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Firebloom

You Know Where To Find Me by Imogen Heap

Rangiku woke up naked with her companion beside her in the cozy warm bed they shared. An unfamiliar arrangement that Rangiku yearned to become accustomed to. It was not that of a one-night stand which sat very well with her.

She sat up on the edge of the bed, rubbed her eyes, and heard only the soft sounds of Unohana's breath.

"She's perfect for me." She thought feeling amorous. And then she smiled, reflecting upon the night they shared.

She turned around to look at Unohana lying there so serene. Then she got back in bed, shimmied under the covers, and snuggled up to her. Her body was so warm, her skin so soft. Her hair had its natural scent which Rangiku liked. Wanting to feel closer she wrapped an arm around Unohana. Unohana made a soft happy noise and pulled her in closer. A gesture that warmed Rangiku's soul. She wished they could remain there longer but there was work to do. So she decided to wake her up with soft sweet kisses. She kissed her neck a few times and whispered "Hana-chan".

Unohana made another noise, this one not as happy sounding as the previous one she made. "I'm sorry Retsu-chan." She said pausing for another two kisses. "We have to get up now." She said.

"Ki-ku." Unohana said, then took a deep heavy breath.

"Hey." Rangiku said happy to hear her morning voice.

Unohana stretched then rolled onto her stomach and sighed. Then she lifted her head and looked at Rangiku with her squinted sleepy eyes. "Hey." she said, voice barely above a whisper.

"It's dawn, we gotta get going." Rangiku said.

Unohana sighed and said "I know. Thanks for waking me up."

Rangiku beamed at her.

Unohana rolled to face Rangiku and nuzzled up to her and burying her head underneath her chin. She kissed her sternum. Rangiku held her tight, the soft flesh of her boobs warm against Unohana's jaw. Unohana loosened her grip, Rangiku did the same. She sighed again thinking to herself that she was about to be pretty darn cold. Then she said, "I suppose I'll get up now."

She did, leaving behind the warmth of the covers, the embrace, and Rangiku's bosom. Goosebumps immediately covered her skin as she sat on the edge of the bed. And then she stood. Rangiku followed.

Dawn's rosy-red fingers barely found their way through the blinds but still the light was bright to Unohana's squinted eyes. She rubbed her temples and Rangiku asked if her head hurt.

"A little." She responded. "I haven't drank like that in a long time."

"I'll get you some water." Rangiku said.

"Thank you." Unohana said. "May I have a shower?" She asked.

"Of course, can I join you?"

"That would be delightful." Unohana said stretching.

Rangiku took in the sight of Unohana's nude form, bending and moving and stretching. Unohana felt her eyes watching her. It made her feel both sexy and self-conscious. They shared a glance of mutual understanding and both blushed.

Rangiku averted her eyes and Unohana checked her out for a moment. She thought to herself that she had again shared a bed with the most beautiful woman in Soul Society.

"I'll start the shower." Unohana said walking toward the bathroom now. Feeling more awake and looking forward to bathing with her woman.

"Should I start coffee or tea?" Rangiku asked.

"Most mornings I'll have tea, but I think this morning calls for coffee." Unohana responded.

"I agree. Coffee it is." Rangiku said then walked off to the kitchen.

Unohana went to the bathroom and sat down for her morning pee. She peed a lot, then she wiped and flushed and got the shower going. As she figured out the shower and how to get the temperature where she wanted, Rangiku returned with a tall glass of cool water. She gave it to Unohana.

"Thank you." Unohana said after taking a few sips.

"Mhm." Rangiku said sweetly then sat down for her morning pee. She also peed a lot which she commented upon.

"I peed a lot too. We're both probably a little dehydrated from last night." She said raising her glass and then taking a few more sips. "Thank you for the water." She said.

"Mhm." Rangiku said. "I had some in the kitchen."

Unohana checked the water temperature and adjusted it a little more. "Is this comfortable for you?" She asked Rangiku who had wiped off, gotten up, and flushed the toilet.

Rangiku suck her fingers in the stream and said it was fine.

Unohana finished her glass of water, set it down, and got in the shower.

