Guest - Yup, Aizen is getting his just desserts and I am happy you are satisfied with the way Aizen is caught in the act. :3 Since Ichigo's been hurt by both love and the friend that betrayed him, for Ichigo's world to crack would take a hell of a job. I am not saying that his actions are right, just simply that it would require a lot of work for Rukia to crack his walls down, if that is what Isshin is planning anyway. :3 I have doubts about that and I can only cross my fingers that the redemption of Ichigo in future chapters would be accepted by you because I have a feeling I was too successful in potraying his jerkiness. *Sweatdrops* Don't lose hope on Ichigo. D:

Ichirukitrash4ever - Not exactly. I was hoping that his small details of the confession actually redempted himself. :3 Of course, I may have crossed the line with what he did in this chapter of Rukia watching him and even asking Rukia to join them. Yeah, Ichigo, you... Tsk. D: Back in the previous chapter, he allowed Rukia to have her way of walking, pulled her out of the club while trying not to hurt her, and hadn't taken her virginity or even had sex with her. We all know Ichigo in this story is capable of doing all that. Of course, it doesn't make up for the fact that he constantly is rude and disrespects Rukia. But, I was simply wondering whether in the readers' eyes, those small details had gotten him a redemption of even a tiny weeny of 1%. :3 Don't lose hope. D: The deeper one falls, the more one will learn when it comes to redemption. D:

Guest - I'm sure Ichigo will suffer in this story and when he does, I will make it double painful for all he hurt he has done to Rukia, sounds good? :3 (As long as I plan that out, that is. D: )

reesen555 - I agree that we shouldn't be focusing on Ino so much seeing that she is a side character. But, Rukia claims that she's her friend and wants her back into her life so there will still be some chapters that would be focusing on Rukia and Ino's relationship. Especially when you consider the fact that Ino hadn't told her that she was dating somebody to Rukia, who considers Ino her best friend. So, in that aspect, there will certainly be some drama involved that hasn't been written yet. :3 For now, it has been problems after problems. But, Rukia's problem is getting settled for now, at least for one of them. So, the story's getting back on track for now, at least. :3 Rukia leaving with somebody else breaks the contract so I don't think so. XD When I heard of the novel that had similar summary with this story, I proceeded to have a look at it. There are too many summaries on 'Substitute Bride' in Google so you would have to tell me what kind of summary. I have met with 2. A runaway Sister and another is paying for her Grandmother's medical fees while posing as her Sister. None of it matches the summary of this story though so you might need to give me more details than that. :3

Guest - I couldn't see the whole review and FanFiction app (The app which I use to download Documents) is not showing me the review so I can only reply to the contents I see in my email. :3 Aizen is out of the picture for now. :3 I did say fingers crossed so he MIGHT or MIGHT NOT come back. Depends on my muse, really. :3 I agree that it makes sense for him to come back but with the evidence... Hm... :3 I regret not adding those sweet scenes between Ichigo and Rukia when I could have added it. D: Dang it. D: Okay, no use crying over spilled milk now. D: I believe it's not just you, everybody has an issue with Ichigo and I am really glad you could see the redemption that I was trying hard to make. It got lost in the story, I do agree, but I am glad that someone could see the redemption, even though I agree that it was way too subtle. :3 But, at this moment, I simply wanted to highlight how Rukia's world come crumbling down again and again on her while giving readers a tiny glimpse on Ichigo's life before meeting Rukia. About his redemption, I am actually afraid of his redemption now because there seems to be no way that I could redeem him now, from the way things are going. :3 Fingers crossed. :3 Thank You for taking your time to review such a lengthy one, keeping me thinking about Ichigo's action and personality for a while. :3 I couldn't see the rest of the review apart from that though. :3

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

"...I walked in and she was on the counter, making out with my NII-SAN!"

"NO!" Toshiro gasped.

"I know!" Rukia sighed and had originally wanted to tell Toshiro about Ichigo as well but Toshiro still had the impression that both Ichigo and her were a loving couple.

