Disclaimer: The only kind of bleach I own keeps my underwear nice and white.
Ok people, I have a problem, and it's called "updates too fast syndrome". If anyone has a cure for this problem, I would really appreciate some medication, or if anyone knows a good psychologist. I hope it doesn't bug people, since I updated three days earlier than I said I would. I'm insane, I know it...(and that's not counting all the times my mother has told me I'm insane.) Anyways…WOW, Ch.20!! It's crazy, but really, I am truly shocked at the amount of reviews I have received. I never dreamed in a million years I would reach such an amount, so I thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Now, on with the chapter!!!
Read and enjoy
Hierarchy
Ch.20 Girl Talk
"I'm so glad you could come Hisana, and you too Hinamori!" Rukia cried, smiling at the other two with her. They were at the small café by Rukia's apartment, declaring it the official "meeting place" for when Hisana would come into town.
"I'm glad too, and I can't believe you actually have a twin Rukia!" Hinamori stated. Rukia and Hisana chuckled and began the talking.
"So how often do you get to see each other?" Hinamori asked. Rukia shrugged her shoulders. "It depends. Sometimes every few weeks, and sometimes I don't see Hisana for months. It's hard but we've gotten used to it." Rukia said, while Hisana nodded along with her.
"I'll be staying for a few hours this time, instead of just one like almost always!" Hisana exclaimed. Rukia laughed at her sister, noticing the same pale skin as before. She wasn't going to ask any questions in front of Hinamori, but Rukia still worried about her.
"How have you been anyways Hisana?" Rukia asked. Hisana sighed, looking down at her plate of food.
"Preparing a photo shoot is taking up a lot of time, but I can't wait for the ending product. I think this one might be accepted in!" Hisana said, smiling.
"I'm so glad to hear it, and things have been busy here too, right Hinamori?" Rukia asked, averting her eyes to her friend. Hinamori nodded, looking a little glum.
"How do you like your job anyways? Last time I talked to you, you were ready to quit!" Hisana asked.
"You haven't told her?" Hinamori asked in a surprised tone. The question caught Hisana's attention, and Rukia could tell she was going to have to go into elaborate detail about everything.
"Yah, the boss that I hated, remember him? Well…I'm kind of dating him now."
"Wait…what? Didn't you admit to him that you kissed him at the ball, and didn't think you could handle talking to him again? Now you're dating him? Rukia! You're dating the guy??"
Rukia laughed nervously at her sisters words. "Yes, I'm dating him. It's only been three weeks, but I like how things are going."
Hinamori was giggling next to Rukia the entire time. "Trust me, I freaked out when she told me they were dating." Hinamori stated. Hisana shook her head, in total disbelief.
So, Rukia explained everything to her sister, in great detail as Hisana had requested. She brought up how Ichigo had shown up at her apartment, asking her to come back, and how he suddenly changed, being much kinder than before.
"I went on a couple of dates with him, and to tell you the truth, I think I'm in love with him already."
"Rukia, you think you're in love? I want to meet him!" Hisana shrieked. Rukia rolled her eyes. Hisana was acting a lot like Inoue Orihime, who she did not feel like talking about at the moment.
"I just, I can't believe it!! What a strange occurrence of events Rukia! I'm happy for you though." Hisana said, grinning at her look a like sister.
"I can't either believe it either, trust me." Rukia replied.
It had been three weeks since Rukia started dating Ichigo, and she loved every moment of it. They saw each other six out of seven days outside of work during the week, whether it was at her apartment, his house, or some other place, it never really mattered. He was loosening up even more around her, and she the same.
"Well, I'm thrilled to hear of your great love news, but I remember you sending me an email filled with complaints about your job recently, so what's going on now?"
Both Rukia and Hinamori frowned at hearing Hisana's question, but Rukia finally spoke.
"Aizen-san, our boss at our building, and the one at the other building, Ichimaru-san, are currently in charge of the entire corporation until Yamamoto-san, the main boss, gets better. Most of us suspect that something else is really going on, because all of the sudden, people are being moved around from different buildings. I was informed three weeks ago that I might be moving, and it was confirmed yesterday."
"So why is this so horrible? I mean, I know it's a big change, but a corporation like yours calls for constant change, so what's the problem?"
