i hope you enjoy please review -Tess
Chapter 11
Everyone sits in silence as the youngest Shinigami gapes in disbelief at the older Kuchiki sibling.
"Are you certain, Nii-Sama?" Rukia questions, breaking the silence.
"Yes, Rukia, I'm certain the head Captain will request for all the Captains to return to Soul Society."
"Am I to remain here or to go back with the other Shinigami?." Rukia asks softly as she peers at Ichigo who's fists are clutching.
"That will be up to you. You do not need to make a decision now. I must still talk with the other captains. Thank you for breakfast," Byakuya declares as he stands. "Come, Renji."
"Yes, Captain," Renji replies before standing as well. "See you two later."
"Good day, Nii-sama, Renji, we'll see you two later," Rukia says, delivering the two a slight bow before they're out of the dorm.
Ichigo relaxes after the two leave and whirls to face Rukia, gazing into her violet eyes. "So? Do you know what you'll choose?"
"I'm not sure I believe I have a duty to the Soul Society, but at the same time, living this extra life has made me want to be an ordinary person." Rukia pauses before sighing quietly. "Or as ordinary as we can be." She confesses before turning away to think about her decision.
"Hey, it's okay. We've never really been normal, have we?" Ichigo says, laughing softly to draw away Rukia from her thoughts.
"You're right, Ichigo. Maybe we'll figure it out later. For now, I'm going to clean the table. Perhaps you should go study even if lessons are dismissed; you'll be prepared for your exams."
"Yeah, okay, Rukia" Ichigo stands, kissing Rukia on the cheek. "You know where I am if you need me," he mumbles before he moves to his bedroom. Rukia watches him go before hearing the door click into place.
She grabs the dishes stepping into the kitchen, and rinsing the dishes before placing them into the dishwasher.
After Rukia finishes, she strolls into her bedroom to accomplish some studying as well. She pulls out her history book sitting on her bed. She opens the book and begins to read the first chapter.
Hours pass when Rukia glances at her phone and abandons studying as her mind wanders.
Why is this decision so challenging to make!?!
" My Lady, you must follow your heart. That is where our strength lies." Whispers Sode No Shirayuki.
"You're right, Shirayuki," Rukia replies before standing up and walking out into the dining room to see lunch on the table.
Surprised, she whirls towards Ichigo, who's preparing the tea. "You've made all this?" She questions as she gazes at the ramen and rice with miso soup on the table.
"Yeah, I finished studying, so I wanted to prepare lunch for us. It's only fair you made breakfast," Ichigo explains, offering Rukia a slight smile. "How was Studying?" He asks as he carries the tea over.
"It's…" Rukia hesitates before sighing, "it's not going so well."
Ichigo watches Rukia placing a scowl on his face. "What the matter?"
" I can't focus because I feel conflicted with everything like I'm not sure who I am.." She pauses before continuing. "I guess the better question to ask myself is, am I Rukia the 170-year-old Shinigami, or am I the Rukia that I've been for the past 20 years?.. It's all so confusing," she confesses softly as she sits down at the table to eat lunch.
"Yeah, I know what you mean," Ichigo agrees as he sits down beside her. "Look, Rukia, whichever one feels more you, then that's who you are. I know you're a strong warrior who can conquer many things. Don't lose sight of who you are."
Rukia is silent for a minute before she begins to laugh softly.
"Hey! What the hell is so funny?" Ichigo exclaims as his brown eyes narrow.
Rukia continues to laugh as Ichigo growls in disapproval "Damn Midget! Just stop laughing!" He says in exasperation.
"I'm sorry," Rukia says while wiping tears from her eyes. "It's just that I'm usually the one who cheers you up and makes you see reason," Rukia says before turning towards Ichigo, giving him a small kiss. "Thank you," she whispers as she turns back to her food and begins eating.
Ichigo smiles slowly as he begins eating as well.
"Mm, this is so good, thanks, Ichigo," she says in between bites.
