And chapter 3 is here and this one was written fast! To all my readers, I apologize if the time between chapters is long, but that's how I operate and so even if it takes longer to release the next chapter, it is coming! To ilovebks, you'll just have to wait and see ;). Anyway, thanks for all the great reviews, and favorites. I love to know what you guys think of this story so far.

Please read, review and enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or its characters

Chapter 3:Tangled Lives

That tall figure.

That cocky attitude.

That orange hair!

Ichigo!

Rukia could only gape at the scene playing out in front of her. Nothing comprehended and she felt her body stiffen, as she had no strength, no possible reaction to the situation happening. Not when he was standing there, right there in front of her after three long unknowing, miserable years.

He's alive! Thank god!

The petite noble was surprised at her first thoughts when she saw Ichigo. Yet, thinking through her mind, Rukia knew she wouldn't have reacted, or thought any differently. She had been dying to know if he had survived. And fate seemed ready to finally give her an answer.

Though Rukia didn't know if to believe this was reality or another dream where she has been imagining this scenario over and over again. Usually those dreams turn out to be nightmares.

Momo gasped next to her, but Rukia couldn't tear her eyes away. Instead her violet eyes were drilling holes into their savior's tall back. She was surprised when he turned his head suddenly to look back at them. Amber eyes widen when they landed on her, and Rukia could only stare back; her throat completely dry and void of any words.

"Hey kid! Get out of our way. These little girls belong to us." Amber eyes dragged themselves away from intense violet ones, as Ichigo nearly growled at the filthy man who stupidly opened up his mouth.

"I believe they don't belong to anyone," Ichigo replied, his tone serious and deadly. Narrowing his eyes, he looked each man in the eye and couldn't help but feel a bit of pleasure when they slowly shrank back from him.

Though his men shrank back, their leader did not budge, determined to teach the clown-hair kid a lesson. Taking a step forward, his eyes wandered from the orange-haired teen to the young women behind him.

He smirked, "Maybe you just wanted a little piece yo-" He never finished as a solid fist smashed into his jaw, successfully knocking the man unconscious. Ichigo was steaming now. The man had the nerve to call him like one of them. The thought itself made his stomach churn.

No way am I similar to these disgusting monsters. They all deserve to be strung up. Or be left to the Hollows.

Out of anger for his boss' defeat, one of the men suddenly sprang out at Ichigo, determined to get revenge. The others soon followed suite, but it did not really make a difference. Ichigo saw the first man coming, and allowed a smirk to cross his face as he easily dodged a punch from him.

Stepping back, he allowed another man to come at him from the side. Reaching out, he grabbed the man's extended arm and easily pulled him forward and flipped him onto his back, hard. Successively, he kicked out his leg, nailing another one in the stomach.

Both women watched in silent awe, as Ichigo kept delivering one successful blow after another. Momo was more in shock of a handsome stranger coming to their rescue and his amazing strength, while her noble counterpart wasn't too surprised on the man's fighting skills and strength. She already knew without a doubt that he could win. Instead she just couldn't understand why she saw him now of all times.

After all this time, and the once chance I happen to be outside Seireitei, he is here. Is it just coincidence or something more?

Her thoughts were cut off as she felt herself being shoved to the ground.

"Rukia!" Momo cried. Ignoring her friend's cry, Rukia glared angrily up at her surprise attacker. His attention was not on her though, but on the orange-haired kid. She felt her blood boil as the man started approaching Ichigo from behind, the said man being too distracted by others to notice him. This man came from the bulging crowd, his opponent being the unsuspecting kid.

Without any hesitation the raven-haired woman pushed away her friend's hands, rose to her feet and ran at the attacker. Before he could react, Rukia leapt onto his back and quickly locked her arms around his neck.

"Damn it, you bitch!" He tried pulling her off, but luckily due to her size he couldn't get a good grip on her. Instead she used all her strength trying to pull tighter, attempting to block off the man's windpipe.

Her only thought was to help Ichigo.

"Hey!" Ignoring Ichigo's call, Rukia squeezed harder, the desperate man clawing at her arms, trying to pull her off.

Just a little longer...

"Damn it!" Before he could pass out, the attacker managed to get a solid grip on Rukia's arm and quickly yanked her off. Throwing her to ground, he turned around determined to teach the noble brat a lesson.

Startled by the impact, Rukia cried out in pain as her body hit the hard ground. Her eyes slammed shut instinctively at the pain, but she quickly reopened them when she heard a large thud next to her. Rukia gasped, startled at the sight in front of her. The man she had attacked was now suddenly lying unconscious on the ground along with all the other thugs.

H-how did that happen, the petite woman wondered as she quickly looked around to see where the orange-haired kid went and if he was alright.

If Ichigo was alright.

"Hey, are you okay?"

The young woman's eyes widen when she realized someone was standing in front of her, holding out their hand. Glancing up quickly, she couldn't help but allow a small smirk to cross her face when she saw the familiar orange.

