Title – Another Chance

Disclaimer – sadly I don't own anything… Tite Kubo does!

Author's note – My first Bleach story. I guess there are spoilers in here, so if you're not in the fourth season and don't REALLY want to know what happens then don't read, but it's really nothing serious. This is set before the bount episodes, but sometime after Rukia's rescue from soul society.

Just a quick note before we begin just to say Thank you to everyone who has reviewed! It really does mean a lot:D

X Two Months Later X

"He has a girl name…" Ichigo muttered into Rukia's neck as he lay right by her in bed. He let his fingers trace her over her skin which was illuminated by the moon light.

"Hmm… your name means strawberry." Rukia laughed when Ichigo turned away from her.

"It means 'he who protects'" He stated matter of fact.

She slid her thin arms around his chest and leant her head against his back kissing him lightly.

Two months had passed. And every night they got a chance, they would sneak together and either talk, make love, or just do what they used to, just hang out. During the day Rukia was getting to know her fiancé and during the night she felt alive with her lover. Ichigo did what he could to come here; he'd make time in between hollows, and school.

Although the guilt that Rukia felt was horrible and that this was just another repeat of history but on different circumstances, Ichigo would always come along and kiss that guilt away.

They both talked about what was happening and Ichigo would always kiss her gently and tell her, "don't worry about it, just love me for now."

But time was thinning down. Rukia's wedding was in exactly three days.

"I love you." She whispered against his back.

Ichigo turned around and hugged her tightly. "I can't stand this Rukia… I can't loose you."

"There is nothing we can do." She whispered miserably.

"Bullshit. I can't stand here and watch you marry your life away." He sat up letting the sheet pull up with him pulling it away from Rukia who was covering herself with it.

She blushed and grabbed the sheet back from Ichigo's waist and wrapped it around herself securely growling at Ichigo's smirk.

"What's a matter? I've seen it all before." He gave her that famous cocky grin.

"Don't get cocky brat!" But she faltered and threw her hand up on her forehead feeling dizzy.

Ichigo's arms were around her waist in a second, "You okay? Are you feeling dizzy again?"

Rukia nodded and leant into his chest.

A few weeks ago Rukia began to get sick. She would throw up and make herself dizzy from stress. The stress on her wedding, not knowing what to do, afraid of what her life was turning into and of loosing Ichigo was crashing down on her.

He put his forehead against hers and smiled, "We should just run away and elope."

"Can't dope, your only fifteen."

"Yeah, you're a pedophile, honestly taking a fifteen year olds innocence. And you're so old too."

He didn't complain when he got his cheek clobbered with her knuckle. But he was silent knowing that in three days his Rukia, will become someone else's wife. And not only that but he may never be able to see her again.

But he couldn't think about that right now. He wanted every minute to be with her, but it was impossible, these two months flew by and each night that he couldn't be with her he would toss and turn restlessly and when he finally falls asleep it would be for a short amount of time. He would always wake up to his alarm clock and look down; he was always hugging a pillow in hopes that it was Rukia. But every time it wasn't.

Rukia grabbed the sheet that was covering them and ran to the bathroom not forgetting to shut the door for her privacy, but he could still hear. Her wrenching sounds, her coughs, her sighs and of course the toilet flushing. He never knew Rukia to be so weak from stress, but here she was, every so often kneeling in front of a toilet exposing her stomach contents.

When she stepped out of the bathroom she stopped in her tracks when she saw Ichigo laying on her bed, head up against the head board, completely naked.

She laughed lightly and got on the bed crawling to him slowly before she met his lips and kissed him.

"You know… it's funny, you're fifteen, yet you look like a man, and act like a man."

"So I satisfy you?" There was that cocky grin again.

She smiled and sat on him, her legs on both sides of his body. She smirked when she opened her blanket allowing him to see her.

"And you darling, you look like a twelve year old, and yet, you fuck like a woman." He laughed and pounced on her getting a meek yelp from her.

