Inspired by some of the events in chapter 685. My own version of the ending of Bleach. Two-shot.
Note: I decided to shorten the time-skip to 5 years instead of 10.
Rukia stood before the double doors inside the meeting room.
After all her hard work, training, showing integrity, responsibility, and being capable of leadership, she was now being pronounced the new captain of the 13th Division.
Her former captain, Juushiro Ukitake, had become the new Soul King after the Thousand-Year Blood War five years ago. Before he had left to Soul Palace, he had entrusted Rukia his division, telling her that he knew she would someday become its captain. Touched by his words, the raven-haired woman had formed the resolve to work harder in order to keep the division moving forward, all while training to become stronger.
Rukia took in a small breath. As she stood a distance from the new Captain-Commander, Shunsui Kyoraku, she took a quick glance around the meeting room. Her eyes locked with her older brother's, who only gave her a subtle smile before calmly closing his eyes. Her childhood friend's earlier teasing and her brother's smile made her feel a bit more at ease, though she still felt her heart beating fast.
As she turned her gaze back to the front, she realized that besides Captain Kurotsuchi, someone else was not in the meeting room.
The sun was high up in the sky, shining over Soul Society.
He ran as fast as he could, passing Soul Reapers up like a blur.
Everyone he passed couldn't help but stare at him in astonishment, some even stopping what they were doing.
"Is...that-?"
"He's back!"
He could care less what anyone was saying. He knew he was running late, but he had been- Wait, running?
Geez, I'm so dumb...
He let out a quiet grunt of irritation as he flash-stepped towards his destination.
It was official now.
Rukia Kuchiki was now the new captain of the 13th Division.
Those present began calmly clapping in unison, a few with small smiles on their faces - the biggest one being from Rukia's childhood friend, Renji Abarai.
Normally, lieutenants (except for the 1st Division lieutenant) and lower ranking Soul Reapers weren't allowed in the captains' meeting room, but as this was Rukia's special day, she was told she could invite at least one other person; and as Renji was almost like a brother to her, well, the choice wasn't that hard.
As Rukia stood there modestly taking in everyone's congratulations, the huge double doors of the entrance burst open.
All attention quickly diverted to the disturbance - which was mostly expected. They had already sensed his reiatsu only seconds prior.
Ichigo Kurosaki stood at the entrance, breathing somewhat heavily.
His chestnut-colored eyes immediately locked with indigo ones, and his breath quietly hitched.
Rukia Kuchiki stood there before him, her body halfway turned in his direction.
His eyes subconsciously drank her in. He noticed her midnight hair had grown down to her back; which made her look more...feminine. Unlike before, she was no longer wearing a lieutenant's badge, but a white captain's haori over her black uniform.
"Ru-...ki-..."
Ichigo's eyes stayed fixed on her, his lips slightly parted. And no one said a word. It was as if time had stopped.
As it was, Rukia had to admit she felt taken aback by the situation. She hadn't seen Ichigo in almost three years.
After the war against the Quincies, Ichigo had been recommended (or more like, ordered) to stay in Soul Society for a time so he could recover, the matter concerning not only his injuries.
Due to the larger amount of reiatsu that he now possessed, Captain-Commander Kyoraku had informed Ichigo that in his state, he could not return to the Living World - unless he got some proper Soul Reaper training. He'd been warned that his reiatsu could affect more living people - as was already the case with his sisters and hometown friends - if he didn't learn to control it.
Of course, Ichigo didn't want that. He didn't want to put more innocent people in possible danger. And so, he had accepted to get the required training, which mainly consisted of reiatsu control, some basic kido, and zanpakuto communication. The latter had to be postponed for a few days, however, since the young man's true zanpakuto had to get reforged in Soul Palace by the creator of zanpakutos, Oetsu Nimaiya, who, with the rest of the Royal Guard, had needed some time to recover from the war.
For the first three months after said war, Ichigo had recovered and began his daily and scheduled training, led by captains appointed by Kyoraku and some Spiritual Arts Academy instructors (who had been more than honored to be tutoring the Ichigo Kurosaki).
During this time, Rukia didn't get to see him that often, as reconstruction of the Seireitei had become the top priority of all the divisions.
After about a month more of laborious training, Kyoraku had informed Ichigo he had enough control of his power to return to Karakura Town, as his hard work and determination had paid off.
However, as powerful as he was, Ichigo had to get a Limiter - the seal on reiatsu all the captains and lieutenants of the Gotei 13 had to activate when stepping foot into the Living World. Since there were still a few things he hadn't had a full grasp on, especially the kido stuff, he had to accept. And as the Limiter had to resemble the symbol of one's designated division, and the Substitute Soul Reaper obviously did not belong to one, the Captain-Commander had decided to give him the 1st Division's.
Moreover, Kyoraku had asked Ichigo if he would like to become the assigned Soul Reaper of Karakura Town (since he had known Ichigo wouldn't just stand by if someone was in danger). Or, if not, there was always someone else they could assign. Having become taken aback, Ichigo had given a small grin and responded that he didn't mind.
