73. my blade as my pride
Title: Mine's Bigger
Word Count: 453
Rating: PG
"No."
Rukia tried to suppress the snarl that wanted to escape, but used all her Kuchiki training to manage not hitting the orange haired jerk, so the growl went unchecked.
"Ichigo." She began again in her most patient manner, trying to explain this to him for the fifth time. "You can't really stop me. You can't lock me away and expect me to never see the outside world again. I've got my own friends and my own life, and I refuse to live it at your discretion. Besides, I was telling you where I was going, not asking."
"But why Renji?" he demanded in something that was not a sulk. "Bayakyua I can understand, 'cause he's family and practically royalty, so he can't get out much, but why Renji? If he wants to see you, he can drag his ass over here to do it. You shouldn't have to go all the way over there just for him."
"So this is about Renji?" she asked, sounding incredulous. "Why do you two have to act like children? Why don't you like me going to see Renji on my own?"
"'Cause." He grumbled.
"That's not an answer."
"What if something happens? Renji can't protect you."
This time she did hit him. "I don't need protecting!"
When his breath came back, he finally said, "I know, but I'd feel better if you didn't take that chance. I can protect you better than tattoo freak."
She decided to let the protecting thing slide for the moment. "Says who? Renji has been practicing, he wont be so easy to beat as last time, and I heard he still beat you up pretty bad."
"I can beat 'em." Ichigo insisted stubbornly.
"How do you know?"
"Well, uh…" He trailed off as he looked for a viable reason. "Zangetsu's bigger."
Rukia gaped. "You're kidding." She forced out finally. "You think you're better suited because you have a bigger sword?"
"Hey!" Came the protest. "Swords are a matter of pride among Shinigami, and also among men, so that makes it doubly important!"
"…I can't believe this stupidity." She rolled her shoulders slowly as she pressed one hand to her forehead, as if it could stave off the oncoming headache.
"But it's true. Zangetsu is bigger than Zabimaru."
"That's not the point. Men. They leave testosterone to make all their decisions." She finally looked up at him. "And anyway, I may go visit Soul Society because of Renji," She leaned up on tiptoes to peck him on the lips, "but I always come back because of you."
Ichigo grinned wolfishly. "Ha! I can protect you better than tattoo freak!"
Rukia decided beating the crap out of him would be a moral service.