We're The Same

Chapter 2: Touring Tokyo U

Disclaimer: I own no rights to Bleach or Nekojin. Although, I praise the creators as geniuses.

The next morning, Ichigo was in a bind. Here he was with the perfect excuse to hang out with his new friend, Rukia, and the only thing stopping him was his unparalleled fear of rejection. All he needed to say was, "Hey, can you show me around campus?" But nooo, that was too hard for him. Excuses like this didn't happen every day and he knew he was in the process of wasting it.

The staring match he was having with his phone was not going well. Some unknown force compelled him to see her again, and soon.

He blinked at his phone. That was the sign!

He grabbed his phone from its place on his bed and furiously typed…

Hey, it's Ichigo.

Short and simple. Just like him. He set his phone down and moved to begin unpacking the rest of his things; he was not expecting a reply very soon. Then his phone buzzed. He jumped across the room and onto his bed to grab it. A reply from her…

Dandelion! Took you long enough! I practically waited all night for you but I forgive you! XD What's up?

Ichigo sighed. Even while texting she had to poke and prod at him. He texted back…

I wondered if you had time to show me around campus?

Again he waited. Her reply came quickly…

Awww, you need someone to hold your hand? Well, I suppose if you need a babysitter…I could be persuaded…You're buying lunch!

Ichigo's heart leapt. He was gonna get to see her again!

Cool. Where should we meet?

It wasn't like he knew much about the campus…yet.

I now this little place where they sell convenient stuff. Maybe you've seen it? I live three blocks away from it…

Ichigo nearly face-palmed. Interesting way to say, "The convenience store where we met".

Yeah, I know it. I heard a couple of idiots actually got kick out for fighting. Can ya believe that?

There was a long wait for her next text. Ichigo began to worry he'd pissed her off when…

Get your ass moving, Dandelion!

Before even he knew it, his shoes were on and he was heading out the door.

Since Ichigo lived only a block away from the store, he arrived first. As he waited he wondered if he was properly dressed for this. He was wearing the same clothes he had on from last night. He felt like he looked like an idiot. His hair was a mess, which was usual, but for the first time it really bugged him.

Wait. What's with him? It's not like he was meeting her for a date or something. No. He was just nervous because she was so incredibly intimidating. Yeah…that's right! She's the scary one and he's the calm one. It all made sense in a twisted, illogical way.

"Yo, Dandelion!"

Rukia's voice snapped him out of his weird thoughts. He saw her running up to him. Instantly, he noticed she had the same clothes from last night as well. Black hoodie partially hiding her face, baggy jeans around to her hips. She even had the same creepy smirk from before.

"What's up, Midget?" He regretted standing so close to her. His shin paid the price. As he cried out she glared at him.

"Is that any way to treat your guide? You're lucky I'm so nice and decided to take mercy on you. The campus is enormous and a newbie like you'd get lost for days."

Ichigo tried to get mad at her but the second he spotted her beautiful violet eyes, it all faded away. He followed Rukia back to campus. She started by pointing out the dorms, hers in particular, she even pointed out which room she was in. Apparently, she had a great view, her room being on the third floor. They then moved on to the science, history, and arts buildings. It was a pretty boring tour but Ichigo had come for the company. It was nice to have a friend so soon after moving. His loneliness was fading fast.

After the quick tour they decided that it was time for him to buy lunch, it was mostly Rukia's idea. The campus had a nice community center with various food stores. Rukia persuaded him to go to the little sandwich and coffee shop she adored.

Ichigo bought them each a latte and sandwich and they took up similar positions to their ones from last night.

"So, why a business major?" Ichigo asked as he munched on his ham sandwich. Rukia scoffed and turned her head in disgust.

"It's not my idea. My brother thinks that the only way for me to survive in this world is to have a good paying job and business is the only degree he'd ever accept." Her voice was filled with distain but also slight sadness. Ichigo didn't like hearing either in her voice.

"Is there anything else you like to do?" he asked innocently. Rukia stared back at him. It was the first time anyone had ever asked her about what she wanted. It caught her off guard.

"Uh…well," she struggled to think and find words. "I like to draw…I guess."

