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Chapter 31

Yearning

After the intense battle between Rika and Miyako took place, Byakuya, Toshirou, Shirayuki and Renji had returned to the training site, Division Eleven and most of the Fourth Division had returned to the Soul Society. With Toshirou's return, the Tenth Division was the third group to depart.

Byakuya held onto Miyako, his hands trembling as he was forced to present her and Rika, who was carried back by Renji, to Captain Unohana. She quickly sent Shirayuki back to Soul Society to inform the division to prepare for two high level surgeries.

Captain Unohana had instructed Byakuya and Renji to stay and follow her in the senkaimon to monitor them. Byakuya's stomach was in knots; Miyako didn't respond to any of his attempts to awaken her after she had fainted. Her battered and limp body felt cold against his. He held her tight, not willing to let anyone take her away until he knew she was in capable hands. After what seemed like an eternity, they could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Everyone had raced to the Fourth Division the moment they stepped foot into the Seireitei.

At the entrance, Shirayuki and two shinigami had prepared gurneys to carry the princess and Rika away into emergency surgery. Renji quickly turned Rika over to Captain Unohana's care. As they watched Rika be wheeled away, Byakuya held onto Miyako tight. His arms trembled; he couldn't find the strength to place her on the gurney and let her go.

"Captain Kuchiki, we're going to do everything in our power to try to save them, so please don't worry."

'Don't worry?' he scoffed. She was as limp as a ragdoll, barely holding onto her life. She even said goodbye to him! She said goodbye, dammit! She acknowledged that her death was near! How could he not worry?! His face betrayed his stone cold façade.

"I know that you're very worried about her, dear Captain, but the longer she doesn't receive help, the more likely she'll truly die."

Byakuya tensed up at her words. This wouldn't have happened if he had just intervened. He looked down at Miyako's limp body once more. She had grown colder in the short time they returned. Her skin also grew more pale. He didn't want to lose her again.

"We don't have much time left, Captain Kuchiki." Captain Unohana stressed, interrupting his thoughts. "She's very weak. I need to begin the surgery immediately. Please place her onto the gurney."

Byakuya hesitated for a moment. He gave her one last squeeze before gently placing her down.

"Please do everything that you can for her."

Captain Unohana nodded. "Of course."

Watching the staff wheel her away was one of the hardest things he had to endure.

"Thank you for your cooperation. I know that you're enduring a lot. But right now concerning you and your health, we need to take a blood sample from you to analyze the poison and create an antidote. You also need to be treated for your injuries; they weren't light by any means."

Byakuya blinked, her words bringing his attention back to his wounds. The large slash in his back and the sting of the poisoning had been forgotten since Miyako was his main focus.

"Yes, of course." he rasped.

Captain Unohana gave him a worried look. "I'll be leaving you now, Captain. I'm going to oversee both surgeries, but Lady Shihouin will be the top priority. I'm leaving you in the very capable hands of Ms. Yukimura."

Shirayuki was quick to wipe a tear away when she heard her name and bowed. "Report back to me once you've finished with him. We need as many hands as possible to assist with the wave of patients."

"Yes ma'am." she replied, her voice slightly strained.

Captain Unohana left them by their lonesome, rushing off to the emergency room. "Captain Kuchiki, please follow me." Shirayuki instructed. He reluctantly followed behind Shirayuki, wishing that he could be with Miyako instead.

The Fourth Division's medical ward was filled with many casualties, evident from the loud and hurried footsteps of the staff.

On the third floor, Byakuya sat in bed in a room by his lonesome, his torso, back and arm wrapped in bandages. As he looked out the window and stared into the night sky, his eyes were filled with anxiety. Sleep and his appetite eluded him; he barely touched his dinner. Worry had gnawed at his nerves. How many hours had it been? It felt like years since Miyako and Rika had been wheeled off into surgery. Shirayuki had left him hours ago after treating his wounds and administering the antidote. Renji also came back to check on him, but his boisterous nature grated against Byakuya's frayed nerves. He had swiftly sent him on his way and ordered him to lead the division during his absence. Honestly, he only wanted to hear from anyone that had news about Miyako.

