oh man...it has been like eons since i updated the last chapter...i have started working so i hardly get time nowadays...m so sorry for not updating it sooner...i hope you all will still enjoy reading it...there mite be lot of errors as i was hastening to get it over asap...

With the cold war between Ichigo and Rukia finally coming to an end, the cast and crew were at ease working around them. Most of the female workers loved to be near them because everytime the two bickered, Rukia always brought up Ichigo's childhood antics. And if they begged, Rukia used to spin tales of a young Ichigo before he hit the limelight.

"That's enough," a blushing Ichigo quickly covered Rukia's mouth before she started with another one of his stories. All the girls groaned as he dragged Rukia away. "Ouch," he let go of the hand covering her mouth. "Are you trying to suffocate me?" she hissed hitting him.

"You bite me and now you hit me…"

"I am a lady and you are a ruffian…I bit you in self defense."

"You a lady? Try a monkey instead…" he said massaging the part where Rukia had bitten. "And that coming from a horse mouth…" she replied cheekily.

"Whatever…midget," he scowled looking at his palm.

"Bakamon."

"Bitch."

"Orangutan."

"Chappy freak."

"Dandelion," she covered her mouth but it was too late. Both he and not to mention Nel, who was right behind him might have already heard it. "Now what's wrong with you?" he asked bemused by her actions.

"Well what do we have here…" Nel said making her presence known. Her voice gave him a scare. "Itsygo…I didn't know you were such a baby," she laughed seeing him jump.

"Shut up…don't sneak behind people's back," he shot back.

"Aww…so cute…what were you two upto," she enquired.

"Nothing," Rukia answered quickly hoping that her lightheaded friend didn't catch the last word she had uttered earlier. "But it looked like you two were having so much fun." Nel said not taking her word.

"She just bit me that's all," Ichigo said with a smirk.

"Rukia bit you? Where…show me," Nel shrieked.

"Wow…remind me never to surprise you," Ichigo said showing her his hand.

"That might have really hurt…I didn't know she had that in her," she chuckle and added, "By the way Itsygo…what was that last name she called you…I didn't quite catch it."

He scratch his head, "I am not sure coz it was muffled but I think it was dandelion."

"I knew it…and where do you think you are going, missy?" Nel said aloud. Rukia was trying to slip away but unfortunately for her, Nel saw her. Slowly turning around, Rukia said, "I was just going to the restroom."

"And you thought that I was going to fall for that," Nel replied crossing her arms.

"Fine…I was trying to get back to work before Ichigo started complaining again."

"Like hell…." he exclaimed.

"Hush…anyway no need to hide it…I have already found out," Nel declared. Rukia squirmed, "Know what? I don't even know what you are talking about."

"Well this guy may be stupid not to remember it but sadly I do," Nel said with a devilish smirk. "Hey who are you calling stupid," Ichigo yelled.

"I still don't know what you mean…" Rukia innocently responded. "Oh…you like to play it that way…then allow me to elaborate," Nel cleared her throat and continued, "The dandelion over which you made such a fuss during that time you got drunk in college…that dandelion which Momo and me thought was just a flower…that dandelion is actually him…Itsygo right?"

"Huh…as if…you are assuming too much," Rukia shook her head. "Eh? You think I would believe you…" Nel stated. Ichigo was processing what Nel had just said and when it finally hit him, his cheeks went red. "Ah…someone finally knows how to add 2 and 2 together," Nel teased him.

"Shut up…it's nothing," he shot back.

"I called him a dandelion coz his hair is orange….that's all…don't try to read between the lines," Rukia explained. "Hmph…I have never heard you saying dandelion except on that night and now…that would add up to something," Nel argued.

"And what am I suppose to say dandelion every now and then? That's not actually a word you can use often," Rukia was getting annoyed trying to explain everything. "Now someone's getting defensive…alright then…have it your way but 'm sticking to my version…wait till Momo hears about this," Nel winked and then bolted off.

"Nel…don't you dare," Rukia yelled but Nel had disappeared in a flash. She cursed under her breathe for she knew that Nel was bound to spread the news like wildfire.

"Huh…well…," Ichigo started but stopped midsentence as he didn't know what to say. "It's ok…just some misunderstanding as usual…that dandelion wasn't you," she tried to make it sound as it was nothing.

