Chapter 10

"The pictures from prom are so cute" Kiyone said to her friends. Senior year was over, the exams last of the exams had been taken, prom was a huge success and Ichigo and Rukia were together and stronger than ever. They spent the past six months showing each other how much they loved one another. Rukia and Orihime's friendship seemed to be back to normal. Ever since Ichigo and Rukia made love for the first time, she realized she was the only one he wanted and she never admitted it but she was afraid Ichigo secretly liked Orihime which strained her relationship with her.

"Oh my gosh, you and Keigo look so adorable" Orihime said to Kiyone. Many people where surprised that Kiyone went with Keigo to prom but Kiyone was the only person nice enough to not turn him down.

"Thanks, Orihime, you and Uryu looked great too." Kiyone replied. Orhime asked Uryu as a favor to Ichigo because he knew Uryu had a thing for Orihime; of course Orihime just thought Uryu couldn't get a date so she agreed to be a good friend.

"Tatsuki, that dress looked stunning on you, you have such great curves and having a big handsome guy by your side is not a bad accessory" Momo joked. Tatsuki and Chad went to prom together. Tatsuki had to ask him since Chad never talked which was something she liked about him.

"Momo, You and Izuru definitely deserved the award for cutest couple" Kiyone said to Momo. Momo and Kira were together and still going strong. They never argued which people found weird but every saw that Izuru treated Momo like a princess.

"We can forget about the greatest love of them all" Tatsuki said looking at Rukia. Rukia blushed and smiled. "I can't believe how well Ichigo cleans up, but you looked gorgeous that night Rukia" Momo claimed.

"Thanks guys, I'm just sad that this is all coming to an end." Rukia said sadly.

"Damn, stop being so depressing" Ichigo said walking up to Rukia. "Well, it is sad, everyone's going off to college" Rukia replied.

"Me and Momo will be at the same college." Kiyone stated. "We are attending Shinigami Academy"

"So are we" It was Ikkaku with Shuhei, Izuru, and Yumichika.

"What? All of you?" Ichigo asked surprised.

"Well going to Shinigami Academy almost guarantees you a position in the Gotei 13." Izuru explained

"And our dad is a president of a division, so we would me and Ikkaku would definitely have a job right out of graduation." Yumichika added.

"My father was 9th division president before he passed away, so I plan to be just like him" Shuhei commented.

"What about the rest of you?" Izuru asked the girls and Ichigo.

"I plan on studying abroad in China, where I can learn different fighting styles" Tatsuki said.

"I'm going to a Culinary Institute in Tokyo" Orhime added.

"Really? Me and Rukia are probably going to Tokyo University" Ichigo stated. Rukia elbowed him after he said that. "I'm still considering it, I got into Tokyo but I also got in to the Shinigami Academy, My brother and I haven't decided where I'm going yet." Rukia said to him. Ichigo was annoyed about that. For the past two months he was trying to convince her to come to Tokyo with him and she loved the idea but she always wanted to make her brother happy, it was the least she could do for him and Byakuya wanted her to go to The Shinigami Academy.

Momo soon her phone ring, the caller ID said Rangiku M. "Hey Rangiku" Momo said answering the phone. "Where are you?" Rangiku had left school early; her boyfriend had a surprise for her so she took off during lunch.

"I'm in front of the school, I have to show you want he bought me" Rangiku replied. Momo hung up the phone and let everyone know that Rangiku had her present outside.

When everyone ran out, in front of them was Rangiku in a red sport car. Everyone's mouth dropped at the sight of such a beautiful car.

"OH MY GOD! where did you get this" Kiyone asked.

"Gin bought me an early graduation gift; I swear he is the best boyfriend ever." Rangiku started dating Gin Ichimaru, the president of the 3rd Division, a few months ago. Even though most of them didn't approve of Rangiku dating a thirty year old man, who was possibly connected to the Arrancar Mafia, She was truly happy and she was 21.

"Wait… you are gonna graduate this year?" Momo asked excitedly.

"Yes, no more purposely failing so I don't have to face the real world" Rangiku said excitedly. Rukia may not have liked Gin but since they had been dating Rangiku had truly grown up and started her age. Rukia wouldn't be surprised if Gin influenced her decision to graduate.

"Come on girls hop in" Rangiku yelled. Orhime jumped in the passenger seat. Tatsuki and Kiyone jumped in the back seats. "Come on Rukia and Momo, there is enough space for two more"

"Sorry guys, I have to stay after school and help with the decoration committee for graduation" Momo explained.

"Boo! What about you Rukia?" Rangiku asked.