He usually stayed calm in times of crisis, but he couldn't help himself. Calm was the furthest thing from his mind. How long was the surgery supposed to take? Captain Unohana was the best healer that the Gotei 13 had. The surgery, no matter how dire, should be a simple task for her to complete. Byakuya let out a heavy sigh and rubbed his hand through his hair. Anxiety decided to crack its whip and really go to town in his mind. He grew restless. This was absolutely ridiculous. He could barely get any information out of Shirayuki; only being told that the operation was still being conducted. How much longer was this going to take?! Rika's operation had ended hours ago, so why wasn't it the same for Miyako?! Was her bankai so dangerous to wield in battle that it required her to teeter on the edge of death to utilize?! How could something so splendid require such a sacrifice?

A knock on the door snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Captain Kuchiki? I'm coming in." the familiar voice of Captain Unohana announced.

Sliding the door shut behind her, she gave him a small smile.

"How are you feeling? The antidote should've cleansed your bloodstream of the poison by now."

"I'm fine." he replied, short with his response. "I haven't felt the effects of it in quite some time. Thank you."

Captain Unohana took his shortness in stride. She conducted a quick check-up with efficient and quiet movements. Byakuya endured it stoically, his mind elsewhere.

"Everything for you seems to look good, dear Captain. Your wounds appear to be much better." she said.

He ignored her words. One question burned in his eyes. Her smile widened with a knowing glint in her eyes.

"Would you like to see her now?"

Byakuya's eyes widened, a flicker of hope finally breaking through his stoic mask. He rose without a word, his heart beating in his chest.

"Come with me." she said, gently leading the way.

In a room at the end of the hall, Captain Unohana had led Byakuya to Miyako. The room was sterile and cold. The faint scent of antiseptic was a stark contrast of the vibrant citrus and floral perfume that he associated with Miyako wearing. The hum of machinery filled their ears, bringing attention to the unsettling silence of her unconscious form. His heart hammered in his chest with each step he took as he got closer to her. She laid in the bed draped in white robes, her twilight blue hair loose and down framed her body. Her breathing was shallow and barely a whisper beneath the hiss of the oxygen mask. The IV worked silently, administering medication and fluids into her right arm. Many of the scars on her face had been healed, but the rest of her body was covered in bandages. Byakuya stood over her frail body with furrowed brows. Captain Unohana quietly closed the door behind her.

"It was difficult, but we managed to save her life. Unlike you, she had a very lethal dose of poison in her bloodstream. It's a miracle that she was able to survive with that fact in mind. If we had waited mere moments longer to administer the antidote, I doubt she'd be here with us."

Byakuya stood over her. His normally stoic expression was etched with a mix of relief and raw anguish. He reached a slightly trembling hand and gently brushed a stray strand of hair away from her pale face.

"...Thank you," he choked out, his voice hoarse. Those two words felt inadequate, just a mere whisper in the face of everything Captain Unohana and her team had done.

"What will become of her now?"

"Unfortunately due to her extreme energy exertion and injuries, she will be sleeping for quite a while. As long as she doesn't give up her will to live, she will regain consciousness. As to whether or not her will is strong enough, you should know the answer to that. You seem to know her a great deal more than I do."

Byakuya closed his eyes, the weight of her words settling heavily on him. He knew Unohana was right. Miyako had her moments of self-doubt, but she was a fighter, a force of nature; giving up when things got tough was not in her nature. Yet, the sight of her lying there, seemingly fragile and helpless, filled him with a fear he had rarely known.

"And what of Omaeda?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"She is also healed and we've done all we can to help her. She wasn't in as bad of shape as Lady Shihouin, but she also has to have the will to live in order to regain consciousness. If you wish to see her as well, I unfortunately can't allow that. She has been placed under arrest by order of the Head Captain while an investigation of what transpired is being conducted. Only medical personnel and immediate family are allowed to visit her."

Byakuya hummed in acknowledgement. "I see."

