So I tried writing this thing a couple of months ago, but my brain refused to cooperate. Work sucks the life out of me, so forgive me for the extremely delayed update. I'm trying, believe me.

I'm not sure everyone got the last part about Ichi's supposed meeting with someone getting cancelled by that someone's secretary. I tried to make it as obvious as I can so there'd be a hint to what will happen in this chapter. XD Anyhoo, the beginning of this chapter will explain it.

And of course, lots of thanks for the reviews I got for the previous chapter! I luuuuuurve you all! (insert big, BIIIIIIIG heart here)

Hakkuchi! I still can't get to reply to you (your PM option is blocked). I really liked that bit you said about Ichigo and Rukia still ending up together without making Orihime a bitch, which will prove just how strong their love is for one another. Exactly my thoughts, my friend, very well said!

Oh, and I just finished university (and I'm extremely sad at the thought of leaving T^T), so I should have all the time in the world to write (I should, but I'm not sure I do). I have a really bad sleeping pattern though. You know what, I DON'T have a sleeping pattern! I sleep whenever I can't stay awake any longer, and I thrive on 2-4 hours of sleep for 2 days. It's disrupting my thought process really bad, but I can't help it. I just find myself awake most of the time.

So anyhoo, enough blabbering from me. We'll pick up from where we left off in the previous chap (half a year since the separation). You remember me saying I was excited about this chapter right? I reeeeeaaaally hope you feel the same after reading it. XD

Dedicated to Kuchiki-4-Kurosaki, because the sad face on the review you sent me last week made me want to update so bad.

PS Bleach episode 342 (the goodbye episode) is sooo heartbreakingly beautiful that I ACTUALLY cried. The whole episode was total fanservice, but I loved ALL OF IT. T^T This update is in commemoration of the IchiRuki (Bleach 10th anniv) tribute in the ending credits of episode 342.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. Raining is a song by the Korean rock band, FT Island.


Ichigo sighed as he clicked the phone shut. He combed his fingers through his bright orange locks, wet from the hot shower he was having until the incessant ringing of the phone disrupted him. He just got off a call from his boss who had asked him to come to the office immediately, because the writer of his latest movie offer wanted to personally meet him. He drew the shower curtains back as he exited, grabbing the fluffy white towel hanging on the holder beside the sink. The mirror above the faucet was already fogged up from the steam, and Ichigo reached out to wipe it off. He looked at his tired reflection, seeing the rings under his eyes and the noticeable growth of his hair, which now reached the bottom of his nape. He chanced a quick glance at the clock on his cell phone. It read 8:23 am.

After a quick deliberation, he grabbed the piece of gadget and dialled a number he had memorized by heart.

It rang. And rang and rang. But his call was left unanswered. He dejectedly pressed the end button, and after seeing that it was 8:25 on his clock, he threw the cell phone away as he walked towards his walk-in closet. He had to be at the office by 9, because the writer was supposed to arrive at 9:30. Fingering the suit jackets lined up in one side of the closet, Ichigo eyed the pants on the other side disinterestedly. He wasn't all that much in the mood to dress up, but seeing as he was supposed to impress the writer-producer of the film proposal, he was sure Ichimaru-san would berate him if he did not choose his clothing wisely. Finally settling on dark blue jeans, a white long-sleeved shirt with prints of gothic black text and a cross, and a black sleeveless vest on top*, Ichigo quickly dressed himself, finishing his get-up with silver accessories and a belt.

Taking just one look in the mirror, Ichigo grabbed his keys and left his empty pad.


"Here's a copy of the script," Ichimaru Gin said as he handed a folder to the orange-haired man sitting in front of his dark wooden desk. He sent one to the boy a few weeks ago for a quick review, but the silver-haired man was quite sure this boy in front of him didn't read it. It was a big project, because the person who wrote the screenplay—which was also the film's producer—was an established writer not only in Japan, but all over Asia. This would define the boy's image in the movie industry, and hopefully land him bigger projects and larger pay checks.

The young man took the offered folder and quickly scanned the contents of the first page, where the title of the project and the name of the screenplay writer was printed. His brown eyes zoomed in on the name, frowning as he tried to remember where he must have heard it before. 'Why does this name seem so familiar? Where have I heard Kanō Ashido before?' Ichigo mentally cursed himself for being bad with remembering people's names, even when he was still in high school. He gave up with a sigh thinking he must have seen the name in some bookstore or someplace else where the guy's books were sold. He was supposedly a famous writer, anyway.

