Snowing Blood

As soon as the group stepped into Soul Society, they knew immediately that things were going to be different. There was a large group of people waiting for them, talking in worried or excited voices. Most people were wondering why Ayame hadn’t come back a week ago when they found her. What could possibly have happened to force her to wait?
Once all eyes fell on her however, their questions were answered. Everyone was left speechless, as Ayame, Toushiro and Rangiku walked past them, towards the other captains and lieutenants waiting for them. Ichigo had decided to pay Soul Society a visit, and followed behind them with his usual scowl.
Ukitake was first to greet them, his face pulling a most amusing expression when he saw Ayame. He seemed lost for words. Ayame took his hand and touched it to her belly, to prove to him it was real. Shunsui crept around to stand beside his old friend, likewise stunned by Ayame’s condition.
Toushiro scanned the crowd, Rangiku had vanished, probably to see Gin. He could see Byakuya, Rukia and Renji approaching, and braced himself for the onslaught. Ayame sensed Toushiro’s worry, and turned around just as Byakuya pushed through the crowd.

His grey eyes widened, and he grew very still. Rukia bumped into him from behind, Renji catching her before she fell. She edged around her brother, and likewise froze in the act of staring at Ayame’s belly.
“Brother! Rukia!” Ayame moved carefully over to hug them, but only Rukia responded. Byakuya was frozen with the likelihood of never moving again. Rukia prodded him harshly, and he still remained motionless, staring blankly into space. Ayame sighed, her smile fading. She leaned her head against his chest. His heartbeat was regular, he wasn’t panicking.
She took one of his limp hands and held it to her bump, waiting for a moment before Byakuya suddenly snapped back to attention.
“It… moved?” he murmured, wrapping his free arm around Ayame’s shoulders. She smiled, tears in her eyes. Byakuya hugged her tightly. Looking back to Rukia and Renji, she noticed a few things. Rukia had grown somewhat in the past seven-and-a-half years, she looked more mature than she had before. Renji on the other hand, looked quite pale, and was looking frantically between Rukia and Ayame’s bump.

Rukia noticed him looking, and smirked. She wrapped her slim arms around his waist. Ichigo snorted and looked away. Renji swallowed awkwardly, avoiding both her eyes, and Byakuya’s.
Rukia simply smirked and hugged Renji tightly. Ayame giggled as Unohana pushed through the crowd to take Ayame back to fourth division.
Toushiro felt like he was being watched, and glanced to see Byakuya watching him with cold eyes. Toushiro swallowed awkwardly. He didn’t get the feeling Byakuya wanted him dead, yet he didn’t feel like he was Byakuya’s favorite person at the moment either.

***

Hours later, Toushiro was lazing in his quarters, reading a book on cooking. He wondered what he should make for dinner, a curry or some sort of variety meal? He sighed and closed the book, dropping it on the floor. He heard the door to his compound open, and multiple voices carried with laughter announced Ayame’s return.
The door to the lounge area slid open, and Ayame walked in, followed by Rangiku, Ichigo and Rukia. Ayame looked rather tired, Toushiro sat up on the couch so that she could sit beside him.
She sighed heavily as Rangiku said she was going to make tea for them, Toushiro brushed her hair back from her face, smiling.

“You feeling okay?” he queried, eyes flicking to Rukia’s smug expression briefly before returning to Ayame. She smiled, leaning back against the couch and closing her eyes warily.
“I’m okay.” She said, yawning widely. Toushiro sighed with a smile. After a day like today, no wonder she was exhausted. Almost every female soul reaper in the Seireitei had come to see her and ask how such a wonderful thing could have happened. She was eventually saved by and angry group of her closest friends, namely Rangiku, Nanao and even Momo, threatening anyone that annoyed Ayame further.
Rangiku brought in the tea, but by then Ayame was already asleep on Toushiro’s shoulder.

