I don't come with good news. I never should have restarted this story. I don't have a love for Bleach or this story anymore and after some soul searching, I will permanently hiatus this story after maybe 2-3 more chapters. I'd stop now but I'd at least like to get a chapter past where I left off. I'd rather focus on my current fandoms which are Fairy Tail and My Hero Academia. Sorry to the scant few who liked this story but I've got to let it go.

Rukia and Soi Fon traveled to the fairgrounds where the New Year's Festival was off to a grand start. Once they arrived, they still had three hours before the midnight fireworks. As they drove, Rukia noticed Soi Fon gripping the steering wheel so tight her knuckles turned white. A muscle in her jaw ticked and her eyebrows almost touched with how hard she scowled.

Rukia touched her wrist startling her. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Soi Fon whispered. She swallowed. "I just haven't seen fireworks in years."

"Do they scare you or something?" Rukia teased with a playful nudge.

"Of course not!" Soi Fon exclaimed, reaching over to tug a strand of Rukia's hair. "If it did, I have you to protect me, right?"

Rukia laughed. "You should be the one protecting me! You saw I'm not fit to fight today at the gym."

Soi Fon turned onto the fairgrounds, the smooth road replaced with gravel and dirt hitting the belly of her truck. There were many tents surrounding the magnificent field. Rukia's gaze bounced over the dozens of food trucks, unsure of where to start. She yawned; maybe they should find caffeine first. She'd never make it to midnight at this rate. The outright beating Soi Fon gave her made her want to sleep for the next week.

The festival bustled with people of all ages enjoying the company of their friends, family, and lovers. A smile tugged at Rukia's lips when children's laughter reached her ears. Some were getting their faces painted, others waited in line for the mini rides set up on the ground's edges. Every color imaginable illuminated their surroundings from the giant sign that read, "Tokyo Fairgrounds" to the different food stands with people lined up and hungry. Rukia turned her attention to Soi Fon.

"Let's find a stand that has energy drinks," Rukia said. "I don't know if I can stay up otherwise."

"There are few types you can have," Soi Fon commented. "If you're trying to be healthy, energy drinks can dull your process because of the shit ton of sugar and carbs in them."

Rukia frowned. "Who said I want to be healthy?!"

The other woman hooked an arm around Rukia's shoulders. "Oh, come on. You know you feel way better after a hard workout. Admit it."

She was right. There was something empowering about finishing Soi Fon's work out. Rukia wanted to better her health, but she'd have to remove or limit her favorite foods: scones, cake, ice cream, fast food, and fried things. The withdrawal process might end her.

"One step at a time. Plus, it's the last day of the year! Let me have what I want!"

"No," Soi Fon said with a grin. "Don't worry. You'll like it, anyway."

Rukia huffed as they walked together. She realized it was comfortable to have Soi Fon's arm around her shoulders. She fit into her side like a glove. The whole day seemed surreal. She worried about people staring at them, but most didn't pay them any attention. She also realized she didn't care who watched. Soi Fon made her content, the only thing that mattered. Rukia reached up to link her fingers through Soi Fon's. The other woman accepted her grasp, making Rukia relax further. They migrated through the crowd and found a stand selling drinks. Rukia's eyes landed on the strawberry margarita option. Soi Fon's gaze followed hers and she frowned.

"No alcohol! Mixed drinks are full of sugar and empty calories."

"But they're the calories I want," Rukia muttered.

Soi Fon leaned in to whisper in her ear. "If you drink that, you'll hate tomorrow's workout."

"What do you mean tomorrow's work out?!" Rukia demanded.

Soi Fon chuckled at the terrified expression on the other woman's face. Rukia pouted once she realized Soi Fon was teasing her and got a Monster Sunrise Energy. It was zero calories, sugar, and carbs. Not much sodium either so it passed Soi Fon's rigorous consumption standards. It tasted like orange soda and after a few sips; the cloud of tiredness wore off.

"Want to play some games?" Soi Fon grinned at her. "I can win you a teddy bear or something."

"I don't like teddy bears."

Soi Fon raised an eyebrow. "Says the woman with a billion versions of stuffed rabbit paraphernalia in her room."

Rukia pushed her away. "Don't judge!"

The couple stopped at a shooting game. It had bowling pins lined in three rows to knock over. The orchestrator smiled when he saw them. "Well hello, ladies! Care to test out your shooting skills?"

