The sun is shining everyday
The clouds never get in the way for you and me...

"I'm ready to fly."

"You came crash into me."

"Have I met this guy before?'

"Why do I have a strange feeling about her?'

"Eeek! Let go of me!"

"NO WAY! I'm not letting you go until you come back to sanity, you psycho!"

"I'm not a psycho! Get your filthy hands off of me, you PIG!"

"No! Not until you tell me why you're freaking out!"

"I hate you!"

"Well who say you don't. And hey, I hate you even more."

"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?"

"YOU MIDGEEEETT!"

"You bastard! Get out of my house!"

"It's not my problem anymore okay. You're not staying in this house, and that's final."

"Oh…sniff—how rude! Don't you care what will happen to a poor girl like—"

"Then why don't you go back home?"

"I can't."

"Why is that?"

"…"

"Okay, I'll let you stay here in my house…but you have to pay me."

"But I don't have any money to pay you."

"Then you can use other means to pay me, let's say you can use your body."

"WHAT?"

It's called REVENGE baby... REVENGE!

And I'm in
So totally wrapped up
Emotionally attracted
So physically active…

"What settings?"

"Our settings. You have to cooperate to get this done as fast as possible. Look, we don't have to grope each other like what they do. You just sit there and let me do the talking, and maybe nod or agree with me a couple of times and that's it...problem solved!"

"If you want to solve this problem then why don't we tell them the truth. I mean you can ask them to help me find a house of my own so I can leave."

"You can't leave."

So recklessly I need you
So desperately sure as the sky is blue

Oh yeah...it's REVENGE baby, it's REVENGE!

Baby I love you.

"...to Karakura University."

"PPffffffffhhh!"

"We don't know each other, we will elude each other, we'll avoid and ignore each other and try not to bump each other or have any means of conversation, we should not cross paths inside the campus...whenever we saw each other using the same path, one of us should use or find another route to avoid any circumstances, we should always act civil and casual like ordinary schoolmates and the most important of all..."

"Don't mess with me, and mind your own business."

"Weeeeell... I've decided to find a part time job so I can pay you and have my own money."

"Are you sure about that?"

"He's so nice...that's why I don't want to be a burden to him anymore..."

"He's a strong guy..."

'Rukia..'

"...he had his way to support himself...he's making it on his own...he's on his own...without any support. That's why I wanted to help him..."

"Rukia..."

"...I wanted to support him..."

"Rukia..."

"...and I want to be there for him...for as long as I can."

Ichigo straightened his back as he took in a deep breath.

"RUU—"

"Oooiii! ICHIIIGOOO!"

"Well, well, well...we have a sleeping beauty here." the man said leaning closer Rukia. "Are you really asleep or just pretending? Okay, why don't we let her sleep for the rest of her life...in heaven."

"Don't you dare!"

"Why Ichigo...were you worried about me?"

"Of course!"

"But why?"

"Why...don't I have the right to be worried?"

"Don't answer me with a question, Ichigo!"

"Then don't ask me a stupid question, Rukia!"

"I'm sorry."

"As long as you're alright...then it's okay."

I never knew that I could feel like this
Can hardly wait till our next kiss
You're so cool…

"So did you run away from your home to find and meet your real family? How about your brother...is he hurting you?"

"No! My brother is a good man. He's kind, loving and he gives me everything I want. He's a perfect brother to me…But-"

"Shh...it's alright. Don't cry Rukia. It's alright. I'm here now."

If I'm dreaming please don't wake me up
'cause baby I can't get enough of what you do.

"Hey..."

"Hmm?"

"Don't you ever feel indifferent from us, okay? Don't you ever think that you don't belong with us...cause... Cause you do belong."

'With me especially...'

And I'm in
So electrically charged up
Kinetically active…

"I thought it's terrible...but you almost had the bowl cleaned, huh?"

"Of course, I won't let any of it go to waste...because it's the first meal that you had cooked for me."

Erractically need you
Fanatically you get to me…

"Don't you ever do that again...Rukia. You can't...push me away from you. You can't leave me now. Not anymore…You understand?"

"I understand."

Magically sure as the sky is blue
Baby I love you.

"I told you to get the rabbit, Ichigo...the rabbit!"

"But this is all this stupid machine can give...c'mon, it's still look..cute."

"But I don't want it. I want Chappy."

"No...c'mon Rukia, take it or leave it. It's getting late already and we still to buy you a phone."

"I... I don't want that phone anymore."

'Damn! How I love this girl.'

I can't believe
That this is real
The way I feel
Baby I've gone head over heels.

"Ichigo, what's going on?"

"Dad and the twins are here."

"What? What do we do?"

"Don't worry."

"Okay."

"Just PANIC!"

"WHAT?"

"Oi, Ichigo...Aren't you going to greet your Mom, huh?"

"Ichigo…whe-where were you…when you're mother died?"

"How dare you? Who do you think you are, huh? Who do you think you are to ask me that?"

You could be my unintended choiceTo live my life extended

You could be the one I'll always love.

You could be the one who listens

To my deepest inquisitions

You could be the one I'll always love.

"I'm leaving."

"Rukia…You can't leave."

"Back off."

"Rukia…"

"I said back off!"

"No!"

"Back off Ichigo! Back off! Back off! I said back-uhfm!"

"Please don't go. Rukia… please don't go. I can't… I can't live without you anymore. Cause I…

"I have fallen in love with you."

And I'm in
So totally wrapped up
Emotionally attracted
So fisically active…

"I know…You got worn off, right Ichigo? You're so tired, exhausted and you don't get enough sleep. Plus the fact that you're mourning for your mother's death anniversary today...and because you're self conscious you got scared that you might messed up in the game and make our team lose. Am I right?"

"C'mon Ichigo...you're the king of jerk with a heart of gold."

"Tsh…I can't believe I was lectured by a midget."

"GET THAT BALL, ICHIGO! GET THAT BALL!"

"I won't lose to you. Not with my girl cheering me like that."

So recklessly I need you
So desperately sure as the sky is blue
Yeah…

'He really is Ichigo...he's the jerk, the bastard, the idiot and the fool. He's a fool for falling in love with me. He's in love with me...with a stupid girl like me. A girl who runaway from her home, a girl who always escapes from her problem. A girl who wants to bend and disobey rules but always ended up getting into trouble. But...I don't care anymore... I'll keep breaking the rules if that means I can reach my dreams. I don't care if the main reason why I'm here in Karakura is because of my past. I don't care if I'll get hurt in the future. I don't care what tomorrow has for me cause right now, all I want...is to reach my dreams...and hold onto it.'

'D-Does this means...'

"Ichigo..." she said, smiling warmly up at him.

With his stomach fluttering more than ever, Ichigo's lips slowly curved into a smile and soon turned into a grin.

They stared at each other, looking at each other's eyes. There's no need for words now. Ichigo knows what Rukia wants to tell him.

Love is in the way they look at each other and Acceptance is what their joined hands means.

Removing the grin from his face, Ichigo take a determined step close to her. His free hand move up and cupped a side of her face. Rukia felt her heart beating rapidly inside her but she remained on her feet…her eyes not leaving his face as he started leaning forward towards her. His lips had started to part as his head tilted on the side, closing his eyes. Rukia's violet eyes move from his eyes down to his parted lips. And when she felt his warm breath brushing her face, she slowly close her eyes until...his lips met hers.

Sparks flies!

Baby I love you
Baby I love you
Do you love me too?
Baby I love you

Full House

By chOOnyoung17

Chapter 21 A Change of Season

Hey-ey! Hee-ee-ey! Hee-ee-ey!

The sun is shining brightly on a Monday morning as a hippie acoustic music Train plays loudly on the living room, echoing all throughout the house and even reaching all over the yard.

Your lipstick stains
On the front lobe of my left side brain
I knew I wouldn't forget you
And so I wait and let you blow my mind...

Rubbing her groggy eyes, Rukia steps down the stairs. Her out of the bed tousled hair matches her crumpled Chappy pajama dress. Reaching the last step, she yawned lazily turning at the kitchen and says a sleepy "Mornin'..."

Your sweet moon beam...

With his Nice Vibe shirt, Ichigo flashed a wide smile on his face.

The smell of you in every single dream I dream
I knew when we collided you're the I had decided
Who's one of my kind...

Eyes half closed, Rukia walks sleepily towards the counter and stand beside him. Ichigo stirs the pan a bit then place it down the fire before turning at his girlfriend and place a chaste kiss one on her lips and two on her nose. "Morning." he said. Rukia opened one eye and pinch his nose.

Hey soul sister...
Ain't that mister mister on the radio, stereo!
No way! you move ain't fair you know...

"I said stop doing that." she grumbled.

"But why? Your nose is so cute." Ichigo said in a nasally tone as she still holding on to his nose.

Rukia opened both eyes and stared up at him. "Cuter than my lips?" she asked.

Ichigo smiled. "No...Everything about you is cute."

Rukia pursed her lips in a playful pout, acting like she's not affected by his compliments. But then she can't help but smile back at him. "Jerk." she mumbled before yanking on his nose gently towards her and pressed their lips together. Ichigo's hand automatically snaked around her waist, pulling her closer to him, his lips moving gently against her soft ones. Her lips taste better than the food he had cooked in his life.

Hey soul sister,
I don't wanna miss a single thing you do...

