First Time- All Over Again
Chapter 10
A/N: IM BACK!!!!! That was the longest four weeks of my life without writing this story…well I was writing this chapter but the writers block disease came and hit me over February break, which I spent in Spain. All that aside, I was squealing with delight to write this chapter because yes, guess what, only 3 CHAPTERS LEFT!!!! There will of course be an epilogue. I guess since you have the right to know after my long absence….there will be one extreme huge plot twist at the end. I will let you sit on that one for awhile. Before I tell you anything else, this chapter is rated M for some…graphic stuff and nudity :P This chapter is named Time after Time by Quietdrive, it's a pretty decent song I must say and it really does tie in nicely with this chapter, enjoy.
Disclaimer: Tite kubo dreams about handing me over that deed to the manga….
Outside the prison, the confined quarters of the tenth division were Byakuya, Hitsugaya and Rangiku whom was completely sober. They bore grave expressions on their faces.
"He's there," observed the white haired captain. Rangiku beside him nodded.
"Hai, we better act fast." The busty lieutenant looked to Byakuya, as if waiting for a call to action. Rukia was his sister and he dealt with Ichigo before.
"Hitsugaya-taicho, Rangiku-fukutaicho, guard the exits, I will restrain the boy and then once he is subdued, I will take him to Yamamoto-taicho. Everyone clear on this?" They all nodded and went to their posts.
Time ceased to exist. The moon bled into the room its rays of purity that bounced off Rukia's expanded violet orbs. Her knuckles turned white as she gripped her hands onto her chair tightly. She fought back the urge to tackle Ichigo to the floor. Rukia's mouth was slightly ajar as words formed at her lips but would not come out. "I-Ichigo," Rukia muttered breathlessly. She still could not register why and how Ichigo was here.
"Hey! Don't leave your mouth open like that. It's unfitting for a Kuchiki." Ichigo's grin was still there, everything about him was recognizable and at the same time, he was different in every aspect since they separated a week ago. Rukia closed her mouth fast but still found it hard to look away. It was just too much for her at the moment. Ichigo finally dropped his superior heroic like demeanor and looked at Rukia seriously for the first time.
"You gonna say something?" Rukia closed her eyes for barely a second and bit down on her lower lip hard.
"Why did you come?" Rukia's question was practically a whisper, seeing as inside her head was spinning.
"I already told you why, don't make me repeat myself. We don't have that much time anyway." His tone was soft as Ichigo looked down on her.
"What do you mean we don't have much time?" Rukia finally looked away from Ichigo. She knew full well what he was talking about.
"Rukia, you know the answer to that. Don't worry though," with a happy yet mischevious glint in his amber brown orbs, "I won't let them kill me just yet." Rukia looked at him baffled.
"How can you possibly outwit and defeat thirteen guard squad captains? You would be one man against the whole of the Soul Society!" Fierceness and concern overtook her small frame, reminding Ichigo of the old Rukia.
"You're talking about me here Rukia. I went against impossible odds before and won. I may not look it, but I'm a lot stronger than you think." Ichigo glanced down at his hands and then back at Rukia once more. "Also, I'm not alone. Inoue, Ishida, Chad, Yoruichi and Renji have come along with me." The raven spaced out for a moment, drinking in his words.
Lying in my bed I hear the clock tick and think of you
Caught up in circles confusion is nothing new
You say go slow; I fall behind
The second hand unwinds
"Why am I so important?" Ichigo looked at her almost surprised for her to ask that abd when the answer came in his mind, his face turned red and his eyebrows were furrowed deeper.
"You mean a lot to me. You're my best friend and I can't afford to see you die again on me, so just go along with it!" The only way he could cover up his feelings was to act like typical Ichigo, shielding himself from being vulnerable.
Rukia felt her heart leap and placed a hand on her chest as if it were in pain. Water was threatening to break through her now bluish black glassy eyes.
"Meeting you at that mall was no mere coincidence or accident. Think of this as me repaying you back for that coffee date." Rukia, now unable to conceal her gratitude embraced Ichigo into an all out hug, which shocked Ichigo beyond relief.
"Rukia….this is so…not like you." Ichigo was now the one that was confused. Despite his statement, Rukia only held on tighter.
"Arigatou, Ichigo, Arigato!" Rukia's voice was muffled as her face was buried in Ichigo's chest.
If you're lost you can look and you will find me Time after time
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you; I'll be waiting
Time after time
Time after time
"For saving you from that guy? I thought we-" Ichigo was cut off as Rukia separated herself from her strawberry named friend.
"No, you baka. It seems that no matter what, whether I die or not, you are always right behind me. You follow me everywhere." Rukia looked up with her glistening violet eyes penetrating Ichigo's hazel brown. She had him hooked. Ichigo fight as hard as he may, but he couldn't take his eyes off her.
