(A/N)
Hello everyone, This is the first fanfic and first story I have ever written so if it sucks, its not on purpose.
Any constructive criticism is welcome. If you don't like something tell me, don't be afraid to hurt my feelings.
This is just something I've decided to try to pass the time. School is really easy for me at the moment so I will have the time to finishing this story; as is my plan.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy reading it. I never realized just how much work goes into writing a story until now. -_-
Disclaimer: I do NOT own Bleach or any Bleach affiliates.
Rukia Kuchiki awoke to the sound of her alarm clock blaring with the glare of the morning sun instantly blinding her as she sat up. "Argh, stupid clock, why can't I just sleep all day." As she slowly got out of bed she let out a deep sigh. "Time for another dull day."
It seems like it's been awhile since she's had a day that wasn't dull. The truth is she would give anything to escape this solitude she called life. Everyday it was the same old routine. No room for fun or excitement, no crevice for happiness or joy to seep in, no reason to enjoy life.
As she walked across her room she stole a glance out her window. It was a nice sunny day, although considering it was the middle of November it is still quite cold; not that it mattered. She could care less what the weather was like; it couldn't bring her happiness.
Yes happiness; she had forgotten that word even existed in her vocabulary. Rukia learned a long time ago just how cold the world could be. Her solution to forget this was to become even colder.
As Rukia glided over to her dresser to acquire fresh clothes for the day, she ungracefully tripped over a stray pile of books that had been strewn across her floor.
Man, she really needed to clean the place. Her bed, which lay directly across from the window hadn't been made in over a week, nor had the sheets been washed. Her dresser, which lay adjacent to the bed, was covered in several articles of clothing as well as many other knickknacks she never used. The place was a total mess.
Opening one of the drawers she plucked out a fresh school uniform and began changing. Once finished, she glanced at the mirror and scanned over her petite figure.
Rukia was a small girl, although she refused to accept the fact that she was much shorter than the majority of the population; she was just tiny, not short. Her hair, which came down to just below shoulder length, was black, and had the texture of silk while her eyes where a deep violet and quite big. All in all she was just an average teenage girl, although lacking certain 'assets,' she did have a slightly curvy and women-like physique.
After running a brush though her hair, and sorting out some of her possessions, she walked briskly down the stairs to have a quick breakfast then leave for school.
"Good morning, Byakuya Nii-Sama." She greeted, trying to be as cheerful as possible to her brother who was waiting at the kitchen table.
"You're going to be late." Replied Byakuya in a mundane voice. She inwardly sighed, 'that's about as good a greeting you'll get from her cold brother, aka the Ice King.'
Quickly grabbing her breakfast Rukia made her way out the door and onto the street. Looking over to the house next door she noticed a large moving van that was full of boxes and furniture. 'That's strange,' she thought. 'I've never seen the people who own that house.' It hadn't been sold to someone else because she never saw a for-sale sign. 'Where did they move from? And how come they never sold their house if they weren't living in it for so long?'
Choosing not to think at the moment she began walking down the street towards school. 'Today is going to be another long day of nothing,' she inwardly groaned. 'Why do I have to go through this?'
"Argh, why do I have to go through this?" Ichigo complained as he unenthusiastically pulled boxes from the moving truck and dragged them into the Kurosaki household. It had been exactly eight years since seventeen year-old Ichigo Kurosaki stepped foot in this house. The memories that it brought back hurt more than the pile boxes that had just fallen on his head.
"God fucking dammit," cursed the young man as he wobbled back up to a standing position. "I hate this place already."
He hadn't wanted to move back to this town and he was still absolutely livid with his father for doing it. Although it's not like he had a choice, times were tough these days. It had been getting too expensive to pay taxes on two properties and he had just lost his job at the hospital in their old town. Ichigo never understood why his father never sold this dump. 'Must be all those damn memories' he mused.
As if on cue, Isshin Kurosaki appeared as he ran out the front door acting all hyper and crazy as usual.
"Ichigo my boy, don't look so down. If you scowl any harder you'll scare away all the pretty ladies." As if it were possible the boy scowled harder.
"Pssh, like I care." Ignoring his idiot father, Ichigo continued to unpack their belongings. Looking up at the place he would now be calling home, he read the sign that hung against the siding. The sign had the words 'Kurosaki Clinic' painted on in big blue letters. He sighed. 'This is not how I wanted to spend my morning.'
The house itself was quite large and could easily accommodate his father Isshin, his two sisters Karin and Yuzu as well as himself. The main building, where they would be living was two stories and contained three bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen, and a family room. Sitting adjacent to the house was an addition where his father ran a small clinic as a doctor.
As he completed his task of bringing all his belongings inside the house, Ichigo heard the chipper voice of his crazy father cut through the silence.
