OK, time for a little stats: 20 days, 10 chapters, 78 reviews!

Thank you so much! I'm amazed by the feedback I received, I wasn't expecting so much! At the beginning I was writing it more for myself, but now it's totally for You. Here's 11th chapter, I hope you'll like it!

Chapter 11

'Luckily, it's not broken.' Rukia took another tissue and wiped away the blood from Ichigo's face. 'Why the hell did you attack him?' she threw soaked paper into the washbasin angrily. Ichigo sat quietly and observed her shaking hands.

'He was squeezing you and you didn't move… that looked really awkward. I can handle myself, I've done it before.' Ichigo took another white material and put it into the water.

'No! I'll do it!' She pulled the tissue back and started to wash his face.

'Come on, he's waiting. Is he really a friend of yours?' Curiosity finally won. Ichigo couldn't help, but thought it was her boyfriend and something in his stomach seemed not to be right about this.

'He was.' She put an emphasis on the word 'was' so guy must have done something terrible to piss her off. His lips curled a little bit. Not that he minded, anyway. 'Just tell him to go home so we can focus on Maths again.' She wrinkled her nose. 'Are you really able to focus on Maths after this?'

'Rukia, my nose was hit, my brain is still all right, so if you want we can do whatever you want after he leaves. I mean study whatever you want.' That previous sentence sounded insinuatingly, so he made small correction, feeling like the last imbecile in the world.

In fact he became proud of being her friend, someone she could ask for help. Even if he had his leg broken, he would still help her. 'It's OK, you really have to go there. Just tell him what you need to tell and then we can back to work.'

'But you're still bleeding…' she seemed to be confused.

'I can handle myself.' He stood up, cleaned his face, took a pack of tissues and headed his room. Rukia watched his back a while, fighting not to shout 'Don't go anywhere! I don't want to talk to him!', but finally took deep breath and went slowly towards her room, where Renji was waiting for her.

Orihime settled her scarf and hat properly, then glanced quickly into the small mirror. The lipgloss was still there. She was ready. She knocked to the door and smiled as prettily as she could. There was silence inside. She knocked again.

'I'm coming! Have you forgotten the keys again?' Finally his voice! After whole week of waiting! Ichigo was coming to her! He opened the door and his eyes went wide.

'Merry Christmas Kurosaki-kun!' She jumped up and down. He was even more handsome than she remembered. Just something about his nose was not right…

'What happened to your nose Kurosaki-kun?' she made worried face and came closer to touch it.

'Inoue? Nose… just a little accident, nothing serious' he spoke frantically going backwards 'What are you doing here?' What was with him? Why doesn't he hug her or ask to come in?

'I came to give you a Christmas gift! Can I come in?'

'Yeah, come in. But… I don't have anything in return.' Orihime quickly removed unnecessary things and went to the living-room. She hoped he could see how the new blouse stressed her perfect figure.

'Aww, that's OK, actually, it's really small… where do we sit?' She handed him the package and prayed he would take her to his room. She wanted to see it so badly.

'We can sit here. Want some cookie?' He pushed the plate towards her.

'No, thanks. Open it!' a bitter disappointment flowed into her body. Another time, then.

She watched him unwrapping the thing. She expected a huge smile, happiness, but he only murmured 'Oh… well. Thank you.' And put it on the table.

'Ishida told me you've got pictures of your friends in your room. So I thought it would fit perfect. Where will you put it?' She hoped he'll show her where would that be and some other things she knew he could do, but no, he said no.

'Hmm… I don't really know. It deserves different place than others.' Yes! She was special to him! She knew it! Probably when he saw that hot picture of her wearing bikini, in the red, heart-shaped frame, he finally realized that. Oh, if he only kissed her, just one more time…

'Actually, Inoue, I am a little bit busy, I'm studying Maths, you know, I have many things to do.. I was absent for some time and I really need to catch up. Not as much as Rukia, but still… you understand.'

'Oh, Rukia! How is she?' yeah, how was that bitch? He didn't have to mention her. She almost forgot she lived with him. Past months were so beautiful without her, and now she'll come back to school. 'Is she coming back to our class after Christmas break?' Orihime smiled and asked politely.

'Yeah, she's also studying a lot now. She's good.' He went silent and stared at the plate of cookies. Orihime had no idea how to start the conversation again. So this is it.

