Fall in Love like a Shoujo Manga
Chapter Eleven: In Your Arms
(It's a double chapter!)
--
Ichigo carried the baby in his arms, as they walked home in the dark along the streets that were lit by streetlights. Rukia groggily walked along side him, tired from the sudden assimilation and the day all together. Ichigo grabbed her hand, as to make sure that she never left his side. They arrived at their apartment, and Rukia opened the door, they took off their shoes, and separated into their rooms.
Ichigo looked around his room for a place to put the sleeping baby in his arms. He saw a basket in the corner with a few random clothing, he dumped the clothing out, and stuffed a pillow in then covered it with a sheet. He placed the baby into the basket, finishing with a small blanket on top of him.
He stared at Rukichi for a while, and sat down in front of him. The baby seemed so vulnerable and helpless, the fact that he looked exactly like him made him think about what made his life so… hectic. Ever since he met Rukia, and gained his powers, he used it as a tool to protect everyone important to him. He used it to avenge his mother, and then protect his entire town… all by the age of sixteen. Ichigo scratched the back of his head, and then sighed.
"Ichigo," Rukia stood at his doorway with a worried face on, her silky pink nightgown shimmering in the moonlight. The orange haired teen didn't turn his head, and pretended to busy himself with the baby.
"What do you want?" He asked. Rukia was silent, as she watched Ichigo put clothing away and then finally sit down on the bed.
"I want you to look me in the eye and tell me why you seem so sad." Rukia asked. Ichigo gave her a confused look.
"What are you talking about? I'm not upset at all, you must be delusional from your assimilation. Get to bed already." He pulled off his t shirt and slipped on his pajama pants.
Rukia looked away for a moment, and then at Ichigo. "You know, that child, he cries like you." Ichigo looked at the baby, and then at the ground. "Don't you remember? When he was afraid he cried, yet, he tried so desperately to wipe his tears away by himself."
"Mm." Ichigo muttered. There was a brief silence between the two, as Rukia closed her distance from him and sat in front of Ichigo.
"You've had a hard life, hadn't you?" She put her hand on his cheek, while Ichigo looked away painfully. "You've been through so much," she whispered, leaning in closer.
"All for the protection of my friends and family, it's not a big deal."
"It is Ichigo. However, you were never fighting those battles alone." Ichigo looked up at Rukia in surprise, she hit the spot, why he was upset in the first place.
"What are you talking about?" He spat. Rukia smirked, then punched him in the gut. Ichigo doubled over, clutching his stomach. "Why you-"
As soon as he looked up, he was met by a kiss on the lips, soft and sweet. He melted as she wrapped her thin arms around his abdomen and he did the same around her small shoulders. They broke apart slowly, hesitantly letting go.
"I'm beside you, Ichigo." She smiled. "So, stand up and roar, because that's the man I know you are."
Ichigo pulled Rukia into his arms, then she frowned, and pushed him away.
"Ichigo, you know that it won't be like this forever-"
"No, don't even start. You're staying, because you said you'd be beside me."
There was a slight pause, so silent that they could hear the baby breathing.
"You don't understand…" Rukia sighed, "Good night, Ichigo." She stood up, and walked out of his room, shutting the door with a small click.
Ichigo ran his hand through his hair, damn it, did he just mess up again? He thought that things were going well, and now he just had to ruin it. Maybe, it was Rukia who didn't understand… was she doing that thing she does when someone gets too close? Why would she even push him away if they were already dating? He let out a frustrated sigh and fell back on his bed, wrapping the blankets around him like a cocoon. Whatever she was feeling, he decided to figure it out in the morning.
Around the same time, Rukia sat in her room in sadness. When she finally had to leave for soul society, what would she do? Yes, she had to admit that she needed Ichigo, as soft as he was on the inside, the orange haired teen was her emotional rock, someone she could rely on no matter what. She clutched her nightgown, then wrapped her blankets around her. She was done for the day, and decided to think about it in the morning.
--
Rukia awoke to the sun peeking through her window. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, then she fixed her sheets, and pulled on her uniform. She went to the bathroom, and washed her face, then to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
Ichigo walked out of his room with Rukichi in his arms and placed him in the baby seat Urahara lent them. "Morning Rukia," he muttered, rubbing his eyes.