"I know…" he sheepishly replied. "Hey Ichigo I think your turn has come," she said pointing to the fuming director looking at them from a distance. He dashed off but stopped midway and said, "I'll catch you after the shoot then."

She just smiled watching him run to his work. Turning around, she made her way to the dressing room to find and strangle her motor mouth friend.

XxxXXxxX

"I don't think she will go to the extent of killing us….maybe make our life really miserable with all her connections but not kill us," Tatsuki assured herself as well as her friend who was driving the car.

"Say that for yourself…she might spare you since you are a girl but not me…I know she will find a way to kill me," her friend retorted looking at her.

"Renji…eyes on the road!" she yelled. The two of them had run back to Tokyo the night itself after hearing Rukia's threat. A week had passed since the stunt they had pulled and after much discussion, they were heading back to Karakura.

"You don't need to yell…I'm perfectly capable of driving," he complained turning his attention to the road. "Ya, right…and who's idea was it that got us into this mess in the first place," she stated.

"And who was it that agreed without any complain."

"I never expected it to turn out this way….anyway it's all your fault…you better say that to Rukia or I'll tell her myself."

"So you are going to sell me out…but 'm warning you…if I go down, I'm dragging you down with me," he said looking her in the eye.

"We'll see about that…look out," she screamed waving her hands frantically. Renji turned his head just to see a truck coming straight at them. He quickly turned the car. "Phew that was close," he joked.

"That's why I told you to keep your eyes glued to the road..." she yelled, "If it was a minute late we could have collided head on with that truck."

"Thankfully that didn't happen…so no worries."

"Are you kidding…we could have died and you act as if it was just a scratch."

"Nothing happened…."

"Uff…why do I even bother talking with a scatterbrain like you…"

"Shut up," he growled and concentrated on the road instead. He expected a reply but didn't get even a grunt. She was pissed with him and he knew better than to provoke her any further. After 5 minutes of silence, he could no longer take it for the only thought running in his mind was not about how angry she was with him but their other friend who was worst than Tatsuki. "K…fine…I am sorry…happy now," he said a little too loud.

"What made you apologize?" she responded with a smirk.

"The thought of Rukia shooting me," he admitted hiding his fear. She laughed, "Renji aren't you getting a little carried away?"

"I can't help it…I don't know what made me listen to you in the first place…I could have been in Paris or Hawaii now surrounded by girls…but instead I'm on the road to attend my funeral," he exclaimed.

"Relax Mr. Hot shot…you can still have that vacation anytime you want…and I assure you even in the worst possible scenario, she'll only sever all ties with us…even she won't want to be label a murderer," she joked.

"Remember that time when I told our classmates that she still wore chappy underwear…" he responded in a serious tone. She opened her mouth but didn't say anything. "So even you don't have any words…" he hissed, "I had to leave my home for a week all because she wanted blood in exchange for the joke I made."

She remembered the incident clearly. No one thought that she would react that way to the comment made by a silly boy. Rukia was so mad that no could console her and that was the first time that they had seen her Kuchiki side. Poor Renji had to leave town while her parents tried to pacify her. In the end, as usual, it was Ichigo who knocked some sense into her. Reflecting back on the incident, she understood what Renji meant. With a sigh, she said, "Well we never know what to expect from Rukia…anyway I think their shoot will be over for today…we should have started sooner."

"It's better in the night…she won't be able to notice us," he said looking around nervously. Getting annoyed, she yelled, "For crying out loud Renji, stop being so paranoid…its 10 in the night…I don't think she will be lurking around waiting for you."

"I know but I can't help it," he groaned. "Let's just head to Ichigo's place as planned and find out what happened…and if it is as you think, then we'll leave right away," she assured him.

"Ya," he said and turned the car towards the Kurosaki house.

XxxXXxxX

"Onii-san, will you please get the door…I'm busy," Yuzu called out from the kitchen.

"Ya sure," he went thinking who might visit at such a late hour. He opened the door a crack and to his surprise saw his two friends grinning like idiots on the doorway. "What are you guys doing here?" he asked opening the door. "Will you please let us in before we freeze to death," Tatsuki pleaded.

He ushered them in without a clue as to their sudden appearance. "I never heard from you two since that day…and you didn't even answered my call," he said closing the door.

