Untitled for now

by daftpunkress

Hard A/U set in the real world with a mix of pairings. nnoinel, Ichiran, orishida, ichiruki, hitsuhina, yoruhara, shiyori and zachiru..rated M for lemons and language. Hit men and the C.I.A don't mix, but they can work together. No real summary because all couples will have a different plot that interconnects. *chapter 11 is up*

11. Chapter 11

A/N: Thank you for the reviews, favorites, and follows I really really appreciate them.

A/N: I don't currently have a beta-er so there might be some errors just pretend they are not there ^_^;; I hope you enjoy this chapter!

A /N: I do not own any characters or bleach they belong to Kubo Tite.

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Yachiru knocked nervously on Yumi's door, she didn't know how she was going to be able to say goodbye without bursting into tears. She would be leaving tomorrow, and by the time she woke up he usually was already gone for the day. So this was her last chance to say what she really felt.

Although recently she felt that he had changed, he was still the closest thing she had to a big brother. Anytime she had a problem he would always find a way to fix it for her. She supposed that Unohana was just too big for even him to handle.

Yumichika opened the door and instantly a smile lit his face, "what do I owe the pleasure of this surprise visit?"

"I just wanted to say goodnight." Yachiru answered hesitantly, "can I come in for a moment?"

"Sure. Make yourself comfy." He stepped aside allowing her to walk in. He closed the door behind her then hastily walked over to his laptop and closed it. "This sounds a little more serious than just a goodnight."

Yachiru feigned a laugh, putting on what she hoped was a convincing smile, "It's just been a while since we got to talk." She took a seat on the tufted midnight blue loveseat and pulled her legs up beneath her.

"You're right there." Yumi said with a sigh taking a seat next to her. "What do you want to talk about?"

There was no use in telling him that she was leaving, it was her decision after all. No one seemed to be able to do anything about getting rid of Unohana so this was her only option. "Nothing really, I just wanted to say how happy I am with you guys." She couldn't look at him as she spoke, she would probably burst out in tears if she did.

"Well, the feelings mutual. Ikkaku's mistakes don't usually work out so well."

"You should have seen the look on his face when I opened the door." Yachiru giggled at the memory, Ikkaku had been totally startled and looked as if he had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

"I can only imagine how perplexed he must have been wondering what he should do in that situation. But I'm really glad he made the decision he had. All of our lives are so much brighter with you in them."

Now she knew she was going to cry; she didn't want to leave at all. "I don't think I'll ever be as happy as I am now."

Yumichika stilled at her words, something wasn't right here. It couldn't be the thing with Unohana because they were handling it. At no point was she ever alone or vulnerable. Maybe she was feeling that she didn't belong because he was devoting some of his time to Unohana? He had what he needed, maybe he should put an end to that deception already?

"Hey, now don't talk like that." he rose from his seat and came to crouch down in front of her. "If this is about Zaraki, it'll get better. He just doesn't know how to open up like everyone else."

Yachiru stared at her fingers, it was more than just what she was feeling for Kenpachi. They had all become like a family to her, she didn't feel like she would ever be happy if she couldn't be around them anymore.

"Is Unohana still threatening you?" Yumi asked grasping her hands in his.

"No, not at all," Yachiru quickly responded. She didn't want to cause any more trouble. Even though she had seen Yumi and Unohana speaking intimately on multiple occasions, she believed that she still wanted Kenpachi. Maybe she was just using Yumi to make him jealous. "Nothing is wrong, I just am really happy here and wanted you to know."

Yumichika didn't believe her, he could see the distress she was trying to hide, that's why she wouldn't look him in the eyes. "Yachiru, you don't have to worry about anything or be afraid." He gave her a comforting hug.

"I know." She whispered wiping the tears from her eyes.

"Zaraki would never let anything happen to you. Ikkaku, myself and even Makizō would do anything to protect you. We love you and you belong here with us." He could see the moment when she stopped trying to fight her tears. She threw her arms around him and just let everything out. Yumi held her and patted her back soothingly as he listened to her sobbing.

He wouldn't let this happen, seeing her in this much emotional pain was agonizing. There was something he could do, but how much it would jeopardize his already intricately crafted plan was yet to be seen.

Yachiru sighed deeply and pulled away, he handed her his handkerchief and she used it to wipe her eyes and nose. "You're being such a big softy and making me emotional." Yachiru said trying to play off how much his words really meant to her.

"It's the truth. You should head to bed now; with such a good cry you'll be out like a light in no time." Yumi helped her to her feet and walked her to the door.

"Well, that's your fault. All I wanted to do was say goodbye, I mean goodnight." She gave him a bittersweet hug.

"Goodnight Yachiru." He watched as she headed towards the end of the hall where the light to Zaraki's office was still shining beneath the doorway. He had made up his mind, it was time for Unohana to get what she deserved.

Kenpachi glanced up when she walked into his office. Her usually cheerful and vibrant brown eyes were red-rimmed and puffy, her cheeks were pink and underneath the bright lights her skin seemed pale and washed out. "What's wrong?"

"I just wanted to say goodnight." She murmured trying to put on a happy smile. "And don't work too hard. There is always tomorrow you know."

"Come here." He ordered and she hesitantly shuffled over to where he sat behind his desk. He easily lifted her into his lap. Kenpachi brushed her hair from her face to take a good look at her. Even though he could see the anguish clearly written on her face, she still put on a smile. "What's wrong? I can't do anything if I don't know what the problem is." He asked again, because obviously something was making her cry.

"Nothing's wrong." Yachiru answered. Nothing that he wanted to fix anyways, he knew what the problem was but he did nothing about it. Like Unohana said, he obviously didn't care about her because she could not offer him what she could. So he had made his choice, she would acquiesce and let them be together. "I really just wanted to say goodnight." She paused and then added cheekily, "Can I have a goodnight kiss?"

He did not understand her at all. She shows up in front of him looking like she just cried her guts out and then lies that she's perfectly fine. "Did Unohana-"

"No! no she didn't do anything. If you really want to know I just had a talk with Yumi. That's all, really." She added noticing the skeptical look on his face.

Yachiru shifted in his lap to stand to her feet, but he held her there firmly with one hand. With his other hand he guided her face towards his in a chaste and gentle kiss. "Go to bed." Zaraki said once he pulled away.

Yachiru sighed and nodded. She got off his lap and put some distance between them. "I just want to say I'm sorry I tried to come between you and Unohana." She should have never started her foolish games, maybe Unohana would not have felt threatened enough to make her leave. She had never thought of how he might have felt either. Being forced to choose between two women who he had different connections with. She had just been being selfish all along, thinking of her own happiness.

She took a few more steps closer to the door, "I was wrong about Unohana." She couldn't look at him anymore, "Even though I love you too, I know I don't have what you need. So, you should really give her another chance."

Kenpachi was shocked at her words. Something more was going on then what she was letting on. She looked so despondent standing there staring at the ground. It was more than her declaration of love; he had little doubt that was how she thought she really felt. She was young and didn't understand what it really meant. But everything about Unohana sounded like something she was fed to say. When had Unohana had a chance to be alone with her?

"Don't worry about Unohana. Go to bed."

Of course, he completely ignored the part about how she loved him. She expected as much. It was just as Unohana said, if she couldn't please him physically it was only so long that he would tolerate her. "Goodnight Ken-chan." She said and walked out as fast as her legs could carry her.

XX

Ikkaku knocked on her door the next morning, "You awake in there Sport?"

"Yeah, I'll be right there." Yachiru knew what she was going to do. She already had everything planned out and even though her heart was in her throat she was going to do it.

"Want some breakfast?" he asked as he led the way to the kitchen, "Makizō made your favorites for some reason."

"Shouldn't he be making your favorites? Isn't your birthday coming up?" She knew it was she had made sure to ask Makizō everyone's birthday early on.

"Yeah, in like two days, but so what?" Makizō and Kenpachi were seated at the table already enjoying their meal. Unohana was not there which was a little surprising.

"So what?" she asked incredulously taking a seat next to him, " It's your birthday it only happens once a year."

Ikkaku gave her a strange look that mirrored Kenpachi's but didn't say anything regarding her seat choice. "I don't really celebrate it anyway. It just means I'm getting older."

"Well, that's gotta change. I love birthdays and I love cake so we are celebrating your birthday." Yachiru helped herself to some fruit and eggs and then turned her attention to Makizō. "Can you take me to the store Maki-chan?"

Makizō frowned but shrugged, "I'm not going to the office today. What do you say Boss?"

It wasn't loss on them that she hadn't asked Zaraki directly. She had not said a word to him or glanced in his direction the whole morning. There was a palpable tension that hung in the air between them but no one wanted to address it.

It wasn't a good idea; his gut was telling him so. Everything about this situation seemed off but he really couldn't put his finger on why. It had been a long time since she would be out of the house and he wouldn't be with her but she wouldn't be alone. Makizō was as capable as any of his other men in protecting her. If Ikkaku didn't have something he already had to take care of he would have sent him too.

"That's fine. No more than two hours." There was a store she could pick up some knick-knacks at about twenty minutes from the house. That was plenty of time to find whatever she would need.

"Thanks Maki-chan!" Yachiru said enthusiastically then turned to Ikkaku. "Now what do you want for a gift Baldy?"

