OUR LOVE TOWARDS THE FUTURE

By: Mari Kia Aishiteru

FOUR: Friends?

Rukia woke up tiredly from a bed in a room. She sat up on the bed and wondered.

What happened? How did I end up here? Wait, this place is the… she paused and panicked. D-don't tell me I'm back in…

She suddenly heard the door opened and was shocked to see HIM, looking at her in relief.

"Oh, you're already awake." He said firmly as he walked up to her and put the tray of food he brought for her on the table next to the bed where she was. "Are you feeling alright?" he asked as he sat on the chair next to her bed.

Rukia stared at him. "I-Ichigo, how did I end up here again?" she asked.

"You don't remember? You lose consciousness last night. I think because you're tired of fighting those weird men with swords. Besides, you still don't have your strength yet. You really pushed yourself too hard don't you think?" he explained as he looked at her.

"You… you s-saw everything?" she asked fearfully.

"Yeah… sorry for that…" He scratched his cheek in embarrassment. "I really shouldn't have done that to you but, we're worried so I decided to search for you and then… I found you in that situation…" he explained.

"What happened last night?"

"Well… the man told me who you are and then he just left without doing anything…"

Rukia stared at him worriedly. "He told you who I am?" she asked.

"Well… not all… he just told me that you're the youngest princess of the Royal Kuchiki Family. That's all. He said that if I wanted to know more than that, I just need to ask you about it." He finished.

Rukia sighed in relief. However, the problem doesn't end here. Now, that Ichigo knew about her extraordinary powers and the fact that Nazure saw him, his life will be in deep danger!

AAARRRGGHHH! DAMN IT! She gritted her teeth angrily. Her hands on her lap clenched into fists so hard that it was white now.

This didn't go unnoticed to Ichigo who was worried what could be bothering her this time. Maybe the truth that he knew her secret now? Maybe it was.

"Rukia…" he began softly. "Don't worry; I won't say anything to anyone. Your secret is safe with me. Trust me." He reassured her.

Rukia stared at him and she could see that he was telling the truth.

"I know. I trust you Ichigo. But, that's not the problem." She said worriedly.

"What was bothering you then?" he asked.

"Ichigo, now that you know my secret, I'm sure that you'll be in danger. They'll use you to get to me. Like they did before." She said. "I don't want you to die because of me." She stated, averting her gaze from him. She looked at her hands on her lap.

Ichigo could see sadness in her eyes. She was worried about his safety. He knew that. He breathed out and sat down on the edge of the bed.

"Rukia, don't think too much about it. I won't die. Whatever happens, I'll still be your friend. I'll always stay." He exclaimed, putting his hand on her trembling, clenched hands.

Rukia was startled at his sudden touch. She couldn't understand this feeling but…

She liked it. The warmth his hands gave her hands bring so much happiness to her whole being. His reassuring words… it was relieving her anxiousness. She smiled a genuine smile. A smile that she didn't show for a long time now. A smile of true gratefulness and happiness. She looked at Ichigo and saw him smiling. She felt something different in her chest. But, she chose to ignore it.

"Thanks a lot, Ichigo." She whispered.

"Don't mention it. Don't worry, everything will be alright, 'kay?" he asked softly.

She remembered how Kaien always say that to her whenever she was troubled. She smiled sadly. Ichigo saw it and became worried again.

"Did I say something wrong?" he questioned.

"Uh, no… I'm sorry for spacing out." She chuckled nervously.

"It's alright. Though, Rukia, promise me something." He said seriously.

"What?" she asked curiously.

"Whatever happens, you'll never avoid me." He stated.

"Eh?" Rukia was stunned. Why would he say that? "Why?"

"You don't need to be alone for this. You need someone to help you. I'm here so don't hesitate to come to me." He said kindly.

Rukia's eyes went wide at his sudden words. She relaxed for a moment and answered, "I… I promised… only if you promise me that you'll never leave my side and you don't die!" she said.

Ichigo laughed softly. "It's a deal then." He declared. He smiled as he looked at her. She returned his gaze.

You're really weird for a normal human, Kurosaki Ichigo.

