Today, I am off work ill. I started this three days ago, and never got around to finishing it. Today in between throwing up and struggling to breathe, I got this finished. Work sucks – not working sucks even more because then I will have no money. Being ill sucks the most, but today has been a productive day, and not just because I got this finished.
Anyway, here we see the thoughts of our favourite characters about the whole Rukia thing – Including Rukia and Ichigo's take on each other. (I will finish this paragraph at the end of the chapter).
Incidentally, this chapter is a bit longer than the rest. I usually aim for round the 3k words mark per chapter, not including the A/N. This one is nearly 4k. Yay!
Anyway, I have currently got 89 reviews on this story – incredible! Thanks to everyone who has so kindly reviewed!
I would really love to hit 100 reviews before I upload the next chapter – that would be awesome, so pretty please?
Again, I thank everyone who has offered advice and consolation for my late granddad. It has touched my heart, and I hold your words dear. Thank you all so much.
Now onto the chapter – please review and enjoy!
The lesson was dragging on. Ishida Uryuu pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose for the umpteenth time since he had returned with his nakama, not even thirty minutes ago. What I really wanted to do was confront Kurosaki and Kuchiki with regards to this…this prank. So immature, and childish. What if it had all gone wrong? What if we had inadvertently cut her down whilst we believed her to be our enemy? He shook his head.
He wondered where there were. He had already come to the conclusion that whatever that cloak Rukia had been outfitted in helped eradicate and trace of her reiatsu, thus, she must have put it back on, since her could no longer detect her whereabouts and with Ichigo's lack of reiatsu, it was impossible to trace him either.
Kurosaki must be over the moon. In fact, it is as Sado-san said; they truly are happy together. Even Inoue… he sighed. He felt bad for the caller of the six flowers.
Break had passed before they had returned, and even the lunch break was at its end, as they'd walked through the gates. The trio had to run to class, and even then, there were a few minutes late. In a way, the last Quincy was glad for this. It meant he could avoid questions from his classmates regarding Ichigo and Rukia. He had, of course, given Ochi-sensei an excuse on the behalf of the short shinigami and the former daiko. Now he was sat in his seat, listening to his teacher drone on about something he truly couldn't care less about.
Thinking about it, his classmates, particularly those counted in the circle of their nakama, didn't even know of Rukia's true identity yet. He decided not to tell them; deciding it was down to the pair of them to reveal her presence. He rubbed his forehead as he realised he'd missed possibly the most vital clue Kurosaki had given him; the fact that he had been so overwhelmingly happy when talking to her this morning.
Kurosaki hasn't looked so happy for a long, long time. Kuchiki-san is good for him.
His mind wandered back to something he thought about briefly earlier. He, along with Chad and Inoue had seen the way Ichigo had been holding Rukia. Prank or not, the fierceness in his eyes that dared me to hurt her was real. He would have tried to seriously injure me if I'd even thought about approaching her with malicious intent, powers or no powers. I wonder if he understands why. Judging by how long she had been defeating the hollows, she can't have been her much more than a week; judging by the way Kurosaki has been acting, he hasn't known she's been here for very long, and they're already stuck together like glue. He holds her like he doesn't want to let go, and she doesn't want him to. They are both private people, yet they are comfortable in each other's space. Both of them are very particular with those they let into their personal area. I wonder if they know what it means.
Kuchiki-san gave Kurosaki a purpose. She made him a shinigami by giving him her powers to protect his family. When she was on death row, she made him form a resolve so strong he took on the entirety of the soul society, after gaining shinigami powers of his own. Sorry Inoue-san, but you only gave him something to do, really. He went to Hueco Mundo for you out of duty to you as his nakama. He went to Soul Society for Kuchiki-san because he wanted to. Nothing was in his or even our favour then. When we came to rescue you, Soul Society backed us up...well, eventually. He didn't sacrifice his powers for Inoue-san; he did it out of his foolish need to protect others over himself. Again, it was his duty. For Kuchiki-san, what he did for her, and even what she did for him in return, was the powers of some higher force.
