Author's Note:A new chapter is here! ;) It's late, I know, but I caught a cold or flu or something, and I haven't been feeling too well. But now it's all done and this time the focus is going to be on romance! I really hope you enjoy it all as I have to admit I'm probably best at writing love scenes (btw, for now we're talking here about feelings not something else…), being an incurable romantic myself.

Oh, and about the lockets from the Spirit King, I wasn't planning to reveal what was inside of them yet, but I changed my mind in a sudden burst of inspiration, so I will give out some information in this chapter…well, the mystery will most likely remain, but it's better than nothing, right?

The identity of a mysterious figure lurking in Hueco Mundo will also be revealed…and there's going to be some action and adventure too, not to mention humor, so read on and enjoy!

Disclaimer:I don't own Bleach.

Chapter 10 Balance Fighting with Everything Else

While most of the shinigami in the real world were presently at the hotel, finally resting after what had been a pretty long day, Ichigo and Rukia were still out. After Rukia had finished healing Ichigo's wounds, they had gone to retrieve their things, in addition to Kon and Chappy, from the ex-Urahara's store.

Their friends had not gone to bed yet, anxiously waiting for the outcome of the fight between Ichigo and Kenpachi. Of course, they had no idea that the jinin had put in an appearance. So they were shocked when they heard the news.

"I don't know why you're so surprised", Ichigo told them. "We knew it was only a matter of time before they paid us a visit to try to get rid of us. And I just thought it would be better to draw them to us than to let them attack at a moment of their choosing. Why else would I fight Kenpachi if not to capture the jinin's attention? I'm not crazy like he is to want a fight for fun!"

Rukia added: "The jinin had probably already decided to attack us today and were in the real world by the time Ichigo started fighting Kenpachi. The only reason I can figure out for the fact that they attacked so suddenly when there were so many of us was that they figured at least two of us would be tired from their first battle."

Tessai, who was also with them in order to find out more about what had happened, nodded and then said: "Urahara-san told me something similar before he left. He said the jinin might be tempted to attack even if we are in larger numbers if they think they will have the upper hand."

Tatsuki, who was just a bit annoyed for missing the first fight, asked: "But why do you reckon there were six of them? If they planned to take us out one by one, shouldn't there have been less? Or do you think they want to attack each of us in large numbers?"

Ishida answered her: "Well, it's probably anyone's guess why they acted the way they did, but I believe they tried to split their numbers equally in two or three parts, to simultaneously attack here, in Hueco Mundo and Soul Society. So there are probably around either twelve jinin or eighteen". The same worried expression crossed each face in the group at the thought of eighteen jinin. "And while the ones that came here might have been planning to split in two groups of three and attack separately when there were fewer of us together, they probably saw Kurosaki's fight with Kenpachi as an opportunity too good to pass".

"That might be so…I guess we'll never know though", Ichigo said. "Anyway, I think it's getting very late, and further speculation is getting us nowhere. So you guys finally get some sleep and we'll see you tomorrow at school, OK?" He took his suitcase in which a protesting Kon was safely tucked and handed Rukia her backpack.

"Of course, Kurosaki-kun", Orihime said. "Take care on your way back, both of you" she added, looking at Ichigo and Rukia.

"We'll do that, thanks, Inoue", Ichigo replied. They all said goodbye and then Rukia and Ichigo were on their way to the Shinigami hotel.

The night was once more eerily quiet, but now Rukia knew better than to think herself paranoid for not believing the peace would last longer. She looked up at the starry sky and wondered why there had to be conflicts at all. The chilly wind made her shiver, which was unusual since she liked cold weather. But the shiver was not because of the cold, it was because of her thoughts.

She couldn't understand how the jinin thought that they could make the worlds better places by ruling them. Both the real world and Soul Society were already good places, beautiful places, and even though they were not perfect, that was the whole point: to go through both good times and bad times alongside those you cared for. She looked at Ichigo at that point, and again the thought of how much she had disrupted his life came at the front of her mind.

