Hello there…once again, THANK YOU SO MUCH to all of you guys who reviewed, favorited and added this fic to his/her story alerts…THANKS A LOT! Though I'm having some kinda problem right regarding m job…haiiizt…I'm still grateful that I was able to update a chapter tis week…hopefully I can update two chapters next week…and hope you guys help me and keep me motivated, okay?

And hey there's a continuation of the chapter after the author's end note…so don't miss it okay?

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE…YEAR OF THE RABBIT IS OFFICIALLY HERE!

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Chapter 14 M. U.

Soundtrack: Gotta go my own way by Vanessa Hudgens

Can't fight this feeling by Glee Cast

"I'm sorry."

Rukia bowed in front of her boss. She was apologizing for breaking yet another batch of teacups today. She's been causing a lot of troubles at the cafe lately. She had broken a couple or two teacups almost everyday, she almost accidentally pours a hot coffee in a customer's dress, and she always come late in her work in which she hated herself the most. She hates it...she's been caught up in a very strange feeling that she couldn't comprehend, that's why she's not her usual self lately.

"It's alright! Rukia-san, don't mention it." Urahara waves his fan dismissively.

"But I already broke so much cups, Sir."

"Yeah, I know. Don't worry about it."

"But..." it really embarrassed her that however troublesome she is, Urahara is always telling her not to worry about it and always let her slip with it. She sighed realizing how very nice Urahara is to her...

"I'll deduct it from your salary."

Okay, scratch the word 'very'.

Rukia's shoulder dropped defeated, "Alright...I'll be going now, Sir." she bowed again but Urahara stops her.

"I see that you're having a problem, Rukia-san." the girl in question looked back and shook her head.

"No, Sir. It was nothing."

"Is it?" Rukia makes a confused face. "Tell me Rukia-san, why are you here?" She becomes more confused.

"I...am working here?" she answered, half questioning, half stating a fact.

Urahara chuckled "And why are you working here...why are you working in Karakura...why are you in Karakura, Rukia-san?" the man trails off, leaving her more and more confused with each question and creeped out by the way he asks it as if he's testing her or something. "Tell me Rukia-san, tell me about your plans."

"Plans?"

"Yeah, your plans on why you're-"

"Kisuke!"

Both Urahara and Rukia turned at the door and saw the tan skinned woman standing there. "Why are you still keeping Rukia here? She has to go home now." Yoruichi said giving a shut-the-hell-up look at her husband. Urahara covers his mouth with his fan, laughing nervously.

"A-alright Rukia-san, you can go now. Don't mind what I said, I was just..." he glance at his wife, then sighed. "Go now before you missed the bus." Rukia turned at Yoruichi and the woman nodded at her.

"Well, thank you Urahara-san...Yoruichi-san." she bowed then heads outside.

Yoruichi quickly turned at her husband, "What did I tell you about the girl huh?"

Urahara holds up his hands, "I'm sorry Yuroichi-san. I'm just really curious...I can't help but ask her."

"I told you not to interfere with her personal plans...if she's really the sister of Kuchiki, then we should stay out of her way."

"But I have to look after her." Yuroichi turned at her husband and saw the seriousness in his face. "We don't know how much danger is on her way...so I have to look after her."

Yuroichi sighed heavily and shook her head. "I guess it can't be help. Afterall, she's your niece."

...

Rukia look passed through the glass window of the bus as Urahara's questions run continuously on her mind. 'Why am I here? My plans?' she closed her eyes and leaned at the back of the seat.

'Well, I am here to...meet and try to reconcile with the Shiba family.' her eyes snapped open. 'That's right! I am here for that reason...and that reason alone...I didn't come here to enjoy and have fun and most importantly I didn't come here to have and experience such stupid feelings yet alone fall in love.' Rukia shook her head fiercely. 'No, it's not falling in love...I'm not falling in love, it was just all the pressure that's making me feel this way...huh! Falling in love, my ass. And who am I falling with? Him?'

"No! Absolutely and over totally not!" Rukia blurted out garnering a startled and confused stares from the passengers of the bus. Noticing the curious gaze around her, Rukia instinctively place her phone on her ear and acted like she was having a phone call. "No! I'm not that person...sorry, you've got the wrong number." she said making sure that the passengers heard her and so they turn their gaze away from her. She sighed then flipped her phone close.

'Tatsuki's right. Maybe I should help Inoue to be with Ichigo so I won't be bug by this stupid feelings anymore. Right! that's what I should do...in that way, I can be focus on my missions here and I can be back to my normal self again.'

"Yeah!" the bus stopped and all the passengers turned a confused and weird faces as they scooted away from her. But Rukia didn't mind them anymore as she was fully determined at her new task which she called Operation: play as love bridge for Ichigo and Inoue, in short pair them together-er-whatever.

