Disclaimer: Mature content. I do not own Bleach nor the cover pic.

This is for all the Ichigo x Rukia's out there.

Chapter 25: Burying The Hatchet

"If I don't wield the sword,
I can't protect you.

If I keep wielding the sword,
I can't embrace you.

-Tite Kubo

"How are you feeling?" Tatsuki asked her best friend as she went to sit right next to her on the lounge chair beside the sparkling blue pool. "The weather here is incredible. Certainly not cold like home right now." She gave a happy sigh as she stretched out, allowing the sun kiss her skin.

Orihime let out a groan as she pushed her long hair back over her shoulders and adjusted her sunglasses before laying back down on her own lounge chair, "For the price I am paying it better be glorious…"

Tatsuki couldn't help but laugh, "Seriously, how are you feeling?"

Tatsuki wiped her eyes with the back of her hands as she brought out her keys to Orihime's condo after leaving Renji's. She needed time with her best friend to find any kind of comfort from the argument she had with the red head. Turning the door handle after unlocking it with the key, she stepped inside but to only let out a cry of despair as she spotted her best friend slumped on the ground lifeless.

"Orihime!" Tatsuki cried out as she ran towards the unconscious body, dropping her car keys in the process. "Orihime fucking wake up!"

Tatsuki knelt beside Orihime as she went to check a pulse on her wrist, feeling the very feint thump of the heartbeat. Sighing in relief she reached for her phone to dial for help but Orihime reached up weakly and stopped Tatsuki from doing so, with her hand pushing the phone down to the ground.

"We need to call for help Orihime," Tatsuki sobbed as she finally took notice of the model's features. Orihime was frail and thin, her color was lacking into a dull pale shade of skin that almost resembled death itself. The silky and voluminous auburn hair was now withered tendrils that seems like she had not washed in days or even weeks as the oil was extremely built and plastered on the hairline. Once the model opened her eyes, Tatsuki let out a gasp and tried not to break down at the bloodshot eyes. Again she reached for her phone but to only be stopped by her best friend.

"Orihime this is fucking seriously, you need to get help," Tatsuki begged as she pushed the auburn hair out of Orihime's eyes.

"I am okay Tatsuki, really I am," Orihime assured as best as she could, wheezing gently for air.

"You look like hell and you are going to end up in the hospital again but this time you could be dead!"

"But I am not..."

Tatsuki shook her head blinking a few tears, "No but you will be." She grabbed Orihime's cold hands into her own, "Please, you need to get off the drugs. I can't lose you. This needs to stop! You are stronger than this, you can't let your past ruin your future."

Orihime's eyes started to well up with tears as she turned her head to look away from Tatsuki from the ground, "What is the point Tatsuki? I fucked up everything in my life and I lost the one thing that mattered. He doesn't care if I am even dead."

Being so fed up, Tatsuki let out her anger and slapped Orihime across her face as she continued to laid on the ground. She didn't mean to do it so harshly especially in the weakened state Orihime was in but she couldn't take this shit anymore, "But I will care Orihime!" Tatsuki lowered her face towards her friend's chest and let out a heartbreaking sob. "I can't do this without you right now Orihime. I need you to be here for me too just like I am here for you."

She felt a weak pressure going through her hair and gathered it was Orihime stroking her comforting with her hand. The sounds of sniffles followed as she knew her best friend was now crying along with her.

"When did I become so pathetic?" Orihime sobbed, still stroking through the short strands of hair. "I used to be the hottest model around… The model everyone wanted to be but now…"

"Who cares about what other people think as long as you already have ones that care about you. You are the closest thing I have to family…"

Tatsuki blinked a few tears as she made a motion to grab for her iced lemon tea, "I need to be back for the shoot tomorrow. The urban shoot I was supposed to do with you."

"You will come back and visit me won't you?"

"In a heartbeat."

…

"What do you mean she doesn't want to fucking see me? I am her fucking boyfriend so let me in to see her!" Grimmjow roared as he slammed his fist onto the receptionist desk causing a loud thud to echo through the hallways. Several patients poke their heads out of their hospital room wondering where the loud sound was coming from and quickly closed their door once they realized whom was causing it.

