A/N hope you enjoy it! Please review. It means a lot to me! :) Also, a massive shout out to my reviews! Guest#1 Rukia and ichigo will become something! I can't very well spoil it now, can I? But don't worry, it should be a happy ending :)

Achailda Yes, Rukia has panic disorder and also some mild PTSD. Maybe she might go into some therapy in a sequel! what do you think? :)

Emman214 Thanks so much. I try my best to make this story awesome!

Also, If you would like a shout out, please leave a review about what you liked about this Chapter!! Thanks!

Chapter 4

keeping you close.

Byakuya sits in his office, looking through his contacts on his phone. After reaching Renji, he presses the call button as he positions it up to his ear. "Kuchiki, sir."

"Hello Renji, anything to report?"

"There is something, sir. It appears that Tsukishima sent Riruka Dokugamine here to investigate a sighting of Rukia." Renji explains with a sigh, "I'm keeping my eyes open for anything that seems suspicious."

"Very well, where is my sister now?"

"She is still in Kurosaki's dorm room resting, sir. She hasn't come out yet."

"Good, I trust Ichigo to keep her safe.."

"If you don't mind me asking, why is that?"

"He has always been there for her, even more so than Hisana and I. He's never let her down before, and I doubt he will now." Byakuya explains as he sits back in his chair, sighing deeply, "Keep me updated, Renji."

"Yes, sir," Renji answers before he hangs up.

"You won't get her Tsukishima. I swear it on my life as Byakuya Kuchiki!" Byakuya vows as he picks up the from in front of him and begins filling the paperwork out for Rukia's new dorm.

After Algebra lets out, Ichigo walks back towards his dorm building, relishing the cool breeze that runs through his hair.

Ichigo glimpses around notices multiple students eyeing him. He settles his scowl on his face harder as he drags himself faster as he rounds a corner.

Suddenly, a pink-haired woman with pigtails blocks his path, causing him to almost run into her. Ichigo raises an eyebrow at her appearance.

"Can I help you?" He says, getting irritated. I want to get back to Rukia, Dammit!

"Hi Cutie, would you like to go out sometime?"

"No thanks, I'm not interested," Ichigo tells her as he attempts to walk away.

"Oh, come on! Please?!?" The woman practically begs.

"I said, no dammit! Now get out of my path NOW." Ichigo nearly screams, extremely close to losing his temper.

The woman's gaze is furious as she whirls and stomps away. Ichigo promptly continues his way to his dorm.

That was strange. Why was that woman so determined?

Suddenly someone grabs Ichigo and jerks him to the back of his dorm building as he struggles against the hold.

Finally, the person who grabbed him lets go. Ichigo whirls around, ready to throw a strike at a red-haired man with tattoos on his eyebrows.

"Wait! I work for Byakuya Kuchiki!" He blurts as he pulls out his phone revealing a picture of Byakuya and the man Ichigo relaxes just a bit. Renji pulls his phone away and sighs. "Listen, Mr. Kuchiki wants me to tell you that he has paid for you and Rukia to be roommates...So you can protect her all the time!"

"What the fuck!?! Rukia and I are practically strangers right now, and her brother wants us to share a room!?!"

Dammit, this is fucked up.

Ichigo sighs, running his hands through his hair as he stares down at the ground.

What the hell am I going to do!? I don't have much choice. I told Byakuya I would protect her with my life…

"Fine okay..." Ichigo agrees as there's no choice.

"Perfect, here are your and Rukia's keys to your dorm room. It's on the top floor, room 515. I have already taken Rukia's bags up there. Also, I noticed that a woman with pink hair approached you before I grabbed you. She's part of the people who are after Rukia. From what we understand, they don't know Rukia's here yet, and we hope to keep it that way for her safety."

.

"Of course. Listen, I should get back to Rukia now...nice to meet you…"

"Renji Abarai."

"Right well, bye now, Renji."

"Bye, Ichigo." Ichigo walks away from the red-haired man as he races into his dorm building, practically sprinting to the dorm room as he unlocks the door and steps inside, placing his bag by his desk in the corner.

Ichigo turns toward his bed and notices Rukia sporting his grey pullover while napping cuddled in a ball. He steps over to his bed and sits on the edge.

"Ruki, I'm back, wake up." Ichigo gently coaxes as he shakes her shoulder.

Rukia's violet eyes gradually open, looking hazy and unfocused as she gazes up at him."Ichi?." she says in a sleepy voice.

"Yes, Rukia, I'm here. I'll let you wake up a little more before I tell you the plan. Do you want some tea?" Ichigo asks.

"Yes, please, green tea would be wonderful."

"Okay, I'll be right back." Ichigo replies before sliding out the door heading to the nearest coffee and tea cart.

While Rukia waits for Ichigo to return, she sits up on the bed, pulling the hoodie over Her legs. She leans her head against her hands as she pushes her emotions to the side.

Now is not the time for me to get down! I need to be strong.

After staring at her hands, the door opens, revealing Ichigo with two cups in his hands. "Green tea." he says while giving Rukia a soft smile.

"Thank you." she replies as she takes a sip.

"So listen, it seems your brother found out about you being with me, so he decided we should share a room.." Ichigo says as he rubs the back of his neck, a nervous habit he's had since the two were children.