"Really? You draw?"

"Well, yeah. Not anything professional but I enjoy the occasional sketch." Rukia said, nibbling on her tuna sandwich. The warmth was returning to her voice and Ichigo reveled in it. Rukia didn't have any drawings with her so she promised to show him next time. It was good enough for him.

They spent a long time discussing their hobbies and such. Ichigo was into music but not really keen on performing. Rukia enjoyed reading manga, especially Shojo, which Ichigo got a kick out of…literally.

The entire time they talked Ichigo noticed something. Rukia never took her hood off. In fact, Ichigo realized that even last night it was forever present on her head. It was her business after all but it made him curious.

"Do you always have that hood up?" he joked. Rukia immediately tensed. She clenched her fists. Ichigo wasn't sure why but it definitely seemed like he'd struck a nerve. "Well, never mind. Not a bit deal anyway." He said trying to resolve the tension.

Rukia relaxed and smirked at him. "I have bed head. I waited all night long for this weirdo to drop me a text and I barely slept. I know, call me crazy…" Her sarcasm would have hurt if he didn't find it so amusing.

Deciding it was best to drop it, Ichigo got up and headed for the counter to pay. Rukia waited as he paid. As the cashier got his change he began lightly laughing and looking in Rukia's direction. Ichigo noted this and glared at him.

The cashier grimaced and gave Ichigo his change. Rukia waited patiently as Ichigo returned. "So, where to next?" Rukia looked at him puzzled. Where was there to go? She'd already showed him where their classes were and told him how to find them, since it was Sunday and they couldn't actually go inside the buildings today.

Both of them were enjoying themselves and didn't feel like separating yet, although they'd rather claw out each other's eyes than admit it. Then, Rukia had a stunning revelation.

"Did you buy your books for class yet?" Ichigo immediately stopped, eyes wide. He'd completely forgotten that in college, you buy your own books!

"Judging by the stroke you're having…I'd say no." Rukia grinned at him. Ichigo turned to her.

"Help…" he wheezed. Rukia pretended to be annoyed as she led him to the bookstore/gift shop. It was lucky Ichigo brought his schedule to find which books he needed. Halfway through gathering his material, he stopped again.

He reached into his pocket and checked his wallet. Yup. No money. Rukia, who had gone off to get a book herself, returned and saw his dejected look.

"Let me guess. You're broke."

Ichigo glared at her. "Well, I wouldn't be if someone hadn't made me spend the last of my money on a damn happy meal!"

"You're still reeling about that! It was your fault in the first place!"

"My fault! If you hadn't of rammed into me…"

They continued to bicker for a few minutes, drawing attention from other students and store clerks.

"That's not the point!" Ichigo shouted stopping them both. "The point is I have no money for books!"

Rukia frowned. Even in a tiny way, it was her fault that he'd not been able to buy at least one book. Some of the books were pretty cheap but having no money was really not helping. Rukia saw that Ichigo was furious with himself. That didn't help her conscience at all.

Without a word she grabbed his remaining books and walked up to the counter. Ichigo was frozen as he watched the petite girl purchase all his books with a credit card.

"Hey!" He made his way to her. "There's no need for you to do that!" Rukia ignored him and finished the transaction. She shoved the books into him and smirked.

"Now, you owe me dinner." She calmly walked past him as he stood dumbfounded. By the time he regained his wits, she was grinning at him outside the glass door.

After catching up to the crazy yet generous midget, Ichigo was led back to Rukia's dorm. It was getting late and Rukia told him she needed to get going. Ichigo's face had a hint, just a hint, of sadness on it. Rukia's observant eyes noticed, unfortunately for him.

"Oh come on, Dandelion. It's not like I'll never see you again." Rukia teased him, earning a scowl from him.

"Finally, I'm beat. Being dragged around by a crazy midget all day takes it out of you." A slender elbow pounded into his stomach, knocking air from his lungs.

"What was that, Dandelion?" The sickly sweet smile returned and Ichigo could feel the seething behind it, and the pain in his abdomen.

"Thank you."

