Author's Note: Thank you to the 34 people who added this story as a favorite, 45 people who put this story on alert, 3 people who put me in their favorite lists, and the 8 people that put me on author alert. Seeing those numbers grow always lets me know that my story is read =] and people enjoy it.
I apologize for the long delay on this story…I've been wrecking my brain, and this shoddy chapter is the only thing I could think of…so as an added bonus, I made a mini-Omake for your imagining pleasure on the bottom. Review responses on the bottom as usual.
Again, so sorry for the lack of updates! I am starting a Martial Arts Academy where I am...so it's hectic.
Put me on Author Alert by the way! I am going to be writing a Naruto-based fic as well soon.
Chapter 10: After Waiting Forever…
Current Timeline
"I-Ichi…go…" the soft voice of a woman whispered his name. She was holding her hand up, covering her lips from the shocked expression she wore. The usually taller, orange-haired Shinigami was on one knee, holding a small blue box in front of him. The content within the box glistened in the evening light. The orange-haired Shinigami had his usual smirk plastered on his face, but it would be a lie to say he wasn't nervous. His reiatsu fluttered uncontrollably, forcing many of the Shinigami to perspire and breathe heavily. The raven haired woman uncovered her lips, revealing a very rare smile. Her soft, pink lips were about to form a single word, the word that this Shinigami had been waiting to hear all day. Before she could respond, a puff of white smoke obscured their vision.
What appeared from the smoke was a wave of Chappy bunnies, surrounding both the orange-haired and raven-haired Shinigami. These numerous rabbits eventually gathered together to form one giant, super Chappy-robot. The robot had a banner across its chest, which sported a "Marry Chappy the Bunny," message. The raven-haired Shinigami took one look at the shocked man, before running off to the gigantic Chappy robot. And just like that, she was frolicking away, mini-hearts forming and popping from the woman's head.
"...Gah!" Ichigo's body jerked up off his bed. The sudden motion threw him off-balance as he landed face-first onto the hardwood floor. Recovering from the fall, Ichigo scratched his head with an agitated yawn. "What the hell was that dream…" As Ichigo slowly picked himself up, he glanced at the time: 12:00 P.M.
"HOLY HELL! I'M LATE!" Ichigo yelled as he rushed out of his pajamas and grabbed his shihakusho and Haori. He ran into his bathroom, where the bathtub was mysteriously set up as if anticipating his late arrival. Ichigo shoved the thought to the back of his mind as he walked into the tub and started to wash his hair. As he was cleaning up, Ichigo noticed that the shihakusho and Haori were folded neatly before he unceremoniously tossed them to the ground. Why hadn't Rukia woken him up? Ichigo grumbled as he scrubbed himself furiously. Finishing his shower in record time, he changed into this shihakusho and donned his Haori. He brushed his teeth soon after; his mind was too jumbled to process exactly what was going on. After finishing, Ichigo practically ran out of the bathroom, only stopping to grab Zangetsu and his Zanpakuto's red cord.
Slamming his door shut, he ran past some of his division's Shinigami, ignoring the salutes given to him. Ichigo mentally slapped himself in the face as he exited the office area into the courtyard. Ichigo stopped suddenly as he saw and felt the familiar presence of a particular petite Shinigami. Ichigo stopped to look at the Shinigami, who was trying her best to suppress the loud laughter that would erupt. Many of the Shinigami around her didn't fare as well; many of the newer recruits were rolling on the ground laughing. Ichigo was pissed and his reiatsu spiked, making most of his subordinates to kneel almost immediately. Only one that didn't seem to be affected was the fully laughing petite Shinigami.
"Ara, Kurosaki-kun~," Rukia spoke in that 'annoying' schoolgirl accent from a hundred years ago. "Did you have a fine afternoon, my dear Kurosaki-kun~"
"Damn it Rukia!" Ichigo retorted back. "Did you turn my alarm off?"
"Of course I did, berry…" Rukia spoke as she dropped the schoolgirl accent. A small smile lingered on her lips as she said, "Who else knows how to use that Living World technology here?"
"We're late for the Academy! It was scheduled at 9 o'clock, and it's already past 12 in the afternoon!" Ichigo was practically shouting now.
"Oi, control your reiatsu, strawberry! Look at your subordinates!" Rukia shouted back, pointing to the Shinigami around her. Ichigo was pissed, even more so because his subordinates always seemed to take enjoyment through this sort of thing. He took deep breaths, imagining a dam closing off a vigorous river, turning it into a small, calm stream. Rukia smiled as the pressure lifted off her subordinates. "That's better. Academy sent me a Hell Butterfly soon after you left last night, saying they needed to reschedule. I took care of it already…we'll be there tomorrow.