The ringing of the phone on Ichimaru's desk broke Ichigo's concentration on the folder as his agent picked up the receiver.

"Ichimaru."

Ichigo watched as a slight crease formed in between his agent's brows as the silver-haired man continued conversing with whoever it was at the other end of the line.

"I see. Tell him ta give us a call when he's free." Gin Ichimaru dropped the phone and stared at the man sitting in front of him. "Well his secretary called and said he cancelled the meeting for some other extremely important business, so I guess you're free to go."

The man sitting in front of Ichimaru's table nodded and stood up, bowing slightly before walking away to make his way out of the office. His hand was almost on the doorknob when his boss' voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Oh, and Ichigo-kun? I just received a message from GQ Japan. Congratulations on winning GQ Man of the Year."


"Hey! Glad the big star could make it!" There were hoots and cheers in the bar counter where two men sat sipping their drinks, welcoming the arrival of their guest.

Ichigo smiled as he took a seat next to Shinji and asked the bartender for a drink.

"So," Shinji nudged the orange-haired man with a teasing smile, "did you sign the contract for that big movie yet? How was this famous writer guy in person?"

"And this is coming from a famous celebrity," their other companion, Hisagi Shūhei, said. He was also in HanaDan with the other two actors, playing the role of the unrepentant playboy Nishikado Sōjirō.

"What? I've read the guy's books! He has some great stuff. 'Sides, I'm not that famous, unlike this bigshot over here," Shinji pointed towards Ichigo with his thumb. He placed an arm around the orange-haired man's back and patted it playfully. "This man will become a superstar when he makes this project a big hit. Which I'm sure it will be."

Ichigo swatted the arm away with a smile. "The guy didn't show up, actually. Had some important business he had to do so he cancelled on us."

Shinji gave an exaggerated horrified gasp. "No! No, no, no! You say he cancelled on YOU, the Kurosaki Ichigo? Oh how horrible this man must be!"

Shūhei and Ichigo laughed at Shinji's antics, shaking their heads at the craziness of their friend.

"Anyway, Ichigo. What do you want to get for your birthday? You know I'm bad at gifts so just tell me what you want and I'll bring it to your party." Shūhei offered, taking a big gulp of his cocktail.

Ichigo sighed at that, scratching the back of his head as he stared at the ceiling. His birthday was coming up in a few days, and he had a big party to celebrate it. He had originally asked Ichimaru to just let him go back home to Karakura and do a small celebration with just his family and friends; he had been devising a plan to get Isshin to invite Rukia as a guest—she was his best friend, after all. But his agent flat out denied his request, stating it had been how he celebrated his birthday the year before. "Big names will be invited ta attend this party. Imagine all the connections ya will be makin'," Ichimaru had said. Ichigo couldn't do anything but concede.

"You don't really have to get me anything, you know," Ichigo replied, finishing his drink and asking for another glass.

"Are you crazy?" Shinji interjected. "What, and make us look bad in front of everyone else for not bringing our buddy anything on his birthday? No way!"

"He didn't really say anything about you Shinji," Shūhei joked. The dark-haired man with a tattoo on his face faced Ichigo. "But no matter how crazy he is, he has a point," he shrugged. "Plus I'd really like to get you a present, I just don't know what. What do you really wish for right now?"

Neither of the two men missed the faraway look in Ichigo's eyes as he stared blankly at the wall behind the bar counter. Shinji snapped his fingers in front of the dazed man's face, bringing him back to the present.

Shinji wore a serious face as he looked at the orange-haired star. "You want to be with your family, don't you?"

Ichigo stared at the glass in front of him, swirling the liquid as he nodded his affirmation.

Shinji looked at Shūhei for support. "It's okay Ichigo. I'm sure Ichimaru-sama will let you see them soon."

The three knew it was a lie, because after Ichigo signs the contract for this new movie, there was no way in hell he was getting any form of reprieve from work, much less a vacation to his hometown.

"Yeah." Ichigo sighed in defeat.

"Cheer up! You know, I'm sure there's gonna be lots of girls at your party! I heard Rangiku-san was invited, as well as Kūkaku-san. And of course, our Hime-chan!" Shinji teased as he continuously nudged Ichigo with his elbow. "Eh, eh. You like that, don't you? You'll find many reasons to enjoy your party."

Ichigo just smiled as he went back to his drink. Shinji was right. Since there was no way he was ever getting out of the party, he might as well just enjoy it, right?