Before he departed, he and Rukia had bade their farewells to each other (or more like, their "see you later's") as they knew they would see each other again.
Once he had returned to Karakura Town, the Kurosaki had taken about a week or two in settling back to his ordinary life - well, as ordinary as it had ever been. He had decided to focus on catching up on his schoolwork and exams in order to finish high school, as he was very behind and graduation was right around the corner.
A few weeks later, when it was finally all over, he'd managed to make a few visits to Soul Society with a Soul Ticket given to him by the Captain-Commander; with it, going through the Senkaimon became much easier and less dangerous than having to go through the eccentric Kisuke Urahara's illegal gate, where passage involved the life-threatening Dangai.
The Kurosaki had occasionally helped out with anything he had been allowed to for the reconstruction, but everyone had often told him he had done enough with saving Soul Society in the last war, and that they could take it from there. Everyone had wanted to give the boy a break.
So whenever he had some spare time during those occasions, he would visit Rukia in her division.
However, that had been short-lived, as Rukia soon became much busier with the Seireitei's reconstruction, combined paperwork and such of both lieutenant and captain, and her own training, so visiting Ichigo in the Living World wasn't something she really had time for.
Ichigo hadn't wanted to distract Rukia from her duties, so not too long after, he became busy as well; he'd entered a community college (suggested by his father, though he wasn't all that interested) and started working part-time again with his former employer Ikumi Unagiya, who had managed to buy a better building and hired more employees to make her small, odd-jobs business bigger. The plan had been that once he graduated college, the Kurosaki would have managed to save enough money to move out of his house into a small, nice apartment, like he had been planning for weeks before the war broke out.
As things were, it took about two years to fully reconstruct the Seireitei. To celebrate everyone's hard work, Captain-Commander Kyoraku had announced a week-long celebration and break for everyone. During this time of festivity, Rukia had decided to pay Ichigo a visit in the Living World.
She had wanted to surprise him, so having made sure he was in his room, Rukia had slipped in through his window. The Kurosaki had been surprised and shocked, but nevertheless, the contentedness had been obvious in his eyes. She had filled him in on the latest news in Soul Society, and having been found out by Yuzu, one of Ichigo's sisters, she'd been invited to stay for dinner. The Kuchiki had departed the next day, and Ichigo had decided he could pay a few visits to Soul Society now that things had finally settled down.
Everything had seemed fine and all, however, that had only lasted a few months, as the amounts of paperwork of both lieutenant and captain had once again resumed their original amounts (because of the reconstruction, the paperwork had been slightly lessened for everyone), and Rukia had started to dedicate a little more time to her training. She also hadn't wanted to take away too much of his time, since it seemed he was already making a life for himself in the Living World, and Ichigo hadn't wanted to further distract Rukia from her duties. Not that he only visited her, but...
The next two years and a half that followed were mostly consumed by Ichigo's and Rukia's busy states. Of course, on occasions, the two of them made contact through Hell Butterflies, but it just wasn't the same as speaking face to face.
When Rukia broke out of her brief reminiscence, she began to notice Ichigo's appearance.
His hair had gotten slightly longer, but still looked mostly the same as before, and his features were a bit sharper. He was wearing his true zanpakuto on his back, which consisted of two blades. And anyone could tell he was as fit as always.
When her eyes slid back to his, she realized his focus was still on her. Only on her.
He wore the same expression he always did every time they reunited after long periods of time. But, for some reason, this time...it was slightly different from before. His eyes held something more...deep in them. It was...something close to...longing?
Rukia's lips parted slightly, her eyes not leaving the man's before her. Huh-
Then she heard a quiet shuffle somewhere behind her, and the sudden, unexpected spell that had her bound, broke.
The raven-haired woman blinked and took a small breath as she remembered there were other people present.
As she composed herself, she let herself admit that what just happened was...strange. There had been a few times in the past where Ichigo and her would gaze at each other, but not like...just now. She didn't even know when she had turned to face him fully either...
The adrenaline from the excitement of having become a captain, must've made her somehow hallucinate, for her to have thought she saw something close to longing in Ichigo's eyes directed at her. They hadn't seen each other in almost three years, so of course the guy would be, well, content to see her, and she was definitely content to see him again herself... That should be enough explanation for that exchange.
Rukia lightly pursed her lips and looked at Ichigo again.
He was still looking at her as if it was just the two of them. Fool, she thought warmly, and gave him a small smile.
"Ichigo."
As he blinked and let his lips part a bit more, said young man seemed to have come back to his senses. Fully realizing she had called to him, he returned Rukia's smile with a boyish one, his eyes looking genuinely happy.
"Hey, Rukia."
"It's been a while... Didn't think you'd come." The raven-haired woman calmly turned her head a bit to the side and closed her eyes, the small smile still on her lips. "Well, I didn't think you'd remember, as I sent you a message about my promotion three months ago."
Ichigo raised his chin and gave her an indignant look. "Of course I'd remember! My memory isn't that bad. I knew how important this day would be for you!"
