Author's Notes: We are getting near to the end of the 2nd arc! :3 From my Chapters, around 2 to 4 more Chapters before the 2nd arc is completed! :3

Guest - Who do you think it is? Ginjo, Aizen or Inoue? :3

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

"Rukia?" Ichigo called as the elevator doors opened. It was silly seeing as it was still early and she could have been sleeping. Rukia was normally a morning person but for some reasons, Ichigo had needed to hear her voice and he had a desire to see her to believe that she was okay.

"She's not here." Ichigo froze and turned towards the direction of the voice.

"Ino." Ichigo said in greeting. Ino was sitting cross-legged, a computer on her lap. "Where is she?"

Ino ran a hand through her hair. "She disappeared down the halls, probably in one of the bedrooms. I wanted to talk to her but I have a feeling she won't talk to me."

An uneasy feeling blossomed. "Did something happen?"

Ino shook her head. "I don't know. After receiving messages from her phone, she..." Ino frowned. "I think she needs you right now."

Ichigo and Ino's relationship was rocky, to say the least. He had known she hadn't liked Ichigo for a start. Ichigo was sure Ino had known every terrible thing he had done to Rukia. To hear that Ino had admitted that Rukia had needed him was a big step and an indication he must have done something right. With that said, Ino stood up and began collecting her things from around the room. Fishing his phone out of his pocket, Ichigo typed out a quick message. "Ikkaku will drive you home."

"It's okay." Ino dismissed.

"Please, it's the least I can do. Thank You for being here for her."

As soon as Ino had disappeared down the halls, Ichigo headed for the bedrooms. At the end of the hall, Rukia's door had stood open. Finding the room devoid of Rukia, he frowned and headed for his bedroom door which was shut and gently pushed it open. Rukia laid in the center of the bed, the blankets pulled up around her and her head buried in the pillows. In any other situation, Ichigo would have been thrilled to see Rukia there. Dreams of Rukia on his bed with her legs spread wide and screaming on ecstasy had plagued Ichigo's mind for weeks. He shook his head mentally, knowing that this was neither the time nor place to be thinking about that. Careful not to disrupt her, Ichigo sat on the edge of the mattress. "Rukia, my angel, what's wrong?"

"Ichigo..." She turned and faced Ichigo. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing." Ichigo teased as Rukia sat up on the bed.

Rukia averted her gaze and drew circles around Ichigo's mattress. "It was the only place I felt safe."

Rukia wasn't making this any easier for him as he groaned mentally. "Safe from?"

"Toshiro's studio was broken into. The only object that was taken was a painting of us. Other than Ginjo, I don't know who would have done that."

Although Rukia had said those words in a calm tone, Ichigo knew better. She hadn't felt safe and protected, he had failed her once again. Reaching out and wrapping Rukia in his arms, he patted her back, as if one would pat a child. "He's gone, Rukia. The authorities are looking for him now. Ikkaku is in the lobby and I'm here with you, you are safe."

Against Ichigo's chest, Rukia was silent before asking the same question once again. "What are you doing home?"

"Did you really think I would leave you alone after what you told me?" Ichigo asked. "I had to go to the office to check in on things since I terminated the contract with Ginjo. Once the Paris Team was filled in, I came back."

Had she heard wrongly? "You terminated Ginjo's contract?"

"Of course, Rukia. How could I ever work with a man who did such terrible things to you?"

Rukia bit her lips, tears swimming in her eyes. "You did all that for me?"

The answer had came quickly, without doubt for Ichigo. "I would do anything for you."

The second the words had formed on Ichigo's lips, Rukia had known they were genuine and he was there for her, or rather, with her. She felt slightly guilty for thinking the worst of Ichigo. "I don't know what to say."

"You don't need to say anything. Just rest."

"But, Ino -- "

"Lie down." He demanded.

"But -- " Rukia moved to stand but Ichigo had stopped her with a hand on her shoulder.

"Rukia." Ichigo growled. "Ino's gone and you need rest."

Rukia had known that Ichigo was right after all, she had hardly slept last night. Judging from the purple circles under Ichigo's eyes, she knew he had barely slept as well. "Fine, I will. But, if only you stay with me."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow, obviously confused at Rukia's boldness but Rukia knew that she had felt safer with Ichigo here with her. Was that something to be ashamed of? Besides, it wouldn't have been the first time they shared a bed anyway. "Okay."

Ichigo slid in beside Rukia, still in his dress shirt and slacks. They laid side by side on their backs just like how they laid when they had shared a bed back in the house. The only difference was that there was no blanket barrier between them now. "Ichigo? Would you mind if I turned onto my back?"

