Ta-DAAA! :*:・(￣∀￣)・:*:

It's me again! And it's been less than half a year since my last update – not bad, eh?

Anyways, it's Valentine's Day (at least it's still 14th of February here, where I live) and I just wanted to give you this chapter with all my love. Normally I would reply to your reviews first, but since it's such a favourable occasion (and frankly, I finished this chapter like an hour ago... no time for review-replying if I want to act cool and update on Valentine's Day!) I decided to go on with it today.

So...

Jalyss (Cethron), Guest, Elcarim-Soberian-1222, Colubra, Ana cii Bunny, apple21, iivogelchen, SweetestChick, Sakura Yui, Yuuki, 1234567, Guest, Rockgrl97, hamchan, Kita of Nature, hopelessromantic, andyantopia, shootlumos, cam169, Brenda293 (thank you for all the reviews!), Godeleve, liruA, LilyAllure, Violet Green (Agent Asagiri reporting in!), tathaa, Animefanx3, Guest

Thank you all for your reviews! They always make me grin dumbly and roll on my bed in excitement. (Honest! They do!) And I will reply to them this following week, I promise!

As for this chapter – I really like it! It's quite dark, but tender, too, and in a way there's the second major milestone in this story (the first being Orihime's appearance in Las Noches). And there's a fluffy omake at the end! (Gee, when did they become a tradition, anyway?)

I do hope you'll enjoy this instalment! So read on, read on, my friends!

朝霧 -Asagiri-

The Frozen Whisper

by Asagiri

Chapter 22

Hope amid Emptiness

"You can have me," Rukia said resolutely, knowing that this was her point of no return. Hearing herself utter those words, she realised they sounded far more awkward out loud than in her head, but before she even got the chance to ponder them over or whether it was a good idea at all to voice them, Ulquiorra pinned her to himself, crushing her lips in a rough kiss.

Too shocked, she could only give in, while her brain was processing two questions – did it mean that he agreed and would take Inoue to safety? And – why did all of a sudden a fright begin crawling under her skin?

His hold on her was too tight and uncomfortable that she could barely move. She tried responding to his kiss, but it felt wrong, like he was a complete stranger to her. When he broke this unpleasant lip-lock and moved to the smooth skin of her neck, Rukia was finally able to utter a word.

"Ulquiorra?" she gasped out, but he either ignored or didn't hear her as his hands boldly began feeling her body.

"Stop it." She wanted to sound commanding, but her voice came out feeble and discomfited. Never would she think him capable of such abominable behaviour, but there he was – groping her to his heart's content. It aggrieved her, but if this was what would lead to Inoue's freedom, then she would have to endure it. However before she yielded completely, she had to hear him pledge that he would take her friend safely either to Human World or Soul Society.

The petite Shinigami tried to push him away, but he caught her wrists and twisted her arms behind her back, securing them tightly with his one hand while the other freely explored her body in a manner that was far from being gentle. Under the folds of her yukata, he was now running his hand over her thigh and backside.

"Say something! Anything!" she cried but was met with dreadful silence. She tried wriggling free from him, but he only tightened his grip on her.

Then to her horror she felt him untying her obi.

"Stop it!" Feeling panic and rush of adrenaline in her system, Rukia mustered all her strength into a pull loosening his grip around her wrists and finally with a kick she escaped him. With shumpo she backed into a corner of her room putting even more distance between them.

But he wasn't where she'd left him anymore and a second later she felt her body crashing into a wall behind her, and his left hand closing around her throat.

That was when Rukia saw his blank face and his eyes – they were yellow and they were empty, and behind his pupils lingered hunger. Not lust, but hunger. And momentarily she knew it wasn't him, not exactly.

"Ulqui... orra," she breathed, too stunned to even protest when he ripped off her obi and slid his hand around her naked waist, scratching the small of her back, drawing blood. His lips again found her neck.

Seconds later Rukia heard herself yelping and finally the pain tore her out of her stupor. Something warm was streaming down her back and she realised that he bit into the crook of her neck. Another bite pierced her skin, this time more in the direction of her shoulder, and more blood flowed out of her wounds. With disbelief she felt him lick off the red substance and she found herself weakening as if he was sucking her soul out.

Apparently satisfied that she didn't struggle, he moved his hand from her throat to her unwounded shoulder. On the way there he slipped the yukata off exposing more of her skin, only to dig his nails into her arm a second later.

If this was how it was supposed to be with him, then so be it! But she wasn't ready to give up just yet, at least not until Inoue was safe. And she also hated the idea of Ulquiorra surrendering to this Hollow state or whatever this was. All she knew was that it wasn't the real him and she was determined to shake him back to normal.

