A/N: Here's chapter 13. Named after "The Special Two," by Missy Higgins. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: Nope.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 13: The Special Two

He looked at his feet as he sat comfortably on the edge of her bed. Ichigo was waiting for her to come out after changing. He had come over because one: he was bored beyond belief now that Senna had been gone for three days; two: Rukia's company was always better than anyone else's; and three: Rukia only seemed to feel when Ichigo was around. He knew this.

Orihime and Momo had visited her within the past few days and they only received a nod of acknowledge from her. But once he showed up, her face lit up. The two girls looked at each other with bewilderment and then went on their way, seeing how the raven haired woman's attention was completely on the orange haired man.

Senna had left three days ago and with a very long and drawn out conversation about how their relationship was going to work thousands of miles apart. The end result: Ichigo Kurosaki and Senna Otonashi were on a break. He had yet to tell Rukia this bit of information. Ichigo being Ichigo was still confused on the matter. Was he a free man? He liked to think he was at moments like these…

"Can you do me a favor?" she asked with her back facing him as she stood in front of her mirror.

He looked up from his seat at the edge of her made bed with raised eyebrows. He hadn't seen her exit the bathroom and she stood with her slender yet perfect back revealed from the open zipper of her little black dress. His mind couldn't really make his body move at her request. A feeling of desire circulated through his veins yet reluctance prevented any budge.

"Ichigo?" she asked with a raised eyebrow as she looked over her shoulder at him.

His mouth dropped open as he rummaged through his mind to speak. "Eh, yeah?" he squeaked out. He coughed to clear his throat.

Rukia began to chuckle. "Can you zip this up for me? It's a bit cold in here," she said as she began to rub her arms and looked back into the mirror at her strapless dress.

He swallowed and finally stood up, making his way slowly towards her awaiting form. His fingers shook as he extended his hand towards her bare back. He flared his nostrils, frustrated by his inability to focus, but he inhaled her lavender scent without meaning too. His thoughts became even more jumbled. Then, he clenched his fists.

"Any day now, Strawberry," she chuckled, causing him to look up over her shoulder into the mirror. She wore a carefree smile that caused shivers to run up his spine. His chest felt warm.

"Sorry," he said softly as he finally zipped the dress up slowly. He took a step back and watched her turn around to meet his gaze.

"Now," she began with a smirk on her face. "How about you get in that suit that's waiting for you in the bathroom?"

Ichigo took a moment to process what she said. "What?" Apparently he still didn't get it.

She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. "You," she began pointing towards the orange headed man, no more than two feet ahead of her. "Go," she added walking with her fingers and a point towards the bathroom. "Put on suit."

He blinked a few times and then frowned, "Thanks, Tarzan. What I mean is, why?"

She smirked, "Gee, Jane. I thought it would be nice if I had a date for this damn dinner that Urahara and Yoruichi are organizing. I know you were invited. I also know that you are trying to get out of it."

He squinted suspiciously. "How could you possibly know that?" he asked in an attitude as he put his hands into his jean pockets.

She raised an eyebrow, "Do you know who you're talking to?" Rukia stuck out her hand. "Hi, I'm Rukia Kuchiki. I've only known you since we were ten," she said sarcastically as her hand dropped by her side.

He rolled his eyes, "Well what makes you think you can change my mind?"

She smirked, "Okay, let me try this again." She stuck out her hand again. "Hi, I'm Rukia Kuchi-," she began but was interrupted with his hand pushing hers down to stop her.

"Okay, okay. But it's not so simple. I at least need to hear some sort of persuasion come out of that irritating mouth."

"Fine. No problem," she said confidently. "If we show up together, it's like we're helping them out. Our cover did put them at the top. It would help get them more stars for their magazine if people saw us coming back to them." She was surprised that she could easily speak of the suggestive magazine cover without blushing.

He frowned with a laugh as he matched her stance with his arms crossed over his chest. "And why would I want to help Urahara after he lost me my chance to go on tour?"

Rukia sighed as her strong posture slouched. "What if I told you I didn't want to go alone?"

