A/N: Been forever…but I need to break writers block somehow! I feel like they are really out of character…but I could be wrong.

Title: Come What May

Summary: During the Winter-War Arc, Ichigo and Rukia reflect on their feelings and meet in the white sand, for a confession? Or a farewell?

Rating: T (just to be safe)


Ichigo looked up at the black sky of Hueco Mundo, what a desolate and dreary place. Inoue was somewhere and he had to find her. She was his friend after all. That's why Rukia joined them…because she was just as much friends with Inoue as he was.

"We're nakama…"

Ichigo swallowed as a flash of images cascaded through his mind. Rukia, injured but strong, when they first met. Smiling 'actress' Rukia when she appeared at school. Teary, distraught Rukia when she left him. Surprised and yet there was a hint of relief on her face when he arrived to save her. It was almost as if her emotions were an open book to him, and only him.

"Damn…" Ichigo said running a hand down the length of his face. Rukia…

"What are you doing?" Rukia asked waving her hand in front of Ichigo's face. The redhead stumbled backwards, his eyes wide.

"Ah-watch it midget! I was just thinking!" Ichigo retorted.

"With that blush?" Ishida prodded, raising one eyebrow and pushing his glasses up on his nose.

"I don't know what the hell you guys are talking about!" Ichigo snapped

"We should rest." Voiced the usual stoic Chad. Ishida nodded in agreement, looking around to see the bare wasteland before them.

&3&3&&3&3

Rukia sighed with her knees pulled up to her chest and chin resting on top. We're coming Inoue.

Rukia looked over to see Ichigo in a similar position, only more relaxed, with his legs outstretched and his head tilted upwards towards the sky. 'Ichigo…' Rukia could only remember a few times when he smiled or when he showed any other emotion besides that scowl. He did, but only to her, only she saw how torn his face was when she was taken away. Only she saw his cocky grin when he saved her. Only she saw the surprise on his face when she returned.

Rukia closed her eyes, her tattered cloak billowing in the slight breeze that this desert seemed to have. It would be hard for her to rest, but she was at least going to try. She needed to be at full energy if she wanted to keep searching.

&3&3&3&3

Rukia shifted, suddenly feeling something beside her, and her violet orbs opened to see black fabric. She looked up and moved her head to see that she was leaning on Ichigo's shoulder. His eyes flickered over to her and a slight smirk appeared on his face.

"Hey."

"Hey…" Rukia cleared her throat and realized that Ichigo's arm was around her shoulders. She turned her face away to hide the blush that had formed on her cheeks.

"I've been thinking…Rukia, what are we?" Ichigo asked, avoiding eye contact.

"Friends." Rukia answered automatically.

"How 'bout partners?" Ichigo suggested.

"Companions." Rukia said reaching up and poking his cheek.

"Whatever happens, I'll be here." Rukia said feeling her heart race. She had thought about it a few times, but saying it aloud made it raw…made it real. Ichigo swallowed and turned his head slightly to meet Rukia's gaze.

"So…we're in this together…." Ichigo said with another smirk on his face.

"Yeah. Ever since the beginning." Rukia tilted her head upwards, her violet eyes piercing into his. Ichigo felt his stomach twist, he wasn't going to…was he? Ichigo hadn't kissed someone before, he just wasn't into most girls his age, but Rukia was different.

He licked his lips and moved closer, he could feel her breath on his lips and unsure, he placed one hand on her cheek. Rukia's eyes were glinting with amusement. Ichigo leaned down-softly-and placed his lips against hers. His face was suddenly on fire, a hot red blush had formed on his cheeks, a color that could put Renji's hair to shame.

Ichigo pulled away and watched Rukia's face, she smiled as she reopened her eyes and leaned up to kiss him once more. Her kiss was far more experienced than his was. Yet, he could tell that she was nervous.

Ichigo was so glad that everyone was still resting. "We'll save Inoue together…" Rukia said when she broke the kiss, her violet eyes were clouded, like she was dazed.

"Nakama." Ichigo said letting his hand fall from her cheek and return to his side.

"Nakama." Rukia repeated standing up and offering her hand to Ichigo, he took it and stood up, and there they were.

Brown and violet stared out into the white wasteland, the dark sky, and the absence of any human life besides their own group. Rukia smiled slightly and released her hold on his hand, Ichigo looked at her with his scowl on his face-as usual, but his eyes were different. It was as if a weight had been lifted. Ever since she came into his life, he was never alone. Whenever he failed, she was right there. Whenever he was hurting, she knew exactly what to say. When he needed her the most. She was there.


A/N: I admit, I rushed this one and it could be called a 'Drabble'. I'm not wicked pleased with it…I just wanted to submit something new.

Review and make me happy!