"Oh well…there's an explanation to that," Renji replied taking his jacket and shoes off. "A really good one," Tatsuki chimed in following suit.

"Let me be the one to decide that…want anything?" Ichigo asked.

"Coffee would be nice," Tatsuki said with a smile. "You two head to the living room…I'll get the coffee," saying so Ichigo went to the kitchen.

The two of them headed to the living room. "Ah…finally I can relax my back and stretch my legs," Tatsuki moaned making herself comfortable in the couch. "Just don't get too comfortable" Renji pause and then continued, "Hey don't you think Ichigo is a bit too calm seeing us."

"Ya…that's what I was thinking…he was always the loud one," she agreed, "Maybe he's got something up his sleeves."

"Who's got what?" Ichigo entered with the coffee. "That was fast…were you spying on us?" Renji asked getting suspicious.

Ichigo scowled, "What's wrong with you…" Placing the drinks on the table, he said, "Help yourselves," and took a seat.

"Thanks…anyway you don't look that angry seeing us…after that incident," Tatsuki said taking the coffee.

"So that's why you guys came?" Ichigo smirked.

"Now you are scaring me…what's wrong with you," Renji exclaimed moving away from him. "Huh…" Ichigo said in puzzlement.

"It's just that we expected you to be really mad at us," Tatsuki explained drinking the coffee.

To both their astonishment, Ichigo started laughing heartily. They had no idea how to deal with a happy Ichigo, as they were only used to a scowling, moody and rude version of him. "Ichigo…if you are going to do something to us…you can…we would understand," Tatsuki offered not knowing what to say.

"You two were scared of me and Rukia…" Ichigo said controlling himself.

"Well not exactly you…more of Rukia…" Renji blurted out the truth behind their disappearance. "You two were scared of that midget?" he said chuckling.

"I heard that, you orange headed bakamon," Rukia entered the living room and seeing the guests, she said, "And why didn't you tell me that Renji and Tatsuki was here?"

"They came out of the blue so I forgot to tell you," Ichigo stated without looking at her. Rukia marched upto him and turned his head around, "Look at me when I am talking to you."

"That hurt, midget," Ichigo said rubbing his neck. "You asked for it," she stuck her tongue out.

"Jeez…you are such an annoying brat…it was better when you were an uptight Kuchiki," he declared. Arms akimbo, she said, "Say that again coz if that's what you want…it can be easily arranged."

They locked eyes for a while but it was Ichigo who broke it off with a grunt, "I was just kidding…"

Rukia flashed him a smile, "I knew it…I was just pulling your leg."

"Bitch," he grumbled and then grinned.

The two guests were watching the whole exchange with their mouths wide opened, not believing what they were seeing with their own eyes. "Umm…did you two get married?" Renji asked not knowing what to make of the situation.

"What?" Ichigo yelled startled by the sudden question. Chuckling Rukia explained, "Guess you two are surprised…but no, we are not married nor we'll we ever get married."

"That's right," Ichigo agreed and added, "Don't ask stupid questions."

"Well what are we to expect…we left you two ready to kill one other any moment and we come back to find this…I can't even tell what it is," Renji said raising his eyebrow.

"Let's just say your guys so called intervention actually worked…we realized how stupid and selfish we were and talked it all out…," Rukia cheerfully answered.

"Sorry…we are acting like complete idiots…it's great to see you two back on good terms again," Tatsuki said finally placing the cup she had been holding the whole time. "Yes…its awesome…the four of us like old times," Renji enthusiastically hollered.

"Will you stop acting like a kid," Ichigo complained. "Let him be Ichigo…after all he's really happy that he won't be killed by Rukia," Tatsuki joked.

"What do you mean?" Rukia said taking a seat next to Tatsuki. "He was scared to come down because he thought that you would shot him death," Tatsuki let the cat out of the bag.

"Hey…" Renji shouted. "Renji? How mean… maybe I would have cut one of your legs off but I won't have killed you…" Rukia teased him.

"Laugh all you want but my idea worked…that's all I care," Renji said moping. "I am sorry…but you are right…so thank you," Rukia said with a smile.

"Anyway…tell me…who confessed first…you or Ichigo…I bet it was Ichigo?" Tatsuki excitedly gushed.

"Confessed?" Ichigo asked.

