Kumiko had flitted between unconsciousness and exhausted awareness throughout the following day. Each and every time she opened her eyes Shunsui was by her side. Either sat on the chair, seemingly watching her sleep or cuddled up next to her stealing a nap of his own. By the third time being caught, Unohana had stopped scolding him for it, simply requesting he be careful of her wounds.

The following morning, day three of being in the fourths care, Kumiko woke up, feeling more alert than she had the previous day. Her stomach was still sore with a pulling tightness every time she moved, but the low dose of pain killers helped to dull the ache. While she was encouraged to accept the higher dose, she didn't like how drowsy it made her. She had apparently slept through Yoruichi's whole visit, and could hardly remember when Matsumoto and Momo had arrived.

Her room was full of beautiful flowers and boxes of chocolates she was looking forward to sampling, get well soon gifts from her friends. One friend she had yet to see, and so desperately needed to see was Kisuke. Kumiko had spotted the unsure looks Shunsui and Jushiro had subtly exchanged when she had asked for his whereabouts, though she couldn't stay awake long enough to get answers. Today would be different .

Shunsui lay next to her, the familiar snore comforting in these new surroundings. His large frame kept her warm, keeping her safe in his arms when the nightmares started. While horrifying when stuck in them, Kumiko had yet to remember them on waking up, a small saving grace. Shunsui woke every time she started to stir in the night, eyebrows furrowed, mumbling weakly. Each time he held her close, whispering soothing comfort until she returned to a peaceful rest.

The door opening softly had Kumiko egerly awaiting, only to be doused with painful disappointment at seeing Captain Unohana enter and not her hat wearing friend. She smiled politely, gently pushing herself into a sitting position while trying not to disturb Shunsui snorting besides her

"Good morning, Kumiko san" Unohana greeted her, heading straight for her chart to read over the observations from the night before. Her eyes scanned over the report, small frown on her elegant face "how is your pain today? I see you're still refusing the higher dose of pain relief"

"I feel great" the stern look she had in return quickly made Kumiko amend her statement with a sheepish smile, "my stomach hurts. It feels tight and itchy and burns when I move, but I can handle it. I don't want to spend the whole day asleep"

"I will not force you to take it, but please speak up if the pain becomes too much." Kumiko nodded, having no intention of taking the drugs that made her so sleepy, no matter how much pain she was in. Unohana busied herself with replacing the liquid medicine in Kumiko's IV, writing her own involvement onto the report. Shunsui started moving around in his sleep, pushing himself closer to you and wrapping his arm over her waist "Breakfast will be around shortly." Unohana reminded you as she left to visit other patients.

Kumiko gently laid herself back down, looking into the relaxed sleeping face of Shunsui. She couldn't believe how close she had gotten to never seeing him again. Couldn't imagine a reality where she didn't wake up next to him every morning. She loved him, uncontrollably and indefinitely. The argument they had gotten into, that seemed so much longer ago than it actually was, seemed so insignificant now. She knew deep down that Shunsui loved her as much as she did him. He showed her every single day. She shouldn't have reacted to that awful woman's teasing.

She gently laid her hand on the overgrown scruff on his face. Self grooming had taken a back seat the past couple days, Shunsui spending every moment at Kumiko's bedside. Not that she was complaining, she thought he looked handsome with facial hair, and the lengthened strands of hair had become softer under her fingertips. Her admiring stirred him from his sleep, slate grey eyes opening sleepily to meet her own. He smiled softly, turning his head to kiss her wrist

"morning love" Kumiko smiled at the usual greeting, chest swelling with overflowing emotions towards the man "how are you feeling?"

"fine" Kumiko was met with the same disbelieving look she had gotten from Unohana, she seriously needed to work on her poker face. "A bit sore, but I'm happy" she amended, leaning in to kiss her overprotective boyfriend. Shunsui delved into the kiss enthusiastically, hand coming up to cup the back of her head as he moulded his lips against her own.

Kumiko sighed into the kiss, letting Shunsui direct the pressure and tempo happily. He kissed her slowly, sensually caressing her tongue with his own, using his body to roll Kumiko carefully to her back as he leaned over her, making sure not to put any of his weight on her besides his eager lips. Shunsui savoured the feel of her lips, committing to memory the feel, the taste. Using it to replace the memories of Kumiko laid broken and bloody on the field floor.

