Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach. I just like it.

CHAPTER 3 OKAIRINASAI

Rukia's phone rang that night. She was surprised to see who was calling.

"Hello…" she greeted with excitement.

"I'll be going back home tomorrow, onee-san." The voice sounded familiar.

"Just keep this a secret."

"Sure. So ja-ne." Rukia said as she ended the call.

----------ooo000ooo----------

"Princess…" the queen called Rukia.

"Your majesty, what can I do for you?" Rukia acted shocked.

"I want to talk with you. Do you have time for that. Princess?"

"Of course, mo…" Rukia was about to call the queen 'mother' but realized that it was not a proper way to address her. "Your majesty!"

The two sat on the orange-colored sofa infront of the palace's garden which was separated by a translucent mirror. Although Rukia grew up her mother, it always seemed to her that she didn't have any from the very start. She was not allowed to call the woman who gave birth to her 'mother' and she had a same situation when it came to the king. While others call their parents 'mama' and 'papa', Rukia could only call them 'Your majesty'. She was such a downcast child.

"Princess, I'm glad that you came back with your bodyguard. So I suppose you can deal with Mr. Kurosaki, am I right?"

"He said that he's lady Rangiku's nephew."

"She told me that Mr. Kurosaki can handle you so I guess she's right. Anyway, I'll leave you now." The queen bade her goodbye.

The next morning, Rukia woke up with glee seen on her face. She was indeed excited to meet the person she hadn't seen for a long time. While inside the car, together with Ichigo, Rukia kept smiling.

"You seem so happy, your highness." Ichigo noticed. But the princess did not answer. She just smiled and looked on the window. Even though Rukia did not respond, he was glad for her. He never saw those kinds of smiles before. Suddenly, a faint blush could be seen on Ichigo's cheeks. I faded away but came back evert time he would glance at Rukia's reflection on the mirror. 'She's beautiful when she's smiling', he thought. Soon, they reached the school.

"You highness, I…" Ichigo said as he opened the door.

"Shinpai suna, I promise I won't rum away, Ichigo."

----------ooo000ooo----------

Inside the classroom…

"Ohayo, Hinamori-chan!" Rukia greeted her best friend cheerfully.

"Ohayo too, Rukia-chan. You are in a good mood today. What happened? Is there anything special?" Hinamori replied curiously.

"Sorry, Hinamori. I just can't tell you."

"Betsuni, Rukia. I'm just happy for you. That's all." She smiled.

It did not take long for the bell to ring. The teacher started uttering the boring lectures. Usually, Rukia wouldn't even bother to lend her ears to the teacher. But this time was different. She listened to the teachers, took notes and participated in the class. Rukia was like a whole new different person. Who was coming? Why did this person suddenly change our princess?

---------ooo000ooo---------

'Flight no. 103 from Australia has arrived at exactly 2:00 pm… A little boy came from this flight. He was amazed by his home country's improvement for it was seven years passed since he studied at the said country. The boy really missed his family. Later, he called for a taxi.

----------ooo000ooo----------

Ichigo, trusting the princess's words, patiently waited for her at the front gate after the dismissal bell rang. It didn't take long for him to find Rukia. She kept her promise and Ichigo was glad for that.

"We're going back to the palace now, your highness, are not we?" Ichigo inquired.

"No… Let's go to a mall near here. I gotta buy something."

Soon, Rukia was busy shopping. Looking for a gift that would fit the person she's waiting for. Ichigo was just behind following her. Bags, shoes, clothes, shoes, accessories. It was so hard for Rukia to choose the best gift. Suddenly, she noticed a variety of handkerchiefs displayed at a corner. The incident yesterday flashed back in her mind. What happened made her knew Ichigo better. Made her realized that he might not be really after the salary he would get, but to protect her. She went near the corner where the handkerchiefs were displayed. Each was unique in their own way. A handkerchief which was all white catched Rukia's attention. It was so simple yet she felt it was the best of all.

"Miss, can you get me this?" Rukia requested pointing at he white handkerchief.

"Of course, ma'am. Just wait a moment." The saleslady quickly left.