Ikkaku frowned and set his fork down, "I told ya, I don't need anything. Just get a cake or whatever."

Yachiru shook her head that wouldn't do. This was the last time she was going to see him, she had to get something nice that he would like. "I'll definitely find something to remember me by."

"I think you got the wrong idea, you're supposed to get me something I like."

Yachiru smiled sullenly, "Sorry Baldy, that's what I meant. I promise It'll be the best gift ever." She got up and gave him a brief hug. She would really miss his brashness and his rough around the edges way of doing things.

"Hey now, don't be a sap." He responded but hugged her back anyway. "I like shortcake by the way. Preferably strawberry or cherry. Or if you can't find one get me a chocolate cake, or maybe a cheesecake. Whatever, any cake is fine." Ikkaku finally said after thinking about it.

"I'll get a bunch." Yachiru said grabbing her small backpack and swinging it onto her shoulders, "Are you ready Maki-chan?"

"Yea, yea." He grumbled clearing their dishes from the table and bringing them into the kitchen.

"Well see you later Baldy." She said as she turned to leave, she would just go wait for him by the door.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" Ikkaku asked.

Yachiru turned to finally for the first time that morning look at Kenpachi. She had almost made it; she didn't want to cry so she had done her best not to pay any attention to him. Even now she could feel the tears coming to her eyes. She quickly turned her back to them, "See you later Ken-chan." She managed to croak out then left the room.

XX

Makizō was laden with bags after only an hour of them walking around the small shopping plaza. They had already made one trip to the car to put away some stuff she had purchased and then she had bought that much more.

"Are you almost done?" He asked expelling a frustrated breath as he saw her eyes light up at yet another 100-yen store.

"Ken-chan said I had two hours." Yachiru replied matter-of-factly.

"He said two hours max, do not forget we have a thirty-minute drive home." He corrected her.

"Ok this is the last one. Then we can go." She said with a sigh, "you are no fun at all."

"I do not see where this is supposed to be fun for me. I'm doing all the arduous work here." He grumbled following her into the store. "Anyways, didn't you already go over budget? What else are you looking for?"

Yachiru turned to him a cheeky grin on her face, "Are you keeping track of all Ken-Chan's money I'm spending? Are you his accountant too?"

Makizō face fell into a scowl, "I just noticed that you've already purchased several cakes, sufficient decorations for a party and more gifts than Ikkaku deserves."

"Oh, so you're just jealous" she giggled, "Don't worry, when your birthday comes around, I'll get you even more ok?" laughing she walked off to look through the souvenir bins.

Makizō shook his head as he followed behind her, what were they going to doing with this imp of a girl? He would have been the first to agree that she was out of place in their little family, but she had really grown on him. Spending this time with her he would have to admit was one of the more enjoyable days he had had in recent years.

"Here." Yachiru pulled on the sleeve of his jacket and handed him a dango skewer. "Let's take a break for a few minutes." She headed off to a pair of benches in the courtyard and he followed her. He was getting a bit hungry and these sweet dumplings were certainly going to hit the spot.

They ate in silence for a while then Yachiru handed him a small package wrapped in tissue paper, "Hey Maki-chan, thanks for taking me out today. I really appreciate you." She gave him a brief hug and then sat back down to finish her food.

Makizō didn't know what to say, an unfamiliar feeling welled up in his chest and he felt like something was in his eyes. He unwrapped the small gift and stared down at the brightly colored daruma doll. It somehow reminded him of her.

"Can I go to the bathroom, its right there?" Yachiru asked as she pointed out the male and female restrooms across from where they were sitting.

Makizō just nodded, unsure of how his voice would come out if he spoke. He kept his eyes on her to make sure she made it there safely before he turned his attention back to his food.

After finishing the last skewer, he realized she still hadn't returned. He had saw a few women enter and leave the bathroom but none had been her. He grabbed her bags and stood outside for a moment to listen to see if he could hear anything.

A young woman approached, "hey, my daughters in there can you ask if she's ok? Her names Yachiru."

She gave him a strange look but agreed with a nod. He could hear her in there calling out Yachiru's name but there was no answer. "There's no one in there." She said once she returned.

That couldn't possibly be, he had been watching the doorway the whole time. Instinctively he pushed past her and walked into the women's restroom, "Yachiru!" he yelled as he pushed open each stall door. Just as the woman reported the bathroom was completely empty.

He was dead. He was fucked, his life was over. He might as well just get into the car and drive off a bridge and don't even think about returning home.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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Rukia sat parked in her car watching people walk in and out of the convenience store that was not even 15 feet from where everything that night had taken place. She had already gone to the gas station which was the only other business that was open at that time. The employee that was working that night had been adamant that he had not heard or saw anything strange. Good, now she just needed the same answers from the people inside here.

She waited until there was no one at the counter before she made her move. She'd just ask the same basic questions and write up her report with regretful undertones.

"Welcome!" the store clerk called out as she walked in.

"Good afternoon. My name is Rukia Kuchiki I'm with the Federal Bureau of investigation." She pulled out her badge and held it up for the older man to examine, "I'd like to ask you a few questions, if I may."

"Of course." He responded enthusiastically, "what would you like to know Agent Kuchiki?"

"About two weeks ago on Friday around 9 p.m. there was a crime committed in the area, who was working here at the time?"

"Well, I was, but Friday nights are usually very busy for us. I didn't see or hear anything."

"Thank you, that was my next question." It was just as simple as that, she did what Urahara asked her to. She went out and questioned the witness and gathered zero information that could implicate Kurasaki.

"At the time though there were a few locals that were leaving. They may have seen something. Yeah, I distinctly remember it being just after nine." The man continued.

Rukia took out her notepad trying to hide the irritation that his additional statement had caused her. She just wanted to go back to the office where she was safe. "Do you happen to know names or addresses?"

"Yeah, we deliver to them sometimes. They live just down the street." He rattled off the address while rubbing his chin. "Come to think of it the only thing I noticed that night was a car being parked out there when I left after my shift. It was sitting there for a while before I had it towed."

Rukia didn't bother writing that in her notebook, because that was her car that had been towed. Renji's vehicle was never recovered so he probably had it repainted and was still using it. How could he betray them like that? She couldn't imagine what Kurasaki could have offered him to get him off of the right path.

"Thank you, actually I forgot to get your name, for my report."

"It's Don, Don Kan'onji." He answered with a wide grin. "I'm glad I could be of some help Agent Kuchiki." His grin seemed to get wider as she gave him a brief nod and turned to leave.

"Damnit." Rukia cursed to herself; she had almost been home free. She didn't really want to be wondering around outside where Kurasaki could ambush her at any moment. She frowned, like he didn't have anything better to be doing with his time.

Just as Don said the address wasn't extremely far from the store, it was in walking distance but she drove there anyway. It was a tall luxury apartment building that boasted a fancy name and a doorman. Her plan remained the same, simple yes or no questions and then get out as fast as possible.

The doorman held the door opened for her with a smile and she returned it, going over to the four sets of elevators in the main lobby. They were on the fifteenth floor, she absently wondered how much a place like this would cost. Growing up money had been a problem for a long time, until her sister married Byakuya. They had lived in some not so great places for most of their younger lives and every time she stepped into someplace luxurious it always made her wonder.

In no time she was standing outside the only door on that floor. In her mind she rehearsed her dialogue and then put on her business face. After two knocks, a middle-aged woman answered the door with a puzzled look on her face. "Can I help you?"

"Good afternoon ma'am, my name is Rukia Kuchiki, I'm with the Federal Bureau of Investigation." For the third time that day she held up her badge for examination. "Is there a Yuzu or Karin available to speak with me?"

After a moment of looking over her badge she nodded slowly, "Those are my daughters. Please come in. I'll fetch them." She led her into a very homely yet sophisticatedly decorated condominium.

"It won't take long I just have a few que-" her words died in her throat as she noticed the pictures that hung on the walls. She had seen every one of them before. Suddenly she wanted to turn and run from the room. How? How was this possible?

"I'm sorry?" the older woman paused to glance back at her, noticing her sudden pallor. "Is something wrong Ms. Kuchiki? Would you like a drink?"

"Um, um no actually I-" she couldn't form a coherent sentence to save her life. She had to make an excuse and get out of there now.

"Yuzu, Karin! Come here please,"

"I can actually come by another time if they are busy." Rukia stated turning to walk out.

"What's up mom?" Karin asked with a scowl on her face "I was this close to beating the crap-"

Yuzu elbowed her when she noticed Rukia standing there, "good afternoon, ma'am." She said politely.

"This is agent Rukia Kuchiki; she would like to ask you guys some questions." She motioned for Rukia to take a seat on one of the pillow saturated couches. The two girls sat opposite her both regarding her suspiciously.

"Are you really a cop?" Karin asked taking in her casual dress.

"No, I'm with the F.B.I." Rukia replied, she had to make this quick. "This will only take a few minutes. About two weeks ago on Friday there was an incident that took place near Mochi convenience store. I got your names from the owner there. He said you may have been leaving the store around the time it happened. Did either of you see or hear anything suspicious that night?"

Both girls looked at each other, then at their mother. "If you know anything girls, please be honest with the agent." She said giving them a reassuring look.