Speaking of the food...

Tonight.

"Oh shit..." Ichigo groaned as he quickly pulled away from her and turned at the 'now burning' food on the pan. Panicking, Ichigo absently grab the handle to remove it from the fire but then he winced and dropped the pan as he got burned from the hot handle. Rukia giggled as she watches her boyfriend hissed, cursed and scowled at the fried rice with veggies and beef tidbits now scattered on the floor. She shook her head slowly as she walked towards the bathroom and smiled. "Idiot."

...o...

At school...

Wearing a bright blue bunny shirt and skinny jeans tucked under her favorite knee length boots and her Chappy backpack, Rukia makes her way towards her first class for the day. Though the carrot is supposed to go to the same class but the idiot decided to skip school today.

.o.

"And why?" she asked demandingly after Ichigo announced that he'll be absent from school today.

"Crazy fan girls." he simply said as he walked towards her and wrapped his arms around her shoulder. Rukia raised an eyebrow but she didn't move away when Ichigo leaned down and kissed her.

They've been doing it a lot since last Friday. After she decided to accept his feelings and be his girlfriend, Ichigo carried her home saying that she is to be punished by not going home the night before. The moment they got inside, Ichigo started punishing her by taking her lips again for a more passionate and searing kiss. Both of them are beginners when it comes to kissing but they are compensating that issue by making out every once in a while. Okay, not just every once in a while but every time they wanted to which is...every time!
They say that practice makes perfect. And the couple seems to comply at that motto so they practice and practice. To be specific...they make out and make out.

After a while now, Ichigo slowly pulled away from her and grinned widely as he stare down at Rukia who's still waiting for more. He leaned down again but his lips touch her nose and that's her cue to open her eyes. Rukia looked up at him and found both of her arms wrap around his neck. How did it moved up there, she doesn't know. She pouts as he place another chaste kiss on her nose.

He loves doing that. After every kiss on the lips, Ichigo will place butterfly kisses on her nose which means that make-out session is over.

"Time for school." Ichigo said earning a frown from Rukia. "Don't fret. You know you can skip school too and stay home with me." he teased.

"Hmp! B.I." she said punching him lightly on the chest and pulling away from his arms.

"You sure you don't want me drive you to school?"

"Yeah, I'm fine..." she said walking towards the door. "Be sure you prepare dinner early."

Ichigo nodded "Got that! Take care of yourself, mid-oofh!" her slipper cuts him from finishing the word 'midget'. He groaned as the slipper slides down from his face and falls on the floor while Rukia disappears from the door. "Yeah...love you too!"

.o.

A soft smile grazed her lips as she remembers their conversation earlier. Though she wanted to stay home with her strawberry, Rukia choses to go to school and save the romance for later. She doesn't want to miss a lesson from any of her class so as not to cause any failing grades. It's very important to her, she doesn't want to lose her scholarship because she wants to stay in school. That way she felt like any ordinary teenager living their teenage lives.

After the game last Friday, NCAA League will resume next semester to give way for the Karakura University foundation week celebration next week and for the upcoming final term examinations next month. Then after that, there will be a two week semestral break which Rukia is looking forward.

Two weeks' vacation with Ichigo...that sounds fun!

With a cheerful smile on her face, Rukia walks inside her classroom. The moment she steps in...

"Ohayou! Kouzuki-san." one of her female classmates greets her, smiling and bowing at her. Rukia smiled and bowed back at the girl before walking towards her desk.

"Hello, Kouzuki-san!" another female student greets her.

"Hello." she replied.

"Kouzuki-san! Good morning!"

"Kouzuki-san...Ohayou!" a cheerful girl said sitting on the chair in front of her desk. Rukia smiled then creased her brow as she gets confused at her female classmates behavior. She shrugged it off but then the girl in front of her suddenly turned and looked at her. "Hey Kouzuki-san, where is Kurosaki-kun?"

Rukia choked on her breath at what her classmate just asked. "W-Why are you asking me? I'm-"

"Oh... Don't hide it anymore Kouzuki-san. We all know it."

Rukia's eyes widened. 'What? But how did they know that I was living with him. Is it because I cheered and called him by his name last Friday? Did they stalked me and found out that I'm freeloading in his house? Oh is it the end of my college career..?' her mind trails off.

"We all know that you're living in the same subdivision as Kurosaki-kun is and..."

'...wait! What about my scholarship..?'

"...and that you are Kurosaki-kun's neighbor."

'...oh what about my dreams of graduating-wait...neighbor?'

"Did you say neighbor?" Rukia snapped from her stupor and asked her classmate in total confusion.

"Yeah... We found out that you're Kurosaki-kun's neighbor."

"Ahe...neighbor...right!" Rukia sweatdropped, with a sheepish smile on her face.

"So..." the girl leaned closer to her. "…tell me, have you seen my Kurosaki-kun today?"

'Yeah, I even kissed him today and the day before today...and oh! He's not yours by the way!' Rukia thought to herself then flashed a fake smile on her blond haired classmate.

"No. I haven't seen him."

"Ooooh...!"

Rukia blinks in surprised when all of a sudden, all of her female classmates are now looming around her desk. They happened to be eavesdropping at her.

"But why? Haven't you peek on his house before you go to school?" one girl asked.

"Isn't he jogging around your subdivision every morning?"

"Have you seen his house? What does it look like?"

"Does he have a pet? A dog...a cat or something?"

"Is it true that he have orange underwear?"

All heads turned at a brunette girl who just asked about Ichigo's hidden collection. "Am I supposed to say black instead?" the girl asks innocently scratching the back of her head. Her classmates including Rukia rolled their eyes at the girl.

Pervert.

"Well, Kouzuki-san... Where is Kurosaki-kun today?"

"Aahh..." Rukia opened her mouth but no answer came to her mind so she smiled sheepishly at them. The girls leaned closer to her as they all squealed in unison.

"Please answer us... Kouzuki-saaaaaan..!"

...o...

Her head felt like spinning in circles after her first class. And to make it worse, PF class with Rangiku sensei made her nauseous and last but not the least, Science class is next! Rukia shuddered at what horrible and hair raising stuffs Mayuri-sensei has prepared for today's lesson.

'If Ichigo is here then I would've probably feel better." she sighed. 'It's his fault. He's the reason why I'm being plagued by his fan girls. If he's here then I wouldn't be suffering from them. Oh... I will make him pay for this later. The idiot...'

"A penny for your thoughts."

Rukia snapped back and saw her Political Science teacher standing behind her. She quickly bowed and greeted the silver haired professor. "Good morning, Sir."

The professor smiled and greeted back. "So...where is Kurosaki? Isn't he supposed to be here with you?"

Rukia sighed inwardly as she gets tired of hearing the same question the whole day. She shook her head politely. "I'm not with him, Sir. He's been absent from school today."

"I see..." the man replied. Rukia was about to excuse herself and left but Gin stopped her.

"Rukia-chan..." Rukia looked back, confused that her teacher calls her by her first name whenever they are not in class. A grin started to show in his face again as the petite girl turned back at him. "I want to ask you something." he said and the girl nodded. "Are you living with Kurosaki?"

She gulped and tried not to look taken aback at what he just asked. She cleared her throat before answering a simple "No."

"You're living on your own then." Rukia nodded. "I mean alone...you're living alone in your house?" She nodded again, trying not to look suspicious or anything but his next words started to confuse her. "Does the subdivision have a tight security around your place?"

Rukia scowled a bit as her teacher steps towards her. "It's dangerous out here, Rukia-chan... If I were you I'll be very observant of my surroundings." his eyes narrowed at her as his face becomes serious. "Cause you'll never know when they will arrive and get everything from you."

Rukia stood her ground as she look straight into his eyes. Her expression is just what like her brother's...fearless and authoritative. "And what do you mean by that?" she asked firmly.

"Thieves." he said, straightening back and looking at her sideways. "Be careful of thieves Rukia-chan. They're just looming around the corner." He turned his back on her and clasped his hands together behind him. "Well, I'll see you at class tomorrow, Rukia-chan." he said, turning over his shoulder with that usual grin on his face. Rukia sighed inwardly...she bowed in curtsy and started walking away from the silver haired professor.

Gin watched her as she makes her way through the corridor all the way out of the building and disappears into the crowd of ordinary teenagers.
.o.

"Her name is Rukia."

The 25-year-old silver haired Bank IT Associate turned at the man sitting across him on the table. The man opened his drawer and gets something inside. Turning back at his Associate, the man with raven hair and deep purple eyes smiled at him holding a ring on his palm. "I made this for her. And it has her name engraved in it."

The Associate looked down at the golden band and saw the engrave. "It's the same as WHAT your oldest daughter Hisana has, right Kazumi-sama?"

The man smiled "Yes...Hisana has this one too." he then tucked the gold band back on his drawer and locked it. "My wife will be giving birth next week, so I'm endorsing my office to you Gin."

The younger of the two men nodded. "I'll take care of everything, Sir." he said.

"It's just a week vacation but I'm planning to extend it so I can have more time with my wife and our new born. Hisana will surely take care of her mother but I still want to have some time with them."

"It's fine with me Kazumi-sama. You can enjoy your time with your family and don't worry about the office. I'll do my best to finish your work." Gin replied with a wide smile on his face.

"I know you'll do that." the man said. "Gin..."

