Oh well. I just uploaded two stories hours earlier..

and here I am again, uploading another one.

HAHA. This is not one shot anymore. I just felt like making chapters with around 1000 words only.

This is not proofread so, expect typos.

The time line is after , err, excuse me about that...

Time line is set after the Winter War. Enjoy!

NAKAMA

Chapter One: Stirrings

This is the first time. The first time Kurosaki Ichigo is having a hard time answering a question that has been asked to him before. Normally, he could just answer it straight away without thinking. The answer was like a reflex—it was natural and innate. He has recited the answer so many times that he must have memorized it already. So now, why is he having a hard time answering?

"For the second time, Kurosaki Ichigo," Kuchiki Byakuya said. The orange-haired Shinigami glared at the expressionless face of the 6th squad captain. "I'm asking you to answer my question."

Wow, that was an unexpected one. Kuchiki Byakuya, the 28th leader of the noble Kuchiki Clan, and the captain of the 6th squad of the Gotei 13 actually asked him to answer his question. Ichigo continued to stare at the stone-faced Kuchiki in front of him. "What?" was the only reaction he was able to utter.

Kuchiki Byakuya sighed in exasperation. Nobody has the right to make him repeat his question, most especially not this Substitute Shinigami, who has no manners and breeding of sort. "I will not repeat my question, kozo."

Ichigo just continued staring at him (he couldn't think of any other reaction). What was this person's problem? Why not just repeat the question? He's not some precious deity for him to—.

Kuchiki Byakuya cleared his throat. "Answer me or I'll take Rukia away without listening to your reasons."

Ichigo blinked. His last word definitely sounded like 'futile reasons'. And what was this thing about taking Rukia away? Was that what they were talking about?

A buzzing sound inside his head.

Kuchiki Byakuya waited.

Finally, Ichigo came to his senses.

"Wait!" he shouted. "Why are you taking Rukia back to Soul Society?!"

So much for the late reaction. Kuchiki Byakuya sighed once more and stood up, ignoring the shouts and curses of the Substitute Shinigami behind him.

The moment Byakuya was out of his sight, Ichigo sat down again, trying to regain his composure. How could he forget about the topic of their conversation? It was Rukia, for crying out loud! Byakuya is going to take her away! He mentally slapped his face three times for being so stupid and forgetful. Wait. Why is he like this, anyway? Rukia going back to Soul Society is not really a big deal. He could just transform as a Shinigami and ask Geta Boushi to open the Senkai Gate for him. But… Why would he want to go back to Soul Society, anyway? Just to see that crazed midget? Nah. Even if he's not knowledgeable about technical things in Soul Society, he knows that opening the Senkai Gate is not that simple and easy—for a Substitute Shinigami, which is not an official part of Seireitei, that is.

Mentally, again, Ichigo slapped his face. He should stop thinking about these things. It's not worth his time and effort. He stood up and stomped out of his room. On his way down, he saw Rukia leaning on the wall.

"Oh, Ichigo," she greeted. "How was your talk with nii-sama?" she asked quite cheerfully, unaware of the bad news his wonderful nii-sama has brought her.

"Nothing," he answered.

"Figures," she said.

"What?"

"Because nii-sama talked to me the moment he stepped out of your room," she answered. "He said that he would go here again the same time tomorrow. He's not yet finished with you."

Ichigo sighed. No way would he want to see and talk with that heartless Kuchiki Byakuya again. Not about anything, most especially about that dreaded question that he must answer, or else, Rukia would be gone. No more sing-song voices in school. No more insults about him. No more midgets around. Well, isn't that nice? … Actually, it's not. Just by thinking about it, Ichigo's spirits suddenly goes down. Life would be too boring without an annoying midget around.

"Hey, Ichigo!" Rukia called. She waved in front of him. "Stop spacing out."

"Huh? What?" Ichigo scowled at her. "I'm not spacing out!"

"You are."

"Am not."

"Tsk. Whatever." She turned around and walked towards the door.

"Hey, where are you going?" Ichigo asked.

"I'm going to Urahara's," she said. "I have to return him some things."

"What things?" Certainly, he didn't notice Rukia bring home some weird 'goodies' from the Urahara Shouten.

"It's not your problem anymore," she said. Before going out, she said, "One more thing. Think of an excuse for me. I'd be gone for a couple of days. I need to go back to Soul Society."

That sent the adrenalin throughout the Substitute Shinigami's body. "You're not going anywhere," he said. He took her wrist and pulled her inside the house.

"What?"

"You're staying here."

"No," she growled. "I need to go. It's nii-sama's orders."

Ichigo snorted. Byakuya's orders, huh? If he let her go to Soul Society, he might not be able to see her ever again. There's no way that's ever gonna happen.

"Ichigo!" Rukia shouted. "Let go!"

Instead of shouting back, Ichigo pulled Rukia to his room and threw her on his bed. "You're going to stay here," he ordered. "You're not going anywhere."

Rukia stood up and started towards the window. Ichigo tried to pull her back but the petite Shinigami kicked him in the shin and jumped out the moment she was not within Ichigo's reach.

Ichigo banged the wall. "Damn," he muttered.

Ah well... How was it? *wipes sweat*

Looks like Ichigo is having a hard time with his brain, eh? HAHAHA

Please review and thanks for reading! *hugs*