"How can I forget…I have to explain everything as it is when it comes to you guys….I mean you two just won't relent unless someone first admits that he or she still harbor feelings for the other, right?" Tatsuki explained pointing at the two of them.

"Whoa…hold it right there…it's not like your assumption…we got back as in we are only and strictly friends…nothing more and nothing less," Ichigo said holding his hands up.

Tatsuki, baffled by the answer, turned to look at Rukia who also nodded her head in agreement. "But..but…" Tatsuki started.

"That's bullshit," Renji interrupted, "Then why were you two avoiding each other for the last 7 years…if you were suppose to be only friends, then you could have done it long time back…you two are simply scared to acknowledge the fact that the feeling is still there…that it still lingers.'

Their friend's words came as a surprise to both of them. They looked at each other, and then Rukia suddenly started laughing. "What's so funny?" Tatsuki asked.

"Sorry…sorry," Rukia said suppressing the laughter, "I know how it might look but trust me…even I thought the feelings might be there but there's nothing now…we were too scared to find out but now we do…the feelings have changed and we are just happy that we can be friends again."

"Here we go again…Renji let them be…in the end one of them is going to come to us begging for our help…that time we'll see but for now…let's just accept their cock and bull story," Tatsuki said turning to Renji oblivious of the other two present.

"Ya…you are right…anyway it's much better that they are at least friends now…less hectic," Renji agreed.

"Rukia, Ichigo…dinner's ready," Masaki came into the living room calling them. "Renji, Tatsuki! Ichigo, you could have atleast implied that the coffee was for your friends," she eyed his son.

"It slipped my mind," Ichigo replied scratching his head.

"I am sorry…Ichigo just said there was some guests so I thought it was some cast or crew members," Masaki said apologetically.

"It's alright Masaki san….we know Ichigo can be indifferent at times," Tatsuki replied smirking.

"Ah the four musketeers assembled again," Isshin said entering the room, "How about we all have dinner first before it gets cold."

"And don't worry…there's enough for everyone…" Masaki announced.

"Well if the midget here doesn't take the food for four people as usual, then it won't be a problem," Ichigo joked getting up.

"Don't get me started on you bakamon," Rukia shot back.

"Tatsuki, Renji…what do you think of my third daughter…don't you think they make such a cute couple," Isshin said with a wink.

"Dad…stop saying all this nonsense…she's not your third daughter or anything," Ichigo protested.

"Kurosaki san…we think you are lucky to have such a lovely third daughter," Renji said with a grin.

"I remember when Ichigo was 5 years, he came running to me saying that when he grows up, he was going to make Rukia his wife…and when I asked him why…he answered because Renji said he liked Rukia," Masaki said smiling.

"Mom…not you too…" Ichigo growled. "Masaki you missed one part…and when Masaki said that people were free to like one another, Ichigo sweetly replied, not Rukia because she was his only," Isshin said with a chuckle.

Ichigo was embarrassed beyond words. Without another word he headed to the kitchen. "I think we went a little too far," Masaki said looking at his son's back.

"Bah…he's a man not a child anymore…he should be able to take jokes…right Rukia?" Isshin nudged Rukia.

"Yes…right," her face had turned red as a beetroot. "Ichigo, don't get a head start on us," she yelled and ran off to the kitchen.

"Hmmm…..they are not kids anymore so it will be better if we let the past be the past and not bring it up again," Masaki said with a sigh and followed Rukia to the kitchen. The three of them looked at each other and Isshin said, "I guess that means we can't make fun of Ichigo anymore."

XxxXXxxX

"Stop…You don't have to go. It doesn't matter even if you belong to a different world," the man shouted. Everyone could see the pain in his eyes and they felt his pain. He was on the ground wrestling with pain. Blood streamed from his body but his eyes spoke of an agony more painful than the physical pain.

She couldn't bring her eyes to meet his, for she knew that it only bring upon more misery. Summoning all her strength she said, "Fool...this was how it was suppose to be from the beginning. Haven't I told you not to come in search of me? This is the price you pay for your stupidity." She turned and walked towards the door.

He screamed, "Wait". The girl stopped on her tracks, "Silence! Instead of wasting your energy shouting, you should save it or else you will die." She looked at the person standing next to her, "Ni-san, I apologize for my earlier actions…I am willing to atone for my sins."