"He only remembered 'cause I sent him a Hell Butterfly two weeks ago," chimed in a male voice from inside the room. Ichigo and Rukia's attention turned to the voice; it was Renji. He was casually walking up to them with a smirk, crossing his arms over his chest as he stopped beside them.
Rukia couldn't help but feel surprised at his comment. When she had been told she could invite one other person to her promotion ceremony, the first one that had crossed her mind...was Ichigo.
Not wanting to bother him if he was busy, she had only informed him of her promotion, and about a month later, decided to invite Renji instead. Even so, deep down, she had the small hope that Ichigo would be present when she entered the meeting room. She didn't suspect (she should've, knowing his recklessness) he would actually barge in here, but go figure.
But back to the matter at hand, she had no idea that Renji had actually sent a message to Ichigo to "remind" him of her promotion. Why...? She didn't even tell him she originally meant to invite the orange-haired man... Did he somehow know, though? ...If he did...
Why would he...about Ichigo...?
The Kurosaki soon interrupted her confused thoughts.
His contentment at seeing his old red-haired friend again was brief, as he suddenly realized what Renji had said, and retorted, "Hey, that's not true! I knew about Rukia's ceremony beforehand! I simply forgot to-"
He stopped himself abruptly, quietly cleared his throat, and looked away in a rather suspicious manner.
Rukia raised an eyebrow. She had no idea what he was talking about, but decided to leave it at that. Renji simply kept smirking at his orange-haired friend.
In that small, quiet instant, the lively Captain-Commander piped in, "Hey, it's so nice that you dropped by, Ichigo-kun! I somewhat sensed your reiatsu, but you've gotten so much better in being able to control it! That little training we gave you sure did the trick!"
He chuckled. "Not to mention it became much easier for you when you gained your ultimate bankai and had all your reiatsu finally balanced... Ah, enough of the prattle!" He extended his palm out a bit, gesturing to the young woman standing a few feet away. "As you can see, Rukia-chan is now officially a captain."
Kyoraku had decided to take this time to speak up. After all, that little moment between Byakuya Kuchiki's sister and the human boy had been quite...interesting to see, to say the least.
If his eyes weren't deceiving him, he may have to have a serious conversation with a certain, former captain in the near future...
The Substitute Soul Reaper nodded at the older man's words and scratched the back of his head. "Ah, yeah. I've also been doing some training back in town.."
His eyes widened briefly, as if remembering something. He brought his arm back down and looked at Kyoraku with a small frown, two small sweat-drops at his left temple. "Uh, sorry about barging in like that..."
No one present could help feeling surprised at the fact Ichigo Kurosaki had just apologized for barging in somewhere... Well, it had been a few years since the last time they'd seen him, so of course he had to have matured... Somewhat...
Kyoraku responded airily, "Nah, it's okay, Ichigo-kun! After all, you gained VIP status here after the last war." He gave him an assuring smile. "Remember, you are always welcome in the Seireitei."
No one could tell his last statement held double meaning.
The young man simply nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude.
The Captain-Commander decided to announce the end of the ceremony at this time. The captains present, including Renji, bowed respectfully.
As the ceremony was officially over, everyone started to simply flash-step out of the meeting room, or make their way out the double doors. Some gave Ichigo small greetings as they passed (one of them being from Kenpachi Zaraki, who only told him with a psycho smile, "Later, Ichigo." It made the Kurosaki sweat-drop, and feel slightly confused over the fact the obvious challenge had been put off for later), while others made short friendly conversation, like his Visored friend, Shinji Hirako.
When nearly everyone had dispersed, said Kurosaki turned his attention back to Rukia, who was now more inside the meeting room. He noticed Byakuya was there as well, speaking to her quietly.
After about a moment, though, he calmly walked away, passing Ichigo up with a small nod in his direction. The orange-haired man gave a small, confused nod back, and thinking no one else was around, headed over to the new captain.
Ichigo noticed a slight blush dusting her cheeks as she stared at the wooden floor, her arms at her sides. He raised an eyebrow as he stopped before her. After about a second or two of no reaction from her, he said her name, trying to grab her attention, now that the two of them were finally, seemingly, alone.
Rukia's blush began to dissipate and she looked up, somewhat startled. Realizing he was right before her, she suppressed a small grin and made a serious expression as she puffed out her chest a little. "It is now Captain Kuchiki, Kurosaki!"
Ichigo's eyes widened in shock. Huh?! In a matter of two seconds, he scoffed and raised his chin defiantly. "As if! I don't even call your brother, Toshiro, or anyone for that matter by their title!" His face inched toward hers. "As if I'd call you Captain!"
Now it was Rukia whose eyes widened in shock. But in an instant, however, she let out a calm, amused huff through her nose, turning her head a bit to the side and closing her eyes. "I know you won't." Opening her eyes, she looked up into those chestnut-colored eyes of his. She let herself smile fully and murmured, "Same old Ichigo."
The young man turned his face away with a small scowl, a light blush forming on his cheeks and a small sneer on his lips. He hadn't expected her to react that way. There was even a sort of warmth in her eyes when she said that...
