Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach nor the cover picture.

Chapter 14: Unapologetic

"Give that back to me before I fucking make you give it back. I will make sure you regret it."

Renji narrowed his angry eyes at Grimmjow as his eyes followed to the dangling charm Grimmjow was now holding above his head eyeing it curiously. Renji was becoming angrier and angrier as each second ticked away.

"What is this shitty thing?" Grimmjow asked with a curious grin as he returned his glance towards the fuming red head. "You shouldn't have dropped this. It shouldn't be my fault that you cannot keep an watchful eye over your shit." He chuckled as he watched Renji stepped forward with his hands closing in a fist. Grimmjow raised an eyebrow as his insides starts to warm at the potential fight. Oh how much he loved to fight!

"I will give you one more fucking chance to return it back to me before I beat the shit out of you," Renji threatened as he slowly took another step forward and started to roll up his sleeves on his arms casually.

Grimmjow eyes widened with excitement as the end of his lips curled up into a smile. How excited he was when it comes to fighting as he gets a high from the feeling. At his old high school he essentially got kicked out from all the fights he caused but was not satisfied with the quality of the fight his fellow students had given him. His fist started to twitch as he was aching to throw that first punch. To spill blood that first punch.

Renji watched him slid the dangling charm into his front pocket before cracking his knuckles which pissed Renji off even more. Knowing how the mysterious boy smiled when Renji threatened him, he knew his threats are not going to be empty that night. Renji knew he was going to fight which frustrated him even more. His mood was still very sour from not seeing Rukia since their school trip, the moment where he had walked away after letting her know that he loved her. His heart has not been the same since.

He missed her.

Renji clenched his fist even tighter as the anger built up within him and opened his eyes to view a curious look upon the blue hair's face. Clenching his stomach, he knew the bastard enjoyed fighting from the look in his eyes. Wanting nothing more than to take that smug look off of his face he dashed forward in a rage. The eyes of his opponent widen in excitement once more.

"I told you that was your fucking last chance!" Renji bellowed as he ran forward to the smiling face and swung hard nailing the side of Grimmjow's jaw. All his anger and power was behind that one punch which made the boy stumble to the ground as he brought a hand up to the area where he was hit. Renji knuckles were throbbing and drips of blood were falling from his knuckles. However, from the look of the hit he knew it was not just his.

Grimmjow gave a smirk as he brought his hand out in front of him and noticed his hand was covered in blood. His jaw was stinging… a lot. In fact it hurt like hell and he relinquished a smile to the fuming man that gave him the cut. Grimmjow tried to move his jaw but it hurt like a bitch. The one punch the red head threw broke his jaw. Slowly getting up from the ground he chuckled as he straightened his back arrogantly and sneered at Renji.

"This is what I have been fucking waiting for!" Grimmjow snarled happily as he lunged for Renji swinging his fist as it made contact with the corner of his eyebrow slicing it open and another fist hitting him squarely on the cheek. They exchanged several powerful and bloody punches between each other.

The momentum of the punches did not imbalance the red head because of the adrenaline that was rushing through his veins as he yelled and rammed into Grimmjows stomach knocking him to the ground. Renji drew his hand back once again and punched him back on the face while Grimmjow slammed his own into Renji's side causing him to wince in pain. While Renji groaned Grimmjow took advantage and swung at his face once again but was surprised when Renji blocked and used his free hand to knock Grimmjow out cold on the sidewalk.

Renji spat out blood to his side on the ground, with a painful grunt he lifted himself off of Grimmjow. Before he was completely up he reached into the unconscious man front jean's pocket and grabbed the Chappy charm that he was risking his life for. Little drops of blood appeared on Grimmjaws shirt as he stared down at the fresh blood. He wiped the stream of blood running down his face with the back of his hand as he noticed he was bleeding profusely. His knuckles ached as he looked down at the cut skins that had formed from the heavy blows.

