Fall in Love Like a Shoujo Manga
Chapter Thirteen – The Wheels are Turning
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Ichigo put on his helmet. Rukia did so as well. She sat down behind Chappy, which was wedged in between them. After a lengthy argument about where to place the large stuffed animal, Rukia gained favour by using her painful kicks. As Ichigo sped down the streets, he nearly lost control but maintained his balance. That was until the motorist and his passengers flew back into the air in from a sudden impact. Rukia landed on her feet, along with Ichigo. Luckily the bike just slid away.
"A hollow!" Rukia exclaimed as she stood up. Ichigo did the same, following the direction of her gaze. Sure enough, there was a large hollow, roaring at them.
"Get the bike. I'll finish this off." Ichigo muttered, pulling out his badge.
"Wait! Ichigo." Rukia interrupted. They stood in silence for a few deadly seconds, and heard another hollow cry.
"Two?" Ichigo said, surprised. Rukia shook her head, looking at him in shock.
Another cry rang out… then another…. and another.
"Four?" Ichigo said in disbelief.
"They're nearby too. This is strange, hollows don't usually work together." Rukia said, popping Chappy into her gigai. Ichigo did the same, using Kon.
"Get the bike, and be careful." Ichigo instructed Kon.
"Be careful Ichigo." Rukia said.
"If they hadn't attacked us by now they must be pretty-" Ichigo suddenly shun-poed away with Rukia in his arms.
"Warn me next time!" Rukia yelled angrily, he placed her down then she shun-poed towards the hollow, slicing it in two.
"No time!" Ichigo said, as he played with the two hollows coming after him.
Rukia flash stepped towards the hollow that had started it all, and easily dodged a messy punch. She hopped on its shoulder and then disappeared. Before the hollow could even move to attack her, he was frozen and a thousands pieces in the wind.
Rukia looked around for Ichigo, and spotted him backing up towards her. She stepped to the side of the road and watched. Ichigo had a confident grin on his face; he let the hollows throw attacks at him and easily dodged every single one. Then, he took out his blade and launched a Getsuga tenshou at both hollows. They were already disintegrating from the attack, due to its power, from a few meters away.
Ichigo watched as they disappeared then turned to Rukia.
"I haven't done that in ages!" He stretched. Rukia smiled.
"You are truly a monster Ichigo. And don't worry, I mean that in a good way."
"Of course! I've trained so hard for years, it's about time you acknowledged it." Ichigo grinned.
"I haven't?" Rukia said, as she slipped into her body.
"Well maybe, but you have to say it again." Ichigo laughed, as he picked up the bike that surprisingly took no damage, and the slightly dusty rabbit.
"I already did, I don't need to say it again." Rukia laughed, and punched Ichigo on the arm.
They continued on home, and finally entered their waiting apartment. It had been a long day, with the last of festivals in the day and the bonfire at night. Rukia had already disappeared to her room, and Ichigo stayed up a little longer, flipping through T.V. channels.
Around midmorning, Rukia made her way to the kitchen for a drink and realized that Ichigo had fallen asleep on the couch. She drank her water and placed it in the sink. Then making her way to Ichigo and picked up the blanket she always placed on top of the couch. Rukia spread it over his build, and smiled. As she turned to walk away, she felt a tug on her arm. She turned around in surprise.
"Ichigo? Are you awake?" She asked. Ichigo mumbled.
"Wait for me." He said almost inaudibly. He struggled to stand and leaned on Rukia, pushing her forward.
Her cheeks turned a slight red as she made her way to his bedroom.
She then placed him on his bed, and covered him with blankets. She sighed, then made her way to the door. However she was grabbed with her mouth covered and found herself in Ichigo's bed. He held her from behind, her arms and legs trapped by his.
"Stay with me." He whispered into her ear, softly kissing it.
"Ichigo... I have my own room for a reason." She replied, trying to sound calm.
"It's fine, you can stay with me for the night." He said again, this time kissing the back of her neck. Rukia shivered.
"Ichigo I…"
"Hush," he replied, Rukia twisted over, and looked at him in the dark, he leaned in to kiss her soft lips, lovingly. Rukia was spellbound, his gentle touch and his breath alluring and amazing.
"We can't do this." Rukia said, her brain protesting, but her heart racing in excitement.
"You know you want it. I know I want it." Ichigo positioned himself on top of her, the blankets falling off of his side. "You know you can't resist." He smirked in confidence, then continued to place butterfly kisses all over her face and neck.