***

Rangiku left Toushiro’s place after helping him carry her to bed. She thought about going back to her own place and drinking herself to sleep as usual, but right now she really wasn’t in the mood. She instead made her way to the fourth division, to the part with the highest security.
She was granted access, and silently slipped into the room where Ichimaru Gin was recovering from his near-death experience. She sat down on a chair beside him, watching him as he slept. His hand was hanging over the edge of the bed, still the same as she remembered.
She gently took it in both of her own; his smooth, cool skin hadn’t changed either. She heard his breathing quicken, and he moved slightly.
“Ran…?” he murmured, shifting on the bed to see her better.
“I’m here…” she replied, her voice barely audible. Gin was only wearing a lower robe; his torso was almost completely covered in bandages.
She could see the thicker gauze used on the deeper wounds, the ones that would have caused his death. His hand closed around hers gently, as if he thought she might snatch it away at any moment.
Rangiku sighed, she knew she should reject him, after everything he had done to Soul Society, to her… but… he had nearly died trying to save her, perhaps he did mean what Ayame had told her. Maybe he really was…
“I’m sorry, Rangiku.” He whispered, trying to pull his hand away. Surprised by his sudden apology, Rangiku gripped his hand tighter. He turned his face away, his mouth set in grim line.
“It's my fault, it’s all my fault…” he said, more to himself than her. Rangiku stood, and then sat on the side of his bed. He glanced sideways at her, she could see a sliver of one blood red eye for the briefest moment before he looked away again.
“Gin… why did you save me?” Rangiku whispered. Gin’s hand twitched in hers, his other one curling into a fist. She saw him clench and unclench his jaw several times.
“Gin? Why?” she repeated, relaxing the grip on his hand, and gently touching a hand to where the worst of his injuries were.
“You could have died…” she added, trailing the tips of her fingers gently over the gauze. When she looked up again, he was watching her movements carefully. He seemed a bit more relaxed now.
“If I didn’t, you would have…” he said, his hand that Rangiku was holding lifted to brush a tear from her eye. It was true, she could have died from the rubble, but still…
“But why?” she asked, standing up and walking over to the window. Crossing her arms, she tried to stop the tears from running down her cheeks. It didn’t work very well.
She could still feel Gin watching her, yet she didn’t realize how closely, until he snaked his bandage-clad arms around her. She froze, not knowing if she should run, or stand there and deal with whatever he had planned. She still didn’t trust him, she wasn’t sure if she ever could. But she still loved him. She would always love him.
“Why?” she sobbed, hiding her face in her hands. Gin held her tight, hiding his face in the side of her neck. He was trembling…
“Because until you came to Hueco Mundo for Ayame, I didn’t realize how much I wanted you, how much I really… loved you…” he said in a muffled voice. Rangiku frowned through her tears.
“If you loved me that much, you wouldn’t have done all those terrible things to Ayame. She was pregnant, how could you?” she said, pulling away from him. She could see he looked hurt, but she was hurting more. He noticed, and made to embrace her again, but she stepped away. His arms dropped, and he looked so torn… so defeated.
“I’m sorry…” he pleaded, his body shaking. She wanted so badly to comfort him, to make him feel better. He was hoping they could work it out, make things alright, but not this time, she wouldn’t forgive him tonight. She might have believed him, but he had kept so many secrets from her, he was begging her to listen, but she didn’t want to hurt anymore.
“You’re not sorry, not yet.” She said, before leaving him in despair.

***

The following day, Ayame woke feeling rather relaxed. She opened her eyes, still breathless over the fact that she was able to see once more. She really owed a lot to Orihime, she was going to have to repay her somehow. Turning on her side, she found Toushiro still asleep. His mouth was slightly open, and he was snoring faintly. He must have been really tired, infact knowing him he most likely had not had one single night of good sleep since she was taken, probably less so after Rangiku disappeared as well.
Speaking of Rangiku, Ayame could sense her reiatsu in the next room. Slowly easing herself up off the futon and into a sitting position, she ran a hand through her long hair. She had to keep it braided now it was so long… perhaps she should get it cut…
Using the windowsill to help her, Ayame pulled herself up and onto her feet. After taking a moment to allow herself to adjust to gravity, Ayame shuffled out of the bedroom and towards the kitchen.
Sure enough, she found a sleeping Rangiku on the couch, one of Toushiro’s blankets draped over her.
Ayame could see evidence she had been crying, and worried. She must have gone to see Gin, what had happened between them she may never know… unless…

Barely ten minutes later Ayame walked into fourth division, welcomed brightly by her fellow healers. She headed purposefully to find Captain Unohana, thankfully it didn’t take long. She was in her office, reading a report from her lieutenant. Looking up, she smiled when Ayame entered.
“Ayame, nice to see you up and about so early. Is there a problem?” the Captain asked serenely. Ayame smiled and shook her head.
“I was just wondering if you had any spare vials of Gin’s blood.” She said without blinking. Unohana stared. She knew what Ayame wanted it for, and she was somewhat apprehensive.
“What about your child?” she asked, getting up to rummage through one of her cabinets. After a moment she looked back to Ayame. She was holding her belly protectively, deep in thought.
“He will be fine; he’s strong like his father. This will not harm him.” She said firmly. Unohana sighed with a defeated smile. She had pulled out a needle from a drawer, and a vial.
“I do not have any on hand, but I can go and ask him to supply me with some.” She said softly, but Ayame shook her head.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to go myself.” She said, her voice strong and determined. Unohana laughed, she guessed as much.
“Very well, but I will have Isane go with you.”
Ayame nodded, taking the equipment from Unohana and leaving to find Isane.