"I'm supposed to meet Senna at the mall, to pick out an outfit for my graduation party" Rukia replied. Rukia and Senna became very close since they meet in January. They shopped a lot together and went to a couple Chappy conventions. Rukia even told her about her life in Tokyo, something that very few people knew about. Senna was also able to open up to Rukia which helped the form a strong friendship.

"We can drop you off at the mall" Tatsuki suggested. Rukia smiled and agreed. She turned to Ichigo and kissed him goodbye. "Call me later?" Rukia asked as she got into the car. "Yeah" Ichigo said smiling.

Rangiku then sped off down the road. "Does anyone one else think that, she should have invited us to drive around" Yumichika asked. Everyone just chuckled.

"We are gonna be late Izuru." Momo said grabbing her boyfriend's hand. "I'll see you guys later" Izuru said as he was dragged away by Momo.

"Hey Ichigo" Shuhei yelled.

"Yeah what's up?"

"Me and the guys are going to the gym, you coming?" Shuhei asked.

"Yeah sure why not" Ichigo and Shuhei became friends also. He started hanging out with Shuhei and the others more, mainly working out in the gym. The guys made their way to the city gym.

Meanwhile…..

"Rangiku, your car is amazing" Orhime said enjoying the passenger seat

"Yeah, Gin must be in love, this is amazing" Kiyone added.

"Thanks guys, my parents are gonna flip when they find out he got me a car but they should be happy I finally decided to graduate." Rangiku stated.

Rukia and Tatsuki sat quietly in the back. They were happy for her but Gin could not be trusted. Rukia informed Tatsuki about Gin's possible connection to the mafia. Tatsuki was worried Rangiku would be pulled into the mafia because of her boyfriend.

Rangiku pulled up to the mall, "Here's your stop, Rukia"

"Thanks" Rukia said to Rangiku.

"No problem, Can't wait for your graduation party…Let me know if you need help getting anything" Rangiku said.

"Okay" Rukia said before turning to enter the mall.

"Hey Rukia" Senna said waving to Rukia. Senna had been sitting at a bench.

"Sorry were you waiting long?" She asked Senna.

"No, I just came like 2 minutes ago…no let's find you an outfit for your party" Senna said.

Rukia still couldn't believe that her brother was letting her throw a party…especially at the mansion. He was against because after Rukia's graduation he had plane to catch. But she had Ichigo ask Kaien to chaperone the party. Byakuya did not want that either but surprisingly the situation was brought up to Ukitake. Ukitake convinced Byakuya that Kaien was responsible enough to watch the party, if not he would fire Kaien. Byakuya liked the idea of putting Kaien's job on the line. Of course it was a joke because Ukitake would never fire Kaien. Byakuya agreed and now Rukia was throwing the biggest post graduation party.

Rukia and Senna had been up and down the mall, they had checked many stores and Rukia tried on 20 different outfits but she didn't like anything.

"Rukia, you are worse than Ichigo when it comes to shopping" Senna said to Rukia's they walked around the mall "we have been looking for forever for you perfect outfit"

"I don't see anything I really want" Rukia replied.

"Oh my god," Senna squealed. Rukia turned to Senna running towards a store. "Get over here, Rukia!"

Rukia sighed and followed Senna. Senna pointed to the manikin in the window "This is your outfit!" She exclaimed. Rukia looked up to see a cute spaghetti strap dress that came up to the knees; it has flower printing on it. Rukia wasn't a big "pink" fan but she thought the dress was very cute.

"I like it" Rukia said smiling "But I can't pull off pink"

"You so could!" Senna argued. Rukia just shook her head.

"You could look good in anything, Rukia" a male voice said from behind. Rukia and Senna turned to see a guy with red hair in a ponytail. He was tall and wearing a tank top that showed off his tattoos that seemed to be tribal. Rukia looked at the guy, he looked very familiar but she couldn't think of it. He automatically registered that Rukia didn't recognize him.

"Wow, you forgot who I am already little one?" He said smirking. Rukia eyes widened when she realized who the man was. "Renji?" Rukia said. The guy laughed. "Long time no talk huh, Rukia" He replied. Rukia couldn't believe her eyes. Her heart had started pounding faster. Senna noticed that this man made Rukia nervous.

"Uh Rukia who is this?" Senna asked. Rukia came back to reality after hearing Senna.

"Oh, sorry, Senna, this is Renji, he is my childhood friend from Tokyo" Senna smiled and shook Renji's hand. "Senna is my friend" Rukia said. There was then an awkward silence. Rukia didn't know what to say to him. So many emotions where going through her head.

"Rukia has a friend who is a chick, that's a surprise…she was always such a boy" Renji joked. That comment snapped Rukia backed to normal. "That's not true, I chose to have a guy friend, that doesn't make me a boy" She snapped back.

