Chapter 4: Telephone

October 29th, I lost a dear friend and mentor. A whole week of snapping, crying, sleeping, neglecting studies. Then a whole week preparing for his service and memorial. Then, me getting sick as hell. This chapter is jibberish from a sickie. Sorry. Hopefully, it's good jibberish. Telephone will be at max, just fifteen chapters. Probably ten. Strawberry Meets Death is not dead and will resume December and possibly finish by late January. I thank every single one of you who has reviewed. It means so much to me. I read them over and over when I couldn't find myself to write, but I found comfort in all your kind and motivating reviews.

And for some odd reason, I am suddenly "hating" on Tatsuki. I think it was hidden hate. I don't know why. And for the latest chapters of Bleach, if it weren't for the fact Ichigo looks amazing for some unknown reason (I mean, he's back to his normal hair! Wahhh) I would be raging with the pointless crap. And Rukia BETTER come back!

I hope to get out of my funk soon. I am turning twenty on Saturday, so maybe I can sit around and do nothing but writing, while being bitter and possibly sick. I would prefer to just be bitter. TWO EFFIN' DECADES. Damn it.

Thanks again for your support.

A quick note for Telephone:

All texts with names followed by honorifics are to and from Inoue. All texts from Keigo are informal, such as just "Ichigo." Those with full names but no honorifics are to and from Ichigo. Rukia's will hardly be used, since they don't have "To/From" and confuse people, unless made obvious.

I currently don't know if Chad, Karin or Yuzu will have cells. And any texts to and from Tatsuki will be apparent.

Also, for the Twins- if I do not specify who is talking, or make it obvious, then it doesn't matter who you imagine speaking, of the two.

Disclaimer: I do not own any brand/copyrighted names used in this story. They will always be italicized. I do not own any songs mentioned, or any characters/concepts from Bleach.


Ichigo struggled to distance himself from Rukia, his reiatsu rough and annoyed, much too loud for Rukia's own confused reiatsu to reach him; tearing his amber eyes from violet, Ichigo turned his gaze to meet Tatsuki's behind black bangs, his hand still tangled in the wet mess of Rukia's hair.

"Tatsuki- what are you guys doing here?"

A scoff left the tall, fit female, Inoue and Keigo both staring wide-eyed on either side of her; "We came to visit our friend before he left for another month- after five months of being away from home!"

Beside Tatsuki, Inoue's grey eyes met with violet, Rukia tensing under her gaze, her small hand reaching up to grab Ichigo's wrist and gently pulling his hand from her hair.

Ichigo's gaze turned to Rukia for a split second, letting her remove his hand from her hair, his attention torn back with Tatsuki's low snap- "Apparently we interrupted your hormones from catching up with the rest of the world."

Rukia cringed at the harsh turn of Ichigo's reiatsu so close against her, Inoue and Keigo flinching at the feel, Tatsuki and Ichigo meeting in a glare as Ichigo practically barked over at his oldest friend, the hose he had held threateningly against Rukia tossed aside.

"That's enough, Tatsuki! I told you I couldn't visit you-!"

"-because you are busy 'studying'! Yeah, I can see that! What subject are you and Rukia both taking to have started a 'study session' together!" Arms crossed her chest, Tatsuki holding Ichigo's glare, the male storming over to her with a reiatsu to match, Inoue and Keigo stepping back from Tatsuki as Ichigo came at her; "I was and will be studying- taking a fuckin' break isn't the end of the fuckin' world-!"

"How do you expect me to feel when you're practically taking Kuchiki on the hood of a car, instead of calling us over during a break, then!"

A heavy blush overtook Ichigo's cheeks just barely teased by his hair, Inoue as red as Ichigo behind the pair, her best friend holding strong against the violent bursts of Ichigo's confused anger, the male fisting up his hair with frustration as he gestured blindly behind him; "I wasn't about to- to do any of the shit you're implying-!"

Warm hands suddenly gripped his defined hips exposed by his wet, heavy jeans, Ichigo's breath and reiatsu choking, amber eyes looking over his shoulder to find Rukia standing behind him, trying to pull him back gently, trying to distance him from Tatsuki.

