Authors Note: I wanna say thank you to Kuchiki Yazumi 09, 20eKUraN10 and Aizawa Ayumu for reading and a single review, but that's fine.

There has been a question about Ichigo and Kiras' relationship and I know it seems kind of odd but it will all be explained in due time, as well as her last name if anybody remembers it (0_0) But this is first and foremost an IchiRuki so no worries ^-^ and thanks again to those three. I love you already and will give you a cookie but I can't because t would be semi-creepy? So here an invisible one filled with my gratitude~

Disclaimer: No, I don't own Bleach Tite Kubo does. The only thing I own would be Kira the OC.

Chapter 2

Ichigo and Rukia were walking in calm silence heading to school when a scream rang out in the relatively quiet morning air.

"David and goliath over there!" both turning a ready set glare one their face. Kiras' melodious laughter floating to them as she approached, "Ohayo"

"Ohayo Kiki" Rukia teased earning herself a playful glare from the girl, with Ichigo only mumbling a good morning. The two stopped and turned noticing that Kira wasn't following a frown on her face, "What's wrong with you?" Ichigo asked cocking his head to the left. A glint of mischief sparkled in blue eyes as she grabbed a wrist in each of her hands and stared sprinting completely missing the turn for school.

"Oi!" Ichigo yelled trying to keep up while being pulled. After Rukias' initial yelp when she was dragged she remained silent deciding to keep her air since she had to pump her legs twice as fast. A few minutes later which seemed like forever the three teens were huffing and puffing beside each other trying to catch their breath.

"What the hell!" Ichigo bellowed being the first to regain his composure, wiping his sweat drenched forehead despite the cold weather; "Wh-what h-he said-d" Rukia huffed beside him damn this stupid gigai she though darkly.

Kira just smiled at them leading them to a bench and placing them there while walking off somewhere. A minute later she came back brown bag in hand a smile on her face.

"Breakfast~" she said in a sing song way that was oh so familiar to the two but could not place it right now. Handing each a piece of warm bread with butter and sugar on top; both took and looked at it in great interest.

"What is this?" amethyst eyes sparkling with curiosity; "Breakfast, like I said" she replied while taking a bite as she swung lightly on the swing set in front of the two.

"Oi, Kira is this…" Ichigo never finished his sentence looking at the girl on the swing through hooded eyes. "Ah" was the only reply as she continued eating, a ghost of a smile on Ichigos' face as the sweetness exploded in his mouth.

Rukia on the other hand was simply glowing in delight; "This is delicious!" she exclaimed happily "Though I didn't know you liked sweets Ichigo" she simply stated, talking while eating.

"I don't. This is probably the sweetest thing I actually like eating. My mom used to take us here. It's been long" he replied quietly still eating the warm bread, Rukia smiling slightly. Kira who was observing the two with great interest smiled as well, taking her leave to buy drinks.

"Sorry we're late!" Ichigo, Rukia and Kira shouted in unison as they opened the door to their room, looking like a staircase with Rukia being the shortest in front, Kira in the middle and Ichigo at the back.

A moment of silence passed, or maybe two until the whole class burst out laughing at the sight, all three sweating and sporting scratches from tree branches that hit their faces Rukia not having any but all had messy wind blown hair with leaves. The three only burned holes on the floor their red faces from exhaustion now turning a shade darker from embarrassment.

"This is all your fault" Ichigo mumbled.

"Don't complain. You liked it you stupid strawberry" was Kiras' not so mumbled reply.

"It's both your faults" Rukia stated crossing her arms over her chest and huffing when she reached her desk.

"You probably ate too much that's why your running was so much slower"

"We had to slow down our steps afraid your midget legs won't keep you up with us" both said in their defense, one earning a kick to the shin and the other a slap on the back of their head. Both said 'OW' at the same time too as they took their seat.

"Anyway" Oichi-sensei started as she coughed to get everyone's attention; "To catch you three up we were discussing the possible places for the school excursion happening in two weeks"

Lighting up Rukia left her angry musings to listen intently.

"Tokyo, Okinawa, Hokkaido, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Himeji, Kyoto are the places on the list. We have to decide fast so we could get our first pick, now go discuss it amongst yourselves" with that the room erupted in excited chatter groups forming and discussing.

"Are we going on a trip?" Rukia asked Ichigo excitedly. "Ah" was the only reply she got.

"Aren't you excited Ichigo?" cocking her head to the side wondering why the orange head wasn't excited.

"Don't worry bout that monkey Ru~" Kira sing songed in that familiar tone again "But to answer your question, yeah we're going on a trip. The whole school is, we're just deciding where to go" Nobody would have guessed due to her calm demeanor but Rukia was ecstatic, she wanted to learn more about the human world.

"You look hungry for it Ru" Kira joked earning herself a light slap on the arm.

"Ano, a-are you guys t-ta-talking about where to g-go?" the three turned to see a nervous Inoue stuttering. Ichigo just looked blankly, Kira with mild interest and Rukia nodding.

"What she means is you guys wanna join our group?" Tatsuki appearing from behind the blessed girl asked.