Renji gave one last glare at Grimmjow hoping he better not ever see him soon or better yet again. The blood was blocking his vision as he made his way to the hospital knowing he needed to get stitches.

…

Autumn. The weather was not too hot but not too cold as Rukia leaned against the railing as the wind softly blew through her long hair. Glancing up at the sky she knew she had only half an hour of lunch left before she had to return to class and start their next period. She was never late to class as she wanted to be the diligent and punctual students especially holding the title of classroom representative over her head. Her mind drifted to thoughts of her handsome boyfriend.

"Are you going to the rooftop for lunch midget? I will go with you or we can eat with our friends in the cafeteria," Ichigo stated grabbing his belongings and lunch that Yuzu had prepared for him that morning. Yuzu always packed him a little more as she insisted to give some to Rukia as she found out they have been dating for a little while now. In fact, his dad has wanted her to come for dinner to be properly introduced into their family. Ichigo wasn't ready; he wasn't ready for her to have dinner with his overbearing father.

"Uhh…Actually I will like to request to be alone for lunch today Ichigo…" Rukia fidgeted with her sketchbook which caught his eye. The violets were casted down as she was afraid to tell him something and he hated the feeling that she was not comfortable with him yet to tell him her complete thoughts. Ichigo used his finger to lift her chin gently until those violets were confronted by the ambers.

"Yo, what's wrong?" Ichigo softly asked. His heart was beating steadily but the beats were becoming harder as he thought of the inevitable. Did she want a break up? It's so early in their relationship that there are many things they still need to discover about each other.

"Ichigo, I want to be alone just in case Renji comes to the roof. We haven't spoken since the night he was in the hospital and I feel there is much that we need to discuss…" She sighed sadly hoping Ichigo wouldn't make a big deal out of it but was instead surprised when his strong arms wrapped around her head and pulled her in for a warm embrace. Rukia heard him let out a sigh of relief. Relief? Why would he be relieved that she wanted to see her best friend instead of having lunch with Ichigo.

"You don't have to be afraid to tell me what is on your mind midget!" Ichigo scowled as he hugged her tighter. Now his heart was beating faster as he felt stupid about his thoughts prior. He felt as if he had been selfish and not regarded her feelings especially now that school has started. Rukia always had eaten lunch with her best friend almost every day on the roof top and seeing how she hadn't mention Renji to him, he knew something must have happened between the two. As much as he liked the red head bastard being out of the picture, he knew he can't be selfish. Not when it comes to her.

Rukia face was being squished into his chest as his arms were squeezing her into him as if he did not want to let her go but she didn't mind as her favorite scent was taking her over. Bringing up her free hand she gripped his dress shirt and gripped onto the fabric with her small fingers.

Rukia let out an impatient sigh as she leaned forward and rested her chin on her arms that were folded before her on the railing. She didn't think he would come since the rumors of Ichigo and her were dating are now confirmed as all eyes were on them when they approached school hand in hand.

Maybe we should have waited a little longer before we announced to the entire school we are together… Glancing at her cellphone this time in her hand she noticed she only had 15 minutes left for lunch. Her eyes drifted to the charm that was dangling over her hand until a familiar voice filled the silent air. The voice she was not expecting at all.

"Don't tell me you don't have any friends in this school as well? Is that why you are up here moping?"

She twisted her head back to see Grimmjow sneering at her curiously as he casually walked over towards her but she could not help but stare at the fresh scar on the side of his jawline. It looked brutal but he doesn't seem self-conscious about the cut. In fact, it looks as if he was proud of the scar.

He tapered his eyes as he glanced at the small girl, but noticed she did not seem frightened like the other students in their class or better yet in any of the schools he attended. What is it about this girl that made his so curious on wanting to learn a little more about her? Usually he kept to himself and scout for the ones he remotely think were strong enough to beat the shit out of. He with girls never crossed his mind as he wasn't interested or they were too scared to even talk to him. Even though they were scared, he was still very popular amongst them due to his clean good looks. He grimaced as he thought about how superficial women are and that is why he was not interested in the first place but this small girl… she was very interesting.

