A/N: Heya! Here's a new chap for my fanfic... Hope you enjoyed it! I love writing this one! :D I might seem to hurry things up here, though.. Gosh I can't keep myself from writing fluff xD And I love writing Ichi/Ruki interactions! Anything they do together shouts "LOVE" to me~!

Disclaimer: Bleach is not mine. *Sigh* But I do hope that Byakuya's mine :D

Chapter 7: Rain and Thunder



Before Rukia could even respond, Velonica told the guy to let Rukia and.. her friend to ride the limousine.

The driver helped Rukia with her friend so that they could both get inside the limousine. Velonica was sitting inside comfortably, even if she got wet, due to.. what? Hugging Rukia? Or the rain itself? Ah, she doesn't care. She's happy that she saw Rukia and she didn't mind her bringing a friend. Though it seems that her friend is sick. Just look at him. He won't even move, just letting Rukia hug him in that careful way. Rukia was very quiet and won't even talk a way. She looked at Velonica in a way that made her "aunt" feel embarrassed. To lighten the mood, Velonica started a conversation.

She faked a cough then looked at Rukia before smiling. Then, she began.

"So, Rukia-chan, how is it when I wasn't there? Is it fun? Or lonely?,"

Rukia eyed her before talking, in a stuttering way.

"V-Velonica-san, is.. is it really you?," she asked.

"Aww, Rukia-chan, you don't remember me? OH, now that I remember it, you were still blind when I left.. Hmmm... You were going to be operated that time, before my parents called me to come back for some matters,"

"H-Hai.. But, then, I was just surprised that you still know me.. after so many years,"

With that, Velonica stared at her. "Ne, Rukia-chan, can I have a hug from you? I miss you so much!,"

"B-but, I'm wet! Velonica-san, wait, wait, sto-,"

Too late. Velonica already had her arms around her for the second time.

"Rukia-chan, I really miss you so so much! How about you let your friend here for a while and sit beside me? I want to talk to you so much!,"

"Mmph.. Ahh, Yes, yes Veloni.. ca-san.. mmhmmpp," Rukia can't even breath properly as Velonica hugged her tighter. After some time, she finally let go of Rukia.

After that, Velonica went back to her spot and motioned for Rukia to sit beside her. Rukia did as she was told. The two talked and talked until they reached the Kuchiki Manor. Their conversation mostly was about Rukia and Byakuya.

"So, Rukia, mind telling me who that guy is?," Rukia blushed lightly before speaking.

"He's my classmate Velonica-san,"

"By the way, Rukia-chan, stop calling me "Velonica-san"! Am I that old? You can call me Nica-onee-san like the way you did before! Oh, how I miss those times!,"

"B-but, Velonica-sa-," she was instantly cut off as Velonica put her index finger near Rukia's lips.

"What did I just say?," she shushed her as she brightly grinned.

"Alright, if that's what you like... Ni.. Nica-nee-san,"

"That's better. So, how was life studying in a public school? I thought that Byakuya would enroll you in a private school, though,"

"Ah, that. Nii-sama asked me where I want to study. He showed me pictures of some schools and I don't know why I stumbled upon studying in a public one," with that, Rukia gave her a shy smile.

"Hmm.. Byakuya cares for you greatly, huh? You look so cute together! I sure want to have a little sister or better, a daughter like you, Rukia-chan!"

"Ah.. ahehehe.. Don't flatter me, Nica-nee-san,"

"Awww, I am not! I was just telling the truth! And your brother beats me! I once told him that if ever we grow up, andd if I'd have a child, I said I'd name her "Rukia" for a girl... Hmm.. He did not even respond to that but look at you now, he named you Rukia! He's so unfair to me, don't you think so Rukia-chan?!,"

"Really, Nee-san? You want a child named Rukia?,"

"Of course! Don't you know that there's a very good meaning behind that name? It's a very good name for a girl,"

"Is that so? I never thought my name would mean anything at all," Rukia looked away after saying that. Velonica was about to talk again when she felt that the limousine suddenly stopped. Then, she knew, they were already at the Kuchiki manor.

"Velonica-sama, we're already here," After a moment, the door to the limousine was opened and Velonica went out. It wasn't raining anymore. She told Rukia to come out, which she did while one of the servants from the Kuchiki manor helped Ichigo out. He was still sleeping peacefully. Some servants eventually went out, too as if they already knew that Velonica will be there. Velonica told Rukia that she will get inside now, while Rukia helped the maid and Ichigo.

I'm glad there's no more rain... but I doubt if it will really stop now.. Maybe it will rain again later...

---

Ichigo was lying on Rukia's bed. Rukia decided to clean herself, thankful that the maid already changed Ichigo's clothes. So she got her towel and went to the bathroom. It's good that Velonica was there to see Byakuya or Byakuya might have gotten angry at her for taking in a boy. A boy, for heaven's sake! But then, what would happen at dinner? Byakuya might probably talk to her. One-on-one.

She went inside the tub and turned on the water tap. Out came mildly warm water as Rukia relaxed.

What a tiring day... I'm hoping to eat something right now!

But.. Nii-sama would probably get angry with me..

What to do, what to do?