The Black Sun and the White Moon some call them. Now, it's clear why. They orbit around each other.
Ishida's musings were interrupted when the door to the classroom opened. The orange hair could only belong to one student. Ichigo walked into the classroom with a strong, confident walk and spoke quietly to the sensei.
Ochi-sensei got up and followed the former zanpukuto wielder out of the room.
"Ochi-sensei, we apologise for leaving and not returning for a long period of time." Rukia spoke in her schoolgirl voice. Unseen by the teacher, Ichigo rolled his eyes.
"It's okay, Kuchiki-san. Ishida-san informed me that the two of you had a family emergency to attend to. Are you okay to proceed with today's lessons?"
Amber eyes briefly met those with a purple-blue hue. Thank you, Ishida.
"Hai sensei! The situation did not turn out to be too serious and I appreciate your understanding. However, I realise I have been terribly rude to my classmates. After this incident with my family, I feel I should be braver and not fear my fellow students."
Ochi-sensei smiled. "Would you like me to introduce me to the class? Properly?"
Uncertain eyes of a shinigami searched out those of her best friend. He saw the slight apprehension in them. Apparently, so did the eagle-eyed teacher. Since some of her students had begun leaving lessons for reasons unknown, she'd began watching them keenly, learning more about them that she ever thought she would.
"Would you like Kurosaki to stand with you when I introduce you, Kuchiki-san? You seem nervous." Her voice was kind and warm.
A false blush appeared on the cheeks of the Kuchiki heir. "If it's of no inconvenience to you, Ochi-sensei, I would be glad to take you up on that offer." A tone of worry that Ichigo wasn't sure was as false as Rukia wanted him to believe was evident in her deep feminine voice.
"Okay." The educator smiled and turned around and walked into her classroom. With her absence from the room, Ochi-sensei had expected the room to fall into irreparable chaos. She was stunned to find the class sitting in expectant silence. She cleared her throat.
"Class, circumstances have changed. I would now like to formally introduce the newest addition to our class."
Kurosaki Ichigo was the first to walk into the class, followed by a smaller figure who was clinging to his shirt just above where it was tucked messily into his trousers. Ichigo stopped next to his instructor, and the smaller figure stood just behind him.
She must be really shy, Ochi-sensei thought. And the two of them must be close – Kurosaki doesn't like having his space invaded. She was intrigued by the relationship of the two beside her.
"Class, this is Kuchiki Rukia and she – "
"Kuchiki-san? It's you, Kuchiki-san! My princess, you have returned to me, you've come –" Sobs came from the same source as the wailing – Ichigo had quickly closed the gap between him and Keigo, and kicked him in the face.
Yare, yare, Kurosaki-kun, you are marking your territory, aren't you? Wait, how does Asano know –
Ochi-sensei's thought were cut off when Arisawa Tatsuki stood. "What is she doing back here?" she asked, in an accusatory tone.
Ichigo quickly returned to the front of the room and positioned himself in front of his petite best friend almost possessively.
Seems like many of Kurosaki-kun's friends know this girl too. Her brown eyes studied the faces of the others Kurosaki Ichigo associated with. She found recognition in the eyes of every one of his group of friends.
So, Kuchiki-san knows many people in this class. So why would she be so shy, so worried about being introduced to them? What happened?
Ichigo's voice was almost a growl. "She's here because she's here. Any more questions?"
Even his friends shrank back from the death glare in his amber eyes. Tatsuki sat down rather abruptly, shaking her head to say that no, she had nothing more to ask.
Rukia tugged on his shirt, calling for his attention. His eyes moved to hers, connecting once more.
The eyes of Kuchiki Rukia were full of an apology, and a slight thank you. His eyes softened in return, telling her she was welcome. The smile she gave him in response was slight, but genuine.
"Go to your seats, Kurosaki, Kuchiki." The high school teacher directed them. The arrival of one girl was causing quite a drama. This might be better than my soaps!
After a couple of attempts, the teacher finally managed to get her class to settle down, and she resumed the lesson. She didn't miss the glances Kuchiki was getting though.
