Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.
Reminder: Please pardon my grammar errors and typographical errors. :)

Also, I want to thank a guest reviewer who pointed out that I had made a mistake at chapter 12. I used Kuchiki Kaien where it must be Shiba Kaien. I'm sorry about that. And thank you very much for pointing it out. I was like... 'WAAAHH! OMG! she's right! I haven't noticed!' when I saw that review. Thanks again!

And thank you to the reviewers who reviewed. I missed you guys...!

—You Are My Love—
A Bleach AU Fanfic
Written By: Mari Kia Aishiteru

Last time in You Are My Love…

Rangiku told Rukia how she was doing in Korea where she met a vocalist of a famous band there. He seemed like taken a liking to her. Also, Rukia and Ichigo had a date under the cherry blossom tree where Ichigo's parents held their wedding…

Chapter 14
The Rivals' Confessions

She rose from her hotel bed and stretched her arms. It was another day of her modeling work. This time, it was a wedding gown modeling. A famous designer from Europe had successfully opened her own wedding boutique in the center of Tokyo. She was the one chosen out of many models to promote the newly designs she had done. It was such an honor to her to be chosen. She couldn't help but think that her career was growing so much before she knew it.

But there was something bothering the auburn haired model.

She hadn't talked to him ever since Christmas Eve.

She went in the Coffee shop that night to tell him her newfound feelings for him, knowing that she could finally reciprocate his feelings for her, but… she didn't expect what had happened that night.

Ichigo had run after his friend, Rukia.

She thought of it when she arrived at her residence. And she came to one conclusion. Ichigo might be in love with Rukia.

But, how could that be? She was the one he loved right?

She thought of it some more and realized that Ichigo was acting strange around her that past few weeks. Maybe it had to do something with Rukia?

She sighed. She did her morning routine and prepared to go out. She would have her make over later at the set but right now, she donned a simple black formal dress with a white belt around her waist. She laid her hair down and wore a pair of black doll shoes.

There were so many questions lingering in her mind since then. She wasn't able to ask for answers because she became very busy since Christmas. But, tonight, surely, she would have her answers. She was going to confess to him and make sure that she was the one he loves.

She walked down the pathway and called for a cab.

He thought about it.

Nothing would change if he stayed cooped up in his office, working his butt off.

He was just prolonging his pain. He scoffed and stood up.

"Screw unrequited love!" he donned his coat and walked out of his office. He planned to go home first to take a veeeeery long shower to calm himself.

I'm going to tell her how I feel and I'll go from there.

They walked alongside the pathway with her walking ahead of her and him a little behind her as they held the grocery bags on both hands. They bought quite a lot for the Coffee shop and also, for dinner tonight. Well, it was already late afternoon and the sun was setting. They passed by that bridge that they used to hang out when they were still… friends.

"Look, the sun is setting." Rukia told him as she stopped walking, waiting for him to catch up to her and pointing towards the orange sky.

He gazed at the sky. The sun was truly setting and its light colored the sky and river a bright orange. He smiled and nodded. "Yeah."

"It's beautiful right?" she inquired without looking at him and just staring at the setting sun.

Ichigo turned his gaze to her and got mesmerized with her smile. He let out a small smile himself and staring at her, he said, "Yes, it's beautiful."

Rukia glanced at him and she blushed, seeing him looking at her like that.

"What's with your look?"

"Hmm?"

"Stop staring at me like that!" she turned her back on him and walked again. "It's creepy."

"What?!" Ichigo continued on his way, following behind her with a questioning look. "Is it so bad for me to stare at my girlfriend?"

"Yes!" she replied without any hesitation.

"Eh?" he sounded so disappointed.

"Don't stare at me without my knowledge!"

He raised an eyebrow. "Why would I need your permission to do something like that?"

She gave him a sideway glance and stubbornly replied. "Don't ask, baka!"

Ichigo chuckled. "You're so shy."

"Shut up!"

The red haired man walked inside the Coffee shop and as the chime rang, Momo appeared in front of him with a huge smile. "Welcome! Oh, Renji-san!"

