Hi guys. Sorry for the late update. I hope you all are okay, healthy and safe. Please try to remain calm and have no fear of what is happening right now with the virus. Just keep positive :)

Also, Bleach is coming back in 2021 that's something to celebrate! A good idea would be to re-watch the anime again especially at this time.

Anyways I hope you enjoy this chapter and I will try my best to update faster.

Thanks to everyone who's stuck around with this story.

/

Pitch darkness engulfed the night sky with gleams of luminous lights from cars and street lights. This view greeted Aizen as he sat on the rooftop of his luxurious condo, alone, scanning a bunch of polaroid photos in his hands like a computer. There were a total of 6 photos in his pale hands, a dark gaze never left the photos as a small smirk formed on Aizen face, he finally could set his plan into motion after all these years. Ever since Ichigo Kurosaki and Grimmjow left the Arrancars and defied Aizen's will, Aizen had been waiting for the right time to get his revenge on them both. He wasn't the type of person to cut someone out as quickly as possible, he liked to deal with people when they least expect it. Aizen's philosophy was to torcher those who had 'wronged' him until the pleaded for mercy. It had been a couple of years since Ichigo and Grimmjow had left the Arrancars and the same could be said for Riruka too, they all had left because the crimes they were committing had messed with their mental health and psyche but to Aizen, this just showed their weakness to him and the cause of the Arrancars.

Any person who joined the Arrancars knew what it was about: money, power, and status

The whole unit prided on these three things because it allowed them to be in control of the streets. There were other gangs out there who were striving for the same satisfaction and power the Arrancars had, Aizen was top dog, he had it all. But when two of his best pawns decided to leave it shook his organization, it ruined the image he took years to create. No one undermined him or could leave the unit without Aizen's say and after all, he had done for Ichigo by taking him in when the poor boy had nowhere to go after getting kicked out of his home for his alcoholism. The ungrateful boy would pay.

Now was the right time for Aizen to strike, Ichigo's career as a writer was on its last legs, his alcoholic problems had hit an all-time low based on the views of the public/media and the worst part is, Ichigo could not foresee Aizen's plans coming.

But, the best part about this was the girl.

Aizen had sent his pawns to track Ichigo's life and from what they could gather he had gotten close to an actress named Rukia. Apparently, she was chosen to star in Elation, a movie adaptation of Ichigo's latest book which was to debut after the movie's release. It seemed that she has a lot of importance to Ichigo, even more than his own family in some way by what Aizen's pawns had reported. It felt like fate just gave Aizen more leverage over Ichigo, with his family Ichigo showed no signs of wanting to change, they never had a stronghold on him as this young woman did.

On the polaroid photos were images of Ichigo & Rukia caught kissing each other intensely, with these photos Aizen could finally put his plan into motion. The demise of Riruka made Aizen thirsty for more blood, it was like a catalyst, he ached for revenge against Ichigo an instant that he took the photos, stood up and began to make a call.

Time for action.

/

Filming had gone disastrous!

At this moment in time, the movie was almost practically done but a few last scenes needed to be done, some scenes redone, & some extra scenes needed to be shot. Toshiro, Ikkaku, Momo & Rangiku were busy filming extra scenes, whilst Rukia, Shuhei, and Senna struggled to shoot their scenes and had gone on to take some promotional shots. Rukia could barely focus at all, at every chance she felt anxious about her kiss with Ichigo yesterday that she kept on forgetting her lines & to convey the emotion of elation. Today Rukia had promised to talk to Ichigo about the moment they shared after filming, but her anxious feelings kept manifesting on-screen that Kisuke kept yelling cut to redo it over. Also, the fact that the scenes were shot in a fake hospital setting under green dim lighting just made Rukia's anxiety worse.

Ichigo's dark amber gaze didn't help either. Those gems didn't leave her the whole time filming, Rukia could just feel it. A wave of goosebumps formed on Rukia's body in response to Ichigo's gaze, she wishes she could compress her feelings but she was failing. Also, she didn't know if it was right for her to enter a relationship with Ichigo, she had come to Tokyo Grand to pursue a dream career: acting, how could she achieve this goal if she put energy into dating? At this moment it time it seemed to really affect her concentration on acting and Rukia was nothing but a perfectionist who always put 100 per cent in all she could. Another huge factor is Rukia had zero experience in love or dating, besides yesterday she had never even kissed anyone and when things got extreme she was a blubbering mess. Immaturity and relationships don't mix. Although they both have feelings for each other was Ichigo even in the best place to date? What would happen if they had arguments? Would he lash out by ignoring her as he had in the past, would she do the same due to not knowing how to handle such situations?

