Gah, I love the response you give me guys. It makes me update so fast than the usual, other than the story being finished of course. But still, I love you guys! Plus, the encouragement you give me! I came across my friend again who, made me depressed again like before, because of what he said. I got down again a bit, but I thought all about your encouragement and you guys cheering me up, so he could shove his ass somewhere cause I have lots of people who support me behind my back! Haha
Thank you to all of you guys. I'll continue making ichiruki fics for all of you! HUGS! I got 2 cookies from ADDVengance, but I'm willing to share it to all of you… we each get a bite and pass it to the next reviewer. Heehee!
Shout outs:
Bella68: Kaien will be sneaky all throughout the story! Haha! Bella68-san, do you mind if I go and ask you in the future about recent happenings in the manga? You know how I er, well not ready to read it yet… but I'm fine with bits for now. Thank you! You got some kind of clairvoyant thought there. You kinda got part of it right, but in a different sense. Haha! I'm glad you loved the story.
Lost in Green: Don't we all? Because Ichigo's so dense with his own feelings. haha. Thanks, glad you liked the idea of them as 'rivals.'
Shana.rose: YEP! Score one for you for getting what I wanted to say right! Here's a cookie!
Ridea-chan It's not that rare. I'm also one, although the organized part, not that exaggerated. That's so cool, we should you know, form a club of: we-hate-people-staring-at-us-and-we're-order-addicts. Hoho. You don't have to apologize if you don't write much just because you don't speak English much. It's really fine. I'm just glad you loved the story! Thanks!
Darkmeows: Hey there too friend! Ooh, too brutal… no accidents and dying in here, not that I haven't thought about it. Haha. We'll come to that. Yep, Ichigo's kinda getting attached to Rukia for now, not much love yet.
Karenkate-kitty: You will be rewarded with Rukia and Ichigo pampering each other for your wonderful support. We will come to that, starting here in this update.
Ryukansen: There will be a lot of that, especially the Kaien and Ichigo Rivalry. Renji doesn't have much rivalry role since he's in another country, but he will get a chance to meet Ichigo eventually.
Hisanachan: Thank you. Ooh, I loved that teasing song about Ichigo being jealous. I could imagine Hisagi and Urahara singing it while they go hover around Ichigo. Haha! Thanks.
The-long-lost-strawberry: Here's the update! Kaien's a good rival isn't he? Haha. Thank you! Glad you loved the story! Enjoy!
Strawberry-Ringo: I don't mind you putting sentences in your reviews; I kinda like it too, that way I would know which part you really loved per chapter. ; Thanks. We will have more Rukia massaging Ichigo that I promise!
Zeldagamefan: hehehe. And the predictions begin. oh well, I guess we'll have to wait what Kaien does in here. Thanks!
RinUtari: There will be angst, but not yet, in the future chapters probably. Haha. You're an angst person! Woot! Thanks!
Bleacher27: Sadly, It's not yet Hinamori's time to meet up close and personal with Hitsugaya. Hahaha. But there will be a moment for that, I promise! Starting … NOW! Yay, score another one for someone who likes the Ichigo-Kaien rivalry! Tnx!
ADDVengance: Thank you for the two cookies! I hope to get box loads, so I am really working hard! Haha!
--------------------------------------------------
As promised, Chapter 10 of Fall.
Previously on chapter 9:
"Sorry if I made you feel like I'm not honest with you." She added.
Ichigo gulped, she actually bought it, now he felt guilty himself. "It's okay. No big. Anyway, you should just cheer up, I'm not saying forget about it… but maybe you know, he's busy, just wait maybe he'll mail you some other time."
"Yeah, I guess you're right, I suppose I got a bit emotional. Thanks Ichigo…" Rukia smiled. "Anyway, you rest there for another 20 minutes and you're good to go, nothing's sprained just a bruise."
"Thanks." Ichigo sat down comfortably. Awhile ago, he wanted to throw curses at Rukia's boyfriend for being so inconsiderate, but then again, that makes him emotional like Rukia too, which in this case won't do any good.
All he thought about now is how to cheer Rukia up. He felt he had to make her stay here comfortable and good.
