(A/N)This is family type fluff and a bit of thinly veiled innuendo (Too bad the characters are so dense). I hope you find it warm and sweet. The next chapter is a continuation of the end of this one. The next after that will be more fluff and then, we get going towards the end.

The thing about Ichigo and Rukia in this one is their comfort level with each other, the amount of trust that they've built and how well Rukia fits into his life. He is only slightly aware of it, at this point. There is a sentence that really displays her total comfort in the Kurosaki home and with Ichigo. I hope you like it. I'll tell you at the end of the chapter if you don't notice it.

For those of you who are wondering, yes, I had a situation like Rukia's where I had injuries that needed medical attention. I'll just tell you that I gave Rukia the easy way out. My version hurt far more and was prolonged over several days. I just couldn't do that to her after all the angst she'd been through ^_^

I know for Ichigo to kiss Rukia's feet seemed weird to some of you. He was offering his highest apology for the way he acted. He knew he screwed the pooch and really needed to prove to her that he was sorry. He also needed to build up the courage to do so. Rukia was proud of Ichigo's growth. He not only could admit when he was wrong, but promised to expect the best out of her actions. Compared to the mopey strawberry she saw before and childishness that he displayed, she was pleased and full of pride as a friend and something more.

My houseguests are gone, my body has recovered and now, I have to go back to work tomorrow. How is that fair? LOL!

I am sorry for not getting back to anyone this week. It was just crazy here and I decided to write the chapter instead of replying to the reviews. I am wholeheartedly sorry. This week, I will get back to you, I promise. The next chapter will be out Thursday.

Thank you for all of the wonderful reviews from Elisya, xXBleachluverXx, darklover, CutieTea, Yuna-TheAnimeLuver, KurukiXV, Aika Ray Kuroba, 09ice, Thunder Claw03, Rukia's Reflection, teshichan, Aizawa Ayumu Oz Vessalius, falconrukichi, , xwhitemoonx, Duke-of-Spades, Duke-of-Spades, blades of blood488, OPrincess ShinigamiO, CharmedNightSkye and amelieraechan.

Thank you for all of the alerts and favourites as well! It makes me so crazy happy! Kyaa! It makes me so excited to see the replies, your comments and how it made you feel. I love it when what I write causes the reader to feel. KYAAA! And really, I do like writing fluff more than angst ^_^

I'll shut up now.

I own neither Bleach nor its characters.

Chapter 11-Welcome Distractions

Ichigo awakens to his alarm clock and its violent piercing of the peaceful air in the room. Slamming his hand on the top of it to kill the offending noise, he sits up and rubs his face vigorously with both hands. Is it 7:45 already? It seems like he just went to sleep. Maybe if he had slept instead of checking up on her all night, he'd feel better. He pulls back the covers and swings his legs over the side of the bed. As he does, his eyes traverse across the floor to the closet and then up to the slightly ajar door. The door opening is only large enough to see her face. Her stray bang of the deepest black, which is almost to her upper lip, is leaning to the side. Her large eyes are softly closed, her petite mouth with pale, pink lips slightly ajar, her button nose's nostrils flaring daintily as she softly snores and her small pale hand under her softly pink cheek all make a soft, involuntary smile brush across his face.

Then again, he feels better already.

He stands up and goes to get his clothes out. He has to referee a soccer game today. It really is an easy paycheck and it keeps him in shape. Besides, he'll be home early afternoon. After a quick shower and maybe an hour nap, he'll work on homework with Rukia. After dinner, maybe they'll go to a movie. He knows that she hasn't been to one in quite some time and neither has he; consciously. He wants to enjoy the experiences he used to take for granted all over again now that he can feel. He figures that they'll see a shoot 'em up. He likes the action and Rukia loves the violence. What does that say about us? Anyway, he isn't seeing any cartoons and neither one of them are into sappy-assed romantic comedies and dramas. And, Rukia hates horror. So, that just leaves action.

