OFs and ANDs

by SeriouslyKidding007

I saw him walking with his groupies among the crowd towards the school gate like everyone else who made way for him. I hesitated but somebody pushed me forward to move in the middle of the crowd. I was already there, no choice but to be done with it. Bowing down to lessen the embarrassment, I mustered all my might to shout. " Sempai, I…I love you please let me be your girlfriend!"

37. Of Ends and Beginnings

Disclaimer: Bleach is owned by Kubo.

A/N: This is it guys! Bwahahaha…

For the previous chapter: I know that Rukia should have been more upset about the turn of events but I didn't do so because if I made her more upset and sulky, it will take forever for me to reach the ending. Well, thank you for you people who reviewed for the last chapter! I'm sorry I won't reply to your reviews. But thank you very much.

For this chapter: Uhmmm*sobs* I really don't know how to put this chapter into action so I probably have done worse than I imagined. That's about it. Please read and ENJOY and review!

P.S: I didn't do any rereads and edits (like usual) so please pardon the errors in grammar and spellings. Thank you.

-000-

Chapter 37: Of Ends and Beginnings

The sky outside was velvet black with stars twinkling spread across it like sand. I sat down on the bed, gazing outside the glass wall of my room in the hotel's pent house, clad in a kimono as white as snow. Though plain in color, it looked sophisticated and stylish, not typical of a kimono—one of the few admirable kimonos I had ever seen with ties knotted into a ribbon at the back, the excess of the tie flowing like water. My hair was clipped with a white snowflake pin at the back though a stray bang stubbornly remained in between my eyes. I glanced at the image reflected by the mirror and was amazed to see myself looking elegant with the outfit. Silently, I waited for the man who will take me to the Gotei Ball, the night of my introduction. It was already a week after Nozomi was discharged from the hospital and my dad had decided that it was time for me to be known to the whole society as Kuchiki Byakuya's daughter.

There was a knock on the door before our butler, which my dad had brought from home, spoke from outside. " Rukia-sama, your escort is here to pick you up."

" Alright." I replied, looking once more in the mirror and heaving a deep sigh. " Everything will be alright." Then I pulled myself up and walked slowly to exit my room and meet my escort.

As I opened the door, a lone figure awaited for me who turned around upon hearing the low creak of the door and the gentle steps I made. " You look neat, Kuchiki." Grimmjow grinned as he approached me. He was wearing the same white outfit he wore when they had a spar in our house last time. " Let's go?" He asked.

When I gave him a nod, he began walking ahead of me, heading towards the door of the pent house. I walked behind him, trying to keep up my pace not to fall back too far from him. The trip towards the ball room was short and silent, not a word was exchanged between the two of us. His heavy steps on the carpeted floor echoed through the hallway of the Benihime hotel. The elevator was empty when we got on. Being confined in the steel box wearing such a heavy garment and accompanied by a guy who seemed uncharacteristically silent and calm didn't make the ride comfortable at all. I would rather call it suffocating if I had any chance to be asked. The moment the elevator doors opened and we got off at the receiving area of the hotel, Tessai welcomed us and led us towards a room adjacent to the ball room where my father was waiting for us.

Kuchiki Byakuya sat calmly on the couch, wearing the black shikahusho and white haori I had seen before, his eyes closed as he looked like in deep thoughts. Perhaps, hearing our footsteps, he slowly opened his eyes and graced us with an attentive stare. " Your dress fits well on you." He regarded me with subtle fondness though the comment was said monotonously.

A shy smile appeared on my face. " Thank you."

Then, not long after that, he turned a cold gaze towards my escort who stood beside me. " Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez." He spoke his name firmly. " I expect you to behave accordingly and appropriately." It was a commanding statement…very commanding.

The blue-head simply shrugged as pulled me by the waist all of a sudden, making me gasp and widen my eyes in surprise. " I know how to deal with this kind of parties."

" Grimmjow!" I lowly hissed at the man as I watch my father's furious face, eyes narrowed and a glacial expression. He wasn't pleased with the blue-head's display. Pulling Grimmjow's hand away from my waist and putting am acceptable distance between the two of us, I told my father. " He'll behave dad. Don't worry." It was an assurance with no certainty.

