Disclaimer: If I ever own Bleach or Naruto, Rukia and Ichigo will be together and Orihime wouldn't even exist LOL :D And, Aizen would be the matchmaker of Rukia and Ichigo and Naruto would have been together with Sasuke. *Shrugs*

Warning: OOC-ness, angst, mystery, slight romance

A/N: I lost count of the number of chapters. O_O Anyway, this chapter involves the anger of Rukia Kuchiki and some Inoue and Rukia's confrontation.


Replying To Reviews In Progress:

Special Thanks To:

kyurikochan: I really doubt it would be revealed soon, but... You know, the character would be kinda... Unexpected. That's all I can tell you. :D

Kurosaki Anne: I really doubt it's Rukia. :D I considered your suggestion but, reading this chapter, it wouldn't be logical for it to be Rukia. Right? XD I may ahve a twist, though. The possibilities are lingering in my mind. XD

chalzin-san: *Laughs* I'm glad you are making improvements in your novel. I rather yout ell me now so I can get to congratulate you in whatever secret you have found. XD Wait, why does everyone thinks the flashback is Rukia? Kinda weird. LOL XD Rukia is a homeroom teacher for now, so, it couldn't possibly be her, but, I may have some sort of a twist in it. :D Because Uryuu's crush is supposed to be Inoue, but, I assure you, that will change really, really soon. Gave you something to think about, didn't I? XD Rukia will never be ugly. *Pouts* Love you lots too. XD

DarkShinigami16: Yeah, with the beta, it's better. XD Yeah, I thought that would be confusing which I'm still trying to think of a solution of that problem occuring. What's happening to Masaki will be revealed soon, I really hope. But, right now, I'm seriously troubled by one of the plot bunnies which I created. Seriously. -.- About Ishida's feeling, it will change very very soon. *Grins* His love for Inoue would change, I assure you. XD

falconrukichi: Until now, I'm still wondering what you meant but I'm glad that you find the story much clearer to you now. :D


Special Thanks To:

Beta-san: Betaing my chapters and making them out to be more greater in my sense. I love you! XD

Kurosaki Anne: Adding 'Healing One's Heart' to Story Alerts' Subscriptions / Adding 'Healing One's Heart' to Favourite Stories' List.


Sitting with her arms folded, Rukia sighed as she glanced at the family that's causing noise pollution just beside her. Seriously, can this family be any more idiotic...? "Inoue-san, won't you eat Masaki's well-prepared onigiri~?"

Inoue squealed. "Of course I will, Isshin-san!"

Sighing once more, Rukia turned to face Ishida while Ishida was staring at her. "What?" Ishida lifted one of his eyebrows in amusement. "If you have something to say, say it to them, not me."

Ishida continued to stare at Rukia. "This is the first time you have met Isshin-san, right?"

No, I have been in the Kurosaki's house for a few days. Think I will reveal that to you, Ishida? Rukia sighed for the nth time. The family next to her was getting her short-tempered, but, in order to hide the truth, she had to. "Yeah." She desperately hoped that Isshin wouldn't say anything.

"Well, that's lucky then. I can't imagine having to face Isshin-san everyday."

I can imagine, Ishida, sadly. "Yeah..." Okay, all good... For now.

But, Rukia ran out of luck when she felt two arms on her waist and she looked down only to widen her eyes, seeing Isshin wailing. Isshin-san... What are you thinking...? "Rukia-chan, you have hurt me..." Pointing to his heart dramatically, he continued to wail. "Here!" I would have shouted at you if you were Urahara, Isshin-san. The thought of Urahara brought a twinge of sadness, but, it was quickly swept away by Isshin's wailing. "You have been staying at our house for a day at least!" Rukia sighed. You have totally done it, Isshin-san... How am I going to explain this time?

Ishida and Inoue's eyes widened. "What...?"

Rukia glanced at her students, then, at Ichigo who wasn't helping. Jerk. As if hearing her thoughts, Ichigo gave her a smirk in response. Closing her eyes and sighing for who-knows-how-many times, Rukia opened her eyes and for once, decided to tell them the truth. "Yoruichi and Urahara... In short, my guardians... Died."

Both of them widened their eyes again and Inoue asked. "How did that happen, Rukia-sensei?"

Rukia glanced at Inoue, not letting her emotions betray her as she shrugged. "I don't know, or, in other words, reasons unknown."

"Reasons unknown...?" Inoue asked.

Rukia looked away, turning into a face of irritation. "Yes, Inoue-san. Reasons unknown."

Inoue felt herself shrinking at the defiance tone of Rukia's, or rather, irritation. She had never seen her homeroom teacher like this and, honestly... She was afraid, or rather, scared. "Rukia-sensei, I'm..."