"Can I help you with something?"

Gimmjow looked down after the disruption of his thoughts to see the small girl looking up at him curiously with her arms crossed. Her hair was blowing softly across her face. His hand twitched as he almost raised it up to brush the loose hair out from her lips. Almost.

When Grimmjow did not respond but looked at her strangely she became impatient and glanced at her cellphone once again before slipping it back into her front blazer pocket. Time is up. Rukia bit her lip in sadness as she started to walk pass him to head back down to class. Grimmjow grabbed her arm to stop her from proceeding which caught her by surprise.

He noticed the sadness that was in her eyes before she bit her lip.

"Is there something you need from me? If not, let go for we will be late to class," Her voice was firm and crisp but had a hint of sadness attached to every word that was spoken. Grimmjow just continued to stare which aggravated her a bit more. Rukia did not like to be stared at, especially from a stranger.

"Look, if you are just going to stare than stare at the damn wall! Let me go or I will be late for class," She was completely annoyed as her eyes were throwing flame at his face. Puffing out a breath of air, her fringe flew out of her face.

Grimmjow snickered as this was the first time any girl had spoken to him so…harshly.

"You have quite the temper little girl, no wonder you are eating lunch alone here," He finally spoke to her. The set of words may have irked her as he noticed a gleam in her eyes especially when he said 'little girl'.

Grabbing his thumb with her free hand, she yanked it backwards causing him to release her arm in a fast manner.

"You may be new but you do not know nothing about me so do not assume. I do have friends here in this school, don't think otherwise because I decided to come up here for lunch alone," She continued to hold her glare but gave a sigh knowing she may have been taking out her frustrations on him, not when he is a new student. When she was new to this school, it was rather difficult for her to adjust to making friends especially when she didn't have anyone at her old school but she had Renji. Least she wasn't alone, but Grimmjow… he seems to be alone.

"Listen, I apologize for my rudeness but don't think you aren't rude as –"

"Be rude", Grimmjow interrupted her as his face showed no emotions. He just stared at her intently at the surprised look that emitted from her face.

"E-Excuse me?" Rukia found him very strange. His whole demeanor was puzzling and she just didn't understand him at all. "What the hell are you talking about being rude?" This was getting to be annoying. His vagueness is annoying. In fact, she didn't know how to handle this situation with him.

"I can see we are late for class now," He smirked as he watched her eyes widen in anguished as she pulled out her cellphone to confirm that in fact they were late.

"I am never late!" Rukia yelled out and pushed him frantically out of the way to proceed down the stairs. Grimmjow couldn't help but smile as he followed closely behind the frantic girl.

…

Ichigo glanced at the empty desk in front of him as his eyes gazed down at his watch wondering where the hell the midget was at. She was one of the most hard working student he knows and also very punctual when it comes to being to school on time. He let out a yawn as he was feeling sleepier than usual as he had to get up extra early to walk Rukia to school. She didn't want him to since she insisted of being to school at least thirty minutes early but he wanted to regardless the time he wakes up for school.

Because it made her happy.

His back straightened as he watched the door slide open and view a beautiful but frantic face, his eyes remained curious as to why she was late and looked for frustrated. Could it have anything to do with Renji?

Ms. Ise gave her a look of disappointment and watched Rukia looked down to the ground and apologized for the tardiness.

"I apologize Ms. Ise," Rukia quickly said bowing her head before she swiftly made way to her desk. "I lost track of time and didn't notice."

"Ms. Kuchiki, as class room representative I expect more punctuality from you seeing it's only your first day back from your summer break. Please close the door since you seem to forget-" She stopped when another figure appeared through the door and hastily slamming it shut.

