Hey everyone! This is my second fanfict and I'm planning on doing it long so, I'm sticking with it until the end! (Well, I'm gonna try hard… x]) Story rated M for language, just in case ;) There will not be lemons in this fanfict, well not complete ones at least.

The story takes place in the beginning of July (around two months after the fullbringer thing of Our Xecution)

This fanfict. Is purely and mainly Ichiruki, and a bit of Hitsukarin :3

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or the characters. Tite Kubo does.

Here you go! Hope you enjoy the first chapter!

Together Alone

Chapter 1: Guess who's coming to dinner?

"Dad would you just calm down? It's not like it's the first time she's coming here!"

Ichigo Kurosaki was now terribly annoyed: his father was even more excited than usual. The old man had made a giant dinner, with the help of Yuzu, of course. He had made everyone dressed up nicely, except for Karin who just kicked him in the face, and Ichigo who didn't want to look like an idiot.

His father and his now grown up little sister had put their most beautiful dinner set. The table seemed to be dressed for a royal meal. With Yuzu in her pink dress, Isshin in his black tuxedo and the dinner room's decoration it was almost as if the Kurosaki family was expecting the Queen tonight.

But no. No Queen. This entire masquerade was for one and only person. A little black-haired midget who cared only for beating Ichigo, and of course, for her stupid rabbit: Chappy.

In fact, the Kurosaki residence had receive a message from a hell butterfly last week, telling them that the Kuchiki princess was coming for dinner next Thursday night. Obviously, Isshin had gone crazy while Ichigo didn't really know what to think of it.

He hasn't seen her since the Fullbringer tragedy. The little shinigami has showed herself just in time, giving Ichigo back his strength and powers. The orange-haired boy had succeeded over Ginjou and their right memories were given back to his family and friends. Everything was back to normal, and Ichigo finally felt alive again.

But of course, Rukia and everyone had to go back to Soul Society. Ichigo knew he would see her again, but it just beat the hell out of him when he saw her leaving. They only had said their usual: "It's been a long time" and then "See you soon". Ichigo just didn't want to admit to himself or to anybody that he was missing her more than anything or anyone else in the world.

So when, two months later, Ichigo received a hell butterfly from the head captain Yamamoto saying that the 13th division lieutenant Kuchiki Rukia was coming to dinner, he didn't know what to think.

Sure, he was happy to hear that Rukia was coming, extremely happy. But something inside him just felt wrong. Maybe he secretly wanted her to visit him on her own, without having to wait for a business matter. It just seemed like she was only coming to him in the name of Soul Society, and it made Ichigo sick. Sometimes he wished Rukia didn't have to fallow their stupid orders… Because of that, he had the chance to saw her one time in 17 months, and again, they were in the middle of an important battle.

He wanted her to be with him normally. Just like they use to hang out. But they couldn't do that anymore. Her place was in Soul Society and his was here. Well for now… He wasn't even sure.

However, it just seemed like Rukia Kuchiki's duties were more important than Ichigo himself. Hell, why would he even be more important to her? He was her friend sure, but so as Renji. Ichigo only hoped he wasn't the only one feeling the deep bond Rukia and him shared. He was sad just thinking of the idea of Rukia not caring about him anymore… No, he had to believe. He just knew he had to.

Maybe she was his best friend. Yeah, Ichigo did consider her as his best friend. It's just difficult to keep hope when the other does not visit for more than a year. And that when she finally comes back, it isn't even her choice, her own desire…

And the next thing you know, she's gone before you got the time to say a real goodbye.

Ichigo let a deep sigh, filled with sadness. He didn't know how he felt anymore. He wasn't getting a thing. Except for the loneliness.

He couldn't help but wonder if Rukia was happy. Was she perfectly fine with the life she had in Soul Society? Did she felt complete? Because he did not. But the thought of her, living without needing to see him… It was just too painful. Maybe that's why he kept burying his emotions like that. Without even knowing it, he was stopping his feelings for Rukia. Well, as he knew of in his head. In his heart though, it was growing so much that he couldn't take more. He only felt the sadness of this feeling, not the indescribable joy.

Even so, the girl was still coming to dinner tonight. In 19 minutes more exactly. Ichigo surely was happy to see her again, but surprisingly, he felt nervous.