My dad conveyed a silent reply to my statement, knowing exactly that my words were purely in vain with the way the other guy was acting. He didn't hide what he was thinking. " I will simply have to trust your judgment Rukia, since you were the one who chose him as your escort." Then he stood up from the couch. " We shall go into the ballroom now. Our guests are waiting."

-000-

The moment the door of the ball room opened, a sight of the bustling crowd and a lively celebration welcomed us. Soft traditional music played in harmonic melody while chatters of greetings and pleasures filled the air. A mixture of black, white and lively colors painted the elegant venue. The place wrecked of power and prosperity—this is what makes up Gotei 13.

Suddenly, I was felt nervous and anxious, probably overwhelmed by the sea of aristocrats and prominent people gladly still unaware of our presence. My palms were cold and a little shaky, my perception narrowing slowly.

" Do not fret Rukia." My father remarked beside me, placing his hand over mine and giving it at little squeeze. I glanced up at him to see him looking at me with subtle concern behind his eyes. " You are a Kuchiki, nothing less. There is no reason for you to be nervous." That might have sounded cocky for someone else, but in an unexplainable way, it reassured me. It wasn't probably the words but my father's show of support.

Slowly, I regained my confidence and put on a smile on my face before giving my father a firm nod. " Thank you, dad."

Kuchiki Byakuya let go of my hand and glanced to our left where Urahara Kisuke stood, regarding us as well.

When I gave the crowd another look, I began to see familiar faces...Nozomi was present, sticking close to Kaien who seemed cool with the whole ordeal. She was a special guest of mine for this exclusive event. She seemed nervous as well but Shiba was doing the best he can to make her comfortable. I nodded contently as I looked for other people that I might know of. Not long, I located the Kurosaki Family…Ishiin-san, Masaki-san and the twins all gathered together in a corner. One member was missing.

Unconsciously, I scanned for a familiar orange head. Surely, they won't be so hard to find. And I found what I was looking for easily…orange standing next to auburn. Kurosaki Ichigo stood beside Inoue Orihime, the latter looking so beautiful in a simple shikahusho, her arm clamped on the orangette's arm. They came together as well. Unknown to me, a frown come to my face. Perhaps feeling my eyes boring at them, the pair glanced at my direction as well.

But I didn't have time to linger my gaze at them longer when my escort called out my attention as he pulled my arm to intertwine with his. " Smile Rukia." Grimmjow said. " Your introduction will begin."

Then I heard a wooden staff being struck against the ball room hall, all eyes turning to one direction and an old man's voice boomed. " This evening, we are to welcome a new member of the great house of nobles, the Kuchiki household and an addition to our very own sector, the Gotie 13…Kuchiki Rukia." Loud applause from the guests came as Grimmjow pulled me towards where the old man was and where my father and ten other people wearing similar the same white haori lined up, waiting for me... some stoic while others were giving me curious smile, namely Kyoraku-sensie, Ichimaru Gin and Aizen Sosuke. I sighed to myself and thought…this will be a long night.

-000-

All formalities were done and I felt really tired. It felt like an eternity of bowing, smiling, introductions and shaking of hands. Most members that were introduced to me seemed obnoxious with an air shrieking ' I'm greater than thou'. Much to my luck, it took an hour before my father had dismissed me, saying that I am now free to enjoy the party. I sought shelter to one corner of the ballroom which was left alone by those snobby aristocrats. Still, Grimmjow remained with me the whole time, wearing the same arrogant look he was giving everyone else.

" You're not hungry?" He asked as the two of us leaned on the cold wall, looking at the sea of people.

I sighed. " I don't think I'll want to eat in this place." I made a face while making sure that no one was looking. For someone who should be the main person of the party, I seem invisible to everyone else when I'm not beside my father.

Grimmjow chortled slightly. " You'll get use to this. Just ignore those worthless humans. All they'll be after is your name, nothing more." He sounded so used to it…the way this world works for these people revolving around money and power. It's somehow sad to see all of them, wearing such grandiose garments and ornaments with nothing else but greed to live.

I wonder if Ichigo thinks the same as well.