...

"Ichigo, over here!" the said guy turned his head and saw Tatsuki with her friend Inoue, having lunch in the cafeteria. He was about to make an excuse but Tatsuki is already dragging him in their table and to make things worse for him, he was forced to sit beside Inoue...another fangirl of him. Ichigo didn't see Inoue as more than a fan girl like any other girls in school. She's beautiful and all but there's nothing about her that seems to capture his interest...like most girls did. He doesn't know why...maybe he did but he just didn't entertain that admiration to a girl or maybe he just isn't attracted at any girls at all...UNLESS...that girl has dark hair, a petite body that fits perfectly in his embrace and the most beautiful pair of violet eyes that can melt his heart every time it stares up at his amber ones.

"Ichigo?" the carrot top blinks when Tatsuki waves a hand in front of his face, bringing him back to reality. A very shallow blush grazed his cheeks realizing that he was fantasizing about a certain raven haired girl in front of his friends. He laughs sheepishly at them. "Ichigo, are you alright? You seemed..." Tatsuki glanced at Inoue, "...blushing! Yeah, you're blushing!" the girl teased him, getting the wrong idea, and thinking that he is blushing because Inoue is sitting beside him. The big bosomed girl blush more furiously, if that was even possible, at the thought.

"Stop it, Tatsuki. It's stupid." Ichigo scowled but the said girl just grin then looked passed him and waves her hand. Looking back, he saw Rukia waving back at Tatsuki.

"You two stay here okay? I'll be back in a moment." Tatsuki said then walked towards the petite girl.

.

"Rukia...I've got to tell you about my plan." Tatsuki started once she reaches the girl. Rukia frowned at the girl and nodded telling her to go on. "Okay, so here's my plan...I'm going to invite Ichigo for dinner this Saturday, while you will invite Inoue. We'll tell them when and where to meet but here's the catch." Tatsuki trails off while Rukia stares up at her...trying her best not to glance at the table where Ichigo and Inoue are sitting together. "When we're there, we'll excuse ourself and leave the two of them and let them finish the dinner. In that case, they'll have time for each other just like now." she made a quick glance at the two. "And who knows, maybe they'll come up with another plan to have dinner together...just the two of them!" Rukia blinks at Tatsuki's excited expression. But the said girl frowned when she didn't answer. "Rukia..?"

"Great! Great idea, Tatsuki." she said, plustering a smile on her face...trying her best to make it as genuine as she can.

"Alright...thanks Rukia I knew I could count on you." Rukia felt Tatsuki's hand on her shoulder then she watch as the said girl walk back to their table. She sighed inwardly and clear her mind, hoping that she's doing the right thing.

...

"K-Kurosaki..."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow when he heard a familiar voice calling him in an unfamiliar manner and in a somewhat groaning state. But he ignores it and continue watching a broadcasted basketball game on his TV screen.

"Kuro...saki."

There it goes again! He wondered if it's the midget who's calling him but knowing that Rukia often calls him by his name or by the word 'idiot, fool or strawberry' and the latest is 'jerk'...Ichigo just shrugged it off. But come to think of it, there's only him and Rukia in that house...so if it wasn't her then...

"KUROSAKI!"

Ichigo jumped from the couch and hurriedly went towards the stairs where he thought the voice was coming from. And to his surprise, he saw her...yes, the one and only.

Rukia is sitting on the stairs...one hand is clenching the handrails of the stair while the other is slowly rubbing her stomach. She lets out another groan and that's when he realized that the girl is in pain. "Rukia, what's wrong? Are you alright?"

Thuk!

"You idiot, do I look alright?" she said testily as she felt another wave of pain surge on her abdomen. Ichigo frowned as he rubbed the bump in his head where her tiny but powerful fist just landed.

"Then what's wrong? Do you want to use the bathroom? Did you get stomach cramps...what did you eat earlier, I told you not to-"

"Kurosaki!" Rukia almost yelped while Ichigo furrowed his eyebrows at that. It's the first time that Rukia called him by his last name...and he felt annoyed by it but let it slip away for now since the girl is not feeling well.

He kneeled on the step below her and place his palm on her forehead, "You're not sick. I assume it's not a fever. It's probably a stomach cramps." he got back on his feet. "Don't worry, I have some medicine here to—"

"It's not a stomach cramps okay?" she let out sigh, feeling the pain eases down a little then look up at him. "Look, I need a favor..."

"A favor? I thought you don't need any help from me."

Rukia rolled her eyes, "You win, okay. But for now I need you to...buy me something." Ichigo raised an eyebrow.

"And what is that?"

After 30 seconds of thorough mental comprehension...

