Homework Chapter 25 Countdown to the End, a bleach fanfic

Too many lives had been sacrificed. Too many painful memories, so much anguish and tears. But finally...

It has come to this.

The three Kings position themselves for their final attack. The wolf roars, the hollow narrows his eyes and the vampire holds his sword tight. Each one pouring everything they got with each different resolves shining in their eyes. The earth stands still until...

Aizen lunges forward, the weight of his heavy steps causing tremors on the ground. Kaien moves to meet the wolf head on while Ichigo leaps up the air to attack from the other direction. Aizen growls as he lunges at Kaien but the hollow dodges the attack by jumping sideways, causing the wolf's mouth to crash against the ground instead. A roar comes from above. Aizen turns his head skyward to see Ichigo coming down upon him with his sword hold downward with its tip ready to cut through his skull. But despite Aizen's weight, he still can move fast and is able to escape Ichigo's attack. Said wolf suddenly disappears from Ichigo's sight. And before Ichigo can set his foot back on the ground, Aizen appears from nowhere and attacks him from behind.

Everything seems to move in slow motion as Kaien jumps over Aizen's back and puts the wolf in a headlock using his wing and his good arm while Ichigo whips around and thrusts his blood sword against the wolf's chest.

Aizen's body is rigid. His gold eyes are bulging in its socket as blood spurts out from his chest. He is so shock with what the two men did. He knows Ichigo and Kaien are enemies, that's why Aizen can't understand how the two manage to move in sync-like they have been partners for so long. His bulging eyes roll down at the vampire below him and even if he can't see the hollow's face, he knows that the two have the same identical expressions on their faces.

The resolve to defeat him.

No.

Aizen scowls. He will never accept defeat. He is a King. And if he is to die then better take someone with him.

"Y-You're a fool," Aizen croaks, a wry smile cracking on his bloody lips. And without warning, he transforms back to his human form. The transformation shocks the two men and before they could move, Aizen grips Ichigo's sword and pushes it deeper against his chest. The sword pierces through Kaien's flesh.

"No!" Ichigo yells, pulling his sword swiftly but it is too late. His blood sword reacts on its own and exorcises the hollow in Kaien, turning the guy back to his vampire form thus igniting the Hogyouku that was planted in his chest.

"Aaaarrrggghhh..!" Flame envelopes Kaien's body quickly.

Ichigo screams and tries to save his cousin. And as he panics, Aizen transforms back to his wolf form through his great evil desires, and is now lunging at him. "We're all going to die!"

Ichigo turns and finds the wolf's strong jaws set to its fullest and is crashing down upon him. But before it can take him, an angry flare of orange flame obstructs Ichigo's view and the next thing he knows, he is pushed out of harm's away.

"What the-"

Kaien blocks Ichigo out from Aizen, crashing his burning body against the charging wolf. The flame quickly crawls up on Aizen's body and before it can move away again, Kaien pushes both of them off into the lake.

"Kaien!" Without thinking twice, Ichigo dives down the dark water and follows after the two. But as the Hogyouku melts, the flame grows bigger— making the water hot against Ichigo's skin. The orange haired vampire ignores the burns. He swims as fast as he could to catch Kaien but the two are sinking too fast as if something is pulling them further down the dark abyss.

"Kaien—akh..!" Ichigo gasps painfully, his burning skin and lungs suffocating him. He tries to reach down for Kaien but the pain overwhelms him. It is impossible to ignore. And just as he starts to get suffocated, the lake starts to tremble from underneath until...

BOOOOOOOOMMMMMM!

The lake erupts like a furious volcano, creating a huge fountain of water bursting into the sky. Ichigo appears from the explosion, flying high up into the air before falling roughly down the ground. The blast lasts for several moments until it slowly calms down— the water raining the earth with warm droplets.

"Uurrrggh." Ichigo groans as he pushes himself up on his hands and knees. Panting and shaking water off his hair, he turns at the lake which has finally settles down and finds a body lying near the bank. "Kaien!"

Kaien coughs then winces as the small motion causes severe pain in his entire face. His breath come in short ragged huffs and his skin feels light and hot, thin smoke coming off his body. He then hears a voice and he need not turn towards it to know who is calling out his name.

"Kaien!" Ichigo drops down on his knees as soon as he reaches Kaien's burnt form. Said man gets completely burned—torn—blackened with not even a single hair left in his head. Ichigo can't recognize him anymore if not for his strong guts that tells him that it is Kaien and not Aizen. "Just hang in there, Kaien. You'll gonna be alright. Just stay awake, okay?"

"I...I'm not g-going to...make it, Ichi-go," Kaien utters hoarsely, ignoring the pain as he speaks.

"No! Just shut up and stay awake. That's an order!" Ichigo states firmly. He tries to stay calm but he doesn't know where to start helping his cousin. He doesn't even where to touch him. "Just-Just stay awake, dammit!"

A very faint yet genuine smile appears on Kaien's lips. "If I have known before...that death could feel this good then I... I should have chosen death over revenge a long time ago. That way... I would have died with a heart and leave it t-to someone...I wouldn't have c-caused you a lot of trouble. You must be...v-very mad at me."

Ichigo shakes his head. "I'm not mad at you, Kaien... I'm just mad at what you did."

A weak chuckle escapes Kaien's throat causing his orange haired cousin to lightly frown at him. "You said...the same thing that your little wife...told me earlier. Rukia...she's really...something."

"...I know. Almost everyone said that."

Kaien rolls his eyes towards Ichigo's face and stares at him for a moment...a solemn yet distant smile still etch on his face. "Never let her go..." he says just above a whisper as his breathing becomes weaker each seconds. "No matter w-what happens...just...never let her go." His eyelids are drooping heavily that only a small layer of his emerald eyes can be seen. He is really dying yet the smile never once leaves his face. "Go...Gomenasai...Ichigo... Gomen-na-..."

Ichigo's expression twitches into a crestfallen look as the light in Kaien's eyes slowly fades until the last breath finally takes the man's life away. He hangs his head lower as his hand reaches out to Kaien's face, placing his palm over the man's eyes before gently shutting them close. And as he removes his hand, Kaien's body finally turns into a pile of ashes.

A soft wind whistles, blowing particles of Kaien's ashes— lifting them high up into the air until it glistens towards the sky.

Ichigo remains on his spot for awhile until he notices something right where Kaien's hand was before it turns into ash. And to his surprise, it is the bottle of the healing potion he accidentally dropped onto the lake earlier. Picking up the bottle, Ichigo can clearly envision how Kaien tried his best to get the said potion under water whilst his body is burning and at the same time fighting with Aizen. At the very end, Kaien did his best to help him and that's his way of apologizing for everything he had done.

Another soft breeze brushes around them, causing the orange haired vampire to look up the sky and say, "Arigatou, Kaien."

Ichigo watches as two beautiful purple orbs slowly comes into view and meets his soft amber gaze. And soon his heart starts beating once again as the lovely voice of his wife fills his ears.

"Ichigo?"

The orange haired vampire tosses the potion bottle aside and hugs his wife tighter against his chest, burying her face in the crook of his neck. "I got you now baby, you're fine. Thank God, you're okay," he whispers repeatedly, kissing her hair in joy and relief.

"Ichigo, are you alright?" Rukia asks hoarsely.

"Yes, I'm fine. I'm alright." Ichigo sighs in relief. "My God. Rukia, you're so stupid. You scared the shit out of me. Don't ever do that again...don't save my life ever again."

Rukia smiles tiredly against his neck, lifting her arms to wrap around his waist. "Alright, I won't. That's if you stop saving me too."

Ichigo huffs, smiling. "Teme."

The sky finally reveals the beautiful sunrise and the couple pulls apart to watch the warm glow of the sun spreading across the earth, touching their skins and warming their hearts. Rukia looks back up at Ichigo and smiles. Ichigo does the same and as the sun rises, the two greets the new day with a soft loving kiss.

