A/N Please forgive any mistakes.

Chapter 10

Rukia got back to the house and started putting things up. Hana and Mia helped her while Yumi sat and watched, asking if Rukia was going to bake anything sweet. Rukia smiled as she put the food up and the girls all waited for her to answer. Rukia spoke confidently and stated brownies. The girls cheered and clapped, running around screaming happily. Rukia giggled a bit as she watched the girls run around. Rukia looked and saw Ichigo walking in with a black suit on. Yumi gave Ichigo a look but stayed where she was. Hana and Mia ran to their Father and hugged him tightly. Ichigo hugged his daughters back and greeted Rukia and Yumi.

"So aside from dinner with me tonight what is the plan for you today Rukia?" Ichigo asked.

Hana smiled, "We're watching a movie right Ruki?"

Rukia smiled and went to say something when her phone started going off. She put her finger up and walked to the side and answered her phone. She didn't look at the caller ID, just simply answered thinking it was one of her siblings or maybe her aunt. Ichigo pushed the girls out and sat down on the barstool in the kitchen.

'Rukia OMG Rukia Ashido is in the hospital! We don't know what happened, no one will talk to us, he looks horrible."

Rukia's eyes widened, "What! Where are you? I'm on my way now."

'We're at this stupid fucking hospital in Seireitei it's called Seireitei medical.'

Rukia grabbed her keys and wallet and ran out to a car and sped to the hospital without a word. She had never driven so fast in her life. She was honestly scared with her driving but she had to get to the hospital. She was so confused she had just seen Ashido the other night. When she got to the hospital she recklessly parked and ran into the hospital. A receptionist smiled but Rukia just shook her head and asked for Ashido Kano's room. The girls nodded and directed Rukia to the room. She ran quickly and entered the room with two red haired women and black haired man. Kim Kano was Ashido's sweet mother. She was always so nice and sweet to Rukia. Kim was a fifty-nine year old school teacher. Sei Kano was a red haired twenty-two year old who was in college for nursing. She was a hot headed girl. Han Kano was a bulky black haired man who was a sixty-two year old football coach. He was a hot tempered man but he was always nice to Rukia. Rukia looked at the hospital bed and almost screamed at the sight. Ashido was in bed. His face was so swollen he was almost unrecognizable. Rukia almost broke down crying. Kim and Sei hugged her while Han looked sad and ashamed.

"What happened!" Rukia asked.

Sei frowned, "We don't know we think he got jumped but this bitch staff aren't helping us or giving us answers."

Rukia shook her head, "I just saw him yesterday at this fancy party. He was the caterer for the desserts."

Kim's eyes widened, "How was he yesterday what happened?"

Rukia told them everything, leaving nothing out even calling Ashido a prick. His family knew about their breakup hell they even knew that Ashido was and could be an asshole. Rukia explained how she noticed Ashido being taken out. She told them that the people were not satisfied with the desserts and wanted him out. Rukia covered her face in shame she should have checked on him.

"Rukia this is not your fault don't blame yourself please. We know how you are, you're so kind and sweet. Don't blame yourself please." Kim stated.

Rukia felt tears coming out of her eyes as she watched Ashido struggle to breathe with oxygen. She felt horrible. After ten minutes of hugging a pale man with black silky hair and glasses came in. He was wearing a doctor's coat and he looked vaguely familiar to Rukia.

"Kano's family, correct?"

Everyone nodded, including Rukia; they all just wanted some answers. He cleared his throat and glanced at Rukia.

"I am Uryu Ishida. I am the director and head of this hospital."

Sei frowned, "What happened to him no one is answering our questions. What happened!"

Uryu cleared his throat, "I am sorry but I can only talk to the family."

Sei scowled, "Well I am his sister, this is his mother and father speak!"

Kim frowned as Uryu looked at Rukia, "She is a part of our family as well."

Uryu shook his head, "I am sorry but policy forbids me to tell anyone not blood related unless for certain circumstances."

"I'll leave but I'll be back tomorrow"

Sei glared at Uryu and escorted her out. Rukia was going to walk to the lobby but Sei stopped her.

"Hey Rukia mom and dad didn't want me to tell you this but I think you should know. When we got here Ashido was muttering something. He said 'run Rukia'. He kept muttering it repeatedly. Do you know what that could mean?" Sei asked.

Rukia shook her head, "No, maybe he wants me out since Kirio could scout me. He did admit to blacklisting me."

Sei sighed, "He really is a prick isn't he. Just be careful it sounded more like a warning than a threat."

Rukia hugged Sei and told her she would be back tomorrow morning. Sei hugged Rukia back and thanked her for everything. Rukia left and walked to her car. She was so confused and felt so guilty she didn't understand how this could happen to Ashido. She was so upset at herself she drove back to the estate where she worked. The moment she got out of the car she ran to her room and locked the door. She honestly didn't know how to feel. She was exhausted.

She didn't know what Ashido meant by run. She didn't know what happened from the time she saw him at the party or after for that fact. She sat in her bed thinking about who would hurt Ashido. She knew he was an ass but no one deserved to be hurt like he was. Rukia could feel the tears welling up and sliding down her face. She jumped when she heard a knock on her door she ignored it knowing it was locked she just wanted to be alone. She heard the lock turn and she just huffed she should have known there would be no privacy.