"Well, I did hear some loud noises, but I don't know what they were." Yuzu answered looking down at her fingers nervously. "It was like firecrackers."

Nope, she wasn't going to be writing that in her report. Those had been fake; Renji hadn't been shot so there was no need to include that. It could have been anything like a car backfiring or actual fireworks.

"Those were definitely gunshots." Karin said with an exuberant amount of energy, "I wanted to go see what was happening, but this big baby wanted to get home."

"It was dangerous." Yuzu defended herself.

"Yeah right." Karin replied then paused as if she remembered something else, "You know, I think I saw brothers truck parked close by too. That's why I wanted to check it out."

"I don't think it was. I know his license plate number by heart." Yuzu said reciting it, "but it was pretty dark. I couldn't see all the letters."

"Well thank you guys for all your help. I think I have all the information that I need." Rukia stated standing to her feet. She could see where this was going. If the pictures around the house told her anything she was in Kurasaki's families house and the brother she was mentioning was Kurasaki. That was her cue to leave.

"Just a moment, I texted him to ask if it was really him. He's pretty busy so maybe he won't see it until later." Yuzu said glancing up from her phone screen.

"Do you have a card where we can contact you if anything else comes up?" The mom asked getting up from her seat also.

"Um, yeah sure." Rukia hesitantly reached for her wallet and pulled out her business card. She hadn't wanted to leave any trace of her being there.

Suddenly a phone began to ring and everyone turned towards Yuzu, "its Ichigo. Hey." She answered, "ah ok," she set the phone down and put it on speaker.

"Who is this agent that is asking you guys questions?" his voice sent a chill down her spine.

"Her name is Rukia. I really just want to know if your car was the one we saw last Friday night at Mochi's" Karin answered leaning over to project her voice into the phone. "Yuzu says it wasn't."

Ichigo chuckled, "I was there. Ms. Agent, if you have any other questions, you can ask me. I'm actually home at the moment. Take the elevator to the twentieth floor."

"Wait, you are home and you didn't come by?" Yuzu said picking up the phone. "You promised that you would bring me something from Okayama."

"Sorry Yuzu, I didn't end up going." His voice softened a bit as he spoke to his sister, "Next time, I promise."

"Are you coming for dinner tonight?" his mother asked.

"Yea, yeah, I'll be there. Just send that agent up here so she stops bothering you guys." With that he hung up.

Rukia sighed how did she always end up in situations like this? She was just doing her job. Even as half-heartedly as she could she still ended up on Kurasaki's doorstep. Was she on some variety show that aimed to make someone's life miserable?

"Do you have any more questions for us?" Karin asked already turning to head back to her room.

"No, thank you again." She answered graciously trying to hide the turmoil that she was feeling inside. These damn kids had unintentionally ruined her life.

"Well see ya." Both girls gave her a polite bow before they left the room.

Rukia stood there awkwardly; she didn't want to go see him. She knew what he would say. After she had solemnly given him her vow that she would stay away from investigating him, here she was badgering his family about a crime that he committed. From the looks of it they had no idea he was involved in anything unlawful.

"I'll see you out." His mother said interrupting her thoughts, "Don't let Ichigo's gruff way of speaking intimidate you. He's really a good boy." She offered her a reassuring smile as she led her out.

"Thank you for your cooperation, Ma'am. Have a good day." Rukia answered, feeling like that statement was a bit unexpected.

As she pressed the elevator button to go down, one opened and Sado stood there waiting for her. Why did she think it was going to be that easy? "I know, I know." She said to him stepping inside. "I bet you are tired of always having to retrieve me."

He didn't say anything but she could see a hint of a smile on his face in the reflection of the polished interior. The elevator ride was quick and silent, once the doors slid opened, he corralled her towards the door and knocked once.

Kurasaki stood there with a smirk on his face, "Thanks Sado. I'll be down in about thirty minutes get the car ready."

Sado nodded and then left. Ichigo pulled her into his apartment that was similarly decorated like his parents. "You don't seem to learn do you Rukie?"

She couldn't refute that, for all intents and purposes she had continually fallen into every trap that was laid out for her. She should have bolted the moment she had seen his picture on their walls. But the investigator in her couldn't let it go.

"Time for your punishment." He said turning and pressing her against the door, "I wish I could take my time with you, but I do have work to get to." He whispered as one of his hands went to the buttons at her waist.

Rukia steeled herself, just pretend that you are somewhere else she told herself as he pulled down her pants. She knew what was coming next, she knew that this is what he wanted from her. As long as she didn't enjoy it she wouldn't feel guilty, because she knew she didn't want this at all. She had to hold on to her convictions.

"Come now Rukie," he turned her head towards his so that he could kiss her. His lips took possession of hers as his fingers sunk between her legs. Deftly they parted her folds finding her clit, he echoed the movements of his fingers with his tongue.

Instinctively her hips rolled against the sensation, she closed her legs against the delicious feelings his fingers were sending through her, "don't." she pulled away, her breath hitching in her throat.

"Don't what? Don't touch you? Don't keep you waiting? Don't make you cum?" Ichigo asked sucking her bottom lip into his mouth. Rukia couldn't speak as he gently stroked delicate circles against that one spot. Her mind was spinning, her legs felt like they would not support her, she just wanted to melt back into his arms.

A gasp escaped her as he abruptly filled her so completely. The sudden shock of him burying his cock so deeply inside her sent her spiraling over the edge. "Ich…" his named escaped her lips as she felt the white-hot explosion that erased everything but the feeling of him inside her.

Ichigo pulled her closer as he felt the restraint she had been holding on to snap, "that quick Rukie? Fuck." He groaned into her ear as he continued to thrust into her, her inner walls tightening around him. The immense pleasure of finally being in her again was too much. He wanted it to last but the way she was grinding her hips against him was more than he could handle.

He grasped her hips to still them as he thrusted as deeply as he could, burying himself fully into her. His own orgasm crashed into him and he let go of all conscious thought just giving himself to her warmth and the feel of her soft body beneath his. "Fuck Rukie…" he groaned against her wet nape once his faculties had somewhat returned.

She pushed against his weight trying to disentangle herself from his grasp. "Just give me a moment." Ichigo said, he didn't want to let go of her or slip from the warmth that cradled him so tightly.

"Yo-you got what you wanted." Rukia muttered indignantly putting more force into her movements. Her face was red from embarrassment and shame. Why did her body have to be so wanton and scandalous? She didn't want to enjoy it, she told herself not to feel anything, but it was inevitable.

Ichigo slowly released her and gave her some space. "Now I have some work I have to do, but you are welcome to wait here for me. I'd be glad to answer any questions you have about that night Agent Kuchiki."

Rukia didn't turn around to face him, she quietly dressed hating the wetness between her legs that would be a constant reminder of this humiliation. The smug bastard, didn't he care what kind of torment he was inflicting on her? "If that will be all, I'll be leaving."

Ichigo chuckled, "That's far from all I want from you, but for right now I'm satisfied. Go on back to work Rukie." She could feel him coming closer to her, she hastily opened the door to escape. He caught her by the arm and kissed her lightly on the lips, "It's not polite to fuck and not give your partner a goodbye kiss."

Rukia pulled away from him, "just leave me alone." She countered and he laughed but made no move to stop her as she made her way to the elevator.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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"Are you sure this is what you want to do?" Tōshirō asked after a few minutes of them sitting outside of her parents' small home.

"Yeah, I've made up my mind." Momo answered with a confident nod of her head, "I would like to say it was nice to work with you, but I know that isn't the truth. I'm truly sorry for all the pain that I've caused you and I hope that eventually you will be able to forgive me."

Momo didn't give him another opportunity to shit on her apology by not acknowledging her words. She quickly opened the door and exited his car, "I wish you happiness for many years to come, Tōshirō." She walked away without looking back. Before she had even reached the doorstep the door opened and her mother stood there with a wide smile on her face.

"Hinamori!" she exclaimed throwing her arms around her happily, "welcome home."

"Thanks mom." Momo said hugging her back tightly, she let herself enjoy the warmth and comfort of her mother's embrace remembering the safety and security she used to feel as a child. She wished that life could go back to being that simple, all she had to worry about was homework and chores.

"Are you not going to invite your friend in?" Her mother asked glancing at the young man who watched them from the parked car in front of her house.

Momo pulled away to glance back to where Tōshirō stood watching them. Why was he still there? They had said their goodbyes, there was nothing tethering them together anymore. He should have sped off into the sunset happily the moment she got out of his car. "No, he just gave me a ride home. I'll go see if he needs something else."

"I didn't raise you to be rude dear, Invite him in for dinner." Her mother reprimanded her with a slight frown on her face. "He went out of his way to bring you home, it's the least you can do."

Momo sighed, "Yes mom." She would just tell her he refused and had something else to do. As she approached him, Tōshirō shifted his attention from her mother's prying eyes to watch her. "what are you still doing here?" she demanded when she got into earshot.

"You still have my phone." He answered, he had watched the tender scene in front of him feeling a bit jealous. He had grown up without a family, being passed around from one orphanage to another until he was old enough to fend for himself. He'd never had the love of a mother and seeing Momo with her mother made him resent her that much more.