Retsu gave a slight frown, "You are freighting our patients with your incredibly rude behavior. I advise you to stop or I will have to have you escorted out of the hospital by security. I also advise you that if you are indeed escorted out through security you will not be able to come visit as easily as before."

Grimmjow seized the counter with white knuckles as he gave the doctor a sneer, "I will break through the fucking door if I have to. What right do you have to keep me from seeing her? What is going on with her?"

"I cannot let you know any details as for confidentiality reasons which you cannot argue against. All I can say is she needs rest and you causing a scene out here is not helping her at all," She crossed her arms which irked him slightly more but gave him a small reassuring smile. "Go home and I will let her know you stopped by which I assume she already heard anyways. I will call you once she is ready to accept visitors."

"Accept visitors… I am not just a fucking visitor," Grimmjow closed his eyes trying to channel his frustrations and anger elsewhere but to no avail. He slammed his fists onto the expensive counter once more before stalking on his heels and sulking towards the elevator doors. As he entered the elevator he leaned back against the cool glass and let out a deep breath thinking of the green haired beauty.

Anger was still boiling within him as well as confusion on not knowing what was wrong with Nel. He had not seen her for a couple weeks as he was busy with his schedule but made time right away once it was allowed but yet, she did not want to see him.

"But she fucking knew I will be busier," Grimmjow told himself as his body became more rigid. "This can't be the only reason why she is upset." His mind flash back to when they were last together, they had made love and everything seem to be fine. What changed from then up until now?

Reaching into his inside pocket of his coat, he pulled out a small black box and flipped the box over and over inside of his hand. The case was smooth and silky soft, made with the finest leather material and what was inside was the one thing that will complete him. Cursing harshly, he shoved the leather box back inside of his coat and exited the elevator doors.

…

Nel flinched once she heard the loud pounding sound once more and pulled the warm thick blanket up over her shoulders as she snuggled into the pillows of the bay window. With the muffled yelling she knew Grimmjow was there to see her. Gripping the blanket, she fought the urge in every cell of her body to not go out and see her boyfriend. So badly she wanted to see him but she knew it wouldn't be right.

"Are you sure that is what you want?"

"Yes Retsu, I don't want to see him when he comes and visits me. I haven't been feeling well and I don't want him to worry about me when he does see me. I feel it will just cause more stress on me which is something I don't need right now," Nel lied as she stared at the ceiling from her hospital bed.

Retsu looked at her with suspicion but didn't push on the topic further, "If that is what you want Nel, I will make sure he will not approach your room…"

Nel blinked a few tears as she reached into the crook of the window to pull out the new set of photos. She didn't know who were taking the photos or why the photos were given to her. The envelope comes sealed, addressed to her which was given by any of the nurses that were on letter duty. The second envelope was the same as the first envelope which caused her heart to sank, she didn't have the courage to open the seal.

Taking a deep breath, she unsealed the envelope and pulled out the few pictures. Immediately tears were overwhelming her eyes as her vision became blurred. She dropped the pictures and curled up into a ball, silently sobbing into her blanket.

It's that girl again. The raven hair girl.

And a bathtub.

Her hands started to shake as she looked at each photograph one by one until she couldn't look any further. Dropping the photographs to the floor she reached into the crooked of the window and pulled out a small razor blade. Dragging her finger across the sharp blade.

…

Rukia wrapped the scarf tightly around her neck before she reached out to let the thick snowflakes fall gently onto the palm of her hand. Winter was by far the most favorite season of hers. Something about the beauty of the snow cannot be replicated. Wrinkling her nose from the coldness she swiftly made her way through the soft snow to the photoshoot.

The photoshoot was sudden and unexpected but a job is a job to her. Ishida sounded a bit hesitant when he called her earlier on the phone when he requested her to do a shoot.

"He was acting pretty strange," Rukia muttered into her scarf as she checked her watch on her wrist. Letting out a small gasp she realized she was almost late for her shoot and hustled her way to the address Ishida had given to her.

Upon arriving to the small warehouse she was slight hesitant as the building look rather abandoned. Pulling out her phone she checked the message from Ishida and double checked the address he sent her.

"The address seems correct…" Rukia walked over to the grey door and decided to enter the 'abandoned' warehouse.

