Chapter 6



It was nearly two in the morning when Ichigo finally gave up on trying to get any sleep. He had tossed and turned restlessly for the past two hours, but his mind was just racing with too many thoughts.

"I'm engaged to someone else, Ichigo."

Ichigo groaned and buried his face in his pillow. He could feel the anger welling up inside him. He punched the pillow uselessly and sighed in frustration. The shock still had not worn off and he just wished he was in a very bad dream that would soon be over. But as the minutes ticked away, the reality struck him that everything that had happened tonight was real and that he had lost her even before they had a chance to be together.

--

(Flashback)

Ichigo stared at her as the words slowly began to sink in. His hold on her wrist grew slightly tighter. "What are you talking about, Rukia?! I'm seriously not in a mood for jokes…"

Rukia gritted her teeth as she tried to pull away, but found his grip was far too tight. "I'm not joking, Ichigo. I'm engaged and going to be married in two days."

"To whom?!" he demanded. "What the hell is going on, Rukia?!"

Rukia continued to yank her wrist out of his hand but found it completely useless. "Ichigo, let go." She said quietly.

When he saw her wince slightly, he quickly loosened his grip and muttered an apology, feeling extremely guilty. "Are you okay?"

She rubbed her wrist and nodded, turning away and sitting down on the couch.

"What is going on, Rukia?" he said quietly, his eyes blazing with such intensity that it made her nervous.

Rukia could see his face flushed with anger that he was trying to control and turned her eyes downward.

He let out a dark chuckle, one that didn't mask the sadness and anger he was feeling. "So you have decided already that you are going to marry this guy?"

She nodded.

He whipped around and looked at her angrily. "Then why did you give me any hope with that kiss today? Did it mean anything, or was it just out of pity?"

Rukia opened her mouth a few times to say something but found that no words could come out.

Ichigo shook his head and moved away from her outstretched fingers. "I was so stupid, wasn't I?"

"Ichigo…"

He sighed as he ran his hands through his hair. "I can't believe you kept something like this from me, Rukia. I thought that you coming back meant we can be together, and with that kiss…I thought you felt the same way. But it was all just a big joke, wasn't it?"

Rukia could feel her cheeks flushing with anger as she listened to him. "Don't you dare call that a joke, Ichigo!"

"Then what the hell am I supposed to call it, Rukia?!" he yelled, causing her to take a few steps back. "You get engaged to this guy and come here without telling me anything. I kept thinking that perhaps we had a chance and you never just came out and told me all this. Why, Rukia?!"

She shook her head, unable to find the voice.

"Do you even love this guy?" he asked.

Rukia swallowed. "He is a good man, Ichigo. He cares about me…"

"I don't care what he thinks, Rukia. I'm asking about you."

Rukia bit her lip and looked downward. "I had no choice, Ichigo," she whispered.

"I don't believe you," he said quietly as she looked up. "From what I know of you, you have never been one to give in to others. You have always been head strong and done things that you wanted."

"I care about him too, Ichigo…" she choked out, trying to hide her shaking voice.

Ichigo turned to her and placed his hands in his pocket as he continued to watch her. "But do you love him, Rukia?"

"Why does it matter to you, Ichigo?! I'm getting married to him and there is nothing you can do to change that!" she cried in exasperation.

"Like hell I can't." he said dangerously.

Rukia sighed. "Please, Ichigo. Don't make this harder then it already is."

She was getting extremely tired, and she was glad to see Ichigo had stopped his argument when he noticed her exhaustion.

They stayed silent for a moment before he whispered, "Why, Rukia?"

She shook her head, still not looking at him.

"It was a year ago when the elders of my family came to Nisama with a proposal for me from a noble family they were close to. It is tradition, for a noble to marry within the same ranks. I was an exception, however. I was never truly regarded as a Kuchiki because I was not born one," she added sadly. "But it was alright. I did not wish for any proposals either way, so it worked in my favor. Yet this family did not seem to care about such things. They still asked for my hand even knowing all this. Anyways, Nisama was not happy with the proposal, especially after I also made my wishes clear that I was not interested. But my Obasan was insistent that I agree. So much so that she had even invited the family to come and see me without Nisama's knowledge, which infuriated him. They got into a very bad argument one night. I was afraid of what would have happened. The next day, Nisama asked me what I wanted to do, if not to accept the proposal. I told him about…us…and he finally agreed to let me go to you."