He quietly opens the other closet door to get out his cleats and shin guards. Slowly and softly closing it back, he puts all of his stuff on his bed. He gets out a piece of paper and a pen and writes her a quick note to tell her where he is because he is sure that she won't remember him telling her. However, he wants it documented so that he can talk shit about her later. She used to always swear that she could remember every conversation they had. He said that it was impossible. No one can remember every conversation that they have had, not even if you narrowed it down to just one person. Plus, they had a lot of implicit conversations so that was a fool's errand. Still, she swore it. So, today, he will be proving her wrong.

He packs his sling pack with the items to get ready. Once he has the bag over his body, he grabs his digital recorder, walks over to the girl and begins whispering his good bye while pressing the record button. "Hey, Rukia. "

She furrows her brow but doesn't open her eyes. In a sleepy but perturbed voice she answers, "Hmm?"

He can tell that she was in a deep sleep and is pissed at being pulled out of it. The boy inwardly sniggers. He then whispers, "I have to go to work. I'll be back around noon. We'll work on homework until five and go to a movie after dinner. Okay?"

She gives him another sleepy and perturbed answer. "Mmmhmmm."

A wide smile crosses his face when he whispers, "And you promise not to ask for any cartoon or Chappy movies either?"

Rukia's eyebrows are so close together that they are touching. She is pissed in her sleep. "Yes."

The strawberry smiles smugly, and whispers, "See ya later." He then goes out the door to start his day.

Rukia wakes up and blearily blinks her eyes. As she is fully coming to, she realizes that it must be way past 5 o'clock in the morning; way past when she normally awakens. Immediately sitting up, she balls her hands and wipes her eyes. Fully opening the closet door, she takes a mental inventory of her situation. The sun is shining, and brightly, she might add. Therefore, it has been up for a while. Ichigo's room faces directly east. She could actually see the bright orb through the curtains, so it must be around nine or ten. Speaking of Ichigo, where is he? His bed is empty and unmade. He must intend on going back to it. He always makes his bed before he leaves for the day unless he is going back for a nap.

Hopping out of the closet, she stands and stretches to her tiptoes. She feels fabulous. Looking to her right, she sees a note with an 'R' on the front:

R-

I have to work today. I'll be back around noon.

-I

P.S. Wear something warm for when we go to the movies. I don't wanna hear your bitching.

She cocks an eyebrow. Who are you to tell me what to do? Later on, she will make it a point to let that ass know that she is not his servant. But, right now, she's going to go the bathroom. Then, she'll come back here and take another couple hour nap. This is the best sleep she's had in ages. It just feels wrong to waste it. Yes, I am on my way to my first slothful morning in a very long time.

After a curt nock from behind the door, the muffled voice of the sensitive twin comes through. "Rukia-Chan? Are you awake? May I come in?"

Or, maybe not. "Yes, Yuzu-Chan, please, come in." Rukia replies in a kind voice. Being interrupted by Yuzu is always a nice surprise.

The younger girl enters the room slowly and then closes the door softly. She steps in front of Rukia while staring at the ground and speaking shyly. "Rukia-Chan, Karin told me that she's going to be calling you 'Ruki-Nee'. I…I…I was wondering if you if you would mind me calling you Ruki-Nee-Chan. I...I...If you don't feel comfortable with that, just yet, I understand."

Rukia's face can't hold back the smile. How can you not love Yuzu? "Of course! I would like that very much. What would you prefer for me to call you?"

Yuzu looks at Rukia and smiles broadly. "Yuzu's fine! Do you want to make the Chappy cake today!"

Rukia returns Yuzu's broad smile and says emphatically, "Yes!"

"Okay! After breakfast, we'll make the cake so we can frost it a little later!" Yuzu continues brightly.

"Let me go to the bathroom, and I'll be down for breakfast." Rukia responds warmly.