"Didn't know you were so girly now Kiki" "Shut up Kira!" Tatsuki fumed as she threw a punch which Kira just slapped away without much trouble. There were wide eyes watching waiting for the next words.

"You know you couldn't hit me Tat so don't bother" Kira said with mocking pity in her eyes.

"Shut up! I'll have you know I was second place in the inter-Japan high school karate competition!" Tatsuki huffed. "Hai hai" was the reply while she patted the fuming girls head.

"Agh! Just say yes or no!" "Come on over then" Rukia piped up in her sickly sweet voice hoping to stop the silly discussion making Ichigo and Kira cringe in distaste. After all the girls found comfortable seats Chad, Mizuiro and Keigo joining the group, discussions and arguments erupted on what's the best place to go. Rukia listened in great interest while Ichigo was the complete opposite, not bothering to join the discussion while Kira just looked on.

"Kira-san" called Orihime sitting close to the three whilst still being part of the group, taking her silence as an invitation to continue Orihime pushed on.

"Can't you sit somewhere else?" seeing the cocking of Kiras' eyebrow she continued hastily "Not that I'm kicking you out, I was just wondering if Kurosaki-kun was comfortable" she said almost a whisper a blush overtaking her face. Eyebrow still up Kira just shrugged "He's fine"

"Ano, Kira-san" Orihime tried again "Are you and Kurosaki-kun uhmm" blushing a darker shade Orihime looked at the ground. Kira couldn't help the smirk that pulled up her lips she could ask me but not Rukia? Do I seem easy or am I the threat? She mused.

"Me and Ichii?" she asked as innocently as she could placing her hand on Ichigos' tresses and gently petted it in a specific way which made the boy nudge her to continue when she stopped.

"Never mind" Orihime said in a rush as she turned and went back to the group with hurt in her eyes, Tatsuki being a good best friend noticed the change and looked towards the one person that may be the reason. Instead she saw a resting Ichigo and a blue eyed devil about to double over from keeping her laughter in. Brown caught blue and gave her a glare that would scare most of the people in the room; unfortunately she was sending it to evil incarnate. Sighing Tatsuki resolved herself to talk and comfort her auburn haired friend after class, knowing there was nothing she could do about the mischief of her childhood friend.

Minuets passed and still the discussion raged on Rukias' curiosity of each place growing as each pros' and cons' were discussed, Kira just watching on silently seemingly in her own world while Ichigo just continued to lay his head on his desk resting after the number of hollow chases they had last night. During those minuets Orihime had steeled herself in talking to Ichigo while trying to not attract the attention of Kira.

"Ku-Kurosaki-k-kun" Inoue prodded not so loudly since she was sitting pretty close to Ichigo.

"Hrm?"

"I was wondering what place you think is the best" she asked meekly.

"I dunno, Tokyo?" he answered nonchalantly, Tokyo being the only city he actually remembered from the list.

"Ah! Tokyo is a beautiful place isn't it!" Inoue piped as she held both her hands in front of her rather large chest "I use to live there. Oh! I can show you guys all the best places to go and to eat and to shop!" she gushed now having the attention of the whole group.

"Tokyo?" whispered Rukia

"It's a giant city, a metropolitan" answered Kira from her seat on top of Ichigos' desk where the said boy laid his head on the half she wasn't sitting on. The whole group was starting to get charged about Tokyo, that Rukia didn't get the chance to suggest the place she deemed more interesting.

"What's with the face midget?" asked Ichigo looking at the frown on her face from hooded eyes.

"I was thinking Okinawa sounded more interesting. I want to go to the place called the beach" she replied ignoring the insult and somewhat pouting.

Not only the group but the whole class had seemingly picked Tokyo and that was that.

Two weeks had passed quickly and the day of the excursion was upon the group. Excited chatter was heard as students piled in to their respected rooms, being divided by place, so people from other classes were there as well.

"Ohayo" Kira mumbled while yawning as she sat on her desk.

"That is one obscene act" Ichigo scoffed "Some girl you are" earning himself a smack at the head. "You exited Ru?"

"Yeah!" said girl replied whilst munching on some pockey.

"Kurosaki, Kuchiki, Kira" Oichi-sensei called.

"What the heck? You even got our teachers to call you by your first name" Ichigo commented while walking towards the door, Rukia following and a mischievous smirk on her face, Kira lagged behind.

"What's with your Cheshire cat look? Looks like you ate the cream"

"Oh whatever do you mean Ichii-berry?" Kira jibed imitating Rukias' sickly sweet voice while she literally skipped to a halt in front of their teacher.

"I thought I told you guys to gather in the room of your trip"

"Wha-" before Ichigo could ask Kira was already walking out with Ichigo and Rukias' bag together with hers in tow.

"C'mon you two Okinawa is calling" she sing songed and skipped towards a different class.

"Okinawa?"

"OKINAWA!" two very different reactions with the same word. Catching up to the girl Ichigo was the first to ask "Okinawa?"

"Ah! Did I forget to tell you that I signed us up for alternate areas if the need arises?" Kira cocked her head to the side looking all innocent but the gleam in her eye was anything but. Ichigo just chuckled as Rukia literally tackled Kira to the ground. He found himself smiling when he saw absolute joy in Rukias' eyes and a huge smile plastered on her face seeing her happy, makes everything bette- wha? What was that? As Ichigo tried to understand what his thought was Kira was smiling at the small smile and confusion on his face Aa, my little Ichii-berry is hitting puberty she mused while snickering.