Rukia felt Ichigo stiffen before he gave his approval. "Okay."

Rukia turned to face him then and with her heart racing, placed her hand on Ichigo's muscular chest. "Thank You." She whispered, knowing that Ichigo would have understood that she had meant the words for more than the repositioning. It was hardly enough but Rukia hadn't known any other ways to express her gratitude. Ichigo had turned to face her just then. His free arm wrapping around Rukia and held her against him until every inch of their bodies were pressed together. She had never been so close to a man before, she had never felt so much of a man's body all at once. For some reasons, she had doubted that those simple words were enough of a gratitude. Suddenly, she knew what she had needed to do to thank him. Ichigo Kurosaki was a person who had understood actions more than words. His usual behaviour was smashing vases, throwing punches and having rough sex. If she wanted to thank Ichigo properly, she figured she would have to speak his language for a start. "Ichigo?" Rukia gazed up to see Ichigo's amber eyes looking at her, as if searching for something. "It's okay." Rukia had whispered.

That sentence was supposedly the start of something as Ichigo closed the gap between them and pressed his lips to Rukia's. The kiss was soft, simple and undemanding at first. It was as if Ichigo was confused at where Rukia was going with this and Rukia could feel it in his lingering lips and in the way his hands had pressed onto her lower back. Greedily, Rukia had replied. A first kiss had continued, becoming a second and a third. Rukia moaned as Ichigo sucked on her bottom lip, taking it between his teeth and sliding his tongue into Rukia's mouth. He then changed position, him being on top and pining Rukia's hands above her head. They were best to chest and hips grinding into hips. "Ichigo..." Rukia panted as she swam with Ichigo's scent surrounding her. She gasped then as she felt something hard brush against her inner thigh. "Ichigo!"

"Yes?" Ichigo groaned, moving his lips down to suck on Rukia's neck.

Rukia squealed as the bulge brushed against her once more before sitting up and ending all progress. Ichigo kneeled over her, chest heaving and his erect manhood hardly contained in his pants. She couldn't have stopped staring at it even of she tried. She couldn't hold the desire back to touch it... To feel it sliding... Halting her thoughts, she covered her eyes with both hands. "I can't... I'm not ready, Ichigo. I'm sorry..."

"Look at me, Rukia." When Rukia hadn't removed her hands, Ichigo tried once again. "Rukia, look at me."

Peeking out from between her finger, Ichigo raised an eyebrow in response. "What did I tell you?"

"That we wouldn't have sex until I was ready."

"Why are you hiding from me then?"

Rukia's cheeks reddened. "I'm sorry... I just panicked."

"I can't help it, Rukia." Ichigo laid back down, holding his arm in a silent offer to Rukia. She settled against his chest, careful to avoid getting too close to his situation. "I want you." Ichigo said. "I'm not saying that to force you into anything. It's just the truth and I can't help myself." Rukia had never understood how Ichigo could talk about such intimate things so openly. She supposed it had came with practice. As she laid on his chest with their leg intertwined, realization had dawned on her that for once, she hadn't minded Ichigo being so forward. On the contrary, she had liked it since it had made her feel desired in a way that no one else had ever made her feel. Finally feeling safe, Rukia slowly drifted to sleep in Ichigo's arms, one thought ringing in her mind. She had never been close to any man but she couldn't have imagined it being anyone other than Ichigo, in this moment.

Ever since that night and every night after, Rukia had fell asleep wrapped up in Ichigo's arms. She was becoming more and more reliant on Ichigo to keep her safe and it had felt as if they were meant to find each other, like they were a fated pair. She had found a home in the most unlikely spot she could have imagined. Ever morning as she woke up in Ichigo's arms, there were always 3 words that she had wanted to speak but she bit her lips everytime, confused of her feelings. Had she really felt that way? Or, was Ichigo simply a safe haven for her that she had the illusion she felt that way? Was she greedy? Hadn't she already gotten more than what she could ever hope for? Ginjo was gone and she was safe. Was it required to put a label on her feelings for Ichigo? "Good Morning." Ichigo whispered, pulling her against his bare chest.

As she gazed at him, she felt those 3 words wanting to surface. Shaking her head mentally, she kissed his shoulder. "Good Morning."

Ichigo threw his arms over his eyes. "What time do we have to be there?"

"In an hour. You should hop in the shower."

Ichigo smiled. "Join me."

"In your dreams, Kurosaki." Rukia shot back.

