Alrighty everyone, here's chapter four! Sorry it took so long. Honestly between getting back on this continent, starting school, and my brother's surgery it's been crazy. However, I'm back and writing. I actually already started the next chapter... so hopefully it won't be as long of a wait. So.. enjoy!

Oh, by the way, I apologize, I posted a new preview at the end of Chapter 3 since I didn't end up using that one for this chapter. No worries... it'll be used later ; ).

Disclaimer: I don't own bleach... but who says I can't wish I did??


Ichigo's first day of classes at the Shinigami Academy was, for lack of better words, "exhausting." Between the introductory questions instructors posed before the class and the hushed interrogations by students during lessons, the collective whole had asked him enough questions to write a rather detailed biography of his first year as a shinigami. Or at least it had felt that way to him. As he expected, each class had tested his limits in spiritual power, skill, technique, and knowledge. In most instances, he had exceeded his preceding reputation. Only in Kido class did Ichigo disappoint, unable to control his reiatsu and exploding every target. He was easily frustrated during that particular hour, mostly because the incantations were lengthy and he wasn't doing well. He almost let his temper get the best of him when the other students succeeded, but his sensei reminded him to keep himself controlled and focused if he ever wanted to excel at the technique.

Sparring and Judo class had been a lot more promising since Ichigo already had extensive battle experience. He shared this class with Mei, who eagerly had volunteered to become his training partner. "She probably just wants to see if she can handle me," thought Ichigo. It was only when a practice match in front of the class between the partners occurred that he was happy to be paired with her. Despite her small size and dainty hourglass physique, she most definitely held her own strength during combat. She was quick and confident, and completely took him off guard. A glint of menace had appeared in her eyes when he taunted and teased her, and before he could take his comments back, she had thrown and pinned him to the mat.

"Ow, Mei! Get off me."

"Heh, you really didn't think I could take you, did ya?"

Ichigo grunted. "Sorry for underestimating. Now will you get off and we'll start this fight over?"

"Nope." The corners of Mei's mouth curled into a smile.

"Get off me! Fair rematch?"

"Hahaha… this was fair. So, no."

"Let me up, Mei!"

"Struggle for me, strawberry."

"Wha-what did you just say?"

"You heard me."

Ichigo fumed. He wasn't about to let a girl he just met spoil another class period. His sensei and the rest of the class were watching, even if they couldn't hear their conversation. "Brute force it is then!" He shoved her off of him, and she gracefully landed on the balls of her feet. As he adjusted his stance, she faced him, battle ready, an ominous smile spread across her flushed cheeks. Ichigo returned a challenging eye and ran, charging toward her at full speed. Mei jumped in anticipation of Ichigo's front kick, and landed a solid punch to his jaw. He staggered back only slightly, returning a right hook, which Mei blocked. Ichigo quickly took advantage of her raised guard, and kneed her directly in the stomach. Mei's smile faded and was soon replaced by a solemn determination that could be mistaken for mania. Dodging his punches, she rolled sideways onto the floor and tripped Ichigo with a quick swipe of her leg. As he fell forward, she didn't hesitate. Pouncing like an agile panther, she landed on his back, and pulled his arms backward in a strong hold before he could react. Snickering, she shoved a knee between his shoulder blades.

"Aww, where's that strength of yours now, strawberry?"

"It's Ichigo, not strawberry...you—"

"Right, right. Now, why don't you squirm for me. I've got you right where I want you, little boy."

Ichigo snarled. "Like…hell…you…do!"

Using his legs and the strength in his back, Ichigo flipped her over to the side, loosening her grip enough for him to pry his arms free. He rolled on top of her, pinning her wrists to the floor. She instinctively pressed her knees up against his chest, trying to force him off of her. As she struggled, she laughed.

"What are you laughing at?"

"You would be the kind of guy who likes being on top."

Ichigo's face turned bright red as Mei pried him off. He sprung backwards, confused, and Mei flew upward with a solid kick to Ichigo's ribs. She laughed, watching his image bend over and sputter, the wind completely gone from his lungs.

"You'll learn I'm not the type of girl that submits to anything, strawberry."

Then suddenly, his image disappeared.

Mei's eyes grew wide.

The doubled over figure had been right in front of her eyes… and yet it had only been an image left by the looming shadow behind her.

She felt a foot come in contact with her back and force her to her knees.

Two arms wrapped around her neck, choking her.

She clawed at them, still wide-eyed.

Ichigo's voice whispered in her ear…

"We'll see about that."