"Rukia?"

Rukia sat up quickly and wiped her face as she stared at Ichigo. She sniffled and looked at Ichigo asking if everything was okay. Rukia's eyes widened as she was embraced by Ichigo. It happened so fast but Ichigo had her arms wrapped around her and was hugging her. She couldn't help but let it all out and cry into his arms.

"What happened?"

Rukia sniffled, "Ashido's in the hospital it's all my fault I should have checked up on him when he was escorted out. I saw him and he looked horrible. I just feel like this could have all been avoided."

Ichigo rubbed Rukia's back soothingly as she cried telling him about Ashido. She felt so safe in Ichigo's arms as if she was the safest woman in the world. Rukia hugged Ichigo back tightly as if she would break if he let her go. He picked her up much to Rukia's surprise and walked her to the dining table. He sat her down and walked to the kitchen and bought out a plate and sat it down in front of her. She looked at it and her mouth instantly watered and her tummy growled loudly. It was steak with potatoes and carrots all drizzled in delicious looking gravy sauce. Ichigo poured her a glass of red wine and sat at the other end of the table. He had a plate as well. She didn't notice before but Ichigo was wearing a very good fitting navy blue suit and his beautiful orange locks were slicked back. Rukia had to say he looked extremely attractive. Rukia asked what was happening.

"Well we were supposed to go to dinner but then you left and then came back and ran to your room."

Rukia held her head down, "I am so sorry. I left the girls…Where are the girls?"

"Oh my little sister Yuzu came to spend time with them. She's Karins twin sister and looks nothing like her. She's in college at Karakura and she doesn't know what she wants to do. She's just going to get her general education. She's pretty smart. She doesn't have classes tomorrow so she is staying with our Dad and going to take the girls to school tomorrow. Think of it as a bit of a day off for you."

"And Yumi?"

Ichigo chuckled, "Like I said the girls are with Yuzu. Even Yumi."

Rukia was happy to hear that the girls were safe and having fun. The two ate in silence for a bit until Rukia bowed her head.

"Thank you." Ichigo stopped eating mid way and put his fork down and gave Rukia a questionable look. "Thank you. I am so grateful for this job."

Ichigo chuckled and sipped on his red wine and shook his head.

"Rukia, you have helped me and Yumi get close, sorta kinda close. You have taken my girls in as if they were your own. They love you so thank you…I'm sorry about what happened to Ashido." Ichigo stated.

Rukia felt tears welling up in her eyes, "Ichigo do you know what happened to him? I know I'm pathetic for wanting to know if my bitch ex is alright but truth is I'm just that type of person. It irks my sisters and aunt and I know I try to see the good in others."

Ichigo sighed, "You sound like my mother. No I don't know what happened to him all I know is he was escorted out of the party and his employer was contacted today to tell her about the horrible desserts. I'm sorry."

Rukia sniffled a bit but shook her head, "It's fine. Was your mother also sensitive?"

Ichigo took another swig of wine and nodded, "Yeah she was super sensitive but she was also a hell of a mom you know. Umm she had cancer and through it all she would still smile and love me and my siblings. She." Ichigo cleared his throat a bit before continuing, "She died five years ago. She fought an amazing battle but unfortunately it came back. At least she got to hold Hana before she died. She would have been sixty-five."

Rukia's eyes widened; she didn't know Ichigo would go that deep about his mother; she actually appreciated it. She got up and walked to him and hugged him tightly. It took Ichigo a minute but he wrapped his arms around Rukia tightly.

"So to thank you for this amazing dinner I have a bit of a surprise for you. Go get cleaned up and it should be ready by then." Rukia stated.

Ichigo smiled and went to get cleaned up. Rukia rolled her invisible sleeves up and went to the kitchen to make brownies. She made sure to pour her heart and soul into the brownies not missing even the slightest pinch of salt. By the time Ichigo had come back down, Rukia was just taking the brownies out of the oven. She arranged them in a cut glass bowl and put them in front of Ichigo. Rukia warned him it was hot but Ichigo just ate without giving any signs of pain. Rukia watched him eat the brownies and smiled; he seemed to like them.

"Oh man, these are almost as good as my mothers. Geez you really have a gift."

Rukia didn't know what compelled her to act so out of character maybe it was the vulnerability Ichigo was showing her. Maybe it was the compliment about her having a gift or his child-like face when he ate the brownie. Hell it could have been the small crumbs of brownie on his face but Rukia kissed him. Not on the lips eww no but on the cheek. Her face turned red and she bowed. She went to run away in embarrassment but Ichigo grabbed her hand and smiled. Not a fake smile like he usually gives or those sexy smirks but a school boy smiles an innocent smile.

"Thanks, Rukia, have a goodnight."