'Right, so what if she has a boyfriend? Doesn't make her less interesting ne?'
Ichigo shook his head, he had yet to find out what Kaien meant by that, but by some strange reason, he sort of agreed to the said statement.
-----------------------------------------------------
Disclaimer: Not mine. The story/plot is mine though.
Type: AU, may exceed to more than one chapter…
Rating: T. Because of some languages used; Profanities are praised here a lot.
Pairing: IchigoxRukia
Summary: Rukia Kuchiki goes on fulfilling her dreams as a manga artist, and stumbles upon band vocalist and lead, Ichigo Kurosaki who makes her coordinated life become a bit more spontaneous.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Fall
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 10: Let the pampering begin
Hinamori squealed for the third time that day. She had been regretful that she wasn't at home when the Shinigamis came to visit Rukia.
She almost fainted when she learned the Hitsugaya was among those who asked Rukia to the concert. Ichigo was still in their home at that time, and had asked her to come too.
So now, she's going with her 'now and forever will be' favorite cousin to the Shinigami charity concert.
"Hurry up, Rukia, or we'll lose some good seats!" She dragged Rukia out of the room.
"Do I have to?" Rukia sighed.
"Yes you have to go! The Shinigamis personally invited you! I can't believe you act so uninterested about all of this." The peach girl pouted, and placed her hands on her waist.
"I'm not. I've seen them play… What difference does it make?" Rukia dusted her ocean blue sundress.
"You will get to see how overwhelming they are on stage and with an actual audience!" Hinamori gushed, and pulled her wrist. "We're going now Mom!"
"Be careful you two… and what time will you come home?" Unohana ushered them to the door.
"As early as possible… Auntie" Rukia groaned.
"Nonsense! I'll just text you mom. The concert might take a while." Hinamori kissed her Mom's cheek and Rukia did the same. Unohana had made it a point that she treats her as her mother too now that she's under her care.
---------------------
"Stop fidgeting about Ichigo." Hisagi frowned, as the carrot top hovered in front of him, mumbling incoherently.
"Well, I would if only that midget is here. Where the heck is she?" Ichigo grumbled as he stopped and turned to look at Hisagi.
"She'll come. Don't you trust her?" Hitsugaya rolled his eyes in disbelief as he poured himself some soda on their refreshment table.
"I trust her! It's just; she's supposed to be here an hour ago!" Ichigo bit back, not really getting why he's making a fuss about it.
"She's not part of the band; she's not obligated to come as early as us. Give her a break Kurosaki. You're like breathing down her neck." Yoruichi snickered; Ichigo blushed and stormed off towards the entrance.
"Oi, Oi, don't go there… The fans are already outside in a line, they might go hysterical if they see you." Hitsugaya glared at him.
"I'm not. I'm going at the back." Ichigo turned and headed towards the back door.
"But she's not coming from there." Chad pointed to the back door entrance.
Ichigo fumed, totally pissed at the fact that the people around doesn't seem to mind their own business. It was as if they were watching his actions, waiting for him to make a blunder or something. "I'm not going to wait for her outside! I'm just; I'm just going out for air!" He slammed the door behind him.
Everyone snickered inside. Urahara and Kaien came in after Ichigo got out. "What's wrong with our carrot top?" Urahara asked, smirking as he waved his fan over his face.
"Rukia." Hisagi grinned, placing his feet on top of a small coffee table.
"Ahh… Why? It's not as if she's here or anything." Urahara asked, sitting down beside Yoruichi.
"He's making a big fuss about her still not here. You know Ichigo. So, we decided to piss him off about it." Yoruichi giggled and drank on to a can of soda.
Kaien just smiled and sat down, looking at the direction where Ichigo left.
-------------------------
"Gah! The line is long now!" Hinamori paled. "Rukia, I told you this would happen if we don't hurry up! The chance of seeing Hitsugaya up front is nothing more but a dream." The girl almost sobbed.
Rukia shrugged, feeling a bit guilty, when her eye caught a familiar orange hair poking out of the side of the building. "What the he—."