Yuzu nods and turns toward the door. Just as she turning the door knob, she stops and looks at Rukia over her shoulder. Finally, she offers, "I'm glad you came back after last night and that you are okay. I was worried about you. We are all happy that you are here."

Rukia's smile is sweet and broad. This is why she loves being here. As crazy as the Kurosakis are, they have a really warm home. Rukia replies, "I am more than happy to be here."

Yuzu beams and tosses back, "Great! I'll see you downstairs in a couple of minutes, Ruki-Nee-Chan."

"Thank you, Yuzu." Rukia answers with an endearing smile.

The younger girl walks out of the door and Rukia stands there, fixed to the floor.

"Where do you feel most at home?" Ichigo asks lowly.

The answer warms her and frightens her. Here, more than anywhere I have ever been. That's kind of scary since she will have to leave at some point. She sighs. No point in letting future misery get in the way of present happiness. Turing sharply, she makes her way to the door to take care of personal needs before joining Yuzu for breakfast.

He blows his whistle and calls a foul. Throwing the ball back in play, he lets his mind go back to idle. He watches these spoiled kids play in a league with other spoiled kids. How boring. However, for roughly two hours of work, he gets paid ¥6303. That's nothing to laugh at.

It's a chilly, but nice morning. At about 50 degrees, it's a nice morning to be running around. Only his knees and head are exposed to the cold. So, overall, he feels comfortable. The more comfortable he is, the deeper he lets his mind wander.

That look from last night…towards the end of that stare, there was something that could stop traffic. He felt so on fire and could see it reflected back at him. She had to feel it too because she looked as embarrassed as him. Her cheeks were super rosy and her eyes bolted to the ground. He was no better, but he really enjoyed that feeling-again. He might as well make a deal with himself, since he is obviously not going to be able to rid himself of the affliction. It is okay to have weird feelings around Rukia because she is the only person that can see and elicit them. Besides, it's probably just the result of having her reiatsu so close to his after a really long time. It'll eventually go away.

After the movie, maybe they can get a late night snack before walking home. If she's still up and awake, they'll go up on the roof and talk. They used to do that a lot. That's how they got to know each other originally. He wants to do that again. He wants to get to know all of her new idiosyncrasies. In the end, he's glad that she is different after two years since he's different, too. And, to be honest, he likes the new Rukia. He can't put his finger on what it is that he likes, but he knows that he does. It's like, coming home after a really long time and finding the stuff in the house moved around. At first, you aren't sure if you like it since you were used to the old way. However, after a while, you realize that you like it better though you can't say why. Yesterday, he didn't like the new Rukia. He hated that she was so different yet the same. As the night went on, he finally understood that he didn't hate that she was different, he hated that she had no choice but to change. On top of that, he felt like he had to start all over with her. He didn't. Some of the old Rukia is still in there and all he needs is to figure out the new things. At this point, however, it's a challenge and he does like challenges. This is going to be fun.

His head turns toward the game clock. There's only five more minutes left in this half and he sees two kids starting to fight. Guess I need to stop this shit. His last thought, as he ran to stop an oncoming mêlée, actually surprised him and he shook it off immediately.

Being in the same room with her was like coming home.

Yuzu is calling off different ingredients and Rukia is running around the kitchen collecting them. Today is Chappy cake day.

"Okay, Ruki-Nee-Chan, I need the flour, eggs and vegetable oil. I'll get the mixer, bowl and cake pan." Yuzu says.

Rukia replies immediately. "Yes. Right on it. Except, where is the vegetable oil?"

The younger girl's small hand points up toward the pantry. "In there, behind the chocolate syrup."

The older girl goes to task and collects the ingredients. When she spots the chocolate syrup, she smiles, turns to Yuzu and asks, "Can we make a chocolate cake?"

Yuzu responds, "Sure! I bet Onii-Chan will love it."

Rukia nods, "I know. Then he won't bitch about the shape of the cake since he'll be too busy stuffing his face."

