Guest - At the very beggining of the 2nd arc, it was Ichigo being in confusion. Now, it has appeared that Rukia is the one being in confusion. Although, woman are more fragile when in a confusing state so we would have to see where it leads her. :3 Ukitake is healthy again, I am happy for Rukia as well. :3 I should have posted the previous Chapter on April 1st so I could say: Happy April Fools! XD Joking, joking. :3 When I wrote the scene of Ichigo yelling at Isshin, there were some parts where I got emotional myself. :3 It was such a touching yet emotional scenes where I couldn't help but want to cry. :3 Rukia won't be lovey-dovey with him, of course but it would be interesting to see if Rukia will crack under the confusion. :3 The necklace... *Evil smile* We will probably get to that soon enough. :3

Guest - Hm... But, don't you think with what Ichigo replied Rukia with in that message, he had sounded lost, like he hadn't known what Rukia was talking about? If it had been a necklace that he had intended to give to Rukia or intending to torture Rukia with it anyway, wouldn't he have mentioned it in the text? I don't know, could it be simply just a misunderstanding? :3 We will have to see of your guess is right then. :3

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

Rukia stared in disbelief at her phone. Seriously, an emoji? Ichigo Kurosaki sent her an emoji? A winky-face emoji, no less? Had the world just turned upside down while she slept? Ever since Rukia had learned of the wonderful news about Ukitake's health, she had barely been able to think straight. Returning home, Rukia had spent the time pacing and cleaning, trying to calm herself. Not only had the arrangement paid off, Ukitake even had a bill of good health. That had meant that Ukitake was safe and he would live but that had also meant that... Her fake marriage with Ichigo, at last, could end. There was no need to continue the facade anymore, not when Ukitake was healthy. As for the medical bills, she was certain she could repay them over time. She was certain Isshin would have understood but, would Ichigo understand? She hadn't known how to bring it up to Ichigo since she was 100% sure that Ichigo was going to go mad with rage, learning of her reasons. She needed to prepare herself and put on whatever mental armour she had left to withstand what was sure to be one curse and insult after another. The text had showed up just then, surprising Rukia. She had decided right then and there that even if she had to be the bearer of bad news, she should look good while doing so. Well, Ichigo had instructed her to dress up, after all. Shuffling through her closet, she chose a dress that Toshiro had picked out for her personally. A 1990 Christian Dior vintage fringe dress made of black and white silk with black wedge boots and a striking red red blazer. It was possibly the most bold outfit that Rukia had ever seen, one she was sure she couldn't possibly pull off.

"Girl, you are the definition of sex itself. Seriously. Grab a dictionary. Look it up. Under sex will be a photo of you in that outfit. Hot DAMN."

Toshiro had said that as she exited the changing room and she had blushed. But, as she looked at herself in the mirror, she understood what Toshiro was saying since she looked good. She hadn't known what the definition of sex was seeing as she knew little about that subject anyway but Rukia had felt good to dress up as someone confident. Done with the preparations, Rukia exited the house and approached the car. Holding the door open, Ikkaku nodded towards Rukia, grunting. "Kurosaki-San."

Rukia nodded her head back in response. "Thank You, Ikkaku."

Shuting the door as Rukia stepped in, Rukia leaned forward as Ikkaku got into the driver seat. "Did Ichigo possibly tell you where he's taking me?"

Ikkaku eyed Rukia cautiously in the rearview mirror. "You know I can't tell you that, Kurosaki-San."

Rukia sighed, leaning back in her seat. "It was worth a try." Rukia watched the car taking her through the streets. The night sky was becoming a beautiful bruised blue shade and around them, the city lights were twinkling. "Ikkaku, are you sure this is right?" Rukia asked as the car stopped beside a large fancy restaurant.

"Just following orders, Kurosaki-San."

Ikkaku stepped out and opened the door for Rukia. What is Ichigo planning, Rukia had thought briefly. This large fancy restaurant that Ichigo was bringing her to looked like some place one would bring a... Date, not the wife that one was forced to marry. "Rukia, you are here."