"Morning, you look exhausted." She answered, placing the eggs on his plate.
"Yeah well, there was a lot on my mind," He said. Rukia nodded, as silence overcame them once more. "About last night…" Ichigo started.
Rukia placed her eggs on her plate, and then sat down and ate quietly.
"What did you mean, what didn't I understand?" Ichigo muttered. Rukia looked up at him and shook her head.
"Don't worry about it," she faked a smile, and went back to her food.
"Rukia, I don't think you understand." He retorted. "We need each other right? But we can also survive without each other, is that what you were trying to say?"
"Yes." Rukia looked up, her eyes cold and serious. "Now shut up and eat."
Ichigo scratched the back of his head, "You know you're really confusing sometimes. You're so secretive, you hide almost everything from me." Rukia didn't respond, and sipped her hot chocolate. "Forget it, forget what I said."
"Hurry up, we still have to drop Rukichi off." She got up and put her dishes into the sink and disappeared into the bathroom.
Ichigo ran a hand through his hair, and sighed. Rukichi looked up at him and smiled, reaching out for Ichigo. The orange haired teen picked the baby up in his arms and swung him back and forth slowly. Rukichi laughed inaudibly, and clutched onto Ichigo's shirt. He smiled bitterly when he realized that pretty soon, Rukichi was going to disappear too.
--
"Alright everyone, as you know, spring is to arrive in a few weeks, which only means one thing." The teacher said, excitement gracing her features.
"Graduation!" Keigo threw his papers in the air. The teacher shook her head, and pointed to the door of the class; with his head bowed in shame, Keigo exited himself out into the hallway with the sliding door gently shut behind him.
"Besides graduation," She sighed.
"Spring festival," Rukia said.
"That's right Kuchiki, now, as the seniors of this high school, your job is to, of course, form your classroom into a booth, obtain a certain amount of money for the school, and organize and perhaps win the prize for the entire school." She picked up a piece of chalk and on the board wrote in huge letters, 'ideas'. "Now, last year was a drive in movie, or just an outdoor movie, taking advantage of the weather and such, this year, needs to outsell that!" She slammed her fist onto her desk.
The class looked at their competitive teacher in surprise. She straightened herself up and ran a hand through her ponytail.
"Anywho, Orihime Inoue, get up here." She handed the chalk to the strawberry haired girl as she stepped up to the black board.
"Ano… does anyone have any ideas?" She said.
The class looked baffled, not knowing what to say, or what to think.
"I have one," Rukia raised her hand. "There's the traditional café." The class murmured in approval.
"I think that's overused," Tatsuki yawned, "What about a play of some sort?"
Orihime nodded as she wrote down the ideas on the board.
"Well there's always a cosplay café," Keigo blushed a bright red, and sniffed as she pictured all the girls in his class dressed up in rather showy outfits. His fantasies were interrupted however, by Ichigo's hard punch to the side of Keigo's face.
"Treasure hunt," Uryuu added. Orihime added that idea to the board.
"Talent show," Someone from the back of the class shouted.
"Pair competition!"
"Bizzare challenges!"
Orihime quickly scribbled the ideas onto the board, and by the end of the half hour, the board was filled with random ideas.
"Now for a vote!" Orihime exclaimed.
Ten minutes and a few hands up later, the idea of a café, partner competitions and talent show were the most popular. Orihime grinned, as she prepared to call another vote, when she was stopped by Rukia.
"Why don't we put all of these ideas together?" Rukia asked. The class looked at her with curious looks.
"And how do we do that?" Keigo asked.
"Well, it'll take a lot of planning, but eventually it'll come together." Rukia said, putting her hand to her chin.
"It is a really good idea," Uryu added, "It'll double funds most likely, depending on how we execute it."
"Then let's do it!" Orihime exclaimed, she circled the remaining options on the board and put a check mark beside each.
"Alright, so I'm thinking, we make a café of challenges, everybody has to come in pairs no matter what the age. They win certain kinds of meals from pair challenges, but they could also just order with their own money. They have to pay for the challenges of course, but with a price that seems smaller than the ones on the menu. This way, we have two different sources of income, ultimately…"
"Doubling our funds." Uryu interuppted Rukia.
"Right," Rukia smiled.
"But wait, what about the talent show?" Tatsuki asked.
