Disclaimer I do not own Bleach.

Inside the 10th division HQ, the Gotei 13 members were discussing and making quick preparations for the night's festivities. The office was utter chaos and Captain Hitsugaya had long since retreated to the barracks for some quiet. The drinks and food were almost set, but a location was hotly debated.

"I say we hold it at the eleventh squad. With the remodeling we did the other day, we have a nice big open space for one and Captain Zaraki has been itching to catch up with Kurosaki. "

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Shinigami Code Book

Remodeling- eleventh squad codeword for accidental destruction of squad buildings due to some ill coordinated sparring

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"I think it best we hold it where everyone will leave with all of their limbs intact." Kira suggested in his normal deadpan voice.

"I agree." Shuuhei replied.

"Pfft, wimps," Ikkaku said kicking back in his chair.

"Well, so far we can rule out everything but squads, 1, 7, and 8."

"How did you come up with that logic?"

"Well, Soifon, Kurotsuchi and Kuchiki don't want anything to do with it, so that eliminates them. We can't hold it at fourth with all the injured nearby. We just ruled out eleventh and we don't want to disturb Ukitake-taicho's rest. "

"What about our squads?" Izuru interjected.

"Well I wouldn't want this to turn into some brown-nosing session, so you guys could treat Kurosaki and Renji like princes to get him to pick your squad. There are only two captains on their way up and you guys want to push all your work over on them, so it's better if it's held on a neutral site."

"That wouldn't happen." Hisagi said, though the lie was easily detected.

"Riiiight"

"Why don't we just hold it at the eighth?" Kyoraku lifted his hat from his field of vision.

"That'd work."

"Fine," the lieutenants sighed, a little crestfallen.

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The party started fairly normally, people began drifting in at around sundown and by night fall the celebration was in full swing. On the wall of the squad building overlooking the party area, a large banner hung with the words "Welcome Back Kurosaki and Kuchiki!" Food and drink were plentiful and the whole area was buzzing with laughter and lively conversation, but the guest of honor had yet to arrive.

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Rukia led Ichigo down toward the 8th squad area. The mass text over the cell phones had made it known to all where the party was to be held. The calm, cool night air whipped by them with the light wind that had started to blow. The setting sun made the silent walk alone together almost magical after the non-stop attention of the servants in the estate.

"Ouch" Rukia stumbled. Ichigo reached out his arms and wrapped them around her as she grabbed at his uniform to keep from falling. The two locked eyes and a faint pink shade grew on their cheeks. A small clatter of footsteps and voices from around the corner broke their trance. They both stood bolt upright and turned away from each other slightly.

"Are you okay?" Ichigo said rubbing the back of his neck.

"I'm fine. My shoe broke. We'll have to go back to the estate so I can get one to replace it."

Ichigo started walking away.

"Where are you going?"

"Aren't we going back to the estate?"

"Carry me, I can't walk with just one shoe baka."

Ichigo knelt to let her on his back.

"I can't ride that way, this kimono is too tight in the legs, so you won't be able to carry me properly."

"You don't mean."

"Yes, you'll have to carry me that way."

"I guess it can't be helped."

Ichigo's face turned red again as he picked her up from the ground carrying her bridal style.

"I hope no one sees us," she thought to herself. She didn't have much time to think though before Ichigo headed off into a full speed shunpou.

After a change of shoes and a few of the female servants cooing "How romantic!" they were back on the road and quickly reached the party, though it was a bit late.

"You're late Ichigo!" Ikkaku said joyfully as he tipped his cup for another drink.

"You know how it is. The hero always shows up late."

"Whatever, you cocky sonofa" Ikkaku tossed back the drink.

While Ichigo was busy talking to Ikkaku, Matsumoto walked up beside Rukia.

"So, you came together and were both late. I wonder what you two could have been doing…", Matsumoto chimed suggestively to the embarrassment of Rukia.

"We weren't doing anything shameful, my shoe broke, so he carried me back to change out shoes," she said matter of factly, though her cheeks did gain a slight tinge of pink at the insinuation.

"How romantic! Such a pity though, you two look so good together and you're under the same roof. If it were me I'd have him wrapped around my little finger by now."

"That's why you you're you and I'm me," she said cutting her glance over to Ichigo and away from Matsumoto.

"You may not want to admit it to the rest of us, but those eyes give both of you away. You could do a lot worse kid," Matsumoto whispered, mussed Rukia's hair, much to the displeasure of the raven haired shinigami, and migrated back over to the sake and then to Renji. Rukia caught up with Ichigo shortly after fixing her hair back, and found him talking with Izuru, Hinamori and Hisagi.

"I see. To be honest, I don't really know many names around here. Last time I was here, I met a lot of people at once, so it's kind of hard to remember."

"That's okay, I'm Hinamori Momo. This is Lt. Izuru Kira and this is Lt. Hisagi Shuuhei. One of us will be your lieutenant when you finish your training."