Ichigo's head popped out, he was frowning, as if that's new, but then smiled when he caught sight of her. He was mouthing something to her, but Rukia wasn't that good in lip reading, so she raised an eyebrow and shook her head.
The message that she didn't understand a thing was clear to Ichigo, and he had to bump his head slightly on the wall out of frustration. So, he took his cellphone and dialed Rukia's number.
Immediately, Rukia's cellphone rang, Rie Fu's voice bellowing as she answered it. "Yeah?"
"Come here! Quickly, take your cousin with you, don't stand there in line… and be a bit discreet about it, act like you're just going to the comfort room or something." Ichigo's voice came.
"Okay… this better be good." Rukia pouted and grabbed her cousin's hand, pulling her towards where Ichigo is.
As soon as they reached their destination, Ichigo quickly grabbed Rukia's small hand and pulled her together with Hinamori inside the backstage door. The two didn't even have any chance to gasp in surprise.
When they got in, Ichigo started talking. "What took you so long?!" He growled at Rukia.
"I didn't want to go." was Rukia's straight answer.
"WHAT?! Why you ungrateful…" Ichigo fumed.
"Forgive her Mr. Kurosaki, she's just not feeling too well, so she's kinda grumpy." Hinamori bowed her head.
"You're sick?" Ichigo's face became worried. "No. I'm completely fine. Hinamori's just bluffing." Rukia groaned.
"You sure?" Ichigo asked again, Rukia snapped. "I'm pretty sure I am it's my freakin' body. Now, let's just get on with it… Why did you pull us out of the line?
"Are you crazy? Of course, I had reserved seats up front for you two." Ichigo answered smugly.
"EEE!! Is that true? We'll be sitting up front?! I get to see—." Hinamori gasped.
"Oi, Ichigo… what the heck are you doing there? We have to get read— Oh, Hi Rukia… and..." Hitsugaya approached them.
"Oh, Hi Hitsugaya… By the way, this is my cousin Hinamori you didn't get to meet her yesterday." Rukia introduced.
Hinamori felt like she's going to faint, but stopped herself; she won't go ruining this chance.
"Nice to meet you Hinamori. I'm Hitsugaya, friend and band mate of that silly carrot top over there." Hitsugaya shook Hinamori's hand, while Ichigo growled at his earlier remark.
"It's an honor to meet you Hitsugaya, I'm a huge fan of your compositions." Hinamori chirped; she's doing so well for someone who wanted to scream her lungs off in delight.
"Why, thank you very much. Anyway, if you don't mind, we would get ready now… We'll have someone take you to your seats." Hitsugaya excused himself as he went back inside their dressing room.
"Well, I guess I'll see you out there then." Ichigo looked down at Rukia and pointed to a person coming towards them. "That guy, Rudy will be taking you to your seats. Watch me okay? Watch me swipe everyone off their feet." He finally said as he waved his hand and left.
Hinamori sighed; this is the happiest day of her life. She snapped back to reality in time when Ichigo told Rukia to watch him. "Hey, he said to watch him. Aren't you thrilled? He wants you to watch him."
Rukia cocked an eyebrow. "Yeah, 'watch me swipe everyone off their feet.' If ya ask me, he's too cocky." She scoffed after imitating Ichigo. Hinamori shook her head, her cousin should learn about being a little romantic.
Soon, they were in their seats up front, their section didn't have much people yet. People were just starting to come in; they had just opened the entrance gates to the seats on the back and middle row.
As the two watched in awe how the place gets filled up with people like water in a container, Kaien came and tapped Rukia on her shoulder, Rukia turned to see who it was.
"Oh, Hi Kaien. Shouldn't you be inside preparing?" Rukia sat back down and turned to Hinamori. "By the way, this is my cousin Hinamori. Hinamori, this is Kaien."
Hinamori and Kaien both nodded and shook hands. "Nice to meet you Hinamori" Kaien smiled. "Same here" Hinamori answered back.
"Well, I just finished and Urahara asked me to give you this." He handed to Rukia a note. "Open it later. Bye then, I gotta go." Kaien waved his hand.