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Rukia sat at her office desk, finishing the last of her sick captain's paperwork. Even if the third and fourth officers were functioning as lieutenants, it didn't help that there wasn't one officially in place. Between the captain's frequent ailments and the squad's fractured structure, paperwork often spilled onto other ranking officers. She hummed softly as she prepared the transport of several important documents over to the first squad's captain. She liked humming, convinced that it lightened the dreariness of paperwork and passed her hours of duty easier. A black hell butterfly flew in and hovered gracefully over her desk. Sighing, she took its message, grabbed the paperwork, and hummed herself out.

After finishing her errands, ahead on her duties and faced with a little free time, she sought out a quiet spot to enjoy her lunch. The sun was already high in the cloudless sky, and she wanted to soak in the tender warmth outdoors. She chose a tree not far away from the Shinigami Academy, previously a place where she had eaten when she was a student there. Absentmindedly, she wondered if her lunch would ever coincide with Ichigo's, before realizing where her thoughts had strayed. She was supposed to be upset with him. Yet she couldn't help wondering if she should take Renji's advice and apologize. She really didn't want to be the first to apologize, to sink below, to submit. She would only inflate Ichigo's ego more than it was already. After all, she was the Kuchiki princess. Who was she to stoop to the level of someone who wasn't even on the same plane as a Ryoka when she was nobility? Then again, Ichigo was better than that. He was human…a human with an incredible power who was not someone to toy with. Even when they had first met, he had broken a kido binding spell with pure strength. He had an incredible reiatsu; his zanpakuto reflected that. She was at loss for words. What would she even say? She had no idea where to even begin. After all these nights he had haunted her dreams, after the countless days in waiting for his return, he was now here, she unable to say anything at all.

She shook her head in disbelief. "Get yourself together," she thought. Someone would have to be the 'better person' and just apologize anyway. Her habituated civility would convince her to be that person. As she swallowed another bite of food, she mulled over how to apologize. Go to his dorm? Yes, that would have to work since she had never learned his schedule. It should be casual. Perhaps have another excuse to be there? Maybe a reason to see him again wouldn't hurt. She heaved a sigh, deciding she would try him later that evening when classes were over.

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The tightened grasp on her throat let go, and she fell to the floor. The air rushed into her windpipes. She was breathing. Yet the confusion remained.

"What… where…," Mei choked.

Ichigo smiled. "Confused?" She nodded. "That was a high level shunpo I learned from Yoruichi. It's called 'cicada shell.'"

"You learned a lot before the war with Aizen in order to get the best advantage, didn't you?"

"Yeah. You can't even imagine this guy. His reiatsu is enough to make most of the people in this room lose consciousness."

"What about yours?"

"Huh?"

"Show me yours."

"No way. I'm still learning to control it. You should have seen me in Kido today. It was a disaster."

"Think it's too much for me to handle? Huh?!"

"Maybe I do!"

"Come on, you punk. Show me!"

Suddenly a different voice came from behind the arguing pair. "I would rather have conscious students, so I ask you not to, Mr. Kurosaki."

Both spun around to find their sensei sternly staring them down. Mei straightened up and bowed, Ichigo sloppily followed.

"Sorry sir," Mei voiced.

"No need. You both had a very good match. It is rare to see such tenacity. Your shunpo was excellent, Ichigo. I have never seen nor heard of such a technique. However, you won't be needing or using such abilities in my class."

Ichigo growled. "Why not? It's necessary in true combat!"

"Might I remind you this class is based on close hand-to-hand combat? We focus on direct contact, not avoiding it. My job, Mr. Kurosaki, is to train you so that shunpo is no longer necessary, but an asset."

Ichigo nearly began to argue when Mei elbowed him harshly in the stomach. "Thank you, sensei," she spoke with a bow.

The grey haired instructor hobbled away and yelled above the class, who were excitedly chatting about the match that had just ended before their eyes. "CLASS DISMISSED!"

Mei frowned at Ichigo. "Am I gonna have to hold your hand every time you interact with an instructor? Jeeze. Anyway, it's time for lunch. Get changed and meet me outside the class shoji." She ran off, blond hair bouncing behind her.

Ichigo shrugged. "Okay!" he called after the retreating figure. "Guess I'm eating with them again," he thought.

