Rukia awoke, sensing she wasn't in her own room. The surface beneath her was too firm, the sheet covering her was too scratchy and overall she felt… numb… as if she was drifting on a cloud. Did that mean she was dead? She opened her eyes a crack just to check, wincing as the bright light assaulted her pupils. A large expanse of white greeted her through the veil of her lashes. Hmm… No, definitely not dead unless the afterlife had a crack in the ceiling plaster. And she certainly wasn't at home. Her bed wasn't this uncomfortable. The infirmary? Possibly.
Licking her lips, she tried to swallow. Her mouth felt dry and a bad chemical taste was assaulting her tongue. She needed water. Maybe beside the bed? Starting to turn her head, she frowned as something pulled at the skin on her throat. Carefully lifting her hand, she felt the gauze that was there and tried to recall what had happened.
A slight rustling sound drew her attention and Rukia cautiously turned to see Ichigo sleeping in a chair beside her. Dark circles under his eyes gave them a bruised look and stubble darkened his jaw line. A wave of love and warmth washed over her as she viewed his beloved features. She scanned down his powerful body only to stop when she noticed that his shirt was unbuttoned, revealing bandages wrapped around his chest.
The events of the past twenty-four hours suddenly came rushing back to her. As she relived those last few moments, tears pricked at the back of her eyes and she blinked rapidly to keep them at bay. So much had happened: arguing with Ichigo and then blood bonding, Grimmjow and Ichigo fighting, Riruka…
Watching the steady rise and fall of Ichigo's chest comforted her, knowing he was still alive and by her side. Soon her breathing was in time with his own; steady and deep as she drifted back to sleep.
Sometime later, fingers gently brushing her forehead drew her from her sleep. Ichigo was leaning over her, softly calling her name. Rukia blinked at him sleepily and felt a smile forming on her lips. "Hi!"
"Hi yourself." His voice was deep and raspy as if he, too, had just woken up, and indeed that was how he looked. His light orange hair was falling in his eyes and he still hadn't shaved. She reached up to caress his jaw and he pressed a kiss to her palm. "How are you feeling?"
Rukia considered the question. Overall, she supposed she was all right, a bit stiff and sore… She tried to shift herself up into a sitting position and was surprised to feel a sense of heaviness coming from her leg. She looked down in confusion and saw a cast around her lower limb.
Ichigo followed the direction of her gaze with his eyes and he answered her unspoken question. "You had surgery. Your leg was a real mess and it took some work to get it set properly. Unohana was swearing a blue streak when she saw it. Something about idiots that try to walk on a broken leg and the fact that she isn't a miracle worker… " He chuckled at the memory and Rukia winced, imagining the expression on the nurse practitioner's face. "Your leg will be fine, but unfortunately, even with our rapid healing abilities, you'll be stuck in a cast for some time."
Grimacing, Rukia eased herself back against the pillows. Well, at least she was alive. "How's Grimmjow?"
"He's fine. They removed the bullet and stitched him up. He's resting at the Alpha house right now, and in a few days, he'll be as good as new."
She reached for Ichigo's hand and laced her fingers with his. "And you?"
"I'm good, now that I know you're okay." He stared at her for a moment as if memorising her features then leaned down to give her a slow, warm kiss.
Rukia opened to him and revelled in the sense of closeness she now had with him. Everything he was thinking and feeling came rushing at her and all of it was good and comforting, enveloping her in the warmth of his love. He pulled away and she traced his lips with her finger.
"I was so scared." She admitted in a whisper.
"I know. I was, too. But it's all over now. Riruka's gone and so is Momo, though I still can't believe she was involved in this."
"I can't either. I wonder why she did it."
Ichigo shrugged. "We'll never know. I've talked to her parents. They aren't sure either, but wonder if being involved with Riruka and her scheme gave Momo a feeling of importance because someone was paying attention to her. It was also a chance to show off how clever she was, something we never gave her credit for, I guess. Momo was so quiet, no one ever really noticed her. She was just… there. Maybe we're all a bit at fault for ignoring her."
Rukia nodded slowly. "And what about Toshiro? I thought he and Momo were starting to become a pair."