Soi Fon paid the man and picked up the gun. Her hands cupped around the grip with expert precision. Feet a little wider than shoulder-width apart, shoulders squared and eyes unwavering on her targets. Rukia could see her military and SWAT team training shining as she hit target after target.

"You're a great shot ma'am!" the older gentleman praised. He waved his hand to the prizes. "Pick whatever you like!"

Soi Fon grabbed Rukia's hand and pulled her toward the mountain of stuffed animals and blow-up characters. As she browsed, her breath caught in her throat at the large Chappy the Bunny plush holding a sparkler themed just for the New Year. She grabbed it and hugged it, relishing its soft fur brushing against her cheek.

"How did I know?" Soi Fon asked while rolling her eyes.

"You didn't!" Rukia argued with a soft shrug.

They locked eyes then Soi Fon closed the gap between them. "Would it bother you if I kissed you here?"

Soi Fon understood this was new to Rukia. She hadn't figured out if she had a label yet and how others might respond. Was she bisexual, pansexual? Her family had no idea she liked women, and they'd met Soi Fon. Well, maybe her shitty cousin Kyoko had guessed Rukia was thinking about it, and Reoyko saw what Rukia couldn't. She rolled her eyes. Who cared what closed-minded people believed? Soi Fon was a good person, and it didn't matter that she was a woman. They clicked.

Rukia tilted her head upwards as a response. Soi Fon smiled and cupped her jaw, long fingertips slipping into her dark locks. Her kiss was so gentle, different than the passionate make-out session they shared in the kitchen. Rukia sensed how much Soi Fon cared for her melting off her. The entire world ceased to exist leaving them lost within those intimate seconds. Rukia wrapped her arms around Soi Fon's slender waist when they pulled away, she rested her head on her shoulder.

"You're doing a terrible job of convincing me you didn't know you were into women," Soi Fon joked.

"Just comes naturally I guess."

"So, I guess you're getting what you want, huh Soi Fon dear?"

The couple looked over to see Yoruichi, Rangiku, and Kaien standing a few feet away. Rangiku's hand laid against Kaien's chest while his arm hooked over her shoulder. Rukia frowned just as Soi Fon moved behind her and slung her arms around her waist.

"I did," Soi Fon replied. "Now if you'd excuse us, we'd like to end this year on a good note."

"I thought you were with Kensei," Rangiku said, stroking Kaien's chest with her long nails. "You move on fast."

"Who said I moved on?" Rukia questioned. She grasped Soi Fon's hand. "Who I'm with isn't your business Rangiku."

Kaien used his free hand to run through his dark locks as his gaze bounced between the women. "Come on Rangiku. She's right. It's not our business who she's with."

"Kaien love," Rangiku began. "There's more to this story than your aware of, but I don't want to ruin your image of sweet little Rukia. She's not the angel you think she is."

Rukia blinked at her passive-aggressive comment. "Say whatever you want, but I don't owe you an explanation. After finding out you never saw me as a friend, take your grudge up with Kensei. I pushed him away for you while you talked about me behind my back. You should stop acting like a victim. It's not a good look."

Rangiku smiled. "I see. Now you're showing your true colors."

"As are you," Rukia shot back.

With that, Rukia pulled Soi Fon away. Yoruichi had her arms crossed as they disappeared between game tents. "I can't believe her. She refused me for that girl?! It's kind of comical."

Kaien looked down at Rangiku. "Geez, that got intense."

"No worries," Rangiku said, kissing his cheek. "Our friendship wasn't meant to be."

Rukia hoped no one else ruined their good time. Off to the rides, more games, and Rukia begging Soi Fon for a funnel cake helped lessen the anger ruining their evening. If only Soi Fon gave into her begging; that woman was a tyrant. The crowds moved toward the lake eager for the magnificent show raved about all over Tokyo. The brunette noticed Soi Fon's hand tightened around hers. Rukia shifted her gaze to Soi Fon and paused. Sweat sheeted across her forehead despite the cold weather and the color drained from her face. Her other hand opened and closed rhythmically and upon closer inspection, she saw her hand shaking.

"Soi Fon what's wrong?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

"I'm fine."

Her voice wavered. Rukia knew something wasn't right and opened her mouth to probe further. Just then the fireworks began. One after the other shrieked and blazed their way into the inky sky, a rainbow of colors trailing behind them until they exploded. The powerful sound reverberated through their chests. The facade Soi Fon clung to crumbled with each explosion. Her grip on Rukia's hand started hurting. Her dark eyes were wide and darted around her.

