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.
Ishida's phone dinged again and he sighed not wanting to be bothered once again. What in the world could she find so fascinating that she had to constantly keep entering his personal space? It had been a few days now since they had left Rangiku in the hospital and he had taken her to his home. Even though he had taken those days off, he couldn't get any work done at home so he opted to come into the office.
He had set up several monitoring devices around his apartment to send him notifications and all day his phone has been going off. Each time he had looked at the screen it was her going into his bedroom for one thing or another. He just couldn't understand her at all. He had had the guest bedroom decorated perfectly for a feminine taste with bright florals and soft pastels. But she preferred to spend her time in his room.
"I'm going to pick up some lunch for Mr. Ukitake would like me to pick up something for you also?" Kiyone asked popping her head just inside his office door.
"No thank you." Ishida replied, waving her off as his phone notification went off again. She pulled the door closed gently and he couldn't resist the urge to look at what she was doing anymore.
He pulled up the live feed and watched as she jumped in his bed rolling from side to side trying to get comfortable, he would assume. She snuggled up to his pillow and closed her eyes then just laid there for a few minutes before she hopped out of the bed and walked out of his room. He stared at the unkempt mess she left in her wake and wondered if this was an ongoing thing that happened throughout the day.
Ishida wondered how much longer it would be before Gin and his 'associate' took care of Aizen. He had assumed by the anger shown by Gin that night it would have been a relatively quick course of action, and within a few days the deed would have been done. But to his knowledge Rangiku was released from the hospital and Aizen was still alive. He was not used to having someone else encroaching on his personal space at every turn.
The only reprieve he got was when he was at work. He wondered how people functioned with a roommate or a spouse. His phone went off again and he wondered if he should just turn it off for the time being. He wasn't going to get any work done if all he did was watch her all day. This was the last time. He told himself as he brought up the live feed.
It was for the foyer; she was putting on a coat and the brown wig that he had gotten her when they were moving her in. Was she planning on going somewhere? He had given her strict orders not to leave the apartment for any reason until Gin sent word that the coast was clear. What inane excuse would she give him?
Immediately he called her cellphone and watched as she looked down at it a wide smile coming to her face, she held it close to her chest for a moment before she answered it. "Hello, Ishida." Her voice sounded exceptionally calm although he could see the happiness in her face.
"I was just calling to check up on you," he said. He couldn't let her know that he was monitoring her.
"Oh, I'm ok. I was um, I was going to get something to make for dinner. Is that ok? I'm going to wear the wig like before so no one will recognize me." Orihime answered and Ishida was surprised that she told him the truth.
Absently he wondered why he thought she would lie to him. She had been honest with him from the start about everything, he was the one that couldn't come to terms with that sincerity. "No, that's not ok. I told you to never leave the apartment unless I'm with you."
Her face fell for a moment and she pulled off her wig and slipped the coat off her shoulders. She walked over to the closet and put both of them neatly back where they belonged before responding, "I know, but I wanted to surprise you."
Ishida frowned, nothing she would do would be a surprise, but he couldn't tell her that. Why would she even want to risk getting hurt or captured just to get food materials to make dinner? Sometimes he wondered if she thought things out properly before acting on them. "I know what time dinner is, I do not need to be surprised. I will pick something up on my way home. What would you like?"
Orihime sighed and he watched as she disappeared from view of the cameras, she must have gone to her room to sulk. "It's not the same Ishida." She answered, "but anything you get would be good."
He would never understand her, she was upset because he was trying to keep her safe. So, she wanted him to allow her to just act irresponsibly and potentially get kidnapped or killed just so she could make dinner. Why couldn't he see the reasoning in that? "Look Orihime, I'm only doing this to protect you."
"I know." She answered softly, "It's your job. I know. Have a good day at work Ishida." Orihime hung up the phone and laid on her bed staring up at the ceiling.
She had thought that being alone with him would be perfect for her to finally get him to see that this was more than an infatuation on her part, but even at home he was strict. It was hard to penetrate the defenses that he had up, no matter how hard she tried.
The only good thing about it was she got to see little hints of his character that didn't involve work. She had explored his room and discovered that he liked sewing and archery and he had a bunch of books on dealing with estranged acquaintances. He was meticulous in work and in his personal life, everything had a place and each time she had to make sure she put everything back in order.
Orihime jumped up from her bed and rushed to his bedroom, she had almost forgotten about respreading his bed. If he ever found out that she was in there, he would probably lock his bedroom door and that would put an end to her exploring. She couldn't resist creeping beneath the blankets once more and just deeply inhaling his scent as she felt the warmth of the blankets and pretended they were his arms. She stayed like that for a few more minutes before she reluctantly crawled out and began to fix his bed back to the perfect way he had it spread.
Ishida had no pictures of family or anything so she wondered if he was an orphan. No matter how hard she looked she didn't find anything to tell her about his past. She wished she knew something that could endear her to him. She thought about ripping her coat and then asking him to sew it but then she thought maybe that would be forward. He would know she was snooping around.
Well, she was going to make him dinner if he liked it or not. Everyone always said the way to a man's heart was through his stomach and she had to try everything. He had already checked on her so there was no way he would call her again for now. She would just go down to the store and pick up a few items. He would not expect it at all.
Orihime donned her wig, coat and glasses and grabbed her purse checking her reflection in the hallway mirror before grabbing the spare keys and leaving. She waited for one of the four elevators eager to get outside in the sunshine. The door opened and there was a frowning young woman and a smiling man inside, she nodded politely to them and stepped inside.
"You new here?" The man asked her as she stepped inside.
"Um, yeah, I'm staying with a friend." Orihime answered trying to find a suitable answer that would not give away any information that might be used to identify her.
"That's Uryū's apartment. Are you his girlfriend?" the man asked coming a bit closer to look at her.
"Um, no-no he-he's just a friend." Orihime muttered although she really wanted to ask him a bunch of questions. If he knew Ishida lived there, that must mean that they were friends. He could shed some light on his likes and dislikes and help her out.
"Kurosaki stop harassing her." The young woman said her voice almost sounding angry.
"Rukie, you're lucky we have an audience." Was all Kurosaki said and the young woman's face flushed red, "well, friend of Uryū, be good to him." He said to her as the doors opened.
"I-I will." Orihime answered unsure of what he meant by that. He smiled at her and pulled the young woman along with him in the opposite direction. She wondered if she should ask Ishida about him, but then he would know she was out of the apartment. But he would know once he came back and she had dinner prepared. Her brain was hurting as she tried to sort out what she should do. For now she wouldn't bring it up.
The market wasn't as busy as she expected and everything that she wanted to get to make dinner was available. She was at the last stall waiting to purchase some mackerel when a weird feeling came over her. She glanced up and her eyes met Ishida's. Quickly she turned away and started to walk away towards the exit.
Orihime was panicking internally, there was no way she had been out for longer than an hour. Usually, Ishida didn't come back home until the evening around five or so, it was still early in the day. Maybe she had just imagined that it was him. She threw a glance back over her shoulder, nope it was him and he was right behind her. There was no point in trying to escape now, she might as well just own up to it. How the heck had he known where she was?
She stopped fleeing and turned to him, "Ishida, what are you doing here?"
"That's my line." He said his voice unsteady, he grabbed her by the arm and continued the rest of the way to their apartment. He didn't speak at all, but she could tell he was angry. He was being a bit aggressive and a tiny part of her was thrilled about it. She imagined he was mad because he was afraid something might have happened to her, and he was gonna take her home and punish her now for disobeying him.
Orihime giggled behind him at her fantasy outcome, and Ishida turned to look at her a frown on his face. She sobered, looking at the floor trying to quiet the beating of her heart and the rampant thoughts in her head. No, that would never happen. Ishida was too straightlaced for that. She should expect a long speech about the dangers of being out alone without him to protect her and how his job duties entailed no emotions being displayed on his part.