"Ichigo, enough; calm down…."

Her tall shinigami held stubbornly in place at first, glancing back at Tatsuki before sighing, his reiatsu slowly softening at its edges, Rukia's hands pulling his hips to separate him from Tatsuki, to bring him closer to her; a few steps having been taken, Rukia stepped around Ichigo, her arm left wrapped around his slim waist.

Tatsuki inhaled deeply to control her frustration as Rukia stepped up and met her gaze, Keigo coughing and weakly greeting the short shinigami, Inoue's hand gripping Tatsuki's arm from behind her as Rukia spoke gently.

"For what it's worth, he was barely out here for no more than ten minutes, watching me and girls play before I dragged him into it."

Ichigo watched Tatsuki's gaze falter before holding stubbornly, everyone surprised when Rukia's violet eyes suddenly held the famed coldness of a Kuchiki, her reiatsu no longer drowned out by Ichigo's, as cold as her stare; "But please remember, Arisawa- that I appreciate not being spoken of as if I weren't present."

Silence was heavy as Rukia stepped away from Ichigo, her hand sliding along the hem of his jeans before leaving him, turning her back on them as she walked back to the house, closing the water nozzle before disappearing around the garage, towards the front door.

A low whistle left Keigo, his arms moving to cross behind his neck, his eyes where they last saw Rukia, wet clothes and all- "She's right, you know. Wish I could study with her-."

His breath left him as Ichigo swiftly punched Keigo's weak abdomen, with Tatsuki smacking his head, Ichigo scoffing as he didn't bother to say 'good-bye' and followed after Rukia, Keigo dropping to the ground as Tatsuki watched Ichigo leave, Inoue stepping up beside her, holding onto Tatsuki's arm.

"Are you alright, Tatsuki-chan?"

She was met with silence, Tatsuki simply turning away from the Kurosaki household, walking away with Inoue's grip dropping from her arm.

Tatsuki slowed, looking back at Inoue standing still behind her, confused; "Let's go home, Inoue. We need to pack your things."

She began walking again, Inoue jogging to catch up with her, Keigo cussing to keep up with them as he still struggled for air.


From: Inoue Orihime

Kurosaki-kun! I hope your studying is well. Tatsuki-chan is determined to visit you, so we're coming over in a few minutes! Hope you don't mind!


Ichigo's thumb scrolled through his menu to select 'delete,' a hand running roughly through his drying hair, his Torch dropped carelessly onto the desk; "'Course I don't mind…."

His attention was pulled over to his closet's edge, Rukia leaning against the wall- still wet, still in soaked clothes, still with that erotic mess of her hair- with his towel in hand.

"If you break that phone, Berry, don't expect me to buy you a new one when you begin to have Rukia Withdrawals."

Rukia Withdrawals?

"…really, Midget? "Rukia Withdrawals" honestly just came from your mouth?"

A devious grin pulled at Rukia's lips, Ichigo's abdomen tightening strangely at the gleam in her violet eyes; "Oh, I'm sure it's come out from many other mouths-."

"Hey!" Ichigo knew he couldn't play off his sudden outburst at the sight of her eyes widening before lightly glaring, a knowing smirk beneath her eyes.

"Aw- are you jealous, Berry-kun?"

"Like hell I am!" A stubborn frown pulled at Ichigo's lips, Rukia laughing delightfully before pushing off the wall, whirling the towel around as she leisurely turned her back to him, making for the door as she nearly sang out; "Yeah, just how I lost our little battle, right?"

"You did lose!" Ichigo was met again her gaze, the damn woman actually rolling her violet eyes at him as she slowly walked backwards towards the door; "No, I didn't. You didn't exactly bind me or- no, no, no!"

She couldn't turn in time to escape through his closed door, Ichigo's strong hands shamelessly hooking around her thighs just along the curve of her legs into her rear, crouching as he hoisted his kicking shinigami over his shoulder, quickly moving back towards the bed.

"Ichigo, let me go! Ichigo! Damn you!" "I'll show ya how to keep you still-!"