She fiddled with her fingers lightly as Ichigo looked at her, his brow knitted with slight concern over what happened after.

She smiled sadly and closed her eyes. "I remember feeling so guilty about leaving Nisama to deal with everything; Obasan, all the other elders, and the noble family that were arriving that day. But at that time, all I could think of was just meeting you. I searched for you that day, but it was difficult. I didn't even realize you had learned to suppress your reitsu so well," she smiled softly.

He nodded. "You always complained about how easily I allowed hollows to find me. I worked to make sure I didn't put anyone in danger because of it…"

Rukia continued to smile, "You have grown so much since we last saw each other, haven't you?"

"Yeah." He scratched his head slightly.

Rukia got up, crossed her arms as she paced around the room, this time her avoiding his gaze. "I finally sensed your presence at a festival that was going on nearby. I guess you let your guard down for a moment and I was able to find you. When I saw you with Shurei, I just felt so many emotions. Anger, confusion, hurt…I even thought of beating you up right then and there. But then I realized that perhaps this was how it should have been. You moving on with someone here and being able to stay with your family and friends, without ever having those regrets of leaving them."

Ichigo got up and walked over to her, grabbing her shoulders lightly and making her face him. Her cheeks flushed slightly at the close proximity, but stayed where she was. "What made you think that I would have such regrets? Why didn't you talk to me then, Rukia? At that time? Didn't you trust me enough to give me that?"

Rukia bit her lip before her eyes shifted to another side of the room. "I don't know, Ichigo. I told you at that time I was already overwhelmed with everything else that was going on. To see you with another woman…" her voice slightly faltered at this point and she couldn't say anymore.

Ichigo shook his head. "Che, and what about me, how I feel when I hear that you will be someone else's soon…"

He let go of her and stared at her for a moment. "I don't know what to say. I don't even know what to do anymore."

"I'm very sorry, Ichigo…"

"I need to be alone for a while, Rukia. I…I'm going to go take a walk. I don't know what to say right now…"

She nodded. "I can leave, if being here will cause problems for you…"

He shook his head as he walked over to the door. "No, get some rest, Rukia. I want to make sure you get to Soul Society safely, so if it's ok with you, I want you to stay here until we hear from Renji."

She stared at him hesitantly, "Are you sure? I really can leave if…"

His stare silenced her immediately. "At least allow me that much, Rukia. You can try getting in contact with Renji, but until then, just stay. You can stay in my room. It's going to be very cold tonight, so make sure you have more blankets."

Without waiting for a response, he opened the door and left quickly, before she could see the irritating tears stinging his eyes.

---

Ichigo stayed silent when he heard a sound coming from his room, but it stopped a second later. He put his head on the pillow again as the apartment fell into silence again. It was going to be a very long night. He turned and stared vacantly at the ceiling, wondering what he would say to her when they saw each other again in the morning. What could he say? The shock and hurt was still there, and Ichigo knew that it would probably be too soon to bring it up without saying something he knew he would regret. But he had to do something. He had an odd feeling that there were things still being hidden from him. He tossed and turned a couple of more times, frustrated as the time seemed to go by so slowly.

Ichigo finally admitted defeat, knowing he just had to talk to Rukia again and see if anything could be done to change what had happened. He had waited so long for her, and he was not going to give her up so easily. He walked to the door, knocking softly and waited for a response. He felt guilty doing so since no sound came, and assumed she was sleeping. His hand quietly went to the doorknob, quietly opening the door. He went in slowly, a frown beginning to appear on his face as he got a better view of the room.

It was empty.

"Rukia?" He called out softly, looking at the bathroom door in hopes she was there. But that was open and empty as well. He walked over to the closet and found Kon sleeping peacefully there and turned. The bed was still made and his attention now turned to the open window. He felt his heart racing as he ran towards it and looked out. The realization of what had happened hit him hard.

She had left.

She didn't…she couldn't…

There had to be a mistake, he thought stubbornly. She had only gone for a moment. She would be back. She had to come back.

But as the minutes turned into hours, Ichigo felt his entire world crumbling.

