I'M SO SORRY! HALF OF THIS CHAP WAS MISSING AND I DIDN'T NOTICE TIL JUST NOW! IT IS ALL HERE NOW AND THE WHOLE STORY IS MUCH BETTER NOW! THANK YOU

TUESDAY

"Oi, Ichigo!" says an eager-as-ever Keigo. "I couldn't help but notice you and Kuchiki eyeballing each other all day today...something going on you wanna tell us about?"

Ichigo blushes, but does not answer. The crowd of male friends around him all get excited by that non-answer answer, and Keigo leans in close to Ichigo's face. "Ooooh, I see! So how far have you gotten with her then? Have you done it yet?" BLAM! One grinning face in the dirt.

"So...was that a yes or a no?" BLAM! Mizuiro's turn to face-plant on a childish grin.

"Ya know what?" says Ichigo, standing up with his bento and dusting the grass off his butt, "Why the hell am I wasting my time having my lunch over here with you jerks anyway? I have a girlfriend now! See ya!" With that, he heads towards the fence nearby where Rukia and her friends are sitting, having their own lunches.

Meanwhile, Rukia's friends are asking her about Ichigo. It seems the whole school noticed the way two were behaving toward each other today. She just smiles through a crimson face in response, earning giggles and congratulations from her companions—save one. Orihime just looks into her lap, her hands folded there, her head down.

"Ichigo!" beams Rukia when he shows up there. Orihime looks up to see Ichigo holding his hand out to Rukia, smiling, a happy sparkle in his eyes. "Rukia, what say you and I have our lunch over there?" Ichigo says, gesturing with a nod toward the side of the building a few meters away from the general population of the school. Rukia nods in agreement, taking his hand to stand and walking off with him, bento in tow. It's more than Orihime can take. She runs into the building to hide and cry in the ladies' room, Tatsuki following quickly behind.

Ichigo and Rukia enjoy sharing their lunch hour together, just talking and eating with one another. However, a persistent Keigo and all his followers won't leave them alone. They keep hollering non-of-your-business questions at them, as well as suggestive comments. Ichigo is getting annoyed, as is Rukia. Keigo finally shouts out, "Hey, why don't you kiss her?" Earning him a "don't go there or I'll kill you til you die from it" look. This just spurs the loudmouth on, knowing he had touched a sensitive spot. With that knowledge, he grins evilly, and keeps harping on it, getting his other friends—and even some of the girls, too—to start chanting, "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"

By this point, the entire schoolyard is staring at Ichigo and Rukia, all grinning, enjoying the taunts from Keigo and company, waiting to see what an angry Ichigo will ultimately do about it. What he ends up doing surprises everyone. Especially Rukia.

"All right!" He yells at the crowd of chanters, standing up. "You wanna see a kiss? Fine, I'll showyou a freakin' kiss!"With that, he grabs Rukia's wrist, pulling her to stand. He walks a few feet forward to where everyone on the school grounds can see them both well. Then he pulls Rukia into his arms, dips her backwards, and lays a long, passionate kiss onto her lips. She beats his back with her fists for it, kissing her in public like that, but he doesn't move his mouth from hers. The schoolyard falls so deathly quiet even the crickets refuse to chirp. Finally, Ichigo stands the two of them up straight again and lets Rukia go. She hauls off and punches him, her face sports-car red from her chin to her ears, then stomps off into the building-angry from the scenehe just made, embarrassing her to no end. Ichigo just rubs his now-sore jaw with a smile, the whole of the school now cheering loudly as Rukia's back disappears into the high school.

But beneath the embarrassment and anger...Rukia had to admit, part of her had liked it. It meant he wasn't in the least bit ashamed of her and didn't care whoknew about their new relationship. It was flattering, really. And I have to admit...itwas pretty damn romantic...what a kiss! I guess I have no choice but to forgive the jerk. Baka!Her lips upturn at the corners just a little as her anger dissipates. By the time the school bell rings, she is past it.