Ichigo frowned, a few reporters had asked them for some questions and he was finally finished with them, but as he went to check up on Rukia and her cousin, he saw Kaien with them and him handing a note to her. "What the heck? Oi, Kaien, What's that about?"
Kaien turned to look at Ichigo as he wiped his drum sticks. "what about?"
"You. Note. Rukia." Ichigo dead panned.
"Oh, Urahara's trying to ask her and her cousin to stay after the concert… He says she might leave so he had me take to her that note." Kaien smiled back at him.
"Well, he could have taken it to her by himself!" Ichigo growled and looked over to Urahara. "He said he's busy with Yoruichi." Kaien answered back, smirking, he continued. "Why are you so irritated anyway?"
"Nothing. Just, those reporters kept on asking and asking, they drive me nuts." He stormed off, with guitar at hand.
"What's up with him?" Hisagi asked. Chad answered. "He's been bitten by the green monster."
Hisagi laughed, and Chad snickered, how they love teasing Ichigo. "Score one for you Urahara." Hitsugaya gave a 'thumbs up' to their manager. "Let's just say, I know all the temper points of Ichigo." Urahara said in a sing-song voice. Yoruichi and Kaien just shook their heads.
-------------------------------
Soon, the concert came to a blazing start. The people yelled, the whole dome roared with squeals and high pitched ear piercing screams. Rukia winced and covered her ears; while Hinamori joined the parade of the banshees.
The lights gave out a full blast effect and showed the figures of the Shinigamis all pumped up and ready to play.
Ichigo ran towards the microphone at the center. "ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?!" He yelled.
A loud 'yes' is heard and he strummed his guitar, then looked over to Rukia with a wink.
"Did you see that Rukia? He winked at you!" Hinamori shook her. "That's a wink? I thought some kind of fly poked him in the eye for all his cockiness." Rukia still placed her hands over her ears.
Hinamori pouted, "geez, can't you be any more romantic?" Then the peach girl directed her gaze towards Hitsugaya who by now had started to wave his hands around as Ichigo introduced them one by one.
Rukia looked around. They were truly famous, loud yells and cheers were heard, Rukia felt like she was in some middle age war where shouts are heard and soon swords will clash against each other or something like that.
She glanced around, large banners with images of the group were held by groups of girls, saying I love you to each member, others have no dignity whatsoever, it even said: "ICHIGO, MARRY ME! And HISAGI, CALL ME HERE'S MY NUMBER:, CHAD, I WANT 10 KIDS, HITSUGAYA, BE MY BOY TOY!"
Rukia gagged. What the heck? We're they that Hot?
Well, they were a group of good looking young men, polite and fun to be with, but to actually be obsessed was really something—something weird. Rukia was sure that if those boys weren't on the stage, they would have been groped by these hormone driven girls.
And the dome was so full of it, excluding her and Hinamori of course.
Then they started to play. Rukia closed her eyes to concentrate on the music, that's all she ever came here for anyway. As soon as she got the wavelength of the music, she opened her amethyst orbs and eyed each instrument and its player.
They are really, really golden. No doubt about it. Hisagi's playing was mischievous like him, Chad's bass has that energy opposite to his reserved attitude, Hitsugaya, sophistication at its best, Kaien and his beats are like the beating of an enthusiastic heart, and Ichigo…
"Ichigo." She closed her eyes to listen to him carefully. Ichigo's playing has so much passion, so much energy; his voice and guitar are blending so well, it made her skin crawl. She opened her eyes to look at him and found him looking back.
Amethyst met Amber.
She blushed, and was taken aback, looking away. Ichigo felt a heat form on his cheeks and averted his gaze towards his guitar.
"What the hell? What's he looking at?" Rukia grumbled.
"He's been looking at you since the song started." Hinamori giggled as she whispered over to Rukia. "Why the hell would he do that?" Rukia wanted to beat the crap out of him, and cursed that she didn't even noticed that.
"I don't know… You know what the song is about?" Hinamori teased.
"Ha? No…" Rukia honestly said.
"What? I thought you were listening!"
"I was… but I wasn't paying attention to the lyrics. Sorry. What is it about then?"