The auburn haired girl nods vigorously. "I like the way you think! He won't make fun of us!"

The raven haired girl smirks, "If he does, I'll beat some sense into him."

Yuzu beams. "Let's get to it!"

As Rukia and Yuzu run about the kitchen, greasing and flouring pans, mixing ingredients and discussing the difficulty of the cake pan, Karin bounds down the stairs in her soccer gear. "What are you two up to?" she asks flatly.

Rukia replies proudly, with a childish smile, "Yuzu is helping me make my first cake!"

Karin shakes her head. "Well, have fun. I have to go to practice. I'll be back in a couple of hours. Hey, where's Goat Face?"

Her twin replies, "He had a house call this morning and said he was going to run some errands after that."

"Oh. I think Ichi-Nii is refereeing a soccer game. So, you two should have the baking times of your lives." Karin says in a lightly teasing tone.

Her sister pouts at her with her arms crossed over her chest. "Stop making fun of us, Karin. I like having Ruki-Nee-Chan in the kitchen with me. Go play soccer… or something." She flicks her wrist a couple of times, in a shooing gesture.

Said girl chuckles lightly, "Don't get all pissy, Zu. I love your baking. I just can't make myself want to join you." She turns to Rukia and winks, "That's why we got you a new playmate. Tomorrow, she's my playmate. Ruki-Nee, teach me how to kick some major ass."

Rukia feels so warm inside. Both of the girls want to spend time with her. They must actually like her. She can bake and cook with Yuzu. She can fight and be snarky with Karin. This big sister stuff is pretty cool. "Absolutely. Tomorrow is conditioning though. I want you to be able to fight hand to hand. Later on, we'll do Kendo."

Karin smiles widely. "Kendo! Yes! I get to hit boys with sticks!"

Rukia snorts. Karin sounds like her the first time someone suggested Kendo to her. Fight, stick, and hand to hand;Rukia was in heaven…until she got knocked on her ass. "Karin, you can't just hit them with a stick. There has to be a certain amount of strength and finesse. That's why we train so we don't get our asses handed to us." Then she leans over and speaks quietly, "But when you get strong enough, it is more fun than you can imagine. There is nothing like dropping a guy double your weight. "She stands up and looks at Karin with a sadistic smile which the younger girl eagerly returns. "Tomorrow, after breakfast, then?"

Karin nods and answers, "Absolutely. I'll leave you two to it. See ya in a couple of hours. Later."

A "Bye!" in unison meets Karin's ears as she walks out of the front door.

Ichigo walks home after the game, passing the damned Chappy shop. He used to totally hate the fucking store due to the feelings it brought out. He still can't stand it. But something catches his eye as he walks past it. There's a pink hoodie in the window. He knows that Rukia doesn't own a hoodie and it's getting cooler at night. This is an item of practicality which she will appreciate. He detests the idea of going into the store after being a giant ball of sweat, but he figures he'll be in and out pretty quickly.

Once inside, he goes to the rack, picks out a medium pink hoodie and puts it on the counter. The sales person looks up.

"Is this everything for you, sir?" the girl asks.

Ichigo answers tersely, "Yes."

"Is this for your girlfriend?" she asks, trying to make conversation.

No, she's more important than that. "Best friend."

"Well, if this is what you get your best friend, I am curious what you would get a girlfriend." The girl chuckles.

Ichigo's brows furrow. He wouldn't consider buying the girls he dated a gift. Wait, this isn't a gift. It's a practical item.

"Okay, your total is ¥5462.6000."

He hands her his card, signs the slip and leaves. I just spent most of what I earned today on a hoodie? Gods, Rukia will be the death of him. He is supposed to be saving, not spending. Oh well. At least it's practical. He smirks. She'll love it, though.

Karin walks in the door to the smell of cooking sugar. And lots of Chappy.