Blaring music filled her ears which made her surprise as she could not hear a single sound outside the door. The music playing was hip hop and very urban. Cautiously she crept her way towards the music and finally she spotted Uryu talking to a few of the workers that were moving some of the set up to the right location.

Making her way towards him she stopped when she took awe into the surroundings. One of the walls were bricked which reminded her of the hallway that led to Ichigo's office. The brick wall was decorated with very colorful graffiti, a street setting was in front of the wall and with the lighting, she felt as if they were actually outside in a completely different city.

"What do you think?"

Rukia turned her head and saw the smiling Vice President nodding his head towards the set up.

"It's a really cool setting especially with the hip music," Rukia smiled warmly at him. "What kind of photoshoot is this?"

Uryu pushed up his framed glasses with his middle finger, "You will be modeling this new urban wear clothing." He checked his watched, "You should start getting ready with Ms. Matsumoto as the shoot is going to start very shortly."

Rukia nodded as she glanced over at the blonde waving at her from her makeup station and started to made her way. She stopped as she remembered something and turned back towards Uryu.

"Why were you so hesitant about this shoot?" Rukia called out to him but another voice yelled over to them before he could respond to her.

"Ishida, where is Yumichika?"

Rukia's heart nearly froze as her eyes widen over to the vice president. He gave her a wry smile in return before he called over to the voice behind her.

"Actually he-"

"What are you doing here?" Tatsuki asked which shook Rukia from her frozen stature and turned to stare at the model.

"I was asked to be here," Rukia said a bit coldly before turning back to Uryu. "What is going on Ishida?"

Ishida again pushed him glasses up on his nose, "You two will be photographed together as Ms. Inoue needs a replacement."

"Replacement?" Rukia questioned as she glanced back towards Tatsuki.

Tatsuki crossed her arms and leaned to the side, "I guess." Without another word she left the two of them alone and went back to her own makeup artist.

Rukia clenched her small hands into fists and glared at Uryu, "Ishida, why are you having me be photographed with her of all people? You know- you know what she has done and yet I am to be photographed with her?"

Uryu sighed and crossed his arms, "You know I am always on your side Rukia."

"Then why Ishida?" Rukia demanded as the anger slowly built.

"Did you forget my postion as Vice President of Soul Society Magazine?" Uryu asked as his glasses glared at her from the sunlight shining through the window.

"No of course not."

"Then you must know I take my position very seriously and when it comes to Kurosaki's company, we base our decisions on the outcome of the magazine and not by the judgment of others."

"I understand but-"

"Then you must forgive me if you understand. We are not doing this in spite of Ms. Arisawa being part of Mr. Abarai betrayal. We are doing this for your future Rukia."

The violets shifted downwards as she knew Uryu was correct, "I am sorry Ishida. I didn't mean to be selfish as I forgot my position within the company as well. You have directed me to achieve the success I have now. There are no reasons for me to doubt you."

Uryu nodded and gave her a heartwarming smile before glancing at his watch, "I am afraid we cannot further discuss as the shoot is about to start. You need to run over to Ms. Matsumoto to get ready."

Rukia gave him a short nod before turning to the makeup artist.

"Rukia?"

She turned her head back towards the slim man.

"Remember I am always on your side."

Taking a moment, she genuinely smiled at the vice president, she was truly touched by his words and if anything her heart would really forgive him but yet there was nothing he had done wrong to forgive in the first place. With a departing wave she ran towards the makeup artist waiting for her.

Rukia noticed that there was something different about the blonde. Rangiku was more reserved and quiet than usual. She didn't ask for the daily gossip between Ichigo and herself which was unusual as Rangiku was always interested about their secret relationship.

After a moment of awkward silence, Rukia couldn't take the odd atmosphere any further, "Is there something wrong Rangiku?"

The blonde gave a wry smile as she applied the heavy liner on Rukia's large eyes, "No not at all. I am just not feeling well today."

"You should tell Ishida, maybe he will cook you some soup to make you feel better after the shoot," Rukia teased cheerfully. A hesitant smile appeared on Rangiku's face which surprised her.

"Are you sure there is nothing wrong?" Rukia asked once again.

"Uryu officially asked to spend more time with me."

Rukia eyes brightened as she clapped her hands with glee, "That is wonderful news! We can perhaps go on a double date. How exciting you must be for finally having him return your feelings!"

