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OoOoO!! Chapter 11!! Ryou and Hiraku are still out there! Will they make a move or are they waiting for the right moment?
Read and Find out!!!!
The Secrets We Hide
Ch.11 Life Goes On
"Why had the men asked Rukia to give him a message? What could the message possibly have said? Why were they blackmailing her in such a horrible way?" Ichigo really wanted to figure out what they wanted.
A little after Rukia finished eating she returned to her room again.
"I told Byakuya about them wanting you to give him that message or whatever, but he still couldn't remember much." Ichigo said. Rukia didn't seem to hear him.
"You ok?" He asked. She snapped out of her gaze and looked at him. "I'm still a little tired but I don't feel as sore."
"Unohana said it would be a good week before the pains started to go away." Rukia nodded and curled her arms around her legs. "I know this is hard for you Ichigo and I'm sorry."
He hated when she said things like this. "Rukia, I've told you a thousand times it's not your fault ok?" He said softly. Ichigo thought for sure that she would cry, but she instead pulled herself under the blankets.
"You're going to have to go to your division eventually." She mumbled. Ichigo moved closer to her. "Yamamoto knows the situation so he should be pretty lenient about this for a while."
Rukia sighed. "Great, now Yamamoto knows." She muttered. "Rukia, he had to know. Those men are still out there and are obviously a threat. If he didn't know then I wouldn't be able to stay here with you right now."
"You can't stay with me for that long. I don't know how long it will be before I can be around people. I know I'll heal, but I don't know how long it will take." Rukia muttered. Ichigo rubbed his head.
"I told you we'll figure it out ok?" He whispered to her. Ichigo couldn't stand seeing her like this. He wanted his wife back.
And just as the day ended another began. Months passed and Rukia slowly began to speak more and even smile more.
Hiraku and Ryou were still out on the loose and everyone knew that they're business wasn't done, but Ichigo would be ready for when they attacked.
"Oh Rukia, please come in here." Unohana said kindly. Rukia, followed by Ichigo, walked into the small room.
"Wow, it has been three months and I must say that you look well Rukia." Unohana said.
After Ichigo left the room so Unohana could talk to Rukia, she began her rant of questions.
"How do you feel physically Rukia?" Unohana asked. "I haven't had any pains in the last month or so."
Unohana nodded. "That's good. You appear alright. So how are things with your husband?"
Rukia looked a little uneasy. "He's had to go to work more, and it's hard for him to be away, but everything is getting better. I still have Matsumoto and Hinamori to help when he can't."
Unohana nodded again. "Are you still afraid of other men?" Rukia nodded her head slowly. "It's easier now though, I mean, I can talk to my brother now and even Renji."
"Well Rukia, I need to talk to your husband now. One of the nurses is out there waiting for you, unless you would rather be alone."
"No, that's fine." Rukia was healing and Unohana claimed at a fast rate, but she still didn't like being alone. After Rukia slipped out of the doorway Ichigo emerged.
"Alright Ichigo, I just need to ask you some questions." Ichigo took a seat and waited for Unohana to speak.
"Has Rukia felt any strange pains in the past month?" "No."
"How has she acted around you?"
"She seems more lively and active than ever before around me, but she's still quiet around other men."
"I've decided to ask this because it's been long enough. How are you two sexually?"
Ichigo knew she had to ask it, but he still didn't like the question. "No, we haven't had any sort of contact." He said quickly. Ichigo and Rukia kissed but that was as far as it went.
He felt like a twelve year old answering the question, but it was the truth. Luckily for him Unohana didn't give him any strange looks or anything.
"Ok, well you two are free to go. I'll see you in about a month or so."
Ichigo saw Rukia sitting on a chair quietly. "You ready to go?" He asked. She smiled faintly. "Yah, let's go."
They walked out of the office hand in hand. The past few months had been hard on the two, but things were slowly getting better.
Ichigo and Rukia both stayed with her brother still for safety reasons. Hinamori and Matusmoto only came to stay with Rukia when Ichigo had to leave.
People from Rukia's division were all curious as to why Rukia had been gone. Most thought she was pregnant.
Sadly rumors spread all around and some were even negative. Ichigo was on his way home when he heard two women talking.
"Well I heard Rukia cheated on her husband." One shinigami was saying.
"Oh really? Well I heard it was the other way around, Ichigo cheated on her." Another said.
He was sick of hearing these thoughts about the two. It was no one else's business. The two women looked up just in time to see Ichigo walking by and glared at them.
They both stared at him silently as he passed. "Why did these rumors spread in the first place? Just because Rukia's been gone for a little while." Ok, maybe three months wasn't a little while but still.
