A/N: This is a Rukia x Ichigo fic, mostly but other couples will be in here. Also, OOC and A/U warning, first time writing Nel x NNoi so...yea.

A/N: As always please read and review, flames are welcome, critiques greatly appreciated! Also this is a re-upload, made a mistake before uploading the unedited version and my Beta just told me about it. LOLOL

Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, or the series Bleach it belongs to Kubo Tite.

She sighed dragging the last of her luggage off the carriage. She took in the scene before her, desolate and dry. What had possessed her to leave the city to forage a life here? The house was sturdily built; it had been in her family for years. Before her parents died, she was sent to school in the city. Now that they had passed the property was her responsibility.

She frowned opening the door, a strong smell of musk hit her and she almost gagged. It looked like it had been abandoned years ago, not months. Had her parents been so ill that they were not able to take care of the house? She had no clue. They rarely corresponded with her; it is as if they had forgotten about her.

She finished unpacking the last of her things, and settled into bed, grabbing a small wooden box off her nightstand. She shuffled through the papers pulling out the last letter from him.

Ms. Nelliel Tu Odelshwanck,

I've heard of your parent's death; I would like to send my condolences. I cannot say I knew them, but with a daughter like you I am sure they were great people. Their death has prompted me to think about my life and what I would like to do with it before my time is up. There is only one thing that I would regret if I were to go tomorrow. That would be, not having seen the sparkle in your eyes, or hearing your soft voice, or kissing your sweet lips. I want to be able to see your beautiful face, and not just have to conjure up images to fill my lonely nights and days. In this situation that we currently find ourselves in, we are wasting precious moments that we could be reveling in together. This distance between us is slowly destroying me. I did want to do this face to face but I cannot wait any longer, I would like to make you my wife. I would be honored and extremely pleased if you would acknowledge my proposal and come back to be with me, I would be able to take care of you. You would want for nothing.

With all my love,

Nnoitra Gilga

She smiled to herself tucking the letter back into the box. Even though she had yet to meet him, his words mesmerized her. Before she knew it she had fallen in love with him. The words he wrote to her in each letter made her heart flutter. She had anxiously awaited each response from him. They had filled her once lackluster life with hopes of adventure and love. And now here she was. She hadn't told him she would be coming, she had hoped to surprise him, but now she was too nervous to even do that. She knew his address but couldn't even think of going.

What if she wasn't what he had pictured? She knew that physical appearance were important to men, she made no mistake thinking it wasn't. If he didn't find her desirable, would he decide he no longer wanted to marry her? She sighed trying to push those thoughts away and laid down. If all else failed, she would sell the house and land and hope to get enough to return to her life in the city, but for now she would make the best of this place. ~

It had been a week since she had moved in, as much as she had disliked it before it was starting to grow on her. Underneath the dust and dirt the house was actually quite beautiful. The land outside that seemed so barren was very fertile, nourishing the plants she had planted easily. She sat on the front porch staring out at her vast land. There wasn't a neighbor for miles, and the nearest town was even farther away. She would have to get a carriage or order delivery for essential items. It was worth it, the peace of being out here was refreshing.

She kept putting off going to town, in fear of meeting him and not knowing. She wanted to be as prepared as she could before that happened. Even that was an excuse, she could not get rid of the sinking feeling that maybe this was too good to be true. There were stories of 'picture brides' marrying men on their first meeting and love blossoming between them. Then there were not so pleasant stories. The men being nothing close to what they had describe, or even worse being abusive. There was no way he could be like that. The way he wrote such poetry, she could tell his heart was kind.

She stood as a carriage came into view. A neighbor maybe? She did not have a clue. She waited for them to make their way up the long gravel path. It was a younger girl, her bright pink hair glowed in the sun.

"Howdy! I'm ya neighbor, names Yachiru!" Her high pitched overly excited voice brought a smile to her face.

"I'm Nelliel. I just moved in here not too long ago, my parents left me this place."

"Ya parents used to be friends with mine. Was pretty sad when they passed, I didn't even know they had a kid." She took out a cloth wrapped plate and set it down next to her, "brought ya a welcoming gift."

Nel stared down at the dish, a little sadden at the thought that her parents hadn't even mentioned her, "Thanks."