The elevator felt cramped even though it was just the two of them inside, she was reminded of the exchange from earlier and the interaction between the other couple. Why couldn't she have that kind of relationship with Ishida? It was obvious how in love the two had been. Why did she have to be stuck in this one-sided mess?
"Do you know what could have happened-" Ishida started the moment they got inside.
Orihime took off her wig and coat and just set them on the chair next to the door walking into the kitchen with the groceries. Yep, she was right. It was another lecture. "I know, I'm sorry. I won't do it again." She answered half-heartedly.
It wasn't going to get her any appreciation so what was the point? She might as well just sit there and do nothing like a good girl. She didn't even get the mackerel so she couldn't really make what she wanted; she looked in the fridge to see if he had any other fish to substitute. To her surprise he had some already.
"Orihime," Ishida said coming up behind her, "I'm serious. This is for your protection."
"How did you even know where I was?" she asked, changing the subject. She was tired of hearing him tell her she was just an obligation to him. Every time he brought it up, it made her heart feel like it would break that much more.
"Your phone," he answered frankly, "that's not the point. I can't let anything happen to you. I don't know what I-" he stopped mid-sentence "I can't keep leaving work to chase after you." Ishida sighed and adjusted his glasses taking a step back from her.
Orihime shrugged and turned away from him to get back to preparing dinner, "That was your choice Ishida. I was perfectly fine. No one knew who I was. Oh, do you know a Kurosaki?" she asked as she washed the vegetables for the stew.
"Stay away from him." Ishida responded immediately.
"He seems like a nice guy; I met him in the elevator. He-" Orihime gasped as Ishida abruptly turned her to face him and stare down into her face. Beneath his glasses she could see his dark eyes scrutinizing her features intently.
"Please Hime, Orihime stay away from him." He just as brusquely released her once satisfied with his examination. He couldn't trust Ichigo, and he wouldn't put it past him to go after a woman as pretty as Orihime.
"Okay." Orihime said tentatively watching the emotions flitting across Ishida's face. Maybe they were not friends after all? She shouldn't have brought him up. Why did she always seem to do the wrong thing? "I'm sorry Ishida. I won't talk to him again. I promise."
Why was he letting his emotions take control of him? What did it matter if Ichigo took an interest in her? Well for one he was a criminal, and he couldn't allow Orihime be submersed in a lifestyle like that. She might end up in the same predicament as with Aizen. He needed to take a step back from everything. Her being there was ruining his perfectly crafted existence. "I'm going back to work, please don't leave again."
"I won't, Ishida. I'll have dinner ready by the time you get home." Orihime said following him as he made his way towards the front door.
They stood there awkwardly for a moment. Orihime really wanted to give him a goodbye kiss feeling like she was the wife seeing her husband off to work. Ishida for some reason wanted to kiss her, but he wasn't sure why. Looking down at her, her lips were so inviting and scene seemed familiar to him. He shook away that foolish thought and walked out.
Orihime smiled to herself as she went back to the kitchen to finish preparing their meal.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Makizō watched the video again carefully as Yachiru walked into the bathroom and kept his eyes peeled to see when she could have walked out. There was several women that walked in, but her bright pink hair never walked out again. Then he approached and that was the end of the sequence. He couldn't figure out where she could have disappeared to.
"Maybe she put on a disguise." The security guard next to him said as he rewound the tape, "this woman has the same build as her." he paused it just as two dark haired woman were exiting the bathroom.
Makizō scrutinized both women, her clothes were different she had dark brown hair but she had the same slight build as Yachiru and the same pink and white backpack as she had been carrying the whole day. It was her! So, she had snuck away on her own. No one had kidnapped her; she had made a conscious decision to leave them. Zaraki wasn't going to like it.
"Can I get a copy of this?" he asked he would need the proof so he wouldn't end up six feet under once he showed up at home without her in tow. "I'm gonna need this for the cops." He added as an excuse. Although it plainly showed that she walked away with no coercion.
"Sure thing." The security guard said and went about it. It only took him a few minutes to get it done and Makizō thanked him before he left. He wouldn't call or give a heads up before he got there because he had searched the mall thoroughly with the security for more than two hours. She was nowhere to be found.
As he drove home, he tried to think of who the young woman in the video with her was. He didn't recognize her from the bureau, and Yachiru didn't have any friends other than them. So who was this other woman? Maybe one of the other guys would recognize her.
Makizō sighed deeply as he pulled up into the driveway and took a moment to gather his nerves. He already knew what he was going to say, he had rehearsed everything. He would keep his cool under pressure, he would explain how she had tricked him with her sweetness and disappeared. No one could have resisted the emotional pressure she had put on him.
He gathered some of the perishables from the truck and headed inside. Ikkaku poked his head out of the kitchen to look at him, "need some help?" he asked.
Makizō froze, "nope."
"Where's Shorty?" Ikkaku stepped fully from the kitchen and headed towards the doorway when he didn't see her coming in behind him.
"She's gone." Makizō replied despondently, setting down the prettily decorated strawberry shortcake on the table.
Ikkaku gave him a look, "what do you mean 'she's gone'?" he asked grabbing him by the front of his shirt.
"Well, she kind of just walked away." He answered with a grimace.
"What the fuck Makizō!" Ikkaku said releasing him and heading out towards the car, "We gotta go find her."
"There's no point, we looked for two hours. She's gone."
"Whose gone?" Zaraki asked emerging from his office at the commotion.
Makizō coughed suddenly feeling fatigued.
"Yachiru, Boss." Ikkaku replied, "She disappeared while she was out with Makizō."
"Wait, it wasn't like that." Makizō tried to defend himself "she tricked me, she gave me dango and then she went to the bathroom and then changed into a disguise and then disappeared. I have the video to prove it."
Kenpachi regarded him skeptically, "You allowed her out of your sight long enough to just walk away."
"Sh-she must have planned it. There was another woman with her." Makizō grumbled presenting the DVD with the footage for him to look at.
Kenpachi motioned for him to put it in the player and he stood crossed arm as he watched the footage play out on the large screen. Indeed it was as Makizō said, she entered and then a few minutes later two dark haired women one with the exact build of Yachiru walked out. It was definitely her.
He frowned as the video replayed again. This was all his fault. He should have never let her out of the damn house. She had been acting strange since last night, feeding him all that crap about Unohana and giving her another chance. Telling him that she loved him. She was essentially tying up all the loose ends that she had before she left. Why the fuck hadn't he seen it then? He would have held on to her and wiped away her all her senseless worries.
"Where was Unohana?" Ikkaku asked as he turned away from the video a scowl on his face.
"It's not her," Zaraki muttered, "Yumichika has her occupied." He didn't like it, but he knew she had nothing to do with Yachiru's disappearance.
"What are we gonna do? Should I go check out her apartment?" Ikkaku was thinking about places that she could go. That was the only place she knew other than their home. He hadn't recognized the woman on the screen with her but to his knowledge she didn't have any friends outside of their small circle either.
The door opened behind them and Unohana followed by Yumichika carrying several boxes walked in. She smiled politely at the three men who regarded her with contemptuous glares then turned to Yumichika, "Can you just set those in my room?"
"Sure thing, Una." He replied. He didn't like the atmosphere in the room, he would finish up with her and then come see what the heck was going on. He was so close to putting the finishing touches on his plan, but something didn't seem right.
Once he had Unohana's stuff settled in her room he returned to find the stare down between them still going on. "So what's up?" he asked trying to break the tension in the room.
"Yachiru's gone." Ikkaku replied with a sneer directed in Unohana's direction.
Unohana rolled her eyes and folded her arms over her chest. "I'm not sure what you are implying, but I had nothing to do with her decision."
Zaraki took a step closer to her and she stepped back frowning, "She came to me and conceded on her own! I just told her she didn't have what men wanted and it was her decision to leave."
Ikkaku cracked his knuckles beside her and let out an angry huff, "You damn bitch, I don't give a fuck who you think you are, but you don't mess with family." He took a menacing step closer to her and Yumichika held him back.