He kissed her passionately, his hands moving from her face and along her neck. Rukia placed her hands on his sides, as he slowly removed the straps of her tank top, caressing her slender shoulders.
Slowly, he continued to her breast, but skipping it to the bottom of her top. He paused.
"Take it off." He whispered hotly into her ears. Rukia looked up at him, and became red.
She nodded, and then sat up to take her shirt off. Once she put it on the bed beside her, she looked down at the sheets, embarrassed. Ichigo kissed her cheek, holding her close.
"I…" She said weakly. Ichigo put a finger to her lips, and kissed her passionately. He took his shirt off as well; he couldn't stand the heat and rush of blood to his head and in his pants.
His hands were all over her. His lips placed soft, lingering kisses on her skin. He made her feel so loved, so cared for, so special. It wasn't long before his hands were at the hem of her pants. His thumb, was teasing her, going in and out of the waistband.
Should I take it off? Rukia thought.
Should I rip it off? Ichigo inquired.
I can't. They thought at once, though they'd never know.
"Ichigo I…" Rukia cried out, weakly, sweetly and apologetically.
"It's…"
"I can't do that! At least… not yet." She sat up, looking down, blushing wildly.
Ichigo had a faint smile.
"Neither can I." He admitted, blushing as well, as he handed back her shirt.
Rukia took it, still red, and put it on. "What do you mean?" She asked softly.
"I don't know what to do actually. All that time, I was lost in feeling… but then when I realized what I was doing – I just knew I couldn't do it." He put his shirt on as well.
"Oh, I get it." Rukia said, as she fixed her hair. "You don't know how." She laughed. By now she had stopped blushing. Ichigo glared at her.
"NO! I know how!" He said, blushing even more.
"Of course Kurosaki-kun!" Rukia teased. Ichigo grit his teeth.
"You wanna find out?" He smirked, tackling her down.
There was silence.
Ichigo stared down at her, blushing, Rukia did the same, their expressions solemn.
"Not yet." He said.
"Not until marriage." Rukia said. Ichigo looked at her in surprise.
"You've lived for a thousand years waiting?" Ichigo asked.
"No, no, I haven't waited. It's just something I promised myself. And I'll die a virgin by it." She laughed. "Anyway," Rukia stood up. "Let's get some sleep." She made her way out of his room and closed the door behind her. Ichigo stared at the door, wondering if he really could have gone all the way.
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It was just enough sleep.
Just enough sleep to get them out of bed and to school on time. The sun was shining brightly, birds were singing, it was an all around gorgeous day. Ichigo's orange mop of hair was as messy and bright as usual, his glaring amber eyes clean and refreshed. Rukia had the same usual elegance, her hair in the same gorgeous shape, and her amethyst eyes all confident and alluring. But tired. Under her usual façade, incredibly tired. She was never one to be late, even with only two hours of sleep.
"That was the best sleep I've ever had." Ichigo said, stretching.
"Yeah, yeah, good for you." Rukia yawned.
"Hmm? Wasn't it? I dropped dead a few minutes after you left my room." Ichigo looked over at her, hands in his pockets.
"Yeah it was." She nodded, although she couldn't stop yawning. He couldn't get over what he did to her – not that it was the first time – but it was different, slow and sweet.
They arrived at the classroom, filled with the youthful buzz about graduation and summer. In usual flow, they strolled over to their friends, who smiled their good mornings.
"ICHIGO! TELL MIZURO THAT I'M THE COOLEST GUY IN SCHOOL!" Keigo yelled, causing the entire class to howl in laughter. Ichigo shook his head in annoyance.
"I think you're a nice person Asano-san." Orihime smiled. Keigo sparkled.
"Why thank you Inoue! That's all I need!" He smiled, walking over to hug her, only to be stopped by Ishida.
"Get to your seat, Asano, the teacher is on her way." The glare of Uryu's glasses (and the glare behind it) blinded Keigo. He retreated to his seat, and upon hearing the warning, so did everyone else.
The teacher made her way in and greeted the class joyfully.
"It's always sad to say goodbye to the seniors, when you leave it's like the school lost a limb." She laughed. "Anyway, prom is fast approaching, but so are exams. Please study well, for these marks will help you out in University – and so will what you learn – so study study!"
Gym was next – their last week of gym classes during their senior year.
The girls flooded out of the change room in pairs, loose t-shirts with ridiculously small shorts. Some bodies were flaunted, while others were horribly insulted. The boys came out in the same way, except with longer shorts and the same t-shirts. Majority of them ogled at the girls, except for the odd one or two who didn't seem to care.