"Yeah, he feels bad and thinks he should have known something was going on, but really, it was just a new relationship. The whole thing started before he was even in the picture."
"It will still take him a while to get over this."
"Possibly. We've talked and he's thinking of making a new start."
"A new start? Where?"
"With Grimmjow."
"Grimmjow is still leaving? Even though his name has been cleared?"
Ichigo nodded. "I've asked him to stay and told him he could be co-Beta with Uryu, there's certainly enough work for another Beta, but he's not interested and I can see his point."
Biting her lip, Rukia hesitated to ask the next question. She knew she could find out the answer by probing Ichigo's mind, but felt he needed to say the actual words. "How do you feel about what happened to Riruka?"
Ichigo's jaw tightened. "It's all my fault. I should have believed what you told me, what everyone tried to tell me over the years, but I guess I just didn't want to hear it. In some ways, Riruka was like my little sister when were growing up and then later… I thought there was something else, but it was just familiarity and a misplaced sense of responsibility. I know I should be sad that she's gone, but I'm not. The Riruka I thought I knew never really existed."
Rukia wanted to ask a few more questions, but unohana arrived and shooed Ichigo outside while she delivered medication. She watch Ichigo through the window. He was talking to someone, she just couldn't see who. From the look on his face, he wasn't pleased. Hitching herself up in the bed, she earned a scolding from Unohana, but gained a better view of the activity outside.
Ichigo was talking to… Renji! Uh-oh! And he looked mad. She bit her lip. This couldn't be good. Rukia had been sure that since she and Ichigo now had their mental connection, the rivalry between the two would cease. Apparently, she was wrong. For a moment she considered eavesdropping on the conversation, but felt that would be rude. Even though they now had a special bond between them, she believed each of them still deserved some privacy.
After a few more verbal exchanges, Renji left and Ichigo stood watching him go, shaking his head. She observed Ichigo rubbing his neck, staring at the sky and then exhaling gustily before turning to re-enter the infirmary. Mentally, Rukia braced herself for what she might hear. Without even trying, she could sense Ichigo's mental disquiet. "I saw you were talking to Renji. What's wrong?"
Ichigo glanced towards the window, obviously realising she'd had a perfect view of their exchange. "You mean you don't already know?" He quirked an eyebrow at her.
"No, I don't already know. Just because we're blood bonded doesn't mean I'll be constantly tiptoeing through your head." She picked at the blanket covering her, and then glanced up at him through her lashes.
Sitting down beside the bed, Ichigo stilled her agitated fingers and gently rubbed his thumb back and forth over her hand. "I know you won't. I was just teasing. And don't worry, I'll try to give you some space, too."
She squeezed his hand, but then lifted her brows in inquiry. "So… You and Renji?"
"Well, he had some disturbing news. After the fight was over, I carried you back here and Renji helped Grimmjow. We just left the bodies there, planning to return for them later."
Rukia nodded. She'd regained consciousness for that part. Ichigo looked away for a moment before speaking. "They've retrieved Momo's body, but… " He paused and then met her eye. "Riruka's body is gone."
"What?" Rukia sat bolt upright, then grimaced as her body protested. She paid it no mind however, too shocked at this news. "But she's dead! I know I missed her with the knife, but I landed on her arm, the one with the gun. It bent back against her stomach so that it was pointed directly at her when it went off. I felt her body jerk and suddenly going limp beneath mine… " She gulped as the horror of the moment returned, feeling the kickback of the gun against her stomach, the hot stickiness of blood seeping into her clothing…
"You're right. She did shoot herself, but no one ever checked that she was dead. I was too worried about you, as was Renji. We just assumed… " Ichigo frowned. "I suppose she must have dragged herself off, but I don't know how far she could have gotten. Renji says Grimmjow's having a fit and is determined to head out right now to see if there's still a trail to follow."
"Surely he's in no condition for that?"
"Of course not, but he's more than a bit hard-headed and impulsive at times. I've told Renji to go out in the morning with a few of my patrols and see what they can find. In the mean time, he's supposed to be trying to talk some sense into his Alpha." Ichigo snorted. "If Grimmjow heads out now, he'll probably rip out his stitches and then Unohana will really be on his case. She hates having her handiwork messed up."