"Please," she whispered. "I need to go now."

"What's wrong?!"

Alarm rose in her voice as Soi Fon deteriorated from a collected woman to someone locked in sheer terror. The more fireworks boomed overhead, the worse the taller woman shook. She fell to her knees, but Rukia caught her and yanked her away, her prized Chappy forgotten in the dirt. It clicked as they ran: Soi Fon was prior military and she worked with the SWAT team. Fear of loud noises like fireworks was a classic sign of PTSD for military personnel or those who've seen similar action. Rukia needed to get her home right away.

"We're leaving Soi Fon!"

They ran for Soi Fon's truck. When they reached it, Rukia snatched her lover's keys out of her pocket, yanked the passenger door open, and helped her into the backseat where she enveloped the shaking woman into a tight embrace. She pulled her between her legs, wrapped them around Soi Fon's waist, and squeezed her in the tightest hug she could muster. Rukia cradled her head to her chest, kissing her forehead hoping to calm her erratic breathing.

"It's okay," Rukia soothed. "You can get through this."

Soi Fon locked her arms around Rukia's midsection, squeezing tight enough to hurt, but Rukia didn't budge. "Stay laying down, okay?"

"I can't be here Rukia," Soi Fon said again, her fingers digging into Rukia's sides.

"I'll get you home."

Rukia released the other woman and sprinted to the driver's seat. Dust kicked up as she revved it, not caring that she'd coated a nearby family in dirt.

Yoruichi chuckled when Soi Fon's truck sped off. She flipped her violet hair over her shoulder with a knowing smile. "I knew she still couldn't handle fireworks. She's stupid when she's trying to impress someone."

Rangiku shrugged. "You know Soi Fon falls hard. Too bad she's crushing on a witch." She gazed up at Kaien. "I'm sorry you had to see our falling out. I don't want you to think differently about Rukia because of me."

Kaien shrugged and hugged her close. "I'm not used to seeing that side of Rukia, but hey, everyone has different sides."

"That's right," Rangiku agreed.

And Rangiku planned to expose her for the witch she was.

Fireworks still exploded all over town despite leaving the fairgrounds. Rukia drove fast, glancing in the rear-view mirror to see Soi Fon curled in a ball, hands clamped over her ears. It made Rukia's heart ache. Once they arrived at Soi Fon's house, she pulled into the garage and shut it behind them, moving to the back right passenger door. She opened it and helped Soi Fon inside.

"Do you have earplugs?" Rukia asked as they walked through the laundry room to the living area.

Soi Fon shook her head no. Rukia then asked about headphones. She had a pair lying on the kitchen counter. The brunette reached into the scared woman's jacket, pulled out her phone, and demanded Soi Fon put her password in. Once it was unlocked, she searched for the Pandora app while attaching the headphones.

"Here."

She placed the earbuds in Soi Fon's ears and blared music loud enough to where she could hear double bass drums and guitar riffs. Rukia plopped on the couch and Soi Fon followed her, resting her cheek against her abdomen. Rukia grasped the black blanket nearby and cocooned them in its warmth. Soi Fon's trembling fingers gripped Rukia's jacket.

"Thank you."

Rukia woke the next morning, yawning and opening bleary eyes to unfamiliar surroundings. She remembered she and Soi Fon crawled into bed around three in the morning. Rukia held her close until she nodded off, refusing to leave Soi Fon alone. Rukia glanced over and realized the bed was empty. She swung her legs over the side, padded across the soft blue carpet and down the hall, then into the kitchen. A folded note waited on the counter.

Thank you for everything last night. I'm sorry I had to leave you. Duty calls.

Soi Fon still had SWAT work today. A twelve-hour shift didn't sound like a good idea after such a rough and sleepless night. Rukia hoped she got a good night's rest after work.

Help yourself to anything in the kitchen. I'll text you later, love. P.S. Be careful not to open the door too wide. Sume is a runner.