"Oh, it's nice to meet you all. I'm sure whatever squad they put me with will be fine."

"You're not selecting the squad?"

"Well, to be honest, Gramps hasn't said anything to me about how that stuff's going to be decided. I figured he'd probably pick since I only know what two of the squads do and neither of them is missing a captain."

Rukia gently poked Ichigo in the side.

"You should use a little more in the way of honorifics, the captain-commander is right over there," she said indicating the captain-commander standing with Kyoraku and Nanao.

"Oh yeah."

"Just keep it in mind."

"Heh, alright Miss Manners."

Rukia grabbed Ichigo by the ear and started to pull him along.

"If you'll excuse us." Rukia said politely with one of her trademark schoolgirl grins as she dragged Ichigo off to the side.

"She's kinda scary," Hisagi thought out loud.

"A scary girl for a scary guy" Hinamori replied.

Off to the side, the young couple was arguing intensely.

"This is a party isn't it? After all this training, I'll have to be formal all the time, but for tonight I can relax one last time."

"Because it's a party, it's a good time to show off some class."

"They all know me. They don't expect me to act like that, at least for right now."

"That's why you do it, to pleasantly surprise them."

"You ashamed of me midget?"

"No, not at all. I'm just saying that…" she was interrupted by Matsumoto.

"The guests of honor shouldn't be hiding themselves away." Matsumoto said dragging the two of them out into the floor. A slow dance began to play. The two were hemmed in by a number of other couples dancing together around them. Matsumoto gave Rukia a big wink and a thumbs up through the crowd.

"I guess we're trapped."

"Yeah," Ichigo chuckled.

The two danced together inside their couple cocoon, hidden away from view. They clung closely to each other as the slow steady beats of the music clashed with the faster beats of their hearts. It seemed like a little world had been made just for them, if only for a few minutes.

After the dance ended, the two escaped to the side where they visited the punch bowl, they had each collected their cup, when a familiar voice escaped from behind the table.

"Ichigo-san, Rukia-san?"

"Hanatarou-san?"

"That's it!"

"Huh?" Rukia and Hanatarou said almost simultaneously.

"Uh, nothing…."

"Alright… What were you doing back there anyway?" Rukia asked, changing the subject.

"There was a fight a minute ago between a couple drunk eleventh squad members, so I hid back here."

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Earlier…

Yumichika, Ikkaku and Kenpachi sat around sipping sake.

"Pfft, those three are sucking up to Ichigo already" Ikkaku scoffed.

"He is going to be one of their captain's. It's not beautiful, but it is logical," Yumichika replied.

"Still don't like it."

"Jealous? That could have been you if you'd only accepted the commander's offer."

"You got asked?"

"Yeah, but you and I both know my loyalty lies with you and the eleventh."

Kenpachi smacked Ikkaku across the head, knocking him out of his chair."

"What was that for?" he got up rubbing his head.

"Not taking the captain's position."

"Huh?"

"Don't get me wrong. You're a fine subordinate but it's a heck of a lot more fun to fight with another captain. Fighting with someone lower ranked than you all the time just makes you look weak."

"When Ichigo and Renji get their haoris you're gonna have a couple new sparring partners."

"I know that, but one more ain't a bad thing."

"Yeah, but I think I'll keep my spot where I am."

"Aww I wanted to have the third seat. It's such a pretty number."

"Shut up Yumichika."

"What the…" Ikkaku yelled as he just barely dodged his captain's punch.

"I guess I'll just have to beat some sense into ya."

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"Hey Hanatarou, how would you like some time off?" Ichigo whispered.

"Well, I wouldn't mind it, but you aren't going to captain the fourth squad and my only skills are medical, so I can't really transfer and…"

"Don't worry about that."

"How?"

"Just leave it to me."

"Why?"

"I'm a guy who doesn't like to leave his debt unpaid and I owe you big for patching me up after I fought with Renji."

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The next day at lunch.

Keigo opened his wallet.

"What's wrong Asano-san?" Mizuiro asked.

"I lent 500 yen to Ichigo before spring break. He was supposed to pay me back today."

"I guess you're out of luck."

"That jerk had to mess with me one last time!"

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Ichigo pulled out his phone and flipped through his contact list.

"Man, I'm glad everyone helped me set this phone up with all the phone numbers of the big wigs."

He flipped to the captain-commander's number and sent him a text, "Hanatarou is the name of the fourth squad double."

"There, the captain commander should get a hold of you sometime soon."

"Alright… Ichigo-san" Hanatarou replied nervously.

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A frustrated Keigo slumped along to the usual meeting place on the roof. He plopped down on his usual spot, but quickly rocked forward.

"Oww"

"What is it?"

"Looks like a…"

"A what?"

"A 500 yen piece."

"That's eerie."

"I'll trade you for one of yours!"

"No way, I don't want any ghost money."

"Come on, be a pal!" Keigo begged Mizuiro with tears streaming down his face.