The two met outside and walked out to Mei's usual area of the courtyard. The rest of the group was already sitting eagerly awaiting Mei and Ichigo's arrival. Hikaru barely noted Ichigo's presence, while Akiko motioned him over to sit between her and the empty spot intended for Mei. Two lunches were placed in front of the empty seats. Ichigo admitted he was hungry, and the steam rising from the hot food tempted him to shovel whatever it was into his mouth. Eyeing his lunch, he nodded hello to everyone and sat down in front of the enticing meal. "Manners… right. I sometimes forget those since Dad didn't really force those growing up." He ate patiently like everyone else in the circle, fighting the urge to scarf down everything in one swift bite. Somehow the only picture that came to mind was Rukia and her impeccable manners. He was by no means a pig, but she was just so… hoity toity. He made a face of disgust. He couldn't possibly imagine eating like that every day. She had recoiled with such a disgusted look of surprise when he had belched in front of her the first time. He couldn't stop laughing when her mouth dropped, but didn't burp anymore in her presence. Only if he wanted to annoy her did he return to his "vile habits," as she had called them.

"So, there's talk of a good match in Judo. Was that with you and Mei, Ichigo?"

Ichigo looked across the circle to find Souta looking at him. "Oh… yeah, it was."

Souta raised an eyebrow. "You must be something to be able to take on Mei."

Ichigo scowled. "It should be the other way around," he muttered under his breath.

SMACK.

"Ow! Mei!"

"You know you deserved it." She glared at him, but teasingly. Ichigo rubbed the back of his head with a frustrated stare. Mei giggled.

"I would have had you if you hadn't used that shunpo, so get over yourself, strawberry."

"Keep thinkin' that Mei. I had you fair and square."

"After I graciously allowed a rematch."

"What?! I threw you off of me! I made a rematch happen." Ichigo's face was a burning red.

"You forget I still pinned you first, silly strawberry." Mei was too calm, he was furious.

"Gah, why do you keep calling me that?! It's Ichigo, not strawberry!" Ichigo's voice was booming over the courtyard. Mei laughed, still completely collected.

"You're so loud. Now the world knows your little nickname."

She tapped her finger on his nose and smiled. Ichigo merely blinked, unnerved, but embarrassed at Mei's close proximity. "You wouldn't want everyone calling you strawberry, would you?" She giggled again. "I cansurely arrange that." Ichigo leaned backwards. Her smile seemed innocent enough, but struck him in a way that made him gulp audibly. Her eyes twinkled with devilish play. She toyed with his obi sash. "But, I don't think you want that." Her body leaned forward, almost over him. He blinked again, his body temperature rising. Why was he acting this way? "She's just teasing me because of the practice match…" he told himself. She flipped the obi sash up into his face, and returned to her lunch. Her demeanor was as if nothing had happened. Ichigo stuttered. Noa smiled from behind her chopsticks, and Hikaru fumed.

"Hehe... heh… uh…" Ichigo looked at the group in embarrassment, a meek smile set within his blushing visage. "Lunch is… good. Um… thanks."

"You're welcome," replied Akiko. Souta nodded.

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Later that evening, Ichigo lay on his bed. The interrogations, the tests, the classes, the introductions were over at least for tonight. He admitted he was tired, unable to help the weight of exhaustion on his body and eyelids. Staring up at his bare ceiling, he regretted he hadn't brought more stuff to decorate his room with. Originally he had liked it plain. There was a sweet solitude in plainness, a stoic simplicity that reflected certain aspects of himself. Yet somehow, he felt as though the plain color that ran through the walls and the ceiling was too dull. His life was completely colorful, shaded with grey areas and indigo shadows, greener patches and gold and pink skies. The black and white of his shinigami uniform certainly represented the clear-cut nature of his position. But it was the red of his bankai coat that shadowed the sacrifice and ambiguity, the pain and dedication. He lived in a vibrant world. The stark contrast of the bleakness of Hueco Mundo had forced him to miss color. It was now that he longed for color as well.

He closed his eyes, envisioning his room back at home, drifting into the glossy posters, the tattered photographs, the faded blue of his bedding, the tainted yellow of Kon's plushie… he could almost hear the clank of the pots his sister used to make dinner in the kitchen.

He felt something tearing him back to reality. He wanted to ignore it, but his eyes fluttered open anyway. They were met by two deep amethyst orbs, sparkling, bright… vibrantly colored crystal eyes.

He blinked once.

Twice.

He wanted to touch the porcelain face that held those beautiful eyes, but his body lay frozen.

"Ichigo?"

Ichigo jumped up. It was Rukia. How the hell had he not realized it was Rukia? He'd gotten lost in the color, but that was no matter anymore. He couldn't look like an idiot in front of her. Not after their last meeting. He silently cursed himself for daydreaming. Wasn't he supposed to be angry? He should have been fuming at the sight of her… but he didn't.