"It's about this guy who meets a girl in his dreams in a field full of lavender. They talk every time he dreams and she always understood him. And the guy was happy that finally someone in his twisted life, understands the real him. He calls him 'lavender of my dreams.' But unfortunately, she's not real, and the guy continues to live, carrying with him the hopes of one day reunite with her." Hinamori sighed.
"Lavender of my dreams, Rukia…" She continued and smirked.
The raven haired girl didn't pay attention to what Hinamori was trying to imply with what she said last. Instead, she tried to listen. "That's a pretty good song." She then frowned when she realized that the song had finally ended.
----------------------
The Shinigamis played five songs, and they are now in their last one as Ichigo wiped some sweat off his forehead.
"Alright everybody, this will be the last song, so I want you all to sing along okay? And thank you for your time here, the money you paid for this will go directly to the 'wish' foundation. Thank you all!" He waved and the crowed cheered.
Then Hitsugaya started playing the keyboards, Hinamori melted. "He's such a dream isn't he?"
Rukia smiled back at her. Indeed, Hitsugaya plays sophisticatedly, it's no wonder Hinamori would swoon over him.
The finale song was a slow one, nice tune, nice everything. The lyrics weren't half bad either. And then Rukia noticed Ichigo again looking at her. He mouthed something to her in between intervals and she frowned, signaling to him that she doesn't understand.
"He said look at the note." Hinamori nudged her. "Oh. Right yeah, the note." She quickly took it from her jacket pocket.
'Rukia-chan, please don't leave after the concert. Ichigo will come pick you and your cousin there at your spot.'
-Urahara J
Rukia groaned. Just when she was thinking she could go home, but the again, it was Mr. Urahara who's asking her and Hinamori to stay; she didn't want to be rude. Plus, knowing Hinamori, they would end up staying anyway.
The song ended, and the group bid everyone goodbye and thank you.
Hinamori and Rukia sat down in their respective seats and waited for the crowd to diminish. They were still sitting there when the crew started cleaning up and packing the equipments.
"Oi, RUKIA!" Ichigo's voice echoed throughout the dome.
Rukia frowned. "hey." She turned to look at him. "What now?"
"Let's go. We're going to celebrate." He took her hand on his and signaled for Hinamori to follow.
---------------------------------
This time, they were in some kind of French restaurant. Everyone were laughing and enjoying the place.
Hinamori had been given the privilege to sit down beside Hitsugaya on her right while Rukia sat to her left. "So you once played the piano?" Hitsugaya asked the peach girl.
Hinamori blushed and nodded. "Yeah, once when I was little, but I was never good at it. I was more of the accountant type so I quit, but now, I still like to listen to piano pieces."
"That's still good. What pieces do you listen to?" Hitsugaya inquired as he popped some potato balls in his mouth.
Hinamori then started telling all of the pieces she listens to, with enthusiasm. Rukia smiled, it's good Hinamori is enjoying; she and Hitsugaya kicked it off with their similar interest.
"Hey. You're not eating." Ichigo poked her to the side, which made her jerk a little. "Don't do that!" She frowned and held on to her side, her muscle still tingling at the touch.
"You're ticklish?"
"So what if I am? And to answer your previous question, I'm not that hungry."
"You should eat Rukia-chan… Here, have some baked ziti." Hisagi offered her a plateful of said pasta.
"And here's some more iced tea, so you won't choke on them." Urahara gave her a large glass and poured some iced tea in it.
"Tissues?" Chad handed some to her.
"Ah, er… thanks… uhm, I think I'm okay with this." Rukia flushed, not really sure what to say.
Ichigo frowned. "Quit it you guys, you're scaring her. No need to make her fat."
"Why Ichigo, you don't like her to get fat?" Yoruichi teased, everyone chuckled. Rukia and Ichigo flushed.
'I don't care if she bloats. You're all to damn annoying." Ichigo stood up and headed towards the rest room.
"Well I don't care if you pop and look like a cheese ball either!" Rukia pouted and drained her glass of ice tea.
Kaien just watched the whole thing unfold. With Rukia around, everything in this group tend to be really funny.