Unohana walked and stood beside Byakuya. "Forgive me for my forwardness but…I can tell that Lady Shihouin holds a special place in your heart. I promise to let you know if anything changes. In the meantime, you may visit her whenever you wish. Come and talk with her, let her know that you're here and supporting her. Sometimes that is enough to reignite a fighting spirit."

Byakuya remained silent for a moment longer. "I understand. Thank you, again."

Unohana nodded. "I'll give you two a moment alone. When you're finished, please return to your room and get some rest. You can leave and return to your post in the morning."

Leaving the room, Byakuya let out another sigh once he heard the door close. She looked so peaceful sleeping like that.

"Miyako, I'm here. Please…open your eyes!"

He huffed again. He was crazy to think she'd wake up just because he asked. She had barely started to recover. His head hung over in shame.

"I'm sorry that I couldn't protect you. Don't give up…I'm here…I'll always be here."

He slipped his hand under the covers, looping her soft hand in his. He stayed with her a little while longer, taking in the silence, thinking about what he would say once she woke up. A part of him hoped that she would react to him holding her hand, but she remained still. Byakuya rubbed his thumb over her fingers before letting her go. He took one more good look at her before placing a loving kiss on her forehead. His lips burned with yearning; he just wanted her to wake up and hear her say his name again with her sweet voice. Then he wanted to silence her with a hungry kiss and tell her how he really felt about her. For now, he would just visit and wait for that day to come.

The first sliver of dawn pierced through the window, barely illuminating Byakuya's face as he finally rose from the hospital bed. Sleep had continued to be cruel to him; he tossed and turned through the wee hours of the night. He finally fell asleep only an hour ago. Letting out a sigh, he decided it was time to start his day. After freshening up, he exchanged his white hospital robes for his shihakusho, haori and gloves. Outside of his room, the clicking of footsteps was somewhat voluminous, even this early in the morning. It was a stark contrast from the quiet nights back at the Kuchiki Manor. The Fourth Division really had their hands full. A knock cut through the clamor.

"Good morning, Captain Kuchiki." Captain Unohana greeted as she let herself in, closing the door behind her. "Were you able to get some restful sleep and recuperate?"

"Some sleep, yes. Restful sleep is left to be desired." he replied flatly, the exhaustion clear in his voice. The beds in the Fourth Division were comfortable, but they didn't compare to his luxurious futon. Worrying over Miyako's condition didn't help much, either. "Physically, I feel much better. Thank you for asking."

His peer nodded her head and smiled.

"I understand and I'm glad that you're feeling better. Now that you're free to leave, you'll have more restful sleep in the comfort of your own home."

Byakuya nodded, his lips tensed a bit.

"How is Miyako doing?" he asked, hopeful for some good news.

"No change from a few hours ago, unfortunately."

Byakuya narrowed his eyes in disappointment. Why did he even hope for a slight change when only a handful of hours had passed?

"Don't be disappointed. Right now, no news is good news. She simply needs time."

Byakuya nodded. "You're right. I'll return this evening to check in on her. Thank you for your help." he said before excusing himself.

Byakuya had returned to his post at the barracks. Luckily for him, Renji didn't let the place burn to the ground while he was away for the night. Byakuya was greeted by various underlings as he made his way to his office. When he arrived at his office, he stood there alone, feeling empty. So many things had happened in the confines of this room. He could vividly remember when Miyako confronted him for the first time. Their next encounter was after they became friends, then where she had confessed her feelings for him, giving him the sweetest kiss before he had pinned her to the wall and showering her with passionate kisses. His frown had deepened. After that, he panicked and had broken her heart. He knew that he had made a grave mistake and had to rectify it. He even had Renji bring her here under the guise of discussing her progress. They argued and it had made him desire her more, using another kiss to attempt to conquer her, stupidly hoping that it would suffice as an apology.

Byakuya huffed; what a time to be alive.

He walked to the window behind his desk and stared out into the courtyard. The interns would be arriving soon. Now that she was in the hospital, the barracks would feel empty without her. He even had to admit to himself that it would be odd without Omaeda present as well; the two always did their best to prove their abilities, keeping their respective rankings of first and third place. He rubbed his temple; never did he think that their rivalry would come to this point.