Rukia turned away from her, not wanting to see the sympathizing face Inoue would have on her face. "I don't want to hear anything from you, Inoue-san." Inoue widened her eyes. What...? "Sometimes, Inoue-san, when a harm has been done, there's no use sympathizing."

"I was not...!"

"That face you had when you talked to me..." Rukia wasn't facing Inoue. "It was sympathizing, was it not?" Inoue was silent. "When Sora died, Inoue-san, what was your first thought? For others to sympathize with you and tell you that they are sorry for your brother's death? Was it?"

"You didn't have to speak so harshly, Rukia-sensei."

Rukia turned to glare at Ichigo and Ichigo turned to return her glare, just as fierce. "It's true that you didn't deserve sympathy, due to that attitude of yours." Ichigo stated which only made Rukia glare harder. "But, no matter what, at least Inoue tried to do something, right?"

Looking away, Rukia sighed and leaned her head on a tree. "Taking a nap, don't bother me."

Inoue looked at her homeroom teacher weirdly before looking down at her lap and tears began to gather as she thought of Sora. In a sense, she realized Rukia was right. She pushed away everyone at that time, didn't want anyone to sympathize with her. She only wanted Sora to comfort her, saying that it's all a dream and he was alive. "Inoue-san."

Looking up, she saw Masaki and smiled politely. "Masaki-san, what's wrong?"

"Inoue-san, please try your best not to blame Rukia-san." Inoue blinked, trying to make sure she had heard right. Huh...? "Rukia-san might sound harsh at times, but that child has been through a lot, so please... Don't blame Rukia-san."

Inoue felt a stir of jealousy somehow. Masaki had gotten to know Rukia in the short period where Rukia had been in Ichigo's household. Forcing a smile, she smiled politely. "No, I don't blame Rukia-sensei. Moreover, I know how she's feeling right now."

Masaki smiled in response and took out an onigiri. "Would you like some onigiri, Inoue-san...?"

Taking the food, Inoue smiled. "Of course."


Shaking Rukia slightly, Rukia felt a vein throb. "We are here to have picnic, Rukia-sensei. At least, try your best to not ruin everyone's mood, will you...?"

Rukia sighed once more before opening her eyes. "Do you know that you are beyond annoying, Kurosaki?"

Ichigo smirked. "I know."

Rukia looked away onto the scenery before both of them were engulfed in silence. Neither wanted to break the silence as each of them were bombarded by memories. But, one particular question was haunting Rukia. "Kurosaki, can I ask you a question?" Ichigo glanced at Rukia. "What happened to Urahara and Yoruichi's bodies?"

Ichigo had been expecting the question somehow. But, he dreaded the answer. "There were no bodies of them."

Rukia's eyes snapped open. "What...?"

Ichigo shrugged this time. "You heard me. We couldn't find Urahara-san or Yoruichi-san's body. In that room..." Rukia widened her eyes at Ichigo. "There was only your body lying there..." The memory of Rukia laying there in that room, lifeless, her eyes closed... Had hurt Ichigo so much that he closed his eyes, but, snapped them open due to Rukia's outburst.

"Impossible..." Ichigo glanced at Rukia. "Impossible..." Rukia continued muttering. It went like that until there was a shout. "Impossible!" This alerted all members of the Kurosakis, even Inoue and Ishida. "I saw them! I knew they were dead!" Rukia continued shouting. "They should have a body beside mine! There's no way there would be not a sight of Urahara and Yoruichi's body!"

"Rukia-sama..."

As Rukia charged forward at Ichigo who had his head lowered, his hair covering his expression, Ishida sprang into action as he caught Rukia's hands, making Rukia halt in her steps. "There's no way! No way that there wasn't a sight -" Tears were starting to gather.

"I know, Rukia-sensei..." Rukia glanced up this time. "You want them to come back, don't you?" Rukia clenched her fists. You are in no position to tell me that, Kurosaki.

Rukia glared at Ichigo and swung her fists, catching Ishida off guard and sent him stumbling back. "Uryuu-kun!" Inoue shouted and ran to Ishida.

Just when Rukia was about to land her punch on Ichigo, a voice shouted. "Rukia!" Rukia froze. "Accept the fact that Urahara and Yoruichi are dead!" Ichigo looked at Rukia and saw the tears that were streaming down. Ichigo's heart seemed to rip itself into two as Ishida looked at the scene. "Rukia..."

Rukia retracted her fists and sent it forward, aiming for Ichigo. "Rukia-san!" Masaki shouted, running forward to stop Rukia.

And, by that time, Rukia already punched... The wall that Ichigo was leaning on as she stood still, panting heavily as she stared at Ichigo, with tears streaming down. "I hate you, Kurosaki. I really... Hate you..." With blood dripping from her hands, she retracted her fists away from Ichigo and the wall which already had a crack. Turning to walk away, she was met with the stares of Ishida and Inoue but she looked away. I can just imagine what are Ishida and Inoue-san thinking now...

