A Shinigami Valentine

Akina woke with a yawn. She could hear Yachiru and Zaraki talking about going home.

"Nah, you gotta rest still, brat. You ain't runnin' all over the place like you usually do." Zaraki said sternly.

"But I'm all better now, Ken-chan. I'm tired of being inside. I wanna run and play outside." Yachiru said quietly.

"I don't care. If you overdo it, you're gonna end up back in the hospital. Is that what you want?" he snapped. Akina smiled.

"Quit pretending to be asleep, Akina. I know you're awake." he called out.

"Aka-chan!" Yachiru cried out, hugging her tightly. Her exuberant hug triggered a sharp burning across her still tender chest.

"You're squeezing too hard!" Zaraki growled, pulling her back with a firm but gentle hand. He grinned at Akina, leaning down to kiss her forehead affectionately.

"I'm sorry, Aka-chan." Yachiru pouted.

"It's okay, squirt. I'm just still kinda sore." she explained, tousling Yachiru's soft, pink hair. The door opened and Captain Unohana bustled in.

"There you are, Yachiru. I've been looking for you. Captain Zaraki, Akina." she acknowledged them with a smile and nod of her head. She focused her attention on Yachiru.

"If you'll come with me, Yachiru. I'll remove those bandages and you can go home." she said, offering her a hand. Yachiru's eyes lit up.

"Really? Yahoo!" Yachiru cried out, climbing haphazardly over Akina. She stomped one of her feet squarely into Akina's damaged ribs, causing her to cry in surprise and pain.

"Dammit, Yachiru!" Zaraki growled, snatching her up into the air as he lifted her up and away from Akina. He sat her on the floor with a scowl.

"You gotta be more careful." he warned at her. Yachiru crossed her arms, pouting again.

"I didn't mean to hurt Aka-chan." she argued. "I'm sorry!"

"Leave her be, Kenpachi." Akina said softly. "It's not her fault that I'm healing so slow."

"But you're not healing slowly, Akina." Unohana interjected. "You're actually healing remarkably quickly. Your injuries were quite grave. I'm pleased with your recovery so far."

"You better be more careful or I ain't gonna let you visit Akina anymore. Got it?" Zaraki threatened Yachiru, ignoring both of them. She nodded her head slowly, her expression dark.

"Okay, Ken-chan. I promise I'll be careful." she said quietly. He sat back, satisfied.

"Retsu, will it be okay if Yachiru hangs out here with Akina till she's fit to go home? I think she'd get more rest here. And she listens to Akina better than me, most of the time." he asked the other woman.

"I think that's an excellent idea. Would you like that, Yachiru?" she asked the small child, bending down in front of her. Yachiru nodded happily, smiling over at Akina.

"Good, then come with me and let me take care of those bandages. Captain Zaraki, did you want to come along?" Unohana asked, taking Yachiru by the hand.

"Yeah, I'm coming." he said grumpily. He stood, glancing over at Akina.

"I'm gonna take her home. Let her burn off some of that energy and get some of her stuff. We'll come back a little later. Yo, Retsu...is Akina gonna be able to go to that dance tonight?" he called out. Unohana paused, considering his question.

"No, I don't believe that would be a good idea. Isane will be helping her to get up for the first time later today but I don't think she's ready for something like the dance. I'm sorry, Captain." she said softly.

"You sure?" he snapped, visibly disappointed.

"Yes, I'm sure. I hope you understand, Akina. I'm truly sorry." she said, leaving them alone.

"We'll see." Akina said defiantly. Zaraki cut his eyes sharply over to her.

"What are you muttering about, girl?" he snapped.

"I'm perfectly able to go to that dance and I'm going to prove it." she insisted. He grinned.

"You wanna go with me that bad?" he asked. She smiled, remembering Valentine's Day.

"Yeah, I do. You wanna go with me, Kenpachi?" she asked. His grin inched wider.

"I guess I wouldn't mind it too much." he chuckled. She stuck her tongue out at him as he walked around the end of the bed. "Don't you go and do anything stupid, Akina. It's just a freakin' dance. Got it?"

"I hear you." she said, non-commitedly. He gave her a measured look. The sound of Yachiru crying out in pain caught his attention.

"I gotta go. You behave!" he snapped, hurrying out the door. Akina grinned. She was going to that dance, come hell or high water.

xxxxxx

Akina waited until the Division 4 shinigami assigned to her had made his rounds then she slowly but surely began inching her way to the side of the bed. She knew what she was capable of. She was ready to get out of this damn bed, she thought stubbornly. She was sick to death of lying around, being useless. Unohana might not believe that she was ready but Akina was about to prove her wrong.

With some difficulty, Akina managed to sit up on the side of the bed. She let her legs dangle off the side for a few minutes while she contemplated the ache stretching across her ribs and chest. It seemed the injuries from the arrancar's blades were the slowest to heal. Even the cut on her forehead seemed to be taking forever. Thankfully, they had removed the dressing on her head but she noticed the way her visitor's eyes would gravitate up to the scar above her left eye. Unohana had assured her it would heal completely and leave no scar but Akina wasn't so sure.