"I love you so much, Rukia."

Rukia smiles. But before she can answer back, a thought suddenly crosses her mind. "Oh no!" she gasps.

"What is it, baby? Is there's something wrong?"

"It's Monday now...isn't it?"

"Y-Yeah. What about it?"

"I..." She looks up at him, blinking with worried innocent eyes.

"You what?" Ichigo asks nervously, his heart pounding in utter worry.

"I..."

"Y-You..?"

"I forgot to do my homework."

Ichigo planks down the floor— anime style.

Homework

by chOOnyOung17

Chapter 25 Countdown to the End

I don't own Bleach

"A week had passed by and Tokyo is now moving on after that tragic earthquake. Reports say that the town's citizens have started rebuilding their homes. Others are slowly getting back to their businesses and work while many have accepted the tragedy and decided to work together in order to bring life back in Japan's beloved city... Thank you for watching KT News, I'm Lisa Yadomaru. Good afternoon."

"Aaww... That is so touching," Inoue mewls, biting her handkerchief and pulling onto it like a crying helpless little cat. Her other female co-teachers agree with her, sniffing and crying as they flock around the television in their faculty room.

"I'm just glad no one in our teachers got hurt. Soi Fon-Sensei and Nemu-Sensei just came out from the hospital, and they are fine now." One teacher says.

"Yes. They are very lucky," another one comments.

Then the door to the room slides open and a raven haired teacher steps in.

"Oh and here's one of them!" Mrs. Haru- the old teacher who dislikes people shouting- shouts. "One of our handsome and beloved teachers or should I say, earthquake survivors, Ishida-sensei! Yay! Let's give him a round of applause!"

Everyone hesitates to clap their hands and make some noise since its Mrs. Haru who asks them.

"C'mon minna! Let's cheer him! Hep-hep!"

Everyone share glances.

"Hep-HEP!"

The crickets chirp.

"HEP-HEP!"

"Ahm..." Inoue steps in front and shyly says, "...Hooray?"

Ishida sweatdrops.

"Yay! Congratulations on your second life!" The old teacher says, pulling Ishida in a tight motherly hug. Everyone also congratulates him. He is a survivor indeed but not from an earthquake. No one knows what truly happened day but Ishida respects his fellow vampire's decisions to let the issue stay as that. "We're really really glad you're both okay. Speaking of Kurosaki-sensei...where is he?"

...V...

The late afternoon breeze greets Ichigo as he steps out into the rooftop of their school building. Loosening his tie, he makes his way towards the fence before placing both arms on top of the railing. Another soft breeze blows around causing him to close his eyes and tilts his head-letting the soft glow of the afternoon sun to bathe his face. He can hear distant noises, students' voices, squeals, chats and laughter. There's a choir singing, some athletes shouting, a whistle being blown, foots running, floor being swept and almost all random school sounds and noises.

He sighs contentedly, opening his eyes again to watch the students exiting the school grounds. They look so happy, so carefree and full of life. The smiles on their innocent faces bring a smile on his lips.

Everything's back to normal.

It feels like such a long time since he feels this...ordinary. But he likes it. The events that happened last week makes him appreciate the normalcy that surrounds him. It feels good. It makes him realize that life can change dramatically in a heartbeat, that the world never favours anyone —whether he's mortal or immortal. And that life isn't perfect. But...

"Kurosaki-sensei~!"

"Hm?" Ichigo looks down at a group of students (his students) calling out to him from the school gate.

"We'll see you on Monday!" the students chorus, bowing courteously before waving up at him.

"Ah!" Ichigo smiles, lifting an arm to wave back at his students. But before he can say 'Take care!', Ms Haru appears from the faculty window and scolds the teens.

"How many times do I have to tell you NOT TO YELL INSIDE THE SCHOOL GROOOUNDS?!"

The whole school sweat drops.

"Gomenasai Haru-sensei."

"What did you say?!"

"We said... GOMENASAI HARU-SENSEI!" the students yell, looking back at each other before running for their lives.

"Why you... Get back here you stubborn kids! Just wait 'til I give you a handful of my..."

Ichigo watches as the old Mrs. Haru starts chasing around the bunch of laughing teens. He chuckles.

'Yeah. It's really nice to be back to normal.'

...V...

It's already 6pm when Ichigo arrives at his house. He could have arrived earlier, however for no special reason he decided to take a small walk around the town. He just felt like looking around houses, seeing people and just feeling everything in the way. Winter is slowly approaching and he actually feels good.

Ichigo pauses outside the gate and takes a few seconds to look at his small home. A soft smile appears on his face as his gaze finds the window to his wife's room. Maybe one day, when it's safe and acceptable to reveal his marriage, he'll take his wife for a walk around town.
.

Yes, one day. That would be nice.

"Tadai-NYAAA!" Ichigo squeals like a girl in a horror movie, jumping backwards with his back pressed against the door. His eyes bulge out in pure horror as he stares at a tall man who appears from his kitchen-wearing nothing but pants...and Rukia's pink apron?

"Welcome home, Ichigo."

"What the fuck, Renji?!" Ichigo growls.

"Hm?" Renji blinks innocently, holding a stirring pan in one hand while the other rest on his hips —a pose very similar to that of a housewife waiting for her beloved husband.

Ichigo gags, feeling like throwing up at the sight before him. "What the fuck are you doing in my kitchen and in my wife's apron?!"

"Why? Don't you like it?" Renji teases, batting his lashes making Ichigo want to puke.

"For God sake, Renji! Take that thing off!" Ichigo orders before speed walking away from the red head. "And stay away from my oven."

"Hai...ojousama~" Renji purrs teasingly then laughs as Ichigo's face turns a dark shade of purple.

Oh fuck.

He needs to see his wife before he dies of creepiness overdose. "Rukia!"

"I'm here!"

Ichigo opens the door to Rukia's bedroom and finds her hunched down on her study table...busying herself with doodling rabbits as usual. "Rukia."

The girl swivels her chair around to greet him but Ichigo surprises her by scooping her in his arms swiftly-yet careful enough not to hurt her injured foot.

Rukia squeals but her voice gets quickly muffled as her husband takes her lips in his-kissing her softly yet with urgency. He slowly sits down the bed, settling his wife gently in his lap all the while not pulling away from their kiss.

Rukia's response is a soft excited moan as Ichigo rolls his tongue inside her willing mouth and teases her own tongue to dance with his. He must've missed her so much. Going to school and not seeing her there is something Ichigo finds hard to get use to. Rukia has been absent from his class for a whole week because of her injuries and fractured ankle. And while Ichigo is at school, his friends take turns on watching over her. But thank God it's Friday night, he can finally spend two days at the house alone with his wife again. The whole eight to nine hours that he didn't see her is enough to drive him mad.

"Oh God, baby I miss you so much," Ichigo moans as they finally pull apart. He rests his forehead against hers as his hand absently caresses the length of her arm, kneading and squeezing her knees then going back up to caress her cheeks with his thumb.

"You miss me?" Rukia asks, placing her arm loosely around his neck.

"Yeah." Ichigo answers. "I miss this." He places a chaste kiss on her lips. "And this." Then pokes her nose lightly. "This." Rukia giggles as he flicks her bang playfully. "And of course, this."

A blush appears on Rukia's cheeks when Ichigo cups her right breast, squeezing it gently before smirking, that handsome boyish smirk of him. "Pervert." Rukia frowns-smiles, smacking his hand playfully.

"How's your foot?" Ichigo asks, dipping his head down to place soft kisses on her neck.

"It's getting good. I tried walking with it earlier and it didn't hurt anymore. I think I can go to school next week."

"Hm-mm. That's good." Ichigo moans in approval, nipping on her earlobe while his hand starts snaking under her shirt.

"Ichigo~"

"What?" said husband asks innocently, moving down to attack her neck again.