QQQQ

"You don't have to sneak out to be with Ichi-nii, Rukia," calls out a small, familiar voice from the dark. It's Yuzu. Rukia turns around to see Yuzu and Karin looking right at her. "It's ok!" Yuzu continues, now wearing a smile. "Right, Karin? The girl "mm's" her reply with a nod and a smile like her sister's. Rukia returns the girls' smiles, and thanks them. "But...how did you know?"

Karin answers, "We wake up every time you open the door. It wasn't hard to figure out."

Rukia blushes. "Well, goodnight." Then she is on her way to Ichigo's room.

Once inside, Rukia turns off the extra-early alarm, prompting the question, "what are you doing" from Ichigo. "The twins know," Rukia answers. "But they pretty much gave us their blessing!" That makes them both smile as Rukia slides into the bed. "Oi, Rukia...why are you wearing those? Where's the t-shirt?"

"Well I only wore it that one time because my pajamas were in the wash and your shirt was in the dryer. I didn't anticipate anyone seeing me in it..."

Ichigo pouts. "I liked the shirt much better than this thing..." He fiddles with a button.

"What's wrong with this?"

"Nothing, really...but my shirt looks really hot on you."

Rukia grins. "Fine, I'll change. But you have to ditch your shirt in return!" With that, she hops up and grabs a tee from Ichigo's drawer. Said male wrests his eyes away from her as she begins to shed her pj's right there in front of him as if she did it every day. Then he slips off his shirt. Once changed, Rukia gets back into the bed.

"This better?"

Ichigo grins seductively. "Yyyeeaahh!"

Ichigo and Rukia wrap their arms around one another as their lips come together like magnets. The fire quickly returns to their kiss. Once again, Ichigo flips over and positions Rukia above him. This time, however, Rukia does something different. She stills where she is, looking deep into Ichigo's eyes, and cups his face in her hands. "Ichigo, there's something I have to tell you."

Ichigo freezes. It's nevergood when somebody says that. Especially a girlsomebody.

"I-I don't want you to say anything, ok? I just...want you to know."

Oh shit. Here comes the bad news.

"There is no more doubt. Ichigo...I love you."

Ichigo's eyelids and mouth widen in shock, staring into eyes that look true to their owner's word. Then his open mouth is overtaken by Rukia's. Ichigo's heart is pounding so hard he wonders distantly why it isn't exploding. He feels something rush through him at Rukia's words that he can not explain, nor understand, but it feels wonderful...and he suddenly wantsRukia so fiercely it is nearly unbearable, when he thought his want for her had already peaked. He crushes Rukia to him, kissing her ferociously. Then he flips them back over, covering Rukia's body with his own. Rukia wraps her legs around Ichigo as he begins to thrust forward, pressing sweats into panties. Rukia groans as Ichigo slides a hand over her bottom, ducking it under the shirt, and traveling upward. Rukia's breath catches as she feels Ichigo's hand upon her bare skin, climbing up past her belly...and then he suddenly halts. He removes his hand and rolls off of Rukia. "Sorry, Rukia. I can't do this."

Rukia sits up in a huff. "Damn it, Ichigo...what the hellis the problem here? Don't give me that 'never rush a relationship' crap, either. Since when are youthe sensible type? Since when do youlisten to anybody,ever? What the hell are you reallyafraid of? Why do you keep backing off?"

Ichigo's face hardens as he gets out of the bed, moving to the foot of it to face Rukia. "You wanna know so bad? Fine. Because Idon't want to be today's mistake and tomorrow's regret!That's why! Are you happy now?" Ichigo turns his back to the bed, crossing his arms, his face still stern.

Rukia, surprised at his answer, blinks for a moment. Then she gets out of the bed and places herself in front of Ichigo, who refuses to meet her eyes. She takes his face into her hands, turning his head to hers. "Ichigo, I wouldn't be here if I didn't want this. This is no mistake. And I could neverregret you. I loveyou. Believe in me. You know I would never lie to you. Trust me."