"Oh, sorry." Momo mumbled suddenly feeling hot, she had totally forgotten about that. She reached into her back pocket and pulled it out then handed it to him. "There you go." She quickly turned on her heels to rush inside. Now there was finally nothing left between them.

"Wait Momo," Tōshirō said stopping her mid-stride, "I don't want you to continue blaming yourself for everything that's happened. Just leave it all in the past and forget about it."

"Is that what you are going to do, forget everything that's happened?" Momo asked without turning to face him. He had probably already classified these past few weeks as nothing but another failed mission that he could use to learn from. If only she could do the same thing and wipe all the memories from her mind so easily. Just turn off everything like there wasn't any emotion involved in what they had been through.

"Of course." Tōshirō replied. It would take him some time for him to forget her completely, but it wasn't like there wasn't anything connecting them. He didn't love her and having sex didn't automatically bind you to that person for life. He only wished that he could remember the experience. He'd never met a woman he had wanted as much as her that night in the club. He supposed it was for the best, he wasn't a man that was used to being tied down. Not to his emotions, or to a woman.

"Fine, I'll do the same. Goodbye Tōshirō." she walked away from the second time not giving him a second glance as she heard his engine start and his car peel away.

Her mother was laying out the dinner ware when she walked into the house, "I'm sorry mom, he said he couldn't stay. He has work he has to finish."

"Well maybe another time then, at least you offered." She responded giving her a warm smile.

Momo went into the kitchen to check out what her mother had prepared for dinner. She hadn't had a good homecooked meal in a while. Usually, she ordered take-out or ate ramen. As usual her mother cooked like it was still the four of them living there instead of just the two of them. She had a nice size pot of nikujaga simmering to the side with all the extras already plated and ready to be served.

Momo took a spoon from the cabinet to taste the stew. She scooped out a small piece of the tender beef and blew on it before she popped it into her mouth. As she chewed and swallowed, she felt a strange sensation in the pit of her stomach. Immediately she rushed to the half bathroom and expelled the little contents of her stomach.

She waited for a moment huddled over the toilet before she rose and splashed some cold water on her face. She regarded her reflection in the mirror, turning her face this way and then that. Just the slight puffiness of her eyes would give away the way she was feeling inside. But that shouldn't make her physically sick. Unhappiness didn't manifest itself like that.

"Are you ok Dear?" her mother asked when she returned to the dining room noticing the pallor of her skin.

"I'm fine, I think I'm just tired." She responded, "I've been working on an important case and finally finished it." More like she finally decided to give up. It had been a lost cause from the beginning. How had she hoped to take down a man as powerful as Ōmaeda by herself?

"That's great, I'm so glad you are doing good at work." Everything was set on the table and she glanced at the clock on the kitchen wall. "Your father should be home any moment, he'll be so happy to see you. But let's not talk about work around him though, okay Hinamori?"

"Certainly mom." Her father had forbidden her from taking the job at the bureau but she had gone against his wishes and done it anyway. Her father didn't want to lose the only other child he had, but she had been headstrong and determined to get revenge for Takaris murder and she had figured that was the best chance she had. So, whenever she came to visit there was no talk about work or Takari.

The front door opened and her father walked in taking off his coat and his hat. He set them on the rack next to the door and then walked into the kitchen. For a moment he paused in the doorway staring at her strangely. "Hinamori, welcome back." He said finally coming fully into the room.

Momo politely bowed her head, "welcome home father." She answered hesitantly suddenly feeling like she was coming before an inquisition. Their relationship was a little strained ever since she had taken that job, but it had never felt this uncomfortable.

Her mother came over to him and placed a kiss on his cheek as she led him towards his seat at the table. "How was work Dear?" she asked him pouring him a glass of sake and setting it in front of him.

"As per usual." He responded taking a big swig of his drink then setting down his glass and turning his attention to the food. He began to pile his bowl with the rice and beef stew before adding a bit of miso soup to another bowl.

That was their que that they were able to start eating also. Momo decided to skip the nikujaga and just stick to the sides. Maybe some plain rice would settle the tumultuous tossing and turning she was feeling in her stomach.

"Your hair looks very nice like that Hinamori." Her mother commented as she took a sip of her soup. Trust her mother to find a topic that would steer the conversation from awkwardness into one that would lighten the mood.

"Thanks mom, it's getting cooler now so I thought bangs would keep me warmer." She said with a small smile.

"It's not to hide the chubbiness of your cheeks?" her father asked, setting down his empty glass. Her mother refilled it before going back to her meal.

"Well that too." Momo said her face turning red. Her father had always been blunt, he didn't finesse his words at all, but she had learned to live with it and take his comments in stride.

"Don't worry about that Dear, that's what makes you look youthful." Her mother said trying to comfort her.

Momo just smiled, taking another small bite of her rice. Her stomach was protesting the food and she wanted to excuse herself but it wouldn't be polite. She should have just refused when Tōshirō asked if she wanted to come to Osaka. She should have told him that she would have made her way to Tokyo on her own.

"Why aren't you eating any nikujaga?" Her father suddenly asked, "Your mother spent a lot of time making it."

"Ah, um I'm not really hungry." Momo answered hoping that excuse would work. Truthfully, she was having a tough time eating anything at all. It couldn't be because she and Tōshirō had parted ways. They barely knew each other. He made it clear she didn't matter to him and he didn't matter to her either.

"Nonsense, you will not be disrespectful while at my table." He said with a scowl on his face.

"Yes father." Momo responded adding some of the beef stew to her rice. She stared down at the hearty vegetables that colored the brown gravy and then stirred them together before taking a small bite. She chewed it hesitantly and then swallowed it.

Again, her stomach protested and she immediately ran for the bathroom. Her father watched her a deep-set frown on his face as he turned to her mother.

When she sat back down, her mother had cleared her dish from her seat and replaced it with a cup of green tea. "Is this why you came back?" Her father demanded with an angry huff.

She wasn't sure what he was talking about, she didn't want to discuss work with him so she just stared at the steaming liquid unsure of how to respond.

"It's okay Dear." Her mother said, placing a sympathetic hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to be afraid."

"Afraid of what?" Momo asked turning towards her mom, only then noticing the tears in her eyes. She rose from her seat and hugged her, "what's wrong mom?" she asked feeling as if she had missed something while in the bathroom.

"Who is the father?" Her dad questioned his voice rising behind them, "Is this why you came back?" he repeated heatedly. Hinamori hadn't been back to visit in almost a year and now she wanted to show up on their doorstep pregnant and alone.

"What are you talking about?" Momo asked just as heatedly turning towards him, "I just came to visit because I finished a case that wasn't far from here. I know how much you hate me working for the bureau so I didn't want to talk about it."

"You're obviously pregnant dear." Her mother whispered to her, so that her father couldn't hear.

Momo froze at her mothers' words, then opened her mouth to rebuff her statement but nothing came out. She took her seat again then looked back at her mother, "Pregnant?" she uttered the word catching in her throat.

Her father stared at her in shock, the anger leaving him instantly. From the look on her face, he realized that she hadn't known herself. So, this visit was just because she missed them and wanted to see them.

"Mom am I really…?" Momo asked tears coming to her eyes, the sudden emotion of it all overwhelmed her and she started crying uncontrollably. How? How could she forget everything now?

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

---

Shinji sighed and rubbed a hand across the back of his neck, he had been sitting outside this rundown building for about an hour waiting for any sign of Hiyori. He had called her cellphone several times and Jinta said this was the exact location that it was pinging. But so far he had seen no sign of her or anyone else for that matter.

He wondered if maybe she was on to him and just left her phone there to throw him off her trail. He wouldn't put it pass her. Shinji smiled to himself as he remembered her reaction to his words. He had been stunned himself that he was finally being honest. Just hearing her voice had made him realize how fleeting life was and how he didn't want to spend it without her anymore.

He guess he should do his due diligence and actually go investigate the building instead of sitting there in his car waiting for her to come out. He knew exactly what he was going to say to her when he saw her again. She hadn't believed him when he said the words but then again if he had been through all the shit she had he wouldn't either.

Shinji stepped out of his vehicle, pausing momentarily to lock it up before he surveyed the area. There were several boarded up windows and two doors with spray-paint all over them. Any of them should be a viable entrance. He casually made his way over to one of the doors and tried the handle, it turned easily and swung open.

A bevy of heads turned in his direction as he walked in and all conversation stopped.

Shinji coughed glancing around the room just to make sure she wasn't present, but his eyes landed on her blonde head laying on the table. Even as the silence blanketed the room, she didn't lift her head.

"Can we help you?" one of the men asked gruffly rising from his seat.

"Actually, yeah. I have some business with the young lady here." Shinji stated and casually walked over to where Hiyori sat. He nudged her on the shoulder, but she didn't budge, "I'll just be borrowing her for a while." Boldy, he scooped her up into his arms and headed for the door.

"What the fuck do you think you are doing?" another man asked jumping to his feet, his chair falling back in the process.

Shinji flipped his jacket to the side to flash his gun that was holstered at his side, "I really don't want any trouble guys." He flashed them a charming grin daring anyone of them to object to him taking her.

They turned towards a man that was seated at the head of the table, he gave a short shake of his head and they both sat down allowing him to leave. Shinji didn't look back as he held Hiyori tightly and walked out. She felt so light in his arms, so fragile.