"Ichigo, hurry up and get changed, you'll be late for your first day at school." 'Damn.' He let out a long aggravated sigh. 'What a nuisance.'
He expeditiously makes his way up the stairs and turns to enter his old room from when he was a kid. Grabbing his new school uniform that lay neatly on his bed he began to change.
'What kind of school has a uniform like this,' Ichigo scoffs while eyeing the pair of beige pants and white dress shirt. 'Karakura High School,' he chuckles. 'I think I hate this place already. Guess I'll add it to the list.' He inwardly sighs. Once done dressing he turns to look at himself in the mirror.
Ichigo is quite a handsome young man. He is quite tall and very muscular yet slim with spiky orange hair that slightly droops down over his eyes which are a dark honey amber. Girls always go crazy over him but he doesn't pay them any attention. They all come up to him and want to date him without knowing a thing about him. How ridiculous.
Satisfied with his appearance he quickly walks out of his room and glides down the stairs. After grabbing a piece of toast for a quick breakfast he makes his way out the front door. Looking across the street he notices a huge house with a very expensive car parked in the driveway. 'I don't remember this house ever being here. I wonder who lives there. Probably some rich jackass,' he scoffs.
Stopping his train of random thoughts Ichigo begins to walk in the direction of his new school. Letting out a deep sigh he wonders why his life seems to hold so little joy.
After a brisk walk to school, Rukia grabbed her books and quickly headed down the hall to her class so as to not attract unwanted attention. Just when she thought she would make it there without incident a huge arm wrapped around her waist and yanked her back harshly.
"Hey there Rukia, just where do you think your going?" Came a deep voice from the man behind her. His foul breath could be felt traveling down her spine as he spoke.
"I need to get to class, now let me go Renji!" screeched Rukia as she struggled to get free.
"Now, now, you'll have plenty of time to go to class later." Renji replied in an intimidating voice. "Right now I think you should come with me and have a little fun."
Rukia felt like gagging. Renji Abarai was the self-proclaimed 'toughest badass around' and also the most disgusting, and most unpleasant guy she has ever had the displeasure of meeting. The best description of him Rukia could come up with, resembled that of a monster. He had an insanely huge body that was covered in tribal tattoos with long red hair that he had tied up in a ponytail. If those things alone weren't enough for Rukia to want to stay away from him, that fact that he seemed to get some sick satisfaction out of hurting her made her wish she could disappear.
"I have no intention of going anywhere with you, now unhand me this instant." Came the immediate reply in a voice so cold it felt like the room temperature dropped a few degrees.
Renji was having none of it. "Why should I?" He spat out in a voice just as cold. "I'd prefer if you stayed." He breathed with venom dripping from every word as he dragged her down an empty hallway.
Rukia was now in a state of panic. Her and Renji were now in a secluded area of the hall and he was wearing an evil smirk as if he had some obscene surprise planned for her.
"Let me go dammit." Rukia screamed as she thrashed around trying to break free from his iron grip. As soon as she saw a hand reach under her skirt she lost all coherent thought and reacted by planting a firm smack to the side of the offenders face using the back of her hand.
"Ahhh, you fucking bitch." Renji yelled at the top of his lungs while slightly loosening his grip on her arm. Seizing the opportunity Rukia quickly yanked her arm out of his grasp and immediately ran for the safety of her classroom.
As she ran she could hear Renji fuming down the hall. "I'll get you back for this bitch, you just wait." He seethed with a murderous look in his eyes. 'No one smacks Renji Abarai in the face and gets away with it… no one.'
Rukia entered her class as soon as the bell rang and let out a relieved sigh. She slowly made her way over to her desk where she quickly sat and took out her textbooks as well as a small sketchpad. She would often doodle during class because she found most subjects extremely vapid.
Without a word she turned to stare out the window watching the clouds as if they were the most interesting things in the world.
She was pulled out of her daze when the teacher walked in and cleared her throat, readying herself to address the class.
"Good morning students." Spoke the teacher in a merry tone. "Today I'd like to introduce a new student who will be joining our class for the duration of the year."
'New student? Maybe today won't be so dull after all. I wonder if we'll get along. Maybe we could be friends.' That thought vanished as quickly as it appeared.
Who ever this new person was, they certainly wouldn't want to talk to her of all people. Rukia was, for the most part, invisible. The only person who paid attention to her was Renji, and he just needed someone to step on. 'Maybe if I wasn't so cold to people I might have friends,' she mused. That thought disappeared just as quickly. 'Like that'll ever happen.'
Once the teacher had finished her announcement a very tall and muscular yet slim boy with spiky orange hair stepped into the room. As soon as this occurred, the entire female population, minus Rukia, and some men started giggling and whispering to each other while watching him avidly.