Rukia dropped onto the mattress with a bounce against the springs, squealing as large hands immediately grabbed her wrists to pin them on either side of her head, her legs separated by his hips, one long, smooth, bare leg hooked around Ichigo's hip, the other caught between his legs.

She found herself breathing with difficulty, for some reason.

"This is cheating, Ichigo!"

"Oh, it could be a lot worse, midget! Admit you lost!" He was met with a vicious glare, unable to keep himself from laughing. Rukia pushed against his hips with her own, trying to pull her wrists from his hold, the male tensing above her.

"Che; bite me-!" A gasp left Rukia as Ichigo immediately leaned to find her neck, sharp teeth biting down her skin; "I-Ichi-!"

Her knee made to knock him on the ribs, but she found herself tightening her leg around his hip, pushing him closer against her; a shudder over-whelmed her at the feel of his teeth surrendering her skin, Ichigo's warm tongue licking at the bruising skin, soothing it before he abruptly pulled away, his hand letting go of her wrist to run through his messy hair.

Rukia remained wide-eyed, her hand moving to her neck, nudging his side with her knee.

"You actually bit me!"

"Well, you told me to." Ichigo wore a smirk before they both gave in to laughter, Rukia scrunching her nose as she remembered he had licked her, pointlessly wiping her hand 'covered in disgusting Ichigo germs' on his bare chest.

They quieted down, Rukia's hand dropping onto her stomach, Ichigo's arm holding him up above her, legs still tangled closely together, his hand still gripping her wrist; a sigh left Rukia as she found his amber eyes behind teasing bangs, frowning slightly; "Are you alright?"

"…yeah."

She couldn't help but frown more, catching the uneasy feel to his reiatsu filling the room.

"Tatsuki just missed you-."

"Next time, you're coming to visit me." Before Rukia could say a word, a pillow slammed into her, her male shinigami tearing himself away from her, making his escape with his towel in hand.

"Damn it, Ichigo!"


From: Kuchiki Rukia

Just filled the tank- be outside in five.


"Ichi-nii, when are you coming back again?"

The three siblings stood freshly showered from their earlier water fight with Rukia, the twins leaning against the front door to buy as much time in keeping their brother home, Ichigo pocketing his cell.

"I have a week in November; I'll be home then again, hai?"

His sisters nodded with a smile, pushing off the door to meet his open arms, hugging him tightly; "We'll be missing you, Ichi-nii."

Their brother nuzzled their crowns, hugging them closer.

"Take care of Rukia and each other, alright?" They looked up to meet his eyes, his sisters' bond stronger than he could ever remember, Karin grinning up at him beside Yuzu; "You know it!"

He grabbed their chins gently, leaning down to peck the corner of their lips, turning back to the bags at their feet, picking them as a short honk rang from outside.

"Alright you two- tell the old goat to behave."

Yuzu smiled as she opened the door, Karin waving as Ichigo stepped past Yuzu; "Will do, Ichi-nii."

One last smile over his shoulder, Ichigo made his way towards Rukia's TSX humming softly in the driveway, throwing his bags in the backseat, closing his door gently as he took his place beside Rukia before she moved the gear into drive.


Tatsuki sat with Inoue on the wooden bench along the train's track feet ahead of them, the open station's crowds moving about them, Inoue's luggage at their feet.

Grey eyes nervously fell onto Tatsuki's blank expression, Inoue playing with the sliding screen of her phone; "Tatsuki-chan…."

Her friend sighed, still staring ahead.

"I'm sorry you saw them like that, Orihime." The slimmer female surprised her friend, a reminder for all passengers to have their luggage ready to board echoing around them; "W-what do you mean-?"

"Don't tell me it didn't hurt you to see him with her, like that." Tatsuki finally turned her gaze onto Inoue, the train's near arrival announced; "Is that what you meant before?"

Inoue managed a small smile before her lips trembled, her hand reaching between them to hold Tatsuki's hand.

"Yes... maybe, I made a mistake after all, in not giving up my hopes."

A sigh left Tatsuki, gripping Inoue's hand tightly as the far cry of the train approached the station.

"You… don't know that yet."

Their hair billowed about them, the train's slowing speed drowning out the busy crowds as it sped along its tracks in front of them.