"Mr. Jaegerjaquez, I see you are making a rather impressive first impression…" Ms. Ise eyes glint through her squared frame as Grimmjow ignored her and took the empty seat in the back of the room on the opposite side of Rukia.

Ichigo watched Rukia continue to her desk quietly but she avoided his determined gaze and sat in her desk without a word or glance towards him. He gripped his pencil tighter as his eyes shifted to view Grimmjow and noticed he was staring directly at Rukia. Ichigo watched his eyes drifted towards his own.

Grimmjow gave him a smirk when he noticed the orange hair was now glaring at him. His muscles were protruding through his dress shirt as he tightened his hold on the pencil in his hand. His eyes went back onto Rukia as he watched her look at the chalkboard their teacher was writing on. Her small hand was moving swiftly in her notebook as she was paying close attention. A sound of a pencil snapped in half broke his hold on Rukia as his eyes went back to Ichigo who was now glowering at him with half of a pencil in his tight grasp.

…

Rukia watched the scenery swiftly going by her as the bus made its way to their stop as Ichigo and she had work that day at Urahara's Shop. She casually studied Ichigo sitting beside her with his head resting on his hand as he was leaning against a divider and she noticed his face wasn't relaxed but in his usual scowl. The scowl was different this time; something was bothering him which made him uncomfortable. Her eyes fell onto his lap with his hand resting lazily. Taking a deep breath, she reached for his hand and interlocked their fingers. The gentle touch must have snapped him out of his thoughts as he raised his chin from his hand and looked at her.

"Is there something wrong Ichigo?" Rukia finally had the courage to ask.

Ichigo looked into the violets for a moment, "Nothing is wrong." He turned back and rested his chin back onto his hand not looking at her.

Rukia furrowed her brows, "Then why are you so quiet right now? You have not said anything since we after lunch!" She felt Ichigo tightened his hold on her hand.

He turned his face once again and gave her an angry scowl, "Can't I just think for a moment you annoying midget?"

"No you can't you stupid stupid strawberry!" She tightened her own hold on her hand. "You can't be deep in your thoughts and not let me know what is bothering you…"

Icigo sighed in defeat, "Why were you late? Were you with the new kid? I thought you were with Renji? Did you meet Renji?"

Rukia eyes glazed as Ichigo was sputtering out questions that her brain clicked. Of course he would be concern about her and it was her fault not communicating with him.

"I am sorry Ichigo, I didn't think for not telling you…" She felt relieved as she watched his face soften. "I didn't see Renji… He didn't go to the rooftop for lunch." Looking down and away from the ambers, her heart was hurting a bit. She didn't think he would be avoiding her, least not for so long, she wanted to know if he was alright at least. Is he still hurt? How is his body after his fight?

Does he miss her as his best friend?

Ichigo release his hand from her hold and draped it over her should pulling her close so she can rest her head on his shoulder. He didn't know what to say when the topic on hand is regarding her best friend. It was a sensitive subject for her and he didn't know if he can cross the line to tell her to let the bastard go. Again, he cannot be selfish when it comes to her.

He swallowed, "Give him time Rukia. It's not easy for him to know you are dating the most handsome man in the entire school." He winced preparing for the punch on his arm as he watch her sat up and bring her arm back before nailing her small fist in is bicep but she smiled. Ichigo felt relieved seeing her smile as it's been a while since he had seen that.

"You are so full of it Ichigo!" She bit her lip as he leaned closer to her. The amber was becoming more vibrant and he was getting closer to where she can observe every small detail in those beautiful irises.

"You don't think I am good looking then Rukia?" He was toying with her as he watchedd her cheeks turn a hue of pink. He couldn't help but to be attracted to her shyness.

"Hmph, as if I will answer you…," She tried to turn away but he held her chin in place with his fingers as he leaned a little closer. The details in his eyes are very clear now. The ambers were burning brighter now.