There is a Chappy two layered cake, Chappy ice-cream molds with Chappy popsicle sticks, and now, it seems, that they were on their way to Chappy cookies. What the hell?

"What is it with you guys and that dumb rabbit?" Karin asks while taking out a spoon and scooping out some of the chocolate chip dough. She, then, hops up on the counter.

Rukia turns around with a cocked eyebrow. "It isn't a dumb rabbit. He's an adorable bunny." She says matter-of-factly.

Karin scoffs while grabbing another spoon of dough, "Whatever makes you feel better."

Yuzu's face is in a complete pout. "I love Chappy and he loves me!"

Karin chuckles, "Chappy isn't real so he can't love you."

Rukia sidles up next to Yuzu and whispers lowly. "Is Karin ticklish?"

Said girl nods. "Almost as much as Onii-Chan."

Rukia smiles evilly and fixes her gaze on Karin. "Perhaps I will find new ways to convert you." She then looks over at Yuzu. "Yuzu, I think we can make her see the light."

Yuzu's smile becomes evil as well. "Yes, Ruki-Nee-Chan, I think you're right."

Karin takes a big swallow of dough and slides off the counter. The look in their eyes is very, very scary. She starts to back away slowly while eyeing them carefully. "What are you two doing?"

The other two girls are walking slowly toward her; both looking a bit possessed. Yuzu actually speaks. "Don't worry, Karin. This won't hurt a bit."

Karin makes a break for the other exit of the kitchen only to end up running into Rukia. Holy shit she's fast!

"Karin, we hate to do this to you, but it is time for an intervention." Rukia sweeps Karin's legs from under her. She gets herself up and over to Karin's head so that it doesn't hit the ground. "Yuzu, grab her arms!"

Yuzu does as she is asked and holds Karin's wrists tightly. She leans down and says most sadistically, "This is for your own good."

Rukia puts her knees on the outside of Karin's knees and uses her ankles and feet to hold down Karin's shins. Karin is completely trapped. Her eyes are wide. What the hell! "What are you guys up to?" she almost yells. She doesn't want to sound afraid, but she can tell by the look in her sister's eyes, that she was going to be tortured with something worse than pain. Right about then, she gets it.

Rukia flexes her fingers and slowly lowers them to Karin's ribs. The younger girl tries to move away, but is too strapped down. When Rukia's fingers make contact with Karin's ribs, the girl lets out a loud shriek and begins laughing and screaming at the same time. Rukia gets her ribs, her tummy and under her pits then begins her slight taunt. "Will you now respect the bunny?" She stops tickling to hear Karin's response.

Karin looks her in the eye in a spiteful but playful way that makes something burn in Rukia's chest in pride. She says, breathily, "Never."

The older girl smiles, cocks and eyebrow and says, "Maybe I have to go to a method that will guarantee results."

"Huh?"

Rukia reaches back and removes one of Karin's socks, and begins tickling her feet. Karin is laughing so hard, she's red. "I AM GOING TO GET…HAHAHAHHA…SO EVEN!...HAHAHAH…ZU…HAHAHA…YOU…TOO!"

All three girls are laughing so much, that none of them have noticed the tall mop of orange hair standing in the doorway in a complete stupor.

He's almost home. Time for a shower, and a nap. He wonders what Rukia did today. He then snorts. Probably catch up on old manga. He does remember something about Chappy and sugar yesterday in the kitchen. Then again, she might have just slept in.

As he rounds the block, he notices that there is a sale on pocky at the candy shop. Rukia and the twins will like that and he will get some chocolate. He is in and out of the store in five minutes. He doesn't need all day to shop. He gets in, gets his shit, and leaves. Too bad most girls don't understand the concept.

He opens the gate and hears a shriek come from the house. His heart starts beating wildly. There are three girls in there that mean the world to him and if someone is hurting them, he will absolutely kill them. He bounds up the steps, unlocks the door and…and…what the fuck?

