I'm back to writing fanfiction. I have very strong intentions to finish this story. This is one of my personal favorites. I learned a lot from writing this and became a better writer because of it. I've also met a great friend through this story. I'm not backing down and I will make my updates more frequent if I can. I do realize it's been over three years since my last update. (I've looked through this and I apologize for typos if there is any. I really need a beta *sad face*)

A lot has happened, but in retrospect a lot has stayed the same. Now I will leave you to enjoy this chapter, please take your time and if there is any questions feel free to ask. Enjoy.

-Zerolr-

Chapter 14 - The Faces Behind the Masks

The side door quietly slapped shut, signaling Kira's departure, leaving Gin and Rukia alone in the room together. The small boxed room was quite plain with nothing more than a small block lamp stand sustaining a poorly lit wick candle.

"You're so—so!" Rukia slapped him about with the only pillow available.

Gin just laughed and laughed. His hair was ruffled by the attacks, the silvery bangs covering most of his face.

"So... so..." her voice died down coming in the end as a bare whisper.

Rukia was sitting up, her legs tugged under her thighs, the back erect and her head craned upward starting into the eyes of the man who transformed her world.

Gin's smile dropped a bit, his lips forming a semi-sweet smile. He slid his hands over her hands that gripped the pillow still. Her face rose several notches of scarlet.

She felt his presence tilt towards her, causing her to become completely petrified.

His forehead brushed softly pressing against hers. Her lips began to slightly quiver. His face was incredibly close, his nose barely touching hers. His warm breath just ever so slightly damping her lips.

"Are you still mad at me?"

She felt the movement caused by those words, as she slowly closed her eyes.

"Why would you think that?" she asked ever so silently, "I could ever stay mad at you..."

He raised his hand, the fingers gracing the skin under her jaw, the fingertips curling tenderly finding a place to situate them.

Rukia's lips barely parted as his own lips traced her skin finding them. Her breath hitched.

Warm and soft, her lips were so soft as he pressed it against hers.

Her hands reached and gripped the front of the white undershirt, her body swallowed by his large presence.

He kissed her. Kissed her more. His hand rising from the side of her face combing through the back of her head, while his other arm wrapped around her frame pressing the palm firmly against her back.

She gasped as he pulled her head towards him sealing her lips around his.

Rukia gasped again, taking in his tongue feeling it intertwine with hers.

Her grip on his clothing tightened as she felt herself wrapped closely into his obsessive embrace.

"Gin," she barely whispered, when they parted she was catching her breath, as she felt his lips kiss her cheek.

"Hahh..." she breathed out as her hands relaxed on his chest.

He kissed her jaw, the tip of her earlobe as felt his long fingers still slightly shifting through her hair and settle at the back of her skull.

"Rukia," he uttered in a grated whisper, "I love you..."

She was drowning in his intensity as he flowered her with more kisses. Most of the time they just trailed her skin, on her forehead, over her closed eyes.

She chucked her head crashing into his chest. Her arms wrapping around him.

His chin rested over the crown of her head.

Gin's hand played with her hair, letting his fingers filter the locks of raven black through and then, tracing the locks to its ends between the fingertips, tactfully so.

Rukia's heart was beating so rapidly as if she had ran a never-ending marathon.

The body was jittery, uncontrollably shaking.

She felt a burning sensation between her legs. She was unable to make that feeling go away. Nor would she have wanted to.

"I love you," he repeated, "And I want to give you my love."

He felt her trembling body squirm.

His hand dropped with his other, as they rubbed her back.

"You're so afraid. Don't be..."

"Gin, Gin...," she whispered, "I … can't help it... I... never..."

Gin just continued to hold on to her, "Now, why would dat be?" he curiously asked.

"Nii-sama... I promised him, I'd give myself to someone that he could acknowledged, someone worthy of his respect..." she nuzzled her forehead into his chest, "I'm so afraid of breaking his promise. There were times I got so close and then I remember. So then I'd pull back. None of my relationships ever last too long because of it.," she blinked her watery eyes.

But I don't want to keep doing that..." her voice was breaking.

Gin's chin still rested on her head as he softly heard her weep. He gave her time to recover a bit as she pulled back from his chest to dry her eyes with her bare hands.

While she did so Gin, let go of her and took off his black jacket, throwing it aside.

Under the candlelight, Rukia blinked as he pulled the white shirt off over his head and threw it aside as well.

Her face burned a furious color as a series of light and shadow cast over the kitsune face, dappling over his naked chest.

Rukia's eyes met his, "I-I want to give you my love too...," she stuttered. Gin gave her an unreadable smile as he bent his head over and kissed her once more. She allowed entry for his tongue, but this time she fought against him.

"Mmmm..."

She heard him groan, something tugged her. But her mind mostly concentrated on his kiss. Ignoring the fact that the tugging was Gin removing the obi that held together her yukata.

After it was off it was simple to slip off her clothes. There, completely naked, Rukia's cheeks were red, her lips barely parted as she looked into his eyes.

"I love you too," she whispered, "I love you so..."

Gin slowly laid her down on the futon. His eyes never once moving away from her.

"I know luv, I know..."

Another kiss.

Tender touches and caresses as he settled within her.

A slight pained moan.

The small fingers clinging to her lover's back.

Rukia's breathing was audible as he moved inside her. Her knees were drawn up with her toes tightly curled.

With rhythmic motion with all the care in the world he progressed as she grew accustomed to his body, to the feeling.

"Gin," she huffed, "Ahh..."

He watched over her, seeing the eyes slightly squeezed shut the flushed expression on her face, dealing with the wonderful reality that he was the cause of all her pleasure.

"Gin, oh Gin! Oh God... hahhh..," Her chest rose and fell heavily her hand gripping tugging him irradically signaling her growing need.

He increased his pace making love to her more passionately.

The sensation consumed her.

What an overwhelming feeling.

So incredibly satisfying, intensely acute. Yes, dear God, yes. Are those his lips. I feel kissing me?

"Rukia..."

–

Oh how soft. Those lips trailing my neck.

God, there is nothing else I need. Nothing more in this world than to stay like this, forever.

In ecstasy. This incredible high...

–

But such only lasted for a moment in which it afterward faded.

Gin was looking down as she slowly opened her eyes. They were both drenched in sweat from their lovemaking. Catching the vivid violet-blue of her eyes he smiled and laid down beside her.

She brought her heated body closer to be wrapped in his arms. Gin nudged his nose his cheek against her own so tenderly in such perfect silence. He accepted her and held her close. She chucked her head underneath his own, his chin once again resting on the crown of her small head.

It wasn't too long before she fell asleep. And Gin barely awake was unable to rest. His mind swirling with thoughts

How strange... he pondered.

I'd accepted some time ago that seeing blood gave me more satisfaction than sex. The thrill of driving a knife through someone's heart was more gratifying than any orgasm.

That red color, and the way it stained my hands and clothes. And it's smell when it first comes out of the body...

It's a rush that cannot be explained properly in words without making me sound like a madman...

–

How strange...

How strange because this time, the rush of killing fell second, to the sex, I'd just had.

No.

It's making love, isn't it?

Is this the difference? I've always considered it one and the same.

And this urge to do it once more... I've never felt that before.

–

He kissed her lips as she slept. Kissed her awake. Her eyes drunk from sleep fluttered awake slowly. He continued to kiss her down the neck, down to her collar bone. And eventually after such persuasion, he made love to her again. Hungry, desperate needy for more...

It was unsure when it had ended or when he had fallen asleep, but eventually he was shuddered awake by a strange gust of wind.

Huh?

He pulled himself up to a sitting position taking a look around his surroundings.

Where... am I?

Gin found himself in a wide open field of wild flowers. The sky had a strange surreal glow. He couldn't see the clouds or sun. Just a bright hazed light. Taking to his feet, he saw that he was but a small child. He stared at his tiny hands and feet.

"Gin-chan! Gin-chan! Ne, ne! Over here!"

He blinked as he tried to look around.

A giggle. The soft patter of footsteps on the soft green grass.

"Guess who?" The voice joked covering the silted eyes.

"Ran... is tha you?"

"Yup!"

He quickly turned and spotted her as she playfully stuck out her tongue, "You always get it right, don't cha?" She was a child too, with short hair barely reaching her shoulders. She wore a goldfish kimono and walked about barefooted.

"Ran..." he whined as he looked down.

"What'sa matter?" she grinned.

"..."

"I'm not mad at ya, you know."

He looked up to her and saw her skip ahead, as she held both hands behind her back. Black swallowtail butterflies fluttered about and seemed to circle around her.

"All this time... all this time... all you wanted was for me to understand you. You just wanted to talk to me, because you needed someone to hear you out. That's all. I... I can be really stubborn sumtimes... but you already know that. Don't cha, Gin-chan?"