Rukia's imploring eyes and encouraging words soften Ichigo's face. He looses his arms, and takes Rukia into them, kissing the top of her head as her arms wrap around his waist. "Thank you...Rukia," he breathes into her hair. Then he pulls back and kisses her gently. Without warning, he then swoops Rukia into his arms and plops her down into the middle of the bed and quickly covers her with himself. Rukia instantly wraps herself around him, both of them groaning when his stiffness presses into her center. Ichigo then places his right hand just under the hem of Rukia's "IchiTee," on her hip where the shirt ends, bracing himself with his left arm. With a sly smile he whispers roughly, "Now...where were we?"

Rukia mirrors Ichigo's countenance...until she feels his hand upon her flesh. The heat of his touch transforms her expression to one of excitement and anticipation. Ichigo is slowly sliding the fabric of her "nightgown" up her body. Her already-racing heart begins to sprint.

Then Ichigo reaches his destination. He lifts the shirt above Rukia's breasts as his hand slides over her left one. Rukia arches her back with a moan as Ichigo runs his fingers hungrily over it, awed at the perfection of it and its twin.

After a few minutes, Ichigo sits up and lifts Rukia into his lap, her legs wrapping around his lower half, as he pulls his shirt completely free from her. He tilts her back for full access to her breasts...and descends upon one. He eagerly draws a straining nipple into his mouth.

"Oh, Kami," breathes Rukia, closing her eyes. A hot chill journeys through her body. Ichigo feels an exhilarating heat pulsing through him, making him moan. He suckles at her, gently at first and then more fervently, his tongue flicking back and forth across her saluting protuberance. Rukia feels it vibrate with Ichigo's low-pitched vocalizations, adding to her pleasure.

Then Ichigo raises his head and crushes Rukia into him. Feeling bare breasts on bare chest is electrifying. Ichigo runs his hands slowly over Rukia's back, as if to memorize each muscle, as Rukia responds in kind. Next he begins to kiss a path down Rukia's neck, causing her to exhale deeply.

Then Ichigo pulls back far enough to peer into Rukia's eyes just before kissing her again. "I missed your lips," he tells her with an honest—albeit small—smile. Rukia reflects it. "Then kiss me again, baka!"

They share their mouths once more, starting softly and moving up to fiery.Then Ichigo lies Rukia back down on the bed, resuming his own previous position as well. He travels up her left leg with his non-supportive hand at a snail's pace, making Rukia ache.

When he reaches the hilt of Rukia's leg, Ichigo pauses for just a moment before trailing a finger over the middle of Rukia's damp panties. They moan simultaneously at the contact, and Ichigo begins to move the digit up and down. Rukia starts to pant as her hips begin to rise and sink against Ichigo's finger.

After a few minutes of this, Ichigo rises up again. He gets completely off the bed, leaving Rukia with a bewildered look on her face. She quickly comes to understand, however, when she sees Ichigo's sweatpants hit the floor. In a flash, Ichigo is back 'at his post' again, only his black boxers remaining of his clothing.

Ichigo kisses Rukia furiously, massaging her breast as he does so. He grinds his trunk into hers, the feel of the pressure much more intense without the bulky britches. Groans escape from the two sets of lips.

Soon, however, Ichigo finds himself hungry for more. He slides his free hand between their bodies...and underneath Rukia's panties. She arches and moans as Ichigo strokes between her folds, and she instinctively bucks into him.

Ichigo drinks in the exhilaration of the feel of Rukia's hot wetness. It quickly drives him to remove his hand from that little hiding place...just long enough to get a finger-hold on the waistband of Rukia's undergarment. He tugs the underwear down, his hand lingering on Rukia's leg all the way down. Once the panties are off, Ichigo sinks two fingers inside Rukia's waiting womanhood. Rukia inhales sharply and tilts her head back into her pillow. Ichigo closes his eyes for a moment. "God, Rukia..." he breathes out gruffly. Then he begins to pump in and out, making both of them groan. Rukia then surprises Ichigo by grabbing the top hem of his boxers just above his bottom... to tug them down. She purrs at the feel of his bare backside beneath her touch as she slowly lowers the cloth until she can reach no further. Ichigo then helps her out by removing his hand from between her thighs and getting the silky cloth the rest of the way off.