"Snap out of it, goddamit!" Rukia yelled and she once again attempted to unsnarl herself from him. He grabbed her yukata, but she swiftly discarded it and moved away from him with shumpo.

Despite her nakedness, she stood defiantly with unbowed back and and her chin up, her Kuchiki pride kicking in. Modesty was a luxury she couldn't afford at the moment, anyway. She was glowering at him with narrowed eyes, awaiting his next move.

"Hadō #4."

Just as she predicted he again charged straight at her, like a ravenous animal, appearing right in front of her ready to capture her once more.

"Byakurai," the Shinigami said calmly and a white bolt of lightning escaped her index finger just when it made contact with right side of his chest.

She, however, didn't take into account the insufficient distance and his thick hierro, for the Spell partially ricocheted through her arm hurting it badly and knocking her over.

"Shit," Rukia growled. She was reaching her limit which was extremely low tonight, too. "Ye lord. Mask of flesh and bone..." she began chanting quietly in case her first Destructive Spell was unsuccessful and maybe she would get a second shot with something more powerful.

Fortunately one quick glance at Ulquiorra told her that there was no need to finish the incantation.

He stood in the same spot where she'd fired Byakurai at him. The Spell had only burnt a hole in his jacket and if there was any damage at all, he must have regenerated himself already. But what made her relax were his green eyes – wide-open, staring at her in absolute shock and horror.

Rukia sighed, letting out the tension. She mused that she'd already seen him impassive, irritated, disappointed, angry, relaxed (none introduced any real change in his features, though) and now she was witnessing him shocked. Why couldn't she see him smile, just for once?

"Thank gods," she muttered, finally remembering to cover her breasts with her uninjured hand. With difficulty she managed to sit up, at the same time trying to ignore the smell of burnt flesh and that accumulation of numb pain that until recently had been her arm. She sent him a short, tired smile, "You're back."

Ulquiorra couldn't believe his own eyes. Rukia was hurt. Her right arm was damaged to the point of being useless. Her eyes were shining oddly in pain and weariness and he could see droplets of perspiration forming on her pale forehead – undoubtedly a sign of shock her body received with her injuries. She also had bruised neck and a wound or wounds on her shoulder, bleeding quite profusely.

It took him a second, but to his horror he realised that this sweet, delightful taste in his mouth was blood. Her blood.

Her injuries were his doing. He hurt her. Her. His Rukia. He shall be damned.

He fell to his knees in front of her and taking off his jacket he offered it to her as provisional cover. She took it with a smile – tired and slightly embarrassed one, but still a smile. How could she be smiling at him after what he'd done to her?!

How he despised himself!

She was in pain, exhausted, shaken – all because of him. Yet she wasn't cowering away from him in disgust, there was no fear in her big violet eyes when she was looking at him. Instead she seemed to be simply glad that he was back to himself; and a little bit self-conscious with being totally naked in front of him but for her underwear.

What caught his attention and filled him with astonishment, admiration for her and even bigger portion of self-loathing was that hint of worry in her eyes – not for herself though, but for him.

If only he could give her his high speed regeneration! But he couldn't and that made him feel so utterly helpless. He cursed himself for his inability to help her.

"I will take you to your friend," Ulquiorra finally said, his voice strained. All he wanted at the moment was to treat her injuries, to take the pain away. But would that be enough to make her feel better? Would he ever be able to make up for what he'd done? What if it reoccurred?

He shifted to pick her up and immediately take her to Inoue Orihime, but she stopped him.

"Wait! I—" Rukia protested quickly, but seeing his unsure expression she continued gently, "I can't let Inoue see me like this, I don't want her to worry unnecessarily. Give me a second, please."

She smiled at him trying to reassure him that she was fine, even though she felt so awfully weak and sleepy. But she couldn't bear the look in his eyes – for her it seemed that he was in an even greater pain than she was and it was making her heart ache for him.

"It's nothing, really," she added getting up quite gracefully despite her condition. "It's not as bad as it looks and I've been through worse," she assured, even though this 'not as bad as it looks' pulsated in numb pain, scorched skin broke in few places oozing blood and pus. Her shoulder hurt as well, but it was endurable and it wasn't bleeding as much as in the beginning.

"I'll be right back," Rukia told him and hastily grabbing a fresh yukata she went to the bathroom.