***

Gin was trying to sleep when there was a soft knock on his door. He inwardly protested, but otherwise murmured his acknowledgement of a visitor. The door slid open, and Isane stepped inside. Gin wasn’t surprised by her appearance. What did surprise him was when Ayame followed her inside. He sat up carefully, watching as she moved around the various items of medical equipment to stand beside him.
“Hello Gin.” She said softly, in a tone that was rather hard to decipher. He swallowed awkwardly. He caught her watching him, and he had to stop his jaw from dropping.
“Your eyes have been healed.” He whispered, his hand reaching toward her face. Isane put a hand on her blade, but Ayame shook her head.
“It’s okay Isane, I don’t trust him, but I know him enough that he won’t try anything.” She said, watching Gin’s hand as it dropped back to his side. He looked rather depressed, or perhaps depressed was an understatement.
She opened her mouth to say something, but Gin suddenly broke. His gripped his head in his hands, shaking violently. His breathing became rapid and irregular, and Ayame was rather alarmed. She laid a hand on his shoulder, but he seemed not to notice.

“What have I done?” he said on a hoarse voice. Ayame peeled one of his hands away from his face, and held it tightly. His return grip was icy and vice-like. He was still trembling. His other hand reached for his throat. Isane darted forward and seized his free hand before he could hurt himself, and used a cuff to restrain it against the bed frame. She looked up at Ayame, who had carefully seated herself on the edge of Gin’s bed.
Slowly he grew still, and his eyes fixed on Ayame’s hand holding his own. He then looked up at the ceiling with a frown.
“I don’t deserve your forgiveness.” He growled, his voice now full of anger. Ayame sighed.

“If you think I would forgive you for what you have done that easily, you clearly don’t know me very well at all.” She said, smirking as Gin looked back to her face with a confused expression. Isane rolled her eyes.
Ayame stood up slowly, one hand resting on her growing baby bump. Gin watched her closely as she took the needle and vial from Isane.
“I require some of your blood, if you’d be so kind.” She said, waving the needle back and forth. He sighed, and held his arm out. Ayame was quick and precise; he didn’t even feel the needle pierce his skin.
Ayame looked carefully at the blood in the vial, detaching it from the needle part, and flipping open the airlock. Gin went very still.
“You aren’t goin to drink that are you?” he said, clearly disturbed as Ayame touched the vial to her lips.
“But of course.” She said simply, before tipping the vial up and drinking every last drop from the vial. Gin watched in horror.

***

Toushiro woke to find Ayame missing and Rangiku still on his sofa. He grumbled, and muttered to himself about hard could it be to leave a note once in a while?
He followed Ayame’s spiritual pressure to fourth division, namely Gin’s room. Sliding open the door, he saw Ayame sitting in a chair beside the window as Isane and Unohana changed Gin’s bandages. Ayame turned and smiled when she saw Toushiro, getting slowly to her feet as he neared her.
“Good morning.” He said evenly, embracing her gently. Ayame giggled.
“And a good morning to you.” She said, kissing his nose. He pulled a face, and side-glanced at Gin. Realizing he was being watched, Gin looked away pointedly. Ayame sighed, and became rather still. Toushiro brought his eyes back to hers, and found her usual amethyst irises were a bright, bloody red. Just like Gin’s.
“You drank his blood. You see what he sees, and feel what he feels.” Toushiro murmured. Ayame smirked.
“Indeed. And I know a great deal else that you never will.” She said, wriggling out of his embrace and standing beside Gin. She held her hand out over his body, and paused for a moment. Then she laid a hand on the bandages covering his heart.
“This is where he is hurting most, yet a doubt there is a medicine that can cure it.” She said blankly. Gin scowled, as did Toushiro. But Gin’s scowl soon faded, replaced by a truly sad and depressing expression. Unohana and Isane retreated from the room; the atmosphere was getting a dark aura.
“I’m sorry…” Gin murmured, pulling a pillow over his face. Ayame went very still, and let the blood connection tell her everything. After several moments, Gin peered out from under the pillow. Ayame sighed, and patted the pillow gently. Then she grabbed Toushiro’s hand and dragged him from the room after her.
She sure had alarming strength for a tiny soul reaper who was nearly seven months pregnant…

