Rukia stirred, something seemed odd seemed to linger about, but there seemed to be no problems in Ichigo's house. She sleepily tip toed from the closet to the bedroom door to get some water as she herd Ichigo softly snoring; she couldn't help but smile. He looked so peaceful there, which was rare for them both. She continued to the kitchen and turned on the faucet.
Rukia turned to get a glass when she herd a thump from upstairs. She gulped down the water and set the cup aside as she quietly scurried back to the room. Though it didn't seem particularly dangerous, there was an ominous feeling that hovered over her.
She quietly opened the door to see Ichigo, before so peaceful, now writhing in agony on his bed. Rukia rushed to him but before she could try to help him his eyes opened to reveal the blackest shade with a golden iris. He looked directly at her and she was struck with fear.
She stood motionless looking directly into his eyes, paralyzed. He stared back with intensity, and then smiled maniacally back at her. His laugh chilled her to the core, but the cackle was cut off with a choking gasp.
Ichigo's eyes rolled back in his head and his back arched. He let out a cry before his shoulders fell to the bed again. He was in a cold sweat and his breathing got heavy. Rukia's trance was broken and she touched Ichigo's face tentatively. This startled him and he quickly pushed himself against the wall, obviously confused.
"Rukia. What's the matter?"
Her eyes widened, "Ichigo…You, don't remember anything? Was it just a bad dream, or, something more."
He tried to relax, but she noticed he was still sweating and his hands were shaking.
"Oh, yeah." he sighed, putting his hand to his face, "I was just arguing with, my other self. He bothers me when I sleep because it's easier to stay there longer, I suppose" he paused "Wait, how did you know?"
"I just had a feeling."
Ichigo felt an awkward silence coming on, and didn't feel like dealing with it.
"Well, goodnight then Rukia."
Rukia jumped back into the closet "Goodnight, Ichigo."
Ichigo herd Rukia's soft, rhythmic breathing through the closet doors and knew she was asleep. He couldn't stop thinking about the Hollow inside him. Everyday Ichigo grew stronger, but with that, so did his Hollow. Each visit to his inner world the Hollow became harder and harder to suppress. He feared someday soon the Hollow would take over for good.
With all this heavy thinking, his eyelids began to flutter and he realized how tired he had become.
"I'll just have to figure this out as it comes I guess." He whispered to himself as he began to doze off.
A hiss came from inside his mind in a threatening tone.
The king should enjoy his throne while he can, 'cause it will be mine sooner than yah think.
Ichigo awoke to Rukia nudging him on the head; with her shoe.
"What the hell are you doing midget?!" Ichigo asked in an irritated tone.
"I'm trying to wake you up, you're going to make us late for school."
Ichigo grabbed his alarm clock and looked at the time.
He threw the clock and began to undress, "HOLYSHIT! It's already 8:20! Why didn't you wake me up sooner?! I need my shirt…That ones dirty. . . Socksshoespants. Pants. Pants! WHERE'S MY SCHOOL PANTS?!"
Ichigo was silenced by Rukia's finger gently placed over his lips.
"Shut. Up." She threw a clean pair of clothes at him and quickly turned on her heel before he could see her blush. He quickly covered himself once he realized he was only in his boxers, his face a strawberry red.
This wasn't the first time she'd seen him change accidentally, but it was always an equally embarrassing experience. She waited out the window for him to finish. Though it probably wasn't a big deal, the incident last night was unsettling to her. Something had seemed different, but she couldn't put her finger on it.
A voice came from behind her that startled her,
"Hey, ready to leave space cadet?"
"Ichigo! How many times have I told you not to scare me like that you fool!"
"Yeah? And what're you gonna do about it, huh midget?" He stooped to her level to meet her eye to eye. She was infuriated, but before she could retort, he tapped her on the nose and smiled at her.
" You know I'm only kidding. " He postured and began to stroll down the street, whistling to himself like there wasn't a care in the world.
'Why's he so happy?' She though to herself. It seemed so odd, but she figured she wouldn't inquire unless necessary. She jogged until she had caught up with him and they walked to school side by side.
School went by like normal, during 5th period, Rukia and Uryu worked on an assignment together.
"So Rukia" Uryu asked, "What's going on with Ichigo today. He's acting a bit strange."
"I know what you mean. I don't have a clue as to why though." She stared off.
'Why is he so cheery all of a sudden?' Rukia thought to herself. 'And it's odd with that incident last night. Why didn't he remember like he normally does. Well, maybe it's just me looking too deeply into it…'
Suddenly the classroom door burst open, it was Orihime and Chad.
"What's the meaning of this interruption? " The teacher shouted.
"Rukia Kuchiki and Uryu Ishida are needed in the Nurse's office right away." Orihime said out of breath.
Rukia and Uryu arose and bolted out the door before the teacher could properly dismiss them.