It was true that she absolutely didn't want Inoue to see her in this state (naked with only his jacket to cover herself), but she also had to somehow smuggle Shun'ō back to her friend unnoticed by Ulquiorra. Therefore she decided to take the risk, hoping that in his distraught state he wouldn't notice the little fairy on her.

She felt really bad about hiding things from him, to be honest, but there was no other way.

The petite Shinigami carefully put on the yukata, from time to time wincing in pain. The hardest part was tying the obi – she succeeded on her second attempt, though the knot came out to be the most slipshod in her life, but she could do only as much with just one of her hands working. She rolled up her right sleeve, took the towel and clenching her teeth she wrapped it twice around her wounded arm.

Exhaling deeply, she opened the bathroom cabinet and saw Shun'ō, worry evident on his face.

"I'm fine," Rukia whispered before he could say anything. "But I have to get you back to Inoue. It won't be too comfortable for you, but it won't take long and you should be safe. Come," she gestured at her arm wrapped in towel. He quickly flew to it and she gently covered him with a third and last layer of the towel and pulling down the sleeve, she was ready to go.

Ulquiorra waited for her, that foreign feeling of restlessness disturbing his mind. He didn't know how much time had passed since she went to the bathroom to dress, but it seemed too long for him. Even though her injuries weren't life-threatening, he didn't want her to bleed or be in pain. He was beginning to worry that she might have fainted, but at the same time he tried to rationalise that she had only one hand to use so putting on clothes naturally would take longer than usual.

How could have he done this to her? How could have he allowed this to happen?

He clenched his fists, his despicable deed enraging him. He was supposed to be in control. He was no longer a Hollow with never-lasting hunger. He was an Arrancar – he had reason, self-possession and pride... didn't he? If not, then how was he supposed to protect Rukia from anyone if he weren't able to protect her from himself?

She'd been so trusting just a while ago! She'd opened up to him allowing him to see into her feelings – he was pretty sure that she'd almost given him her Heart and maybe even her affection, but he screwed up and could no longer hope for anything. And there was no-one else to blame but himself.

Then, finally the door to the bathroom opened revealing Rukia and any thought that didn't concern healing her ceased.

Without wasting time, Ulquiorra approached her hurriedly. Gathering her into his arms as gently as he could, with somewhat a surprise he noted that she didn't shy away from him. What more – she relaxed as soon as he picked her up, resting her head against him. He held her as close to himself as possible without inflicting any more pain.

With sonido it took him mere seconds to get them in front of Inoue Orihime's door.

He'd prefer to just step into the room without letting her go and demand this woman to heal Rukia at once, but he knew she wouldn't approve of it and she also wouldn't like to be seen this helpless. He too should keep appearances, so he carefully put her down.

When he was about to open the door, she stopped him, her fingers gently meeting his hand in mid-air.

"I think it'll be better if I go in alone," she told him, her eyes shining with worry.

And again she worried for him – that someone would see him and notice that he wasn't the usual himself. He knew that she saw all that distress in his eyes – what if someone else noticed it, despite his trained features? If they learned the cause there was even a threat that they could use it against him. She was his weakness, after all.

With a nod he took a step back, and odd feeling stirring in him – somewhat of a gratitude that in a way she was protecting him in his moment of powerlessness, but at the same time distaste with himself that she needed to protect him.

"I'll be right back," she sent him a reassuring smile and activating the mechanism, she opened the door. Walking in, she left it open.

Sighing deeply, Ulquiorra quickly scanned the vicinity, but no-one was around. Leaning against the wall he slid down it until he was sitting on the floor. He just couldn't help but remember that fear and animosity in her eyes when she'd looked at him, ready to defend herself, even though after a second they'd changed once she'd noticed him back to himself and expressed nothing but genuine relief and gladness.

He didn't want her to look at him with fear or animosity. Ever.

He gazed at his hands and noticed specks of blood on his pale skin. There was something under his fingernails, too. To his self-disgust it turned out to be her skin and more blood.

Ulquiorra cursed himself profoundly.

※

The moment Rukia walked into the dark room, the lights switched on. She cringed at this for she would prefer to wake up Inoue in a gentler way that did not include blinding light. With guilt she watched as her friend sat up, and not without a certain amount of apprehension too, shielding her squinted eyes from the brightness.

"Inoue..." she said in a gentle voice trying to let her know that everything was all right.

"Kuchiki-san?" the Human girl asked in surprise, but once her eyes adjusted to the light and last vestiges of slumber left her, she showed nothing but absolute delight at seeing her. "Kuchiki-san!" she cried happily and jumping out of the bed she quickly approached her to give her a hug. She was wearing a very pretty white nightgown.