He pulled away before things got to far, playfully dropping exaggerated kisses over every part of her giggling face he could reach. "I love that sound" he grinned, pressing their foreheads together as Kumiko caught her breath. She sighed, smiling through the clenching pain in her abdomen, not wanting Shunsui to feel guilty. It wasn't his fault she was hurt and refusing strong pain relief

Kumiko lifted her hand to cup his jaw, thumb brushing over the thick soft hair, basking in the closeness "I love you making me laugh" the confession was met with another soft kiss, before he moved off her completely, taking her hand in his and intertwining their fingers. The gentle knock at the door had Shunsui pulling the blanket up higher to cover his naked chest in mock coyness, making Kumiko laugh as the door opened

One of Unohana's unseated officers had come to deliver breakfast, balanced carefully on a tray. A blush subtly pinked her cheeks at the sight of the bare chested Captain nestled in the bed with her patient, though she remained professional "Good morning Kumiko, Captain Kyoraku." She greeted as she entered the room fully, laying the tray of food on the table next to Kumiko's bed. "would you like some breakfast too, Captain?" Avoiding looking at the grinning man, amused by her flustered appearance.

Kumiko gently nudged him in the side, silently telling him to stop his teasing "No thank you, I'll grab something on the way to the office." He turned to look at Kumiko with a downtrodden expression "I've actually got to go do some work today"

"poor thing". Kumiko grinned, patting him softly on the head. The woman nodded and bowed respectfully, retreating from the room as quickly as she could when Shunsui made to pull the blanket from his form. Kumiko watched as he climbed over her, bottom half covered in his usual black shinigami bottoms, wearing them only to remain respectful.

He pushed the table over Kumikos lap as she used the remote to put the bed in a sitting position, waiting until she began to eat before getting himself dressed "Shunsui..." Kumiko asked carefully, unassuming, as she began buttering some toasted bread. Head popping through his top, Shunsui raised an eyebrow expectantly "why hasn't Kisuke come to see me?"

Kumiko spotted the surprise in his eyes, followed by a flash of annoyance before masking the emotion with feigned confusion. He was hiding something, Kumiko was certain. "He's probably just busy love, he's back in work, there's probably loads to catch up on"

Even if that were true, it would have stung. Kisuke couldn't spare any time over the last few days to come see her? She didn't even know how he was, if he had been injured at all during the battles. Dropping the bread to the plate, Kumiko suddenly lost her appetite. Shunsui hated the look on her face. Draping his colourful kimono on his shoulders he arrived back at her side, tilting her chin to meet his eye

"I'll go visit him today, remind him he is missed". Kumiko nodded a little sadly, accepting the kiss he placed on her cheek. Something wasn't right, and she was going to find out what it was. "I'll come back after work"

A light knock at the door pulled Kumiko from her slumber. While she wasn't taking any strong, sleep inducing pain killers, the pain was making her tired. She blindly felt for the beds remote, straightening the positing as she called out sleepily "come in"

Lieutenant Kotetsu peeked through the open door, smiling softly " hey Kumiko" she looked a little unsure, uncomfortable. Kumiko straightened up, smiling invitingly.

"good afternoon, lieutenant" she greeted, waiting for the lieutenant to speak. Isane's eyes darted to the door and back again, "You can say no" she offered the out, piquing Kumiko's interest "but Kage is up, and is asking to see you. If you don't want to.."

"No, please, I want to see him". Kumiko said determinedly. She hadn't gotten much information about his health, not being next of kin and all, she understood protecting his rights, but she had been worrying for him. The lieutenant nodded, leaving the room to go fetch him. Kumiko felt nervous as she waited, not from fear, she knew the truth, Kage was as much a victim as she was.

Guilt, she supposed, for so easily believing he had tuned on them. For not realising all he had been going through the months she had spent here in soul society, safe, creating a life for herself. Guilt of not being able to help him. For blaming him for Sota's actions. A shiver jolted through her body at the thought of Sota, suddenly cold in the warm room. The less time thought about him, the better.

Kumiko's head whipped to the door when she heard it open, letting out a breath she didn't realise she was holding when she saw Kage being wheeled into her room. He looked awful. Sat in a wheelchair his arm was bandaged, nestled in a sling over his shoulder that wasn't covered in another stark white wrap. He had cuts all over his face and neck, hundreds of little nicks in the skin. He looked tried, black hugged the underside of his eyes, telling of the lack of sleep he must be getting

Lieutenant Kotetsu pushed him closer to the bed, pressing down the break on the wheel to ensure its stability. Taking a step back, she made sure to catch Kumiko's eye "I'll be just outside the room, please call if you need anything" the hidden message was clear but unnecessary. Kumiko felt completely safe in his presence. She nodded regardless, watching as she left.