Rukia snuck a peak at the stern woman sitting at the far end of the room and figured that the threat of Unohana being upset should be enough to deter anyone.
A week later, Rukia was home and sitting in the front room, her leg almost healed. Many times during the past few days, she'd thanked her genetics for recuperative properties that werewolves possessed. She couldn't imagine how normal humans endured an extended period of time lugging a cast around. For once Ichigo wasn't with her, having rarely left her side since their ordeal. However, a meeting with the pack's lawyers had required his presence, and he'd been forced to go into town. Rukia didn't mind. It was nice to have some time to herself.
Grimmjow popped into her mind, no doubt due to the fact that he was leaving tomorrow. No sign of Riruka had been found much to everyone's frustration, but Grimmjow vowed to keep an eye out for her and would warn any pack he might come in contact with, as he searched for a new home. Both Renji and Toshiro were accompanying him and Rukia wondered how the three would fare.
She'd miss Renji of course, but knew their lives were heading down separate paths. Toshiro had been very quiet lately, hopefully a new environment would help him come around. And Grimmjow She smiled when she thought of him. He was so like Ichigo, but with a very strange sense of humour. The man was also a bit rough around the edges, at times making her blush with some of his comments. It was all meant in fun however, and she wished she could have longer to get to know him. Still, once he settled somewhere, they'd be able to visit occasionally.
As if he'd known her thoughts, Grimmjow appeared in the doorway. He was dressed all in black, exuding the same air of confidence and power that Ichigo did. "Hey, Ruks. What are you up to?"
"Nothing much. Just enjoying some quiet time."
"Mind if I join you?"
She patted the spot beside her and he wandered in, his stride fluid and predatory. Rukia loved Ichigo with her whole heart, but it didn't stop her from
admiring the pure male beauty of the man approaching her. With his slightly too long black hair, and piercing blue eyes, broad chest and long legs… The man personified sex appeal. Rukia couldn't stop the smile that appeared on her lips when he sat down beside her.
"You look happy." He commented as he leaned back in the sofa. "What brings that smile to your face?"
"You." She laughed at the shocked look on his face. "I was just thinking that, next to Ichigo, you're probably the best looking werewolf I've ever encountered, and here I am with both of you under the same roof."
Quick to regain his composure, Grimmjow leered at her. "You're lucky that Ichigo saw you first or I'd be carrying you off with me."
"No, you wouldn't. You can have your pick of any number of beautiful females. Don't think I haven't noticed how every single girl in the pack has been hanging around here. And you haven't exactly been turning them away, either."
The slightest hint of a flush appeared on Grimmjow's cheeks and he ducked his head in acknowledgement. "True. But I haven't encouraged any of them. None of them can hold a candle to you."
Rukia just folded her arms and gave him a disbelieving look.
"I mean it, Rukia. You're special. You have guts. When I think of how you tried to drag yourself through the ravine with a broken leg, and then saved us all from being killed by Riruka… " He reached out and brushed a curl from her face, staring deeply into her eyes. "And you're sweet and kind… "
His gaze dropped to her mouth and he slowly leaned closer. A wave of panic washed over Rukia as she felt the attraction build between them. She tried to lean away, but the arm of the couch was preventing her…
"What's going on here?" A rough voice rumbled from the doorway and both turned to see Ichigo framed in it. He had clenched his hands into fists and was holding them stiffly at his side. His expression was anything but pleased.
"Ichigo, it's nothing. I was just—" Rukia pushed against Grimmjow's chest trying to create some space between them. She immediately sent positive thoughts.
Ichigo's way in order to reassure him, only to shiver in fear as they bounced off the edge of his mind. He was blocking her, and from the look on his face, he was more than a little annoyed. "You, I trust." Ichigo barked the words as he strode into the room. "It's this rogue that I don't."
"What's the matter, Kurosaki? Don't you believe in sharing?" Grimmjow taunted, getting to his feet and facing his friend.
Rukia was getting flustered. Her relationship with Ichigo was finally on solid ground and she didn't want anything to upset it. "Grimmjow, don't tease him like that! Ichigo, I don't know why he's behaving this way." Her gaze darted back and forth between the two men.