Rangiku closed the bathroom door to lock in the heat of the shower and got a fresh towel out for Unohana. Then she joined her in the shower. Unohana stood welcoming with open arms and they huddled up underneath the stream.

"Ohhhh that's nice." Rangiku said enjoying the warmth of the hot water pouring down on them.

"Yes, it is. Kiku-chan." Unohana whispered stroking Rangiku's back.

"Can I wash your hair again?" Rangiku asked running her fingers through it, getting it thoroughly wet.

"Sure. That would be nice." Unohana said.

So, they broke away from each other and Rangiku got her shampoo. Unohana turned to face the stream. She smiled as Rangiku set to work massaging the shampoo into her hair and rubbing her scalp. Happy to be in her company. Grateful for her affection and care. She closed her eyes and relaxed as Rangiku began with her hair.

When Rangiku finished thoroughly lathering Unohana's beautiful black hair she asked Unohana to turn back around so she could rinse it. Unohana rinsed the shampoo off of her closed eyelids then turned back around to face her. She tilted her head back letting the water run on her head and closed her eyes again. Rangiku rinsed her hair. When Rangiku finished rinsing, she surprised Unohana with a quick kiss and told her she was done. Unohana laughed and gave Rangiku a quick kiss in return.

"Ready for conditioner?" Rangiku asked.

"Hai Kiku-chan." Unohana said then turned back around.

"You must be a little cold by now." Unohana said as Rangiku squirted some conditioner into her palm and began working it in to Unohana's hair.

"A little bit." Rangiku said.

"Switch with me then." Unohana instructed.

So Rangiku paused her work and they shuffled around each other so that Rangiku could get beneath the warm stream. The water felt nice against her back.

"Can I wash you while the conditioner sets?" Unohana asked.

"I'd love that." Rangiku said.

She finished working the conditioner deep into Unohana's hair. Then Unohana set to work lathering up Rangiku's body with the soap. She used her hands at first, touching, feeling and appreciating every inch of her soft supple flesh. Every sexy curve of hers. And then she grabbed the loofa and scrubbed her clean. She had avoided her genital areas and was planning on letting Rangiku clean those. But when it looked to Rangiku that she was finishing up, she said "You can clean my pussy too if you want. Just like you would yours."

She hesitated for a moment, not wanting to irritate anything down there. So she set the loofa aside and used her hands again. She soaped up her hands again and cleaned her vulva. She cleaned between her folds, gently cleaned her clitoris and its hood and softly rubbed around the general area with her fingers. It felt good to Rangiku, like a mix between a massage and scratching a good itch.

"Here too?" Unohana asked sliding some soapy fingers toward her butt crack.

"Sure." Rangiku said enjoying the feel of Unohana's fingers touching her most intimate areas in a mostly non-sexual context.

Unohana got in there and cleaned with her fingers again. Feeling the softness of her ass cheeks on her wrist and the wrinkles of her asshole with her fingertips. She too liked feeling these parts of Rangiku's body in this context.

She grabbed the loofa again and scrubbed the area gently which tickled Rangiku and then she was done. Rangiku stepped back, deeper into the stream of the shower and Unohana rinsed her off.

They switched again to get the conditioner out of Unohana's hair and when that was done, Rangiku washed Unohana's body in kind.

. . .

Meanwhile in the Fourth Division Barracks, Rukia and Isane were having breakfast. Isane was eating her usual porridge. Rukia ate toast with jelly and boiled eggs. They both drank the usual tea. They were well rested and felt great as they had gone straight to bed after coming home from last night's Shinigami Women's Association Meeting.

"Oh today is going to be a long day." Isane said.

"What's on your schedule?" Rukia asked.

"Hate to say but paperwork hopefully. I'll be the main surgeon on call for the next seven days, but I have some office work to catch up on. Lemura was on call last week. He didn't get as much of the paperwork we left for him done as I hoped. Captain Unohana will be on call the week after that and I don't intend to pass my busywork onto her. Hopefully if I don't get called into surgery, I can get caught up on last week's paperwork and get started on this week's."

"Sounds rough." Rukia said admiring her woman, her skill, and her work ethic.

Isane blushed a little seeing the adoration in Rukia's eyes.