As he kissed Rukia, those 3 words made its way back to Rukia's heart. Today was the day of Shuuhei and Ino's wedding, a day to celebrate their love. Would she be finally to say the words aloud tonight? Was she able to tell Ichigo she loved him? Was that what Rukia had felt for Ichigo? As Ichigo walked into the shower, she had felt uneasy. As usual, Ichigo had left the door. For some reasons, she couldn't shake the feeling that her lack and good streak was about to run out very soon...

Girls in various states of undress ran from room to room. At the centre of it all, looking like a queen with a crown of curlers piled on her head, was Ino. "Are you nervous?"

"A little." Ino admitted but corrected her answer, as if afraid of offending Rukia. "Not about marrying Shuuhei. It's about everything else. The people, the vows and the dancing... I just want this day to be over."

"I understand."

That was a lie, Rukia knew. She hadn't understood how Ino was feeling. Shuuhei and Ino had planned the whole day down to the second, there was nothing to worry about. Ino covered her eyes with her hands, blocking the makeup artist's access to her eyelashes. "I can't believe I'm marrying Shuuhei."

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Rukia replied honestly. To have 2 people she loved so much falling in love with each other was a dream. Ino had always taken the role of Rukia's Sister, this marriage was just it being official.

One of the assistants smiled at Ino. "I think we are ready to get you into your dress."

All the girls, now draped in fuchsia silk, piled onto the walk-in closet to watch Ino shimmy into her backless Vera Wang. As the curlers were pulled from from her hair, a series of 'Ooh' and 'Ahh' resounded through the cramped space. "You look gorgeous, Ino." Rukia told Ino while squeezing her fingers.

It was true that Ino had looked stunning in the ivory lace dress, the epitome of a blushing bride. Rukia couldn't help but feel the pang of jealousy that had blossomed in her heart. Ino waved at her eyes with her free hand before she smiled. "You are gonna make me tear up."

The tears she had cried on her wedding hadn't been happy like hers, she had dreaded her walk down the aisle, she had wondered back then if she would ever have another chance to have the perfect wedding or if her wedding would have been always tainted by hurt and anger. Either way, she doubted they would have a day like Ino ad Shuuhei's, they had passed that opportunity months ago.

Do I get a preview of you in your dress? I can't stop thinking about it.

Sorry, you know the rules~ The groom can't see the bride before the wedding~

Need I remind you that we are already married, Kurosaki-San? I think that grants me the right to do as I please with you.

I don't remember a proposal~

Rukia...

I suppose a little glimpse wouldn't hurt anybody.

Fuck. I need to see you now. Meet me in the elevator in 10.

Slipping his phone back in his breast pocket, Ichigo winced as a familiar throbbing threatened to hurt his groin. The last few weeks had been terrible for Ichigo. Day and night, thoughts of Rukia had plagued him and left him hard and horny like hell. Really, he couldn't have remembered the last time he jacked off so damn much. No matter how frequent the times he had jacked off, it hadn't helped his situation at all. His fucking hard-on returned like clockwork and usually with a vengeance. Now, the glimpse that Rukia had showed him, the sight of Rukia's ankles had him going like some sex-deprived teenager. This morning, in the shower, he had been imaging Rukia walking through the open bathroom door and joining him under the hot stream. Rivulets of water running down her breast, her gaps as he sucked one of her peaked nipples into her mouth, his hand squeezing her firm and slippery ass. "Everything alright, Stranger?"

He shook his head mentally, knowing that somebody was talking to him. "Huh?"

Ukitake was staring at Ichigo across the room with narrowed eyes. Well, fuck him, seriously. Ichigo cleared his throat. "Yes, fine, just work bugging me." Artfully rearranging himself on the sofa, he averted his gaze from Ukitake, not wanting him to catch him with a massive reaction. He wasn't involved in the wedding like Rukia was but he had been invited to get ready with the groom and his groomsmen. Ichigo was considered family in a way and he knew that he was expected to put up a show. Honestly, he would have been happier to work from home for a few more hours than hang around and be one of the boys but at the same time, he knew that if he played nice, it would mean a lot to Rukia. The day so far had been going smoothly until he had decided to check on Rukia and Rukia sending him a picture of herself.

"You sure you are all right, Stranger?"

No, he was not all right. He has been mind-fucking Rukia for weeks and his balls had hurt so badly he was sure there wasn't hope for future children. It wasn't as if he could have said that to Ukitake, though. Luckily, he came prepared, Ichigo had been throwing an idea back and forth for a couple of weeks now, ever since the day that he had been with Rukia's family. With all the romance bubble drifting through the air, he knew that today was his best chance. "Actually, I would like to speak with you in the hall for a minute if that's okay with you, Tachibana-San."

Unlike the women, it had taken a mere 10 seconds for the boys to step into their suits and apply some gel in their hair. Since then, they had been watching a game on the plasma screen. "Sure thing, Stranger."

