Part III :: And Then, He Fell In Love.

---------------------------------------

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING? THAT HURTS!" cried Rukia as she hit Ichigo right in the head. But Ichigo wasn't paying her much attention. Hell, he was thinking about something else. And that is how she is sprawled over him in a very 'interesting' position.

"Uh?Wha—What? I'm sorry..Let me help you up…"he mumbled as a blush threatened to show on his face.

"WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING PULLING ME LIKE THAT?" yelled Rukia angrily as gave Ichigo a kick in the gut.

"Look. I'm sorry ok? But I don't think you can help us. You'll stay here." Ichigo said quickly, he senses coming back to him again thanks to the swift kick to the guts.

What the hell was I thinking about? She's just Rukia... Why am I acting like this? What is this feeling?

"What do you mean I can't help? I've got every right to help. I'm not just gonna seat and stay here while everyone fights right? I'm not going to lie down and wait for Death!" ranted Rukia as she fiercely stared at Ichigo.

"Oh how are you going to be of any help if you are going to drag the whole team down in your current condition? You are still not ok Rukia... You're still weak! You can't go!"

The conversation with her was not going too well. All that he initially planned to do was to see her and just leave without her knowing. But this is too uncalled for. This conversation has been too long and it's taking a weird toll on Ichigo. He's feeling something that he doesn't want to feel. That feeling of long time ago.

If I want to concentrate tomorrow, I'll have to leave now. I just can't stay anymore he reasoned with himself as he stood up to leave.

"Look Rukia, whatever the outcome is ... I just want to thank you. For everything you know? Thank." he said quietly without looking into her eyes.

As he made his way to the door, Ichigo was struck by the beauty of the courtyard. The flowers were in bloom and were floating softly in the gentle breeze, coating the ground with a pink carpet. The silver of the moon was shining ever so brightly, illuminating him giving him and unearthly glow.

The decision was made. He'll just leave now. And everything would be normal if they make it through the next day.

"Ichigo….Be careful…"

And then, he fell in love…

--------------------------------------------

A/n: Well.. That's it!! A 3 chappie story for a first-timer.. MEEE!! I would like to seriously apologize for any OOC-ness in the story ( if there's any…) and that thank you all for reading the fan-fic.Hope the ending's acceptable.. lol.. Oh btw.. if you happen to know any other great Bleach fan-fic pls do give me a link on the review page ( along with a review of course!) I would love to read the fan-fic ( and your reviews too!) So once again ARIGATO! (: - xoxoxo SummerII