---

(Rukia's Flashback)

She had watched him leave, and it killed her to know that she had hurt him to that point. It would have been better had he yelled, screamed...anything. But he wouldn't do that. He could barely get any words out, and she found herself unable to do any better. She watched helplessly as he left, not being able to do anything to stop him. She walked over to her phone, tears now flowing freely down her face as she tried to get hold of Renji.

"Damn you, Renji, pick up!" she yelled into the phone as it rang. Her sobs stopped when she heard his voice finally pick up.

"Oye, Rukia! I finally got this thing to work, how are you?!" he asked jovially.

When he heard her muffled sobs, he went silent. "You told him?"

"I really hate you right now, Renji…" she whispered.

She heard him exhale slowly. "I'm sorry, Rukia. But he deserved to know."

"But he is so hurt, Renji…"

Renji snorted. "I'd have killed him if he didn't react at all. At least this confirms his feelings for you. He loves you, Rukia, and it's the reason that he is hurting right now. And from what I'm hearing, it's the same for you."

Rukia wiped her tears and leaned against the bed. "Don't…just don't, Renji…"

Renji snickered, "Don't what, Rukia? Tell you the truth? You might be running from these things to make what is happening easier to deal with, but you have to face the reality of things. From what I'm seeing, he loves you, you love him, and instead of just coming to terms with that, you are succumbing to the wishes of people who haven't given a single thought for you unless it was convenient for them."

"This is all easy to say, but things are not that simple, Renji…"

"I think they are, Rukia. It's just you are making them more complicated."

Rukia went silent for a moment as she played with a ruffle of her dress, noticing how Kon was hiding in the closet, afraid she would explode and set her anger on him. She sighed and clutched the phone closer, "Nisama…"

"…also wants your happiness, Rukia. If he was dead set on getting you married to this man, he wouldn't have let you come to see Ichigo in the first place."

Rukia's eyes widened slightly. "But…he sent me to get Ichigo's answer about whether he wanted to come or stay here."

Renji chuckled lightly. "You really believe so? You really think only you could have come to get an answer from him? I could have come on my own, you know. But he chose to send you too."

When she didn't answer, he sighed. "Just think it over, Rukia. The gate is set, so if you really feel that the best thing to do is to get married to this guy, then I'll come get you. If not...anyways, I'll wait for your answer. And don't worry, call me anytime…"

She turned the phone off, and stared at it. Kon had gotten out of his hiding spot and walked over slowly to Rukia, who was too absorbed in her thoughts to realize he had settled down next to her.

Along with Renji, Inoue's words repeated themselves to her again. "Do you love him, Kuchiki-san? When you do know, you will know exactly what you need to do."

---

Her eyes opened at the sound of the door outside being closed. She turned her head to see that it was nearly three in the morning. She pulled herself up and groaned at feeling her puffy eyes; she seriously felt annoyed at herself for allowing these human emotions to get the best of her. Kon was snoring in the closet as she gently got up and walked towards the door. She stayed there for a moment, debating whether to go and meet with Ichigo. He would probably be asleep by now. She turned her head towards the window, and turned away from the door. She quickly opened it, and jumped out.

---

Ichigo couldn't believe she had left. She had left without a word. He rested his head in his hands, his head aching from the lack of sleep. But he was so angry.

How could she have just left?

He didn't realize how long he had sat there. He finally looked up wearily, his eyes narrowing at the clock, which showed that it was nearly five in the morning now. He heaved a heavy sigh and got up. His fists were clenched as he made his way to his kitchen. He tried to keep himself calm as he attempted to make coffee, but found little success as he nearly broke two cups in the process. He growled in a fit of anger, trying to calm his breathing. He just couldn't deal with this anymore.

Ichigo's eyes suddenly turned to the room when he heard movement. 'Probably Kon…' he snorted, finally able to get some coffee in a cup without breaking it.

But then he heard footsteps. Too loud to be Kon's…

The door opened very quietly. Ichigo could feel a lump in his throat as he tried to swallow. His eyes narrowed, wondering if what he was seeing was due to not getting any sleep the night before.

"Rukia?" he croaked.

She had walked in cautiously, looking in the direction of where he had been trying to sleep earlier. At the sound of his voice, she turned to him in surprise, her eyes widening.

"Ichigo?" she asked quietly.