"Besides…I figured you'd like to sleep in once in a while…" Rukia spoke as she approached the disgruntled 14th Division Captain. Getting close to him, she reached up for a quick peck on the cheek. They both blushed furiously as they heard the multiple 'aww's' coming from the Squad members. "Though to be honest, you can thank Nel for that little idea…"
"Yea, whatever…" Ichigo scratched his head. As much as he was pissed off getting pranked in front of his entire Division, Ichigo noticed that it strangely strengthened camaraderie. "Alright, fun times over! Get back to training or work!"
"Yes sir!" came the cry from his Division members as they scurried off to the different part of the headquarters. Ichigo was joined by Rukia as he walked slowly back to his office. "Damned midget…I swear you cut years away from my life…"
"Just be glad I even spend the time with you!" Rukia shot back playfully, as she hit him on the shoulder lightly. "Nel and I already finished the paperwork for the day. We practically have a free day today."
"Rukia…" Ichigo started, but said nothing as their eyes met. The two rarely, if ever, said 'thank you' or 'your welcome.' When their eyes connected, their love, gratitude, and deep thoughts conveyed better than any string of words ever could. He suddenly remembered the events of last night, at the dinner with Byakuya. "Hey, think you can clear us an 8-hour pass to the Living World?"
"I guess? Where and why so sudden?" Rukia asked, curiosity written all over her face.
"Karakura Town…and as for why is a secret, midget," Ichigo smirked, even after Rukia's foot connected to a particularly bruised part of his shin. The two split up soon afterward; Rukia headed to the 12th Division to speak with their coordinator and Ichigo returned to his room, grabbing a small blue box. I really hope that dumbass rabbit doesn't spoil this…Ichigo thought.
Karakura Town
A lone Shinigami stood on top of the highest building in Karakura, his gaze slowly scanning the town for any troubles. Strangely, Karakura Town had remained as the spiritually-dense area it had been a hundred years ago, and would always require a Shinigami on duty. Today was one of those days: long, boring, uneventful. The Shinigami had managed to perform at least 20 konso's today, with no Hollow activity. The Shinigami jumped down to a smaller building to observe the people walking on the busy street. He pulled out a small book titled 'Guide to the Living World' by Lieutenant Kuchiki Rukia and Captain Kurosaki Ichigo, and read from it. He identified this area as the 'business' district, where humans went to buy clothing or anything else. As he tucked in the boring book, he couldn't help but notice a group of schoolgirls walking past. The Shinigami's eyes bulged out in the perverted sense as he started to undress them mentally. He saw the humans walk into a lingerie store. His hormones got the best of him and decided to follow the girls in; no one would be able to see him anyway. Before he could make it down the building, he was met with a swift kick to the head and stomach.
"What the hell? Who dare kicks the great -," the Shinigami stopped mid-sentence as he looked up. "T-the…14th Division Captain, Kurosaki Ichigo and his Li-Lieutenant, Kuchiki Rukia!"
"Oi, what division are you from…?" Rukia asked as she stared him down with her deep purple eyes. The Shinigami gulped.
"T-t-t-the 8th, ma'am!" The Shinigami gave a hasty salute. He saw the orange-haired Captain shake his head.
"A pervert would be from the 8th…" Ichigo grumbled as he grabbed the unnamed Shinigami's robes. "Do that again, and you might mysteriously find yourself joining the 14th Division, hear?"
"S-s-s-sorry sir! Won't happen again!" The Shinigami yelled out as he ran as fast as possible away from the Captain and Lieutenant. He shook his head as his eyes met with Rukias.
"So, we've visited your old school, where the Clinic used to be…you have one more place in mind?" Rukia asked as she jumped on Ichigo's back. Ichigo placed his arms under her legs to support the weight.
"Just one more…" Ichigo said as he jumped from that location. After several shunpo later, they found themselves by the riverbank. The sun was beginning to set as brilliant purple, red, and orange lights darkened the blue sky. The calm, clear river reflected the natural fireworks of the sky. Rukia let herself slip off his back and walked closer to the river. Ichigo couldn't help but smile; the lights that reflected off her purple eyes were indescribable. It was then that his Zanpakuto spirit made itself known.
"Ichigo…" Zangetsu spoke in his usual gruff voice. "Stop the earthquakes in your inner world…just ask her the question already…"
"Yea Kingy, where'd ya balls go?" Ichigo inwardly grumbled as his hollow snickered at him. "We both know who's got the bigger testies…lemme out and I'll do it-"
"Hell no, you crazy, murderous moron!" Ichigo mentally shouted at his Hollow. Ichigo rummaged around his shihakusho and eventually found the small blue box.