"Why aren't you mad ah me?" he asked sheepishly.

"What's that gonna gain? There's no point of me getting' mad at ya, Gin-chan. After all, you shoulda been the one who shoulda been mad. I almost forgot that you were my bestest friend."

"Ran... Ran... I'm sorry!" He choked seeing her, "I'm sorry, I cut you, Ran!" The small child sobbed, "Can ya eva forgive me?!"

"Silly!" she walked up to him and hugged him, "I already did, coulda forgive me?"

–

Gin suddenly awoke and found himself alone.

"What's the matter, Gin? You look pale," Rukia asked as she walked in. She had bathed and came back dressed.

He sat up. "Morning?"

She nodded.

He sighed, "That... was da weirdest sex I eva had..."

Rukia raised a brow, "Why say that?"

"Is too embarssin ta say..." He answered with an nervous smile.

She sat down on the futon next to him.

He was naked with just the blanket over his lap. He rubbed the side of his face in thought, and Rukia reached for his chin and gently turned his head in her direction.

"It's okay, you can tell me... I won't laugh," she said softly. Rukia was surprised when she saw him honestly blush in response.

"Well... I..."

"HELP! GOD, THEY'RE GOING TO KILL ME!"

Rukia quickly opened the door in time to see Kira dash passed her in the hallway running for dear life.

Gin quickly put on his boxers.

"Gin—what's going on?!"

"You bastard! Where's that fox—I'll get you back for trying to kill me!" Roared Grimmjow.

"Ahh... it seems like it wore off."

"Eh?"

"Ya kno, the sleepin aid, I put in da dinna last night."

Rukia registered a look of shock, "Did you put that in the soy sauce?!"

"You!" The blue-eyed man stood at the doorway with Panthera unsheathed, begging for blood, "You're not getting away."

"I didn' do anythin'!" whined Gin hopping to his feet.

Rukia moved out of the way as Grimmjow attacked tearing a pillow that was thrown in his way by Gin. The fox ducked and slipped pass him into the hall.

"Com'ere fox! I'mma tear ya limb, from fuckin limb!"

Rukia covered her mouth. He's still in his underwear... she thought.

Gin met Kira at the end of the hall.

They looked at each other for a brief minute.

"You're practically naked."

"I kno."

They could hear Grimmjow approach.

"You go left, and I will go right," Kira told Gin.

"Sounds good," he grinned.

Spitting in opposite directions, Kira was stuck at the end of the hall with Nnorita waiting for him like a praying mantis ready to strike.

"Shit!"

He whirled around and ran up the stairs at the closest available stairwell. Gin had a similar encounter with Halibel. And they bumped into each other again on the second floor.

"What do we do now?" Kira asked out of breath.

"Apologize?" Gin asked almost cutely.

"YOU apologize, I wasn't the one who came up with that idea!"

"They're upstairs!" Shouted Grimmjow, his voice echoing like distant thunder.

"Follow me," Gin chimed tapping Kira's shoulder.

Finally, an idea, Kira thought.

They both ran to a room that was at the south-end of the floor. It had two windows.

"Look," Gin opened them to reveal that it over looked the hot spring bath.

"You want us to jump?!"

The sound of footsteps was getting louder.

Gin curiously raised an eyebrow.

"Okay, okay fine!" Kira timidly climbed on the windowsill.

By the time Nnorita kicked the door the two of them landed with a splash in the spring below.

"Leave them..." scoffed Halibel looking out the window, "Now I see it was nothing but another one of his stupid pranks."

"Damn, that's what pissed me off the most," growled Grimmjow.

"Tch, what a waste of time," Nnorita hissed.

Gin dipped his head into the water and came back up refreshed.

"Ahh... feels nice," he cooed.

"You just wanted to take a bath, didn't you?" Kira groaned miserably.

–

As the gang walked down the stairs, they headed towards the dining room. Rukia was setting up the table for breakfast. Ulquiorra was sitting down patiently waiting.

Grim scratched his head, "Aren't you mad about what that fox put in our food?"

"I refuse to parade about like a stampede of wild animals after prey. Besides, my body is immune to certain chemicals."

"You mean—!"

"It didn't affect me..."

"So?"

"What do you want to know?"

Halibel and Nnorita took their seats at the table. Grimmjow sat next to Ulquiorra.

"Did he do anything while we were knocked out?"

The atmosphere around the table was thick with silence. Rukia was in the kitchen, out of earshot.

"He had sex with the hostage."

"What?!"

"Why do you sound so surprised?" Nnorita scowled while cleaning out his ear with his pinky, "You're too loud, dumbass... it's obvious he was gonna get involved with her somehow. But if he drugged us just to get her, then, that means it could be his first time with her..." He mumbled, mentally throwing away his first impression of her.

Halibel crossed her arms in thought, "For a hostage, he's been treating her rather nicely, I'd have to say. I think that maybe he plans to use her for other things."

"Don't dig too deep, Halibel," Nnorita commented, "He's tripping over that bitch—it's obvious he's hung up on her."

"Really?!" asked Grimmjow like a dumbfounded child.

"You don't have much experience with women, do you Grimmjow?" Ulquiorra calmly stated.

Silence.

Grimm's face flushed scarlet.

The door opened.

Even more silence.

Rukia stopped at the end of the table.

"You guys like scrambled eggs? It's different so I thought I'd ask..."

"Sure whatever," Nnorita called, "Go crazy, like I give a fuck..."

"Thanks," she chirped. Turning she disappeared into the kitchen.

"I bet you're a virgin," teased Nnorita.

"Shut the fuck up!"

A chuckle echoed in the room. Everyone looked at Ulquiorra.

"A-hem, excuse me."

"If Ulquiorra laughed, then it can only prove that it's truly pathetic," Halibel stated.

"You want me to kill all of your asses!"

The front door opened. Stark walked stepped in. The group stared at him. In his right hand, he carried a brown paper parcel tied in string.

"...he's got the money," Nnorita began.

"Let's get'em," Grimmjow hissed grabbing his Panthera.

"Why me?" Stark turned and bolted.

"Stark!" cried Halibel, but too late. He was already ways off. She ran after them both leaving Ulquiorra sitting alone when Rukia came out with breakfast.

"Where'd everybody go?"

Ulquiorra just looked at her.

–

Another chase ensued which ended right in front of the osen where Gin bathed.

"I'm going to drop it if you don't let go of me," Stark threatened quietly as Grimmjow loosened his grip.

"Oh Stark, yur back!" Gin happily chirped. He swam around playfully. Kira was still there and decided to just bathe since he fell into the water in the first place.

"Yes, I did everything you asked," he threw the parcel which Gin caught with relative ease. "Go ahead count, it's all there."

"Well I can't do that now, I'm all wet... Hmm... that means I have ta give it ta sumbody..."

Nnorita wrinkled up his nose, "Tch."

Grimmjow looked about. Ulquiorra calmly approached, having finished his breakfast, and rejoined the group.

"You want it too! Don't you?!"

"Who doesn't Grimmjow?" he stoically replied.

"Pass it to me," Halibel stated, "I can guarantee that I'll keep it safe."

"Alright, I'll pass it..." Gin began his squinted eyes keenly scanning the funny crew assembled before him. Everybody's faces except for Ulquiorra's tensed up.

"...if you fall on yur knees and beg for it."

A gaggle of scoffs, curses and tossing of heads ensued.

"As if anybody would—!"

Nnorita's voice disappeared as Ulquiorra Schiffer fell to his knees and with his plain face, he begged, "Please give it to me."

Silence.

Gin threw it smiling without a word.

Even more silence.

"You're joking right?!" Grimm cried, "This is a joke?!"

–

After the others ate breakfast, Gin arranged another meeting as Rukia sat on the porch by herself. She thought about her predicament for a moment and then wondered if it was alright if she could eavesdrop. But in the end she decided not to.

Gin walked out into the porch hours later and sat next to her.

"Guess they all know..." he laughed.

"About what?"

"About us."

She blushed, "What about us?"

"Last night."

"Everything?"

"Nah, just da act in-between," he joked.

"Gin..."

He sat there his ears open to her voice the elbows propped on his legs as his chin rested on his cupped hands..

Rukia continued, "... I was thinking while sitting here by myself, about everything that happened up till now. And I want to know what are you after? If it's a certain treasure well, I can sneak in and get it for you. There is no need. There is no need for you to send them into the mansion. No need to put Nii-sama's life at risk. Or yours. No need to make a commotion, risk attracting the police..."

"There is maybe no need for us to raid the mansion in the first place," a soft voice challenged.

Rukia turned and spotted Kira at the doorway.

"What do you mean?" she asked him.

"Because Gin killed Aizen. He was the one who sent us on this mission in the first place... but yet Gin still insists."