It wasn't until he sat her in the passenger seat that he noticed the black eye, or the way her lip was split and bruised. He took a deep breath to calm the sudden fury that rose up in him at the sight. This would be the last time that she would ever be hurt by anyone, he would make sure of that. Shinji brushed the hair from her face to stare for a moment at the woman who had unexpectedly captured his heart.

"How long are you going to stand there?" she muttered, not opening her eyes.

"I missed you too." Shinji replied reaching over to buckle her seatbelt, she grasped his arm to stop him.

"What are you doing?" Finally, she opened her eyes and turned to face him a scowl on her pretty face.

"We are going home, and you have to be safe." He replied grinning at her. He didn't realize just how much he had missed her sarcastic attitude.

"Home?" Hiyori scoffed with a bitter shake of her head. "That's not my home. I don't belong anywhere."

"It can be Hiyori."

"Why can't you just let it go? I already told you it meant nothing to me."

"Well, it meant something to me. I'm not going to let you ruin your life. Look at what they did to your beautiful face." Shinji carefully brushed his fingers against her bruised lips, "I would never let this happen to you."

Hiyori pulled away from his touch, "You don't understand anything."

"I understand that you feel like you are trapped because Umesada paid for you. I understand that you feel like you don't deserve happiness. But I also understand that I love you and I would do anything to prove that to you."

Hiyori pushed him away angrily, "Will you stop with that bullshit." She climbed out of his car and put some distance between them. Why was he doing this to her? Sooner or later he would realize that he didn't really care about her and then he would leave and she'd be alone again. She wouldn't allow him to do that to her. "I have work to do."

Shinji pulled her into his arms stopping her from leaving, "Don't do this Hiyori. If it's about money, I have enough for the both of us. You would never have to work again." He held her firmly as she struggled to get out of his embrace, "If you are afraid of Umesada. I can protect you from him."

"Its not about that," Hiyori said stilling in his arms, "I don't love you, and I never will." She said her voice emotionless and full of conviction.

Shinji released her the words cutting him to his core, he couldn't see her face but he could imagine the same cold expressionless visage as that night when she had shot him. "Hiyori-"

"Just stop, let it go." She interrupted him. "now that I spelled it out for you. Hopefully, it will sink into that thick skull of yours." Hiyori walked away without another word. As she made her way towards the doorway it opened and the two men who had questioned him before stepped out.

"Ya haven't taken care of him yet?" the taller one said to Hiyori with a frown.

"He's leaving." Hiyori replied derisively trying to push past them.

"Hiyori!" Shinji yelled after her, "You don't have to keep doing this."

"Idiot, just go." She muttered. Why for once couldn't he do the smart thing and just get in his car and drive away. She could lie and say he was just some person she owed money to or someone throw away like that that wouldn't warrant any more attention. But if he kept at his stupid antics, he was going to garner too much attention.

"Well here lies the dilemma, I'm not leaving without you."

Keiji smirked down at her. "I guess we'll have t' take care of him after all." He pulled out his switchblade and she hastily grabbed him by his arm.

"Shinji, just leave, now!" She yelled over to him dread filling her. She had tried to avoid this from the beginning, she didn't want him to get hurt because of her. Why couldn't he just read the room like a normal person?

Keiji backhanded her as hard as he could and she went flying her head slamming against the hard concrete wall. Her head felt fuzzy all of a sudden and she felt something wet running down the back of her neck. As her eyes slid close, she saw the blurry figure of Shinji jump-kicking Keiji off his feet.

Shinji didn't give the second guy a chance to attack before he punched him square in the jaw sending him reeling on his feet. What type of man would put their hands on a woman half their size so brutally? He approached the guy who had attacked Hiyori, he had landed a few feet from her body.

He kicked him again hard in the stomach and blood spurted from his parted lips, "Keep it together Shinji." He had to remind himself. If he weren't part of the bureau, he would have taken a page from some of his more illicit friends. He didn't kill without a reason.

From behind he could sense the other guy approaching him, he sidestepped him and quickly grabbed him by the hair slamming his head against the concrete wall. It made a sickening but pleasing thud as it bounced off and his unconscious body fell to the floor next to his buddy. He wanted to do more, to take out all his frustrations on these two assholes. There was no doubt that Hiyori's injuries were gained from one or both of them.

He would not stoop to that level, but he knew someone who could. As gently as he could, he picked up Hiyori and brought her to his car. He laid her in the passenger seat, laying it as flat as he could and buckled her in. He knew there was going to be hell to pay once Umesada realized what happened but he didn't care. All he cared about was that he had Hiyori and she was going to be safe with him.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

---

Ishida knocked on the door of their hotel room briskly. After the phone had hung up with Rangiku he had immediately called Gin to let him know what was going on. At least she had been smart and called emergency services before calling him. He told Gin to head to the hospital and he would head to the Sakura Inn to make sure that Orihime was safe and sound.

There wasn't any answer to his knocking and he knew this was the room in which they were staying. He had informed the manager of the situation and now in hindsight he realized he should have asked for a key. But he hadn't been thinking rationally at the time, Rangiku had been so frantic about Tosen coming there to kill Orihime his mind had been set on just making it there in time to save her.

"Damnit." He cursed, what if he was too late and Tosen had already gotten to her? What if she wasn't answering because she was dead? Why did he let her out of his sight? Ishida took a step back and pulled out his gun, he aimed it at the handle and shot it off. The door swung open with a slight creak. The entire room was cloaked in darkness except for a single light that filtered out from the bathroom.

He switched on the main light switch and glanced around, nothing seemed to be amiss. Maybe she had just stepped out and he was just overreacting. Ishida breathed a sigh of relief as he took a seat on the edge of the bed to try and compose himself. He couldn't let himself keep getting so involved, his heart was still pounding like it was about to burst out of his chest. This is the exact reason why he liked to keep his personal life separate from work.

How long was he prepared to sit here and wait for her before he got worried? Just a few minutes? An hour? That anxiousness was starting again and he rose from his seat to start pacing. He went to the window to look out of it. All he could see was the dazzling star lights of the night sky and the errant car as they drove by.

Suddenly he glanced to his right side as he noticed a slight movement in the heavy fabric of the curtains. He stepped closer and there was another slight movement but in the opposite direction. "Orihime?" He asked reaching out to pull away the thick blue fabric.

"Shida-Kun?" just her frightened face popped out to glance up at him, then she disentangled herself from her hiding spot and threw her arms around him. "It is you. I was so scared. I thought it was Aizen!"

Ishida allowed her to embrace him, although he did not reciprocate the action. She didn't seem to notice as she clung to him tightly. Well, she had done an excellent job at hiding, he'd suspect that anyone else would have already left thinking the room had been empty. "We have to go now Orihime." He said gently pushing her from him. "Something has happened to Rangiku."

"What? What happened?" Orihime's face fell, her happiness immediately died inside her. Seeing Ishida here she thought that Rangiku had indeed kept her promise and called him so that they would be safe again, but now he was telling her it was because something bad happened to her. She just couldn't win.

"I'm not sure. When she called it sounded like she was being transported to the hospital." He conveniently left out the part of her stating that she was dying. He was hoping that she got medical attention in time to survive, and he hadn't heard anything from Gin in the negative sense so he was optimistic.

"I managed to track the signal of where she was calling from. It wasn't far from here and there is only one hospital in town. Grab your belongings, more than likely we will not be returning." Ishida said knowing for a fact that she wasn't going to be returning. If he had to handcuff her to the damn car that's what he was going to do.

"Ok," Orihime responded picking up Rangiku's bag then hesitantly grabbing Gin's bag also. This was good, she would have the opportunity to return it to him and apologize for stealing his stuff.

Ishida led her out only stopping at the front desk to leave his card where the manager could send the bill for the door repair. The drive was silent and he preferred it that way. Otherwise, he would probably end up berating her for running off and ending up in this situation in the first place. How could she be so foolish to leave the safety that they were providing and stay in a place that had been so easily accessible? What if Tosen had indeed gotten to her first? Aizen would have gotten what he wanted and both sisters would be dead.

"Ishida I'm sorry," Orihime said as they pulled up to the hospital parking lot. "I didn't want to leave you, y-you know that I-" it was as if she remembered something and a frown took over her features, "Never mind. I'm just happy that Rangiku is safe." She opened the door grabbing the black knapsack and getting out.

Ishida removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes, what was he going to do with her? He followed behind her hoping that they weren't walking into a shitstorm.

As they approached the entrance, he noticed Gin pacing outside on the phone.

"There's no need, I can handle Tosen on my own." Gin said trying to keep his anger in check, that fucker dared to put his hands on Rangiku. "I'm going to rip his fucking heart out."

Ishida hurriedly grabbed Orihime's arm and pulled her into the door hoping she hadn't heard any of his conversation. There was no doubt in his mind that Gin was capable of doing just that. If he was honestly going to do it was yet to be seen.

"Which room is Rangiku Matsumoto in?" Orihime asked as they approached the nurse's station.

"Are you a relative?" the nurse asked looking up from her computer.

"I'm her sister." Orihime responded pulling out her wallet to show her ID as proof.

"She's in room 304." The nurse answered then went back to her work.

Gin walked in with a forced smile on his face. "Orihime, Ran's sleeping right now but I bet she'd be happy to feel your presence."

