The street lights on the bridge weren't highlighting Rukia's path the way the moon did. She was thankful for that just like she was of doubling up on coats at the last second, considering how thick the snow and cold was. The ice skater was a fan of those two things however, just not for a flight.

Large headlights arrived and the sound of an engine grew closer. The window to the limousine suddenly rolled down as the car came to a slow stop, prompting the young woman to become still.

"Rukia.." A deep, familiar voice called out. "If you chose this path, then do not plan on returning."

She could only shake her head.

"Thank you for everything. You've done more for me than I could of ever asked..'' Finally her eyes met his cold ones. ''But if Ukitake sends me his best wishes, you shouldn't do the opposite."

"Let me make myself clear this time." His tone managed to become even more stern. "If you leave, you can not come back."

If her father had bothered to get out of the car, his cheek would of been kissed, but Rukia could only smile to herself.

"Dasvidaniya.." The Russian whispered, pulling on her coat as she made her decision.

Sorry I can't do what you want this time, Byakuya..

Without looking back, she resumed her path.


"Ichigo! Why are you not answering your cell!?" Keigo shouted, sliding the doors frantically open like a nuisance with snow atop his head.

Isshin was the first one to reply, kicking back in one of the lounge chairs. "What's wrong?"

The poor guy was almost at a lost for words. What wasn't wrong? "There's a rumor Rukia Kuchiki is going to be Ichigo's coach! I don't believe that for a second!..is it true?"

The father nodded his head up in realization. That's what this kid was so worked up on? He simply turned the page of the newspaper he was reading before answering.

"Rukia's already here,"

The nuisance's eyes were almost about to pop out of his head before he followed in the direction Isshin's head nodded toward.

Sliding the shoji to the dining room made his jaw drop.

Beautiful Kuchiki was sound asleep.

Ichigo jolted back when he heard the doors open, abandoning his previous position of watching the skating idol sleep and still denying everything that was happening.

"Dude!" Keigo frustratedly cried. "Why is she in your inn's robes!?" Not that the sight was bad..

The ginger's cheek's almost grew as orangey red. Ichigo's defensive tone also greeted Keigo at the same time while he stammered. "I..I don't what you're trying to imply," That itch returned on his neck. "I didn't put her in the those robes. She soaked in the hot springs, had dinner, then fell asle-"

"You saw her in the hot springs!?" Keigo questioned, a bit too cheery.

"Shut the hell up.." Ichigo sighed. "I never said that, did I? Now, what the do you even want, Asano?"

His friend shrugged, the over reaction slowly fading after coming to terms that Rukia Kuchiki was actually there with Ichigo.. "It's just big news in Russia, is all. I mean you know I was never into the whole skating thing but I saw your name in a article." His dark brown hues drank in the peaceful Kuchiki's form as she snuggled next to her rabbit.

Ichigo continued to listen to his perverted friend, curious orange brow perking as he went on and right hand adjusting a pillow to cover the front of her upper robe..

"Hey! I wasn't looking.." Kiego tried to convince. "Anyways, the article talked about that girl you used to talk about all the time. Well, her." He corrected, opening his hand toward the sleeping beauty. "-It said she was taking next season off and considering her next big move. Whatever, I wasn't interested. Then, it said she saw a video of you skating her routine.."

Denial seemed to be a new pattern in Ichigo's behavior. Because he was speechles. But his friend wasn't done talking just yet.

Kiego got closer, placing his hands on the ginger's shoulders. "It said she felt inspiration from it. Your performances struck a chord in her or something..''

No response.

"Broooo," Ichigo's friend shook him a little, preparing him for the next part. "She came here for you. She chose you. You brought her here.. That's awesome!"

The ex skater didn't smile. His scowl was still intact as ever. Plus, Kiego's hands were still on his shoulders..

But it faltered for a second and although the ginger didn't freak out, didn't jump around the room or faint.. His heart begun to beat fast. In fact it was all he could hear. His palms sweat, his throat became dry, he felt incredibly uneasy. Or perhaps he just couldn't figure out what he was feeling yet.

She was inspired by..me?

Ichigo's hand went to his chest. Was it from dis-belief? More denial? Checking if he even had a pulse because surely he must of been dead? Who knew. It wasn't anywhere near that dramatic but no one could doubt the strawberry red on his cheeks in that moment, as much as he swore Keigo he'd kick his ass if he tried to bring it up again.