"See you tomorrow, Ukitake-san!"

Rukia waved goodbye as her co-workers made their way out of the office. It was past 6 pm and she was supposed to be out of work, but she had lots of copyreading to do, and she'd rather finish them now than have them pile up the next day. The latest story she had finished and submitted a few days prior (with a really close call in her own home) was still being reviewed by her editor, but from the looks of it, she did quite well with it compared to all her other works. She was quite anxious at how it would turn out, because frankly, it was embarrassing to not have a single material worth getting published after all the months she had worked for the publishing company.

The opening of a door in the silent room grabbed her attention, and she perked up at seeing Ashido making his way out of his private office. He was inspecting some sort of envelope before he looked up, clearly surprised to see Rukia still at her table, working even after office hours had ended.

"Rukia? What are you still doing here?" Her editor asked, making his way towards the only desk lamp that was on.

"I'm trying to uh…get as much work done as I can. It's not like I have anything important to do when I get home anyway," the raven-haired woman answered, unconsciously cleaning her messy desk from the piles of paper that was scattered all over it.

"I see. Still, you shouldn't stay behind for that. You know what, why don't you close that file you're working on and let's go have dinner. We can discuss your manuscript there."

At hearing the word "manuscript", Rukia nodded and hastily arranged the things on her desk, clicking her computer shut before taking her bag and coat, all set to go.

Ashido smiled at how adorable this woman was, with excitement lighting her eyes and a nervous smile playing on her lips. "Ready to go?"


"And I think one of the main problems of your manuscript is that the main character has some sort of hero complex, wanting to protect everyone and becoming stronger. He'll soon reach a point where he's become so strong he's invincible, and that doesn't sound a very appealing protagonist," Ashido explained, cutting his steak as he discussed the weak points of Rukia's manuscript. "You have to show his human side, that no matter how great he may be, he isn't infallible. That he has conflicts of his own, and that there are problems he cannot solve with his powers. Like for instance, after this whole chapter about him beating the main antagonist, maybe you can make him lose his powers and return to being a human."

Rukia was completely enthralled by Ashido's explanation, admiring his ideas and understanding completely why this man was an accomplished writer. She nodded eagerly as she wrote down notes on her tickler pad beside her still full plate. While she was doing this, Ashido took the time to observe the woman. Despite the energy she was radiating at the moment, he could tell that Rukia was tired. And it was more than just in the physical sense. The famous writer knew that Rukia had been dealing with a problem she wouldn't share with anyone in the office, and this had been weighing her down for months now. She was thinner, and her violet eyes had dulled somewhat. This woman needed some sort of break where she could just enjoy herself and forget her worries.

Ashido was taken out of his musings when he realized that the woman had stopped writing and was staring in a complete trance at something behind him. His head swivelled towards the thing that caught her attention—the television, which was now playing the latest Hana Yori Dango episode. He totally adored how such simple things could make her smile with that soft look in her eyes. He wanted to be the reason for one of those smiles.

"Hey Rukia?" He asked softly, not wanting to startle her or break her concentration on the television.

"Mm?" Rukia answered absently, still watching as the scenes of the drama played out in front of her eyes.

"You doing anything this weekend? I'm invited to this event and I'm allowed to bring a guest. Would you like to come with me? It could be a good way to relax, you know."

Rukia blinked, trying to process his words. This man was so kind, going out of his way to do nice things for her. She stared at him looking at her with such kind and understanding eyes, knowing she was carrying a burden yet never asking her to tell him what it was. Nevertheless, it didn't deter him from offering his silent support. She didn't have the heart to say no.

"Sure."

Ashido smiled as she turned back to the television, absently fingering the envelope inside his suit.


Rukia stared at herself in the mirror. She wore a simple black strapless dress that ended just above her knees, and her hair was clipped on the back with just her bang and a few strands of her hair hanging loose. She made sure she looked socially acceptable, if not good, because knowing Ashido, it was going to be a high-profile party and she didn't want to embarrass herself or him by dressing so sloppily. She sighed as she took out her jewelry box and pulled out a long golden necklace with a butterfly pendant—an accessory her caretakers at the orphanage said was the only thing she had with her as a baby. For a reason she couldn't fathom, she felt safe when she wore it, and that was a feeling she was craving for at the moment. She donned the golden necklace as her eyes strayed towards her left ring finger—a simple white gold band with a tiny stone in the middle. She looked in the mirror, surveying how the gold necklace completed her look, and with a heavy sigh, took off the ring—which didn't go well with the necklace—and carefully placed it inside her desk drawer.