"Um, yeah I think so too." She turned to go then paused, "Oh, I'm sorry we took this." She apologized and handed him his black knapsack with the money and guns.

Gin couldn't help but chuckle, "This doesn't belong to me. It was meant as a gift for Ran."

Orihime stared at him curiously for a moment then politely accepted the bag when he gave it back to her. "Thank you, Gin."

"It's, nothing. Ishida, can I discuss something with ya?"

"I'll be there in a moment Orihime," Ishida said to Orihime and waited for her to head off in the direction of Rangiku's room before he followed Gin out of the hospital.

"I need you to stay with Ran and Orihime for a while." Gin said the moment they were outside, "I'm going to go take care of the problem."

"I'm going to pretend that I didn't hear that, I am a federal agent. I want no part in the crime that is about to happen." Ishida responded, he should turn around right now and go back into the hospital. He didn't want to be implicated in any wrongdoing.

"That's fine, just know that if Tosen isn't taken care of Orihime is next."

Ishida sighed that was Rangiku's plea for him to save her before Tosen was able to get to her too. She wouldn't be safe if he were still around, "Okay, do you need a weapon?"

"No, I just need you to stay with the girls." Gin said, he had come prepared. After he had gotten the anxious call from Ishida, he knew exactly what he was going to do. Tosen was not going to survive the night.

"And after that?" Once Tosen was dead what was their next plan of action? Surely Aizen would not give up.

"And after that I'll be back with a plan." Gin said with a grin, "It won't take me long."

XX

Gin watched Tosen as he dressed his wound carefully. He must have irritated it while stabbing Matsumoto and that's why he had not gone after Orihime right away. He probably didn't know that she had a phone on her and thought she was dead right now. How could he still be so blind to Aizen's wickedness?

Seeing Matsumoto laying in that hospital bed had boiled his blood, something in him had snapped. He had told himself he had left that life behind; he wasn't going to take pleasure in killing anymore. But as he watched Tosen he felt the need to feel his blood run cold on his fingers. This fucker wanted to take away the only woman he had ever loved. If he hadn't been injured by Nnoitra he may have been successful. The realization of that brought everything in perspective. He couldn't let her go.

Gin pulled out his small katana and walked towards Tosen. He made no effort to mask his steps or his presence. He wanted him to know he was here, he wanted him to know who it was that was going to end his life.

Tosen turned towards him his white eyes landing directly on the blade he had pointed at his throat. "Ichimaru, what brings you here?" he asked with a smug smirk on his lips. In one hand he held a pistol which he had pointed directly at his heart.

"You've been busy tonight."

"Is that a question?" Tosen asked sensing the tight reign he was holding on to his emotions. He could almost see the rage on his face, he could almost feel the heat from the anger that radiated from him.

"Don't fucking play with me. What did Aizen hope to gain by having ya kill her?" Gin didn't even know why he was asking these questions. Why did Aizen do anything he did?

"Her? I'm at a loss here." Tosen said with a shake of his head, "The only her I was tasked to kill was taken out by Nnoitra."

Of course, why would he think Tosen would admit to his crimes? Thoughtlessly he stabbed him right through the neck. The sharp blade slid easily through his skin until it came out the back of his neck. Gin decapitated him watching as his unseeing eyes rolled back into his skull. His head fell to the floor with a sickening thud and blood gushed from the open wound.

Gin looked down at Tosen's body slowly wiping the blood from his katana on piece of bandage that Tosen had been using to dress his wounds. The next order of business was Aizen. Now that Tosen was dead, he would be vulnerable. He would let Nnoitra know so he could handle it.

He didn't give a second thought to his body as he walked out and headed back to the hospital.

XX

The room was somber when he walked in. Orihime was sitting with her head lying next to Rangiku and Ishida was on his phone in the corner. He nodded in his direction to let him know that the deed was done.

"Let's step outside for a moment." Ishida said, approaching him. "So, what's the plan?" he asked once they were out in the hallway.

"When I spoke to the doc earlier, he said Ran should be fine to leave in a few days. I will stay with her, but I want ya to take Orihime somewhere else. I don't want both of 'em to be easy pickings for Aizen. Now that Tosen is gone he's going to be incensed."

"I can do that." Ishida responded, he had already been in contact with Ukitake and requested a few days off foreseeing something like this. Preemptively he had told Orihime that she and Rangiku may be separated again, even though they had just been reunited.

Orihime had been unhappy about it until he explained that it was for their own safety. She would have to stay with him for a little longer and then her spirits had precipitously picked up. She had readily agreed to go with him and leave Rangiku in Gin's care again.

"Good, once Ran's ok to leave I have somewhere safe she can stay while we take care of Aizen."

"We?" Ishida asked, another murder that he didn't want to be privy too. Although he knew how evil Aizen was and he was a wanted man, his job was not killing the criminal. His job was rescuing civilians and hostages.

"An old colleague of mine." Gin laughed at the look on Ishida's face, "You can pretend that you didn't hear this either."

"You must understand where I am coming from, my job-"

"I know, I know. So right now your job will be the same. Just protect Orihime and I'll do the dirty work. Agreed?" Gin asked, as of right now he was the only one he could trust or depend upon.

"Agreed." Ishida answered. If it meant that Orihime would be safe, he would turn a blind eye to whatever Gin was planning. All that mattered now was that Tosen was taken care of and soon Aizen would be too.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

---

Urahara was anxious to leave. It wasn't like he was in a hurry to get home and confront Yoruichi, but he wanted everything out in the open. He was tired of feeling loved one minute and used the next. He was just waiting for Ururu to bring him the transcripts from her conversation with Unohana so he could go over them before he made a final decision on what he was going to do.

Maybe Jinta had forgotten about them? He glanced at the clock; it was almost quitting time for everyone. He picked up his phone to give him a call, he never mastered the calling on the computer thing that Jinta always did.

There was a knock on his door and then surprisingly Jinta entered with thick folder in his hands. Usually, Ururu did all the leg work and the only time Jinta left his office was for meetings. "I brought the transcripts. There are two different ones. After she finished with that I.I.D agent she was at it with Ōmaeda. All the important stuff is on the top." He set the folder down on his desk with a heavy sigh.

"Where's Ururu?" Urahara couldn't help but ask.

"Um, she went to the convenience store um… for a few um… things." Jinta answered his face turning red.

Urahara shook his head, he felt bad for them. "You got another long night planned? I know a guy that does real estate, he has some nice apartments that are really affordable. I can talk to him for you, if you like."

"I haven't really talked to her about that." Jinta responded nervously running his hand through his hair.

"Well, I'm sure she'll say yes. It's better than sneaking home at all hours of the night don't you think?" Urahara supposed that once they moved in together, Ururu wouldn't have to hide her relationship with him. He wondered if her parents really thought that she worked until midnight every night. "Anyways, sometimes a little privacy and a bed goes a long way." Urahara added with a grin.

If it was possible Jinta's face turned redder and whatever he was about to say got caught in his throat, he coughed and looked away "well I got lots of work to do, Boss." He hastily turned on his heels and walked out.

Urahara chuckled to himself, young love was just so wonderful to be privy to. He turned his attention to the folder with the transcripts and began going through it. For both Unohana and Ōmaeda she was planning on setting up a drop point on Friday in the Kanagawa prefecture. He would love to see how she was going to pull that off.

Well, he guessed Zaraki would get his wish. He would have to contact Hisagi but he shouldn't be that hard to get ahold of. Once the arrangements were in place, he would let Zaraki in on the plan so he could act accordingly. That would take care of her and Ōmaeda's death would just be an unfortunate product of the aftermath.

Now it was time for him to go home and confront Yoruichi. Urahara let out a deep sigh and glanced at the damning evidence in front of him. Did he really want to pop the little bubble they were living in? It had been three years since he could say he had been anywhere close to feeling as happy as he had been recently. Did he really want to drive her away, was her trusting him that important? There couldn't be love without trust.

"Fuck it all." Urahara muttered to himself, he loved her and no matter what she did that would never change. If she didn't trust him, there was a reason and he had to find out why. He wouldn't give up on her or a chance at having happiness with her.

XX

Yoruichi was sitting on the couch watching tv when he walked in. Her head turned towards him and she flashed him a sexy smile when she caught sight of him. Immediately she jumped up and came over to him. She wrapped her arms around him and planted a kiss on his lips, "You're late." She purred against his lips.

Urahara couldn't hold on to his anger, and all the things he had wanted to say to her disappeared from his mind. How could he be mad with a greeting like that? He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close, "I'm sorry Hun, there's just so much for me to do at work."

"Sure, sure." She whispered running her hands down his chest, "I had dinner ready and everything." She paused momentarily before slipping her fingers to the waistband of his pants. She smirked up at him as she undid his fly and slipped her fingers inside.

"Whoa, Yori." He stilled her hand, "A bit eager today?" He couldn't let this happen. She was trying to distract him. Maybe she was feeling guilty and she knew using sex was the way to do it.

"Come on Kisuke." Yoruichi pouted licking his lips, "I've been thinking about your cock all day." she slipped her tongue into his mouth as she slipped her fingers around him and fully grasped his quickly hardening cock.