"Oi! What are you three doing there?" the spiky short haired girl called out walking down the corridor "Let's go to the room already" she finished.

"You just got here?" asked Kira her arm draped over a smiling Rukias' shoulder. Nodding Tatsuki bobbed her head to the side towards Orihime who was right behind her "I picked Orihime up"

"Ohayo" the said girl greeted cheerily the three only nodded in acknowledgment "Shall we go to the room together?" she asked smiling.

"Ah. We're in a different room" blue eyes glimmering as confusion marred the face of the beautiful girl. "Different room?"

"Yeah, there were too many people who wanted to go to Tokyo so they needed volunteers to take their place" was Kiras' simple answer while shrugging; "Oh" was the only reply from the once cheery girl.

Sighing Kira couldn't help but feel a tad bit sad for the girl, it was pretty obvious that she liked Ichigo and wanted to use the trip to get to know him, not that she objects, if they liked each other then that's that. However, Rukia wanted to go to Okinawa, now she didn't have a problem leaving Ichigo in the clutches of the large breasted female but she knew that despite the twos' bickering they were extremely good friends and that if one was without the other for the week long trip then hell would rain down on her head while on the trip and when she got back. So deciding not to risk it she stuck the two together.

By the time she got out of her own la-la-land the two girls were walking away and the other two were already inside the classroom. She noticed Tatsuki rubbing the back of the auburn head in a comforting manner. Rubbing her temple in a tired irritated manner she thought Oh man as she chased the two girls down.

Softie.

"Tsuki! Inoue!" she hollered grabbing the attention of the two and then some. The two looked back waiting for the girl to say whatever she had to say, Kira winced at the held back tears in Inoues' gray orbs.

"Ano" she started while scratching the back of her head and looking outside "I heard some teachers are still looking for other students who are willing to change their destination so if you know anyone spread it around" saying what she needed she turned around to join the two who were probably wondering where she was.

"Kira-san!" stopping and looking over her shoulder, she saw a hopeful glint in the big eyes of Orihime which made her cringe a little what did I get myself into? She wondered while waiting for the question she knew was coming; "Where are you guys going?"

"Okinawa"

Shuhei

"Drink some more!" hollered slightly tipsy strawberry blonde with rather large assets; "Yeah!" replied a bald man with red eye shadow.

"You're not being beautiful Ikkaku" commented a man with soft black shoulder length hair with something akin to a feather on his right eye; "And Rangiku you're turning ugly with that smelly mouth of yours"

"Just enjoy Yumichika-*hic*" replied the now drunk woman "Hey Hisagi! Come drink with us!" said man who just entered the bar shook his head a ghost of a smile on his lips at the long haired beauty.

"Matsumoto" he greeted as he sat down beside said woman. Taking the glass the bar tender handed him, he drank slowly wanting to watch the woman he's been pinning for, for years while sober.

Watching her now as the night dragged on was his secret pleasure. He'd drink slowly to remain sober longer so that his roaming eyes can drink as much of her; despite her drunken behavior she was tantalizingly beautiful. Her long wavy strawberry blonde hair reaching her lower back glistens, reflecting the light on it. Her playful baby blue eyes complimenting her somewhat baby faced look more adorable, though she shall never be considered as a baby due to her very mature body. Ah, don't get started with her body Hisagi mumbled to himself as he looked on. Matsumoto Rangiku must be the most beautiful woman he has ever laid his eyes upon, her long neck that connected her adorable face to that smoking impossibly great figured body. Her rather large chest with cleavage showing due to the way she wore her shihakusho, leading down to her slim waist. Together with well toned thighs, slender legs and fingers; yes there was no woman as enticing as her.

Roused from his thoughts a soft smile appeared on his lips as Rangiku laid her head on his shoulder, falling asleep. Sighing he stood and wrapped his arms around her back and behind her knees carrying her bridal style.

"Ayasegawa, you could handle Madarame yes?" he asked the feather eyed man. Giving him a knowing look said man just nodded but before he could walk out screamed "Don't molest her now~"

Blushing profusely he shunpoed out of the bar and into the 10th division barracks to where he knew Rangikus' room would be. Placing her on the bed and pulling the blankets over her, he sat there for quite some time watching her sleep.

I could steal a kiss right now he mused Just a little taste, just to know if she's as sweet as I dream her to be. Leaning down, their lips almost touching he lays his forehead on hers and chuckles as quietly as he could, he kisses her forehead softly, looks at her one last time and departs for his own room, calling it a night.

Unbeknownst to him that blue eyes frustratingly stared at the doors threshold he just passed frowning, desire and irritation swirling in her eyes stupid oaf she thought while smiling he's too damn serious Rangiku mused touching her forehead where his lips were just seconds ago, pulling the blankets close to her, she sleeps with a smile on her face.