Inoue felt she might as well be in a black hole. She wanted to be the one to cheer Kurosaki up, to be his pillar of strength. But he wouldn't let her in, not like he did with the youngest Kuchiki. Kuchiki-san just came back and he's happy again. Her thoughts weren't malevolent, just full of a deep sadness for herself. After observing the way he held Kuchiki, Inoue realised she had been very wrong, all those months ago. It's not Ishida who loves Kuchiki-san, its Kurosaki-kun! Inoue felt sadness, but she knew, deep down, that she was never going to be that special girl for Ichigo. She didn't hate Rukia for it either; she knew the girl, knew that her intentions were pure and honest. Kuchiki-san is not a mean girl. She's not trying to hurt me. I want Kurosaki-kun to be happy. I can be happy if he is happy, even if he doesn't find that happiness with me. After all, Kuchiki-san's incredible, and I'm still, just a bit jealous.
Chad had watched the scene unfold with a quiet interest. Alone, just the two of them, they laughed. Sure, they insulted each other, but they always have done. Here, in front of people is where they don't do so well. They have to act. They both fiercely protect their reputations, and that of each other. Still, he couldn't help but wonder why the wielder of the ice type zanpukuto seemed so nervous in front of their class. That wasn't an act, she was genuinely worried. Chad could tell by the way his brother-in-arms had defended her. He knew that Ishida could see the obvious affection the two held for each other, but wondered how Inoue would react.
Tatsuki was silently fuming. She had been filled in on all the details since the war, and if things were how she was told they were, then this girl, this shinigami was the one who caused all the problems for Ichigo in the first place. She was the one who made him a shinigami initially. If she had never done that, then maybe her oldest friend and her best friend would have got together and had a peaceful, normal life. What is she doing here? Ichigo will tell me.
Mizuiro thought little of the situation. Sure, it had interested him, but his latest girlfriend had just text him regarding dinner plans for the evening – a far more interesting topic for the playboy.
Keigo's mind was empty of all thoughts, other than those of the Kuchiki princess. He was going to find out just how close Ichigo and Rukia were. If I ask enough, she'll be my girlfriend eventually. Kuchiki-san is too nice to keep turning me down! He thought happily to himself, whilst staring off into space, imagining her on his arm. She's very pretty.
The lesson ended too quickly for the two at the centre of the class' attention, and not quickly enough for everyone else. Ichigo knew that at least six people wanted to jump him and Rukia and fire off questions, and he wanted to avoid that. Mere minutes ago, he had written her a note.
Midget,
They're going to want to ask questions the minute the bell rings. I don't want to answer them, but if you do, I will stay with you.
- Ichigo
The raven-haired girl had unfolded the message, and smiled as she read it. She quickly scribbled back a reply and passed it back to him.
Berry,
I'd rather not. How do we escape?
- Rukia
Ichigo read the note quickly. Good, she still hates questions as much as I do. He penned his response.
Rukia,
We run.
- Ichigo
He got a brief nod in response, and the girl pocketed the message. Carefully, and quietly, the pair began to pack away their belongings in a bid to leave the very second the bell rung.
The bell rung out just moments later. Before the sensei could address the class, the pair had manoeuvred around the desks and were out of the door. Rukia began to slow as they exited the school gates.
"Don't slow down, Rukia. You know what Keigo's like!"
Aw, crap. Rukia sped up. By the time they had arrived in the street where they lived, the pair were feeling relaxed again. The run had been by no means short, but they were two fit individuals – the run was nothing.
Rukia made to go to her house, when Ichigo stopped her. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked, placing a hand on head.
"Home." She responded, while removing a certain Kurosaki's hand from atop her head.
"I thought you were staying at mine tonight? Don't you want Chappy?" He pointed at his school bag where he'd concealed the bag holding the item.
"Yeah, I am and of course I want Chappy! But I am going to my house first."
"Wait, what? Why?"
Keigo's wails could be heard in the streets not far from them.
"Because, Kurosaki-kun," Rukia said in her saccharine voice, "Asano Keigo does not know where I live."
Realisation dawned on the former ryoka's face as Rukia unlocked her front door. "Shit! Hurry up and let us in!"