"We have time for one more go before I have to really go home." He said kissing her cheek lovingly.

"Make it good Ichigo Kurosaki; I don't want to forget you." She teased.

X X X X X

Rukia woke up early the next morning rolling over expecting to feel a body next to her. But she frowned against her pillow when she felt nothing there. The throb in her heart was growing. She missed him already.

A knock on her door broke her out of her thoughts she quickly pulled her quilt up to her chin and cursing herself as she saw what a mess her room was before the door to her room opened up.

"Nii-sama!" She chocked out.

"Rukia…" He said raising an eyebrow looking around her room. It was a disaster. Blankets were thrown around the room; a few pillows were thrown around too. But his eyes came to rest on Rukia who was lying in her bed, quits up to her chin, she looked pale.

He walked over to her and her eyes got bigger. Anyone would be experience a little discomfort when your older brother walks in your room with nothing on hiding under your sheets.

"Are you still not feeling well?" He asked sitting in a chair across from her bed.

"Um… I … yes."

She felt awful lying to her brother. He was feeling guilty about her being sick. He wasn't the one who placed her in this arranged marriage, but he feels as though he's failed her. She first got sick when she was talking to him in his office one day a few weeks ago. That was the start of a bumpy few weeks.

"Captain Kuchiki, Rukia Kuchiki from the 13th squad would like a word with you." A young shinigami from the 6th squad said coming into his office and bowed low never once taking his eyes off of the floor.

"Very well." He said never letting his eyes leave his paper work.

The young shinigami left and was replaced by Rukia's familiar presence.

"Nii-sama." Rukia said bowing lightly.

His eyes never left his paper work. A certain vice captain of his skipped out again, claiming his business was needed down on earth. He'll deal with him later.

"I… I just wanted to thank you…"

Now his eyes left. He looked up at the small girl in front of him. He heard talk of people walking around claiming how tiny she was, smaller then Histugaya even; now that was small. In fact just as he was walking to the office this morning he heard a group of shinigami's from his squad talking about Rukia's marriage, and how unfair it was. They began talking about how tiny she was, and yet she still packed a punch.

But as soon as he heard the words of 'the younger Kuchiki was cute, and hot,' he walked up to them eyeing them, giving his famous blank stares but they knew exactly what that meant. They quickly scrambled.

"You look pale Rukia." She did, her skin was paler then usual and her dark violet eyes weren't shinning like they usually did.

She shook her head, "I got a little sick… this morning."

"I… I know you've tried… I know… you never gave up." she continued, "But you see Nii-sama, I failed you. I am the one who deserves this. And you still helped me. And that's why… I want to thank you." She continued, her eyes never leaving his. They held so much emotion, his did not.

But if Rukia had more to say, she never got to finish it. She stumbled and held her hand to her head about to call, but Byakuya and his shunpo caught her quickly.

"Rukia!" He cried out in alarm looking at the petite girl in his arms. He picked her up and realized she had fainted.

He must have looked weird carrying his younger sister in his arms back to the Kuchiki mansion. But he ignored the whispers as he carried her back home. He set her on her bed and asked the maids to care for her. If she needed it, call Unohana. With that said, Captain Byakuya Kuchiki returned to his office in the 6th division.

"When you feel better, I am allowing you to go down to earth, to see… Kurosaki. You can stay there until the wedding, but be back in time for preparations." He turned and left. It was his gift to her.

Once her door was shut Rukia bounced up and quickly grabbed her clothes that were lying on the floor (thanking whatever for not letting her older brother see her undergarments lying on the floor carelessly). She was surprised her brother didn't even know about Ichigo coming by at night for two months. She guessed it was because he was too busy with the wedding.

Rukia quickly pulled on a knee length brown skirt and a pink spaghetti strap shirt with the chappy bunny on it with hearts around its head. She also had some sandals and slipped them on. Her brother didn't approve of her new wardrobe since she came back from earth but didn't make her get rid of it either.