Suddenly wanting to end this strange, serene moment between them, he racked his brain and remembered something important. "Oh, yeah..."
He turned sideways and gestured his head to the still open double doors. "Come on. There's somewhere I have to take you."
"Huh? To where?" the Kuchiki woman asked.
Ichigo gave a small grin this time. "Just follow me."
[][][][][]
Renji quietly walked out of the meeting room after his two closest friends. They hadn't even noticed he was still there when they'd started their little conversation (did they not sense his reiatsu...? ...Err, even a little bit?), and he wasn't really going to interrupt them anyway.
As he stepped out of the meeting room, he caught sight of said friends to his left walking down the hall next to each other, talking - er, bickering - rather contently.
He didn't realize he'd been just standing there staring at the pair, while the double doors were still open behind him, when he heard a familiar, quiet male voice speak from his right.
"Those two..."
Renji turned his head to his right and saw his captain standing there, his grey eyes observant on the distancing Ichigo and Rukia.
After a few seconds of silence, the lieutenant asked, "Captain?" an eyebrow raised slightly in confusion.
Byakuya closed his eyes and turned in the opposite direction, his robes swishing elegantly, and began pacing away. "I wouldn't be surprised if..."
The red-haired man stood there staring at his captain for a few seconds, but with only silence following after, he turned back around. His two friends were nearly out of sight.
As he gazed at them, an unusual tender smile formed on his lips.
"Yeah..."
"So what was Byakuya telling you?" Ichigo asked casually as he and Rukia were leaving the 1st Division building. The sun was at its highest in the clear blue sky. "I noticed he went up to you while everyone was leaving the meeting room."
A small blush began forming on Rukia's cheeks as she replied, "Oh..." She placed a light fist on her chest shyly. "Nii-sama simply reminded me to not take too long in returning home. He organized a formal gathering to celebrate my becoming captain..."
Ichigo stopped in his tracks and turned to look at her. "Really?"
Rukia stopped too and nodded, her eyes on the ground. "Yeah..."
The Kurosaki stared at her. I forgot she has a better relationship with Byakuya...they're more like siblings now...
A small, genuine smile formed on his lips. She deserved this; especially after all she'd been through. Not to mention, it was rare to see the feisty girl in such a c-...er, not cute state. Well, it's not like she was, in the first place, but...and...uh...that's not what he meant...
How was he thinking this?!
Annoyed, Ichigo scratched the back of his head and looked to the ground, a frown and a tiny blush on his fine features.
They both stood there, neither realizing that their actions...could be easily misinterpreted. Some Soul Reapers who passed by them even wondered if a romantic confession had just taken place, considering that the hero of Soul Society was scratching his head and looking to the ground, while the new captain of the 13th Division was blushing, had a hand on her chest and was looking down too... Well, yeah...easily misinterpreted...
It wasn't totally impossible, anyway. Everyone knew of their rather close relationship, so it didn't seem unlikely to some that those two might have developed romantic feelings for each other over time. Or that they would.
But, it wasn't like anybody was necessarily going to say something about it. It was...kind of taboo; a complicated subject, really. Most especially after the end of the last war, when the whole of Seireitei found out why - and what transpired after - a certain, former captain had to step down from his position a little over twenty years ago. No one really wanted to bring it up.
Oblivious to the curious glances around them, Ichigo peeked up at Rukia while his hand was still on the back of his head. She was still in the same position as a minute ago. Wanting to end this already, the orange-haired man closed his eyes in annoyance, took in a deep breath and exhaled loudly.
"Well, Byakuya's waiting for you, so..." he said casually, putting his arm down.
Rukia finally looked him in the eyes, her hand slowly falling to her side. "Oh, yeah..." she murmured.
Ichigo crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head a little as he looked at her. "Just remember. I still have somewhere I have to take you."
Imitating his position slowly, Rukia asked with a small frown on her face, "...What's this all about?" She didn't know what was up with his sudden change in attitude.
"I'll come for you when your 'formal gathering' is over," he simply replied, before turning around and walking away.
"I don't know when it'll end," the young woman stated at his retreating figure, her arms still crossed over her chest.
The young man stopped and remained like that for a second or two, before looking over his shoulder and giving Rukia an indifferent, but determined look. "Then I'll just have to go crash the party."
Rukia didn't have time to respond as the rebellious man turned his head back to the front, and took a step forward to flash-step away.
She stared at the spot he had left from. Seconds later, she let out a small, amused breath through her nose as she closed her eyes and smiled softly. Fool...
"He didn't even let me tell him he was invited."
"Welcome, Lady Rukia. The guests are already here. Please follow me."
The Kuchiki heiress nodded at the maid and followed her to the spacious banquet room in the Kuchiki Manor.
As the maid opened the sliding door, Rukia's eyes took notice of the elaborate decorations around the room. There were some tea tables aligned near the walls around the room, where several nobles from other clans and some captains of the Gotei 13 were sitting on cushions - either next to or across from each other. They were merrily drinking tea or sake, and chatting and eating away.
Well, 'merrily' would be more fitting to Captain-Commander Kyoraku, who was laughing and already had his cheeks flushed due to drinking some sake.