Rukia knew what they were saying without even having to hear them, she inwardly groaned. 'How can people be so shallow? Just because he's in good shape doesn't mean you should throw yourself at him.'
"Why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself." Said the teacher. Effectively stopping the hushed conversations taking place throughout the room.
Making his way further into the classroom, the boy stopped halfway from the opposing wall and turned to face the class.
"My name's Ichigo Kurosaki, I'm seventeen years old. I hate a lot of things and I don't like anything in particular. Also, I wouldn't call it a dream but I do have a certain goal in mind. I want to gain the strength to protect and the power to crush whatever gets in my way."
Once he had finished speaking, and all of the girls stopped drooling over their desks, the teacher began speaking, breaking the silence.
"Well students why don't you welcome Kurosaki-san to our class?" After a very cheerful welcome from the female population and a simple 'hey' from the males, Ichigo made his way to the seat he had been assigned earlier which was situated next to the window.
Sitting down he quickly pulled out his books and let out a long quiet sigh. He has only been here for ten minutes and he has already confirmed his hatred for this place. 'Why do I get the feeling that I won't have a second alone without someone pestering me all day.'
Ichigo never understood why so many people seemed to take such an interest in his life, especially the girls. 'It's none of their business' he fumed. 'Why can't they just leave me alone?' He always hated it when people would come up to him and start talking without actually saying anything of actual substance. Small talk was useless in Ichigo's mind, it only served to waist more of his time. He didn't have anything to discuss with these people so why should he be bothered to talk to them.
Letting out another sigh of exhaustion Ichigo slumped over in his seat and set his eyes on the board; readying himself for the long day ahead.
After class had begun, while everyone was busy working, Rukia found herself glancing quite frequently at the new student sitting in the desk next to hers. 'Ichigo,' she inwardly chuckled. 'What a strange name, and even stranger hair color.'
Examining him closer, she could see why so many girls went crazy over him when he walked in the room, he would be quite handsome if it weren't for the seemingly perpetual scowl that adorned his face.
Other than the fact that he seemed to be very popular with the student body; Ichigo appeared to be very similar to Rukia in nature. He acted calmly, and was cold to everyone, making calculated movements that were efficient yet elegant.
She was surprised when he had simply ignored the group of giggling schoolgirls. They were all looking at him as if they wanted to become his harem while he continued to work without sparing them a single glance. 'He's probably used to the attention,' she mused. Deciding that she had been staring at him long enough, Rukia pulled her eyes back to her desk and began to work silently.
After a few hours of diligently working on her homework, she felt a large hand gently tap her on the shoulder. Letting an audible yelp escape between her lips, she turned to see who had disturbed her unusually serene mentality. When she saw whom it was her breath caught in her throat.
Once he had her full attention, a strained smile crossed the boys face.
"Hey can I borrow a pen? Mine kinda ran out of ink." Ichigo said with a questioning look as he patiently waited for a response. He hated trying to be friendly to people.
While looking into his intense amber eyes, Rukia replied in a shaky voice.
"Ah s-sure." She stuttered, as she fumbled through her pencil case trying to find the desired item.
"H-here you go." She said while handing the object over to boy, taking great care to avoid his piercing gaze.
Seeming to notice how uncomfortable she was, Ichigo quickly grabbed the pen out of her grasp while sparing another quick glance at her face.
He was taken aback when his gaze traveled to her eyes. He hadn't noticed before that they were such a unique color. He almost found himself drowning in an ocean of dark violet before he was able to collect his thoughts and mutter a "thank you."
'That was strange,' Ichigo thought idly. Something about this girl made him want to know more about her. When he was looking into her eyes it was almost like he could see into her soul. He also noticed earlier how she was the only girl who wasn't drooling over her desk when he walked in. Maybe this was one person he might be able to talk to without wanting to jump off a cliff.
After letting out an amused chuckle, he opened his mouth, preparing to speak to the girl sitting next to him.
"What's your name?" He asked in a conversational tone.
'Huh, he wants to know my name?' Rukia was confused. Ichigo didn't look the kind of guy who would make small talk. Actually, if the fact that he hadn't talked to anyone besides her during that last two hours was any indicator, it looked like he tried wall himself off from everyone. 'I wonder why he's being so friendly to me.'
Figuring she would find out the answer to that question eventually anyway, she decided to make an effort and be friendly as well. Something about him made Rukia want to get to know more about him. Snapping out of her thoughts, Rukia turned to address him.
"Rukia Kuchiki." Stated the girl shyly.
Once she had finished speaking her name their conversation was interrupted as the bell rung signaling the start of lunch.
"Well, Rukia, I guess I'll see ya around." Ichigo breathed as he gathered his things and quickly made his way out the door, leaving Rukia to ponder what just happened.