Rukia smiled and nodded and ran to her room a bit more giddy. She took a shower and then changed into her pajamas. She wanted to text her sisters but decided against it. She couldn't sleep so she turned on some tv and laid in her bed. Downstairs Ichigo had the biggest smile on his face as he walked out the house. A car was waiting for him and they drove him to Uryu hospital. He walked out and walked to the elevator where his cousin's office was. There were a bunch of guards surrounding the area but not in the room itself. Ichigo walked in and was greeted with an overly large white office. He walked and slouched into a chair and waited for his cousin to look at him. Uryu Ishida was Ichigo's cousin and was part of the Quincy family. When his Father and Mother got together they united the Quincy and Shiba family together. Uryu's dad Ryuken Ishida was the brother of Masaki Kurosaki and her death hit the Quincy family hard. Uryu was wearing a pair of slacks and his white doctor jacket. He looked tired and drained.

"Geez dude you look absolutely wiped."

Uryu frowned, "Well I'm married running this fucking hospital and also head of the Quincy. I am pretty tired, Ichigo. What do you want and why are you smiling like Shiro when he gets the chance to kill?"

"Well Rukia kissed me…on the cheek but it's still a kiss." Ichigo stated.

Uryu rolled his eyes, "What is your fascination with that girl?"

"She reminds me of mom." Ichigo stated.

Uryu frowned, "Aunt Masaki was a cold stone killer with a heart of gold."

Ichigo gave Uryu a blank stare. Unlike Ichigo Uryu got to see the bad and the ugly and the sensitivity of Masaki. Since he was the next in line she and his father would take him out and show him the ropes. Masaki really was an angel but if you crossed her family she was equivalent to hell on earth. Masaki taught him about being nice and respectful to even your enemy because an enemy could always turn into a friend in disguise. Ichigo only ever saw the sensitive sweet Masaki and Uryu would never skew his thoughts about his mother by telling him things he'd seen his aunt do for the sake of the family.

"Rukia also helped me and Yumi get on good terms."

"Wait wait wait Yumi I've heard she's back in school and on a good track." Uryu stated.

Ichigo glared, "You've been following her?"

Uryu scowled, "She's a child, she's around the same age as Yuji would have been. Of course I followed her. Not initially of course since I was mourning. Besides, I knew you were watching her." Ichigo looked away in guilt, causing Uryu to give him a questioning look, "You did watch her right?"

Ichigo shook his head, "No not at first I mean I knew she hated me so what was the point of following her?"

"Because she's your biological daughter! That's why those rumors were spread. Someone was probably following her and watching her. You fucking idiot!"

Ichigo turned red in shame. He didn't think someone would tail Yumi but the enemy probably saw she was not being watched and used that as an advantage to spread lies knowing no one had proof of the lie or truth. They probably stopped following her when Uryu started bringing his guys around to make sure she was okay. He knew this was all his fault.

"I'll have Uncle Zangetsu watch her." Ichigo stated quickly.

Uryu shook his head, "Damage is already done. I'll handle it. You need to really fix your relationship with Yumi. I know how it feels to have your child hate you but I can't do anything to fix it. Yuji is dead and I'll live with that guilt forever. Nanao and I are still grieving. I wish I could hold him one more time, Ichigo. Don't be like me, be better."

Ichigo nodded. He wanted to hug his cousin but knew better of it. He stood and dismissed himself. When he got back home he walked to Rukia's door and knocked. He didn't expect her to answer at three in the morning. She was surprised to see him but opened the door for him and let him in. The whole night Ichigo and Rukia talked. He didn't want to admit it but he felt so safe with her. Rukia comforted Ichigo until they fell asleep. Rukia was the first to wake up at ten in the morning. She wanted to leave Ichigo alone but knew she should probably wake him up. When she did Ichigo instinctively tackled her and tried to choke her but stopped himself when he saw her. Rukia thought Ichigo was just startled not understanding that he almost choked her to death. He bowed and said sorry and got out of the bed.

Rukia shook her head, "No need to apologize. I shouldn't have startled you. I must go though I'm going to visit Ashido and his family. Would you like me to get you something?"

Ichigo frowned, "Actually I want to escort you and treat you to breakfast as well."

Rukia agreed and went to get dressed. Ichigo drove and it was a nice ride since Rukia didn't have to deal with the girls. Ichigo walked Rukia to the hospital door and stopped and turned to the entrance way. He had a feeling he was being followed. He immediately texted his brother telling him to meet him at Uryu's hospital and then followed Rukia. Hiding in the shadow was a brown haired woman wearing a trench coat and red lipstick. She glared behind Ichigo wishing she could just shoot him where he stood. She remained in the shadows waiting for her chance to strike.

A/N Guys I've been having horrible writer's block but thank you for continuing on this journey with me. I have been thinking about rebooting elementals a little kind of like what I've done with This story and parent life. Speaking of Parent life chapter is coming, I just need to get out of this little brain fart I am. School is about to resume for me and I doubt I'll be able to upload chapters like I want especially since these are summer classes. At the very least I'll have a reboot chapter for elementals at the end of next week if I choose to reboot. It'll be different of course but with a little of some of the same elements. Welp bye I might post another chapter for this soon as well since I am a little more creative with this one I don't feel stuck like I do with parent life.