Rukia gazes at Ichigo, confused. "Why? Not that I mind." she responds without thinking.

Her eyes widened. Shit, What the fuck did I say?!? Oh, Kami, kill me now. Rukia thinks as she stares down, embarrassed.

Ichigo seems not to hear what she had said as he continues, "Oh well. I think you should talk to your brother after we get moved into our room."

"Okay, sounds good!" Rukia exclaims as she keeps her eyes off the man in front of her.

"Renji took your bags to our dorm room.."

"Okay, Ichigo." Rukia replies as she drinks more of her tea.

"Okay." Ichigo says as he sits at his desk. Rukia stretches out on Ichigo's bed. She sees his gaze follow her moment almost in instinct before he shakes his head. "I'll be back soon, Rukia I need to get my begs out of the storage." Ichigo says as he races out the door.

How strange...does he possibly find me attractive? That seems ridiculous, or does it?...ugh! I don't know, Damn! I'm behaving like a teenager again! Why does Nii-Sama wish for us to room together? More than likely, it will be a dorm apartment with a kitchen, bathroom, a living room, and two bedrooms… Nii-Sama always spoiled me…

She quickly pulls out her cell phone as she finds her Nii-Sama's name, texting him a quick 'Call you soon.' After she's done, she slides herself out of Ichigo's bed and slowly makes her way to the bathroom to wash her face.

Rukia runs the cold water cupping it into her hands as she begins to splash her face. As the cold water hits her she feels more awake but not entirely.

Maybe I should've gotten coffee… she thinks as she stares at her reflection as her violet orbs sparkle dimly.

She shakes her head, trying to work out the knots in her tense muscles. After she's done, she heads back into the dorm room.

Ichigo comes back inside the room with bags in tow. "Well... Let me pack my things; then we can head up to our dorm, okay?"

"Okay," Rukia agrees as Ichigo starts stuffing stuff into his suitcases. She waits patiently while watching him. Ichigo packs his bathroom items first then clothes, then all his textbooks, then finally his pictures. Ichigo goes to grab his blankets, but Rukia stops him.

"Hey, it's alright. I'll buy you some after we get all our suitcases in our dorm okay?"

"Okay, Rukia.." He accepts as they step out of his old dorm room.

"We need to go up to the fifth floor, okay?"

"Okay." She says as they start up the stairs, which is a lot of work. With the amount of bags, they are carrying.

The pair eventually make it to the floor to see a hall with only a couple of doors.

"Room number?"

"515," Ichigo replies. They walk halfway down when they arrive at room 515.

Ichigo puts down his bags and pulls out the keys from his pocket. He inserts the key and begins twisting the lock open.

The door swings open. Rukia hears Ichigo gasps . As she smirks lightly. "This isn't a door room. This is a dorm apartment!" Ichigo exclaims.

"Yes. Nii-Sama tends to go overboard with me. Well Let's find our bedrooms and put our stuff down, let me change into something warmer." Rukia declares as they walk into the living room which is open spaced with light grey walls with two large windows.

Rukia spots her bags and grabs them before the two walk into a hallway with doors facing each other and a bathroom on the right side "Take whatever one you want, Rukia."

Rukia picks the one on the right and heads inside, closing the door behind her and placing her bags next to the sizable queen-size bed.

She grabs her suitcase and opens it. She spots a pair of black leggings along with a red tank top. She slides Ichigo hoodie off her body as she slips her shirt off, putting the tank top on, then sliding her skirt off, she begins pulling her legging on.

She than grabs her black boots to wear instead of her converse.

After finishing dressing, she grabs Ichigo's hoodie once again and slides it on. She pulls her hair back and yanks the hood up over her head.

She opens the door and walks out into the hallway. She notices Ichigo leaning against a wall staring into space. "You ready, Ichi?" She asks as she gazes up at him.

"Yeah, Rukia, let's go." Ichigo says as they walk out the door. Rukia and Ichigo make their way out of their apartment.

They step down the stairs reaching the first floor in about five minutes.

"We'll take my car, okay?" Ichigo says as he turns to Rukia.

"Yeah, sure." Rukia agrees as Ichigo leads her to a black Acura TLX. "Fancy!" Rukia giggles.

"Oh, shut it, my dad purchased it for me for actually graduating high school.." Ichigo defends with a light blush.

"It's cute! Let's go, Ichigo.." Rukia says as she opens the door getting in.

"Yeah, your right." Ichigo says as he gets in on the driver's side.

After the two UA students get into the car, Ichigo starts it and begins driving to the Karakura Mall, which is about ten minutes from the University.

As they drive, Rukia stares out the window, surprised to see how much has changed since she has been in Karakura. "I've missed it here." Rukia confesses quietly. Ichigo doesn't say anything; he allows her to think back about her childhood here.

After ten minutes they reach the mall.

Rukia unbuckles her seat belt and leaps out of the car. Ichigo follows her lead, stepping out as well. "Well, where should we go first?"

"IKEA, we require furniture and bedding!!" Rukia exclaims happily, a real smile on her face as she looks up at Ichigo.

"This is gonna be a long rest of the day." Ichigo mumbles under his breath as they walk into the mall.

A/N So what did you think!? The next chapter will be the shopping trip!!! I'm super excited to write it! :) Anyway, please review!! Until next time!