Thoughts came filling up her mind, removing her from her relaxed state.

Aghh! Why did this even happen in the first place?!

......

After some time, Rukia washed herself properly and changed to some proper clothes. She wore a white blouse with long sleeves and a light blue skirt that goes down her knees. She wore a pair of white shoes. She went to the mirror and looked at herself. She decided to also wear a light blue hairband, just to complete the look. After that, she turned on the radio, while waiting for a maid to call her for dinner.

She wondered if Ichigo will ever wake up. Heck, his temperature is so high! And his face was red until now. Rukia went to her bed and sat beside Ichigo's sleeping form. She gently touched his forehead. Still so hot..

As Rukia was about to walk away, she heard Ichigo mutter something. She turned around and saw Ichigo moved.

"Mom..."

She just stares at him blankly.

"Please.. d-don't..."

Finally, Rukia decided to wake him up. She gently patted his shoulders and called him. "Ichigo, wake up,"

Ichigo scowled and moved again. "Ichigo, if you don't wake up now, I doubt if you will be able to wake up again!,"

Instead, he cuddled near Rukia and tightly held her. Rukia was shocked at this and does not know how to respond. Then, she heard him talking again. 'Don't leave me... please.."

Rukia pushed him and looked at Ichigo. "Ichigo! Wake up already!,"

Ichigo let out a groan and Rukia called him again.

"Ichigo, come on! Wake up.... Ichigo!,"

Knock, knock, knock.

Rukia looked at the door and she heard a voice.

"Rukia-sama, dinner's ready. Please go now to the dining hall, Kuchiki-sama is asking for your presence. And as for your friend, Kuchiki-sama suggested that you will be the one to bring him food,"

Suggested? You meant commanded?!

"What?!," Rukia instinctively shouted. "Why would I do that?,"

Rukia opened the door and found out that the maid was already gone. She gave out a sigh before proceeding to the dining hall. "Come to think of it, I haven't seen Raku-san earlier.."

---

When Rukia was already at the dining hall, she saw Byakuya and Velonica, waiting for her. While Velonica smiled, Byakuya just looked at Rukia, as if he was looking at nothing.

"Good evening, Onii-sama, Nica-onee-san," she greeted respectfully.

"Rukia-chan~! Come, let's eat now, I'm sure your friend will be starving if he wakes up soon, so let's eat now!,"

Rukia sweat-dropped at what she said, but nonetheless went on to find a seat. She decided to sit beside Velonica, as she feels uncomfortable with being too close to Byakuya. Isit just Rukia, or is Velonica exceptionally quiet while eating? You won't even hear a single noise in the dining hall. Rukia ate her food rather quickly, as she knew she still has to bring food to Ichigo, in case he wakes up.

"Onii-sama, Onee-san, I must take my leave. I am done eating. Good night," she spoke softly as she stood up, leaving the hall.

"Rukia,"

Rukia looked back and saw Byakuya looking at her.

"Hai, onii-sama?,"

Velonica stared at Byakuya, must be a little excited to what he will say while Rukia stared dumbfounded at Byakuya.

"You've finally grown up. Congratulations,"

And as if the world stopped, the two Kuchiki's just looked at each other.

...

....

.....

.......

"Eh?," Velonica was the first to speak. Byakuya gave her a look that kinda tells you to "Just do what I'm doing, it's for her sake!"

"Ah, yes. Rukia, congratulations, too!,"

"W-what was that, onii-sama? Nee-san?!," Rukia could hardly talk properly as she heard what Byakuya and Velonica said.

"It's nothing, Rukia. Well then, good luck. You can go to your room now," Byakuya said in a final tone. With that, Rukia spent no time and hurried back to her room. What was that about?.....

But before going back to her room, she decided to go to the kitchen and bring food to Ichigo. She was hoping to talk to Raku, and tell her the things that happened to her. As she entered the kitchen, maids started to ask her what the reason is that she's there. She simply told them that she needs to get food for someone. The maids smiled as they knew who this someone was. The maids really know how to gossip well. And then, she caught sight of Raku.

"Raku-san!," she walked quickly and hugged her. "Rukia-sama! What brings you here?,"

Before she could even say something, she saw Keiko behind Raku.

"Keiko-san! I missed you so much!,"

"So, Rukia-sama, what brings you here?," Keiko smiled, and so does her mother.

"Don't call me Rukia-sama! Just call me Rukia," she said before adding, "And I was here to get some food for my friend.. He's currently inside my bedroom, with a very high fever... and I don't know when he would wake up,"

"Ah, is that so Rukia-sa-, Rukia? And your friend is a boy, right? Wow, good luck to you!," Keiko happily exclaimed.

"Yes, Rukia, good luck to you! I hope you and your.. friend will be happy! Isn't it the first time you brought home a friend after so many years?," Raku spoke softly.

"Y-es, but, what's with the "good luck" to us!?," Rukia asked, confused.

"Oh, Rukia, we gotta go back and do our work, gotta talk to you some time later!," and with that Raku told Keiko to go back to work. A maid handed Rukia a tray of food (consisted of a bowl of warm porridge, a glass of water, some tablets for medicine) and Rukia went to her bedroom. As she walked through the halls that would lead her to her bedroom, she can't understand why so many people are telling her "Good luck!".