Ichigo was one of them. He waited outside for Rukia. However Orihime, not noticing him, bumped into his shoulder. She fell back, surprised, but was grabbed by Ichigo in time. She laughed awkwardly, as she realized that he was holding her hand.
"Ah… sorry Kurosaki-kun." She said. Ichigo shook his head.
"It's alright, Inoue, I was in the way I guess." He looked at her with a smile then realized that her shirt seemed rather tight. "Uh… Orihime, is your shirt too small?"
"Huh?" Orihime asked. The tight shirt hugged her breasts firmly, contouring every curve in her body, even the cleavage between her bra cups. Her shorts seemed like underwear on her long smooth legs, leading to her shapely seat. "No, it's rather comfortable. But if it seems that way, I'll go change." She blushed, turning to the washroom door.
"It's fine." Ichigo muttered, turning around to hide his flustered face. "As long as you're comfortable. Just be careful."
"Ichigo? Your face is all red." Rukia laughed. Ichigo turned to see Rukia looking up at him laughing. She was cute. Her hair was clipped up, hair messily falling. Her shirt fit perfectly, not too big or small, and the shorts on her slender legs were adorable. However, Ichigo was too embarrassed to notice.
"Nothing." Ichigo walked away. Rukia followed after him. Orihime stood there, watching the pair walk side by side. She envied her.
"C'mon Ichigo! I heard the whole thing through the washroom door!" She laughed. "You and your hormones! Oh to be young again." She smirked. Ichigo couldn't admit the truth. For some reason he felt tingly and hot looking at Orihime. He stayed silent and scowling.
"You know." Rukia started, her hands behind her back, as she looked out the passing windows. "When you and Orihime are together, you really suit each other." She smiled. "It's fine. It's fine if you think she's hot." Rukia looked up at Ichigo who returned her gaze in surprise.
"Rukia it's-"
"Oh! I think I hear the teacher calling me! I'll see you around Kurosaki-kun!" She ran off, joining the group of students hauling equipment.
He sighed in frustration and suddenly realized the person standing beside him.
"Cute." Chad said.
"What?" Ichigo asked, confused.
"Rukia looks cute." Chad smiled faintly.
"What makes you-" Chad interrupted, pointing towards Rukia, who was struggling with some of the mats. He then ran towards her, and helped her out. Ichigo followed, frowning to himself.
Tatsuki watched as everyone excitedly set up the obstacle race. Instead of joining the rest, she snuck away with some food in plastic bag, and made her way behind the storage shed. There he was, long red hair, let down and reaching his shoulders, with a smile on his face.
"Wait long?" Tatsuki asked, walking over, and handing the bag of food to Renji.
"Not long, although I would have been willing to wait longer." He smirked as he took the bag and looked through its contents. "Oh! A chocolate bar!" He snickered and ripped the packaging open. Tatsuki watched as he ate.
"Why do you keep coming back?" Tatsuki asked. Renji shrugged. "It's for Rukia isn't it?" Renji turned to face Tatsuki.
"If it were I wouldn't be back here." He finished the last of the bar and opened a water bottle. "Besides, she knows I'm in the shadows, she just doesn't concern herself with it unless I show myself." He gulped down a third of the bottle and wiped his mouth.
"What about you? Why do you keep coming back?" Renji asked, meeting eyes with her.
"Uh… no particular reason – I mean it's not like I have no friends, it's just that you're interesting. A shinigami, I've always wanted to know what it was like but I didn't think I should ask Rukia, it would have seemed strange." She laughed. Renji laughed along with her.
"Well, I've told you all I know. I guess there's no point in us meeting up anymore." He chuckled, scratching the back of his head.
"You look more masculine with that long hair. I know it sounds strange, but it's refreshing." Tatsuki said.
"Though that was not what I was talking about, thanks." Renji smiled. Tatsuki blushed slightly and looked away. "What's wrong?" Renji asked.
"So I won't see you again?" Tatsuki asked.
"I'm not sure myself."
There was an awkward silence.
"Would you like to be my prom date?" Tatsuki asked out of the blue. Renji looked at her in surprise. He knew what prom was, after what Rukia had told him about it.
"Uh… could I think about it?" Renji said, flustered and shocked. Tatsuki shook her head.
"Never mind. Don't worry about it." She smiled, and punched his shoulder with all her might. Renji yelped at the pain.
"Ouch! Look, I'm sorry! It's just – ah you punch really hard – I never-"
"Save it. I don't care." Tatsuki stood up. "See ya." She walked away towards the doors of the gymnasium.