[FLASHBACK]

"Rukia, what's wrong?" a young man with black spiky hair asked the fourteen-year-old Rukia who was sitting on the grass, leaning on a big tree. He was now standing near her and sat next to her.

"Oh, Kaien. It's nothing." She answered calmly. However, Kaien could see that she was lying. They had been friends for a year and they had been together for seven months so he could see through her so easily.

"Don't dare lie to me, Kuchiki Rukia." He said seriously. "What's wrong with you? You're acting weird today." He declared like it was so obvious.

"You can really see through me huh?" she said.

"Of course I can! What's the point of me being your boyfriend if I can't do that?" he said, losing his patience. "Now, can you tell me what your problem is?" he asked her softly.

"I… I just remembered my family. I can't still believe that they died because of me… I… Kaien, it's my fault…" she said wearily.

Kaien hugged her from the side, her head on his chest and his head on top of her head.

"Rukia, don't say that. Your family will be sad when they hear you say that. They protected you with their life because they love you. They want you to be happy so don't worry. Everything will be alright. I'm here." He exclaimed.

"Kaien… thank you…" she replied, smiling against his chest.

He smiled. "You're welcome, stupid Rukia." He said. "I love you."

"I love you too." She replied lovingly.

She was really lucky to have such a nice guy as her boyfriend. He understood her so much. He knew all about her past and her powers. He was protecting her without fearing death. So Rukia love him a lot.

[END OF FLASHBACK]

…..

"Rukia-chan, welcome back to school!" Orihime told her as the three of them went to school.

Rukia was still staying at the Kurosaki Household but she told them that she was planning on renting up an apartment again just near their school. The twins' parents didn't want her to go, especially their father saying that she must stay with her future husband and future family. Rukia just laughed and told them that she needed to do that so the family finally accepted it. They reassured her that she was welcome to come back though.

"Thanks a lot, Orihime." She replied. She was walking next to her while Ichigo's walking behind them. Looks like he was guarding the two or something.

He's being cautious alright. Rukia thought.

"Rukia-chan, when you had your own apartment, can we visit you there sometime?" she asked her.

Rukia smiled. "Of course."

Orihime giggled in excitement. "Really? That would be so fun! Right, Ichi?" she asked, looking behind her.

"Yeah. It would be." Ichigo agreed with a nod.

"Oh, I have an idea." Orihime said, eyes shining.

"What is it?" Rukia asked.

"Ichigo can help you search for a new apartment after school!" she said excitingly.

"Eh?!" the two said in unison, surprised.

"But, Orihime, you would be walking home alone if he…"

"Don't worry about that Rukia-chan; I can walk home with Tatsuki-chan. She's our neighbor after all." She replied. "You're willing to do it, right Ichi?" she asked looking at him with a wide grin.

Ichigo sighed. "Sure." He said.

"That's good then. After class!" she said as she walked ahead of them when she saw the gate of the school.

Rukia and Ichigo followed her in silence.

"Um… sorry about that. If you don't want to come, it's fine with me." Rukia said.

"Don't worry. I want to do it anyway." He said. "I should've asked if you are okay with it."

"It's fine." she said.

"We'll go after class then." He said as they approached the door of their classroom.

"Hmm." She nodded.

I can't believe my resolve just crumbled like that because of Ichigo's words a few days ago.

She sat on her seat near the window, next to Ichigo's seat.

"Ohayou, Kuchiki-san." She heard the spiky girl asked her. She was with Orihime.

"O-ohayou… um…"

Tatsuki grinned at her. "I'm Arisawa Tatsuki. Tatsuki would be fine." she answered.

"I'm Abarai Renji! Nice to meet you Rukia-san!" Renji greeted with a salute from behind Tatsuki.

"N-nice to meet you too… Renji-kun, Tatsuki-san." Rukia replied nervously. She didn't know what to do.

"Guys, you're pressuring her. By the way, I'm Ishida Uryuu." He introduced himself, with a little nod of his head.

Rukia's eyes went wide when she heard the name.

U-Uryuu?

Her eyes widened as she stared at him.

H-he can't be… but, there's a possibility. He's been stationed in the Human World many years ago after all. But, why is he using the surname 'Ishida'? And why didn't I felt his aura? They continued to stare at each other.