Rukia glanced at Ichigo and felt a little nervous. A glance that turned into a stare. Ichigo would not notice it. He was busy observing around for someone or something might threaten the Princess' precious life. Because, Rukia was not a crown princess or a royal person that was way too important, she was not famous with people. A few recognize her but not as many who knew the crowned prince of their country. Her heart was beating faster and faster. Normally, she could only feel that emotion during presentations or anything else but not because of a man. The saleslady returned without Rukia noticing it.

"Ma'am, are you alright?" the salesladt asked out of concern.

"I'm fine." Rukia replied smiling.

"Here it is ma'am." She said reaching Rukia a golden box that contained the handkerchief. "Nobody really wanted to buy that ma'am. Everybody said that it is too simple. Without and designs or patterns. By the way ma'am, I hope you won't mind me asking, but is that for your boyfriend?"

Rukia blushed "Of course not! It's for a friend." She left immediately and purchased it on the cahier. She suddenly decided to buy a cake for the person she was waiting for.

----------ooo000ooo---------

Inside the car, Rukia was having a hard time giving Ichigo the handkerchief.

XXX Rukia's POV XXX

Gosh! How come I can't give this to him? I mean it's a payback for his handkerchief and… and…kind…ness. Anyway, I can't left a debt forever unpaid. (Rukia's heart was beating fast.) I'm nervous. But why? He's JUST my bodyguard and I've give everybody else a gift who were more famous and respected compared to him. Wait, am I afraid that he'll reject my gift? No way, that's noy true! Why would he reject it? Why? I'm his boss so he can't do that to me.

XXX end of POV XXX

Finally, the princess summoned the courage to call his name. "Ichigo…"

"Yes, your highness? Anything wrong?"

Her heart beat was getting faster and faster again. She felt that it might even get out from her body.

"Nothing." After all she couldn't give it to him. Rukia held the box tightly the whole trip. She was thinking of the reason she could not give it to him.

----------ooo000ooo----------

Soon, they arrived at the palace. Rukia went directly to her room. She felt depressed but did noy know the reason. This never happened to her before. Meanwhile, Ichigo parked the car. He was astounished to see a little boy entered the parking lot reluctantly, feeling that the palace was his.

"Hey, kiddo!" Ichigo yelled to catch his attention. The boy went near to him still carrying a black backpack and pulling a blue trolley. "Where did you came from? Ya ganna run away from your parents? I don't think that's a cool idea, 'lil one."

"I'm not a kid." The boy said with a little tone of being insulted.

Ichigo acted that he didn't hear anything and said "Kid's are not allowed to play inside the palace. You got the wrong place, 'lil dude."

"Don' call me kid, kiddo or 'lil one 'cause I'm old enough. Besides who are you? Why are you here at he palace?"

"Shouldn't I suppose to be asking those questions of yours, kid?"

"Don't you know who am I? Well, I'm just the…"

Matsumoto cut the conversation when she entered the scene. Her eyes were surprised to what they saw before them. There was silence.

"Your high…ness…" she can't really believe it. "Prince Toushiro, you've come back!"

Ichigo could not speak. He had no idea that the boy he was scolding a while ago was their crown prince. It was such an embarrassment. How could he spoke like that?

"My deepest apologies, your highness!!! I don't have any excuse to say."

"Never mind that. I was just insulted to be called a kid." Toushiro sounded cool.

"By the was, Prince Toushiro, this is my nephew, Ichigo." She introduced him tapping Ichigo's shoulder. "He's also Princess Rukia's new Bodyguard…"

"Where's onee-san?" Toushiro wondered.

"She's in her room." Matsumoto said. The little crown prince head towards to his sister's room. It was dark, quiet and seemed nobody was inside. It was very obvious for Hitsugaya that Rukia was to surprise him using that super common method of everybody. He opened the door and his predictions were correct.

"Okairinasai, shiro-chan!!!" Rukai shouted. She hugged the prince tightly. She missed him so much.

"Don't call me 'shiro-chan'! I'm the crown prince. I'm the next king on line so pay me some respect." He was insulted.

"Your'e very lucky, shiro-chan. Having an acceptable height is not a requirement to be a king." Rukia burst into luughters. She was loud.