"What is it, Sir?"

"Thank you."

Gin frowned in confusion. "For what, Sir?"

The man let out a long sigh before turning at the glass wall of his office. He leaned his head on the back of his swivel chair and stared at the soft blinking red light from a tower on the seaport. "For being a very good friend of mine. You've been very helpful to me and my family."

Gin shook his head. "What I'm doing is nothing compared to what you've given me, Sir. I'm just trying to pay you back and it's the least that I can do for you."

There was a long pause after that as Gin recalls the first he met the man. He was a homeless poor and unfortunate boy wandering around the streets of Seireitei. He has no family, no relatives and not even friends to share his miserable life with. But one night, when he was dying in hunger, cold, lying on the street and soaking wet from the heavy rain, a man with a pair of deep purple eyes woke him up. He offered his hand and gave him a warm smile. Gin reaches up and took the man's hand...after that he was not only saving him from his hunger but his entire life change in a way he didn't expected. From a dying piece of rag to a decent educated and respectable man, Gin can't thank the man enough for turning his world upside down.

"Gin..." the man said after a while of silence. Gin looked up at him and waited. "If something happened to me... I trust my family to you."

"Sir..?"

"I'm aware of the people who want to put me 6 feet under." he chuckled. "I know what they're planning so I make my own moves to keep them from having what they want. I'm already prepared with that. But what I'm not prepared is...about the future of my daughters."

Gin looked down thoughtfully while his boss kept staring at the red lightly blinking slowly from afar. "I want them to have an ordinary life. Hisana is already a teen but she still hasn't gone to an ordinary school. She haven't met anyone of her age and I'm afraid that Rukia's life would be the same." he trails off and closed his eyes. "Sometimes I'm thinking of giving up and surrender to those people who want to have the wealth of the country for themselves. I want to just give them the access so I can live a peaceful ordinary life with my family. But..." he sighed. "My wife will kill me for sure."

Gin's eyes darted up at the man; he tried to suppress a laugh at what he just said but when his boss laughs Gin burst out laughing too. "Nice one Sir... Nice one."

The two men continue to laugh like father and son. After a while, their laughter subsided gradually. "You know what Sir, I think you have a pro for a wife."

"Yeah, I wonder how she can kicks so hard with those tiny feet of her. Good thing, Hisana takes up after me...shy and gentle."

"I wonder if Rukia will be like your wife, Sir. If she does, she'll totally kick some bad guy's ass."

"Yeah...if Rukia will take after her mother then she'll be a stubborn strong willed woman. She'll be standing proud and she won't break down that easily. She'll be a fighter and I believe she'll be able to protect the ones she love." the man said with a soft smile yet warm smile on his face. Gin stared at his boss as the violet eyed man stared at the blinking red light from his window with a hopeful and contented look on his face.

1 year and 2 months later...

"Mom?"

"Hisana, come here quick!"

Confused at her mother's panic expression, the 19-year-old girl walks towards her mother. "Mom what's wrong?"

"Hisana, I want you take Rukia with you and run away from here. Hurry!" the petite woman told her daughter with a hint of urgency in her tone.

"What's...what's going on? Why are we-"

"Just get out of here and no matter what happens just run Hisana okay? Just run."

The teen looked at her mother, though confused and scared of what's happening, Hisana nodded. "And here..." her mother placed a silver necklace with a golden ring around her baby daughter's neck. "Whatever happens, Hisana make sure you and Rukia have your own rings. Take care of it and don't ever lose it. You understand?" Hisana nodded and her mother pulled her into a tight embrace."Take care of your baby sister. We love you so much...Hisana. I'm so sorry for all of this."

"Mom..?" Hisana said against her Mom's trembling shoulder. She held her baby sister in one arm and her other free arm rested around her mother. "Mom I-"

Hisana's voice was cut as she and her mother both gasped in panic when they heard a loud noise coming from the front door of their house. "C'mon Hisana. Go now!"

"But-"

"Go! Just run Hisana! Just run!"

The girl nodded, tucking her sleeping sister on her arm she hurriedly run towards the backdoor.

Hana watched her daughters disappear onto the darkness with the heavy rain pouring onto them. She wiped away her tears and hurriedly went back to the main hall of their mansion where she saw a group of men hovering around her husband.

"Yukio!" she cried out, running towards her husband who has beaten down onto the floor. She dropped down on her knees and cradled her husband. The man's lip has a cut and there's blood running down from his lips. "Yukio."

"Hana...why are you here. I told you to run away-"

"No! Yukio, I won't leave you."

"Hana-"

"Shut up!" the woman cuts her husband off. Tears are starting to form on her eyes as she tried her best to look angry. "I said it already. I won't leave you Yukio so just shut up."

The violet eyed man gaped at his stubborn petite wife as she held him closer. Accepting his defeat, the man then smiled at his wife. "Stubborn brat." he said and his wife smiled. Through the midst of danger that the couple was in, they still felt love with each other's gaze. If they were to die, they'll die together, in each other's arms.

"Aaaand cut!" a tall built, good looking man said sarcastically as he snapped his hands together as if cutting a movie scene from filming. "Nice job. You two could make a good love team." he continues as he steps towards the couple.

Yukio narrowed his eyes at the man as he stretched a protective arm in front of his wife though knowing full well that his wife probably had a stubborn and fearless look on her face right now. "You can say what you want but you won't get anything from me."

The man sighed dramatically, stopping in front of the couple. "Look...just give the access to me so we can go now and leave the two of you here and pretend that this night didn't happen, okay?"

"I said it already. You won't get anything from me so go away!" Yukio growled and received a punch from the man. He stumbled down on the floor and shook his head to rid of the blurriness of his vision. Then he heard his wife shouting at the man. He pushed himself up and he clenched his teeth in anger when he saw the tan skinned man with dark glasses slapped his angry wife. "How dare you!" he tried to hit the man back but a gunshot stopped him and stumbles back down.

"Yukio!" Hana shrieked and quickly attended to her husband. "Yukio!"

"I-it's alright." the man cringed as he felt a heat of the bullet inside his legs as blood rushed down from it.

"YOU SON OF A BITCH!" Hana growled at the man, holding onto her wounded husband. "You won't get anything from us Aizen so fucking leave us a-."

"I'm not leaving until I have the access to the national budget that your fucking husband made! So spit it out or I'll kill you both!" Aizen growled in anger and impatient. He came there what he wants and he won't leave unless he had the access right on his palm.

"It's not you money, Aizen so we won't give it to you."

"It's not yours either." the man said clenching his fists tightly in furious. "I've had enough." he grabs a gun from one of his men and pointed it at the petite woman. "Give me the access or I'll shoot her." he warned.

"No! He won't give to you!" Hana answered for her husband, gazing intently at Aizen. Yukio held onto his wife...he will protect her until the last breath of his life.

"Very well then." Aizen lowered the gun and turned over his shoulder. "Come inside!" he said looking at the wreck front door. All heads turned at the entrance and saw a man steps inside. A grin plastered on his face as he walks inside and stands beside Aizen.

Aizen then turned back at the couple and grinned at the shock looks on their faces. "Well, Yukio...meet the new member of our team." Aizen said. "Oh...wait, I forgot you already knew him, right?"

Yukio glance at the new comer then glare back at Aizen. "You bastard."

Aizen laughed and handed the gun at the man beside him. "I'll give you one last chance...surrender the access to me or this man here that you treated as a son will shoot you."

Hana eyes widened then it returned to normal when she felt her husband squeeze her hand. And with that she understands and the tears she's been holding on for so long flowed down from her eyes.

She turned at her husband and though tears are flowing down her cheeks, a warm and loving smile curve on his lips. Yukio returned the gesture and pull his wife in for their one last kiss.

"Kill them!" Aizen ordered.

Yukio and Hana pulled away from their kiss and looked directly at the silver haired man pointing the gun at them.
His face held a grin but his eyes tell a different story as he pointed the gun at the violet eyed man and muttered.

"I'm sorry and goobye...Kazumi-sama."

.o.

Gin snapped out of his stupor when a student bumps in him. the student bowed and apologizes and Gin just looked away as he continue walking towards his office. The familiar and ever so present grin wasn't on his face right now as he remembers his past...and what his duty is.

And that is...

…o…

"Rukia-san?"

A soft voice snapped the petite girl from dialing her boyfriend's number. She stops and turned to find her auburn haired friend standing behind her. It's been a long time since they last talked, so Rukia felt a little surprised to see her again.

"Orihime."

The busty girl smiled shyly, "Hello Rukia-san. Can I...Can i have lunch with you...again?"

Rukia quickly smiled and nodded at her friend. "Sure."

…o…

With a scowl on his face, Ichigo stared at the pile of clothes on the dirty kitchen. he looked around the room and grab the laundry basket sitting on the corner. He turned back at the pile of clothes and started separating his clothes from Rukia's clothes. After a few minutes, Ichigo then put Rukia's clothes on the laundry basket.

He will do her laundry today!

He promised Rukia that he will make his day productive so he decided to do the chores for her and make this day as General Cleaning and Laundry Washing Day.

He sighed. He just finished cleaning the house and he even busted the glass wall so he felt a little tired and he still has to do the laundry. He just wondered that if Rukia is there then he wouldn't feel that tired so easily. it's just three hours since she went to school and he already missed his Chibi. He really wants to go to school with her today but 'crazy fan girls' will just pester him and worse ruined his and Rukia's moment.

