During a session of ideas, we decided to make a story about Rukia Kuchiki, the unseated officer of the 13th Company. She's overdue for a story.

Definite IchiRuki, so if you don't like the pairing, please do not read. This story takes place sometime after the Winter War. Rukia is looking back on the past. Ichigo is a Taicho and she is his Fuku-taicho.

Warning: IchiRuki, slight angst, and an IchiRuki future.

Disclaimer: We don't own Bleach.

Told in Rukia's POV.

Until I Met You

I tell myself time and time again that I am by your side when you are far away. As your Fuku-taicho, I am always by your side, no matter what the situation and how much you want me to stay behind. But that was before something happened; an event that not only tightened her bond, but also separated us as well.

Because of such an occurrence, I am here, in another world, the Soul Society, while you are in the World of the Living, fighting off the dangers to the unknowing mortals. In the comfort of the 15th Company's barracks, I look out the window, hoping to see my red and black strawberry run back to me. Sode no Shirayuki awaits Zangetsu, as their relationship is something lighter than ours.

You have no idea how tempted I am to abandon my post and use the Hell Butterfly and Spirit Ribbon you gave so I can come to your aid and fight beside you once more. I feel my heart pump with this urge, and my body almost goes through with it. But then something happens that stops my desire to join you.

TUG!

"Oka-san…?"

I look at him; at our son. He is holding my hand, his sleeves, his shihakusho overall a little too big for his body.

"…"

I am silent. I look at him and find myself being pooled into his innocent face. HE is the reason I have stayed behind; he is our treasure that we made together a little over ten years ago.

"Oto-san's coming back. Can't you sense his reiatsu?"

I was so enthralled by the thought of joining you that I didn't even sense your presence. I kiss our son's forehead and feel my heart open to your being once more.

"Here he comes…"

Those words slip out of my mouth; I had no idea how much I missed you. I find my mind going back to before we became one.

I never once imagined that I would grow to become an average Soul Reaper, nor did I once dream I would gain some respect from Byakuya. Renji and I, would we have said a word to each other by now? We hadn't spoken in forty years; what would have happened without you? I can only conclude that we would both most likely be dead…

"Oto-san!"

Our son runs to you, hugs your leg and admires the zanpaku-to you wield. You close the sliding door and then rest your brown eyes upon my being. I am by your side once more, and then my mind realizes the answers to my thoughts which I had previously left in the corners of my psyche.

Until I met you, I probably would never have gotten this far in life. I have my friends, respect from equals and superiors. I am a Fuku-taicho, YOUR Fuku-taicho and happy to be yours. I am alive and well, with a new life and family. I have a son, who is dedicated to being a Soul Reaper like you.

Until I met you, I never knew how fine life could be.

"Hello, Rukia."

You smile and I walk towards you to and embrace you.

"Hello, Ichigo."

And my words are sealed with a kiss, a hug, and the warmth of your presence.

The End

Just to straighten some things out, we made Ichigo and Rukia superiors of the 15th Company, a squad that is a part of our thoughts. The birth of their son is the event that made Rukia stay behind; you can't expect Ichigo to allow them to leave him alone, can you? Their son remains unnamed, so you could make it into your own thoughts. Hope you liked it. Please, no flamers, and review. Thank you!