"There's still a chance..." Gin stood up and took a few steps and looked down the dirt road, "I know Aizen... I know his dream... his goals. It's not one that's held up by only himself. He was King of the underworld on earth. He had many connections... many links to so many different people. People that held his same objective as theirs... Rukia, if we don go, sumbody else will... and they'll do a more ruthless job than me..."
She noticed how he now dropped the cute suffix to her name. He spoke directly to her clearly without twists or illusions.

"And what is Aizen after?"

The wind blew after a paused silence. Rukia couldn't understand the look that Gin was giving her.

"The reincarnation of an ancient fairytale..."

–

"What you see now, and what I see are galaxies apart. You and I aren't the only ones. There are others, with their entities dormant, sleeping inside them, connected with weapons that are hundreds of years old. This... this is my life's work."

–

Rukia's eyes widened, Gin turned away from her gaze and stared at the trees behind them.

"Aizen, was a professor... a history professor. He was famous for the books he wrote about myths and lore during Japan's feudal era, the Heian Period. I don't know bout the details... but what I know is that he found a link between those stories and this..."

As he spoke, Gin slowly unsheathed his wakizashi, Shinsou. To Rukia's eyes it seemed to reflect a red glare in some parts. She also remembered that riddle Kira wrote.

"Shinsou..." she whispered, "Is there something more to that katana?"

"Yes," replied Kira, "And that is not the only one, I have one as well."

Her mind clicked. His penname., "W-wabisuke!"

He nodded.

"I've never seen you with it..."

"I dislike carrying it around. The others posses similar weapons, as well."

Rukia's mind was spinning, quickly piecing together everything, "...wait. Are you saying that there are those special weapons somewhere at the Kuchiki Manor? Is that what Aizen is after?"

"Not just that," reasoned Gin, "Yur house holds a whole bunch of old historical antiques and things. Things that could aid Aizen's research. The answers that he's been looking for are there. Everything points to that place... it's just one big juicy target. But knowing that it was probably going to be a very dangerous task—he sent me.

But then I was locked up at that hospital. So then, he brought out Halibel and Stark, two treasure hunters. Nnorita, a bounty hunter as extra muscle... and Ulquiorra to make sure everything ran smoothly... The kitten was just an extra," he reasoned with a wave of his hand.

"I... see..." Rukia lowered her gaze as her eyes softened, "I never knew it was this serious."

"Rukia..."

She looked up and Gin saw her glassy eyes.

–

Flames rising as his body is consumed in the burning debris of the falling Kuchiki manor...was that just a dream or an omen?

–

"Rukia," he repeated. He saw that the tears didn't fall yet, "I have a plan, kay?" Do ya wanna hear it?"

She dabbed her eyes with her with her sleeve and felt the watery eyes dampen the silk sleeves. Gin approached her and leaned down a bit to her level. He lifted her chin up, " You okay, luv?"

She nodded as she took the hand that held her chin up and pulled it away.

"Tomorrow, I'm going to drop you off at the manor before the crack of dawn to be with your Onii-chan."

"Okay."

"For one week. One week only. Maybe even before that. I want you in that time to get me; a map of the entire layout of the place. Learn and gather as much information as you possibly can. Bout what we talked about. And lastly, I want you to convince your Onii-chan to move back into Karakura town."

Her eyes widened.

"Do you think you could do that?"

"Yes!"

He cupped her face gently with his large hand. She placed her hand over it. It was so cold, it usually was. She noticed that he had a habit of doing this... since the beginning.

"Well, I'm counting on ya hun, hopefully we'll pull this off nice and easy..." he cooed as his hand slipped away.

–

He doesn't want to hurt Nii-sama... I know it's for my sake and I'm eternally grateful for it...

–

"But with Rukia back into town won't it be more difficult to...?" Kira asked.

"Well that brings us to the question," Gin replied as he looked at Rukia, "Are you sure you wanna come with us?"

"Of course!" she pouted, "I care about Nii-sama, but I don't want to let you go... I thought you knew that..."

"Of course I do... I just love to hear you say it," He smiled softly, "And so since you're okay with me stealing you away, then what's left is asking Onii-chan's permission!" He playfully joked.

Rukia gawked at him in shock," Are you serious?! Nii-sama would never say 'yes'. You're a criminal and he's an attorney."

"Ehh... of all the professions..." Kira groaned.

"That's sounds like your typical over-protective brother with a sister-complex to me... nothing I can't handle," he mused.

"That's not even funny, Gin." Rukia countered.

Kira laughed. And in the end they all did. It was some light-hearted chatter that lifted the grim atmosphere.

It was a very structured plan. A project has been planned from before Gin's confinement in the hospital. And he's been there for three years?! I can't fail. I can't let him down. For his sake, for Nii-sama's. It's the last act before I can finally drop the rest of this cracking cocoon. Little by little, I'm changing. Opening my eyes to this new prospective. And it's not scary, it's not scary at all. Now that I'm starting to understand it all.

Halibel's voice could be heard called Rukia's name. She looked and stood. Gin urged her to go, and she did. As the doors closed, Gin walked and sat down on the veranda next to Kira.

"Do you think it will go well?"

"I donno."

"What's your back up?"

"Isn't that obvious?"

"..."

"But I hope it will. I know it will. Rukia is sharp. She's persistent and curious. She investigates and is capable of looking at the entire picture from afar. She thinks outside of the box. I'm placing my bets on those abilities. I also trust that her feelings for me will push her to the limit."

"Still pulling her strings?" Kira mused.

"Well, she has complete control of mine, so it's only fair... In the end... I want her to smile... I want to find as little possible reasons for her to hate me... and I want to keep my promise to Ran."

"... Matsumoto Rangiku?"

"Silly!" she walked up to him and hugged him, "I already did, Could you forgive me?"

He clung on to her, his tiny hands digging into the soft silken fabric.

"Wadda talkin' bout? Ya neva did anythin wrong!" he wailed as he buried his face into her shoulder.

"I saw you change after your Mama died. I saw you drift away. But I didn't pay attention. I didn't reach out for you. When people started to say things about you, I sided with them. I believed them. I forgot about all the things you did for me. About the promises we made, about the dreams we made together. As friends. To be friends, to say as friends, forever.

You came to me one day, remember, Gin-chan? Out of nowhere, you knocked on my door, asking for help covered in blood, talking about voices and having lost control. I didn't listen to you as a friend but as a perfect stranger.

You embarrassed me, you became too strange.

I no longer saw you as I once did. I was ashamed to say I knew you.

I didn't want anyone to know about you. I wanted to lock you away, far away, like and unwanted animal left to die.

But you actually, aren't any different from me, Gin-chan. I know, now. Now that I'm here, I know everything. I understand everything. Death opened my eyes... and now I can see...

That it was also my fault that you ended up this way. I didn't wanna go without telling you that Gin-chan."

Her embraced loosened and they looked into each other's eyes.

"So... can you forgive me... Gin-chan?"

"I was neva mad at ya, Ran..." he smiled, "I forgive ya, I always will."

"Oh thank goodness!" she cheered, "So that means we're still friends?"

"Course!"

"Yay!" she hugged him again, "I could lose everything even all the prettiest jewels in the world, but the only thing I can always hang on to... are my friends!"

His eyes widened.

"Friendship I believe is stronger than love. Because a love built on friendship is longest lasting love ever. You remember that when you take care of Rukia-chan!"

"!"

"Don't look surprised," she giggled, "I know everything. Let's make a promise the way we always used to do."

"Okay." Gin smiled.

The breeze blew rippling the field of flowers and petals took to the air. The friends linked pinkies and chanted a silly childish song, their voices echoed in the lonely field as they finished.

"Okay," she huffed.

"Don' make it too hard," he joked.

"Hee, hee... don't be such a scardy cat. What I want us to promise should be part of you anyways."

"Really?"

"Yep, from now on, we must protect our bonds. Our friends, our precious treasure..." She trailed off.

"We can't betray 'em. We have to help 'em, Consider 'em," he continued.

"We can't abuse their kindness even if they hurt us. Confuse us. We must try to understand."

"Even if all hell comes loose, I'll keep my promise," swore the sliver-haired child.

"As long as my soul exists, I will keep these words true," sang the little girl.

"This is our yakusoku" (promise) They said in unison.

She smiled sweetly. Gin watched her as she stepped back slowly. The black butterflies fluttering ever so lightly around her.

"I'm so happy that we met again, Gin-chan," she said as she began to glow, "So, so happy..."

"W-w-wait! Ran! Don't go yet!"

"Don't follow me, it's not your time yet." She warned.

Through that bright hazed light, he saw an arched doorway shaped in the form of rice paper screen doors in the old shoji-style houses. She looked back once more and smiled for the last time.

"Who knows, Gin-chan, maybe we'll met sooner than ya think, see ya!" she cooed. Rangiku turned and entered through those doors.