"Hisagi!" a familiar voice called him, turning he faced the bubbly and bright smile of Rangiku "Matsumoto-fukutaicho" he replied respectively hiding the happiness and smile that wished to burst out of his lips. The blonde frowned at the greeting but decided to ignore it because he had always been this way.

"Yumichika said you brought me back to my room last night" he could only nod as a slight blush crept into his cheek at the memory of how he was about to kiss those petulant lips of hers.

"I just wanted to say thanks! An-" before Rangiku could finish her sentence a black butterfly flew in between them beckoning for Hisagi to take it. Listening to the message Hisagi bowed in apology to Rangiku saying that his captain was requesting his presence.

Rangiku sighed missing her chance on telling Hisagi that his soft prodding and slow but sure inclinations throughout the years have softened her and that she might feel the same for almost a year now. All that she was waiting for was for him to come out and say it, but he was taking too long and she has finally steeled herself into making the first move, but not today apparently. Soon, she thought with glee as she returned to her division.

Hisagi was now standing on top of a hotel looking out to the sparkling sea. Breathing in the salty air and admiring the sparkling light which played above the water; he remembered Rangikus' smile and disappointed look when he was called Maybe I should find her and ask if she needed anything from me when I get back, I didn't even get to say goodbye he thought now determined to finish the mission quickly. But Hisagi was no fool, he knew a dangerous hollow was here, that was the exact reason he was dispatched so quickly without a second notice, however, the hollow had escaped by the time he came and the local shinigami was sent back to the fourth division due to injury. From what he gathered, the hollow was a menos, though what kind he wasn't sure. So he continued to wait patiently for any sign of trouble as he sat under the warm sun feeling the breeze.

Ichigo

"Midget let go of my arms!" he screamed at his scared shitless seatmate "It's just a plane, I thought you were excited" he grumbled as his jaw clenched to keep him from screaming.

"Shut up, you stupid strawberry!" Rukia whined as she released Ichigos' arm and instead buried her head on his chest

"If you haven't noticed this hunk of metal carries our lives! It looks heavy! How could it fly? It doesn't breathe so it's no bird!" she grumbled through the fabric of his clothes. Sighing as a small smile graced his lips Ichigo left the petite woman alone, no longer feeling pain on his arm he fully appreciated not to mention liked the feel of her warmth snuggling beside him.

Another soft smile forming on another face, Kira couldn't help but feel giddy at the sight, they were adorable, until another thought hit her and she saw sad grayness looking their direction. She was a bit surprised that there really were more openings available; she just made it up thinking that if the girl could ask and get denied then she'd feel better.

As soon as they landed Rukia jumped out of the plane relishing the land completely oblivious to her surroundings. Ichigo just shook his head and continued to walk towards the baggage claim calling Rukia along the way. While waiting for their luggage Rukia watched on as the spinning rubber thing brought out tons of bags completely mesmerized by the strange contraption.

"Kira" Ichigo called rousing the girl from her thoughts "Hm?"

"What's with the face? I thought you'd be as excited as that midget over there"

"I heard that!" Rukia bellowed not taking her eyes off the machine though now she was glaring slightly. Kira stared at Ichigo for a bit, rummaging through her carry on and brought out something that looked like a gun, the orange heads' eye bugged out at the sight of the white dangerous looking contraption.

"What the fuc- OW!" he screamed getting the attention of the whole area, with nothing seeming out of place except for an innocent looking girl worried over her friends crunched figure holding his ear people resumed to watch for their bags. Orihime, and Tatsuki only looked on in slight interest as Rukia approached the two.

"What the fuck was that?" Ichigo asked a string of curses following shortly "I just gave you a stud earring" was the reply that nearly sent him over the edge. Swinging, they both started to fight while talking at the same time.

"What the hell! You gave me a piercing!"

"Yeah" she replied while deflecting a punch and jabbing him on his right side "Now you look more rebellious"

"I don't want to look more rebellious! I don't want to be like you who, who have those weird looking things on my ears!" he continued holding her leg, blocking the kick and swiping at the other so she would lose her balance.

"It's not permanent you stupid berry" twisting and dropping her body to the ground holding her weight on her arms as she used her swiped leg to strike at Ichigos' head. Releasing her other leg he jumped back to avoid her attacking foot.

"Why'd you do it!" he asked anger radiating off him in waves, landing on her feet as she dusted hands on her pants. Rukia, walked in between them just in case they started fighting again. Looking to the side while scratching the back of her head in a clear sign of her sudden nervousness she sighed and started explaining without looking at the two.

"It'll keep you relatively safe" she mumbled. "What the heck are you talking about?" still fuming the orange head threw daggers at her with his eyes.

"It's made of seki seki stone" was her silent assent still not looking but knowing full well that Rukias' eyes had begun to bug out.

"WHAT?" this time it was Rukia, surprised at her sudden outburst, his anger receded as he looked at his petite friend with curiosity.

"What did you say?" Rukia asked having more control in her voice; sighing Kira looked down playing with the hem of her shirt.

"I said it's made of seki seki stone"

"What's a seki seki stone?" asked the confused orange head "It's a stone that seals reiatsu" was Rukias' careful reply eyeing the girl in front of them with wonder and fear "How do you know about seki seki stones and why would Ichigo need it?"