"We can't-" Rukia giggles as Ichigo's fingers tickle her side. "Renji is in the kitchen."

Speaking of Renji.

Ichigo pulls away from his ministration and Rukia is slightly disappointed at losing his touch. "I almost forgot."

"What is it?"

Ichigo stares at her with a serious scowl. "Why did you let Renji use the kitchen and worse wear your apron?"

"Oh," Rukia giggles, reaching for her sketchbook. "We had a game earlier and I won so Renji has to be a butler and I'm his master. Look I even made a poster of him in an apron!"

And as expected, a rabbit with red pineapple head is drawn in every space of the pad. An awkward smile appears on Ichigo's face-the corner of his lips twitching as he tries not to ruin his wife's mood by commenting on how her drawings suck.

As in capital SUCK!

"I'm so happy." Rukia smiles widely, admiring her work. "I can now draw a perfect oval for Renji's nose. I think my drawing skills had greatly improve, ne Ichigo?"

The man in question stares at her for a moment before pulling her in a tight comforting hug. "Rukia..."

"Yes?"

"I love you no matter what."

"...Hm?"

"Even if my eyes hurt seeing every horrible piece of crap you called drawings I still-umf!"

Ichigo's voice gets cut off as Rukia's sketchpad hits him square in the mouth. He flips over the bed and falls on the floor with blood squirting from his nose. "O-Ouch..."

"Hey, what was that noise?" Renji steps inside the room and finds Ichigo prompting himself from the floor, groaning and cupping his bloody nose. He blinks and instead of giving his friend sympathy, he burst into a loud laugh. Ichigo shoots him a glare while Rukia steps towards him.

"Renji!"

Renji suppressed his laughter and quickly turns his attention to his 'master' for the day. "Hai, Rukia-sama?"

"What do you think of my drawings?" Rukia asks demandingly.

"Ahm..." Renji glances at Ichigo as if trying to figure how to answer correctly. And by deducing what happened to the orange haired guy, Renji realizes that he has to be really careful with his answers. "It's..." He smiles widely before saying, "Very beautiful, young master."

Rukia huffs, giving her husband a boastful huff. "And?"

"And very...beautiful."

"You said that already," Ichigo deadpans.

"Shut up!" Renji snaps while Rukia ignores his husband and just tap her foot impatiently.

"And?"

"And very...nice."

"And?"

"And very colorful."

"And?"

"Very wonderful."

"And?"

"Magnificent."

"And?"

"Awesome!"

"And?"

"Very COOL!" Renji exclaims, hoping that his enthusiasm will satisfy the young girl because he's running out of adjectives. But...

"And?"

By that time, Renji turns at Ichigo for help but said guy just cocks an eyebrow at him. Ichigo wants to look innocent but Renji can see that hideous smile on his lips, expecting him to do the wrong move or say the wrong word for him to have the same fate he had earlier-or even worse.

"Aaaannddd?"

Cold beads of sweat start coming out from his every pore as the feisty girl leans towards him-waiting anxiously for his answer. "A-And very...very touching."

A smile slowly appears on the young girl's face while Ichigo's jaw drops in surprise and disbelief, not expecting that the red head will make it out alive.

Renji huffs, giving Ichigo a triumphant in-your-face smirk. And to boast his success even more, he decides to continue with his flattery-which turns out to be a wrong move. "Yes, Rukia-sama. Your drawings are very touching, with all those pineapples and-" Renji cuts his own sentence as a dark aura starts to pour out from the raven haired girl.

"Pine...apple..?" Rukia billows.

"Ahm...yeah. That's a perfect pineapple you got there...right?" Renji gulps and turns at Ichigo who is gliding a thumb across his neck, a sign that means...death.

"They're NOT PINEAPPLES, IDIOOOT!"

Crash! Kling! Thump! Boom!

The whole house shakes causing a stray cat passing by outside to screech and run away.

Rukia huffs indignantly, stomping out of her room and leaving the two men sprawl upside down against the wall.

"It really looks pineapple to me," Renji groans.

"Sure does..." Ichigo mumbles. "'Cause its actually you, Renji."

"...Eh?!"

Rukia makes her way to their fridge to grab some water when a knock comes at the door. She quickly dons the whole glass before going towards it. "Who's there?" she asks but no one answers. Frowning, she slowly unlocks the door and jumps in surprise as it suddenly flies open.

"Rukia-chaaan~"

Rukia's eyes widen as Shinji bursts from the door and comes flying towards her with his arms open wide to grope her in an embrace. But a shadow soars above Rukia's head and there comes her overprotective husband, flying with one leg stretched out to kung-fu kick Shinji in the face. But the Shinji trips over accidentally dodging Ichigo's foot, sending the orange haired guy flying out of the house all the way to the garden.

"WAAAAAaaaaaahhhh~..!"

Crash! Kling! Thud! Boom!

Rukia sweatdrops.

"Oh my pretty little Rukia-chan. How are you doing?" Shinji chimes, holding unto the girl's hand before placing a kiss on top of it like a prince would to a princess.

"I'm fine, Hirako-san. Thank you," Rukia answers, smiling awkwardly as the guy continues to rub her hand.

"I believe you're cooking something special for tonight, eh? But wait, where is your carrot husband?" Shinji's question is answered when a disheveled Ichigo reappears from the door and snatches Rukia away from him-frowning like a young boy retrieving his favorite toy back. "Oh Ichi-"

"Why are you here?" Ichigo snaps, holding his wife under his arm like she's a sack of potato or something. But Rukia doesn't mind, she just giggles at the leaves and grasses sticking out on Ichigo's orange hair.

"Well I-"

"Mah men!" Renji exclaims, walking up to Shinji and throwing an arm over the latter's shoulder like an old pal would to his friend. "What took you so long?"

"Sorry, Renji. I've got a little detoured."

"It doesn't matter, as long as you've taken care of business."

"Of course. I wouldn't want to let you down, my friend."

"Yeah...friend."

"Hahahaha..!"

The two men let out an annoying identical laugh, causing a tick mark to appear on Ichigo's head.

"Wait." Ichigo interrupts. "What are you talking about? Your shifts are over and I'm already here so you can go. I can perfectly take care of my wife now, thank you very much."

"Huh? But Renji said that there will be a party here tonight?"

"A WHAT?!"

"Kya!" Rukia yelps as Ichigo drops her down in shock.

"Oh! Sorry baby!"

Thwak!

Renji and Shinji burst out laughing again as Ichigo gets a huge lump in the head courtesy of Rukia. But their joyful laughter gets cut off when all of a sudden...

"SURPRIIISE!"

The front door flies open behind the two men, knocking and sending both of them to crash faces first against the opposite wall. Ichigo's eyes widen as a group of people comes barging inside his house and before he can say react, the group throws a bunch of gift boxes unto him.

"Minna!" Rukia's face brightens in joy and excitement at seeing the whole gang. Urahara-san, Yoruichi-san, Rangiku, Nanao, Hiyori, Toshiro, Hisagi, Ikakku and Yumichika.

"Yo."

"Hello, Rukia-san."

"Rukia-chan!" Rangiku squeals, pulling the girl in her bosom to give her a hug aka squeeze-the-life-out-of-the-young-girl hug. "I miss you so much! I haven't been able to visit you because I was still recuperating but I'm-"

"You're killing her, Matsumoto." Toshiro deadpans, causing the big bosomed woman to release her hold of Rukia.

"Oh sorry." Rangiku giggles while Rukia gasps air back to her lungs. "Look, we have a surprised for you! Tada!"

Rukia face lights up again as a girl jumps out from behind the group. "Momo!"

"Rukia!"

The two girls pull each other in a dramatic hug. "Oh Momo! I missed you so much! I haven't heard of you since this morning!"

"No. I missed you more, Rukia!"

"No. I missed you most!"

"No. I missed you super most!"

"Momo. It's me who missed you to the highest level!"

"It's me!"

"Me!"