"What's up with that? Why are they all like pampering my cousin?" Hinamori asked Hitsugaya. "Well, we like to take care of her since Ichigo brought her in, and that she's a friend, we want to make her feel special, especially that she's new around here." Hitsugaya smiled. "Also, the fact that it completely annoys Ichigo is priceless! Sorry that Rukia gets to be confused in the process."
Hinamori giggled lightly. "No, I think I kinda like that. My cousin really does need someone to talk to or be with other than me and my Mom. And since I am often at work, she doesn't get to hang out. Thank you for that." Hinamori bowed her head in appreciation.
"No, it's our pleasure really, your cousin is fun to be with… plus, it kinda changes our atmosphere, we also meet new people because of her, like you." Hitsugaya gave her a sincere smile, and Hinamori blushed mad.
"Ichigo is really concerned about her right?" Hinamori asked.
"Yeah… he looks like a trouble maker and always has temper, but he's all good. To be honest, I am surprised that Ichigo is actually the one who brought Rukia here… he's not really that type. So, he must really care for her." Hitsugaya nibbled on to some garlic bread.
"Hey Rukia, after this, we're going to Ikkaku's place, you know our former beats?" Hisagi grinned, Rukia nodded.
"So, would you like to come with us? Same goes for you too Hinamori-chan." Hisagi pushed. Rukia looked sideways and caught Kaien looking at her. He smiled at her and nodded. 'Well I…" She placed back her gaze towards Hisagi.
"Please?" Chad came, an almost pleading but deep tone, nothing like that sugary tone Urahara uses.
She then turned towards Hinamori, her eyes pleading for assistance. The peach girl grinned. "You should go Rukia, it'll be a fun, plus you wouldn't want to disappoint them."
Rukia's eyes widened. "What? You aren't coming?" Hinamori shook her head.
Hisagi and Hitsugaya asked, "Why not?" Hinamori chirped. "I have work tomorrow. Sorry. In fact, I should be leaving now."
"Bummer." Urahara sighed. "Hinamori!" Rukia stood up when her cousin took her bag.
Hinamori grabbed her and whispered to her ear. "I had my chance at fun Rukia, thanks a lot to you. But you, you shouldn't miss out on this. And me, I really need to go home, work starts early tomorrow."
"But you can't leave me... I'm going home too." Rukia whimpered and Hinamori stopped her, by glaring at her.
"Thank you guys for the wonderful time and the meal. I guess I'll be seeing you some time then. Good luck!" Hinamori waved goodbye.
"Don't worry Rukia, I'll drive Hinamori home, and tell your aunt you'd be going home late or something like that… I'll catch up with you guys at Ikkaku's place then." Hitsugaya stood up and followed Hinamori towards the door.
Rukia gaped. She can't believe Hinamori left her.
Hisagi and Urahara were now rejoicing, while Yoruichi slumped down at her seat, apparently, she had too much wine for the night and fell asleep on the table.
Kaien stood up and transferred seats. He sat on Hinamori's former seat beside Rukia. "Oi, don't be so glum. You look like you don't want to be around us." The dark haired man patted Rukia's raven locks.
"Oh, no… not that… I just thought… well nothing… I'm just tired I guess. Plus, my head's ringing like crazy from all the banshee fans from before." Rukia placed her elbow on the table.
"We're sorry Rukia, were you not feeling well?" Chad asked and Hisagi and Urahara stopped singing.
"No, no… I'm fine. It's okay." Rukia smiled. Urahara then took Yoruichi in his arms and declared in a sing-song voice, "Alright, I'll just take my sleeping honey here to the car and I'll wait for all of you there. When Ichigo comes back, have him pay the bill."
"Gotcha." Hisagi waved his hand. Chad stood up to lend a hand to Urahara, opening the door for him and so on.
"Eh? What's going on here? Where's everybody?" Ichigo asked.
"They left. Hinamori-chan went home and Histugaya gave her a lift. He'll catch up to us in Ikkaku's place. Urahara and his loving fiancée together with Chad are outside waiting for us. What took you so long anyway?" Hisagi asked as he stood up.