Yuzu and Rukia are holding Karin down and…tickling her? He hasn't heard Karin shriek in…oh, hell, he can't remember when. Her face is super red. Yuzu and Rukia are laughing too. Rukia seems to be doing the majority of the instigating, but Yuzu is enjoying herself. Even Karin seems to be enjoying the 'hostage' situation.

He decides to stand back and watch. This, he hasn't seen a while.

Rukia and Yuzu are laughing themselves. It is so funny to see Karin laughing and the young girl refuses to give in. The older girl is having such a good time, that she loses her grip and gets knocked to the floor.

Yuzu gets startled and lets go. Karin jumps right on Rukia and begins tickling while sitting on her stomach. Rukia is laughing loudly with her eyes closed and her legs are swinging wildly. While her hands try to stop the younger girl. Karin gets her under her pits and in her ribs as payback. "Now, who's respecting the bunny!" Karin yells as she laughs.

Karin reaches back and tickles behind Rukia's knee. This earns a shriek from Rukia while trapping the younger girl's hand with her knee bent. When she pulls Karin's arm backward with her leg, she sits up knocking Karin backward. Rukia finally collapses backward herself. They both lay on the ground laughing and panting when they feel a blob of cookie dough hit them in the face. They open their eyes and see Yuzu grinning. "You guys can't just lie there all day."

Karin and Rukia look at each other and then at Yuzu. Yuzu backs up. "WAIT! NO!"

The next thing she knows, Yuzu is being relentlessly tickled by her natural and adopted sisters.

Ichigo stands there for ten minutes just watching the three girls. He goes unnoticed as they play. He sits down on the bottom step and simply observes. Rukia and Karin are laughing with abandon. Neither seem to care that they are being seen laughing uncontrollably. And, Yuzu. Yuzu has enough balls to participate and instigate. Maybe Rukia being here is not only good for him, but for them too.

He realizes that the noise has stopped and he pays attention. He hears whispering. He stands up and tip-toes over to the kitchen doorway when his feet are pulled forward and his back hits the floor. When he looks toward his feet, Karin has his ankles, Yuzu his arms, and where is Rukia?

She steps over him and sits right below his stomach. Oh for all that is holy, I wish you wouldn't do that. He doesn't have time to give his body an un-pep talk because before he can have the biological reaction that he is dreading, she starts tickling him. She uses the same pattern as Karin's, only more roughly. She gets his ribs, his pits, his neck and back to the belly. He is so red, that his hair actually clashes. When she sees the palette at the back of his mouth, she knows she has him. Taking a minute to allow him some air, she asks, "So, Kurosaki-kun, you thought it was funny for us to tickle each other, but not so much for you?" Rukia says in a low taunting voice.

He fixes on his scowl. "Absolutely. Besides, it will take more than that to make me respect your bunny."

Her eyebrows both rise. "Really?" she says sarcastically.

His eyebrow cocks, "Really." He replies equally as tauntingly.

After a heavy sigh, she answers, "Very well."

She turns herself around so that she is sitting on his thighs, her back facing him and begins tickling his feet. "STOP!" He shouts while laughing. "DAMMIT, MIDGET!"

While trying to get a better grip on his ankles, Karin lets go. He lifts both legs and Rukia falls backward. Again, the commotion startles Yuzu and she lets go. Ichigo's right arm pulls Rukia's waist to him and he flips himself over on all his knees and one arm. Rukia's on all fours herself and fastened to his front. He leans down to her ear and says lowly, "My turn."

For some reason, she likes his weight on her as well as his voice in her ear. However, before she can wonder what her problem is, Ichigo straightens up, carrying her with him and rests back on his heels with Rukia on his lap. He takes his left hand and starts tickling her ribs. "Now, how do you like it, huh?"

Her arms are swinging wildly while she laughs. "LET GO!"