Speaking of fan girls...

What will happen to them if the school knows about their relationship or more specifically...what will happen to Rukia if his fan girls know that she is his girlfriend? Will they attack her? Will they bully her? What if they file a petition to kick her out of school?
No…erase that last one. That's exaggerating.

But what if...

Ichigo groaned under his breath. They can't hurt her. No one can hurt her! They have to pass on his dead body before they can even lay a finger on her!

"I sweeeaarrr-nyakh!"

Ichigo jumped in surprised when something landed on his shoulder. He blinks at the object as it stares at him and says..."Nyeow..."

"Geez...You scared me." he huffed. "Long time no see, buddy."

"Nyeow..." the cat mewled and stayed hanging on his shoulder. Ichigo smiled and pick up the laundry basket which he dropped earlier. "You come here to visit Rukia?" he asked, stepping outside the room. The cat scratched its nose and purred softly. Ichigo chuckled and place the basket on the counter next to the washing machine. "She's at school. She won't be home till 6." he started placing the clothes one by one inside the machine.

The cat then jumped from his shoulder and sat on the counter watching him. Ichigo pressed the start button and close the lid. "You know what I have a good news..." he said turning at the cat. "Rukia is my girlfriend now."

The cat tilted his head on the side as Ichigo leaned closer to him. "Did you hear me? I said...Rukia is my girlfriend now. That means...Rukia is mine now. Officially mine no-Aaarrgghh..!"

He yelped when Nekichi suddenly attacked his face...just like he usually does.

"Nyernyernyernyer...!" Nekichi jumped from the counter and started running away.

"Uuurrghh…" Ichigo groaned under his breath and started chasing the cat around the house. "Come back here! You stupid cat!"

…o…

It's been a while since Rukia sat on the same table with her auburn hair friend and she is happy about it cause the last time they crossed paths, Inoue snobbed her.

'No...she didn't snob me. She just didn't notice me.' Rukia defended. That time she really thought that something's has changed with Inoue but right now she can tell that Inoue is still the same. She's still her bubbly and cheerful friend.

"I'm really surprised at your outburst last Friday. I mean all of us were surprised when you yelled and cheered on Kurosaki-kun..." Inoue trails off as she and Rukia sat on their favorite spot on the cafeteria. She is digging on her homemade spaghetti with red bean paste as she cheerfully talks about the basketball game last week. Rukia smiled sheepishly, scratching her head...embarrassed at how she acted and yelled during the game. She didn't know what made her yell like that. All she knows is she wants to help Ichigo. Maybe it's instinct or by impulse or her mind and heart makes her do those kinds of things for Ichigo.

Yeah, for Ichigo...her Ichigo...her handsome and oh so sexy Ichigo...

"...so I joined them and my co-cheerleader joined me and suddenly the crowd are starting to cheer with us. Isn't it dramatic?" Inoue finished with a dreamy look on her face then blinks when she noticed (just now) has been daydreaming on her own. "Rukia-chan?"

'...his sweet and spicy and masculine scent, his slender back, his semi- tanned-"

"Rukia-san?"

"Huh?" Rukia snapped from her daydream and blinks at her friend.

"Are you-"

"Yeah...that was a great game, indeed!" she answered from out of the blue, blushing and not even sure if she said the right thing.
Inoue agreed with her and take a bite on her rice balls. "You know what, I really thought our team will lose but when Kurosaki-kun arrived I was so happy."

Rukia paused on biting her sandwich and looked at Inoue whose expression suddenly looked gloomy. She remembered the night when the auburn haired girl planned on confessing her love for the orange haired guy. But there was an unexpected incident that leaves her unable to talk to Ichigo and worse she just left Inoue and Tatsuki without a word. She was too dazed by Ichigo that she forgot about everything aside from him.

Rukia placed her sandwich back on the plate as she remembered that she owe an apology to Inoue. But when she tried to say something Inoue suddenly asked. "Rukia-san, you're my friend right?" confused, Rukia nodded. Inoue tilts her head down, her bang shadowing her eyes. "Then I can tell you everything, right?"

"Y-yeah, of course."

"You remember that night when I decided to confess my feelings for Kurosaki-kun. I was about to tell him that I... I love him." Rukia gulped as she listens to her friend. "But I wasn't able to confess to him. And honestly I...still want to tell him my feelings because I... I still love him."

Rukia's eyes widened a bit at Inoue's bluntness. She knew Inoue loves Ichigo but she thought that Inoue's feelings are just an infatuation. Admiration like any of his fan girls but now...Rukia can tell that Inoue is deeply in love with the carrot top.

"Orihime-"

"I still love him, Rukia-san..." Inoue quickly interjected. "I love him since that day when he rescued me back in high school and I still love him until now. And I think I'll love him forever..." her voice started to crack as tears well up on her eyes. "I love him and I can't think of any other man in this world that can make me feel like this. But..." she paused and clenched her fists tighter. She has to ask this...she has to confront her now. "Tell me Rukia-san... Are you and Kurosaki-kun..."

Rukia gulped heavily. Will she tell her the truth? But after what Inoue told her how much she loves Ichigo can she go and tell her 'Hey...me and Ichigo are a couple so ahm...back off...please?'

No! She can't do that. But how will she tell Inoue with hurting her friend's feelings. Inoue is the first girl that accepted her and befriended her in school so she doesn't want to hurt her feelings. But she doesn't want to lie to her either! And besides, how will Ichigo react about this.

Oh...forget about him. He's the source of all your sufferings for the whole day. He is a trouble!

'Uugh...that idiot and his sexiness. I'll make him pay later for all the troubles he had put in the whole day.'

"Rukia-san?" Inoue looked up at her and Rukia was shock to see her tear filled eyes.

"Orihime...don't cry. Please don't cry." Rukia reached up and wipes Inoue's tears away. She moved up from her seat and sat beside her friend. She took in a deep breath and held Inoue's hand. "Orihime...there's nothing to worry about because-"

"You're just friends with Kurosaki-kun?" Inoue cuts her off, with a hopeful look on her face.

"A-ahm..."

"You mean the rumors are true? That you're just Kurosaki-kun's neighbor that's why he takes you home that night, and that you're just friends and there's nothing special about you, is it right Rukia-san."

No! It's wrong! Just friends...neighbors...nothing special...it's all wrong! But Rukia can't deny her friend down.

She gulped before nodding slightly, "Y-yeah."

A smile slowly creeps on Inoue's face and she brushes her tears away. "Oh... I'm sorry for crying at you like that, Rukia-san. I promised I'll be tough. I wanted to be tough like you. I'll wait for the right moment again to confess to him. Inoue took in a deep breath, her large chest arching forward before she breathes out and nodded in determination. "Okay, I can do this!"

Rukia forced a smile on her face.

Oh crap!
...o...

Rukia finishes busting a table before facing a couple who were about to leave the cafe. "Thank you for coming. Hope to see you again!" she bowed politely as the couple steps out the door. Straightening up, Rukia turned at the table that the couple occupied a while ago and started collecting the cups and busting the table.

Thirty minutes more and her shift ends. Momo had already left since she's the morning shift. Her boss and his wife retired early at their shoten just beside the cafe. So Rukia is manning the shop alone. Since she's itching to come home as soon as possible to see her strawberry, Rukia already started to pre-close the shop. Washing the cups, cleaning half of the dining area, computing the total sales for the day and silently praying that no one will come inside anymore.

Dammit.

She heard the door gently opens and hits the chimes and signaling that a customer just comes in. Brushing her annoyance away, Rukia turned at the unwanted customer "Welcome to Shoten Ca-" she paused and her heart flips in excitement as she stares at the tall guy standing at the door. His black hoodie is pulled down from his head revealing that outrageous orange mop of hair and that familiar handsome boyish face that Rukia has been dreading to see the whole day.

"Yo!"

A smile quickly curves up on her lips as he walks towards her. She shivered instantly as his scent reached her nose and her hair raise in excitement. Her eyes never leave him until he was standing a good 12 inches away from her. And 12 become 0 as he gently wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned down to meet her lips.

Rukia felt goose bumps all over her body as Ichigo gently and slowly caressed her lips.
A full minute passed and Ichigo pulled away from her lips and place a feather light kiss on her nose.

An endpoint.

He smirks as he watches his girlfriend slowly opening her eyes. He loves that. After kissing her, the next thing he'll do is look at those beautiful violet orbs of her.

It was stunning and mesmerizing!

Though he loves it when they kissed but he loves it even more to see those eyes filled with love and affection for him. Rukia frowned and punch him lightly on the arms, "Did you hear me? I said what brought you here."

Ichigo blinks and loosened his arms around her, "I'm here to pick you up."

She smiled, "Oh how-"

"Sweet!"

Rukia's sentence was finished by a messy haired man who suddenly appeared from the door. Surprised and embarrassed, Rukia instinctively pushed Ichigo away, far too strong that the orange haired guy went flying to the other side of the room with a yelped and a loud thud.

"U-Urahara-san...go-good afternoon, Sir!" Rukia stuttered, blushing a deep shade of red and smiling sheepishly.