That was new… Well, towards Rukia's visits at least. With all this emotions he couldn't perceive, Ichigo felt nothing but lost.

"Only fifteen minutes left!" yelled Ichigo's old man, making the boy's heart beat harder and harder in his chest.

Ichigo was sitting on the couch, trying to relax a little. He then took a subtle breath to make sure his father didn't notice he was anxious.

Karin on the other hand, who was sitting across him, saw his reaction and noticed that his usual scowl was replaced by a nervous face.

She smirked at him "So bro, worried about your little woman coming to dinner?"

Ichigo jumped from her playfully question. He fought not to blush and slightly turned his head.

"Che, of course not! I'm just worried about my poor face! She's probably gonna start punching me again that small crazy midget"

Karin smiled mischievously and continued "Ah so you're not happy she's finally coming? I thought you would since I heard you say her name last night when you fell asleep on the couch…"

Ichigo quickly widened his eyes and looked at his manipulative sister "I didn't know you had dreams about her… Was it a romantic dream? Or a perverted dream? Che, at your age, it's probably the second one…"

Ichigo immediately turned red, which was pretty rare. Karin saw that and grinned. The girl was now older, and one of her favourite pastime was to annoy her big brother. Now that he had finally passed his depressive part and gained his shinigamis powers, Karin could really enjoy it.

"What? Tha-That's crap! I don't have dreams about her!" Ichigo yelled back at his sister

Seeing her grin made him even madder so he decided to play the game too.

"Besides, I'm not the one having dreams about a certain white-haired captain…" added Ichigo, smirking too when Karin laughing face turned red. Ichigo then took a pitched female voice too sound like his sister "Oh Tôshirô! I love you too, kiss me please!"

Karin was red with embarrassment but mostly with madness. On a natural reflex, she took the soccer ball in her hands and threw it hard on Ichigo with a gigantic strength. Even so, the orange-haired man stopped it easily, still slightly laughing.

"Shut up carrot top! That's totally not true!" yelled the girl

"Well, you started it!" shot back Ichigo

They were glaring in rage at each other when Isshin suddenly yelled from the kitchen: "Stop it you too! We all know you both love your little shinigamis from Soul Society so be quiet!"

Ichigo and Karin rose at the same time and both protested: "I don't love Rukia!" "I don't love Tôshirô!"

Their father smiled and responded innocently "Who talked about Rukia and Tôshirô?"

The brother and his sister both turned a bit pink and Yuzu started laughing when suddenly the bell rang at the door.

"Oh! Rukia-chan is here!" yelled Isshin, his daughter and him clapping their hands in happiness.

Ichigo felt a sudden twisting sensation in his stomach 'Should I go to the door or just wait here…?' the boy asked himself. 'Ahh! Who cares? It doesn't even matter!'

Ichigo finally decided to wait in the dinning room. He found out that Karin had followed him and was standing before him when he heard the door opening.

"Rukia-chan! Good to see you again! Please come in!" Ichigo heard Yuzu say from the other room.

"Good to see you too, Yuzu and Isshin-san" Rukia responded nicely as she bowed her head.

Ichigo froze right there. Her voice. Her unique voice. It was just so strong, but extremely feminine. It was filled with courage but so delicate at the same time. It was perfect and Ichigo couldn't even understand how much he had missed it.

"Oh please Rukia!" said the doctor, waving his hand "just call me dad!"

Karin sighed in annoyance and walked to the door while Ichigo stood freeze.

"Ah, huh? Why would I call you like that?" asked a lost Rukia.

"Because soon –" Isshin was cut off by the foot of Karin in his face.

"Shut up you crazy father! Just leave her alone!"

Isshin let his fake tears fall on his cheeks and prayed to the sky with his knees on the floor "Oh Masaki! Do all my children hate me?"

Karin growled again then looked over at Rukia "Sorry for him… He's just, well, himself actually."

Rukia blinked a few times at the scene then slightly laughed "It's all right… Oh and good to see you too Karin. You two girls changed a lot since the last time I saw you…" she added, looking at the two twins.

Karin smiled and nodded her head "Yeah… You've changed too"

Rukia returned the smile. It was so good to be here after all this time. She didn't notice during the past two years that she missed this family so much. It was just so… warm. The Kurosaki family had always been nice and welcoming to her… Sure she never really had a real family, maybe that's why she felt a her place here. She was welcomed, and it was more important to her than she would ever admit.