Byakuya sighed and closed his eyes. Frustration settled back into his stomach. There had to be something he could do to help Miyako heal faster and restore her reiatsu. Contemplating his thoughts, his eyes widened when an assumption came to mind.

"Good morning, Captain!" Renji said as he walked inside. "Welcome back! Glad to see you back on your feet! Would you like some tea?"

Byakuya briefly turned to his lieutenant. "Good morning, Renji. Tea won't be necessary today." he replied with a still voice.

"Okay. Is there anything else you need from me before we start today?"

"Yes. I need you to take over for the day once more."

Renji raised a brow.

"Of course! Is everything okay, Captain? If you don't mind me asking…sir…"

Usually Byakuya would give a glare in response to him being nosey, but he allowed it. He didn't have time to waste.

"If my assumptions are correct and I find what I need, then yes. I expect you to report today's progress when I return later today." he replied, walking past him and making his way to the door.

"Yes, sir!" Renji replied. After Byakuya excused himself, a wide grin was plastered onto Renji's face. He loved being in charge.

Later that evening back in Miyako's room, she still laid still, her progress not changing. The door slid open and Byakuya let himself in, the familiar sounds from the day before filling his ears. Closing the door behind him, he made his way to her bed. He ran a couple of fingers across her pale cheek. His neutral expression stayed the same as he looked down on her.

"Miyako, I'm here. I will help you recover, no matter how long it takes."

He secretly hoped that she would respond, but was met with silence. Reaching under the covers, he fished her hands out, twisting her wrists upright. Byakuya placed two fingers on each wrist and slowly channeled his reiatsu into her. He continued to pour into her for ten more minutes until he felt a spark of her reiatsu ignite. It was faint, but warm. He could feel his reiatsu leave his fingertips faster than he intended. The spark gently grew into a small ember. A small smile formed on his face; his hours of research paid off. After leaving Renji in charge, he made haste to the Seireitei's vast library searching for a way to quicken Miyako's recovery. He was pleased that this method worked and continued to pour into her for another ten minutes. Growing a little tired, Byakuya placed her hands back under the covers.

"You're going to be alright, Miyako." he spoke softly. "You're strong. I believe in you. Rest well and awaken soon."

With those words, he placed another sweet kiss onto her forehead and excused himself. When he reached the door, he raised a brow at the cracked door. He swore that he had completely shut it when he arrived.

Stepping out into the hallway, he didn't see anyone waiting to enter her room. The weight of exhaustion finally hit him; he concluded that was why he was a little careless in not shutting the door completely. He would make sure to rest well tonight and be fresh for tomorrow.

Again, Byakuya returned the next evening to continue to pour more of his reiatsu into her. Afterwards, he talked to her and told her how the barracks weren't the same without her and her energetic smile. Once again, he ended his visit with a kiss to her forehead.

When he returned on the third day, he was surprised when the fresh scent of flowers invaded his senses. Lilies, irises, poppies, lavender and daffodils decorated the room, transforming it from cold and sterile to warm and inviting.

"Oh! Good evening Captain Kuchiki." a familiar voice greeted.

Byakuya looked over and was greeted with a smile from Shirayuki. "Good evening."

"What a lovely flower arrangement you've brought!"

Her eyes smiled at the crystal vase of stargazer lilies Byakuya had in tow. Shirayuki was quick to clear the nightstand of a vase of the yellow daffodils and replace it with his.

"These are one of her favorite flowers. They really help brighten up the room. A pop of pink is lovely." she added.

Byakuya gave her a nod of agreement. "How is she? I see that she's received many flowers." he commented, inwardly feeling awkward. "I'm assuming from friends and family that come to visit her?"

Shirayuki nodded. "Yes. So far, she's had a nice amount of visitors over the past couple of days."

"I see…who all have visited, if you don't mind me asking?"