"Hold on." Rukia said. "Don't you and Captain Unohana delegate this paperwork to Lemura in the first place?"

"Yes. But when he doesn't finish, it comes back around to one of us. He usually gets it done though." Isane said clearly not looking forward to the rest of her day.

"So whose paperwork is he behind on? His?" Rukia asked figuring out the paperwork situation in her head.

"Well technically Captain Unohana's but…" she said before being interrupted by Rukia's laugh.

"Isane. Sorry to interrupt, but if you and Captain Unohana just did your assigned work nothing would ever roll over into the next week."

"Well…" Isane said failing to come up with a counterpoint.

Rukia laughed again and said "Ohh Isane."

"Are you teasing me again?" Isane asked feeling a bit flustered.

"No no Isane I'm not. Honestly. I wish I could help you with your paperwork. Help take that load off you."

"That would be so nice." Isane said brightening up thinking about it. "I'd get to spend my day with you." She said sweetly. "You're right though this situation would never happen if we each just got ours done. It usually doesn't come around to me though. And when it does, I always get us caught up." Isane said.

Their conversation was interrupted by a hell butterfly which phased through the wall and flew toward them. It flew meanderingly for a bit as it came toward them before it became clear that its destination was Rukia.

She outstretched her finger so it could land and relay its message.

"Rukia Kuchiki. You are to report immediately to in the Captains Meeting Hall."

Rukia was a little worried by this message. It gave no explanation as to why she was being summoned. She relayed its contents to Isane as she got up to get going.

"I don't think I did anything wrong." She said with worry in her voice.

"Aww Rukia, it can't be something like that. You're a wonderful upstanding woman and Shinigami." She said. "And you always have been. I still feel bad I thought you a criminal once. I have no idea what it could be that they want but it can't be something bad. It'll be fine."

"Thank you Isane." Rukia said. Her words taking her back to some of the wildest and most trying times in her life and reassuring her.

"I hope so." Rukia said going off to the bathroom to brush her teeth before setting off.

"I'll clean up here." Isane said.

Rukia finished brushing her teeth and hurried toward the door. "Thank you Isane. I'm sorry I have to go so soon." She said.

Isane walked over and knelt before Rukia who was also on the ground tying her Waraji.

"You'll be fine." Isane said again touching her face to console her. Then she kissed her lady soft as sweet. "Tell me what it's about when you can."

"Ok. I will." Rukia said.

Isane got up and Rukia stared up at her. She found her tall girl so beautiful. Isane reached out to help her up. Rukia took it and stood. Then she rose up on her toes and grabbed Isane's hips to pull her close, beckoning for another kiss. Isane leaned down and gave her what she wanted.

"Thank you Isane." Rukia said, gazing at her sweetly for a moment.

Then she returned to the task at hand. She grabbed Sode No Shirayuki and affixed her to her hip. Then opened the door and said, "I'll come see you if I can today."

Then she left.

Isane watched from the doorway admiring her little warrior as she walked hastily away, then flashed off, disappearing from her view.

She hoped that whatever Rukia was being summoned for would be good news and looked forward to seeing her again soon.

. . .

Unohana and Rangiku split paths soon after leaving Rangiku's quarters. Unohana fought hard to not feel self-conscious. She told herself that all the 10th division soldiers who saw them walking together did not know of their union, and that even if they did it would be alright. That there was nothing wrong with it. She was making progress with her anxiousness over her new relationship. She knew by now that she wanted to be with Rangiku. That they were good for each other. But she still worried about how it would be perceived by her peers and their underlings. She knew she should not worry about such things, but still she did. And she tried as best she could to remain as normal and comfortable looking as usual. And her façade convinced all but Rangiku. Rangiku could tell that a lot was on her mind. She was understanding though. And when it came time for them to split paths, she dared not kiss her lover goodbye. It was best that they maintain a professional public appearance, at least for now.

"Thank you Unohana Taicho." She said. "I hope you have a wonderful day today."

Rangiku's words interrupted Unohana's thoughts and it took a moment for her to understand the reason for Rangiku's formality. She smiled in appreciation and gave a small bow of her head. "I hope you have a wonderful day as well Rangiku-san." She said.