What would happen if another hot and steamy moment happened between them again? How would she handle it if things get too overwhelming?

Would Ichigo even dare to stop or would he just keep going like last time without a care in the world?

Rukia's mind swirled with 100 questions as she felt Ichigo's presence on barely said a word as he sat aside Kisuke watching/supervising everything, his body was still, his face showed no emotion at all but his eyes said it all. Uryu was on set to help with the promotional shootings and was busy making a few adjustments on Senna, Shuhei and Rukia's costumes, the three wore white hospital gowns which were roughened up, torn in a few areas with splats of fake blood. The three actors were sat on a large hospital bed with white pillows and duvets which also had fake blood on them, and like before green dim lighting was used to create an ominous atmosphere.

The shiny bleak flashes of light were hard for Rukia to adjust to while shooting, she could barely open her eyes her face kept squinting to the point that she couldn't emote her emotion of elation.

It didn't help that Ichigo had come to supervise the shoot. The photographer stopped shooting and urged for the three actors to come and see the photos he shot. Uryu's gave Rukia a gaze of disappointment as she returned a confused look back at him before the photographer lectured her on the terrible photos. In every single photo, Rukia looked either out of it, confused, or her eyes were shut tight in some sort of agony 'Senna and Shuhei portrayed their given emotions well while serving good poses for the camera. Compared to Rukia they both looked like models. Senna's eyes caught Rukia's sad reaction

'''Rukia is everything okay? In all these shots you are the missing link.'' Uryu scrawled at Rukia whilst adjusting his squared black GI glasses.

''Is there any concern we should know about?'' Uryu pressed on but Rukia easily shook her head putting her acting skills to use by forming a fake smile with warm eyes.

''No. Nothings wrong I guess I just need to take your corrections and apply them. I want to give it another go.'' Rukia lied. In reality, she wanted to redeem herself for all the bad photos she had taken and to avoid the notion of taking a break giving her more time to prepare herself before she spoke to Ichigo.

Senna walked to Rukia placing a reassuring hand on Rukia's left shoulder, she could see something was up by the way Ichigo stared at Rukia throughout the whole shoot. Senna's intuition ate at her of the thought that something was going on between the two, and though she hadn't formed a real opinion on the matter she knew it would cause drama in some way. Especially since Shuhei has feelings for Rukia and Rangiku wasn't too fond of that, plus a month ago there was drama surrounding Rukia and Shuhei's kissing scene. This drama couldn't continue on for the sake of the movie, especially since filming was close to being wrapped up and promotional tours/interviews were next on the list. If there were any dating scandals or drama it would come forth through the interviews and bring bad press to the movie and Senna could not have that for her career, not when she worked too damn hard to get where she is.

''Uryu you don't mind if we take a 30-minute break? We've been shooting non-stop.'' Senna suggested before Shuhei chimed in.

'' I think a break would be good, especially for me and Rukia. We need to run over some lines with for a very last scene and I need to speak with you.'' Shuhei began to grab Rukia by her arm lightly as Uryu nodded as signature confirmation, Rukia was ready to decline, but before Shuhei could leave Senna stopped him by tugging his other free arm.

''I need to speak with Rukia, can I do so before you guys go over your lines I will be quick?'' Senna smiled at Rukia and Rukia smiled back, in all honesty, she wanted to go with Senna she didn't want to be around Shuhei knowing that he has feelings for her when she doesn't feel the same. Also being with Senna meant she'll have more time to prepare herself for when she speaks to Ichigo.

Speaking of the devil Rukia could see him walking up to her from her proviral vision. As Shuhei and Senna argued on, on who would speak to Rukia Ichigo appeared out of nowhere like the grim reaper ready to collect a person and take them to the underworld. Rukia's belly fluttered as she took in the sight of Ichigo, he was sporting his usual black tracksuit type fashion but it worked well on him, he always seemed to make average clothes work on him which made Rukia think how dashing he would look all suited and groomed up.

Shuhei attention went on Ichigo in a flash causing Senna to stop talking, she now observed the situation to see if her institution was right.

Ichigo and Shuhei glared at each other intensely like they were two wolves from different packs who were ready to go down in battle, the flatters in Rukia's belly turned into queasiness like she was about to throw up at any second.

Shuhei gave a low audible grunt before he broke eye contact with Ichigo with a disgusted look on his face.

''Come on Rukia...we need to practice our lines,'' Shuhei repeated sternly but Rukia didn't move instead she looked at Senna for help.

''Well, I need to speak to Rukia. We had planned to talk on her break today.'' Ichigo's voice felt cold, to Senna her institution was right there was something between Rukia and Ichigo and it was serious.