Rukia smiled at the pet name, the emptiness from Soi Fon's absence dissipating. Rukia's stomach growled and when she checked the time on the microwave mounted over the stove, her eyes widened. It was after 2:00 PM. She couldn't remember the last time she'd slept in so late. She needed to get home, take a shower, and find food. Rukia couldn't bring herself to raid Soi Fon's fridge. Rukia returned to Soi Fon's bedroom with Sume keeping a close watch. She changed out of the spare clothes Soi Fon gave her and tossed them in the clothes hamper. After shifting back into last night's attire, Rukia grabbed her phone and checked her messages. Many generic "Happy New Year" texts filled her screen, and she texted back the same phrase with a smiley on the end. One was from Grimmjow.

Happy New Year Rukia. I wanna see you and you can't bitch your way out of it.

Rukia rolled her eyes but her grin remained. Just as straightforward as ever. She texted him back requiring specifics on what day with the word "jerk" tacked on the end. There was also a text from Kensei.

Thinking about you. Happy New Year Rukia. When can I see you again?

Rukia's smile faltered. Kensei needed the entire truth too. Rukia learned from her fall out with Ichigo that waiting would make the situation worse. Although her relationship with Kensei didn't hold quite the same weight as Grimmjow and Soi Fon; she wanted to explore it. However, Kensei might not want a poly relationship despite his previous habits of seeing different women.

I just woke up and I'm starving. How about a late lunch?

Rukia snuck outside into the chilly afternoon and cranked up her car. All was quiet, leaving her with an odd yet satisfying sense of awareness. Rukia inhaled a slow deep breath of the icy air, enjoying the cool sensation invading her lungs. She tried to tame her wild bangs by raking her fingers through them just as her phone started vibrating. She removed it and her heart thumped with adrenaline.

"Hello?"

"Sleep in or something?" Kensei teased.

Rukia crossed her left arm underneath her breasts. "Or something. We were up late."

"Must have been a good time."

Rukia bit her lip as the emotional events flashed through her mind. "Could have been better."

"I ate three hours ago but can eat again," Kensei said. "Come over and I'll cook you something. We could watch a movie."

"Like Netflix and Chill?" Rukia deadpanned. "You need a new pickup line."

Kensei sighed in annoyance. "We've established that I want to sleep with you, but like I told you, I'm not making the first move. Can't we just hang out without you worried about ulterior motives?"

Rukia shrugged even though he couldn't see the movement. "You started it last time."

Kensei was silent for a second. "That was the alcohol."

"Happens," Rukia muttered remembering her unplanned tryst with Grimmjow.

Rukia headed home to shower first and mulled over their conversation. She wondered if it was just Kensei's handsomeness that made women do his bidding. Rangiku, who seemed so independent, fell to his charm… but why? What made her fall in love with him? She remembered their heated argument in the middle of the public fairgrounds for their dates to witness. Rukia believed last night wasn't the end of their disagreement.

She unlocked her apartment and froze when the door swung open. Orihime and Ichigo sat on the couch watching TV. She and Ichigo hadn't spoken since the day she explained everything about her polyamorous status. When he noticed her presence, he gave her a weak smile.

"Oh, hi Rukia!" Orihime chirped, standing to greet her. "Where have you been all day? I tried texting you."

"I'm sorry, I was a little preoccupied." Rukia tried hard not to increase the palpable tension between them. "Hello, Ichigo."

"Hey Rukia," he echoed.

Silence. Rukia cleared her throat. "Orihime, can I talk to you for a second?"

"Sure!"

The two roommates headed for Rukia's bedroom. Rukia shut the door behind them.

"Look, it's none of my business why Ichigo is here after what I've done, but I would have appreciated a warning. He and I just ended on a bad note. None of your texts said anything about having him over."

Orihime tilted her head to the side. "I'm sorry Rukia. I didn't even think about you when I asked him over. We're just friends!"

Rukia gathered items for her shower, her best friend's comment stinging harder than Orihime realized. "I don't care if you become more than friends with him. I've known you have a crush on him; it's obvious. Just warn me until things smooth over okay?"

Orihime bit her bottom lip and Rukia figured she was hesitating to tell her something.

"What is it?" Rukia prodded. "Tell me."

"I just-" Orihime stammered. "I'm sorry for the way I responded to you telling me you're a polygamist. You trusted me with something serious and I made you feel bad about it. "

Rukia waved a hand dismissively. "That's trivial."

Even though Rukia didn't have a problem with Orihime and Ichigo seeing each other, she still wanted updates. "So, are you two dating?"

Orihime stared at the floor. "Well, no… but you're right, Rukia. I like him a lot. Are you sure it's okay?"

Rukia nodded and gave her a reassuring smile. "Of course, I hope everything works out."