"No way! No way! No way!" Ichigo crossed and uncrossed his arms in front as he shook his head furiously at her. "There's no way in hell I'm going to buy those things! No way! No fucking way!" Rukia groaned again, her face crumpled in such pain that only girls like her could understand and feel. "I'm sorry Rukia, but there's just—" he sighed heavily. "C'mon, you can use other...alternatives for that right?" his face crumpled in the same pained expression as her. He couldn't believe he's having this kind of conversation. "Uurgh...c'mon, tell me this isn't happening." he whined in frustration and disbelief, running his fingers on his orange locks.

"I also need a pill for this...you idiot, it's not just the pad that you have to buy in there." she groaned again. "C'mon...what's wrong with buying a girl's pad?"

"I'm a guy okay? A guy doesn't buy those...pad that you're talking about."

"You don't but you can." she groaned, gripping the handrails tighter.

It's breaking his heart to see her all curled up on the stairs, groaning in pain but he really can't imagine himself running to a convenient store and rummaging its shelf and grab a girl's sanitary napkin. Just the thought of it makes all the hairs in his body rise up in horror.

"C'mon go now." she ordered.

"No. I remember someone telling me that she doesn't need my help." he said stubbornly looking away from her.

"Kurosaki..." she whine.

"No!"

"But—"

"No."

"Please?"

"..."

...

Ichigo sighed for the nth time that night, as he founds himself driving down the road to the city. Never in his sane mind did he imagine himself buying such thing...does this mean his insane now and that he has to say goodbye to his hard earned popularity as a silent bad boy type and to his unblemished masculinity? Don't blame him if he goes suicidal after this.

Ow c'mon, Ichigo it's not that big of a deal, right?

Gathering all the strength in his still sane state, Ichigo stormed out of his car and made his way inside the store. After what seemed to be the most shameful, embarrassing and scandalous 10 minutes of his life, Ichigo finally got outside the store with the plastic bag full of the things that he now consider as his worst nightmare, so far.

He looked at the bag in his hand, "The things I do for her." he mumbled as if talking to the pads inside the bag, remembering the owner of those things. He smirk as he wondered why kind of magic spell Rukia had casts onto him that make him feel and do strange things. And the weirdest thing is...he likes it! There's no regret about it, because it's for her...he's doing it for her.

A small smile curve in his lips as he walked towards his car, but a familiar voice startled him so his hands automatically shove the bag inside the car.

"Kurosaki-kun?" turning his head, he saw Inoue and Tatsuki.

"Ichigo! What a coincidence!" Tatsuki said excitedly. "Why are you here?"

"Ahm...nothing. Just grabbing some stuffs for my fridge...but I was about to leave now." he said, a bit impatient in his tone.

"Oh good! You can drive us home, then."

Not good!

Ichigo sighed inwardly as he give the girls a ride home. Since they'll pass Tatsuki's house first, the girl insisted that Inoue should take the passenger's seat while she'll take the backseat...and though shy; the big bosomed girl is more than willing to sit next to Kurosaki-kun. Cause that makes her feel like she's taking the road to heaven...

Since Tatsuki got off, Ichigo started pressing the keys of his phone and sends yet another text message to Rukia telling her where he is and to wait for him a little longer. His mind is too occupied by his driving and texting Rukia that he really did not seem to notice the girl sitting next to him. He didn't care about her...cause he can only think of a certain petite girl...

The girl who, at this moment, might be digging a hole for his burial cause he's taking too long in buying her stuff...thanks to a blushing girl in his car right now.

"Kurosaki-kun?" Ichigo stop texting for a brief moment to let out a low "Yeah?" then resume typing on his phone again. "Ahm...that is my house house now." Inoue said, pointing to a small gate beside the street. Ichigo quickly pull through and park his car outside. "Thanks for driving me home, Kurosaki-kun." still blushing furiously, Inoue open her door and step out of his car...though at the back of her mind, she wants to give him another peck on his cheek as her gratitude but she felt not having enough self confidence.

Feeling the need to say his goodbye to the girl who is still lingering in his car's window as if waiting for something from him, Ichigo waves a hand and said his goodbye which (to his growing annoyance) makes her redder in the face. Without wasting another second, he maneuvered his car and start hitting the road back to his house.
.

.

Reading another text message from Ichigo, Rukia decided to went upstairs to her bedroom. She can't wait for him anymore; she sighed as thoughts of Ichigo and Inoue together at the moment flashes like a movie film in her head and makes her heart clenched painfully in her chest. She sat down on the futon, "Stupid" she mumbled. "Stupid...stupid...stupid..." she continued as her hands rubs her eyes when tears started falling down her cheeks, finally realizing what she's feeling right now.

But she can't felt that way...it isn't the reason why she's here in Karakura. She can't have such feelings that will cause burden to her. She doesn't belong here...this isn't her world. Sooner or later she'll leave this place, so she has to stop this before it can even start.

