He knew she was different, she was doing her best to be accepted and loved, to feel like she was special. So upon their final confrontation he couldn't kill her, couldn't leave her to die in that river. Time would tell if he'd grow to regret his decision.

A little sweet treat for the season. A very canon divergent Christmas story involving Rukia and Ichigo using "The Twelve Days" as a theme. After the Quincy war, Rukia's elders search for suitors fitting of a bankai level Kuchiki heir. Ichigo, related to the Shibas who are set to become nobility again, is among the choosing. Can he, knowing her as he does, out do all the others?

Before Takashi's fierce team hit the road on a quest for survival he crossed paths with the talented Saeko. He was the crush she referred to at the park. Hisashi wasn't bitten and survived the initial invasion of the school. Tensions are high amongst the zombie-slaying team. Can they survive the zombies, their feelings, and their burdens?

Post manga chapter 423. It's been many months since Ichigo lost his powers in the winter war. But maybe, all he needs in his life is a certain midget shinigami. IchiRuki, with some IshiHime and other pairings. Rated T due to swearing. Enjoy!