Rukia continues to eat as Ichigo clears his throat. "Hey, Rukia..?" He asks.
"Yes?" She answers after she swallows.
"Do you.." He pauses, looking conflicted. "Do you want to go to the fall festival tonight..with me?" Ichigo asks Rukia, suddenly shy as a blush appears on his cheeks.
Like a date? Rukia thinks as she stares at the orange-haired man. "You mean like a date?" She questions shyly as her completion flushes as well.
"No! Wait, I mean yes! Rukia Kuchiki, will you please go on a date with me?" He stammers out.
He's so cute when he's embarrassed.
"Sure, Ichigo, let's go to the festival. It sounds fun," Rukia exclaims cheerfully, much to Ichigo's relief.
"Great, it starts around five, so we about an hour." Ichigo says as he and Rukia finish eating.
"Great!" I'm going to go pick out my outfit," she proclaims as she walks out and into her bedroom.
She walks to her drawers and picks out a dark purple long sleeve shirt and a pair of ripped black skinny jeans and also grabs a leather jacket.
She strips her clothes and gets dressed. Rukia then walks over to her mirror on her nightstand and looks at herself.
Hmmm, maybe I should cut my hair, she thinks as she plays with a strand.
She grabs her hair cutting scissors and a comb.She then combs her hair down to her collarbone and trims it off. She continues as she completes cutting her long locks off, Rukia's eyes widen as she takes in her new hair.
I adore it. She thinks as she smiles happily.
She cleans up her mess before she applies a little eyeliner and mascara to her amethyst eyes and a peach Chapstick to her lips.
She glances at her phone, seeing the time is 4:30 pm. She pulls her socks on, then stands up and grabs the black leather jacket. She slips it on before walking out of her room.
Rukia notices Ichigo putting on his shoes. She catches sight of him in a dark grey long sleeve with matching jeans. She stares for a moment before Ichigo perks up in surprise. "You've cut your hair," he blurts as his amber eyes widen.
"I sure did.. Do you like it?" She asks shyly.
"Yeah, it looks wonderful. It reminds me of when you restored my powers after the fullbring incident." Ichigo says with a slight smile.
"Good, I'm glad you like it" she pauses. "Shall we go?" She asks as she pulls on her black high tops.
"Yes," then the couple are out the door striding rapidly; done the stairs.
When they walk out of the dorm building, the cold late afternoon wind brushes their faces and hair.
The pair head to Ichigo's car before getting in and starting the ride. The two talk about how much Karakura has changed over the years.
Ichigo and Rukia arrive within 10 mins and park the car. The two-step out and walk along the path to the festival.
Rukia spots a couple of food stands, one selling Yakisoba Noodles. One is selling Ikayaki and Takoyaki, another selling all kinds of sweets including Taiyaki, Kakigori, and Watame.
"Ohh! Can we please get some Takoyaki? Please, Ichigo," Rukia asks, staring into the young man's amber eyes like she used to do whenever she wanted something from Ichigo as a child.
"Damn Midget," Ichigo growls under his breath before grabbing Rukia's hand and pulling her towards the stall.
"Can we have two Takoyaki, please?" Ichigo asks the older woman running the stand.
"Why, of course! And may I say you two make an adorable couple," the old woman exclaims as she smiles brightly.
Rukia blushes while Ichigo stutters thanks as he hands the woman the money. She takes it before grabbing the couple's food. She then hands it over to Ichigo before smiling widely. "You two have a fun time," she says before turning to the next customer.
Ichigo and Rukia move away toward another stand that has lots of sweets. Ichigo gazes down at the small woman. "What would you like to get, Rukia?" He asks, pointing to the menu.
"Hmm," Rukia hums, "Maybe some Watame and Kakigori."
"Okay, great," he orders the sweets before paying the young lady with blue hair running the stand.
The two get their food and walk along the path with many people. They find a spot to sit underneath a tree and begin eating their food
"So, what should we do next?" Rukia asks after finishing her food.