She turned just then, surprised to see Ichigo sitting on a bench, dressed in one of his nicest suits. Ichigo stood up and approached Rukia, smiling as he did so. "I hope you are hungry."

"You mean... We are going in there to..."

"To eat, obviously. Is that surprising?" To Rukia, it certainly was surprising and she openly gawked at Ichigo as if he was a stranger, a completely new person. To a certain extent, Ichigo resembled that theory as well. For one, there was a softness in his amber gaze that Rukia had never recognized before. Taking Rukia's hand, Ichigo led her to the door. "Come on, I can't wait for you to see the view."

The restaurant was one of the most beautiful and ornate spaces that Rukia had been in. The scenery, coupled with the modern-chic decor of the restaurant itself was absolutely breathtaking. There wasn't a single person seated other than both of them. Clearly, he had rented out the whole restaurant for the occasion. As the servers greeted them and led them to their table, Rukia had the sneaking suspicion that this had been indeed, a date. "Ichigo." This had caused Ichigo to gaze up, frowning as Rukia was thinking of the right words. "This is really nice but what's going on?"

"Can't a husband take his wife out for a nice meal?"

As sweet as the current moment was, it was also weird as Rukia couldn't help but blush. She had understood pretending to be married in front of his family and colleagues but when it was just the both of them? What made today different? Why was Ichigo doing this? They were surrounded by lit candles and fresh flowers, looking like the set of The Bachelor. Overly romantic, almost manufactured.. Just like their marriage. Rukia had really wanted to savor the moment and just go along with it, she really wanted to but the French words in her menu had made it literally impossible. Placing the menu down, Rukia sighed. "I really appreciate that you are being so nice, Ichigo, but..."

Ichigo flinched, thinking that he had done something wrong. "What's wrong?"

"I don't understand. All of a sudden -- "

"You are right." Ichigo said, interrupting Rukia. "You deserve an explanation, Rukia. There's so much I want to say but I guess I will begin by saying that..." That had left Rukia more confused than ever. Judging by his words, was he about to apologize? Yet, gazing at Ichigo, he looked conflicted, as if it went against his every instinct to be so self-aware. "I realized I never really thanked you for saving my life, Rukia. On the island."

Rukia lowered her gaze. "You don't have to thank me. I did what anyone would have done."

"No!" Ichigo exclaimed fiercely, causing Rukia to focus her attention on Ichigo once more. As if realizing that he had raised his voice, Ichigo tried once more. "No, Rukia, I don't think that's true at all. I think you might be the most selfless person I have ever met."

Selfless? Ichigo was saying she was selfless when he had called her out that she had married him for his wealth and the fame of the Kurosakis'? Rukia felt overwhelmed and the setting, pretty as it was, certainly wasn't helping. "What about all this?"

Ichigo averted his gaze. "I thought it might be a nice way to repay you. It's only a start but..."

"Ichigo." Rukia sighed. "This is really kind of you but you hardly know me. If you had taken the time to know me and not just assume, you would know that this is the last place that I would feel comfortable in."

"Oh... You don't?" Ichigo raised an eyebrow and looked genuinely surprised.

Rukia shook her head. She hadn't meant to disregard what was clearly Ichigo's idea of romantic but he had a right to know. "If you had actually stopped to have a conversation with me, you would know that what I really like is is simple stuff. Like a hole-in-the-wall pizza place."

Ichigo nodded, understanding and Rukia briefly wondered what was Ichigo planning now but too afraid to ask. "Sir, Madame, have you decided what you would like to eat?"

"Nothing." Ichigo said and threw his napkin on the table, causing the occupants to stare at him as if he had grown a second head, inclusive of Rukia. "Come on, Rukia."

Ichigo had offered Rukia his hand and said person stared at the hand, dumbfounded. Wait, what? Nothing? The waiter was the first to bounce back from the shock. "Kurosaki-San, forgive me. Is something wrong? You have paid to have the entire establishment to yourselves for the evening."

"I'm aware." Ichigo had said with a smile, as if it was nothing to worry about. "Treat yourselves to a night off, the tab's on me. Rukia."