****************************************************************************************************

Rangiku was pacing in the tenth division’s office when Ayame dragged Toushiro in behind her. Her alarm changed to amusement when Toushiro was released, all tensed and ready to unleash fury. But Ayame smiled innocently up at him, and all his hostility melted away. He just blushed and ran a hand through his hair. Rangiku sighed with relief.
She knew they had been to visit Gin, she could tell from the way Ayame kept glancing at her. She could also tell Ayame knew that Rangiku had seen him, and was upset by it. Then Ayame’s eyes flashed a familiar shade of red, and it clicked.
Ayame had created a blood bond between herself and Gin. Now she could easily access Gin’s thoughts and eyes anytime, and report his location to the other soul reapers. A handy gift, if not sometimes unwanted.
Curiosity sparked in Rangiku’s mind… and heart. She pulled Ayame aside as Toushiro began sorting out the paperwork into what he would do, and what he wanted Rangiku to do. A third pile was also forming; Rangiku guessed Ayame was going to help out as well.
Ayame knew what she was going to be asked, even before Rangiku had a chance to speak. Ayame held up a finger, casting a long side glance at Toushiro. He looked up, and paused in his sorting, looking at the pair in suspicion. Ayame poked her tongue out at him, and pulled Rangiku into the adjoining room where Toushiro usually retreated for his afternoon naps.

Sitting down on the faux suede double recliner, Ayame patted the cushion beside her, and Rangiku sat down beside her, slipping off her sandals and sitting cross-legged.
“How is he?” she murmured. Ayame knew she meant Gin. She could see that Rangiku was hurting. Ayame moved closer so that she could put an arm around her shoulders. The pair had become very close since Hueco Mundo; Rangiku had been taking care of Ayame and protecting her from Gin. Now it was Ayame’s turn to help.
“Physically he is healing, but he is still dying.” She replied. Rangiku’s eyes widened.
“If he is healing, how can he be dying?” she said, tears rimming her eyes. Ayame swallowed a rising lump in her throat, feeling mixed emotions.
“He has lost the will to live. If he goes on like he is now, he won’t last the week.”
Rangiku went unnaturally silent. Ayame watched her carefully, as she gazed blankly at the opposite wall.
“It’s all my fault, isn’t it?” Rangiku whispered, silent tears spilling down her cheeks. Ayame blinked in surprise.
“It most certainly is not your fault; he had just given himself the idea that there is no point continuing to exist in this world. He saved you with the hope that he could bring back the past. What he didn’t realize it what’s done is done, and his future is uncertain at this time.”
Rangiku’s gaze now focused on Ayame. Question and confusion were mixed with the tears. Ayame rubbed her baby bump with a sigh, her child had moved somewhat, causing her a slight discomfort.
“If he lives through these injuries, and doesn’t die from… depression… he faces charges far beyond any ever laid upon a single soul reaper. He may very well be imprisoned for life, stripped of his shinigami power… or executed.”
Rangiku nodded in understanding, she knew this much. Gin may have to give his life for the crimes he had committed, but she had heard from Ukitake that Genryuusai was considering not killing him, because… currently… that’s what he wanted.
But if he died within the next week from sheer depression, it didn’t matter. Rangiku had to see him again, had to convince him to live. She didn’t know why yet, but he had to live… he had to…
“Sorry to disturb your girl-time, but the test results for Ayame gave been finalized.” came the voice of Mayuri from the other side of the door.

***

Just after her return to Soul Society, both Mayuri and Unohana had taken various samples from Ayame and had been working together to try and find out why it was she was able to conceive a child so easily. Many tests had also been conducted on various other female soul reapers to determine their fertility. It turned out, according to Mayuri, that over the decades, the extreme physical stress put upon female soul reapers in constant active duty had caused their bodies to shut down in the reproductive department, because their chances of miscarriage or harm to the unborn child was severe.