"That's the Rukia I remember" Renji said laughing. Rukia smiled. He always knew how to get me.

Renji walked up to Rukia and gave her a huge hug. "I've missed you Rukia" He said. "Me too" Rukia answered

"So what are you doing in Karakura?" Rukia asked.

"Well I graduated from the high school a few days ago and I decided to move into my apartment"

"Why Karakura?"

"College, I'll be starting school at Shinigami Academy next semester" He replied. Rukia was shocked by this.

"Seriously, you are planning to work for the Gotei 13?"

"Yeah, It's a really good job" Renji said to Rukia. He then looked at his watch. "Damn Rukia, I have to get going but give me your hand." Rukia was confused, she stuck out her arm. He grabbed it and pulled out a marker and wrote a number on her hand. "Call me sometime, so we can catch up" Renji said.

"Of course" Rukia said. They hugged each other goodbye, and Renji ran off waving. Rukia watched him leave, she was so happy to see Renji, so happy she forgot Senna was right behind her.

"He's a cutie" Senna said. Rukia was taken from her thoughts. "Yeah he has grown up a lot." Rukia replied. Senna could see Rukia had a history with this man and it wasn't just a friendship. "So are you sure this Renji guy is just your friend" Senna asked. Rukia was thrown off by the question; she wasn't sure how to answer. "What do you mean?

"Don't play dumb with me, I saw they way you looked at him and how you were acting" Senna stated. "I mean he is hot but looks never mad you this nervous."

Rukia knew Senna was right. "Well, that's because Renji was the first man I ever loved" Senna looked at Rukia shocked. Senna assumed that Rukia and Ichigo were each other's first loves.

"He was your first love?"

"Yeah, me and Renji were friends since we were in kindergarten" Rukia started. "I fell in love with him when I turned 13, but I waited so long to tell him by the time I confessed my love for him, I was moving to Karakura."

"What did he say when you confessed?" Senna asked, she was completely intrigued in the story.

"He told me he loved me too, and that he would wait for me to graduate high school, then we would be together" Rukia explained.

"Do you think he remembers making that promise?"

"I don't know, he didn't bring it up, but I would break his heart if he found out that I'm in love with someone else"

Senna nodded her head then looked back at the dress. "Lets not worry about that now, let's get you in that dress" Senna said smiling. Rukia agreed and headed into the shop with Senna.

At the city gym, Ichigo, Shuhei, Ikkaku and Yumichika had left the treadmill room and entered the weight room. "All right," Ikkaku started, "who is spotting who?"

Ichigo and Shuhei looked at each other and nodded. "I got Ichigo" Shuhei stated. Ikkaku agreed and turn to Yumichika but he was gone.

"Where is Yumichika" Ikkaku said impatiently.

"Right here" Yumichika said. He was in front of the mirror fixing his hair.

"Get over here and spot me" Ikkaku demanded.

"No, we have been running and stretching for two hours, all I wanna do is go to the women's aerobics class and watch." He said with an evil smirk. How could Rukia date this guy? Ichigo thought to himself.

"So who the hell is supposed to spot me" Ikkaku barked.

"How about me, Ikkaku" A male voice said. Ikkaku turned and he couldn't believe who he was looking at.

"Renji? What in the world are you doing here" Ikkaku asked. Renji smiled he hadn't seen Ikkaku in about two years.

"Is that anyway to greet an old friend" Renji said. He gave Ikkaku a bear hug. He then turned to Yumichika "Hey Yumichika, it's been a while" Yumichika nodded and gave Renji a hug.

"These are our friends, Shuhei and Ichigo" Ikkaku said introducing them.

Renji looked at Shuhei and nodded his head then turned to Ichigo; he looked at him up and down and started laughing. "What's with carrot top and the scowl on his face?" Renji said laughing hysterically.

Ichigo clenched his fist; he had an automatic hatred for Renji. "Look whose talking pineapple head." Ichigo snapped back. The others started laughing. Renji got mad and took steps closer to Ichigo until Ikkaku stopped him. "Hey Renji, why don't we start lifting, you can spot me first." Ikkaku said directing Renji to the bench furthest from Ichigo and Shuhei.

Ikkaku got under the weight and lifted while Renji spotted.

"Its good to see you Renji but what brings you to Karakura"

"I will be starting college at Shinigami Academy"

"Seriously, that's great; me and Yumichika are going there too."

"Great, I guess we will have a good time" Renji replied. Ikkaku could tell something else was on his mind, he didn't believe Renji came to Karakura for the school.

