Guest - I honestly think that it was more of a relief Chapter for Rukia actually, after having so many Chapters of bad luck. :3 I had fun writing the previous Chapter, actually. I honestly find joy writing Rukia's feelings. I would always write more than what I intend to by Rukia's emotions and feelings. :3 I am still trying to get a grasp of Ichigo's feelings as I write him because his is much harder to grasp. :3 Isshin was a lovely man right from the start and by how things are progressing right now, I am really happy that Rukia has Isshin by her side. :3 Because of Ichigo's misconceptions towards Rukia, he honestly is an intimidating person in Rukia's mind. :3 We will see whether that will change in later chapters. :3

Ichirukitrash4ever - Ichigo was VERY annoying. XD One thing I loved from Isshin of Bleach was that he always provided a comedic effect. That's why, when the chapters came out like that, I was satisfied myself. Rukia suffered too much, the previous Chapter was actually a boost to Rukia's confidence. :3 As I said before, it had been problems after problems for Rukia but now... It's really due time to shift the attention back to our love-hate newlywed, huh? :3 I will try my best to have more interactions for them. :3

reesen555 - Yeah, both parties have a lot of things they don't know entirely about each other. For Rukia, it's Ichigo's past love and the way he is behaving. For Ichigo, it's the sole reason that she's marrying Ichigo. :3 (Aizen as well but that's another issue.)

N (Guest) - I hadn't noticed your review before I posted a new chapter and I apologize for that. :3 That's the thing, isn't it, about the reputation issue? In public, he takes very good care of his image, even demanding Rukia not to go out with a man that isn't him in case their image is ruined as a lovey-dovey newlywed but he brings women back home... He probably is a 100% confident that he won't get caught or something. D: Seriously, Ichigo pisses me off sometimes... Don't give up on him. D:

Guest - Oh my God, when I was about to post this Chapter, I checked my emails again and I saw you posting once more and I have to say, I seriously love you. XD I don't mind the huge comment actually, I'm really happy when I receive reviews. :3 Just that I simply can't see the review completely and that frustrates me. XD

First, it's hard really to come back from a relationship that has hurt one person too much, I understand that kind of feeling because I have a friend who is facing the same situation. He thinks of this girl as the one for him, he sacrificed everything for the girl, even having plans to marry her only to find out that she had been lying to him all along, that she had a husband and is now actively avoiding him without taking responsibility of breaking his heart. It can be hard to bounce back but I am happy that all your friends had a happy ending in the end even though I agree that it will be painful and we can only hope it gets better for them.

Second: The point where I love you. :3 Your theory is the point that I was trying to make when writing Ichigo. Like: There are those moments which I hope the readers don't overlook, the places where he is kind towards Rukia and although he wants to torture Rukia and promise her the worst marriage ever and there are some instances where Rukia really feels that this is the worst marriage ever. But, that's just it, it ends there. I am not saying Ichigo's actions are right but there are some instances, you know... He could have done worse, but he didn't is what I am trying to say, I guess... In reality, I don't think he hates her, you know... But, his mind is practically telling him that nobody can be trusted, not even your best friend, let alone this woman who popped up suddenly into your life and marries you. Honestly, if I was to speak up for him, his heart (Neutral / Likes Rukia) and mind (Hates Rukia) are fighting, it's just that he doesn't know of it. That is why I love the Ichigo part of your comments. In your last part of the comments, I agree whole-heartedly with you as well. He doesn't know Rukia very well so he has no idea he is hurting Rukia. Again, I am not saying his actions are right, but to someone who doesn't know the situation, it's really hard for me as an author to blame Ichigo totally for the actions that he is taking. And, I will definitely find a chance to out those scenes! IchiRuki is like a drug to me and I desperately need those kind of drugs right now. D:

Disclaimer: I neither own Bleach nor its characters.

Waking up with a big smile on her face, Rukia was in a good mood as she thought of the art show that she had helped out yesterday. The art show was amazing. Not only was Toshiro's work incredibly well-received but everyone that Rukia had spoken to was nice as well. After all of the business associates and family friends she had met in Ichigo Kurosaki's wedding, she had been under the impression that she would have never gotten along with anybody in their circle at all. Yesterday was an eye-opener for her. Not only had she felt appreciated but she felt seen as well. Overcoming with urge to share her night with everyone she knew, she made plans to visit Ukitake. Rukia knew Ukitake would be happy for her knowing that she had helped to organize a successful art show. That she had helped Toshiro get the recognition he deserved. She was in such a good mood that she had decided to visit Ino as well. Both of them still hadn't talked about the issue that Shuuhei and her were a couple, but Rukia's good mood was telling her that she could look way past that, that it was the right time to discuss everything. She figured that it was wise letting Shuuhei know that she was going to the hospital as well. Since she hasn't been responding to Shuuhei since the last time he had texted her, she figured it was better to get it over with.