Ichigo stayed rooted in his spot, still staring at her in disbelief. A few hours ago, he had been made to feel that she had left him without a word, without even a thought. And now here she was, watching him nervously as he put his cup down. His eyes never left hers, fearing that she would disappear again if he looked anywhere else. He didn't know what to feel. Why did she come back if she had wanted to leave him in the first place? Anger welled up inside him, and he knew he was going to get his answer right now.

"Where did you go?" he asked, causing her to finally look at him again.

"What do you mean?"

"You weren't in your room earlier," he said, and Rukia bit her lip.

"Oh…" she muttered, looking down. "I-I didn't think you would be awake this early."

Ichigo nodded, his fist slightly clenched. "Yeah, I couldn't sleep. I went to your room to talk, but you weren't there."

Rukia sighed deeply, seeing him trying so hard to control his anger. He knew she had left, and there was no point in trying to hide anything from him.

"Yes, I did leave. I got in contact with Renji last night, I went to see him. I wanted to tell you, but I thought you had already gone to sleep."

She could sense Ichigo's eyes linger on her at as she continued. "He told me the gate was ready and that if I wanted, I could go back to Soul Society. I came back because I had to tell you. I would have sooner had I known you were awake, but since it was so late…"

"I see." He turned quickly with his half finished coffee and placed it in the sink.

There was a long awkward silence as Rukia waited for anything. Any words from him.

"Ichigo?"

"I decided something last night, Rukia."

She lifted her eyes to look at him curiously as he turned to face her. "I don't know your feelings in all this. You say you are ready to marry this guy, yet your actions say something else. So, I've decided that I won't give up. I won't back away from my feelings for you. If you seriously mean that you won't regret marrying this guy, then you can choose to walk away right now and I will understand. But until you can give me an answer that I know is coming from your heart and something that will make you happy, I won't give up."

Inoue's earlier words echoed through her head… "Do you love him? When you do know, you will know exactly what you need to do."

He walked over to her, cupping her cheek gently in his hand. "Got it?" he asked firmly. Rukia stared into his eyes, seeing the warmth and love in them. He was still angry at her for hurting him, but he still refused to give her up. He still loved her. It was enough. Unable to say anything, Rukia nodded as he leaned in and kissed her gently on the forehead.

"I do love him…I've always had…"

He pulled away reluctantly. "So…are you…"

She smiled gently at him, noting how he had tensed the moment the words escaped his lips. He was trying to remain calm for her, but still watched her anxiously.

She gently took his hands in her, holding them tightly as she slowly moved to him and wrapped her arms around him. He did not make any movements, and she knew he was shocked by her actions.

"Rukia?"

"I'm staying…"

She could feel him still. She felt her cheeks turning slightly red, but kept her voice calm.

"I had gone earlier because Renji had said that it was safe to return," she muttered. "I went to Soul Society and discussed things with Nisama. It's the reason I was gone for so long. I did not get to speak to him for too long, but enough to let him know of my choice."

She felt him pull her slightly away as his hands moved to her cheek and gently lift her face to meet his. In his eyes she could see the shock and disbelief still at her words.

"Rukia, are you serious?" he asked, his voice slightly shaking.

She laughed lightly and nodded. "Yes, I am. We made a promise, didn't we? I'm sorry that I hurt you this much."

Ichigo choked back a sob as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into an embrace. "Yeah, we did." He was trembling slightly, still not daring to believe that this was happening. But the longer he held Rukia, the more he knew that this was not a dream. She had come back and they were going to be together.

Rukia smiled when his lips met hers. The tenderness in his kiss made any worry or doubt she had disappear. He held her tightly, almost possessively as his kiss deepened. She sighed deeply as his hands caressed her cheek, her hand gently wrapping around his neck. She could still feel him shaking slightly and pulled away from him. He looked annoyed and tried to kiss her again, but she just smiled softly and took his hand into hers, and pulled him inside his room. His eyes widened slightly as she pushed him gently on the bed, which caused her to roll her eyes and smack him playfully on the shoulder. "You look like you are going to pass out any moment," she said quietly, moving her tiny frame onto the bed next to him. "You need some sleep. We'll talk about everything later."

Ichigo pouted slightly as she pulled the covers over her. His head hit the pillow and he stared at her. She was not looking at him, but seemed to be in deep thought. He moved closer to her, placing his arms around her waist. For a moment, it seemed as if she would pull away, something that made Ichigo nervous.