Before she had known anything, Ichigo was taking her by the arm, heading for the door. "Ichigo, stop!" Ichigo halted his steps, gazing back at Rukia. "What are we doing?" Rukia asked, embarrassed.

Ichigo simply winked. "You like pizza, let's get pizza."

With that, Ichigo led Rukia back to the car before any protests could be heard from Rukia. Ikkaku started the engine and they left the fancy restaurant behind. She had felt guilty for making the waiters wait and serve customers that wasn't eating at the particular restaurant but gazing at Ichigo, she had to admit that was the most spontaneous and romantic thing that anyone had ever done for her...

They were at Pizza Hut, both ridiculously overdressed and taking a bite of their second slice when they burst into laughter. Every normal person who had walked in gave them an unhappy glare and it was simply too funny that Rukia couldn't resist. As Ichigo attempted to take her hand, Rukia exclaimed and tried to pull away. "Ichigo, don't. I'm greasy!"

"I don't care." Ichigo said. Feeling butterflies in her tummy as her heart swooned at Ichigo's comment, it was as if Rukia saw Ichigo in a completely new light. And, to think that she was planning to announce her divorce. How could she now? When Ichigo was being so sweet to her? "Rukia." Ichigo said, interrupting her thoughts. "You are right. I hardly know you. And... I want to know everything. So.. Tell me something about you."

"Like?"

"I don't know. What do people usually talk about on dates?" Ichigo played with his fingers, gaze focusing on the pizza instead of on Rukia. "Turn-ons, pets peeves? Favourite way to spend a Sunday afternoon? Are you a long-walk-on-the-beach sorta girl? Or, are you more of a shopper?" She couldn't believe what her eyes were seeing. Ichigo Kurosaki was actually looking and sounding nervous. She couldn't help but giggle and Ichigo stopped his rambling, gazing up at Rukia. "What?"

"You said 'Date'."

"Well, isn't it?" So, Ichigo wasn't thinking of denying it. Rukia nodded in response and was about to focus on her pizza when Ichigo sighed. "I'm sorry it took so long, Rukia. If I had known..."

Rukia narrowed her eyes as Ichigo trailed off. Known? Known what? But, she had no time to ask as Ichigo grabbed the last piece of pizza from her plate and took a huge bite of it. "Hey!" Rukia shouted playfully. "I was going to eat that!"

"That's a pet peeve of mine." Ichigo admitted between bites. "Letting food get cold."

Rukia tilted her head. "What if mine is sharing meals?"

"I guess we are screwed then."

Once again, they laughed. To Rukia, it was the most wonderful feeling in the world. It felt easy, without any strings attached and honest. As Ichigo continued to devour the pizza, Rukia pondered about her choices. When Ichigo was this happy, this kind... Would this be the best time to bring up ending the arrangement? Was this what she really wanted? "Ichigo..." She took a deep breath. "I need to tell you something..."

Ichigo nodded his head, waiting patiently. Calming her own nerves, Rukia spoke.

She couldn't tell Ichigo that she wanted to end the marriage even if she wanted, she simply didn't have it in her. She had chickened out on the night of their 'Date' and told him that she was nervous about the upcoming Silver Jubilee instead. She knew she wouldn't have it in her tonight as well, not while he was holding her tightly, pulling her closer and wrapping her in a sudden embrace. They were dancing again, practicing for the big show which was only a week away now. But, something about this lesson had felt strange to Rukia. For one, there was no sign of Mio. In fact, as Rukia looked around the studio, there was no sign of an instructor or dancer anywhere. Both of them were completely alone, for the first time. Ichigo spun Rukia, the bolero's seductive beat propelling them forward and back as they turned away then towards each other. Rukia could feel the heat emanating from his chest everytime they were a hairsbreadth apart. Rukia had this desire to rest head her against him, to feel he muscles she had admired for so long. Wait, what? What has gotten into her? She had noticed then that the usual overhead LED was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a spotlight had seemed to be illuminating them as they pushed and pulled, resisting and hen giving in to each other's movements. For some reason, they felt coordinated tonight. It had felt like they had been doing this for centuries, this sensual tug-of-war, this love-hate relationship, this dance. "You are not always an angel, are you?" Ichigo asked, his eyes dark and mysterious.