"You mean a lot to me too, so don't do anything stupid alright?" Her voice regained some of its resolve and it pleaded Ichigo to listen. There was an awkward silence that followed like always when both of them were thinking on the same wavelength. Ichigo tried to find something reassuring to say to her but he was at point blank. A slight curve of a smile graced Rukia's face. Ichigo looked at her curiously.
"Knowing you though, it's too much to ask." Ichigo realized after a minute she insulted him and he glared at her coldly.
"What about you? You could have went home and forget I ever existed but instead, you come here and put yourself in danger!" He kept his hard gaze on her, daring her to say something smart like that again.
"I have a valid reason!" They both locked heads as they stared the other down.
"Then what may I ask?" he had enough of this one-way conversation.
"It's none of your business!" Now she was being stubborn, she didn't want to admit it so she was in denial. Rukia would not spill anything until he did.
"Tell me Rukia Damnit!" His voice rose and he was furious at her reluctance to tell him was really bothering her.
Sometimes you picture me I'm walking too far ahead
You're calling to me I can't hear just what you've said
You say go slow; I fall behind
The second hand unwinds
Rukia shuddered at his stinging voice and this time felt all wall break down one by one. She knew Ichigo wanted her to be truthful, but what if the truth came too soon and it would mean misery for both of them? The last thing she wanted to do was die with regrets. She didn't know why but a little voice inside her told her the three words that she wanted to say would only result in more misery and despair for both of them. Why die saying them when nothing good would ever come from it? A tear slid down her eye onto her cheek. Ichigo saw it and instantly wiped it away with his finger. Rukia blushed from the sudden contact. His eyes dropped to the ground and he took a hand to run his fingers through his hair.
"I'm, sorry, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to" His words were barely spoken above a whisper. Rukia mentally hit herself again and again. She felt guilty for not being honest with him.
"No, don't be…Ichigo…I l-love you and I don't want you to leave or fie for my sake!" The tears welled up and finally broke through.
Ichigo looked taken aback for a second, not expecting her to say that. He searched her eyes for reasoning behind what she said but found nothing and shockingly enough was speechless himself. Rukia had taken his breath and voice away. He thought this wouldn't happen again. He thought he wouldn't fall in love again. Rukia died along with his faith in love and humanity. Now that she was here, reincarnated, he was at a loss for words and didn't know what to feel. Ichigo thought he knew where his heart was all along in this decision to save Rukia but maybe he was just being foolish and hopeful.
"R-Rukia…" Ichigo inched himself closer to her again, finding himself involuntarily being lured to the curves of her small body. They locked eyes with each other and knew what they weren't saying but wanted to. They also knew they were in a complete world of their own. A place where the soul society and earth didn't exist and hollows never were born. He cupped her chin delicately with his right hand and held her waist with the left.
If you're lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you; I'll be waiting
Time after time
She in return wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned up so their faces were closer. Sparks were flying and the heat was increasing rapidly. Wrapped up in the moment, Ichigo took the initiative to kiss her. That kiss was all it took. That kiss had made every word said in vain, every bitter departure long forgotten. From there, it was all pure magic. Every obstacle that stood between them, crumbled for a second time since they reunited. Rukia's lips were parted slightly and Ichigo's tongue was welcomed into her mouth. After five minute of harmless kissing, their love deepened. She ran a hand through his loud spiky hair and his kiss was more rough and passionate. Their love had to be expressed much more vibrantly now, and not as innocent as before. If they had to be dirty, they would get dirty. Ichigo slumped against the wall, letting Rukia take the drivers seat and she wasn't slow about doing so. She quickly showed Ichigo who was the pants in that relationship.
Rukia slid her mouth down to his neck. Ichigo took off his shirt, feeling all sweaty from the hot atmosphere. Rukia followed suit. Her tongue was cold to the touch on Ichigo's nape but he moaned in pleasure nonetheless. The small and feisty raven; after just getting her spirit back, advanced and playfully bit down. It was not deep enough to show a wound or scar but it would still leave Rukia's autograph on it with her teeth marks. Her body was propped up on his lap, matching his body shape perfectly. They were both as high as kite, not wanting to break away from each other's sweet embrace. Ichigo felt the power shift and knew he would be in control now. His mouth sank in deeper and rougher than before and Rukia slid on her back to the ground to give Ichigo more leverage. Ichigo smiled and leaned forward far enough so he would let Rukia really get "inside" of him. They became one person, one individual. Their love couldn't be tampered with. They didn't need to say anything. Everything was expressed with their bodies. Rukia moaned and felt her body tingle all over upon entry. Both of them were becoming dehydrated from their intense love-making.