Orihime wrapped her arms around Rukia's neck in a quick hug. "You're the best."

Rukia returned the gesture and placed a hand on Orihime's lower back. Something like saran wrap met her fingers. "What's that?"

"Oh, nothing!" Orihime jumped and pulled away. "I fell down the stairs last night and scratched it. It's just a bandage."

"You are very clumsy," Rukia mused. "I'm going to Kensei's. You and Ichigo have fun."

Rukia exited the bathroom and the orange-haired female followed, but instead of returning to the living room, she snuck to her space and entered her bathroom. She needed to put more ointment on her new tattoo. After washing her hands, Orihime removed the bandage. Curious eyes studied the elegant cursive marking her pale skin in the mirror's reflection. She and Ichigo would end up getting serious and this was a testament to her commitment. Orihime loved him and he'd learn to love her in return.

Rukia arrived at a gated community of townhouses fifteen minutes from her apartment. They were beautiful with each yard having a little patch of green grass despite the frigid winter and snow that they'd gotten. It came as no surprise that someone raking in loads of extra money with their "side job" lived in a nice area. Rukia rounded the left corner and parked in the driveway. Beige siding with a burnt sienna rooftop flowed together. A set of small steps led to the matching mahogany door. Rukia inhaled then exhaled to calm her nerves. She hadn't gotten over the initial newness of their relationship. Eventually, she'd grow comfortable… unless he decided against her terms.

Rukia smoothed her dark locks and walked confidently up the stairs. Kensei swung open the door seconds before she reached it and grinned. Rukia noticed the deep lines etching his cheeks when he smiled. He left his ivory hair wild and brushed forward, locks teasing his forehead.

"Come in," he said while stepping back. "It's good to see you."

"You too," Rukia echoed as she walked past him.

Kensei reached for her coat after locking the cold outside. "Shoes go over here."

Rukia noticed the shoe rack behind them. "You're one of those, aren't you?"

"I am," Kensei quipped, opening a nearby closet and fitting her jacket on a hanger inside. "Makes cleaning the floors easier." Kensei hooked his thumbs in the pockets of his jeans. "Do I get a hug? I am making you dinner."

She noticed herbs and spices permeating through his home and her stomach growled. "What are you making?"

"Wait and see." Kensei held his arms out to her then paused. A grin snuck across his handsome features. "You're wearing the necklace."

Rukia fingered its chain, the silver cool against her skin. "Let's call it proof of my interest. Don't ever buy me something this extravagant again."

Rukia hesitated then stepped into his embrace. His hands laid open against the curve of her spine. He radiated heat and her suddenly acute senses felt the hard muscles of his chest and arms. They pulled apart, Kensei grasping her hand to lead her to the black leather couch in the comfy living room. They sat down knees ghosting against each other. Rukia took a deep breath intending to spill everything before they grew too comfortable.

"Kensei," the brunette began, crossing her legs underneath her body. "I want to clear some things up. I'm in a relationship with Grimmjow."

"He's your boyfriend?" Kensei questioned.

Rukia paused. "No, but it's headed that direction. I also have a female partner, Soi Fon."

Kensei's grin grew. "You like girls?"

"Yes," Rukia answered. It was relieving to admit it without guilt or confusion. "She is a lesbian so don't get any bright ideas. I'm polyamorous and I've formed relationships with Grimmjow and Soi Fon. They both are special to me and I'm not willing to break off my bonds with them."

"So, what's your point?" Kensei asked, a hint of irritation lacing his words.

His blunt response didn't surprise or upset her. No matter his feelings, this was her truth.

"I think something can form between us. Seeing this fun and sweet side changed my opinion of you. When you kissed me, I felt something."

Rukia turned to face Kensei. "Despite that, as I said I'm not willing to let Soi Fon or Grimmjow go. Both understand that I'm polyamorous and are sticking around. Will you?"

"You're asking me to share you?!" Kensei demanded.

"Yes."

Kensei went quiet. She watched as he bit the inside of his cheek. "I can get any girl I want. No woman has ever given me such a fucking run for my money, and now you want me to share you with a friend?!"

"It's up to you," Rukia continued. "I will not decide for you. There was a fourth person, but he was not okay with it and broke it off. It's difficult. Just think about it unless you have an answer now."

Kensei rubbed his hand down his face. "You've got a lot of fucking nerve Rukia." He stood up. "Come on, dinner is almost ready."