"Well, my father is a weirdo who has a high spiritual presence, Ichii-berry over there knows I could also sense ghosts and other strange supernatural stuff. I noticed these past few weeks that his spiritual presence is stronger which attracts more ghosts so I asked my father to make something that would seal it, though I'm now wondering how you know and why you look so defensive" she shrugged.

Rukia turned and glared at Ichigo pulling his uninjured ear as she walked away "Stay there!" she ordered Kira who only nodded seemingly aloof at the whole situation.

"Let go you demonic medget" Ichigo whined. Finally releasing her hold on his now throbbing red ear Rukia whipped her head sending a glare that could kill towards Ichigo.

"She can sense ghosts?" Rukia hissed.

"Ah, yeah" Ichigo answered not seeing the problem and still rubbing his sore ear "Since we were kids, it was one of the reasons why Kira and I got along so well, Tatsuki would never understand so we never bothered telling her about it"

"Can she see hollows as well? Has she ever been in danger? And who the heck is her father?" Rukia torpedoed on, making Ichigo cringe as she seemed to be growing taller with every question.

"I don't know if she can see hollows, she's always been in fights so she can handle herself, and I've never actually met her father" his scowl furrowing deeper in thought.

"Now that I think about it, I've never been to her house as well, she'd always come over but never the other way around. We never really talk about our families and stuff" he finished lamely hoping Rukia would drop the discussion. Knowing better the petite shinigami dropped the subject when she saw the sad glint in his eyes when family was mentioned and sighed.

"C'mon, they must be wondering where we are right about now" walking away fully trusting Ichigo to follow on his own time.

"Kurosaki-kun! Kuchiki-san!" Inoue happily greeted as she stood beside a frowning Tatsuki and a bobble head Kira as she listened to her iPod; "We already have your bags" the cheery girl proudly stated pointing at the duffle on the floor.

"Ah, thanks Inoue" Ichigo mumbled "Arigatou Inoue-san" Rukia piped in a sickly sweet voice making her counterpart cringe in distaste. Walking out together they were greeted by the bright sun, a warm breeze and naturally a screeching teacher telling them they were making them late. Finally reaching the hotel and getting distributed to their respective rooms Ichigo was surprised that his roommate was none other than his good friend Chad as well as his other friends Mizuro and Keigo.

"What the hell are you two doing here?" he asked shocked by their appearance. Keigo flung himself towards the orange head earning him a punch; "We get to see bikini clad women in Okinawa of course!" he said perversely, reviving from the punch.

"I heard this is the season for office ladies to go to the beach" Mizuro supplied easily. Sighing to himself, Ichigo wondered how he would survive a week with these people including a demonic midget and evil incarnate.

Tatsuki

"Achoo" Kira and Rukia both sneezed looking at each other both agreeing silently that the strawberry was talking about them.

"Are you two getting a cold?" Orihime asked worriedly "Nah" and a flick of the wrist was all the reply she got as the four got situated at their small bungalow.

"I am very impressed" Rukia thought out loud when the eight teens were sitting together at the guys bungalow drinking fruit juices.

"I heard that in Kyoto, Himeji and Osaka the school had free boarding because some of the students had their own places there and offered to host the school for cheap. So the other places get to splurge a little" Mizuro supplied.

"That's great for us then!" cheered Orihime drinking her non-alcoholic pina-colada happily. "We do have free days until Thursday. Friday and Saturday are the days for school activities making Sunday the day we leave" she informed the group.

"What are your plans Kurosaki-kun?" she asked forwardly, secretly proud of herself for not stuttering though her blush was very apparent to everybody except maybe the boy in question himself.

"Dunno" he shrugged looking out to the beach enjoying the slight breeze. Feeling the sudden tension that the auburn head brought with her disappointment Tatsuki suddenly blurted "Why don't we go swimming!" Ichigo groaned as Keigo and Mizuro were already getting ready. Rukias' eyes sparkled at the thought since she has never been to the beach or even seen such a huge body of water. Back at the girls room Orihime was deciding on what bikini to wear and Tatsuki was mumbling that she should just wear a one piece.

"I won't get anywhere without trying Tatsuki" she replied while pulling one in front of her checking the mirror at the same time "I've decided that I won't hold back, I'm not going to wait for it to happen, I have to grab it for myself" pulling another bikini in front of her.

Tatsuki looked at her best friend in silent awe and worry. She has grown stronger, heck she didn't even stutter when she talked to Ichigo a while ago, she was proud that the girl had finally grown some backbone but at the same time anxiety filled her. She was sure that Ichigo and Rukia had something maybe it wasn't evident now but it will be, and she didn't want her friend hurt.

"Seems she only listened to one part of the advice" snapping out of her thoughts Tatsuki turned to see a slightly exasperated looking Kira "She'll get herself hurt Tsuki. I don't know about other girls but that stupid berry is oblivious and you know it" she sighed as she turned to walk away.

"Take care of her Tsuki" was her parting words as she skipped down the hall to Rukias' room. Tatsuki munching on the words that her childhood friend left her wondered what she meant when she mentioned advice, ah, that one she mused.