"Rukia!" I heard Nozomi call out to me as she made her way hastily towards my direction, Kaien in tow. " I'm so glad you invited me here!" Was the first thing she told me when she was in front of me. " This is so grand! I can't believe I'm actually in a Gotie Ball!" She looked like she was enjoying herself as well.

This made me laugh. " I think you really should believe it, Nozomi." I commented.

" Your dress looks really good on you Rukia! You're very pretty." My best friend complemented.

" You look like Yuki-Onna." The police inspector gave his unsolicited comment.

I smiled in thanks to my best friend before glaring at Shiba who averted his gaze elsewhere, a mischievous grin stuck on his face. " I'll actually freeze you to death if that were the case, Shiba Kaien."

Grimmjow chuckled at my statement.

Nozomi looked at me then to my escort before stating, " I didn't exactly expect Grimmjow-san to be your escort tonight." It was stated thoughtfully and without malice, just pure curiousness while Kaien regarded me coyly, his eyes glittering in amusement with the predicament my best friend had put on me unconsciously. The same case can be said with Grimmjow who was waiting for my answer with utmost interest.

To play cool with the situation, I laughed dryly. " Jaegerjaquez isn't that bad for an escort." This made my escort raised a brow at me, clearly doubting the genuineness of my statement, and the police inspector to smirk. " And I don't think Shiba here would be a suitable partner as well.

Lucky for me, Nozomi accepted my answer without any argument. " I guess you're right." Then she added mindlessly. With a slight squeal, Nozomi narrated with fondness. " I saw Inoue-san and Kurosaki-sama in here as well. We stayed together with them during the whole formalities that you were doing. I didn't know the Kurosaki family was a member of Gotei as well. Masaki-san was here! She introduced me to her husband and Kurosaki-sama's younger siblings. Yuzu-chan was really nice to me."

I smiled at her. " Well, I guess we should have expected that since they are Shiba's relatives."

Nozomi's eyes widened in surprise. " Really?!" She exclaimed before narrowing her eyes at Kaein.

" What?" Shiba feigned ignorance. When Nozomi didn't bulge, looked away and looked like something had caught his attention before immediately returning his gaze at the girl. " My superiors are calling for you. Maybe they have something to talk about regarding your brother's case. Look." He pointed towards a direction where Aizen and Ichimaru stood, looking at us, the latter gesturing for the two to come. They immediately went off to meet the inspector's superiors.

" So, it's just the two of us again?" I mumbled to Grimmjow.

" I'm getting bored here. Let's do something fun." With that, my escort grabbed my arm and pulled me harshly towards the door leading to the dim zen garden just outside the ball room of the hotel.

" Let me go Grimmjow. My father won't be pleased if I leave the party." I hissed and struggled to take my arm back as he dragged me outside but against his brute strength and firm hold, he succeeded into bringing me outside the ball room. The place was dim, only the glorious shining moon showered its silver light in the garden and the bright light coming from the party inside. Aside from that, everything else was dark. When he finally lets go of me, I snapped at him. " Why do you have to be so stubborn?!"

I was about to stomp my way back to the party when he blocked my way. " I told you I was bored didn't I?" He growled lowly, his face was shadowed. " I said we'll do something fun." A mischievous smirk appeared on his face as he looked at me sharply.

He was frightening at the moment And dangerous. I backed away from him until my back hit the cold wall. " W-what are you saying?"

Grimmjow stepped nearer. " What are you scared of?"

" If you're just playing around, it's not funny you know!" I told him firmly, trying to master the fear that is slowly bubbling up in my system.

The blue-haired simply shrugged as he draw nearer and nearer. " Playing around? I'm bored Kuchiki. And I want to do something fun."

I raised a hand and pointed a shaky finger at him. " Stop right now Grimmjow or else I'll shout!"

My warning was put to vain when he simply grabbed my hand and confined me between his body and the wall. " Why do you struggle now when you were so willing the last time?"

With wide eyes, I looked up at him in shock. It all felt like history repeating itself as he slowly leaned down again… " G-Grimmjow…stop!"

A growl came from behind before the blue head was ripped away from me, falling a few meters on the ground from where I stood and broad shoulders and a manly back clad in black garment stood between me and him. Then, an angry roar followed. " What do you think are you doing?!"