"I didn't give him a straight answer…" Rangiku sadly smiled as she finished the small girl's make-up.

"Wait, why not? I thought you wanted to be with him?" Rukia was having a hard time catching the blonde's eye as she ws clearly avoiding the violets.

"That's the thing about love Rukia, sometimes you will have to make sacrifices in order for those around you to be truly happy. Even if it means you cannot be with them…"

Rukia didn't understand, "What do you mean, why would he not be happy with you?"

"Where are the fucking models?" Ichigo's voice called out loudly over the music as he tapped his floor with the camera in hand.

"Time for you to go my dear," Rangiku smiled as she ushered the model away.

Tatsuki was the first to walk towards the President, "Why are you here Kurosaki? Where is Yumichika?"

He scowled, "I am the photographer for this shoot. Where is Rukia?"

"Here," Rukia walked over to join them as she gave a small glare to her boyfriend. If anything, he should be the one to tell her about the shoot and the fact he was going to be there to photograph them.

"Nice look," Tatsuki commented which Rukia was taken by surprise.

Rukia glanced down at her attire, a short dark green overalls with a black crop top underneath. Black knee high socks with black combat boots. Her long raven hair was gathered high in a ponytail with few strands framing her face.

"Um thank you," Rukia replied. "You look nice as well."

Tatsuki gave a curt nod in her own torn black and green striped cropped shirt with a high waist shorts and gladiators heels that wrapped up to her thigh. A black bowler hat was presented over her short hair with longer curled strands on one side.

"Anyways," Ichigo cleared his throat. "Arisawa if you can direct her as I don't want to call over the loud music but this shoot is for an urban clothing company that you are wearing. Fucking expensive but paying more than others to appear in our magazine. Do your best to act natural."

Rukia watched as he gave them a last nod and raised his hands for the crew to start working the set as they started.

"Just act natural, use the wall or the streets as your anchor. You can even use me, just follow my lead. The music helps to transition the poses," Tatsuki said as she led them to the graffiti wall.

The shoot didn't last long as they found a perfect harmony in working with each other. Tatsuki would bend, sit, squat or just about anything to appear not towering over the smaller model. Rukia would eventually be at ease to lean her elbow onto Tatsuki shoulder or touch any other part of her knowing Renji had fully accessed every ounce of skin on the veteran model.

It didn't really cross her mind as the girls were actually having fun and moving with the flow of the hip hop music.

Once it was over, Rukia started to walk away but a slender hand held onto her shoulder.

"I just wanted you to know there is nothing going on between Renji and myself. We haven't done anything with each other since you found us… I basically forced him into a relationship or I would blackmail him about your role in all of this."

Rukia was stunned as she turned to stare at Tatsuki, "Why are you telling me this?"

Tatsuki shrugged and sighed, "I thought you should know so you can figure out your feelings fairly. If you are going to be with Kurosaki especially, I want us to have a fresh start as he is a close friend of mine. I am sorry for being such a bitch."

Rukia did something she would have never ever have done especially to a girl that her ex-boyfriend cheated on her with. She smiled at Tatsuki.

…

Rukia let out a content sigh as the cool water ran down her petite frame from the showerhead. Her mind reflected back on the photoshoot she had with Tatsuki and couldn't help but to give a small smile at the mutual camaraderie they had gain from each other. Brushing her long hair out of her face she heard the shower door open from behind and immediately she tensed.

"I am still upset with you," Rukia glared from over her shoulder. "I am not in the mood." She let out a shriek as she felt strong pair of hands grip the sides of her hips.

"But I am," Ichigo growled as he whispered into her ear. The warmth of his breath tickled the side of her face and she couldn't help but wanting to feel the softness of his lips.

"Why are you still upset with me? It was Uryu's idea besides I will take special note in letting you know ahead of time that you will be photographing with your nemesis."

She felt Ichigo press into her when he said 'special' and felt the hardened length slipping between the folds of her rear. Small kisses were placed on the side of her neck as she mewed quietly from the pleasure.

"This-this isn't fair," Rukia said weakly as one of Ichigo's hand came up over her shoulder to brace himself on the wall while the other hand traveled the curvature of her side.