"Oh, well there's another source of income." Uryu said, "We can hold timely shows throughout the day, and people who'd like to see it, can come in and do so, with paying too of course."
"Wait, hold up." Ichigo asked. "Isn't this sort of a rip off? If you have to pay for each and every single thing?"
"But Ichigo, it's not that expensive. Each challenge is around two dollars, and admission for the talent show is three. The real money comes from the café orders, so in this case, they would rather do the challenges. And also, with the wide variety of options, we can attract a lot of customers." Rukia said.
"That is if you know how to attract them of course. There are still costumes and designs to our classroom that'll make people want to come in and do whatever they please." Uryu added.
The class nodded, this seemed like a pretty good idea.
"Hold on." Ichigo said again.
"What is it Ichigo? Do you oppose to this idea that much?" Rukia asked. He glared at the small girl.
"There's still the problem of how we'll have enough budget to make all this." Ichigo muttered, scratching the back of his head.
The excited air of the class nulled to a dissappointment.
"Well that depends on the class," Uryu said, "Are you each willing to donate a certain amount to increase our budget?"
The class started to mumble to each other and create an air of noise.
"Five dollars each, that would add about six hundred dollars to our already four hundred." Orihime asked.
"A thousand should be enough." Uryu said, "Plus, if we have our own materials, we can use those." The class barely seemed to be listening for they were busy talking in excitement.
"ALRIGHT. DISCUSSION IS DONE. We will go with Kuchiki's and Ishida's ideas, they are now the leaders of this project, and by tomorrow each of you should have five dollars to submit. Clear?" Their frustrated teacher finished, the class nodded in agreement.
"This will be fun!" Orihime exclaimed.
--
Rukia and Ichigo made their way home through the slushy snow. Winter was now ending, and everything was wet or muddy. Rukia sloshed on, kicking the wet snow in several different directions. Ichigo looked at her actions with annoyance, while Rukia just hummed along. As they neared the house, Rukia spotted a rather interesting creature. She narrowed her eyes to get a better view, then gleamed, and dashed off towards the apartment entrance. Ichigo looked at the excited girl in confusion, and followed in his own pace.
"Ichigo! Look!" Rukia yelled, as she held up a pure white baby rabbit, shaking from the weather, and drenched. Ichigo looked at the creature and nodded. "Isn't it so cute!" She asked.
"Yeah sure," He muttered, as he walked towards the appartment and up the stairs. Rukia followed earnestly, keeping the rabit warm in her arms. "Don't tell me you're keeping that."
Rukia glared, "Of course I am!" Ichigo rolled his eyes and opened the door into the apartment.
The stuffy air rushed past his face, which left a lingering hint of lavender in his nose. He flicked on a couple of lights, and walked inside, taking off his shoes along the way. He pulled off Rukia's jacket gently, and she slipped out, not even letting go of the bunny. She grinned and nuzzled the rabbit, and raced to the bathroom. Ichigo shook his head and sighed, then took off his own coat and hung it in the closet.
Rukia washed the rabbit gently, humming as she did so. Ichigo walked in and chuckled.
"So you seriously are keeping it."
"Why yes of course," She replied.
"Where are you gonna put it though?" He asked. Rukia paused and then grinned.
"In a basket!" She exclaimed. "At least until I can get the cage tomorrow."
Ichigo nodded behind her and went to his room.
Rukia's smile disappeared. She wiped her hands and let the water run slowly, the rabbit hopped around, surveying it's surroundings. She sighed and leaned on the sink.
"I've always wanted a pet rabbit." She smiled sadly. "To grow old with me here in the human world."
At that moment, Rukia's heart felt like it was being torn apart. When she realized that spring was just in a few weeks, it meant that in a month and a half, she had to leave for good. She thought about her good friends, her new family and, Ichigo. The orange haired teen's smiling face was like a still image in her mind, as if haunting her. She couldn't leave him… not after everything they've been through. She stared at the rabbit, who was staring back at her, it blinked, and then hopped around some more. Rukia giggled, she thought that at least, the rabbit could distract her, even for a bit.
She returned to her room, and placed the rabbit in her basket. It hopped around, and found a little corner, then lay down. Rukia sat back, and took off her uniform. There was a knock at her door, and she quickly put on her gown.
"Come in," she called out.