'Ichigo' Rukia thought, 'what could've happened to you now?'
When they got to the nurse's office, they saw Ichigo contorting on the floor. He was sweating and clenching his teeth. The nurse looked terrified and was pressed against the wall.
"Ichigo!" Orihime shouted running towards him with concern in her eyes.
"Get away from me!" he snarled and pushed her away. Orihime looked hurt and scooted away from him; Uryu rushed to her to help her on her feet. Rukia's soul pager went off with wild beeping.
The second the nurse had a chance, she ran from the room.
"There must be a hollow near," Uryu inserted, "but I didn't sense anything until just now."
The room exploded with Ichigo's agonized cries. Abruptly, he stopped, and slumped to the floor as if unconscious. There was utter silence in the room until Chad was brave enough to step to Ichigo's side to try and wake him. Before Chad could even touch him, Ichigo's eyes shot open and he kicked Chad across the room. Chad flew and hit the wall, Ichigo began to laugh and his eyes-black as night- darted around the room.
Before Uryu could even move, Ichigo grabbed his face and pushed him off balance. Orihime tried to run over to Uuryu, but before she could even react, Ichigo grabbed her by the shirt and tossed her onto Uryu, knocking them both down.
He turned and began to walk over to Rukia, who was frozen with fear.
Rukia could only stare. He had taken them all down so fast, and yet he was moving to her so slowly. The seconds seemed like hours, and he was staring directly at her, only smiling.
'You have to move' she told herself, 'Just move and fight him'
Her legs wouldn't budge.
"Ichigo! You need to fight this"
He was right in front of her now, he gazed at her, still smiling.
"Ichigo, is a fool. He is too weak to suppress me anymore."
He was only inches from her as she held her breath. She tensed, ready for impact, but she only felt his hand on her face.
"How dare you touch me Hollow" she said, insulted.
He looked surprised, but then tightened his hold on her.
"You… are one of the reasons I exist. I guess I should thank you."
His grip tightened, "But you're also the one the King protects most. He thinks about you, and I can't have anything in the way, 'cause I'd kinda like having this body."
His grip on her only got tighter. She tried to struggle but he was too strong. She only had one idea, she'd seen it in a movie once and though it appalled her, she couldn't think of anything else.
She pushed herself forward and kissed him.
His black and golden eyes got wide as if to resist, he was about to pull away until he herd Ichigo's voice yell at him from within.
Get away from her!
The Hollow decided to let himself enjoy it, just to spite the king. He closed his eyes and kissed her back. Her lips where soft and sweet, he wanted to taste more. He slid his tongue inside her mouth forcefully. She allowed him to and returned the favor. They finally pulled away from one another.
He looked at her, smiling smugly, yet also amazed. She smiled back at him, then stood on her toes to whisper in his ear,
"Stupid Hollow."
The Hollow looked confused and before he knew it, his eyes rolled back in his head and the body fell to the floor. Chad had emerged behind him to catch him.
"I hope, Ichigo forgives me for punching him," Chad said, remorseful.
"I'm sure he'll understand Chad, lets just hope it's Ichigo when he wakes up."
Everyone stared at Rukia as her face got red.
"Come on guys lets go to Urahara's, we'll make up an excuse for school later."
They walked in silence with Ichigo's body.
Orihime was the first to break the silence.
"What was it like Rukia? To kiss him?"
"I just did what I thought would work, it was nothing, we should drop it."
"How long did that take to plan?" Uryu snickered.
Even Chad couldn't help but chuckle under his breath.
Rukia was embarrassed, but she couldn't help but feel kind of excited about what she'd done. How would she explain it to Ichigo though? Perhaps Ichigo wouldn't remember it, like the night before. She could only hope. It was too much to think about at the moment. The silence among them resumed.
They made it to Urahara's. Ichigo began to move, "Uhhgh"
"Stay still Ichigo" Orihime cooed.
"You're probably going to hurt for a bit, you might want to rest" Uryu said.
"I'm sorry Ichigo." Chad apologized.
"It's alright Chad. I'll be fine, my head is just killing me" Ichigo touched the back of his head and cringed at the pain. "I think I can stand now, thanks." He licked his lips. "It tastes like. . ."
"R-Rukia!" he pointed at her, "You-YouYouYou KISSED ME!"
Rukia looked shocked, "N-No I…I don't know WHAT you're talking about, we're dropping this now!"
"Then HOW COME I taste Chappy The Bunny Chapstick?!"
Rukia walked inside without looking back, her face was too red.
Uryu was the one to ask it.
"How do you know what Chappy The Bunny Chapstick tastes like?"
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How do you like it so far? I have a rough idea for Chapter II, but any suggestions and ideas are welcome, as are Constructive criticisms. This is my first fic, so I would really like to know anything I could improve on, or if some things seemed out of character with the way I wrote it. Thanks so much for reading and hope to see some reviews.