They were currently at the city's most exclusive galleries, National Museum of Modern Art, setting up for Toshiro's show that evening. Rukia was helping him unload paintings from the rental van and revealing what she had seen between Ino and Shuuhei the previous day. "What did they say to you?"

"I didn't give them a chance to talk to me..." Rukia wondered briefly about Shuuhei and Ino. They were kissing each other so Rukia assumed that it was going on for a while now. Since when were they together, as a couple? Were they making out during her wedding as well? For some reason, it felt like a betrayal that was too cliche for words.

"Have they tried to call you?"

"Ino called me like 6 times. Nii-San left a couple of voicemails, hoping that I will call him back. But, I seriously have no idea what I am going to say to them even if I contacted them."

"Well, how do you feel?"

Rukia gazed at Toshiro, pondering seriously about the question he had asked her. Well, there might be a world out there where she was happy at Shuuhei and Ino, 2 of her favorite people, getting together. She couldn't deny how weird it still sounded, in her head though. Please, if Ino and Shuuhei got together, what was she supposed to call Ino? Argh. "I honestly don't know." Pulling the last 2 bubble-wrapped paintings out of the trunk, both Toshiro and her walked them to the gallery, laying them out on the table besides the others. There were 12 altogether but Rukia couldn't see any of them under the protective layers of plastic wrap. "Can we unravel them?"

After placing the painting down, Toshiro was circulating the space, looking from empty wall to empty wall. It was a fairly large gallery, with an open-concept layout that used pillars to give it shape. The walls were white, and the floors were wood. "I want to nail down the sequences first."

Although Toshiro was scanning the area like he was making an espresso for her, she knew that Toshiro was nervous. From the moment that they had arrived in the gallery and met the owner, Yamamoto, he had been balling his hands into fists and slowly tapping his legs up till now. "It's going to be amazing."

Toshiro gazed at Rukia and gave her a nervous smile before scanning the walls once more. "I'm thinking we go black and white and let it bleed into colour, and then for the finale, I will give them a gray scale. A metaphor. Rules, chaos, then the realization that neither exists without the other."

Huh? "I understood none of those words coming out from your lips but it sounds great."

Toshiro nodded. "I thought so, too." As lunch came, both of them sat on the cold ground, devouring their meal, Rukia feeling good for once. To get into this particular art gallery, Rukia had used the name of the Kurosakis'. When Rukia had contacted Yamamoto, the gallery owner, last week, Yamamoto was less than receptive to the idea of an unknown using his gallery but Rukia had assured Toshiro was a world-class talent because she was a Kurosaki. Yamamoto had said that he required some time to think about it so when she received Yamamoto's call last night, Rukia was surprised. Convincing Yamamoto took 30 minutes but he eventually agreed and Rukia was proud for keeping her voice level the whole time, or rather, majority of the time. Even though she had to admit she was nervous as hell, that is. An art gallery like would allow Toshiro to have his first real art showing in a location that would all but guarantee him patrons, which was obviously important for a newcomer, of course. Not just patrons but people who knew and cared about art. When Rukia had told Toshiro the good news, she had thought Toshiro was going to faint right there and then. He had thanked Rukia and ran around the coffee counter, hugging Rukia. The actions of Toshiro lifting Rukia off the ground and twirling her around successfully brought Rukia's mind off the whole Ino-and-Shuuhei matter. Leaving the coffee shop immediately and renting a van, Toshiro placed his 12 most favorite paintings into the trunk. Yamamoto closed the gallery for the afternoon such that Toshiro could set up. Because everything was so last minute, the process of setting up the galley was rushed but said venue was thoroughly booked for the whole month and when Rukia had told Toshiro that he could wait if he felt that it was too rushed, he had screamed his objections. That was that, then. "It would be funny if we did all this and no one came." Rukia could tell that Toshiro was beyond nervous at this point. "Like if we were a tree and nobody fall us fall..."

"Okay, I had no idea what you mean by that 'Tree' theory but Toshiro, you are at National Museum of Modern Art. According to Japan Times, that's the best of the best. People will come."