"Very well…I'll leave the human as he is but he would hardly survive," the other man stated and signaled their departure. The door opened and he stepped inside waiting for the girl. She turned her head to look at the man one last time and whispered, "Goodbye, Touya…I hope we never meet again." The door closed and she was gone.

The man cried out, "No wait," but it was too late. It was just the darkness and him. He clinched his fist tightly and banged his head on the ground. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't move. A tear rolled down his cheek.

At that moment, a girl sniffled. "And cut," Urahara yelled, "I am trying to make a movie here and how did all the fans end up here?" He raised his eyebrow questioningly at his assistant. All the female cast and crew had come to watch the scene and most of them were in tears. His assistant bowed his head and answered, "I tried to stop them but they were too much for me."

"Ah…," he scratched his head, "Anyway we'll take a break for now. Good job everyone." He headed for his room with his assistant in tow.

The instant the director left, Ichigo was cornered by the female population. Since his fan base was mostly teenagers, he was finding it difficult to deal with fans that were older than him. He saw his two friends along with his sister standing at a distance. Excusing himself, he made his way towards them.

"What are you guys doing here? You should have told me beforehand," he said adjusting his costume. "We wanted to surprise you," answered Tatsuki, "And at the same time, take a look at your acting skills."

"If you were more like 'Touya' in your real life then she won't have left you," his sister commented.

"What do you mean by that? Anyway what are you doing here Karin?

"Rukia Nee-san invited me," she replied.

"Hey Ichigo, where's Rukia by the way? We can't contact her nor have we seen her," Renji asked.

"Do I look like her babysitter? Wait, don't answer that…I saw her last during the costume fittings," he answered, "I need to sit and eat…let's go to my room."

"Why don't we head to the dressing room instead…it will be the same right and Rukia might be there," Tatsuki said. Karin nodded.

"It will be too cramped…let's just head to my room. You could always look for Rukia later," Ichigo complained. "Now just be a good boy and follow us or I'll choke you to dead," Tatsuki said with a smile.

"Jeez…the way you put it makes me think that you guys just came to meet Rukia," he whined. Renji shrugged indifferently, "I suggest you shut up and just follow her." Not wanting to argue, he tagged along.

XxxXXxxX

"Itsygo…I never knew you had such a pretty sister," Nel was as excited as always. The room was buzzing thanks to her and Momo chirping away like anything.

"That's why I wanted to be in my room," Ichigo grumbled. Rukia was not there but they were forced to stay back by Nel and Momo. Tatsuki and Karin had happily relented. Renji being a sucker for beautiful girl had no complains. Ichigo wanted none of it but he ended up being there.

"This is not like Rukia at all…she should have at least called or informed us," Momo said bringing the cold drinks. Nel nodded her head in agreement, "Maybe she got caught up in some trouble."

"What trouble?" Rukia asked entering the room. Her sudden entry made them all jolt. "Next time at least knock the door first," Nel pleaded.

"Oh, I am sorry," Rukia replied, "I went out without informing you all so I was in a hurry to get back."

"Where were you?" Tatsuki asked. She had notice something different in the way Rukia was acting.

"I had to go and pick up someone. He came without warning so I had no time to tell you all except Urahara."

"Pick up someone makes it sound like I actually needed someone to pick me up," a cool voice commented. Everyone turned their heads towards the direction of the voice. A man with messy black hair, pale white skin and green eyes stood at the entrance of the door. "Well you can put it that way too," Rukia smirked, "I had to come and get you or else you would have never agreed to come here on your own. And moreover I had wanted you to meet all of them," she moved aside.

"For now this is everyone and everyone this is Ulquiorra Cifer."

"Alright…but who is he?" Nel questioned. "He is the owner of the Arrancar Corporations," Rukia answered.

"Yes just by looking at him I could make out that he was a big shot. But what I meant was why did you want us to meet him?" Nel asked.

"I believe that she wanted me to meet all her friends and in answer to your question, it's pretty obvious if you think about it," Ulquiorra nonchalantly replied. "He can be a cold at times," Rukia said with a smile, "I just wanted you all to meet the man I am dating."

XxxXXxxX

Would really appreciate it if you could leave a review...if u liked it or not or whether i should still continue with it or not...though its hard to get leisure time, i will still update it...