"So man ~.." Kiego casually began, something Ichigo hated. "You hittin' that or what? I mean come on, she came -"

The only thing that got hit however, was Kiego.

Well, knocked out.


What..!? Rukia went to Japan to become some loser's coach? MY Rukia!?

The teen clutched his cellphone. The fire in his eyes was almost as large as the fire in his heart.

He pinched the image, zooming in on Ichigo Kurosaki.

"For that fatso!?" The blonde russian couldn't believe it. "Did she forget what she promised me..?" His heart wanted to wittle away and die. Then anger returned. "Someome! Explain this stupid shit to me!"

xxxx

"Rukia wants to take time off until she finds motivation again. I believe in her, I know she will.." The legendary Jushiro Ukitake announced to the press, hoping to turn the dial down on all the media's accusations. "Many doubt she'll be able to return if she takes a break at the moment. I don't personally believe that..''

The press expected as much, the matter being made light for Rukia. But they'd be able to finally make headlines with what had happened next.

Byakuya Kuchiki had emerged from the stadium, the very rink he owned and his daughter had grown up in. He took his stance on the podium originally placed for her coach to speak and instead figured he'd offer his insight on the matter.

''Rukia only does things for herself. She is not looking for motivation because she has left ice skating..''

The crowd went silent. The rumors that had been spreading for the past year suddenly made a reappearance in all their minds, causing slight gasps. Why did her own father also speak so harshly of her?

''But Mr. Kuchiki, isn't she in Japan, coaching Kurosaki Ic-''

''This meeting is now over.'' His calm demeanor almost faltered. ''She is not coaching anyone. She will not return to ice skating.''

The Russian skater watched the press conference from afar, shaking his head as the lights flashed from each camera, even as Byakuya Kuchiki and Jushio Ukitake walked away. He clenched his fist, Rukia really did forget her promise to him..

''We'll see about that..'' He muttered.


It was getting late at the Hotsprings & Inn. After dragging Keigo out, Ichigo found himself watching his idol sleep again. He wasn't a weirdo by any means, but there wasn't anything else to do except wait for her to get up. The skater hadn't even booked a room, it wasn't as if Ichigo was going to just leave her be.

''Why do you sleep like a bear in the damn winter for, huh?'' He whispered to himself, sitting cross legged.

She was blushing in her sleep, actually looking more like a little bunny in the winter..

Ichigo couldn't help but look.

Suddenly she sneezed lightly, prompting herself to awake. The ginger jumped back a bit, chewing on the inside of his cheek as he pretended to be doing something else. Hazily the raven haired Russian sat up as lidded violet eyes captured nervous amber ones.

''I'm starving..'' Rukia pouted, her green robe fell a bit to the side, revealing soft creamy skin as the cloth fell a bit down her shoulder. Ichigo swallowed hard, suddenly forgetting how to act and abandoning the idea of eye contact. ''Okay, sure. What do you want to eat?'' He asked, looking down at his lap as that never ending itch decided to pay a visit on his neck. It was just hard to grasp reality. The reason she was there in the first place was because she was inspired by him? Simple conversation seemed difficult.

Rukia held on to chappy as she tilted her head. ''As your coach, I'd like to know what your favorite food is, Ichigo.''

What?

Suddenly the door slid open with a very cheerful Isshin popping out. ''That's the pork cutlet bowl! Hold on, I'll make you some!''

Was that bastard listening in the whole time?

xxxx

''So, do you like it?'' Isshin quizzed, waiting for the skater's reaction as the fried pork cutlet met her mouth.

The flavors broke down inside her palette, making her eyes widen and cheeks blush.

''...Vkusno!'' She cheerfully announced, taking another bite, and another. ''Ichigo..?'' She asked, covering her mouth as she swallowed. ''Why aren't you eating? Your father said this was your favorite dish.'' She waited for his reply, turning to her side where he sat. (Thanks to Isshin.)

Arms crossed, the ginger shrugged as he drank his hot tea. ''Not really. Old man just wanted to show off his skills.''