'What the hell just happened?' Rukia, as if possible, was now even more confused. How could this guy make her transform into a totally different person with just one look. If it had been anyone else, she would have told whomever it was to get their own damn pen. When she looked into his eyes it was almost like she could see what he was thinking. They were like a window that peered into his mind. He was… interesting to say the least. Maybe I've found someone I can actually communicate with, without wanting to rip out their throat.
Yes, Rukia could be violent at times, but only when the situation called for it. Despite her size and appearance she was quite tough, she had put up with Renji for all these years. 'Augh.' Just the thought of the guy made her want to vomit. Today he had been quite aggressive. Usually he just teased her and made fun of her, that she could just ignore without retaliation. But molesting her in a hallway was not going to happen. Rukia cringed when she remembered the look he had in his eyes when she had hit him. The words he had breathed in a murderous tone echoed through her mind. 'I'll get you back for this bitch, you just wait.'
Rukia didn't know how he was going to get back at her and she didn't want to find out either. Grabbing her things she walked towards the door. 'No sense in dwelling on it,' she mused.
Steering her mind in another direction she wondered where Ichigo had went off to in such a rush. 'He almost looked panicked,' she laughed, walking out the door. To engrossed in her own thoughts, Rukia never noticed the large figure that loomed behind her.
Slumping over next to a large tree in the school courtyard, Ichigo struggled to catch his breath. He had barely escaped the mob of schoolgirls that had been chasing him down the hall. Luckily for him, the entire courtyard was left vacant because of the cold winter weather.
He let out a tired groan as he fell back against the tree and sat down; pulling out his bento he began to eat quietly in the tranquil space. At least he met one interesting person today.
'Rukia Kuchiki,' he thought idly. 'I wonder where she is.'
At first Ichigo thought she was probably somewhere inside eating with her friends, but then he started to wonder if she even had friends. She seemed to be a lot like him in the respect that she appeared to wall herself off from everyone. They had both just sat quietly in their seats working diligently all morning. He also found it quite strange how she had stuttered and spoke in an almost choked voice. She didn't look like the type of person to stumble over words, in fact, Rukia looked quite refined, although fairly short.
Realizing that the majority of his thoughts were centered on the girl he had just met, Ichigo decided to think about his current situation instead.
Karakura Town was definitely not where he wanted to be right now. Although he didn't have anywhere he wanted to be either, unless 'any where but here' was a place. It wasn't the town or the people that he didn't like; in fact he really liked this town a lot. The things that he hated were the memories that this place brought back. They weren't bad memories though, in fact the majority of them were good, it was just ever since 'that day,' they became too painful to think about.
Fighting the unshed tears that where brimming under his eyes, Ichigo began to pack up his unfinished lunch and head inside. Slowly making his way up onto his feet, he started walking towards the building.
He stopped abruptly when he heard a sharp cry of pain break through the cold winter air. His body was frozen. 'Why does that voice sound familiar?'
Rukia walked cheerfully down the hall. With no real destination she wandered aimlessly through the school. She couldn't remember the last time she felt this content, although she wasn't entirely sure why she felt this way begin with. Maybe it was because someone actually seemed to want to talk to her.
Most people saw Rukia as some condescending 'princess' who thought she was too good to associate with them; which of course wasn't true. She didn't think she was better than any of the students here just because her bank account was well endowed; she just had nothing to say to them.
Even when she did put the effort into being friendly, they all just ignored her, not wanting to be her 'slaves'. It's not like she was a very friendly person anyway. She wasn't sure if she was even capable of smiling anymore; ever since 'that day,' she lost all her reasons to smile.
Trying to quickly think of something else before she started to openly cry in the middle of the hall, her thoughts turned to the boy she had met this morning.
'Ichigo Kurosaki.' The name rolled off her tongue with ease. 'I wonder where he is.' She assumed that he didn't have any friends seeing as this was his first day here. 'Maybe he'll let me eat lunch with him.'
As Rukia was walking down the hall leading to the courtyard in her search for the orange-haired student, a hand reached out and grabbed her by the arm, violently dragging her out the door. When she got over the initial shock and was able to get a good look at her attacker, she stopped breathing.
Renji Abarai was staring down at her with a dark gleam in his eyes; he looked absolutely livid. After pulling her into a closed off corner of the courtyard, he spoke with so much venom dripping from his words Rukia thought he might grow a pair of fangs and develop a forked tongue.
"Did ya miss me?"
Rukia could not recall a time when she felt more frightened than she was right now. She didn't know what he wanted and she wasn't planning on hanging around long enough to find out. She needed to leave; now.
"Let go." Rukia pleaded as she struggled to break free from his grasp. He was gripping her arm so tight it felt like it would snap in half.
Renji let out a deep chuckle. "What would be the fun in that? You didn't think I'd just let you get away with hitting me like that did you?"