Toshiro nodded his head, as if trying to convince himself. "You are right." He stuffed more sushi in his mouth before turning to Rukia. "You think Ichigo will come?"

It was as if Toshiro had said the magic word that brought her to Hell. Rukia still hadn't told Ichigo that she was doing this. It wasn't as if they interacted a lot back in their house but throughout all these chaos, Rukia knew one thing at least. That Ichigo was always mad when it comes to her. Toshiro had befriended her at first because he had wanted people to pay more attention to his paintings, it was no wonder that he had wished for Ichigo to come because he had known, Ichigo Kurosaki attending an art gallery meant more socialites and press. Gazing at Toshiro now, his eyes were practically pleading with her. Rukia sighed. "I don't know, Toshiro..."

"Could you ask? Please?" Great, now, she was supposed to ask her jerk of a husband who would always bring women back for sex that she wanted him to come to an art gallery? But, gazing at Toshiro's pleading gaze, she knew there was no other way.

Stop ignoring me. Rukia, come on.

Currently in the elevator of Kurosaki Enterprise, Rukia sighed as she saw the messages. She had wanted to respond, she really did. But... She shook her head, placing the phone back into her bag, deciding to leave it for now. Elevator opening smoothly, she walked towards the receptionist's desk, calming her nerves. Ever since the issue with Aizen and Ichigo's episode of 'Embarrassing' him, Rukia had sworn, to hell and back that she would not allow either Isshin Kurosaki or Ichigo Kurosaki to know how this marriage has been hurting her. But, now, taking the initiative to go to Ichigo... Knowing Ichigo, since he was making a big deal about Rukia 'Embarrassing' him, his office would be the safest bet to talk, really. "I'm here to see my husband, Ichigo Kurosaki."

"Absolutely." The receptionist said, rushing around her desk and motioning for Rukia to follow her. "Come this way."

As they had gotten to Ichigo's office, she knocked on the closed glass door. Everything was freaking made out of glass and Rukia could see everything inside the office, inclusive of Ichigo, who was dressed smartly in a black suit with a pale blue button-down with his hands on his temples as the receptionist knocked. Gazing up, Ichigo saw the receptionist and then Rukia. Walking over to the door, he opened it and gave the receptionist the fiercest scowl that Rukia had ever seen. "You know to call me before you let a visitor in."

"I-I-I know..."

It was more than obvious that the receptionist was intimidated and Rukia took her opportunity to step in, rescuing the receptionist. "I have something to talk to you that couldn't wait. It was my fault."

Ichigo sighed. "Come in, dear." For some reasons, hearing the nickname 'Dear' from Ichigo Kurosaki's lips sent shivers up her spine but reminding herself of her intentions, she took a few deep breaths before proceeding in. "Close the door behind you."

She really hadn't wanted to. Don't get her wrong, as comparison to Aizen's and Ichigo's office, she would have chosen Ichigo's office over Aizen anyday but it wasn't as if she could verbalize the thought of him scolding her and therefore, she would have liked very much if the door kept open. Nope, that was a ticket to Hell faster then anyone could have even imagined. "I apologize to interrupt your day." Really, Rukia had hoped to stop these battles between Ichigo and her, she was so exhausted with all the things that have been happening recently. She decided to be civil for once with Ichigo.

"What is it?" Ichigo had asked, not paying any attention to Rukia at all, checking something behind his computer.

"Do you have any plans tonight?"

"Why?" There was that attitude that Ichigo Kurosaki was known for. He was glaring at Rukia as if Rukia was inviting him to go to Hell. Shouldn't she he the one to feel offended asking him out to the art gallery?

"My friend, Toshiro Hitsugaya, he's having an art show. National Meseum of Modern Art. I thought it would be nice for you to come." She was mildly impressed by her voice not shaking despite being nervous.

"You want me at an art show?" Ichigo laughed, causing Rukia to narrow her eyes at him. Okay, why was he making so hard for her to he civil to him for at least 5 minutes? "To what, get more people there? Get more press?" Rukia bit her lips. "You are transparent, you know."

