AN

Sorry for the wait guys, my sister just graduated college and moved back home so that brought up many distractions. Also, I was trying to work out an idea for a new story, but so far no luck. Oh well, anwyay on with this story!

Disclaimer-I own nothing.

No Escape

Chapter 33

Rukia spent two exhausting days at the hospital, and Ichigo was by her side the whole time. She wasn't sure what she would have done without his quiet strength and support to keep her going.

She was going to miss him so much.

Momo was going to make a full recovery, though it would take a while. Rukia had assured her that she'd keep Natsuki safe with her and come visit every day until Momo was released, which would probably be tomorrow or the day after.

Kon was quiet, throwing himself into his schoolwork in an effort to help distract himself from his grief. Ririn called every day, but so far, Kon had refused to speak to her.

But of all the people who had been affected by Yammy's actions, Natsuki was the one Rukia worried about most. She hadn't said more than a few words since that night, and she hardly ate or slept. Her doctor recommended a good therapist who specialized in dealing with traumatized children.

Natsuki's first appointment was tomorrow.

Ichigo had given Natsuki his room and filled it with things he'd gathered from her home. He'd spent a lot of time with her, just sitting and watching TV. He'd tried to do the same with Kon, but he wasn't interested. Kon preferred to stay closed up in his room.

Rukia figured he'd come out when he was ready to talk. He needed a little time and space to figure out how he felt about his father's death. A little therapy for him wouldn't hurt, either. Too bad he'd refused. She'd keep working on him in a day or two, after he'd had time to process the reality of what had happened.

It was getting late. Rukia sipped hot cocoa she'd made for everyone and watched Ichigo as he sprawled on the carpet, coloring pictures of fish with Natsuki.

"I think we need more green over here. Fish like green plants, like in Kon's fish tank. What do you think?" he asked her.

Natsuki didn't answer, but she handed him a green crayon.

"What's that?" he asked, pointing to her page.

"It's a house for the fish."

"It looks great. I love the flowers on the wall."

"They're daisies."

"Beautiful ones," he agreed. "Wish I had some of those for my house."

"Where is your house?"

Ichigo's coloring stalled for a moment. "I don't have one yet."

"Oh."

"Do you think I could take this drawing with me to put up when I do get one?"

"Okay," Natsuki said with a hint of pride in her voice.

"We should take some of these to your mom to put in her room."

At the mention of Momo, Natsuki went still.

"Don't you think she'd like that?" asked Ichigo, his voice gently coaxing.

Natsuki was quiet for a long time, but Ichigo didn't pressure her. He continued coloring.

Slowly, Natsuki picked through the pile of crayons and found all of the pink ones. "Mommy likes pink," she said.

"Right, then. Pink it is. We'll make one all pink just for her."

"My daddy never colored with me."

"No?"

Natsuki shook her head.

"He probably didn't know how fun it was."

"Daddy doesn't like fun. He likes quiet."

Ichigo's jaw tightened, but that was the only outward sign he gave toward Natsuki's heartbreaking conclusion.

"I bet he misses you," said Ichigo.

It was more charitable than Rukia could have ever been, but then again, Ichigo hadn't been around to watch the bruises on Natsuki's body fade. He had no idea what the little girl had been through. It was probably better that way. Knowing Ichigo's protective streak, he'd hunt Natsuki's father down and end up in jail before dawn.

"Do you miss your kids?" Natsuki asked him.

"I don't have any kids."

Natsuki turned to him and looked up at him with hopeful speculation in her eyes. "Are you married."

"No."

"My Mommy is pretty."

"Yes she is," agreed Ichigo. "Just like you."

"She's not married anymore, either. You could date her."

Ichigo glanced up at Rukia, his eyes pleading with her to rescue him.

Rukia took pity on him. "Ichigo can't stay here, Natsuki. But I'll be here. And Kon. We can color with you whenever you like."

"Is Kon old enough to be a dad?"

"Not for a long time." Hopefully.

"Oh."

Natsuki went back to coloring, and Ichigo stood up in an unnaturally clumsy motion for him. He asked Natsuki, "I'm going to get a drink. Want anything?"

She shook her head.

Ichigo went into the kitchen, and Rukia followed him. Her muscles felt rusty and out of practice. Everything about her felt off, like she was just borrowing someone else's body for a while. She hadn't slept much, and although the poison was completely out of her system, she still felt weak sometimes-probably because she wasn't eating or sleeping right.

It was time to get this over with. She'd waited too long already, and she was starting to depend on Ichigo. So was Natsuki. It was best to do it fast, like ripping off a bandade. Let it hurt all at once rather than feeling the pain slowly over the course of days.

As much as Rukia wanted Ichigo to stay, she knew he wouldn't. And when he left, he'd feel guilty for walking away from the kids and the problems they had yet to face. She didn't want that for him. She loved him and wanted him to move on with his life and be happy. She loved him enough to respect his choices. Because of that, she had to ask him to leave. Now, before she no longer could.

AN

So since that was super short and not a lot happened I'm uploading the next chapter as well. Review and move on up!