She ran down the stairs with a bag in her hand. But slowed down once she reached the dinning hall, she didn't want him to question her about being sick just right now. Her brother was going over some paperwork for the day. When she entered the room he raised an eyebrow at her.

"Feeling better already?" From the look he gave her it was obvious he didn't like her outfit.

"Well… I'm just a little dizzy, but I … Nii-sama you've made me happy by allowing me to go."

Byakuya nodded and went back to his paperwork. Rukia smiled once more and picked up her bags heading out of the mansion waving to the servants or maids she saw as she ran until she made it back outside where she would be traveling by hell butterfly.

When she opened her eyes again she was standing in a park. The same park that was near Ichigo's house.

It was a Friday and Monday was her wedding. So she'd have the entire weekend with Ichigo. She began walking with her bag still in her hand and smiled when she reached his house. His window was open so he must be home! She quickly crossed the street and began climbing his window. She just saw him last night, but he had to leave early in the morning to make it in time for school.

She set her bag down in his room when she made it to the top. He wasn't in there. The digital clock on his desk told her that he was probably walking home from school by now. Poor guy was probably exhausted; he didn't really sleep last night. Not that she'd let him…

So instead of going to her closet she laid down on his bed picking up a manga that he was reading.

She smirked at the pictures in it. Girls with big boobs getting into a fight, over a guy. She bet he wasn't even reading the words, just looking at the tits. She looked at her own and sighed. What made him like her… when he had Orihime right next to him he still chose her. She knew that from living with him he wasn't like ordinary guys, but he was still a male a teenager male at that and would take showers in the middle of the day sometimes. She knew what he was doing. Because usually he took showers at night. and he had one porno under his mattress. That wasn't his that was Keigo's. She was at school and eating lunch with the guys when they all huddled around each other. Keigo had handed something to Ichigo making him very red in the face.

As soon as they got home Rukia went in her closet to change, but before she shut her door she watched him throw it under his mattress. Curious she went to take a look at what it was while Ichigo was taking a long shower…

She set the manga down when she heard his voice.

"I'm home."

"ICHIGO!!!" his father shouted and a loud bang was heard.

"DAMN IT! CAN'T I COME HOME ONE DAY WITHOUT YOU ATTACKING ME?!" Ichigo shouted and footsteps up the stairs were heard. Butterflies were attacking her stomach once the door opened.

He didn't notice her at first his eyes were trained on the floor as he set his bag down. He sighed as he pulled his shoes off; his back was to her now. How could this dope not notice that there was a woman on his bed? She smirked and pulled her skirt up a little showing her thigh. But he sat on his bed instead with his back still to her.

She frowned and wrapped her arms around his back kissing his neck giggling as he tensed up. He swung around and gasped.

"Rukia?! Wha… when… how did you get here?"

"Nii-sama Byakuya aloud me to come for the weekend, I have to go home on Sunday though…" She trailed off. Ichigo knew why. She didn't want to speak the words.

Ichigo hugged her tightly and kissed her softly.

"I got an A on my math test." He teased trying to brighten the mood.

"Do you like my boobs?" She suddenly asked looking at his manga.

He pulled away from her, "what?"

"My boobs, you know the things you like to touch, do you like them?" She grabbed them making her point.

"Wha… yeah… why do you ask?"

"I dunno… guys like girls with big boobs."

He gave her one his rare smiles and hugged her again, "I love your mosquito bites."

She kicked him laughing. God… she was going to miss this. There was no way she could survive through a marriage to another man.

They went out to dinner laughing, holding, just simple enjoying each other's company and came back to Ichigo's room. She slept in his bed this night, he was careful to put a tiny bell by his door so if someone opened it he would be able to hear it. Normally his sisters knocked, but sometimes they barged in. And he certainly didn't want his little sisters seeing him doing something… he certainly shouldn't be doing. Poor girls were too innocent to know what their older brother was doing in his room, well maybe Yuzu. But he still didn't want Karin seeing.