Rukia was 100% sure that her voice hadn't shook yet Ichigo was able to see through her intentions. And frankly, she hasn't seen the need to lie. "Yes, you would bring more people and more publicity."

"Do you want a medal?"

"Huh?"

"For your honesty."

One more sarcasm, Rukia swore and she would not care what his fucking position was in Kurosaki Enterprise. She was there, inviting him to an art gallery, making sure there was no deception in their interaction and all he had was sarcasm? She had wanted to walk off right there and then but she had a duty to fulfill, after all. An idea popped into her mind as Rukia smiled. Ichigo, seeing the smile, was annoyed for some reasons. "Well, I thought it would be good for you as well." Ichigo folded his arms and Rukia knew she had the advantage in this battle. True, this was hardly a battle but any interactions with Ichigo Kurosaki was as if she was in the battlefield. "My friend, the artist, Toshiro Hitsugaya. The one Matsumoto saw me shopping with and you were angry with me, I am sure you remember that." Ichigo felt a vein. Really. Did Rukia have to remind Ichigo about any of that? "If you were in the gallery and the press caught us together with Toshiro, wouldn't that show Ichimaru-San that we are both friends with him?"

Ichigo was seething with rage. The nerve of this woman to step in his office as if she was entitled to be here! He already had a bad day at work, he didn't need for this woman to make it worse! Isshin had came by earlier, letting Ichigo know that Ichimaru hadn't been answering any of his calls and Isshin had wondered if Ichimaru had said anything to Ichigo about the proposal. Of course, Ichigo hadn't told Isshin about the 'Happy Hour' incident or the fact that Ichimaru hadn't been picking up his calls, either. He just couldn't. Yeah, Ichigo was pissed, pissed that Isshin kept looking over his shoulder, as if he was waiting for him to screw up. Now that his 'Wife' was in the room, he was even more pissed. On the surface, Rukia fucking Tachibana was a nervous and gentle woman but Ichigo knew better. It was part of Rukia's game, to be soft-spoken in front of both Isshin and him, the only reason that Rukia was able to get away with the shit she was doing previously. But Ichigo knew looks could be deceiving and how could a woman who got herself into a marriage with Kurosaki, who chose money over dignity, be gentle? Ichigo knew that with their interactions in the house, underneath Rukia's softness was a dragon breathing fire and he wanted to make it clear through her thick skull that he wouldn't be burned, no matter what. The moment that Rukia had said that it would be good for him to attend as well, Ichigo's barely controlled rage was about to lose their footing in his body. What the fuck? She was trying to make it seem that she was thinking of his well-being when she was the one inviting him to the art gallery? What kind of twisted logic is this? As Rukia explained herself, Ichigo stared at her, watching her stare right back at him. He smirked, although Rukia's voice and gaze was as if she was standing up to some sort of villian, her hands were holding each other tightly, betraying her nervousness. There Rukia was, at her game again, Ichigo thought. He was about to serve a hot, scalding plate of 'No' when his mind drifted to Ichimaru. If it wasn't for his 'Wife', he would have already had clinched the fucking deal. Would having a photo in the press of him and the guy Rukia had been shopping with calm Ichimaru down? Would Ichimaru believe Rukia was loyal in that case? Placing his hands underneath his chin as if thinking, watching Rukia as she lingered in the tension, her eyes no longer holding his stare and her fingers playing crazily with themselves. Ichigo was almost certain when Rukia had suggested this particular suggestion, Rukia must have thought she would have been the winner. But, as she wasn't able to hold his gaze, nervous spreading throughout the entire of her body, Ichigo smirked. He had won, loving the fact that he was able to intimidate Rukia Tachibana. He loved having that kind of power over Rukia Tachibana. "What time?"

Hearing his answer, Rukia stared at Ichigo, eyes wide before calming herself down and replying. "8.30pm."

"Make sure Japan Times is there."