"Wait, Ikkaku. If it was Yachiru's decision to leave, we cannot blame it on Una." Forcefully he pulled him away from her to put some space between them. "Let's think about this reasonably. There's only one place she can go, and that's back to her parents' home."
"What the hell?" Ikkaku snorted angrily slapping away his hands, "so you are taking up for this bitch now?"
Yumichika let out a soft breath and shook his head, "I'm not taking sides. Yachiru is an adult, if it was her decision then she must have thought long and hard on it before deciding to leave. Go to her parent's home and ask her if you want."
"Fucking ridiculous." Ikkaku muttered pushing past him and walking out of the house.
Makizō regarded him skeptically but didn't say anything as he retreated to his car to retrieve the rest of the stuff that Yachiru had purchased.
"Come to my office." Zaraki said to Yumichika, he didn't know what to make of the situation. This championing of Unohana was more than he had expected from Yumichika. From the beginning he and Yachiru had been close so why was he so blasé about her leaving now?
"I'll be right there." He replied turning to Unohana, he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, once he talks to her, he'll stop blaming you. Everything will be ok."
"Thanks, Yumi," she responded with a deep sigh, "I don't know what I would do without you. You should go see what he wants."
Yumichika nodded and watched as she walked away towards her bedroom. A frown wiped away the charming smile that he had directed at her. She was playing right into his hands.
"What's up Boss?" Yumichika asked as he entered Zaraki's office. He was pretty sure of what he wanted to talk about, but the outcome of his carefully crafted plans was more important than what Zaraki would think of as betrayal.
"This thing with Unohana-" he started almost angrily.
"Has nothing to do with you." Yumichika interrupted him, "This is personal, nothing to do with business."
Zaraki glanced at him his expression unreadable, "Business? Everything about this is business related."
Yumichika chuckled and smiled, "You are just upset because you don't know how to value a woman and express your emotions enough to keep them engaged." He could take that however he wanted to. Whether he realized he was talking about Yachiru and not Unohana was up to him to decipher.
"I have work to attend to. I'll be back later." With that Yumichika walked out and closed the door behind him. At this moment two important parts of his plan was falling into place and he couldn't wait till he could see that dazzling smile on her face once again.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Momo sighed to herself as she glanced around her studio apartment. It had served its purpose perfectly before because she had always been in the office, but now that she would be having a child she would need something a lot bigger. When she had called the number she had for Tōshirō, it said it was not in service. She should have realized that would have been the first thing he would do. Now she had absolutely no way to contact him.
She had tried to find him over the internet, but her capabilities in that field had proved not as strong as she previously thought. She had called the department that he had worked for but they couldn't give any information out regarding agents while they were undercover. So for the time being she had given up on trying to tell Tōshirō that he was going to be a father.
She supposed it would go along the same lines as when she had to regretfully quit her job. She had money saved up that she could handle most of the burden on her own, but her mom had been adamant that they would always be there to help. So she decided to move back closer to them and leave the bureau.
"Good Morning Sir," Momo said hesitantly, unsure of how to explain her situation to him.
"Hinamori, is everything ok? I've been told you haven't been reporting in consistently." His weathered voice although firm still held a note of concern.
Momo sighed and decided just to lead with her big reveal, "I'm leaving the bureau, I'm pregnant and cannot continue the undercover work."
The line was silent for a moment as he maybe contemplated who would take her place in the investigation, "That's great news, but you do not have to quit for that reason. What about Takari?"
She couldn't think about revenge anymore, not when she was going to be bringing new life into this world. He had championed her cause of putting Ōmaeda away from the beginning, doing everything he could to get her trained properly and set in the position that she had been in. "I have to forget about that now, my path in life has diverged from what I originally expected."
"I see. Well, for the time being if you would like I can switch you to our cyber security department which is work from home. I would hate to lose such a valuable member of my team." Yamamoto stated.
Momo perked up at the offer, she would still have the opportunity to stay in the bureau once she had her baby she could resume her original duties. And if she worked from home she could still move back to Osaka and be closer to her parents. Maybe working cyber security, the software would make it easier to track down Tōshirō?
"Thank you, Sir, I would like that." she answered happily. More pieces were falling into place, now she would still have some income coming in while pregnant and she wouldn't have to rely on her savings.
"Great, I'll make the change effective immediately. Thank you for coming to me Hinamori. I look forward to working with you again."
"Me too Mr. Yamamato, thank you again. Goodbye."
She would have to keep it a secret from her parents, she had told them she would be quitting immediately so she could focus on her health while she was pregnant. Her father had been the driving force behind that decision. He had refused to offer her any help as long as she kept working there. Well, she was just going to say she got a part time work from home job and just work at night.
The only problem she had now was finding Tōshirō.
XX
"This would look great in the nursery, don't you think?" her mother asked holding up a pastel yellow and white piece of fabric.
"It is very pretty." Momo responded absently not really paying much attention to her mother's over-excited browsing. Every day since she had moved back, they had gone out to do some kind of shopping for baby things. She just wasn't feeling it. Looking at everything just reminded her of how she should be doing this with the father of her child. A father that she still could not find. No matter how many times she called his office they couldn't give her any information.
"Dear, are you ok?" Her mother came up beside her to put a comforting arm around her shoulder.
"No." she answered honestly, "I wish Tōshirō was here."
Her mother hugged her tightly, "I'm sure he'll come around eventually Hinamori. Some men just need a little time to comprehend the magnitude of what it means to become a father. Until then, you have me and your father to lean on."
She hadn't told her mother anything about her relationship with Tōshirō, she just assumed everything on her own. She figured the reason he didn't want to stay and have dinner with them was because he knew and he didn't want any part of it. Momo hadn't the heart to tell her she never asked him to stay, and they were not romantically involved.
"Once he realizes how amazing it will be to hold the physical product of your love for each other, he'll be back. Don't worry Dear."
For some reason that made her tear up, there was no love between them. All this was the consequence of her stupidity and inexperience. She shouldn't have drugged him or slept in the same bed with him that night. She should have done more research and kept her guard up a little more. If she knew this would have been the result, she would have resisted more instead of giving in so easily.
"Can we go home?" Momo asked just wanting to forget about everything. She had already made up her mind that if she had to raise the baby on her own, she would do it. She wasn't going to pine for him when they had absolutely no connection.
"Of course." Her mother gave her a reassuring smile and they left the store with the purchases from the previous stores that they had gone to.
It was a silent drive back to her small home. Luckily, she had been able to find something that was in walking distance from her parent's home and the local market. It was a small two-bedroom home without a backyard, but her parents' home had a spacious one so there would be room to play there.
When they pulled up there was a strange car parked in the driveway, her mother didn't stop and continued down the street to her own home. Momo tried to catch a look to see if someone had been in the car but it was empty. "Mom turn around."
"I think we should get your father first." Her mother responded, "are you expecting someone?"
"No." Momo answered then sat back in her seat. Maybe her mother was right, it would be better if her father was there just in case of danger. No one knew where she had moved to, and she didn't really have any friends that she considered close.
"Hun can you come with us to Hinamori's house, there's a strange car parked there." Her mother was on the phone as they pulled up in the driveway.
Her father appeared at the door then locked up before heading over to his car to follow them. "Let's let your father see who it is first, then if everything is okay we'll park ok?" her mother was saying as they slowly approached her home. She idled the car in front of a neighbor's house as her father pulled into the driveway and got out.
As he moved toward the park car there was no movement he looked inside and didn't see anyone. "Maybe someone just needed somewhere to park?" Momo said with a shrug. It didn't look like the owner was around.
Her mother nodded and pulled up next to the curb to park. Her father came over to her side of the car, "Where are your house keys? I'm gonna check inside."
Momo fished them out of her purse and handed them to him. He walked away cautiously heading towards her dark home. He didn't return after 10 minutes and she began to get worried. "I'm gonna go see what's going on." Momo said hesitantly. She was trained in hand-to-hand combat and could easily defend herself if it was a burglar. She just didn't want to do anything that could endanger her baby.