Rukia smiled brightly at her, but had to avoid her arms as she was already feeling enough pain. She put a finger to her lips and waving her good hand in the direction of the door she mouthed "Ulquiorra", so they both would be careful with their words.

"I'm really sorry to bother you at this hour, but I had a small accident..." she spoke, while she quickly rolled up her sleeve and lifted the towel to free Shun'ō.

"Kuchiki-san!" Orihime gasped noticing her injuries. "Your arm! And your shoulder! And throat! And... What on earth has happened?!" And without any delay she asked Ayame and Shun'ō to heal Rukia with Sōten Kisshun.

"A Spell backfired, that's all," the Shinigami explained sheepishly.

"And that wound at—"

"It's nothing," Rukia replied quickly. Too quickly.

Orihime furrowed her brows. She could clearly feel Ulquiorra-san's reiatsu around the wound on her friend's shoulder and as before, when healing Kurosaki-kun, it was really difficult to reject as it imbued not only the body but also the soul of his victim.

"Is everything all right?" she asked quietly, taking a careful approach.

Rukia sighed heavily, "Yes, don't worry." When concerned expression on Inoue's face didn't change, she added, "Really. It's nothing, just... please, believe me."

She knew how it looked like, but she had a feeling that if she started explaining what had happened and why she thought that despite her injuries she was fine, she feared that it would have the exactly opposite effect and her friend would worry only more. After all she couldn't really tell her that there seemed to be a thing – a very vague thing – between Ulquiorra and her and that she trusted him with herself when she didn't really have a reason to. Hell, she shouldn't trust him at all! She knew she could confide in Inoue, even if it concerned her feelings for the green-eyed Espada, and she wouldn't judge her for this. But she wasn't ready yet.

Inoue nodded her head and finally finished healing Rukia. "But if something happens, I hope you know I'm here for you."

"Yes, thank you," she said and tightly hugged her friend."You're the best!" Using the opportunity, she whispered to her ear, "I'll come for you soon, I promise. There's just one thing I need to check and we need a good timing. Please be patient."

Orihime tightened the embrace. Her eyes moistened with horde of emotions. "I'll wait."

"You sure are amazing, Inoue," Rukia said in normal voice and straightening her yukata, she retied the obi into a much neater knot. Now that she didn't need the towel to cover her wounds, she tucked it behind it. "Even the blood stains disappeared."

The Human girl scratched the back of her head in an embarrassed but in a way pleased manner. "It's nothing, really."

Cautiously looking at the door, Rukia took the advantage of being in Inoue's room and she jumped on the window to take a look outside. Cold, impassive moon of Hueco Mundo illuminated the desert and Las Noches. It seemed that Inoue's room was somewhere in the middle of the castle, right in one of the towers up the castle's dome. Down the dome there was the desert, their destination, point of escape. But it was far, far away. Even with shumpo it would take quite some time to get there. But if they somehow got the time, she could take Inoue back to Urahara's!

She was tempted to destroy the wall right now and get Inoue out of here, but she was sure Ulquiorra would catch up with them in no time and stop them. And she doubted they would get another chance. The timing and stealthiness were essential and they didn't have it now.

Rukia jumped off the window and again approached Inoue hugging her tightly. "I have to go. You don't know how glad I'm to see you again!"

"Take care of yourself, Kuchiki-san!"

"You too. Good night, Inoue. And again sorry for disturbing you this late."

Inoue smiled at her brightly, but her eyes glistened with moist. "Any time. Good night."

With last smile at her beloved friend, Rukia left the room, door automatically closing behind her.

※

Ulquiorra didn't know how long Rukia was with the Human girl, too preoccupied with wallowing in his dark musings and self-loathing. Gone were his aloofness and confidence – for the first time he cared and it was breaking him apart.

He cared for this Shinigami, he wanted her, needed her and now he was coming to realise that ultimately he might not get her. That she was better off without him. That he wasn't the master of his own fate. That there was a high chance that he'd end up destroying the one that brought him peace and contentment.

He felt like he was suffocating, like something was squeezing his chest.

He was a Hollow and as such he was doomed to emptiness. Any attempts to fill it up were futile – this monster was always starving with its bottomless stomach.

Not realising it would be foolish.

But what could he do?

At length she emerged from the room. He didn't hear her, but he felt her coming in his direction – like one would feel the warmth of sunbeam on one's skin.

"I'm good as new," she announced with a cheerful note ringing in her tired voice.

He couldn't make himself to look up and see her expression, whether it mirrored the tone of her voice. He just dejectedly stared off into the space in front of him. Was she really cheerful? Why? Was this for his sake again?