"Don't you, Rukia?" Grimmjow mocked. "I'm starting a new pack. I need a female to breed with and you'd suit me just fine."
Gasping at his boldness, Rukia struggled to her feet and placed herself in between the two, her back firmly pressed to Ichigo's chest. She could feel it starting to rumble. "But you're his bestfriend, part of the pack. You can't claim a pack member's mate!"
She hoped he was joking. There was a glint in his eye, which made her think he just had a weird and ill-timed sense of humour, but still… Grimmjow reached out towards her as if to grab her arm and pull her away from Ichigo. His gaze was hot and he seemed intent on having her, no matter what the consequences. Suddenly, he veered his hand off course and flicked the end of her nose.
"Gotcha!" He burst out laughing, and then Ichigo started to chuckle, too. Rukia looked from one to the other, then put her hands on her hips and scowled.
"That was not funny!"
"Yes it was." Grimmjow chuckled. "The look on your face was priceless! I figured life has been pretty quiet around here lately and you needed some excitement."
"Oh you did, did you?" She turned to look at Ichigo and glowered. "And what's your excuse?"
Ichigo just shrugged and pointed at Grimmjow. "He made me do it."
"That's right. Two big bad Alpha's teaming up and picking on a poor defenceless female. One who's injured no less! Honestly, if this is how you two behave together, I don't know how this pack ever survived!" She huffed and walked out of the room, catching their surprised expressions out of the corner of her eye. Good, she chuckled to herself as she made her way down the hall, let them stew for a little while. It serves them right!
Making sure her mind was firmly shut to Ichigo, so he'd have no idea that she wasn't really that mad, she paused outside the kitchen. Smiling, she reflected how good it felt to be herself again. Ever since she'd mated Ichigo, her life had been in turmoil and she'd never really known where she stood. She'd been so busy trying to please everyone that she'd lost herself.
Joining a new pack had been nerve wracking. Suddenly being a mate,and an alpha's mate no less,had her stepping into a job that she felt ill-prepared to handle. And then, by trying to please Ichigo, she'd done her best to befriend Riruka when she didn't want to and that had certainly ended up a mess! Sighing in relief that it was all behind her now, she pushed the kitchen door open.
Rangiku was there as always, preparing the next meal and humming away. She was never happier than when she had an army to feed. Orihime sat in a rocking chair, after greeting everyone, Rukia settled into a nearby chair.
"So," Rangiku spoke out loud. "Where are the two hooligans?"
"Hooligans?" Rukia asked.
"Yes, hooligans. Ichigo and Grimmjow."
"Oh, them." Rolling her eyes, Rukia explained what had happened.
Rangiku chuckled. "Reminds me of when they were pups. Those two could come up with some of the most outlandish schemes."
"Yeah, remember when… " Orihime chimed in. Soon all three were laughing as the antics of the two Alphas were related.
"Oh, it's good to have Grimmjow back." Rangiku wiped tears of laughter from her face as she leaned against the counter. "He always kept Ichigo from being too serious."
"And Ichigo kept Grimmjow from flying off the handle." Orihime added.
The two men in question chose that minute to enter the kitchen, both looking a little sheepish. Ichigo spoke first. "Rukia, I'm sorry. Our little joke wasn't in the best of taste."
"Yeah, we were just teasing. I never thought it might upset you." Grimmjow added.
Rukia tried to look stern, but ended up shaking her head and allowing a smile to creep onto her face. "All right. I'll forgive you this time."
Grimmjow, being the closest, grabbed her and pulled her up into a quick hug, which she returned. Surprisingly, while pulling away, he whispered in her ear. "If you ever get tired of him, remember I was only half-joking."
Before she could respond, he passed her over to Ichigo who enveloped her in a bear hug. Over Ichigo's shoulder, she saw Grimmjow watching them with a strange look on his face. When he noticed her, he smiled and winked, then went to invade the cookie jar.
Hmm, Rukia thought. Maybe it isn't such a bad idea that Grimmjow was leaving after all…
Awesome reviews readers! Especially yours jobananasan .. very detailed! :)
I'm still thinking about Riruka's punishment.
Gin: hmm..Right, I'll think about it.. It would be nice to see Ichigos side as well.