Rukia looked at her with disbelief. "I finally like my job, and now I have to move again to the other building, and trust me, I don't want to go there." Rukia muttered.
"I'm sorry to hear that, but why is it so bad to go to the other building?" Hisana asked. Rukia sighed.
"I can't stand the person in charge over there, Ichimaru-san. I've only met him once, and it was enough to make me throw up. The man creeps me out."
Hinamori cut in. "Well you probably won't see him very much, so don't worry about it."
Hisana nodded. "Besides, didn't you used to complain about your current boss and how mean he was, and now you're dating him? Don't be so negative Rukia; it could be for the best. Tell me, how often do you see your boss, what's his name?"
"Ichigo." Rukia said.
"How often do you see Ichigo ever day, including work?" Hisana asked.
"I see him practically every day, except on Tuesday nights because he goes and does stuff with his family."
"Ok, well you might not see it now, but this could be a good thing. I know you're in the beginning of a relationship, and probably want to see him 24/7, but eventually, you're going to want to create space Rukia, and getting moved to another building could be just right."
Rukia sighed. "We don't really act like a couple at work. We just get what we need to get done, and go home. It isn't a big deal." Rukia argued.
"Ok, but just remember that even though you might be in love with him already, three weeks is not a long time to be dating. A big problem with relationships is clinginess. It can ruin a relationship."
"Hisana, since when did you become an expert on relationships?" Rukia asked. Hisana smiled.
"I've been around a lot of people, mainly women, who always have relationship problems, and about half the complaints are on how clingy their boyfriends are, or vice-versa. I'm telling you this as your sister, and to give you a somewhat positive motivation for getting moved to the other building."
"Thanks, though I see it as something more painful." Rukia muttered sarcastically.
"Love is pain Rukia." Hisana replied, causing all three of the girls to laugh.
"Have you told Kurosaki-san about the move Rukia?" Hinamori asked. Rukia cringed in her seat.
"No, I haven't. My last day is this coming Wednesday, so I'll probably tell him tonight or tomorrow morning."
"Well he should probably know as he'll have to look for a new secretary." Hinamori stated. Rukia closed her eyes, wondering who would be Ichigo's new secretary. She couldn't help but feel a small ounce of jealousy.
Hinamori suddenly glanced at her watch. "Oh wow, it's getting late! I better head home. I have some cleaning and laundry and stuff to do, so I'll see you tomorrow, and it was nice meeting you Hisana-san!"
Rukia and Hisana both waved at the woman, and watched her leave.
"She seems really nice." Hisana said.
"Yah, she's been a great friend to me at Seireitei Inc., thus another reason as to why I don't want to leave my building."
Hisana chuckled. "Just don't think about it so much. A corporation is full of constant change, so don't stress."
Hisana paused again, and her smile grew to concern. "Look, now that it's just me and you, I need to tell you something important."
Rukia's face grew serious as quickly as Hisana's did.
"What is it?" Rukia asked.
"Rukia, I don't know how to exactly say this to you, because it's kind of hard but —"
Hisana paused again before speaking. "I found a small lump on my breast." She said softly.
Rukia's eyes widened. "What?" Rukia repeated.
"You know I've been having health problems these past few months, but the doctors couldn't find anything wrong. I wanted to tell you before anyone else, because you're the closest person in the world to me."
"Have you gotten any testing done or anything?"
Hisana shook her head. "I go in this week to start the testing. The doctors say it could possibly be cancer, but they won't be sure until the tests come back, which will take about a week or more."
Rukia was in shock. She knew something was wrong with Hisana with her weight loss and her pale skin, but she never thought it would be something like cancer.
"Is there anything I can do to help Hisana?" Rukia asked in a very concerned voice. Hisana smiled.
"Just be there for me, like I know you always will be. I would ask you to come with me to get the tests done and everything, but I'm getting it all done in France so I'm close to home. I'll call you as soon as I figure anything out, I promise."
Rukia nodded. "I'm glad they found a reason as to why you're losing weight and everything, but cancer?"
"I know Rukia, it's crazy. Look, I know I sort of just randomly said this to you, but I wanted to let it out, as I haven't told anyone else other than the doctors, so look, don't be worried, as I have all the rights to that, but I just wanted to let you know."