The sky was barely darkening halfway into the drive to take Ichigo back to his apartment, the shinigami removing their sunglasses as the last ray of sun disappeared, the traffic low and fast, Rukia playing Linkin Park on repeat despite the album having run into its third round.

Amber eyes moved from the window onto Rukia, her violet eyes on the highway.

"Excited for college, midget?"

A small grin pulled at her lips, her gaze chancing a quick glance at him; "Just like high school, but more annoying- right?"

Ichigo laughed softly, nodding.

"Sure, I guess you can see it like that." His phone vibrated in his pocket, the tall male shifting in his seat as he turned back to look outside, Rukia's voice turning his gaze back onto her; "It's going to be… strange, not having you sitting next to me at school… and not be able to mooch off your homework, of course."

Ichigo rolled his eyes at her as she snickered at the steering wheel, his cell vibrating again.

"Somehow, you'll manage to get me to do your homework either way, midget."


To: Ichigo

Hey… so ARE you trying to tap that?


Keigo's old, worn backpack was thrown aside as he sat at his desk, his Motorola Stature on the wooden top beside his Vaio laptop.

Pressing the power button, Windows Vista bound to take a few minutes to start as always, Keigo picked up his yearbook from their graduating year at Karakura High, leaning back in his chair as he opened the black cover, the school's symbol and name in silver.

From the very first pages, his friends and himself were in nearly every photo; Rukia, Tatsuki and Inoue suddenly blossomed that year, into beautiful seniors every male of every grade sought after, with Ishida and Ichigo always working to keep 'every male' away from them.

Well, except Tatsuki, of course. "And Rukia-san could have fended us off as well, but she would betray her innocent cover."

Yes, he had no shame in being part of 'every male' after them.

He snickered as he flipped through more pages- Ichigo scowling in every photo, Chad's head cut off at least at his forehead in nearly every picture of him, Ishida's proud smirk on him when he wasn't yelling out angrily at Ichigo.

Keigo grinned at the few shots he had with a bloody nose.

He set the book aside as his desktop came into sight, his favorite model clad in a bikini spanning the monitor, his cell in his hand again as he texted Ichigo once more.


To: Ichigo

I take that as a no then and full grant to woo her at school that YOU are not at!


Ichigo kicked his door open to the dark apartment, heading inside with his bags, Rukia following in behind him, closing the door and flipping on the switch; "I'm still amazed at how clean you actually keep this place."

Tossing his bags onto the couch, Ichigo shrugged as he stuffed his hands into his pockets, his hoodie hugging his torso close, the male facing Rukia standing by the doorway as he stood in his living room.

"I'm not that much of a slob. Yuzu always made sure to keep me in line to make her cleaning easier."

Rukia smiled knowingly, leaning against the door behind her as Ichigo wandered over to where she stood, his amber eyes on her; "Thanks for taking care of them…."

"…you're welcome."

Few moments of comfortable silence passed before Rukia pushed off the door as she turned its handle, pulling it open as Ichigo held onto its edge, his petite partner pausing in her steps to look back up at him, a small smirk on her lips.

"I suppose you'll go back to stalking me by text again, come tomorrow?"

Playfully kicking her ankles, Ichigo glared at her, biting back the urge to stick out his tongue at her like a brat.

"Fine- I don't need to check up you. Watch me go a month without texting you, midget."


To: Kuchiki Rukia

Morning, squirt.


Whatever happened to a whole month of not texting her?

Ichigo stood in line at the coffee shop, this particular Monday morning oddly chilled, his black jacket and scarf over his grey v-neck thrown on at the last minute that morning.

He wore his aviators out of habit.

His Torch vibrating in his hand, Ichigo let a pretty female pass in front of him before stepping forward in line, his thumb tapping his text message open.


From: Kuchiki Rukia

A month, eh? My, it passed so quickly!


He could easily imagine her snickering, that devious hue of her eyes bright.

Demonic midget.

Ichigo slid the screen up, quickly tapping over the small keys.


To: Kuchiki Rukia

Yeah, yeah, just be happy I bother. Getting ready for school?