Mayuri told them that one soul reaper female didn’t even realize she was six months pregnant until after a hollow sliced open her stomach and killed the unborn child. After that incident, no female soul reapers had been known to fall pregnant, until Ayame.
The test results showed that due to her abnormal blood properties, and the reconstruction of her body done after the infected flesh was removed, her body was like brand new, and in prime condition for bearing children. Her chances of having more than one child at once were also very high, despite her only carrying one child this time.
Among the other most fertile women, were Nemu, Momo and Rukia. Test results were still being waited on for Rangiku, and Mayuri was developing a procedure to re-activate the reproductive systems of the other female soul reapers, should the desire arise for them to have children of their own someday.

Toushiro pretended to be very absorbed in his paperwork as Mayuri discussed the various pros and cons of such a procedure, Rangiku was barely listening. She was too worried about Gin. She wanted to see him right now.
So when Mayuri finally left, Rangiku was gone in a flash. Toushiro tried to subdue is irritation as Ayame picked through the papers needed to be delivered to various places in the Seireitei. With a swift kiss on his cheek, she was gone too. He glanced at the remaining papers, noticing she had only taken the ones on the way to Fourth Division.

***

Rangiku nearly tripped over in her haste to reach Gin. She received many odd looks as she made her way to the room he was being kept in. She had nearly reached what had been his closed door and was just about to reach out and open it, calling out his name but when she opened her mouth to call out, what had been a name ended in a surprised yelp when her right sandal snapped as someone from inside opened the door, and Rangiku fell flat on her face. Several passing shinigami stopped for a moment to stare, as she held very still, moaning in pain.
“Matsumoto?”
The unmistakable voice of Hanataro made Rangiku moan again. She carefully got to her feet, rubbing her sore nose and forehead. Gin was watching her, sitting straight up in bed, alarm all over his face. Hanataro looked likewise alarmed, he was breathing rapidly like Rangiku was about to eat him, or something worse.
“I’m okay… my shoe broke.” She mumbled, blushing a deep shade of red as she shuffled closer to Gin. Hanataro gave her a sympathetic look, before leaving with an empty meal tray. At least Gin was still eating.
But now that Rangiku could see him, she saw what Ayame meant. He had dark, bruise-like shadows under his eyes, and seemed much thinner than he had yesterday.

When she was within reach, Gin’s hand shot out and touched Rangiku’s sore forehead. She caught a glimpse of herself in a mirror, her forehead was raw red, and probably grazed. She held still as Gin physically made sure she was alright. He seemed to realize what he was doing, and let his hand fall. Rangiku caught it, and held it in both of her own.
“Gin, please tell me the truth.” She pleaded, tears already slipping down her face. He looked even more alarmed, his free hand reaching hesitantly to wipe away her tears. He didn’t quite know what she meant.
“Are you really going to let yourself go like this? Let yourself… die?” she said, her voice barely audible. Gin’s breathing hitched. His heart began to pound like he had run a marathon. He didn’t want her to know, how could she know?
She despised him; he no longer had a reason to live. She didn’t need him anymore. She had plenty of other, better men to choose from. She deserved better than him.
“Gin?”
Rangiku’s voice brought his attention back from its dark hole. He looked up at her face, her teary silver eyes, the familiar shape of her mouth… he refused to let his eyes wander south… he had no right…
“Please… don’t go… don’t leave me… not again…”
These words… Gin felt like he had died, and gone to heaven. Had she really said that? His eyes roamed her face, searching for some sign of deceit. He only saw despair, longing, and pain. He had hurt her even more.
“You deserve better than me. I have no right to be near you anymore. What I have done is unforgivable. I could never right my wrongs.” He said, turning his face away. But Rangiku didn’t let his hands go. She could sense his pain, and it only hurt her more.

“Please, Gin… you saved me once… let me save you now. Don’t leave me… I don’t... want you to die…” she sobbed, throwing her arms around his neck. Gin went rigid, and he felt a sudden presence in his mind. A very alert, curious, and somewhat smug presence.
Automatically Gin embraced Rangiku to stop her falling off the narrow hospital bed. As soon as him arms surrounded her, she cried harder. Gin trembled with uncertainty, but held her tighter.
Suddenly memories began to run through Gin’s mind, memories not his own. Rangiku in Hueco Mundo, in Toushiro’s office, many flashes of her from happier times, and some from the times she was saddest.
Ayame…
She was doing this, making Gin remember. Making him want… to live again... for Rangiku.

Suddenly the door slid open again, and before Gin could accurately realize what had happened, Rangiku was holding her Haineko at arm’s length, the tip against Mayuri’s throat.