"Alright, well I'll keep you in my prayers ok?" Rukia asked, letting a small ounce of a smile come onto her face. Hisana smiled back.
"Sure Rukia."
They talked for another thirty minutes or so until Hisana had to leave. Rukia gave Hisana a big hug, though she hoped she wouldn't break one of Hisana's bones due to how frail she looked.
"Call me as soon as you find out anything! Love you!" Rukia shouted as she watched Hisana yell for a cab.
"Love you too, and don't worry, I will!" Hisana yelled back as she got into her car. Rukia watched as the cab pulled away. She felt something deep pulling at her, something she didn't understand. Rukia was a tough girl, but knowing that her sister could possibly have cancer made her feel weak. Hisana was her best friend, her other half, and to know that her other half could be sick, and could possibly—
Rukia squeezed her eyes closed. She couldn't do it. She knew the possibilities that came with cancer, but until Rukia knew, because Hisana was just then going to get testing done, then she would have to be brave for her sister.
Seeing that it was too late to see Ichigo, Rukia decided to called him, talking to him for a few minutes before getting ready for bed that night. She fell asleep much easier than she liked, and dreamed of her sister, running and playing, smiling care free.
Rukia hurried to get ready for work. She knew it was silly, but she wanted to see Ichigo. "Honestly, how can I adjust to being away from him at work when I'm so used to always seeing him?" She thought, grabbing her purse and heading out the door.
When she reached the bottom of the stairs, she was surprised to see Ichigo's trail blazer in front of her. Ichigo, seeing Rukia before him, closed his cell phone and rolled down the window.
"I don't think it's necessary for you to pay for a cab any longer." Ichigo said, smirking playfully. Rukia chuckled and got into the passenger seat.
Ichigo changed the cd in his car, and began driving off. When they reached a red light, Rukia stared at him.
"What is it?" Ichigo asked.
"Can I get something?" Rukia asked. Ichigo, looking confused, glanced at her, keeping his eyes focused on the light.
"This you idiot." She said, and brought her lips to his. Ichigo kissed her back quickly. After receiving a honk from the car behind them, Ichigo realized the light was green.
"I'm the idiot? You're the one who's gonna get us in a car accident." Ichigo mumbled, keeping his eyes on the road.
"Or maybe you should get better driving lessons." Rukia replied, looking out the window. Ichigo didn't reply, and Rukia added a point to her mental score board. Several minutes later, Ichigo was parking his car.
"How did things go with your sister last night?" Ichigo asked.
"Pretty good." She replied, keeping her eyes ahead. Rukia wasn't sure if she wanted to tell him about her sister Hisana just yet. Even though Ichigo didn't know Hisana, she knew Hisana told Rukia, and only Rukia, for a specific reason.
"I would have come over if it hadn't been so late." Ichigo mumbled. Rukia rolled her eyes.
"I told you it was ok. For such a tough guy, you really worry a lot." Rukia said playfully, earning a glare from Ichigo. They moved a little further away from each other when they reached the inside of the building. Seireitei Inc. was busier than ever, with all the demands from Aizen and Gin. It felt like the work would never end, and Rukia seriously questioned what all the busy work was for exactly.
"Today's another busy one, and you'll be in my office again all day." Ichigo told her when they reached his office.
"Alright, well let me go put my things up." Rukia replied. She walked to her office slowly, thinking about what she needed to say to him. Rukia had the idea that Ichigo already knew about her moving to the other building, but still, she didn't want him getting angry, though she doubted he would. Rukia knew that Ichigo hadn't requested her to be his secretary because of his feelings for her, but because he knew that she worked hard. Rukia was happy to know that, so she was curious as to what Ichigo would say.
After placing her purse in her drawer, Rukia left to leave for his office. She noticed people she had never seen before, and wondered if they came from the other branch. Rukia entered Ichigo's office right after taking a deep breath.
"Ichigo, I need to tell you something." Rukia said. Ichigo stopped what he was doing, and gave her his full attention.
"What?" He asked in a calm voice. Rukia looked at the ground.
"I don't know if you've heard, but Aizen-san is moving me to the other building."
Ichigo didn't move for a moment. "Is that ok?" Rukia asked.
"Er yah. I knew about it already." He replied, turning back to his computer.
"When did you find out?" Rukia asked, suddenly curious.