His eyes settled easily on her uncomfortable stance. He smirked, "Now we're being honest."

She rolled her eyes, "Shut up." She stood straight up again with her arms crossed tighter. "I just rather not get another, 'How do you feel about your boyfriend not seeing you since the beginning of the month?' question. There's only one other question I hate more, 'Are you seeing anyone?' I want to murder people who ask that one." She said bitterly through her teeth as she looked off into the distance.

Ichigo's eyes were a little wide by how fierce she was at the moment. He wanted to take a step back, but she apologized before he could. "Sorry," she said taking a deep breath. She looked back up into his eyes. "I'd really like it if you were there so you can keep me away from stupid questions."

"Do you mean keep you away from the questions or you committing homicide?" he asked with his eyes still wide.

She smirked, "Both."

He smirked back. "Fair enough," he said as he began to walk towards the bathroom.

"Wait. That's it? That was pretty fast. You didn't throw your usual hissy fit yet," Rukia said almost disappointedly; unprepared for his fast defeat.

He shrugged as he continued to walk. He looked over his shoulder, "I figured keeping you out of killing someone for the second time is a good enough reason." He reached the door and turned around to face her with the door halfway closed between them.

"Second time?" she thought hard. And then her mind clicked. The time she punched that photographer square in the face was the first. "That was luck that you were there!" she said in defense.

"Yeah, luck," he said with a laugh as he shut the door.

She yelled louder so he would hear, "What is that supposed to mean?!"

"Nothing! Hey, if you want me to go, let me get dressed!" his muffled voice was heard yelling back.

She squinted towards the door in suspicion. She would remind him later.

"So why don't you tell me how the hell you got this suit," he said as he pulled it tighter by the collar. "It fits perfectly."

She was waiting in her living room as he came walking in looking as spiffy as she hoped- maybe even better. His black suit went perfect with the red dress shirt she had picked out. His black tie was another plus in her opinion; plain but sharp. She smiled up at him as she hit the off button on the remote and stood up. "I made a few calls."

He raised an eyebrow, "By 'a few calls' you really mean, 'Rangiku'?"

Rukia grinned and brushed by him, making her way towards the front door. Ichigo turned and watched as she strutted towards the door down the hall. She had always been a shorter girl, but her figure always amazed him, and no doubt every other man that came across her. This little black dress did exactly what it was supposed to. Her legs moved down the hall slowly with her black high heels making them look longer than usual. He watched closely with his breathing becoming heavier as her hips moved in a constant pace.

She turned as she picked up her little purse and looked back at the orange headed man in bewilderment. "Coming or not?"

Ichigo blinked a few times, "Y-yeah." He walked firmly towards her as he gritted his teeth secretly. 'I should not be thinking that,' he thought in annoyance.

Rukia pulled out her keys from her purse, "So I might need to stop and get gas, just to warn you."

Ichigo groaned, "How about we just take my bike?"

Rukia just laughed and began to open the door. He quickly placed his palm on the door and shut it closed. "I don't get what's so funny," he said with a frown.

"You know I hate that thing. Why on earth would I agree on torturing myself?" she said in a tone that was in disbelief of his suggestion. She tried to pull open the door again, but his hand was still pushing against it.

He rolled his eyes at her attempt to open it and her response. "You know I'm a good driver. Come on. A little trust?"

She took a deep breath. "Ichigo," she said in an annoyed and unconvinced tone.

"Live on the wild side a little," he suggested.

She raised an eyebrow at him, "I tend to do that too much when I'm with you."

When I'm with you. That sounded way too good coming from her lips. He tried not to let it get to him. He failed.

"We won't even need to stop for gas," he added to help his plea.

She sighed and after a few seconds of silence, "If I so much as get a scratch, I will kill you."

Ichigo smirked, "Yes ma'am." He removed his hand from the door and allowed her to open it.

They walked to where his motorcycle was parked in front of her house and he handed her the black helmet. "Put it on," he said as she stood in a defiant stance.

He sighed. "I'm trying to make sure you don't get a damn scratch, now put the damn helmet on," he said shoving it at her.