The next morning was spent perfectly. It was a cold fall morning so the two of them dressed warm, Ichigo just wore a long sleeve shirt and a scarf, Rukia how ever wore a skirt, scarf, boots, and a hat. He loved her clothes, she was adorable, she was his, and in another day, she would belong to someone else. How is he standing for this?

They went down to Kyoto and shopped. He bought her things to bring home to remember him by, mostly Chappy the bunny stuff. He saw a jewelry store and walked in while Rukia was playing a video game next door.

He came back a few minutes and placed something around her neck.

"Ichigo!! This better be good you killed my man!!" she pouted turning around to look at him.

He simply laughed. She looked down on her neck and gasped, there on her neck was a diamond rabbit.

"Oh Ichigo! I love it!" She shouted bouncing up and hugging him tightly.

"I knew you would; now you have to wear it on your wedding night, and never take it off." He smiled sadly.

But he wouldn't let this ruin their day. He took her out for shakes before they went back home. They made love once more that night ignoring Kon's cries from outside of the window.

The next day was the day Rukia had to go home. He may never see her again like this. But he got a call from Orihime asking if it's true, if Rukia is really here. Once he confirmed she yelled in his ear telling him to bring her to the festival that's going on right now. Everyone thought Rukia went away to a family emergency. Which… was a little true.

He knew Rukia would like to have a little fun before going home that night so that's where they were. They spent most of the day there trying to find times when no one was looking to sneak holding hands or kiss.

When Ichigo and Rukia thought everyone was still in the bathroom he pulled her to him and kissed her forcefully.

"ICHIGO?!" Keigo cried.

"Oi!" He shouted backing away from Rukia. Welp, all thoughts of hiding their relationship was gone.

"Why are you kissing Rukia as if you are dating her?!!" He cried dramatically.

"Well… she is my girlfriend." Ichigo muttered growing bored.

Everyone found out, gave their congratulations but Keigo continued to cry.

Once the fireworks happened Ichigo picked Rukia up on his back so she could see. She was so small and the people were in the way so this way she could get a good view. She hugged him and kissed his ear leaning down to lean her chin on his shoulder.

Rukia gave everyone hugs and said her goodbyes while Ichigo and her began walking home hand in hand.

"I love you." She said leaning against him.

"You already know I love you to death." He wrapped his arm around her but stopped when she stopped walking, "What's wrong?" She had tears in her eyes.

"I have to go now."

"Can't you… stay the night?" He knew this was coming, but he never wanted this to end.

She pulled away from him the tears now coming freely, "I feel so weak. Crying.." she wiped her tears away and kissed his cheek, "Promise, you won't forget me. I'll always love you. And I will always think of you when I'm with him."

"Rukia… this… can't be happening…" the tears were threatening him also.

"Don't be stupid Ichigo… you knew this was coming. I came here to spend my last days with you, please don't make it hard. We'll see each other again, I'm sure."

"Let's run away." He grabbed her hand.

"You don't get it Ichigo… if I leave and run away from my life I'll be facing trial again. My brother will loose his position and … after all he's done I can't do that to him. Ichigo you have to listen to me. I love you but don't do anything stupid." She put her other hand against his cheek and wiped his tears away.

"I love you!" He cried holding her to his chest tightly.

She kissed him fully on the lips before whispering that she loves him too and always will. She stepped away from him and before Ichigo could even act she was gone, already traveling away with her hell butterfly. Ichigo Kurosaki doesn't cry. Rarely did he cry and right now, as he sat on the ground looking at the spot Rukia was he cried.

XXXXX

It was early morning, the day of Rukia's wedding and here stood that annoying orange haired brat in front of Byakuya's desk. Does he really think that he has the rights to show up whenever he feels? Maybe he did… but not in his presence he didn't. Especially not since he hurt his sister.

"Rukia and I have been seeing each other for two months." Well… that was a surprise.

"Excuse me?" Byakuya asked his anger was boiling, yet his face held no emotion. Here was this kid barge in here to tell him that Rukia and him have been seeing each other all along, but… she was with Keiko during the day… so at night… right under his nose. Damn.