"So how do ya like it so far? It's a lot different from the city huh?"

"Very, it's like the total opposite. I'm used to the crowds and bustle of carriages in the streets but here, it's just me and my thoughts." She mused, "speaking of which. I don't really know anyone out here yet and I haven't been able to go to town. Do you think the next time you're heading in; I could join you?"

"Of course," she squealed her smile growing bigger by the minute. "In fact that's where I was heading when I saw ya out here. If you wanna, we can go now."

"Sure, let me grab my pocketbook."

It took them awhile to finally make it to town, the landscape seemed to stay the same for miles and miles. The town she had passed through had been on the other side, so this was a totally different one.

"So Nel, can I call ya Nel?" she giggled, "What are you looking to buy? We can go there first and then I can get my stuff."

"Just some basic supplies, I would like to arrange a delivery if that is possible too."

They stopped outside a store, that read General Store. Actual names didn't seem like they were necessary out here, there wasn't another one in town anyways. The inside was just as quaint as the outside, the shelfs stocked with this and that. Nel grabbed her items and quickly paid, joining Yachiru back on her carriage. A few minutes later they pulled up to the town saloon.

"You're going in there?" Nel threw a questioning glance at the young girl.

"Well ya, this is my dad's place. Don't worry its perfectly safe. No one messes with me."

Nel nodded, following behind her. The bars in the city were places for deviants and the like. She had heard stories that saloons were worse; gunfights, rowdy drinkers, and prostitutes converging to satisfy their own needs.

Roucous laughter and the sound of a piano filled the bar. She glanced around, it was filled with men, even in the middle of the day. Ladies dressed in colorful bodices with ruffled skirts chatted and laughed with them. "Are those working girls?" she whispered to Yachiru. She had never seen such a sight in her days, it was all too surreal. Women in the city never wore garments like that.

Yachiru laughed out loud, "No, they don't do that stuff, they are barmaids. You gotta go to the whore house for that." Her eyes were alit with laughter at the look on Nel's face. "I thought you would know about that, being from the city and all." She giggled, leading her through the room to the back.

"Well I've never been in a bar before. Its... It's a bit different."

Again, the young girl giggled, "it's not as bad as ya think, they make good enough money. If my pa would let me, I would work here too." she glanced around the bar, frowning, "Where is he? Stay here, let me check the back room for him."

Nel nodded, watching until she disappeared from view. She stood trying to blend into the background, it seemed fine enough no one had noticed her. It was a strange thing indeed. She had never pictured she would be in a bar not even for a moment, but her she was. It was nothing like she had imagined, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves peacefully. What would her city friends think about her now if they could see her?

"You lost girly?"

Nel jumped, uneasiness filling her, "No, I'm…I'm just waiting on someone."

"The church is on the other side of town." He chuckled, the sound deep and rich. "I think that would be more suitable for a little lamb like you."

She frowned, sure she was not dressed like the ladies here, but she was in no way a sheep. "thanks, I'll make sure to pray for you the next time I am there." she replied derisively. She kept her eyes ahead staring at the door. Where was Yachiru? She was becoming uncomfortable with him so close to her.

"You think I need it?" his voice was lit with laughter.

"Certainly, if you are picking on a young girl for no reason."

"Harassing you? No my dear, this is nothing close to it. You're like a little mouse in a den of cats, waiting for the first one to pounce. You should be grateful that it was me that approached you."

She turned to him then, her reproach died at the lump in her throat, having to raise her face up to look at him. His tall gangly frame, towering over her. His hair, jet black and long, hung precariously over his face, hiding the small black eyepatch he wore. His lips thin set in a lop-sided smirk. She backed away a little. He looked more dangerous than the men that sat enjoying their drinks.

"I think I should just wait outside for her…" her voice came out softer than she would have like, but the way his eyes roamed over her filled her with trepidation.

He stepped closer to her, backing her onto a stool she was next to. "Let me buy you a drink while you wait."

"No, No thank you." She said as politely as she could. Even if Yachiru had said it was safe, she didn't want to take any chances by making him angry. Why was he still talking to her, couldn't he tell she was not interested in him?

"You're pretty cute, you ain't from around here. Are you?"