"Um… yeah."

"Come in come in. I'll give you the best spot."

"Uh, thanks but I came here to see your sister."

Momo smiled. "But Rukia nee-chan is out right now."

"I see." He sighed and turned to the door again. "Just tell her to come to Tokyo Mall, 3rd floor later on. I'll be waiting there. There is something we must talk about."

The younger Kuchiki girl nodded. "Okay then. I'll tell her."

"Thank you."

And with that, Renji was gone.

Toushirou stood next to his best friend as he wiped his hands. "What was that?"

Momo turned to him in surprise but sighed slowly as she gazed at the door again. "He said he wants to see nee-chan. There is something they must talk about."

"I wonder what is that something…"

The girl shrugged. "Yeah." She turned around and walked over the counter but not before ordering him to "Shirou-chan, look, that table is dirty! Tidy it up!"

Toushirou sighed. "Hai hai."

It was already dark when they reached the coffee shop. "We're back!" Rukia called out.

"Finally." The white haired boy said. He scanned the grocery bags and opened the ingredients needed for their dinner.

"Nee-chan, nii-chan, welcome back."

"Yeah, did something happen while we're out?" Ichigo asked as he sat down on the stool in front of the counter. Rukia didn't take a seat but leaned at the table as she scanned the customers. They would be performing a bit later in the evening. Probably at 8 in the evening so they were taking it easy.

"Yes, Rukia nee-chan, Renji-san came by."

With the mention of the red haired man, Rukia and Ichigo turned to Momo. Ichigo knew Renji's feelings for Rukia the last time he went in the Coffee shop. That was why he was bothered a little on his reasons for coming by.

"He said he must talk to you about something. He's expecting you at Tokyo Mall, third floor, right now."

"Right now?" she asked confused.

"Yes, right now."

Rukia sighed and nodded. "Alright. I'll meet him. Thanks Momo."

Ichigo grabbed her hand and stared at her. She looked up at his eyes, confused. "Ichigo?"

"Rukia, listen."

Rukia could see the different emotions in his eyes. She realized what was bothering him and she smiled. "Don't worry, you trust me don't you?"

"Well…"

"In my eyes, you are the most handsome man in this world so you don't have to worry about my eyes looking at someone else other than you."

With that declaration, he blushed.

The older Kuchiki girl giggled at his reaction. "You are the one I chose, Ichigo."

He nodded and sighed, letting go of her hand. "I trust you, Rukia."

She grinned. "So, I'll go n—"

She was interrupted with her phone ringing. She grabbed it from her pocket. "Who could be calling at this time?" she looked at the caller id and answered it.

"Hello?"

"Rukia?"

The girl looked at her boyfriend as she said, "Orihime-san?"

Ichigo raised an eyebrow.

"Rukia, is Ichigo there?"

"Yes, why would you call me if the one you want to talk with is him?" she asked a little annoyed.

"He isn't answering his phone. I thought that you are together."

She let out a sigh and offered the phone to Ichigo. He stared at her. "Are you sure?"

She grinned. "Of course."

He accepted her phone and answered, "Hello?"

"Ichigo, we have to talk. I have something important to tell you."

He sighed. He knew what was coming. And he knew he had to settle this matter once and for all.

"Sure, I have to talk to you too."

"Okay, meet me in my room then."

"Alright."

He pushed the 'end call' button and gave it back to Rukia. "You're going to meet her too?"

"Yeah."

Rukia smiled. "I trust you."

"I know."

"Come on."

"Momo, Toushirou, we're going out." Rukia called out.

"Where are you two going?" Toushirou asked.

The couple exchanged meaningful glances. "To settle everything." Ichigo replied as they continued outside the door and went on their separate ways.

With them gone, the young couple glanced at each other. "Good luck then." They both whispered as they went back on what they were doing.

Rukia arrived in the designated place where Renji must be waiting. She looked around and saw him drinking in an open restaurant. She joined him as she sat across from him.

"You're finally here."

"Yeah." She stared at him. "What is it that you want to tell me?"

"Rukia…" He gazed at her with so much emotion in his eyes that Rukia had to look away. She had an idea what was coming.

