Author's note: I recently posted a horrid chapter for one of my multi chaptered fics, and when that happens I always try and compensate by writing something better. This idea popped in my head during a study break (that break went on for a bit) and it made me smile so I typed it down. Plus I got such lovely reviews for my one shot.
I have no exact time for it, but it will probably contain spoilers for the anime, but none of the recent Manga chapters so basically no return to Hueco Mundo. No Byakuya getting his assed kicked. No Yamamoto death(very sore about that) no Quincy invasion etc.
The next chapters will be longer, I suspect. Sans Beta, so mistakes are all mine. Feedback is always appreciated.
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach
IIII
"What?!" Ichigo exclaimed, eyes wide and his eyebrows in danger of merging with his hairline.
"Oh come on Ichigo, it's just a simple favour," Rukia said with a frown.
Ichigo blinked at her like she'd gone mad. "Simple favour?" he repeated, "There's nothing simple about it. You're asking me to be your freaking matchmaker!" he exclaimed.
Rukia huffed, folding her arms over her chest, "I'm not asking you to be my matchmaker," she said, "Just to look out for my interests."
"Ask Byakuya, it was his idea after all!"
Ichigo refused to be dragged into this. Firstly, because he wasn't really hot on arranged marriages, which this was. No matter how Rukia defended it. And secondly, he was uncomfortable with the idea of spending time with Rukia's potential fiancé. Could you just imagine the stories they'd have to exchange? By the way I saved her ass from execution, more tea?
No. He was not going to be a part of this.
"Nii-sama is very busy," Rukia said.
"And I'm not?" Ichigo asked indignant before leaning over her, "If you haven't noticed I'm writing exams, exams that will determine my future!"
Exams he might have easily breezed through if he wasn't busy being everything but a high school student.
Rukia pushed him back, "Also, I feel a potential suitor would feel uncomfortable in Nii-sama's presence," she added ignoring his outburst.
"I wonder why?" Ichigo mused aloud, "After all 'Nii-sama' is such a warm, kind hearted-"
Ichigo didn't get to finish his sarcastic rant as Rukia elbowed him painfully on the side. Sometimes he forgot how devoted to Byakuya, Rukia was. You'd think he was the one who had to learn Bankai in three days to save her life.
"One of these days I'll cough out a lung or something," he muttered darkly as he massaged his side.
"And whose fault will that be?" Rukia asked, arching an eyebrow daring him to contradict her.
Ichigo was still smarting from her last abuse on his person so he decided to revert back to the subject at hand, "Why not ask Renji?" he tried, "He's also your friend, a guy and even better he actually grew up with you."
They slummed it out in the streets as kids. Ichigo doubted friendships got tighter than that. His and Rukia's excluded of course. Because really, nothing beats nearly dying for someone.
A sad look flickered on Rukia's face and she lowered her eyes, "Renji asked not to be a part of it," she said quietly.
Ichigo threw his hands in the air, "Which is exactly what I'm asking too!" he exclaimed.
He looked at Rukia and saw her sad expression. Something gnawed at him in the back of his mind. Then he remembered. Renji was in love with Rukia! And judging from Rukia's sudden inability to look him in the eye, he'd had to confess his feelings. That must have been a really awkward conversation. Ichigo surmised.
"Ichigo, please?" Rukia pleaded and if it wasn't enough she looked up, wide violet pits of blackmail staring up at him were added to the melee, "As my friend... I'd do it for you." She quickly added.
And it was true of course. Rukia probably would. Ichigo's shoulders slumped in defeat.
"Why do you have to throw the friendship card?" he asked with a sulk.
"Because that's what we do. Blackmail each other into doing stuff," Rukia said a smile on her face. She probably realised she'd won already.
"I don't even get why you want me to help you," Ichigo tried, his last ditch effort. "I'm single, you never ask single people for stuff like this."
"Oh come on Ichigo," Rukia pressed, "I trust you with my life."
"Rukia, you're life has been in danger more times than I care to count," he drawled, "It's not really an honour to be entrusted with it."
Ichigo doubled over in pain, a sharp jab to the stomach the culprit, "Fuck Rukia! Keep at it and you'll hospitalize your matchmaker," he gritted out.
"I knew you'd come around," Rukia smirked.
"I didn't say I agree!"
"You called yourself my matchmaker," Rukia reminded him, "That is a tacit agreement."
Ichigo huffed, but he knew when he was beaten.
"Fine, but just so you know you owe me big time Rukia," he said, folding his arm over his chest.
Rukia grinned, "I'll be sure to return the favour at your and Haruko's wedding," she teased.
It took him a moment to place the name. Then he remembered how Kon had used his body to court some purple haired girl a few months back. No words could ever describe how embarrassing that situation had been for him.
"That's not even funny, Rukia!"
tbc