Why did it feel as if he had gotten closer? Any move she made and she would be touching him. "I'm just visiting, todays my last day." She lied hoping to dim his interest in her.

"Really?" he leaned in close, his lips inches from her ear. "Why don't you let me give you a reason to stay?"

His breath tickled her ear and she jumped out of the seat; a blush spread across her cheeks. What did he mean by that? "I… I think I will wait for her outside." Her voice was shaky, he had been way to close to her.

"Let me escort you." His grin grew bigger as did her nervousness.

"No need, I... I can…"

"Nel, sorry it took so long!" Yachiru's perky voice shook her and she sighed in relief.

"It's...its ok." She said still a little tense.

Yachiru stared at her then glanced at him, "Is he bothering you Nel? I can tell my pops."

She shook her head; she didn't want any trouble especially from him. "No, its fine, he was just offering to buy me a drink." She laughed nervously.

"Ok then, let's go I have to pick up some feed for the horses before we head back."

Neliel nodded following her, "You should stay away from him Nel."

"Who is he?"

"They call him the Demon King, he's part of an outlaw group."

"Outlaw group?"

"Were you born yesterday?" Yachiru giggled." You would think city folks with all their fancy schools would know this stuff."

"Sorry…it's not something that happens in the city so..."

"Yea cause y'all got cops and stuff. We just got the one sheriff and a deputy sometimes. All you gotta know is he's dangerous."

Nel nodded, "I could tell. He didn't seem like a nice guy."

"Oh shoot, I have to stop and see if we got any telegrams." She jumped off the seat and walked in a few minutes later she came back, "Hey you got some too Nel."

From whom? Her parents were gone and only a few of her city friend knew where she was. She leafed through them, one with the seal from the bank catching her eye. She tucked them away into her knapsack until she got home.

It was almost dark when she hopped off the carriage, "Thanks Yachiru!"

"Anytime, Nel. Let's be friends ok?" With a quick smile she drove off.

Nel smiled to herself, she was almost too energetic but that was part of her charm. She set about boiling water for her bath and putting away the things she had bought. After her bath she settled into bed, turning on the lamp and going through her mail. She read the ones from her friends first, of course they said they missed her, and she did them too, but she couldn't go back yet.

She was enjoying life out of the city so far; besides, she was in love with the house. It was perfect. The last to be read was the one from the bank. She set the paper down, a frown on her face. She had been under the impression that her parents owned the land and the house already but that wasn't the case.

Even though the land had been paid for there was still a balance on the house. She didn't have nearly enough to cover it. Her parents didn't leave her much money wise, and in the city she hadn't saved much. She sighed setting down the letter, she would have to find a way to get the money. Maybe she could sell some of the stuff in the house? They had to be worth something. Or she could find a job in town.

She glanced at the wooden box, maybe she should just suck it up and go meet him. If only to see if they were compatible enough. If so, she could just sell the land and move in him. With that thought she went to bed.

He was finally asleep, she stared there at him in this vulnerable state. Was she interested in him? He was cute, though cute wasn't good enough to describe him. More like he was sexy as hell. He was a nice guy and he did seem to like her being around, but maybe that was because he was alone. She slowly climbed onto the bed, moving as gently as she could. Her face mere inches from his, could she do it? She closed the gap, pressing her lips softly against his. "Goodnight Ichigo." She whispered as she got out of the bed just as carefully.

She sighed closing the door behind her, she had kissed him. She felt a little excitement at having been brave enough to do it. Even if he was asleep, his lips had been so inviting she couldn't help herself. *

She mulled through her classes; drifting from one class to another until it was finally time to go. She didn't bother waiting for Rangiku, she wanted to go see Ichigo. When she finally got there her nerves began to overtake her.

"Rukia?" His grin was bright, "Come in!"

"Hey," she said timidly her eyes focused on his lips. "Hope you don't mind I came right after school, so I didn't have a chance to change."

"Nah its fine you look super cute in your uniform."

"Thanks, you too..." she could have kicked herself. Why was she being so awkward right now?

He did a small twirl, "This old thing?" He chuckled, "I got a little more work to do so just wait a bit, ok?"

She nodded following back to his room. "I don't mind waiting."