Shirayuki placed a lone finger on her chin. "Rumi, Captain Soifon, Ms. Yoruichi, her maid servants Ms. Kimura, Ms. Kumo, Ms. Kukimoto, her parents, some classmates who all were chosen for the internship program and you, of course."

Byakuya raised a brow when she mentioned other students. "Were any of the interns from my division?"

"No, they're from the academy that we all are on good terms with. Ms. Fushido and Ms. Nomiya are with the eighth and ninth divisions and Ms. Shinohara is here with me. We're on Miyako's care team with Captain Unohana. Her family sent the flowers and even her maid servants sent her favorite perfume. They thought that it would help her awaken sooner if she had something familiar to her. I took the liberty of spraying a couple of spritz on her neck."

His shoulders relaxed slightly when a certain person's name didn't come up in conversation. The boy seemed distracted and agitated as of late at work and he already knew why.

"I see. Thank you for letting me know."

Shirayuki gave him a smile before looking over to Miyako. "Of course! The good thing today is that Miyako is improving! She's no longer pale and doesn't need an oxygen mask anymore. It's quite remarkable that she's improved so quickly after just three days considering what she had experienced."

His expression remained neutral as he focused his melancholy gaze on her. Shirayuki's brows went up with worry as she observed the stoic captain.

"Captain Kuchiki, if you don't mind me saying…her condition wasn't your fault…please don't blame yourself."

Byakuya's eyes widened a bit at her words. He cursed; he was slipping. She gave him a small smile before slipping a clipboard under her right arm.

"I've been infringing on your visiting time long enough. I'll give you two some time alone. Please let me know if you need anything." she said, giving him a bow before she left the room.

When he heard the door close, he waited a moment before performing the reiatsu transfer again, spending fifteen minutes supplying her with his. Once again, he could feel the small flame of her reiatsu absorb his and slowly grow before he felt the strain on his body. He gave her hand a small squeeze before placing them both back under the covers.

"I'm pleased to hear that you're getting better, Miyako." he said as he caressed her cheek with a lone hand. "Rest well. I'll return to see you once more."

As usual, Byakuya ended his visit with another loving kiss to her forehead.

As promised, Byakuya returned the next evening to check in on Miyako and perform another transfer. When he finished, he was pleased to see more color return to her features. She looked like a delicate angel as she slept. Now if only she would open her eyes…

"Miyako…I have a surprise for you."

He fished his hand in his captain's haori and brought out a small object dear to them both. He cranked the machine and let its gentle melody play, reminiscing the moment of when he gave it to her. She was so happy, her smile was one of the purest things he'd ever seen. A tingle graced his lips when his mind replayed the moment he helped himself to her soft, warm lips.

"I was able to locate this and bring it to you. If you can hear this, follow it and come back to me."

Byakuya played the melody four more times before he closed the lid and laid it next to her. Hope welled inside him when Miyako took a deep breath for a moment.

"Miyako?" he called out with a small smile of optimism.

His smile fell a bit when he heard her breathing return to normal.

'You're almost there…continue to run, Miyako…I'll be waiting.'

He bid her adieu, ending it all with another kiss.

On the fifth day, Byakuya made his way to Miyako's room, his excitement growing with each step. After his last reiatsu transfer, he was sure that if he performed it once more, she would be completely healed and finally awaken. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw that her door had been cracked open. He quickly surmised that the medical staff were checking on her and he didn't want to disturb them. Looking through the opening, his eyes went wide once more.

"Miyako…" Isshiki whispered. "It's me…Isshiki…"

Sitting in a chair by her bedside, his ice blue eyes watched with sadness as he continued to focus on her sleeping form. As far as their relationship was concerned, he had been on edge since their talk. Now that she was in the hospital, he felt even worse.

"I'm sorry…I couldn't protect you when you needed it the most….if only I could've stopped Rika! I should've stayed close to her!"

Byakuya's eyes narrowed as he witnessed Isshiki tenderly stroke Miyako's cheek with a couple of his fingers.

Isshiki's smile grew warm. "Miyako…I know that things between us haven't been the best lately…I'm not sure what was on your mind that day…"

His mind went back to how she yanked her hand away from him in the courtyard before the training began. Her eyes were filled with an emotion that made his stomach turn a little, especially when she apologized and left him by his lonesome.