Others were standing around in groups, having conversations with each other and drinks in hand. Everyone was dressed in formal wear (as in, elegant kimonos), except for the present captains, whose white haoris were enough to show high status.
Before Rukia could even step foot inside, she noticed almost everyone's attention had diverted to her; the maid who opened the door then stood beside her and announced, "Lady Rukia has arrived."
All was silent for a second, when unexpectedly, from a standing group of nobles, Byakuya began to calmly clap as his eyes were on her. The rest of those present began to clap in unison, some giving the new captain small smiles.
Rukia couldn't help but blush.
As the applause died down, Byakuya made his way towards her and gently took her hand in his. "Congratulations, Rukia," he murmured, and gave her one of his small, rare smiles.
His adoptive sister gave him a small nod and shyly looked to the tatami floor, murmuring back, "Thank you, Nii-sama."
A feeling of happiness and gratitude settled in her chest. There wasn't anything more she could ask for. Everything that happened in her life before was to lead it all to this. Being close to her brother, reconciled with her childhood friend Renji, having become stronger and acknowledged by others, and...
Seeing Ichigo again. Talking to him. Knowing - certain now - that no matter what, no matter how much time passed, they'd always be close. They forever shared that bond that never broke.
She just hoped all would remain the way it was.
She didn't think this could get better.
[][][][][]
Rukia sipped some tea. After several nobles had congratulated her for her promotion to captaincy, and had asked her questions about her division (wow, her division...), she had decided to sit down and eat. Once she had finished her meal, she had served herself some more tea, and was content with just that as she relaxed.
As she replayed the earlier moments since her arrival, she recalled a few disdainful looks and comments from a group of noble girls. But at this point in her life, the Kuchiki heiress couldn't care less.
She had gotten used to such lack of reception, ever since she became a part of the Kuchiki Clan almost fifty years ago now. The majority of the other nobles who hadn't been very kind to her at first, had come to respect her (whether genuinely or grudgingly) when she got promoted to lieutenant a few years ago - as their behavior went from haughty looks to polite nods and greetings. Even more so now that she was a captain...
But of course, there were still some that clearly saw her as nothing more than a poor girl from the Rukongai, who got lucky to have been adopted into the Kuchiki Clan. Sometimes, to this day, she'd still hear the gossipers mentioning her older sister in their disdainful comments about her [Rukia].
The raven-haired woman let out a small, inaudible sigh and closed her eyes, taking another sip of her tea.
"Hey, hey, Rukia-chan! Enjoying yourself?"
Said girl looked up to see Captain-Commander Kyoraku sitting across from her on the tea table, a cup of sake in hand and a lazy smile on his lips.
Rukia placed her own cup on the table, her hands on her lap, and bowed her head respectfully. "Yes, sir."
Kyoraku waved his hand airily. "No need for so many formalities! After all, we're at a party! To be specific, your party!"
"Ah, yes, sir." Rukia lifted her head and looked at her superior, her hands still placed on her lap.
The man chuckled and swirled his drink a little in his cup before taking a sip. After gulping the sake down, he looked at her again with a small smile, his usually carefree face turning a bit serious.
"Ukitake would be proud."
A small look of surprise appeared on Rukia's features, her lips parting slightly. She would never have expected him to say something like that. To her.
After realizing she was simply staring at him, though, Rukia looked away as a small blush began forming on her cheeks, and quietly responded, "I hope so, sir."
"He must be doing well. His having become the new Soul King surely helped cure his illness," Kyoraku said with another smile, and proceeded to serve himself some more sake. Then, he looked at the young woman with a more joyous expression, going back to his usual demeanor.
"You know, Rukia-chan... That was quite something back there when Ichigo-kun arrived to the meeting room! After all, it's been almost three years since he was last here. I hadn't expected him to come!"
The former captain of the 8th Division leaned forward just a tad, his face turning serious again. "But he did..." he added in a lower voice and slowly glanced at his cup. Then, in the same manner, he lifted his eyes back to the young woman. "...For you."
Kyoraku calmly turned his head to the side and drank from his cup, his intelligent eyes never leaving the Kuchiki heiress.
...What was this unexpected turn in the conversation? Rukia couldn't move. She wasn't exactly sure what he was talking about, but, for some unknown reason to her, she could only stare at her superior, his rare, intense gaze rooting her to the spot.
She could see innumerable years in those eyes of his, making her fully realize just how much older, powerful, and wiser Shunsui Kyoraku was. Now that former Captain-Commander Yamamoto, Captain Ukitake and Captain Unohana weren't in Soul Society anymore - two of them no longer living - this man before her was now the oldest soul in Soul Society.
It was blatantly obvious he knew, or at least suspected, something she didn't.
She tried to form a coherent response when she managed to break out of her trance. "I...I do not understand your...statement, sir." She looked away and bowed her head, her hands becoming slightly tense on her lap.
Implication sounded like a...strange word right now. Insinuation even stranger. And she didn't know why. She did not understand the situation...