"Bai-bai Ran..." he whispered.

"Yes... we both made a promise."

"When?" Kira asked confused.

"..."

"Was that a lie then?"
"No."

"Then, when?"
"You're embarrassin' me," he joked.

Before Kira could say anything else he blurted, "Okay, fine, it was during sex I had with Rukia last night..."
"..." Kira stared at him in silence, "... you …made a promise with a woman, while having sex with another... isn't that cheating?"

"... or what it afterwards... hmm... I can't seem to remember," Gin drifted off in thought.

Kira fumed, "Did you just ignore me!"

"But I was... oh... yeah it was really after not during , but then when did it end?"

"Hey... Gin, I was talking to you..." Kira whined, his anger deflating.

"Oi..." Gin smiled playfully, "You just called me by my first name, Kira."

"I... did? I did. Strange, it came out so normally."

"Hmm... can I call you Izuru then? Nah, I like Kira best. I always did." he rubbed the blonde messing up his well pushed down style..

"Ah... Gin, isn't Matsumoto-san deceased?"

"Yeah, but I had a dream of her."

"Re-really! An encounter with the beyond!"

"You're really into that stuff, huh?"
"Then it can't be a dream, your soul was transported to that passage and were visited by her ghost, uwah... amazing. Is she resting in peace?"

Gin gave him a warm smile. One that was very rarely expressed, showing complete satisfaction,

"Yeah, she is..."

Stark placed a shopping bag on the table.

"Take a look," Halibel pointed out to Rukia. She reached in surprised as she pulled out a beautiful summer dress. It was made of soft fabric light and perfect for hot weather. It was white pattered with crimson spider lilies sprouting from the bottom hem and spreading upwards. A red sash to tie around the waist and a cute sun hat to match. She scrambled and dug in further to find strapped heeled sandals made with beige leather to match with the hat.

"I-It's so pretty!" She gasped, she lowered the shoes in her hands to look at Stark and Halibel, "Why did you buy it? I don't understand."

Halibel laughed, "It's not me, it was Stark's idea he picked out the dress and everything."

"Thank you so much, I'll treasure this," she spoke in earnest.

"Eh, no, no... it's nothing really, ojou-san. You'll be leaving us tomorrow and the clothes you had arrived with didn't seem appropriate."

Rukia slightly flushed remembering the sexy nurse outfit, "Mmm, you're right."

Nii-sama would kill me... she thought

"But nevertheless, thank you."

Halibel appeared like she wanted to say something else but instead she kept to herself.

"When did you buy this?" Rukia asked.

"Right after the meeting," Stark replied rather casually, "I was lucky I was able to find a small boutique. There is a small rural town not too far from here. It's very nice and peaceful. The shop there wasn't much of a selection though I was hoping for something that could bring out your eyes."

Wow, he knows a lot about fashion. I'd never guess... well he is well dressed, Rukia thought. That should have been no-brainer, I suppose.

As she put the things back in the bag, she gazed at Stark. He took a seat on a chair at the table. He always had a small melancholy frown, and was usually peaceful and quiet. Not to mention that his gaze was almost always, lazy and relaxed under any circumstance.

In fact thinking about it now, he's the most cultured person out of the entire group. He doesn't even look like he's even killed a man or dirtied his hands for that matter. A smooth criminal? I wouldn't think so... Wait they're treasure hunters—that's not exactly a criminal-sounding profession. But it is basically borderline thievery. And what they're planning to do is criminal. Ugh.. I overthink things way too much...

"Ojou-san?"

"Yes?"

"You're staring at me," He replied rather coldly.

"Oh, sorry..." Rukia apologized feeling slightly ashamed. She grabbed her bag and walked away to her room.

After Rukia was gone, Halibel smacked him at the back of his head.

–

It was towards the evening after dinner. Rukia was picking up the things she needed to take a bath. She sighed as she looked about her small room she had once shared with Kira.

"This is going to be my last night here, huh? I'm really gonna miss this place..."

Rukia walked out and towards the osen. As she was making her way down the hall in one of the rooms, Gin stood with his back against the wall fiddling with a cellphone. Kira was in the room as well, sitting on a small table located in the center of the room. Gin turned his head in time to spot her and smiled.

"I'm going to take a bath," she calmly stated.

"Can I join you?" he mused smiling a bit.

She tried to keep from blushing, "If you want."

Kira nearly fell back from embarrassment.

"Course I wanna, gotta make a few calls first though, wait for me?"

She couldn't help but smile, "Sure."

Kira's cheeks glowed a bit, "You both sound like a married couple," he stated after she walked off, "Are you both that serious, that fast?"

The cellphone Gin had was not his. It was borrowed off of Ulquiorra who carried one to communicate with Aizen and others that worked within that same network.

"Wadda ya talkin bout Kira? I just wanna see her naked again."

Kira fell back, "I should just mind my own business..." he mumbled miserably.

Rukia undressed in the small dressing room that led to the spring and walked into the steamed water and sank into it comfortably.

"...I'm really gonna miss this.."

The shrine house was built to only house females so it really has only one fully functional spring. The seemed to be another but it was ill maintained and since it was abandoned in the first place it was beyond repair. It was a surprise that there was one that was still functional.

A few moments later, she heard the sound of someone approaching. She looked up towards the closed doors. She swallowed feeling partly excited but at the same time wanting to smack herself for feeling that way. She was happy thought and looked forward to it, already imagining herself wrapped in his arms.

Small tiny catch however. When the doors slid open, it wasn't Ichimaru Gin who stood there, but Ulquiorra.

Yes Ulquiorra Schiffer. His pale skin matching the bone white color of the moon that hung out into the sky. He was naked with only a towel wrapped around his waist. He stared coldly in her direction unflinched by her presence. Unsurprised in finding her there.

"I always take the spring at this hour," he simply stated.

"I-I'm sorry," she answered, "But now I'm here, it's not like I'm going to get out."

"I realized that." he replied, "You however, needed to be informed of such,"

"O-oh... Do you want me to leave?" She questioned unsure if he upset about the situation.

"No, you don't have to," he calmly replied.

The towel fell heartlessly to the ground. And Rukia was stuck staring. It was a good ten seconds before she reacted and looked away embarrassed. The color of her face flushed down to the tips of her shoulders as she turn around. She could hear him slip into the water.

What is he thinking?! Omg... is that a normal size for a man? It's the first time I've actually stared at one in person... she thought as she shamefully covered her face with her hand. Rukia thought about Gin as she uncontrollably blushed remembering how it felt when he entered inside her. Rukia was neck deep in water as she tried to hide her scarlet flushed skin but it was useless since the water was somewhat clear.

I wonder, is he looking this way?

She jerked her head back a bit and found the emerald eyes glaring in her direction.

Shit!

A sigh, and the sound of shifting water.

She cautiously looked back once more and found that he was just relaxing with his eyes closed in perfect silence. She then slowly turned around and carefully kept an eye on him.

"I'm not going to touch you," he blurted stoically breaking the silence.

"Oh," she felt kinda weird but she started to see that he was actually very mature.

Maybe nakedness is second nature to him. It's just no big deal... Well... it really isn't I suppose... He probably annoyed by how immature I'm acting...

"You know," Rukia began, "I thought that maybe you were so pale because you tattooed most of your body, but I don't think so now..."
"Why not?" he asked, his voice had a way of remaining on a single level, unchanging, unnervingly still.

"Well...err... that's the same color as your skin...I don't think you'd go as far as too... uh... nevermind.." she covered her face once more. She was failing miserably at this kind of thing.

"You say the strangest things," he replied.

… he's not offended? She looked up.

She saw how he looked at her as he normally would.

"It's just I've never seen someone like you before... you looked radically different from anyone I've ever seen..." Rukia avoided his penetrating gaze.

He stared at her and drifted closer to her. Rukia's body for some reason shivered as he drew near. A strange type of aura that isn't seen rather felt was comparable to a dreary emptiness drilled a hole in her heart.

–

Why am I receiving such a strange sensation? What is this feeling?

–

"You have changed."

"Eh?" His body was incredibly close. What is his deal?

"The fear in you has dwindled. Your voice is more resolute. What are your objectives? What do you want out of Ichimaru? Out of us?"

"I... want nothing," she whispered. She was constantly reminded of the cold lips hovering above her.

"Nothing.." his hand reached and rested on her cheek, "Are you sure of that. Nothing. Do you really understand what word means... Nothing. Those eyes are always searching for something. Always troublesome, always curious, always provoking, always causing change in others. Meddlesome woman, you need to learn to keep to yourself. This will lead to your demise. However, you still persist, entering into the life of a mad killer, causing him to act against his own objective... And you say you want nothing?" His voice finally raised slightly into a question revealing his annoyance.