"Let's wait a little while longer." Her mother responded halting her movements.
"What if something happened and dad needs help?" Momo made up her mind to enter the house and see what was going on. The lights were on, but she didn't hear any commotion or any signs of distress coming from inside.
"Dad," she called as she pushed opened the front door and walked in. She could hear some faint conversation coming from the kitchen so she headed there.
When she walked in, there was Tōshirō sitting at the table and her father standing by the stove with his arms crossed over his broad chest looking very imposing. The atmosphere in the room felt heavy and stifling. Both their heads turned to her when she walked in and she felt like maybe she would be sick.
"To-Tōshirō, what are you doing here?" was what came out of her mouth, but not what she had wanted to say. Her mind was swimming with all the possibilities of why he would show up unannounced. Maybe he missed her and wanted to see her. Maybe he found out she was pregnant and had to come see if it was true.
Her father watched them closely, his eyes regarding Tōshirō ominously. She wondered what they had been talking about before she had walked in. Her father wouldn't know who he was and Tōshirō probably wouldn't volunteer that information freely. Both were strong willed and demanding men who wouldn't give an inch.
"I received a phone call that I was trying to be reached urgently by you." He answered, his eyes suddenly taking in the full length of her body. It wasn't sexual in nature, it felt more like an examination, like he was trying to find the subtle changes in her.
"Yea, well I have something important to discuss with you." She murmured, "father can you give us a moment?" it would already be hard to tell him, but to have her dad's condescending gaze on her would make it nigh impossible.
"We'll discuss this later Hinamori." Her father said and left.
Momo listened to his heavy footsteps as he left and heard the click of the door as he locked it behind him. She let out the breath she had been holding and leaned against the frame of the doorway. She could only imagine the tongue lashing she would receive when she went there later for dinner.
"You're pregnant?" Tōshirō questioned an unreadable expression on his face.
Mutely she nodded, not sure what else she could say. The blame was all on her, she put herself in that predicament.
"And the child is definitely mine." He asked this time his turquoise eyes held hers.
"Of course." Momo responded taken aback that he would even ask something like that. He was the only man she had ever been with. Maybe he hadn't realized it because he was under the influence but just having him ask made her feel like some sort of whore that didn't keep track of who she slept with.
"What are you planning on doing with it?"
The question hung in the air between them. She had not considered that maybe he would want her to terminate the pregnancy. Maybe he wouldn't want any trace of their time spent together in existence. She had thought long and hard about it, and no matter if she had to do it alone, she would never be able to live with herself if she ever killed an innocent life.
"I'm having this child Tōshirō. I just wanted to let you know. I do not expect anything from you in regards to parenting, or financial support. I'm positive that I can handle everything on my own."
Tōshirō chuckled cynically, "Like you handled everything else?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Momo asked not liking the insinuation of his words. She would be a good mother; she would do everything in her power to give this child the kind of upbringing that she had. Even if he wasn't going to be part of it, she would make sure he was not missed.
"Forget it." Tōshirō sighed and rose from his seat to come stand next to her. His features remained unreadable as he regarded her intently, "What are you expecting from this?"
Momo wasn't sure what he meant by that; in truth she wanted them to be a family, but she wasn't going to tell him that. She already knew what he thought of her, "I'm not expecting anything, but if you would like we can co-parent."
Tōshirō took a step closer to her placing both hands against the wall on either side of her, trapping her there, "That's not how it's going to work. If you haven't realized it by now, I require a hundred percent in everything."
"I-I'm not expecting anything between us." Momo interjected feeling a slight flutter of hope building in her. Was he the type of guy to take responsibility so thoroughly that he would burden himself with a woman he didn't have any feelings for?
"You can forget that idea. We'll raise this child in a home with two parents who are together in every sense of the word. From this moment everything of you belongs to me. Understand?"
Momo nodded mutely unable to form any words as her heartbeat rapidly in her chest. She had wanted to hear him say something like this to her but why did it feel so menacing? Why did it feel like she was agreeing to something that would ultimately be her downfall?
Tōshirō smirked down at her, briefly stroking the loose strands of her hair before letting her out of the cage he had created. "Pack whatever necessities you need, we are leaving."
"Leaving? But I just bought this house, and my parents are expecting me for dinner. I can't just go-"
"Look Momo, I know this is what you wanted from the beginning. Your ineptness is what put us in this situation in the first place. Don't try and play the victim with me, it's not going to work. Now do as I say." With that Tōshirō turned away from her and walked out.
Momo looked at the spot that he had just occupied, her heart sinking. This definitely wasn't what she was expecting, she wasn't going to be happy. She should have just kept her mouth shut. She wiped at the tears that came to her eyes as she thought about the unhappiness that was awaiting her.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rukia turned to face the blaring alarm clock on her phone. She didn't want to get out of her warm and safe bed to go to work today. Actually she didn't want to leave her house at all. No matter how hard she tried to stay out of Kurasaki's grasps she seemed to somehow fall into it. After finishing the report from the witnesses with all the information that Karin and Yuzu had provided her omitted, she had rushed home and locked herself away for the rest of the day.
If she had a smart enough computer system she could have stayed home today to work on gathering information about his financial situation. But she was not really into desk work so she never invested in a decent home computer. She preferred to leave that aspect of the job in the office and not clutter her home space with the more boring aspects of her work.
With a heavy sigh Rukia reluctantly got up to begin her day. She would be safe inside headquarters so she would have no chance to encounter Kurasaki today. He would have no way to know that she was investigating his financial reports from the office either. All she had to do was get there without encountering him and get home and her day would be okay.
As she stepped out of the shower and got dressed a bright idea came to her. Instead of her doing the work she could just ask Jinta to do it for her. Then technically if he did find out she would be in the clear cause her name wouldn't be on it. Genius idea, of course she'd have to bribe him, but he was easy to manipulate.
Rukia stopped at the convenience store next to her apartment and picked up a bunch of junk food and snacks. This should do it, she thought cleverly to herself. Her plan was foolproof. When she walked into the office most of the offices were empty as always. She'd gotten used to not seeing any of her co-workers for days at a time while everyone worked on their own projects.
Before going to her office, she knocked on Jinta's door and waited for him to answer before she walked in. "Hey Jinta, can you do me a favor?"
He glanced up from his laptop a frown on his face, "What is it, Rukia?"
"You know I'm not good with computers," she started as she set down the bag of goodies on his desk, "I need to do some research on Kurasaki's financial reports, but I don't know how to do it."
Jinta's eyes darted to the bag of snacks then back to his screen, for a moment he looked like he was debating something within himself. "I'm kinda busy right now Rukia. Give me about an hour and then I'll let you know if I can get to it ok?"
"Hm." Rukia mumbled having expected him to instantly offer to help her at the sight of all the junk food. "Ok. I'll see you in an hour." She grabbed the bag and turned to go.
"Wait, leave that here. I'm hungry."
"This is a bribe. That's not how it works and you know it." Rukia let out a huff and shook her head at his dismayed expression, "Ok here." She took out a few items and place them on his desk taking the rest with her. "Please think about it Jinta, I really need your help on this."
Jinta only nodded as he had already started eating and going back to what he was working on. Rukia walked dejectedly to her office; she hadn't factored in the possibility that he would say no. Now what was she going to do?
She flipped her office light on and sat at her desk turning on her computer. Well, how hard could it really be to look up that information? As she began to bring up the bureaus data base Jinta's face popped up on her screen.
"I think I can help you out with that now Rukia." He said taking a sip of his soda.
"What? It hasn't even been 5 minutes." Rukia answered dumbfounded, what was the point of him rejecting her offer in the first place.
"Well, I'm really hungry and I need you to do something for me in return." Jinta replied honestly with a bashful smile.
"What do you need me to do?" Rukia asked skeptically, she would weigh her options after hearing exactly what everything entailed. If it was a simple retrieval quest, she could do it quickly and be back in the office without the opportunity of meeting Kurosaki.