...Did it have to do with Ichigo? Only because he was brought up, this was a strange situation? For once, the guy hadn't done anything - well, him having returned to Soul Society sure was a popular topic of conversation today, if the other nobles talking idly about him earlier was any indication...
Alright. Ichigo Kurosaki was always a popular topic of conversation - she had to admit. But why was the Captain-Commander bringing him up all of a sudden, and to her, at the celebration of her promotion?
He's just... The Captain-Commander... He's...
Though trying to think calmly about this, Rukia could already feel a small bead of sweat on the side of her face. She was frowning slightly.
He said Ichigo...came to Soul Society...for me...
The raven-haired woman closed her eyes.
Of course he did. I simply informed him about it and...
She opened her eyes, still facing her lap. It really was simple. The Captain-Commander was just stating the obvious. There was nothing to it.
...But why does it feel like... The look he gave me just now... It's as if...there's something else...something more...
Another small bead of sweat appeared on her face, Rukia's features forming a slight frown again.
And then she felt it. His reiatsu.
"There he is..." muttered the brown-haired man before her.
The young woman finally looked up at Kyoraku and noticed a small smile on his lips, his eyes gazing mysteriously at the sake he was swaying in his cup.
She stared at him until she heard the shoji door slide.
Everyone in the spacious room turned their eyes to the new arrival.
Ichigo Kurosaki stood at the entrance of the banquet room, his lips pursed slightly. His eyes quickly traveled to indigo ones.
Even though he could sense the steady beat of her controlled reiatsu, she stood out among the others in the room. It was just like earlier during the promotion ceremony, but this time, the Kuchiki woman was sitting on her knees, her hands placed on her lap. She was a bit of a distance away.
Ichigo gave a boyish grin. "I've come for you, Rukia."
Some guests in the room let out quiet gasps while others remained silent. He didn't seem to mind - or notice, for that matter.
Suddenly, Byakuya Kuchiki was standing a few feet before him. "Ichigo Kurosaki."
Said young man moved his gaze to the 6th Division Captain, his grin taking a more casual turn. "Ah, hey, Byakuya!"
The black-haired man closed his eyes as he heard some nobles gasp quietly and whisper in disbelief at Ichigo's informality. "Still the same as ever, it seems."
He opened his eyes, boring them into the living boy's, and went right down to business. "So. Are you going to keep standing there or are you going to enter like a normal guest?"
Ichigo raised his eyebrows. "Oh..." He stared at Byakuya. "...Really?" He took a few steps inside and the maid behind him slid the shoji door shut.
Standing about three feet away from Byakuya, another casual grin spread on Ichigo's lips. "...Thanks. I thought you were about to go shikai on me for a sec."
Byakuya slightly narrowed his eyes at him. "Why would I? It's not like you barged in like an uninvited guest and declared something uncalled for."
He closed his eyes when he noticed an actual bead of sweat appear on the Kurosaki's face.
He actually has the decency to feel embarrassed. Maybe he has changed. A little.
Opening his eyes again, Byakuya turned to walk away and spoke over his shoulder, "As you were invited, make yourself feel welcome... I owe you at least that much." He finished that last part quietly.
Ichigo gave a look of surprise. "I...was?" he said aloud.
But it wasn't Byakuya who responded.
"Yeah, you were. You just simply didn't let me tell you beforehand."
At the new voice, Ichigo turned his head and saw Rukia standing beside him, a small smirk on her lips.
He stared at her for a second or two, then, as if realizing something, he turned his eyes back to Byakuya's retreating form. "Oh, thanks! But, uh, maybe next time! I can't stay - I just came for Rukia!"
The Kuchiki clan leader stopped in his tracks. He just barely looked over his shoulder, his eyes more serious than usual. He stared at the Kurosaki.
...How could I mistake something so simple?
When Ichigo said, "I've come for you, Rukia," Byakuya had misunderstood, thinking Ichigo meant he had come to the formal gathering because of Rukia, not that he had come to get her.
Byakuya turned around fully to face the orange-haired man, his robes swishing dramatically. He flash-stepped towards him in the blink of an eye, stopping about two feet away.
"You came for Rukia?" he muttered.
"Yeah."
Ichigo started feeling Byakuya's rather darkening aura, a small bead of sweat appearing on his temple. He suspected something like this would happen..
"For what purpose?" he demanded quietly, dangerously.
Ichigo briefly pursed his lips. "...I'd rather not say."
As she stood beside him, Rukia could only remain silent. She looked between her brother and Ichigo, not sure if to intervene or not. She wondered what in the world the foolish boy beside her was thinking, barging into her home during a celebration and demanding he'd come to get her. Of course, she knew the moment he had told her he'd "crash the party" that he'd keep his word, but darn him...
She should've given her brother a warning about this reckless moron being likely to present himself in an unexpected manner. It completely passed her mind when the guests had started congratulating her and all.
Before Byakuya could respond, Ichigo added with a small grin, "But don't sweat it. She'll be back just fine."
Rukia had a few beads of sweat on her face as she gazed at Ichigo, then looked at her brother.