"I..." she found herself drugged in his gaze. The pool of emerald cause her to sink into a zoned state. His wet fingers trailed the side of her face. His breath damping her skin, "... wanted love,"

He watched her.

"I wanted someone to be with. I wanted to share my moments with someone that was more than a friend, that wasn't family. I wanted a lover," she spoke flatly, in monotone as if he was extracting the words from deep inside her.

"I was tired of feeling alone, when I met Gin. I was tired of feeling so miserable. He used me to escape, but he fed the attention I craved for. He catered me, spoiled me. He never refused a smile even if it was fake. He never turned down a request even though it was to hide his motives from me. He cared for me even if it was to kidnap me. The more time I spent the more I wanted. To the point that I need him notice me for real. I wanted his fake smiles to be real ones. I didn't want to let go him until he did so. Because I wanted him to be the lover I always yearned for, the companion to always linger at my side. The man I would live my life with until I die."

Her vision wavered as she softly crashed into his naked chest feeling drained for some reason.

"Hm. And I had believed it was something more... materialistic." Ulquiorra whispered as his fingertips stroked the wet hair, "Humans are unusual creatures."

Realizing that she was in the embrace of another man, Rukia quickly jerked her head up. Feeling it spin, she groaned slightly.

"What are you, you called me human?" she mumbled.

"That is because I have lost my touch with humanity long ago."

He stared at her and she finally had the strength to back off, "Did you put a spell on me or something? You made me talk, and I couldn't stop moving my mouth until I finished," she continued to drift back until her back came in contact with the a rock's surface at the edge of the spring, "Don't come closer," she whispered.

–

What is with this woman that intrigues me so? When I see her, for a second I envision a falling snowflake. I don't understand why. A snowflake shimmering delicate but in danger of disappearing when touched by mortal hands...

–

"Please... don't," she trembled as his lips touched hers. As his lips wrapped around hers, his tongue entered mixing with hers.

–

The fresh taste of new fallen snow...

–

She felt his hands trail over her skin. Freezing cold sending a static to shoot down her spine. Her back arched involuntarily coming in contact with his chest. His movements were slow calculated, fridged. Her breath hitched as their lips parted.

"What the hell are you doing?!" she rasped.

The pale-faced man calmly looked down at the hardened breasts, "Isn't it obvious." He asked without question. His eyes still the unnerving pool of evergreen.

How could he be so ridged after touching me like that? Why is his face so unchanging?

"I just told you that I love Gin, how dare you kiss me?!" she hissed, "You know what? I'm leaving; I'd rather die than stay a moment longer,"

She shifted to the right, but he blocked her path with his arm. She then dove but he grabbed her pinning her back unto the wall.

"Don't confuse lust with love. I am attracted to your body—,"

"W-what?" she exclaimed flustered. She prayed Gin wouldn't show up anytime soon.

"And there is something else that is pulling me towards you," he breathed as he hovered over her.

Too close, too close. He had an erection. She knew it. She could feel it as he drew closer.

"I will follow you until I find out what it is..."

"What?" asked Kira curiously, "What is with that face you just made?"

"I donno..." replied Gin cautiously, "I just got such a nasty feeling for some weird reason..."

There was a slight pause. Kira stared blankly at him.

"Oh well," Gin finalized with a shrug of his shoulders, "The last call I gotta make is THE call."

"Oh god I hope it goes well...," Kira groaned hiding his face.

"How many timed did I tell ya to don worry bout it, is all right..." he cooed in that playful tone. He found the number labeled 'Kuchiki' and pressed the call button.

Looking up Kira saw Gin was smiling so wide it scared him. He nervously rattled when the fox faced man closed the door and place the phone on speaker phone.

"What in the world you—,"

"Hello, who is this?"

Kira's face paled as he immediately cupped his mouth with his hand, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over him.

Why the hell is Gin putting him on speaker phone?! He loves to mess with my head... thought Kira miserably.

"Hello?"

"Is dis that bitch-ass pansy Kuchiki?"

Kira thought he was going to die.

Impersonating the voice of a yakuza punk?! What the fuck is he thinking? He can't be serious... he could track us down... He'll get us killed!

–

Byakuya was in his study looking through some old books, when the door behind him opened. With a slight tilt of his head, he saw that his butler was holding the house phone cupped in his hands. The man gave a nod allowing him to enter. The old butler held his refined expression as he spoke.

"Sir, it is a man asking for a 'bitch-ass pansy-Kuchiki'... what would you like me to do?"

"I will take it, thank you," he replied with all the tranquility in the world, "have you finished the tea yet?"

"I shall return with it momentarily, sir."

"Mm."

–

He's deciding what to do. He's deciding what to do. What to do. What to do. No, wait. He's probably taping this yes, he's setting up the tape recorder yes! That's what he's doing...

Kira's head was spinning in circles.

"This is Kuchiki speaking..."

Oh! So, that was someone else who picked up the phone? Oh, so maybe it's not too late to set a—,"

"Listen up fool, and listen good!"

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me bitch, I got somethin dat'll perk you up like a horny duck in spring."

Oh. God. No... I don't even think a yakuza talks like that... What's with the extremely vulgar language?!

"Go on..."

And why does the man on the other line sound so calm?!

` "I got yur lil girl Kuchiki and you got my money..."

Money? How much money are we getting? We don't need any more money! You know what? I'm just going to stop thinking, that's it. I'm going to stop. Ugh, my head hurts and the conversation just started.

"Where is she?"

"I make da demands, bitch."

"Who are you?"

"See-L-double-Flow"

Byakuya took a pen to write it down, "With the letter 'c' or 'sea'?"

"See, like I see you dead mother-fucka if you don take dis shit seriously!"

Gin wanted to laugh at the face that Kira made.

"See-L-double-Flow? What kind of street name is that?" Kira whispered in the lowest voice possible.

Gin shrugged his shoulders in response.

–

Byakuya leaned back in his chair. He paused as he reached for his green tea and calmly took a sip from it.

"And what exactly makes me want to believe you?"

–

Gin looked at Kira.

"He must think that we're a group of thugs playing a trick on him. This isn't going to work," Kira whispered.

The fox darkly smirked, "Why don't I let yur baby sis make ya think otherwise?"

–

Byakuya place the cup on in it's platter as he leaned forward in his chair. Through the receiver he heard her voice.

"Nii-sama... I-I'm sorry... don't worry about me, I—,"

His heart was snatched, gripped by an unseen force that caused his breath to hitch soundlessly.

At the other end of the line the fox switched impersonations back to yakuza thug.

"Now do ya think I'm jokin?"

"How much do you ask?"

–

How does he do that?! Kira's eyes were wide. He sounded exactly like Rukia!

"Three hun-it thou. Cash. By tomorrow, at noon.

"Where is the exchange point?"

"Look, Imma make it really easy for you, Kuchiki. I just really wanna get rid of this bitch cuz she's been a pain in da ass... I know where yur at—I'm dropping her off there, sometime in the morn, got that?"

"..."

He's not making any sense, Byakuya thought, "Understood"

"As for da cash, I wanna go to dat lil town nearby and pop it unda a red wooden box next ta an old well... it ain't hard ta miss... even a three year old can spot it."

"Fine."

"No word to da pigs, ya hear? One false alarm an da girl is dead... I just want da fuckin cash so don make ma life any more complicated den it already is."

"Let me speak with her..."

Kira bit the nail on his finger.

"Bitch, da sooner we git dis over with da sooner I can stop talkin to yur sorry ass."

"I can have this call tracked in a moment's notice. I also have the police on the other line. If you want this to be a clean negotiation, then, let me speak with her..."

Kira bit his nail until it bled.

Gin inaudibly sighed, he seemed more aggravated than nervous. In fact, he wasn't nervous at all.

"Fine, ass-hole, I'mma put'er on, but, I'll shoot her ass if you pull any fuckin stunts..."

Gin cupped the cell, "Oh jeeze It's so obvious that he's bluffing," he groaned.

He is?! Kira thought wildly.

–

Byakuya's foot was continuously tapping on the floor. He had never felt so nervous. So afraid. Afraid of her safety. But it seemed like the false alarms he sent are working. He knew that if he involved the police at this point it would be trouble. Truth is, he'd rather find the man and kill the thug himself.

Then pull him out of hell, and kill him again. And do it again, and again, and again, until he felt satisfied.

"Nii-sama?"

"Rukia, are you hurt?"

"N-no, I'm okay, but I'm alittle scared."

"Where are you?"

"I-I can't say, he's right next to me..."

"Give me color shape, any subtle hint will do."

"I-I can't Nii-sama."

"Tch."
"But, I'm fine, they gave me food and drink. They just keep me locked in a small room this whole time..."

"Rukia..."

"I'm sorry... I don't"

"Don't apologize, this is not your fault."
"Dat's it—dat's all da time yur getting, So, remember the deal—girl in the morn and then put the money in da red box."