Rangiku bowed lower. They straightened back up and Unohana moved to leave. But then she paused for a moment and asked, "What did you thank me for Rangiku-san?"

"For being all that you are to me." Rangiku said matter-of-factly, sweetness subdued from her voice, but clear and unmistaken in her eyes.

Unohana didn't know what to say, she felt so touched and could tell that she was blushing.

"I'll see you when I see you." Rangiku said then turned and left heading in the direction of her and her Captain's office.

Unohana collected herself and headed to the Fourth.

. . .

Toshiro was already in their office when she arrived. He immediately noticed something different about her. Her Reiatsu seemed to brighten the room from the moment she entered it. She greeted him then sat at her desk and promptly got to work. None of her usual moaning and groaning about how tired she was. No procrastination of her tasks with small talk neither were truly interested in. No messing around or teasing. She just got to work and seemed happy doing so.

Something was certainly off he thought. He had long since noticed that the alcohol she would hide in his desk had not moved from where she left it and he wondered if she was drinking less. He watched as she just worked away, motivated, focused, and productive. She wasn't humming along or anything exaggeratedly happy and peppy. She seemed to be in a positive mood but was not beaming with happiness either. He found her expression rather neutral for that matter but just as her energy seemed bright earlier when she first arrived, it still seemed to be so now.

"Are things ok with you?" He eventually asked after about a half hour of silence.

"I'm great Taicho." She said, glancing at him for a moment and smiling a warm smile. Then continuing her work.

He resumed his work as well. Her pace was steady and matched his.

"Something's different about you." he said about twenty minutes later.

"Like what." She asked finally putting down her pen for the first time since she had gotten started almost an hour ago.

"I don't know. You're quieter than usual. You're working like I've never seen. Somethings… different."

"Oh. Well I did meet someone new." She said thinking that he was probably right and that something was probably a bit different about her. While she worked, she was happily daydreaming about her. Keeping her in the back of her mind. Reflecting upon their past and looking forward to their future. Her focus was split between her work and her thoughts and she felt Toshiro might have picked up on this.

"I see." Toshiro responded. Suddenly flustered and starting to regret he even asked her about it.

It was often that she would meet someone new. While she would occasionally excitedly tell Toshiro of a possibility of a relationship developing with someone, never would it go beyond a few dates. Dates in which Rangiku and whichever dude she was talking to went out and got drinks together. For the most part she would instead tell him of all the reasons why she and someone she met could not be together. And Toshiro didn't much care to hear anything about any of this stuff.

He didn't want to continue down the line of conversation, but she was staring at him with a smile on her face. Her expression almost begging him to ask her something about it.

"So he's why you're so happy then?" He said.

"She." Rangiku corrected. "And yes, I think I finally found someone who is truly good for me. Someone I can be happy with for the rest of my life." She said.

"W-who is she?" Toshiro asked becoming uncomfortable now as he recalled walking in on Orihime and Rangiku in bed together. Lying naked and beautiful all tangled in each other's arms. Orihime fast asleep, Rangiku awake and in thought. It was obvious what they had done together. The sight of them was an image that would remain burned in his memory forever. Still despite his discomfort with this level of personal conversation he wanted to know who it was. He suspected given the history that it might be Orihime.

"Captain Retsu Unohana." Rangiku declared, evidently happy as well as proud to be with her.

"What!" Toshiro exclaimed. "Impossible."

"Impossible! Why? You don't think I can get a woman like her?"

"No. It's…" He said then paused. "She's one of our great captains. She and Captain Commander Yamamoto helped build the Gotei 13 and Seireitei as we know it. I never thought that…"

"That she would be with a woman like me?" Rangiku said mostly messing with her captain but still wondering if that truly was the reason for his disbelief.

"No. I never thought that she would want to be with anyone." He said starting to believe her a little bit.

"I didn't think so about her either. And I never thought that that lucky person could be me. It surprised us both I think." Rangiku said feeling warm inside.

"Well I am happy for the both of you then." Toshiro said. Then they fell silent again and got back to work.

