OPrincess ShinigamiO here! Okay, so I'm totally in the mood for IchiRuki right now. I have to thank the DB forum for all the posts that inspired me to look back and remember all the significant moments (and eyesmex) IchiRuki spent. And after watching Memories In The Rain again, this story idea wouldn't leave my mind. So to start, here's the prologue of my new IchiRuki fic! I hope you enjoy and please leave a review to tell me what you think! And please forgive me if some characters might end up OOC or aloof. Of course, suggestions and prompts are also very welcome since I could blank out a lot when I write the next months' chapters! (^_^)v

Disclaimer: I say this for the whole fic, I do not own Bleach, its characters and all. They all belong to Tite Kubo who seriously needs to spoil us with a new IchiRuki-filled chapter/calendar/artwork

Kurosaki For A Year

…..

January (The Prologue)

…

It happened a week after the New Years'.

The Quincies were too strong. Ichigo was struggling just to survive. Everyone was, but we all knew that all our chances of winning depended on the substitute shinigami.

And he was struggling, struggling so hard, it was so difficult for me to watch. But I had to keep my head up high, to keep his hopes up. But even mere words of wisdom alone could not keep us safe from the wrath of the vengeful Quincies.

And then, his father came.

He decided to train Ichigo once more, but of course with the incredibly short amount of time given, this doesn't come out without an exchange of great cost. Not with Ichigo's spiritual powers this time. It was Isshin.

The war ended there and then.

And so did Isshin Shiba, no, Isshin Kurosaki's life.

I didn't know whether watching Ichigo suffer against the Quincies during the war or losing another parent right before his eyes once again was harder.

But what I did know for sure was that it was a giant, painful hit on the gut for him, worse than his pride being stampeded on.

I watched him pound the ground with so much anger and remorse, screaming in agony and crying his heart out as his father's lifeless body lay ahead of him. Nobody dared to come closer. Everyone just watched their savior with a heavy heart.

It was raining too hard that day.

A ceremony was held for all those who died during the final war. Yuzu and Karin were allowed for once to enter Soul Society, as Ichigo and I explained to them everything about the Spirit World and painfully how their father died with great honor. For all our sakes.

Yuzu couldn't stop crying for a whole week. Karin tried holding her tears back, even running away from home once just to keep her head cool. But in the end, even the tougher twin couldn't help breaking down in hysterics as the stupid yet wise father they once abused and loved at the same time died for good.

After the ceremony, Ichigo and the twins brought their father's body back to the Living World. Isshin Kurosaki's body was laid beside his wife, Masaki.

"Your father lived a happy and long life, Ichigo. He knew what he was doing." I whispered to the broken shinigami and gently finger-combed his orange strands as he sagged his head on my shoulder and let out his silent frustration. His body shook rigidly, and hot tears stained the fabric of my gigai's black dress.

His sisters were finally asleep after several words of comfort and assurances from Orihime and I. Earlier after the burial, Orihime decided to visit the Kurosakis to see if she could be of any help. Uryuu and Chad came along as well, helping out with the housework and gathering of Isshin's belongings. The Kurosakis didn't have the strength to gather their father's things themselves yet. They couldn't even find the strength to step a foot into his room without shedding tears.

After our three friends left, Ichigo and I went up to his room. I knew that that night would be one of those sleepless nights for him, so I accompanied him instead to share his anxiety.

"It's all my fault! I was too weak!" Ichigo hissed through his silent sobs. "If… If only I was stronger… If only I trained harder… If only-"

"Ichigo." I said firmly. "There was nothing you could do. He sacrificed his life because he wanted to. Not only for you or the twins or the rest of the world, but also for Masaki-san. He knew that she'd want him to protect you, even if it costs him his life. Because that's what parents do. They'll do anything for their family."

His sobs grew louder. For once, I wasn't sure whether I said the right thing. But I continued to hold him even after his heavy weight sagged us both down to the ground. I continued finger-combing his bright orange hair, which dulled as the moon hid behind the gray clouds at the window.

"Aren't you a little glad, Ichigo?" I asked softly after he calmed down an hour after as we sat beside each other against his bed. "That maybe, your father is a little bit closer to being reunited with your mother. Maybe, even now…"

He didn't answer. For several minutes, we stared at the closet across us, though not actually seeing it. In my thoughts, I remembered the goofy man who attacked his son and pretended not to acknowledge my shinigami presence when I first met Ichigo. I remembered when he vigorously welcomed me into the Kurosaki household as his third daughter. I had no idea why I didn't suspect anything from him then. I never even realized that he used to be a Tenth Squad Captain. Why was I so ignorant? I wondered, if I never met Ichigo, would all of these be prevented? Would Isshin Kurosaki still be breathing right now?

"Yeah." Ichigo whispered.

I snapped my head towards him in surprise, effectively cutting myself off from my depressing thoughts.

"I'm sure… He's with Mom right now.."

"Ichigo..."