He took a seat at his desk and opening his laptop he began working. Rukia glanced around his room, it was nice enough typical for a guy room. She stared down at the bed; at the spot he had lain when she had kissed him. She sat on the edge then fell back staring up at the ceiling. It smelled just like him. She stole a peek at him, his back was turned so she covered herself in his blanket and inhaled deeply.

It felt like being wrapped in his arms. It was soft and a delectable feeling coursed through her. If only it was his body and not some blankets.

"Ichigo."

He didn't bother to glance up, "hmm?"

"Why did you ask me that last night? Are you interested in me?" she laid there waiting for his answer, unsure of what it would be. They've only known each other a short while, but a person could grow feelings that fast right? Wasn't that what they called love at first sight?

"Let me finish up my work." Was his answer and she pouted. Maybe she had deserved that, she hadn't answered him after all.

"Ok," she said feeling a bit annoyed, "I'll be back later then."

He stopped to gaze at her then, "It's not going to take me long. Just be patient."

She let out a long sigh and took out her homework. She might as get it done while she waited. *

A few hours later she set down her books, finally done. It felt weird now just being here, with him, like a couple almost.

"Finally done."

"So am I," she busied herself putting away her stuff. "I can't wait till schools over. I'm not going to miss doing homework".

"Rukia," he was crouched in front of her.

When did he get so close? She stilled, staring into his eyes a bright blush spread across her cheeks, "ye…yes?"

He was in front her, his frame towing over her own. Slowly he took the backpack out her lap and let it fall to the floor. He gently pushed her back and climb on top of her. "Ask me again."

His gold flecked eyes alit with amusement and something else. His face was inches from hers she couldn't turn away, "Are…are you interested in me?" She closed her eyes, his gaze intimidating her to no end.

"Look at me Rukia."

She shook her head, she couldn't. He was too close, yet she couldn't push him away. Even though his weight wasn't on her she felt like she was suffocating, like all the air had been sucked out of the room and all that was left was his heat. She was burning up.

Then he kissed her. His lips like a whisper, so delicate she might have imagined it. His hand brushed her naked stomach and she gulped. His fingers explored the smooth, pale, slim expanse of her stomach, like a feather she barely felt it. Was she imagining this? Was she lost in a daydream? His hand moved ever so slowly higher and higher her breath caught in anticipation, she let out a low moan as his finger brushed against her breast.

He stroked it slowly, she whimpered in surprised when he captured her nipple in his mouth. The warmth of his mouth sent shivers down her spine. Even though the thick fabric of her shirt she could feel his tongue teasing her. "Ichi…Ichigo!" she could barely speak her voice almost nonexistent.

"Ask me again." His hand had replaced his mouth gently teasing the hardened bud.

How was she supposed to talk at a time like this? How could he expect her to? She could barely think, the pleasure muddling her brain "Do…you," a low groan escaped her as his lips found her neck. He gently nipped it with his teeth "Do…you like… me?" she finally managed. Her face and body were on fire, her skin now flushed a dewy pink shade.

He stopped pulling away from her, letting his hands drop from her breast.

She gazed up at him; the slight tilt of his lips, his hooded eyes, she wished she could sink down further into the bed until she disappeared.

"Let's get back to the story Rukia." A smirk formed as he sat up.

Her eyes narrowed as she scrambled to get up, tugging her shirt down, "You…you… you're such a jerk." She jumped off the bed and ran out of the room. *

She had left her backpack at his house, she sighed staring up at her ceiling. Why had he done that? Just touched her so freely and she hadn't even resisted. She had to go back but she didn't want to. Rukia sat up, it was almost ten he hadn't called or texted her so maybe he didn't care about how much he had hurt her. She would just have to copy Ran's homework when she got to school tomorrow. She rolled over closing her eyes and falling asleep. *

"Ok spill it Rukia."

Rukia glanced up at her with a questing look, "what are you talking about?"

"Don't be coy," she plopped down next to her taking a bite out of her lunch. "You've been walking around here like a zombie and to top it off you, Rukia Kuchiki of all people had to borrow my homework. That's unheard of, something is definitely up."

Rukia shook her head vehemently but couldn't stop the reddening of her cheeks.