Rukia took in a deep breath as she tried to pull herself, wiping the last tear on her cheeks. She made up her mind...she have to make it go away...she have to.

...

When Ichigo came home that evening, he found Rukia already asleep or pretending to be asleep. The next day, he decided to apologize for being late last night. He was expecting that the petite girl will be mad at him but it was the other way around. Rukia just smiled at him and said it's alright. "Afterall, you've got to take Inoue home so that's fine with me." was her last words before she stormed out of the house and went to school ahead of him.

Confused by her 'nice' demeanor, Ichigo thought that it was just the girl's hormonal period or whatever they call it, that's making her act strange and constantly changing. But it become worse for the following days, cause Rukia seemed to be avoiding her. She always goes to school ahead of him, she'll pass and skip dinners saying she's not feeling well because of her period and all...but the strangest thing about her?

She always talks about Inoue...whenever they got the chance to talk with each other. She'll say something about the girl...about how nice and beautiful and almost perfect the big bosomed girl was and everything and anything.

But it was the last thing she said that snaps his irritation out of him. "Shut up." Ichigo said placing his bowl down the table. But Rukia ignored him; she just put up a fake smile as she continued.

"But it's true. You two look good together. So if I were you I—"

"I'm done." he said getting up from his seat and left her as he went upstairs...not even minding to place his bowl on the sink. He now realize what she's up to...he knew it. He knows what she's doing but he won't let her win. Never, cause he knows how important is at stake.

"Nice job Rukia...nice job." she murmured as she stared blankly at his unfinished meal.

...
The next day...

Taking the last step down the stair, Rukia almost bumped into Ichigo who was about to take the steps upstairs. "Rukia..." he said but she kept her eyes down. She steps on her right but Ichigo take a step on his left at the same time, she then automatically steps on her left but the carrot top was there already. She lets out an exasperated sigh,

"Okay, I'll go to my left and you go to yours." she instructed but Ichigo didn't follow, instead he went blocking her way again and this time his right arm stretch in front of her, resting his hand on the wall... This made her look up at him with an irrate look, "Kurosaki?" she whine annoyed then steps on her right but Ichigo still blocks her way, and that popped a nerve on her head, "Move out of the way, you idiot!"

"No."

"What?" she exclaimed in frustration. "I don't want to play, okay? So move out!"

"No! Not until you tell me why you're avoiding me."

Still glaring at him, Rukia lets out a disbelieving sigh. "What made you think I'm avoiding you Kurosaki? I'm not—"

"Stop calling me that!" Rukia steps back when Ichigo moves closer to her, his eyes narrowing at her but Rukia balled her hand into fists as she returns his intense stare.

"Don't yell on my face Kurosa—"

"I said stop calling me Kurosaki!" he growled, slamming his other hand on the wall and trapping her body between his arms. Her back felt the cold pavement of the wall but her face felt all the heat coming from his warm and angry breath fanning her face. His hands are on either side of her head, making sure she can't escape his intense and questioning stare. She felt goose bumps all over her body at the sensation of having his honey ambered eyes piercing through hers, but Rukia tried her best to stay on her ground as her violet orbs stare back at him.

As Ichigo stared at those beautiful but stubborn eyes of her...the feeling just get stronger and clearer for him. 'What have you done to me, Rukia?' he wanted to ask but the way those lovely pair of a diamond eye is sinking deep in his own, makes all of his defenses crash down. It's making him feel weak inside, he's so mesmerized by her warm and sweet breath...he's so mesmerized by her soothing lavender scent..he's so mesmerized by her beautiful eyes that he didn't notice that he's starting to lean closer and closer to her.

Rukia felt her heart racing oh so rapidly in her chest, her knees started to buckle and her face felt like burning up with unimaginable heat as his gaze is slowly moving down to her lips while he moves closer and closer, until the tip of his nose touches hers...

She panic!

"Back off!" Ichigo was surprised when Rukia's trembling hands pushed him roughly. Then she run hurriedly upstairs, leaving him shock and surprised by what just happened or what didn't happen.

Once she reaches the attic, Rukia quickly hides under the blanket as she tried to calm herself down. Her hand was pressed on her left chest as she felt how hard it is beating right now.

They almost kissed...or he almost kissed her rather.

"Stupid jerk..." she mumbled and closed her eyes tight as she continously told herself... "I can't... I just...can't..."

I gotta say what's on my mind

Something about us, doesn't seem right these days

Life keeps getting in the way

Whenever we try somehow the plan

Is always rearranged...

Ichigo sat on the stairs as he grabs a handful of his orange hair.

It's so hard to say, but I gotta do what's best for me

He sighed.

You'll be okay...

She took in a deep breath.