''Well, I need to speak to Rukia too.'' Shuhei mocked Ichigo as Ichigo began to slowly walk towards him before anything escalated Rukia spoke up.

'' I am going to speak with Senna first, then I will speak to you Ichigo quickly and then I will run over lines with you Shuhei.'' Rukia rushed out her words, her face was flushed with a hue of red as she grabbed Senna's hand and dashed off.

As the two left Ichigo began to walk away but Shuhei stopped him dead in his tracks by holding Ichigo at the chest, his large hand had a strong grip that could get Ichigo to be stunned a little.

''Look...I don't know what you're game is here...you know there is something between me and Rukia but you seem to be causing drama for no reason. Not only that you shouldn't even be focused on dating any of the actresses, not in the state you are in. You are in no great position to be courting Rukia, not with your track record with women. Recovering and getting this movie to hit the best way possible should be your goal, you have a career to save. So I am going to tell you this once and once only, focus on yourself and this movie, leave Rukia out of your mess.''

Shuhei eyes were daggers looking ready to pierce through Ichigo's heart and drain all the blood out of it, he really meant business.

Ichigo, on the other hand, didn't give a reaction to Shuhei's ''threat'' instead he removed Shuhei's hand from his chest and walked away as if nothing ever happened but in his mind he was furious.

How dare Shuhei disrespect me as that Ichigo thought to himself, Shuhei had no right to come at him like that or even think those things especially when he had been through hell. Shuhei had no idea what Ichigo was facing. So what if there was something between Rukia and Shuhei, from Ichigo's knowledge the two weren't exclusive at all and from the way he had kissed Rukia the other night he knew who Rukia really liked. But at the end of the day, it is Rukia's choice who she wants to be with not Shuhei's. Anyway, screw what Shuhei thought Ichigo said to himself, he had to speak to Rukia and get some clarity on what they were. He wanted to be with her but he had to know where she stood.

/

''What is going on between you and Ichigo? Is that the reason you haven't been able to focus at all?''

Senna and Rukia stood in the women's bathroom in front of a white sink, no one was inside the bathroom accept them so it meant their conversation could be had. In response to Senna's question Rukia just looked at the bathroom walls, it was a nice shade between cream and yellow Rukia thought to herself as she tried to calm down her raging heart. Senna and Rukia stood opposite to each her face to face, but Rukia's eyes had wondered behind Senna. The more Rukia focused on the walls of the bathroom the angrier Senna got, what on earth was going on in Rukia's head? Rukia looked absolutely frazzled and unsure of herself as her mouth kept opening and closing while her amethyst eyes never left the bathroom walls.

A white flash appeared in front of Rukia's eyes before she heard the sound of Senna snapping her fingers in front of her face.

''Earth to Rukia? Hello is anyone there?'' Senna continued snapping her fingers and Rukia pushed them away whining for Senna to stop. Senna pushed back a strand of dark crimson hair behind her ears before she crossed her arms in quick haste, her face stern waiting for Rukia to answer, but Rukia now just felt frustrated at it all. Why was Senna being so nosey all of a sudden?

''Why do you care? What brought this up?'' Rukia retaliated her hands were now on her hips clutching onto her green hospital gown.

''I care because of the movie! This project has the potential to be a big hit since it's Ichigo's comeback. The whole premise of the project is amazing and really do wonders for all our careers even though many of us a now veterans. We will be doing press soon and can't be negative tension with each other. Especially with Ichigo or it will bring bad press to the movie. The paparazzi like to eat that kind of drama up. I can't be attached to any movie that has that, not when my career is thriving. I was guessing you would want the same? As I've known you I've come to know that acting is everything to you. It's your passion. This movie will do wonders for your career, but if there is any commotion between you, Ichigo and Shuhei any the media catches onto that it may ruin the way the public view you as an actress. Especially after your debut.''

As Senna explained this to Rukia it all hit her like a ton of bricks Rukia had never considered anything Senna had said. But going on a date with Shuhei had been fine with Senna and even Momo & Rangiku, so why didn't they say anything before?

''I understand what you are saying Senna, but why wasn't it a problem when I went on a date with Shuhei before?''

''It wasn't a problem because there was no triangle. Do you see the way those two look like they want to kill each other? How would it be when we are doing press? They can't fake being happy and cordial towards each other, even if Shuhei is an actor his emotions will come through. That's why I am asking is there something between you and Ichigo? If not which I don't presume true we wouldn't be having this conversation. But I believe there is by the way you keep on acting.'' Rukia turned her head a little away from Senna with a look of defeat.