If Ichigo Kurosaki was going to a no-name art gallery, well, The Times better be there is all that he is saying. Looking at Rukia who was still standing there as if not knowing whether to believe Ichigo fucking Kurosaki agreed to her request, he narrowed his eyes. For some reasons, his rage was back and he cleared his throat, signalling Rukia to leave him the fuck alone to do his work. "Sorry, sorry..." Rukia pushed the office door and was about to proceed out when she cast another look at Ichigo. "Thank You, Ichigo." Ichigo heard it but didn't so much as acknowledge it as Rukia was gone from his office.

I am freaking out. Doors open in 2 minutes. Where are you?

Seeing her phone light up with new messages, Rukia ran to the desk, knowing she was running late which was unlike her at all. After the stress of the conversation she had with Ichigo in his office, she chose to take a hot bath back home, planning to exfoliate her anxiety away. Hurrying to climb into the little black dress she had bought with Toshiro, a beautiful classic A-line skirt with a fitting top and a conservative neckline, not forgetting to grab a pair of ballet flats, she rushed to Toshiro's art gallery. By the time of she reached the venue, she was already 15 minutes late but as she glanced through the floor-to-ceiling storefront windows, her guilt had dissipated for the place was packed. "I'm a friend of Toshiro's."

"Name?"

"Rukia. Rukia Kurosaki." Hearing the name 'Kurosaki' had made the person that Rukia was talking to immediately move aside, opening the door as he did so. As soon as she stepped through the doors, Rukia felt the warmth of a packed room.

Well-dressed and interesting-looking people moved about the gallery, holding glasses of wine and laughing with each other. The paintings hung on the walls, and groups of people stood in front of each painting, pointing and appreciating. Rukia's heart soared, she hadn't believed that they had, or rather, he had pulled it off but as reality sunk in, Rukia had realized she couldn't be prouder of Toshiro at that moment. "Rukia! Over here!"

Turning in the direction of the voice, Toshiro stood, clad in an army-green blazer and black shiny pants, by the bar in the corner. Rukia walked over as Toshiro was talking to an older man in glasses. "This is amazing."

"I know, right!" Toshiro was clearly in a happy and giddy mood. "Rukia, this is Mr. Fugaku. Fugaku-San, meet Rukia Kurosaki."

"It's nice to meet you."

"It's my pleasure."

"Fugaku-San is the manager of the Garage in Tribeca."

Rukia gave Toshiro a blank look, having no idea what a Garage is. But, reminding herself that she's representing the Kurosakis' and she was supposed to know, she gave Fugaku a smile. "Oh?"

Suddenly, a stylish woman in a leather jacket and coral lipstick appeared behind Toshiro. "Hitsugaya-San, I'm Konohamaru Satutobi from Japan Times. I was hoping I would get a word with -- "

Before the reporter could finish his sentence, Toshiro gazed at Rukia with an ohmygod look, causing Rukia to smile, before turning to the reporter. "I thought you would never ask."

That's a charm of Level 1,000 if Rukia had ever seen one, she thought. Unfortunately, Toshiro leaving with the reporter meant that she was left alone with Fugaku. She had an urge to dismiss herself and take in all the artwork pieces herself, but Toshiro's behaviour of stepping out of his comfort zone inspired Rukia to do so as well. "Fugaku-San, could you tell me more about the Garage?"

It turned out the Garage was the up-and-corner of modern art galleries in New York. It wasn't quite as established but it was getting attention from the press and buyers anyway. Fugaku was the manager, which meant that he was in charge of finding the art that the gallery brought in. For him to be here and actively seeking out Toshiro, it was a pretty big deal. Apparently, Toshiro had talked to Fugaku about the inspiration of his painting and his difficult childhood, which Fugaku found it relatable. On another note, Rukia was happy for Toshiro. She already had a feeling that the place would be packed thanks to Ichigo, but she hadn't expected such a positive response from industry people. "How had you found him?"

Rukia tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

"Toshiro."

Rukia smiled. "I was out jogging in the park and stopped for a coffee. Toshiro was working at this cute little coffee shop and we started talking." Rukia hadn't found the need to lie, anyway.