How could he say no to that? She knew exactly how to get him to forget about everything but her. She knew exactly what got him off and she was using her fingers to stroke his cock head just so that any moment he would explode. Coupled with the way her tongue was rubbing against his he didn't think he would last much longer.

"Wait Yori…" he groaned, his voice coming out much more ragged than he expected, he didn't want to cum in her hands. He wanted to feel her legs wrapped around him and the bite of her nails as he emptied himself into her.

Yoruichi nipped him on the chin then released him with a giggle, "Fine Kisuke, but I could have waited." She teased slowly pulling down her pants. "It's not like I haven't been waiting all day."

"You should have called me." He responded sinking to his knees in front of her. He just needed a moment and tasting her would give him plenty of time to not bust the moment he entered her. He pulled her hips towards him laying one of her caramel thighs on his shoulder then buried his face in the smooth apex of them.

He used his tongue to expertly spread her lips to tease her sweet spot. Her delicious nectar coated his tongue and made him want more; he could never get enough of her. He pulled the swollen bulb into his lips sucking it fervently, "Urahara…" Yoruichi moaned thrusting her hips.

He groaned using his tongue to stroke in tune with the soft roll of her body, He glanced up at her and their eyes met. Her fingers tightened in his hair and she stilled as her orgasm hit her. He continued to suckle at her delicate flesh until her fingers loosened and her eyes met his again.

She let out a long-satisfied sigh and smiled down at him. "I think that's what I was dreaming about day."

Urahara rose to his feet and kissed her, "so that's all I'm good for?"

Yoruichi nodded and kissed him back suckling his bottom lip between hers. She pulled down his pants and pushed him onto the couch. She straddled him grasping his cock, he grabbed her hips helping her position herself so that they met in the middle. It was like paradise when he was finally inside of her.

Urahara let out the breath he had been holding and just held her tightly feeling the warmth of her body for a moment before he began thrusting his hips. Yoruichi leaned in to kiss him as she began to grind her hips in time with his upward thrusts. It wouldn't take long for her to reach that pinnacle again, even if she wanted it to last.

His hands came up to cup her breasts through her blouse, kneading the tender flesh as their tongues played against each other. His rhythm picked up and she did her did her best to forget about everything else but the way her body was feeling at the moment.

Urahara pulled her hard against him burying himself fully inside her and she could feel the heat of his cum spilling into her. She let herself go burying her face against his shoulder as she let the tremors of her own orgasm wash over her.

They stayed like that for a while, neither one of them wanting to let go of the wonderful haze that surrounded them. Urahara was the first to move, stroking Yoruichi's hair in a tender manner.

"I could stay like this forever." She whispered against his chest with a sated sigh.

He contemplated if that was true or not. If she really didn't want to leave then why was she still trying to sell the evidence to get money? Why wasn't she trying to clear her name? He didn't want to ruin the perfect mood so he wouldn't refute that claim. "Me too Yori, I would love to just stay home every day and make love to you."

She huffed prettily, "what would we do for money?"

"I've got plenty." He answered still stroking her soft hair. He'd always loved the feel and smell of it. Although she said she preferred his scraggily hair better. "I could retire and we could go live in the mountains if you just say the word."

Yoruichi took a deep breath and he felt the sudden change in her. She sat up abruptly "I'm going to take a shower."

Urahara grabbed her by the arm before she could get up, "No, not right now Yori. Let's talk about this."

"About what Urahara?" Yoruichi said with a curt shake of her head. "Don't ruin the mood." She made a move to get up again, but he held her firmly in his lap.

"Let's talk honestly about our future Yori-"

"Why do you want to bring that up now? Can't you just enjoy the here and now?" she angrily interrupted him, her words causing him to take an internal step back. So, he had been right, she had been using him the whole time.

Everything had been part of her ploy to stay safe in hiding while she found someone to buy the dirt she had on Aizen. It was never about clearing her name, or turning over a new leaf it was always about the money. Why couldn't he see it before? Why did he always get suckered in by her beautiful face and conniving words?

"The fuck I can," Urahara retorted heatedly "when any moment you will just disappear for another three years."

Yoruichi rolled her eyes, "I really don't know what you want from me Urahara. I'm here now, I'm not going anywhere. Isn't that enough?"

"You know damn well it's not. I need all of you Yori," he reached out to gently caress her cheek, "like before. I want you to trust me."

So that's what this was about, she should have known. He would never understand what it felt like to be constantly taken care of by someone. For once she wanted to bring something to the table and not have to just rely on him for everything. Then she could be on some sort of equal footing with Kisuke and leave that life of petty crime behind. It was a win-win for her, she'd make some cash off Aizen and Aizen would get blackmailed.

Just because she wanted to do things her way didn't mean she didn't trust him. She just didn't want to feel forever indebted to him. Yoruichi let out a sigh, "I trust you Urahara."

"Then let me help you, I can-"

"You wouldn't understand. This is something I have to do otherwise I don't think I'll ever be able to settle down." She replied straightforwardly her hazel eyes holding his. "Please, just let me do this Urahara."

"Okay Hun." Urahara said with a soft smile, but he couldn't let that happen. Even if he didn't have the actual evidence, he was still going to go ahead with his plan to take out Unohana and Ōmaeda. He would just have Jinta intercept their correspondences from then on. Even if she said that she trusted him this was her belying that point.

"Thank you Kisuke, now I'm going to take a shower. You are welcomed to join me." She leaned in to give him a light kiss on his lips before standing to her feet. She didn't wait for an answer as she turned and headed towards his bedroom.

His lap felt suddenly bereft of her warmth as he got up and picked up their discarded clothing "Sure Hun, I'll be right there."

He had to make a mental note to have Jinta get started on that asap, he didn't want any more interactions between them. He wasn't sure what she was planning to do with all that money once she got it but it wouldn't bode well for him.

As Urahara was removing the rest of his clothes to get in the shower his phone started ringing. He glanced at the screen a feeling of dread washing over him as he saw Shunsui's number pop up. It was pretty late to be a courtesy call, "Hello?"

Nanao's terse voice greeted him, "We are at Kagoshima Main hospital. It's imperative that you come quickly."

"What are you doing there? Did something happen to Shunsui?" he was already shuffling back into his clothing and searching for his keys.

"No, Nelliel was shot." She replied. "They are taking her into surgery now. Please make haste." With that Nanao disconnected the line.

Urahara opened the bathroom door, "Yori, I'll be back later, something important came up at work."

"Should I wait up?" she asked poking her head out of the shower curtain.

He took the few steps inside to give her a brief kiss, "No go to bed Hun. Love you."

"Love you too." She replied intuitively and gave him another peck before he walked out.

He guessed he would just have to wait until he got there to get the full story.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

---

Nel sighed to herself as she walked home. She hadn't felt well so she had requested the rest of the day off. At first, she didn't want to reveal that she was pregnant, but she ended up having to tell Mr. Reid about the morning sickness just being too much for her to manage that day. Ms. Fukada had congratulated her and asked when her husband would be making an appearance. That had for some reason caused her to breakdown immediately.

No matter how optimistic she tried to be about what the future would hold for her, she knew deep down that Nnoitra would never really be part of it. He didn't love her and he probably wouldn't have any love for the baby she was carrying. He was a wanted criminal, things like that didn't just go away. If he was found he was going to be arrested and locked up for the rest of his life. She would never get to see him again, their child would not know their father, that's just how it was going to be.

There was a strange car parked outside her small house when she got there. A bearded man with long dark hair sat outside on her porch on his cellphone while a woman she couldn't really see sat next to him on a laptop. Nel wondered if she should keep walking, as she had never seen them before.

"Hikari!" The woman said with a wave as she caught sight of her, "Dear we were wondering when you would get home."

The man looked up from his phone call and flashed her a bright smile, "I'll have to call you back."

Nel put on a faux smile and walked over to where they sat. They called her by her alias so maybe they were sent here by Mr. Urahara? "Hello, I wasn't expecting you guys." She said hesitantly.

"Now, now Hikari how can you say that? when your favorite uncle and aunt comes to visit all you can say is I wasn't expecting you guys?" The man got to his feet and enveloped her in a big bear hug. "Your father, Kisuke, couldn't make it so we decided to come instead."

Nel breathed a sigh of relief, so they did work for Mr. Urahara, maybe she could air her grievance with them and they would be more understanding. "Shunsui put the girl down already." Nanao commanded closing her laptop.

"Nanao, I'm a hugger, that's what I do." Shunsui said with a pout but set Nel down.

Nel smiled at both realizing the reason for the exchange, now she knew both of their names. "Let's go inside." She said opening the door and leading the way in.

"It's a nice place you got here Sweetie." Shunsui commented as he surveyed the sparsely decorated living room. "Nanao-chan." He called out to Nanao who was busy setting their things on the table.

When she approached, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him so that he could whisper something in her ears. Nel watched them a pang of jealousy running through her. How she wished that she could have had just a tiny semblance of a normal relationship with Nnoitra. Maybe right now she wouldn't be so unhappy.

Nanao smiled up at Shunsui and adjusted her glasses on her nose then turned away from him. Nanao had headed off in the direction of the bathroom and the bedrooms.

Shunsui continued his exploration of her home, opening her fridge, "Hikari, let's get some lunch, my treat."