Then she appeared right before him, kneeling and sitting on her heels, worry evident in her face. "I don't blame you, you know," she spoke softly, reassuringly.

"But I do," he couldn't hide the bitterness and regret in his voice.

"It wasn't your fault." She unhesitatingly put her hand on his, squeezing it gently. "It wasn't you."

"It was me." It pained him that she was trying to defend him when his guilt was unquestionable. He would kill anyone on the spot if they even dared as much as scratch or insult her – but what was he supposed to do with himself? How should he punish himself?

Rukia yawned and sighed. She was too tired to argue with him, so she used the only means she was sure helped her to get her point across – violence. She smacked him on the head with a firm, "No, you idiot."

Before he had a chance to retort, she added with a bright smile: "Please, don't argue with me, it's pointless."

He didn't.

She hated seeing him like this – uncharacteristically lost, out of his depth, full of regret... Scared, even. She didn't want him to feel like this. It made her heart ache that she was part of the reason behind it. If only she knew how to comfort him – she wanted to embrace him, but she was afraid that it might give away too much about her feelings towards him, so she didn't.

Instead, Rukia gathered some energy from the last reservoirs of her body and standing up she extended her hand in his direction. "Let's go, then," she said cheerfully.

Ulquiorra stared at her hand in astonishment, trying to comprehend the meaning of this gesture. After all he was perfectly capable of standing up on his own, so this had to mean something more. Concluding that she was trying to make him feel better, he took her hand and half let her help him up and half stood up with his own strength.

Even when he was already on his feet, she continued holding his hand definitely much longer than it was necessary – he didn't think much on it, only enjoyed it while it lasted.

"Let's go," she repeated and with a last smile – shy, he was pretty sure there was shyness in it – she let go of his hand and began leading the way in the direction of her room.

He watched her walk gracefully for a second, when he noticed it: "You are barefoot."

She halted and turned around, puzzled. "Ah, it's nothing. I'm not cold or anything."

"I will carry you, if you wish," he offered. Inwardly he immediately berated himself for even thinking of something this risky. He feared he might hurt her again if he as much as touched her. At the same time what he wanted the most was to touch her, to feel her warmth, to listen to her heartbeat.

"I... um..." It was time for Rukia to stare at him. Well, it wasn't like she would mind... Not at all. And she still trusted him with herself despite everything that had happened tonight. Besides, it might cheer him up to know that she wasn't afraid of him.

"Okay, can you give me a piggyback ride, then?" she asked, hoping she didn't sound too excited. Seeing him nod, she walked up to him and adjusting her yukata, she jumped smoothly on his back, entwining her hands around his neck and putting her legs to his sides – he caught them to support her weight. She held him tighter than it was necessary – the most she dared to offer for a hug.

She couldn't help but grin at the proximity. His warmth, his smell, the touch of his skin, the feeling of his muscles moving – all this was making her giddy and happy. The Shinigami was glad that he didn't use sonido and thus she could enjoy a longer ride.

"Ulquiorra?" Rukia spoke up sleepily after few moments.

"Yes?"

"So I take it you won't accept my... offer, will you?" she asked cautiously.

He stopped in his tracks to look at her from the corner of his eye. At length he replied, "No, it is unfair."

"Unfair?" she echoed in puzzlement.

"I cannot do anything about Inoue Orihime, she belongs to Aizen-sama," he explained matter-of-factly.

"Inoue doesn't belong to anyone but herself," she bristled, but a yawn dulled her angry tone.

He resumed walking. "Either way there is nothing I can do about her. But more importantly, I do not want you as a sacrifice for the sake of someone else or under some conditions. I want you out of your own free will, your body and soul, and your Heart. If I wanted anything less, I would have taken it already."

Rukia could feel her cheeks grow hot and her heartbeat increase. A pang of shame spread across her gut at her foolishness and shallowness, while at the same time feelings she had for him hit her with double force.

"I'm sorry, it's just that... I..." she stuttered in embarrassment. She didn't think of herself as a sacrifice for Inoue's freedom (although she would sacrifice herself if there was a need to do so). She genuinely thought that she was choosing the most honest option – Inoue would be safe and Ulquiorra wouldn't be left alone. And she wouldn't have to feel guilty to anyone...

But now that she thought about it, she would be using him and that wasn't right.

Unable to find the right words to explain herself without betraying her feelings, she only repeated lamely, "I'm sorry," and again embraced him tightly, hiding her face in his hair.