Ichigo appeared in the doorway only wearing his pyjama pants, and watched as Rukia slid down her pants and socks.
"What's wrong Ichigo? You look like someone you loved just died." She laughed at her stupid joke, and was surprised that the teen didn't react the way she planned.
Rukia walked up to him a few steps more. "What's wrong?" She asked, and looked worriedly into his eyes.
"I heard what you said in the bathroom." He muttered, looking away.
Rukia frowned. "Well, don't take it too seriously. I was probably insane anyway." She patted his shoulder.
"Rukia," Ichigo started, "If you want to stay, you can stay. I'll fight your brother off, heck, I'll fight all of Hueco Mundo and Soul Society if it'll make you stay."
The raven haired girl laughed at his statement. "Now Ichigo, you don't want to look forward to dying, do you?"
An awkward silence hung between them. Rukia stared at Ichigo.
"If it means that I can follow you to Soul Society." Ichigo said, in nearly a whisper. He looked away in embarassment, and turned to leave the room.
Rukia nearly ran into him, crashed against his body and hugged him from behind. She wrapped her thin arms around his bare abdomen.
"Please don't turn around…" She whispered into his warm back. Ichigo answered in silence. "Of course I don't want to leave you… you're really important to me. If I could stay I would… but my brother has already made up a contract with the head captain in Soul Society preventing me from coming here unless it is an assigned mission. I'm grateful enough that he's given me the rest of the school year to spend with you."
Ichigo hung his head low with a sigh. "Listen… that contract may be for you, that doesn't mean I won't visit you."
Rukia looked up at the back of his head, as if she could see his face through the thick mess of orange hair.
"I… I'm the man in this relationship… not that I'm suggesting stuff or anything…" He reached up to scratch the back of his head. Rukia felt his body temperature rise, and could feel his heart pumping faster. "But, I'll visit you, Rukia. For no one else… just to see you."
Then he turned around quickly, and wrapped his arms around her thin frame.
"You're important to me…" Ichigo's eyebrows met on his forehead, with a frown on his face. He squeezed her tighter. Rukia sighed, and returned the favor.
"So are you." She answered.
Ichigo smiled, "I know."
Rukia hit him lightly on the back for his witty response, and hugged him even tighter. She had always felt safe in his arms.
--
"Kuchiki-san! Where does this go?" Keigo called out.
"Put that over there!" Rukia pointed up from a pile of coloured paper.
The class was bussling, rushing back and forth, everyone was busy doing something. The students were excited, they came to class early, bought the materials and started right after school for the festival, normally they wouldn't be that excited, but this year there was a surprise bonfire at the end of the festival. Decoration hung from the celing, stands for the games were being built and measured to perfection. Costumes were coming along well, all of which were related to a fantasy and gypsy motif.
"Wow, this is coming along great guys, best year so far. I hope everyone else is as excited as you are, I haven't seen a bonfire dance at this school for ages." Their teacher walked in casually walking around while dodging passing students. "Ah, to be young again."
"Miss, can you please excuse me?" A student asked, and the teacher immediately swerved towards her desk, putting her feet up as she watched the students work hard.
Ichigo levelled the frame and shook it, testing the stability. He scratched his hair and suddenly realized how warm it got. He looked around and saw that everyone was really busy, so he thought that they wouldn't notice it if he took off his shirt. He tossed his unbuttoned uniform to the side, revealing sculpted arms and body underneath a thin white tank top. He grabbed a few more planks of wood and started on the second stand, as he measured and pounded away, he failed to notice the sudden silence.
"Keigo, pass the nails." He said, and realized the echo in the room. Ichigo looked up and saw the girls staring at him and blushing. The guys were looking pitiful and jealous and the same time. Rukia noticed the silence as well, and looked up. She shook her head and briskly walked over to Ichigo, grabbing the box of nails in Keigo's hands.
"Here," She smiled, and sat beside him. He looked at her strangely, and then went back to his work.
Soon, everyone got the message and carried on, leaving the two alone.
"That was weird." Ichigo muttered with a few nails in his mouth.
"Uh huh," Rukia laughed, and took the nails. "That was a little uncalled for I guess, you do know what you look like right?"
Ichigo looked at Rukia and blinked. "You ask that as if I ever cared." Ichigo said with a scowl.