" Ichigo!" I exclaimed his name almost breathlessly in relief.

Grimmjow chuckled as he pulled himself up to his feet. " Well, well if it isn't Kurosaki Ichigo. Why do you look so angry?"

The orangette kept me safe behind him. " I don't think you'd go this low Grimm."

Placing his hands inside his pockets, he casually replied. " Sure, whatever you say great one. But I don't see why you should meddle with our affairs. We were just getting cozy."

I see Ichigo clenching his hands tightly, knuckles as white as snow, and his back was stiff. " Leave her alone." He seethed.

" Why?" Grimmjow questioned. " Last time I checked, she was ignoring you."

My savior didn't reply immediately. I, myself, didn't know how to respond. It was true in the first place that I was still ignoring Ichigo yet he came to be my aide. But then, the short silence was broken when the Kurosaki man made a firm statement. " I don't care if she push me away or hate me, so long as she's safe and happy."

My heart mellowed with the statement and regret filled me. " Ichigo." I stared at his form in front of me, the form of a man protecting me.

" Tch." The blue fireball spatted. " Whatever. I've lost interest now. I'm going home." My escort declared before turning away. " I suggest you two to talk." With that, he disappeared in the shadows.

Ichigo and I were left alone. The sound of the party from the inside clashed with the gentle music of the crickets in the garden. Yet the silence between the two of us was deafening.

I mustered my courage to speak up. " Ichigo, I—"

" I want to talk to you." He cut me off as he slowly turned around and faced me, meeting my eyes. His amber orbs with serious, looking deep inside my very soul. " I want to tell you something." His deportment rendered me speechless so I opted into nodding. " Come with me?" Ichigo held out his hand.

Slowly, my heart was slowly picking up some pace but without any hesitation, I took his hand and let him lead me to a path inside the zen garden, far from the ball room. We stopped in a clearing surrounded by sakura trees. The moonlight flowed freely there, igniting a majestic picture of the simple vicinity. We stood there, in the middle. It felt like the world was just ours…magical.

But I didn't let these feelings cloud my mind. I was the one who spoke first, breaking the moment. " Ichigo…I'm really sorry that I have been ignoring you." I began. " I know that it's not reasonable of me to do that but I was really ashamed of myself. I'm really so—"

" Rukia." He called out my name gently. He was smiling at me…not a boyish grin or a roguish smirk like he usually does. " Apology accepted." He stepped forward and embraced me all of a sudden, startling me so I stiffened for a moment.

" I…chigo?" I said carefully. He wasn't being himself.

He tightened his embrace and snuggled his face in the crook of my neck, his breath tickling me, making blood rush to my face. I blushed furiously and stiffened some more. " Relax." He whispered.

Easy for you to say! I wanted to shout but kept it to myself and instead, slowly relaxed myself and savored the moment instead. " Are you okay?"

" I've always wanted to do this." He remarked.

I could almost hear my heart pounding hard against my chest. " Ichigo…what did you want to tell me?"

This time, he pulled away, and looked at me in the eyes. " You were the one who said that the eye reflects a person's soul." I just stared at him, hardly remembering the time he was talking about. " That's why I ended up associating souls with the color of a person's eyes." He grabbed my hands and enveloped it with his big warm ones.

There seemed to be a spell that was casted upon me. I can't take my eyes off of him that moment. It was so enchanting.

" I've told you didn't I? There's this girl that I like." He paused. " That, what I like about her the most were her eyes."

I remembered…that time, when we were having pizza.

Kurosaki chuckled. " Okay. I'll tell you something about her." He pondered for a moment before continuing. " She's a very pretty girl. Her smile is warm and radiates like the sun. Her voice is sweet and she's a friendly lass. I've known her for a long time now, several years maybe. She's very caring towards others and doesn't give up so easily even if it pains her. And she's a very sincere and honest person." The fondness and gentleness was laced in Ichigo's voice was he described her. It was undeniable. His eyes were gleaming as he unconsciously raises a hand on the back of his neck from time to time." But what I like about her the most are her eyes. It just reflects everything deep inside her. It's like her soul, so pure and beautiful."

There's only one person who went in my mind when he described that girl.