Her lips were parted slightly as the blush on her cheeks became more vibrant. He was so close that he could feel the warm breath on his lips. Those ambers darted down to her lips as he eyes them hungrily know they were sweet and succulent.

"You really don't think so?" He whispered so low she almost missed the question. Ichigo forgot what started their small quarrel and leaned in to capture her soft lips. The warmth of their lips meeting in such an intimate way was a different feeling this time. The top of her lips were gently captured between his. They both closed their eyes as they took in the moment of the innocent kiss. No tongues were involved as this was pure and not as lustful. Their hearts were beating in unison, steady but strong, almost fiercely. His hand never left her chin even after he released her lips and stare at the flushed violets, both breathing softly.

"I do know you are…" She whispered answering his forgotten question.

…

"But why do I have to sweep the floors again Mr. Urahara!" Jinta complained as he dragged the wooden broom out the front entrance at Urahara's Shop. An orange hue was radiating the shop as the sun was slowly setting in the horizon.

Urahara waved his fan in front of his face as he stifled a yawn, "You do the best job at sweeping the floors, why not keep doing what you are best at?" He chuckled quietly as he knew Jinta hated to sweep but regardless he does it every day even though he complains about the sweeping. His wife was out visiting her old student and wasn't planning on being back until late.

"Bah! Where is Mrs. Yoruichi? She always treated me better…" Jinta whined as he started brushing the dusty front steps. He eyes Ururu licking an ice cream while sitting on the bench looking at him.

"What are you looking at?" Jinta spat out to her. Ururu shrugged her shoulders and continued licking her ice cream.

Rukia watched the exchange as she leaned against the cash register, "Jinta sure won't get a girlfriend with that awful attitude." She cocked her head towards the direction of Ichigo's laugh.

"Why would he even want a girlfriend right now anyways? When I was his age I didn't think twice about girls," Ichigo smirked as he looked through a magazine to which Urahara snagged it out of his hands and placed it back on the shelves before glaring at the orange haired.

"Why are you always not working when you are here? Do I even bother needing you at all Kurosaki?" Urahara eyes were grinning but hidden behind the shadow of his hat.

"It's not my fault your shop is slow right now since school has started. Besides, if you weren't so lazy then you wouldn't need me," Ichigo retorted before grabbing the magazine back out from the shelf but stopped when his hand was smacked from his fan.

"Touché Kurosaki."

The wind chimes sounded as Rukia automatically sang out, "Welcome to Mr. Urahara's Shop!" She was surprised when she saw Momo and Toshiro entering. The two girls made eye contact, and Momo face erupted into a huge smile.

"Rukia!" Momo exclaimed as they ran to each other in a hug. "I didn't know you worked here!"

Rukia smiled, "I started last year." She glanced over at Toshiro reading the label on a chocolate bar. "Are you guys?" She pointed between the two of them.

Momo caught the hint and blushed while nodding her head, "Yes! He finally asked me the night of the fireworks at the school trip." She couldn't conceal her excitement as she looked back at Toshiro. "He doesn't express his emotions well and has a harder shell but he is very sweet to me." She turned back towards Rukia, "BUT you have been the talk of the school today!"

Rukia looked surprised, "I am?" She had forgotten why.

Momo nodded, "Yes! Everyone has been saying you and Kurosaki are official! Is it true-"She stopped when she saw Ichigo looming behind Rukia obviously curious about the conversation they were having.

"Hi Kurosaki! Are you buying candy as well?" Momo asked as her eyes shifted between the two.

"Naw, I work here," He casually said as he went to sit behind the register with a bored scowl on his face.

Before she responded Toshiro interrupted as he waved a chocolate bar in the air, "Kurosaki, I will like to purchase this." He cocked his head to Momo, "Hinamori, do you want anything?"

Momo blushed and waved her hands in the air declining, "No I am good but call me Momo!"

Toshiro looked confused as he handed money to Ichigo. Ichigo smirked as he gave yawn and watch Urahara stepped out from the back.