"Oh, I don't think so." He says lowly as he continues to meticulously tickle her. He goes from the area above her belly button to her lower ribs. "What was that about the bunny?"

She's not going down that easily. Let's try this again. She manages to get her hand behind her and in between them. She takes her index finger and pokes him in the belly button. Instantly he lets go and she jumps up. "I wondered if you still hated being poked in the belly button." She smirks. "And you do."

"You know how much I hate that." He says with a scowl and a smirk.

"I had a good guess." She says smugly. Tapping him on the cheek she says, "Did you really think that you would win that easily?"

"I know so."

Just as he hops to his feet, he is hit in the face by a large pillow. As it slides to the floor, his scowl is in full effect and his eyes move to the offending party. That's when he is quite surprised by who it is. Yuzu is standing behind the couch laughing loudly. "Alright, Zu, now you've done it."

Yuzu makes a run for the door and is caught by the waist while shrieking. "Oh, no, Yuzu, you aren't going anywhere! AAACK!"

He's knocked down by two dark haired girls and is then beaten with pillows-repeatedly. "STOP! I AM SO GOING TO GET EVEN! OOF!"

Rukia straddles his body and continues to beat him while the twins tickle him. "FINE! I RESPECT THE BUNNY!"

Rukia's pillow stops mid air. She smiles down at him maliciously. "You promise?"

Ichigo grabs both of her wrists, making her drop the pillow. "I don't have to promise shit."

"Really." She states.

"Really. And I'd like to see you do something about it. " He replies.

Her reply to which is to put her lips to his forehead and blow.

The farting noise against his forehead makes Ichigo actually scream. "AAAAAGGGGHHHH!"

Rukia and the girls fall over laughing. They are laughing so hard that they are turning red and holding their sides. Ichigo sits up abruptly. Surveying the room, he instantly scowls. Every girl in the household is laughing at him. The sight is so rare and humorous that he begins to laugh himself. And, pretty soon, he is laughing as hard as they are.

After dinner and that damned Chappy cake, Rukia gets out of her previous night's clothes, takes a shower and gets dressed. By now, it is almost 8 o'clock in the evening. Rukia pulls her hair up into a ponytail again and puts on a pair of jeans that she had Rangiku get for her last month. She just wanted to see what she would look like in human clothes again. She had missed it very much.

Anyway, she puts on a pink cowl neck sweater and a pair of black flats. She surveys herself in the mirror. No too bad. Her tummy is flat and she has somewhat of a feminine shape. She is certainly less boyish. Why does she care? This is Ichigo. He doesn't even put her in a category with girls. So, what is her problem?

Her problem is that the stare last night did something to her that she can't explain. The pit of her stomach was on fire. She has never felt it before. Ever. It was amazing. She could swear she felt it on the kitchen floor as well. C'mon, Rukia, this is Ichigo. Still, she wishes that she had taken Otou-Sama's advice and got some clothes today. Too late now. At least she's presentable.

She puts on some lip balm, grabs her bag and goes downstairs.

Ichigo paces downstairs. This is just a movie with your friend. Nothing more. Why, then, does his stomach feel very, very sick. His scowl is at its fullest. What is wrong with me? He wears his dark washed jeans, a black, ¼ zip sweater and dark sneakers. His white t-shirt shows underneath. What is taking her so long? He adjusted his sling pack with the two hoodies in it. Fuck, he hates feeling like this. This is terrible. Would she just get down here? This is driving him insane. Why is this making me so crazy? If she doesn't get down here in the next minute, I am going to go up there and…and…wow. Rukia's jeans contour to her perfectly. Her sweater fits her closely, but not skin tight. He didn't notice yesterday when they were soaked to death because he had other things on his mind, but Rukia is really starting to look like a girl. A very good looking girl.

Rukia comes bouncing down the stairs. She gets to the landing, turns, and faces the door. She looks back at Ichigo. "You ready?"