Nii-san.

Oh, so, now you respond?

I'm sorry, I didn't know what to say.

I'm sorry as well, I didn't know what to tell you.

It's... Okay. I love the both of you.

You are really okay with it?

I don't know.Well, that's a good start anyway...

I'm going to the hospital now. Do you wanna come?

I wish I could but I'm stuck at the restaurant.

Although it had felt good to have cleared the air with Shuuhei, Rukia still wished that he would have came along with her to the hospital. It was always hard seeing Ukitake at the hospital and Shuuhei always had a way of cutting through the tension. After showering and getting dressed, Rukia began her way to the hospital.

By the time she had gotten to the hospital, it was already in the afternoon. Witnessing the hospital bustling with activity and more smiles seen in the lobby than ever before, Rukia smiled as well. Looks like she hadn't really needed Shuuhei's moral support for she had a good feeling. Be it about the day itself, about Ukitake or about herself. Ukitake's room was closed as she knocked and then opened it, seeing a big bundle of blankets on top of the hospital bed. "Tou-San...?" Knowing that Ukitake was in a wheelchair, he couldn't have gotten very far if he went out of his room. Was Ukitake out of the room then?

Just as she was planning to leave the hospital room to look for Ukitake, there was a grunt heard from under the blankets and a frail hand emerged. It lifted the blankets off Ukitake's face, Rukia biting her lips in response. Ukitake's eyes had sunken even further into his face and his skin was pale enough that Rukia could see the blue of the veins on his arms. Averting her eyes from Ukitake, she was silent. "Sweetie, come here." Ukitake called out, holding a shaky hand to Rukia. "It's still me."

Honestly, she hadn't expected the scene in front of her. Wasn't Ukitake supposed to get better? Why, then...? Reigning in her emotions, she smiled and stepped towards Ukitake, hugging him. "It's so good to see you, Tou-San."

"It's always good to see you, Sweetie."

"How are you holding up?"

"It's making me slow, the pill popping. I don't know what to tell you." Rukia hadn't known any medical knowledge but she did know it wasn't supposed to be like this. It was supposed to make Ukitake better and he looked worse from the last time she had seen him.

"Do you feel better at all?"

"Not yet but Ryuken says it's normal. Gotta get worse before it gets better." For Ukitake's sake, Rukia maintained her smile and gave his fingers a squeeze.

"That's the spirit."

Admist all the chaos that was happening, she had totally forgotten about Ukitake. It took her this long to come back to Ukitake, to find him in a worse state than before. There was a knock on the door as both of them turned to see Ryuken poking his head in the room. "Safe to come in?"

"Ryuken-San." Rukia nodded her head and smiled, relieved that there was someone else in the room, someone who was trained to know what to say in situations like these anyway.

"How are you, Rukia?"

"I'm good, I'm okay. How are you?"

"I'm good, thanks. Hey, when you are done visiting the champ, can you swing by my office? It's just down the hall."

Alarm bells rung inside of Rukia's head. Ryuken wanted to have a conversation with Rukia in his office, behind closed doors. Was Ukitake's condition that drastic? It took a moment for Rukia to answer. "Of course."

Ryuken nodded at them, leaving the hallway. Rukia turned back to Ukitake, remembering about why she had wanted to visit Ukitake today. She knew Ukitake needed it, especially with the state he was in right now. There was no time for depressing thoughts because if she wasn't able to hold it together for one fucking visit, she might as well not visit at all. She forced a bright smile out. "Tou-San, guess what?!"

"What am I, a toddler?"

Rukia giggled. "Listen, Tou-San! My friend, Toshiro, he's an artist. But, he had never had his work seen by anyone before. So, I helped him plan an art gallery in National Museum of Modern Art last night and Tou-San, everyone loved it!"

Ukitake looked up at Rukia, tears swimming in his eyes. Rukia recognized the look of pride Ukitake had when he would gaze at Rukia the same way in her graduation ceremonies and her volleyball games. "Look at you." His tone was so openly soft and Rukia smiled, bending down and holding Ukitake close to her. "You are a woman. You are your own woman." Isshin had complimented her yesterday as well but hearing Ukitake say the words was another level of overwhelming for Rukia.

Ryuken gazed up as Rukia knocked on his half-open office door. "Rukia, come in." Rukia did as told as Ryuken began his news. "The trial's taking its toll on Ukitake. The medications are tough but for some reasons, he's responding more seriously to the complications than the others are."

"What... What does that mean...?"

"His symptoms are worse than ever before and they are affecting his quality of life quite intensely. It's of course something to think about."