Byakuya stared at the Kurosaki for an endless moment, and narrowed his eyes for a second before giving a brief glance to Rukia. Her brows were knitted together in a small, worried expression, her lips parting slightly at their eye contact.
His grey eyes softened a tad, and then closed as he turned back around, his haori swishing elegantly as he began pacing in the opposite direction.
"Make sure she does, Ichigo Kurosaki."
Everyone in the room remained silent for a moment, taking in what just transpired.
The Substitute Soul Reaper was at a loss for words. He had thought he'd at least have to deal with a protest, any kind of obstacle, really, just to pick up Rukia. He would have never thought it'd turn out like this - getting permission from her vigilant brother.
It was unexpected. He turned to look at Rukia, who was staring at her said brother.
She understood the underlying meaning of Byakuya's words: that Ichigo had finally earned enough respect - and trust - from him.
Before the oblivious Kurosaki could say anything to the woman beside him, a male voice spoke up in a frivolous tone, "Well, this is a party, ain't it? So let's continue the fun!"
People looked over at the Captain-Commander, who had a joyful smile on his lips, and lifted his sake cup in a toast before taking a large gulp. Soon after, everyone present began to converse like normal, though all anyone could talk about was the scene that had just transpired when the living boy arrived.
Ichigo turned back to Rukia and grinned. "Well, let's go."
She looked up at him for a few seconds and shook her head slowly as her eyes remained on his. "You...never change, do you?" A small smile spread on her lips.
Ichigo turned away as he sneered a bit. "Whatever. Come on. Follow me." He walked over to the shoji door and slid it open. But, instead of walking out, he stood beside it, not looking at her.
Rukia stared at him for three full seconds before realizing he was letting her go first. She stepped out the door. That was gentlemanly of him..
As she did so, she heard some noble girl hiss to someone, "Why is she close with all the handsome guys?"
She was pretty sure that comment was about her.
As a bead of sweat fell down the side of her face, she glanced at Ichigo, who seemed completely oblivious. He was looking ahead as he fell in step beside her and began walking down the hall to their left.
As they walked down the dimly lit hall, Rukia stared at his profile. She noticed he had a smooth, strong jawline, and the pale yellow lanterns on the walls gave his orange hair a small glow. He didn't seem to notice.
Rukia looked away and closed her eyes.
She had to admit the man beside her wasn't bad to look at.
"Where are we going?" Rukia inquired of Ichigo, as she noticed they were walking towards the West Gate. "Now that I think about it, I've been sort of following your lead as if you know your way around the Seireitei..."
"You'll see," he replied simply, looking on ahead.
The girl raised an eyebrow, but continued to walk beside him until they stopped before the gate, which began to get lifted by the giant gatekeeper.
"Thanks, Jidanbo," Ichigo thanked his old acquaintance, giving him a brief grin.
"No problem!" boomed the large man happily.
He then turned his eyes to the captain at Ichigo's side, and gave her only a small, but polite nod. He still didn't like Soul Reapers very much, other than his friend Toshiro Hitsugaya, but he figured that if this young lady was well-acquainted with his human friend (and knowing she was the sole reason why Ichigo and his nice friends even came to Soul Society in the first place)...she couldn't be that bad.
After taking a few steps out into the Rukongai, Ichigo realized that his smaller companion wasn't by his side. He turned around and saw her hesitantly standing on the other side of the open gate, looking at him in confusion.
He gave her an assuring smile. "I know what I'm doing, Rukia. Just come with me."
She nodded and made her way towards him before he resumed walking, her following suit.
The sun was already beginning to set, and Rukia took notice of the paper lanterns being lit up in the First District. Some people were dressed in summer yukatas and vendors began setting up stands for snacks and miscellaneous. It seemed there was going to be a festival of some sort. Rukia briefly remembered hearing some members of her division saying they were going to "party in the First District" or something like that. This must've been what they were talking about.
She suddenly wondered if this was where Ichigo wanted to bring her. She decided to make sure. "Really, Ichigo, where are we going? We already left the Seireitei." The young woman glanced up at him and raised an eyebrow yet again.
Ichigo, only a step ahead of her, suddenly stopped walking. "You're coming with me whether you want to or not," he responded in annoyance without giving her a glance.
He suddenly whirled on her, pointing a finger. "I'm ignoring all your questions! You're to only follow my lead! Got it?!"
Rukia's eyes widened in shock, a few beads of sweat forming on her face. "Wh-Wh- Huh?"
Wh-?!
The situation was similar to when Ichigo first came to rescue her on the bridge of the security prison a few years ago.
Ichigo then faced forward again with an annoyed scowl on his face and resumed walking - well, kind of stomping.
What?! Why was he being like this? What was up with him? Rukia pursed her lips. Darn him...
Maybe the place-to-be was deeper into the district. She exhaled softly through her nose. Guess she'd just have to suck it up for now and maybe give him a good kick on the shin later for being so annoyingly mysterious.
As she continued to follow him down the street, she began to take notice of the amount of people staring at them.
