after safely retrieving his wife.

~o0o~

What did Captain Unohana mean that she still wasn't ready? Rukia was more than ready to have this baby. So what was the hold-up? Fully dilate already you lazy body. She grumbled as she slowly walked along the edge of the room. Being on her feet helped her deal with the pain and gave her something to do besides just lying in the bed, waiting.

Rubbing her palms on each side of her distended stomach, she glanced out the window, curious as to when Captain Unohana would return. A training exercise gone wrong in the Eleventh division drew the healer away not long after she finished her examination on Rukia. It would probably take awhile considering the grim report of the swathe of carnage Kenpachileft lying in his wake.

That man would never change. Rukia thought as she stretched and sighed, drawing the attention of the squad Four members left to watch over her. Waving away their concern, she sat on the edge of her bed and let her feet dangle in the air. Looking around the brightly lit room, her brows drew up in surprise. Where is everyone?

"Orihime?"

Rukia listened for her friend's light step and soothing reply and frowned when there was no answer. Feeling slightly abandoned, she called for her brother.

"Nii-sama?"

No reply. Were they both still drinking tea? Couldn't they of had it in here, with her? Rukia wanted someone familiar around at such a vulnerable time. But everyone seemed to have deserted her, even Isane left to gather a box