"Good afternoon, Rukia-san." the man replied lowering his fan down on the side and turning at the orange haired lying underneath the table. Ichigo pushed himself up but his head hits the wood causing him to groan and curse under his breath, rubbing the back of his head. Urahara smiled at her, "Is he that guy... The one you told us before?"

Rukia glance at the carrot top who is crawling his way out from under the table.

Idiot.

"Ah...yes, Sir."

"Oh! And he is your boyfriend now, ne?"

"Yes. I'm his boyfriend. Got a problem with that?"

Ichigo asked bluntly standing beside her. Rukia glared up and gave him a 'Shut-the-hell-up' look. She then turned at her boss and smiled sheepishly.

"Ahe...excuse him Sir."

'He's an idiot.' she wanted to add but then chose to elbow the idiot instead and gave him a hint that the messy haired man is her boss. Ichigo's mouth formed an 'Ow' shaped before turning at the man and bowed slightly.

Urahara smiled, "Good to hear that Rukia-san has a boyfriend now. Atleast there's someone to watch over her." The pair raised a curious brow but Urahara quickly averted the topic. "Well, Rukia-san if you're finished here you can close the shop now."

"But I still have 20 mi-"

"Never mind that. There are no customers anymore so you can close it early. To save electricity too." Urahara grinned and turned to walk out of the door. "And to give you more time together." he added causing the couple to blush deeper.

...o...

Sitting at the farthest seat on the bus, Rukia's head rested against her boyfriend's lean shoulder, her dainty fingers playing with his large ones and tapping on his palm to a tune playing on her head. The bus is quiet empty for the two of them are the last passenger left inside. Rukia had just finished telling him the story of how he met Urahara and his wife Yoruichi. And of course the issue on how she mistaken his house as the one she bought from Urahara and so on and so forth. And lucky for her, Ichigo didn't press further on the issue. He just said that it must be fate that brought them together through those unexpected and disastrous encounters they had. And that gave a smile on her face right now.

"So how's school today?" his breath brush a strand of her hair as he asked.

"Hell..." she answered, pursing her lips into a pout. "Your fan girls attacked me."

"What?"

Rukia jerked slightly when she felt him suddenly tensed up. His hand grips her small ones as he leaned down to look at her. Rukia looked up and met his scowl and his worried face. She mentally slapped herself at that wrong choice of words. "Oh not actually attacked. You know there's a rumor spreading that we are neighbors and something like that so they just asked me...a lot about you." she explained and felt him relax beside her. She smiled, moving one hand up to brush his orange bangs away from his eyes. "You're so protective, Ichigo. Relax, I can take care of myself you know."

"Well sorry for being overprotective of my clumsy girlfriend." he retorted.

Rukia grab a fistful of his hair turning his face towards her. "And who are you calling a clumsy, huh?" she asked with a playful smile on her lips, prompting her chin on top of his shoulder.

"I don't know... I only have one girlfriend and she is a short troublesome brat that has the cutest nose in the whole world."

Rukia grinned at him; her hands tugged gently on his hair and pull him down for a quick sweet kiss. The moment their lips touched, nothing seemed to matter around them. With a smile on her face, Rukia let Ichigo do the final touch (a kiss on her nose) and sat back properly on their seats. She rested her head back on his shoulder while Ichigo laces their fingers together. She felt lightheaded, happy, contented and warm. She takes in the masculine scent of his hoodie that she's now wearing. His thumb gently rubs the back of her hand as if lulling her to sleep.

Rukia never wants this feeling to end. She just wants to sit there beside him and travel the road forever. After all the things that happened between them, Rukia still can't believe that this is how they ended up.

A couple.

She smiled as she stares happily at their joined hands. She loves this feelings and she can't think of any other man that will make her feel like-

Rukia suddenly gasped.

"I still love him, Rukia-san... And I can't think of any other man that can make me feel like this."

"Hey, what's wrong?"

Rukia sat up and looked. Her face looks bothered by something making Ichigo worried. "Why...is there a problem?"

Rukia gulped and looked at him with pleading eyes, "Ichigo...can I ask you a favor?"

"Hmn?"

...o...

"No!"

Ichigo said firmly, shutting the front door behind him. A scowl printed on his face as he steps inside the house and went towards the fridge.

"But Ichigo, you don't understand. Orihime is my friend. She's your friend too. She's nice to me so I don't want to-"

"Stop it, Rukia. I don't agree with your idea." he said before gulping on an orange juice bottle.

"But Ichigo..."

"No." he placed the battle back on the fridge and steps towards the couch to take off his shoe. Rukia followed him and get on the couch beside him, sitting on her knees, "Ichigo..." she whine but the carrot top ignores her appeal and continue untying his shoe laces.

"Ichigo, please..."

"No."

"Pleeeease."

"I said no... Rukia, do you know the meaning of the word no?"

The girl pouts and sat down on the back of her legs, crossing her arms. "Hmph! If that's the case then I'm breaking up with you."

"What?" Ichigo snapped his gaze towards her and saw that stubborn bratty look on her face.

"I said, I'm breaking up with you. Ichigo, don't you know the meaning of the words break up?" she said, mimicking his tone earlier.

Ichigo looks directly at her, "You know, you can't do that."

Rukia looked back at return his challenging stare, "Wanna bet?"

Stare.

Stare back.

Scowl.

Scowl back.

Glare.

Glare back.

Narrowed eyes.

Narrowed eyes back.

No one moves as a silent war went on.

After 10 minutes...

Sigh...

Smirks thriumphantly.

"Ichigooo..." Rukia whine, moving closer to him and giving him that sweet school girl facade of her with matching puppy dog eyes. If she can't get it by the power of her glare then she'll use the power of her 'acting'.

Ichigo quickly looked away from his girlfriend, not wanting to get caught with her sweet puppy dog act. "Rukia, I can't." he sighed. "We're just starting our relationship and you want to keep it a secret? You know I can't do that." he explained.

"We're not keeping it as a secret actually. It's just that... I want this to be just the two of us for now at least. We'll let them know gradually but not suddenly. I mean, they didn't even saw you courting me, they didn't even saw you walking me to my classroom. You didn't even give me flower or even clip a letter on my locker..." she trails off, realization hitting on her and she starts to look and sound pissed. "Come to think of it...you didn't even ask me to be your girlfriend! You just pull me from the corner and started kissing me, you moron!" Rukia growled, her sweet innocent facade vanished and was replaced by her all too familiar monstrous glare.

"Ru-Rukia, relax." Ichigo smiled nervously. "I asked you to be my girlfriend...didn't I?"

"Uurgghh..."

"W-wait!" he waved his hands in front. "Okay, okay! I'll do what you want." he sighed and Rukia paused on throwing the lampshade on his face, a wide smile on her face. Ichigo grimaced at how fast her moods change. He sighed again, running his fingers through his hair. "Okay, I'll keep it a secret but under certain conditions.

Rukia raised an eyebrow and sat back on her legs. Ichigo take his shoes off then turned at his pouting girlfriend. "Okay...first, the secret only goes around the school. We are not a couple at school but we are a couple again outside its premises or whenever we are alone."

Rukia pursed her lips on the side then nodded, "Okay."

"Next...always remember you are my girlfriend now. That means no one can court anymore whether in school, outside the school or wherever you are."

Rukia smirked, "Same goes to you."

Ichigo nodded, "That goes with that tattoed freak too."

"Don't call Renji like that!" she scolded and Ichigo just rolled his eyes.

"Fine, fine...so the last would be...ahm..." he paused and glance at her, a blush starts t6 tinge on his face.

"Well?" she asked, blinking and waiting for the last agreement.

"Ahm...well the last would be..." he took in a determined breath. "More make out sessions after class."

Rukia felt her face heats up at what he said. Though they have been making out a lot this past three days but to hear him asks for it is a different story. She bit her lip so as to suppress a smile before she mumbled a timid but excited, "S-sure."

Ichigo smiled as Rukia scooted over him and hug his arm. He sighed softly. "Rukia?"

"Hmn?"

"I still didn't agree with what you told Inoue. I think it's best if you told her already instead of lying to her."

Rukia pulled away from him and stared at his eyes with a saddened look on her face. "But I didn't tell her anything. She's crying and when she asks me I can't do anything but to say yes. I don't know what to do or say to her that time. I felt like I betrayed her and I felt like a backfighter."

Ichigo place a hand on top of hers and Rukia looked down on their hands. "Ichigo...you already know that Orihime loves you since high school, right?" Ichigo nodded. "So why didn't you... I mean, aren't you interested in her back then? Why didn't you court her? She's smart, talented and beautiful and she has a-"

"Sshh..." Ichigo pressed a finger on her lips, "I'll tell you why..." he turned and look straight into her eyes. "I want a smart, talented and beautiful girl of course." Rukia pouts and look away from him. Ichigo smirk and cupped both side of her face, turning her to face him again. "Listen... I want a smart girl who can think of the best way to brighten up my gloominess and know how to take my fears away. I want a talented girl who can climbed off the wall, kick, punch and do stunts like Bruce Lee can..." he chuckled. "…to give me a beatings just when I needed the most. And I want a beautiful girl who can sweep me off my feet with just a simple smile. And if a pair of violet eyes is the sexiest thing I've ever seen in my life, by the way."

Rukia blushed deeper as she looked back and met his soft amber eyes. "Rukia...you are the only girl that I want now and for the rest of my life. Always remember that?"

