reesen555 - That er gives me a feeling that you do not feel for Ichigo, for some reasons. :3 I know what you mean. As I have read that story, I am actually shocked to realize it's really similar and getting more and more similar to the story that you recommended me before. Early or not... Hm... Wait, if Rukia leaves Ichigo and Ichigo realizing he loves Rukia subconsciously, it would just be like the recommended story... Argh. But, wouldn't it be too predictable kist like what you are saying? I swear, their fundamentals and the love aspects is making ny brain go 'Boom'. :3 Okay, I hope to surprise you by some parts of the story! I will try to make it my personal mission! :D

Ichirukitrash4ever - Even I got pissed at Ichigo sometimes. Seriously, some say the term 'Ignorance Is Bliss' but it doesn't apply to Ichigo in this story. Ignorance is not bliss for Ichigo. Ichigo is a Master in reigning his emotions so we will see whether Ichigo will get his just desserts. Yeah, Isshin has this thinking that if even Rukia gives up on Ichigo, then Ichigo has no hope at all. :3

Disclaimer: I neither own Bleach nor its characters. :3

"Hello?"

"Ino." It had been a rollercoaster of emotions without Ino by her side and with yesterday's conversation with Isshin, she decided she can't be bothered with anything else anymore. With Toshiro gone and with her nudes on the internet, she just wanted someone to be on her side, even if it meant breaking the rules of the contract. Even though the last conversation between her and Ino gave her the feeling that Ino hadn't wanted anything to do with her, she was willing to salvage it, no matter what Ino had thought of her at that very moment. It seemed as if Ino was waiting for Rukia to say something as well. Rukia took a deep breath, readying herself for the conversation and possible argument that was going to come her way. "Ino, listen, Tou-San's sick."

"I know, Rukia. Shuuhei's been updating me." Rukia was confused for a moment. Shuuhei had been updating Ino about Ukitake's condition? Huh? Rukia had no time to think more as she continued explaining.

"His bills, his treatments... There was no way we could afford it." For some reasons, the self-loathing came as easily as the conversation she had with Isshin yesterday. The moment she had signed the contract with Isshin, she already hated herself. At that moment, it had seemed there was no other choice with Kuchiki Enterprise not accepting her. But now, as Rukia looked at it, she was selling her life off for some medical bills. Yet, wasn't Ukitake's life worth it? Taking a few seconds for Ino to digest the information, she closed her eyes. "It was an encounter originally. I met Isshin Kurosaki without knowing who he was at first. We talked briefly and he tracked me down. He appeared outside the hospital after Tou-San had his first stroke and offered this arrangement."

If Ino had detected Rukia's lifeless tone as she was explaining the reason why she was married to Ichigo, she hadn't commented on it. "Arrangement?"

"If I helped him fix his son's heart, he would help me fix Tou-San's health." A sharp inhale was heard and unknowingly, tears were falling down Rukia's cheeks uncontrollably yet her tone remained eerily calm. "Can you understand my position, Ino? Tou-San was laying in the lonely hospital bed, tubes sticking out of him and I had the means to save him. What would you have done, if you were me?" There was silence on Ino's side. "I hate him, Ino."

"Ukitake-San?"

"Ichigo." Silence was heard from Rukia'a side for a few seconds. "He thinks I married him for his money and the Kurosakis' fame. He doesn't know about Tou-San."

"Why don't you tell him?"

"I signed a contract with Isshin that I was not supposed to tell anybody at all, not even Ichigo."

"Then..."

"Yes, I couldn't tell you as well. But, I cannot tolerate it anymore. My own husband thinks I am this monster who marries him for his money. I am sure it's not just Ichigo either. Everybody probably thinks the same way Ichigo does and I know I shouldn't be bothered by those comments but can you imagine being hated by everybody? Especially when your naked half-body is flashed on every blog -- "

"Yeah, can I ask about that?"

"Aizen Sosuke."

"NO!"

"Yes."

It was clear that Ino was angry. "That little bastard... How...?"

Rukia shook her head. "I have no idea but I know that the picture was taken back in the locker room of the gym in Sosuke Cooperation while I was changing." She hadn't thought of Ino's questions. Or rather, she had refused to think of the answer to Ino's questions.

"You went to the police, right?"

Rukia smiled bitterly. "Isshin made me promise to let him handle it. I'm actually on lockdown actually since it would be bad for both the Kurosakis' and me if I go out now and have a photo taken by the paparazzi."

"You are on lockdown?"

Rukia shrugged. "It's for my safety."

"Do you hear yourself, Rukia?" For the first time throughout her conversation with Ino, surprise was shown in Rukia's gaze as she listened to Ino. "I will be outside in 30 minutes."

"Eh?"

"You heard me."

"But... I... It's really not a good idea, Ino. I don't want any gossip columns talking about me. Can you just come over? It will just be like in the old days where we can just have cookies -- "

"Rukia." Alarm bells rung. Rukia knew it really wasn't a good choice to go out now. She was sensible to know that gossip columns would really run haywire if she did that. "You don't need cookies. You need a martini. Now, repeat after me -- I am leaving lockdown." Rukia bit her lips. She had promised to allow Isshin to handle things on his own. If she was to follow Ino, it would destroy everything Isshin had tried to do to protect her. Not only Isshin, what about Ichigo? If he knew that she went outside so soon after Isshin placing her on lockdown, what kind of an impression would that give Ichigo? "Rukia. Stop thinking for a moment and listen to me. Every choice you have made thus far is the cause of thinking for the sake of somebody else's. You thought about Ukitake-San, that is why you agreed on this arrangement. Knowing you, you are thinking of how going out would look badly on the Kurosakis', that's why you are hesitating. Stop thinking about others and think about yourself for once. At this moment, at this instant, what would you rather do?"