I've got to move on and be who I am

I just don't belong here

I hope you understand.

We might find a place in this world someday

But at least for now...

I gotta go my own way.
.

.

...

The rain is pouring down heavily when Ichigo steps out the bus. With a black umbrella on his hand, he headed towards the subdivision gate. "Oi Ichigo, how's the game today? I bet you beat your career high this game, huh?"

"We won...but I didn't contribute much today." he said, forcing a dry smile.

Today's game is one of his lowest scoring game...averaging only 7 points and 4 rebounds, he had more turnovers than successful points. Good thing, his teammates can compensate for his turnover points. He's so distracted because he's been thinking about a lot. About something and about someone.

Yeah, a particular someone that's making him feel different strange feelings inside that he hadn't experienced and felt before. He's so addicted to her that he can't stop thinking about her...he missed her a lot...and just the thought of her ignoring and pushing him away from her brings a painful twitch in his heart. He's a stranger to this feeling...but he knows what it is. And last night confirms it all.

He's falling for her...yes he's falling in love with Rukia...but it seems that...

"Ichigo, are you alright?

...the feeling is not mutual.

"Yeah..." he answered dryly."I'm alright." he folded his umbrella and passed it on the fat guard. "If Rukia arrives, please give this to her. I'm sure she didn't bring her own."

"Okay. But...hey! Ichigo, you'll get sick if you-" Bono sighed and shook his head as he watch Ichigo walk away from the guard house and steps out in the rain with heavy and slow steps.
.

.
With Ichigo's umbrella on her hand, Rukia arrived home exactly one hour after he did. She places the umbrella on the stand and headed inside...finding her bowl on the table, she thought that the carrot top already have his dinner. And it was okay with her cause she didn't feel like having dinner with him yet. Although Bono told her that Ichigo walks home soaking wet from the rain, she refrained herself from checking on him. As long as possible, she'll stay away from him so as not to make things complicated. After all, she had decided that after the set up dinner tomorrow for Ichigo and Inoue, Rukia decided that she'll be moving out from his house. She has to...though she doesn't want to.

…..

Tatsuki taps her foot impatiently on the ground, "Where is that carrot head?" she said between gritted teeth. Rukia and Inoue stand beside her as they wait for a certain orange haired guy outside a coffee shop in the downtown. "Dammit...he's not answering his phone."

"Ah...Tatsuki-chan, I think we should reschedule this—"

"No. Inoue I'll be leaving this Monday so we can't re-sched this dinner." Tatsuki supplied then cursed under her breath when her batteries went off. "Oh great...wait here okay? I'll just use the phonebooth."

Rukia and Inoue nodded and watch as Tatsuki crossed the street and went inside the phonebooth. Rukia shove her hand inside her jacket pocket and shuddered involuntarily. The weather has been not so agreeable since yesterday, it was raining cats and dogs last night and the humidity tonight sents chills to her body. Yeah, it was just the humidity and the gloomy weather that's making her feel cold...very cold.

"Tatsuki-chan told me about your plans tonight." Rukia turned at the girl beside her. "She told me about your plans of giving me and Kurosaki-kun enough time to be with each other." Inoue smiled at her. "And you know what...I'm glad that you're supporting me with this." Rukia gave her a small smile. "Don't worry Rukia-san, I won't waste this chance cause I've decided to..." the girl stick up her chin "I'm going to tell him how I feel."

Rukia hangs her head low, "That's right, Orihime. You should...tell him how you feel. Tell him how much you needed him. Tell him how much you wanted to be with him." she bit her lip to stop it from trembling as she realize that she's telling those words more to herself than to her friend.

But it will remain to be meant for just telling herself cause she can't do it...she can't and she don't have to.

"Rukia, are you—"

"Hey, hey, hey." the two girls turned back and saw a tall and rugged guy standing behind them. And by the looks of it, the guy seemed drunk. "You chu lovely young lajees sheemed lonely...C'mon! I'll bring chu a party. You sure will have a good chime-hic!"

Rukia instinctively steps in front of her friend. "We're not interested so leave us alone."

"Oh how cute..." the guy chuckled maniacally. "Butaym more incherested with big onesh!" he suddenly dashed and roughly push Rukia away making her fall hard on her butt.

"Rukia-san!"

Tatsuki heard Inoue's yelped. Turning her head, she saw Inoue being drag harshly by a mad man. She was quick to step out of the booth, but the traffic kept her from crossing the street. "Dammit..."

Inoue is already crying when the mad man drags her, but someone grabs tightly on the mad man's arm. "Let go of her." the man turned his head and saw a tall teenager glaring dangerously at him.

Inoue's eyes widened in surprised and joy when she saw who came to save her. "K-Kurosaki-ku—" she flinched when Ichigo pulls the man away from her, hard enough to make the man stumble down on the ground.