Rangiku's eyes widened "Did you and that guy do it?!"

"Keep your voice down!" she bent her head in embarrassment, "and no we didn't."

"Well something happened, so fess up Rukia."

She was staring too hard at her, "He kissed and groped me."

Rangiku burst into a huge smile, "First base, niiice! But why didn't you tell me? Were you just gonna keep something so juicy from your best friend?"

"Well it just happened yesterday." She shrugged was it necessary to tell her everything? "Besides I'm sure it's nothing close to you and your boyfriend."

"So he's your boyfriend now?"

"That's not what I meant."

"Ok so then why isn't he? It would be perfect we could finally double date!" she stared off dreamily. Rukia was such a late bloomer, no matter how many times she tried to set her up she always found a way out of it.

"It's not that simple Ran. You can't just say 'hey do you want to be my boyfriend?'."

"Of course, you can. I asked Gin and look at us." Ran frowned at her, "Stop making excuses Rukia if you like him then just ask him."

"I can't…" she paused, what was the point of explaining it to her. "Ok I'll do it tonight." Of course, she wasn't, she was not planning on ever going back to his house. He was a jerk playing around with her because he knew she wasn't experienced.

"Awesome you have to call me right after!"

"Ok will do, see you later Ran, I have to turn this in before schools over."

"Ok bye bye."

School was finally over, and she didn't feel like riding with Rangiku today. She would talk her ear off about dates and stuff like that. She might as well call Hisana and see if she could get a ride. She went out to the back-parking lot then stopped in her tracks. She blinked to make sure, but there stood one of his bodyguards next to a sleek black sedan.

Should she go back inside and pretend like she hadn't seen him? No she needed to get her backpack. She would grab it and then leave. She walked slowly to the car, he opened the door for her. Rukia got in, expecting it to be empty but of course it wasn't.

Ichigo was sprawled out on the comfy seat, his long legs stretched out, dressed in a hoodie and jeans. He glanced up as she sat down, "Hey."

She frowned at him, "Hey." She sat back, unsure of what else to say. She didn't want to talk to him, after what he did, she was still upset.

"What happened to you yesterday? I waited for you to come back."

"Are you serious Ichigo?" she glared at him, like he was crazy, "You know what, just let me off here."

He sighed sitting up and moving close to her, he easily picked her up and set her down in his lap. "What are you so angry about?"

She didn't even bother to try and get up, there was no point in struggling against him, "You…you." She paused her cheeks flushed, the memory of his fingers and mouth on her halting her speech.

"I didn't think you would overreact like that; I was just teasing you. You're just so fucking cute when your flustered, I couldn't help myself."

"You were just 'joking' with me? Maybe to you touching a girl so inappropriately is a joke, but…but that was…"

"Oi stop being so melodramatic Rukia." He rolled his eyes, feeling the slightest bit annoyed at how overtly sensitive she was. He glanced down at her, her face was red a small pout on her lips, "Ah I forgot. You're a virgin," a little grin formed on his lips, "Was that the first time someone's touched you like that? You don't gotta be shy Rukia, you can tell me."

She turned away from him "that's none of your business Ichigo." Her voice rose higher than she would have liked, her face on fire. "Just because I'm a virgin doesn't mean I haven't done stuff like that before."

"So I take it it was," he chuckled his voice taking on a silky-smooth tone, "You liked it didn't you? Next time, I'll teach you a bit more. There's plenty of ways I could make you feel good." He burst out laughing at the look of utter shock on her face. Her violet eyes widening, revealing her innocence.

She pulled away then scrambling as far away from him as she could.

"There won't be a next time Ichigo, I just came to get my backpack. That's it."

"So you weren't going to come back if you hadn't left it?"

"No, I'm beginning to see why you're always at home alone. You're a jerk. No wonder you have to pay for someone's company."

He pulled back like he had been slapped, his face turning Dark. She immediately felt bad for that remark, "I'm sorry I didn't mean it like that."

He said nothing to her as the car stopped, they were in front of his house, he got out and she made a move to open the door.

"Just go home Rukia." The door slammed behind him and she slumped back into the seat.

A/N: OK so that's the fifth chapter. Hopefully you guys enjoy it.