"About a week ago." He replied.
"Well why didn't you say anything to me?" Rukia demanded. Ichigo shrugged his shoulders.
"I knew you would eventually tell me, so I let you do it when you felt you should."
Great, now Ichigo was beginning to sound all business like on her. She smiled at him none the less, glad that he wasn't upset, or angry.
"I will say I don't like the idea very much, but since we don't get much of a say in the matter, I let it go." Ichigo said. He then passed Rukia a large file.
"Put it in the group over there in the corner." Ichigo told her, keeping his eyes glued to his computer.
"Which corner?"
"That corner Rukia." Ichigo said, pointing to the left of his office.
"But there are two corners to the left side of this room Ichigo, as this is a rectangular room, with four corners, not two."
Ichigo sighed, ripping his eyes away from his computer. "The corner to the right Rukia." He said with a lot of aggravation. Rukia nodded; smiling at the aggravation she caused to Ichigo, and set the file on top of the large pile. She accidentally bumped the pile as she turned, and every file stacked up neatly fell to the ground in a mess.
"What did you do that for?" Ichigo asked, standing up from his seat to help Rukia pick of the files.
"Me? Planning period is over Ichigo, so I think it's time for you to get a little more organized."
"Now that I think about it, maybe it is a good thing you're going to the other building." Ichigo mumbled. Rukia elbowed him in the arm, and continued to pick up the pile.
"Seriously, how do you even know where anything goes?" Rukia asked. Ichigo shrugged his shoulders.
"I have my own way of labeling things." He muttered. Rukia sighed in frustration, and continued to pick up the files. She stood up to set one of the files on the desk. Gravity must have not been on Rukia's side at the moment, because as she stood, her foot stumbled upon a file, causing her to slip. Ichigo caught her wrist at the nick of time, stopping what could have been a very bad encounter with the ground for Rukia. He pulled her back up into the opposite direction, causing Rukia to slam into Ichigo. They didn't fall over, but Ichigo had to catch his own balance again for the two to stay standing.
"Of course your foot would slip on the out of the blue file." Ichigo muttered sarcastically. She realized his arms were encircled around her waist tightly, not letting her go. Rukia lifted her head up to see Ichigo's head leaning down.
"Thank you for catching me, but you can let go now." She whispered. Ichigo smirked.
"I think it's time we took a little break." He whispered back. Rukia was surprised at his bravery at the moment, as they were at work, where they never really showed any affection for each other, minus the constant bickering. But, seeing as how Rukia wasn't going to be his secretary for much longer, she gave into Ichigo's wishes.
Ichigo brought his lips down onto Rukia's slowly. Rukia moved her arms to his shoulders (as it was difficult she found to reach for his neck because of her height) and pressed her lips further onto his. She nearly squealed when Ichigo raised her up slightly. Slowly and carefully, Ichigo took slow steps to the wall next to them, pushing Rukia against it.
"How long is this break going to be exactly?" Rukia asked, breathless.
"Not too long I hope." He replied, and brought his lips back down onto hers, holding her up in the same position. Rukia was already starting to feel dizzy, losing her train of thought completely, but she simply didn't care. She didn't care that she was at work, making out with her boyfriend, in his office, where people could easily walk in catch them entangled with one another.
There was a knock at the door following. Abruptly, Ichigo removed himself from Rukia, nearly making her fall onto the ground in the process. At the nick of time, Rukia managed to drop to the floor, and began "organizing" the files that were left.
"Good morning Ichigo-san, Rukia-san." Came the sweet voice of Aizen Sousuke. Rukia stood up from her spot on the ground, and moved next to Ichigo, who was standing in front of his desk.
"Hello Aizen-san, what brings you here?" Ichigo asked in a rather polite way. Aizen smiled back, holding his stare at Rukia a little too long.
"I wanted to discuss some matters with you both concerning Rukia-san's move. I need you to give Matsumoto-san all of Rukia-san's paperwork, and sign a few things yourself. I put the paperwork in your box." Aizen said to Ichigo. He then turned to Rukia.
"I must say, Ichimaru-san is thrilled to have you coming to work with him. He's seen the work you've accomplished from Ichigo-san here, and he's happy to have you."