However, something, or someone, was missing in this scene.

"Hum, Ichigo isn't here?" asked the short black-haired woman, a bit of worry in her voice.

"Oh yes he is..."said Karin and continued with a smile "He is just too shy to come and welcome you…"

Rukia was about to ask her what she meant when Ichigo irrupted from the kitchen. Her breath got caught in her throat: the boy's hair were even more orange than before, if it was even possible, but with a pinch of chocolate brown, just like his eyes. He seemed older. He wasn't a little 15 year old kid. He had become a man.

"Che, I'm not shy… I was just preparing the table…" said Ichigo, still not looking at Rukia.

Karin decided to leave it there so she closed her eyes and simply responded "Huhum…"

It was silent in the room until Yuzu spoke to her big brother "Ichi-nii! It's rude not to welcome our guests!"

Ichigo scratched the back of his heads, his eyes on the floor. He then decided to take all his courage and look up at Rukia. 'Why am I so nervous anyway? It's only…Rukia…'

But when he saw her, his heart stopped and he couldn't move again. Her hair were still short, but they had grown a little since the last time he saw her. And of course, they had that amazing raven colour. Her large beautiful eyes were staring at him, with their breathtaking dark violet iris. The boy could swear to see sparkles in them.

As for her clothes, Rukia was wearing a beautiful night-blue dress with a V neck and corrugated sleeves, the whole thing adjusted nicely to her small fame. She was…perfect.

Suddenly, a cough was heard in the room, taking Ichigo's eyes away from Rukia's body.

"Ah, hum…" managed Ichigo, scratching his hair nervously "Welcome, Rukia."

He tried to smirk at her like they used to do. Apparently it worked because the atmosphere immediately felt less intense when Rukia returned his smile and responded "Thanks, Ichigo. Or do you prefer strawberry?"

Isshin started to laugh uncontrollably while Ichigo growled. 'Damn midget with her stupid nickname…' But inside, he felt a joy he hadn't feel since…since he couldn't remember.

"That's my third daughter!" yelled Isshin "Always here to tease my idiot of son!"

"Shut up old man" replied Ichigo "So, are we gonna eat or what? I'm starving"

"Oh yes!" exclaimed Yuzu "Please fallow me to your seat Rukia-chan"

They all arrived in the kitchen and Rukia was telling them how beautiful their table set was while Yuzu showed her her seat. The young woman sat on the chair and thanked Yuzu again. Ichigo was about to sit on a chair across Rukia when Isshin suddenly picked it "No! That's my chair"

Ichigo frowned at his dad "Your chair?"

"Yes! Now go and pick another one!"

Ichigo sighed in annoyance "Fine…" But when he was about to sit on the one next to his dad, Yuzu yelled "No! That's my place!"

The boy groaned and went on the third one when Karin sat before him "And that's mine" she said casually.

Ichigo was about to yell when his father pointed the seat across the table, right next to Rukia "You just sit there son!"

He finally sat on the damn free chair, while of course, grumbling something only he can hear.

After Yuzu put the food on the table, everyone started eating and the conversation began.

"So Rukia-chan" started Yuzu "Where did you picked up this wonderful dress?"

"Oh, I don't know exactly… Yoruichi-san gave it to me"

"Oh that's right! You're in your…hum… How do we call it Karin? I don't remember"

"Gigai" answered the black haired twin, no interest at all in the conversation.

"That's it! Your gigai!"

Rukia looked surprised "You…you know about it?"

"Yes, they know. My girls know everything about the shinigamis world now" Isshin proudly told her.

Rukia looked back at the little Yuzu, smiling "Oh really? That's great then"

Yuzu nodded and smiled while Karin just didn't react and kept eating her food.

"I knew Karin knew about it, but not Yuzu…" continued Rukia

That however, got Karin's attention "Mmm, how did you knew I was aware of you world? Ah, it's probably Ichigo. He told you hasn't he?" she left her suspicious eyes and got back to her food, thinking she had found her answer.

But Rukia shook her head "No, it's not Ichigo actually. It's someone else: Hitsugaya Taicho."

Everyone stopped eating "In fact, he has written a letter for you, and he asked me if I could give it to you so, here it is…"

Rukia then took a white letter out of her bag and passed it to Karin. The only thing that was visible on the envelop was a name, written in black ink 'Karin'.