Moving his free hand, he went to grab Rukia's bento that she had been holding and threw it against the dirt; it's contents becoming strewn across the ground. Then, reaching his hand behind her head, he grabbed her tightly by the hair.
"I think it's about time I taught you a lesson."
Without another word Renji yanked the girl up, suspending her from her hair for a few seconds. Rukia let out a high-pitched scream. It felt like half of her hair had been ripped from her head.
Fighting back tears she attempted to break free once again, aiming a kick directly at his man hood. Unfortunately for her, he had anticipated this and caught her foot with the hand that had been gripping her arm, leaving his other hand wrapped tightly in her hair.
"I thought that would have taught you a lesson about fighting back." Renji scoffed. "Apparently I'll have to use other methods to help you understand."
Pinning Rukia against the wall, Renji's face formed a wicked smile. As his hand slowly traveled up her thigh she couldn't stop the tears from falling.
Just when she thought this would become the worst day of her life, a heavy masculine voice broke through the silence.
"Oi, what the fuck do you think you're doing."
Looking directly at the orange-haired student who had just arrived, Rukia spoke in a choked voice.
"Ichigo." She breathed. "Get out of here." This was not good. Renji was the type of guy who would beat the crap out of someone just for looking at him the wrong way. Rukia didn't need him to help her, not if it meant that he would end up in a hospital bed.
"Run before he decides hurt you too."
"Like hell I will." Ichigo seethed. "Who the hell are you?" He spat, addressing Renji. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Was this guy trying to molest her? Was she… crying?
"Renji Abarai." Came the reply. "I haven't seen you around before. You got a name fruit-head?"
If looks could kill, Renji would be six feet under ground at the moment. Ichigo was wearing one of the deadliest expressions Rukia has ever seen. He looked like he was ready to commit first-degree murder.
"Yeah I got a name." The boy stated in a thick voice, laced with resolve. "I'm the guy whose gonna kick the shit outta you."
Before Renji could react, Ichigo lunged at him, forcing him to let go of Rukia in-order to dodge. He breathed a sigh of relief, Rukia was safe, but he wasn't done yet, not even close.
As Renji was stumbling backwards away from him, Ichigo seized the opportunity and planted a fist directly into his nose. A satisfying 'crunch' was heard as the recipient howled in pain.
"AHHH, you fucking bastard, you broke my nose." Renji yelled at an ear-shattering volume. If Rukia thought he looked angry before, right now, he looked furious.
"Duh, that was the point." Ichigo replied coolly as he cracked his knuckles staring down at his opponent. He had no idea what this guy was about to do to Rukia, but whatever it was, he was going to make sure it wouldn't be physically possible for him to try it again. Who did this guy think he was?
"You're going to pay for that!" Exclaimed Renji as he made his way back onto his feet. Pinning Ichigo with a deadly gaze he spoke in a harsh voice. "You better watch out, if your not careful, I just might end up killing you by mistake."
As he said the last few words, Renji began to charge at Ichigo while holding up his fist. He looked like he was ready to pummel the orange-haired boy into dust.
Yawning in boredom, Ichigo skillfully ducked under his blow, landing a strike of his own into the attackers kidney. Renji winced in pain as he was pushed backwards and landed flat on his ass in a pile of dirt. He refused to believe that this… this… punk, had just kicked the 'shit' out of him, literally.
Ichigo wanted to laugh so hard that it hurt. He had punched him so hard it caused him to shit his pants, 'I told you I'd kick the shit out of you.' He inwardly chuckled, 'what a fuck up.'
After Renji was able to collect himself and get off the ground. He made his way towards the door in-order to go inside and clean himself up. He had never felt more humiliated in his life. Before the door closed behind him, Renji spoke in as threatening a voice as he could muster. "This isn't over." Ichigo couldn't agree more.
Figuring he wouldn't be seeing the red-headed buffoon any time soon, Ichigo turn his attention the girl standing next to him. As his gaze slowly traveled over to where said person was standing, he asked. "Are you okay?" Seconds later, he felt a sharp pain course through his right shin. As he keeled over in distress, a feminine voice broke through his pained cries.
"Idiot, I didn't need your help, I could have handled it myself." Ichigo stared at the mini she-devil standing in front of him with an expression of utter shock. How could someone her size kick so hard? And was she getting mad at him for helping her? What the hell?
"It sure didn't look like it from where I was standing, unless you wanted to be molested." Ichigo said, with confusion evident in his voice. "Is that any way to thank someone?"
"What, of course I didn't want to get molested." Rukia screeched. "I just don't want to drag other people into a mess that I started, then watch them get hurt because of me." She said with her voice slowly decreasing in volume with each word. Finishing in a whisper, Rukia's facial expression changed from one of anger to one of sorrow.