Ichigo's amber eyes gaze around before landing on the miniature Ferris wheel. "Well, what about that?" Pointing to it
Rukia's violet eyes light up as she gives a small smile. "That sounds great" The couple stood up and threw away their trash.
They walk further down the path. Before coming to the ride, the two pay, then get on and sit across from each other and strap in the ride. it begins to raise after a moment.
Soon after they reach the top, the ride stops. The couple watches the sky and notices its sunset. The orange and purple sky blend perfectly.
"It's so beautiful," Rukia whispers as she gazes out into the sky. Ichigo looks at the tiny woman in front of him before smiling softly "it is," he whispers, but he isn't talking about the sky, and Rukia realizes this as she notices Ichigo staring at her. She brushes deeply.
"Stupid strawberry," she mumbles before she glances at him. "Your pretty cute yourself, Ichigo," she teases as she turns back to the sunset.
The ride begins to move before they reach the bottom and step out. "That was fun," Rukia exclaims as she looks around "oh! Let's go play some games, yeah?" She asks excitedly.
The two walk over to a bean bag game and give the money to the man.
Ichigo gazes at the basket before picking up a bean bag and throwing it. He makes the first one, seeing Rukia violet eyes follow the movement. He then grabs the second one and throws almost missing.
"Ichigo! You cannot lose. I want the chappy!" Rukia exclaims as she stares at the giant white stuffed rabbit with a heart in the center.
Ichigo's gaze darkens as his determination grows
I'm pretty silly for wanting to win so badly, but I haven't seen Rukia this excited since we were children, even while we went shopping. She was reserved, not alive like she is now Ichigo thinks before he grabs the last bean bag and throws it, making it into the basket
"Yay, you did it, Ichigo!" Rukia exclaims cheerfully as the man hands her the chappy. She hugs it tight against her, which is pretty tricky because it's her size.
The couple wanders away, heading towards the car before getting and driving to their dorm.
The sky has darkened as they drive down the street. They stop at a red light as Rukia gazes over at Ichigo.
He's been so sweet today….
"Hey Ichigo..maybe we should rent a movie?" She asks shyly.
Ichigo glances at her before looking back to the road. "Okay, Rukia," he agrees as he turns left to go towards the movie rental box.
The couple arrives within 5 mins and gets out, and walks over to the box.
"Should we watch a Marvel movie? Or something else?" Rukia asks Ichigo as he looks through the Redbox. "Well, I haven't seen Dr strange yet."
"I've seen it, but it's so good. Let's watch it," Rukia agrees as she picks the movie and pays the machine. Her DVD comes out, and she clasps it.
The two then go into the shop next to the Redbox to get snacks for their film. Rukia grabs kettle corn, some gummy bears and a kit Kat with a bottle of water.
Ichigo grabs some lays and kit kat with strawberry juice.
They pay and leave the store and get in the car and begin driving home.
They arrive a few minutes later and go inside the dorm building and climb up the stairs.
Ichigo unlocks the door, and the couple steps inside, taking their shoes off; Ichigo steps into the kitchen while Rukia goes into the living room and turns on the PS4, and positions the movie into the disk hole.
She turns the tv on as Ichigo brings their snacks into the living room. The two sit and cuddle up next to one another on the sofa as the movie begins.
Rukia and Ichigo watch for a while and laugh when Dr strange is pushed out of his body by the Sorcerer Supreme. "That reminds me of the day after you saved my family with that red glove."
Rukia laughs, remembering that day well, "Ah yes, when I hit you with the Gokon Tekkō! That was priceless. You freaked out, so bad," Rukia laughs wholeheartedly.
Ichigo's satisfaction to see her laugh makes him happy as well. The couple laughs before suddenly there's a knock on the door.
They pause the movie, and Ichigo walks over to the door to reveal Kisuke is looking grim. "We have a problem," he says as off in the distance they hear a monstrous howl. "Oh, Shit! A Hollow," Rukia and Ichigo exclaim.
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