"Well yes, however underneath it's like you're… a man." Rukia stared at him waiting for a response. He pounded down a nail then placed his hammer beside him, turning towards Rukia.
"Of course, only a man would be able to rescue a woman." The corner of his mouth turned up to reveal a confident smirk. Rukia looked into his confident eyes and couldn't help but smile.
"Ah yes. But I can't help but wonder if you were thrust into 'manhood' a little too quickly." Rukia countered. Ichigo scratched the back of his head with a frustrated sigh.
"Look who's talking, you're the one who made me instant shinigami." He said with a smile, and they chuckled.
"Kuchiki-san! We need a little help here!" Uryu pointed down at a girl trying on one of the costumes.
"Coming." Rukia called out, and gracefully made her way to them.
Ichigo watched as she talked with Uryu and the girl about the costume, she smiled then laughed as Uryu scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. He frowned, knowing that eventually she won't be by her side in his everyday life anymore, also fully knowing about how much he will miss her.
--
They walked down the blissful path by the beach, the day that they ran into Orihime and where Rukia showed her tears for the first time. However, this time, they weren't apart, they were connected, holding hands, not wanting to let go. A soft winter breeze blew past them as the sun set in the west. Ichigo looked over at Rukia, beautifully poised and gently smiling, he smiled to himself, contemplating on how lucky he was to have met her.
"You know, this festival's going to be great! Better than the past few years. Everyone seems so eager! I'm thrilled!" She said, grinning at Ichigo.
"Yeah, it's like… their final try to make it memorable for you Rukia." He muttered. Rukia blinked.
"Now Ichigo don't be so depressed, we've been through this many times."
"You may be fine with leaving, but I'm not. I want you to stay, you're as important to me as you are to them!" Ichigo burst.
"You think I'm fine with leaving?" She asked cruelly, her eyes started to wet with fury and sadness. "Of course I never wanted to leave! I wanted to stay here! With you!" She enunciated the last phrase by stabbing Ichigo's chest with her finger. "Why can't you at least pretend to be happy for me? At least be happy for the time left over." Her voice weakened, then she turned and quickly walked away.
"Rukia!" Ichigo called out, he sighed then ran after her.
It was now pitch dark, the snow crunched under Rukia's white boots as she walked towards the apartment, keys ready. Ichigo ran after her, wondering how she got ahead so quickly. He tried talking to her several times, only to be ignored, he grabbed her once only to be kicked in the shin, and so he never tried it again. All he had done was follow, as fast as he could. Rukia swung the door open and flicked on the lights; she threw her bag onto the couch and slipped off her coat and scarf with ease. Ichigo stumbled after her towards her room.
"Rukia, come on. I'm sorry alright?" He tried his best not to beg.
The petite girl ignored the teen and bolted into her room. Ichigo caught the door and slipped in, he grabbed her shoulders resulting in a kick and fights from Rukia.
"Let go!" She yelled.
Ichigo picked her up and slammed her onto her bed and hugged her entire body with his, he stared into her eyes that were tearing. She was helpless. She turned her head to the side to break the strong gaze she was faced with.
Ichigo sighed and leaned his head on her thin shoulder.
"I'm sorry." He said painfully. "It's just… whenever you're not with me something bad always happens… it's not that you can't take care of yourself its…" He lifted his head and looked up, his eyes conveying pain. Rukia just stared, her eyes full of worry. "I can't bear losing you… not for a third time."
Rukia struggled to get her arms free and when she did, she wrung them around Ichigo's neck. "You never lost me, we're connected remember? Your power is part mine as mine is part yours. When you fight, part of my soul is with you."
Ichigo hugged her tightly as he kissed her gently, his love and emotion pouring into the kiss. Rukia gratefully received it, and tears fell from the corners of her tightly shut eyes. He broke away, wiping her tears off, and kissed her face. Moving down as he did so, Rukia let out a sigh as she felt his hot lips on her body. His hands were everywhere, all over her, caressing her lovingly. She grabbed his arms and tugged him up towards her lips and they shared another passionate kiss. Rukia gently pulled away, looking into his eyes, then she fell limp on top of him. He wrapped his arms around her once more, perfectly fitting like two puzzle pieces that were in love.
They hoped the night would never end.