"I, um, well I'm trying to get an apartment and I'm supposed to pick up the lease information, but I won't be able to make it there." He answered his face turning red for some reason. Rukia was actually proud of him; he was going to start acting like an adult and move out of his parents' house. This was something she could do.
"Wait, where's Ururu? Doesn't she usually do all this stuff for you?" That's what was weird today, the girl was nowhere to be found. Usually, she would suddenly appear next to him to mumble something or sneak up on her to ask her a question.
"She's not feeling well so she stayed home today." Jinta replied with a sigh, "that's why I'm so hungry." Usually Ururu ran his errands and brought him food and did pretty much everything else that he needed done that didn't have to do with being on his computer. He had gone to the convenience store but forgot that Ururu had his wallet so he couldn't buy anything.
"Ok, fine. I'll do it, but I need that information asap." Yes! She was home free. Jinta would have a detailed report for her all sorted and neat by the time she got back. And the best part was her name would be nowhere on this.
Rukia grabbed the snacks and didn't bother knocking as she entered his office. She handed him the goodies and took the address from him. She looked down at the information, it wasn't too far from there and the neighborhood was a good one. "I'll be back soon; do I need to ask for anyone in particular?"
"No, just say you are there to pick up the leasing agreement for Jinta Hanakari." He had already pretty much dismissed her as he turned his back to her and started working on his laptop.
Rukia drove there thinking about what she was supposed to do with the information once she had gathered it. What was the point of knowing how much money he had? Maybe if she had been paying attention in the meeting, she would remember what the point was. Well, that didn't matter she was getting it done and this was the last thing on her list. Then she could focus on things that had nothing to do with Kurasaki.
"Wow." She found herself saying as she pulled up to the apartment complex that Jinta had written down. Where was he gonna get the money to rent one of these swanky places? He must have been diligently saving up to be able to afford such a posh apartment.
She looked around for the leasing office, noticing a woman sitting behind a desk at the front. "Excuse me, can you point me in the direction of the leasing office?" she asked as she approached.
The young woman smiled at her politely, "Yes Ma'am, it's on the second floor."
"Thank you." Rukia replied and headed to the elevators to wait for the next one. The atmosphere was so calm and there was no noise or random sounds. Maybe she should look into how much one of these apartments actually cost. Her place was ok, but if someone threw a can you could hear it clear as day.
There was another receptionist at a desk when she stepped off the elevator and she approached her desk with a tentative smile. "Good morning, I'm here to pick up some leasing agreements for Jinta Hanakari."
The receptionist gave her a polite smile and picked up her phone, "Sir, I have a young woman here picking up some leasing agreements for Jinta Hanakari." She paused momentarily waiting for a reply, "Yes sir." She set down the phone. "You may go in."
"Thank you." Rukia replied and headed for the large double doors. She pulled them open and walked in pausing in the doorway as she listened to the conversation that was going on.
"So you are saying only about fifteen percent of the money from the condominiums can be laundered, that won't do. He needs more than that-" Both heads turned to look at her as she walked in.
Rukia stood there dumbfounded. Renji got up from his seat and came over to her, "Hey Rukia, funny seeing you here." He laughed patting her head gently then turned to the older man behind the desk, "We can talk about this later. See ya." Renji walked out of the office still laughing as he closed the door behind him.
She still couldn't speak as she stared at the older man who had been in all the photos in Kurasaki's home. Why? Why was this happening to her? she wanted to just get swallowed up by a black hole and disappear into the abyss.
"So, you are here to pick up some leasing agreements?" he asked bringing her out of her stupor.
It took her a moment to realize that he didn't know who she was and that she could just pretend like she hadn't heard anything that was said between the two of them. Why was she so afraid? All she had to do was get the papers and go back to the office. If she was quick about it, she would be there before Renji could blab to Kurasaki about seeing her. "Yes, sorry. For Jinta Hanakari."
He went to a file cabinet on the far side of his office and rifled through it before coming back to her and handing her a stack of neatly stapled papers. "Are you Ururu Tsumugiya the other occupant on the lease?" he asked as he took his seat behind the large desk.
What? So Jinta and Ururu were planning on moving in together? Is that how he could afford such an expensive looking place? "Ah, no actually my name is Rukia. I'm just helping-." Rukia realized her mistake too late. Giving her name to someone who knew Kurasaki was not being inconspicuous. "I'm just helping them out." She finished.
"That's a pretty name." He said with a wide grin, "somehow it fits you."
"Thank, you." Rukia replied flushing suddenly, she really should get out of here and stop with the chit-chat. She had what she came there for and he seemed none the wiser of her affiliation with Kurasaki. "I really should-"
His phone rang and he flashed her an apologetic smile as he answered it, "Hello son, I'm just finishing up with a client." He moved the phone from his face, "It was nice meeting you Rukia. Have a good day." He said waving her off, then he went back to his phone call. "Speaker? Ok sure."
Rukia let out a heavy sigh and knew exactly what was coming next. Somehow she hadn't broken out in tears or ran from the room, she just stood there and waited for him to speak to her.
"Rukia what are you doing in my dad's office?" he questioned his voice held a note of condemnation.
Rukia frowned taking a step back towards the door, "I'm just here to pick up something for someone. This has nothing to do with you." She answered inching her way closer to the exit.
"You know her, Ichigo?" his dad asked leaving his desk to bring the phone closer to her.
She could hear an audible sigh from Kurasaki, "She's an acquaintance. If you are through with her, send her up to my office."
"That's very vague son. That could mean anything." Kurasaki's father glanced at her knowingly, a grin coming to his face. "I don't suppose a pretty girl like her could be your girlfriend?"
"No." Rukia answered instantly, "not in a million years."
Kurasaki's father burst into laughter, "I'll send her right up." With that he hung up his cellphone and just stared at her with the same grin on his face. "He's on the sixth floor. Ah, Masaki's gonna be so happy when I tell her."
Rukia stood rooted in that spot, unsure of how to get out of this. She had to refute it, to clear her name. In no universe would she be with a criminal on her own free will. But she couldn't seem to find the strength to open her mouth and say anything.
Suddenly the doors behind her opened and Sado stood there. Rukia glanced down at the stack of papers in her hands and then at Kurasaki's father. Was all this preplanned? How did this always seem to happen to her? "Um it was…" she couldn't even be polite and say goodbye properly.
"I'm Isshin, it was a pleasure to finally meet you." Isshin said giving her a big hug before allowing Sado to escort her out of the room.
"Is this extra pay for you?" Rukia asked Sado as they waited for the elevator.
He didn't answer her just kept his hand on her shoulder to prevent her from escaping. There was no reason for her to fear this time, she reasoned. She had the proof right here in her hands. She was doing something totally unrelated to investigating him.
When the elevator doors opened, she almost expected to see another receptionist sitting behind a desk with the same plastic smile on her face. But this must be an apartment floor he led her to the end of the hall and knocked once.
Kurasaki opened the door with a slick smirk on his lips. "Thank you Sado," he said dismissing him as he pulled her into the room.
Rukia held up the file in front of her, "You can't touch me. I had unrelated business here." She said triumphantly.
Ichigo plucked the documents from her hands and set them on the table. "So you are just going to forget to mention the part about Renji being there?"
That damn traitor, she should have known he would have gone running to Kurasaki the moment he left the room. "He was on his way out; I didn't hear anything." She quickly answered.
"Nothing at all Rukie?" he asked taking a step towards her, she took a step back trying to maintain at least a little distance between them. She could already feel the heat of his body trying to engulf her and seduce her into its warmth. She was not going to let that happen.
"No, now if that will be all. I have work to return to." Rukia smiled widely at him, proud of herself for finally getting the upper hand on him.
"Actually, that won't be all. I was alerted that someone was trying to access my personal accounts. You wouldn't know anything about that would you?"
Rukia coughed looking away from him, "No of course not. Can I go now?"
"No Rukie, you may not. I'm disappointed in you." Easily he scooped her up into his arms and headed towards opposite end of the room.