Ichigo had shoved Rukia gently and Rukia had fell, expecting to feel the ground beneath her but all to her surprise, beneath her was a bed of throw pillows. Eh? What? Weren't they in the dance studio? Huh? She had so many question to ask but as Ichigo slowly lowered himself on top of her, all of her thoughts had left her brain. He was trailing his fingers along Rukia's bare brain, making her tingle with delight. Rukia pushed away Ichigo's hand, feeling bashful all of a sudden. "Ichigo, don't..."

"Is that what you want?" Ichigo asked, smiling. "Do you want me to stop, Rukia?" She bit her lips, not responding. She would rather kill herself than admit to Ichigo that he had wanted him to continue, to move even closer to her, to breathe against her neck and... And... "A devil in disguise..." Ichigo said with a smirk. "I knew it."

Before Rukia had known what was happening, Ichigo had kissed Rukia. Rukia had only tasted Ichigo's lips once before -- On their wedding night -- The feeling had been forced, unnatural and wrong. But, this kiss... This was everything that Rukia had hoped for. The tug of Ichigo's hungry lips, the hint of teeth as he gently bit her lips and the soft moan escaping her own lips. It had made her forget herself, it had made her forget that seconds ago, they had been practicing a dance. The music was continuing, provoking them and urging them to go further. To explore each other's bodies. To... "Ichigo..." Rukia gasped, scared. "I don't know what I'm doing... I... I..."

"Trust me." Ichigo had said. "I will take care of you." There were a million reasons Rukia should have resisted but as she gazed at Ichigo, she nodded. She couldn't have ignored it and fought it even if she tried, she had and wanted to give in. Ichigo kissed Rukia again but this time, Ichigo's tongue entered her mouth, slithering against hers, cajoling her to do the same. With every playful lick and taste, she felt herself moisten in places that had never been so hot before. "I want you, Rukia." Ichigo whispered. "Only you."

"Ichigo..." Rukia sighed, closing her eyes.

Ichigo was kissing Rukia's neck next and she was arching her whole body towards him as if begging him to trespass upon other parts of her. Rukia heard his belt unbuckle and had felt him pulling off her undergarments. This was finally going to happen, she was finally going to lose her virginity to Ichigo Kurosaki, right here in the middle of the dance floor, illuminated by a spotlight as the slowly rhythm of the bolero serenaded them. "Are you ready?" Ichigo asked.

Opening her eyes, Rukia gazed at Ichigo and pulled him for a kiss. Just as Ichigo pressed forward, Rukia's eyes rolled back in bliss and an explosion of feeling overtook her...

"WHAT THE FUCK?!" Rukia sat up on the bed, hyperventilating. She was alone, it was the middle of the night and she was in her bedroom where she belonged. It seemed that what she had simply experienced was a dream. Seriously, a sex dream with Ichigo Kurosaki? What the hell? Rukia stood up and ran to the bathroom, washing her face and looking into the mirror. "Well, we are in big trouble now..."

Ino. I need to talk to you. ASAP.

Is something wrong, Rukia?

Can't explain over text.

Okay. Can you meet at my place?

Be there in 15 minutes.

"And then... He put his... Um... Into my... Um... I mean..."

Ino was staring at Rukia confused after Rukia had decompress a bit from her dream and gone over to her place the next morning. Ino had never been a prude so Rukia's difficulty of talking about such things always confused her. "Spit it out, Rukia. It was just a dream. Did you have sex?"

"NO!" Rukia shouted. Ino raised her eyebrows, surprised at Rukia's tone of voice. Realizing her mistake, Rukia sighed. "I mean... No, I don't think so. We were about to and I woke up."

"It sounds pretty... Confusing."

Ino returned to packing, looking preoccupied and Rukia could have sworn that there was a hint of annoyance in her tone, causing Rukia to frown. "Did I say something, Ino?"