Rukia was amused. All she wanted to do was see if he was sleeping. She just hadn't expected him to stare at her like that. His eyes had pierced her, searched her very soul. She hadn't been ready for that at all, nor his defensive fight-or-flight stance as he feigned being completely composed. Her eyes were wide with surprise, searching Ichigo's panicked face for guidance.

Ichigo awkwardly scratched the back of his head, furrowing his brow out of habit. He had finally gotten over who had appeared in his room. It was finding that biting remark that he was having trouble with.

"Hi, Rukia."

"I didn't mean to startle you like that… I just thought you were awake until I walked over."

"Yeah, thanks for barging in my room like that."

"Look, I thought you were ignoring my knocking and I'm not going to be ignored!"

"I wasn't ignoring you, Rukia! I was just…daydreaming."

"Oh."

"Yeah."

"So what were you daydreaming about?"

"My room back at home."

"Are you homesick?"

"Nah, I just wish I'd brought more stuff to make my room more interesting. You know, colorful."

The two stood quietly looking at each other. Ichigo looked a little more relaxed than before, flopping back on his bed with a sigh. He rolled over so he could reach Rukia's gaze. She looked so timid, and he couldn't understand why. "I know I looked at her for those couple moments, but I didn't know she'd react to it like this. What's she thinking right now?" Ichigo wondered silently. He watched her walk over to his chair, and took a seat facing him. She sat with perfect posture, legs crossed at her ankles, hands clasped on her knees. He immediately knew she was nervous.

"Ichigo… about yesterday, I—" she cut herself off. She opened her mouth and shut it again, unsure how to proceed.

Ichigo sat up on his bed and looked at her. He had originally been cruel on the field for a specific purpose that she didn't understand. Nor did he want her to. He just wanted her safe, away from him, away from constant danger and everything that obstructed his path. Fighting by her side had been something he treasured until the moment she just got too close… "Too damn close to death…in MY arms." He cast her aside for a reason. Yet here she sat in front of him, enough humility in her posture and regret in her eyes to want him back. Even if her mouth refused to utter a single word, her body said it all. He hadn't wanted to worry. Yet that's all he could do, worry about her. Wonder where her smile had gone, wonder who would protect her and take his place. No, nobody could do that. Not even Byakuya.

Heaving another sigh, Ichigo looked down at his lap and back up to the struggling amethyst eyes.

"Rukia, I was an ass on the field yesterday. We both just sorta snapped at eachother. I'm sorry."

Rukia stared at Ichigo, eyes widened. A smile peeled across her face, slowly.

"Well?" Ichigo asked. "I said it! You gonna say something back?"

"Apology accepted."

"Wha?! Aren't you gonna say sorry back?!"

"Of course! You just didn't let me get to that part!"

"Oh… sorry."

"I'm sorry too. I was just so angry at how much of an idiot you were before you left Soul Society that I let that get in the way of a better greeting."

"Well, it's fine now."

"Hn." Rukia nodded. She stretched out her legs, raising her arms and spreading out in a full body stretch. "I'm glad that's all taken care of."

"So are we ever gonna have time to hang out? I know you're busy a lot with duties and whatnot. Plus I'm sure your brother is always on your tail with something."

"It's more the fact that my captain is always sick than Nii-sama giving me a workload. He's not my captain, after all. What time is your lunch?"

"Around twelve thirty or so. It depends on if my sensei lets us out of Judo early like he did yesterday."

"He let you out early?"

"Yeah, he had Mei and I have a match in front of the class to get an idea what kind of fighter I am."

"Mei?"

"Mei Kimiko. She's a girl who just sortof barged in here while I was unpacking, introduced herself, and drug me around the school introducing me to my sensei's and got my uniforms and everything."

"That's really…sweet in a creepy way."

"She's a nice girl."

"Yeah, we'll see about that." Rukia cackled. "Bwahahaha!"

Ichigo rolled his eyes and buried his head under his pillow. "Oh god, please not that again!"

"You know you loooove the evil cackle of Don Kanonji! Bwahahah!"

"RUKIA!"

"Fine fine. So you gonna meet me for lunch tomorrow?"

"Sure. I always eat in the courtyard, so find me there."

"Hn. See you tomorrow. Oh and Ichigo…"

"What?"

"BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH!"

"RUKIA!!"


Hope you enjoyed this chapter! I know it's kinda short, but hopefully another one will come out soon. I have an IchixRuki scene coming up that was inspired by me reading while I was out of the country, and that's really got me going.

I'll have a preview up hopefully within the week.

Let me know how I'm doing, comments, criticism, anything will do, my dears! I'm so happy you're reading my fanfic that I'd love to know what you think. MUAH