Ok, so I rewrote this chapter because I felt like I wasn't doing my best for it so yea. Hope you guys like this one better than the last one. Please review and stuff! Anyway... ENJOY! :) BTW some of it might be familiar but that's only gonna b like a little bit of it. so just keep that in mind.

Toshiro's POV

I opened my eyes. I looked around. I wasn't in the fourth division anymore. When did I get here? No. Where is here? What is here? I'm in a room that is completely white. I couldn't see anything; the room was empty.

Suddenly, Rukia appeared in front of me. I was shocked. She looked at me with her confusion showing. She looked relieved to see me though.

"Captain Hitsugaya! I'm glad you're here with me!" she said.

"Really, you are? Why?"

"Because, now that you're here, I'm not alone! And you're really strong! I have nothing to be afraid of now! I'm not afraid of him now! You'll protect me from him, right?" She looked at me. Her eyes were full of hope.

"You think I can protect you?"

"Yeah, of course I do! You're a captain after all! And the youngest one at that," she added. "You're strong and you're not afraid of anything! If anyone could protect me from him, it's you!"

"Who is 'him'?"

She looked scared to talk about it. Despite this, she leaned forward and whispered, "He's a really bad guy, you know. He is really scary. He makes me feel weak and powerless. I'm really scared of him. He terrifies me, Captain. You know him too. His name is"-she got closer-"Aizen."

My eyes went wide. She's terrified of the man. And she thinks I can protect her from him. Am I strong enough? Do I have enough strength to keep him away from her?

"Captain Hitsugaya, can you protect me from him?"

I looked at her. I looked into her hopeful eyes. She wasn't just asking. Her eyes showed that she was begging, pleading. I wanted to tell her that I'm not strong enough. I was about to. But her eyes wouldn't let me.

"Rukia, I will protect you from him."

She gasped and smiled. She jumped in the air. She was happy. I love to see her like this. I started to smile.

As she jumped, she chanted, "Yay, yay! I don't have to be scared anymore! Captain Hitsugaya will protect me! Thank you!"

She suddenly jumped towards me and wrapped her arms around my neck. I felt my face go red. She kept her arms around me.

"Thank you," she said. She snuggled into my chest and continued thanking me. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I heard her voice start to break. She was crying.

I put my arms around her waist and held her close. I stroked her head. She stopped crying. She looked up at me and smiled. She sniffed.

"Thank you so much, Captain!"

"You don't have to thank me, Rukia."

"Ok, but let me do this."

"Do what?"

"This," she whispered before she kissed me on the lips.

My eyes went wide and I was frozen. But then, I started to kiss her too.

This is a dream. I know that for sure now. But I am enjoying it so, so much.

All of a sudden, I hear maniacal laughter. I pulled away and looked around. As I did, I held Rukia even closer and I tightened my hold on her. I made a promise. Even if this is a dream, I have to fulfill it!

"This is almost comical!" It was Aizen's voice. "The ice cold captain of the tenth division has fallen in love. And with another ice wielder, no less!" He finally appeared. I looked at him. "Let me tell you something, comrade. This will never work out! Even though both of you grew up on the streets of Rukongai, like the rats you both are, she is a noble now. You might be a captain but you are beneath her. And, little Kuchiki-san, you can do so much better that him," he said, gesturing at me.

"Go away, Aizen! You have no business here!" I said.

"That is where you are wrong. I need little Kuchiki-san to complete my plans. You see, it is very crucial that I have her. And soon," he added.

"Over my dead body," I said. I moved in front of Rukia. At this, he disappeared.

I looked around. I didn't see him. Where is he?

Suddenly, I heard Rukia gasp. I turned around. She was gone.

"Captain Hitsugaya, help me!"

I turned to where her voice was coming from. Aizen was holding Rukia in the air by her hair. She struggles but it was all in vein.

"Hm, I can't see why a captain like you would fall for little Kuchiki-san. I mean, she has her up sides. She is quite brilliant and she has such a darling figure, but I can't see it. Tisk, tisk, Toshiro," he said. "This is quite disappointing."