'I will be going then. It was nice to see you, Kurosaki-kun!'

'Yeah. See ya at school.' Noes! At school? He should have invited her for New Year's Eve or something! Another week without any sight of him? She was sure he'd invite her! But have a little faith, Orihime, she told to herself. If you'd get lucky, you'll know on which New Year's party he shows up, and then accidentally you'll choose the same. With that plan in her head she smiled and thought about her new dish she'll make today. She will only need to buy onion, chocolate and blueberries. This evening will be delicious.

'Rukia, you have no idea how happy I am to see you! I missed you so much!' Renji didn't make the same mistake and didn't try to hug her again, after being welcomed so cold. He just sat and talked to her like they were still best friends. What a nerve.

'OK, Renji, enough. Is there something you need? Why did you come here?' Rukia was impatient and wanted to get rid of him as soon as possible. Memories were flowing in her head and she didn't want to remember those things.

'What are you talking about? I came to see you! I've been looking for you for so long! It was really hard to get to know where you live.'

'But why Renji? Why were you looking for me? What brings you here after all this time? You broke connection a long time ago so why all of sudden you want to talk to me? Just what do you want from me?' she was slowly loosing her temper, and Renji, who knew her better than anyone, knew it would be better to slow down a little.

'Ok, Rukia, calm down and let me explain everything. I know I was an ass but I realized…'

'You realized what? You disappeared! Just when I needed you the most! Damn you! We knew this was going to be hard but Renji…. I believed everyone could fail but not you!' she stood up from the chair and started to walk impatiently. 'Now you come here, when I have already managed to find my place, and tell me you regret? Don't expect me to buy that crap. I won't calm down unless you leave.' with that she sat again on the chair and avoided his eyes.

'That's exactly why I'm staying. I told you I have realized how crock I was but now, Rukia, I want you back. Let me explain myself. Don't throw everything just like that. People make mistakes, don't they? At least listen to me.' Rukia wasn't that tough as she imagined. She never was if it was about Renji. And now, she was angry with him and hurt, but also couldn't ignore a little warm feeling around her heart when she looked at him. They used to be so close… 'You've got five minutes. I have a lot of work.' She sat more comfortably while Renji settled himself on her bed.

'I'll start from the very beginning. As you know after Kaien's death my parents decided to move house. As you also know, I was forced to do so.'

'Yeah I know that and that's not the part I'm angry about. You were writing, we were still in touch, we were still friends, Renji! So what the hell happened that you just stopped? All my letters, emails, phone calls, everything was left without answer. You didn't even tell me that you don't want to talk anymore. You just… ignored me. The way you ignore an insect. At first I thought it was your parents' fault. But even they were surprised. I've talked more to them Renji than I talked to you. So please tell me someone died, or I don't know. You were sick. Anything.' All frustration from that days came back to her, she could feel it the way she felt it then.

'Good evening Mrs Abarai, it's Rukia speaking… is… Renji at home?' Rukia asked silently. Please. She begged in her mind. Please, tell me he's there. Just today. I won't call him anymore, just one last time.

'I'm so sorry Rukia… he's not. Do you want to… leave him a message?' she could feel she was also sad. His parents always liked her. Didn't they really know what was with him or they just didn't want to tell her?

'Tell… him...' she tried not to sob. Not now. 'to call me… back. Good night' she cancelled the conversation, knowing she will never hear his voice again. She grabbed first thing laying closest to her and threw it with all her force on the wall. Thank God it was a pillow. She kicked the desk a few times and then lied on her bed, staring at the ceiling.

'What am I going to do now? I've lost everything. I can't keep the house, I will be placed in a foster family.' And she knew what happened in that kind of families with teenage girls. Violence, molestations… God knows what else. Rukia was full of fear. A few tears escaped her eyelids, but she wiped them away. She needed to be strong and think clearly. There was no time for tears. But she couldn't help it. They were just coming and Renji didn't pick the damn phone for six months. He didn't answer letters, e-mails. Nothing. He didn't even have the courage to tell her he didn't want it anymore. She gave up two moths ago, but now… she needed anybody, to tell her that somehow this is going to be all right. She got up and started to pack her things. What are they going to do with her parents' and Hisana's things? They said they will take care of it and let her choose, but she was only 17, there was no further family, they will probably do as they wish.