"...but I'm sorry…for everything…"

With worried eyes, he continued. "I've always admired you, Miyako. I wanted to be by your side, be the one that you lean on in times of trouble and make you happy...being with you makes me happy…"

Isshiki's heartbeat reverberated in his ears. Even while asleep, she was as beautiful as an angel. His eyes made their way down to her plump lips that were slightly parted. He wondered how soft they really were.

Byakuya instantly clenched his fists when Isshiki stroked Miyako's cheeks once more.

"And when you awaken, I want to tell you that I'm in love with you, you valiant sleeping beauty."

Rage filled Byakuya's whole being when Isshiki leaned down to kiss Miyako. He quickly threw the sliding door open with a loud slam, startling Isshiki. His slate eyes narrowed, it took everything within him to prevent his reiatsu from exploding. If Miyako wasn't near, there would be no doubt that Isshiki would be a dead man.

"Enlighten me, boy…" he growled, stepping into the room. "What were you planning to do just now to Miyako?"

Startled by Byakuya's loud entry, Isshiki straightened in his chair. For an instant, fear welled in the pit of Isshiki's stomach. He steeled his resolve; he was going to stand his ground against Byakuya.

"What are you doing here, Captain Kuchiki? I would appreciate it if you left for the time being so I can continue to have a moment with Miyako."

"Consider your moment over. You have no business here."

Isshiki narrowed his eyes at the captain. "I have just as much a right to be here as you do! Miyako is my friend!"

Byakuya raised a brow. "I wasn't aware that friends show affection for one another by kissing while one is asleep." he retorted. "It appears that you intend to be more than just her friend, especially after that confession you just announced." he added, his eyes narrowed even further.

"You can leave now." Byakuya spat. "Miyako needs her rest."

Isshiki's jaw tightened.

"Rest?" he scoffed. "She only needs rest because you didn't step in during her fight with Rika! It's your fault that she's been hospitalized! You didn't do enough to protect her!"

Byakuya's frown deepened with Isshiki's words, his shoulders tensed with suppressed fury.

His knuckles turned white as rage boiled within him once more. A rage of this magnitude hadn't threatened his very being since his battle with Ichigo Kurosaki. It took everything within him not to slice Isshiki into mincemeat. A dangerous glint flickered in his eyes.

"You have no right to speak that filth from your mouth!" he yelled. "Unlike you, I did everything in my power to protect her and respect her wishes! From the moment I recovered, I've given my time and resources to aid in her healing! You, boy, have the audacity to finally come here, declare your feelings for her and criticize my efforts when this entire time, you've done nothing for her!"

Before Isshiki could fire back, a voice cut through the clamor.

"What in the actual HELL?!" a voice yelled, gaining their attention. Rumi and Shirayuki stood in the doorway, their faces clearly riddled with displeasure. "Why are you two making all of this noise?! You should -"

"Rumi! Let me handle this!" Shirayuki scolded before stepping closer to the feuding men.

"Captain Kuchiki! Isshiki Matsushita! This is a hospital, not a battlefield! You're disturbing the other patients!" she roared as she and Rumi stepped into the room. Shirayuki was usually the calm one in every situation, but her lavender eyes were filled with fury.

"I can't believe you two! This is unacceptable! How would you think Miyako would react if she woke up to this nonsense! You men are just so vulgar, thinking you can come in here and do whatever you want! Let me tell you a thing or two!"

While Shirayuki went on to scold them, Rumi's face grew pale when something in particular caught her attention. Still continuing her tirade, Rumi patted Shirayuki on her shoulders.

"Miyako would be appalled! She doesn't need any more stress!"

Unfortunately, Rumi's attempt to get Shirayuki's attention wasn't successful for the first couple of minutes. Finally feeling the irritating tap, she snapped her head towards Rumi.

"What is it, Rumi?!"

Pointing to her left, everyone's face went pale when their eyes met a pair of golden ones.