"Kurosaki-kun!" Inoue's voice reached him just as he selected 'send' from his menu, his hidden gaze looking up around the shop to find Inoue and Chad walking over, a frown pulling at his lips as Chad shrugged helplessly.

They were twenty minutes earlier than usual- something Chad had prevented from happening for the past two or three months; Inoue witnessing the female barista flirt with him will definitely earn them pouting and sulking, stuttering and blushing for a good chunk of the morning.

He checked his cell- no response from his midget.

"Hey, Inoue, Chad- what are you guys doing here so early?"

The brightly dressed female joined Ichigo in line by his side, Chad stepping in beside her, clad in a jacket similar to Ichigo's; bubbly and loud without the help of caffeine, Inoue bounced in place.

"Oh, I just thought we could spend more time together this morning, is all. What drink are you getting?"

Ah, yes- the drink. How the hell am I getting out of this one?

"Not sure, but hey- why don't you two give me your orders while you find a booth?"

His cell vibrated, Inoue's voice tuned out as he opened the message.


From: Kuchiki Rukia

I don't know what to wear!


"You're kidding me." Ichigo frowned at the looks Inoue and Chad gave him, his disbelief having been voiced to them as well; "It's something Rukia said… sorry. W-what were you saying, Inoue?"

Inoue pouted slightly above her lime green jacket, fingering her backpack.

"I was saying that Sado-kun could find our booth so that I could help you with the drinks."

Of course.

Holding back a sigh, Ichigo simply nodded, Chad patting his back before leaving in search of a booth.

He slid the screen to his Torch up again, starting up a message to reply to Rukia.


To: Kuchiki Rukia

Wait… is this truly Kuchiki Rukia? Wondering what to wear?


The line moved further up, just two people in front of them.

Rukia immediately responded back, pissed- he guessed- or along the lines of it. He almost felt giddy to read what fancy stringing of words she could come up with this time, tapping the screen to open it.


From: Kuchiki Rukia

Screw you, you fruity idiot! Kiss my bare ass since I have no idea what to fuckin' wear! Jerk.


…she's naked?

"Kurosaki-kun!" Ichigo snapped his gaze up onto Inoue, the busty female staring worriedly at him, likely blushing like an idiot, the brunette barista cocking a thin, groomed eyebrow at him from behind.

Did I say that out-loud? Holy shit-fuck!

"Uh, I can expla-." "Kurosaki-kun, order first."

Oh. He hadn't. Well, then; "Y-yeah, sure." Stepping around Inoue, pocketing his Torch, Ichigo struggled to keep his grimace off at the daily look-over the barista gave him, her eyes moving onto Inoue before moving back onto him.

"So, it's 'Kurosaki,' hm? How many perfect orders am I going to have to make to get your first name, now?"

Kurosaki Ichigo may be horrendously awful at kidō and detecting every other reiatsu aside from Rukia's; but he was no idiot.

How could he not feel the tense and confused reiatsu just inches behind him as the barista stared him down with seductive eyes?

Women.

"Can I have my usual?" Ichigo ignored the pout the barista gave him, Inoue huffing behind him, his cell motionless in his pocket; he pulled out his wallet as his drink was made, the barista back with his drink, Ichigo glad his choice of delicious poison wasn't revealed to Inoue-

"Double Grande White Mocha with caramel, as always. See you later, Kurosaki-kun."

It's high school all over again, isn't it?


The seat Ichigo sat in creaked as he leaned back, the large auditorium classroom empty aside from one other student, class due to begin in forty minutes.

Taking out his Torch from his pocket as his messenger dropped to his feet, sliding his aviators off, Ichigo opened his text messages with Rukia, scanning over them.

The past hour before arriving on campus was near disastrous.


From: Kuchiki Rukia

Wow, and still no help on your part! Too distracted by my slip of admitting I was naked, Kurosaki?


He had been, but would he admit that? Like hell he would.


To: Kuchiki Rukia

Shut up! And I am stuck in a bad situation right now, be helpful and call me and be my excuse to run my ass out of here!

and wear that one grey v-neck with your black jacket, boots and scarf.


Yes, he shamelessly made her match him miles away from him.


