OK, a combination of inspiration from chapters 424 and 425 finally got a new chapter out. Enjoy!
Karin was just waking up when she heard it. Again.
"Idiot! Don't you hear me yet? Wake up!"
Karin threw off the covers and slowly walked to the door and into the hall. She hesitated at Ichigo's door for a moment.
"Wake up you dumbass!"
Slowly, she opened the door, making sure it didn't make a sound. "Rukia-chan, could you do that a little quieter, please? You woke me up..." she whispered.
"Karin-chan! My apologies... I guess I got a little frustrated." She looked truly sorry.
Karin couldn't help but smile. A little. "Its O.K. I know you're...anxious...but I really don't think screaming at Ichigo is going to cause his powers to return any faster."
Rukia looked down. Karin could tell she was a little embarassed. "You're right, of course. Its just... its been 17 months. I want to be the first one he sees..."
Karin walked over and very quietly put her arm around Rukia. "I know, I know. It'll happen. I suppose I should mention what Dad said the yesterday..."
Rukia was suddenly hopeful. "Isshin-san? What'd he say?"
Karin grabbed Rukia's hand and led her out of Ichigo's room, then quietly closed the door. "He mentioned that Ichigo said he had been having "wierd dreams". He didn't remember them clearly... but Dad thought he was starting to get his senses back. That's a start, at least."
Rukia almost smiled. "Yes... yes it is. Did he remember anything about what they were?"
Karin paused, remembering their conversation. "Not much... just that it was wierd and that he had been having them right as he was awoken yesterday morning."
Rukia brightened instantly. "Yesterday? Renji, Nii-sama and I were here the other morning! That might mean..."
Karin smirked. "Yes. That might mean he's starting to sense you again."
Rukia smiled. "Finally... Oh, thank you Karin-chan. That's the best news I've had in ages..."
Karin hugged Rukia. "I know its been tough for you to see him, but for him to be unable to see you. He's kept on saying that he's glad for a normal life... but I think he's just trying to convince himself. He misses the life he had as a Shinigami... the life he had with you."
Suddenly they heard footsteps approaching.
"Kuchiki-san... were you trying again this morning?" Isshin asked in a whisper.
"Kurosaki-san! Yes, I was... unfortunately in the process, I woke up Karin-chan," Rukia replied.
"Its no big deal," Karin replied quickly, not wanting Rukia to look bad to her father.
"Did Karin tell you what Ichigo said yesterday?"
"Yes, yes she did, Kurosaki-san. Its good news."
"It shouldn't be long, I think." Isshin looked around, sensing for other presences. "What, no Byakuya or Renji today?"
"No, I'm afraid not... they had things to attend to. I'm still surprised Nii-sama was even interested enough to come yesterday." Rukia seemed confused.
"Its only natural, Kuchiki-san. Ichigo did save Soul Society... and did save his sister's life." Isshin smiled, clearly proud of what his son had done. Then added with a smirk, "Not to mention, my son might be Byakuya's brother-in-law one day!"
Karin, who had been quietly listening, flew into a rage, giving her dad a swift punch in the nose. "Dad, you dirty perv!"
"Owwwwwwwwww! Why do you treat me so, daughter? I only spoke the truth..." Isshin trailed off as Karin made another fist.
Rukia interrupted, blushing and embarrassed. "Oh, its really not a big deal, Karin-chan, please don't fight."
Suddenly, they heard Ichigo's door open, and a moment later Isshin found himself flying down the hall. "Two days in a row, old man! Could you stop waking me up? I was... aww crap, I was having another wierd dream, but now I've forgotten it. Damnit!"
Isshin and Karin smiled at Rukia. Isshin bellowed, "Well I'm sorry my son, my daughter just was showing me how strong she's become! Come, Karin dear, show your father again!"
Karin just turned her back to her father. "I'm getting breakfast. Do whatever you want, you dirty old man, but don't bother me anymore today." She turned around one last time after she passed Ichigo in the hall, mouthed a "see you later" to Rukia, and gave the tiniest wave to her before heading down the stairs.
"My daughter is so cruel to me... I just don't know what to do about her!" Isshin wailed. He winked at Rukia as he passed her and then headed down the stairs after Karin.
Rukia still stood there, watching Ichigo. It was obvious that in his waking hours, he still couldn't sense her presence... but at least there were signs of progress. As Ichigo turned to go back into his room, Rukia opened the gate to Soul Society. She'd done all she could on this particular day. Tomorrow was another day...
Ichigo was about to step back into his room when he thought he saw something down the hall. He turned and squinted, then shook his head. "I must be groggy still...," he thought.
If only he knew...