"I… I want to come to her wedding. I promise Byakuya, I …. Won't do anything stupid…" He looked away, "I promised Rukia I wouldn't."

Byakuya had to give him credit. This fifteen year old kid is standing here admitting to debouching his sister and calling him by his first name… this kid had guts. "Fine."

"I mean I know it's not right… but … what?" Ichigo looked up surprised at the Captain's decision.

"I said fine Kurosaki. Now leave, I'm busy."

Well, that was surprising. Ichigo thought as he left Captain Kuchiki's office. He skipped school to come and ask the older Kuchiki if he could attend the wedding. There was no way he wanted to miss this.

XXXXX

"You're beautiful Rukia!" A young maid said fixing Rukia's hair. It was Monday morning, the day of Rukia's wedding. And it took a lot of make up to cover up Rukia's tear stained cheeks. Her dress was simple, white, long and flowing. It had no sleeves and showed what little cleavage she did have off. Her hair was like it usually was except she had a bright violet flower pinned to the side keeping her hair tucked behind her ear.

"You're leaving this mansion to become Rukia Yemeni!" The maid bustled excitedly.

"Please leave." Rukia said looking down at the floor. She couldn't stand to see herself anymore.

"Madame?" The girl asked.

"I wish to be alone."

The maid backed away and bowed, "Very well mam."

The maid left. Rukia looked at herself once more. She was beautiful. The only thing that ruined her perfect look was her eyes. They were sad and depressed.

This is it, she had a beautiful weekend with Ichigo, but now she was going to leave him for good. She was a horrible person. Falling in love with Kaien, killing him, falling in love with Ichigo, killing his heart, and now she was marrying a man that she could absolutely not return his feelings.

Nausia continued to take over her body. She quickly jumped off of the stool she was standing on so the maids could reach everywhere on her without having to crouch down and kneeled down to the toilet.

Great, she thought, my wedding day and I'm throwing up before I even reach Keiko.

But what surprised her most was when she felt fingers grab her hair. She couldn't look up because she was a … little busy. But once she was done she lifted a shaky hand up to flush and wiped her mouth. If she didn't think she could get any more surprised the person holding her hair was Byakuya.

"Nii-sama?" She asked sitting back.

"Couldn't very well have you messing up your hair on your wedding day." He held his hand out for her to grab. She gratefully took it since she was a little shaky.

"I'm sorry Nii-sama."

"Come, it's time." He said putting her veil on.

Rukia was scared. Nearly everyone came to her wedding. Every single captain and Vice captain came. The whole 13th division was there and a few people from Rukongai were gathering outside of Seireitei.

Rukia took a deep breath and began walking down the aisle with her brother once they reached the wedding. She was shaking and felt weak. Her heart was thumping loudly and she was thankful that her brother was walking with her down to where Keiko Yemeni stood. She was so weak she could barely walk; Byakuya was doing most of the work. She let her eyes roam around the room; everyone was giving her encouraging looks and smiles.

She nearly tumbled over when she saw a familiar head with bright orange hair. He looked at her and smiled. It was encouraging. But his eyes told her he was hurt, very hurt. How did he come here without getting beat to a bloody pulp by her brother? But whatever the reasons may be, him beating here opened new wounds for her. She was panicking. She bit her lip trying to hold her tears in. 'A Kuchiki can not cry or show emotion.' She repeated in her head. Too late, the tears came gracefully down her smooth cheeks. Damn!

She clutched her brother's arm tighter as they finally reached Keiko Yemeni. He was smiling from ear to ear. He shook Byakuya's hand and took Rukia's arm.

Byakuya nodded to Rukia and took his seat next to Ukitake where the rest of the captain's were.