Everyone sweatdrops as the two girls cry out like the teenage drama queens they are and argue about who missed the other more.

"Tsh! Girls." Toshiro scoffs, catching the attention of the two best friends. They turn at the silver haired guy and blink at him causing the said guy to blush faintly. "What is it?" he asks.

"Thank you for taking care of Momo."

"Wha- I..." Finding it hard to say a word, Toshiro turns his head away, pouting to hide his embarrassment. The two girls look back at each other and then giggle for who knows why.

"So, where's the man of the house?" Urahara asks, causing everyone to look around for the missing man. A groan is heard and everyone look down to see a mop of orange hair buried under the pile of gift boxes. "Oh my!" Urahara gasps worriedly before bending down towards the pile."This box has breakables inside."

Everyone planks down the floor-anime style.

Just when they thought, Urahara will help Ichigo up, turns out that he's more worried of the box than the carrot top guy buried under it.

"Uh-Aaarrggh!" Ichigo roars, emerging from the heap like a mad hulk and causing the boxes to fly everywhere.

"Oh there you are! Hello, Kurosaki-san!"

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" Ichigo shouts, blowing the hat off of Urahara's head.

"Now, now. Calm down, Kurosaki-san. You invited us over for dinner, remember?"

"What? I didn't-" Ichigo cuts his own sentence and turns at a certain red headed man. "Renji..?"

"Hey! Relax men. I didn't invite everyone. It's just Shinji that I called to come over." Renji says. Everyone turns to Shinji.

"Yeah. But you said that Rukia told you that she's bored and she wished to see everyone." Shinji explains. Everyone then turns to Rukia.

"Yes I said it, but that's because Ichigo won't let me leave the house for the whole week." Rukia counters. And before Ichigo can react, everyone turns to him with accusing gazes.

"So, it was you after all." Yoruichi says coyly.

"Wha-"

"Ok. Trust Ichigo to forget his own party." Ikakku comments.

"But it's-"

"Oh c'mon, that's not pretty at all." Yumichika adds.

"Typical Ichigo," Nanao mutters and Toshiro agrees with a small nod.

"So, what are we waiting for guys! Let's start preparing for our little feast!"

"Hurray!"

The group happily enters the house, filling the living room with loud comical buzzes and chatters. They are about to disperse around the house to start preparing the food and all when Ichigo blocks their way with arms spread out on either sides.

"No!" Ichigo says firmly. "Just go party in Urahara's or everywhere else but here."

Rukia sighs. "Ichigo, stop being so rude. Look, they even brought me gifts."

"It's not being rude, Rukia. I'm just being protective of our house. I know them; they're just going to bring our house down. They're a bunch of reckless people!"

"And you're not?" the group chorus.

"Shut up!"

Everyone (except Toshiro) frowns sadly and slowly turns towards the door, preparing to leave with 'dejected' looks on their faces.

"Ichigo, you fool!" Rukia gives her husband a scolding look before quickly stopping the group from leaving. "Ah minna, don't mind him. He's just being an idiot. Come on, come on, and suit yourself inside."

"Rukia, I'm the man of this house and when I say no it means-"

A glare as sharp and deadly as Byakuya's sword (that only a true descendant from a frightening samurai clan has) is enough to cut whatever Ichigo is about to say. He closes his mouth and tries to open it again but the cold murderous glint on his wife's eyes shoves the words back down his throat all the way to his ass and he can't do anything anymore but to frown and look away in annoyance and defeat.

"Fine."

Everyone grins.

Now, who's the real man of this house?

...V...

Ichigo has his arms crossed over his chest as he watches his friends moving around his beloved home. His hawk-like gaze darts here and there, monitoring their every move from Rangiku turning on the stove to Hiyori simply opening the fridge.

"The pans are on the cupboard," Ichigo says. Hiyori blinks innocently at him, mouthing an 'Oh.' before closing the fridge. "And leave that apple on the fridge, it's for Rukia," he adds causing Hiyori to grimace at him.

"Ichigo!" Rukia exclaims, giving him another scolding look before turning to Hiyori with a soft smile. "Go ahead. You can have the apples."

"But I bought it for you." Ichigo says in an almost whining tone before looking past her and shouting to Rangiku to stay away from his oven. "...That's 20.75 marked down to 18.99. It's brand new and I just bought those two weeks ago! And-aah! Renji what are you doing with my flat screen?!"

Rukia face palm. Seriously, define 'overprotective' and all you have to do is look at Ichigo.

A whole hour past and the group finally finished cooking the food and arranging the living room, pushing off the couches to make more room and setting a round kotatsu (Japanese table) in the middle.

Rukia, Momo, Rangiku and Nanao finally enter the living room, bringing in the food and causing everyone to smile in excitement. After setting in the food on the table, the girls find a seat. Nanao takes a seat on the couch while Rangiku sits on the floor next to Renji.

Momo looks around to find a space to sit in when a voice says, "You can sit here." She turns to her left and finds Toshiro looking away from her and scratching an imaginary itch on his cheek— an act she realizes he always does when he's embarrassed. When she doesn't move from where she stands, Toshiro glances at her. "Or you can just stand there," he adds then jerks in surprise when Momo plops down next to him-her arm bumping with his.

"Nope. I prefer to sit here...next to you."

Toshiro looks surprise and as if he is about to say something but he hesitates and just looks away causing Momo to giggle at his blushing face.

"Hm...this one smells so good!" Shinji moans excitedly.

"Of course, that's Rukia-chan's specialty, spicy curry. She insisted to cook it alone because she said it's Ichigo's favorite."

Ichigo perks up upon hearing Rangiku's confession. He turns towards his wife and finds her blushing with the attention given to her by everyone. He smiles, that one smile that shows affection and pride for his wife. "Com'ere," he gestures, taking Rukia by the hand and gently maneuvering her to share the single couch with him-settling her down in between his legs before wrapping an arm loosely around her waist.

"Aaw... I think we should eat before the ants start to pile up with all the sweetness in here," Renji suggests, earning a glare from Ichigo and a loud laugh from everyone.

"Itadakimasu!"

The group chimes in unison, lifting their eating utensils before delving unto the food. Everyone enjoys the meal, taking their time eating and chatting while a soft upbeat music plays around. There's Shinji and Hiyori who keep shoving foods unto their mouths. An angry Ichigo holding a meat away from Renji's reach, unaware that Rukia is already munching on it from behind him. Rangiku and Nanao giggling at some beautiful story that Yumichika is narrating and Shuhei and Ikakku arguing about who is the better drinker. There's also Yoruichi swatting Urahara's hand as the perverted man starts caressing her thighs while drinking sake. And lastly, Momo who is holding her spoon towards Toshiro as she tries feeding the aloof guy.

"What's this...V-Beer?" Momo asks inquisitively.

"It's for vampires." Rangiku answers. "It's a beer mixed with animal blood."

"Eh?" The young girl lifts a can closer to her face and reads the title plastered on the cover. "V-Beer deer...flavor?"

"That's our favorite!" Rangiku chirps, elaborating how the beer with a deer's blood tastes. "Wanna try?"

Momo pales, sweating profusely as Rangiku shoves the can of the said beer towards her. She sure doesn't want to drink a beer with a deer's blood but she doesn't want to break the woman's heart by refusing her 'kind' offer.

"C'mon, drink!"

"A-ah..."

Before Momo can take the said beer, Toshiro snatches it away from Rangiku and lifts it to his mouth, doning the whole can until it's very last drop before slamming it down table. He sighs, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand before turning at the two girls who are blinking their eyes at him. "What?"

Rangiku grins widely and says, "Ooh...how sweet!"

"Give me a break, Matsumoto." The guy grumbles, turning away from them. "You're not supposed to give her that...she's a minor."

"Oh~whatever you say... Shiro-chan." The busty female giggles, turning away to piss another poor soul next to her. "Oh Yumi! You got chickens on your hair."

