𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘻𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭.

HE OUGHT TO THINK THIS THROUGH. A lieutenant he may be, best-friends with and dating his captain he may be, but Ichigo still answered to her, still had to feign professionalism within the Gotei 13. It is without knocking that he enters the 13th Division's Captain's Office, head high, bangs in his eyes, and jaw set. She would have something to say ──── she always did. She cares for him, he knows, but how often had a shinigami returned from a mission without a few cuts and bruises, let alone a lieutenant? The bandages wrapped around his head, and those that disappear beneath his kosode, might as well read I'm a fucking idiot. “ Captain Kuchiki, ” nods the lieutenant, hands clasped together behind his back. He stares just behind Rukia, unwilling to meet her eyes. ( If he did, he'd break out into a cocky grin. ) “ You wished to see me? ”

hence it was not much of a surprise that among the ranks of the 13th division, an atmosphere of care & kindness was fostered, always making sure to help each other & wish safety in missions. yes, perhaps she was a little bit partial towards her lieutenant, but can she be blamed?

she could not keep herself from caring for her soulmate.

even now, with ichigo standing before her, some bandaging clearly visible, something within her trembled. did she misjudge this task? no, she couldn't have! with the abilities at his disposal, there shouldn't have been any problems!

but they were here for a talk between superior & subordinate, not for sentimentalities. not yet.

❝ yes, i did. ❞

she put away her pen, lavender gaze piercing right through him. somehow, the two of them have established between themselves ways to wordlessly communicate things — playing this subordination game being one of them. rukia mainly kept the rule placed by her late superiors that anyone within the division was allowed to speak freely, not being too strict on titles, so when she was addressed by ichigo as ‘captain kuchiki’, it hinted her so simply: there was something serious they had to deal with within their boundaries as captain & lieutenant.

[ TXT ] : why are you still awake?

[ TXT ] : hey, where did you go?

[ TXT ] : it's getting bad again.

[ TXT ] : guess i'll just sit in bed. alone. by myself.

[ TXT ] : you can't ignore me forever.

[ TXT ] : i can't stop thinking about you.

[ TXT ] : just saw i called you last night. how'd that go?

[ TXT ] : i really need someone right now.

[ TXT ] : we need to make plans asap.

[ TXT ] : have you seen the news?

[ TXT ] : you were blackout drunk.

[ TXT ] : testing to see if you blocked my number...

[ TXT ] : do you know anything about doing stitches?

[ TXT ] : just please let me know you're okay.

[ TXT ] : did you forget we had plans?

[ TXT ] : i know you see my messages, your read receipts are on.

[ TXT ] : meet me at [ location ], it's important.

[ TXT ] : do you need comfort, to vent, or a solution?

[ TXT ] : is there anything i should bring?

[ TXT ] : call me. please, it's important.

[ TXT ] : i can't sleep.

[ TXT ] : have you eaten today?

[ TXT ] : you are always going to be my priority.

[ TXT ] : i haven't seen you around in awhile.

[ TXT ] : i had a dream about you last night.

[ TXT ] : the names are gonna get mean if you don't text me back.

[ TXT ] : at the risk of sounding cliche, what are you wearing?

[ TXT ] : just say the word and i'll drop everything.

[ TXT ] : do you seriously not remember?

[ TXT ] : come to the front door.

[ TXT ] : have you been drinking?

[ TXT ] : how do you feel after last night?

[ TXT ] : are you up? please be up.

[ TXT ] : you looked beautiful today.

[ TXT ] : i have so much to tell you.

[ TXT ] : no one's heard from you. are you okay?

[ TXT ] : who is this?

[ TXT ] : are you taking care of yourself?

[ TXT ] : thought i'd reach out and see how you're doing.

[ TXT ] : i miss the taste of your lips.

[ TXT ] : that kiss was really nice.

[ TXT ] : stop acting so high and mighty.

