Character(s): Ichigo Kurosaki, Rukia Kuchiki

She looked like an angel of night lying there amongst his white sheets. Her black hair splayed out and her eyes like the final moments of sundown, a blend of purple and blue that was truly something to behold.

There was a soft smile painted onto her face and one of her delicate hands reached out, fingers stretching to reach him, and he obliged, crawling onto the bed beside her and taking that thin outstretched arm, kissing the back of her pale hand and down the limb before kissing her cheek. Her gentle smile grew, arms lazily wrapping around him and head tucking under his chin. Of course, if he ever mentioned she acted this way behind closed doors she would deny it, likely with a well placed punch or kick somewhere on his body.

He would never tell anyone, though, when she was like this, it was for him and him alone, and he wouldn't risk it.

Rukia's soft hand made its way up his side and to his cheek and rested there, her beautiful eyes staring into him.

When she did this his heart always skipped a beat, looking into her eyes was like looking into a universe or the milky way, so beautiful yet so otherworldly.

He took her hand in his and held it there, smiling for a few moments before the corners of his lips tilted down ever so slightly. She caught this, but before she could ask anything or say anything his strong arm had her pressed against his chest, his face buried in her soft hair. Her fist collided with his chest in a weak punch, she didn't want to hurt him. As he looked down she stared up, pulling from his grasp and sitting straight in the bed. The sleep was gone from her eyes and now mixed with concern.

"Ichigo?" Her petite hand rested on his forehead, "Are you alright?"

He wanted to chuckle but merely smiled once more, sitting up and hugging her.

"I'm alright, just thinking." He spoke softly, spoke quietly as if someone were asleep in the room with them.

A gentle punch was delivered to the side of his face and he rubbed his cheek.

Her voice was teasing, "I wasn't sure if you could do that."

Annoyance flickered in his eyes and he hugged her tighter to him, ruffling her hair before kissing her forehead.

"I was thinking about the day we met." Like a fish in a net she was caught and merely stared at him. "And I guess after all this time I wonder, why did you save me back then?"

She was silent and he continued. "I know it's your job as a Soul-reaper, but you knew it could get you executed so why-"

"Because of Kaien." Her voice was sharp and edged in sadness, her eyes turned away and her arms crossed.

"..." He was silent for several moments, arms gently pulling her closer. "Because I look like him?"

She laughed, it was a pained laugh, a harsh and sad laugh, and yet still amused. Rukia shook her head, soft dark strands flying around and landing in odd places on her head.

"I didn't save you because you looked like Kaien."

Confusion crossed his eyes, but he said nothing and waited.

"I saved you… I saved you because it's what Kaien would have done."

He stared at her.

"Had it been Kaien there and not me, I'm sure he would have done the same thing."

She rested against him, head on his chest. "Now go to bed, you still have school in the morning."

He fell back on the bed, pulling her with him, "Whatever, you're my girlfriend not my mom, you don't need to n-" Her hand was over his mouth hushing and muffling his words.

"Sleep." She hissed out.

With a roll of his eyes he pulled the blankets over them both and rolled them over so he was on his side and she fell off of him. He ignored the glare she shot him and used a single arm to hold her. He placed a soft kiss on her temple before whispering, "I'm sure he's proud of you, Rukia."

"Go to sleep." She said again, but the smile was clear in her voice. Once more she tucked herself under his chin and shut her eyes, her arms encircling Ichigo, her hold on him tight.

His hand was on the back of her head, fingers entangled with her black strands, and he felt closer to the girl in his arms, closer than he had even moments before. How do I keep falling deeper and deeper in love with you, Rukia?

Chapter 2 Character(s): Gin Ichimaru, Byakuya Kuchiki.

Chapter 3 Character(s): Byakuya Kuchiki, Gin Ichimaru.

Chapter 4 Character(s): Ichigo Kurosaki, Rukia Kuchiki.

Chapter 5 Character(s): Grimmjow Jeagerjaques.

Chapter 6 Character(s): Gin Ichimaru, Sosuke Aizen.