"I… have been hiding this for so long. Ever since we met, I want you to know that I…"

"… am in love with you."

The orange haired man sitting at the passenger's seat of her car sighed. He knew this was about that. He knew she would be hurt but he couldn't lead her to something he didn't feel. Just like what she did to her when he had confessed. Yes, it hurt a lot but he knew she would be able to move on too, just like him who fell in love with another woman.

"I… I'm sorry." He managed to say as he turned to look at her. She had her eyes wide in surprise.

"W-What did you say?"

"I said… I'm sorry, Renji."

"But why?" he asked, a little loud. Rukia looked around them. "Renji, calm down will you?"

"Why would I calm down?" he half asked, half screamed. "Is it because of him?"

"Is it because of Rukia?"

He nodded. "I love her, Orihime. I moved on from my feelings for you. I realized the one who loves me and is always next to me. She helped me moved on."

He gave a soft smile as her bright smile flashed before his eyes. "She taught me how to fall in love again."

"But…"

"What about me?" she asked. "What about my feelings? Are you going to throw it away?"

"No, I'm not throwing it away." He responded with a shook of his head. "I don't want to hurt you but it is impossible. Pain is always part of loving someone. You know that the most Orihime. You told me that when I confessed to you."

"Ichigo…"

"I'm sorry, but I have decided. I chose Rukia. I love her so much, I couldn't live without her."

"Please understand Renji. I love you as a great friend. But, the one I love romantically is only Ichigo. I'm so sorry."

She stood up and walked out of the restaurant.

He gritted his teeth in frustration.

His eyes glowered in anger.

"There's no way I'll let this happen. There's no way I'll let you be happy when I am this miserable." He muttered and drank his wine.

"You'll be mine, Rukia!"

"Leave!"

Ichigo opened the car door and left. He walked down the opposite path and sighed. I'm sorry, Orihime. He thought remorsefully.

Orihime gripped the steering wheel with trembling hands. She glared in front of her as if Rukia was there.

"You are going to pay for taking Ichigo away from me, Rukia."

"Wow, you both came at the right time."

The couple glanced at each other and walked inside. "How did it go, Ichigo?"

He shook his head. "Not good. I hurt her." She nodded in understanding. "Me too actually. He didn't take it good."

They both sighed.

"Nii-chan, Nee-san, you don't have to worry about them!" Momo piped in feeling the guilty atmosphere between them.

"Momo's right. There's nothing you can do about that. All that matters is the two of you. They will be able to accept everything sooner or later. They'll understand you two for sure." Toushirou explained with a smile.

"Wow, Toushirou did you really just say that?" Rukia asked a little surprised.

"What is?"

Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck. "You sound like Ran."

He chuckled in reply.

Momo nodded. "Well, he's right though. You just said your feelings up front to them, and I think it's a good thing."

"Yeah, and it will hurt them more if you didn't get so straightforward to them."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "And what about you Toushirou? When are you going to be straightforward to Momo?"

Momo gasped and stared at Ichigo wide eyed. "Nii-san!"

Rukia let out a teasing smile as she waited for an answer.

Toushirou seemed to think about it and Momo's heart beat faster against her chest.

"After 200 years, perhaps?" he replied with an answer. Momo's eyes narrowed and her heart slowed down.

"Baka!" she gave him a fist to his head. "My bones are already fusty by then!"

She continued to hit him on the head. "Stop it! Stop! Ouch! It hurts!"

"You deserve it!"

"I'll stop! I'll stop!"

"I'm not stoooooopping!"

"Waaaaaah!" Toushirou shielded his head with his arms but Momo was always stronger than him. "Saaaaave meeeee!"

Song/s Used: None.

A/N: Done. That's funny. I really love Momo and Shirou. That's why they have their own chapter. And it is very funny. Well, that's for chapter 17. Look forward! XD

Please Review! R&R.

Next Chapter: Kaien and Senna's departure! Do I need to say more?

Yours Truly,

Mari Kia Aishiteru.
04.18.2014. 2,348 words