Rukia's heart flipped in merriment at the wonderful feelings his words gave her. A smile curved up on her lips as Ichigo's face moved closer to her. But when they are just a good 2 inches away, he stopped. "Wait..."

"Hmn?" Rukia opened her eyes and gave him a questioning look.

"One more thing." he said.

"What is it?"

"You said we'll let them know gradually that we have a relationship now, right?" Rukia nodded. "Well, I've got a better idea on how to let them know."
She raised an eyebrow. "And how is that?"

"I'll court you."

Rukia bit her lower lip. He really is the sweetest and most romantic thing on earth...since Shakespeare.

Ichigo smirked and without further ado, he closed the gap between them. Rukia quickly melt at the sweet taste that is Ichigo Kurosaki. No matter how many times they kissed, it seems to taste different each time. And she realized that she won't get enough of him. She whimpered softly as their lips begun to move turning it into a slow kiss.

Rukia shifted on the couch as Ichigo's hands moves from her face down to rest on her back. He continues to caressed her soft lips as he started to gently pushed her to lie down on the cushion. Rukia let him guide her down, wrapping her arms around his neck for support. The moment her back touch the cushion, Ichigo slowly pulled back from her lips and stare down at her beautiful face. His arms were on either side of her, prompting himself up as he lie on top of her. He pushed the strands of hair in between her eyes but it fell back on its place again. He smiled and Rukia smiled back at him.

She closed her eyes as Ichigo slowly placed butterfly kisses all over her cheeks, on her forehead, on her closed eyelids and on her chin. Rukia shuddered as he open his mouth and take her chin on his mouth. It's been amusing and a bit confusing that Ichigo likes kissing and tasting each and every part of her face. There was time when he kissed her nose like the way he kissed her on the lips. His tounge gently and slowly lapping her small and pert nose as if memorizing its taste. Maybe it's his fetish or it's just plain Ichigo...typical and unique in his own kind.

After biting softly on the soft flesh on her chin, Ichigo trailed kisses up her jawline reaching that sensitive part just under her ear. Feeling his hot breath on her skin, Rukia can't help but moan softly as she clutch at his shirt at the tickling sensation all over her. Ichigo pulled back and looked at her as if asking for her permission to go a little bit further. His hazel orbs glistening with love and passion with a pink blush on his face. Flushed and nervous, Rukia nodded at him and tilted her head on the side, giving him access and approval. Ichigo's heart flipped in joy and excitement.

He kissed her lips again then started moving down her chin and down to her creamy neck.
"A-aah..." Rukia moaned quietly as she felt his hot mouth on her neck. Her chest heaved up and down and her hands moved up to tangle her fingers on his orange manes as he trails open mouth kisses down her throat. Rukia bit her lip to stop another moan from escaping as Ichigo moved his head to kiss the other side of her neck and bite onto her soft flesh.

Rukia stiffened and pushed him lightly. Ichigo paused when he felt her sudden tension, he looked up at her and his eyes were apologizing for startling her. Rukia smiled and accepted his apologies. "N-Not too far." she muttered, blushing and panting softly at the rush of emotions. Ichigo nodded and kissed her lips again. His tongue carefully slipping inside her mouth. Rukia let him in and so their tongue dance in a slow and gentle rhythm.

Give and take. That's how their kiss goes. He moaned at her taste and Rukia shivered with his touch. They remained kissing and tasting each other for a while now. The sound of their kiss is the only thing heard around the room until Rukia's phone suddenly went off.

She opened her eyes and stopped her lips at the same time, gently pushing Ichigo off of her. Ichigo groaned softly as if refusing to let go but then decided to end his ministration, placing three pecks on her lips and one last kiss on her nose before sitting up on the couch. He lightly pulled Rukia with him and the girl giggled at how her boyfriend can pull her whole weight effortlessly. Ichigo smiled then reach for the ringing cellphone and tossed it playfully on his hands before handing it to his girlfriend.

Rukia punched his shoulder lightly, mouthing 'Idiot' before turning at her phone. The moment her eyes read the name on the screen, she quickly get up from the couch. She smoothened her hair and dress as if the caller will see her then rushed towards the bathroom, waving and excusing herself from her boyfriend. Ichigo raised an eyebrow then shrugged, keeping his shoes before heading upstairs. Rukia headed straight into the shower room and lock the door behind her before pressing the 'Answer' button and says "Hello... Ukitake-san."

"Rukia...what have you been doing lately?"

Her eyes widened and she choked at that unusual, straight to the point greeting. She didn't even hear a hi, or hello or even how are you...it just went as "Rukia, what have you been doing lately?"

Well...she's been kissing, kissing and kissing her boyfriend. Yeah, she has a boyfriend now.

Rukia cleared her throat before answering, "I've been...very busy at school because final term exams are coming so...ahm, I'm sorry for not calling you these past few weeks. I'm really sorry."

"It's alright. But be sure to at least send us a message so I keep track on how you're doing okay?" the man scolded her, though his voice remained low and fatherly-like.

"Okay."

"Well...I've called you because I want to what happened on your mission. Have you Kaein's family already?"

Rukia bit her lip. "N-Not yet." she murmured.

"Not yet? But why... Rukia are you losing track of what you're supposed to do there? I know you're enjoying school and your life there but remember your responsibility. The main reason why you're there now is to find the Shiba family." Rukia's face saddened. "Rukia...you have to do it now or else Byakuya will find out that you're gone from the mansion one of these days and you weren't able to do what you came for in there. Do it first before you busied yourself with something else. Don't get too attached out there cause time is not on your side, you understand me?"

"..."

"Rukia...I'm asking you...do you understand?" Ukitake repeated when she isn't responding.

Rukia took in a deep breath before she answered. "Ukitake-san...I know what I'm doing so please just trust me." she said calmly. "When I decided to find Kaein-dono's family and left the mansion I also decided to build my own future." she sighed softly. "You know what... I know how to wash my clothes now. Colored ones should be separated from the white ones." she smiled. "That's pretty common sense but I haven't known it all this time that I'm living in the mansion. That's why I want to be here as long as I can." she paused then sighed happily. "Ukitake-san... I've just realized one thing. I can never escape pain but at least I can choose between doing what is right or believing it will be alright. I might or might not know what will happen in the future but... I'm here to figure it out. So please...just trust me with this."

There was silence from the other line. Rukia bit her lip as she waited nervously but she didn't regret every word that comes out of her mouth. She meant everything; she really wants to do this. It's too late for her not to get attached here because right now...she's emotionally and soulfully attached to a certain orange haired man. The man owns her heart now so she will do everything just to defy her future and make it in her favor. She will fight for her dreams...no matter what.

"Good for you." the man finally answered. Though surprise by her words, he silently happy at what she had said. She's growing now...she's learning things on her own. She just showed him that she now knows how to stand and fight for what she believes is right. She's becoming tougher and stronger and Ukitake couldn't be happier by that. He smiled. "Rukia, I believe in you." the girl let out a sigh of relief. "But I'm still going to check up on you every once in a while, okay?"

Rukia smiled happily, "Okay...thank you so much Ukitake-san." she said and heard the man chuckled. "Ahm... Ukitake-san, how is Nii-sama doing?"

"He's fine." the man quickly answered. "Ashido told me that Byakuya has been very busy. He almost worked 18 hours a day but he still physically active, unlike me." he chuckled. "He's been on the news lately because of his successful business deals."

"Is that so..."

"Don't worry about your brother, Rukia. Just focus on your plans there okay? I'll call you again."

"Okay...take care of yourself and the others."

"You too." he replied. "And Rukia..."

"Yes, Ukitake-san?"

"Goodluck at your exams."

She smiled. "Thanks...thanks a lot."

...o...

A low whistle was heard the moment Ichigo entered their dug out. "Finally!" Ikakku greeted. "Our hero is here." Ichigo just scowled at Ikakku as the said guy put an arm over his shoulder. "Ichigo, you look happy today. How's life with a cute girlfriend, huh?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." he countered weakly, remembering his promised of keeping their relationship a secret. His teammates just smiled knowingly at him. No matter how much he tried to deny it, his teammates can see a different aura on his face.

"As if we believe you." Ikakku said and sat down on the bench.

Ichigo rolled his eyes then asked, "What's this meeting's all about?"

"Captaaaaaiiiinn!"

Oh great, he forgot about Keigo

"It's not fair, captain! No fair!" Keigo cried out, weeping onto Ichigo's legs. "What have you done to my ever dearest, Kouzuki-san! She can't leave me for you..!" the guy continued, tears streaming down his face.

"Shut it, Keigo. Rukia- I mean that girl and I are not a thing, okay so just-"

"Waaaahh! I knew it! I knew my beloved Kouzuki-san will never choose you over m-"

A round orange rubber thing called basketball hit Keigo on the face, shutting the guy from his whinings. Clapping his hands as if dusting off dirt, Ichigo sat back on the bench then his phone ringed from his pocket. "Yeah." he answered placing the phone between his ear and shoulder as he fixes something from his locker.

"Hey Ichigo, it's me!" a girl's voice said from the other line.

"Yeah... I know." Ichigo said between gritted teeth. His eyebrows twitching in annoyance not with the caller but because he noticed the whole team looming and snickering behind him...eavesdropping on his phone call.

