Rukia's POV

The way back was silent as usual. Thankfully, nothing went wrong. No one attacked us. And, as far as I know, we weren't followed. Earlier, I had this feeling that something bad was close. It went away soon after. I just think I'm tired.

I looked back again. Lieutenant Hinamori was walking by herself. I couldn't help but notice the looks she's been giving me this whole walk back. I'm sure I wasn't supposed to notice. And I probably wouldn't have, if I hadn't gotten that strange feeling in my back. I felt like a hole was being burnt through my skin. I had looked back, and Lieutenant Hinamori was glaring at me. The whole way back, I couldn't help but look back again and again. I wanted to make sure the glares were intended for me. At first, I thought that maybe they were intended for Hitsugaya-san. He has been a bit rude to her lately. But I soon comprehended that they were, in fact, for me.

I sighed. What have I done wrong? I don't think I have done anything. But Lieutenant Hinamori is obviously upset with me. So I must have done something wrong. I just want to know what!

I was about to turn around to confront Lieutenant Hinamori about it, when a truck sitting in front of our temporary home caught my attention.Immediately, Hitsugaya-san stepped in front of me.

"Wait," he instructed. "Matsumoto?"

"Right," she replied. She walked over cautiously. After she arrived at the truck, a stranger hopped out. They talked for a moment, and then Matsumoto waved over to us. It was safe.

When we got to them, I couldn't help but listen in to their conversation.

"I can't believe you waited this whole time for us to arrive!" Matsumoto exclaimed.

"Yeah, well, you made it sound real urgent about needing these things today," the guy said, a blush covering his cheeks and neck.

"Oh, well, thank you so much!"

"Yeah, we'll get these things out and into your home."

"Thank you!"

Another man came out of the truck. Both men started unloading furniture after furniture. Surprisingly, it didn't take them long, despite there being a lot of things.

"Thanks, you two," Matsumoto said.

"Yeah, it was nothing. Say, you wouldn't be free sometime this week, would y—"

"Thanks! Drive safely," Matsumoto interrupted, still maintaining her smile.

"Right." The two got into the truck and left.

Matsumoto took charge of distributing the things. She told us what things were for who and where this and that went. Pretty soon, every room had some boxes or furniture in it.

It was late. Everyone was tired, but we all continued working. We had just finished placing everything in its respective room. Now it was time to take things out of boxes, put together the beds and fix up anything else that needed to be fixed.

It was really late. I knew everyone was tired. What kept us all going was the thought of sleeping in beds instead of the cold, hard floor again.

"Rukia?" It was Hitsugaya-san.

I turned around to face him. "Yes, Hitsugaya-san, what is it?"

I saw a smile start to form at the ends of his lips. Did I make him smile?

"You look tired. You should go to sleep."

"No, I'm fine."

He looked at me with his are-you-serious face. It was a cute face actually. One of his snow white eyebrows would go up. His smooth, tempting lips would twitch just the slightest bit…

"Really, I am. I'm not that tired. And I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing that everyone else was still up."

"All right," he said. "But let me put together the beds. Go help Matsumoto."

I smiled at his kindness. I went to the door of our room. When I was about to leave, he said, "Rukia, please be careful."

I blinked. "What's this about?"

"I'm just worried. I can't help but remember the night when you"—he cleared his throat—"fainted." His face was masked my pity, sadness. I saw him shiver. He was recalling that night this very moment.

I flinched at the memory. An ice-cold shiver surged through me. The room felt so cold.

"Just, be careful, ok?"

I looked at him, his expression showing only concern. "Yeah, I'll be careful."

"Don't overdo it. If you feel tired, take a break. Don't overwork yourself. Remember what Unohana said. You might have been overworked, too tired."

I nodded.

"That reminds me. Did you sleep well last night?"

The memory of sleeping with his arms around me flashed into my mind. I had felt so comfortable there, his haori cloaking me, his strong arms protecting me. I felt blood rush to my face. "Um, yes, I did."

After a moment, he replied, "Good. Please try and get the rest you need, ok? I don't want to have to see you in a hospital bed ever again." His voice was stern but his worry was evident.

"Yes, Sir. I'll try and get more rest."

Matsumoto and I had placed things here and there, wherever she thought they would look best. We would usually have to move one piece of furniture about ten times before she made up her mind. I didn't mind at all. I liked seeing that she cared a lot about the house.

The living room was perfect for all of the six of us. Everyone would have a seat if they wanted to watch the TV. And no one would have to complain about someone being in the way. Matsumoto had set it up in a way that guaranteed it.