She wondered if he really was glad to put his power to use, or if somewhere deep down he wished he was an ordinary high school student. Ichigo picked up on Rukia's pensive mood, and seeing a slight frown on her face, decided to replace it with a smile at all costs.

"Oi, Rukia, you only have to carry your backpack, but my suitcase is rather heavy. Remember you gave me some of your things to carry in it too. How about if we take a five minutes break right there on the river bank?" he asked in a grumpy tone, trying to act as if he was really having difficulties carrying his stuff.

"Sure, but only five minutes, OK? We have to sleep, as we don't know what tomorrow will bring", Rukia replied in a melancholic tone.

They turned right and walked a bit until they had almost reached the water, and then they sat down on the dewy grass, looking at the moon's light reflected in the river. Fireflies were floating in the air, like golden little dots playing with each other, and the sound the wind made passing through the leaves in the trees seemed to softly whisper unknown words. It was hard to believe there was anything out there that could disturb such peace.

"On nights like this, it seems impossible that someone might actually want to change something, or to rule over something…it should be enough just to take the time to look around and enjoy what life has to offer." Ichigo knew that he wasn't that good with words, but he also knew it was important to let her know what he was thinking, so he continued: "And I'm going to fight anyone who threatens our way of living. It may not be perfect but it should be more than enough for anyone".

"I was thinking the same thing, as I really don't understand why there must always be someone who wants more power or wants to play God." Rukia said, her eyes looking ahead but not really seeing the beauty around her anymore. She was remembering Aizen, Ichimaru, Tousen, the Bounts…"I accept the fact that some souls, after death, become hollows because of the negative feelings that are haunting them. It's unfortunate that it happens, but at least hollows we can deal with relatively easy, and keep the balance. But why do we also have to face so many other powerful foes? Will it ever end?"

"I don't know about that, Rukia. It might never end, but I don't really mind as long as I can fight with you and the others by my side. And if we get some peaceful moments like the one right now, I guess that's all I can ask for." Ichigo said. He was a bit surprised himself to realize that this was how he really felt, but on the other hand that was what life was made of…hard times, good times, all shared with the ones he cared for. Was there more to it? Did he want anything more?

"I guess you're right", Rukia said, and she closed her eyes with a sigh, while gently laying her head on Ichigo's shoulder. She felt him jerk a bit with surprise. "That is all one can ask for", she said, and then continued in a whisper. "This is all I can ask for". In that particular moment, at least, she was sure she couldn't ask for anything more. She felt like she was where she belonged, by Ichigo's side, and she felt extremely safe and warm and comfortable.

She finally admitted to herself that the Kuchiki mansion had never been her home and neither was the Kurosaki residence. Her home was not a building, but the place where her heart was, and it was clear that her heart felt at home wherever Ichigo was. It was as simple as that: she loved him, more than a brother or a friend…she loved him like she could never love anyone else. She was in love with him.

Ichigo had been startled to see Rukia lean her head on his shoulder and feel her soft hair through the material of his T-shirt, but her words startled him even more, though what had surprised him was that she had admitted to so much willingly. His heart was threatening to burst with joy at the implication of her last words. And then, without a doubt, he realized that such a moment that the two of them shared was all he could ask for as well.

He knew then that the peace he was feeling had nothing to do with the quiet and beautiful nature around him. All along it had been Rukia, as she was the peace in his world, the sun that drove away the clouds and rain…only with her he could feel so calm and warm and…happy. And this was nothing he had ever felt before. It was very similar to how strongly he had felt for his mother but it was somehow deeper than that. He loved her more than anything else…he was in love with her.

The moment that epiphany made its way from his subconscious where it had been buried deep for who knows how long, he felt emotion take over reason and he started to lean down his head towards hers.

That's when she opened her eyes just a bit, to see why he was so quiet, and her violet-blue orbs widened when she saw him so close to her face. But then, in an utterly feminine gesture of total acceptance, she closed her eyes again and tilted her head oh so little towards him. Ichigo smiled warmly at the unquestionable significance of that small gesture and then closed his eyes as well, under the impact of all the emotions that were overwhelming him. Then their lips met.