When the door clicked closed behind her, Kumiko faced her old friend "Kage" she held out her hand, tears threatening to spill when he took it in his own, squeezing softly "Im so happy you're alright"

"Im sorry I couldn't help you" his deep voice sounded rough, like he hadn't used it for a long time. Kumiko shook her head, struggling to keep the tears at bay "If I were stronger, if only I could've.."

"shh" Kumiko stoped him as the first tear escaped "none of it was your fault, none of it. I'm sorry it took me so long to realise, what you must have gone through..."

"It wasn't actually that bad. Sota removed his possession enough to keep me from going insane, trapped in my own mind." Kumiko's eyes widened, that sounded horrific, being trapped in your own mind, unable to command your own body. Prisoner in your own skin. Kumiko Shuddered at the thought. "I don't know how I didn't see it sooner... just how far Sota had fallen.."

"It was like seeing a completely new person" Kumiko agreed, wiping away the cooling wet streak on her cheek "he was so cold, so deranged. Nothing like I remembered him being". Kage sighed deeply, clinging onto Kumiko's hand like a life line.

"He let me bury them". Kumiko gasped softly at the new information. She had wondered, before all this came to fruition, why the scouting teams couldn't find any of the remains. Sota's missing corps had been explained, he wasn't killed to begin with, but Asana and Kenji.. "I buried them together, under that old oak tree they liked to picnic under"

A surprise laugh left Kumiko, memories of her friends swimming through her mind, happy memories. "Picnics they swore blind wasn't a date." Kage blessed her with his own smile, fondly remembering their fallen comrades. Kumiko was happy they were laid to rest together. Where they belonged.

"They weren't very good at hiding it". No, they most certainly weren't, Kumiko thought fondly, soft smile on her face as her heart swelled with fond memories. They shared a comforting look, smiles wavering at the loss of their family

"What will you do now?" Kumiko asked softly. Kage wasn't built for the fast paced life of soul society. He had never felt comfortable in large group settings, in many ways, the small intimate group sent to the world of the living was perfect for him. He excelled there, a strong fighter in his own right, a strong sense of justice, he could help keep others safe without all the fanfare that accompanied the large divisions.

"I've been absolved of all the crimes against my name. The head Captain has given me a choice. I can either stay here, join one of the thirteen court guards." Kage began to explain what had transpired the last couple of days while Kumiko was blissfully unaware.

"or?"

"Or, the head captain has offered me to go back. Lead a team of my own to defeat the hidoi that escape hell" he finished with a crooked smile. It was perfectly suited to Kage, being surrounded by nature, a small group of people opposed to the never ending bustle here in soul society. Kumiko's lips pulled over her teeth in a wide grin, the knowledge her old position was offered to the perfect man for the job.

"Kage, that's amazing, congratulations"

"I'm assuming I can't convince you to come with me?" He asked already knowing what she would say. Kumiko didn't belong there anymore, she had made a life for herself here. Made friends, working hard to push through her unique reactions to spiritual pressure. He couldn't be more pleased for her and the progress she had made.

Kumiko smiled softly, shaking her head. "I couldn't leave everyone behind. This is where I belong now. I'm home"

Shunsui lethargically strolled through the eighths division, hat settled low on his head to obscure his face from the setting sun. Seemingly walking without purpose, not an unusual sight for the passing shinigami making their way home after a long day. Shunsui was here for a purpose though, intermittently reaching out to sense for his allusive friends signature spiritual pressure, he was long over due his turn to talk some sense into a struggling Urahara.

He wasn't having much luck however. He wasn't in his home or at his office. Either Kisuke was purposefully trying not to be found, concealing his spiritual pressure, or he simply wasn't within range of being detected. From what Ukitake had told him, he assumed the first option was most likely. Urahara was a difficult man to hunt down if he didn't want to be found, that was for sure. But Shunsui had an enormous amount of patience and the advantage of knowing the blond pretty well.

There was one place left he could look. Hidden away and strengthened by concealment charms, not known by the majority of soul society, it was the perfect place to conceal yourself. Shunsui made his way to the door of Kisuke's hidden training room, finding it unlocked. Found you. He thought when the subtle pulse of Kisuke's spiritual pressure could be felt from the depths of the room.

Shunsui walked down the long stair well, purposefully not hiding his footsteps to alert Kiduke of his presence. The last thing he needed to was to startle him, or worse, make Kisuke feel cornered. While it would be the worst case scenario, he would give him the choice to avoid him if he so chose. There was always tomorrow. He spotted Kisuke sat atop a large rock, legs dangling over the edge. His back was to Shunsui, looking out at the seemingly endless room. The slight head tilt told Shunsui he was aware of his presence. The fact he hadn't immediately flash stepped away was encouraging at least.