"What ja hell?" the drunk man groaned and turned to look up at the tall orange haired guy standing above him.

"Get outta here." Ichigo said lowly and the drunk man nervously and wobbly scurried away after seeing his deathly glare and his even deathly scowl.

"Inoue!" Tatsuki called out, finally reaching her friend. "Inoue, are you alright?" The girl in question didn't answer as she rubs her wrist softly with a pained expression on her face. "That bastard...I think she twisted your wrist...Ichigo..." Tatsuki called him and he turned at them. "Ichigo, Inoue is—"

Tatsuki's voice was caught on her throat while her friend Inoue's pained expression turned to shock and disappointment when Ichigo walked passed between them and went straight to the petite girl who is still down on the ground. The two girls froze on their feet as they heard Ichigo's voice in a very tender and concerned tone that both of them never heard from him before.

"Are you hurt?" Rukia stared wide eye at the deep amber eyes in front of her. She felt her eyes started to water, she can't move, she can't do anything as she savors the comforting gaze he's giving to her right now...she missed that eyes...yes, she missed him very much!

"Tatsuki...Inoue..." the orange haired guy said, holding Rukia's elbow and helping the petite girl to stand on her feet, facing his back on the two girls. "I'm sorry..." he paused as he gave the two girls time to comprehend the true meaning of what he said before he continued, "I can't drive you home...be careful, okay?"

"Ichigo..." Rukia muttered. The guy looked down at her.

"C'mon Rukia, let's go home."

And she nodded.

She don't want to fight it…she don't want to argue with it. Cause she realizes how much she missed him, how much she needs him, and how much she wants to be with him...she wants to be near him...she won't push him away this time, cause she can't...not anymore.

Tatsuki took in a deep breath and force an uncertain smile on her face, "Inoue, let's—"

"C'mon Tatsuki-chan...let's go home." her friend said. Though she's smiling, Tatsuki can tell that she's hurt...cause she haven't even had the chance to say how she feels about Ichigo and the guy already answered her. She felt bad about her friend…but the truth is...she's hurt too.

She didn't expected it to be like this, cause deep inside she's also waiting for him too like how Inoue had.
But it's far too late for the both of them, cause Ichigo had found what he's been waiting for. And unfortunately, it's not her...it's not Inoue...it's not one of them...cause it's...Rukia.

...

Parking his car outside the house, Ichigo sighed and leaned his forehead on the hand wheel as he felt nauseous. "Ichigo, are you alright?" Rukia asked as she noticed his breathing becomes shallow and constricting.

"Yeah..."

"Geez Ichigo, you're burning up!" she exclaimed worriedly, palming his forehead and neck.

"It's nothing, okay? I'm just—"

"You idiot! Your feverish and burning up! What the hell were you thinking? You should have stayed here, you stupid fool!" Rukia growled as she got out and scooted around the car to the driver's seat. Ichigo opened the driver's door and tried to rid the dizziness as he hop down the car. He was about to say something but he was surprised by her actions. "C'mon...you have to rest in your room." she placed his arm over her shoulder while her free hand holds him around his waist as if supporting a drunk man who can't walk by himself.

Ichigo finds her funny and overreacting. He scoff and smirks down at her, "Rukia, I can still walk you know. You don't have to—"

"Shut up, you fool!" Ichigo clamped his mouth shut quickly as Rukia looked up at him. Tears are threatening to fall from the corners of her eyes as her brows furrowed in frustration and most especially...concern. "For once Ichigo, can you think about yourself...just for once?"

"Rukia..."

As a tear quickly fall down her cheek, Rukia turned away swiftly...trying to look and sound irritated. "I'm getting annoyed...just-hic-shut up okay?" Rukia bit her lower lip as she wants to strangle her own throat for that traitorous sniffle…while Ichigo can't help the smile curving on his lips.

"If you don't stop crying then I won't—Aaw!" his free hand rubbed his head. "Geez, Rukia I'm sick here and you still hit me? What kind of nurse—Aaw!"

"If you don't shut up then I'll hit you for every word that comes out of your mouth, you understand?" Ichigo pouts as he felt Rukia's tiny hand tightened on his waist, pulling him closer to her as the short girl 'help' him walk inside the house. Though he literally (and physically) doesn't need any help at all. But that was fine with him, since he likes the feeling of her tiny hands on his waist and his arm being draped over her shoulder.

He never thought that he'll find that simple gesture...so romantic!
.

.

.
"Oh look..." Ichigo whine tiredly as he stares at the large bowl. Rukia had already tucked him in his bed, and the said girl is sitting on his side holding up a large bowl for him. He slightly sat up making the covers fall on his waist and rested his back on the headrest "You overcooked the rice that's why it becomes a...soup? I bet you didn't measure the wat..."