Momo giggles as Yumichika screeches like a girl when Rangiku tries to peel off the 'feather' on his hair. She picks a rice ball and bites on it before glancing at her side and catching Toshiro checking her out.

The guy looks away quickly, gulping and trying to look busy with his food. But Momo already caught him staring. She scoots closer, tapping his shoulder and smiling widely as Toshiro cranes his neck hesitantly at her.

"What?" Toshiro asks plainly. But then his back stiffens and his eyes go wide as Momo leans closer to his face. Her lips move closer and closer to his making him hold his breath unconsciously. And just when he feels her breath against his face...she moves sideways pass his cheeks all the way to his ears and whispers, "Arigatou."

Before Toshiro can process what happened, Momo is already sitting back on her spot-munching her rice ball innocently like the cute girl she really is. He blinks, pursing his lips before digging on his food with more force than needed. Rangiku, who saw the act grins broadly.

'Hehe. Disappointed much!'

"This is mine, Renji!" Ichigo growls.

"Eh? But where's mine?"

"You already ate it!"

"You're lying!"

"Am not!"

"Oh yeah? Prove it!"

"It's all over your mouth, dumbass!"

Renji swipes his tongue around his mouth and true enough, smudges of sauce are all over it. "You're right."

"Huh!" Ichigo scoffs indignantly.

"But I still want that!" Renji declares, diving over to get the meat on Ichigo's hand but the latter fights off to protect it. And the two start to wrestle over the said food.

Rukia giggles happily, popping a fried meat ball on her mouth before looking around everyone. A soft smile appears on her lips as nostalgia hits her like a soft autumn wind. She feels nice, relieve and content seeing that everything returns back to normal. She knows that everyone feels the same. Though deep down, Rukia knows how much they suffered.

They all look careless and nonchalant, a bunch of happy-go-luckly vampires but deep down they share the same feeling of loneliness.

Rukia closes her eyes and remembers the look on their faces when she and Ichigo came back from the Menos Forest. Everyone came rushing to them, quickly taking them inside the shoten house to tend their wounds. She saw how they worked together and how they cared for her and especially Ichigo. She won't forget the shock and crestfallen looks on their faces as Ichigo told them what happened to Kaien. Despite everything that the raven haired vampire did, Rukia saw how much everyone became saddened by Kaein's death. They were truly heartbroken at the loss of a special comrade. They might not show it but they deeply cared for each other. They've been friends for so long and the bonds they shared can never be broken by mistakes and misunderstandings.

Though Rukia feels relieved that her second mark was gone, a part of her is still feeling sorry for what happened to Kaien.

And it was when she woke up on the third day that everyone told her the whole story...what happened in Tokyo, how she got kidnapped and what she had done to... Senna.

"Hey." The soft familiar voice of her husband draws Rukia's attention back to the present. "You alright? Are you tired?" Ichigo asks, placing an arm over her shoulder and pulling her to his side.

Rukia shakes her head, reaching up to wipe a tiny smudge off his chin before smiling to ease his worries away. Ichigo squeezes her tighter against him, lowering his head to kiss her lips but pauses halfway when bits of popcorn are thrown on his head.

"Renji..." he groans menacingly, pulling away from his wife to engage himself in a popcorn fight.

Rukia sighs, grabbing on something to munch as her thoughts drift back to the purple haired vampire.

Senna.

Rukia feels ashamed for breaking her promise to the girl and worst cutting her with her sword. Though everyone assured her that she only did that because Kaien put her under a spell, she still feels guilty for what happened to Senna.

If only I'm strong...

If only I have the power...

If only I'm...

Like them.

A feeling of sad nostalgia hits her as she remembers that moment when she was captured inside a hollow's barrier and Ichigo was kissing her from the other side. And like that time, she feels so helpless and weak. Ichigo and his friends are strong being, an immortal powerful vampire while she is just an ordinary powerless high school girl. Right now, they are here with her, around her and yet they seem to be on the other side- far away in a place where she couldn't, can't and will never reach unless...

Rukia stares at her husband; the longing look on her face is slowly being replaced by resolve and determination. Five years ago, she might've slap herself for considering or even thinking about 'it' but right now she knows that 'it' is what she wants.

And that's for sure.

"Rukia? Hey." The young girl jumps a bit as a hand taps her by the shoulder.

"Oh, ah what is it, Nanao-san?"

"I said we are leaving. It's very late in the evening already, you need to get some rest."

"Oh, I see."

"Waaah~ time flies when you're having fun!" Shinji whines, placing an arm over Hiyori's shoulder and instantly earning a swift elbow from the blonde girl.

"Wait!" Rangiku exclaims, getting something from her stuff before turning back at them. "Let's take some pictures!"

"Yeah!" Everyone agrees, moving on to position themselves for a group picture. Ichigo quickly pulls on his wife and settles them both on the floor, with him sitting behind her- bending one leg up and pulling her to lean onto it while he places his arm over her shoulder. Everyone else positions themselves; Momo pulls Toshiro to sit with her on the couch together with Nanao and Yumichika. Urahara and Yoruichi sit in the middle of them all, with Rangiku and Renji on their right and Ichigo and Rukia on their left. And lastly, Shinji and Hiyori stand on the back of the couch-squatting down to fit themselves unto the picture.

"Alright, I'll set this up in 5..." After fixing the camera, Hisagi clicks on the timer and flash steps towards the back of the couch, joining Shinji and Hiyori.

4...

Rangiku brushes her hair with her fingers, Nanao smooths hers out and Momo fixes her bangs.

3...

Yoruichi adjusts Urahara's hat. Renji wipes his face clean of any smudges and sauce. Yumichika is perfecting his smile. Shinji, Hiyori and Hisagi practice for their pose.

2...

Ichigo squeezes Rukia's shoulder, the look of excitement in his face makes her chuckling softly.

Everyone freeze.

Click!

"Aaw, I wished we can do this more often." Rangiku mewls as they exit the small gate of the Kurosaki residence. After taking several photo shots of their group, she quickly grabbed her camera and insisted that the photos were to be printed first before anyone can see it...a surprise photos as what she had called them.

"Yes, thanks for the great dinner." Yoruichi says, smiling at the couple.

"Ah." Ichigo nods.

"So, we'll see later Ichigo, Rukia." The group waves them goodbye and prepares to leave but Ichigo halts them.

"Wait!" Turning back, they find Ichigo looking sheepishly at them and scratching the back of his neck. "Ah-I just...you guys are-I mean..." He huffs, swallowing his pride and bending forward to bow down at his friends. "Arigatou gozaimashita, minna."

Everyone's eyes widen in surprise. Rukia, who is also surprised by her husband's action, looks between the said man and the gaping group before him. Ichigo remains on his position, hoping everyone feels how thankful and sincerely happy he is to have them by his side. He is the kind of person who never shows what he truly feels inside except for his wife but these people deserves to know how great friends they are.

Silence falls around them as they stare at their leader's humble state until...

"Ichigoooo~"

The orange haired guy looks up in time to see Renji and Shinji coming upon him. And before he can move away, the two already has him envelope in a bone crashing hug.

"Aaw, Ichi is so sweet!" Rangiku chimes as she and Hiyori joins to hug their leader.

Yoruichi chuckles, diving in to join the group and soon everyone is piled up in a warm (and tight) group hug. Everyone seems happy and contented except the poor carrot top who gets sandwiched in the middle of them all.

"Uuuurrrggghhh..." A low menacing groan is heard and as if on cue, everyone jumps away just in time to save themselves from the wrath of a mad orange hulk.

"Bye bye!" Rukia waves as the group jogs away.

"Don't ever come back here!" Ichigo yells, panting like an angry gorilla who just escaped from his cage.

Rukia rolls her eyes, waving one last time at their friends before heading back inside to be greeted by a pile of dishes. She yawns, walking sluggishly to start cleaning the mess when a sudden nausea has her swaying on the side.