Rukia wastes no time in taking hold of Ichigo's inflamed appendage between their bodies, immediately tugging up and pulling down in repetition.

"Rukia..." growls Ichigo as he thrusts into her hand.

"I—chi—go," Rukia draws out hoarsely, her lids half shut in desire.

Approaching the brink, Ichigo soon withdraws from Rukia's hand. He settles himself in the proper place...and enters. He stifles Rukia's gasp with a passionate kiss, their tongues rolling together as if they, too, were mating. Then Ichigo breaks the kiss to pull back and push in, repeating the motion slowly.

The feeling of moving inside Rukia is extraordinary. Ichigo's body is wracked by sensation. He has to hold back to keep from ending the party too soon.

Rukia receives Ichigo painlessly, and the ensuing motion is too incredible for words. Her body rocks into him without her willing it to do so, a warm and pleasurable pulsation running through her.

Ichigo quickens his pace, using his free hand to palpate Rukia's breasts. Rukia begins to pant his name, her hands traveling up his back and into his hair. Ichigo answers Rukia's calls with his own, repeating her name in turn.

Then Ichigo, on the verge of letting go, releases Rukia's breast to slip his hand between their conjoined bodies. He fumbles a bit, but when Rukia arches her back with a rapid and ragged inhalation, he knows he's in the right place. He begins to rub her pearl in circles as he thrusts, making Rukia claw at his back and moan.

Their lovemaking quickly builds to a fever pitch, each chanting the other's name. It isn't long before Rukia's body spasms around Ichigo's in a monumental release that completely overtakes her senses.

When Ichigo feels Rukia's body grip and release him in rapid succession, his own floodgates are blown open in an earth-moving orgasm.

The pair cling desperately to each other, trembling in one another's arms. Panting hard, Ichigo peers into Rukia's face. Her eyes are glossy with fresh tears, a look of deep affection behind the sheen. Ichigo "pets" her hair. "My god, Rukia..."

His voice cracks with emotion, his eyes developing a glossy sheen of their own. Rukia removes her hands from his hair to stroke his cheek. "I love you, Ichigo," she whispers. With that, she pulls him into a tender kiss, smothering any would-be response.

I can't believe it,thinks Ichigo. My father was right. I've never felt closer to Rukia than I do right now. It seems so obvious to me now... I don't know how I didn't see it before.

When Rukia releases Ichigo from the liplock, Ichigo meets her eyes again. He strokes her cheek softly. "Rukia," he whispers, "I love you."

Rukia's heart skips a beat and her breath catches in her throat. Her eyes widen in surprise. "I-Ichigo..." Her eyes begin to fill with tears anew. Ichigo presses his lips to hers once more in a deep, lingering, meaningful kiss.

QQQQ

After showering and returning to bed, Ichigo has something on his mind. "Rukia, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, anything."

"The night of my party...when we got a bite to eat at McDonald's...I commented on how the 'new look' you were sporting was unlike you. You said 'maybe that's why I did it.' When I asked you what you meant by that, you said 'nothing' and changed the subject. Could you tell me now? I'd like to know..."

"Hm. Well I didn't exactly know myself what I meant at the time; it was like an afterthought. Or a 'before thought,' I guess. I think...I think I just meant...I just wanted you to noticeme, as a womanand not just a fighter. I didn't want to be just 'one of the guys.'"

"Well I can tell with you absolute certainty, I do NOT see you as 'one of the guys'!" Ichigo snickers. "I never really did, but that outfit you wore to my party just...really pointed out that fact!"

Rukia smiles. "I guess I owe Rangiku-san a big thank you! She's the one who talked me into that outfit in the first place!"

"In that case, I'll thank her too!"

They both chuckle, then settle into one another's arms for the night.

QQQQ

A/N: It's just my opinion, but I believe the twins would indeed be happy for IchiRuki, as would Isshin, and they'd all be fine with them sharing a bed in the house. If you disagree...why are you still here? hehe