In turn, Mayuri had opened the door, and had breifly seen Rangiku in Gin’s embrace before she whipped out her zanpakuto with lightning speed, and had it against his throat. He wasn’t afraid, more… amused. Rangiku’s expression was pure anger. That, with the tears still leaking from her eyes, made Nemu cringe in fear. Rangiku had acted on pure protective instinct, and was threatening a captain. Mayuri used a single finger to push the sword away.
“I have your test results, Matsumoto.” He said, waving a stack of papers in the air. Rangiku’s expression changed, and she fell to her knees. Gin launched himself out of bed, ignoring the pain from his wounds, and knelt by her side. Mayuri stiffened, he was still wary of Gin.
Nemu knelt before Rangiku, and took the papers from Mayuri.
“Rangiku Matsumoto, your chances of conceiving a child on the first try are overwhelming. Your fertility is high enough that only Ayame had better chances.” She said in a small voice. Gin went very still.
He knew… from experience… that Rangiku wasn’t a virgin. He had taken that from her himself. But if that was true… she was a lieutenant… she must have had a miscarriage… or her heavy drinking…
Rangiku’s face had gone white; she must have been thinking the same things Gin was. There were times she had wondered, but…
Mayuri huffed, and left the room. Nemu followed him dutifully, leaving the documents on the floor beside Rangiku.
And that was how Toushiro and Ayame found them, pale, shocked and on the floor.

****************************************************************************************************

Toushiro read over Rangiku’s results carefully as Ayame ushered Gin back into bed. Rangiku, still pale faced and trembling, sat beside him. Gin gently touched her shoulder, and her gaze shifted to meet his. She tried to smile, put her face seemed to have forgotten how to perform the expression.
Ayame dragged an armchair over to sit beside the bed, sighing with relief as she sat down. Toushiro paused in his reading to watch her for several moments, noticing both Gin and Rangiku had gone very still as well. Ayame frowned.
“I’m pregnant, not porcelain. Seriously, everyone needs to stop worrying.” She murmured. Toushiro placed the papers on a table beside the door, and sat himself on the arm of Ayame’s chair. He put an arm around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head.
“I know that.” He said with a smile. Ayame narrowed her eyes at him.
“Suuuuuuuuuuure you do. Remember I’ve had almost all of my insides ripped out, but I’m still here carrying your son.” She added, watching him carefully. Toushiro swallowed. Then his eyes flicked to Gin.
Gin’s expression was pure pain. The memory of what he had done caused him so much pain, Toushiro wished Ayame could have kept her mouth shut. Evidently, so did she. She eased herself off the chair and onto Gin’s free side. She gently leaned against his side. He held very still, eyes darting from Toushiro to Rangiku.
“I’m sorry Gin; I didn’t mean to make you… remember…” Ayame said, eyes downcast. Rangiku rested her head on Gin’s other shoulder, and reached across him to touch Ayame’s belly. Gin sighed.
“You do not have to apologize. It is one of the many choices I regret most. You are very lucky to be having a child after such a horrific act.” He said in a low tone. Toushiro slowly slid into the chair vacated by Ayame.
“In truth, I was afraid of Aizen. Afraid of what he might do to me… or Rangiku.” Gin added, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. Rangiku sat up to meet his gaze.

“What did he say?” she asked, holding his gaze.
“On more than one occasion, I would express my… dislike of our mission. Or at least, what it involved me doing. I wanted no part in hurting Ayame, I was originally instructed only to capture her and bring her back to Hueco Mundo alive. In the event that outcome seemed unlikely, I was to take the grown mass from her body and return alone.”
Rangiku recalled that night; he had seemed rather upset that he had to do such a thing.
“I told him I would do no such thing to Ayame, she was innocent, didn’t even deserve to be the unfortunate carrier of the Hollow infection. Aizen then said to me, I was losing sight of the mission, and he would not hesitate to seek out and harm Rangiku if I did not follow his wishes.”
Ayame, Toushiro and Rangiku all went very quiet. So even though he had betrayed Soul Society and left with Aizen, Gin was still loyal to Rangiku, and put his very life in danger to protect hers.