"Whoa..." An arm comes around her shoulder, steadying her back on her feet.

Rukia looks up only to find a blurry image of her husband's face-black and white spots blinking around her vision hindering her from seeing clearly. "Ichigo..."

His eyebrows crease. "You're tired... C'mon let's go to bed."

Rukia closes her eyes briefly, glad that the blurriness disappears the moment she opens them again. "You go ahead. I'll just clean this-" She doesn't get the chance to finish her sentence when Ichigo lifts her by the waist and walks away from the messy room. "Ichigo, what are you doing?"

"Taking you to bed, what else?"

"But I need to-kya!" She squeals as she gets tossed face first on her bed, groaning and quickly flipping around to scold her carrot of a husband. But no words come out of her mouth because Ichigo has her lips sealed with his. She squirms and quickly pushes him by the chest. "Are you drunk?"

"Nope!" Comes Ichigo's quick reply, leaning over to capture her lips once more.

"Hmp-mm!" Rukia glares at him through the kiss, ripping her lips away from him for the second time. "Ichigo~"

"Alright, I had three cans but you know damn well that's not enough to turn me into a drunken master, right?"

"But..." She finishes her sentence with a pout which sparks Ichigo's desire to taste her little plump lips even more.

"Fuck. I love it when you pout like that." he hisses sexily before diving forward to ravage her mouth again. And it takes a second or two to make Rukia melt as his skilled tongue dances with her own. Her hands move up to tangle themselves on his thick orange locks, pulling him even closer and eliciting a moan from the both of them.

Ichigo smirks against her lips, placing a hand on her back as he slowly guides her down the bed with him on top of her and their lips never parting. She's tired alright but she doesn't realize how much she needs to rest until her spine hits the soft bedding. A heavenly sigh escapes her throat as Ichigo lightens the kiss, moving his lips slowly in a relaxing manner as if he's massaging her hot cavern with his tongue.

The night is quiet except for the sound of their kisses and soft mewls. And it seems like forever has passed when Ichigo finally pulls away, resting his forehead against hers as they even out their breaths. "Feeling better?" he whispers huskily, running his thumb against her swollen lips.

"Mm." Rukia nods, closing her eyes briefly to calm herself after that slow blissful kiss.

After a moment, the couple are now lying peacefully on their bed. Rukia has already changed into her pajama dress while Ichigo has taken off his pants and shirt, leaving only his dark blue boxer shorts to hang lowly around his waist. He sighs, tucking one arm under his head while the other pillows Rukia's head.

"It's good to have them around, ne Ichigo?" Rukia asks silently.

"Pretty much yeah, but not every day. Shinji and Renji are annoying as hell."

"But you still love them like brothers."

"Hmp! I would never want any kind of relationship with them, thank you very much."

"But I like them. They are the funniest in your group."

Ichigo groans and his wife giggles, feeling the vibration on his chest. A few moments pass and Ichigo can feel Rukia's breath becoming even. But he knows that she is still awake because of her soft eyelashes still flattering up and down against his skin as she blinks. "Hey." He jerks his shoulder, nudging her gently. "There's something bothering you," he says more of a statement than a question because he can read her full well-her breathing and her blinking into space tells him that she's thinking about something.

Rukia lets out a long sigh and places a hand on his bare chest-her index finger moving absently in a circular motion. "Ichigo?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you... Do you consider...having a baby?"

"A baby?" He huffs. "Of course, isn't that pretty obvious?" he replies, hiding the surprise in his voice by the suddenness of the question. "I already thought about that when I decided to marry you. I was planning to have lots of them, a dozen perhaps?"

"Eh? That's too much!" She blushes while Ichigo chuckles.

"Alright, not a dozen but...a dozen and a half?" He receives a light punch on his chest but that only makes him laugh louder.

"Ichigo, I'm being serious here," Rukia whines.

"Alright. I'm sorry." He removes his hand from under his head and places it over her fisted hand lying on his chest, moving his thumb in a mindless circle against her knuckles before staring at the ceiling. "You remember the last time we went to your parents' house—"

"Our parent's house," Rukia corrects.

"Our parents' house, right."

"Yeah, what about it?"

Ichigo inhales softly. "Back there, I saw you carrying a new born child." Rukia perks up at the memory. "That time I saw you in your most beautiful form, you and a baby in your arms. It made me realized how much I wanted to have a child with you. I want to have little kids running around the house, hopping like little bunnies, messing up the kitchen, turning this humble house of ours upside down." Ichigo chuckles. "I'll be their tutor, helping them with their projects and homework. While you'll be making cookies and smoothies while we're in a group study session. Then we'll go to a picnic or to a theme park every Saturday." Rukia nuzzles her face deeper in his shoulders while Ichigo lets out a soft dreamy sigh. "It is my dream. God knows how much I want to have a big family with you but..."

"But?" Rukia lifts her head up to look at his face.

"I can't afford to get you pregnant at this moment and for the next 4 to 6 years, Rukia." He sighs. "I have to let you finish high school then take your college degree. I can't risk getting you pregnant now. I made a promise to your father. So yeah...It's still a long wait for us."

Rukia lowers head back to his shoulder. "But it will be worth the wait, right?"

"Absolutely." He smiles, placing a tender kiss on her hair. Another moment of silence passes by until a light pattering of the rain taps against their roof.

"Speaking of college, what do you want to study?" Ichigo asks

"What do you think?" Rukia asks back quietly. The question brings back thoughts of her earlier melancholy.

"Well...you should choose what you really want to pursue or what you want to become in the future." Ichigo starts speaking in a tone he usually used for teaching. "If you want to go to art school, it's fine with me because I don't want to force you to studying something you don't like in the first place..."

Ichigo trails off but his voice completely disappears at the background as visions of the future starts playing in Rukia's head like a film. But it shows a totally different future-one that is an opposite of what Ichigo is saying. It is the future of her dying days-her funeral.

Everyone gathers around her bed-her deathbed-waiting for her to expire. She is so old, so ugly and so weak. The film rolls out and now it is showing her grave. Everyone is there, surrounding her, watching as her coffin slowly goes down the rectangular hole. And then there is Ichigo...looking just the same, young and handsome. Not a single hair changes, not a single wrinkle on his face, not a single muscle have loosen. Nothing changed about him except...

Rukia's breath hitches as a beautiful woman appears beside Ichigo-lacing her fingers with the man, resting her head on his shoulder while whispering soft comforting lullabies. Then Rukia sees Ichigo sighing, that one sigh to regain himself. He tosses the dark crimson flower in his hand and watches as it land on top of the black coffin before saying his goodbye. And without another look, he turns around-taking the unfamiliar woman's hand tightly with his, kissing it lightly before smiling affectionately down at her. The woman returns his smile before the two of them starts walking away...hand in hand...leaving Rukia's cold dead body six feet under the ground.

"...that course will improve your-"

"No!" Rukia suddenly exclaims.

"Oh, so you don't want to go to a culinary school?" Ichigo asks, having no clue of what just ran in her mind.

"No! I..." Rukia shifts on the bed so that her upper body is lying on top of his. She balls her hands in a fist on top of his hard chest as her huge purple eyes stares worriedly down at his gentle amber orbs. "I..."

"You..?"

"...I want to be like you."

Ichigo's eyes widen slowly. "You mean...you want to become a teacher too? That's cool!"

"No!" Rukia snaps at him sharply, huffing in irritation. "I want to be like you, Ichigo. Not as a teacher but-" She looks at him straight in the eyes before saying, "-as a vampire."

His heart clenches as if something prick him in the most sensitive part of his anatomy. His mouth feels dry as he tries to find a word to say.

"Ichigo..." Rukia's voice softens, almost pleading. "I want to become a vampire like you. Please...please turn me."

"Rukia..."

"Please, Ichigo. Don't you want to be with me forever?"