Flashback

The teacher was blabbing on endlessly talking about a poem they were studying in English and Tatsuki was just about fed up. Nobody was willing to answer and the teacher was getting frustrated, giving it another try the teacher read the verse again:

"An impossible feat

The sun chases the moon

Reaching

But never meeting

A cycle from the beginning of time

Unlike stars

Content wanting but never moving

The sun will continue to follow its moon

Against the will of the gods

Forever yearning

Forever reaching.

Now who could give me an interpretation!" frustration evident in her tone "There is no right or wrong answers just opinions. Kurosaki, you seem to be listening, what say you?"

Tatsuki caught the slight tint of pink on the boys face; probably for being caught she snickered. Scratching the back of his head, gathering a breath he looked directly to his teacher as he answered.

"It's like wanting something, I guess. If you want something go for it, not like it's going to land in your lap magically or enter our window unexpectedly" at that junction he stopped, glancing at his seatmate, a really minute smile on his lips. Rukia the said seatmate however was busy scribbling on her paper, what Tatsuki didn't know and didn't bother with, she was more interested in her childhood friend.

"Do it, reach for what you want to grasp. But be careful" he treaded slowly "Even if you want it and even if you try, you might never reach it. It might just be unattainable"

End of Flashback

"Unattainable huh" Tatsuki mused as she continued to watch her friend; this isn't going to be easy is it? She silently prepared herself for what was to come, hoping it wasn't going to be much trouble.

Third Person View

"What's with the face Rukiiiaaaaa" Kira said childishly as she skipped into the room belly-flopping on the bed.

"I don't know what to wea- I mean, I have nothing to wear" Rukia quickly amended looking at Kira if she caught on her initial statement; instead she was caught off guard by the mischievous glint that greeted her. Kira was stomach down on the bed her head the only thing that was actually facing Rukia, ye the gleam in her eyes made Rukias' head scream no, hell no.

"Let's get you something then. It is my fault that you didn't pack your bikini" Kira nonchalantly said as she got up, holding her hand out waiting for Rukia to take it "C'mon Ru-chan" a feral smile crept its way slowly to her lips.

How come I'm already worried? Wondered the raven haired girl but taking the outstretched arm in front of her anyway allowing her gleeful friend to drag her along.

"Where are the lovely Kuchiki-san and the boyish Kira-san?" Keigo asked the two approaching girls. Shrugging Tatsuki set up the blankets and two chairs on the sand beside their friends. Ichigo on the other hand was already lying down with his eyes closed underneath an umbrella when Inoue called to him.

"Kurosaki-kun, do you want to play volleyball with us?" she asked as she removed the sarong she was wearing, revealing her pink spotted yellow bikini, showing a nice amount of cleavage and her tanned and slim waist, with her hair tied in a ponytail with some bangs flying about, Inoue Orihime looked amazing. Passersby stopped, some even bumped into each other just to get a longer glimpse of the auburn haired beauty. Keigo wailed to Mizuro at the sight saying something about having no chance since the guard dog Tatsuki would knock him out.

Ichigo looked at Inoue with appreciation, what 16 year old wouldn't? But soon shrugged it off giving her a no, lying his head back on his hands to continue on his lazing. Orihime frowned at the blatant dust off, she knows he didn't mean it in a rude way and she also knew that he wasn't like other guys, but he did not even compliment or give her a second glance, she wasn't mad, no she was just disappointed.

Tatsuki watched in silence as her friend tried and apparently failed; Ichigo could be such a dumbass she thought while shaking her head.

"Ah! Kuchiki-san! Kira-san!" Keigo hollered at the two approaching girls. Both were wearing short sleeved hoodies that reached their mid thighs and were zipped up as Kira pulled the smaller woman along while waving.

"Hiya" she said as she plopped down beside Ichigo leaving enough space for Rukia to sit in between them.

"Where ya guys been?" the orange haired teen asked still not opening his eyes.

"Kuchiki, Kira! Let's play volleyball!" hollered Tatsuki waving at the two, Rukia was the first up as she shredded her hoodie like a snake and ran towards the two girls. Keigo who couldn't help but whistle at the sight caught Ichigos' attention, so he sat leaning his weight on his elbows, pulling his shades up and saw something that absolutely mesmerized him.

There was Rukia right beside a toned Tatsuki and a buxom Orihime but at the moment she was the most interesting. Despite her small frame she had curves in all the right places which was hidden by her school uniform and her shihakusho in any given day, but not now, today was a day of reckoning as he saw for the first time what the petite shinigami was hiding. Small shoulders that led to slender arms, a nicely curved waist; her proportionate breasts decently covered by a white bikini with chappy the goddamn rabbit prints all over. Her legs nice and toned, but what caught him the most was her skin, he found himself thinking if she always had that complexion, a pale milky complexion that looked soft and incredibly sweet and smooth.

"Like what I got for you strawberry?" whispered an extremely amused Kira "Close your jaw and put your eyeballs back in their socket, or else people might think you like her or something" she snickered as he tried to punch her, avoiding it while striping her own sweater.

"You can thank me later berry head!" she hollered as she ran to join the three. Needless to say said berry head didn't or rather couldn't get back to relaxing. He didn't know why but he watched the girls like a hawk, scowling at gawking guys that walked by and growling when they cat called.