Isshin smirked, it was true. Ichigo couldn't give two craps about pork cutlet bowls! Yuzu had been teaching her old man a few tricks and he couldn't help but show them off to the foreigner! ''Not too bad though, am I right? My Japanese dish has found itself inside a Russian's heart.. Ichigo here just likes to skip to dessert, don'tcha son?'' He quizzed, tapping the back of the ginger's shoulder harder than he should of.

Ichigo cursed, reaching out and trying to soothe his now black and blue injury. Isshin would pay for that.. But, he was right. Ichigo couldn't get his eyes away from the plate of chocolate on the table.

''I agree with Ichigo as well then, I too share a sweet tooth.'' Rukia grabbed the plate, sliding it closer to her. ''My favorite is nama chocolate, I had to bring this out..''

I thought my dad did?

''I used to have this shipped overseas. I came here to Japan for you Ichigo, yes. But the chocolate was a plus..''

Ichigo's face reddened again. But his fist clenched as his father began to chuckle teasingly. Wanting to avoid awkwardness, ''It's actually my favorite too.'' He admitted, reaching for a piece. God, were those things heavenly..

''When I was younger a fan had written a letter to try some and sent me these. I've been overindulgent since. I wish I can thank them for introducing me to such a sweet treat ~'' Rukia went on, closing her eyes in delight as she took a bite.

Ichigo swallowed, swallowed hard.

''Hey son, didn't you send a -AH! Fu...'' Isshin whimpered, holding in his stomach as he shot his kin a dirty look. Suddenly a smile appeared. He didn't want Rukia knowing, did he?

''Yeah..'' Ichigo mumbled, hot amber eyes threatening his father's if he spilled the tea Ichigo would probably spill actual hot piping tea on him. And smash the damn cup on his head too. His idol did not need to know of his..love letter he sent as a child accompanied with chocolates! Oh, the cringe the ginger felt inside. She didn't bring that up though..

Thank God..

''Well actually Ms. Kuchiki,'' Isshin began, watching his son's expression battle on the brink of sanity.

''Rukia,'' The skater corrected, not wanting to feel any type of special treatment. She wasn't anyone important.

The father smirked, taking a liking to her humbleness. ''Rukia,'' He fixed. ''My son gained weight very easily. So he would only eat a whole plate of these after each competition he won.''

That made the small woman giggle. How cute. Her attention went to the relieved Kurosaki, ''Is that true Ichigo? Have you had these recently?''

For the first time all day, he actually smiled. ''Uh..yeah. Yesterday. I can't get enough of these things.''

With still gleaming eyes and dimples threatning to make hers fan go blind, ''But why?'' She asked.

..What?

''You haven't won anything in years.'' Pointing with her chopsticks, ''And with that pig's body of yours, lessons would be meaningless..''

Ichigo deadpanned. His soul left his body. Isshin laughed hysterically and his son was speechless.

''You're a little chubby. Thanks to all the chocolate.. You need to lose 15 pounds at least. Or else..I can never coach you.''

What the hell!?

''Who the hell said you were even my coach anyway, huh? I mean..I never agreed to it! And..and I'm not fat!'' The chubster tried to convince, clenching his fist at his idol.

''Correct, not 'fat'. Lot to love. Big boned. Husky. Genetics. I agree, strawberry ~''

Str-strawberry? She agrees there's 'lot to love'? What?! Man, why am I not pissed off!? I should be way more offended! ''My name does not ! -''

''Yes it does, 'Ichigo' in Japanese is Strawberry, not to mention you look like a strawberry.'' The Russian brought up, twirling a finger in his spiked hair. Ichigo became still, not sure how to react before jerking away. For a second it looked like that demon rabbit on her back was laughing too!

Isshin watched on, completely in disbelief his son was speaking so comfortably, in fact arguing so comfortably with someone he wrote love letters to as a kid.

''Dad, there's luggage in the way, what do I do with it?'' Karin boredly asked, popping her head through the opened doors. Suddenly deadpanning at the sight.

''Oh, can you take it where I'll be staying?'' Rukia replied, hand covering Ichigo's never ending mouth.

Staying? Ichigo blinked.

''What's all the fuss about?'' A higher pitch voice questioned, joining her sister in the doorway. ''Rukia Kuchiki!?''

xxxx

After his two sisters wrapped their heads around the fact Rukia Kuchiki was going to be Ichigo coach, they felt like they knew her for years. She was kind, and seemed to make Ichigo uncomfortable which was an A+ in Karin's book.