The whole world seemed to have frozen in time. There was nothing more out there but him and her, caught in a whirlpool of tumultuous emotions that were drowning them in a sea of sensations. It was like they had been born for this moment when they would finally recognize in each other that one person who could make them complete.

The moment could have lasted one minute or could have lasted forever, Ichigo and Rukia had no idea which of the two it had been. But when they finally and reluctantly drew apart, they looked in each other's eyes, knowing that a vow had been taken right there and then: a vow to be together forever and stand by the other at all times, a vow that their destinies were now irrevocably and unequivocally intertwined.

And then Ichigo saw Rukia smile shyly while hugging her knees and his own face lit up in a huge and genuine smile like no other that had ever reached his face before. He had made Rukia smile, just as he had planned before asking her if they could take a break. But he had achieved so much more than what he had bargained for…and he couldn't be happier about it.

And then both of them suddenly heard two distinct clicks that they couldn't immediately pinpoint. Then they realized it was their lockets, which were now open. Both of them looked inside their own pendant, only to notice that one side was still closed but the other had some delicate writing in gold.

"Mine has writing in it, but the sentences are not complete, the ending is missing. Only the last one seems complete", Ichigo said, baffled.

"And my locket lacks the beginning of the sentences except for the last one", Rukia said, sudden comprehension in her voice. "Together we'll have the whole message! So you start reading one sentence, and I'll finish it…and we'll do that for each one of them."

Ichigo nodded and he started reading the first line, which Rukia ended, and they did so for each of the three incomplete sentences in the locket:

"If aught must be lost…

…'twill be my honor for yours.

If one must be forsaken…

…'twill be my soul for yours.

Should death come anon…

…'twill be my life for yours."

Then they both said together: "I am Given".*

They felt a current go through them, and again the world seemed to have stopped for a second…or rather, it felt like the world had changed substance somehow. It was like a spell had been weaved around them, bounding them together for all eternity.

"What do you suppose the Spirit King tried to tell us with these?" Ichigo asked, completely confused. Those few simple lines had summarized perfectly what he was feeling for Rukia…he was hers and she was his, but would the Spirit King have seen it ever since the battle in the Royal Dimension where the war had ended? And he didn't even see him and Rukia together, he just saw them among a larger group, all of them intent on stopping Aizen. So what was this all about?

"I really don't know." Rukia replied, blushing at the thought that the Spirit King might have sensed something about her and Ichigo back then. But then again, the Spirit King was supposed to have extraordinary powers, so why would that be impossible? "While the message is something that might seem addressed to the two of us, I think we can give it a wider meaning as well", she reasoned, trying to make some sense of it. "Maybe it means that shinigami and humans should tighten their relationship in order to face whatever dangers lay ahead."

"Perhaps…" Ichigo said, doubt in his voice. He couldn't really figure it out, but he didn't want to either, at least not at the moment. He just wanted to take in what had passed between him and Rukia and he sensed she wanted to do the same thing. So they let the matter drop.

After a few moments when no words were spoken and in which both of them reigned in their feelings and erratic heartbeats, Rukia said, in a slightly shaky voice: "We should probably head back now, the others will be wondering where we are".

Byakuya's face flashed through Ichigo's mind at that, and he wondered how he was going to manage to get along with Rukia's haughty brother in the future…. He would have to, since Ichigo was determined not to be separated from Rukia for too long ever again, and he couldn't see Byakuya keeping away from her for too long either, as he had vowed to his wife, Hisana, that he would watch over her little sister. Well, some way or the other, they were going to have to learn to tolerate each other.

"Yeah, let's go before your brother organizes a search party for you this time, not for the jinin", Ichigo replied, but no sting was felt in his tone. He knew it might prove impossible, but since Rukia cared for Byakuya, he might have to try liking him as well. And if he were to be 100% honest with himself, there was plenty to admire about Byakuya, and plenty that could inspire respect. But he wasn't willing to go into all that right then. It was a time just for him and Rukia.

Ichigo got up first and then pulled Rukia up, and he didn't release her hand as they started walking back towards the Shinigami Hotel. This was how things were supposed to be from now on.