Yet his fears was put to rest when she placed her head against his chest. Ichigo sighed in relief as he rested his chin on top of her head. They held each other tightly, trying to stay awake just a moment longer. But the steady breathing of Rukia let him know she had fallen asleep at last, and he too slowly drifted into the first peaceful sleep he had in a long time.

---

Ichigo woke to the bright sun rays that filtered through the curtains. He squinted and looked at the time, groaning when he realized it was almost noon. His attention was shifted suddenly when he felt movement beside him. Tilting his head to the right, Ichigo smiled softly when he found Rukia sleeping near him, curled up slightly in her blanket. Her face was half hidden by the blanket that was covering her, and her body moved slowly to the gentle rhythm of her breathing. She was still fast asleep, and Ichigo frowned slightly when he noticed the slight tinge of dark skin underneath her eyelids. It was clear she hadn't been sleeping well either. He allowed his hand to gently touch the side of her face, reveling in the fact that she was with him. His hand shifted slightly when she mumbled something, but she just buried her face more into the blanket. Ichigo sighed, his hand caressing her cheek once more before finally deciding to get up to eat something.

Pulling himself up gently, Ichigo stretched his sore muscles and made his way to the kitchen. As he got out some ingredients to prepare lunch with, he noticed there was a message left on the answering machine. With a loud yawn, Ichigo made his way to it and clicked the button, and found it to be a message from Yuzu.

"Oni-san, how are you? I just wanted to make sure you were still coming with us to the festival tonight! And Rukia-nee too! We already have something for her to wear, so if she can come, then bring her over early so we can get her ready! And if she isn't coming, make sure she does! Oh, Karin is about to kick daddy again, so I better get going. Be sure to come!"

Ichigo chuckled lightly as the message ended. Even though he was still so tired, he had never been happier then he was at that moment. He turned his head slightly to the door of his room, wishing Rukia would wake soon. Turning back to the kitchen, he began preparing some food for them.

Rukia raised her head slightly, narrowing her eyes as she tried to figure out where she was. Her eyes barely opened, but she could hear the faint sounds of plates and utensils clattering outside. She sighed softly, taking in the scent of the blanket that she knew was Ichigo's. The earlier events played back in her mind, causing her to smile. She was finally with Ichigo, and she had made her decision to stay with him. Yet strangely, with the happiness she felt, there was also a sudden feeling of nervousness and anxiety overwhelmed her.

Her brother had accepted her decision, but she knew that it would not be so easy. She could tell right away when Byakuya did not allow her to stay for more then the time needed for him to know she wished to stay with Ichigo. Rukia hoped that her aunt would not say anything more to him. But she knew that was not possible. Rukia sighed softly, not wanting to think too much into it right now. She was finally with Ichigo, and wanted to concentrate on repairing the damage for everything that had happened.

Though her entire body was weary from yesterday, she managed to pull herself up and walked quietly out the room. She found Ichigo in the kitchen, placing the food into plates for them.

Rukia smiled and walked over to him. "Hey."

Ichigo turned around quickly, nearly dropping the plate he had in his hand. She laughed and shook her head as she walked over to him, taking the plate from his hand. "You are too easily scared. How did you manage to fight hollows all this time?" she teased as she placed it lightly on the counter.

"I wasn't scared…" he grumbled. "I didn't hear you coming, that's all."

She grinned. "Were too…"

"Whatever." Ichigo chuckled as they stared at each other awkwardly. Ichigo was trying to find the right words to say, but found himself mumbling something inaudible as Rukia watched him curiously. He coughed slightly before looking at her again, noticing that she looked tired.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly. Rukia lifted her head to meet his gaze. She smiled and nodded.

"I'm fine, don't worry. Still waking up."

Ichigo watched her with concern as she gently took his hand into hers. "Maybe you should get some more sleep."

"I'm fine, Ichigo, really."

Ichigo sighed. There was just no point in trying to argue with her. He squeezed her hand tightly and shook his head when she gave a smug victory grin.

"Oh yeah," he said, staring at his phone. "There is a festival going on tonight near Yuzu and Karin's school. They wanted us to go with them. Do you think you are up for it?"

Rukia grinned widely as she helped Ichigo bring the food to the table. "Oh that sounds fun! Of course I want to go."