He still found this hard to believe but she had said what she said with such conviction and passion that it seemed it had to be true. She wouldn't lie or joke about such a thing. While he felt the union of their personalities a bit odd and highly unexpected, he liked the change it brought about in her and the happiness it seemed to bring her. He figured that if Captain Unohana was similarly affected then this truly would be something good for them both. Perhaps even something that as Rangiku said could last for the rest of her life. Maybe all she needed all along was somebody to love he thought.

. . .

Rukia quickly arrived at the First. She stood before the wide doors of Captains Assembly Hall. She was called in by the loud booming voice of Captain Commander Yamamoto. She took a deep breath, paused a brief moment, and pushed open the doors. She found him within the cambers, stern, battle-worn, and fierce as usual, waiting for her along with Captain Kuchiki and Captain Ukitake who stood in standard formation opposite each other.

Whatever was going on sure looked official. She walked toward them with a respectful level of confidence, then genuflected when she reached them.

"Yamamoto Taicho, Kuchiki Taicho, Ukitake Taicho, I apologize for not arriving sooner!" She said.

"Rise Rukia Kuchiki." Yamamoto said. She rose.

"Your brother, Captain Kuchiki, requested my audience this morning." He said getting straight to business. "We spoke of you and the progress you have made in your career in the Gotei 13. We spoke of your success in all that Captain Ukitake and the Gotei 13 have tasked you with. Your high moral character. And your commitment to the path of righteousness, even if that path goes against the laws of our order, the laws of our society. We spoke of his promise to his late wife, your sister Lady Hisana, and of how she made him swear to find you, take care of you, and protect you. Long ago, when you first joined the academy, he asked that we never make you a seated officer so that you would never face the hardship and mortal risk that work in such a position would entail. And yet unseated as you are, you have time and time again been assigned missions that have proven challenging. Missions that have threatened your life due to unforeseen factors. Missions appropriate for lieutenant level Shinigami at minimum. Time and time again you have risen to the challenge and emerged victorious. You serve the Gotei with honor and valor and Captain Kuchiki and I agree that you need no further protection. I felt this day would come. That Captain Kuchiki and I would have had this conversation. And so, Captain Ukitake and I agreed to Keep the Second Seat of the 13th division vacant until it did. Until the time was right for you to assume the position. Today, we have summoned you here to offer it to you should you accept the privilege and the responsibility." He said.

Rukia did not know how to respond. She looked at Byakuya who had stood stoic the entire time. He barely glanced at her, only giving her a nod of approval. Then she looked at Ukitake who was smiling a wide smile as he looked at her. He looked and felt very proud of her.

Then she looked at Yamamoto, still as calm and serious as ever. Staring with his fiery eyes at her as he awaited her response.

She genuflected again and exclaimed "I would be honored to become the Lieutenant of the 13th Division of the Gotei 13 and take on all the risks and responsibilities the position entails!"

"Good." Yamamoto said. "I will announce your promotion to all the other Captains and a Lieutenant Promotion Ceremony will be scheduled. You will accompany your Captain for the next few days during which he will brief you on your new responsibilities and prepare you to become his Lieutenant. After the ceremony you will receive your first mission as Lieutenant." He said.

"You are all dismissed." He said concluding their meeting.

Rukia bowed low again. Ukitake and Byakuya each barely tipped their heads. Then the three all turned and left through the great doors of the meeting hall. Her in the middle flanked by her brother and her captain.

"Congratulations Rukia." Her brother said. "You earned it." He said. "Captain Yamamoto already explained the promise I made to Hisana to protect you. Know that I am not breaking it. I never would do so. And know that I will always watch over you and have your back."

And then he just left. Feeling emotional she thanked him. He did not respond at all and just walked right on.

"Come Rukia." Her captain said. "We have much to discuss."

Then they left and walked together toward the 13th.

. . .

Rukia accompanied Captain Ukitake until very late. And so when she finally was free and able to see Isane, she had to go find her where she had left her that morning. Back at her home at the Fourth. She knocked softly. She didn't want to disturb her, but she just had to see her. One of the lights was on inside and she waited listening for some sign of movement. She stood waiting in the cold dark windy night. She decided that if Isane didn't answer that she wouldn't knock again. That she would go home and let Isane rest for she knew that the each had a long day. But soon she heard soft footsteps approaching the door. Isane opened the door and the warmth of the soft light, the air of her home, and all the affection in her heart poured out of the doorway and enveloped Rukia.

