Where there are words

Growing up, Kuchiki Rukia went through hardships and struggles that even some adults older than her have not experienced in their entire lifetime. Raised in a respectable and elite family, she was taught to face her problems with wisdom, grace and courage. She was not taught to cower, shy away or run. So it was very uncharacteristic for her to go running down the street aimlessly in the pouring rain. Although, during a bleak late November afternoon, she did exactly that.

One week before running away

"Rukia. Oi, midget! Wake up!"

Startled, Rukia jumped and hit her elbow against the wall of Ichigo's cabinet. She gritted her teeth as she massaged her arm, all the while listening to Ichigo as he pounded his fist against the cabinet door.

"I'm awake, you moron! Quit knocking"

"Sheesh, what's got you so crotchety?" came Ichigo's muffled retort.

"In case you haven't noticed, your cabinet's a pretty confined space to be in. Every knock sounds like a war horn inside here."

"Well, if you don't want me to make noise, then you'd better get you butt out of there. We're going to be late for school." Before leaving for the bathroom, Ichigo added a couple more knocks, just to piss Rukia off.

He's a teenager, Rukia. A teenager with no brains and all testosterone. Don't lose it.

Living with the Kurosaki's was definitely a change for Rukia, who grew up with the prim and proper Kuchiki's. The boisterous and fun-loving family was strange, indeed, but to Rukia, they were nothing short of a perfect, loving family. Despite the air-kicks and constant bickering, Rukia knew that Ichigo and his father had great respect for each other. And the way that Yuzu and Karin carried themselves as young ladies showed how well Isshin raised his daughters.

Ichigo was another story.

He was stubborn, impulsive and an aggressive delinquent. He kept to himself and rarely talked. If he ever did open his mouth, it was to mercilessly tease Rukia with a snide comment about her height. He settled disputes with his fist instead of being diplomatic. And his hair was a shocking color of orange. Even until now, Rukia couldn't look at it without wondering where the hell in the genetic pool he got it from.

And yet, all his flaws were constantly outshined by his better qualities. He was selfless, trustworthy and loyal. He treated people fairly and never without prejudice. He always took the blame upon himself, even if he had no fault, just to find an excuse to help people. And almost always, he willingly puts his life on the line for the safety of others.

Sometimes, Rukia forgot how young Ichigo really was. He was a mere teenager. Yet, he had already saved countless of lives. Especially hers. She'd lost count of all the times he's risked his life for her. No matter how much she told him, reminded him and berated him that she could handle herself, he always looked out for her and fought for her when she fell down. He was her hero in every way.

Perhaps, it is because of this that she had developed feelings for him.

"Yo, Kuchiki, what's eating you?"

Ichigo's voice snapped Rukia out of her trance. They were walking to school, and in the presence of comfortable silence, she allowed herself to drown in her own private thoughts.

"Nothing," she answered.

Ichigo looked at her, eyebrow raised. "If you're still pissed about the cabinet thing, then I'm sorry. I'll knock more gently next time."

"Really?" Rukia asked, touched by Ichigo's thoughtfulness.

"Pfftt..no."

Aaaaaaannd good feeling's gone. Rukia gave Ichigo a kick on the shin.

"Ow! Can you stop being so damn aggressive?" Ichigo cried out, holding his injured leg, "you know, if I was given candy for every time you inflicted pain on me, I would have had diabetes from the day we first met."

"And if I grew half an inch for every time you teased me, I would be twice your size right now!"

Ichigo looked himself up and down. "Gee, that little? I've been soft on you, shorty. I should bring out the insults more often."

Upon arriving at school, Orihime gasped when she saw Ichigo with a black eye.

"I ran into a rabid rabbit," was all Ichigo answered when she asked what happened.

Hello reader,

I greatly appreciate you spending a few minutes of your life reading my fanfic. Boo you...ah...i mean...thank you.

do leave some comments, reviews, or suggestions. and remember, if you ever do want to swear, do it comics style. ( #$%!)