''It was nice meeting you girls, we'll talk more in the morning, right?'' She hoped, smiling back at the ginger's sisters when they nodded and bid farewell. ''I like them. I like your family, Ichigo.'' Rukia confessed, walking alongside him to her room.

''Thanks, I guess.'' He replied, finally stopping before some sliding doors. Holding her boxes he used his foot to nudge it to the right. Rukia walked in and he followed.

''Wow, what a classic, tiny room. I like it! ..Is there a sofa?'' Still trying to be ever humble, the daughter of wealth was a bit used to the finer things in life..

''Nah, it's all we have at the second,'' Ichigo mentioned, putting her things down. ''We only had a unused banquet room.''

Suddenly silence spoke. Tension filled the air, making it thick.

Why is she staring at me like that?

''Anxious, Ichigo?''

..What? The ginger wondered, sitting on his knees as he stacked her belongings. (Staying away from the demon rabbit on the other side of the room.)

Suddenly the tension stopped. ''Don't worry, you can pay the coaching fee after you achieve success! I'll bill you after.''

Was she on something? Ichigo's scowl deepened as he puffed hot air out of his nostrils. ''Who the hell said I was gonna -?''

Suddenly the Russian beauty closed the distance between them, crouching down. ''Ichigo..tell me everything about you~'' The ex-skater was caught off guard, suddenly having the underside of his chin caressed. ''What rink do you skate at?'' She leaned closer, taking his amber hues hostage and slowing his struggling breath. The soft skin around her collarbone tempting to his hot eyes, inviting his warm fingers to touch. ''What's in the city?'' The student suddenly found his face a temperature he could only find in California. ''Is there a girl you like?'' Before he knew it he was leaning forward, drowning in her violet pools as her left hand slid down his arm, down his wrist, capturing his hand all while bringing his face closer to her's with the other. ''Before we start practicing, let's build some trust in our relationship..''

I..

''Hey Rukia, you forgot your rabbit's food down stairs! Oh..am I interrupting something?~'' Isshin suddenly popped in, prompting Ichigo to practically fling backwards, face a different shade from his tan skin.

''I'll come back later.'' He laughed, walking away.

''Why are you running away, Ichigo?'' Rukia quizzed, crossing her arms as she watched the struggling ginger. ''Did I do something wrong?~''

A tease. Rukia Kuchiki is being a tease with me..

Ichigo disagreed with her, getting up and avoiding all eye contact. I'm still hesitant to get close to her..

xxxx

''Ichigo, let's sleep together.'' Rukia knocked, holding her folded blanket in one hand as chappy bounced around beside her. ''As your coach, there's so much I need to learn about you.'' She added.

It was A.M then, making it the perfect time for snuggling beneath your comfy blanket, not barricading the door with your body. ''No, that's fine! Go back to your bed Rukia!'' The embarrassed ex-skater tried to convince, eyeing all those posters in his room.

''Ichigo?''

Quickly the flustered student collected the various shots of the very idol banging on the door like a cartoon, running to each corner, nook and cranny in a matter of seconds. ''No, just go back to your own room!'' He muttered, finally grabbing the last head shot as he stood on top of his bed to reach it. The ex skater couldn't believe this. Rukia Kuchiki wanted to..sleep with him!? As he came back down he shuffled the pictures, thinking of somewhere to place them. But then the very picture of the Russian caught his eye, causing his world to stop spinning. He found himself getting lost in it.

xxxx

The events still had a hard time settling in as the day winded to an end. Rukia was not a room down, sleeping peacefully.

We've barely even spoken because I put her on such a high pedestal, and now she's right here..

Ichigo's eyes were hidden behind his palms as he laid in bed. Suddenly they abandoned his face, revealing his warm cheeks and a smile to end darkness. He hadn't felt this way in a long time. Too long of a time..

I get it now..

Ichigo Kurosaki was the guy who scowled in pictures. He was the one who didn't look forward to birthdays or holidays, didn't care to hang out with friends, he was the kind of guy to feel lonely in a room full of people. But for the first time since his mother past.. he looked forward to tomorrow.

My heart's pounding because of how happy I am.


Thank you all for the reviews, favs and follows. I really appreciate it! Hope you enjoyed this chapter .