The dining area had everything set up just right. The table was just the right size for everyone to have room. There was the right amount of chairs too.

The kitchen was organized now. Instead of grocery bags full of food scattered everywhere, everything was put away in a cabinet or in its respective spot. Matsumoto had even bought beautiful dishes. The cups matched with the plates and silverware. There were also now utensils that would make cooking much easier.

The bathrooms all had what a bathroom should have. Everyone had bought things for themselves—shampoos, conditioners, toothbrushes, mouthwash, etc.—and stored them neatly in the bathrooms.

Everything was almost perfect. It felt so nice having a lovely place to stay.

"Rukia-chan, you look a little pale. Are you feeling ok?"

I turned to look at Matsumoto, who was obviously worried. I smiled. "I'm fine."

She sighed. "Ok, go upstairs. You need to sleep. Right now," she added urgently. "I bet Captain's finished putting everything together! Oh, I can't wait to see the look on your face when you see the bed I chose out for you!"

I smiled at her eagerness. We both headed for the stairs. On our way there, I saw Lieutenant Hinamori curled up on the couch. I wonder if her bed is put together yet.

Matsumoto practically pushed me ahead in her eagerness. She was so excited for me to see my new bed. She must have put a lot of thought into the choice. It makes me so happy to see the extent of her care for me.

"Wait here, Rukia-chan!" Matsumoto said when we reached the door. She stuck her head through the small gap between the door and wall. "Captain," I heard her say, "is it ready."

The response must have been yes because Matsumoto squealed. She turned to me and put her hands over my eyes. She led me into my room. She positioned me so I would be able to see the bed in its full glory. Her hands moved away from my face, letting me see her surprise.

I gasped. It was amazing. It was a beautiful canopy bed. The slim rims were black. They twisted and turned, making beautiful designs at the head. They twisted at the center of the head, making a heart. The translucent curtains were a beautiful amethyst color, matching the sheets. The thin curtains waved with the wind. They hung there beautifully, almost protectively.

I turned to Matsumoto with a grateful smile. "Thank you so much. It's perfect."

She smiled. "I knew you'd like it! Oh, I almost forgot! Rukia-chan, I bought something for you at the mall! Come with me, it's downstairs!"

I turned and smiled at Hitsugaya-san before I was dragged out of the room and down the stairs. On our way into the kitchen, I noticed Lieutenant Hinamori wasn't sleeping on the couch anymore. She must have gone to her room.

Matsumoto led me to a group of bags that were on the floor. She dug through bag after bag. She looked like she was about to start dumping things out so she could find it. "Ah-ha," she said excitedly when she found it. She pulled out a purple Chappy the Rabbit plushy. I gasped. She gave it to me. I looked at it. It was so soft and fuzzy. Its eyes were purple too. It was the most amazing Chappy I've ever seen. And it was even dressing in an outfit that resembled a shihakusho.

"Matsumoto, thank you, thank you, thank you so much! I love, love, love it! This is such a cute Chappy!" I suddenly realized how immature and unprofessional I was being. I cleared my throat. "I mean, thank you very much. I appreciate this lovely and thoughtful girt."

She snorted. "Oh, Rukia-chan, you're so cute when you try to act like your brother!"

I blushed. I couldn't help but smile though.

She suddenly pulled me into a bone-crushing hug. When she let go, I noticed Chappy's fur was ruffled. I patted it into place. My actions got a laugh out of Matsumoto. "You are so cute! You know that, right, Rukia-chan?"

I didn't answer. Instead, another blush came and covered my face.

"Ok, I'll stop tormenting you now! Oh, but it was so fun! Well, anyway, good night, Rukia-chan. Sleep well! Have some fun with Captain!"

"Matsumoto!" I exclaimed.

"Sorry, sorry, I couldn't help it!"

I turned and headed upstairs.

My thoughts lingered on what Matsumoto said. Does she think that Hitsugaya-san and I are…? I don't know. No. She doesn't. There's nothing going on. We just care about each other.

The image of what happened between me and him the night before flashed into my mind.

Ok, so maybe it's not nothing. But it's not like he actually likes me. And I certainly don't like him. Maybe I do, but only a little bit.

It would be useless trying anyway. Lieutenant Hinamori has her eyes on him. If he had the choice between the two of us, I know it would be her.

But, maybe, just maybe, he could choose me. I mean, I don't want to say anything bad about Lieutenant Hinamori, but she does have some… quirks. Like Aizen.