Slowly, he turned to face me and bravely plastered on a tiny sad smile. I sigh slowly, a little relieved that even a little bit, he's starting to move on. Even a little bit.

"So don't try to put yourself down too. I could pretty much guess what your thinking." he said in a slightly teasing tone.

I gave him a tiny reassuring smile in return.

"Ah."

At that moment, I decided that it was my duty to help the Kurosakis get through this predicament completely ... I swore to my soul and to Isshin and Masaki.

This was my thanks to them, for having Ichigo, and for allowing me to meet the man who changed my world.

…

"Are you sure about this, Kuchiki-san?"

"Hai, Taichou."

Ukitake-taichou sighed, a sad smile forming on his face as he placed my letter of temporary resignation down.

"Ichigo-kun must really be having a very tough time. After all, this isn't the first time he lost his parent. He mustn't blame himself. We all are at fault. We-" He suddenly began coughing, tiny splatters of blood shot out from his mouth. I immediately was by his side.

"Taichou!"

"I-I'm fine, Kuchiki-san." He smiled faintly, retrieving his hanky and wiping the blood from his mouth. I quickly gave him a glass of water, of which he thankfully gulped down.

"Should I call Isane-taichou?" I asked as he finished popping one of his pills into his mouth.

"No, no need for that, thank you." He smiled again, patting my shoulder in reassurance. "Anyway, I know how Ichigo-kun and his sisters are important to you. And I cannot leave him to fend for his family alone when it's all too sudden. We all owe him our lives. Allowing you to be excused for a whole year to help them, it's the least I can do to help him recuperate. I'm sure Kyoraku would agree as well. If only we could do more to help him…"

"It's alright, Taichou. I'll handle things from here. Thank you for your consent."

I bowed and left his office, immediately calling for Sentaro and Kiyone to say my goodbyes and to take care of our taichou. I looked back at the Thirteenth Division once more, vowing to return after a year before turning away to say my goodbyes to my other friends.

"Are you really really sure about this?" Renji asked. I was nearly finished with my last-minute preparations when my best friend entered my room. I turned to him and sighed, tired of hearing the question repeatedly asked.

"Ichigo will need all the support he can get. Yuzu and Karin are still too young to get jobs, and Ichigo himself is still finishing high school. With all of them working hard, I have to help out in the house and support them with whatever I can." I said.

"Yeah, but Orihime and the others can do that for him too you know."

"Yes, but they'll be busy with their own lives as well, especially since they're almost graduating and heading for college. Ichigo and I don't want to fully rely on them when we're just being unnecessary to them."

Renji was silent for awhile. He leaned on the doorway with his arms crossed. His facial expression held a mixture of confusion, sadness, and understanding.

"I'm not sure if I like it, but the poor guy does need it. I'll have to chip in and help if I can as well. But that's going to be really difficult with Soul Society trying to recuperate from all the extended damages and all. Are you sure you can leave Thirteenth Squad alone for a whole year?"

"They'll manage." I waved off. "Sentaro and Kiyone may not look like it, but they have done an excellent job holding the Squad together."

"What about Taichou?" he asked.

I paused, turning my thoughts to my brother.

"… He understands. We talked about this last night. He wasn't entirely happy of course, but he allows it. Even when he doesn't show it, Nii-sama does care for Ichigo's well-being."

I gave a tiny smile as I stood up from my position. "He did try to offer Ichigo some monetary support, but of course, we all know how stubborn Ichigo is. He wants to support his family the hard way. He doesn't like owing others."

"Heh. That sounds just like him." Renji grinned. Then after a few silent moments, he walked towards me. I looked up to him in surprise.

"Renji?"

Suddenly, he shot out an arm and dragged me to him. My face rested on his chest for awhile. Slowly, I reached out a hand and patted his back.

"I'll be fine. I'll be back before you know it. You could always visit. You said so yourself. And if we have the time, Ichigo and I-"

"I know, I know." Renji whispered. "I-It's just that…. "

I gently pushed myself from his embrace, looking up at his defeated face. I gave a tiny smirk.

"Don't worry. I'll miss you too."

As I stood in front of the Senkaimon, I wondered whether or not I'm doing the right thing. Of leaving Soul Society even while it's still in shambles. Of leaving Ukitake-taichou, Sentaro and Kiyone, and the rest of the Thirteenth Squad. Of Renji and the rest of my friends. Of Nii-sama, who would be alone for the whole year.

The thoughts of turning back disappeared when the Senkaimon opened completely. Right now, Ichigo and the twins need me. Even when Ichigo tried to keep me from temporarily resigning from my post, I knew that deep inside he appreciated all the help I was willing to offer. Their happiness was what's important, I reminded myself.

As I ran inside to enter the other world, I held my chin up and kept my head clear. I swore to myself that no matter what happens, I will make them happy. I will never leave their side unless they wish me to and until I'm ready to leave them alone.

...

The Start of Rukia's life as a temporary Kurosaki (*cough*housewife*cough*) starts next chapter! Please look forward to it and don't forget to leave a review! ;D