That pulls Ichigo out of his shock. "I do! God, how can you ask such stupid question?"

"Then what are you waiting for? Why wouldn't you turn me to be like you?"

Ichigo sighs. "This is not yet the right time, Rukia."

"Then when is that right time?"

"I don't know. It's..." He huffs. "Forget about it. You're tired. Let's just go to sleep-"

"No!" Rukia insists. "You know well that this time will come when I will ask you about this, don't you?"

"But not now. Rukia, you're too young for this."

"Too young?" She huffs. "Too young! When you married me 5 years ago, did you consider me being too young? No, you didn't. And now I'm your wife and on the right age, you dare tell me that I'm too young to become like you? God, you're so unfair!"

Ichigo frowns, too stubborn to admit that she has a point there. "I still can't turn you, not now."

"Then tell me when," she says, her voice both pleading and frustrated. "What is so hard in turning me into a vampire, Ichigo?"

"It is not that easy, Rukia. What you're asking for is a serious matter, it's not like eating rice where you can shove it to your mouth and just spit it out when you're tongue got burned. It takes time; you have to be very sure of yourself." Ichigo explains, holding her gently by the shoulders to guide her back to bed.

"But..." Rukia gently pries his hands off her, showing no signs of defeat. "Why do we have to wait? What if it's already too late? What if something happened to me tomorrow or the next day? What if I die—"

"I will not let that happen!" Ichigo snaps, his hands tighten around her shoulders shaking in anger as the thought instinctively lit up the fire in his eyes. "I will not let that happen and you know it."

"Oh yeah? Then what about the incident last week? You almost die on me, Ichigo. So how can you be sure that you can protect me forever from—"

Rukia cuts her own words with a hitch of her breath as she sees the appalled look on Ichigo's face. She too is shocked by her own words. Guilt quickly soars down into the pit of her stomach and all she wants to do is slap her own face and rips her big mouth for saying such horrible, horrible things.

"Ichigo..." The girl bites her lips hard and wounds her arms around his neck as she bursts out crying on his chest. "I'm sorry! I'm- I didn't mean to say that. Please d-don't be upset... I-I love you... I'm really r-really sorry."

Her sobs and the warms tears that fall on his skin are enough to melt Ichigo's anger and frustrations away. The tension on his shoulder slowly softens and his chest lightens. Her words might have hurt him but they were all true. The truth hurts as what they always say. But he knows that Rukia said that not to hurt him. Rukia will never hurt him...she can never hurt him. Neither her punches nor her kicks will hurt him. She just said those things because it is the truth. And no matter what she does, she will never hurt him because he loves her. He loves her so much...and no kind of physical, mental, emotional or even spiritual pain will ever change his feelings for her.

Nothing.

"Rukia..." Ichigo wraps his arms tightly around his crying wife-closing his eyes as he buries his nose on her hair. "It's alright."

"I'm sorry... I-I'm sorry. I'm so s-sorry..." She says over and over in a muffled chocking voice causing Ichigo to smile at her childlike whimpers.

"Sshh...it's alright, baby. I'm not mad. Stop crying."

"I didn't...m-mean...to say that."

"I know."

"I'm really-" She hiccups. "-really sorry. P-Please...forgive me?"

Ichigo sighs loudly, moving a hand to cup the back of Rukia's head before rolling them over so that he now lies on top of her. "Hey. Look at me, baby." he whispers, brushing Rukia's hair away before wiping the tears off of her face. But Rukia casts her eyes down, sniffling as she refuses to meet his gaze. Though her cries subside, the shame hasn't fades away yet. Unknown to her, Ichigo can see how she truly feels. She's insecure of their difference and he can understand why.

"Rukia... I know you're worried about our future together but you shouldn't be scared." Ichigo says, his thumb caressing her cheek in a soothing motion. "I know you've been worrying about our difference. I've been thinking about it too. I've been thinking about whether I should turn you or not but...I already made a decision."

"Ichigo..." Rukia sniffs, still refusing to look up at him. Her face is pink and her voice becomes hoarse from crying. The finality in his voice is also making her heart race as if telling her that she might not like his decision. But... "Whatever your decisions are, I'll respect them because...I love you."

"I know." Ichigo smiles, moving his face down closer to her. "That's why I decided to turn you after you graduate from college."

The statement causes Rukia to finally snap her gaze up at him. The look of surprise, disbelief, excitement and everything in between are etched on her face. She tries to say something but no words come out of her mouth. But still, Ichigo understands what she wants to say and he nods. "That's if you really really want me to turn you."

Rukia's lips slowly curves into a smile and before Ichigo another word, Rukia tackles him back on the bed so that she's back on top."Oh Ichigo!"

Said man lets out an "Umf!" as his back hits the bed with a heap, chuckling after as his wife attacks his face with warm playful chaste kisses. He tries to fight back, catching her lips every now and then so that her kiss lands on his lips. But Rukia dodges his lips as much she can, going as low as torturing his neck.

"Cheater." Ichigo hisses, grabbing his wife by the waist before he starts tickling her side. A squeal erupts from Rukia's lips but Ichigo could care less if they wake up the whole neighborhood as they continue to wrestle and tickle each other. A few more playful moments pass until Ichigo decides to take matters his way.

He tosses her off of him and back on the bed before quickly pinning her small body under his. Rukia continues to giggle as an aftershock of being tickled restlessly by his skilled hands. The sight of her happy innocent face causes a smile to appear and the scowl to disappear on Ichigo's face. He leans down and places a chaste kiss on her lips, ceasing her giggles and causing her to look up at him with bated breath.

"I love you," he says and Rukia can feel a blush creeping on her cheeks. Her heart beats faster and faster as she stares at his affectionate gaze. The look on his amber eyes reminds her of that fateful night up on the roof...where they first confess their feelings with each other. She loves him and she is falling in love with him even more every day if that is even possible.

Rukia lifts her head up and places a quick yet equally affectionate kiss on his lips before falling her head back on her pillow with a soft thud. "I love you too."

Ichigo's smile falters a little as a more passionate look overtakes his handsome features. His breath turns into soft pants as his heart thump loudly against his chest. He leans down and kisses her forehead, his lips lingering there for a moment before moving down her eyes causing her to close her eyelids as he kisses it. Ichigo pulls away slightly, tilting his head a little to bring his lips on the tip of her nose then dragging it towards her right cheek grazing down to her chin, hovering just above her lips before sliding up to her left cheek.

Rukia's chest heaves up and down as Ichigo continues with his ministrations, bringing his lips down to her neck while his hand starts caressing up her arm, sliding to the curve her waist and down to feel the smoothness of her thigh. The slow sensual movement of his lips and hand causes goose bumps to run through her spine and fuel the passionate desire building up inside her.

"Ichigo~..." she moans, tangling her fingers on his hair as he nips on a sensitive part of her neck. Said husband looks up at her-his deep hazel eyes staring straight into her half lidded amethyst ones. Passion, desire and love reflects through their gazes and without saying a word, they understand what the other wants.

Rain gently falls outside yet the moon still shines bright, casting a gentle light through the open window as the curtains flutters smoothly against the gentle wind blowing in the late night.

Moans and kisses fill the room as the couple lies on the bed- limbs tangled and bare from head to toe. Their hands caress each other as their lips mold together in a passionate kiss. They kiss and kiss...never once getting enough of each other's taste. And it seems forever has passed when Ichigo finally pulls away and kneels up above her.

Rukia then takes the moment to admire his manly beauty.

She loves his broad shoulder and hard chest, his sculpted torso, firm thighs and long strong legs. She loves his messy orange hair and how the moonlight kisses his face. He is in his prime, strong and full of life. Rukia drinks him in her eyes—the smell of his skin, the way his eyes darken when he is turned on, the giveaway twitch of his hips when she touches his body, and she was soon quivering with the need to feel him inside her.

