Disclaimer: All characters of Bleach belong to Kubo Tite.

Rukia: My Life As A Rabbit

Chapter Four –Pet Shop of Horrors

Rukia: I confess. When I saw the bandage on Ichigo's finger as he offered me those strawberries, I felt just a little… guilty.

But, really, if Ichigo knew he was "feeding" me strawberries –he'd die of embarrassment. Wait a minute. I think if he found out that I was eating out of his hand –I'd die of embarrassment!



Ichigo knew that glaring at little old ladies would very likely get him hauled off to the district police station for Intent to Cause Harm. It was the image he exuded –one strapping youth with brightly colored hair and a perpetual scowl on his face. It all added up to 'trouble' in the eyes of the law.

But, as the fourth grandmotherly woman on his street did a double take at the sight of the rabbit cradled in his arms –he conceded that he probably made a different impression today.

He gave her a weak smile that was just a little pained, bowed slightly and muttered a "Good Morning.." before walking away quickly. This was embarrassing. He was just relieved that his school mates were probably still snoring in bed at this hour.

oooOooo

Ichigo's heart sank when he saw the metal folding-gate shut down over the entrance of Urahara's store. There was a notice spray-painted across it in red resembling the threat messages left by loan-sharks out to claim overdue payments.

Dear Valued Customers,

WE ARE CLOSED FOR VACATION.

Ichigo could feel a headache developing. Away for vacation. Had Rukia followed them? Was that why she hadn't come home last night?

Meanwhile, Rukia stared in horror at the message spray-painted above. She couldn't believe this! With Urahara gone, who was going to take responsibility for her current state?

She heard Ichigo mutter, "Damn it, Rukia! You could have at least informed me that you were going off with those nutcases...Hey! Oww! What the hell? Quit that!"

The rabbit had gone mad. It was jumping up and down on his foot.

Wrong! Wrong! Ichigo, you thick-headed fool! How could you think I'm on a stupid holiday when I'm stuck in a furry body!

Now, Ichigo had a throbbing foot to match his aching head.

oooOooo

In a stroke of genius, Ichigo had stuffed the rabbit in his backpack to avoid earning more curious stares from passers-by. He left the draw-strings loose so that his 'passenger' wouldn't suffocate by the time he reached the pet shop.

The pet shop assistant approached the young man as he looked around the store awkwardly. "How may I help you?"

The boy ruffled his hair nervously. "I… uh, that is…" he stammered uncertainly. Then, he shifted his backpack off his shoulders onto the floor.

To her surprise, he pulled out a small rabbit from the backpack and gave an outraged yell. As he held the bag up, she could see that the rabbit had chewed a sizeable hole at the bottom.

"My original BAPE bag!" he mourned sadly. The rabbit at fault sat smugly at his feet.

The shop assistant recovered quickly –seeing her chance to make a sales pitch. "You should really invest in one of these handy pet carriers!" she said, gesturing at the shelves.

Rukia's eyes lit up and she zoomed towards a frilly and lacey creation. With the multitude of ribbons and ruffled skirts, it looked like one of Ishida's handicraft projects.

Rukia peeked out from between the lacey curtains.

Look at me, Ichigo! Don't I look cute in this? Choose this one! This one!

It was fit for a princess. But, if Ichigo carried that in public –he would be laughed out of Karakura town.

He said pointedly, "If you think I'm going to tot you around in that fussy nightmare –think again!"

He stretched out a hand to the rabbit. "Come on. We're getting something more practical."

Oh.. and where's the "we" in this? You're the one making all the decisions.

Rukia turned her back on Ichigo's hands, effectively snubbing him.

"Don't be difficult."

The sales assistant tried not to look as if she was eavesdropping. Oh, she saw lots of them coming in –these nutty pet owners who conversed with their pets. She wondered about them.

Ichigo noticed the assistant darting furtive looks at him, and he hissed softly, "Look, somebody's watching this. Behave for once!"

She continued to ignore him.

"Fine! Be like that." He reached in and snatched her up.

Rukia held herself stiffly in his arms, unusually still. She averted her face as Ichigo purchased a carrier that didn't declare a challenge to his tough-guy reputation.

She didn't show any interest towards the other jingling and squeaking playthings offered either.

Ichigo stared hard at the rabbit in his arms. If he didn't know better, he would think that the rabbit was sulking!

Were rabbits even capable of doing that?

He brought her up to eye level. The rabbit's eyes coolly slipped past him.

"I should change your name from Stinky to Spoiled Brat."

Ichigo turned to the sales assistant. "Is the vet in? The rabbit needs a checkup and probably shots too."

Rukia's ears perked up in alarm. She had not considered this at all. Shots? Was Ichigo mad? She wasn't a rabbit! Actually, that was debatable… But, there were limits to the things she would compromise –and getting shots meant for animals was definitely over the line.

Help!



Author's Note: There's a little issue about the IchiRuki pairing.. because in this case it wouldn't be just a simple IchigoxRukia. But, BoyxRabbit? I'm thinking too much!

Umi Kanshisha –Hope you found your Vol. 9 to satisfy those Bleach cravings.

Zero-Vision –A fluffy fic was unavoidable due to the fluffy rabbit hopping around in it.

Syneiam –No need to thank me for the chapter. The pleasure is all mine.

Procrastinator-starting2moro –I wasn't hinting at anything erotic at all! Oh, no… -tries to hide evil grin behind hand..-

cyin -How does Rukia attain her human form again? Ah, it would be possible she prefers to remain in her rabbit form. ;)

inugrlluvsanime –Aiks.. Ichigo turning into a rabbit? Now you've got a possible fanfic waiting to happen there.

flOofymikO – (..but...it's true...it takes a LOT to get me sick 3) You have made yet another Orihime comment there!

jadeb –I could not resist the opportunity to put Ichigo+Strawberry+Rabbit/Rukia in one scene.

Seaplue –The next chaper here, at your service.

ha –Glad you found it funny.

LadieAnimeFreek –Well, if it's okay for "manly men" to confide in their doggie companions, why not in a bunny? Okay.. that came out sounding all wrong.

SHiNiGAMiLENNE –If only Ichigo knew he had Rukia eating out of his hand..

Kushiro –:laughs at the idea of Rabbit Rukia meeting Chad: That has to happen!

Kuchiki Rukia-sama -The great Kubo Tite would never allow it to take place in his shounen manga though. ;)

Lunarstarlilies –Haha. I melt whenever Ichigo shows that he cares in the manga and anime.

super kai-chan –Thanks for letting me know that line worked out fine! Good to get feedback.