"Ichigo, I just-"

"Hold on a sec..." He cuts her off before turning at his teammate and, "WILL YOU LEAVE ME ALONE!" he growled angrily and glare at the gang.

The team cringed then pouts back at him. Ichigo grimaced as he watches his teammates return to what they're doing though he's sure that they will still try to listen to his call. He sighed and return to his caller. "I'm sorry about that Ru-" he glanced at his teammates. "I mean, why did you call?" he continued, hiding any evidence of gleefulnes in his tone.

"Ahm... I'll be coming home late tonight so don't pick up at the cafe."

"Why...you going somewhere?"

"No...It's just... I'll be attending a class meeting so...don't worry okay?"

Ichigo sigh. "Okay..."

"I'll be fine. Don't worry about me strawberry pie."

"What? I'm not...worried!"

"So you say." she said teasingly. "Well, I'll see you later!"

"Yeah..." flipping his phone close, he looked up and realized that his teammates are looking and smiling knowingly at him. "What?" he asked innocently.

"Nothing." Yumichika answered. "It's just weird cause I think..." he grinned maliciously. "I think we saw you blushing."

"What?"

"Yeah... Is it Rukia? Did she call you to say I love you?" Ikakku teased making his captain scowl and frowned in denial.

"You know what... I don't think this meeting is a joke so I'm getting outta here."

"Wait... Ishida has yet to come so sit back cause this is a very important meeting. You'll see captain..." Mizuiro explained.

The door then opens and reveals their glass wearing teammate followed by Chad. "Ishida-san, you finally came! We are waiting for you!" Keigo greeted excitedly. "C'mon! C'mon! I want to see it now! I want to see it now!" He cheered jumping up and down around them. Ishida fixed his glasses and ignore their bouncing teammate as he steps inside the room.

"Here." he said, handing a blue bag to his captain.

Ichigo frowned while all of his teammates except Chad and Ishida looked at him in anticipation. "What is this? He asked.

"Just open it."

"Nah... I'm not fond of surprises. If you want to play tricks on me then sorry but I'm not buying it."

"Oh c'mon Ichigo. This is a surprise present for you, nothing tricky about so just open it now." Ikakku said, pushing the bag closer to him. Ichigo leaned away and glared at his teammates.

"No! Why don't you open it yourself."

"Oh that sounds more exciting!" Yumichika exclaimed and grabs the bag. The idiots-er-the team turned their backs at Ichigo and digs the 'thing' inside the bag. They hovered around in circles, murmuring something Ichigo couldn't quite figure out. After a few seconds, the bag was discarded and was tossed aside as the team looked back at him.

"Ichigo..." the team chorused as they lined up in front of their captain with evil grins on their faces.

"Wha-what are you-"

"Ichigo, because of what you've done last Friday we decided to give you a present." Ikakku said.

"Yeah...it's a sign of gratitude." Yumichika followed.

Ishida fixed his glasses. "I made it myself."

"And it's good." Chad bellowed.

"Captain..." Keigo and the others taunted as they inched closer to Ichigo.

"Brace yourself, Captain…"

"No."

"Cause we are giving yooouuu…"

"No!"

"This!"

"Noooo…!"

"TAA-DAA!" they chorused and reveal the thing they were holding from behind their backs. Ichigo gasped and he felt his heart jumped out of his mouth in terror when he saw…

A mini version of his uniform?

"YOU BUNCH OF IDIOTS! YOU SCARED ME TO DEATH FOR A BASKETBALL UNIFORM?" he growled and the team cringed at him.

"But why…didn't you like it?"

"Yeah. It's cute isn't it?" Yumichika asked looking at the garment in his hands.

"Cute my ass! What am I supposed to do wit that? I'm not wearing those shorts especially that…"

Wait!

Ichigo snapped his head back at the garments. A jersey, a short shorts, a skirt and a small size basketball jacket?

He's confused.

"What an idiot." Ishida said.

'What did you say?" the orange haired captain growled as Ishida folded the jacket on his hands.

"It's not yours Kurosaki."

"What? What do you mean?"

"You see, I've made a new version of your jersey…a short shorts and a skirt complementing the jersey and a basketball jacket all in small sizes. That's because this uniform is for our first team manager.'

"Team manager?"

"Yes. Coach wants a team manager and as you can see it's a female." Yumichika said flicking his wrist soflty.

" And we discussed it already, yesterday when you were absent."

"What?"

"And we already picked our team manager. But she doesn't know it yet. And coach assigned

you to tell her the news since she is your girlfriend."

"What?"
"You heard it right, Kurosaki. Our first ever female team manager is none other than…" the team looked at him and said in unison. "Kouzuki, Rukia."

"Whaaatt?"

…o…

"Aachoo!"

Rukia sneezed and rubs her nose before clicking her phone off. She has been calling Renji but the red haired is not answering his phone. She just wants to ask if Renji can come with him today. Yes...because of Ukitake-san's call last night, she finally decided to go to the address that Ashido gave her. She looked up at the old house in front of her and sucked in a deep breath.
She have to do this…on her own. She has to be strong and take her fears aside just like what Emi told her.
Right!
'I want to have forgiveness. I want to break free from this guilt in my heart. Rukia...you can do this!' she told herself as she steps in front of the wooden door and knock on it. She gulped and waited but no one is coming. She knocked again...and again...and when she knocked for the fourth time, her hand met air as the door suddenly swung open.
"What do you want?"

…o…

"What the hell is going on?" Soi Fon asked as she watched the students hover over the bulletin board. An irritated look on her face as she didn't get any greetings from her fellow students which is very unusual since she's the most popular girl in school. But now, students are too occupied by something on the board that she didn't get any acknowledgement.

Her eyes narrowed. She has to find out what or worse who stole the spotlight from her. She steps towards the bulletin board and has to push other students out of her way. "Move out of my way!" she ordered, pushing a guy blocking her sight. Once she got in front of the board, her hands fisted on her side as she read the news posted there.

Kouzuki Rukia, chosen as the first manager of the School's Basketball team.

"Oh, she's the girl who cheered the team last game, right?" one student said.

"I heard that Coach Kenpachi personally chose her."

"Really? She must be an interesting student!"

"She's an academic scholar too. And they say that she's pretty cute and…"

Soi Fon is groaning in anger as she heard the students talk about the new girl. 'How dare you?' she said to herself, glaring at the picture posted on the board. 'If you think you can stole the spotlight from me, then…'

"Aaahh…!" a collective gasps were heard from the students as Soi Fon suddenly ripped the poster off the board and crumpled it angrily before throwing it on the side. She turned back at the students and glared at them. 'You're messing with the wrong girl.'

"Hmph!" she snobs the crowd around her and started walking confidently as if nothing happened. The students shared confused glances then shrugged as they watch the cheerleading captain walks towards her class room.

...o...

Rukia steps out on the backyard with her phone on one hand. She makes sure that no one is around as she dialed the number and pressed the call button. After three rings, a familiar voice was heard and Rukia quickly greets the person on the other line. "Hello, Ashido." her voice soft and quiet so as not to be heard by someone.

"Rukia...Is it you?" the guy quickly recognize her voice.

Rukia smiled, "Yeah, it's me. Long time no hear, hehe."

Ashido chuckled, "Been busy in there, huh? Wait, is this your phone number or...?"

"Yeah, it's my personal number. You can save it, that's if you want to."

"Are you kidding? Of course, I'll keep it!" the guy said excitedly. Rukia chuckled then a brief pause followed. "So..." Ashido speaks first. "How are you doing? Have you met them already?"

"Ahm about that...this afternoon I went at the address that you've given me but..."

.o.

"What do you want?" a tall lady asked groggily. She looked down at the petite in front of her door and raised her eyebrow. "Want something?"

Rukia gulped and her heart suddenly thumps fast on her chest as she tried to keep as calm and collected as possible. The woman look like she just got out of bed, her hair and dress is disheveled and she looks...messy. The woman placed her arms on the door frame and leaned towards her. "Look Miss... I drunk a lot last night and I'm feeling like my brain wants to explode from my hangover so better start talking or better yet leave the hell out of my house."

"A-Ah I-I'm sorry. I j-just wa-want to ahem...ask i-if-"

"Just spit it out!" the woman demanded and Rukia stiffened.

"IjustwanttoaskifthisthehouseofShiba's, Mam!"

"What?" the woman's face crunched in confusion. Rukia took in a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

'You can do it, Rukia! You can do it!'

Breathe out.

"Ma'm...I just wanted to ask if the Shiba family lives her?"

"Oh...the Shiba family!"

"Yes, ma'm."

"Ah... No, they're not living here anymore."

"I'm sorry?"

The woman groaned and leaned towards her. "I said, they're not living here anymore. Not. here. anymore. You got that now?"

Rukia's jaw dropped open as she gapes at the drunk woman at the door. She's not sure what she's feeling right now...whether it's disappointment of not finding the Shibas there or relief of not finding them and not being able to face them right there and then...she doesn't know.

All she know is...she have to find them...again.

"B-But...do you know where they transfer?" she asked.

The woman shook her head, "No. They left about 6 months ago. I heard that that family moves a lot so I don't know where the hell they are now." she finished and cupped a side of her head and cringed. "You know what Miss...my headache is terrible so will you please leave now." she waves her hand dismissively.

"But do you at least have an idea where-"

"I said leave!" the woman growled and slammed the door closed, leaving the petite girl cringing outside. Rukia stared at the door for a moment then sighed.