"Uurgh..." Rukia's brow started twitching in annoyance.

"...and what's that smell? Tsh! It's even very yellowish and—"

"IF YOU DON'T WANT TO EAT THIS THEN I'M—" a short gasp escaped her lips when Ichigo quickly grabs the bowl from her hand and took in his first scoop.

"I'm amazed..." she blinks as Ichigo look up at her seriously. "...on how you were able to kill all the flavors in this soup."

Thug!

"Aaw..."

"Just shut up, okay?" Rukia said nonchalantly, crossing her arms in front.

Granted, she don't know how to cook and she personally couldn't think of eating that food but...the idiot...he was delving on it...scoop per scoop...and he seemed to be enjoying it. Though he already made a comment on how terrible it tastes like.

She smiled, a genuine and contented smile slowly curve on her lips as she watch him eat the unidentified meal that she had prepared.

'I thought he's just an annoying, insensitive, arrogant and hot-tempered jerk who just wants to scowl all his life...' she was talking to herself as she continue watching him eat. '...but he always comes to my rescue, he always saves me whether I needed help or not that I realized just now how much I rely on him...I'm relying on him from the start. He saved me, he helped me and he gives me what I need however troublesome I am. But every time I tried to return the favor, it's either I ended up causing more trouble or he will end up saving me again and again. And in the end...'

Ichigo shoved the bowl on her.

'...this is all I can do for him.'

"It's done." he said, absently wiping the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. Rukia looked down at the finished bowl in front of her.

"I thought it's terrible...but you almost had the bowl cleaned, huh?" she raised an eyebrow as she felt a bid proud of herself.

"Of course, I won't let any of it go to waste..." his deep amber pools look straight into her large violet ones, "...because it's the fist meal that you had cooked for me."

I can't find this feeling any longer

And yet I'm still afraid to let it flow

Her eyes widened but she quickly turned away from his gaze to hide the blush on her face. "G-good...cause I...won't be doing that again." she said pouting and crossing her arms in front. Then she uncrossed her arms and laid her hands on her lap as she remembered her thoughts earlier. "Ichigo..." she tilted her head down, "I'm sorry."

And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might...

All of a sudden, Ichigo pulled her in his body and wrap his strong arms around her small frame.

Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore...

"Don't you ever do that again...Rukia."

I've forgotten what I started fighting for...

His arms tightened around her. "You can't...push me away from you." she shuddered as one of his hand cupped the back of her head while the other settled on her back, pulling her even closer to him that she can now feel his heartbeat racing frantically against her own. "You can't leave me now...not anymore."

And if I had to crawl upon the floor…

"You understand?" a tear roll down her cheek...her heart is pulsating and fluttering hard on her chest as the warmth of his embrace spread through her whole body.

Came crushing through your door…

"I understand."

Cause baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore...

She smiled against his shoulder and let her hands gently trail around his waist and settled lightly on his back as she made a pact with him. She won't push him away again...she won't run away from him...she had been running away from her past and from her life so it's time for her to stop and make it right this time...

No, she won't be running away again...but if she do, she'll be running away...with him on her side.

Oh yeah! They now have a mutual understanding huh... but is it really mutual or the two of them have it in different aspects? And I know you'll ask when will they make it official...well there's still another character that will intensify or set the fire burnin' between our beloved Ichiruki...who is it? Hmn... I smell something like strawberry jealousy and arch rival..hehe...well scroll down some more and you'll find out who it is...and yeah more characters will appear on the following chapters ( I don't know maybe a certain mad man named Isshin Kurosaki and family perhaps!) ^.~ so just stick around. But hey don't forget to REVIEW after readin' okay? Thanks guys... ^.^ oh and I used the song Come What May by Ewan Mcgregor and Nicole Kidmann in this last part.

Her brows knitted in curiosity when she found a piece of paper of what appear to be a letter inside her locker. Picking up the paper, she was a bit surprised when she read where it come from. It's a letter from Tatsuki...the girl is thanking her for coming with them last Saturday and was apologizing for what happened. She can't meet her now since she'll be going for the nationals on this day, that's why leaving her a letter instead. Rukia felt guilty and not worthy of any apologies from Tatsuki...she now realize how nice the girl is. Unfortunately she didn't have a chance to know her more.

'Anyway I'll hope we can hang out when I come back...and if you don't mind I would like to ask for some details...but it's okay if you don't like to talk about.' Rukia continue reading the letter. 'So time to go...see you later Rukia and P.S. Please take care of Inoue for me...and goodluck to the 'both of you'.