If she wasn't so angry she would have appreciated how beautiful and spacious the condo was. Jinta and Ururu would have plenty of room to cohabitate if all the apartments were that big. She'd probably have to find a roommate too if she wanted someplace like this.
"Do you like it?" Ichigo asked noticing the way her eyes were scanning the room, "I don't stay here at all. You could move in if you want. Its already paid for."
"No, I will not knowingly take part in your money laundering!" immediately she covered her mouth with her hands her face turning bright red.
Ichigo shook his head with a chuckle, "You didn't hear anything at all Rukie? Now I'm going to have to punish you twice. Do you think you can handle that so early in the day? Or do you want to come back later?"
"Why are you doing this to me?" Rukia muttered hiding her face in his chest.
"I'm not doing it to you Rukie. You keep breaking your promise to me so I have to teach this sexy body of yours a lesson. Believe me I'm doing the best I can to uphold my end of the deal correct? Why can't you?" he asked dropping her on the plush comforter.
"I'm trying!" Rukia replied with an exasperated sigh, "but why does everybody freaking know you?"
"I'm a businessman Rukie, it pays to have connections." He began to strip off his clothes.
Reluctantly Rukia began to take off her clothes too, avoiding looking in his direction as she neatly folded each article and set them on the bedside table. "Even in the FBI?" she asked wondering if maybe everything was a setup.
"I don't know what you mean, Rukie. Are ya talking about Renji? We met way before he joined the bureau." He pulled her now naked body towards him and pulled her legs apart, taking in the pretty pink flush that colored her whole body. He licked his lips, finally having the chance to fully enjoy his time with her.
When Jinta had called him that morning he had cleared his schedule for the rest of the day. He hadn't planned on being able to see her again so quickly, but this was perfect. He was going to take his time to do everything he wanted to do with her, taste every part of her, tease every inch of her until she couldn't think of anything but staying in his bed and submitting to him.
"Can you just get on with it?" Rukia asked, her voice came out on a slight tremble at the look in his eyes. "I do have to get back to work."
"But I don't, so prepare yourself Rukie." Ichigo smirked deviously down at her as she let out a long sigh.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Hiyori's eyes fluttered open and she stared up at the familiar ceiling. She could smell something delicious wafting into the room and the bed beside her was messy as if he had just slipped out of it. She sat up and ran a hand through her hair pausing at the bandage that was there. Suddenly she remembered the events that transpired and she wondered how badly he had been hurt.
She got up quickly going to the bathroom to splash her face and brush her teeth before rushing to the kitchen. She wouldn't blame herself because she had tried to push him away and he stupidly wouldn't leave. Why was he so damn stubborn? It was all his fault if he was badly hurt. He was the one who put himself in danger.
"Hiyori, you shouldn't be up." Shinji immediately said as she walked in, his brown eyes peering at her over his laptop screen.
Hiyori narrowed her eyes as she approached him, he seemed perfectly fine actually. "I'm hungry." She muttered, regarding him suspiciously.
Shinji flashed her a wide grin and breathed a sigh of relief, "Of course Hun, I would have brought it in to you." He got up to fix her a plate of whatever he had made, and she took a seat watching him closely.
Truthfully he didn't look hurt at all, she couldn't remember anything other than Keiji pushing her against the wall. She wanted to know how he could have talked his way out of a beating by those two violent assholes.
"I was getting a little worried." Shinji was saying as he placed the dish in front of her, "you've been sleeping for a full day."
"You should take me back." Hiyori stated heaping her spoon full of the porridge. She savored the sweetness of the rice and sighed absently. She really missed his cooking, eating on the go didn't compare to a homecooked meal in the slightest.
"Sure thing Hiyori." Shinji replied, and she glanced up to catch him watching her intently. His eyes fixated on the way her lips wrapped around the spoon.
"Stop being a weirdo." She muttered her face flushing.
"I really missed you Hiyori and I'm just observing to make sure you are really ok. You took a nasty bump, but I'm glad it didn't have any effect on that sparkling personality of yours." He grinned at her, turning his attention back to his laptop so that she could eat her breakfast in peace.
He was happy that there wasn't any lasting damage to her, because indeed that bastard had slammed her pretty hard against the wall. She had slept for more than a day without waking even as he had stitched up the gash on her head and bathed her. He should have just forgotten about his morals and principles and killed the assholes. Her baggy clothes had hidden more bruises than what he had initially seen. Just thinking about the disturbing state she had been in made his blood boil.
"Ya know, they are gonna come after you." Hiyori said disrupting his dark thoughts. "I don't know how ya talked ya way out of it, but you should probably just bring me back to avoid what's to come."
Talk? Shinji laughed; his fist did the talking. If they did decide to come after her, he would just have another opportunity to show her that she didn't have to worry. He could protect her; she would always be safe with him.
"What's so funny?" Hiyori asked feeling like she missed something important.
"Nothing Hiyori, I'm just glad you are worried about me. Does that mean that you are starting to fall for me?"
Hiyori rolled her eyes, "I just don't want your blood on my conscience." She paused then looked into his face, "again." She added with a smug smirk.
"That hurts." Shinji closed his laptop and came over to where she sat, "but I know what you are doing, so I'll take it all in stride. Are you done? Do you want more?" he asked motioning to her empty dish.
She nodded and he refilled her bowl then left the room. He was reminded of what he wanted to do now that she was up and about. He wondered if he still had his number, it had been years since they had last had any interaction with each other.
Shinji went to his office and searched his closet for his phone book. He really should do some kind of spring cleaning and get rid of all the junk he had accumulated over the years. But then again, he might throw away something like what he was looking for now.
Finally he found it, at least he should digitize all the numbers so he wouldn't have to go searching for them manually each time. He flipped through the small book until he came to the letter 'N' there was only one number listed there. He wondered if it was still in service, after all it had to be more than ten years.
"Who is this?" Came the snappish answer once the line picked up.
"Shinji." Shinji answered hesitantly not sure if this was who he wanted. The voice sounded similar but then again, it's been ten years.
"What do you want Hirako?" he asked aggravatedly, he sounded like he was busy and he didn't really care to be on the phone with him.
"Remember that favor that you owe me?"
"Fucking twenty years later? I don't have time for that bullshit right now." He grumbled.
"Its only been ten years," Shinji corrected him, "Its right up your alley. You still love killing people, don't you?" he tried to keep the sarcasm out of his voice, but it was hard when this guy was such an ass.
He sighed on the other end, "Fuck it all, who is it?"
"Well actually there's two that I definitely need done, but if you want to help yourself to any of the others that might be there you are welcomed to. How can I send you the information?" The less of Umesada and his men that are around, the better.
"Everything's still the same." He answered, "fucking ten years." He muttered and then hung up.
When he returned to the kitchen, Hiyori was still there although she was not eating. She was on her phone scrolling through her messages. He plucked it from her hands and glanced at the screen.
All the messages were from Umesada warning her that she needed to come back, that he owned her, that he would put her back in the hospital. He walked over to the sink and threw it into the water with the dirty dishes.
Hiyori looked up at him her eyes wide, he wasn't sure if it was shock from what he had done or from what she had read. This was why she couldn't accept that anyone could really care for her. All she was used to was being berated and abused. He couldn't let that continue.
He made a move to approach her and she got up from her seat and turned to leave. He grabbed her quickly around her waist and held her close, "Hiyori, just forget about it. You don't ever have to go back. I'm taking care of it."
"How? How the fuck can you do anything about it! You don't understand!" she shouted her voice cracking midway, she tried to struggle out of his arms, but he held her firmly.
Shinji just held her as he felt her body shake slightly as she broke down in tears. She stopped struggling and he turned her around to hold her against him as she cried against his chest. He wished he could tell her what he was doing. But he didn't want her to know what kind of evil thoughts ran through his mind because of her. He would watch the whole world burn if it meant she would be safe. He just didn't want her opinion of him to change.