He got the vibe that someone was behind the rumors and he had a feeling on who it was. "Those two bastards Ryou and Hiraku. I bet they had something to do with this."
Just knowing that the two were still out there frightened him. Ichigo only went to his division a few times during the week because staying away from Rukia any longer might give him a heart attack.
"Things will get better." He kept saying to himself as he passed another group of people who became strangely quiet as he walked by.
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"You may now kiss the bride." The preacher spoke. Hinamori and Hitsugaya pulled in and kissed each other. People in the crowd stood up clapped as the two made their way down the aisle and out of the chapel.
In the very back row sat two people. One was clapping and smiling while the other, the shorter of the two, kept her hands clasped in her lap.
Once the bride and groom exited the building everyone stood up and chatted amongst one another.
"That was a lot like our wedding huh Rukia?" Ichigo asked helping his wife stand up. "Yah, it was in a way. Except I tripped on my dress and knocked you over as we walked down the aisle." Ichigo grinned.
"I still remember the shock on Byakuya's face. He still claims it was my fault that you fell." Rukia rolled her eyes. "Seeing as you were next to me I wouldn't be surprised if you had been the cause of it."
Ichigo couldn't help the small laugh that escaped his mouth. Rukia actually sounded happy and not concerned with anything.
It had been a little over a year since everything happened. Rukia still needed to make a few adjustments, but she was much better now. Every once in a while she would worry about them, the two who tortured her, and felt the need to always be on alert, but as the time passed, she let the horrible images sink deep into her mind so that she would not see them so easily.
She could go to her division now, but for a much shorter time than before and always had to be around more than two people with the majority being females.
Her captain knew what happened and felt great sympathy for her and as far as the rumors went, they dropped like a fly when Rukia returned to her post.
The rumor that Rukia was pregnant quickly evaporated when after returning six months to the division her stomach was completely flat. The statements about Ichigo and Rukia cheating on each other vanished as well. Several people spotted the two together and it was quite obvious by the way they acted that the two weren't going to split up any time soon.
Because people were for some reason intimidated by Rukia in her division, no one dared to simply ask Rukia why she had vanished. A few of the younger ones brought it up and Rukia simply gave them a short answer. "I've just been extremely busy."
Everyone from the wedding walked to the room where the reception was. Rukia stayed close to Ichigo the entire time. At the moment Rukia felt joy.
The atmosphere of the wedding was relaxing and inviting. Even Ichigo looked to be content. "Oi Rukia!" Matsumoto shouted.
"I can't believe they finally got married!" She cried. Rukia smiled. "They were supposed to be married a year ago." Rukia replied. Matsumoto had an uneasy look on her face for a second, but when she saw that Rukia still looked normal she laughed and smiled.
The busty woman couldn't help the uncomfortable feeling. It had also been a year ago that Rukia had gone through everything.
Matsumoto waved goodbye to them and went to talk to other people. "Do you want something to eat?" Ichigo asked. Rukia shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe later."
Ichigo sighed. "Rukia, you haven't been eating very much lately, are you ok?" He asked. Rukia rolled her eyes. "I'm fine Ichigo really. I just haven't been all that hungry lately."
If Rukia acted odd in the slightest Ichigo would end up questioning her about it. "Ok, well I'm hungry. I'll be right back ok?" Rukia nodded and Ichigo left her side from the table.
She looked at all the people in the room. There were probably at least a hundred. Captains and vice captains, herself included, and friends. Some of the people there Rukia had never seen in her entire life. She assumed they were subordinates of Hinamori of Hitsugaya.
In that instant Rukia froze as she recognized a face in the crowd that stared back at her. She turned her body away quickly and dropped her head. "It couldn't be…" But she knew that it was a possibility.
When Rukia looked back in the crowd again the face was gone. "Did I really just see one of them? I could have just been imagining things…"
Rukia nearly jumped when Ichigo came back to her with a plate full of food. "I got extra food in case you get hungry—Rukia?" He asked concerned.
She snapped out of her gaze. "What is it? What's wrong?" After finding her voice she told him.
"I-I think I just saw Ryou, or Hiraku. They were looking at me." Ichigo searched the crowd thoroughly.
"Rukia, it's impossible for them to be in here. There are too many people here that know about them so don't worry about it. You probably just imagined it." Rukia nodded her head. Ichigo was probably right.
"I know. It just really scared me." She whispered. Ichigo picked up her trembling hand. "Even if they were here Rukia, they wouldn't get you." He whispered back. Everyone around them seemed to disappear as the two gazed at each other.