Renji sat there, defeated, with the bag of food still full.
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Orihime walked home, humming to herself, a faint smile on her face. She tripped suddenly, but caught herself in time. She laughed awkwardly, hoping no one saw, then suddenly frowned.
"No Orihime! We must not get sad!" She smiled, and continued on her way.
"Inoue." A voice called out. Ichigo? Orihime whipped around.
"Ah, Ishida-kun." She smiled.
"May I walk you home?" He asked, walking towards her slowly.
The sun was setting, and there was a long silence. The pink tinged sky breathed out a sigh, and the fresh smell of spring wafted around them.
"Alright." Orihime smiled. Uryu walked beside her, with a gentle smile on his face.
They walked past a few houses in a painful silence. Uryu stopped in front of her and turned; placing a hand on her face gently, he looked deep into her eyes, worried.
"You don't have to pretend you're happy when you're with me." Orihime looked at him in shock.
"What do you mean Ishida-kun?" She said, frantic.
"You don't have to fake it. Not while you're with me." Uryu pulled her into his arms in a soft hug. Orihime shook her head, and pushed him away, but he persisted in holding her.
"I'm not. I'm not sad. I'm perfectly fine!" Her voice cracked, and before she knew it, tears were running down her cheeks. "I'm sorry." She whispered.
She had never cried in front of anyone before. It was rather relaxing, his embrace made her feel hidden and safe from the world's prying eyes. But she knew she shouldn't depend on him, she couldn't, and she'd be a burden.
She mustn't. Orihime pushed herself away from his arms.
"Ishida-kun, I just remembered I have a show I have to watch. I'll be going ahead, this is far enough. Thank you very much!" She bowed down, while wiping her tears away. She stared at his feet, expecting him to walk away.
"Although it's rude of me to ignore your request, I'd rather walk you all the way home." Uryu smiled gently, at Orihime who looked up at him with red eyes. "It's not safe by yourself."
She stood up straight with a slight frown, and then smiled softly. "You're right, thank you, Ishida-kun."
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Rukia and Ichigo walked into their apartment. It had been a long uneventful day. Rukia walked into her room to change, and Ichigo cooked rice for dinner. They both then sat on the couch, flipping through channels.
"I felt Renji's rieatsu back at school." Rukia said, as she played with the fringes of the pillows.
"So what?" Ichigo asked.
"So… I wanted to find him to say hi." Rukia answered.
"You don't need to say hi to him, it's not like you're not never gonna see him again." Ichigo's scowl deepened.
"Well he's a friend, it's the polite thing to do."
"Who cares, he comes in gallivanting all happy and annoying." Ichigo snapped. Rukia looked up at him in anger.
"Do you have a problem with Renji? If you do you can tell me right now!"
"Yes, I do have a problem Rukia. It doesn't matter anyway, because it won't change anything."
"What the hell are you talking about Ichigo?" Rukia's anger increased, her eyes sharp as well as her words.
"I'm saying that what I say won't stop him from visiting you and being your best friend. There." Ichigo glared at her, then turned back to the T.V.
"I still don't freaking understand!" She yelled.
"What I'm saying is: he's too close to you Rukia! Too close for comfort!" He exclaimed. Rukia looked at him in shock.
"You're… jealous?" Rukia asked. Ichigo scowl turned into a pout.
"No! I'm not jealous! It's just that you have a boyfriend now. Understand that." He said.
"You don't own me Ichigo." Rukia laughed.
"You don't own me either. But being together in the way that we are, you can't be too friendly with other guys or else it might seem like you'd rather be with them." Ichigo sighed in frustration.
"Renji's just a friend. If you're worried about my friend - who I already dumped by the way – it's only fair that I be worried about the tons of girls that adore you." Rukia said.
"What are you talking about? No girl has ever liked me. In the end though, I don't really care." Ichigo muttered.
"Yeah right. As if you'd stay committed to me."
"Do I have to rescue you again to prove it?" Ichigo turned off the T.V. and looked at Rukia.
"No, after I'm out of your hair, you won't need to rescue me anymore." Rukia stood up and went into her room, closing the door behind her.
Ichigo leaned his head back in frustration; he could never really understand her.
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A/N: That was a quickie. Soak it all in though, it's important. Sorry it's shorter than normal, it's just a transition, and I don't want things to happen too fast. Please review - I love your reviews! You're all so interesting. Heheh. I apologize for any overlooked mistakes.