"Never lose your resolve Ichigo…Don't look back…" Zangetsu's voice echoed in his mind as he felt the two spirits leaving him be. Ichigo's feet found himself walking towards Rukia, who was staring at the river.
"I'd have to guess…both your Hollow and Zangetsu?" Rukia asked, not looking at the orange-haired Shinigami. When Ichigo gave a huff in reply, she gave a small smile. "Mind if I ask what it's about?"
"Ah…well…erm…" Ichigo scratched the back of his head again. When Rukia looked up, Ichigo was blushing. Rukia grinned evilly; she will prod him until she found out.
"Come on, Ichigo…you can tell me…" Rukia spoke as he hands grasped Ichigo's softly. She gave a small smile. "Please?"
Shit. Ichigo thought as he felt his face grow even redder. There was a look that he could never overcome in the hundred or so years of being with Rukia. Those sparkling eyes, the small smile, the physical contact, everything that Rukia was doing right now drove Ichigo crazy. Ichigo felt his mind scramble for an excuse, some sort of anything to get her to stop. Only thing Ichigo could think of was…
"M-m-marry me!" Ichigo shouted. He gave himself a mental slap on the forehead: apparently, asking Rukia was a lot harder than asking Byakuya for permission. His scowl had returned in full force and it would've seemed intimidating if it wasn't for the flushed cheeks. Rukia would usually laugh at this reaction, but not today. Her hands let go of Ichigo's as she tried to register what he had asked.
"W-w-what did you say…?" Rukia managed to say. Had she heard him right? Did Ichigo just ask for her to marry him? Rukia's look of confusion grew as Ichigo went down on one knee and fumbled around for a small blue box. He opened it to reveal a beautiful ring. The center diamond was surrounded by a pair of amethysts, sitting atop the golden ring. Ichigo sighed as he saw the confused look.
"It's a Living World thing…a guy's supposed to propose with a ring…" Ichigo mumbled, still completely red-faced. Rukia noticed that his usual scowl was replaced by something rare: a look of nervousness. "Kuchiki Rukia...will you marry me?"
"Ichigo…" Rukia started to speak. When the two made eye-contact, both people smiled. Ichigo grabbed Rukia's left hand softly as he slid the ring on her 4th finger. They say that soul mates have this interesting power: the power to communicate without verbal words. Rukia tip-toed up as she wrapped her arms around his neck and Ichigo bent down slightly to meet her halfway. Both of their eyes began to slowly close as their hair, forehead, and then nose made contact. A gentle breeze ruffled Ichigo's Haori as their lips finally met. Rukia had met him 103 years ago, secretly dated 90 years ago, officially dated 80 years ago, and was proposed by him on the same date. To Ichigo's confusion, Rukia broke the kiss abruptly with a slightly-agitated look.
"Ichigo, you baka! You were supposed to ask Nii-sama before me!" Rukia pretended to be annoyed at Ichigo's usual cluelessness to the inner workings of nobility. She decided to act the part by kicking Ichigo on the shins.
"Ow, damn it! I'm surprised you didn't break my shins already…" Ichigo mumbled as he rubbed the sore spot. "And I asked Byakuya last night…he said okay…"
The Night Before, Dinner at Byakuya's
Dinner had been delicious as usual, and had ended with tea. Rukia had excused herself as she was requested by one of the elders that resided in the Kuchiki Estate. When her gentle reiatsu was far away from them, Byakuya began to speak.
"Kurosaki Ichigo…you've requested this dinner for the purposes of speaking to me alone…" Byakuya spoke. Hearing no response from the orange-haired Shinigami, the noble continued. "Would you grace me as to the reason why you've requested a private audience with me?
As Byakuya's cold gaze turned to Ichigo, Byakuya couldn't help but notice the reiatsu Ichigo was admitting. He sensed that Ichigo was nervous about something, and since it most definitely had to do with Rukia. Byakuya mentally allowed himself to smile; this would be entertaining.
"Ah…yea…sorry about that Byakuya..." Ichigo scratched the back of his head. "Um…well, it's about Rukia…"
"Go on, Kurosaki…" Byakuya spoke with his usual steely tone.
"Well, we've been dating for a while now and…" Ichigo paused for a moment. "I-I was wondering if I can marry her?"
Byakuya's eyes widened a fraction before composing himself again. Byakuya honestly expected the boy to take at least half an hour before he got to the point. Ichigo made eye contact with him for the first time of this conversation.