Her eyes strayed towards the calendar, where the day's date encircled. It was Ichigo's birthday. Her eyes softened as she looked at her silent phone, waiting for a call that hadn't come.

The ringing of the doorbell alerted her that her companion had arrived, and with one final look in the mirror, Rukia walked towards the door to open it.

Ashido was positively astounded when the door opened, revealing Rukia in all her beauty, innocence and grace radiating off her. He couldn't help but admire how she could look so breathtakingly wonderful wearing such simple clothes everyday at work, and now that she was all dressed up, Ashido could not find words to describe her.

"You look beautiful."

Rukia blinked at Ashido before the words sank in, and she blushed a deep red. "T-thank you."

It was insane how tight this woman's hold was on him. Ashido remembered that time he was called to Yoruichi's office to ask for the progress of his latest book. He had answered positively, much to Yoruichi's delight.

"It seems you have found your inspiration," she had teased him then.

The writer simply smiled at that. Yoruichi had taken out a piece of paper very much familiar to Ashido. It was a poem he wrote and left on his desk, and now it had fallen into the hands of his boss. The beautiful woman had read the poem** to him with a teasing smile.

"I glanced at her and took my glasses

off-they were still singing. They buzzed

like a locust on the coffee table and then

ceased. Her voice belled forth, and the

sunlight bent. I felt the ceiling arch, and

knew that nails up there took a new grip

on whatever they touched. 'I am your own

way of looking at things,' she said. 'When

you allow me to live with you, every

glance at the world around you will be

a sort of salvation.' And I took her hand."

Ashido smiled softly before he laughed. "Didn't anyone tell you it's not nice to steal stuff from people, Yoruichi-san?"

Yoruichi tsked playfully. "If it's yours then it's as good as mine." She grinned widely, "'When I Met My Muse', really, Ashido? I didn't know you can write something as sweet as this."

And looking back as he continued to stare at the beautiful woman in front of him, Ashido could totally understand how he came up with something so romantic.


The bar where the party was held was abuzz with loud music and so many people than Rukia was willing to count. She could spot a few familiar faces—famous people from the entertainment world, some of which Ashido knew and conversed with. Upon their arrival, Ashido had made rounds inside the place, trying to find people he knew and giving them his hello's and how are you's, and making polite conversation. He had whispered in her ear once that once she becomes a famous writer herself, she'd have to deal with these people too, so might as well get used to the socializing.

She just laughed it off, knowing she'd never reach his status of fame.

And now here she sat, sitting alone at a table after shooing Ashido's concern away and telling him to continue practicing his social niceties. She got tired after going over the room twice, because new people kept coming in.

And now she was on her third glass of champagne, and she was a little sleepy. The loud buzzing of the music inside the bar was hurting her ears, and more so, her head. She downed the glass in one gulp and looked for another waiter to ask for more, when she heard her name being called by Ashido despite the intolerable noise.

"Rukia!"


Ashido was making his was towards the people he knew. Years of working with famous people as a screenplay writer had taught him how to socialize and be courteous in such events. He was a bit worried about Rukia; he brought her to the party to leave her troubles behind, but it didn't seem like the woman was enjoying herself. But he'd make it up to her. He invited her to this party for a reason. She was the first person on his mind when he received that envelope containing his invitation a few days ago, addressed to Mr. Kanō Ashido and guest. He had a surprise for her, something he was sure would make her so happy. He just had to find a person in particular to set his plans in motion.

"So I heard you have a new project. And it's gonna be big," said a green-haired actress, Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck. She had worked once before with Ashido on the successful film adaptation of his book The Forest of the Great Hollow.

"Ah, I'm looking forward to doing it actually," the writer replied, his eyes being caught by a movement of something light-colored in the distance. "Can you excuse me for a moment, Nel-san? I see an old peer."

He left the actress as he made his way through the crowd, following the man that was walking further away.

Ashido saw the man stop in front of a room, and before he could open the door, the writer called out, "Ichimaru-san!"

Ichigo sat in a private room celebrating his birthday with some of his closest friends while the others were outside, enjoying the music and the socializing.

He downed his beer as his guests chatted with each other happily, his brown eyes surveying his surroundings. Most of the people outside the door were famous persons he barely knew, and Ichimaru invited them for him to meet. He just didn't have the energy to start the task. He was sure Ichimaru would come looking for him soon and demand he meet the guests. All of them.