--
The festival was huge. Hundreds of people from all over Karakura excitedly walked down the high school halls, sampling food, taking pictures and watching performances by each individual class. One of the most popular classes was of course, Ichigo's.
"Come on in! Play our games, watch our performances and do so while eating our delicious food!" Orihime waved from beside the class entrance, clad in a metallic-pink sleeveless dress, wonderfully accentuating her voluptuous body. Her sleeves were puffy and she wore golden bangles on her wrists. Large hoop earings hung from her ears.
Beside her stood Ichigo, wearing a thin white long sleeve that resembled a pirate's, carelessly unbuttoned, he wore fitting black jeans with black shoes. He had a fake diamond earring on one ear that glimmered in the light. The girls of the class gawked at his chiselled chest and abs. It seemed that his hair was even messier and his face, as Mizuru stated, more 'bad-ass' than usual, which was followed by the entire female population of the class sighing.
"Yeah, what she said." Passer bys took note of Ichigo's delinquent face then Orihime's sweet breasts and hastily entered.
"Great job attracting customers!" Rukia exclaimed, walking out in a metallic blue dress with drop off shoulders with fringes that hung at a ridiculous height above her knees. She wore similar bangles and looked gorgeous.
"You too, you put this together really well." Ichigo cleared his throat, trying not to stare at her outfit, and fighting the urge to jump on her and make her do unimaginable things in that-
"Now Kurosaki, be sure not to scare away any customers." Uryu added.
"'Course not, that's wonderfully balanced by Orihime-chan here," Keigo stood beside Orihime, gawking at her.
Uryu dragged Keigo into the classroom, and Rukia followed suit after giving Ichigo a peck on the cheek. Ichigo blushed and continued his duties. Orihime played with her fingers and looked around awkwardly.
"Ano… Kurosaki-kun," Orihime addressed. Ichigo turned towards her with a slightly gentler look.
"What is it?" He asked. Orihime looked up at him and blushed.
"You look very nice today." She muttered. Ichigo blinked in surprise then said.
"Oh really? Hum, I think I look weird, but thanks, makes me want to put up with this get up for the rest of the night." He laughed. "You look nice too Inoue." Orihime looked up and then blushed even more.
"Ah… thank you." She covered her face.
"Don't worry about it."
"Uh… Kurosaki-kun…"
"Yeah?"
"I was wondering…" Orihime began, "if maybe… you could be my prom date?" Ichigo looked at her in surprise.
"Listen Inoue I…"
"Ah it's okay! You don't have to say yes, if you already had a choice then it's fine I just wanted to see if-"
"Inoue, I wouldn't mind being your date but… I already do have someone in mind. I'm sorry." He bowed a little.
"Oh! Uh, it's okay Kurosaki-kun. I expected that it would be Kuchiki-san, what was I thinking… Uryu shouldn't have told me to ask."
"Wait, wait, Ishida told you to ask?" Orihime nodded and Ichigo slapped his forehead. "Well here's something, if you want a gentleman, I suggest you ask Uryu. Out of all of the guys I know, he's the one who's respected you the most."
Orihime looked at him thoughtfully, then looked away. "You're right..."
Suddenly, an unexpected announcement came on the school speakers. "Ichigo Kurosaki, report to the office please, Ichigo Kurosaki."
Rukia popped her head out of the bustling class, and Ichigo turned her way. "What's that all about?" She asked.
"I don't know, but I'll see." He walked off towards the stairs.
He passed a few costumed people, some dressed as plush and a majority dressed as strange characters from well-known anime. Once he made it to the office, he walked in and saw Urahara grinning at him. The secretary asked if Ichigo knew him and nodded that he did.
"What do you want?" Ichigo asked. The mysterious shop owner ushered him to a deserted spot in the lobby and handed him a bundle.
"I think it's soon. He's been crying and crying for you."
"How do you know?"
"Well he is part of you, also, be sure to have Rukia near by, I think he wants Rukia to have more of your rieatsu too, and vice versa." Urahara added.
"What? Why? Did he tell you this or something?" Ichigo asked, confused.
"No, just look at his eyes." He opened up the part of the blanket covering the child's face and saw a pair of half orange and half violet eyes peering happily up at him.
"Huh."
"Yep. So better hurry on along, you never know when he's going to detonate."
"But there are so many people!" Ichigo exclaimed.