"Just know you won't have to worry about Umesada ever again. I promise you Hiyori." He whispered against her hair as he stroked her back soothingly. "He will never be able to hurt you again."
She didn't respond to him just let him hold her tightly for a few more minutes before she pulled away from him. Hiyori didn't look at him, unsure of how she would face him after he had seen such a vulnerable display. "I'm gonna take a nap." She said awkwardly.
"Do you want me to tuck you in?" he asked mockingly.
"No, I want katsudon for dinner." She said, "with two eggs."
"Of course, Hiyori." Shinji replied, turning her face towards his to stare down into her sparkling hazel eyes. He gave her a reassuring smile before placing a light kiss on her lips, "two eggs it is."
Hiyori frowned but didn't resist feeling a bit weird at the affectionate gesture. When he pulled away she looked at his lips and then at his eyes, "Do you want another one?" he asked a hint of laughter in his voice.
Her head moved on its own, and he scooped her up into his arms kissing her softly on the lips. Her lips instinctively opened on their own and he took the invitation, slipping his tongue in to slowly caress hers. She tasted sweet like the cinnamon he used in her porridge. He wanted to deepen the kiss and explore more of her taste, but he held himself back. It wasn't the time.
He laid her on their bed and pulled up the blanket to her shoulders. Now he knew he was making the right choice calling in his favor. With Umesada dead, she would never have anything to worry about.
Hiyori was staring at his face as he tucked the blanket in around her, her cheeks as red as the blouse that she was wearing. She may not want to admit it, but he was sure that she felt something for him. "Get some rest Hiyori. I'll wake you for dinner."
"Whatever." She muttered turning away from him with a sigh.
Shinji chuckled as he walked out closing the door behind him. He flipped open his laptop and began the arduous process of searching his hard drive for the contact information. He wondered absently how he could be so bad at being organized and still get work done properly. It took him a while but he finally found what he was looking for.
He accessed the FBI database for an image of Umesada and just gave a brief description of the two guys who he had personally dealt with. If he was in a mood and wanted to kill any more of Umesada's men that would be fine, he would make sure he was the first person on the scene. He'd get rid of any evidence that happened to be left behind, although he was really good at what he did he doubted he'd have to do anything.
Now that all that was taken care of, he would start looking for a different place. Although he liked the peace living out in the middle of nowhere afforded him, he didn't think Hiyori would like that kind of lifestyle. Although, she had never said anything either way, she seemed content as long as he fed her.
He'd have to have a talk with her and see if she wanted to move, after all she'd be primarily at home while he'd be out of the house so she'd have to enjoy the surroundings. Shinji sighed and got up feeling very restless. He just wanted this whole thing to be over so he could finally reveal to her that she was really free from Umesada. He could already see the disbelief that would be on her stubborn features and then maybe she would breakdown into happy tears and throw her arms around him.
No, she wouldn't cry. She probably wouldn't even thank him, but she wouldn't leave him and that's all that mattered. She would have no reason to run anymore, she wouldn't have to be afraid. She could finally begin to let go of her past and live in the present with him.
Shinji shook away those thoughts and started dinner. As promised he made katsudon with extra eggs for her and set the table with a bouquet of the tri-colored camellias that grew behind his house. He stared at the beautiful flowers and wondered if she would know the significance of their meaning. Even if she did not, he was sure she would appreciate their beauty.
"Hiyori, Hun dinners ready." He gently shook her awake and she frowned as she turned to face him. She was already looking so much better, than the sorry state he had found her in. He wanted to kiss every single bruise and scratch on her perfect skin, to wipe away all the pain she felt.
"I just fell asleep." She muttered and sat up her blouse was open, her small breasts exposed to his view. His eyes gravitated to them; he had seen them before while bathing her. He found them to be perfect. Her nipples were just the prettiest shade of pink, they were just so feminine in contrast to the tough exterior that she always wanted to present. She was completely unaware of how sexy she really was.
"It's been hours, Hiyori." He responded softly, reaching over to pull her top up to cover her nakedness. No matter how much he wanted to touch her or
make love to her he wouldn't until she gave herself to him. He wouldn't give her any reason to distrust him or fear him. He wanted to treasure her as she deserved.
"The foods gonna get cold." He said turning away from her and leaving the room. He could hear the ruffling of the comforter as she got out of bed and followed him.
Hiyori took her usual seat her eyes thoughtfully regarding the big bouquet of camellias in the center of the small table. She didn't say anything as she began to eat her meal. Every now and then she would glance at him, but she wouldn't say anything.
"I meant to ask you Hiyori, do you prefer to live in the city?" Shinji asked interrupting the silence that had settled around them.
"Why does it matter?" she replied setting down her utensils.
"Because I want you to be happy. If that's something you prefer, I'll find someplace in the city. I don't care either way, I don't mind commuting." Shinji said beginning to clear the table.
Hiyori chuckled, "So we are back to this fantasy world of yours."
"Sure Hun, in this world whatever you desire I will provide for you. All you have to do is say the word." The hint of mirth in his tone was not lost on her. She was being serious, he thought that she could just go along with staying here in his little bubble while Umesada was probably sending Keiji and Toshimori to come kill both of them. Did he have no sense of self-preservation?
"Why are you like this? Why are you so damn stubborn?"
"I prefer to think of it as being tenacious." Shinji replied with a sigh, stopping in the middle of doing the dishes. "Let's not get into that again. Why don't you go shower and we'll watch something together after I'm done in here."
He could see that the reality of everything wouldn't set in until Umesada was dead. So there was no point in going around in circles about their future or making plans when she couldn't see past the here and now.
"Whatever." She said and walked out. He was such an optimistic fool. He couldn't see the danger he had put himself in because of his stubbornness and his stupidity.
Shinji hurriedly cleaned up and put away the leftovers then headed to the bedroom. The shower was still going when he entered so he decided to get ready for bed in the guest room. After he was through the shower was still going.
Suddenly a feeling of panic overcame him. What if she had passed out in the shower? It was only a few days ago that she had been injured, there might be unseen consequences that could have just manifested then. He knocked on the door, "Hiyori, Hun," he called several times before he opened the door.
The whole room was foggy from the hot water, but one thing was clear she wasn't in there. "Shit," Shinji uttered into the steamy emptiness.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Urahara finally had a moment to catch his breath and have a cup of lukewarm coffee. On his way there he had debated on whether or not to call Nnoitra and let him know what was happening. Should he blow the secret of her location and let him know where she was at? But then again what if she didn't survive the surgery and he didn't get a chance to say goodbye? He knew how much Nelliel really meant to him so in the end he ended up calling him.
"What do you want Urahara?" Nnoitra asked sounding annoyed but wide awake. Urahara glanced at the wall clock, it was past midnight. He didn't want to imagine what nefarious things he was up to at this time of night.
"It's Nelliel, she's in surgery at the Kagoshima Regional Hospital. She may not have much time left, so this may be your last chance-"
The line went silent before he could finish his statement. As much as he expected. He just didn't know if he was going to see Nnoitra waltzing into the hospital anytime soon or not at all. He glanced up at the status board on the wall and looked for her name. It still had her listed as being in surgery for several more hours.
He sighed and got up to take a walk. Just sitting there was not helping, it was just causing him more anxiety over the whole situation. From what Shunsui and Nanao explained to him, her injuries were caused by a stalker and had nothing to do with Aizen. But the man who had shot her had an affiliation with Aizen in the past, could it be that Aizen had discovered that she wasn't really dead and had him take her out?
Urahara really just wanted this to be over with, all this with Aizen and Yourichi and Nnoitra. This was the most action he had seen in his five years of being the senior director of his division and he wasn't loving it. He didn't like running around town, he didn't like fretting over people he cared about, he didn't like having to bend to the will of criminals no matter how much help they could provide.
He wondered if Jinta would still be in the office this late. Maybe he should shoot him an email about intercepting Yoruichi's negotiations since he won't be able to attend to that matter while he was out there. He pulled out his phone and wrote Jinta a simple email and told him to forward everything to his email address since he would be out the office for a few days.