When he didn't say anything, she eventually relaxed and nodded off basking in his warmth.

Ulquiorra sighed. He just couldn't be angry or upset with her. Especially not when he had been close to killing her tonight, and yet she was all forgiving and still trusting. What ever had he done to be worthy of it, he didn't know, but he was glad.

Though that practical part of him wanted to shake her up and scold her for such blatant imprudence. He had hurt her quite badly, yet she was there, right on his back, asleep. He could carry her off anywhere he wanted and he doubted she would wake up until it was too late. Foolish girl, he mused, but not without a considerable amount of fondness.

He was having a dilemma – the rational part of his mind was telling him to take her to her room as quickly as possible, drop her off and retreat to his room to rest. He also considered asking Neliel to look after her from now on. Or maybe, just maybe, he should release her, let her go to her own kin? She wasn't safe here from the beginning, but now, when even he himself could hurt her... But letting her go was the second thing he least wanted, just after hurting her.

Yet, he had hurt her.

But there was that other voice, far from rational, that he wasn't really acquainted with before. It was telling him to take the risk, that everything will be all right. He didn't know what to think of it for he'd never had this groundless and irresponsible reasoning.

It did have one good merit, though – Rukia. And body and soul, he was leaning towards this option.

Finally, they reached her room. He felt her stir in her slumber when he closed the door to her room with his foot. Sitting with her on her bed, he wished they could stay like this for a little bit while longer.

Sighing tiredly, he went to gently entangle her arms from around his neck. To his surprise Rukia only tightened her hold – or embrace as he would like to think of it. Then she did something that totally astonished him.

Without loosening her embrace, she lowered them onto the bed.

"I can feel it. You're beating yourself up over what happened. Please, stop," she whispered into his ear, sending a pleasurable shiver to every part of his body.

"I hurt you. I don't want to hurt you. Ever."

"I know," Rukia replied, hugging him with all her strength and feelings for him. "And I don't want you to hurt me either. But I don't want you to hurt yourself."

I want you to be happy. I want to see you smile, she thought. She almost kissed him on his temple, but stopped herself in the last moment.

He shifted to face her and she still could see the signs of guilt and uncertainty in his eyes.

The need to comfort him was stronger than distinguishing what was proper or not in their relationship, so she brought her hand to his cheek and caressed it gently, looking deeply into his eyes. "I don't blame you, so stop giving me this look, please."

Closing his eyes, Ulquiorra leaned into her touch. How she could still trust him after all that had happened was beyond him, but he was grateful. If he could help it, he didn't want to break that trust ever again.

She brushed her thumb against his bottom lip, sending another shiver through his body. He caught her hand into his own and bringing it to his lips, he softly kissed her knuckles. She had no idea just how much she affected him.

She may trust him but he didn't trust himself – Hollow or not – with her anymore. She was too tempting. He had to go. Now. Before he did anything foolish or improper.

"I have to go," he told her and kissed her palm.

Her eyes were closed, but her lips quirked into a sleepy smile and she mumbled, "G'night, Ulqui."

Ulquiorra didn't remember if he ever had had to muster so much of his strong will to do anything, but somehow he managed to get off her and stand up. Then it turned out to be actually nothing when compared to trying not to stare at her bare legs – from her toes up to where her yukata began – quite high, too. It really didn't help when she curled up on her side looking for warmth of her bed.

Somehow he got his act together and he gently tucked her under bed covers to stop this temptation. Nonetheless, cold shower was in order.

"Good night, Rukia," he whispered and after kissing her on the temple, he quietly left.

But before he got to his room, Ulquiorra went to ask two servants to straighten out her room, while she slept. He threatened to kill them if they woke her up. He wanted his assault to be nothing but a bad dream that would never return.

What he'd done was unforgivable. He wanted to protect her from anyone, even from himself. But in order to do that, had he enough of strong will and benevolence to let her go?

No.

He didn't think he would be able to give her up. Never. Besides, even though he'd lost control tonight it didn't mean that he would ever again. Today had been a long day, he was tired, he'd allowed anger to get better of him, she herself had offered herself to him – everything influenced his mind and in this distraction the emptiness had taken over him.

From now on he would be more cautious. He would be much stronger.

She was his strength, after all.

And he knew she was worth fighting for.

The question was – was he worth fighting for her?

He didn't know the answer, but what he knew was that he couldn't give her up. It was no option – he was too selfish. And perhaps hopeful? Maybe it wouldn't happen again. Maybe he'd be able to control himself...

For the first time in his life, Ulquiorra hoped.