He sighed then threw Rukia to the floor, hard. My eyes widened. I was about to run to her, but I couldn't. My feet wouldn't budge. I tried and tried. I couldn't move. I could only watch.

Aizen looked down at Rukia. He kicked her in the stomach. The force made her gasp. He bent down and picked her up by the collar. He threw her far. She rolled to a stop right in front of me.

She coughed. "Captain Hitsugaya, you promised you'd protect me from him. Help me!"

"I… I can't!"

Aizen put his hand on her neck and squeezed. She gasped for air. She scratched at his hand but he didn't let go.

As she gasped for air, she looked over at me and said, "Please… please help me! You promised! Captain Hitsugaya! Captain…!"

"… Captain… Captain, wake up!" I heard Matsumoto say.

I opened my eyes. I saw Matsumoto. I shot up and looked around. Rukia, she was here. She was safe. I sighed in relief.

"What happened, Captain? One minute, the room is completely quiet and the next, you're yelling Rukia's name out," she explained.

"It was nothing, Matsumoto. You don't have to worry about it," I said.

"Whatever," she said skeptically.

"What time is it?" I moaned.

"It's time for your shift."

"Oh," I said.

"I'm going to go to sleep, all right?"

"Yeah," I said groggily.

I got up and Matsumoto went back to sleep. How long did I sleep? I looked out the window. It was still dark but I could see that the sun was about to start rising. I stretched out then looked over at Rukia. She's still sleeping. Has she woken up yet?

"Hey, Matsumoto, are you still awake?"

"Yeah, what is it?"

"Did Rukia wake up yet?"

"No, she hasn't," she replied sadly.

"Oh," I said, a bit disappointed myself.

I sighed and went over towards Rukia. I looked down at her from besides the bed. She was on her side, facing the wall. She looked peaceful. I wish she could always be at peace. I guess it would be hard considering she's a shinigami and grew up in Inuzuri. The memories probably haunt her at night.

Flashback

"So, do you know what caused me to… you know?"

"It's still unclear but it was most likely caused by lack of sleep and being overworked…"

End Flashback

Is that true? Has she not been able to sleep? Has she been working too hard? Is this the first time she's slept peacefully in a long time?

I kneeled down beside her. I put my hand over her pale forehead. She feels cold. I started to panic. I checked her pulse. She's still breathing! I scoffed at my paranoia. All of this has made me paranoid. I pulled the covers over her.

I kept looking down at her. It makes me feel sad when I see her like this.

Why do I have to feel this way? I've never felt this attached or worried for someone. I mean, I worry for people but never this much. What makes her different from the others? Is it because of what Matsumoto said? Is it because I love her?

Rukia started to shift. I got worried. Was she having more nightmares? She rolled onto her back and her hand landed next to mine. I stared at it. I moved my hand closer to hers. My hand hovered over it for a moment. I hesitantly took her hand into mine. This made me feel… happy? I looked at her. She was smiling. Was that because…? No, it isn't, could it? Her smile made me feel warm. It made me smile, too. Suddenly, I leaned down and whispered into her ear, "Please, wake up, Rukia."

All of a sudden, I felt tired. I tried to stay awake but I started to doze off. I laid my head on the side of the pillow. I was still holding her hand. My eyes started to close. I tried to keep them open. I tried but I failed and fell asleep.

Rukia's POV

"Please, wake up, Rukia."

Is that… is that Captain Hitsugaya? Is he with me? Where am I anyway? What happened?

I tried remembering for a while. Think, what happened?

Then, the image of Aizen choking me flashed into my mind. Aizen's back?! No, he can't be! He already took the hogyoku from me! What else does he want?!

He can't come back! Hasn't he done enough already?!

Matsumoto's POV

"No, you can't be back!"

Is that Rukia-chan? Is she awake? Wait, "You can't be back?" Oh, no, is Aizen…?