[ TXT ] : i left my [ item ] at your place.

[ TXT ] : are we still fighting?

[ TXT ] : i need help and i can't go to the hospital.

[ TXT ] : are you thinking about me too?

[ TXT ] : call me, i wanna hear your voice.

[ TXT ] : i don't want to talk to you.

[ TXT ] : what do you have to lose?

[ TXT ] : you don't have to ask, i'm already on my way.

[ TXT ] : i want to take a nap on you.

[ TXT ] : even if you called 6 months later at 3am, i'd answer.

[ TXT ] : what's my name in your phone?

[ TXT ] : how's trying to forget about me going?

[ TXT ] : i have nobody else to ask.

[ TXT ] : what do you mean you're at the hospital??

[ TXT ] : sorry, i think you have the wrong number.

[ TXT ] : good morning! you up yet?

[ TXT ] : do i sense sarcasm in your tone?

[ TXT ] : you start your day at 2pm?

[ TXT ] : you need MY help?

[ TXT ] : stop texting me.

[ TXT ] : i'll leave that up to your imagination.

[ TXT ] : are you asking me to sneak out?

[ TXT ] : when will i see you again?

[ TXT ] : if you come over, i'll order us a pizza.

[ TXT ] : are we ever going to talk about it?

[ TXT ] : can you come get me out of here?

[ TXT ] : you mean like ... a BODY - body?

[ TXT ] : it's just been one thing after another lately.

[ TXT ] : forgiving and forgetting is harder than it sounds.

[ TXT ] : i want your legs wrapped around my head.

[ TXT ] : call me when you wake up.

[ TXT ] : what are you doing that's more important than me?

Hueco Mundo: the realm of eternal night. A vast expanse of pale dunes and barren trees resembling bone. The traitors of Soul Society had assembled a fortress of Romanesque grandeur among the realm of beasts who devoured one another at the behest of an insatiable appetite. Only a chosen few would be recognized and moulded into something more by a man who sought to cast down the shell of a deity.

Traversing the deafening silence, Gin had briefly recalled the manner in which Rangiku had regarded him as he departed. The apology he had whispered for her ears alone was the first and last genuinely given. From this point, Gin had irrevocably chosen his predominate nature and would sever any obstruction in the pursuit.

Among the desolate, Gin had not expected to find the presence of Rukia Kuchiki, yet he could imagine the reasoning and also recognized the opportunity before him.

After declaring a future cannot be given but must be taken, Gin’s smile broadened at her reply. There was a great irony in her prompting his guidance. ❝It is evident that which ya seek was not offered.❞ He breathed a curt laugh, the elongated grin becoming subtle as he folded his wrists over the wakizashi at his waist. ❝At all events, ya must doubt those ya title confidant would look favourably upon your recent actions and developments. For here ya stand.❞ A sinewy hand gestured about the land surrounding them before hanging languidly at his side.

❝Bear ya a resentment for Capt’n Aizen and his methods? If this be the case, I would say: should ya not instead wonder how the Hōgyoku came to be within’ ya?❞ Without haste Gin moved to stand before her. His voice was thusly bereft of mocking amusement, rendered with an even tone which held the attention. ❝Shall I tell ya who placed it there and reveal machinations unknown to ya?❞

she understood his implication very clearly — there were some things played dirty in the gotei 13, despite all the laws & rules & strict expectations set for any member from young to seasoned veteran. no wonder, honestly; they were at the end no different than those in the world of living, with all their vices & dark desires. perhaps it was for the best that the majority was kept in the dark about the truth; the less you know, the better you sleep, some say.

but the claws that scratched at her soul & begged for offerings were much more honest. a simple craving — souls to consume & grow stronger from, nothing else.

she takes a moment, then furrows her brows & tightens the grip on her zanpakuto, gazing straight at him. her world was in shambles as is, so better have everything else she still believed in burn down NOW to rebuild all from the ashes of broken trust anew.