He kissed her lightly on the lips and turned back to the food. "I got extra food if you want some." She smiled weakly at her husband's attempt to get her to eat.
"Fine Ichigo, I'll eat something." When she turned back to the food there was a rectangular box sitting in front of the plate.
She turned to look at Ichigo who had a rare smile on his face. "Happy eighth anniversary." He mumbled. Rukia's eyes widened with surprise.
"Ichigo, I'm, well, honestly, I didn't remember. I'm sorry." He chuckled. "Open your gift."
After looking at him with her guilty stare she finally turned once again to the small box. Inside was a white and silver bracelet. "It sort of reminded me of your zanpaktou and you know, zanpaktous sort of reflect a person, so I thought you would like it."
It felt strange for Ichigo to remember their anniversary and as she went through the days in her mind, she came to the conclusion that Ichigo was right. "Ichigo, there is no excuse for me forgetting this." Rukia always found anniversaries fascinating in the human world.
Apparently they weren't a big hit in Soul Society so Rukia made it a big deal. "I'm so sorry." She whispered. "Rukia, it's ok. I almost forgot myself but I knew that I couldn't forget this one. Don't worry about it."
Rukia was silent after that. "If you don't like it I can return it." He whispered. "No Ichigo, no! I really like it! There is something about it that reminds me of my zanpaktou." After Ichigo slipped the bracelet onto her wrist she smiled.
How could she have forgotten? "Rukia, don't feel guilty about it. I wanted to do this for you."
"It really is beautiful Ichigo, thank you." Rukia said softly. She wanted to kiss him but there were too many people around the table at the moment. Ichigo and Rukia rarely showed public affection after all.
After saying goodbye to a vivacious Hinamori and a tired Hitsugaya, Ichigo and Rukia left to their house.
"Why aren't we going to Ni-sama's?" Rukia asked. Ichigo just smiled. "I wanted to talk to you, unless you want to go back to his house." Rukia shook her head. They came to their house every once in a while to get away from everything.
An idea came into Rukia's mind and she wasn't sure it was going to work. "Come on Rukia, you can do this for him." She thought to herself.
After entering their home Ichigo and Rukia sat on a nearby couch. "So, what did you want to talk about?" Rukia asked. Ichigo placed his hands over his head.
"There is something I wanted to say to you, but I didn't want all those people around." Rukia sat up a little taller to listen.
"You know, it's been over a year since everything happened and I'm still pretty angry about it. Those men deserve to be severely punished." Ichigo paused and after seeing the sullen look on Rukia's face he continued on.
"But that's not the point. Rukia, I don't think you realize how much you have healed in just one year. I talked to Unohana about it, and she said it's rare for a victim to move on so quickly."
"It's not like it still doesn't hurt Ichigo." Rukia said. She was in no way or form brave in any sense. "It's going to hurt for a while Rukia, but even after a month of everything happening you made the attempt to move on. I never said this before but," He paused.
"I was really angry that you decided to go through all of that for my sake." Her eyes immediately widened. "I mean when I found out what happened I just couldn't believe it."
Ichigo smiled. "I mean, how could you go through something so horrible just for me? And then I realized I would have done the exact same for you if necessary."
"Why are you telling me all of this Ichigo?" She finally asked. Ichigo looked into her face and she saw his determined eyes.
"I've wanted to say this for a while now and before you get even more confused let me just say one last thing." He looked away for a moment but through his eyes back on Rukia's.
"I've missed you Rukia." He blurted out. The words seemed strange but Rukia knew exactly what he meant. "Ichigo" She said sympathetically.
"It probably sounds weird but it's true. You weren't yourself when everything happened and now I can finally see that you're returning."
Ichigo expected her to shed a few tears but she didn't. Did she not understand what he was trying to say? He was surprised when Rukia stood on her feet and took his hand.
Ichigo followed behind her as she started to walk up the stairs. "Rukia, what are you—"
"Just follow me." She nearly whispered. It was when they reached the bedroom that Ichigo started to get the idea.
"Rukia, I still think it's too soon for that." He whispered. She paused in front of him with her head down and her hand still in his. Her hand began to tremble and she pulled it away.
"We've never actually given it a try since everything, so I just though we could try you know, for our anniversary." She mumbled. Rukia thought her words sounded stupid but Ichigo didn't seem to notice.
He was afraid. If he caused a distance between him and his wife he wouldn't be able to handle it. "I don't want to hurt you." He whispered again as she turned to look at him.
"You won't Ichigo. If I say stop, stop ok?" She murmured back. Ichigo stared at her for a long time and finally gave a slight nod. Her lips fell on his a second later.