I shot up and looked over towards Rukia-chan. Oh, thank goodness! Aizen's not anywhere near Rukia-chan!

But Captain certainly is! Awwwwww, that's soooooo cute! He's holding her hand and his head is resting next to hers! I have to take a picture! Wait, why did I wake up? Oh, yeah, Rukia-chan was saying something.

She's talking in her sleep. Is she having a nightmare about Aizen?

"Stay away from me! You already have the hogyoku! What else do you want…?"

What? Rukia-chan's actually terrified of Aizen?! I know she'd at least be a bit scared of him. I mean, the guy took something from inside of her! But, terrified?! I've never seen her be this scared of something.

I went over to her. Captain was holding on to her hand still. That's cute! He really does like her!

Let's see now. What to do, what to do? Let me try something.

I took Captain's hand away from Rukia-chan and she started to stir around more. It looks like she feels better when she's around him! I'm a genius! Now let's just do this and then that and… done!

Now I can get a picture. I just need a camera. I started towards the door then looked back. Rukia was in Captain's arms. His arms were wrapped around her and her arms were around his waist. They look so cute!

I left and looked for a camera quickly. I have to do this before they wake up!

I found one! I won't say how but I did. I rushed back to the room and I was relieved when I got there. They were both still asleep! I turned the camera on and took the picture.

Click, click.

I panicked at the noise. It wasn't too loud, but Captain has super—more like creepy—hearing. I looked over at him. He stirred a bit, but he didn't wake up. I sighed in relief.

I have to print this out later!

All of a sudden, Captain started to shift again. He's about to wake up! I rushed to my futon and diving under the covers. I pretended to be asleep. I can't take another scolding from him!

Toshiro's POV

Did I fall asleep? I guess I did. I wish I could still be asleep. I feel so comfortable and warm right now. This is probably the first time I've slept this well in years, decades even. I feel as if there is someone here next to me, keeping me warm. Wait…!

I'm still in one of the 4th division rooms, Matsumoto is sleeping on the ground and I'm in a bed. Oh, yeah, and Rukia is in my arms. Wait, what did I just say?! How, when… Matsumoto! But, she's asleep. Did I…? Oh, no, I think… maybe…

Matsumoto started to wake up. Oh, no, I have to get up. But I have to be careful. What if I wake Rukia? What would she think? I started to carefully get out of bed. I unwrapped her arms from my waist then moved her over a bit. That's when Rukia started to stir around. She was starting to wake up! I tried to get out faster but, right when I was about to get out, I felt something wrap around my waist. I looked down and saw Rukia! She was still asleep but her arms were around me again.

"Awwwwww that is just soooooo cute," Matsumoto said in the loudest voice, loud enough to wake Rukia up. Rukia's eyes fluttered open. She looked around. She was still half asleep so it took her a while to process the way she was holding me. She finally noticed and her face turned red. She gasped then pulled away from me.

"I am so sorry, Captain Hitsugaya! I don't know how—" she started.

"It's fine Ru-Kuchiki-san. Don't worry. In fact, I think I should be the one apologizing," I admitted. "I think I might have… without knowing. I know it sounds ridiculous but…"

"No, it's fine," she said with a blush.

"I'm gonna go and get some food for you, Rukia-chan," Matsumoto said as she left the room.

After she left, it stayed silent between me and Rukia. I was trying to think of how I ended up in Rukia's bed. Maybe Matsumoto… No, she was asleep. I started to get a head ache so I decided to let it go. I looked over at Rukia. She was staring up at the ceiling. I wonder if she feels all right. Is she scared by the fact that Aizen has come back for her? Is she thinking of that night? Maybe I should talk to her about it.

"Hey, Kuchiki-san, are you… all right?"

She turned to face me. Her eyes showed me all her emotions. There was confusion, sadness, fear and sleepiness in them.

"Yeah, I'm fine. You don't have to worry about me, Captain."

"Are you sure you're fine? After the first time Aizen attacked you…?"