"Yes, of course. Why wouldn't I be?" A scowl crossed his faced and she nearly laughed at his expression. She knew her answer was considered rude, but she couldn't stop herself. If he still had that attitude from way back then, then he wouldn't be too offended by her. Well she hoped that his stubborn characteristic was still part of him.

Unexpectedly, a few giggles had bubbled up inside and managed to get pass her lips. Rukia did not if it was caused by the nerves or the simple fact that she was happy. Yes, she was actually happy because she found out he was alive and well. Though her laughs were ones of joy, Ichigo didn't seem to appreciate her reaction. His expression was one with a familiar looking scowl and full of irritation.

"What the hell is wrong with you?"

Rukia bit her lip to calm down her giggles, but the smirk somehow stayed. "Nothing is wrong. It's not every day you see someone with orange hair coming to one's rescue and beating up poor souls."

He looked stun for a moment, but the surprise quickly disappeared as the scowl fully returned. Straightening his back, he returned to standing at full height, but not before grabbing Rukia's hand and pulling her up as well.

Rukia stood up and couldn't help but studied the strange boy in front of her. Her eyes took in every feature, from his tall, but well-built body to his outrageous hair. Then there were his amazing eyes; deep amber that seemed to be mixed of brown and gold. But it wasn't the color that amazed her, oh no, it was their depth, their open-portal to all his deeper emotions and thoughts.

Is he letting me see everything she pondered, as she was able to read different emotions playing through those deep eyes. Anger, irritation, curiosity, and recognition?!

Does he remember me?

A deep voice inside her screamed for it to be true.

"Rukia! Oh my goodness, are you alright?" Momo suddenly appeared by the raven-haired noble's side, causing her to jump in surprise. Glancing at Ichigo with an awe expression, she gave him a swift bow. "Thank you so much. If you had not shown up, I am not sure what would have happened to us."

Scratching the back of his head, Ichigo glanced away, not used to the praise. "Eh, it was no problem at all. I just don't like when punks like that pick on defenseless people."

"Who said we were defenseless?" Amber eyes swung back around to meet with violet. Momo quickly shushed her friend, angry about her rudeness to their savior. They were both surprise when the orange-haired man chuckled out loud in response.

"I didn't say that you were completely defenseless, midget. After all, you're the one who nearly suffocated a man." He laughed harder at her glare as nostalgia ran over him. He knew that glare, he knew that stubbornness.

Hell, who could forget those eyes.

But he still couldn't let his guard down. This woman looked like her, but he's seen her so many times, he thought he had seen her before. Yet, all his hopes are always shattered as it always turns out to be just a dream. As far as he knew she never did exist and that day never did occur. That thought would be rejected immediately as he was never the same person after that faithful night. If he denied meeting her, then he would never admit to receiving and using the power she had given him. All the strength he now had to use to finally protect.

Is it possible now that I imaging her outside my dreams as well?

His thoughts were cut short when he felt as a sharp pain in his leg. The annoying midget had decided on his punishment by kicking him in the shin as he was distracted.

"Rukia!" Momo was beyond shock. She never had seen her friend ever talk-back to anyone before, and now she was attacking the man that had saved them. Did she hit her head that caused her to go crazy?!

The raven haired-woman just huffed in frustration, glad to get some revenge on the orange-haired jerk. Rescuer or not, no one calls her short with the hope of living much longer.

"Goddammit, woman! What the hell are you kicking me for?" Ichigo yelled as he rubbed his sore shin ignoring the glare Rukia kept sending him.

"If you had half a brain, then you know not to call other people names. I am not short!" She walked up to him so they were standing toe-to-toe. As she craned her neck up to look at him, Ichigo couldn't help but smirk.

"Then aren't you making it too hard for you to look up at me now?" He should have kept his damn mouth shut he thought while rubbing the other leg where the midget had just kicked him once more. But yet, he couldn't help but like their unusual and violent exchange. Maybe he was in luck, it seemed fate was pushing her appearance in the face. Maybe she was the annoying girl from all those years ago.

Could I really have the chance to thank her?

"Kurosaki, I suggest you stop pestering these poor women. I am sure they have to get back home before it gets too late." All three people jump as a fourth person appeared next to them out of nowhere. Ichigo scowled at him with irritation.

"And where the hell were you the whole time I was fighting, Ishida?" The said man merely shrugged while pushing up his glasses.

"I was here the whole time. You were just busy living out your glory of being some sort of hero." Ignoring his friend's mutterings about 'killing his friend', Ishida turned to the silent women, offering a deep bow. "I apologize for any ill-behavior my friend has shown you, my ladies. He is not use to entertaining such high-deemed citizens."

Rukia and Momo gawked at the man who seemed so polite compared to his counterpart. The difference between them was obvious, but Rukia couldn't help but admire Ishida; his obvious loyalty to his friend was very strong and evident. Even though it seemed like the two would never get along, she could tell that they still had each other's back no matter what.

"You! I know you!" Rukia and the two men looked at Momo in surprise at her outburst. She was pointing at Ishida, but had a smile on her face. "I accidently ran into your earlier today. Oh, I must apologize once more for my lack of awareness."