"Ichigo!" facing the direction of the voice who called him, a volleyball hit him right on the head. "What the heck!" he screamed as he stood up holding the ball with both hands while three out of four girls erupted with laughter.

"Kurosaki-kun" Orihime rushed to him giving nosebleeds to some and looks of envy for others "Are you alright?" she asked as she hovered close to him trying to see the damage.

"We-we t-tri-tried to wa-warn you" laughing in between words Tatsuki was clenching her sides hard to keep from falling.

"That look is priceless! Someone take a picture!" shrieked Kira as tears came out of her eyes still laughing, Rukia was just laughing like a maniac not even bothering to say anything, her silence spoke volumes.

A vain started throbbing on Ichigos' head as he thought of payback, a smirk appeared moments later. Grabbing some ice and the ball on his other hand, he started running for the three. As expected Kira was the first one to notice his sprinting approach but oh was she too late for he already threw the ball hitting her square on the forehead. Tatsuki being the closest he dropped the ice between her cleavages slipping in easily, as cold chills ran along her middle, said girl started jumping around like a monkey. His final target in sight he picked Rukia up bridal style and flung her into the water. A groan, a shriek and a rather loud scream signaling his victory. Clapping his hands together like he accomplished a hard task smirk still in place, he turned only to see glaring brown eyes, twisted blue ones and he could feel death rays from behind which he assumed belonged to amethyst. He assumed right when Rukia jumped on his back forcing him to grab on her thighs to keep them balanced, he barely had time to register that Rukias' skin on her thighs were as soft and smooth as he thought it would be when the two other girls jumped him successfully taking all four of them down in the water. He smiled at the bubble of laughter that erupted from Rukias' mouth followed by the other two.

"No fair! Play with us too!" Keigo screamed as he ran towards the group, Mizuro following closely behind successfully starting the battle of the sexes in water splashing. Sad gray eyes watched the scene before her, pain pulling at her heartstrings he didn't even notice me. The girl was pulled out from her thoughts when a gentle hand lay on her shoulder.

"We should join the fun too" Chad gently prodded the girl to follow. Gratefully smiling Orihime bounced off to join the battle.

It was pretty late when the group had decided to head back, feeling the soreness of their muscles after a days' worth of play. While walking Tatsuki, Keigo and Mizuro were chatting animatedly about something while Orihime was in the company of the gentle giant Chad, occasionally looking back at Ichigo. The said teen was walking in comfortable silence when he noticed Rukia shivering beside him.

"Wear your hoodie" he said as he lightly shoulder bumped the lithe woman.

"I can't" she replied shoulder bumping him too "Some ass spilled juice on it" she mumbled grudgingly. Shrugging Ichigo took off his hoodie and planted it on top of Rukia.

"Its cold tonight, it might even rain" the teen said as he looked up at the starless cloudy sky, not noticing the blush that warmed Rukias' face as she wore the garment.

"We should buy snacks and rent a movie!" Keigo yelped, smiling smugly at his grand idea. There were no actually objections so the group headed towards the nearest store. After a few minutes of shopping and argument about the movie they were finally ready to head out when it started raining. Deciding that an umbrella wasn't a bad investment they bought some but the store was only a small one and only had five umbrellas. Buying all of them they unconsciously paired as they normally would which made Tatsuki and Orihime, Keigo and Mizuro, Ichigo and Rukia with Chad and Kira having their own individual umbrella.

"C'mon midget stay close" Ichigo warned as the rain got stronger, Rukia not wanting to get wet complied sticking their sides together. Both blushed at the contact of their bodies looking anywhere but each other. Tatsuki noticing the grip of Orihime tighten around her hand looked back at the two. They seemed perfect; Ichigos' body hovering close protecting Rukias' smaller frame from the worst of the rain as she fell in the spot perfectly. She winced at the sight of her friends eyes getting duller, there's nothing much I could do.

Reaching the bungalow the group tried to dry off as much as they can, placing the snacks in front of the television and pushing sofas together. Rukia just sat at the counter that separated the living room and the kitchen while munching on some chips.

"You'll catch a cold if you don't dry up, midget" Ichigo scolded, settling himself in between her legs as he rubbed her head with a towel, feeling all too comfortable.

"Ichigooooooo~ I didn't know you were close to Kuchiki-san! Whyyyy!" Keigo screamed promptly grabbing the attention of the two.

"What the heck are you talking about?" he screamed, rather frustrated at the ridiculousness of his friend.

"Well not like you can deny it much, seeing as your position" pointed Mizuro "is rather incriminating" both eyes grew, amber met amethyst, a furious blush overtaking their faces putting the brightest apple and the reddest tomato to shame as both realized how close their bodies were as well as how their action and non-reaction was very couple-y. Pushing away Ichigo left the towel on Rukias' head mumbling something about having to go to the restroom as Rukia jumped off the counter still rubbing her hair as an excuse to hide her heating red face.

As the teens propped and found comfortable spots in the living room Ichigo steeled himself at the jokes that were going to be thrown his way from a certain midnight haired girl. What met him was silence instead. Looking around, he automatically, without thinking placed himself beside Rukia on the floor leaning on the sofa where Tatsuki and Orihime positioned themselves. Keigo and Mizuro taking the sofa on the left while Chad took the sofa on the right all by himself.