Ichigo frowned when he noticed that Kaien is sitting beside Rukia. "You got flushed or something?" Rukia grinned, standing up.
"No Fool, on my way, I bumped into this waiter and spaghetti sauce went 'splat' all over my jacket. I had to wash it off." The carrot top answered irritated, his hand gripping the slightly wet jacket.
"Oh, you pay, said Urahara." Hisagi snickered and ran off towards the exit.
'WHAT?!" Ichigo bellowed, causing other customers to look at his direction. He cursed under his breath and paid the bill.
Kaien stood up, and before he made another move, Ichigo dragged Rukia to his side and outside.
"Hey! You're hurting me!" Rukia growled at him.
"Don't care, let's go!" He mumbled.
Kaien followed from behind and smiled, shaking his head as he did so. Hisagi placed an arm over him. "Our little Ichi is such a temperament kid right?" He chuckled and walked past Kaien.
-------------------------------
"Hey! How was the concert?" Ikkaku smiled as he welcomed his friends in his house.
"Fine, what's up with your house Ikkaku?" Ichigo raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, we're having renovations and stuff, the soon to be missus wants the whole place refurnished. So we will have the reception here when the wedding day comes." Ikkaku looked at his friends and smirked when he found someone new in the line up.
"Hello there. Who might this young lady be?" He inquired, approaching Rukia.
"She's Rukia Kuchiki. She's Ichigo's friend." Hisagi placed his hand over Rukia's shoulder. "Uhm.. hello." Rukia looked at Ikkaku.
This former drummer, bald and badass looking is quite scary in appearance.
"Where's Mina?" Urahara asked, as she placed Yoruichi on the couch. "Oh, she's staying in tonight at her mother's house. They're going to go early shopping for wedding stuff tomorrow." Ikkaku sat down. "Go on guys, make yourselves comfortable around here. I own the house for tonight and tomorrow."
"Yeah, some house. It's probably the reason why Mina decided to stay at her mother's house tonight." Ichigo scanned the messy house due to renovations.
"Hah, insult it all you want. Your tongue will be rolling back that mouth of yours when you see this baby in its finished form." Ikkaku sneered.
"Anyway, Ikkaku, we still haven't found any replacement for you… Anyone you want to recommend?" Hisagi plopped down the couch.
"Other than Kaien, sorry. Hey, where's white boy anyway?" The bald man inquired, eyes moving around.
"Here. I just got back." Hitsugaya came in and raised a hand for attendance. "Oh, Rukia… I have taken Hinamori safely at home and I talked to your Auntie. They said it's okay if you stay in late with us." He looked at Rukia's direction before sitting down at Hisagi's right side.
"You just had to go in without knocking aren't you? ya prick. You act like you own the place." Ikkaku glared.
"I won't if somebody stupid enough didn't leave the front door wide open." Hitsugaya glared back.
Kaien sat down on a small bean bag, and offered Rukia another bean bag for her to sit on. Ichigo grumbled and told her to sit beside Hisagi, and that he would take the bean bag for himself. Rukia frowned at him for ordering her around.
"Anyway, we just visited you to see how you're doing. As for us, we're okay but not good in the drummer department. Kaien has been a great help, but if he's not on mainstay, we might as well tell everyone that we permanently won't have a drummer." Ichigo sighed and leaned on to the couch's arm, his head near Rukia's knees.
"Gee, I'm really sorry guys, if only I could then I would." Kaien apologized.
"It's not your fault Kaien. Don't be guilty about it. It's a fact; I guess we might as well accept that… And it's not half bad right? We could still play with drums and stuff with back up players… we just don't well, have a permanent member for it." Hisagi placed his foot on top of the coffee table.
"HEY! HEY! Feet off the table!" Ikkaku swatted an offending foot.
Hisagi grumbled. "Geez Ikkaku, you're beginning to sound like a house wife."
Everyone laughed, including Rukia, which caught the former drummer's attention. "So what about our wonderful guest what's your story Rukia?
Rukia flushed when all eyes were on her. She began to speak when Ichigo cut her off. "She's new here, she's from abroad a—."