"Eh, don't worry, they won't see anything. Go, go, he's been calling for his mom a lot too." Urahara teased. Ichigo glared at him and ran towards the class.
The orange haired teen bolted past Orihime and into the class, looking around for Rukia. Their classroom was absolutely amazing. Paper decorations hanging from the ceiling in the form of clouds, with fake trees at several places in the room, specifically put there for the feel of being outdoors. The booths were quite colourful too, with neon lights and bulbs of many colours blinking at people for them to try the games out. The café counter took a shape of a gypsy cart, selling drinks and desserts of all kinds, behind the counter were two students, dressed like gypsies to match the scene. In the far corner of the class was a miniature stage, which at the moment was empty with its curtains drawn awaiting the spotlight and a large audience; and the place was packed.
Ichigo spotted Rukia's small frame serving drinks, casually walking over; he heard a rather alarming conversation.
"Hey sweetie, looking good today." The teen at the table winked at Rukia.
"Why thank you sir, is there anything else you'd like to have?"
"What about you, babe?" The other replied, proceeding to grab her butt. Ichigo stopped him mid way and clutched his wrist.
"What the-" Teen number two looked up and was met by Ichigo's invisible fury and glaring eyes.
"Ah, excuse me." Rukia grabbed Ichigo by the ear and dragged him out the door and into a secluded area near a closed off stairway.
"What was that? I could have pounded them in the face!" Ichigo scowled. Rukia rolled her eyes.
"I was going to slip away before he would have been able to do that! In any case, what's with Rukichi in your arms?"
Ichigo suddenly remembered that he had the baby in his arms. Rukichi looked up at him, smiling and reached up for a hug. Rukia took him into her arms gently and rocked him back and forth.
"That's odd." She said, "he has some violet in his eyes."
"Yeah, Urahara said that the part of my rieatsu that you've absorbed all these years will go back to you, and the same from yours to me." Ichigo scratched the back of his head.
"Hmm, interesting. So when will this happen?" Rukia asked, eyes still looking at the silently giggling baby.
"He doesn't know. So, right now I'm not sure what we're to do."
"I know what to do!" Rukia said. "We'll put a costume on his little self, and he can be our mascot!" She grinned. Ichigo scowled.
"He's not a toy Rukia." He muttered, much like an overprotective father.
"Come on! It will be cute, and we can watch over him, I mean… you can watch over him."
"What?" Ichigo asked bitterly.
Before he realized it, he was back at his post, but this time, with the baby in his arms. Rukichi was also dressed like his 'bad-ass father', which was again followed by awes from the entire class. The baby boy seemed to like being with his elder self, giggling inaudibly as he sat in his high chair. Several people had already stopped and visited him, and he gladly greeted them, smiles and all.
"Why don't you go in? After all, this is the class he's attracting attention for." Orihime would add politely, which the people would agree to before she could even finish her sentence.
Suddenly, Rukichi started to cry. As usual, he tried to wipe his tears away, but before he could even try, Ichigo had done it for him. He looked at Ichigo in surprise that had picked him up and into the air.
"Now, now, crying won't solve anything. What's wrong?" He asked, trying to make his face as gentle as possible.
Rukichi blinked and sniffled, then pointed into the classroom.
"Hmm? You want Rukia?" He asked. Rukichi nodded, holding his arms out for a hug. Ichigo smiled and held him in his arms, letting the child wrap his arms around his neck.
"Aw! That's adorable!" A familiar voice cried out. Ichigo and Orihime tilted their head and saw Yume.
"What are you doing here?" Ichigo spat cruelly while patting Rukichi on the back.
"Nothing really, I just slipped away to visit my favourite friends." Yume giggled and walked towards Rukichi who looked at her in a questioning manner. "Who's he? Looks like you and Rukia."
"Rukichi, uh, don't ask it's complicated." Ichigo said.
"Hmm, he has some strange pressure coming out of him. Don't tell me he's like you two."
"What?" Ichigo asked, Orihime overheard what she said and walked over.
"You can sense rieatsu?" Orihime muttered.
"Is that what it's called? Anyway it's the same feeling when I saw Ichigo and Rukia in their little black dress thingies. Thought I forgot didn't you? Anyway, where is that little bitch?" Yume asked, looking around.
Rukichi started to cry, aware of Yume's hostile feelings towards Rukia. She looked up in surprise.