The whole time Ichigo still had doubt but Rukia made no movement to stop. She forced herself on him more and he gripped her unwillingly. "Ichigo, please" She cried softly. Seeing that Rukia wanted this, he gave in.
He responded by kissing her again. After starting to feel the sensation he started kissing her neck but not before making sure Rukia was still fine.
They were both sitting on the bed now facing each other. Ichigo didn't want to move to close to her. When Rukia pressed a hand onto his head he placed his hands on her waist.
He slowly pushed her down onto the bed and moved onto her. For a second Rukia looked around the room to see where she was and when she saw Ichigo's calming eyes she pushed his head down onto her lips.
Slowly she allowed Ichigo to touch her more and began to unravel out of her clothing. Ichigo did the same. It was when Ichigo began to kiss her shoulder that she felt it.
Their hands all over her, their sick moans and callings, their rough and calloused hands on her skin, their disgusting lips on hers. "Ichigo" She gasped out and he was off of her in a second.
Rukia pulled the blanket over her chest and sat up. "I'm sorry Rukia." He whispered. Her eyes widened at his words.
"Ichigo, no, it's ok, just give me a minute ok?" She asked. Ichigo watched as she took in deep breaths and closed her eyes. He felt extreme guilt at the moment. "I can't let my desires get in the way. I won't hurt her." Ichigo thought to himself.
"I always thought that the best way for me to heal was knowing it was you and not those men touching me. When everything happened I always tried my best to think of you."
"Look, we have our whole lives for this Rukia so it's not a big deal." Ichigo said softly.
She looked further down at the blanket. "But Ichigo, I miss you. I miss you so much." She cried. He placed a hand soothingly on her bare shoulder.
"I do too, but we can wait. We can try again some other time." Rukia thought of Hinamori and Hitsugaya and how they were on their honeymoon, innocent and happy.
"Let's just go to sleep then. We can stay here for the night." Ichigo said. Rukia didn't feel like arguing with him and moved down onto the pillow. Byakuya would figure out where they were eventually.
Once Ichigo was by her side she moved her head to his chest. Rukia really wanted him, but she was afraid. What if she shoved him away violently due to her fear? What if she hurt him? Rukia wouldn't be able to live with herself…
But Rukia knew that if she wanted to overcome this fear and be with him that she would have to step up. Ichigo had been by Rukia all this time and he had never once complained about anything. She knew that even if the two monsters floated around in her mind that nothing could beat him, Ichigo.
Should she give it a go again? She sat up slowly. "What is it?" He asked. Rukia couldn't help the smile that curved on her lips as she looked at him.
Rukia started to slowly again remove her robes and Ichigo's eyes widened slightly. "Can we try again?" She asked. Ichigo arched up onto his elbows. "You don't have to prove anything." He whispered.
A tear fell down her cheek. "I know I don't Ichigo, that's why I want to do this." Before he could say anything else she kissed him deeply, putting all of her emotion and passion into it.
Ichigo kissed her back just as intensely. He wanted her to understand just how much he truly missed her. Rukia sunk down into the bed as Ichigo leaned over her. She let out a small chuckle as Ichigo kissed her neck. Every once in a while she would whisper out his name and see him smile between each kiss.
This time she didn't let any thoughts get in her way and let Ichigo consume her mind and body. As his hand held one of hers tightly, he squeezed it. He stopped kissing her briefly and looked into her face.
Her deep blue eyes held hope and happiness even as tears came down. She brought her free hand up to caress his cheek. Each second seemed crucial for the two as the night steamed along. No words could describe the comfort the two felt.
All of their problems evaporated as they held one another. Each kiss meant something different. Each touch brought on new challenges. But just as the sun set, the moon rose bringing a different sort of glow.
Life would go on and even as enemies still lingered on the outskirts of everything, they didn't care.
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A/N: I know this chapter doesn't have to do a lot with the plot but I wanted some more in between time and sorry if it skipped around too much. Ok guys, so I'm feeling kind of sad right now…
I was getting like a lot of reviews for a lot of chapters and then they dropped like dead flies… Does my story all of the sudden suck or something? I know I sound like an idiot right now, but you really don't know how much your reviews help, even if they're just a "good job!" it really makes a difference. To those that have still reviewed, thank you, you ROCK, and to those that haven't, please REVIEW. It really doesn't take very long does it? Maybe 10-20 seconds, surely it wouldn't kill you. If there's something you don't like about my story I would rather you say it then not say a single word (even if it is harsh). So please, I know I'm rambling, but reviews mean a lot to me (and every other author…) I love you all!!