With a grunt, she slid forward until her toes were touching the cold floor. Using her hands, she pushed herself upright. She stood, unsteadily at first at the side of the bed. After an initial moment or two of dizziness, she took her first step. Her legs were weak from disuse but held her upright. The movement cause her side to burn painfully but it was tolerable. She took another step, moving away from the bed. She found her legs continued to be wobbly but she was determined to do this. She wanted to go to that dance. And judging by Zaraki's actions, he wanted to take her. He'd bought her a dress. He had even asked Unohana. She wasn't going to disappoint him. Besides, the dance marked a month since their first date. She wanted to share it with him.

Driven by her desire to go to the dance, Akina took several quick steps forward. The sudden movement shot through her side like a knife. She cried out, stumbling as she pressed a hand against her aching ribs. Tears rose unbidden in her eyes from the sharp pain that was beginning to throb. She could see the chair. It was less than a foot away. She could probably reach it if she stretched, she thought as she extended her hand out and took another unsteady step. A sudden, piercing pain ripped across her chest and up into her shoulder. The intense pain sent her crashing to her knees. Her hands struck the chair, sending it flying further out of reach. Holding her side tenderly, she tried to fight the pain.

"Dammit!" she growled, gritting her teeth. This wasn't working out the way she had planned.

"What are you doing?" Zaraki asked curiously, leaning against the door frame as he watched her suffer. Akina stared up at him. How long had he been standing there, she wondered wildly. He wasn't supposed to be back so quickly. He definitely wasn't supposed to be standing there smirking while she crawled around on the floor, she thought darkly.

"What does it look like I'm doing? What are you doing here anyway? Were you just hanging around outside my room waiting for me to make a fool of myself?" she snapped. He grinned.

"Nah, I just got lucky. You want some help?" he chuckled. Akina ignored him, trying to twist around to right herself. She didn't want his help. Nor did she want him to see her like this. She was capable of taking care of herself, she thought, struggling to push herself up. She cried out as a sharp, tearing pain cut through her side and deep into her chest. She collapsed back down, glaring at him as he grinned wider at her discomfort.

"You're a stubborn, fuckin' idiot." he said softly, squatting down beside her to look her in the eye.

"I'm not an idiot. I'm just tired of laying in that bed. I needed to get up and move around." she said softly, wishing he didn't look so good. He was so close to her. She feel her body reacting to him despite the pain.

“You sure you don't want some help?" he asked her softly. Akina could feel her desire growing just from the physical closeness of the man. He still had such a powerful effect on her. His grin sharpened as he sensed her hunger for him.

"Or maybe you want something else, sugar?" he asked quietly, his voice growing even lower.

"Maybe I do but I didn't think you wanted me anymore, Kenpachi." she whispered teasingly, longing to touch him...to kiss him. He scooped her up into his arms easily, lifting her into the air. As he carried her to the bed, he said,

"I wouldn't say that."

"Oh? Then tell me how you feel about me." she whispered as he sat her on the edge of the bed. He grinned as he leaned down over her, his hand sliding slowly down her bare leg. His body pushed her white robe apart at the bottom.

"You pissed me off, Akina...hurt me...but I still want you, girl." he growled in a low voice, easing her back against the bed.

"I want you too." she admitted, her voice shaky and unsure. She wanted him so much. As she spoke, he massaged her thigh, his hand slowly inching higher.

"It ain't gonna mean anything, Akina. It's just sex. You understand?" he asked her, his eye fixed on hers. Akina closed her eyes. It wasn't what she wanted. She wanted him to love her but he wasn't offering her that. At that moment, she didn't care. She wanted him, regardless of the consequences later.

"I miss you. I want you. I don't care. I'll take what I can get." she whispered, running her hands across his broad chest. Her words seemed to surprise him. He leaned down, kissing her softly.

"I don't wanna hurt you, sugar. You're in pain." he whispered, his lips lingering against her lips as if he couldn't bear to pull away from her.

"Just...go...slow..." she begged, kissing him between words. She didn't care if it hurt. She didn't want to stop now. Her need for him was pressing down on her, demanding relief that only he could provide.

"Please, Kenpachi...I need you." she breathed, her voice low and needy. The sound of her words seemed to affect him deeply. He pressed down on her, his mouth crushing hers in a hard, demanding kiss. He spread her legs wide, slipping between them. Zaraki roughly pulled his mouth from hers, staring down at her.

"You have to tell me if I hurt you. I might get carried away...it's been too long, sugar." he warned her. Akina pulled his mouth back down to hers. She needed to kiss him, to feel his lips again. She had convinced herself that she would never feel him this close to again.

"Just...just fuck me, Kenpachi...God, I want you." she moaned, pushing her hips up against his. His eye widened in surprise at her eagerness. She pulled at the ties to his hakama. She needed him inside her.