"So what's the real reason you're going to school here?" Ikkaku inquired. Renji simply laughed. Ikkaku always knew when he had an ulterior motive.

"Do you remember that girl I was in love with?" Renji asked. "Yeah, some girl who moved away when we were in the middle of freshman year."

"Yeah, well, she lives here in Karakura" Renji explained.

"Damn it Renji, running around the country for some chick, what's the girl's name anyway?" Ikkaku asked.

"Rukia Kuchiki" Ikkaku froze after hearing her name. "Byakuya Kuchiki's younger sister?" Ikkaku asked still not believing it.

"Yes, she was the girl who I had been so depressed over after she moved; I'm guessing you know her"

"Well she goes to my high school."

"Well at least you know who had my heart all that time, I came back to fulfill the promise I made to her" Renji said. "We can be together now that she is going to graduate"

"Renji, have you ever considered that she may have moved on" Ikkaku didn't mean to sound insensitive but he wanted to be realistic.

"She still loves me, I saw her today, and I could see it"

"But she has a boyfriend" Ikkaku immediately regretted telling because Renji accidently dropped the weight when her heard that. Ikkaku groaned and punished the weight off of himself and slowly stood up.

"She has a boyfriend?" Renji asked Ikkaku. He sounded like a kid who lost his puppy.

"They have been together for about ten months now" Ikkaku informed his friend. "They're in love"

"What's his name?" Renji asked now with anger in his tone. Ikkaku knew it wouldn't be wise to tell him it was the "carrot top" from across the room.

"I don't know him, I have only heard about from hearing Rukia speak" He lied. Renji composed himself then smiled. Ikkaku looked at him confused then realized Renji wasn't planning on giving up, at least without a fight.

"Thanks for the info" Renji said before turning and walking towards the door. "Don't do anything stupid Renji" Ikkaku warned him. "I won't, don't worry Rukia is gonna come back to me." Renji said with smirk then headed out the door. Ikkaku was grateful that they were on the other side of the room where Ichigo could hear the conversation.

____________________________________

Later in the night, Rukia had walked into her home.

"Good evening, Miss Kuchiki would you like me to ask the maid to reheat this evening's dinner." The butler greeted her.

"No thank you, I ate while I was out" Rukia replied, "where is my brother?"

"In his office, he is having a meeting with Mr. Yamamoto."

Rukia knew it wasn't smart to interrupt his meeting with the CEO, she decided to take her shopping bags up to her room.

She dropped the bags on her closet then jumped on her bed and relaxed. She had been thinking about Renji all day. He had grown into a handsome and muscular man. Rukia had to admit she was slightly attracted to him even thought she knew she shouldn't be. Rukia was sure there was still something there between them but she loved Ichigo and she would never leave him. Soon her phone started ringing. It was Ichigo. She expected him to be calling to make plans so they could spend the whole day together. He had been trying to convince her to choose Tokyo University so he always planned dates so she would get used to the idea of always being with him.

"Hey strawberry butt" Rukia greeted jokingly.

"Strawberry butt?" He said.

"I thought it was cute"

"Crazy little midget, what are you doing tomorrow" he asked.

"I have nothing planned, why?" She was expecting him to have some romantic date set for them.

"Nothing just asking" He replied. Not the answer she wanted to hear.

"What are you doing?" She asked suspiciously

"My dad arranged for me, him, Karin and Yuzu to have some 'bonding time' "He replied

"That's sounds fun"

"Yeah just wanted to make sure you weren't going to be bored without me"

"I'm sure I could find something to do" Rukia said to him. They continued to talk for about forty-five minutes then they said their goodbyes. Rukia laid on her bed thinking about what to do tomorrow. All her party plans had been done. She looked at her arm and noticed a phone number written on her arm. I forgot, Renji gave me his number. Rukia thought about it whether she should call him, in the end she missed her childhood friend and wanted to catch up. More importantly she needed to make sure that Renji forgot about the promise if not she would have to tell him about Ichigo. She dialed the numbers and put the earpiece to her ear.

"Renji Abarai speaking"

"Hey Renji, its Rukia" Rukia greeted.

"Hey Rukia! Glad to hear from you, what's up?"

"Nothing really, I wanted to see if you were free to hangout with me tomorrow?"

"I have nothing but time for you, just pick the place and time."

"Karakura Park? Noon?"

"Sounds great, I'll see you then"

"Goodnight Renji"

"Night Rukia"

If you didn't Know Renji is the mystery guy from last chapter.

I know I take forever to update but I try my best to do it as much as possible.

Next chapter is a flashback: Rukia's life in Tokyo, and how Rukia made friends with the girls she knows now