Rukia wasn't sure what direction things would go, but it seemed they would finish their evening. They entered the kitchen. Rukia spotted a large tank sitting on a tall bench where the gray carpet met the linoleum kitchen floor.

"What's in there?"

Kensei went to the oven and opened it. He pulled out freshly baked chicken breasts. The rich smell of rosemary wafted over to Rukia and her mouth watered. Mixed veggies rested on the stove with a warm rice pot nearby, a very healthy dinner. What was with these health nuts?! Kensei removed his mitten.

"I don't think you'll like Roku," Kensei chuckled. "Most girls are terrified of snakes."

"There's a snake?" Rukia couldn't see anything. Inside sat a large rock with an opening and a log sawed halved and hollowed to a crescent shape. "Where is it?"

"He's in his rock." Kensei turned off the heat lamp and removed it. "Want to touch him?"

Rukia nodded. Kensei opened the tank and moved the large plastic rock. Underneath a beautiful reptile shifted his head. His scales reflected a rose hue from the brown markings lining his beige color. He remained curled but his body relaxed without the rock's firmness gone. When Kensei picked him up with effort because of his thick body and long form, Roku wrapped his tail around Kensei's wrist as he situated him around his neck. The snake shifted down Kensei's arm, his full length mesmerizing Rukia. She'd never had a fear of snakes but didn't come in contact with them. His large size didn't intimidate her.

"So, it's a boy?" Rukia asked, reaching out to feel the snake's cool scales.

"Yeah." Kensei brushed his fingers over Roku's side. "I've had him since he was a hatchling. He's a red tail boa constrictor."

Rukia didn't hear him, unable to focus on anything other than the beautiful creature. Rukia continued to rub her fingers along the length of the reptile. "Can I hold him?"

Kensei raised an eyebrow. "You're not worried about getting bit?"

"I doubt you would take him out if he bites," Rukia deadpanned while holding out her hands.

"Every reptile has the potential to bite! God, you're rude." Kensei scoffed and placed Roku around Rukia's shoulders. "Keep a hand between his body and your neck. I don't need you passing out because he squeezed too hard."

Rukia followed his instructions and watched Roku move. She loved his weight around her neck and when Roku wrapped his tail around her forearm; she didn't mind. Her arm jutted away from her body because she wasn't sure where to place it. Her heart melted when Roku slithered down the opposite arm and placed his head in her hand forked tongue tickling her skin.

"What a sweetheart," Rukia murmured.

"I've never seen a woman comfortable with him."

"I think snakes have a bad reputation." Rukia watched as the large animal changed direction and shifted toward her face. His tongue darted out against her cheek. Who knew snakes gave kisses? "People who backstab are often called snakes but I've never understood why. It's no secret that snakes are predators. They've never hidden it. Their prey know to run if they don't want to die."

Kensei took Roku from around her shoulders and put him back in his tank. "Sounds deep. You can be philosophical some other time. I'm hungry."

Rukia had been hungry for so long her stomach stopped tying itself in knots. She glanced at the digital clock above his entertainment center and saw it was after three. Holy shit, food was long overdue. They washed their hands then Kensei fixed their plates. Once they relaxed on the couch, Kensei traveled to the kitchen again to fix them a glass of wine. Rukia cut into her chicken and her stomach revived with a ravenous vengeance and it took strong willpower not to inhale it. The chicken's savory flavor and moist texture made her thankful she agreed to stop by.

"So, is it good or what?" Kensei asked while using his chopsticks to grab a stalk of broccoli.

"Delicious." Rukia's gaze flickered to him before returning to her plate. "Thanks for this."

He grunted in response. As they ate, Kensei turned on some music. Rukia blinked as the trumpets and deep bass guitar reached her ears. Kensei liked jazz music? Rukia realized she enjoyed finding out new tidbits about her partners. They talked about Rukia's goals then dove into Kensei's racing life. Rukia grew more relaxed the longer they talked. She enjoyed the many topics they discussed. Their conversation jumped between subjects until they reached a taboo one.

"If a woman doesn't want to be a mom, why the fuck does the government tell her she will be?" Kensei grabbed their empty plates and padded to the sink. "If she's not using abortions as birth control, who cares?"

Rukia nodded. "She needs serious educating on birth control options and condoms. Even then, it's her body and she should decide what happens."