"You have such an eye." Realization dawned on Rukia. Did Fugaku have this imagination that Rukia find artists laying on the streets and gave them an opportunity?

Not wanting Fugaku to have any misunderstandings, she shook her head. "No, I'm not in the industry. Toshiro's just a friend of mine."

Fugaku appeared confused. "You were friends before you saw his art?" Rukia nodded and Fugaku simply shrugged. "I guess that's smart. Toshiro's a rare bird but usually, the better the art, the worse the friend. It was nice to meet you, Kurosaki-San." Fugaku gave Rukia's shoulder a squeeze before finding a new group to talk to.

Having no idea what Fugaku was talking about, Rukia simply chalked it up to a weird encounter before shrugging her shoulders and continuing her rounds. Over the course of the evening, Rukia had talked to a couple other gallery managers, some press critics and many serious buyers. All of them had commended Rukia for a job well done, as if Toshiro's artwork was a direct result of her initiative.

Walking into the gallery, Ichigo was honestly surprised by how packed this place was. Reporters from various newspaper and magazines, even people from the art industries were here. At that moment, Ichigo saw Rukia, in a basic black dress that made her skin look unfathomably pale in comparison. Not a sickly pale, of course, but a pale that looked like it hadn't seen sun in about a year. Ichigo couldn't deny that Rukia was good-looking but for some reasons, Ichigo couldn't help his gut reaction seeing Rukia in his line of sight every time. Rage. Pure raw fucking growing rage. Ichigo locked eyes with Rukia and he was fairly certain the moment that Rukia had seen him approaching, she was intimidated instantly by his presence. "Dear!" Ichigo shouted across the room and everyone in the art gallery instantly turned their attention towards Ichigo, turning to see whom Ichigo was calling out to. Smirking as Rukia's expression was laced with worry, Ichigo walked towards her, determined on making her suffer. "What a show."

Rukia gazed at Ichigo for a moment as he was walking towards her, before smiling and embracing Ichigo. The shaking of her body hadn't gone unnoticed by Ichigo, though. "Thank You for coming."

Knowing that wasn't normally how Rukia would have acted towards him, whatever guilt Ichigo might have felt for causing her shakes went away, just like that. By inviting Ichigo over to this gallery, Rukia knew what she had signed up for, anyway. "Where's the man of the hour?"

"You were looking for Toshiro? He's by the finale piece, around that pillar over there."

"Wonderful." Honestly, the three glasses of whiskey that Ichigo had on his way over here had calmed his temperament for quite a good bit but also giving him an urge to have some fun. "Just wonderful. Come on, Rukia!" Everyone's attention was turned to Rukia now and her cheeks were getting redder than a tomato. Well, Rukia would have gotten the Oscar Award if she wanted, Ichigo thought. Rukia stepped towards Ichigo and Ichigo, taking her hand, walked to the location where Toshiro was. "This must be Toshiro!"

Toshiro, the man who had embarrassed Ichigo 'Unintentionally' with Rukia's action and caused him the deal with Ichimaru, that is. Toshiro was considered a midget as compared to Ichigo but Ichigo noted the gaze that Toshiro had in his eyes that have seen their fair share of shit. What's more, Toshiro hadn't cowered like most people did as he saw Ichigo. Instead, he offered a hand. "Ichigo Kurosaki." He said simply. "Thank You for coming to my show."

A camera went off at that exact moment and Ichigo could have sworn he might have seen a flash or two. "Anything for Rukia." A smile was thrown in for good measure but Ichigo knew better. He wasn't sure what Toshiro knew of them or what he wanted, but he knew there was a lot going unsaid here. Honestly, it was pissing Ichigo off, wanting to simply grab Toshiro by the collar and shove Toshiro against the wall until he begged Ichigo to let him go, that is. Knowing there was press in the vindicity, Ichigo reigned in his emotions, knowing that it wouldn't be wise.