"Hey Rukia." Isane said inviting her in. "Come on in. Its cold out there."

Rukia jumped right on in and hugged her tight. Isane was surprised by her suddenness. She closed the door behind Rukia then hugged her back. Holding her lady close. Rukia pulled away for a moment to spread open the front of Isane's night robe and hugged her tight again pressing her cold face against the warm skin of Isane's chest. Seeking more of Isane's warmth.

"Rukia." Isane said. Rukia's cold nose and face made her want to pull back but she forced herself to let it remain.

"Ohh Isane, you're so nice and warm and soft." She said. "Were you sleeping?" She asked pulling away a little to look up at her.

"I was." Isane said. Then she leaned down and kissed her. "I was sleeping on the couch with the light on. Easier to wake up if this thing beeps at me." She said gesturing toward the beeper that was clipped to one of her robe pockets.

"Sorry I woke you up." Rukia said.

"It's ok." Isane said. "Wouldn't be seeing you now if I was asleep." She said then paused. "Unless I was dreaming of you." She said a bit distantly as she stared off thinking for a moment.

Rukia laughed. "Was today ok Isane?"

"Just a whole lot of paperwork. I wasn't called into the ER so I got a whole lot of it done. I didn't get back home until about an hour and a half ago. At the rate I'm going I can have us caught up by tomorrow night." Isane said.

"But nevermind that, how did your meeting go? What did Yamamoto want to talk to you about? Was it good?" Isane asked as she took Rukia's hand to lead her to the couch.

"It did go well." Rukia said getting ready to break the news.

"Good." Isane said as they sat down.

"When I walked into the Meeting Hall, I found Nii-sama, Captain Ukitake, and Captain Yamamoto waiting for me."

"And?" Isane said all excited.

"Well long story short they offered me the second seat of the 13th division. I accepted. I'm going to be a lieutenant soon." Rukia said.

"Ayy good job Rukia." Isane said clapping energetically for a few moments. "You see! You remember what I told you that night in the human world. I told you you were qualified. I'm so happy for you." She said smiling.

"Thank you Isane. I'm happy too." Rukia said. "I never thought this would happen y'know." Rukia said. "Like I kind of wanted it to but I've achieved everything I set out to with the Gotei 13 already. Now I can do more. I have to do more. I'm nervous Isane. I know I'll do alright but part of me still worries about it."

"It's a big step but you'll do great Rukia." Isane said. "You're strong and smart and responsible. Tenacious too. I felt the same worry when I got promoted. Captain Unohana didn't even ask me if I wanted to be her lieutenant. She just sort of chose me and groomed me for the position. I don't know why she did but here I am. And I don't mean to brag but I do what I do well now. Captain Ukitake is a good kind captain. He will prepare you well." Isane said.

"He and Captain Yamamoto chose me as well." Rukia said. "They agreed to keep the position vacant until I was ready. Byakuya had me held back up until now."

"Held you back? How?" Isane asked seeming a bit frustrated with him at the notion.

"Well, His late wife asked him to in a way. We died together in the human world when she was a young woman and I was still an infant. We were sent to Inuzuri in South Rukongai after we crossed over into Soul Society. It was hard for her to survive while also taking care of a little one, so she abandoned me."

"I'm so sorry." Isane said feeling bad for Rukia. Touching her with a consoling hand.

"It's ok." Rukia said returning a similarly caring touch. "I survived just fine, and my life has become much better since. Now especially that I have you in my life." Rukia said pinching Isane's cheek playfully.

Isane blushed, Rukia giggled.

"Anyway, she regretted abandoning me for the rest of her days. For the five years that Byakuya and her were together she never stopped searching for me. She never did. I have no memory of her." Rukia said somberly.

"Her dying wish to Byakuya was that he would find me and adopt me. She made him promise to protect me from harm and asked him to never tell me that I ever had a sister. He said that she said that she didn't deserve to call me her sister. Poor thing…" Rukia said trailing off.

"So that is why he held me back. This line of work is dangerous, life threatening. And high-ranking Shinigami while the strongest and most capable, deal with the greatest threats. The most dangerous enemies."