Just then, the key in the lock clicked, and the two best friends scrambled through the door, and slammed it shut behind them.
"Phew!" Ichigo let out a sigh of relief. The pair leant against the thick wooden door. Ichigo slid down to the floor, and after a femtosecond of deliberation, the Kuchiki joined her partner. Four legs were outstretched on the mat.
"I have a question."
One orange eyebrow was raised.
"Ichigo, why do you keep saying you thought I'd been executed? That plan was halted the minute the Soul Society discovered what Aizen had been planning. Even before then, I had people of a captain class defending my case. Why would I be executed?"
Ichigo hung his head. He really didn't want to get into this with her. After her explanation, he'd fully understood. It didn't mean she'd understand why he'd think what he did.
She flicked his ear to get his attention. "Baka, answer the question."
He looked up at her, his eyes full of anxiousness and concern, before they fell back to the carpet.
Ah. She understood. Whatever this is about, he doesn't want me to hear it. He is worried about my reaction. Fool.
"Ichigo," her voice was considerably softer now. "Please, tell me. I promise I won't get mad."
He looked up at her, letting their gazes connect this time. Still, he didn't speak.
"Come on, Berry. You can tell me. And don't worry about how I'll react – don't you remember the terms?" His eyes squinted, trying to work out what she was referring to. "If I'm not nice to you, I won't get my Chappy present – so I'll be nice." Her playful voice and genuine gaze won through. Ichigo spoke.
"Rukia, you won't like it, nor is it relevant anymore. You're safe."
"I know that, stupid. Why did you think I wouldn't be?" She punched him in the jaw playfully, before donning a serious demeanour. "Tell me, Ichigo."
"Fine." He could see she wouldn't let this go. "I thought that you'd visit me, but you never did. I always hoped I was special to you, that you cared for me as a friend at least, even though you were the best of my nakama, and didn't know if you felt the same way. But you didn't visit – and I know why now – but at the time, I didn't believe you wouldn't visit, even if they said you couldn't. I believed you'd find a way around any injunction they might have set upon you. But, you never did. But I couldn't believe that you didn't care about me, nor could I believe you would have visited the Living World without a gigai. In my fucked up brain, the only logical conclusion was that they did away with you."
"Ichigo – "
"Let me finish. It was selfish of me to think like that, and I knew you weren't really dead. But when I was really down, it was easier to pretend that was the case. I've never been a man good at dealing with emotions. I'd just fight and fight and fight and ignore everything. But when I could no longer fight, I could no longer ignore the emotions like before. They consumed me. Dealing with my hollow was easier than dealing with this. I'm – "
"Don't you dare say you're sorry, Kurosaki Ichigo."
"Huh?"
"I said, don't apologise. You did what you needed to, so you could get through this. Sure, there are better ways with dealing with what you did, but you've never been a rational person." She held up a petite hand. "It's not an insult, baka. You just do, without thinking of the why. And that works fine for you. I think everyone thought you'd be okay with this, but you really aren't, are you? You miss being a shinigami."
"Yes." It was barely a whisper. Amber eyes fell once again to the floor. Silence elapsed for a few moments while two beings collated their thoughts.
"Ichigo?"
"Hm?"
"Thank you for saving the world." She placed a soft, but lingering kiss on his cheek. She wanted him to feel her gratitude.
When she pulled away, long fingers stroked the cheek her rosebud lips had kissed. That blush from yesterday stained his cheeks a deeper red than before, but he seemed okay with it.
"Thanks, Midget." Hazel eyes blazed with emotion as he pulled her closer to him, wrapping a strong arm around her feminine form. "No-one's ever thanked me before – for saving the world, I mean."
"Well, they should do. They owe you their lives!"
"And that's fine, Rukia."
The pair sat there by the front door, in their embrace for a little while, until Ichigo broke the silence.
"I'm going numb from the waist down, Rukia. I need to get up." He pulled himself to his feet, and helped the thirteenth squad's second in command to her feet. He's becoming more mature. He no longer acts as if my being a girl is something he should avoid. If he keeps this up…
He pulled on her school shirt when she turned to walk into the living room.