'So that's it,' Ichigo thought, his face morphing from a look of confusion, into one of understanding. 'She just doesn't want anyone to get hurt because of her.'
Noticing the look of vulnerability that crossed her face, he thought it was probably best to end the argument there, although he didn't agree with her reasoning.
The silence that had surrounded them like a dense fog was broken by a hungry growl coming from Rukia's stomach. Said girl quickly turned away as a look of embarrassment crawled up her face.
Seeing the remnants of what Ichigo thought used to be the girls lunch laying in the dirt, he picked up his bento from where it had been placed before he fought Renji, and shoved it in front of Rukia who in-turn started blinking at the object in confusion.
"Take it." Ichigo said as he handed the box over. "I'm not hungry." Slowly walking back towards the tree in the center of the courtyard, Ichigo turned back to stare at the girl who hadn't moved an inch.
"Come on, there's still some time left before lunch is over, you should eat something," he stated matter-o-factly while motioning for her to follow. "I won't bite." He teased as he turned to continue walking.
"Fine." Replied Rukia in a defeated tone. As she turned to follow the bright head of orange who was now several yards in front of her, she couldn't help but think about how lucky she was that he had shown up. Just thinking about what could have happened made her skin crawl. She hated to admit it, but she now owed a debt to the boy.
Walking over to where Ichigo was sitting against a large tree, Rukia quietly sat and pulled out the lunch that he so graciously gave her. Staring down at the food, she spoke to man next to her.
"Thank you." The words were said in such a hushed voice that Ichigo barely heard her speak. Once she had finished, a ghost of a smile appeared on his face.
"You have nothing to thank me for." Ichigo replied in a soft voice.
"Did you just expect me to sit there and watch while an innocent girl gets attacked right in front of me. Those kinds of guys make me sick; I hate people who think they can exploit someone just because they're stronger than them. In the end, strength means nothing if you don't have a righteous cause to fight for. Besides, I still owed you for the pen I borrowed, consider us even."
Rukia was left speechless. This guy, who didn't really look all that intelligent, in fact he looked more like an idiot, sure was able to speak quite competently. 'Was he actually… smart?' And did he just say that, because she had given him a pen, she didn't owe him anything for saving her. 'What the hell?'
"You're telling me that you beat the shit out of someone for me, because I gave you a pen. Don't you realize that you could have gotten hurt?"
"That's not what I said… I just don't want you to think that you owe me anything." Ichigo replied in a serious voice.
"And about the part were I could have gotten hurt, that guy couldn't have even touched me. He may be big, but he has zero fighting skill. Not unlike other people I've had to 'deal with'."
"You make it sound like getting into fights is a daily occurrence for you." She joked, not expecting a serious answer.
Ichigo let out a deep sigh, "Yeah… it is. It doesn't matter where I go or what I do, I always tend to attract a lot of attention because of my hair color. All the punks think that I'm copying their 'style', so they threaten me, saying they'll 'beat me up' if I don't 'fix it'." He began to chuckle lightly.
"Then, when they come up to me with their gang to try and 'rough me up,' I beat the snot out of them." He stated with a satisfied smirk.
Rukia looked shocked. "That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. What kind of people would beat someone up just for having the same hair color as them?" She couldn't imagine what it would be like to constantly have a target painted on her head. How can he look so calm while talking about it?
"Isn't it kinda scary having so many people want to fight you? How come you never just listened to them and dyed your hair black?"
Ichigo wanted to laugh at how outraged Rukia seemed to be about this. She looked like she was about to storm off and give these punks a piece of her mind.
"It's not really a big deal." He stated casually. "After a while I just got used to it. I'm not the type of person that would walk away from a fight, but I also don't set out to find them." He said, as if contemplating something.
"As for not dying my hair; I don't give a damn about what other people think, so there's no point in doing what they tell me."
"I suppose that makes sense." Rukia said, while giving him a sympathetic look. Thinking it probably wasn't something he wanted to talk about anymore, she decided to change the subject.
"You sure did a number on Renji." She stated, her expression quickly changing from one of sympathy to one of humor. As she remembered what had happened, Rukia burst out laughing. A few seconds later, Ichigo did the same.
After their laughing-fit had subsided, Ichigo spoke confidently.
"Yeah, I guess I did." He replied while still chuckling lightly. He hadn't laughed like that in a while. It felt good. He couldn't remember the last time he felt this content. It was as if the girl next to him completed a part of his life that had been missing, up till now.
"I don't think we'll be seeing him around anytime soon. He's probably too humiliated to ever show his face here again."
Stilling trying to steady her breathing from laughing so hard, Rukia replied in a shaky voice.