Ichigo barely squeezed it out as Rukia retracted her elbow. Ichigo made note of the ghostly smile on her face. She did enjoy pounding him but he didn't seemed to mind much either, for whatever reason.

"Well, see you in class." Rukia ran up the stairs and headed for the door but was stopped by his voice.

"Can I…" he stopped and she turned back to him. Rukia stared at him from under her hood, waiting for him to continue. Ichigo had to reach deep inside for confidence. "Uh, Can I meet you here…to walk you to class?" Rukia looked at him perplexed.

Oh, crap! How did it come out like that! He'd only meant that he wanted to walk to class with her. That didn't mean too much…did it? Rukia continued to stare at him.

"You sound like a creeper." She called back.

Ichigo stared up at her and kicked himself. Of course she'd say that. It was only natural. He was about to run away in shame when he spied the smile on her lips. "But then again, I don't usually buy creepers books for 'em. Maybe I oughta take them back."

Ichigo began to sweat. What did that mean? Was she joking or…?

Rukia laughed at the horrific expression on his face. "You…you look…" she burst out laughing trying to speak. Ichigo immediately went from horrified to pissed. That crazy little midget was enjoying his pain.

"Fine! Whatever!" Ichigo began to storm off in the other direction.

"I'll see you here at nine-thirty then!"

Ichigo spun around to see Rukia waving to him and laughing. She did mean what he thought she meant…right? Before he could ask, Rukia twirled around and went inside the dorm. Ichigo stood perplexed for a moment before a great smile broke out on his face.

He walked all the way to his apartment, the smile never leaving his face.

Rukia returned to her room, ignoring the glares she got from other residents. It didn't matter to her. Not today. As soon as she got to her room she pulled back her hood and let her feline ears breath. God it felt good for them to be out. It was easier for her to hear this way too.

She changed into her comfortable sleeping clothes, letting her tail dance as she did so. She knew she looked ridiculous, dancing around in her dorm room with her heritage flouncing about, but she couldn't help it. After so long of not having a single friend she finally had someone to hang with.

Rukia had been attending Tokyo U since last semester but still had no friends. She knew why. Her hand unconsciously tapped her catlike ears. Not everyone was as accepting of her heritage as she thought they would be.

This negative thought gave birth to another. She was hiding this from Ichigo. It hadn't started that way. After their initial meeting she didn't feel the need to expose herself to him. It didn't seem to bother him that she always had it on…or so she thought.

His comment on her hood today had brought untold fear to her. She made sure that she had her trusty hoodie today. It was just so scary. The thought of how he would react to her heritage sent chills down her. Sure, he seemed like a nice guy now but if he knew she was a Nekojin…

Rukia forced the thought from her mind. She was well aware that sooner or later he'd find out. She just hoped he was as different as she thought he was. He certainly seemed accepting but then again, so had many others who'd trampled her trust. She pushed the thoughts away and got ready for bed. School would start tomorrow and she needed rest.

Then Rukia found herself squirming in her bed out of excitement. She had a real friend and he was gonna be in four of her classes! For the first time in years, she felt genuine happiness. She decided, no matter how short of a time it lasted, she wanted to enjoy being a normal person with a normal friend.

At least for a while...

When Ichigo returned to his apartment he found Urahara outside his candy shop talking to a tall woman with purple hair, cat ears and a long tail.

Ichigo did a double take. A Nekojin. Urahara was talking to a Nekojin. Ichigo wanted to slip by unnoticed, not wanting to stare or butt into the conversation. Unfortunately, the Nekojin woman noticed him.

"You must be Ichigo." The Nekojin woman said approaching him. "Kisuke told me you'd be living here. It's nice to meet you. I'm Yoruichi Shihoin. Welcome to Tokyo U." She extended her hand to him.

"Oh, uh…thanks." He shook her hand and Yoruichi smirked at Ichigo's nervousness.

"First time seeing a Neko huh? Can't say I'm surprised. At least you're not freaking out or drooling over me. Those kinds of people never last long around me. I certainly hope you're not one of them."

Ichigo's nerves refused to settle down. "W-What? Of course not! I'm not some perverted freak! I swear! I happen to think that it's weird that people find other people, especially Nekojin, to be strange at all!" He was clearly defending himself and Yoruichi couldn't help but laugh at his display.