Rukia barely let a smile come onto her face. Surely Ichimaru Gin wasn't thrilled to have Rukia coming. She wasn't even going to be seeing much of him, right?
"Well, that's all for now. Remember Rukia, tomorrow is your last day here, so make it a good one." Aizen said, before turning around and leaving.
Ichigo and Rukia sighed in unison. "I still can't figure out what they're up to, and it's driving me nuts." Ichigo muttered.
"Maybe I can find out something, since I'll be over by Ichimaru-san." Rukia stated. She really didn't like Aizen telling her that Ichimaru Gin was happy to have her.
Rukia and Ichigo didn't say much after that, completely forgetting the moment they had previously. She got caught up in thinking about where she would be going, and even thought about her sister. The end of the day was helpful when Ichigo and Rukia walked to his car together, though they received looks from everyone. Rukia thought surely people would catch the hint, and move on with their lives, but she figured life wasn't that perfect.
"So where are we going?" Ichigo asked.
"I'm tired, so let's just go to my home." Rukia mumbled, leaning her head against the seat. Ichigo nodded, and the two made their way to Rukia's apartment. She changed into more comfortable clothes when she reached her home, and slipped on her Chappy slippers for extra warmth. Ichigo was sitting on her couch, head against the back of the cushion.
"I take it you're pretty tired too?" Rukia asked. Ichigo rolled his eyes.
"Just admit it Ichigo, if you're office was a little cleaner, you're life wouldn't be so stressful."
"No, my life wouldn't be so stressful if Aizen-san would stop giving me all those useless files."
Rukia sighed, not wanting to think about work for the moment. She finally sank into the couch next to Ichigo, leaning her head against his shoulder. "Do you want something to eat?" Rukia asked. Ichigo shrugged his shoulders.
"Not at the moment." Ichigo mumbled. He suddenly snapped his head up.
"I can't believe I almost forgot." He muttered. Rukia sat up, staring at Ichigo curiously.
"What?" She asked. Ichigo rubbed a hand through his hair.
"Look, you know how I always go visit my family every Tuesday nights? Well, they wanted you to come tomorrow. Would you be interested?" Ichigo asked.
Rukia grinned. "What's the occasion?" She asked. Ichigo leaned back onto the couch.
"They want to meet you, properly. My sister Yuzu is cooking dinner, and she's the best cook I've ever known in my entire life."
"You have to say that because she's your sister." Rukia replied.
Ichigo shook his head. "Well you just wait. I'm tellin yah. She's only 21, but seriously, she's an expert. Yuzu's actually majoring in home economics, and I think she'll do great."
"What is she making?" Rukia asked. Ichigo rolled his eyes.
"She's making lasagna, it's her specialty."
"Lasagna sounds good." Rukia replied, snuggling back up against Ichigo.
"So I take that as a yes?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes Ichigo, I'll go." Rukia replied, closing her eyes as she buried her head into his shoulder. Ichigo (who has improved with being more relaxed around Rukia) wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer to him.
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A/N: Ooh, shameless kissing at work!! Haha, wooo that was fun to write!! Did you like it? I did… but you already know that. I actually got the idea from a reviewer (with the whole kissing/arguing thing, and then someone walking in) so thanks Sierra77 (and anyone who might have wanted that to happen)!! Ok, well next chapter will be dinner at the Kurosaki residence, yay!! And Poor Hisana might have cancer! I know it's sad, but it really does happen unexpectedly. In fact, I just found out a girl at my old school has cancer, and I just can't believe it. It's so sad for her and her family, and anyone else going through cancer right now.
Important (kind of): Ok, so a lot of ppl have been asking about Hitsugaya, and to answer your first question as to whether or not he is in this, then I will say yes, but as far as if he has a love interest with anyone, I don't know yet, as I can't decide on who. SO, since I can't really decide, I want you to vote on these two couples. Hitsu/Hina or Hitsu/Karin. Give me your vote and why, and I'll make a final decision. And people, please don't hound me if the couple you didn't want gets into this story (If I decide to put some side romance in this). If there is any romance (which there probably will be), it's not going to be a whole lot as this is mainly an ICHI/RUKI fic, so don't fret!!
PS: Check out my pole! It asks about my new AU story idea called The Fallen (you can see a summary of it at the bottom of my profile page!) Much love!!