.o.

"Is that so?" Ashido said after Rukia told him what happened to her earlier.
"Yes... I still haven't met them. But I'm not giving up. I'll try again." she said, her voice full of determination.

"Good! Don't worry I'll check up on my sources again so-"

"Ashido..." she interrupted. "Ashido, listen. The truth is... I'm starting to love living in here. I'm learning so many things here that I wasn't able to know during my stay at the mansion." she paused and sighed inwardly.

"So you're saying..."

"Ashido, you're a very good friend of mine and I need you. I need a friend like you. But... I've decided to do this on my own."

"..."

"Don't take this the wrong way, okay? I'm so thankful of your help. Really! But I don't want to bother you and-"

"You're not bothering me Rukia. I also want to do this. I want to help you."
"I know, I know. But I really want to take my time and spend more days here. I don't want to go back in the mansion just yet."

Ashido didn't reply to that as silence fell between them. Rukia is staring thoughtfully at the ground. She wants Ashido to get the message...she doesn't want him to keep waiting for her but she can't say it straight to him. She knows now...what Ashido is in her life. A friend... A very good and precious friend. She doesn't want to lose him but at the same time she doesn't want to keep him.

But she made a decision.

"Ashido... I'm sorry." Rukia said softly.

The guy felt something in his chest upon hearing those words. His heart sunk low and he felt a painful twitched in her heart. He doesn't want to contemplate and process on the meaning of her words but...it hurts.

"Ashido..?" Rukia said in a worried tone snapping the guy from his thoughts.

He didn't know what more to say after that so he ended up joking, "Is this why you finally gave me your number?"

Rukia gawked briefly then she can't help but laugh…hiding his sadness, Ashido laugh with her. "You know what you still have a good sense of humor."

"Oh yeah? I still have more." he teased and Rukia laughed again. A minute passed and Rukia's laughter slowly fades but a fulfilled smile remained on her face.

"Thanks, Ashido. I'm so glad I have you. You're really a true friend."

"Yeah...I guess I am." he muttered softly, his eyes beaming with sadness.

"Well... I'll call you again okay? I need to-"

"Hey...what is my girlfriend doing in here?"

Ichigo suddenly appears from behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her cheek. Startled, Rukia's hand quickly shot up to cover the mouthpiece of her phone and look at the orange haired guy over her shoulder. "I-Ichigo...what are you doing here?"

"I believe I'm the first to ask you that."

"A-Ahm..." Rukia clears her throat. "Just calling a friend."

"Here in the dark?" he raised an eyebrow. "Why not go inside?"

"Ah...because...the signal is stronger in here so I..." she smiled sheepishly and push him away gently. "Ichigo, why don't you go inside now? I'll be there in a minute."

"Okay..." he steps back at the door. "Dinner's ready so hurry up, you midget."

Rukia's brow twitched upon hearing the last word but she let it slip and just let him go back inside the house and quickly return to her call. "Ashido...you still there?"
It takes a 2nd hello before Ashido answers back, "Y-Yes... I'm still here."

"Ahm... I have to go so bye for now. I'll call again okay..? And one more thing...please take care of Nii-sama."

"A-Ah." Ashido said then heard Rukia said a happy goodbye before the line went off.
Shock, confused and fazed at he heard or accidentally heard. His hand is gripping tightly at his phone as he tries to process what could've been the meaning of what he heard.

" Hey! What is my girlfriend doing in here?"

It's not an imagination...he's not just hearing things cause Rukia hangs up for almost a minute as if dealing with the owner of the voice before going back to him.

'Who is that guy? Who is he calling his girlfriend... Is it Rukia? Does this means...
With his a mixture of shock and hurt, Ashido dialed on his phone in an utmost urgency.

Calling Byakuya...

His hand is still shaking as he waits anxiously for the Kuchiki head to pick up his call. But as he heard his phone rings, Rukia's words flashed through his head.

"The truth is... I don't want to go back at the mansion just yet. I want to stay here as long as I can."

"Thanks Ashido. I'm so glad I have you. You're really are a true friend."

"...a true friend."

"...a true friend."

"...a true-"

Cancel!

A heavy sigh escapes his lips after cancelling the call. He dropped the phone on his table. Resting his head against the back of his office chair, Ashido closes his eyes and calm himself down. He feels deserted, hopeless and defeated.

He loves Rukia and he wants to give everything to make her happy... He's willing to wait for her. But what about him..?

He remained on his thoughtful thinking until he calm himself down. Sighing heavily, he opened his eyes and stares outside the window.

He wants to know what's going on...he wants to make sure if his thoughts were right...and most importantly he wants to know, who that guy is.
Grabbing his phone again, Ashido dialed another number and waited patient and calm this time.

"Arrancar Private Detective Agency. This is Ulquiorra Cyfer speaking, how may I help you?"

"Good evening. This is Ashido Kano and I want to ask for your service..." he paused.

'I'm sorry Rukia but I have to do this.' he told himself before taking in a deep breathe and continue.

"Mr. Cyfer, I want you to conduct a surveilance on a certain person. She's been living in Karakura and currently using the name...Kouzuki Rukia."

...o...

Pursing her lips on the side and cocking an eyebrow, Rukia make another twirl in front of the full length mirror that her boyfriend brought up in her attic room just the other day. It was kinda sweet of him to actually clean and gave her room a minor make over, stacking the boxes on one corner making it more comfortable and spacious. Not to mention doing her laundry after her room make over.
She giggled at the thought but then she came back and focus on her current state right now...which is looking over her whole image in the mirror. She shifted on the right then shifted on the left. She turned back and looks at the mirror over her shoulder then make a 360 turn to go back to her basic position.

A smile formed on her lips at how she looks or rather what she's wearing right now. The black garment really fits her shape. It shows 'more' of her skin, it complements the color of her skin and accentuates her curves. Plus the fact that it gives her pride and confidence just by wearing it because of the name printed on its back. She lets out a contented sigh.

Earlier that day, Rangiku-Sensei told her something about college night being held every last night of the School's Foundation week celebration. The busty prof told her that she and her female co-teachers are preparing something for that night. She asked Rukia if she would like to join and Rukia, being the excited freshman who haven't attended a college party before agree with her prof thinking that she will be graded by

Though she's not sure what'll they do, Rukia decided to join thinking that she will be graded by it. She just shrugged and said "Okay." after her teacher said something like Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, though she have no idea those people are. The only thing she understands on what her PF instructor said was 'Dance'.

Yeah like real dance!

Thoughts of the cheerleading team pops in her head as she heard the word. She knows how to sing yes...but it's a secret but she's more of a dancer than singer. She sings and she dances.

Yes, dancing is her expertise!

Rukia grinned at herself. 'I'll asked Ichigo about it.' she thought then hurriedly and excitedly went downstairs.

Scowling at the numerical data on his computer screen, Ichigo pressed 'Enter' and the result made him groaned in frustration. He's been doing his Calculus homework for almost an hour but he still can't get the anti derivative of a certain function f(x).

"Tsh...fucking x." he hissed as he started to review his solution from the top. Finding a loop hole, a missing link or something that always makes his final answer undefined. Narrowing his eyes on each numbers, variables and exponents, Ichigo slightly flinched when he heard a noisy footsteps coming from upstairs. And he knows full well who it belongs to

"Ichigo... Ichigo!" Rukia excitedly called as she scurried towards him. "Ichigo...!"

"Hm?" he moaned not removing his eyes from his computer.

"Ichigooo..." she said again, standing anxiously on his side.

"What is it?"

"Ichigo..."

"Go on. I'm listening." he replied, deleting a certain y and replacing it with an x.

"Ichigo...look at me."

"Rukia just say it. I can hear you from here, you know."

"But I want you to look." she whine, impatience and irritation is starting to get on her nerves.

"Look babe, I can't take my eyes from this cause if I do then I have to start all over again. So just-" delete x replaced it by y. "...say it, okay."

Rukia huffed. "Forget it." she turned to leave but Ichigo instinctively grabs her arms and stopped her from walking away but his eyes remained on his x -er- his homework rather.

Rukia's eyebrow twitch in annoyance at the orange haired mathematician. "You idiot.. I was so excited to let you see my new outfit but you're just ignoring..."

Outfit?

That seems to catch Ichigo's attention. His finger paused on clicking the save button and snapped his head towards his whining girlfriend. "Wait...what outfi-"

His jaw dropped open, blood rushed through his face and his hair rise up when he saw Rukia on her new outfit. And instead of clicking the Save button, his finger accidentally pressed on...

the 'Discard' button.

It's been a long time...yeah yeah you have all the right to be mad at me...but I (as always) have many reasons on why I haven't updated for the last two weeks. Remember the last event I organized... it was a success right? but with that my BOSS, my very clever BOSS gave me not just one, no not just two but three events yo organize this month... yeah, that's when I realized.. BOSSES TOOK ALL THE HAPPINESS IN THE WORLD...JUST LIKE HOMEWORK!

Anyways...I've had a vacation from my work last week but I spent that precious 3 days grace with my family and friends. So Im way too late in updating this fic. SORRY GUYS! But I'm back and I hope you're still with me.

thanks for your support and DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW! I'll make my best to reply to your reviews! THANKS!

LOVE YAH ALL! ^^