In Soul Society the first rays of late autumn sun were beginning to warm up the day, but no-one had the time to stop and appreciate the first in days beautiful morning. Despite early hours, Seireitei was buzzing with activity. The chatter was rare, though, for most Shinigamis were focused on their duties with the shadow of upcoming war hanging upon them.

Captains and lieutenants were all at the council, already one hour in, listening to Captain Kurotsuchi's report on biology, physiology and reiryoku of Arrancars based on the experiments he had thus far conducted on the captured Espada. Luckily he left out the details of those experiments. He might have more information with further research. After all, two weeks wasn't enough for a proper dissection of anything.

After him, Captain Unohana reported operational readiness of her squad and suggested most effective procedure of backing up other squads and providing medical care.

Captain Suì-Fēng informed that Onmitsukidō patrols had sighted no movement on Aizen's side.

"I suspect that he will be moving soon, since Inoue Orihime has recently joined him," Captain-Commander Yamamoto said. "That traitor seems to be a key to his plot."

Captain Ukitake Jūshirō inwardly flinched at this, but didn't say anything. He wished he could, but he was afraid that he would hear that there was nothing to be done about it, that they couldn't risk lives of many Shinigamis for the sake of two. He knew that he would hear it, and just thinking about it was painful enough. All he could do was pray that the girls were safe and sound and that they would soon escape Hueco Mundo. But with every passing day, with every passing hour he worried more and more.

To take his mind off troubling thoughts, he asked, "Captain Kurotsuchi, what is the progress in ensuring the safety of Karakura town's residents?"

"The duplicate is ready and pillars are stable as well. We can activate the world shifting any time now," captain of the 12th Division replied.

"This is bullshit," Captain Zaraki interjected. "Why not just go to Hueco Mundo and cut'em there? This way there wouldn't be need for this swish shit."

"I agree with Ken-chan!" Yachiru chirped in with her big, happy smile on her face.

"No," Captain-Commander Yamamoto disagreed sternly. "Hueco Mundo is a foreign ground to us. It will be more advantageous for us to fight either in Human World or Soul Society."

"Pain in the ass," Captain Zaraki grumbled disgruntled.

"Is it possible that Aizen is waiting for us to make the first move?" Captain Hitsugaya suggested.

Captain-Commander pondered his answer for a moment. "No, I do not believe so. That humble and kind person we all came to know was fake. This Aizen is too full of himself to care about such details, even if it might give him some advantage. He will attack anyway. He has to if he wants to reach the Soul King. And I do not believe that he has forfeited this mad ambition."

The hall was silent for a moment, many of the gathered thinking on Aizen they thought they had known, as well as on Ichimaru Gin and Tōsen Kaname. Some felt betrayed, sad and angry, while some simply wondered how the three traitors could have lived amongst them for so many decades and centuries without revealing their true nature.

Finally Captain-Commander Yamamoto broke the silence, his voice somewhat bearing the signs of tiredness and old age, "I believe we have covered all the points planned for today's council. If there is nothing else for discussion, I would like to close this meeting."

When no-one made an attempt to speak, Byakuya mentioned softly, "I would like to only remind that I will be unavailable tomorrow morning due to the funeral of my late sister."

Truth be told, he had wanted to wait with it until the end of this conflict, when he would be able to mourn in peace and honour Rukia's death appropriately, the way she deserved it. But the clan elders insisted and without any good reasoning he had to agree. Luckily they hadn't opposed to burying her ashes – or ashes of her precious items he had chosen to burn in place of her body – next to Hisana's in family vault. She had been Kuchiki. She had been his sister. And as far as he was concerned, they were of the same blood, not only the name.

Captain-Commander Yamamoto nodded. "Yes, I remember. My deepest condolences again, Captain Kuchiki."

"But that's just pointless," Captain Kurotsuchi snorted.

Byakuya narrowed his eyes dangerously, "What did you say?"

"I said that it's pointless," captain of the 12th Division repeated, making everyone tense in anticipation of Byakuya's next move.

"You are not obliged to attend, Kurotsuchi," the Kuchiki heir said coldly, "but it would be wise of you if you remained silent even if you do not respect such ceremonies."

"As much as I do find them ridiculous," Captain Kurotsuchi retorted, "I understand people's delusions and attachments that stem from their insecurities and close-mindedness and also that need for pompousness you all call tradition or customs, but that's not what I meant."

"My sister is dead," started Byakuya, warning resonating in the raw tone of his voice. He wouldn't stand this man insulting his pride any longer.