"Rukia..."

"Rukia-sensei." Rukia halted her steps. "I know how you are feeling right now..." Rukia snapped her head over at Ichigo, ready to scold him but Ichigo won't allow. Not until I tell you the reason, Rukia-sensei... "I really know." Rukia stayed silent. "Somebody precious... Was taken away from me a few years back too..." Rukia stared at Ichigo. "I want that person to come back... I'm sure you do too..." Blinking once, Rukia did not move. "I know we do... But, we still have to accept the fact... That they are dead."

Taking a hand and wiping her tears, Rukia glanced over at Isshin and Masaki and smiled. You are wrong, Kurosaki. "Kurosaki." Ichigo glanced up at her. "You will never know what I'm feeling, not now, not ever."

Ichigo looked up at Rukia. "I rea -"

Rukia maintained the smile. "No, you don't." Ichigo went silent after that. "If you did, you wouldn't be saying all those things to me." Bending down and taking an onigiri, Rukia continued to walk. "The only person that can understand me... Would be having his precious ones die."

"That was what -"

"Even though that may be your experience, Ichigo..." Rukia continued. "You still don't understand me." Rukia continued walking.

"Why...?"

Rukia turned back to Ichigo, a smile on her face. "No reason. In fact, why are you trying so hard to understand me knowing that you, Kurosaki Ichigo..." Rukia turned back and took a bite of her food. "Can never understand me at all?"

"Rukia, that's too harsh. Even though Kurosaki might not know all, he had a traumatic experience before, I'm sure of that." Ishida stepped in.

Rukia felt her resolve breaking slowly, the more she talked about it, the faster she will cry. But, instead of walking away, she smiled at Ishida. "So what...?" Ishida stared at Rukia. "Although he may know what I'm thinking, he had no rights to say how I feel." Turning to Masaki, she raised the food. "Thanks a lot, Masaki-san, I will be going now."

"That's too over the top, Rukia-sensei." Halting just for a single second, Rukia continued walking forward, treating as if Inoue hadn't called her at all. "Rukia-sensei!" But, Rukia wasn't in sight anymore.

"You know, Rukia-sama, those was some harsh words you used back there."

Rukia slowed her steps to a walking pace as she sighed. "It's true, isn't it? Moreover, it's Kurosaki's fault for claiming to understand me when he doesn't even know me at all."

"Rukia-sama, from Ishida Uryuu, we know that Kurosaki Ichigo have had a traumatic experience, losing his loved ones. Why don't you learn more about him first?"

Rukia shrugged. "I see no reason to."

"He's your student, Rukia-sama."

"Not a valid reason."

"What about that flashback? Aren't you curious to whom those two people are?"

"No." Rukia could never admit it. "No, I'm not curious." Yet, she, somehow, had an image of brightly-colored orange hair. Looking away, she sighed. Tears were, once again, gathering as she thought of the bodies of Urahara and Yoruichi not found. Blinking them away, she asked. "Do you believe what Kurosaki was talking about?"

"About Urahara-sama and Yoruichi-sama?"

"Yeah..."

"He hasn't a reason to lie about such things, has he...?" Rukia went silent.

"I agree with your reasoning, but..." Rukia was having a hard time putting what she thought into words. How can...? "I mean, I saw Urahara and Yoruichi die... So, how can it be that...?" Rukia went silent once again.

"Rukia-sama, why exactly were you so harsh towards Kurosaki Ichigo when he stated the fact that Urahara-sama and Yoruichi-sama's bodies were nowhere to be found?"

"Nothing in particular, I just found it..." Rukia hesitated. "Illogical."

"I'm sure there's another reason to your outburst, right?" Her Zanpakutou spirit questioned.

"No, there's no other reason."


A/N: What do you think is Rukia's issue? Oh, saying about the enwest Bleach chapter, did anybody laugh at Ichigo's new look? *Raises hands sheepishly* I did... But, it was just too funny! *Pouts deeply* Things are heating up in this story, I can tell since I got the next few chapters ready, but, am going to have my fun posting a few in one week. XD What will happen next? Who exactly is the girl in Ichigo's flashback and caused her to die?

I was originally planning before I posted... I was thinking... 'What if the girl is Rukia's past life'? Then, I thought of all the possibilities. Rukia's a homeroom teacher while Ichigo's a student. If that girl is Rukia's reincarnation, wouldn't it be somehow illogical for Rukia to be older than Ichigo? And, that's when I decided. 'Nah, this girl can't be Rukia.' LOL! XD What do you guys think? :DDDD And, what do you think happened to Urahara and Youruichi? What happened to their bodies? XD

IchiRuki01, signing off.