Last night in her own house, among things she knew and loved. She breathed in and continued packing.

'I wasn't sick Rukia. I feel terrible about it but I want you back, really, and I need to tell you about that even if I feel… embarrassed.' Renji blushed. 'It's not easy to tell you…'

'Just spit it out already!' she yelled and it was the right thing to do because he said with one breath. 'I'vemetagirl.' the blush went deeper and deeper and he started to study his shoes very precisely.

'Could you say it normal because I didn't understand a word? Don't be such kid.'

'I've. Met. A. Girl.'

Silence.

'Rukia, this is Aino family. You will stay with them for a while. Even though it's only temporary situation I think you'll like each other. They have already five children, but I'm sure you'll get along together.' Social worker made the presentation. A fat man in his late fourties and his wife around fourty smiled to her weakly. Two youngest children were in the dirty strollers and the three left stood indifferent next to their foster parents. They seemed to be bored and Rukia could see they were glancing impatiently at the computer. She felt like intruder. They were complete strangers. She didn't like the house, her room was so small, not to say tiny. There was only desk and two armchairs, which were supposed to work as her bed. Three shelfs on the wall was probably imitation of wardrobe and the lightbulb gave light in more brown than white colour.

But she survived this. People in this house were not that bad, they were polite but didn't seem to be interested in her. Adults asked her random questions about weather and her favourite food, but children ignored her from the beginning.

About 10 days later, the same social worker came and took her away. Part of Rukia was happy, because the atmosphere in that house was awful, but the other part was scared of the next family. Unfortunately, her worries turned out to be justified.

Next family respected rule 'you don't listen, you get hit'. Altough she tried not to do anything wrong, she occasionally got a punch in the face from her foster dad. It didn't last long, because social workers found out about it and prosecuted the family. To make the matters worse, she had to testify in court. She was never more scared than the day she was sitting in the hall waiting for her turn. And the only person who was there with her was a man from security, standing next to her, because he protected the entrance. There was another similar story, but what was the point in remembering that…

There was long silence between Rukia and Renji. Renji seemed to be very interested with pattern on his shoes and Rukia stared blankly on his face, which turned more and more red. When she finally spoke up her voice was cold as a stone.

'You didn't answer me, because you met a girl. And you feel embarrassed.' It was a statement.

'You didn't find the time to write to me "don't call", because you met a girl.' You know how stupid that sounds? Are you serious?' Renji still looked on his shoes and was red as a beetroot.

'I had an accident, in which one of my best friends died. Then another my friend leaves and does not speak to me. A few months later my family dies and I'm being thrown from one freaks to another, sounds great doesn't it?' she was still cold. 'I can't believe you didn't have the guts to write anything to me. It would save me so many…troubles.'

'Rukia…' A boy tried to say something but she didn't allow him to do so.

'Not now, Renji. Did I really meant nothing to you? I've been in hell, while you were dating, and now when I finally… am happy… you come here to… wait what did you say? To have me back?' she laughed but there was no happiness in that sound. It gave thrills.

'You know what? Fuck off.' She wanted to hurt him the way he hurt her. She wanted him to feel the pain and then disappear from her life. At least she thought she wanted it, because after finishing this sentence, her entrails were shaking, eyes were burning, and something heavy in her chest interrupted in breathing. Above all, it didn't make her any better, it made things worse. 'Just get out Renji. I don't want to talk to you.'

'Rukia… I know how you feel...'

'Don't tell me you know how I feel! If you knew you would have spoke up some time ago and did not come here! If you really knew how I feel, you would run away, because I'm close to strangle you with my bare hands! Get out! Just get out!' She stood up and opened the door widely, wanting to be left alone.

'Ok. But I'll come back.' He turned around, seeking in her eyes something else than hatred. But he saw absolutely nothing. Her eyes were blank.

'You know the way to the door.' And then she slammed the ones to her room.

Renji slowly walked through the house, curious how her new place looks like, if she could like it. He saw Ichigo standing in the kitchen, staring at him.

'See ya.' Renji buttoned up his jacket and left. He just had the worst conversation in his entire life. Even breaking up with his girlfriend was easier than this. He walked slowly while the snowflakes were flying down on him. But he won't resign. Oh no, Rukia was worth it.