"Ichigo?"
Two strong arms wrapped around her small body. Ichigo was whispering 'thank-you' over and over again. Rukia stood in shock, not moving an inch. Not because he was in her personal space – something she usually kept just that – personal – but because she couldn't understand his motive for his actions.
The tightness of the hug and the way he kept repeating himself was what explained it to her. She understood, and as she found that understanding wash over her, she returned the embrace. A smile crept upon the lips of the former visored, and he buried his nose in her hair for the third time since she'd returned.
He couldn't explain it, but since he had held her yesterday, he liked having her in his arms. He liked to assault his nostrils with the sweet scent that was his best friend. He had not been close to a person like this since his okaa-san had passed – he remembered her scent and the closeness she granted him – perhaps this is how best friends just are? Like an extension of my family? He wasn't sure. All he knew was that one, he liked holding Rukia. Two, he liked to inhale the scent of her hair, and feel the silkiness of her raven locks. Three, he was going to do both as often as he could and as much as she would let him.
They stood holding each other for a while.
Rukia loved the way Ichigo's arms felt around her. She felt truly safe. Inhaling deeply, his unique scent offered her comfort. Yes, you truly are the best of all my nakama, Kurosaki Ichigo.
Her hidden blush deepened when she felt Ichigo playing with the ends of her hair. "Such pretty hair." He murmured. Her hold on him became tighter as she tried to bury her face into his chest, so he couldn't see the aggressive blush taking hold of her.
The moment was ruined by a loud banging noise. Ichigo looked up to see his tomboy sister banging on the window. He scowled at her.
"Oi, Ichi-nii, stop hugging Rukia-nee and let me in." The pair sprung apart instantaneously, their faces red with embarrassment.
"He-hey, Karin-chan." Rukia opened the door for Ichigo's sister.
"Don't be embarrassed, Rukia-nee, I don't care that you and Ichi-nii were hugging. Now, Yuzu sent me over here to tell you she's cooking up a big cake to celebrate your return, so you best be at dinner." The youngest girl didn't enter Rukia's house, but stood on the doorstep. She had no intention of staying long.
"Ah, Karin-chan, I feel I ask too much of your hospitality – " Hazel eyes rolled. I told you, Midget. You're always welcome.
"Can it, Rukia-nee. We like having you around. When I say we, I mean everyone who lives, and has ever lived in that house. Okaa-san would have liked you – she keeps bringing you back to us for a reason, so accept it, and get your butt over to the house over the road for dinner tonight."
Ichigo couldn't hide his smile at his sister's words. She was right though, okaa-san would've definitely liked the midget.
"But –"
"Rukia-nee, Yuzu said if I met with too much resistance, I was to use the one thing that would guarantee you'd come over."
"Huh?"
Ichigo shook his head. What did Yuzu have that would ensure her attendance? What did she know about – aw, hell.
"The cake's gonna be a Chappy cake." The Kurosaki siblings spoke simultaneously. One making a statement; one asking a question.
Violet orbs lit up. "Chappy?"
"Yes. Dinner's at seven. Ja ne, Rukia-nee, Ichi-nii." With that, Kurosaki Karin turned and walked back to the Kurosaki clinic.
They aren't catching onto their feelings so quick, are they?
I understand it's only been just longer than a day that they have been reunited, but their past is always with them. They remember what they were like before, hence the bond of deep and unyielding trust.
Rukia hasn't felt safe since the before the war, but we shall she what she has to say about that very soon. Ichigo, on the other hand, has not been close with a person physically or emotionally since Masaki's death. I'm sure Isshin will have an opinion on that… hehe.
My point is, that yes, at this stage, it seems to be moving fast, but I want to clear it up in the next two chapters. They won't be together as a couple for quite a while longer yet – I'm not drawing it out, I'm just trying to write it as I think it would happen between the two.
Either way, right now, they are enjoying each other's company. Holding each other – well, that's just to make sure the other doesn't leave, isn't it?
And I haven't forgotten about the gift. All will be revealed soon!