"I… I am fine, Captain. It's just…" She couldn't finish.

I want to help her. I don't like seeing her like this. "Kuchiki-san, it's all right to be scared. If you are, I want to help."

"Why would you want to help me?" she asked me, looking confused.

"I… you're important to Matsumoto," I told her. She looked sad with what I said. So then I added, "And because I care about you… as a friend."

I don't know if I imagined it, but I think I saw her smile a bit.

"Thank you, Captain Hitsugaya." she said to me with a bigger smile showing.

"Y-You can call me Toshiro if you would like," I said. She looked surprised.

"I'm not used to calling my superiors by their first names. Could I call you Hitsugaya-san?"

I felt myself start to smile a bit. "Yeah, you can call me that."

"All right, but if I do, then you have to call me Rukia."

"Fine, I will, Rukia."

Then Matsumoto came back into the room. She was holding a tray full of food. That's when I saw someone else come in. Ichigo Kurosaki?!

"Rukia-chan, there's a visitor here for you!" Matsumoto said in a sing-song voice.

Ichigo came in and he looked panicked. When he saw Rukia he was relived but sad at the same time.

"Rukia!" he said as he rushed towards her. When he got to her bed, he took her in to his arms and hugged her tightly. I felt disappointed and angry at the same time. I was disappointed that it wasn't me holding Rukia. And I was angry at Ichigo for holing Rukia! I think Matsumoto noticed.

"All right then, let's let Rukia-chan eat, Ichigo!" Matsumoto said. She brought the tray of food over to Rukia. Ichigo sat on the chair that was at the foot of the bed.

"Are you doing ok, Rukia," he asked her, showing his worry.

"Yeah, don't be stupid. I'm perfectly fine, fool," she said, mumbling the last word.

Ichigo twitched. "What did you say, midget?!"

"You heard what I said. And what did I tell you about calling me that?!"

"You're the one that was calling me a fool for caring about you!"

"There's no need for anyone to care about me! I'm fine!"

"That's not what I was told!"

"And who told you that?!"

Matsumoto got a panicked look on her face. She started to back away towards the door. Rukia noticed and look at her.

"Did you tell him?" she asked Matsumoto.

She laughed nervously. "Well, you see, when I was getting you some food, I saw him. He was being taken here by someone to see you. He wanted to know why you were here and I… um… told him. Ha-ha," she said nervously.

"Fine, whatever, why are you here?" she asked Ichigo.

"I don't really know. I think it has to do with these weird hollows that're in Karakura town," he said.

"Weird hollow," Rukia said in thought.

"Yeah, for some reason, we can't track them at all. It has the power to control its victims. That's pretty much all we know."

"How are Inoue and the others?" Rukia asked, changing the subject.

"They're doing ok. They miss you a lot, you know."

"They do?" she asked, shocked.

"Yeah, what did you expect? They care about you a lot, Rukia."

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

"I'm coming in," said a voice. The person came in. It was Ukitake.

"Captain?" Rukia said in surprise.

"Hey, Rukia, how are you doing?" he asked her with care.

"I'm… I'm doing fine, Captain," she stuttered.

"I have to talk to all of you," he said, a bit worried. This alarmed me.

"What is it," I asked him.

"I'm assuming Ichigo has explained his predicament to you," he started.

"Yeah," Matsumoto replied.

"Well, there is going to be a captain's meeting soon. We are going to discuss this. The hollow has caused many problems for Ichigo and his friends. And since we owe him for the Aizen incident, we're sending help. I'm pretty sure we'll be sending a captain and their lieutenant to help. I'm not positive. And, Rukia, I think they will decide to send you since you're familiar with Karakura town."

I started to worry. They want to send Rukia, in her current condition, to Karakura town so she can help fight a hollow? She could get hurt even more than she already is!

"Anyway, Toshiro, the meeting is starting shortly. And Ichigo, your presence had been requested at the meeting."

"It has?" he asked, confused.

"Yes, you've fought with this hollow, haven't you?"

"Yeah," he replied.