Ichigo walked back and forward in the kitchen. He wanted to go to her room, ask her about this guy or just do Maths, but not being here and not knowing what happened. He heard her screaming, shutting the door much louder than it was supposed to and he was confused. He did not know what to do. He wasn't that soothing and comforting type of man; he always said something inappropriate. But standing here and doing nothing will not bring relief to neither of them. So he headed upstairs, but Rukia wasn't in her room. The door was open so he could see clearly.

He rushed towards the attic. He was sure it was the only place she could be . He entered silently and when he has already scrambled in there through the hatch he wanted to go back immediately. His instinct told him to escape right away, because… Rukia was crying.

She was sitting on her windowsill, head hidden in her knees. Ichigo could hear quiet sobs escaping her throat. Her whole body was shaking, her fists held to her jeans tightly. He stood there paralyzed unable to move, wanting to leave at once. She was probably in such state she didn't notice his presence, because she didn't even raise a head. She just cried and cried, causing torture to him. He had never seen anybody that collapsed. That was the appropriate word. She looked so vulnerable, he had no idea what to say or do. And with every second it was worse. He was standing there still, hearing how she became to choke, loosing her breath. It was like she was becoming panicked. All in all it was not good. His sisters were yet not at home, and even if they were he had no idea if they could handle it. He made a step back, wanting to leave her alone with her misery, but he could see clearly it was getting worse. Screw it. Andhe did the only thing that seemed right.

He rushed to her and started to caress her back softly, unclinging her numb fingers from jeans at the same time.

'Shhh, Rukia… it's OK now. Don't cry,' He repeated those phrases over and over again but instead of calming down, she only started to sob harder. The only thing that changed was that she wasn't hiding her head in her knees anymore, she just leaned on his chest.

Ichigo didn't stop caressing her back; he put his chin on top of her head and whispered silently to her. He felt his T-Shirt was getting wet with every second but he didn't mind. He only wanted her to calm down and be that shabby Rukia he knew from the beginning. Even though it was hard to admit, he was panicked. He had no idea if his words aren't making the matter worse, but now he couldn't withdraw.

He wondered, what that muscled redhead with weird tattoos has done to lead her to that state. If he saw him now, he would probably beat him up until he couldn't move.

'Rukia, calm down, whatever happened, you are safe now. Just stop crying. I will help you with everything, just stop crying.' His palm wandered along her spine up to her neck. He felt her sobs were not that strong anymore and he tried to make her talk.

'Just look at me. You don't have to worry. I will help you. And dad and Karin and Yuzu too.' Ichigo massaged her neck with one hand and her back with another.

'It's Ok…' Her body was so warm… what the hell happened? 'Rukia, can you hear me? Look at me.' He tried to make her lift up her head, but she only pressed it harder to his chest and encircled his waist with her hands, not stopping crying for one moment.

'I… am… am so.. so.. tired, Ichigo' she said quietly between the chokes. 'I want… I want… to go… home…' and she cried harder. Well, that was strange.

'Rukia, you are at home.' She roused her head, and he could see she was thinking intensely.

'I am?' she whispered uncertainly.

'Yes, you are.' He said content she wasn't sobbing anymore.

'Oh.'

'Yes, oh.' Ichigo wanted to laugh, but managed only to smile. With traces of tears all over her face , she looked now so focused and surprised, all at once. Only Rukia could look like that.

'You want to get out of here?' he took advantage of her quick recovery.

'I don't want to go back to my room. It's too much of… him now.' And her head which was up a while ago leaned again helplessly on his chest. Ichigo, terrified she'd start crying again, took her immediately up and headed downstairs.

'Then we'll go to mine. Is that Ok?' he asked carrying her down the hall. She was so light, but anyways, how someone that small could be heavy?

'Mhm…' she softly replied.

When they finally reached their destination place, Ichigo noticed she was asleep. Maybe not fully asleep but she looked like someone drifting away.

He layed her down on his bed, enveloping with thick blanket and smiled at the sight. The perfectly black hair contrasted with the white fabric.

He wondered what to do now. He couldn't leave her in case she woke up, but he needed to make a story for the rest of the family how she got into his room… he didn't want them to think… Ichigo sighed. Girls.

~OK, now I'm curious what you think about making Renji an actuall asshole XD Don't get me wrong, I totally love him in manga/anime, that's just how the story goes. I'd be honoured if you reviewed! ^^ Take care, everyone!