Rukia gave everything to Ichigo and he continued to supply her with his sperm. The sun symbolically let in rays of sunlight that lit up Ichigo and Rukia as if presenting their feelings for each other to the world. Their hearts were beating fast and sweat beads cascaded down from their foreheads. Finally after a passionate twenty minutes, they broke their close contact and separated to catch their breath. Ichigo and Rukia sat up against the concrete wall, finding it too hard to glimpse at one another. Their faces were flushed and hair was unruly. It finally dawned on them just what they had done. They had sexual intercourse but it was not what they expected. It was as if Ichigo and Rukia were standing on the sidelines the whole time watching themselves in a different place and time. Both of them never imagined they would get where they were and for a brief moment in time, the odd couple wondered how they were able to go from arguing to going almost completely nude in a matter of minutes. Needless to say, the aftershock was enormous. Now that they experienced what they promised so long ago at a carnival to never attempt again, their feelings were mixed and shrouded in uncertainty and neither wanted to own up to what they did. Was their covet nothing more than a sex trigger? It was just like last time on the ferris wheel, only this time there were no friends in sight. Just when Rukia thought all hope would be lost for her and him, he did the unspeakable, or at least for him anyway.
After my picture fades and darkness has turned to grey
Watching through windows, you're wondering if I'm ok
You say go slow; I fall behind
The drum beats out of time
"I love you too Rukia. For humanity's sake though, shut up and leave. I don't want you to be difficult about this and get caught up in the fray of battle. Yamamoto will no doubt want your memory erased as well." Ichigo put his hands deep into his pockets, not feeling any more insecure if he tried. He let two locks of his spiky orange hair fall over his eyes as he casted them toward the ground. He expected her after all he did, what they just did that Rukia would understand but he obviously forgot one thing about her after she died. Her body stiffened against his, and a single hand was raised. Ichigo was too oblivious to defend himself and Rukia sent a stinging slap across his face. It was then after his face became sore that he knew her answer and his stomach wretched thinking about it.
"Are you really that stupid? Second thought, DON'T answer that, it may kill whatever brain cells whatever you have left up there! I am getting sick and tired of you hovering over me, always worrying about me. Just because I'm human, just because I'm a girl, it does not mean I'm a weak and helpless fool that needs protection. There is no way in HELL I'm going to let you go out of there to fend off the entire soul society with what few friends you have! We are doing this together!! We are a team and you will not get rid of me that easily!" Rukia flashed her angry amethyst eyes on him that could penetrate Ichigo's pores. For a second, he was taken aback by her brash and bold behavior. It felt like their roles have reversed in more ways than one. Ichigo saw himself staring back at him when he was still the rebellious punk of fifteen years of age. Ichigo couldn't believe that he was ready to send his partner in crime away for his own selfish reasons. He closed his eyes, looked down and back up again, the residual feelings of Rukia's hand meeting his face fading away. "So…what are we waiting around here for?" He flashed one of his sincere yet arrogant smiles.
If you're lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you I'll be waiting
Time after time
"Let's make sure we can finish what we started after this whole thing is done with." Rukia glanced up at him mischievously. She was so poised about the way she spoke while Ichigo only felt like a small child who saw a naked girl for the first time. "Of course!" Hand in hand, Ichigo and Rukia prepared to leave when a big reiatsu hit him on both fronts. The intensity of it almost caused him to loose his footing. Ichigo and Rukia knew who it was. He sauntered into the jail, his face as stolid as ever with his long black hair flowing past his shoulders. When he reached the cell, he hardened his gaze on both of them but concentrated his glare moreso on Ichigo.
"Just where do you think you're going kurosaki?" His voice sent chills up their spines. Ichigo courageously stepped forward, placing Rukia behind him.
"Home, with Rukia. Why? Do you have a problem tight-ass Kuchiki?" He smirked, awaiting a favorable answer and for Byakuya to explode on him even though it was never seen by any Shinigami alive.
"You are under arrest for transferring powers to a mortal. That is a capital crime. You should know better." His facial expression did not change in the least.
Ichigo did not show his surprise. 'How did they find out so quickly?'
"If you are wondering about how I found out, hitsugaya-taicho was given the sordid details from one of your friends." Ichigo felt hot fury rise up in him from the betrayal.
"It would be pitiful to resist now Kurosaki, we have you surrounded. Come with us peacefully. Don't worry about the girl, she will be saf-" Byakuya was cut off but a small but loud girl that was hiding behind Ichigo. She walked in front of him, allowing herself to be basked in the moon's light.
"No! I'm going with him." Byakuya's eyes widened slightly but he regained his composure quick enough for them not to notice.