Suddenly Rangiku was on her feet, and with a whispered word to Gin, gone. Ayame and Toushiro looked at each other quizzically. Isane came in with Gin’s lunch soon after, so Ayame bade Gin farewell and dragged Toushiro out.
They stopped in the tenth division’s lunchroom, where one of the seated officers was making noodles. After a delicious lunch, Toushiro went to his office to do more paperwork, and Ayame left him to find her brother. He was in his own office reading an old book, while Renji sat at his desk glowering at a stack of unfinished documents.
Byakuya sighed with a smile as Ayame shuffled around his desk and perched carefully on the arm of his chair. She leaned against his shoulder and peered curiously at the book he was reading.
“The Picture of Dorian Gray?” she asked, pulling the book from Byakuya’s hands and flipping to the page that would tell her the year it was first published.
“1891? Why are you reading this, dare I ask?” Ayame said, handing him back the book. He had already read over half of it. Byakuya marked his place, then set the book down on his desk.
“It sounded interesting. And it is, if you can ignore the old style of writing, it is a rather intriguing read.” He replied, touching a hand to Ayame’s bump. He felt the child within move, and his smile broadened.
“Only two months to go now. Excited?” he asked, watching Ayame as she picked up the book and flipped it open to the first page. She paused, and cast him a long side glance.
“Excited yes. Nervous more so. I’m not sure what is going to happen after he is born.” She said with a sigh. She fell silent as she began to read, and Byakuya knew better than to interrupt.

***

Toushiro gave up on his paperwork after an hour. He shoved it all in a tray and put it in one of his empty drawers, then got up and left his office. He hadn’t seen Rangiku since this morning, and was beginning to wonder where she was. Sighing, he followed the traces of Ayame’s reiatsu to sixth division, where he found her and her brother seated on one of the couches. Ayame was reading an old-looking book, Byakuya was reading a newspaper.
Moments after he sat down on Ayame’s free side, he watched as she read the final page, and closed the book. Byakuya glanced over at her with raised eyebrows.

“Finished already?” he teased. Ayame poked her tongue out at him, and handed the book over.
“Of course, silly. Interesting is all I can say.”
“But you liked it?”
“Well yes, Dorian is a most interesting character.”
“I agree, although I must say at the end…”
“Now now Byakuya, don’t go and spoil it for Toushiro. He might want to read it someday.” Ayame said leaning back against the latter as he shifted to support her weight. Byakuya watched the pair of them with blank eyes. Ayame smirked.
“Something the matter, brother?” she asked reaching out and smiling as Byakuya immediately took her hand. He looked tired, and worried. Ayame hadn’t seen him like this for a long time. Her eyes slowly faded to match the hue of her brother’s as she let his emotions flow into her. Byakuya felt the connection, as closed his eyes.
Ayame could feel it, he was scared that childbirth would claim her life, that after all she had been through, all the years of fighting for her life. He was terrified that Toushiro would be left to care for the child on his own, which would be hard, seeing as he is the captain of squad ten. Byakuya Kuchiki was terrified he was going to lose her, permanently.

Ayame felt the tears sliding down her face, and quickly wiped them away. She didn’t know what to say to try and console him, when she didn’t know her own future any better than he did. Toushiro sat there with his hands either side of Ayame’s bump, wondering what was happening also. He felt his child move several times, and smiled.
Byakuya opened his eyes and looked sheepishly at Ayame; she pulled a face and shook her head with laughter.
Whatever happened, things would fall into place.
“Have you decided on a name yet?” Byakuya asked, just as Rukia stepped into the office carrying a large box of doughnuts, Renji in tow with a tray of sodas. Ayame leaned back against Toushiro again, feeling his heart beating against her shoulder blade.
“Well, I was thinking, seeing as Toushiro masters Ice and my power is Snow, something with either meaning would be fitting.” Ayame said, turning her head so that she could see Toushiro’s face. He smiled, and kissed her cheek. Rukia asked if he had anything in mind.
“Well, I only really thought of it just this morning, seeing as it’s the beginning of winter and all… Yuki.” He said softly. Ayame felt her child move again, and a warm feeling tingled in her heart.
“It’s perfect.” She whispered. Byakuya and Rukia laughed softly, but Renji looked confused.
“Boy or girl?” he asked, frowning slightly. Ayame laughed, Toushiro smirked. Byakuya shook his head and Rukia eyed Renji with a humorous glint in her eyes.
“It works for both, although I do believe that it is going to be a boy.” Ayame said, laughter shining in her eyes. Renji still didn’t look convinced.
“What makes you so sure?” he asked. Ayame smirked.
“Just faith, I suppose.”