She quietly turned the door knob and entered her room before turning on the lights. And there, she saw Ichigo sitting on her bed.

"Ichigo! You're finally awake! Thanks goodness!," she hurriedly placed the tray of food on the table beside her bed and went to Ichigo's side. She touched his forehead and felt that his fever had gone down a bit.

Ichigo looked up at her. "So, Ichigo are you feeling okay now?," she asked him.

"Rukia...,"

"W-what?,"

"Where am I?,"

Should I tell him?

"Rukia, where is this place?," He asked once again, while holding his forehead feeling pain.

"Ah, Ichigo, it's my house. Would you like me to take you home?," she turned to look at the window and saw that raindrops are still pouring. Hard.

"Ah, ano.. I'll just take you home tomorrow, alright? Besides, you're sick. Eat,"

Ichigo slid down under the blankets and closed his eyes. "I'll just eat tomorrow.. I'm not that hungry anyways. I am feeling awfully tired,"

"Eh?! Ichigo, you gotta eat! Onii-sama will be angry with me if I don't feed you!,"

Ichigo poked his head outside the blanket and looked at Rukia. His eyes widen and said, "What the hell! I'm in your house?! What the-! I'll go home now! My dad would get suspicoius about my whereabouts! Damn it!,"

"Ichigo! It's raining! It's raining very hard! You won't be able to make it home, besides you're still sick!," Too late. Ichigo stood up and was ready to open the door and flee out of the place. Rukia followed him all the while telling Ichigo to stop. He was about to turn the door knob when a loud boom of thunder was heard accompanied by lightning. A loud cry followed and when Ichigo turned around, he saw Rukia sitting on the ground with her hands on her face. She was shivering andIchigo could tell that Rukia's afraid. Ichigo turned to go back to Rukia when another howl of the stupid thunder was heard and this time Rukia stood up and ran to Ichigo. She clutched on to Ichigo's shirt as Ichigo wrapped his arms around her, still shocked from how such natural occurences can make the midget scared to death. They stood there for long time, while Rukia cried and cried, Ichigo still holding her gently.

After about ten minutes, Ichigo decided to talk to Rukia. "Come on, Rukia, it's just thunder... No need to be scared of that," he started. He waited for any replies from Rukia but all he heard were her loud sniffs and her low cries of, "No, no.. It's not... It's.. no!,"

Ichigo sighed. What shoulde he do right now? He needed to go home and he's still sick. But he must admit it, being close to Rukia made his headache ease a bit. He looked out the window and the rain just won't stop. It had been raining for a long time now.

"When will the rain stop? I hate the rain...," he said. Rukia stopped crying and wiped her tears with her small hands. She looked up at Ichigo hovering form on her and saw that he's looking out the window.

"It was raining... When my mom died.. I hate the rain, I really hate it. It always seem to bring bad memories...," Ichigo slowly stated.

"I-Ichigo?," Rukia asked him, a little puzzled at what he's saying. "W-what do you mean?,"

Ichigo looked down at her and saw her puffy red eyes still wet with tears. Rukia was still sniffing, though. "It was raining, when my mom died.. It's all my fault, if I had watched over her better... If I didn't let her...," His voice quieted down as he said each words until he felt like crying, too. But no, he won't cry. He won't. Crying always made him feel weak, and he loathed the feeling of weakness. So feeble and unable to do anything.

"Ichigo, if it makes you.. sad, just don't tell me. It's alright," Rukia told him. "But, you can tell me about that... anytime. Because, because we're, we're friends, right?,"

Yes, we're just friends....

But nonetheless, Ichigo told her. Everything that he remembered. From the moment him and his parents we're happily spending the day 'til the time that he knew his mother died. And everything, he blamed himself for everything that happened. Rukia noticed something glistening on his face and she knew that those were tears. Tears...

"Ichigo," Rukia said while she reached up to his face and wiped his tears. She also noticed that his eyes were closed, but somehow, the tears had found their way and fell out of his eyes. "Don't blame yourself... I am not one to say this but, won't your mom feel bad if you keep on burdening yourself with guilt? I think your mom would be happier if, if you stopped thinking that it's your fault. You, you should.. Ichigo, stop it. It's not your fault!," she finally managed to tell him.

After a pregnant silence, Ichigo muttered a soft, "Thank you," before stumbling on Rukia. She was glad that the bed was just behind her, behind them. And so, even if she is small, she still managed to pull Ichigo into better place on the bed.

But now, the only problem is.. where will she sleep? And, he wasn't eating yet! He didn't even take some medicine!

What will Nii-sama tell me now!?


A/N: Kyyaaa~~ That's a long long chapter... Woot! I'm so happy I did this one :PThis was supposed to be posted last night if only I had done it faster, but then, I always seem to do other things on the net before I finished typing! Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this one!

Thanks for reading! And please do post reviews.. Reviews make me happy! And reviews are the only reward that I get from making this hehehehe... x] So, please do!

And I have something to tell... "10 reviews for til the next chapter, ne?"

Ja, til next time.. Arigatou!