there." She could feel amusement in his voice. Two can play that game…

"Well…" She said and turned to look at him over her shoulder. "I hope you had fun." She said, smirking and took one step away.

"Wha-" Toshiro's eyes widened as soon as he saw her taking that one step, but he reacted almost immediately and flash stepped in front of that petite shinigami girl, stopping her in her tracks. The air from his flash step washed her and his breath stopped in his throat once again when he saw the raven locks dancing, slightly hiding those violet eyes he knew very well now. "Where do you think you're going?" He said smirking. She returned the expression.

"I entertained you. My job is done here." Rukia said smirking and tried to move aside from him, but he stopped her again.

"Who said I was entertained?"

"You looked that way." She grinned evilly. "And besides, I wouldn't want to bother 10th division Captain in the middle of his work." She expected him to smile, smirk, something, but instead a deep frown appeared on his face. "What?" She said bluntly. He turned his head a little, looking somewhere else and she just stared at him, not really sure what just happened. "Did I-"

"You never said it. Not once." His voice was a bit stiff, and it sounded as if he was offended.

"Huh?" Rukia was dumbstruck. "Said what?" She could see he was struggling to let out whatever he wanted so she let him. And then he turned again to look directly at her. She almost jumped from the look he gave her.

"My name, Rukia." Name? His name? What? Her brain worked in full mode, probably triggered by her own first name rolling from his tongue. He did that every time. Suddenly he cupped her face again. "You keep calling me Captain or even worse…sir." He said looking directly in her violets. She was slightly confused. "And I believe we are already passed that point." The softness returned in her eyes from the sight of a man before her and she smiled.

"Idiot."