Karin's cheeks turned pink when she noticed that everyone was staring at her. It was totally silent in the room until Isshin suddenly yelled "My girl is all grown up! Oh Masaki, I have two options for grandbabies now!"

He then looked at Karin and switch to Rukia "Rukia darling, I think you better go for it first because Karin is still a bit young so-"

That was enough for Ichigo. He quickly stood up and stopped his father to continue his sentence. He didn't even let himself think about what was about to say the old man.

"Shut up dad! Oh my god, are you seriously crazy? Karin is only fourteen and Rukia…"

He stopped, not knowing where he was going with this. However, his dad smiled brightly.

"Rukia…what? Continue son!"

"Excuse me, but what are you talking about exactly?" suddenly asked Rukia, feeling lost again.

Isshin smiled at her "We're talking about the babies you're gonna have with-"

He was cut off again by a fist in his face. Ichigo was red, partly because of his father's ideas, but also because Rukia was next to him, and that she didn't even seem to realize what was going on.

"Stop it! It's not like that and you know it!"

Isshin looked fake sad and prayed on the table "Oh Masaki! Our son is gay!"

Ichigo actually wanted to kill him right now "What?" he loudly screamed "I'm not gay!"

"Oh yeah, then prove it!" provoked Isshin

Ichigo widened "Wha-? I'm not gonna-"

Their fight was stopped by a slight laugh, coming from a little black-haired woman. The men both looked at her and Ichigo immediately calmed down. Her laugh wasn't fake or demonic like it was when she used to tease him. It was pure. It was magical. Her eyes were closed and her hand was delicately on her mouth. She was really laughing…and it was, she was….so cute.

"Why are you laughing?" asked a surprised Ichigo

She opened her eyes and looked at him softly "Oh sorry, it's just that…I think I forgot how it was..." she looked down for a second, searching the good words to express herself "…happy, here…" she finally admit with a warm smile.

She could have calm down anyone with this face… It was impossible to resist. So, soon, both Ichigo and Isshin were smiling, and calm was back in the room.

"Wow Rukia" Yuzu spoke "You made Ichi-nii calm down... I guess you really have powers."

They both smirked but Ichigo let his eyes off Rukia and got back his usual scowl.

They all continued eating when Yuzu let her thought get out from her mouth "I can't believe Karin-chan has a boyfriend…" she said with a smile.

The black haired twin suddenly let her eyes off the letter then looked at her sister and responded "He's not my boyfriend! I've already told you!" She thought for a few seconds then continued silently "We're…friends…that's it."

Rukia saw what others did not see in Karin's eyes. The girl was trying to convince herself. Convince herself that yes, she cared for the 10th squad captain, but only as a friend.

Rukia closed her eyes and sighed. She knew too well that feeling. She was familiar with it, even if she didn't want to think about it too much. She wouldn't let herself go through that yet.

Rukia was surprised to feel a sudden new respect for Ichigo's little sister.

"I'll read that stuff later" finally declared Karin, her hard face back.

She started to eat again, and everyone did the same, deciding to leave her alone.

Everyone was finishing their desert, in an almost abnormal silence. Ichigo hated it. He knew Rukia had something on her mind and that she didn't know how to say it.

This whole visit thing with the supper and all… It just didn't feel…natural.

"Okay" suddenly said Ichigo when everyone was finished "That's it Rukia. Why are you here exactly?"

They all stood quiet. Ichigo and Rukia were intensely looking at each other when the girl closed her eyes and sighed. She then opened them and finally talked.

"I'm here in the name of the captain commander Yamamoto"

"Why did he send you specially?" asked Karin

"Because-" started Rukia "Because she's the one who knows me better, right?" Ichigo cut Rukia.

"Yes" said the girl shinigamis with angry eyes "but also because I'm part of this too"

"This?" asked Ichigo "What is this? What's going on Rukia?"

The girl looked at him "This is a mission. A mission from the captain commander"

Ichigo surely didn't except this. "A mission? What does that have to do with me?"

Rukia made her annoyed face "I'm getting there, be patient."

Both Isshin and Ichigo nodded and Rukia continued. "The captain of the 1st division Yamamoto is considering a possible career for you in Soul Society"

"Wait- What?" Ichigo couldn't believe what had said Rukia.

