Chapter 14

                                    

                                          
~One Week Later~
"Did you hear, I heard she was hit by a car."
"The police said she was trafficked." 
"That's scary we could be next." Ichigo's fists tightened in his lap, and he stood, silencing the whispers in the room. Orihime's eyes wavered at the pain she could see clearly on his face. Ishida moved over, placing a hand on her shoulder as they all watched Ichigo walk out. 
"We have to give him time." 
She knew that, but it didn't stop her from worrying. Rukia had also taken the loss hard. She'd returned to the Soul society abruptly. No word for a whole week since the incident. Tatsuki's eyes drifted out the window, releasing a sigh. They'd pretty much explained the situation to all of them. Even Keigo was having a hard time being his usually peppy self. She'd never seen the male actually sulk that much. Tatsuki smacked him over the head. "Damn it, not you too! We have enough depressed people around here." 
"Why am I the only one that got hit!!!" 
"Cause you were close by!!" 
"Chad is standing right there!!" 
They continued their bickering, and Orihime couldn't help but smile just a little. It would take time, but just maybe things would be able to return to normal. 
"I never really talked to her, you know. Rukia told me that Kuchiki-san was protective of her. You think that he's okay?" Orihime looked up to Ishida for an answer. "I'm sure he's doing his best." He replied. 
"Right." 
His best. 
~Soul Society~
"How is she doing?" 
Jushiro looked over at Rukia who was seated outside, eyes fixated on the tree. 
"She's doing a little better. It's been a week, I think it's too soon to expect any real change." Byakuya nods, and Jushiro's gaze moves to the older man. 
"You cared for her, that human girl." 
Byakuya barely moved a muscle, he did his best not to react to the question. He'd been doing his best trying to keep it together. Even after your death, he didn't shed a tear. He brought your body with him, explained the circumstances on why it was better to have you buried here than in the world of the living. 
A part of him knew he just wanted you close to him. Using the excuse that your body could be a potential magnet for hollows to possess was a good cover. The only peace he had was the fact that at least you didn't have to be alone, even in death. Sleep was something he was losing every night that passed. He was grateful that none of his subordinates noticed. Well, everyone except Renji. The red haired male didn't question it, a part of him must have made his own assumptions when he saw your dead body in his hands. After viewing Rukia's state, it wasn't hard to tell. Your death had affected them all. 
"Why didn't she come back, her soul should have returned." Rukia mutters. Jushiro knew the answer he could provide would give neither of them comfort. 
"She was pierced by my blade, not passed on like regular souls. She was beyond saving. What little there was of her soul could not survive the transition. " Byakuya's explanation was what Jushiro concluded himself. Not only had you been alive when Byakuya killed you, but most of your spiritual pressure was already gone. The words that hollow said were not a bluff. It must have taken what little strength you had to even see them again. 
"Get some rest, Rukia."
"Hai." 
Her tone was drained of any emotion, and when she stood she bowed, making her way inside. 
"Please take care of her." 
He couldn't bear it if something happened to her too.
"I will. However, I'd advise you to do the same." Jushiro wasn't a fool. 
"There is no shame in admitting you're in pain. We were human once too. Just like Ichigo, and (Y/N). Souls still experience pain."
Jushiro was right, but at that moment, he really didn't want to think about your death, much less grieve over it. 
"Thank you for your time." He dismissed himself, and Jushiro watched him walk away.