–

CLICK!

"Shit," hissed Gin, "That was annoying to do..."

"Your impersonation was starting to break towards the end," commented Kira.

"Yeah, I kno, it's my first time imitating her voice."

"You think he'll cooperate?"

"... he's really worried bout her..."

Kira's eyes softened, "Gin..."
"When Rukia mentioned him to me before, she seemed to regard him as a type of deity, 'Nii-sama' the way she would say that name expressed a sense of reverence, instead of respect."
"Now I can understand why he bought your impersonation so easily." Kira replied, "Not only did you sound just like her, you had an idea of how she acts in from of him."

"I wonder, how it's all gonna play out in the end... I wonder if Onii-chan, is capable of taking her away from me..."

"There's no time for doubt," replied Kira, "I'm sure that we'll pull through in the end. We just have to believe in her."

Gin looked towards him and saw the determination in his eyes, "I hope yur right, Kira."

"Please stop, Stop!"

She squeezed her eyes shut in fear... but nothing came. He just stopped in front of her.

"You don't have much experience, do you?"

"Excuse me?!" she replied flustered.

He backed off seeing that it was useless since she made such a fuss over a little 'puff-puff' action.

There was a bit of silence as Rukia wrapped her arms around herself while keeping an eye on Ulquiorra.

"Tell me, why is the feeling you have for that fox that strong that you'd sacrifice your entire lifestyle for. Your friends. Your family."

"It just is," she replied calmly, "And it doesn't matter what you tell me, I've already made up my mind."

Ulquiorra shook his head slowly, "No, I'm not going to say anything to change your mind. These eyes have seen many things play, over and over again. Different scenes, different people, same stories, same happy ends, same tragic ends, told in different ways in the end, is all the same. But this is something that I haven't seen before.

I wonder how will this end. How far will you both go. Indeed, it intrigues me... especially if you have laid eyes on that man... if you have decided to walk this path... that man's destiny is cursed.. what awaits for him is more suffering and probably death... did you know that?"
"And what gives you the right to say such things?" Rukia retorted.

"You asked me why I look this way... didn't you?"
"... yes, I did." Rukia cautiously replied.

"I stem from a long line of occult mages."

"...mages?"
"Do you believe in the existence of the supernatural, Kuchiki Rukia?"

"... I've always enjoyed ghost stories, and the like, I don't know... I'm always open to believe, I guess."

Ulquiorra's eyes slowly closed as he relaxed into the water, "Ghost stories are a medium to broadcast the belief in them into the living world. Once the belief is set, they enter into existence. You can see me because of what you believe."

Rukia slowly gave him more of her attention as she watched him intently with interest, in spite of herself, "What... are you?"

"That is what I often ask myself," he lifted his hand from out of the water as the emerald eyes stared at the paper white fingers, "I am so far from what I was once, very far. Completely apart from everything... but I was once human."

"A... vampire?" she gulped.

At this he smirked, an expression that was there and gone for an instant, "No. I am simply an unusual existence. I seek something to end the nothing. But all I find is nothing, absolutely nothing. Because everything is the same... everything is pointless. When there is no point, it is just nothing.

Rukia's eyes softened. For some strange reason, she felt sorry for him. She put herself in his place for that moment and she felt terribly afraid. To be in that state of being was just awful. Horrifying .

"Is... there something I can do?"
He slowly shook his head before his steady gaze met hers, "This is normal, it is simply the result of living too long."

"You're immortal?"

"Wrong. I cannot age, however, I am immune to illness and impervious to poison. But I am very much a mortal."

"Oh..." she bit her nail as she thought. Her little mouth pouted as she looked up at him, the large eyes cutely fierce, "You're a mage so, then you can work a spell that makes you age again, right?"

"Are you worried about me?"

"Well nobody wants to feel nothing for the rest of their life! Life has purpose, it's valuable, there's meaning to life. I'm sure that there's a way to..."

"... my family was hunted by exorcists hundreds of years ago."

Rukia stopped mid-sentence when she saw him begin to speak. His eyes now appeared distant as if peering into the past, his past.

"I was but a child at the time. After months of struggle and exile, I was only left with my parents. They wanted me to live and so they sacrificed themselves to give me immortality. To crush our enemies. Because I was their hope, the prodigy, the meaning in their life. As long as I lived, I carried their legacy. But the spell went horribly wrong. It changed me into what you see now. Some sort of demon, some sort of animal, some sort of creature, yet mortal, yet human, but none at the same time.

At the site of such warped darkness penetrating my body, I saw the souls being sucked out of my parents. I tried to run towards them, to save them, but I was trapped within their magic circle. In my anxiety and anguish, tears forced their way out from eyes; a strange bile seeped out and burned a trail down my face,"

Ulquiorra trailed his fingers down green markings on his paper white face, "The pain was something that I never felt. My eyes changed color and before I can fully understand what had happened to me, I lost consciousness.

There have been many times that I have wished for the end of my life, but, the will of my parents always kept me bound to this earth... that and the fact that perhaps death is just another endless existence of nothingness... A dead end without end."

Ulquiorra's voice went quiet. He was surprised that he had spoken so much for so long. He wasn't exactly known for being a chatty person and since when had he told the story of his origins? It was something no one ever knew about, yet it had bubbled out of him so easily.

Rukia drifted near him.

He couldn't read the expression that filled her eyes or understand why she voluntarily got close to him.

Pity?

Was this pity?

"It was forced..." she whispered.

His eyes slightly widened.

"The will of your parents was forced upon you. Carrying that burden, you lived for their sake. You have to carry their hatred, their will to survive. You live for that purpose but that's not yours. That's not your purpose. You seek a reason, a weight that's tangible in your hands that you can call real. Something that is not greed, sex or money. Things that you must of seen thousands of times over countless years."

He looked at her bewildered, "What makes you able to say those things to me?"

"I somehow saw it," she replied, "In the way you spoke, in the distant look in your eyes. I felt it so strongly inside me."

"Do you know the reason?"
She looked up and saw that his eyes where steady yet filled with yearning.

"Could you tell me?" He asked.

"I don't know... I'm sorry," she whispered. Before Rukia could say anything else, his eyes closed. And as they did so, to her surprise, translucent tears streamed down from them, slowly softly descending the trails of vivid green as they fell in echoing drops into the water.

The surface of the semi-transparent water shimmered and over the surface, Rukia saw numerous images rapidly flashing one after another. They weren't of him, no they were images of monsters, spirits, and demons in distant time, in distant place.

The images stopped at one of a silver nine-tailed fox, eyes of crystalline blue glared down at a small shrine protected by a lone samurai. He wore armor and an oni mask. The ones worn as a charm to ward off evil spirits. Trees of sakura blossoms surrounded them, filling the air with a sweet smelling fragrance.

Her eyes filled with the image, as her mind ran wild with all kinds of thoughts.

–

Gin?

Is that somehow related to Gin?

–

The vision felt so real as she stretched out her tiny hand for the image of that vicious demon. As the tips of her fingers tapped the water's reflection, the ripples it caused dissipated the image that played so vividly.

She quickly retracted her hand surprised, "Ulquiorra, what..." her voice trailed off as she looked up to him.

He softly traced his fingers over the marked path his tears traveled, "I... thought that I... wasn't able to shed tears anymore..."

She could only stare on still trying to take in all that she had seen. When her voice returned, she directed it towards Ulquiorra, "When the tears... on the water, I saw some type of memory I don't understand..."

"You must mean the one of the yokai and the shrine."

"Did you?"

"The vision that passed through my mind, you saw them in the water's reflection," he concluded."Yes, it is a memory, but it is not yours or mine, nor is it of anyone else. Creatures are not the only beings that hold on to fragments of memories, so can inanimate objects and places... This area. This place, is the bearer of these memories..."

"Now that I think about it... this shrine looks the same as the one in the memory... But trees around this place now... are different," Rukia observed.

Ulquiorra looked about in deep thought, "Yes, I suppose over the years they changed the trees in the area... but if I recall, this plot of land used to belong to the Kuchiki family."

"Are we far from the manor?" She asked.

"No. We are but a fifteen minute drive from the place. That is why we took this place as out hide-out. Secluded yet close to our target."

"... I wonder what connection that memory holds to my family... and to Gin."

"That I don't know... but possibly you may be able to find out."

She nodded and smiled a bit, "Thank you."

Ulquiorra shook his head, "All this symbolizes a bad omen... yet it seems like you want to continue with this. I don't understand your logic."

"There is no logic. I love Gin and he loves me... and now I see that not just duty pulls him to this but possibly fate. Some sort of twisted destiny that I can't stop. Now that I'm starting to understand, I'mma figure something out."

"Like what?" he asked.

"Don't know... but I'll find something, I guess."