*****

When they reached the hotel, Yoruichi was waiting for them, and she seemed pretty annoyed, as she was tapping her foot impatiently. As she saw them coming in, she said: "And I was actually joking when I mentioned that curfew. Now it looks like I'll really have to impose one on you, since you don't seem inclined to return at a reasonable hour."

"Are you going to pose as a worried parent, Yoruichi-san?" Ichigo said a bit mockingly, knowing that she wasn't in the least inclined to follow rules or curfews or anything like that, her nature being a defiant one.

"Yeah, right, and the next thing on my 'to do' list is becoming a nun", she exploded. "I couldn't care less if it was just me, but since I am the landlady here and Little Byakuya is probably upstairs working up a temper, I'd rather not have heads rolling in my hotel…well, it'd probably be just one head, an orange one for that matter", she continued with an evil grin towards Ichigo. "Also, I'm afraid I'm keeping Urahara waiting and I promised Byakuya some noise for tonight, and the noise I was referring to was not me shouting at you for being late."

Rukia and Ichigo both blushed as they understood that this was the real reason why she was so peeved. They knew they had to get out of there before she got even more annoyed, but before they could make their escape, Yoruichi blocked their path.

"Where have you been, anyways? And what have you been doing?" Seeing how their faces had turned even redder, Yoruichi's anger subsided on the spot, being replaced with humor. She laughed hard, despite the murderous look Ichigo was throwing her way, and managed to say between delirious spasm of laughter: "Never mind that, I think you've been up to something worth being late over, so just be off to your rooms now, before I decide on a punishment. And trust me, compared with my punishment, facing the jinin in battle will seem like a pleasant holiday".

Both Rukia and Ichigo took her word for that and proceeded in going upstairs, to their rooms. All the apartments in the hotel looked the same, with one bedroom, one living room, a bathroom and a balcony, and the furniture and decorations were similar, the only difference being the colors.

Rukia inspected her room, which was light green from the color of the paint on the walls and the color of the curtains to the bed covers and the carpet on the floor. The living room was large and her bedroom was also nice, as it had a wide bed in it which seemed very comfortable. She placed her few clothes in the closet and most of her other stuff in the drawer of the desk that was by the balcony's door. She took a quick peek out the balcony but decided she'd go admire the view after she had a shower.

The bathroom was also nice, with a large bathtub in which Rukia decided to soak for a while, instead of just taking a shower. Once she felt warm enough she got out and changed into her pajamas. When she had been assigned to watch over Karakura Town, she had bought a few necessary things, with the help of Inoue. Among those were two pairs of jeans and pants, a few dresses, a few tops and skirts, as well as shoes to go with all that. Of course pajamas had been in order too, as she couldn't have kept the ones she stole from Yuzu. Therefore she was now wearing a blue tank top that had a moon and stars pattern with matching full-length pants.

She hadn't been able to fit everything in her small backpack and so she had asked Ichigo to take some of her stuff and he complied, and just now, before he had entered his room, Ichigo had handed Rukia her stuff. However, she was thinking she was probably going to have to go shopping soon, since she was going to be in the real world for a long time and her few possessions were not quite enough.

Rukia was feeling just a bit too warm now as she exited the bathroom, so she decided to go on the balcony and breathe in some cool air. She had barely stepped out when she noticed movement in the balcony next to hers. It was Ichigo, his head resting on the balcony's stone railing, his hands holding on to his head as if it might explode any minute.

"Ichigo, what's wrong?" she asked, worrying about him. Had she failed to heal all of his injuries?

"Rukia…you're out taking some air too?" Ichigo asked, lifting his head from the railing. "I've just about given up unpacking, there's way too much stuff in there and Kon's being impossible…seems like he heard parts of what happened at the river bank even through the suitcase." His cheeks turned a fade shade of red as he remembered their kiss. It was amazing how they had practically admitted that they loved each other and yet he was blushing at the thought of that one kiss.