"I sure hope I never see 'it' again." She spat, putting emphasis on the 'it'. It really felt good to laugh like that. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt this carefree. This boy's presence seemed to be able to take away all of her worries. It felt as if there was a protective aura surrounding her. Like just being near him made you 'safe'.
Once the sounds of soft laughter had ceased, a comfortable silence enveloped the two students. After a couple of peaceful minutes passed by, the sounding of the bell interrupted their moment of Zen.
Standing up slowly, Ichigo was the first to speak.
"We should get back to class." He stated flatly. A part of him wished could just sit there with Rukia all day, but it wouldn't exactly leave a good impression if he skipped his first day of school. He didn't really think she would want to skip anyway.
Turning towards said girl, he held out his hand for her to grab, in-order to pull her up.
Grabbing the hand that was graciously offered to her, Rukia spoke just as unenthusiastically as him.
"Yeah, I suppose we should." She replied halfheartedly, as Ichigo gently pulled her to her feet. 'So he knows how to be a gentlemen.' She mused. It seemed that with every minute that passed in his company, Ichigo got more and more interesting. She really enjoyed spending time with him.
As the two students walked through the door entering the building, they let out a collective groan. Why did they have to make school so boring?
As the final bell rung, signaling that everyone should be back in his or her respective class. Ichigo and Rukia walked in side by side and quickly took their seats.
Turning their heads to the front of the room, they waited patiently for the teacher to begin.
"Alright class." The teacher started. "Bring out your math books and turn to page two-hundred and thirty-two. Today we're going to be reviewing for our test that I've decided is going to be held tomorrow morning." She beamed, with what appeared to be an evil glint in her eyes.
In return the entire class let out a collective groan of disappointment. They were not exactly happy about this new development.
Rukia sighed, she hated math. Despite being fairly smart, she never really understood it. 'When in my life will I ever need to find the imaginary roots of a parabola? This shit is useless.'
Thinking it would be a better use of her time to study the material instead of dwelling on how useless it was. Rukia opened her book and picked a random question to try and solve, the key word being 'try'.
After a few failed attempts, a very flustered Rukia peered at the paper in front of the boy sitting next to her. Ichigo was busy quickly working through the questions as if they were the simplest things in the world. In fact, it looked like he was almost done. 'I guess he really is smart,' she mused. 'I wonder if he'd consider helping me.'
Tapping him lightly on the shoulder, Rukia spoke in a questioning voice as he turned to look at her.
"Hey, you look really good at that. Do you think you might be able to help me? I really suck at this stuff." She stated flatly while giving him a hopeful look.
Turning to face her fully, Ichigo replied with a smirk. "What if I said no?" He teased, as he almost burst out laughing at the pouting expression on Rukia's face. She looked like a little kid who was just denied candy.
"Fine, don't help me, I don't care. I didn't need your help anyway." She snapped as she turned away and tried the question on her own again. As she once again got the wrong answer, Rukia slumped over in her seat and let out a depressed sigh.
Eyeing the pitiful state that the girl next to him seemed to be in, Ichigo snatched her notebook off her desk and began solving the problem. Quickly finishing it, he handed it back with the correct answer written down.
"You forgot the x2 value when you divided it, if there isn't one in the equation you add it in as a zero." He stated matter-o-factly.
Staring blankly at the work that was neatly written on the page, Rukia moved her gaze to the orange-haired student.
"I thought you said you weren't going to help me." She scoffed, while giving him a thankful look.
"I never said I wouldn't help you idiot, I only asked what you would do if I said no." Wow, she sure could be dense at times. He chuckled lightly, not unlike him.
"Whatever." Rukia replied. Her nose buried in her textbook. "If that's the case then I'll be sure to bug you with every single question I have." An evil smirk appearing on her face, she doubted Ichigo would want to help her after discovering just how much she still needed to learn.
Ichigo stared blankly at the girl as if un-phased by her snide remark.
"Fire away." He said with a confident smirk plastered on his face.
Somehow he got the feeling that he would be spending the rest of the day helping Rukia, and for some odd reason, he didn't mind it one bit. He couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was, but something about this girl drew him towards her. Being around her, just felt… right.
Eyeing the weather conditions outside, Rukia couldn't help but slump over in defeat. School had just ended and there was currently a snowstorm outside. It also occurred, that by sheer happenstance she forgot her jacket this morning. To make things even worse, the short skirt that was part of her uniform was not exactly what one would call 'warm'. 'How the hell am I going to get home without freezing to death?' She was having a really good day before 'this' happened.
Figuring it would be worth risking hypothermia to escape, rather than be trapped at school; she swiftly made her way to the front exit. As she was about to open said door, Rukia felt a large hand gently grip her by the shoulder, preventing her from moving forward.
"You shouldn't go out there without warmer clothes, you'll catch a cold." Came the concerned voice of one Ichigo Kurosaki, as he gently wrapped a large sweater around her.