Ichigo Kurosaki was never one for events, especially cultural events, not unless Isshin or his ex-fiancee dragged him to one, that is. Isshin remembered having such a time when she had mentioned missing watching opera and Ichigo had bought her tickets for that every evening instantly. Therefore, when he recalled Ichigo mentioning to him that he would be going to a gallery showing at National Muaeum of Modern Art, Isshin was more than confused and made a few calls, needing to know what Ichigo was up to. Luckily for Isshin, he had an old friend, Shunsui, whom used to be in business with Yamamoto, the gallery's owner. Not more than a minute on the phone with Yamamoto, he had gotten hold of the information that there was a showing of a new artist's work tonight and the whole event had been orchestrated by a Rukia Kurosaki. As soon as he had heard Rukia's name, his heart was jumping for joy. Not only was she helping an unknown talent find exposure but she was also helping Ichigo out of the darkness his ex-fiancee brought him in. Ichigo was going out with Rukia in an art gallery that Rukia organized. Isshin, being Isshin, decided that he just couldn't miss the opportunity of watching Ichigo's growth. Entering the art gallery, Isshin had tried his best to make himself a fly. Keyword: Tried. Seeing Ichigo and Rukia walking hand-in-hand and seeing both of them talking to a young man in an outfit that made him look every bit of an artist and exchanging a few pleasantries, Isshin knew that they were having a good time by the smiles he had noticed on both their faces. As Ichigo strode towards the bar and picked up a glass of wine with Rukia following him, Isshin had decided to make himself known and walked over. "What a night!"

Rukia, being the first to notice Isshin, smiled and stepped forward, hugging Isshin. The difference of Ichigo and Isshin was night and day, even by the way that they had greeted her. When Rukia had noticed Ichigo walking towards her, the sarcasm was not lost on her whereas with Isshin, she could tell that he was genuinely happy. "Isshin, what a surprise to see you here." Isshin, on the other hand, was certain that if Masaki was here, she would have smiled approvingly at Rukia.

"I wouldn't miss it."

"I didn't know you would be coming." Ichigo said, bringing the glass of wine to his lips.

"You look like such a handsome couple. So charming, so thoughtful. I'm proud of you, son." Ichigo shook Isshin's hand and Rukia couldn't help but look at Ichigo doubtfully. With the way Ichigo had been responding to her lately, it was clear that he hadn't thought of their marriage that way yet he was shaking hands with Isshin as if he thought that way. Yeah, Rukia would never understand Ichigo Kurosaki at all. Gazing at Isshin who was beaming, Rukia sighed mentally. It was too much of an effort to correct Isshin on the way he was thinking and Rukia had decided that she would rather be by the sideline. But, even that wasn't possible as Isshin turned to Rukia. "And Rukia. You. Your talent, your generosity. I heard that you found the young man with his artwork on the walls. Your tenacity and your eye, my dear, you really are something. I am so proud. So, so proud."

It wasn't as if Rukia could tell Isshin that the reason she had found Toshiro was simply having an escape from her own home. Rukia stared at Isshin, not knowing how to respond. Yet, at that moment, tears were swimming in her eyes, the very first time she had lost control of her tears in front of Isshin. Smiling, she stepped forward and hugged Isshin a second time as Isshin came to the realization of Rukia's predicament for the first time. With Ukitake tremendously ill, realization dawned on Isshin that he must have been the closest thing she had to a Father. Over the top of Rukia's head, Isshin gazed at Ichigo to find him staring with an intensity that Isshin hadn't quite understood.

Author's Note: Aizen's matter was settled in the previous chapter. This chapter, we come to Toshiro's issue as a struggling artist and how Rukia helps Toshiro in terms of his painting and art. Hm... I don't have much to say other than Isshin as a delusional Father. XD Rukia's fear for Ichigo is known but it does seem that Ichigo is growing some empathy for Rukia but is quickly pushed aside by his misconception for Rukia. :3 He thinks Rukia is good-looking as well. :3 Though, I would say, with Ichigo's reaction towards Toshiro, Karma is peeking out at Ichigo. :3