"Um, sure." Nel answered uncertainly. She could easily make them something there, she had plenty of food as he could more than likely see by looking in her fridge.

Nanao reappeared by his side and gathered their belongings without a word. They exited her home and they waited patiently while she locked up. "You don't have a car?" Shunsui asked.

"No, I work about ten minutes away." Nel replied, "Its good exercise. Plus, the air here is nice its very relaxing."

When they got into his car and started on their way, Nanao was the first to drop the pretenses. "Did Urahara tell you he was installing monitoring devices in your home?"

"No, I-I don't think he's ever been out here." Nel replied bewildered.

"I assumed as much." Shunsui said with a shake of his curly head, "Urahara sent us here to check on you because of a phone call you made to him. Are you having problems with someone?"

"Wait so you mean someone is spying on me?" Nell asked not sure if that is what they were saying. She always had a paranoid feeling but she thought it was just in her head. All this time she had been right. It had to be Shiyori, but when had he had a chance to enter her home?

"Your entire house is bugged." Nanao replied, "Are you having problems with anyone?" she reiterated Shunsui's question.

"There is this guy." Nel started uncertain of how to explain the situation. It wasn't as if he had done anything to hurt her, but his presence just made her feel uncomfortable. Like a feeling of anxiety would just come over her whenever she saw him and she didn't know why.

"Come now, Nelliel. We are here to help and it's important to get all the details." Nanao laid a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"His name is Shiyori. He makes me feel apprehensive." She paused trying to find the right words, "I don't know how to describe it, but he's always around. I tried to tell him I was married and he said he knew my husband. I don't know, I just get a bad feeling from him."

Nanao took out her laptop and began typing away at it. "Don't worry, we'll get to the bottom of this before we leave. I've cleared my schedule for this week so we have plenty of time to figure out what this guy's problem is." Shunsui said pulling up to the only restaurant in town.

Nel felt a bit better knowing she wouldn't be alone for a few days. Even if she didn't really know them, she knew that they had her wellbeing in mind and that made the loneliness seem to dissipate a little. Hopefully, Shiyori would see them with her and keep his distance.

The restaurant was decently busy for the lunch hour, all eyes were on them as they walked in. That was one thing she had gotten used to when she first moved there, new people garnered stares until they weren't new anymore. Once they were seated she could hear the whispers about them, no doubt Ms. Fukada would be asking about it in the morning.

Before even the waitress could come to the table, Nel felt that familiar feeling and she glanced up. Shiyori grinned at her from across the room then got to his feet.

Shunsui felt the way she tensed next to him and looked up at the man that approached their table, immediately on guard. From all outward appearances there wasn't anything suspicious about him, his features seemed amicable enough except for the bandage around his neck.

"Hikari, funny seeing you here." He said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Nel swallowed unable to speak, why was he calling her that now when he always called her 'Ellie'? "Um.." she managed as a shiver ran through her.

"It's rude to approach a table and not introduce yourself." Nanao stated giving him a scathing look.

"Oh, please forgive me." He replied just as mockingly, "I'm a friend of Hikari's. The names Shiyori."

"Well, we are having a private lunch." Nanao said, "I'm sure you could see that before you walked over here. Have a good day, Mr. Shiyori."

Momentarily his face darkened and Shiyori looked like he wanted to say something back to her but instead he just smiled politely, "You guys as well. See you later Ellie." With that he turned and walked out of the restaurant.

Nel finally let out the breath that she had been holding, she felt like she was going to break down in a puddle of frazzled nerves. Shunsui put a comforting arm around her, holding her close as she got her bearings back.

"Nanao-Chan, did he seem familiar to you?" he said keeping his voice low so that only the occupants of their table could hear.

"Unfortunately, yes," she answered with a frown, "He looks-" she paused to find the right word "different, but I suspect that it could be him."

Shunsui's frown now mirrored hers, if it was indeed who they were thinking Nelliel was in trouble. She couldn't stay here alone. It was a wonder that he hadn't done anything to her yet. But Nelliel was an attractive woman, maybe he had plans on her? He'd have to let Urahara know the situation and how dire it was that she be placed somewhere else quickly.

He could feel how frightened the poor girl was, he didn't want to cause her anymore anxiety. Especially if what Nanao had told him was true and she was pregnant, he didn't want to add any excess stress if he could help it. Right now, they had to take her mind off of what just happened and then they would get her out of there.

"I'm starving." Shunsui said suddenly, "Hello can we get some service over here?!" he said loudly to a passing waitress.

Nanao's eyes widened at his outburst and she slapped him on his arm. So far he had been on his best behavior and she had been amazed that he hadn't shown his unabashed personality not once, but she had known at some point he was going to embarrass her. "Please show some decorum, we are in public."

"Don't be like that Nanao-chan," he whined, "we've been sitting here for a while and no one's come to serve us yet. I'm just trying to get someone's attention."

"There are appropriate ways to go about it," she said with a shake of her head.

"I'm sorry for the wait." A waitress appeared next to their table with a pen and paper in hand a plastic smile on her face.

Nel sat through lunch observing everything like she was in the third person. She couldn't taste the food she ordered or comprehend the conversation that was going on around of her. The only thing she could think about was that Shiyori must be someone dangerous. If Shunsui and Nanao worked with Urahara and they were wary of him, then that must mean he was a real threat.

She would ask them to take her with them when they left. Surely Mr. Urahara wouldn't leave her here where she was in danger. Even if she couldn't return to Tokyo there had to be someplace else that he wouldn't be able to find her.

"Are you ready Dear?" Shunsui nudged her gently concerned with the little she participated in the conversation and the amount of food that still remained on her plate. She must still be really shaken up from the encounter with Shiyori earlier.

"Yes, I'm done."

They all headed towards the exit, only pausing briefly so that Shunsui could pay their check before he held open the door for them. The evening air was cool and brisk and Nel took a deep breath, she would miss the nights here.

The drive back was quiet and short. She kind of wanted to ask what their thoughts on the situation were, but she held her tongue. Maybe they were assessing everything and would give their honest opinions to Mr. Urahara. She would give them tonight to sleep on it before she talked to them about it.

When they pulled up the lights in her house were on, she couldn't remember if she turned them off or not. Nel unbuckled her seat belt and reached for the door handle. "Wait." Nanao said stopping her as Shunsui got out of the driver's seat and approached her home.

He silently headed towards the back of the house and they both watched him nervously. After about ten minutes he still hadn't returned, Nanao frowned and crossed her arms worriedly. She hadn't heard any gunshots so that was a good sign, right? He should have either been back by now or made some sort of commotion.

"Let's go Nelliel, stay close to me." Nanao reached below the seat in front of her and pulled out her small revolver and tucked it into the waistband of her skirt. She pulled her jacket close around her to cover the slight bulge it made at her side.

Nel nodded and they headed towards the direction that Shunsui had disappeared earlier.

"Ah, so you finally decide to make an appearance?" Shiyori said throwing a casual glance in their direction as they rounded the corner. Both he and Shunsui had guns pointed at each other.

"Cut the bullshit Syazel." Shunsui said drawing his attention from the two women, "Answer my question."

Syazel grinned at Nel, "Like I explained to Ellie here, I wanted a fresh start. But then, something exquisite caught my eye. What are the chances that I would end up in the same place as his woman? You still don't understand do you Nelliel?"

Shunsui didn't like the way he was looking at her, "Nanao" he said with a curt nod of his head. She understood and grabbed Nel by the hand ready to hightail it out of there.

"Not so fast." Syazel yelled pulling out another revolver and pointing it at them, "take one more step and I'll blow her fucking head off."

Nanao pulled Nel behind her, drawing her own weapon.

"None of this is necessary you know." Syazel said waving his gun from Nanao to Shunsui, "I'm not sure why you chose now to show up, but your timing couldn't be more unfortunate." Syazel then muttered with a shrug of his thin shoulders. "I'm just here for her."

"You'll have to go through us first." Shunsui stated standing his ground. From the moment they had pulled up he had sensed something was wrong, he just hadn't thought that Syazel would have revealed himself this early. He was hoping for another tit-for-tat mind game before he played his hand, but it looks like he was getting desperate. Syazel must have realized that them being there might mean trouble for whatever plans he had for Nelliel.

"That's not a problem for me, I don't care about murdering women," Syazel said turning both of his weapons on Nel and Nanao. In that moment, Shunsui took the opportunity to rush him with all his might, trying to knock his weapons from his hands.

Nanao grabbed Nel by her arm and pulled her towards the thick vegetation that surrounded the outskirts of the side of her yard. Two gunshots rang out in the darkness and suddenly Nel stumbled to her knees, a sharp stabbing pain slicing through her.

She couldn't breathe as her throat closed up feeling suddenly full of liquid like she was drowning, she coughed trying to get air into her lungs. She couldn't gulp enough air to keep herself from suffocating. Immediately Nanao was at her side, faintly she could hear her talking to someone and then Shunsui was there.

"Nnoi-" Everything was going dark around her; all she could feel was the slight chill of the night air and the warmth of Nanao's arms as she cradled her gently. All she could think about was the last time Nnoitra held her in his arms and whispered her name. If only it was him right now, she could die and be happy. Tears slid from her eyes as she let go of all conscious thought and slipped into the darkness that beckoned her.

---

A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed it!