She raised a curious brow at that last phrase, wondering who she's talking about. She shrugged it off and made a mental note to send a reply message to the spiky haired girl. Closing her lacker, Rukia caught sight of Inoue walking down the hallway. "Orihime!" she called out but the girl didn't seemed to hear her so she called louder the second time but the big bosomed girl didn't looked back at her and just got inside the elevator. She sighed and decided to meet and talked to her some other time...for now.

Chirp! Chirp! Chirp!

Rukia looked at the screen of her phone and read the name of the caller.

'Idiot'

Yes, with a capital I.

She flipped it open and pressed the object on her ear before saying "Yeah?" in a bored tone then shove the phone away from her ears as the 'Idiot with a capital I', growled at her almost damaging her eardrums. "Don't shout on me, you Idiot!"

Yeah, both of them are back with their normal selves again.

"Alright...alright! I'm on my way there...What did you say? I'm not-...just shut up okay?" she flipped her phone close. "Stupid strawberry." and mumbled before making her way to the stadium.

Why..? Because the carrot top who also happens to be the basketball team captain, asks her...no! Demands that she watch their game today, or else she'll deal with instant noodles in her dinner again tonight.

What a jerk!

Rukia walked faster as she saw more and more students going inside the building. But she was still wondering why the carrot top wants her to watch the game...it's not like she can contribute a point to their team…is she?

Okay, why is she watching this game again..? Cause her dinner is at stake, right! And who knows, maybe there's something exciting and surprising about this game...and most especially, she can watch Ichigo play.

Rukia shook her head, trying to rid the blush that suddenly bloom on her face as thoughts of seeing Ichigo play his game flash through her mind. She slightly shuddered at the thought then decided to go inside the stadium.

..
With a scowl in his face, Ichigo passed the ball on his teammate as they started to warm up on the court before the game starts. He scans the whole place and the short raven haired girl has yet to arrive. 'Uurgh...where is that midget?' he thought impatiently, bouncing the ball back to another teammate.

Then he and his teammates and some students in the crowd turned their heads at the entry way from the dugout as the players of their school's arch rival...the second best team in the NCAA, the Seretei University Evil Slayers enters the court.

Ichigo heard his bald teammate said a cocky word against their arch rival's team but he ignores it. He looked at their opponent's team and saw a cocky and feisty eyebrow-tattooed baboon staring at him arrogantly giving him the 'I'll-beat-your-ass-this-time' look. Ichigo smirk and responded by displaying his infamous scowl, mentally telling the guy to 'Shut his trap and just show him what he got.'

The two players glare at each other, sending lightning bolts through their intense and deathly gaze. Noticing the silent war between the two players with the most famous and anticipated match up, the crowd started to cheer and wooed as they got excited on how bloody good that game will be.

There will be war on the hard court...
There will be war.

With the crowd wooing in their background and a final challeging smirk, the two players decided to leave the spotlight and ripped their intense gaze away from each other. The tattooed player joins his teammates with their warm up while Ichigo scans the place again and then his eyes flickered back to the main entrance hall of the stadium.

There she is!

He felt his heart flipped in a wild pace and his power and energy level reach its maximum as if nothing can truly beats him now. That's reason why he wants to see her watching him play...she's an inspiration, a pain killer, tiredness remover and power enhancer and...whatever...the point is, he's at his best when she's around.

She's here...entering the place...searching for something, searching for someone, searching for...him?

Ichigo couldn't held back the proud smile that's curving up on his lips brushing away any evidence of the scowl that was almost imprinted in his face for all his life.

The world seemed to revolve oh so slowly and no one else seems to exist around him as his soft amber pools met her beautiful violet ones.

Never knew I could feel like this...

His minds were clouded with joy while his heart started to beat hysterically inside his chest as the girl of his life stared up at him, wide eyed and glimmering.

Like I've never seen the sky before...

He stares at her as her eyes become wider with amusement, joy, excitement and more.

Want to vanish inside your kiss...

His breath caught in his throat when the petite girl started running towards him.

Everyday I love you more and more...

Though confused at the petite girl's over excitement, Ichigo felt his feet started walking towards her to meet her halfway.

Listen to my heart, can you hear it sing
Telling me to give you everything...

He doesn't care if the whole school will see them, cause he wants the whole world to know anyway.

Seasons may change...

He wants the world to know that this girl...this raven haired, violet eyed stubborn, troublesome and beautiful petite girl.

Winter to spring...

Is the love of his life.

But I love you...

He opened his arms for a very dramatic and romantic embrace that the entire school will witness.

Until the end...

"Rukia..."

Of...

He smiled.

Ti—

The music in his head ripped out like a dj scratching a disc when the petite girl RUN..PASSED..HIM...leaving his arms empty and his mouth hanging open as she excitedly and oh so happily yelled...

"Renji!"

Oh yeah...it's definitely a war on the hardcourt...or worst a baroom brawl.

REVIEW PLEASE..!