"He was asking me! Are you Rukia huh? Huh?" Rukia grumbled, almost trying to stop herself from smacking Ichigo on the face. The two began to bicker.
Ikkaku laughed. 'Hey you know what, I think I like you Rukia-chan."
"Ichigo held on to his sore cheek, apparently Rukia wasn't able to contain herself anymore. "You guys like anyone who beats the crap out of me! Sadistic bastards!"
"Got that right. Smack him some more on the other cheek Rukia." Hitsugaya snickered. "Why you little--!" Ichigo retorted.
"Alright, that's enough. I'll give you a welcoming present Rukia. Follow me please." Ikkaku gestured at her.
Rukia followed him inside a small den. "Sorry, they're doing renovation here too. But I had a place for this baby." Ikkaku showed to her a beautiful set of drums. Rukia gaped.
"You like it? Nice right? This baby has been with me for years now."
"It's quite… no it's magically maintained."
"That's right. Now, sit there. I'm not part of the band anymore… so you won't be able to hear me play… but I'll play again for you. Welcome to the group Rukia." Ikkaku winked at her, Rukia felt her breath stopped. She never felt so happy and accepted in her life.
She just met these kind people weeks ago, but they make her feel as if she belongs.
The others came inside and positioned themselves behind Rukia. Ikkaku began to play.
Rukia had never seen someone play like he was just breathing normally. It was grand, it was majestic. Different from Kaien's but had the same energy. Who are these people? They play as if they are the instrument itself. They play as if they are telling the world: This is me.
After the performance, she enthusiastically clapped her hands. She was rendered speechless.
Ikkaku declared that they go watch some movie or something. Hisagi said they get wasted and Urahara agreed, seeing that Yoruichi is wasted herself to prevent him from doing so. Chad just nodded and Kaien laughed.
Ichigo sat beside Rukia inside the den. Rukia remained there, staring at the drum set, as if remembering the earlier performance in her mind.
"Hey." Ichigo came and Rukia snapped back.
"Hey." She answered as she turned her gaze towards him.
"So, what do you think?"
"Think of what?"
Ichigo scoffed and placed a hand on her head. "You as part of us?"
"Uh… It's too much really… I have never felt so accepted." Rukia sighed.
"Well, we really do want you here." Ichigo coughed.
"Thank you. I guess." Rukia bowed her head.
"So, can I borrow chappy then?" Ichigo laughed.
Rukia frowned. 'What for?"
"Don't be so stingy. You're part of the group now… we borrow things from each other… So I just want to borrow chappy." Ichigo frowned back.
"You could borrow anything but Chappy. What would you want with it anyway?" Rukia grumbled and placed her hands over her waist.
"Nothing. Geez, fine… if you don't want to…" He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Let's go… I ought to take you home before those guys get all drunk and wasted."
"Yeah… Thanks." She stood up and straightened her skirt. "Hey, you know what; you were great during tonight's concert."
Ichigo felt himself go red. "Well, yeah… of course I am. I told you I'd sweep them off their feet."
Rukia snorted. "You're so full of yourself."
As she made her way out the door, he smiled at her from behind.
"I'm not picking up left behind pens anymore… I found the one I've been looking for…"
-------------------------------------------------------
This one is long. I'm sorry if there isn't any fluff… I'm building up on the interaction of Rukia and the group as a whole and their pampering her and the reasons for it. And now that Rukia has just been officially accepted in the group, Ichigo and Rukia goodness will soon flow. To HinaHitsu fans, sorry, I won't focus on them much here since this is an Ichiruki fic. Gomen. Ichigo is jealous but doesn't realize he is, even he is clueless when he goes into that mode. Kaien advances on Rukia and the group uses it to piss off Ichigo. Rukia on the other hand is as oblivious as Ichigo. What the two feel for each other for now is attraction and caring for each other (Perhaps a little possessiveness in Ichigo's case) Love will soon find it's way with the two… I hope I explained myself well. Thank you for all the support. I'll be updating fast because I forgot to post this yesterday. The next chapter is already done. Thank you! As much as I would like to apologize for OOC's, I can't… this is an AU fic. Haha! But, I try… ;