Thinking of her life up until now, inclusive of accepting Isshin's arrangement, being the punching bag of Ichigo, her house alike a warzone, both Ino and Toshiro taken away from her, she knew there was only one choice she would make because there was a possibility that Ino would be back in her life. "I am leaving lockdown."

Arriving in front of a club, Rukia widened her eyes. The line was at least a mile long and people were scantily dressed and beautiful, a far cry from the jeans that she was in. She turned to Ino and shook her head. "No, Ino, we can't go in there."

A wicked smile formed on Ino's lips. "We can and we are. Come on."

"But..."

Ino grabbed Rukia's shoulders, forcing Rukia to face her. "Rukia, you need this. We need this. So, take my hand and let me use your new last name to get us into this club."

If Rukia had been in a sober mind, she would have known how wrong the sentence was, she would have hesitated on her decision. But, with the happiness and possibility that Ino would be back into her life after this, with the memories that brought her back to high school following Ino's decision... Despite knowing that it was the most riskiest and scariest decision ever, a smile was on Rukia's lips and she nodded her head.

Really, at this day and age, where tits could be so easily 'Surgeried' by a comfortable margin no less, Ichigo would have thought that people would be less interested in how tits looked on a particular woman. But, for the past 24 hours, the only conversation starters Ichigo had heard were oriented, directly or indirectly, around the ones that belonged to his wife. The ones plastered all over the internet, the ones talked about in every press outlet, gossip or gossip. Gritting his teeth, Ichigo thought about the classy act Rukia had done in front of Ichimaru. As if bringing a random college school's name that she studied was enough for Ichigo to feel sorry for her, as if bringing a random college school's name was enough to justify the shady shit that she does, as if talking about her academic experiences gives her the reason to gold-dig in whatever circles she pleased. Guess who is caught up in the scandal other than her? Adding to that thought, Ichigo was pissed as he thought of work today. Not even were the conversations full of the gossips, his colleagues had meant to make a joke out of it too, asking Ichigo if he was 'abreast' of different situations. Really, who even says that nowadays? Ichigo had spoken to Isshin after that and Isshin had made it abundantly clear that Rukia had known the situation and the 'Should' and 'Shouldn't' of what to do or act. Originally annoyed at the plan Isshin had proposed, Ichigo however knew that his reputation took priority above everything else, inclusive of his emotions. That was the mood that Ichigo had as he returned to the house: Pissed as hell. Deciding to give Rukia a stern talking to just in case she decides to have another episode of leaking naked pictures of herself on social media once again seeing that it was ALWAYS the quiet ones, he called out. "RUKIA!" No response was heard. Anger fuelling Ichigo, he stomped up to her bedroom, pounding on her door. "RUKIA!"

No response. Hm, that was weird. Even if she had fell asleep, could she have remained sleeping throughout Ichigo's booming loud voice? It had seemed that Momo had heard Ichigo and came running out. "She went out."

There was a moment of shock that registered on Ichigo face's before he snapped. "What?!" Feeling guilty for his outburst for Momo hadn't deserved it, he tried to calm himself down. "Sorry, Momo, I couldn't hear you clearly. What did you say?"

"She went out. You want supper?" Ichigo was already at his boiling point and Rukia's reckless actions made his rage skyrocket. Hadn't Isshin talked with her? It hasn't even been a week yet and she's disappearing to God-knows-where?! Oh, come on! Not even replying to Momo, he stomped out of the house.

WHERE ARE YOU?! YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE BACK IN THE HOUSE! THIS IS NOT FUNNY! ANSWER ME!

Rukia took the vibrating phone out of her handbag and seeing that it was Ichigo, placed it back in again. Nope, she was not allowing Ichigo to ruin her day, especially not today. Because of the name 'Kurosaki', they were in the VIP section of the club, inclusive of bar, bathroom and a 'Concierge', if ever they had needed the services. Taking a sip of the drink that was placed in front of her and watching Ino dancing, her hips swaying in time to the rhythm of the song, Rukia was having a fabulous time. Realizing that the drink was empty before she knew it, she turned away from Ino, hoping to get a refill as a hand suddenly wrapped around her waist. "Need a refill?" She turned to the direction of the voice only to smile as best as she could, in her drunken state. "Makoto. Makoto Ito."

As Makoto kissed Rukia's cheeks, she giggled. "Rukia."

"Shall we?" Rukia nodded, allowing Makoto to guide her over to the bar where she could have her refill of drink. Rukia smiled, knowing that for the first time, she was enjoying herself.

Author's Note: This chapter stands on it's own. There's no interaction between Ichigo and Rukia but I promise you, the next chapter, there would be interactions between them. As some of you had this question on your mind for a while, I wish to hear your answers for this question.

Judging by Ino's actions towards Rukia where Rukia had always treated Ino as her best friend since 13, do you think Ino is a good friend towards Rukia? I will be waiting for a discussion from all of you reviewers as I am thinking about the same thing myself. :3