" Kurosaki-san! Kuchik-san! The food's here." A sweet voice called our attention.

" Inoue Orihime." I mumbled bitterly as pain reflected my eyes.

Ichigo looked surprised for a moment as he stared at me intently. Then his eyes softened. " No."

It took a moment before it registered to me completely. " N-no?" I must have sounded more surprised than I wanted to believe.

" Inoue's eyes are gray…they shine brightly when happy but…she's not the one who makes my heart do something like this." He placed my hands over his chest. My eyes followed.

I could feel its rhythm, expecting it to soft and gentle…but instead, it was beating rapidly like crazy. The same as mine. I immediately looked up to him. " You are my purple soul Rukia." He confessed.

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-ISHIDA-

" I just remembered something Kurosaki." I began.

" What?" Ichigo replied with a bored tone.

The way he received my comment irritated me so I had to clear my throat to take his attention, this annoying orange bluntly informs me that he's uninterested with what I have to say. " Inoue-san asked me to tell you that she has something to speak to you about.".

" About?"

" She didn't say. But she said she'll meet you at the roof-top during self-study later in third period."

" She could have just called me and tell me on the phone." Ichigo stated.

" Kurosaki!" Followed my exasperated comment. This is about Inoue-san so how can he be so uncaring when it's this important. A vein popped on my forehead. " She asked me to tell you since she didn't see you at lunch earlier when you were suppose to meet her! Where were you anyway?"My irritation was slightly showing, escaping little by little from my self-restrain.

Ichigo sighed. " Yeah, yeah. I'll meet her later. Don't get too worked up four eyes."

" Ichigo," That took his attention, the way I wanted. I want him to pay close attention to what I'm about to say. " Don't hurt her okay?"This is the only thing I can do. I couldn't possibly change Kurosaki's feelings even if I wanted to…

" What makes you think I'll—" The orangette started in bewilderment but didn't continue, seeing my seriousness, wearing the look of a man trying to protect something precious in his own way. The look he gave me said that he understood my intentions, much to my relief. Thus, he opted in saying a firm statement. " I won't."

There was a pause in the conversation, an awkward lack of verbal communication.

" Say Kurosaki, " I initiated. My tone seemed disinclined but still I continued. I needed to confirm my suspicion. " Did you like her?"

" Who?" Ichigo's brows contorted into innocent confusion and surprised definitely, blinking his eyes several times just to make sure he was indeed being asked.

For a split-second, I thought of backing out, finding it ridiculous to ask such a private topic which has nothing to do with me at all. But then, I needed clear answers, to figure out the probable turn of events." Kuchiki-san." Then I clarified. " Did you like Kuchiki-san in a real genuine way?"

Kurosaki Ichigo was stunned for a moment, taking time to process what he has heard. He would have passed it for a joke if not for me staring at him intently, no humor in my face. " No." He answered without any hesitation. It seems that it was the best answer and the most correct answer he could give with confidence.

I smirked as I gazed at the orange-head, understanding very well what he meant." Like is such a petty word to use huh?"

Ichigo scoffed as he pressed the ice pack harder against his bruised cheek. " To call it liking is simply labeling my feelings as trash. It's not even close."

What he said was deep…very deep…a thing that I never expected to hear from him. But it wasn't surprising at all—not one bit. Crossing my arms on my chest, I remarked. " For someone so dense, who knew you could be so emotionally-involved?"

" SHUT UP GLASSES-BOY!"Was the best retort Kurosaki Ichigo could come up with.

But really, I don't want him to hurt Inoue-san. It would be unfair for such a gentle and loving girl like her.

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-INOUE-

The wind gathered around my face, my auburn hair swaying gently giving me a picturesque look. Facing this boy—no, man, my heart was beating like crazy. I can almost feel it jumping out of my chest. Today was the day I decided that I'll tell him how I feel. After all those years of keeping these feelings to myself, I will tell him. All of it. " T-thank you for coming Kurosaki-kun. I-I wasn't really expecting you to come at all." I tried to act casual but failed miserably.

Kurosaki-kun simply cocked his head and reached a hand on the back of his head, scratching it slightly. " Well, you did say you had something to tell me. And I unintentionally ditched you earlier. Sorry about that."