Ulquiorra closed his eyes and thought in silence for a bit, "Kuchiki Rukia, you are an existence that I have yet to fully grasp an understanding. Which is strange, since I have met countless people throughout my lifetime. I am without a master, and so I shall pledge my loyalty and serve you to the best of my abilities," he finalized with a slight tilt of his head.

"Huh?! Ah no, you don't—,"

"I am in your debt."

"But what did I?!"
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of several footsteps. Rukia cringed at the thought that it could be other men. In fact, she even heard Grimmjow's barking shouts from the other side of those doors.

Ulquiorra moved in front of her as a shield for her to hide when the doors to the spring burst open.

"Ah well look, the fuckin zombie's still here," joked Grimmjow, "Ya waiting to shrivel outta existence?"

"Ojou-san is hiding behind you," interrupted Stark noticing a head peek cautiously out from the side of Ulquiorra's back.

They're all naked... omg... Grimmjow... omg... I wanna disappear...

Rukia retreated to her haven. Ulquiorra can feel her small head being pressed into his back. She wasn't remembering that she was clinging on to another naked male that was as equally handsome.

"Oh shit," Grim shouted, "She really is there! Oi! The hell you doing with the dead beat?!"

"Quit making fun of him!" she piped without emerging from hiding.

"This is ridiculous," scoffed Nnorita who didn't say anything until now, "I want to take my fuckin bath already. He looked at Starrk, "Get her outta here, I don't have time for this bullshit."

"Oi!" called Grim getting to the water, "What happened between you guys? Why she's all up on you?" Grim asked looking obviously ticked.

That is none of your concern," was the stern reply.

"You sexed her!"

"Why should that matter to you?"

"I-I don't give a fuck! It just bugs me that she's all chummy with you! You barely know her!"

"I will kill you all if you get close to me, Grimmjow," warned Ulquiorra.

"Is that a threat, bitch?!" Grimm roared.

"That is what it normally sounds like,"

"I'm not—,"

"Grimmjow, Ulquiorra."

They both stopped at the sound of Stark's steady voice, "Our first priority is to get ojou-san out of this awkward situation. Grimmjow, if you're curious you can ask her after we get her back inside."

"Che, forget it. I don't care anymore," replied Grim.

Stark wrapped himself with a towel around his waist and he drifted into the water,"Ojou-san, come. I'll take you back," he softly called.

His voice sounded so tranquil and relaxed that she immediately fled from the one refuge to the other. Grim caught a glimpse of her in that tiny moment, and for what he had seen caused him to slightly blush. Noting the small breasts the delicate petite frame of a body. Stark carried her like a babe at his chest.

"This is so awkward," she whispered low for only Stark to hear.

As he stepped out of the area he replied calmly, "If you look at it this way—in a house filled with male delinquents, this was bound to happen."

To this Rukia softly laughed, "You're right I guess."

He placed her down in the changing room that was between the entrance of the osen spring and the interior exit. He looked at her once and Rukia's face burned hotly as she pulled a towel from off the shelves on the wall.

"You are very beautiful, Ojou-san," he simply said as he calmly left to join the others in the osen.

She had never blushed so many times in a single moment as she did right then, "...beautiful?" she whispered barely believing the words that came out of his mouth.

She found her yukata and put it on.

Rukia walked out and quickly retreated to her room. She settled into her blankets and started to wonder why Gin never arrived at the osen like he promised. She turned in her futon and decided to get some sleep even though it was still early.

"Are ya really sleepy?"

She nearly jumped fifty feet out of bed.

"Oops! Guess I scared ya," Gin smiled sheepishly.

"How long were you here?" she exclaimed.

"I came just now... I was doing a whole bunch 'o things... sorry I couldn't join ya, maybe next time, luv..." he purred as he nudged her gently with his nose softly against her cheek. His right hand rested on the other side of her cheek.

It was something so gentle with so much tenderness. He softly wrapped his arms around her bringing her close in his warm embrace.

"Gin..." she whispered, "Do you know anything about your family?"

"...I barely know myself, hun," he joked quietly, "Only that I had my Ma... it was me and her for the longest... she married then... an well. I coulda neva really call him my Pa..." he paused and continued, "...Is kinda hard to say...I... I don't have any family left...Don't know anything... truth is... I really hate not knowing..." after there was a second pause. He caught the look on her face and said, "Thinking about Onii-chan?"

"No... I was thinking about you. I worried that whatever you find in that mansion will change you. That what you learn will make you do terrible things."

"Well that's a funny thing ta say Rukia-chan," he whispered into the skin of her neck.

"I'm being serious," Her violet-blue eyes stared towards the crimson ones that stayed hidden being small slits.

He quietly looked at her, taking the time to examine her expression, fully take in the words she said. She could hear his mind soundlessly tick as he slipped his fingers to stroke her hair. Carefully so, he began to choose the words for his reply, "Right now, don think about any of that," he whispered, "Now is just the only time I can be with Rukia. Now is just the only time where nothing else matters..."

"Gin..." she whispered as she curled up to him. He held her close. He wanted just forget about the entire situation. He didn't want to be reminded of the risk he had of breaking Rukia's heart and possibly taking away her only family. It was the measure he would have to take if Rukia failed. But it would be like Killing his mother, who was his only true family. Someone he so deathly respected, revered as some type of god. Indeed, her relationship with her brother for some strange reason was playing back the lingering regrets his had for his own mother. In spite of that however, he wasn't going to hold back because of it... but for now he didn't want to think about that.

He kissed her forehead and then the tip of her nose. Her small lips found his and they softly—and then passionately kissed. After some playing and wrestling of tongues, Rukia pulled back breathless. Her large eyes shone as she looked up to her beloved.

"I love you no matter what happens," she whispered.

He kissed her again, "Rukia," he rasped between gasps of breath, "No matter what I do... no matter how strange how cruel it may seem... I will always love you. I never wanna see you hurt, even if I do hurt you..."

"I know," she answered with a tiny smile.

He nudged her tenderly and her mind seemed to forget everything and everyone. It was just them and nothing else mattered.

He had eventually slipped into bed with her, the long arms clinging on to her, clutching her close as if trying to earnestly give her warmth; something so unnecessary in such a humid evening. The dampness of his skin, soaked in her memory the feel of his breath, along with the soft slivery strands of hair that tickled her skin. She puffed it off her face in vain with a few quick snorts from her nose—causing a small chuckle from him. Her small feet brushed his own ankles and the hands rested peacefully on to his chest as the time heartlessly passed on.

Oh why tomorrow? Have mercy time, circumstance have pity on this poor lil soul.

Tomorrow don't come, time, hold still. Circumstance do change just for me? Just for lil old me?

Didn't I suffer enough?

Wha wuz the lesson you've taught me?
What had been the whole point in everythin?

My whole life, everythin?

Am I paying sins ta sum unknown deed?

I've wanted the answers to those questions for so long. It's taken this much bloodshed—yet I still donno.

Yet I still couldn't understand the things that mama said.

But now, I don't care anymore. I don't wanna know anymore. I want the magic eraser, take this all away. But I can't cuz the other side of me wants ta know.

I wanna know.

But I don't care anymore.

But I wanna know.

What is there that can cause me to change?

Can that one place hold things that will open my eyes? I doubt they'll be things I wanna hear... I doubt whatever I learn will cause me to loosen the grip on the only things that's keeping me sane...

Rukia was still awake and after a while she could feel his hold around her relax.

"Gin?" she whispered and he didn't answer. She lightly caressed the side of his face as she saw no reaction. There was a tranquility that dawned over his expression. The little fingertips traced the stressed lines under his eyes. Her lips touched, catching his breath into hers.

"Goodnight Gin," she breathed softly.

After sometime, the door to the room cautiously slid open Kira lingered at the doorway and coming upon such a scene, he bit his lip in embarrassment. He backed out and was in the process of shutting the door, when he heard a soft rustle. Chucking his head up towards the bed, he saw Rukia poke up out of the sheets, her sleepy eyes squinting like a newborn kitten.

"...Izuru?"

"Sumimasen [please excuse me]" he whispered placing a vertical hand with a slight bow as an apology, "I wanted to talk to Gin, but he's asleep, so nevermind."

"Are you sure?" she croaked feeling groggy.

"Mm."

"Why did you...?"

"Well, Nnorita wanted to talk to him but I can just hold him... is he really asleep?"

"...yes?" she replied in a question, "Does he sleep?" she was whispering the whole time, "I imagine that he's a light sleeper... I know for a fact that he's an early bird..."

"I've never seen him sleep before... well at least he waits until I fall asleep first," he crept closer to the bed.

"But you hardly sleep at night..." she replied.

"I never said it was at night," Kira corrected, "It was whenever, whatever time I 've never seen him sleep... take naps, he does that often... but not like this.. he looks like a small child."