"It's just..." Ino had seemed to be finding the right words to say. "I mean, Rukia, come on. Do you even know what you want?"

"What do you mean?"

"Look..." She said and turned towards Rukia. "I'm just getting sick of you going back and forth. One second you hate him, the next you are obsessed with him. As your friend, I'm supposed to tell you when something's unhealthy and I think this qualifies."

For some reasons, Rukia felt confused and outraged, 2 emotions that she wasn't accustomed to feeling. "You don't know anything about us." Rukia said, trying and failing to keep her voice steady.

"There's an 'Us'? A week ago, you were talking about a divorce."

"You are right, okay? I am confused and I am sorry!"

Rukia turned away, folding her arms. She couldn't believe that Ino had been unwilling to be there for her right now when she had needed her the most. Ino, knowing Rukia was angry, sighed and took a seat beside Rukia. "I hadn't meant to judge, Rukia, I'm sorry."

"I just don't get why you are reacting like this. I get that Ichigo and I are in a weird place but why can't you try and be more understanding?" Gazing at Ino, there were tears in her eyes and Rukia couldn't help but think: Was she the one missing something? Was she the one not being understanding? She sighed. "What is it, Ino?"

"I have been wanting to talk to you about it for a while but I simply don't know how... Because he is your Nii-San and I can tell how it weirds you out that we are together and..."

Well, that much is true. Looks like it was partly her fault for not talking about it as well and it had looked like Ino was troubling about Shuuhei. "What's going on, Ino. You can tell me anything."

Ino shook her head. "I get it. If it was my Nii-San, it would be hard for me too. It's just..."

Rukia narrowed her eyes. "Ino."

"Lately, Shuuhei has been so distant. I don't know what I did. For weeks, everything has been amazing between us. The best it's ever been. Now? I don't know anymore, Rukia."

Ino sniffled a bit and Rukia reached for a tissue, handing it to her. She wished she would have known about this earlier so she could have talked to Shuuhei about it. She had been so wrapped up with the Kurosakis' issue such that she hadn't had time to think about anyone else. But, she also knew that Shuuhei was serious about Ino by the way Shuuhei would look at Ino. Shuuhei had never treated any girls special than he had treated Ino. Rukia had known it long ago, back when they were kids with Shuuhei acting shy around Ino during playdates. "Ino." Rukia said, smiling. "Shuuhei is probably being an idiot. You don't have to worry, I'm sure he will come around."

"What if he doesn't? What if I did something wrong and it's all falling apart? I just wish he would talk to me, Rukia..."

Rukia nodded, a plan beginning to form and stood up, causing Ino to gaze up at Rukia, surprised. "Stand up, Ino."

"Why?"

"Just do it." Ino followed Rukia's instruction, standing up but still dabbing her eyes. "Give me your hands."

"What for?"

"I have difficulty believing that I am your best friend, Ino. Come on, just do it already." Ino sighed, leaving the tissue on the table and giving Rukia her hands. "Listen to me, Ino." Rukia said calmly. "I know Nii-San and I know the way he feels about you. Let me talk to him and set things right."

Ino shook her head. "I can't. I don't want him thinking I need to go behind his back to -- "

"Ino " Rukia said. "Nii-San deserves a chance to explain himself but he's not the best person when it comes to expressing his feelings. Let me do what I should have been doing weeks ago."

Ino nodded and sighed. "Okay, Rukia, if you insist."

Pulling her into a hug, Ino laughed. "I think Ichigo is starting to rub off on you, I don't remember you ever being this demanding." Maybe, maybe not, who knows? Ichigo was an issue for later though.

Nii-San. What is your problem?

Huh? What are you talking about?

Is the name 'Ino' ringing any bells?

Oh. It's kinda complicated.

Make it simple then. Or, I will make it simple for you. Why are you being distant and not talking to her?

Wait. What? Is that what she thinks?

Nii-San.

Shit. That's not what I meant to do.

No shit, Sherlock.

Rukia. I think I need your help.

With?

With picking out a ring.

A ring?

I'm going to propose to Ino.