"Don't worry, I'll come help you finish unpacking and calming Kon down, OK?" Rukia said quickly, as if she too was embarrassed by the reminder and wanted to change the subject as soon as possible. They might have realized their feelings for each other but they hadn't actually confessed them and they were definitely having trouble talking about that. They couldn't even say they were boyfriend and girlfriend yet, for crying out loud!

"Thanks, that would be great!" Ichigo replied, relieved that Rukia had changed the subject and that he wasn't going to have to deal with the modified soul or the mess alone any longer. "The door is unlocked so come right in."

"Sure, I'll be there in a second". With that, Rukia walked back into her apartment, then out of it and entered Ichigo's. The mess was, indeed, quite something, and Kon's wailing didn't help much.

"Kon, what are you wailing about?" she asked the stuffed animal, while picking him up and applying just the right pressure on his neck to make sure he understood the threat that came with the words.

"Nee-san…what do you ever see in Ichigo that I don't have?" Kon asked dramatically. "Now I have close to zero chances of reaching the Valley of the…ahhhh….." he didn't get to finish the sentence as Rukia threw him out on the balcony and shut the door behind him.

"I think if we leave him out in the cold long enough, he'll behave better in the future." Rukia said. "We'll let him back in once we clean up around here. It'll be a good lesson in discipline for him", she concluded. They started working together to put things where they belonged, and this time the atmosphere was even more intimate than the times when they had packed in the Kurosaki residence.

They had finished and were about to let Kon in, when there was a knock at the door. Ichigo went to get that, and was surprised to see Hitsugaya and Hinamori there. He had no idea what they wanted from him, but he let them in, at Hinamori's polite request.

"Hitsugaya-taichou, Hinamori-taichou!" Rukia was equally surprised to see them there, but no less than they were to see her in Ichigo's room, since it was a rather late hour of the evening. They also noticed for the first time Ichigo's and Rukia's matching lockets and Hitsugaya raised his eyebrows, but said nothing.

"Ano, you can call me Momo, Kuchiki-san, and if you don't mind I'll call you Rukia-chan" Hinamori said shyly. "And the same goes for you Ichigo-kun; since we'll be working so close together I think there's no need for formality."

"Of course, Hin…I mean, Momo-san." Rukia said, while Ichigo just nodded. Hinamori smiled kindly, and then looked at Hitsugaya, as if she was expecting him to offer the same, but he ignored her persistent look. No surprise there.

Ichigo asked: "So what's up, Momo, Toushiro?" His casual tone pleased Hinamori but not the boy standing next to her.

"That's Hitsugaya-taichou to you!" the white-headed captain said, irate. "And we just came to inform you that starting tomorrow we'll be classmates". Ichigo and Rukia both felt their jaws drop at that statement. Since when? How? Why?

Hitsugaya continued "You were so late in returning that we had a brief meeting without you. It was decided that starting tomorrow, some of us will start patrolling Karakura in search for the jinin, while others will join you at school in case you are attacked."

Hinamori took it from there: "Kuchiki-taichou, Rangiku-san as well as everyone from the 11th division will be on patrol, while Toushiro and I will come with you at classes, so that we can be somewhat equally distributed in case the jinin strike again."

Ichigo smirked, correctly depicting the reason for Hitsugaya's anger. He didn't like posing like a little kid, but it was his appearance that had got him assigned to the school team instead of being put to patrol. While Momo had no issues with that, her boyfriend was clearly insulted.

"So from now on we'll all have to balance fighting with everything else, it won't be just you and Renji-kun", Hinamori said with another smile. "We'll go now, but we'll meet tomorrow at breakfast and then we'll walk to school together, OK?"

"Sure thing", Ichigo replied. "See you tomorrow!"

"Actually, I'm going to my room too, Ichigo", Rukia said, all of a sudden a bit embarrassed to have the two captains know she had remained in Ichigo's room after they had left. The fact that they could tell Byakuya about it was of no consequence, as she was sure he could tell where she was anyway, at such close distance. "Goodnight, Ichigo…and don't forget to let Kon out!"

When they were out the door, Rukia said her goodbyes and entered her apartment, while Hitsugaya and Hinamori went up to the second floor. Sensing that the short captain was still angry, Momo said: "I don't really feel like sleeping yet. Would you mind if we talked for a while?" She was sure she could make him vent all his frustration and calm him down.