Ishida and Ichigo shared a look of 'is this girl for real' before the darker-haired man turned back to the hyper brown-haired woman to reply. "It's quite alright. No harm was done though I hope you don't mind me asking. Why are two young nobles such as yourselves out here without any escorts?"

Ichigo watched as the brown-haired woman's look turned to surprise while his stubborn midget had a look of absolute horror. Wait-what. That expression did not sit well with the orange-haired man at all.

Rukia stared at the man in front of them, knowing she wore an expression that was not going to be received well. Through the corner of her eye she could see Ichigo studying her with a frown covering his face.

Swallowing hard, she lowered her voice, but it was firm and in-control. "How did you know who we are?"

Momo glanced between her friend and the two people in front of them. She understood it was not good if someone found out their identity. She was not worried about herself though. Instead all her concern lay with Rukia's well-being. The young noble would never forgive herself if Rukia got into trouble becuase of her insistence on this outing.

Placing his hands up with palms out, Ishida tried to calm both women down, who appeared as they were ready to run. "Please do not worry. I just happen to be very observant. For example, I saw your kimono, young lady," He gestured to Rukia, who quickly glanced down at her fancy wardrobe hidden slightly beneath her cloak. "Only nobles could afford such delicate, beautiful material. Also your proper mannerisms and grooming just prove my theory."

"You shouldn't be staring at people," Ichigo scoffed while Ishida merely rolled his eyes. Instead he focused on the black-haired woman in front of him, who looked to be analyzing him and Ichigo in return. He thought she would explode on them, or simply run away. Her calm answer surprised him.

"Oh, I see."

Glancing in the distance, Rukia noticed the sun setting low, and she knew they only had a set time before Toshiro would come looking for them. Her guards would then come for her shortly after supper. Quickly pushing away the undesirable feelings about her sudden freedom being taken away once more, Rukia turned towards their new acquaintances and bowed low.

"I have to also give my thanks to you as well. I am assuming you are the one who sent you friend after us?" Ishida just nodded, impressed with her conclusion. Turning towards Ichigo, Rukia allowed herself one more moment to absorb his brief presence all in.

After all, this is probably the only time I'll ever see him. Thank you, fate, for allowing me to see him alive and knowing he is still doing well enough to survive.

Purposefully avoiding his golden orbs, she bowed lowly to him as well. "Thank you for saving us. We are both in deep gratitude. It looks like I am in debt to you once again." Her last words were only a quiet whisper, more of reminder to herself. But Ichigo had heard her. Looking at her tentatively, he wished he could find something to say; anything to make her stay a little longer.

Please, don't disappear again. Do not return to being just figments of my imagination again.

Lifting her head, amber came into contact with violet, and it seemed the world around them vanished just for that one moment. A smile worked a way onto her face as she lost herself in his intense gaze.

"Thank you again, Kurosaki Ichigo." His eyes widen when she said his name. She had remembered his name! Slowly his mouth worked on its accord, his mind screaming to answer with the one name he had been craving to say for so many years.

"Anytime, Rukia." Her smile grew as the name that seemed so foreign to him, rolled off his tongue with such ease and familiarity. He liked it. He really liked saying her name.

Backing up, both women bowed again, and made their pardons to leave. Both men watched the women make their way back up the hill towards the gate entrance of Seireitei. Ichigo couldn't help but feel a light thump in his chest when Rukia looked once more over her shoulder, their eyes automatically connecting.

He couldn't understand why, but when she was completely out of sight, Ichigo felt the loneliness surround him once more. It was such a familiar, recognizable feeling to him now. One he had been fighting for three years…

Wandering into the dark, empty-feeling room, Ichigo collapsed onto his bed. He wasn't exhausted, but he felt drained suddenly. Staring at the ceiling, Ichigo saw her eyes staring back at him; all the emotions stored inside them crashing down into him, filling his mind. Closing his eyes, he allowed image after image play in his head. His memory remained on instant replay of that faithful night three years ago.

He pictured that woman, once a girl, and the way she had stared at him when they were in danger. Her intense strength and utter determination for them to survive. He instantly connected her eyes with the amethyst ones he found himself intensely staring into today.

No doubt, it was her.

Damn, I never got to thank her!

Turning on his side, Ichigo glowered at the wall since it was the only thing he could turn his frustration on. After all he forgot to do the one he swore to do when he saw her again. How long has he been waiting for the opportunity to give his eternal thanks? That short girl who gave what he wanted most, the power to protect.

After these long years he had met her again, but by accident. But he couldn't help but wonder if they would meet again, and if soon. Glancing at the window, which allowed a tiny crack of light from the moon to creep into his room, a small hopeful smile crept up onto his face.

I hope so.. .where are you at, midget? Who could you possibly be...?

Before drifting off, he allowed the sweet name roll off his tongue once more. A name he never had said once outside his mind until today. The name that kept the smile on his face as he slipped off to what he hoped would be a pleasant dream after so long.

"Rukia."

(A/N) Alright, well I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Next chapter will be focused on Ichigo and what happened from his view on their meeting. Don't worry, they'll meet again soon. How soon? Well you'll have to wait and see. Till next time!