From: Kuchiki Rukia

That sounds like something YOU would wear- I bet you are right now, so why should I?

And what sticky situation? Brunette jumped you in public?


To: Kuchiki Rukia

'Cause you know you want to.

And brunette now knows my family name and Inoue knows brunette flirts like it's her job and that I have been lying about my usual drink. I can drown in the awkwardness and tension we're sitting in right now.


Rukia only ended up laughing at him, a few teasing messages between then and now, no help whatsoever on saving him from Inoue's sulking, brooding, confused mood.

He felt like an asshole.

His cell vibrated shortly, immediately displaying the text on his screen.


From: Kuchiki Rukia

Twins said hi. Parking is awful here!


What he could describe as an evil chuckle left him, quickly replying to her text.


To: Kuchiki Rukia

Ha! Go straight to the west parking lot. You'll have to walk a bit, but you can handle it, ne, Shorty?


Ichigo glanced up as a few other students came in and sat down, talking quietly amongst themselves or texting just as he was.

His attention was back on his Torch.


From: Kuchiki Rukia

I'm sure you're well aware that I don't have short legs despite my height, Berry. I can definitely handle it- just as I can handle you.

Kiss it!


He couldn't help the grin, still confused about his relationship with the feisty shinigami as he was a week or months ago, but certain he was less confused on his feelings for her- what a sap he's become.


To: Kuchiki Rukia

You still think you can after I won yesterday?

And I just might if you're wearing what I told you to wear.


Ichigo hardly had time to even think about his sliding his screen back down before his cell vibrated again, Rukia's response short and simple.


From: Kuchiki Rukia

Then pucker up!


Miles away from him, Rukia looked damn good.


The hallways to one of the many buildings were crowded with students- with college students- although it did seem strangely familiar to the petite shinigami standing in the middle of it all….

"Ah, yes, now I remember- high school." Rukia sighed as she made her way past the gossiping huddles of young students, a frown at her lips as she looked for her first lecture, her black, suede messenger the twins lovingly gifted her bumping into a few people.

Finding the correct room, Rukia opened the door and stepped in.

This… is it?

The classroom looked just like the one in high school. The students were grouped together and horsing around just like in high school. Even some of their clothes looked awfully similar to the uniform ensemble from high school.

Is this really college?

Vibrations hummed through her pelvis as her phone rested in place between her firm skin and jeans, Rukia walking along the edge of the seats to find one in the back, taking out her iPhone as she tried to decide where to sit.

Her nude, manicured thumb slid her screen's lock across to read her text from Ichigo, her violet eyes rolling with a smirk.


To: Kuchiki Rukia

You better not sit in the back. Go up front and pay attention. Good luck, midget.


Her boots clicked across the tile as she headed for the front.


Chad and Ichigo waited silently for Inoue to finish up her lecture, the gentle giant beside the shinigami strumming the air in tune with the music from his disc player, Ichigo checking the time on his cell.

Thirty after four- Rukia's out.

He slid his screen up, typing up a text for Rukia.


To: Kuchiki Rukia

How was your first day?


"Ichigo- was today Kuchiki-san's first day at Karakura Community?"

Chad removed his headphones, reaching into his backpack to turn off his disc player, Ichigo shifting his weight on his legs beside him; "Yeah, just asked her how it went. Was weird not bugging her all day."

Chad simply grunted, nodding as he looked off into the distant span of the immense campus, Ichigo's Torch vibrating as Inoue stepped out with her classmates, walking up to the two males.

Glancing at his screen, their orange-haired shinigami was surprised to see 'Incoming call: Kuchiki Rukia' rather than a text, grinning nonetheless as he answered her call, Chad and Inoue beside him; "Yo, Rukia-."

"Ichigo…."

The male tensed at her low, soft voice, Chad and Inoue looking concerned as they heard her voice from the device at his ear.

"Rukia, what's wrong?"

She held silent over the phone, sitting in her car, picking at her scarf's soft material, Ichigo's voice carrying through again, calling out her name.

"I… Ichigo, I hate it here!"


Now to come up with a reason for her to hate it there, heh.

Much love, a sick KurosakiLove~