"Nii-sama felt that after all that I have done and all that I have been through, I no longer need protection. That I can take care of myself now. So, he allowed me to be considered for the lieutenants seat if Captain Yamamoto and Captain Ukitake deemed me fit for it. And they did."

"I understand now Rukia." Isane said still feeling a little sad about Rukia's past. "I'm glad life is better for you now."

"Life is great now." Rukia assured her.

"Good. And I am glad that your hard work and talent is being recognized and that you are moving on up. Heck soon enough I'll probably be calling you Captain Kuchiki as well." Isane said smiling at her.

"Oh my! Please let me get used to being a lieutenant first." Rukia said with a laugh. Then she fell silent, thinking to herself for a moment about whether she would ever reach that level.

"I feel a little bad for Kiyone and Sentarou." She said suddenly. Both were gunning for the position really hard."

"Yeah." Isane said.

They both fell silent, each thinking of the new developments in Rukia's professional life.

"I'm sorry Isane. I'm disturbing your sleep." Rukia said reminding herself of the time and the long days she and Isane each had.

"Oh, it's fine. I'd rather be up with you than be asleep right now."

"Thank you Isane." Rukia said looking up at her sleepy face and messy hair. She found Isane so beautiful. Isane smiled at Rukia and Rukia reached up and ran her fingers through her hair. Then she touched her cheek. "You need rest." She said. "We both need rest."

"Are you staying?" Isane asked.

"I'd like to." Rukia said.

"I'd like that too." Isane said. "Make yourself comfortable Rukia. Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat?" Isane asked moving to get up.

"I'm not. Thank you. Captain Ukitake and I had dinner together. I just need a quick shower." She said.

"Aww I wish I knew you were going to take a shower. I would have joined you." Isane said settling back down into the couch.

"Maybe next time." Rukia said, she too feeling like they missed out on something nice. She hadn't bathed with Isane yet and she wanted to. To wash her wet body and kiss her under the hot stream of the showerhead. But she reminded herself that it was late and that Isane had another long day ahead of her. It was for the better she thought.

"We should take a bath next time." Isane said thinking that she and Rukia would fit nicely in her bathtub. Thinking of kissing and feeling all over her lady as they soaked. Thinking of having her sit up on the edge of the tub and spread her legs so she could…

"Ill get you a robe." Isane said interrupting that thought and getting up to guide Rukia to the bathroom. She handed Rukia the robe which was far too big for her and she gave her a fresh towel. She asked if Rukia needed anything else and Rukia responded in the negative.

"If I'm asleep when you finish, please wake me up Rukia. I want to hear more about your day with Captain Ukitake." Isane requested.

"Ok." Rukia said.

"And hey," Isane said holding Rukia's chin up with her fingers. "I'm so proud of you." She said then kissed her.

"Thank you Isane." Rukia said blushing.

"Mhm." Isane said. "I'll be on the couch waiting for you."

Isane returned to the couch and laid down. She looked forward to Rukia laying next to her soon.

Isane really admired her. Modest, decent, and humble. Brave and talented. There was so much to like about her. She felt bad for a moment that she had been blind to Rukia's feelings. That it took her so long to realize that Rukia was the woman for her. And then she felt glad that she eventually did. She reflected on Rukia's stress and shame and was glad that it was long gone.

Rukia similarly thought of Isane. As she got into the shower, she thought of how much Isane's manner had changed toward her. How natural and comfortable she was now. Sharp in contrast to the shy and nervous manner that was characteristic of her with people she didn't know yet and situations she did not feel comfortable in.

She stood under the hot water and thought that she had everything she wanted in life. The only person she truly and deeply wanted. At least to this level. And a rewarding and fulfilling career with the Gotei. The only thing she'd change would be to have Isane in the shower with her right now. Continuing to give her the care and the affection she craved from her right now. Touching her body the way she wanted to be touched right now. Looking at her in that way that made her feel sexy. Making her feel like a woman. But it was fine she thought. She'd be with her again in a few moments anyway. And so, while she knew that Isane needed her rest, she bathed quickly hoping that she would still be awake and waiting for her when she finished.