"You, who have secretly started dating a noble behind the noble head's back…" Byakuya spoke in a cold voice. Kuchiki Byakuya was the head of the Kuchiki noble family, but it didn't mean he couldn't have his fun once in a while. "…for 10 years. You, who only publically announced their relationship only after getting caught by the mentioned head of the noble house, are asking me for Rukia's hand in marriage?"
"Um…yea?" Ichigo said. He mentally slapped himself on the forehead, he figured Byakuya would mention that. Ichigo cleared his throat and composed himself as best he could; this wasn't the time to be an idiot. "I mean…yes, despite that, I'm asking you."
Byakuya didn't say anything to the anxious orange-head. He merely observed as Ichigo was squirming from under his gaze. Ichigo's reiatsu was going fluctuating as well: all tell-tale signs of nervousness. Byakuya took a small sip from his cup; he was the head of the Kuchiki family. Even if he was a being of evil intent, he couldn't leave this boy in anticipation for too long. His pride and code of ethics forbade it. Byakuya placed his cup down on the table gently as he stood up. Ichigo silently followed the noble to one of the many gardens in the estate.
"Kurosaki Ichigo…" Byakuya said as he turned around to face the man following him. Byakuya's cold gaze softened as the noble allowed himself a fraction of a smile to appear. "…as the head of the Kuchiki Household, I will grant your request."
Next Time, on The 14th Division
"…so, my 'third daughter' is really GOING to be my third DAUGHTER! I'M SO HAPPY!" Isshin jumped around the mansion that he now called home. "This is great! Masaki, our son's finally grown!"
"My, my, my dear Isshin…" Masaki's soft voice calmed the hyperactive father. "I think you're embarrassing our dearests'. Don't mind your father, Ichigo…"
Ichigo had been able to resist the urges of kicking his father every now and then, but he would've kicked his dad if it weren't for two people: his mom and Rukia.
"Welcome to the family…Rukia-nee!"
*Plus/Pluses: Refers to the souls that aren't earth-bound or turned to Hollow.
CracktheSkye: Thanks much! I write to entertain =]. I will do my best to bring a good chapter so don't worry =]
GetsugaTenshou1315: Thank you! This chapter was kinda hard for me to write…hopefully I wasn't too O.O.C. this Chapter!
Hellooworldx3: Thank you for your compliments! I hope to keep this going as much as I can!
Bcsaturdai: Thank you for your cheer =D. My defense is that its 100 years after Ichigo got his powers back during the Fullbring incident, so I always envisioned the old-Nell form to be a bit more mature than that. Though they have caused plenty of mischief when she moved to Soul Society initially…xD spoiler alert?
Azraelean: Awkward Ichigo was very Awkward, eh? :-]
Fokker333: I imagined Ichigo as a complete pansy when it comes to women, and since he has all the time in the world in Soul Society (considering he's a soul), he would procrastinate like a boss/bit-h, depending on your view. Hope this chapter made you laugh =D
Annonn: Thank you for your kind words! I'm grate for the 17 reviews (including yours) that I received. I know that there's quite bit of people that follow this story so, as long as it gets read I'm happy. =D
Metsfan101: Thanks man! And a Mets fan, you don't live in the Tri-State area do you?
Aletheya: When I was writing the preview, I was watching one of the Bleach Movies with Senna in it (I think it's the 1st Bleach movie, right?). I was actually watching the scene where he purchases the red ribbon for her, all nervous, uptight, and red in the face. Hope this made you laugh as well!
OMAKE:
Captain's Protocol: Other Behavioral Issues, by Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, Captain-Commander of the 14 Court Guard Squad
Rule One: Use of Bankai outside of Combat
1: This Rule illustrates the misuse of Bankai, namely, outside of combat or training exercieses. Though not necessarily illegal in accordance to the laws of Central 46, this guide gives examples of Bankai "misuse."
A: When your subordinates have difficult time moving heavy furniture, or anything else…NO BANKAI! (See: Captain Komamura Sajin; Kokujo Tengen Myo'o)
B: If an embarrassing object, personal property, etc. is found unintentionally…NO BANKAI! (See: Captain Kurotsuchi Mayuri: Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo)
C: When reprimanding a lazy subordinate…NO BANKAI! (See: Captain Hitsugaya Toshiro; Daiguren Hyorinmaru. See also: Matsumoto Rangiku)
D: When you are late for a meeting, function, etc….NO BANKAI! (See: Captain Kurosaki Ichigo: Tensa Zangetsu, Ressureccion)