The priest smiled as the two young couple walked up to their spots. Keiko turned around to face Rukia and rubbed her arm encouraging, and went to pull her veil back. He gasped when he saw her tears. Everyone thought they were tears of happiness, but Keiko knew they were tears of pain since he could see her eyes. He watched as her pretty sad face divert to a young man who he has never seen before with bright orange hair. His eyes looked sad too.

"I understand." He said low enough for Rukia to hear.

She turned back to face him and blushed, this was embarrassing for a Kuchiki to be crying but she didn't care, she felt her heart leaving her body with each step she took.

"You love him don't you?" He smiled and stroked her cheek wiping some of her tears away. Was this guy… really nice? Everything he's done wasn't just a charade? This was who he really was, a gentle soul.

Rukia tried to answer, but merely nodded.

Keiko ignored the priest going on and on about two young lovers uniting and said, "Go to him." He smiled at Rukia's wide eyes and pulled her veil off. He took her flowers from her and threw them causing gasps to come from the audience. He kissed her on the lips lightly and said softly, "go be with the one you love Rukia."

Everyone was silent at that moment, everyone including the priest. He had stopped talking. Nobody was quiet sure what was going on, but they could guess.

"What is going on?!" Yorimi shouted standing up.

Rukia kissed Keiko on the cheek and whispered a thank you. She picked up her long dressed and ran down the small steps and ran straight to Ichigo's arms causing everyone in the audience to gasp.

"What is the matter with you Keiko?! A Human?! Rukia Kuchiki I will not allow this!" The old man's patience with the young shinigami was growing very thin.

"Let her be!" Matsumoto shouted from the vice captain side. She had too much sake before the wedding.

"Even if he is a dumb ass, let her be she's happy!" Renji shouted he too was standing up.

"We need a strong shinigami in our division." Ukitake said smiling softly at Rukia's tiny form holding desperately onto Ichigo.

"In order for her to be strong, she needs to be happy. And she seems happy the most with that insolent boy, Kurosaki." Byakuya Kuchiki muttered.

"Please Yorimi, let Rukia be. Forcing someone to get married if they aren't in love can slowly kill ones heart. Rukia is strong, I don't want to see her falter and fall because of some stupid marriage." Keiko said smiling at Rukia and Ichigo.

Ichigo wasn't saying anything, he was silent and held onto Rukia tightly his eyes were wide in fear and surprise, but never once did his grip on her tiny body loosen.

Yorimi opened his mouth once more but quickly shut it seeing that his battle was futile. Everyone, was on Rukia's side.

He scowled his face and began stomping down the aisle, but he stopped near Rukia and Ichigo.

"Rukia you are a disgrace to be called a Kuchiki." Rukia was trying desperately to hide her face in Ichigo's chest.

"But I believe she is worthy of being called a Kuchiki Yorimi. I believe she has proved herself more then anything." Byakuya said watching Yorimi Kuchiki's face get sour. He swung around and left the wedding still muttering about disgraces.

Rukia looked up when everyone started clapping and cheering. Matsumoto was the loudest and was scolded by her captain Histugaya.

She smiled and looked up into Ichigo's face. "I love you" she whispered and kissed his cheek and looked around at her brother. He wasn't clapping. Nor did he look mad. He just held his normal face of …. Well no emotion.

Oh no…. Rukia thought. She was growing dizzy again. but … the feeling was strong…. please no….

"RUKIA!!" Ichigo shouted catching her tiny form in her arms before she hit the ground.

Rukia fainted and it didn't take long for everyone to come rushing to her side to see if the small shinigami was alright.

"Unohana!" Byakuya shouted looking around to find the doctor shinigami.

"I'm coming Captain Kuchiki." The woman said smiling and took Rukia's hand in her's.

"She's fine, she just fainted, come, take her to my infirmary. I'll take care of her there." The woman smiled and began walking back with Ichigo behind her, Rukia still in his arms.

XXXXXXX

Ohhhh I'm cruel!! Cliff hanger!! But hey at least Rukia isn't getting married. She gets to stay with Ichigo. Well guess you guys will have to read the next chapter to find out what's going on!!