"You guys are free to go, I am going to close up the shop early since it's a bit slow. I am feeling rather tired," He yawned as well and glared at Ichigo before he could retort with a smart ass comment.

They said their goodbyes to their boss before they headed out with Momo and Toshiro. Momo glanced at Rukia and Ichigo walking in front of them. Her eyes widened in giddy as she watched Ichigo grabbed onto Rukia's hand.

"You guys are dating!" Momo exclaimed happily.

Ichigo stopped and looked back at the excite girl, "Yeah so?"

"Why are you so excited about them dating Hinamori?" Toshiro face was contorted in confusion as she was smiling happily at him.

"We can go on double dates! I always wanted another couple to hang around but we don't know any," She admitted sadly but brightened up immediately. "But we do now! Come sit with us during lunch tomorrow!"

"Oh I-" The roof… Rukia didn't want to miss any chance of seeing Renji. What if he was waiting for her.

"Abarai and Ryo was sitting with us during lunch today! I am sure you seen Abarai a lot but Ryo could use more girl company too!"

Rukia stared at Momo in a daze. Renji was sitting with them? She felt flustered and didn't want to sit at their table…not when Renji was purposely avoiding her.

Ichigo noticed she was fidgeting again, "Can't tomorrow. Midget skipped out on me today so I want her to eat lunch with me alone." Rukia felt a warm arm around her waist as she glanced up at Ichigo thankfully.

Momo frowned slightly, "Okay, but let's double date soon then!" She pulled out her cellphone, "Rukia dial in your number so I can text you."

Rukia slid her fingers across the screen before Momo saved the number and put it back into her pocket.

"Hinamori, you are probably overwhelming them…" Toshiro sighed as he rubbed his temple on his head gazing at the overly excited girl. "Let's go."

They said their goodbyes and watched Momo and Toshiro walk away before they headed to their bus stop.

"Are you sure you don't want to sit with them tomorrow? You will see that bastard best friend of yours," Ichigo asked calmly.

"No… I just…I want to wait on the roof for him…" Rukia said quietly. She couldn't give up, she wanted her best friend to know she is still missing him and wanting to eat lunch with him still.

Ichigo looked down at her fighting with her thoughts and sighed knowing he will have to sit at their table the next day with Renji.

To be continued…

Hey Bleachers!

Sorry for waiting a little bit for an update.

I was/am busy. So I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Thanks for the love as always. You can hate too I don't mind.

What do you think will happen when Ichigo sits with Renji!

Until next time.

BlackDiamondRukia: I am glad Grimmjow is here! I wanting to keep the love of his fighting from the manga.

Anon: Hi hi! Welcome to this story now haha. Thanks for the love.

Guest2: You are right. He was the one! Wait until they meet again…

Guest: What do you think of his reaction?

Geniejuicers: Who is Tunis? I had to write him in because it add more drama! I like him a lot.

DBZFanGXCC: No brickwall yet… please keep it that way! Byakuya is happy Rukiais happy but is still very over protective. Ichigo isn't out of the clear yet, and I already answered your question love!

Kristina Lu Who: Thanks love!

Xsamxp: So right now Grimmjow has a fascination with Rukia's personality. She is going to become very popular soon…

Blissbeat: Grimmjow and Ichigo will butt heads as you can see. I have an interesting placement for Grimmjow.

FunnyEasyMe: Hi Friend, fangirls huh. Like the locker full of dirt and hate messages? Hahahaa, maybe. Just for you maybe.

Anne: You think so?

Kiera14: I am too love!

Ayarukia: Yes, I just couldn't have Renji be okay right away. He loved her for a long time so it will take a while for things to go back somewhat normal. I hope you like what I will do with Grimmjow. I have plans for him!

Fer: Thank you for your kind words as always! I feel sad for Renji but time is healing!

Xoxoxo-iheartkiwi