"No not at all," He smirked into her neck and gave the flesh a small nibble, feeling satisfied as a small moan escaped between those pink lips. His fingers grazed over to her naval and up towards her breasts.

"I-I am still upset- Oh Ichigo!" Rukia cried out as he twisted a hardened nipple between his fingers and bit down hard onto the nape of her neck, which she opened more to gain him better access. She squeezed her thighs together aching to be touch by him but opened her large violet eyes as she gave a smirk of her own. Instantly she pushed away from him and turned around to a very surprise face.

"Wha-?"

Rukia stepped towards him and slapped his hands away as he reached out to touch her, to feel her. She wouldn't allow it, not this time. This time she wanted to show him how much she wanted him, to taste him. Kissing the corners of his lips down to the nape of his neck, biting the collar bone protruding.

Ichigo groaned slightly as her fingers traveled lightly down his hard abdomen, into the hair that was surrounding his hard shaft.

"Fuck," Ichigo groaned into her hair as she massaged the velvet skin of sack into her hand before going down onto her knees and giving the balls in her hand a gently lick while looking up at him innocently.

The ambers had grown darker as he stared down at her, bracing himself on the wall with both hands before shutting off the faucet to avoid water cascading onto her face.

He wanted her to look up at him the entire time.

The only water she blinked away were the small drops dripping from the strands of orange.

Her tongue left his scrotum as she traveled up the entire length of him to the tip of the head before placing a small kiss right at the tip. Eyes never leaving his.

Ichigo inhaled sharply as her lips circled around the tip of his shaft and completely devoured him. Trying his best to brace himself again the wall he felt the small girl's tongue swirl around the tip which almost made him lose his control.

Building a rhythm of her own, she worked her hands and mouth, to make sure the entire length of him was massaged and sucked.

"Fuck Rukia, that feels so fucking good," Ichigo managed out hoarsely as he continued to watch the beautiful sight before him. "Fuck if you keep this up I am not going to last long," He finally closed his eyes as she quickened her pace, his mouth hung slightly opened as his breathing became quickened with small deep moans

Rukia tightened her lips and sucked him harder, not allowing him to pull away from her until she heard the deep groan coming from him as warm liquid filled her mouth. Looking up back at the now opened ambers, she made sure to swallow every last drop of him and relished in how sweet he actually tasted.

Before she knew it, Ichigo hauled her up until her legs wrapped around his waist and smashed their lips together. Clearly not caring of how he was tasting himself as his tongue slipped into her mouth, dancing, savoring, he wanted to kiss the fuck out of her.

Opening the shower door, Ichigo stumbled out and tried his best to lead them back to her room while bumping into the door frame or the wall. Not caring as he never wanted to leave her mouth.

Rukia was placed on the edge of the bed gently and propped up onto her elbows wondering what Ichigo was about to do but inhaled instead as she felt his warm tongue licking the slit of her folds. Using his fingers, he spread the lips apart so he could flick her clit with the tip of his tongue before nibbling gently causing her to arch her back off of the bed.

"Yes, yes Ichigo, right- right there," Rukia moaned out breathlessly as her hands dug into the orange hair. Her mind was lucid with pleasure, she bit her lip as two fingers insert into her and slowly fucked her.

She was so close, so damn close but needed a little more as her hands left Ichigo's soft hair to clenched the thick comforter near her head. Rukia usually wasn't vocal with her pleasure but her moans are becoming louder as Ichigo must knew she was getting closer as his tongue circled the clit at an incredible rhythm while thrusting a third finger inside of her tight cave.

"Fuck Ichigo!" Rukia screamed as she found her release and tried to push her lover away from her. Ichigo refused as he wanted to taste the sweet nectar that was pouring out of her pussy. Her legs quaked and closed as the sensitivity was extreme while her death grip on the comforter almost pierced her skin on her palms from her nails through the thick fabric.

"So fucking beautiful," Ichigo whispered as he swiftly shifted her to the middle of the bed, finally entering the tight walls that clenched all around his large erection erupting a groan out of him. "So fucking tight for me."

The small girl's body relaxed as soon as Ichigo slid into her slick heat, she was slightly grateful that he was allowing her time to adjust with the sensitivity as he planted sweet kisses on her pulse point of her neck.