Turning to face him fully, Rukia replied in a soft voice. "What's this?" She asked while raising her eyebrow questioningly.
Gazing down at her with an expression akin to confusion, Ichigo replied with sarcasm evident in his tone.
"This," he said while pointing to the garment draped over her shoulders, "Is called a jacket. Generally worn outside by people in cold weather, it keeps them warm and prevents them from freezing to death. It would do you some good to try wearing one once in awhile. Although it might be hard to find one in your size, I don't think they make them small enough for midgets."
Glaring at the orange-haired boy with flushed cheeks, Rukia spoke through gritted teeth.
"I know what it is dimwit. What I meant to say was; why are you giving it to me?"
Turning her body so she was facing him at a slight angle, she brought her foot mercilessly down upon his shin.
"And don't call me a midget!"
"OWW, WHAT THE FUCK!" Ichigo screamed, as he bent down to grab his left shin that was now in considerable pain. If he thought she'd kicked him hard before, it was nothing compared to what he felt now. 'Holy shit, it feels like I just got hit by a bus.'
"I take it, kicking people in the shins is how you say thank you." He said with a bit of humor in his voice. "It would also do you some good to learn proper manners." He teased.
Figuring he was probably right, but not wanting to admit it, Rukia decided to change the subject.
"So why are you giving it to me? What are you going to wear?" He was currently wearing only a thin sweater over his uniform to protect himself from the cold. "I don't want to take it if it means you'll freeze to death instead."
Ichigo started to chuckle lightly. The short raven-haired girl, who had just physically assaulted him in the hallway, was concerned about his health. How ironic.
"Don't worry about it, I'll be fine." He assured her with a confident smirk.
"Shall we go?" He asked while holding the door open for her.
"Yeah." Rukia replied softly, as she walked through the door and entered the onslaught of frigid wind and snow, Ichigo quickly following behind her.
"You warm enough?" he asked, while eyeing the girl next to him. Rukia had her hands tucked tightly under her arms, and her face buried in the collar of his sweater as if she was trying to squeeze extra warmth from the fabric.
Walking through the school gate, Rukia turned to look at the shivering orange lump beside her.
"I'm fine, you should worry more about yourself. You're shaking more than a terrified little girl who just finished watching a horror movie."
Ichigo let out a dry laugh. "Very funny." He replied in a sarcastic manner. "Thanks for your concern, but I think I'll be just fine."
After they had been walking for several minutes, Ichigo heard Rukia's voice break through the dying wind.
"Why are you following me? Don't you have to be home soon?" She asked, as they began traveling down an alleyway leading into a secluded neighborhood. She didn't know of any students who lived there besides her, and he certainly didn't look like the type of person whose family would live in such a lavish area. Where the hell was he going?
"I'm not following you, I just happen to live in the same direction as you. And as a matter of fact I do have to be home soon." Ichigo responded, while looking up at the sky.
The worst of the storm had subsided a few minutes ago and it was now snowing lightly, the tiny crystals glistening in the sunlight as they fell.
Ignoring what he was saying, Rukia turned her head to the sky as she avidly watched the snowflakes fall to the ground. "I love the snow." She said idly as she stopped walking and stuck her hand out, letting the white powder land gracefully upon it.
Her moment of tranquility was swiftly ended as a large snowball came in contact with her rear.
Rukia let out a surprised yelp as she jumped into the air and turned to face a chuckling Ichigo who was already preparing another snowy projectile.
Her eyes widening in realization of what was to come, Rukia quickly ducked behind a snow bank, avoiding the clump of snow as it flew overhead. Peeking over the crest of the small embankment, she aimed a snowball of her own at the head of orange. As the snow came into contact with his forehead, she couldn't help but giggle a little bit at the pouting expression on his face.
"I'll get you back for that." He stated playfully as he dashed behind a parked car and quickly grabbed some snow off of the hood to create more ammunition.
"We'll see." Rukia replied. Her tone giving away the fact that she did not intend to let it happen.
As she began to send balls of snow flying at the car he was hiding behind. Ichigo dove out and sent out a deadly accurate shot aimed at her face, as several of her own bounced off his chest. Hitting its mark dead on, the flying mound of snow exploded on impact, leaving a very flustered Rukia in its wake.
As Ichigo completed his heroic dive with a face full of snow, Rukia couldn't help but laugh at his pitiful form as his body parts lay strewn across the ground. When said boy looked up to see the expression on the snow-covered face of the girl next to him, he also began to laugh lightly.
Their laughing was brought to an abrupt stop, as a loud scream broke through the frigid air. Ichigo couldn't believe what he was hearing. This was the second time today that he had heard someone scream in pain. And just like the first time, he recognized the voice.