"What'd you do Ichigo?" She poked Rukichi's cheek and he cried even more.
"It's what you did. He senses that you hate Rukia, this little guy's obsessed with her." Ichigo muttered, trying to comfort the child.
"Sounds like you." Yume laughed.
"Ichigo, I felt some strange-" Rukia walked out and saw Yume causing her mood to automatically plummet. "What is she doing here?"
"Rukia, take Rukichi." The little boy was nearly falling out of Ichigo's arms reaching for Rukia. The petite woman did so and Rukichi smiled, hugging her tightly.
"Yume go away, you're making him sad." Rukia muttered, patting the baby's back.
"Fine, fine, nice to see you guys again… not." She turned quickly, and slipped a kiss on Ichigo's cheek. Rukia glared as she walked away.
Rukichi saw Ichigo rubbing his cheek in anger and pointed up at him while looking at Rukia.
"Hmm? What is it little one?" Rukichi continued to point up, and Rukia handed him to Ichigo. Ichigo smiled at him and Rukichi patted the cheek Yume kissed, twice.
"Huh, that's weird," The orange haired teen said. Rukia looked up and saw that Rukichi's face was twisted and disgusted and he continued to pat Ichigo's cheek until he slapped him completely. "HEY!" Ichigo yelled. Then Rukichi cried.
"Goodness Ichigo! He just wanted to take that nasty rieatsu off." Rukia huffed in frustration and took the baby with her into the class.
Eventually it was time to switch shifts. Ichigo and Rukia with Rukichi went to the same place near the staircase and sat down. Rukichi crawled around on a blanket given to them by one of the customers, and the baby was enjoying it. He sat up and started bouncing up and down excitedly. Rukia handed Ichigo a sandwich and they ate it up eagerly. Rukichi crawled over and laid his head on Ichigo's knee.
"Hey Rukia," Ichigo muttered.
"Hmm?" She asked, chewing on her sandwich.
"Be my prom date?" Rukia looked at him strangely then asked an unexpected question.
"What's prom?" The raven-haired girl asked. Ichigo looked at her in surprise.
"You've been here for three years and you don't know what prom is?" Rukia shook her head to this question. "Well, it's like a formal event. Students in their last year dress up fancily and dance to music and have good food at a really expensive banquet hall. It lasts almost all night." Ichigo answered, proceeding to bite off another part of his sandwich.
"So, like a ball? Or a gala of sorts?" Rukia asked.
"Yes. Exactly that, so want to be my date?" Ichigo muttered. Rukia looked at him in a sinister way.
"Since when do you ask such things first?" Ichigo looked away, a pink tinge colouring his cheeks.
"These things… guys usually ask first for these things." The orange haired teen looked away. "And… it's sort of a 'goodbye high school' theme… you know?" He refused to meet her gaze.
Rukia sighed, and looked down at her sandwich. "Of course. I'll be your date then." She smiled. Ichigo looked up, with a scowl, trying to play it cool despite the happiness that was brimming inside him.
"Good." He then smiled softly in return. At that moment, they didn't notice the Shoujo manga scene they just enacted.
Rukichi found his way to Ichigo's lap, and started to cry randomly. Ichigo finished off his sandwich at that exact moment and picked Rukichi up. Ichigo rocked him back and forth, but he would not stop crying. Suddenly, he began to glow. The orange haired teen nearly dropped him, and watched as Rukichi patted and waved a cute goodbye with a wide smile.
A moment later, Rukichi was gone.
Rukia and Ichigo looked at each other, and a sad air hung around them. Realizing their loss, they sat there in silence. Eventually they got up and went off to finish their shift. Rukia sighed, then punched Ichigo's arm. He glared at the girl and realized how stupid it was for him to be pouting.
"You're right. We're going to have a Rukichi of our own someday!" He grinned. Rukia looked up at him strangely.
"I'll take that as sarcasm." She laughed, and then ran towards the classroom.
"YAY!" The class exclaimed.
Everybody clapped, and Uryu nodded. "We collected two hundred more than expected."
The entire class cheered.
"I can't wait until the bonfire!" Orihime smiled.
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A/N: THE SLEEPING AUTHOR HAS AWOKEN. Feel free to make fun of me. And, I must start the next chapter. =)