"Since you finished your years at school here in Karakura and that you will turn eighteen soon, the captain Yamamoto is proposing you a place in Soul Society. An option for the future, if you prefer."

Since nobody was talking and Ichigo seemed freeze, Rukia continued "The Soul Society had already contacted with Isshin-san, and we are aware of the fact that you don't know what to study in university. Since you seemed a bit lost with your future, the captain commander and your father had decided to let you another option: a life in Soul Society."

Ichigo gazed at his dad "You, you knew about this?" he asked the old man. Somehow he felt a bit…betrayed.

"Yes… This is for your future Ichigo. You think I didn't notice how you avoid everything about university? You are afraid to start a career, a life, here" explained his father with an incredibly serious face.

Ichigo was now terribly lost. "But, but I-"

"You don't have to decide now Ichigo" suddenly said Rukia "However, you have to know that, even if you do want to join the Gotei 13, you will have to prove yourself."

"Prove…myself? You're kidding me right?" Ichigo fake laughed "I saved Soul Society I don't know how many times!"

"I know it Ichigo!" Rukia almost yelled "But it is not me who decide rather or not you earn your place in Soul Society. It's not even the captain commander." When Ichigo gave her a look full of questions, she continued "It's the royalty. The division zero."

Ichigo took a deep breath and waited a few moments to analyze all this information. He could have a life there, if he wanted. He could see Rukia everyday! He could…

Ichigo closed his eyes. This will mean leaving his family, but that was already gonna happen if he needed to go to the university. Plus, Ichigo didn't want to admit it, but lately he didn't even feel at his place here, in the world of the living. Maybe he would be happier in Soul Society… But then again, the royalty said he needed to prove himself. What did that mean, exactly?

"If I accept" started Ichigo "What will I have to do to 'prove myself'?"

Rukia let a small sigh of relieve 'He didn't pushed the option away, he is actually considering it!' she thought happily.

"That's where I came in…" responded the girl "Lately, we have been detecting suspicious death, in another city of the world of the living: New York City, in America."

Ichigo nodded so she could continue. "The thing is that people with high reiatsu have been located there. People with a reiatsu as high as here, in Karakura. We don't know how they got there, or why did they started to appear, but since last month, ten of these person had been killed."

"What? Ten persons with high reiatsu?" asked a popeyed Ichigo. Rukia nodded. "But how? It's certainly not a coincidence. It has to be a murderer."

"Of course it's not a coincidence, but Soul Society had not discovered anything or anyone who could have killed them. We can't protect these people from the Seireitei, we have to go there, in person, and stop this chain before more victims are killed" she took a small pause and continued

"A list had been made with the name of people with abnormally high reiatsu in New York City, and a mission has been planed."

When she saw everyone listening carefully to her, Rukia finally said "This mission has been assigned to me, the 13th division's lieutenant, and you Ichigo, if you accept the proposition of starting a career in Soul Society. If we succeed, it will be the proof that you deserve your place in the Seireitei."

"Okay but wait a second" suddenly interrupt Ichigo "If I want to live in the Seireitei, I have to go on this mission with you?" Rukia nodded. "But what is the goal? What exactly is the deal here?"

"The details of the situation will be revealed to you if you accept." responded Rukia

Ichigo growled but continued his questions "But I don't get it. Why does the royalty want me to work in the Seireitei?"

Rukia was silent for a few seconds, before she turned to face Ichigo. "They want you to take a place as a captain"

Ichigo had a hard time to breathe. Him, a captain? It doesn't make sense…

"I thought all the places were taken, Shinji, Kensei and an other Vizard had taken their old seat in the division 3, 5 and 9…"

"That's the thing. The Soul Society wants to be stronger, in case of a danger to face up again. They want to be more powerful to take down any enemy that could destroy the Seireitei."

"I don't understand Rukia… What does it means exactly?"

With a serious face, Rukia looked in Ichigo's eyes and finally said "It means that the Soul Society is planning to create a 14th division. A strong division, with a strong captain. If you succeed our mission, they want you to be the captain, Ichigo."

So, what do you think so far? This is just the first chapter, I promise it will get more interesting and romantic with time :)

Oh and sorry if there are some typos' in there… I'm re-reading again and again but only see them once it's published :P

Please Review! |Death and Berry|