"I'm just messing with you, kid. Besides, even if you were some kind of perverted freak, I know how to deal with them." The grin on her face was magnified by the swishing of her tail. Ichigo made a mental note to never upset this lady.

Meanwhile, Urahara came up behind them. "Well, Ichigo. It seems you met my oldest friend." The shop owner ducked as the Nekojin swung her fist at him. "Did I mention she's a bit feisty?"

"Knock it off, Kisuke." Yoruichi scolded.

"By the way," Urahara turned his attention back to Ichigo, "What are you doing out so late? I figured it wouldn't take that long to check out the campus."

"Yeah, well. I needed to buy my books too. But in the end I didn't have enough money so Rukia ended up buying them."

Urahara perked up when he heard the girl's name. "Now, now Ichigo. You didn't tell me you had a girlfriend. No wonder you're out so late…"

"What!" Ichigo reared back, kicking himself for mentioning her. "She's not my girlfriend. I just met her yesterday and she…"

"Oh, so you met her yesterday. Was that after I left last night? Rather late don't you think? Ichigo, you sly dog. Kids today move so fast…"

Ichigo burned crimson. "I-It was an accident. I bumped into her at the store yesterday and she offered to show me around campus. That's all." He knew he wasn't telling the whole story, but he wasn't about to tell his crazy landlord about all his encounters with Rukia.

Yoruichi had been silently watching them argue. She had a troubled look on her face. "What's the matter, Yoruichi?" Urahara broke her concentration. No harm in letting them know.

"Nothing really. I just recognize the name that all."

Ichigo turned to her. "Do you know her?" Yoruichi nodded. "How do you know Rukia?"

"I'm actually the director of her dorm. I hardly ever need to go there but I remember meeting her. She's kind of hard to forget." Yoruichi explained.

"Yeah, she definitely is." Ichigo confirmed. A crazy, powerful midget like her certainly left an impression, either on you or in you. Yoruichi's eyes darkened, as if she thought he didn't understand.

"So, Ichigo. What do you think of her?" Yoruichi had a smile on her face but her eyes were harder than steel. Ichigo flinched.

"Well, I've only know her for a couple days but she seems pretty cool. A bit rough and bossy and quick to violence but other than that, she's alright." Ichigo chose his words carefully. After all, a cat's wrath can last seven generations and Yoruichi seemed like hers could last for eternity.

"That's all?" Yoruichi asked. Her tone demanded an answer but Ichigo didn't know what else to say.

"Well, she was bit pale. She should take that hood of more often. She had it on the whole time today."

Yoruichi gasped slightly. It was obvious he didn't know about Rukia being a Nekojin and it wasn't her place to say anything. Yoruichi retracted her glare and replaced it with a calm smile. "I'm relieved then," She told the orange-haired boy, "She has such trouble making friends with her tough and bossy personality. I'm glad you broke through her ice wall."

That information stunned Ichigo. "Wait, she doesn't have any friends? Are you serious?" That seemed odd to him. A pretty girl like her should be swarming with friends. Or so he thought.

"She can be a little…rough on people. If you know what I mean." Yoruichi had a point. Rukia was the type to punch first, ask questions never. "Well, you better get to bed. Classes start tomorrow, after all."

"Right. Nice to meet you." Ichigo began to head toward his apartment when Yoruichi called to him.

"Ichigo." He turned back to her. "Take care of Rukia."

Ichigo didn't understand where that came from but answered, "Sure thing." It wasn't like he planned on hurting her or anything. He was her friend, after all.

As he disappeared into the apartment, Urahara, who had been strangely quiet, approached Yoruichi. "You think this is wise. He's a good kid but who knows how he'll react to her being…"

"Kisuke," Urahara tilted his hat up to look her in the eyes, "That kid's the first person to get Rukia out of her room in months. Yes, I think it's wise."

Urahara turned back to Ichigo's apartment. "I hope this all goes well."

To Be Continued…

I did an overhaul on this chapter. Majorly! Hope you all enjoyed it.

Please Review.