Surprisingly his phone rang a few minutes later. "Sure thing Boss. Is everything ok?" Jinta asked.
"You're still in the office at this time?" Urahara questioned incredulously. He'd expected to get a phone call in the morning confirming that he would handle it, not right away.
"Actually, no I'm at home. I was just doing some work and saw your email." Jinta responded indignantly. There was no point staying at work late if Ururu was not there. It wasn't like he didn't have a computer at home.
"Well, I need you to try and push back that hand-off between them for a few days. I'm not sure how long I'll be out here but I don't want either party jumping the gun."
"I'll do what I can." Jinta answered, "Is there anything else?"
"No, thanks Jinta. I appreciate all your help."
"You're welcome Boss, good night." With that Jinta hung up.
Urahara stretched wondering if he should just go take a nap in his car. He was running on empty and the stale hospital coffee was not picking him up one bit.
"How the fuck did Aizen find her?" Nnoitra approached him an irate scowl on his face. He must not have been too far away to have gotten there that quickly. Absently Urahara wondered if he had been in the area the whole time.
Urahara wasn't in the mood for this right now, he was tired and the way Nnoitra was approaching him like it was somehow his fault was uncalled for. "I'm not sure, only I knew of her location, but from what I was told this isn't Aizen's work."
"Then who did this?"
Nnoitra took a menacing step closer towering over him, Urahara stood his ground crossing his arms in front of him. "I'm not stupid enough to do something to jeopardize what we have. You help me, I help you. That's how partnerships work. I would never hurt Nelliel, or her child. Someone in town must have known who she was or she must have let some-"
"Wait a child?" Nnoitra interrupted him feeling like he had been hit by a ton of bricks. Maybe he hadn't heard him correctly. His anger may be clouding his senses and making him hear things.
"Yeah, the Doctor said the bullets just missed the fetus. I don't think Nelliel even knew." Urahara replied noticing the change in him. He was sure that Nel knew and that was why she had called and wanted to come back to Tokyo. She may have wanted to get in contact with Nnoitra to tell him. He wished she had said something to him about Shiyori or the baby.
Out of nowhere Nnoitra slammed his fist into the wall next to them, when he pulled back his hand it was bloody and bruised. "Fuck," he cursed "that fucking bitch." He said unable to comprehend what he had just said.
Nnoitra was dumbfounded. He can't believe that she was going to have his child. So, she had been pregnant even while he had held her that night and he hadn't known. He couldn't tell by the weight of her in his arms, she had just felt so right. He didn't know what to feel about this revelation. Did he really want a kid brought into a world where he existed?
Before Urahara could say anything to interpret his strange outburst his phone rang, "Urahara Kisuke speaking." He answered.
An automated message began playing alerting him that Nelliel was out of surgery and was now in her recovery room. "Nelliel's out of Surgery." Urahara said, "We can go see her now."
Nnoitra stuffed his bleeding hand into his pocket and followed behind Urahara as he led the way to her room. The doctor was still in the room when they arrived, adjusting her iv drip. He turned to them a somber look on his face.
"How is she Dr. Himura?" Urahara asked.
"It's touch and go right now. We did everything we could to save both the mother and child but sometimes things don't work out." He answered with a slight shake of his head. It was better to not give them false hope from the beginning, in cases like this usually the fetus did not survive.
Nnoitra listened to his words as he just stared at Nel's unconscious body in awe. Inside of her there was a tiny version of her or him growing. All the anger that he was feeling somehow dissipated. He felt like he was transported back to when he was just a young boy, when he still had his parents. He for a few years knew what love felt like. When Nel held him in her arms he felt an inkling of that, and it scared him. Everything that he loved was always taken away from him.
"Right now is the most crucial time, we'll be monitoring her closely." Dr. Himura continued, looking over her chart.
"How far along is she?" Nnoitra finally asked turning away from her.
"By the ultrasound, she looks to be about 16 weeks pregnant with a male fetus. Although she is underweight to be at this stage, I didn't see anything else that could complicate the pregnancy. If they both survive, she should be able to carry to full term."
If, fuck. The word brought back full circle the predicament that she was in. She was lying on that bed not sleeping peacefully but fighting for her life.
"How long until we know she'll really be ok?" Urahara questioned feeling the sudden shift in the atmosphere of the room. The tense way Nnoitra was holding himself only hinted at what he knew was brewing under the surface. He was gonna go after Aizen.
Dr. Himura laid a comforting arm on Urahara's shoulder but shook his head somberly, "As it is, she is lucky to be breathing. One of the bullets punctured her left lung and the other went straight through her ventricular artery. Both of those are usually fatal." He left it at that, the implication clear. There was no way to predict how long or if she would make it.
"Thank you, Dr. Himura." Urahara stepped aside so the doctor could take his leave. Once they were alone, he turned to Nnoitra. "I'm going to go take a nap. I'll let you have some time with her."
"There's no need." Nnoitra replied turning to leave, if Aizen wasn't the one who did this he knew who had.
"Wait, Nnoitra. It can wait. Aizen's not going anywhere." Urahara tried to stop him, its true he may not understand the complicated relationship that they had but he could tell Nnoitra cared for Nel. Killing Aizen shouldn't be his number one priority right now. Not when any moment she could breathe her last and he would never see her again.
"Aizen will get his soon, but he's not who I'm after. I know the fucker who did this." He should have just done as he wanted that night and gutted him. He had gone too easy on him, just because he had been able to see and hold her again.
"You mean Syazel?" When Shunsui had explained the situation to him earlier he told him about his prior dealings with Aizen, but how Syazel had denied being involved with him now. His fascination with Nelliel had stemmed from her being involved with Nnoitra.
Nnoitra didn't answer as he walked out, he didn't have time to waste explaining himself. He got on his motorcycle and sped off towards her house.
XX
All the lights were off but he knew he was there, sitting in the corner of the small nursery that she had set up. This hadn't been there the last time he had visited her. So maybe she did just recently find out that she was pregnant. He wondered if she would have told him. Would she even want him in their lives after what he did to her?
"I knew you would eventually show up." He said just a hint of his white teeth appearing in the darkness. "How is Ellie? I didn't hurt her too bad, did I?"
Nnoitra was on him in a blink of the eye his knife drawn and ready to plunge straight into his chest, Syazel was ready for him, quickly dodging him and stepping to the side. "You know, I didn't really want anything to happen to her." Syazel said as he kicked Nnoitra hard in the back of his legs, buckling him to the floor.
"I especially didn't want anything to happen to that child she's carrying." Syazel grabbed him by his hair and slammed his face into the floor. "Could you imagine, what kind of monster I could create from a child with your genes, uncorrupted by love or empathy?"
Syazel lifted his bloody face to grin at him, then kicked him hard in the stomach. Blood gushed from Nnoitra's parted lips as he laid there listening to his sick plan. "Of course, I would keep Ellie around to watch. She's pretty enough to forget that you sullied her with your filthy hands. How do you think she would feel to watch her child murder someone?" Syazel lifted his leg to kick Nnoitra again, but Nnoitra caught it and rammed his knife into his ankle.
Syazel let out a yelp of pain reaching for his gun that he had tucked in the holster at his side. Nnoitra gave him no chance as he quickly slammed his knee into his gut. He gripped Sayzels head in his hands and dug his fingers into his eye sockets. "You fucker." Syazel grabbed his arms struggling to claw at his hands trying to get out of his grasp. He continued to squeeze until he could feel the warmth of his blood on his fingers and Sayzels hands fell away from his.
Nnoitra threw his lifeless body to the ground, rubbing his fingers together. He thought he would feel some kind of satisfaction in knowing why Syazel had done what he did. But all he felt was unbelievable fury and then a devastating amount of guilt. If it wasn't for him, she would not be in this situation right now. He had only wanted her because she was carrying his child. A child who he could make into a monster like him.
He knew what he had to do. He would Kill Aizen and then he would end it all. Her child should not be forced to have a father like him.
A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed it!