Ichigo dumbly nods to the affirmative. His eyes are fixed on her…um…posterior. When did she get that perfectly rounded…He has to shake himself. This is Rukia. If she thinks he is thinking what he's thinking, she'll kill him.

"Alright, let's go." She puts her hand on the door knob and yells back, "We'll be back before midnight, Otou-Sama!"

Isshin peaks his head out of the kitchen. He catches a glance at his son and inwardly chuckles. His boy loves this one. "Okay. Have a good night and be safe. Call me if anything comes up."

"Yeah, Oyaji. I will." The teenager has come out of his stupor and is back to his usual demeanor. "Later."

Rukia jerks the door open, Ichigo grabs the door above her and helps her swing it open. When she walks through, he turns around and latches the door. Then, he locks it. Isshin chuckles out loud. Some habits are hard to break.

Rukia is keeping good time with Ichigo. They've covered five blocks in three minutes. He looks down and realizes that she is working to keep up. He slows down a bit to let her easily catch up. There are trains every 15 minutes. There is no hurry. They easily fall in step, and have a silent, comfortable walk to the train station. Neither of them says a word because they feel that there is no need to say anything. They are happy; they are content; they are at peace.

When they get to the train station, they are forced to talk as it is loud and crowded. He buys the tickets and turns to her and says in her ear, "Hold on to my hand. Do not let go. There are too many people in here and there are too many weirdoes. If you let go, I will immediately come looking for you. Squeeze my hand if you need something. Understand?"

Rukia nods and says back in his ear, "Yes." He's right. There are so many people in here that Rukia cannot see the other side of the room at her height. She's in a large sea of people and they are moving so quickly, if she loses Ichigo in here, she will never find him. The thought slightly frightens her. However, she doesn't have time, since Ichigo seems to know what he's doing.

He nods at her, grabs her hand, laces their fingers together tightly and moves swiftly. He moves people that he doesn't think that Rukia can move herself. In areas where he is sure that she can see him, he moves between people, getting them to their platform quickly and without incident. He turns to her again. "When the train comes, I am going to put you in front of me. If the rails are too tall for you to reach, then turn around, face me and hold on to my waist. If there is a seat, take it. Either way, I want you in front of me so I can see you. Got it?"

She nods, again, and answers, "Yes."

"Okay, here it comes. Stand in front of me and hold my hand again. Pull me to where you feel comfortable."

She nods and the doors open. Rukia pulls Ichigo to the farthest side of the train near the doors on the next car over. She gets them a corner spot where the rail is to the left and she is only open on her right a tiny bit since the interior contours that way. Ichigo approves. It is an easy area to defend. She has a shorter rail for her to grab and his waist if she needs. He has the rails above her and holds a wide stance to brace himself. When the train takes off, he sees her sigh in relief and he tells her, "Don't let your guard down. The next stop has a lot of people so they are going to squeeze us in here. We only have to worry about it for about ten minutes, though. Here it is. Hold on, Rukia." He says in total seriousness.

She looks up at him in appreciation, "Thanks for telling me. I forget that this place is as bad as Soul Society."

His eyes snap shut for a second. No. She will feel comfortable here. "Rukia, I just don't want someone to mess with you because you are small. I want you to hold on to the rail because the ride can be jerky and I don't want you to go flying. So, work with me and hold on before I bonk you on the head." He says with a smirk.

She scowls at him and flicks his nose with her tiny middle finger and thumb. "You are such an ass."

He smiles knowingly at her and bends down to her so his face is right in front of hers. With a low, teasing voice he replies, "You know you love it."

She begrudgingly smiles back. "I do."

A second later, the stop comes and they are forced to hold on to each other tightly to keep from separating. Four stops later, they make it to their destination together. At times, it is a little rough, but they manage to cling to one another and come out on the other side. Always.

(A/N) How many of you realized that Rukia was still in her oversized t-shirt when she was playing around with Ichigo and the twins?