Ichigo stared at her for a moment before walking towards her "Okay, I'll let them know. We'll go meet them in a few hours…but until then…"

Rukia stilled when she felt his arms wrap around her, pulling her close. She turned slightly when she felt him bury his face at the crook of her neck. They stood silently there, Ichigo breathing deeply and he held onto her as if letting her go would cause her to disappear.

"Ichigo?" she asked quietly. Her hands gently touched his and his hold tightened.

He turned her gently in his arms until she faced him. She watched him curiously as he looked into her eyes, and finally pulling her close. Their lips met again gently, as he cupped her face with his hands.

"Don't ever leave, okay?" he said quietly.

Rukia smiled. "I won't."

Ichigo's eyes met her, a cocky grin appearing on his face. "Good. I don't want to have to go chasing you all over the place again."

Rukia narrowed her eyes and hit him playfully on the arm. "Idiot."

His grin got wider as she sat down to eat. After finishing, Ichigo insisted she get some more sleep before going to his family's house. After a long argument, Rukia finally relented and grumbled lightly as she was forced to lay down on the bed. Ichigo chuckled as she crossed her arms in a huff and he laid down next to her. Pulling her closer, he sighed as he held her. After a moment, he felt her body get less tense and accept his embrace. She lifted her head lightly towards his. For a moment, her deep lavender eyes surveyed him. He felt slightly nervous under her curious gaze, wondering what she was thinking about. She finally smiled and kissed him gently on the lips, and wrapped her arms more tightly around him, falling asleep almost immediately. For a moment, Ichigo just stayed still, his hands instinctively brushing through Rukia's silky black hair. It felt so strange, and yet to perfect to be with her like this. He snorted lightly, thinking of how things would have been had he still been in his awkward teenage phase. But she seemed to have opened up to him so much now. He was glad as well, knowing that she was all he wanted and needed now.

It would take time, but knowing now that they had as long as they needed to begin their new relationship was enough for Ichigo.

---

It was nearly five in the evening as Ichigo waited impatiently downstairs for his sisters and Rukia to be ready. Yuzu had surprised Rukia with a beautiful yukata they had bought for her, and insisted she put it on for the festival. Rukia agreed, and all three had gone upstairs to get ready.

Ichigo sighed in frustration. It had been already two hours since they had been gone. How long did it take for them to get ready?!

He turned his head to yell again for the tenth time when he felt his throat go dry. Standing at the top of the staircase was Rukia, and Ichigo could barely find any words to say to her.

She was wearing a beautiful lavender yukata that fit her tiny figure perfectly. Her face bared no makeup, which accentuated her already soft features. A slight blush that crept up her cheeks and the vibrant color of her eyes contrasted her milky skin. Her hair was tied back slightly by a clip, which Ichigo thought made her look rather cute.

Her head was turned away from his, and was talking to the person behind her. A moment later, Yuzu's head stuck out from the hallway as the girls made their way down the stairs. Ichigo groaned when he heard his father enter and start squealing in delight.

"Oh! My three daughters look so stunning! Rukiachan, you look beautiful! I'm sure to have a few grandsons soon for sure with the way my boy here is staring at you!"

Ichigo glared at his father before lunging at him. They both continued to fight until Karin told them angrily to stop or they would never leave the house. As the others began walking towards the door, Rukia turned to him and smiled. "So how do I look, Ichigo?" she asked. Ichigo halted, noting right away that his family had stopped as well and were not watching the two with amusement. Kari was watching him with a smirk, while Yuzu and his father both had sparkles in their eyes as they waited for his answer. Ichigo could feel his face turning red and tried to will his face to change back to its natural shade. He could feel the heat of his face, which was not helped by the giggling of his sisters.

Rukia continued to watch him expectantly as he scratched his head. "You look…nice." He muttered.

Rukia stared at him for a moment, her expression unreadable. "Thanks." She said quietly, a small smile on her face as she walked past him and towards the front door. Ichigo stared after her and began walking when he felt two jabs on his shoulder. He rubbed his arm and looked angrily over at his sisters. "What was that for?!" he growled.

"Just nice?!" Yuzu sighed. "Oni-san…is that all you could think of?!"

Ichigo sighed in frustration. "Why? What was wrong with that?"

Karin shook her head as Yuzu looked at him in exasperation. "Rukia-nee took so long to get ready just for you, and you tell her she looked just nice?!"