''Also you need to think about all this...is it even worth it to entertain Ichigo? Shouldn't he be focusing on his project and getting well.''

''I know that Senna, I do, but this all kind of happened naturally. In all honesty, I was just here to act and grow on my craft, but then Shuhei and I bonded and I thought I should give him a chance. Then I started to grow fond of Ichigo to such a strong point and I didn't even know it was happening.'' Rukia turned to the bathroom sink placing both hands at the edge of the sink as she looked downwards. Senna feeling bad walked up to Rukia placing a hand on her shoulder.

'' I am sorry if I came off a little pushy. I am just looking out for all our careers. I want this movie to do well. I am not saying don't date anyone, you have the right to do what you want. I just want to make sure there isn't any drama that's all.''

'' I understand...thanks, Senna.''

After her talk with Senna Rukia started to re-evaluate somethings, she thought about Ichigo and how he needed to be at his best mentally and physically. His career was on the line but not only that his relationship with his family and his friends which he now is trying to rebuild. Rukia also knew Ichigo had many deep skeletons in his closet with his past being in the Arrancars which he barely talked about. She knew he had recently gone through something dark revolving that and wondered how he was coping?

Would it even make sense for her to date him when he had so much to overcome?

Rukia and Senna had left the bathroom as they walked in comfortable silence while Rukia continued to think.

Although Rukia was a big help to Ichigo's mental struggle with alcohol, he never wanted to get better on his own accord and this made Rukia wonder if Ichigo only wanted to get better for her. The idea of this made her heart swell but in reality, it was dangerous. Rukia had seen it first hand with her brother Byakuya, her sister Hisana was the only reason for his happiness. When she passed on Byakuya lost all he was it's like his whole demeanour changed, though he has a strict persona he still was able to smile from then to then, after Hisana's death he slowly lost that becoming cold and stoic. This affected him to the point that he could never escape this, it felt like to Rukia her brother had been stuck a moment of time for years: the exact moment he lost Hisana.

Then it clicked inside Rukia's head.

The same thing had happened to Ichigo. He lost his mother and had been stuck at that moment in time forever. She was his reason to be happy by the way he spoke about her, and when she passed he clutched onto alcohol and pain. If Rukia decided to be with him in this moment of time he wouldn't be able to find happiness within himself he would rely on Rukia for that, but what would happen if she let him down?

In the end, Rukia was happy Senna had talked to her it made her come to realize something.

Now she had to finally confront Ichigo.

/

Ichigo sat at his office desk staring at an empty word document on his Mac computer waiting for Rukia to come. At this moment in time, she only had 10 minutes left on her break (which wouldn't really be enough time for them to talk out everything but Ichigo was willing to take what he can get). The colour scheme of the office reflected Ichigo's internal mood, it was grey, metallic and dull. Ever since he kissed Rukia he felt like he's needed her to be around him. Without her presence, he just felt depressed and anxious, his mind would also often wonder to Riruka with guilt but then he would think about Rukia and all of that would wither away. A small knock came from the door making Ichigo almost jump out of his seat, he stared at the black door glumping with nervousness, clearing his throat before yelling ''Come in''. Under a second Rukia came into the room, her raven hair shielding her face as her head bowed down in an awkward position, her body language felt weak and unconfident like she didn't know what to do with herself as she stood an inch away from the door.

Ichigo caught onto this in an instant, he began to walk to Rukia reaching out his left hand towards her. Deep down Ichigo knew something was off by just looking at her for a second, he had seen that face before, the one where she shut him out.

''Stop!''

Frozen in a quick fear Ichigo stopped moving, the way Rukia said that word sounded somewhat...dejected?

Last night everything felt so right, but now it felt like Rukia was avoiding him all over again.

Ichigo eyes stuck onto Rukia like glue they roamed all over in some sort of desperation eager to figure out what was going on. Rukia began to stare at the ground with a huge wave of anxiety rushing over her. In truth, Rukia had already decided what she was going to do and it sucked, no matter how much she wanted to deny it Senna was right the idea of her and Ichigo together would only cause drama, especially because she had already set up things with Shuhei. Plus in the end, Rukia would somehow only become a clutch to Ichigo that he needs to get better without him wanting to get better for himself.

In reality, the relationship between Rukia and Ichigo was like poison ivy. From the outside, everything looks fine just like a poison ivy leaf looks like a regular leaf, however, the leaf is really full of toxins. If a relationship was to blossom it would only fall toxic later on because of Ichigo's failure to overcome his demons for himself and no one else.

Rukia originally intended to cover up her feelings by masking them, but she just wasn't strong enough to do so, not when she knew turning Ichigo down could break his heart.

But...