Rukia bites her lips, her cheeks blushing a pink hue as Ichigo positions himself on top of her, caressing her thighs in a sensual motion before guiding her legs gently apart-brushing his tip against her moistened lips before slowly pushing in.

A pleasured gasps escape their lips as they feel each other's flesh but when Ichigo is just an inch inside her...he stop.

Rukia opens her eyes, confuse at his sudden withdrawal. She looks up and finds him staring deeply at her belly. Her brows knit together in confusion but when his hand reaches up and gently touch the thing he's been staring down...her heart melts with so much love.

"Ichigo..." Rukia whispers as his long fingers trace the scar on her belly left by the wound she got from the blue haired wolf. The wound would've caused her life but thanks to their friends' effort, she healed fast. A scar was left but it doesn't matter anymore.

Rukia smiles softly, squeezing his hand to assure him that it is alright.

Ichigo's sad face slightly lit up as he sees her warm smile. He runs his finger on the scar one last time before leaning down to kiss it over and over again, hoping to ease the scar away with his loving lips.

The motion brings the heat prickling back on Rukia's body. She moans and arches her back as Ichigo runs his tongue on the said scar before licking his way up to the valley between her breasts.

"Oh~" she gasps as his mouth suckle on her supple mound, moving his tongue on the hard pink nub before sucking on it hard, forcing a pleasured hiss to escape her lips. After giving both of her breasts equal attention, Ichigo proceeds to trail firm kisses on her throat up to her chin before pulling away again to stare down at her face.

"Rukia..." he whispers, his tone urging her to open her eyes from their blissful slumber. And once her beautiful diamond orbs slowly comes into his view, his heart drums hard on his chest. An overwhelming feeling of nostalgia sweeps through him as he remembers the first night he saw those sparkling innocent eyes.

Her eyes...

Yes, now he remembers how her eyes completely captured his heart. The moment he saw her eyes, even though she's just a small child-a baby to be precise-he knew right there and then that she was his mate. And that he wants to be with her...and only her forever.

Yes, he remembers and he will never forget. It's her eyes that make him first fall so deeply in love.

Ichigo smiles, pushing her hair back with his two hands to clear any obstructions on her face before slowly...ever so gently pushing all of him inside her-his gaze not blinking even once to see the pleasure and love reflecting on her eyes.

Their lips meet in a slow kiss, entangling their tongues as their bodies dance in a passionate rhythm of love making.

Rukia writhes with every move of his hips, moans with every touch of his hands and whimpers with every stroke of his tongue. She feels so warm all over as if they have never made love before. Yes, this feeling is brand new. Every time he makes love with her, everything seems like a new move, a new sensation, a feeling, new boundaries to explore and a new...a new...

"Ah!" A sharp gasp escapes Rukia's mouth as a sudden burning sensation rushes inside her, bringing in images of boiling bubbles to suddenly flash on her mind. And it is red...like blood. It feels as if something pricks her on the toe, making her hair raise and her body jerk. "Ah! Ichigo!" Her arms fly around his neck and her legs wrap around his waist, clinging unto him as the sensation builds up-it starts to sting. She wants to stop at the same time she wants to tell him to keep going...faster and harder so that maybe the weird sensation will cease. But it elevates more as Ichigo plunges deep into her womb.

Thinking that he just hits her spot, Ichigo prompts himself on his elbow and starts thrusting incredibly fast, his speed cause the bed to creak noisily under them. He looks down and watches as his length disappears inside her. "Nnggh~ Ru-kia!" he grits, throwing his head back with his eyes squeeze tight. He can feel her so warm and tight around him, his member almost burning. Her scent is filling his nose and his senses. It's enough to make him go wild. "I can't... I can't take much longer!" he chokes.

Rukia pants and gasps, still clinging unto his neck as if her life depended on it as she bounces with Ichigo's thrusts. She is sure that there's something else coming. She never felt this kind of pleasure and heat before...it's exciting yet it feels really really weird and its coming.

The sound of their love making becomes louder and louder as their bodies become feverishly hot, glistening with sweat and making their skins slide smoothly against each other. Ichigo grits his teeth harder as he feels his muscle tighten while Rukia digs her nails on his nape, leaving long trails of scratches on his shoulders and back.

"I-Ichigo..!"

"Ha~ah! Rukia..!"

"Ah~!"

"!"

An overwhelming emotions rush through her like a huge tidal wave crashing against the shore. Her heart pounds against her ears in an exaggerated beating, she feels like it will jump out of her chest. Her mouth falls wide open but her cries get muffled by Ichigo-sealing her lips with his in a searing kiss. Her eyes roll off to the ceiling as she releases her own essence and takes his seed.

She feels warm...so feverishly warm inside out it's making her dizzy. And finally, beads of black and red spots starts swirling around and surrounding her vision until she can't see anything anymore.

'Ichigo...'

"...I love you."

His face and bright amber eyes are the last thing Rukia sees as her head falls back and everything around her turns...pitch black.

...V...

Rukia... I'm sorry.

Rukia!

Rukia...

What? Who is it?'

Rukia!

...I'm sorry-I'm really sorry!

The raven haired girl tosses on her sleep as a familiar voice echoes in her head, ringing in her ears as it shouts her name and whispers an endless apology for something she can't quite understand.

Rukia..?

Rukia!

I'm sorry...RUKIA!

The girl finally snaps her eyes open and gasps as blackness greets her vision. "Ichigo?" She pushes herself up on the bed, holding her blanket against her naked chest. She turns her head around, rubbing her eyes with her free hand but still...

"Ichigo..? Ichigo, where are you?!"

Her breath shakes as fear slowly engulfs her, whether it's because of her dream or the fact that her husband isn't around, she's not sure. What she's sure though is the fact that there is something very wrong.

"Good morning! I made you breakfast." A voice she knows very well belongs to her husband appears together with the sound of an opening door and footsteps approaching her. Rukia's heart starts to hammer inside her as a weight settles down on her bed, indicating that her husband is now sitting beside her.

"You called for me, baby?" Ichigo asks, holding her chin by his thumb and index finger before pulling her face for a sweet good morning kiss.

Rukia closes her eyelids, savoring the touch of his lips against her and telling herself that she's not dreaming anymore.

She's not dreaming at all, which means...

Ichigo pulls away with a big grin grazing his face. But the goofy smile gradually disappears as confusion takes its place. He frowns, knitting his eyebrows in confusion as he finds his wife staring worriedly at him-her eyes wide and her purple orbs moving around as if searching for something in his face. "Baby? What's the matter?" he asks, cupping a side of her face with his hand. He tries to smile again to ease the worried look on her face but his happiness completely disappears as a single tear falls from Rukia's eyes down to his hand as she says...

"Ichigo...I can't see."

And THAT is the last twist that I'm talking about. As I've told you this fic is nearing its end. And since this is the first time I'm ending a story, I don't want it to be very predictable so I'm adding one last drama to this fic. Yeah I'm such an E-V-I-L! Bohaha!

But! Lemme tell u this... I'm not really a fan of tragic stories. There's a reason why I made Rukia blind... And no it's not a spur of the moment idea.

In fact! I had put some indications in the past chapters that there is something going on with her vision. If I remember well, it started in chapter 15 where she's stepping down the stairs. Some of you even thought that she was pregnant but sorry, she's not. Then there are scenes when she woke up and her visions were too slow to return to normal and so on and so forth. So yeah, making Rukia blind was an original part of this story. I even discussed it with my friend, Chisato long long time ago. Hehe. And I made sure to emphasize in this chapter how Ichigo loves her eyes. But what will he do now to protect and bring back the light in those lovely of his wife?

Now that's what will figure out next chap. Hold on to your seats people! It's been a while since I've written something so it might be a little rusty and something like that. But I hope you like this. Excuse any mistakes you find.

Don't forget to REVIEW because it's the trigger for the next chaps! ^^

Remember... An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth!

MERRY CHRISTMAS minna-san!

LoVeLoTs,
cY17