He took another swig of his beer as he felt the chair next to him move. His eyes followed the hand that moved the chair and saw his fellow HanaDan star and friend, Inoue Orihime smiling brightly at him.

"Happy birthday, Kurosaki-kun!" She handed him a small package of what he guessed was expensive perfume before sitting down beside him. "I hope you like it! I picked it myself, Kurosaki-kun!"

Ichigo smiled and thanked the woman for her efforts, placing the gift bag on the table beside him, where all the other gifts sat quietly, waiting to be opened.

Inoue sadly eyed her gift as it was swallowed by all the other huge presents the actor received from their friends. She was hoping he'd open her gift and try it on. She liked the smell of the perfume and thought it suited him perfectly.

A knock on the door interrupted all on-going conversations as Ichigo's agent entered the small room, a maroon-haired man in tow.

"Ichigo-kun, I'd like you to meet a very important person. Come and talk with us."


Ichimaru soon left Ichigo to his own devices, telling the young man he'd have to entertain all the other guests as he spoke with this important person. So far, they have awkwardly talked about their upcoming project together and had verbally agreed that it will be done.

A few moments of awkward silence as both men looked somewhere else but on each other, Ichigo was finally at his wits' end. He scratched the back of his head as he tried to come up with an excuse to go back to his private room.

"Look, Kanō-san—"

"Kurosaki-san, I hope you don't think me aggressive, but I need a favor from you." The writer interrupted, his gray eyes eagerly scanning the crowd.

Ichigo blinked at that. What could this guy need from him. "Eh…sure, what is it?"

To Ichigo's surprise, the maroon-haired man looked at him straight in the eyes. "Well, this friend of mine is a huge fan of yours, and she's been feeling down lately. I'd like to ask you to come meet her. I'm sure it will cheer her up."

Ichigo mentally sighed. Great, a fanmeet. Not that Ichigo wasn't grateful to his fans or to this man, but really, on his birthday—on his own party? This was such a sly scheme, to be honest.

"Yeah sure, take me to her."

The two men made their way through the buzzing crowd, trying to locate Ashido's friend. Ichigo just wanted to get this over with so he can go back to his private room in peace and spend the rest of the night with his friends. He lazily scanned the faces of the people he walked past, mentally creating a checklist of whom he should come and greet after this thing with the writer's friend was over.

He felt Ashido stop walking as he scanned the tables and stopped at one in particular. On it was a lone figure sitting quietly with her back to them, drinking champagne by herself in a dark corner of the bar. Ichigo couldn't help but feel just as lonely as this figure in his own party—he wanted nothing more than to be out of it, perhaps just as much as this lonely woman.

Ashido turned to look at him with a bright smile. "That's her." The intensity of his smile threw Ichigo out of his tracks. From the serious writer he made himself out to be just a few moments prior, it was surprising to find Ashido…almost excited? Ichigo couldn't find the perfect word, but he knew that Ashido was glad to be making this favor for the woman sipping her drink. Standing a little ways behind the writer, Ichigo waited for Ashido to call out his friend.

And his brown eyes widened when he heard the name come out of the writer's lips.

"Rukia!"

And as if in slow motion, the woman turned her head to regard whoever it was that called her name, only to find the shock of her night.

"Surprise." Ashido said, waving a hand towards Ichigo's direction.

And he couldn't be any more right.


*I'm sure you've seen the Ichigo get-up I tried (and probably failed) to describe at the beginning of this chap, but here's a link just in case (remove spaces): www . mjlanime . com / index . php ? main_page=popup_image&pID=211&zenid=br0b5b4dm2vpadsrov1qpurm82

**When I met my muse by William Stafford

Soooooo. Didi ANYONE SEE THAT COMING? (Like way before it happened. I'm sure it was a dead giveaway in the middle of this chap XD). I hope you liked that little twist. Eeeeeep it got me excited. XD I hated this chapter, to be honest, because I felt like things didn't come out as I had planned. Please review and tell me which I should change/what I should have done instead, because I am considering re-writing this entire chapter when I find the energy.

By the way, is anyone interested in becoming a consultant of sorts? I've been writing this oneshot for like…8 months, and I can't get to finish it because I'm stuck right smack in the middle. I have the introduction and the ending written out, just the middle part is missing. And I need other people to brainstorm with. If you wanna help me out, please send me a message. I could reeeeeaaaally use it. :3

So anyway, short update, but an update nonetheless. Hope you somehow liked it. Please tell me what you think!