Rukia huffed and took it. Thank god she had decided to leave her hair down.

Then, before Ichigo got on, he took off his suit jacket and held it out to Rukia. Her eyes grew wide. She blinked a few times and then was about to say how she wasn't cold, but he spoke first.

"The wind is gonna freeze you. Especially when you're wearing that," he said not looking at her and sitting down on the bike. His hand was still stretched out to her with the jacket dangling from it when he finally met her eyes.

Rukia felt shivers run up her spine. She even let a shiver show. "See. You're already cold," he said with the smallest hint of a smile.

She began to feel her cheeks turn red, so she quickly grabbed the jacket and put it on. Not to her surprise, it was way too big. But she couldn't help but get lost in its warmth.

She then got on the motorcycle and placed her palms against his back. He titled his head back, "Hold on tight," he warned.

In response, she wrapped her arms around his waist. A smile grew on his face as he hit the gas. They made their way down her driveway and Rukia quickly told him to slow down and stop at the end.

"I don't think there's a point. We'll be fine," he said in confidence.

"You don't know this road like I do," she argued. "The turn around the corner is unpredictable. I already hear a car coming around it fast. Trust me."

He sighed and stopped at the end, but within two seconds of his complete stop, a jeep came flying by them. Ichigo's eyes were wide. "Holy shit," he said with relief.

Rukia relaxed against his back, "I told you."

"Why don't you tell them to put up a sign or something?" he asked as he pulled out.

She shrugged against him, "I guess I like to live on the wild side."

Ichigo smiled and rolled his eyes as he sped up.

When they arrived they were welcomed by a number of celebrities. Urahara and Yoruichi really had a reputation. They had been family friends for both Rukia and Ichigo for so long that they tended to not realize how much renown they had.

They spoke with a few acquaintances and moved on. It was for the best not to spend too much time talking to one person at these sorts of occasions. They were able to find a spot in the corner of a room and hid for quite some time.

"So now that we've shown our face, how long do we have to stay before we can get the hell out of here?" Ichigo said with a hopeful face.

Rukia sighed and took a sip of her champagne. "I wish I could say 'now.'"

Ichigo sighed heavily and leaned his back against the wall and closed his eyes. He began to imagine being anywhere but there. Oddly enough, his mind did not carry him to another country where his girlfriend or ex-girlfriend was involved in a tour that was meant for him, but was instead, it took him back to his brother's birthday party. Rukia and him had stood outside of Kaien's house on the small wooden bridge near the pond and reminisced.

He then peeked one eye open and stared at Rukia who was staring at the open party as she took another sip. He quickly reached over and pulled the glass out of her hand.

She began to reach for it and opened her mouth to argue, but Ichigo spoke before she could speak. "I'm not going to let you get drunk and leave me to go through this party sober. How fair is that?"

She glared and then began to smirk, "Fine. We'll leave after dinner. Besides, it's not that boring."

"Are you trying to convince me or yourself?" he added with a look like she was insane.

She rolled her eyes. After a few seconds she remembered something that sparked her interest. "So how about you tell me what you were talking about back at my house?"

Ichigo was completely clueless. He raised an eyebrow without saying a word. She sighed, "We were talking about how you saved me from killing someone before… I said it was luck… remember?"

"Ah," he said with a smirk. "I remember," he said and then took a sip out of Rukia's champagne glass.

She waited a few seconds, "And?"

His eyes went slightly wide. "What?"

Rukia groaned. "You were being stupid! I want to know what the hell you were hiding!"

Ichigo frowned with a chuckle, "Keep complimenting me. You might get somewhere with it," he said sarcastically.

Rukia looked straight into his eyes. "Was it or was it not luck that you got me out of that sticky situation way back when?"

He stared into her eyes for a minute and then sighed. "It was not," he answered formally. Rukia frowned, looking for an explanation. He spoke seeing this. "I was still trying to get you to talk to me. Orihime gave me a call after having lunch with you. She's one of your best friends, yes. But I grew up with her too. Its not like she wouldn't help me out if she thought it was alright."

Rukia's mouth opened wide. "Orihime?!" It was quite the outburst. Ichigo looked around and saw many people eyeing them up.