"We should head over to the meeting now," Ukitake said, starting towards the door. Ichigo and I followed. I looked back at Matsumoto and Rukia.

"I'll see you later, Captain," Matsumoto said to me. Then she mouthed something. Say something to her!

"I'll be back later, Rukia," I said to her. She looked at me with surprise. She wasn't expecting that. She smiled.

Matsumoto's POV

That's so cute! He called her "Rukia." I think he really is in love! I think Rukia is the one!

"So, Rukia-chan," I said to get her attention.

"Yeah," she replied.

"You and my Captain, are you close?"

"What?!"

"Not like that. I mean, like friend."

"Oh, I don't know."

"Oh, come on! He called you 'Rukia' didn't he?!" I asked enthusiastically.

"Yeah, but—"

"So, you guys must be friends!"

"I guess," she mumbled.

"You know, Rukia-chan, you're the first person to gain his trust that fast."

"I am?" she asked, surprised.

"Yeah, it took a couple of years for him to fully trust me."

"Really, I didn't think it would take him that long to trust you."

"It did. I think he really likes you. As a friend," I added even though he really likes her, a lot.

She stayed silent. I hope that my plan ends up working.

"Rukia-chan you should eat," I said, pushing the tray of food closer to her.

"I'm not really that hungry, thanks."

"Oh, come on. Captain will get mad at me if he finds out you haven't eaten anything," I said. That's when I got an idea. Rukia-chan doesn't like being cooped up for a long time. "You want to know something, Rukia-chan?"

"What?"

"I overheard someone say that you won't be able to go outside for a long time. They said that you're too injured and they don't want to risk it."

"What?!"

"Yeah, but I can make a deal with you. If you eat all of this," I said, gesturing at the food, "then I'll sneak you out of here and take you anywhere you want to go."

"Really, you'd do that?"

"Yeah, all you have to do is eat." I pointed at the food.

She stared at me for a while. She was thinking this through, I know it. She's probably thinking something like: I want to go outside. But what if I get in trouble! If I'm not supposed to go out then I shouldn't. But, I really want to go!

"Fine," she said then started to eat.

Toshiro's POV

So far, Ichigo was explaining what that hollow can do. Their knowledge of the hollow is very limited. I'd hate to be the captain placed in charge of this mission. It'll be difficult trying to track down a hollow you barely know anything about. What if they decide to send me? No, they wouldn't do that. I'm supposed to take care of Rukia. And besides, who'd be foolish enough to send her, in her current condition, to the world of the living? Then again, she does know Karakura town better than any other shinigami. And if they do decide to send her, they'd send me along with her. I really don't feel like dealing with Ichigo and other foolish humans right now. Thing are stressful enough here. Ukitake said they'd send a captain and their lieutenant for the mission. That would mean I'd have to deal with Matsumoto, too. Please tell me they won't choose me.

"Captain Hitsugaya," Yamamoto said.

"Yes," I said, concentrating more on the meeting.

"What is the current condition of Rukia Kuchiki?"

"She has just woken up but she still seems weak from what happened."

"In your opinion, do you think she'd be able to go to the world of the living?"

"Yes, but—"

"It is settled then. We will send Rukia Kuchiki to the world of the living because of her familiarity with the territory. And, since Captain Hitsugaya is in charge of protecting her, you, your lieutenant, Rukia Kuchiki and your choice of three other seated officers or lieutenants are assigned to this mission. You will leave today at nightfall. Dismissed," he said.

No! I didn't want to be assigned to this mission! I sighed. I guess there's no helping it.

I guess I have to choose the other three people that have to come. All right, who'd be a good choice for this mission? Rukia, Matsumoto and I are already going. I need someone who is talented with kido. Oh no! Come on! There has to be someone else! How about… No, they're already on a mission. Maybe… No, they need to stay here. I continued thinking for someone else but I couldn't. I have no choice. Hinamori will have to come along for this mission. But I could bring Izuru. He should be able to keep Hinamori away— I mean, under control. But this is Hinamori. She'll do anything to annoy me. I should bring Abarai too. Is he healed already? I hope he is. So, Rukia, Matsumoto, Hinamori, Abarai, Izuru and I are going on this mission. Great, now I have to go find them and tell them to be ready by tonight. I should go check on Rukia first.