The second the door clicked shut, Ichigo felt sweat on his hands. "I..."

Ichigo couldn't have remembered the last time he felt so nervous even if he tried. The good news was that Mini-Ichigo was nowhere to be felt within his body. "I have been thinking about what you asked me the last time we saw each other." Ichigo said, causing Ukitake to nod in response. "You asked if I loved your daughter or not."

"And your answer was that you had needed more time to answer. So?"

"I love her." It was the first time Ichigo had said the words out loud. "I would also like to have your blessing to do things the right way this time round. I want to give Rukia a proper wedding. One where you an walk her down the aisle, one where we can share our first dance, I will even write my own sappy vows if she wants."

"Yes." Ukitake replied a little too quickly with tears brimming in his eyes.

"Really?" Ichigo had asked before he could stop himself.

Ukitake had thrown his arms around Ichigo. "The choice is hers, Kirosaki-San." The change of name surprised Ichigo. "From my side, nothing would make me happier. You have been a real sport these last few months, supporting Rukia through ups and downs with my health, getting her through the plane crash and paying so Shuuhei could have his wedding in this hotel. You are a good guy, Kurosaki-San."

"I..." His phone buzzed in his pocket, causing Ichigo to step back. "I would have to take that, I apologize and Thank You for the blessings, Tachibana-San."

Rukia had been riding up and down in the elevator for 5 minutes now and there was still no sign of Ichigo. Was he simply teasing her? She had thrown her dress on and grabbed her bouquet, all too eager to please him and also to distract herself from all of the martial bliss around her that she would never hope to have. Jabbing the button to return to the bridal suite, Rukia sighed mentally. The ceremony would be starting shortly anyway, it was probably for the best. As the elevator approached the 7th floor, it had slid open and Ichigo stood, panting, his eyes dark with lust. In 2 strides, he stepped in the elevator, pushing Rukia against the mirrored wall and captured Rukia's mouth in his. Ichigo's hands carved down Rukia's waist until he was cupping her ass. Rukia gasped as Ichigo lifted her from the ground and had her legs wrapped around his hips, moaning as she felt his arousal press onto her. Bouquet of peonies dropping to the floor, Rukia ran her fingers through his orange hair. "You are killing me..." Ichigo gritted out, nipping at Rukia's ear. Pressing a kiss against Rukia's throat, he moved down, trailing kisses and bites on Rukia's throat. "Can't you see how much I want you." Elevator suddenly pinging, Ichigo dropped Rukia before the doors could have slid open. Ichigo stepped in front of Rukia protectively, blocking her from whomever had decided to join them. "Hello." He greeted. Ichigo bent down and grab the bouquet, holding the full blooms in front of his crotch, causing a female laugh to answer in response. Cheeks burning, Rukia straightened her clothes, too embarrassed to peek out from behind Ichigo to investigate whom the company was. The door opening again, the guest stepped off the elevator. Exhaling, Ichigo turned and faced Rukia. "That was... Unexpected." Ichigo said, his hands returning to Rukia'a waist.

"I didn't think you were coming." Rukia replied, blushing as Ichigo's eyes was fixated on her.

"You want me to miss this? You look stunning, Rukia." Ichigo kissed Rukia again, slower this time round.

"We have to go." Rukia said when they had broken apart. "The ceremony is starting soon."

Ichigo leaned down as though to kiss Rukia for the 3rd time and Rukia had turned away with a giggle, causing Ichigo's lips to land on Rukia's cheeks instead. "Kurosaki~"

"Fine, fine." Ichigo relented, taking a step back in defeat. "But, we are finishing this later."

Making it to the chapel just in time, the piano had already started to play and the voices of the guests had already lowered to a dull whisper. "There you are!" Ino cried as both of them turned the corner, hand in hand.

"It's my fault." Ichigo told Ino, causing her to scowl in response.

Kissing Rukia'a cheek before slipping through the doors to take his place among other guests, Rukia took her spot in the line of bridesmaids and groomsmen. On cue, the bridal march had began to play and they had started their way down the aisle. As they were all in their places at the front of the chapel, the music built to a crescendo. The wedding guests rose to their feet as Ino stepped in, happier than Rukia had ever had seen her. As she floated down the aisle towards Shuuhei, a movement in the back of the room had caught her attention. Feeling the blood drain from her face, a wave of terror ran through Rukia. Ginjo was here, she was sure of it. Scanning the faces of the back row guests once more, she couldn't spot him. Hadn't Ichigo promised that she was safe and Ginjo was not here? Yet, would it have been the first promise Ichigo broke?