***

The next two months passed in a blur, yet even as the days ticked by until Ayame’s due date, there was still no sign of Aizen. There was a slight unrest in the Seireitei, many female soul reapers were undergoing treatment for their lack of fertility. So far, none had conceived for Genryusai had requested all other soul reapers should wait until Yuki was born before trying for children of their own.
It was now the middle of winter, snow was falling thick and heavy all over Soul Society. Toushiro was trying not to let the impending birth of his child worry him, but that hadn’t stopped him from assigning Rangiku to remain with Ayame at all times in the last two weeks of her pregnancy.
Ayame hadn’t minded, but she had pointed out that the growing stack or paper on Rangiku’s desk wasn’t going to do itself.

Gin had been released from hospital, and his sentence carried out. Byakuya himself had been the one chosen to destroy Gin’s ability to control a zanpakuto. Gin was now no different from the people of the Rukongai. He still had bandages on his left wrist, and covering his torso. But he was well enough to move around normally.
He had been put under the care of squad ten, and assigned to follow Rangiku around everywhere. And that also meant he was with Ayame at all times as well. He helped out however he could – to the best of his now limited abilities.

A snowstorm was swirling around the Seireitei. Ayame was escorted by Rangiku, Gin and Toushiro to the Lieutenant’s gathering, she would be sitting with them while Toushiro and the other remaining Captains finalized their decisions on replacing captains for squads three, five and nine. Rukia had been appointed as the lieutenant of Squad Thirteen only days ago; she was looking at her new badge in awe, knowing that it once belonged to Kaien Shiba.
Toushiro really didn’t want to leave, but Ayame insisted he went. She smiled as he left, feeling his unease in her own heart. She was due the day after tomorrow, and knowing Toushiro, the little Hitsugaya was going to be too impatient to wait another two days.
Ayame was sitting on a couch in the small room connecting to the Lieutenant’s room, with Rangiku, Rukia and Gin. She sighed.
“I hope they decide soon who are going to be the new captains. Every time it seems they are going to come to a decision, something happens. It’s always me. Knowing that, I bet…”
Rukia hushed her.
“You’ll jinx it if you carry on like that.” She murmured, getting up to poke her head into the next room.
Ayame sighed, rubbing her tummy. She paused, running her hands more slowly over the bump. Something was different.
“Rukia? Is Isane there?” Ayame said in a small voice. Rukia’s head whipped around, and Isane must have been listening because she was at Ayame’s side in moments.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” she said in a low voice, not wanting to worry the other lieutenants. Ayame was trembling, her hands on her bump. She gritted her teeth as a wave of pain seared up from her womb, and a faint snapping sound could be heard. Isane was fast to act.
“Rukia, get me Nanao, I need towels and water. And my medical bag right away. Gin…”
She didn’t get to finish her sentence, because Gin collapsed onto the floor. Ayame’s eyes were bright red, then suddenly blue-grey. The flashed back to amethyst, and tears began to fall from her eyes.
“I think…”
“Your waters just broke Ayame. Yuki is coming.” Isane said, clutching her hand supportively as Rangiku called in Renji to help heave Gin outside. Nanao was back in minutes with Isane’s supplies. Ayame was breathing hard; Rangiku returned and sat herself behind her, supporting her weight. Nanao took Rukia’s hand and led her out.
They had been instructed to alert the captains as soon as Ayame went into labor, they had to go now. With a nod from Isane, they were gone.

***

Toushiro was trying not to fall asleep, as he waited for the final votes to be submitted. He was tired, worried, and irritated, just wanting to go home to bed. And sleep. For a month.
Jyuushiro Ukitake looked at him sympathetically, patting his shoulder as Toushiro swayed back and forth with drowsiness.
There was a loud clanging outside, then the doors were forced open. Toushiro was suddenly wide awake, and alert. He suddenly realised Byakuya was clutching his stomach, and keeled over in pain.
Nanao and Rukia stood in the doorway, breathing hard with worried, anxious expressions.
“Forgive the intrusion, Captains. But we were told to come when the time was upon us.” Nanao said, pushing her glasses back up her nose. Rukia ran to her brother, helping him back up. Genryusai stood, his face unreadable. Nanao swallowed, and continued.
“It’s Ayame Kuchiki, sir. She has gone into labor.”

Toushiro felt strange, like he was having an out-of-body experience. He didn’t know what to say, what to do…
Ukitake whacked him over the head, and he came to his senses. Genryusai nodded, and Toushiro almost flew, Byakuya, Rukia, Nanao and Unohana with him.
Ayame was in labor, she was about to give birth to a child, to his child. He was about to be a father. He was finally going to see his Yuki.

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