Matsumoto's POV

"Come on, Rukia-chan. You're almost done," I said.

"But I'm full," she complained.

"Fine, I guess you don't want to go outside."

"No, I'll finish!" she said. She started to eat faster. She really wants to go outside. I feel bad but I'm telling the truth. When I was getting her some food, someone told me that she was too weak to leave the 4th. I felt so bad for Rukia-chan. At least this way she'll eat and she'll be able to go out.

There was a knock on the door then Captain came in.

"Captain, I'm going to take Rukia-chan outside for a while."

"But someone told me that she's not supposed to leave this room. She's not even supposed to walk! And besides, we're leaving soon."

"Leaving? Why are we leaving?" I asked him.

"I was assigned the mission. You, Rukia, and three others will be coming with me. We'll be leaving tonight."

"But, Captain! Rukia-chan is in no condition to go to the world of the living, let alone go to fight a hollow!"

"It wasn't my choice. I'm sorry Rukia, but you'll have to come with us."

"It's fine, really. I don't mind," Rukia said, trying to convince us.

"You're so selfless, Rukia-chan! Why do all the bad things happen to you?! You don't deserve it!" I said then went over to her and gave her a hug.

"It's fine, Matsumoto, really. Could you please stop hugging me, I can't breathe."

"Oh, sorry, Rukia-chan. Now, let's go for a walk!"

"Matsumoto, she's supposed to rest until we leave!" Captain told me. I could tell it was because he was worried about Rukia-chan.

"But, Captain, she wants to go outside. Rukia-chan doesn't like being cooped up inside! I was just gonna sneak her out for a while!"

"Matsumoto! She's not even supposed to walk!"

"Fine, I'll just carry her on my back!"

"That doesn't change anything! She still can't go outside!"

"Hitsugaya-san, please, can I go outside. Even for just a couple of minutes, I really want to go outside, please," she asked him in a voice that no one in the world could resist. She looked at him with pleading eyes and I saw that he was about to crack.

He sighed. "Fine, only for a while, though."

Toshiro's POV

Why did I let her get to me? It was her eyes. They were pleading. I couldn't resist. I'm even helping Matsumoto sneak Rukia out of the 4th division. It took a while but we finally got her out. I was surprised when Matsumoto told Rukia to get on her back. I thought Matsumoto was just saying that to convince me. Rukia got on and we started walking. Matsumoto would ask her which way Rukia wanted to go and that's where we'd go.

We did this for a while. Then Rukia said that we were where she wanted to go. It was a small clearing in the forest. Why would she want to go here? Matsumoto set Rukia down and they both sat down. Matsumoto gestured for me to sit with them. I was so confused. I think it showed because Rukia started to explain.

"This place, I always come here before a mission. I come here because this is the place where… where…" she said but couldn't finish.

"This is where Kaien died," Matsumoto finished for her. Rukia looked down and nodded. I could tell she was struggling not to cry. Matsumoto put her arm around Rukia's shoulder and held her close. Matsumoto knows about Kaien, about this place.

We stayed silent for a while longer then I remembered what I had to do. I got up.

"Matsumoto, Rukia, I have to gather the people that are coming on the mission. Be sure to have your things ready by tonight."

"Wait," Rukia said as she slowly started to get up. "We should come, too."

"You don't have to, Rukia. You can stay here with Matsumoto."

"No, we should."

"All right, first we have to see if Abarai is medically cleared to come."

"Renji's coming?" Rukia asked.

"Yes, he would be very useful in this mission." Mostly by keeping Hinamori away from me. I didn't say that part. "If you want to come, then let's go finds Abarai," I said. Rukia and Matsumoto got up and followed me.