But Isane was slowly falling back asleep. She lie there thinking back about all she learned under Unohana's tutelage and how she would not be where she was in life were it not for her. She again remembered that she had no idea why Unohana chose her. She felt that she was talentless when they met. She figured Unohana somehow saw potential in her. Then she decided to simply ask Unohana why and to thank her for choosing her.

She thought for a moment about how she kissed her captain that night not too long ago and she felt embarrassed at her actions. Embarrassed but not ashamed. She understood why she liked her for so long. Why she wanted her and why she kissed her. But now that she thought about it, she couldn't figure out why Unohana would kiss her back. Unohana stopped it before anything serious started, but she did sample the fruits of Isane's love. And Isane wanted to know why she'd want to taste those fruits. She remembered asking Unohana if she liked her and how Unohana had said "Yes, in a way." Something was there and Isane wanted to know what it was. She realized now in retrospect that it was for the better that things did not go further. That it would have been something short lived. A lot like an affair despite both being single at the time. A fling that would surely end in tears and would damage what they already shared. And so she was happy. She had Rukia. And Unohana had Rangiku. And Isane hoped that Rangiku was as good for her Captain as Rukia was for her. That Rangiku gave Unohana the same sense of completeness that Rukia did for her. And that Unohana did the same for Rangiku as well.

The surreal visions of a beginning dream faded into reality and she realized she was fading fast. Her mind snapped back into full clarity and she thought that she should just move to the bed. With Rukia beside her to help her get up if she needed to, she felt she need not worry about sleeping through a wake-up call from her beeper.

She had never been late to surgery. Never slept in for anything important. But she was still paranoid about it. She was nice and cozy under the blanket though, so she decided to sit tight until Rukia returned from her shower then head to bed with her when they finished talking. But she was fast asleep when Rukia returned to her.

Rukia stood there looking at her lady. She wanted her so bad and she felt bad for wanting her so. Tonight, when she was so tired after such a long day. Isane lie there beautiful, breathing soft. Peaceful and seemingly happy. Rukia thought of kissing her till she woke, then opening her robe under which she wore only her panties, and letting the robe drop to the floor. But she decided to let Isane rest instead and save such carnal invitations for another night. She went to the kitchen, walking with light steps, and poured herself a glass of water. She took her time drinking it down. When she finished it, she turned off the lights and rejoined Isane. She bent down and kissed her soft cheek once. Then once more. Isane stirred.

"Can I join you?" Rukia whispered.

"I'd like that." Isane said. Eyes still closed. Still mostly asleep.

Rukia smiled and snuggled up beside her under the warm blanket. And Isane pulled Rukia into her warm embrace. Rukia stroked her arm and kissed it.

"Goodnight, Isane." She said.

"Goodnight Rukia-tan." Isane said still half asleep squeezing her a little tighter.

Rukia smiled. Isane rarely spoke like that and Rukia liked that she could bring that kind of affectionate cuteness out of her.

As they lie together in sleepy silence, Rukia synched with Isane's energy and sensed its rhythm fade back into that of sleep. She did not feel tired at all that day until now that her day was over and she was lying down with her lady. She soon fell asleep thinking about her. Feeling warm, loved, and happy.

. . .

AN: It took me less than a year to post lol. Nice. I feel bad for my readers and how long you have to wait sometimes. But this cannot be forced out of me. Inspiration comes when it chooses to I suppose. Thank you all. This story is coming to its end. Sometimes I worry that this story has been going on for too long. When I first started writing it, I did not think that it would take this many chapters to tell the story I wanted to tell. I knew the end, vividly, and I knew the character elements I wanted to explore. It has simply taken a lot to flesh out these things and set things up properly. Develop things in a properly detailed time frame.

Next chapter, Rukia gets promoted to lieutenant. I was happy to see her become one way back when I was reading the manga. And I was happy to see her and Isane both become captains in the last chapter of Bleach. Great characters those two. They should get married one day. Unohana and Rangiku are great too. I've said before that Unohana is my favorite character in bleach and that she is kinda the main character of my story. Shes a damn legend and I wish she got more screen time if you will. Manga time isnt a word I don't think.

Hope y'all enjoyed. See you next time.