Of course, two Soul Reapers casually walking around the Rukongai, it was no wonder (plus, Ichigo's little outburst must've startled them); but this time, the people seemed more curious than bothered (the latter being the usual when they'd see those who lived in the richest part of Soul Society). Some were muttering, and unintentionally, the Kuchiki woman managed to catch a few certain things being said:
"It's that living boy! And a captain!"
"Isn't she that girl who was going to get executed some years ago?"
"Yeah, and it's the reason why that boy came here in the first place. I was here when it happened..."
"I heard she came from one of the poorest districts in the South..."
"Are they dating?"
The new captain stopped abruptly in her steps.
The comments about her past didn't bother her anymore - she got used to most of them back in her academy days and early Kuchiki years.
But that comment just now... She was aware of the meaning of that last word. Some years ago, she had been vaguely familiar with it, practically clueless, but...now...thanks to a meeting of the Shinigami Women's Association about a year ago or so, where some of the other women decided to start a conversation about romance... Well, she gained a little more knowledge about the concept.
Why would they think...that-
"Rukia?"
Said girl snapped out of her train of thought and looked in the direction of the voice. Ichigo was standing a few feet ahead, facing her.
The young woman didn't realize she was wearing a small, confused frown on her face and some beads of sweat were on her forehead.
Dating? Ichigo and...
She took in a calm breath through her nose and closed her eyes, trying to compose herself.
Something like that...it's...
She suddenly felt an ever familiar presence about a foot away from her. She opened her eyes and looked up to see Ichigo right before her, slight concern evident on his features.
"You okay, Rukia?" he asked, his eyebrow raised.
"Yes," she replied, but strangely couldn't keep her gaze steady on his.
She looked ahead, letting out an inaudible, small breath through her nose. "Sorry for holding you back. Shall we continue?"
The man before her only raised both his brows in confusion, but nonetheless turned around and resumed walking towards their destination.
"They're clearly dating."
Rukia closed her eyes and tried to block out any more weird comments from the residents of the Rukongai.
The sun was nearly out of sight as the two Soul Reapers walked down a quiet street.
Rukia had become more confused as they journeyed farther away from the festive gathering that was already taking place in the First District. Why was Ichigo taking her to the outskirts of town? To where?
She glanced at him, but he only seemed calm and relaxed as he continued to pace forward. Pace. That's exactly what they had been doing this whole time. It was as if Ichigo was purposely taking his sweet time.
Rukia looked away and sighed inaudibly. Just as she realized they were now walking on grass, Ichigo stopped and grinned.
"There it is."
The Kuchiki woman quickly followed Ichigo's gaze. At first, she couldn't see anything clearly, but as she focused, she caught sight of a strange-looking house in the distance.
It was the Shiba home.
Rukia looked up at Ichigo, her lips slightly parted. She couldn't form any words at that moment. What...
The orange-haired man glanced at her and lifted a small corner of his lips. "You coming?" Then before she could respond, Ichigo flash-stepped towards the house. He appeared almost at the entrance.
Why...
Rukia stood there, staring at his distant form, waiting for her.
She didn't know what were his reasons for bringing her here. To the Shiba house. She hadn't been anywhere near it since she finally gained the courage to make amends with the family.
Of course, she also knew it wasn't strange for him to be going there. After all, Ichigo Kurosaki...was a Shiba.
Not knowing why he brought her here, she formed the resolve to follow him. Rukia flash-stepped towards the eccentric home, appearing next to the man waiting for her. He gave her a brief, assuring grin, being aware of her discomfort, and she let out a small grin back. Then, they headed over to the entrance and stopped before it.
The two gatekeepers were nowhere in sight. Rukia tried to calm down her nerves as she waited for Ichigo to knock on the door. Instead, however, the man placed a hand casually behind his neck, slightly rubbing it with his fingers, and gazed at the door with furrowed eyebrows.
"Uh, Rukia...thanks for coming."
The young woman glanced at him. "...Yeah. But, why..." She let her question fade.
Ichigo let out a deep, almost annoyed breath, as if readying himself for something, and put his hand down. "You'll see." He reached out and knocked on the door.
Rukia braced herself. She didn't have anything to worry about, but even so, she couldn't help feeling a little nervous about visiting the Shibas. Lightly gripping the sides of her uniform, she stared at the door.
A scuffling was heard inside. A muffled shout. Running footsteps.
Rukia was beginning to sweat-drop.
The running stopped and the door opened as a head poked out.
"Ha, until you finally showed up!"
Rukia's eyes widened.
Sensing the reiatsu of those inside the Shiba house was somehow difficult, nearly impossible. A Hollow could be in there and no one in Seireitei would sense it. Maybe it was something new they added?
So, she couldn't have expected...
For Karin Kurosaki to open the door.
So here's the first part! I hope you enjoyed it.
Of course, I didn't try explaining things like how exactly the war ended & such, because none of us would know how that would have truly turned out, what with all the complexities, so I avoided giving such details. Other than that, I will provide my hopefully understandable explanations of other things ;)
BTW, sorry if I use both English & Japanese terms here, I sometimes prefer some over others, etc.