I shook my hand vigorously at him, looking like n eager idiot. " Eh…it's nothing. You don't have to apologize. It looked like you were in a hurry earlier when you were running out of the school grounds…I-it's not like I was following you or anything. I just happened to see you earlier when I was waiting for you here. You talked to that guy in the car outside the school. You looked a little upset back then. I-I wasn't really suppose to do that, I didn't mean to…I mean I was just observing since I haven't seen that guy before and he looked just like you but still different I guess…" I added a nervous laugh, face red with blush. " S-sorry for rambling."

" I-it's okay I guess. He was just an acquaintance." Ichigo's tried to ease me, probably sensing my uneasiness. " By the way, what were you suppose to tell me Inoue?" He refocused the topic.

" Huh? Ah…yes, I was supposed to tell you something." I was definitely uncomfortable. Almost hesitating. I looked down for a moment, gather my courage, before once again meeting Ichigo's eyes with resolve. I had decided that I will tell him. I must!

Perhaps, surprised by the sudden change of my aura, Ichigo asked." Oi, Inoue. Are you alright?"

To hear the concern in his voice, it made me really happy. For years, I felt like I was begging him for some affection, using his kindness as an excuse. But today, I will give it my all. I want him to see me not as the same girl back then at the hospital but as a woman. " Kurosaki-kun, I…" My voice went out as shaky while I fidgeted. My chest felt like it was about to explode. I couldn't take it anymore, so I finally spoke the words." …I love you." My mouth quivered, the blush on my face was profuse. Relief surged into me. I'm finally able to say it!

Kurosaki-kun tensed a bit, probably taken by surprise from my confession. " Inoue." He spoke my name in the gentlest manner.

It felt like riding on the clouds, warm and tender…but there was something else, as his face was filled with remorse. He wasn't happy…he wasn't smiling…why? Without a word, Kurosaki-kun began to step forward and engulfed me into an embrace. I should have been happy, it was the first time that he hugged me, but then all I felt was the stabbing sensation in my chest. " I'm sorry." He said in a low voice but I heard it anyway. I lifted my arms and hugged him as well, clenching my hands tightly on the back of his uniform-issued jacket. Tears slowly formed at the corners of my eyes. " I'm really sorry Inoue…but I can't return your feelings."

" It's Kuchiki-san, isn't it?" I managed to ask as I began to sob. His silence was enough for an answer. It was the same as shouting it out to the rest of the world.

" I really don't want to hurt your feelings. You've been a good friend of mine since we've met. You listen to my problems and you try to cheer me up with your ehrr…unique recipes. I've always thought of you as a sister as well. My whole family does. You're already a part of our family." Those were his words of comfort but it only sent pain in my heart more and more. " And I really want it to stay that way."

I wanted to shout at him, to pound my hand against his chest, to blame him for making me this miserable…but I can't. " Kurosaki-kun…" I mumbled against his chest.

" Inoue?"

I tightened my grip on his clothes…releasing all my pent-up emotion in there before letting go, breathing slowly…slowly…as I look up at him. " For now, can…can you just…make me feel special?" My voice was pleading and still shaky, tears were still falling from my eyes but I spoke to him anyway. " I won't ask you to return my feelings." I said bitterly. " But…at least, I want to be treated special by you…even for just a short while. Not like a lover. I just want to feel special." I pursed my lips, silently praying…For a moment he was silent…just looking at me with pity. I kept my gaze, connecting with his eyes." Please."

He sighed. " Okay."

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-GRIMMJOW-

" Well, it has nothing to do with me anyway. You came here to pay your debt to me." My cunning side came back in a split second.

Rukia looked up when she sensed the sudden change my demeanor. Slowly, I approached her. I didn't exactly want to look vicious in front of her but I ended up making her feel that way istead when she steps back every time I stepped forward, wanting to maintain the distance between us as much as possible. Old habits are hard to die after all.

" What's wrong Kuchiki? I thought you wanted to pay back your debt to me?" I asked her, knowing it would hit a nerve. She's a stubborn girl. And she did as I expected when she planted herself firm on where she was standing.

" Of course!" She stated firmly...looking all courageous despite her petite form.