"Yeah, why not, it's not like I can sleep in this frame of mind anyway", he muttered and followed Momo into her room.

*****

In the meantime, in Hueco Mundo, battle had begun and it was getting real bad real fast. Hisagi was fighting Mahi Itami, and had barely managed to break through his immobilization in time to avoid the next attack, which would have inflicted great pain.

Soi Fon, Omaeda and all the Cops Commanders were trying to hold off Gekitai but he was easily deflecting their attacks and firing them back. Kiyone and Sentarou were tackling Surikireru, but the jinin had already absorbed a lot of their reiatsu so Nanao came to their rescue. Next to them, Kyouraku was fighting Enshoku while at the same time trying to sweet-talk her into surrendering by complimenting her looks.

Ukitake was having trouble avoiding Hensei, who had morphed into Surikireru and had managed to take some of his reiatsu. He was having a coughing fit and was about to get hit by a powerful attack, when somebody suddenly appeared in front of him and blocked the jinin's attack.

Ukitake's eyes widened at seeing his protector, as he was a strange apparition. He seemed to be wearing shinigami garb, but he had a coat draped over it, adorned with hollow masks…and his face was covered by a hollow mask also. An arrancar? But why is he helping me then? Or maybe a Vizard, but then what is he doing in Hueco Mundo? Ukitake thought, being very confused.

He didn't question it for too long though, any help was welcome at the moment, as the situation wasn't looking very good. And it suddenly turned worse when six more jinin arrived at the place of battle.

"We need to talk!" the pale blue haired jinin shouted to the others. "Now!"

Though reluctant, the other jinin ceased fighting and together they all shunpo-ed away. The shinigami didn't think to follow, they needed a break to regain their strengths and rethink their strategy. The jinin had obviously evolved and they were more powerful than they expected.

But Ukitake needed to know if his masked protector was really on the good side, therefore he asked: "Who and what are you? Why did you help me?"

All the other shinigami had gathered around, to find out who the stranger was.

He was surprised to see the man taking off his mask to reveal spiky dark red hair and intelligent but sad eyes. The man spoke: "I am a shinigami, just like the rest of you, and that is why I helped you. My name is Kanou Ashido; I used to be a third seat in the 13th division…back in Kobayashi-taichou's days."

"So you're Kanou-san, I've heard about you from one of my officers, Kuchiki Rukia."

"Rukia?" Ashido's face lit up with recognition as he heard the name, remembering the small shinigami that he had met what seemed like ages ago.

"Yes, she told me about you and she actually asked me to allow a few of the shinigami in my division to accompany her back to Hueco Mundo to search for you. She wanted to bring you back to Soul Society…but she didn't find you despite looking for days, so eventually she had to come back." Ukitake said. He was very happy to have found Ashido, as he remembered how sad Rukia had been when she had returned from Hueco Mundo empty-handed. She would be happy to see him again.

"I did not know…I went in hiding after Rukia and her friends left, as there was an unusually high hollow activity and no matter how many I killed, more were coming for me. I was driven out of my hiding place and had to find another…" He seemed caught in a memory, but his next words showed that he was actually speechless with emotions. "So she remembered and came looking for me."

"But of course she did, it seems like you didn't get to know her too well if you doubted that." Ukitake replied. "Well, if I think back of the circumstances and the little time you fought together, it's understandable…"

"No, that's not it!" Ashido interrupted. "I felt that Rukia was a person who would come back for me, it's just that I didn't dare believe…I've been here for so long..."

"There's no need to stay here any longer. If you'll join us in our quest, you can return with us to Soul Society when we're done. Or if you'd rather not risk your life, you can remain hidden and we'll come back for you after we've accomplished our mission." At Ashido's stern look, he quickly clarified: "I'm not suggesting you're afraid, just that you've already done enough."

While the others had started healing their wounds, Ukitake proceeded to tell Ashido all about the jinin, and he was glad to think that when the shinigami from the past along with all of them were going to put an end to this new threat, he would finally return to Seireitei where he belonged.