"Oi. Where's Kira?" he asked to no one and everyone at the same time.

"She said a friend of hers called and is in trouble so she's gone to help. And don't wait up for her" Ichigo looked at Chad beckoning him to continue "She left just before we reached the bungalow"

Ichigo looked outside and saw that it was still storming and scowled deeper. Rukia noticing his discomfort wanting to ease him held his larger hand in hers. Surprised by the action he looked into her eyes which were trying to reassure him that their blue eyed friend would be alright. Understanding the sentiment Ichigo gripped her hands a little tighter, his worry easing bit by bit. As the movie went on, neither realized that they were still holding hands. Conveying warmth and blossoming feelings, unbeknownst to either at the moment.

Hisagi

The day had been a boring one, with no sign of the hollow and storm clouds seemingly approaching. Sighing Hisagi looked at the starless night, wishing he was at least training. Stretching his sore muscles he noticed the spiritual pressure of a couple of pluses (Spirits) deciding that he might as well, he jumped from one roof to another. His eyebrows immediately furrowed when he realized that the pluses were just sitting there cowering in fear.

"What are you guys doing here?" he asked as he slowly approached the bundle of spirits, at the sight of him he noted the look of relief in their eyes which was overcome by guilt in the next instance.

"Sorry" was the soft whisper of a spirit of a child.

That was when he realized the incoming attack from his left. Barely avoiding the blade like appendage he suddenly drew his zanpakutou. He assessed the hollow in front him, coming to the conclusion that is was below a Gillian, but something was off, this hollow was watching him with calculative eyes.

Finally moving, the human sized, praying mantis look alike hollow lunged itself towards Hisagi slashing in a downward manner, easily seeing the attack Hisagi brought up his sword and shifted his weight to the left turning slightly as he avoided the other blade appendage which was slashing upwards. Taking advantage of the enemies awkward position he quickly turned completely bringing down his sword with him to slash the bug-like hollow on its side. The cut was deep as blood sprayed over his exposed shoulder, half his neck and his left side. He quickly shunpoed to a safe distance turning to face the hollow, gripping his sword tight, ready for another attack which never came. Studying the hollow its features forming what he could only guess was a very eerie smile.

Scowling he readied to launch his own attack, appearing behind it, about to strike the finishing blow when the hollow turned followed by a sideway slash. It should have been easy to dodge such a simple attack but he couldn't, an instantaneous pain flashed through him at the exact moment paralyzing him for half a second but that was all that was needed. Slicing through his shihakusho, cutting his abdomen deeply, he was thrown to the side, hitting a well placed wall which cracked with the impact.

What the hell he thought, plunging his zanpakutou on the ground using it to pull himself up as he clutched his bleeding stomach not good. A growl vibrated through his throat when he saw the hollow licking its bladed hand tasting his blood.

Shaking to clear his head, his eyes narrow as he decided on his next move. He shunpoed on top of the humanoid bug slashing down placing his whole weight on the attack; and as expected the hollow blocked by placing both its blades in front of itself in a crossed defensive manner. Smirking Hisagi used the blade to kick himself backward doing a back flip landing in a crouched position in front of the hollow, hands stretched out a blue swirl beginning to form.

"Ye Lord, mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of man, Inferno and Pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on the south!" he quickly chanted.

"Destructive Art #63: Thunder Roar Cannon" he bellowed as the attack completed and shot itself from his open palm. An explosion erupted with the impact, why am I already so tired he thought furiously. This kidou is relatively strong but it shouldn't have tired him out this fast, he could feel darkness beginning to ebb into his sight. Squinting as the dust settled his eyes widened in shock, there stood the hollow, half its body gone and bleeding and also kneeling on the ground but very much still alive.

"Impossible…" he murmured. The hollow shrieked and turned tail, wanting to follow Hisagi tried to stand but couldn't he just fell lying down on the cold ground, he was tired and he felt like his energy was being sucked dry, he couldn't understand what was going on. All he knew was that the cold rain made him shiver as it started to pour rather strongly. Was this how he was going to die? In the human world, his target alive, his mission incomplete. Never being able to express his feelings clearly and properly to a certain strawberry blonde with powder blue eyes. He had no concept of time, it could have been seconds or hours, he didn't know yet the rain kept falling, washing his blood from his still bleeding abdomen.

The rain finally stopped? He wondered lightly but realized rather slowly that his legs were still being drenched. Forcing open his extremely heavy eyelids he saw a blurry image of a female holding and umbrella on top of him.

Impossible, nobody could see me he thought somewhat bitterly, wanting to call for help to stop the pain that seemed to course through his body mercilessly but knowing full well that it wasn't possible, he had long gave up on trying to find out why he was in pain since he didn't suffer major damage, he just wanted it to stop.

As darkness started to claim him again he felt a warm hand rest on his wet chilled cheeks, shock barely registered as he succumbed to the numbing feeling. The last thing he saw was the pulling gravity of blue eyes with sparkles of gold before he finally gave in to rest.