Shunsui joined Urahara atop the rock, sitting next to him and letting his legs hang off the side. For a rocky, barren wasteland, it was surprisingly tranquil. Subtly assessing Urahara from the corner of his eye, Shunsui immediately spotted the bottle of sake grasped loosely in his hand. Not one to miss an opportunity, Shunsui produced his own liquor from within his captains coat. Forsaking a cup, he joined Urahara in drinking straight from the bottle. The silence between them stretched, not all together uncomfortable, but definitely felt.

"You're a difficult man to find Urahara" Shunsui broke the silence, careful to keep any accusation tones from his voice. He had to play this right, or Urahara would clam up tight, if not leave altogether. The heavy sigh he gave was promising.

"what do you want Kyoraku?" Urahara spoke in a monotone voice so unlike his usual teasing lilt. It was a start though, Shunsui would take it over the silent treatment Ukitake got.

"I was in the neighbourhood, thought I'd come see how you were doing" he drawled before nonchalantly sipping from his own drink, subconsciously prompting Urahara to sample his own. When it was lowered, Shunsui heard the liquid sloshing about, he could gage by the noise how much of the sweet nectar was residing in the bottle. About half way, a good sign. Urahara didn't seem drunk, but the added knowledge of the half full bottle was comforting. Shunsui knew all too well how slippery the slope got when one used alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Urahara wouldn't find all the answers at the bottom of a bottle, a painful truth he had to learn time and time again. He needed to talk, he needed the wisdom and advice of those older and more experienced. He needed the comforting words and forgiveness of those who he had thought he had wronged, needed reminding of the exceptional man he is. He needed his friends.

"Kumiko has been asking for you" he didn't miss the wince Urahara tried to cover up with a long pull from his drink. If anyone else, the meaning may have gone unnoticed, Shunsui however was incredibly sharp and caught the underlying confession, he had been thinking about Kumiko too. "She's confused and hurt about your absence, though she's trying to put on a brave face"

A guilty look flashed on his tired face before stubbornly pushing it down. Shunsui could see his jaw working, chewing the insides of his cheek. "Why don't you come back with me? " Shunsui laid a heavy hand on Kisuke's shoulder encouragingly "She'd love to see you. I know you're missing her too"

"No" His eyebrows rose at the short response, this was going to be more difficult that he had anticipated. He didn't want to argue with him, but Kisuke was leaving them with very little choice than to go the route of tough love

"You need to see her Kisuke. You need to talk about.."

"ABOUT WHAT!" Kisuke sudden outburst drowned out the last of Shunsui's sentence. Letting his hand fall heavily from his friends shoulder as Kisuke jumped to his feet, Shunsui watched him expectantly. If Urahara wanted to talk, or scream in this case, he'd let him. He watched silently as Urahara threw his sake bottle across the stoney terrain, shattering into a thousand pieces on impact. Watched his hands curl so tightly into fists they began to shake.

"About the fact I almost killed her? How I tried to kill Ukitake? How I let my own arrogance and pride cloud my judgement? How I completely failed as her Captain, her mentor and her friend? How I wasn't strong enough or smart enough to see what was right in front of my eyes?! "

"Yes" Urahara whipped around at the direct reply, eyes widening at the affirmative answer to his explosive, self deprecating rant. Shunsui took his time to pop the cork back into his bottle and stow it safely away into his uniform for later. Giving Urahara the time to settle his anger. He rose to his feet, taking one last glance at the surrounding view before sighing deeply. He faced Urahara, careful to keep his face neutral.

"I know you know as well as I do that Kumiko has placed no blame on your shoulders. You need to hear it for yourself, or these demons are going to fester and strengthen and tear you from the inside out" Shunsui laid his hand once again on Urahara's shoulder, light enough to give the semblance of freedom to escape, but heavy enough to keep his attention directed to him "Drinking yourself stupid every day isn't going to fix this, trust me, I know. Keeping your distance is just another way of punishing yourself, but you're not just hurting yourself, you're hurting Kumiko too"

Shunsui felt the fight leave Urahara's body, shoulders slumping at the truth he had been defiantly ignoring. He swallowed roughly, turning his head away from the intensity of Kyoraku's eyes. "You're better than this Kisuke. You're stronger, smarter than you're behaving right now." The flash of anger in Kisuke's eyes made Shunsui take a step back, give him some space. Maybe it was a little to far, a cut a little too deep but it needed to be said. Shunsui tilted his hat down to cover his eyes, turning abruptly to walk to the exit.

"We're all here, when you're ready to let go of this blame your clinging onto"