Maybe he's mastered in hiding it. You're truly a part of the guardian family then. I think he know about me. I should be ready for his questions then.

"Rukia… chan?" Orihime questioned. Rukia snapped out of her train of thought. "S-sorry. Just spacing out again." She said with a small smile.

"You should really stop spacing out like that you know. You're making us worry." Ichigo said as he sat on his seat next to her.

"Sorry." She replied.

"Never mind." He said.

"OH! Ichigo's worried about Rukia-san!" Renji concluded, laughing madly at Ichigo.

"Shut up Renji." Ichigo scolded as he rolled his eyes.

"Oh, anyway, Kuchiki-san, your apartment burned the other day right?" Tatsuki asked her.

"Well, yes." She answered.

"Where are you staying right now then?" she asked her curiously.

"Um…" Rukia stuttered. Is it fine to say that I am staying with Ichigo and Orihime? She wondered to herself.

"She's staying in our house." Orihime stated like it was a common thing.

Renji, Uryuu and Tatsuki stared at the twins. "SHE'S STAYING IN YOUR HOUSE?!" They yelled in unison.

"Y-yeah… That's only because our clinic helped treat the victims and she's one of them so…" Ichigo explained.

"That's good then." Uryuu said in relief. What is she doing in the Human World anyway? I wonder if Orihime and Ichigo know about her.

A princess in a human world means something bad was happening in the Butterfly Society right now. The fact that she spaced out a while ago means that she remembered about me being stationed here a long time ago. I need to ask her about this…

He continued his thoughts while watching Rukia have a conversation with Orihime and Tatsuki while Renji was still teasing Ichigo about his worry towards Rukia.

Why is he worried anyway?

Uryuu's eyes went wide when he realized something.

"Maybe he knew about her…" he murmured. But, Ichigo heard him.

"What do you mean Uryuu?" he glanced at him.

"What?"

"I heard you. Who are you talking about?" he asked again.

"Nothing. Forget what I said."

Just then, their teacher walked in the classroom and ordered them to go back to their seats. The students obliged. Then, their class started.

…..

"Finally, the boring day had ended again!" Renji concluded as he walked out of the room with Tatsuki.

"Tatsuki-chan! I'll be walking home with you!" Orihime said as she caught up to them.

"Eh? Why?" Tatsuki tilted her head.

"Well, Ichigo will accompany Rukia-chan in searching for a new apartment near the school." Orihime explained.

"Oh, okay. Bye Ichigo, Kuchiki-san!" Tatsuki said, waving at them.

"Rukia-san, be careful." Renji said, while smirking at his orange haired friend.

"What do you mean by that?!" Ichigo asked him angrily.

Renji just shrugged and moved out with Tatsuki and a waving Orihime.

"Bye you two." They heard Ishida said as he walked out of the room as well.

Ichigo sighed and looked at Rukia, who was just finished fixing her things. "Come on."

She followed him and nodded.

….

After searching for around two hours, they finally found a good one. Rukia liked it. It looked like her old apartment but the difference was, this new apartment had two bedrooms.

They both returned to the Kurosaki household to get Rukia's things and to say goodbye to the Kurosaki couple. Isshin cried a river but Rukia laughed it off saying that she would be visiting them in her free time. Masaki smiled, patted her head and told her to take care. Orihime embraced her and said that she was looking forward to a visit in her new apartment. She nodded and moved out with Ichigo as her chaperone.

"Thanks for coming with me, Ichigo." Rukia said as they stopped in front of the gate's building.

"You're welcome. Remember, call me if they come back." He reminded her seriously.

Rukia smiled at him. "Okay, I will. Don't worry."

"I'll leave now then. See you tomorrow at school."

"Yeah. See you." She replied as she looked at him, walking away.

She went back in her apartment. Her apartment was at the second floor, the last door. She rested on her new couch.

"I have friends now. I couldn't believe this." She said to herself. "But, I'm feeling alright though. I'm kinda happy."

To have friends again… to be love by someone again…

-END OF CHAPTER FOUR-

Read and Review! Thank you!

-Mari, May 1, 2020