Rukia's mind shut down after the first sentence Ryuken had spoken. She seriously hoped that Ryuken isn't saying what she thinks he's saying. "You are saying that..."

"I'm not saying anything. Not definitively. It's something you and your Brothers should take into consideration, that's all. If Ukitake keeps worsening, it might not be worthwhile to continue down this road."

Rukia clenched her fists, willing herself but failing to reign in her emotions. "You said it yourself on my previous visit, it's either the untested trial treatment or nothing..." Ryuken remained calm as he watched Rukia lose control of her emotions. Realizing that as well, Rukia took a deep breath. "You think we should just 'Make him comfortable' then?" Silence was heard from Ryuken's side as tears were already falling down Rukia's cheeks. "But, the last time I was here, you told me he's a fighter... He's going to get through this, right...?" Ryuken simply looked at Rukia as if she was hanging on the edge of a bridge that was about to collapse.

Call me. Nii-San. Answer your phone! I need you to ANSWER! Nii-San!!!

Wow, where's the fire? I am right here. Why are you freaking out, I thought you said you were cool with it?

JUST ANSWER YOUR PHONE!

I just told you I'm at the restaurant, didn't I? You are freaking out about nothing. You said you love both of us, why can't you allow both of us o be happy?

WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU EVEN TALKING ABOUT?!

You are going crazy for no reason. I can't do this right now, the restaurant's busy.

Oh my God, Nii-San, I DON'T NEED this right now. You are killing me right here. It's about Tou-San, NOT your love life!!!

Oh. Shit. What happened?

He's getting worse. The doctor said we have to think about our next options.

What does that mean? Next options???

Just call me when you are not too busy.

In the end, Rukia hadn't visited Ino at all. All of her energy were sucked right out of her body when she had that conversation with Ryuken in his office. Rage burned Rukia like a fire as she thought of those messages. She couldn't believe Shuuhei. What was his problem? Hadn't she told him by the morning text that she would be getting over it? What was the issue with him telling her she was crazy and overreacting? Wasn't Shuuhei the one who went behind her back and started something with Ino, who she was coincidentially best friends with, without even asking her first? She hadn't known the rules of Brother dating your best friend but she did know that at some point of time before they had gotten together, she was supposed to know about it! Fuck it, she thought. She was not going to clear the air with either Ino or Shuuhei, she was not going to share her joy of organizing an art show to them because she had felt the fresh scent of betrayal coming from 2 of her loved ones. Her thoughts drifted to Ukitake as she couldn't stop the tears that were overflowing. Why was Ukitake the one going through this? Why couldn't it have been her instead? Ukitake has been such a good Father to all of them, he hadn't deserved any of this at all. Ryuken had said that they had two choices; either giving up or making Ukitake endure more pain for an uncertain reason. What was worse? What was the lesser of 2 evils?

Reaching her house, she stopped in her tracks. Ichigo was leaning over the counter, his back to Rukia. For the past few instances where Ichigo was within her line of sight, a moment of vulnerability existed within Rukia, her gaze filled with Fear, always wondering what Ichigo was going to do to her at the next moment. As compared ro those instances, she hadn't felt any of those feeling at that current moment for some unknown reasons. Ichigo was shirtless, his black jeans hanging low on his hips. Before Rukia could stop herself, she found herself admiring his back muscles, the way his wide shoulders contrasted with his tapered waist and hips. Ichigo even had some sort of scar trailing from his left hip up to his right shoulder that Rukia had never seen before. Seeing Ichigo like that, bare and open, he had looked almost vulnerable. The weirdest thing was, since Rukia stood behind him a while ago, he hadn't moved a muscle. A tear fell down Rukia's cheeks as she mentally scolded herself. From the day where she had signed the contract, from the day that she was married to Ichigo, Ichigo had treated her as a gold-digging slut and a woman who simply wanted Fame. Was she about to prove him right? Why was she even fucking ogling his body when he had been so awful to her since Day 1? Was she so desperate to be accepted by Ichigo Kurosaki? Shaking her head, she stepped into the hallway yet miraculously, Ichigo remained in the same position as before. She continued walking closer when she saw the earbuds in his ear. Well, that's her answer, it seemed. Before Ichigo could have spotted her, Rukia made her way to her bedroom. The door closed behind her quietly, but the confusion of so many happenings throughout the day never once left her mind.

Author's Note: This Chapter brings us back to the sole reason why Rukia had accepted Isshin's proposal of marrying Ichigo, Ukitake's medical bill and his condition. :3 It seems worse than ever before and Shuuhei isn't helping, with him misunderstanding Rukia's intention. :3 This Chapter stands on its own because I had wanted to highlight the desperation and helplessness of Rukia's predicament. :3