I grinned with satisfaction as I crossed the remaining distance between us. " Good. I only want one thing from you to pay your debt on me. I'm sure it wouldn't matter since you said you don't like Kurosaki." I swiftly secured a hand on her back, securing her and pulled her closer. " I want you to…" I leaned down slowly. With my face only inches away from hers, I see her closing her eyes tightly. " …be mine." I meant every word that I said. I was prepared to kiss her but then I see her still struggling with herself. She didn't like the idea. And I don't plan on pushing myself to her.

"Ichigo." She muttered. Maybe, she wasn't even aware she did.

I sighed before covering her mouth with my free hand. When she opened her eyes and looked directly into mine with wonder, I leaned down further and kissed the back of my hand on her lips before letting her go. The little girl fell down in sitting position on the ground…looking at me incredulously. " What?" I spatted.

" N-nothing." There was relief in her voice and in her face as she said that, still not standing up.

Grabbing her arm and pulling her up myself, I told her. " I'm not one to push myself to women, it's the other way around so don't flatter yourself."

Kuchiki Rukia pulled her arm away from my hand and haughtily said. " How rude! I wasn't even saying anything!" She stumped childishly with a pout of her face. She was glad I didn't kiss her…she was glad that I didn't take advantage of the situation.

Just how much more does she want to hurt to my feelings?

" At least feel disappointed that I didn't kiss you, midget." I mumbled.

She glanced at me. " Did you say something?"

All I did was to laugh bitterly before walking towards the park's main gate. " Nothing. We should get home."

" Oi, wait for me!"She ran after me. " By the way…I forgot to thank you for coming that time at the warehouse to rescue us."

The only thing she'll ever feel for me is gratefulness.

I suddenly stopped from my walk. I heard her footsteps doing the same just behind me. " About your debt with me…"

" Ohh…" She said weakly. " What about it?" The way she asked it, she sounded nervous, probably thinking I'll pull the same stunt again.

" If you want to pay me back…" I began. "…I just want to be your escort for the Gotei ball."

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-ICHIGO-

" You are my purple soul Rukia."

I see her eyes twinkling under the silver moonlight. She looked so beautiful tonight, so breath-taking.

I brought her hands up to my lips and kissed them without tearing my gaze from her. I've waited so long for this night.

" I love you." I finally said the words with all the sincerity and love I could muster.

She looks surprised as her eyes began to water. Then tears began to fall. It concerns me. " W-what's wrong?" I asked with worry.

" What took you so long to tell me?!" Rukia demanded but the joy in her voice was evident.

I let go of her hands and placed my hands on her cheeks before resting my forehead on top of hers. " I didn't take long. I've already told you the same thing eleven years ago. You just didn't remember."

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-RUKIA-

" I'll stay by your side forever." The little boy grinned and with pride, he told me. " I'll be your knight, your protector."

My young self reciprocated his grin with a wide smile. ' The one who protects.' I remembered it by heart, it was the meaning of his name.

We sat together at the garden, this boy with a bright orange hair whose name was Ichigo held my hand tightly. " Dad said that you should be my wife."He said.

"What's a wife?" My innocent young counterpart asked, clearly confused.

" It's the woman that a man loves with all his heart." Was his explanation.

" Then, do you love me?" I quizzed mindlessly as I stared at the grassy lawn with interest.

He grabbed my face firmly and made me face him. " I love you very much."

His words tickled my young heart, making it skip a bit and for blush to run up my face with his seriousness. But still, an unfamiliar fluffy feeling suddenly succumbed me, making me smile at him wider.

" So, do you love me too?" He asked.

I don't remember the if I gave him an answer but this time, I will tell him this. " I love you too."

-FIN-

A/N: *cries* At last…I finished it! It kinda makes me both happy and sad though and I don't feel like it really did end but I hope you're satisfied ( I'm gonna sulk if you're not! )

I still don't know if I'm gonna write an epilogue so do your best convincing me. It would all depend on the feedback I'll receive. Well, I hope that you enjoyed the past few months that we've spent with each other. I want to thank you all for your support from beginning to end of this story. I'll look forward to reading your reviews! See ya around people ;)

This is the finale so at least send me a REVIEW! Pretty please.

-God bless you all!-