"Tell me," He breathed into her neck while thrusting gently. "Tell me how do you want it."

Rukia pouted slightly as she tried to get him to move again, the pleasure from that single thrust was addicting like a drug. She needed more. She wanted to feel his hands all over her body, his tongue, his lips, teeth. She wanted no needed him to not just make love to her, but to just fuck her ruthlessly.

"Tell me," Ichigo repeated as he thrusted harder into her. "Tell me how to fuck you."

Grasping the back of his neck, she plunged her tongue into his mouth tasting the remnants of her orgasm while pulling him as deep as she can into her soaking slit, "Hard."

His arm scooped underneath her thigh and raised her leg up, stopping the kiss, "Beg for it."

"Please Ichigo," She moaned as he flicked his tongue across her nipple. "Fuck me hard, I need you to fuck me as hard as you can. I need you to be rough and to take me as you want me."

He bit down onto her nipple as he thrusted hard into her tightness, enjoying the delicious moan that sounded from her sweet lips, completely agreeing with every single word she had begged. Rukia was absolutely getting lost in the pleasure as she dipped her head down into the blanket, raising her hips to meet every single thrust he was giving her. The water that were on their skin from the shower dissipated at a sheen of sweat taken glistened on their bodies from their lustful fuck.

Rukia gripped the back of Ichigo's shoulder, digging her nails into the skin as his speed increased such a momentum she felt she will unravel into a million pieces.

"Ichigo, I-I am-"Rukia screamed out his name as she found her second release, digging her nails further into the skin of his back drawing blood. Without a second notice she was flipped onto her stomach as he re-entered her from behind, clutching her hips firmly while plunging his large shaft into her once again.

She was still high from her orgasm and didn't have time to recover but in no time, the wave of pleasure warmed her abdomen that she soon forgotten about the sensitivity and got lost in his ferocity once more.

Ichigo gripped the back of her hair and raised her back to his chest, while reaching his hand around to touch her, not losing the pattern of fucking her hard. Pulling her head to the side, he sucked and bit on her neck before bringing his soaked fingers from her clit to her mouth. Her tongue swirled around his fingers as she tasted herself.

"See how fucking delicious you are?" Ichigo growled into her neck. "I want you to lick all your juices off my fingers."

She whimpered louder from his words and sucked his finger clean. His ferociousness was what she wanted, she wanted him to know she was a lioness and not some gentle cat. The feeling of him fucking her ruthlessly, the stretching of her tight pussy lips from his big member almost as if he was going to cut her was the feeling she wanted with him at that moment. She wanted the raw intimacy with no boundaries. To unleash the inner beast, she knew they had within each other.

She loved him so much.

She was his.

And he was hers.

No one else in the world matter.

Her final release had triumphed her and soon after Ichigo finally found his own after a few more hard thrusts into her, spilling his hot liquid within her. Her small body was still quaking as they both had fallen onto the bed, soaked in their own sweat and juices, not caring how destroyed the comforter was.

Ichigo rubbed the side of her hips softly with a large hand knowing it must throb a little from his hard grip before pulling her into his chest and tried his best to cover the both of them with the blanket they were on top of.

He kissed the top of her head as she hummed sleepily with satisfied content, allowing the slumber to take over.

…

Renij walked with his luggage out of his hotel room. He was gone for only a week and realized what the hell was he doing running away when he should have his last meeting with the small girl he loved so much. The sooner the better. He needed to know if what that asshole said was true.

That she still loved him.

Pulling out his phone, he sent out a quick text before putting the phone back into his pocket and hailing a taxi to head back to the airport.

'Set up a place and time for me to meet Rukia.'

Now it was all left in Grimmjow's hands.

To be continued...

Sorry loves, I know it has been a while. My bestie here had told me what happened and I just rage out this chapter. I didn't want to include the smut honestly but I wanted to prove how right they are for each other! I won't stop writing IchiRuki stories because now it's all we have...

For the delay, I was very ill with morning sickness. Yep, I am expecting! I am past my first trimester so it's easing up but school is about to start soon anyways.. so I will try my best! The story is coming to a close soon but still so much to write. I hope you like this chapter. It's been a while so any story errors let me know because I too forget my own stories.

Thanks for your reviews and messages, I heart you all friends.

xoxoxo-jae