Ichigo stared at his sisters and then to the door that Rukia had just left from. She had seemed fine when he had said that…or did she? Ichigo groaned and shook his head. What could he say in front of his father and sisters that wouldn't have them teasing him endlessly all night? Although he had to admit, he probably could have said something else.

"You are still our old Oni-san, no matter what," Yuzu joked. "Don't worry. I'm sure Rukia-nee has probably forgotten all about it by the time we get there…"

---

"Forgotten about it, indeed," Ichigo muttered as they walked through the booths, Rukia completely ignoring him as she walked in the front with his sisters, leaving him to listen to his father talk about how many grandchildren he could have. Rukia would answer any of his attempts at conversations, but for the most part, she remained silent. Ichigo narrowed his eyes at the back of the petite shinigami. Sometimes she knew just how to infuriate him. The dark looks from his sisters were not helping much either.

After nearly two hours of silence, Ichigo growled in exasperation and walked over to her. He took her hand and pulled her in the opposite direction from where they were going. "Oye, Ichigo, what are you doing?" she asked as she turned to see his family slowly disappearing in the crowd. She continued to question him, but he ignored her words, earning him a harsh glare from her. They finally passed several of the crowds and began climbing a small hill. Rukia fumbled slightly at the uneven ground, but Ichigo kept a firm hold of her hand and kept her steady as they made their way to the top. Once there, Rukia gasped at the scenery in the front. They were just overlooking the vast lake, and the fireworks had just started, illuminating the entire sky. Ichigo watched the excited expression on her face, her eyes sparkling from the light of the fireworks and a smile on her face.

He coughed slightly, scratching his head as she turned her attention to him. "Oye, I brought you here for a reason actually."

She blinked a few times and he turned bright red. "You look...very pretty tonight, Rukia."

She stood there for a moment, an amused look on her face, and a slight tinge of red appearing on her cheeks as well. "Eh...Ichigo?" she questioned, and he grew annoyed that she was trying not to laugh.

He grumbled, "Well you were the one who got mad that I said you just looked nice. I had to say that at that time. My entire family was standing there...if I had said anything other then that, I don't even want to think what my dad would have made of it."

She smiled, and playfully punched him. "I wasn't mad at you, idiot."

He crossed his arm and frowned. "Then why were you ignoring me almost the entire night?!"

She shrugged and turned to face the fireworks again, a smirk still on her face. Ichigo narrowed his eyes and sighed in frustration. He just couldn't win with her. His mood was still a bit sour until he felt her warm fingers entangling with his and he looked at her. She still did not meet his gaze, and he smiled when he saw the slight blush on her face. He wrapped his hands around hers and pulled her slightly to him. She finally looked at him curiously.

Ichigo sighed and remained silent, his hand placed gently on her cheek. She looked so beautiful. And most importantly, she was with him.

"Rukia, I..."

His words were drowned by the last loud explosion as the cheers below began. "Che," he muttered with irritation before turning back to Rukia. Yet her attention had suddenly shifted slightly past him and within moments, her face had lost all color. Ichigo raised his brow, turning also to look at what was happening.

Four figures were ascending up the hill that Ichigo and Rukia were situated at. On closer look, Ichigo recognized the man in the front as Renji, but could not discern who the others were. Two of them in the back looked very much alike, clad in unusual shinigami attire and both enormous in size. The man in the middle was completely different from all of them. He was of a tall stature, demanding attention and having a strange and overpowering aura above him. His eyes, almost cold and lifeless, were set upon Rukia as a smile began to appear on his lips. Ichigo felt Rukia back away a step and turned to her. She could sense her nervousness and her eyes were slightly wide from shock as she watched the figures approaching.

"Rukia, what is the matter?" he asked as he turned again to the men. "Who are those guys with Renji?"

"Ichigo..." she began, her voice slightly quivering, and her hand immediately released his as he looked at her.

"That's Takeshi Yamada...the man I was engaged to..."

To be continued…



A/N: Bwahaha? (looks nervously around) I hope I didn't lose anyone with this chapter. I'm so sorry for it being so late. I was trying to finish an entry for a Halloween contest, so I was not able to update. But rest assured, the next chapter will be out much sooner, as I have already started writing it. Thank you everyone who commented and reviewed. They are extremely appreciated and I love all those who have stuck by with the story up to now. Thanks also to my wonderful beta, Ava, for once again, making this readable hehe.