"That's exactly the reason why it's pointless," Captain Kurotsuchi countered, seemingly oblivious to Byakuya's animosity. "Because she's not. She's perfectly fine. That's why burying her is absolutely pointless."

All eyes in the hall turned to the mad scientist.

"What did you say?" captain of the 6th Division asked dumbfounded.

"Kuchiki Rukia is alive. No need to bury her yet," he said in a manner as if he was talking about the weather.

"H-how come?"

Captain Kurotsuchi shrugged carelessly. "How should I know? I only know she's alive and it seems her life is in no danger."

"But how do you know? And why didn't you say anything before?!" Renji asked incredulously, forgetting the etiquette and appropriate way to address a captain. No-one seemed to notice his faux pas and Captain Kurotsuchi didn't seem to care.

"I'm a scientist. Keeping a track on a person is a simple trifle. But I had more important matters on my mind since Souls Society's continuance depends on my research. And she doesn't provide any interesting information, anyway."

"Where is she?" Byakuya asked, though he had a very good guess where his sister might be. And it made his blood run cold.

"Where you left her – Hueco Mundo, Las Noches," Captain Kurotsuchi replied nonchalantly.

The Kuchiki heir inhaled sharply. His worst fears had just been confirmed. Not only was she alive, but she was all alone with Aizen and Arrancars. If only he had been quicker then! If only he hadn't believed that Espada's words! Once again he hadn't protected Rukia when he should have, the fool he was! He had to make it right – because of his promise to Hisana. And because she was his sister. "Captain-Commander Yamamoto, I ask your permission to go for Rukia."

The leader of Souls Society sighed heavy-heartedly. "I am afraid I cannot grant it, Captain Kuchiki. We need you here. Splitting forces would be disadvantageous, to say the least."

"But she might be in danger!" Renji insisted, backing up his captain. "Who knows what they might be doing to her!"

"Mayuri said her life is not in danger," Captain-Commander Yamamoto pointed out.

"Indeed it seems so," captain of the 12th Division confirmed, but after a moment he added, "Well, she was injured during this night, nothing life-threatening, though. And soon she was healed, perhaps by that Human girl, I'd suspect."

"Captain-Commander..." Byakuya urged.

"If I may say a word..."Jūshirō began carefully. Now that it came to this point, he had no choice but to reveal their plan, if only to comfort Byakuya and restore Orihime-chan's good reputation. But how glad he was to hear that Rukia was indeed alive! And if Orihime-chan had really healed Rukia, then it must have meant that she was well, too, and they had made a contact. "We are trying to rescue Rukia as we are speaking."

Now everyone's stares turned to the captain of the 13th Division.

"Explain, Ukitake," their leader demanded.

"Inoue Orihime is not, in fact, a traitor. She went to Hueco Mundo with hope of finding and retrieving Rukia."

"You knew she was alive?!" Byakuya asked, totally at a loss. How come not only Mayuri but also Ukitake were aware of Rukia's circumstances? That Human girl knew too, and if she knew, then most certainly Kurosaki Ichigo and his other two Human friends knew as well. What about Renji? Was he an accomplice, too? If so, why hadn't he said anything? Why had nobody said a word about Rukia to him?

"No," the white-haired captain shook his head. "We didn't have any tangible proof she was alive, we only acted according to our feelings and intuition. That is why we didn't say anything."

"Who exactly are 'we'?" Captain-Commander Yamamoto asked.

"Kurosaki Ichigo, Inoue Orihime, Sado Yasutora, Ishida Uryū, Urahara Kisuke and I." Jūshirō purposefully left out Hanatarō and Renji, especially Renji – Byakuya could be very implacable.

"How do you plan on rescuing young Kuchiki Rukia?"

"I'm afraid I don't know the details," Jūshirō replied earnestly. "Only Orihime-chan and Urahara-san know them."

Captain-Commander Yamamoto sighed heavily. He was getting old. "Bring Urahara Kisuke to me. Immediately."

OMAKE

"I'm not that fragile, you know," Rukia huffed.

"To me you are like a snowflake," Ulquiorra replied.

"Come on, what kind of comparison is that?" she laughed merrily. "We're in a warm room, so by your logic I should have melted by now."

She sprawled herself on the bed with joking: "I'm melting, meeeltiiing..." Satisfied with her act, she lifted her head to shoot him a smug grin, but could only stare at his amused expression, the corners of his lips quirking slightly upwards into the softest of smiles.

A blush began spreading on her face, so she quickly laid her head back on bed.

She was melting, after all.

End.

That's it for now!

Take care and until the next time!

Lots of love,

朝霧 -Asagiri-