"Fucking right." Kensei started rustling around in the kitchen. "Want some dessert? I know you got a sweet tooth. I've got mochi ice cream."

Rukia paused. "Are you making it from scratch?"

Kensei snorted. "No."

Rukia stood up. "They're so much better homemade, but I can make an exception."

Rukia didn't miss the muscles in his arms rippling as he opened the freezer in the simple white t-shirt exposing his biceps. He and Grimmjow's sexiness topped the charts. She didn't use "sexy" to describe a man's appearance, but Rukia couldn't decide on a better word. Kensei had a larger frame, but Grimmjow's muscles were more defined. The brunette mentally smacked herself and wondered why it mattered. She might date them both, anyway. Rukia searched his drawers for spoons while he pulled out bowls. She stiffened when Kensei's hand inched up her hip and his chest pressed against her. He leaned over her shoulder and plucked the spoons she death gripped from her fingers.

"Can't eat shit without these."

"You're close," Rukia pointed out.

Kensei raised an eyebrow. "Is that a problem?"

Rukia whirled around and halted. All words she was about to throw at him caught in her throat. His dark eyes were half-lidded as he closed what little distance there was between them. His hands went to the stove behind her, blocking her against it. Rukia studied those intense eyes, no snappy comeback on her lips. She just wanted to kiss him.

"I thought I would make the first move," she whispered.

"I didn't say I wouldn't start a situation where you'd think about it," Kensei responded while nosing her hair.

His already sultry voice dropped an octave. Rukia stopped the millions of thoughts running rampant in her brain and focused on Kensei. She promised herself she wouldn't sleep with him. Getting tested was step number one, something she still had to text Grimmjow to do and set up an appointment for herself. The sexual tension electrifying the air tried to barter with her, but Rukia held firm. Still, Rukia's mind filtered to the moment his fingertips first brushed against her bare skin in Grimmjow's hallway. She wanted his hands on her again, and like he read her thoughts, the warmth of his calloused hands seeped through her jeans as he gripped her hips. He leaned down close enough for their lips to meet, but Kensei didn't venture any closer. He was the epitome of a tease and Rukia was falling for the bait.

Rukia stood on her tiptoes, pressed her lips against Kensei, and relished his arms sneaking around her lower back. Her fingers linked behind his neck, their kiss deepening as she demanded entrance to his mouth. Kensei was an amazing kisser. The way his tongue slid over hers screamed experience, but it also meant Rukia wouldn't spend much time teaching him her desires. Lack of skill or confidence would not cloud their moment. Kensei left her lips to kiss her neck.

"Rukia," he growled, picking her up by her ass, and plopping her on the counter.

A gentle moan left her lips when he nipped the juncture of her collarbone. He hiked her right thigh over his hip and leaned into her, forcing her to brace herself. She felt him hard and ready against her core. Rukia's eyes shot open, and she pulled away, her breath ragged.

"I'm not having sex with you," she spoke. Her words didn't come out as strong as she hoped.

"Oh?" Kensei murmured, his hand that gripped her thigh stroking fire up her leg.

"I want everyone I'm in a relationship tested for STDs first." Rukia jumped down from the counter. "Especially you."

"I'm not the whore you think I am," Kensei huffed.

Rukia scoffed at him and grabbed a forgotten bowl. "I'd rather be safe than sorry."

Kensei chuckled. "You must have forgotten that because you kissed me, you could have contracted herpes simplex one. You're lucky I don't have that."

He had a point. Even though it was just what caused cold sores, Rukia would prefer not to contract it. With their spoils ready, Kensei and Rukia returned to the couch. Kensei pulled Rukia into his lap and grabbed the remote for his TV. They started watching Sense 8, a Netflix original. Patrons talked about it nonstop at Nejibana's. The first episode had her hooked and wondering how she would find time to keep up with her new shows. Kensei threw his arm over her thighs, his fingers hooked into the belt loops of her pants. The show radiated sexuality with an opening lesbian scene between a trans woman and her girlfriend. Rukia wondered if sex between her and Soi Fon would be that passionate. Her sexual appetite skyrocketed over the last few months.

Kensei's hand slid from her thigh to underneath her shirt above her right hip. Rukia's eyes darted over to him. He leaned forward to capture her lips again. He pulled back, paused, then kissed her once more. Before Rukia had time to process his gentle kisses, the new lovers locked in another intense make-out session. No sex would be a tedious rule to uphold.