Rukia suppressed a giggle. It was true. She looked up and smiled at Kira, who questioned her with a look.

"You really care about him don't you?" she asked.

To this he just blushed slightly in embarrassment.

"Hey!" Nnorita's voice roared down the hall, "Where the fuck is he?! I need to talk to that damn fox!" the furious stomps pummeled down in such fury that it rattled the ground, causing Gin to shudder awake.

The first thing his vision took in was Rukia and Kira's upset faces, looking down at him.

He looked at them as if in a haze while his brain fazed into focus.

"Eh, what time is it?" he sat up in a sitting position.

"It's still night," Kira coaxed, "Go back to sleep," he insisted earnestly.

"Why? So you can keep on staring at my face?," he joked, "It's not that pretty to look at, ya might wanna try someone else."

"Your face is very beautiful!" piped Rukia cutely, "I can stare at it for hours!" her cheeks were puffed with childish determination.

"Aw, I appreciated the sugar-coated compliments hun," he replied, popping a kiss over her forehead.

"Nnorita is out there looking for you," Kira commented.

"I figured he'd be pissed... I was just wondering when he'd want to talk about it," Gin replied while standing up.

Rukia watched as they both walked out of the room. She lay back down and tried to get some sleep, but she couldn't. But regardless, she just laid there as her mind churned with thoughts.

"Rukia correct?"

She turned and looked up towards the doorway to find Tia Halibel standing there with her casual expression.

"If it's possible I would like to offer you a preposition."

"Huh?" she blinked incredulously.

"Come, let us talk elsewhere," the woman insisted.

Moments later, Rukia found herself in the same small room where Gin held his meetings.

"Are you giving me a deal?"

"Not exactly, an invitation is the more appropriate term..." Halibel wore a yukata herself, one that was a warm yellow, colored with black vertical stripes. It was one of the few times Rukia saw her mouth exposed, "Everyone knows Ichimaru-san is a very unstable individual, I realized that you are very absorbed in the lies he may have probably weaved for you..."

Rukia quietly listened as Halibel continued, "The fact is there isn't any future for you after we accomplish this mission. You will be either dead, sold away as a prostitute, or linger on as a possible doll for further manipulation against the authorities."

Rukia wringed her hands at her lap as she analyzed what was said to her. She believed in Gin's words. He was going to keep her, be with her, run away with her... but she wasn't stupid. There was always, always, a different possibility an alternated scenario and Halibel painted it so clearly. She had brought such a grim reality back to her mind.

"...but that would be a waste of such talent."

Rukia looked up in shock and saw that Halibel's eyes were warm and understanding.

"I'm working on forming a small group of my own to work on various things... assassination is one of them. You'd be perfect for that role."

"Assa... you want me to kill for you?" she asked still trying to take this all in.

"Not for me, with me. I will teach you everything you need to know—you have knowledge of the flash step, all you need is practice and a good teacher, I can be your sensei. The environment with me is different, in our group we treat each other like family."

"I... don't know," Rukia answered, "Why do you see me as an assassin?"

"You are small and light weight. Possess quick reflexes and contain knowledge of the flash step, "Shunpo" an ability passed down by my God.

"... your God?"

"She is my master."

Rukia blinked, "You said 'God' and then 'She'."

Halibel smiled it was a common reaction from outsiders as well as Stark's exact words when she first explained it to him.

"I will try to get to the point," she began, "In the past my clan was a family of grave robbers that dedicated themselves to pillage the treasures of the ancient pharaohs of Egypt.

"You're Egyptian?"

"Yes."

"You speak very good Japanese,"

"Thank you, most of it I learned from Stark," she continued, "Eventually the profession died down and my people became thieves and treasure hunters. Many of the members dispersed to the four corners of the world. It was only recently around the time of my birth, that my clan decided to reunite as it had been predicted by the elders. The only living descendant our clan leader was a girl, Shihōin Yoruichi. Japanese blood flowed strongly through her veins, however, her skin was the warm brown heated by our sun, with golden eyes that faired as the dominate trait as a clan heir.

Because of her freighting skill and the way she lead our people she was revered as our God. More specifically as Anubis, the Egyptian god of Death.

"The one with a cat for a head?"

"Yes exactly. She disappeared years ago without a trace, but she left behind a lot of these things open ended, which is why I set off. I'm looking for answers for them and hoping that they would lead me back to her."

"You know, that story still doesn't explain why 'God' is called a 'she'."

"Can it, Stark."

Rukia saw him walk in and pull a chair out to sit, "Ojou-san. Are you coming with us?" he asked.

There was a bit of silence while she considered.

"Tomorrow you'll be sent away it will be the last time before we can talk like this," Halibel added, "Don't believe the false promises that the fox makes, it has no foundation."

"You're wrong," Rukia replied calmly, "But I can understand why you think that way, "You see, that partner he has doesn't follow him out of fear you know. Know that I have faith in his lies... because I am capable of turning them into reality."

Stark who was idlely listening gave her his full attention, "How so?" he asked curiously.

"For a person to be skillful in the art of manipulation, he must be one that can easily be manipulated. A person sensitive to emotion. If capable of sensitivity to emotion then it will sniff out sensitivity from everywhere."

Stark's eyes went wide, in amazement and interest.

"Sensitivity are like invisible strings, once you are aware of them, you'll be able to grab them and tug at them at your own will. It is a very powerful concept. In a way it is like being able to control fate, alternating distorting reality. The reality seen by the victims of the manipulator."

"Ah so what we see is actually is the other way around?" questioned Stark bewildered by the fact that the petite woman held hostage would speak with such confidence. A woman he had seen so bashfully hiding behind Ulquiorra.

Wait. Ulquiorra was shielding her and they had been talking quite privately. Perhaps this woman was more dangerous than Gin himself?

Rukia closed her eyes calmly in response, "Take it in any matter you like, the fact of the matter is, I'm not going to leave Gin's side. If this proposition pulls me away from him then I refuse."

"That is such a shame," Halibel sighed, "But perhaps it is better this way... it seems the fox has tainted you far beyond repair... you sound just like him... Stark, let's go" she turned and walked towards the exit.

"Ojou-san, what if your plan fails? You may be aware of how it works, but Ichimaru-san has played the game much longer than you."

"Stark?" called Halibel.

"I know but it's not just that, I..."

"You are in love, aren't you?" Stark replied finishing her thought.

"Yes," she looked up to his eyes her own getting a bit glassy, "I don't want to leave him."

"There. Right there," Halibel pointed out, "Is where he has you trapped like an insect in a fly trap."

"No!" she shook her head, "You don't understand. But I don't expect you to... Just please respect my decision," she pleaded.

"If something goes wrong, will you come with us then, Ojou-san?"

"Stark..." Halibel whispered.

The Japanese Spaniard hardly showed interest in ANYTHING, yet now he was engaged in getting her to their side.

"...Okay," she whispered.

Halibel was shockingly pleased.

"You should get some rest," said Stark soothingly, "Tomorrow will be quite hectic, I suppose."

Rukia nodded, "Thank you for worrying about me."

"This may be all frightening for you at first, but the day will come when these themes you are suffering now will be the source of immense strength," whispered Halibel, "It will help to push yourself as well as your abilities. Try your best to survive."

"Okay, I will..." Rukia replied.

–

"Ohh.. Really? Rukia-chan's getting popular ain't she?"

"They both sounded very serious about taking her in..."

Kira was seated at the small table with his open journal in his room while his partner stood leaning on the closed door. The long arms were crossed and the pale face was partially illuminated by the small trails of moonlight that seeped through a small window.

"Remind me to send ya ta keep snooping, you're getting better at it," he mused.

"This is not funny," Kira whined, "I thought she had total faith in us, now who knows what can happen," he groaned, "I don't want us to..." He stopped surprised that such words was about to come out of him, but he knew there was no denying the fact.

"...lose her?" Gin replied completing his sentence, "Seems like she's growing on you too. Too bad for me though she's completely infected me with her illness...," this he said with a smile, "and there's no way I'll ever let them get away with my lil Rukia-chan. She's my cute lil' virus. Mine. All mine. Imma keep her while she corrupts up till the very marrow of my bones..." he added with such playful passion.

"...Gin, you have such a twisted way of saying things," Kira said while giving him an odd look.

To this the kitsune just laughed.

END CHAPTER

Notes: (9/6/13) Future chapters including the next one will be as long as this one. Unless I say otherwise. There is a lot of things that happens and Byakuya is introduced properly in the next chapter. And Bya-bya has whole can of worms that needs to be opened that's all I gotta say *laughs* I will eventually talk about the other characters introduced in this fanfic like Urahara, Renji and co. But just not now.

I know I usually post my previes for the next chap. I have it but it's not -on- me right now. I need to put it together and then put it here. I will update this section between now and tomorrow. So keep a look out for it!

- Zerolr -