Chills went down my spine at the thought of him.

He has managed to practically destroy Lieutenant Hinamori. He's done so much wrong, especially towards Lieutenant Hinamori. She didn't deserve to be betrayed like that.

But that's just one thing. I have many, many more "quirks." And they're all much worse and more disturbing than Lieutenant Hinamori's.

But he hasn't even made that choice.

I scoffed at myself. Listen to me. I don't even know if he even feels that way towards me.

A sudden commotion distracted me from my thoughts. It was coming from my room. That's strange.

I walked over to the door. I knocked, just in case. No one answered. I tried again. Still nothing. I grabbed the door knob and turned it. The sight before me made me want to hide under a rock and never come out. Lieutenant Hinamori was in there. She was wearing a black camisole that matched what little other clothing—if it could even be called that—she was wearing. That part wasn't even what bothered me the most. She was on top of Hitsugaya-san. She was kissing him passionately, touching his body. And what made it even worse, they were on my bed.

Lieutenant Hinamori finally noticed me. She gasped, reached for my covers and put them over herself, disarranging my bed even further. "Shiro-chan, you said you locked the door!"

I guess he's made his choice.

I didn't stay a moment longer. I ran away from them, down the stairs and out the door. I ran and ran as fast as I could. I didn't know where I was going and I didn't care. I just ran.

I was tired. My legs burned. I was panting. I don't know how long I had been running or how far I ran. And I still didn't know where I was.

I looked up. I was in front of Ichigo's house.

The door opened. I stepped back and hid so whoever was coming out wouldn't see me. Yuzu, Karin and their dad were walking out. Ichigo followed behind. He waved good-bye at them. He wasn't going with them.

"Bye, guys, have fun!"

"Bye, Ichi-nii!"

"Don't stay up too late, Ichigo!"

"I left some food in the fridge, in case you get hungry."

"Thanks!" Ichigo turned around. He saw me. "Rukia, is that you?"

I stepped out of the shadows.

"Are-Are you… crying?"

Am I? I felt my cheeks. They were wet from tears.

Ichigo suddenly took my hand. He held it with his warm, reassuring hands. He led me inside. He took me to his room. It felt so nice being back there. It was so comfortably familiar and full of memories of us. He let me sit on his bed.

"Rukia, what happened? Are you ok? Where are Toshiro and the others?"

I didn't respond. There was silence. Then, "Ichigo, can I stay here tonight?"

"What?"

"Can I?"

"Yeah, of course; my door's always open for you, Rukia."

I looked up at him and smiled. "Thank you, Ichigo."

He continued to try to find out what happened. I didn't tell him anything. When he finally gave up, he went to his bed. He got under the covers. As usual, I went to the closet.

Despite the closet being comfortable and familiar to me, I couldn't sleep. The image of Lieutenant Hinamori, half naked, on top of Captain Hitsugaya kept coming to mind. I wanted the image burned out of my mind. But it stayed there.

I sighed. And before I knew it, I was standing next to Ichigo's bed.

He looked so comfortable in his sleep. His eyes are closed, hiding his mesmerizing brown irises. His mouth was slightly parted. If I listen carefully, I could hear him breathing. It was the smallest sound ever.

I wonder how many times he's had to wake up from his peaceful sleep to go fight hallows. And it's all because of me.

His brown eyes suddenly fluttered open. They landed on me. He sat up and turned on the lights.

"Hey, midget, what's up?" he asked as he rubbed his eyes.

I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

Ichigo sighed. He turned off the light. He moved over to the side, making room. He patted at the empty space that he made next to him. "Come on." he said kindly.

I slowly got on his bed.

He scoffed. "Come on, Rukia. I won't bite." He grabbed me gently and lied me down. He put his covers over me. He turned around to face the wall.

I've never slept on his bed before.

Time past and I still couldn't sleep. Now it was because of how uncomfortable this was. I know Ichigo would never do anything to hurt me. But I've never slept in another person's bed.

The image flashed in my mind again.

Captain Hitsugaya certainly wasn't worried about sleeping in my bed with Lieutenant Hinamori.

Suddenly, Ichigo turned around. That didn't surprise me. What did surprise me was when he wrapped his strong, warm arms around me. I didn't freeze and I didn't blush. Instead, I cuddled into him. I loved the feeling of his masculine, protective arms around me. I felt like nothing could harm me—not even Aizen—as long as I stayed there.

And just like that, sleep came to me.