"That is not possible, you will stay out of this and be attended to after his execution." The way he spoke to her reminded her of their previous encounter. Byakuya Kuchiki seized to make Rukia feel smaller than she already was. Ichigo scowled darkly.
"She can do what she wants. Rukia is just as involved in my execution as me. She won't listen to reason I'm afraid." He smirked even though inside everything was turning black.
"Fine, then she will killed along with you. However…you two will be separated and both of your deaths will be spaced out." Both of them felt their hearts plummet and split once again. Rukia wondered if this was how it always was supposed to be. Would their lives end just like that with so much unsaid?
"What if we don't want to?" Ichigo made a motion for him and Rukia to escape but Byakuya took a step forward and shook his head.
"I suspected as much. That is why I have you ambushed by me, Rangiku-san and Hitsugaya-taicho. Your resistance will be trivial now." Ichigo scrunched his eyes and his mouth began to quiver a bit.
"Ichigo…go without me, I'll be ok, I promise." Rukia smiled at him, trying to comfort him but her tall carrot top friend was unreachable. She noticed the tough spot he was in and wanted him safe first.
"No way am I leaving you alone with that freak!" His teeth were clenched tight and his words were exaggerated into the form of a snarl. Byakuya ignored the insult and only stuck his nose higher in the air. Suddenly though, Ichigo saw the Kuchiki put his fingers upward toward his mouth and utter inaudible words. Ichigo cursed inside his head. 'Shit! He's performing a kidou, but what?!'
"Soren Sokatsui!" Left totally defenseless, Ichigo is sent flying backwords and is enveloped in Byakuya's attack. After being thrown into layers of rock and being overwhelmed by Byakuya's spiritual power, Ichigo had no will to move. His arms were pinned to the ground in both directions, his body torn up and blood dripping from his forehead. Rukia's eyes teared up in sudden emotional distraught over Ichigo being beaten up and this wasn't even the real deal. However, looking at Ichigo's shallow rising of his chest, and all the blood, Rukia wondered how much more he could take.
Byakuya made no hesitation and picked up Ichigo bridal style with his bare hands and disappeared before Rukia's eyes. Making the vocation to go after him, Rukia jumped out of the broken window only to run into Hitsugaya and Matsumoto.
"Halt Rukia! Don't make this harder for yourself or Ichigo!" The voice belonged to the shorter of the pair.
"How can you fall in line behind someone who is going to senselessly kill one of your own who was only defending himself and protecting me!" Matsumoto flinched at her words and glanced at her Taicho who only crossed his arms and closed his eyes in a stubborn manner.
"We aren't exactly liking what Yamamoto-taicho is doing but there isn't anything we can do about it." Matsumoto looked away, not wanting to see the cold fury in Rukia's eyes.
"There is a lot you can do! Instead of brining Ichigo to his death, you can stall, heal him, revolt or try to persuade Yamamoto instead of giving up!!!" Tears were freefalling-causing strands of her hair from the sides to stick to her face.
"Kuchiki-san…" there was an uncomfortable pause. "I'm sorry, it's not as easy as you make it out to be. Ichigo's execution is tomorrow. If he is weak, there will be less a fuss and Ichigo may not even feel the pain. His becoming will be more peaceful and-" Rukia suddenly in a blind rage took one arm and grabbed Matsumoto's neck. She tightened her grasp as her teeth were more clenched than ever.
"What do you mean TOMORROW?!! Doesn't every Shinigami receive the grace period of 20 days before their trial? Or have you gotten so delusional to not care about that anymore?" Rukia's voice rose and Hitsugaya had to knock her out unconscious so Matsumoto wouldn't get completely strangled. All it took was a blow to the upper spine and lower neck area.
"Taicho…you didn't have to be so hard on her, she is just mentally suffering." Matsumoto rubbed her neck due to the placement of Rukia's hands only seconds ago. Then, her captain held out Rukia to her.
"You take her to where Ichigo is being sent to." Hitsugaya turned his back on her, leaving an unconscious Rukia in Rangiku's arms. She was so pale and light as well.
"It would be insensitive of us, they are going to die anyway." With those words said, the unexpressive captain left.
Matsumoto glanced down at the fragile yet strong willed girl curled up in pain. Her face was contorted in misery and self pity. She obviously held a lot in for longer than she should. She sighed and started running toward the shrine of penitence and couldn't help but feel that someone was stepping over her grave.
If you're lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you I'll be waiting
(I will be waiting)
Time after time
Time after time
Time after time
A/N: So how was that after 4 weeks of nothing? Yes, next chapter is execution! Aren't you all just super duper excited like I am?!…cricket, cricket whatever! Perty please review, Arigatou!!
PS: For all of those out there who like this anime, Im planning on making a shakugan no Shana fic soon so be on alert for that!