"Akina..." he groaned as they suddenly came into contact.

"Yes...yes...Kenpachi!" she moaned, wrapping her legs around his now bare hips.

"Damn girl!" he hissed through clenched teeth. He pressed forward, entering her slowly. Akina moaned, arching up to him as pushed down.

"Fuck." he growled, their hips meeting. "I have missed this." Without waiting, he began thrusting hard. The movement sent shockwaves of pain up through her sore, aching body but the pain was countered by a quick building pleasure. She focused on the incredible bliss building inside her. He grunted as they quickly fell into a rhythm together. She met each thrust, pushing up against him. His pace quickened, meeting her growing need. Akina lost herself in the glorious sensation of him filling her so completely. For those brief, glorious moment...he was hers.

"Fuck Akina.' he growled, his head bent as his body bucked wildly. "I ain't gonna be able to hold it...shit! You feel so good. I want it to last...fuck!"

"Kenpachi...oh god!" she cried out, holding him tightly as they moved as one. He gripped her hips tightly, his head rising up to look intently into her eyes.

"Say it. I need to hear it." he demanded hoarsely. Akina stared at him, her confusion derailing her passion.

"What?" she whispered. He stopped moving his hips abruptly.

"Dammit." he growled in frustration as he leaned down close to her neck, breathing hard. With his breath hot against her neck, he demanded urgently,

"What you told me before...how do you feel about me, sugar? I need to hear it...now!"

Realization struck her as he thrust deep inside her, slamming hard against her. He pulled back then rocked hard and fast into her again.

"Say it." he ordered her, holding her gaze.

"I love you..." she whispered. Then the climax crashed down on her suddenly. Her body exploded as white hot pleasure washed away the pain and carried her away.

"I love you, Kenpachi!" she cried out, clinging to him as the world melted away. She felt him slam once more into her then call out her name loudly, climaxing suddenly. As her senses slowly returned, she could feel his arms shaking. She opened her eyes. He was still staring down at her, his trembling arms locked on either side of her. He was holding himself upright rather than crush her with his heavy body.

"Just sex?" she questioned quietly. His expression softened. He leaned down, kissing her tenderly. It was a sweet, loving kiss. The tenderness in his touch triggered an avalanche of emotion, filling her with love for the man.

"Yeah, just sex, sugar." he whispered, between light, gentle kisses. She heard the words but felt so much more. She could feel love in his touch, his kiss, even in the way he spoke. The words alone should have disturbed her but the way he spoke them reassured her deeply. He cared. She knew it in her heart. Slowly but surely, her fear and doubt was fading. He raised his head, looking down at her.

"Did I hurt you?" he whispered. She shook her head, not wanting to ruin the moment. His eye narrowed.

"You're lying. I can tell." he snapped. But he leaned down to tenderly kiss her again, belying the harsh tone of his words.

"If you know when I'm lying...then you should be able to tell when I'm not." she reasoned. He raised up, lifting himself off her to stand.

"You're talking about Chizu?" he asked, dressing quickly. Akina moved slowly, her body sore.

"Of course." she snapped, her words rougher than she intended as she struggled to sit up.

"You said you'd stop yakking about that shit. I'm sick of it all." he growled, moving to her side to lift her up in the bed without being asked. She shifted, settling in as he stepped back, glaring down at her with a dark expression.

"You're right. I did. I'm sorry." she said softly. He paused, his expression becoming guarded.

"You agreeing with me?" he asked unsurely. She smiled.

"It was bound to happen eventually." she teased. He didn't seem to know how to respond. A grin slowly inched it's way across his scarred face.

"I love you, Kenpachi." she said softly, the words slipping out, surprising them both. He leaned down, kissing her deeply. She stared up at him in surprise as he lifted his head.

"Don't say it." he growled, holding her gaze. "It don't mean shit. Got it?"

"Got it." she said softly, unable to keep the smile from her face.

"I can't stay, sugar. I got a meeting with the Old Man. I only meant to stop by and check on you." he said with a grin, moving towards the door.

"Will I see you later?" she asked. His grin widened.

"Yeah, I'll be back after the meeting. And I don't wanna find you in the floor again." he warned her.

"I don't know. It was worth it." she laughed. He paused in the doorway, looking back at her with loving expression.

"Damn. There's something about the way you smile, sugar. Makes it hard to stay mad at you." he said softly. For a moment, she thought he was going to return to her. To make love to her again. She felt a rush of excitement, seeing what looked like love in his eyes. He looked away abruptly, snapping,

"I ain't got time for this shit. I gotta go."

"See you, Kenpachi." she called out. Akina's heart felt light for the first time in over a week. She had felt his love for her. She had seen it in his eyes. It was real, strong and palpable. For the first time since he'd left her alone at the inn, she believed that he'd be back.


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Okay, I hope you like the chapter. I'd love to hear what you think so reviews are always welcome. Again, thank you to all the fantastic people who have left reviews so far. Each of you is wonderful beyond compare! Thank you so much!