*****

In the real world, morning had dawned and all the shinigami were reunited in the cafeteria to have their breakfast. As usual, Yoruichi and Urahara were the ones with the best mood, and since the others all seemed to be a bit grumpy, they decided to make fun of them.

"So, how was your first night at the Shinigami Hotel?" Yoruichi asked sweetly. "I hope you slept well! I would have provided the…music…to bring you nice dreams but I had something more interesting to do."

Silence followed her statement, accompanied by some embarrassed looks from the shyer ones at the table. Yoruichi wasn't going to be put out by them though, so she continued in her annoyingly cheery tone: "Well, I know you're all just dying to know what could have been more interesting, so let me tell you. We were up pretty much all night gossiping about a certain couple…" At that, Ichigo and Rukia blushed furiously, but, to their surprise, they weren't the only ones. Hitsugaya and Hinamori were doing the same.

Byakuya, Renji and Matsumoto were all interested in the news, seeing who it had been that had blushed, though only the latter voiced it out loud: "Oh, really? What couple? What did they do? I want to know everything!" Matsumoto's disposition had definitely improved at Yoruichi's words.

"Yes, Koneko*-chan, tell us, tell us!!!" Yachiru managed to squeal in delight, though her mouth was full.

"Well, I guess it wouldn't be ladylike of me to say it out loud like this…" Several mutters of "Yeah, sure" and "Since when is she ladylike?" were heard around the table, but Yoruichi just grinned wider. "In any case, I guess everyone's going to find out sooner or later, so I won't spoil the surprise for you. However, don't count on a quiet night like this again, unless you provide me and Kisuke with more subjects to gossip about". She winked and continued her meal.

When they were all finished, they separated into two groups: those who would go on patrol and those who would go….to school. The 'students' then divided into two groups, Ichigo, Rukia and Renji walking together in front, while Hitsugaya and Hinamori were walking side by side behind them.

"It's gonnna be pretty difficult to balance our fighting with school and homework and everything else", Renji observed. "I really don't see the point in this…Wouldn't it have been easier if those two behind and I had remained in spirit form?"

"Renji, we don't really know if there are other people in the school who can see spirits." Rukia explained patiently. "There are definitely some students with higher than average spiritual power, but unless we run a test to determine if they can see shinigami or not, we can't be sure, therefore it's best to save us all the trouble and just come in your gigai."

"Right…but I would have preferred to be out on patrol. And I think Hitsugaya-taichou would have preferred that too", Renji replied, sulking a bit.

"Well, Toushiro seems to be in a bad mood these days no matter what, so I wouldn't take that for a fact", Ichigo replied. "Let's see if a day in school can cheer him up", Ichigo said with a grin, anticipating how annoyed Hitsugaya would get in just a few minutes in his class, let alone a good number of hours.

"Oh yeah, I can hardly wait for it myself", Renji said with a similar grin, feeling better already at the thought that Hitsugaya was going to be put through to similar things that he had to endure on his first day at that school, in Ichigo's class.

"Guys!" Rukia admonished them, though deep down she had to admit she was anxious to see the white-headed captain's day in school as well. It promised to be lots of fun.

*the text in italics is a quote belonging to the author Karen Marie Moning, which can be found in several novels in her Highlander series; it represents a Celtic vow.

*koneko means kitten/kitty, and this is Yachiru's nickname for Yoruichi in my story.

Author's Note: OK, so this chapter was definitely focused on romance, and I really think it was high time Ichigo and Rukia realized what they were feeling for each other. I mean, Hitsugaya and Hinamori had done that already, as well as Yoruichi and Urahara, so what were those two waiting for? I hope you liked it, as well as the quote hidden in the lockets. It's one of my favorite quotes of all times.

And the mysterious figure in Hueco Mundo is finally identified. I am sure all of you remember Ashido, and if you don't, go back and watch a few Bleach episodes, starting with the 148th one. Anyway, about the next chapter, it's going to be called "Moving On" and I'll try to upload it soon. Thanks for reading, everyone, and have a great day! Bye!