What if this decision all went wrong causing Ichigo to drink again? Wouldn't that be worse than for her to stay with him (because she actually wanted to) and indirectly help Ichigo get over his problem? Rukia continued with the mental battle in her mind subconsciously until she heard Ichigo's low sullen voice break through her defences.

''Rukia...what's wrong you look so upset?'' is all Rukia's ears managed to hear but what she didn't notice is how close Ichigo had gotten to her, she found his huge slender hands clutch onto her shoulders in a swift motion leaving her no room to move. To her surprise, Rukia felt a sense of comfort as her anxiety began to wither away. Every time Ichigo always managed to comfort Rukia in such tensed moments.

'' I am fine.''

Rukia's head shot up, her eyes met Ichigo's that were lost in uncertainty.

A short breath passed Rukia's mouth before she spoke.

'' I know we agreed to talk everything out after what happened the other day...but I just want to say...I don't think now is the right time for us to be together''

Ichigo's hands slid slowly down Rukia's arms to her hands as he held them softly, at this moment in time Rukia couldn't see Ichigo's eyes as he lowered his head for his orange mane to cover his eyes. To see Ichigo hurt isn't what Rukia wanted but she'd hoped Ichigo would understand why she wanted this after explaining her reasoning.

''It's not that I don't want to be with you, I do, I like you a lot like no one before. This is all so new to me and it's scary but I want us to be when you are in a better place. I don't fully know what your relationship with alcohol is like now, but I see that you only want to change because of me. I am happy that I've motivated you, but I can't be the only reason for you to want to stop drinking. If we are to be together it has to be because we both want to, our relationship has to be on a fresh start.''

With every word, Rukia spoke she could feel Ichigo's hands squeeze tighter onto hers like a plea for help.

Ichigo's hair still covered his eyes and his mouth was shut tight with no words.

'' I know you probably expected something different, believe me, I was actually want to be with you but after thinking it over and getting some good counsel I learned that this decision was the best to make...I..''

'' After confessing to you last night I wasn't able to sleep all I did was think of you. I wanted to hold your hand, listen to you speak about whatever's on your mind, make you laugh and smile because you deserve that so darn much after everything you went through with your brother. I want to see you succeed as an actress and live out your passion. All I could think about was you, not the idea that you make me want to change and stop drinking, I just wanted to be with you. Only you.''

Ichigo's eyes were now visible to Rukia, his eyes look transparent and glassy as he bore himself out to her. Every word Ichigo said dug deep into Rukia's heart and broke down her defences.

Would she stick to her guns or not?

'' I am trying to get better and not be the same person I once was, I know I will get there but I don't know how I can do that without you.''

'' I can still be there for you as a friend, I just want you to get better for you and you alone. You deserve that much Ichigo.'' Rukia's breath got cut short as Ichigo's face got closer to hers, what was he doing?

''I know Rukia but the thing is I don't think I can just be your friend anymore, not after how close we've gotten and all we've gone through.'' the tone in Ichigo's voice changed, it felt sultry to Rukia but there was a hint of tenderness in there. Just by hearing it Rukia's body got goosebumps, it was like she could feel how much feelings Ichigo felt for her just his voice alone and it was a lot to handle.

It also didn't help that he leaned in to kiss her, it got Rukia in a state of panic, but that all evaporated the moment Ichigo's lips met Rukia's.

2 minutes were left before shooting resumed, but this meant nothing to Ichigo and Rukia who were busy in their own little word. To make sure no one entered into their business Ichigo locked his office door.

/

It had been months after the fire incident and Chad had been recovering at a good rate, his friends would visit him many times a week to check up on him and keep him good company. Chad's injuries had gotten better but he was still out of commission to work, but the doctors said he would be okay to leave the hospital in a months time, however, there was no telling when he would be healthy enough to go back to work.

Orihime had come to visit Chad and bring him some special treats (which she has made), she was now 6 months pregnant with a huge swollen bully but that didn't stop her from visiting Chad.

The two were looking for something to watch on TV to pass the time and were in between channels before stumbling upon the news. The broadcast caught Chad's attention after he heard the name ''Kurosaki'' mentioned so he urged Orihime to change the channel back which she did.

The report was on Ichigo and his new romance with the up and coming actress he saved from kidnapping a few months ago named Rukia.

/

Thank you all for reading and again I am sorry I uploaded so late! I hope you enjoyed the chapter.

See you in the next one :)

Also, remember to stay safe, stimulate your mind by reading books or work on your talents/crafts if you don't know what to do within the day. Spend time with your family or facetime your friends and check up on them if need be.

We all got this by God's grace.

Keep on fighting!