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The clock approached 12:30 and Ichigo and Rukia were making their way out of the party that was slowing down, but still going strong. Kenpachi and Ikkaku were thrashing around the party left and right, many of the guests were drunk and barely coherent, and a few of the couples were cuddled up along the side of the dance floor.

"Leaving already?" Renji called from behind.

"Yeah, I don't want to be up too late. Training starts tomorrow and I'm gonna need all the help I can dealing with it. Not to mention Byakuya's gonna work me like a dog tomorrow."

Rukia poked him in the side.

"I mean Kuchiki-taicho"

"Heh, not even hitched yet and she already has you whipped," Renji whispered. He was met with a death glare from Rukia, taking him aback a little.

"Look who's talking," Ichigo laughed. With that, Rukia grabbed Ichigo by the back of his uniform and started pulling him along.

"Alright I'm coming. See ya Renji!"

"See ya and good luck. You're gonna need it."

The two made it back to the estate with ten minutes to spare. Byakuya greeted them at the door.

"You've made it here early. I suggest you rest immediately because your training will start at nine tomorrow and it will last as long as is it is feasible to continue."

"Yeah, I'm kinda tired anyway."

"See ya Rukia"

"Yeah," she said smiling and walking around the corner to her room.

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Ichigo stretched after he finished buttoning his pajama shirt. He opened the closet door to retrieve the futon.

"Hello your majesty." the young woman said in a sultry tone.

"What did I tell you? Leave or get in the other bed in the other closet!"

"I can't leave. It's my duty to keep you company at night."

"I don't need company!"

"Pheh, stingy. Your father was all…"

"I don't want to hear about you and my dad! That's just gross!" he said covering his ears.

"Fine, I'll sleep on the other bed tonight."

"Thank you. Finally!"

Ichigo slipped into bed as the scantily clad woman climbed into her closet bed and closed the door. He pulled the covers up and over his face and rolled over. As he drifted off to sleep a knock came from under the floor.

"Hnwa, what is it this now?"

"Ichigo…" a whisper came up as a tatami mat popped up and Rukia peeked her head in.

"Rukia?"

"Shhh, follow me. I want to show you something."

"Alright," Ichigo replied sleepily as he snuck down the tunnel.

"Hold on to him kid. You've got a good one there." the woman said to herself from inside the closet.

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Back in the living world Isshin is talking to a soul reaper courier at the back door.

"It's already been converted to reishi, so it simply needs to be delivered to Kuchiki estate."

"I'll deliver it immediately your majesty"

"Thanks"

"My pleasure your highness."

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"Leading me to such a secretive place, what dost thou intend of me?" Ichigo said crawling behind Rukia through the passage.

"Quiet, somebody might hear us. We are passing through the walls after all."

"Alright"

Rukia lifted a panel and the section of roof flipped back up on top of the roof to reveal a space just big enough for two.

"What is this place?"

"It's an old escape route. I'm not sure even nii-sama knows about it. When they built this place, they added some alternate ways out in case of fire or attack. When I was first adopted into the family I use to hide out here all the time because the servants rarely check the secret paths."

"With how things have gone so far I don't really blame you."

"Don't worry, you'll get used to it."

"I sure hope so." Ichigo replied as they both sat on the little platform, hanging their feet off the side.

The conversation fell silent for a moment until Rukia started.

"Ichigo…" Rukia said looking down and away.

"What?"

"When …when did you know?"

"A…about what?"

"You know what I mean baka."

"Well, for me I guess I knew for sure that night the menos came, but I guess I felt something differently about you from the first night we met. At first I thought of you as some annoying bratty spirit, but as you looked up at me there with sword in hand, there was just something I couldn't put my finger on, but I knew it wasn't a bad thing. It was comforting like being wrapped up in a big blanket on a cold winter's night. I think it just sort of grew from there… What about you?"

"I suppose the first time I felt something was that night too. You were a noisy brat, who didn't know a thing, but you were determined to get in my way, but when you didn't flinch at the danger I was a little impressed."

"I was pretty cool."

Rukia elbowed him in the side.

"Don't get too cocky."

"Heh"

"Anyway, I'm glad we met even though you're such a freakin' handful."

"Me too." Ichigo said as the two looked up at the moon happily.

The noblewoman leaned her head over on her prince.

"Rukia"

"Wha…" she was cut off by the lips of Ichigo who gently tilted her head up with his hand. Their lips pressed together, each was lost in the moonlight bliss. When their lips parted and their eyes opened, Rukia regained her senses and elbowed him in the ribs again.

"What the…" he started before Rukia returned his surprise attack, but while the two were enjoying the sweet retaliation a pair of eyes peaked over the roofline.

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Wow, this one grew out of control. I wanted to get to that last scene before I finished the chapter, but it just kept growing and growing and little details and jokes kept cropping up. This is probably the last time you'll ever see a chapter of this size from me, unless I get a ton of reviews liking this length.