He put on a suspicious smile and spoke through his teeth. "Try not to draw attention to yourself," he said with a sigh following.

"Remind me to kick her ass," she said with a frown.

"You wouldn't hurt her," he said with a laugh.

"Then remind me to kick your ass."

He leaned back against the wall, seeing how the excitement had died down, "Don't get all worked up. That was months ago. She was only doing what she thought was best."

"Fine, I'll do the next best thing," she said crossing her arms over her chest.

"What's that?" he asked raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

"I'll have her invite you to one of her home cooked meals."

The dining room was enormous. The two sat at the same table as Momo and Toushirou. Ichigo had placed his suit jacket on the back of his chair and rolled up his red dress shirt's sleeves to his elbows. It was surprisingly hot.

Momo continued to flirt with her boyfriend, while he tried his hardest to ignore her tempting behavior. Rukia and Ichigo knew he secretly loved Momo's cheek pecking and hand grabbing. The two non-couple rolled their eyes at the couple's behavior and avoided each other's gaze thinking it would be awkward. Ichigo looked to his left at nothing in particular, while Rukia, who was sitting on his right, looked to her left hand as she drummed her fingers lightly to a familiar tune.

Ichigo looked at her hand from the corner of his eye and began to smirk. He leaned over so that his mouth was near her ear. "If I could make you mine, I'll go wherever you will go," he sang his lyrics smoothly into her ear.

Her heart skipped a beat, startled by his voice resonating in her mind and that he had actually heard her.

"Are you going to admit that you are finally bored, Kuchiki?" he asked with a smirk; his voice still smooth in her ear.

She felt her hands begin to tremble and she quickly clenched her fists. She swallowed. "Why would you think that?" she asked more quietly than she intended.

His smirk turned into a grin as he continued to whisper into her ear. "You started to drum your fingers to the beat of one of my songs."

She began to get control of herself and she quickly raised an eyebrow of hers as she pulled away from him to look at him. "Well isn't someone a bit self-obsessed?"

He leaned back in his chair and smirked as he rolled his eyes. He looked in front of him with his hands crossed behind his head. "Twist and turn it which ever way you want, Kuchiki. The fact remains."

She squinted at him, "And what fact is that?"

He turned his head slightly to look at her. "You like my music," he said with a goofy grin.

She raised both her eyebrows, "And that makes you happy?" She blinked a few times as if she was waiting for him to say something else. He didn't. "You knew I liked your music. Why is that such a surprise?" she asked in annoyance.

He shrugged as turned his head straight and closed his eyes. "I just never pictured you actually listening to my CD or anything. It's strange."

Rukia rolled her eyes. "You're strange."

He sat up straight and looked at her, shaking his head. "Real mature."

She smirked, feeling as if she had won some sort of battle. She leaned back into her chair and crossed her arms over her chest. The two seemed to both see the same thing occur on the other side of the table. After much protest, it seemed Toushirou had finally given in and he had reached over and intertwined his fingers with Momo's.

This should have had no affect on anyone. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary. But Ichigo and Rukia were taken over by a feeling that surprised even them. He looked down at Rukia's hand that had been drumming a song- no, Rukia's hand that had been drumming his song. His hand gripped his knee tightly as his eyes stayed focused on her beautifully crafted hand that was pressed palm down with her delicate fingers outstretched. Little did he know, her eyes were watching her hand as well.

He began to pull his hand off of his knee when she clenched her had into a fist on the table and dragged it across the table until it reached her lap. Neither one looked at the other's face and neither knew if the other's thoughts even resembled their own.

Rukia bowed her head and held her clenched fist in her other hand. She frowned at her behavior. 'As if he'd ever hold my hand like that again,' she thought with furrowed eyebrows. 'Accept that already, Kuchiki. You even have someone who loves you. Think of Shuuhei!' she yelled in her head.

Ichigo slowly rested his hand back on his knee. His eyes saddened. He silently exhaled out of his mouth as if he had been holding his breath for minutes. His eyes looked at Rukia through his peripheral vision. She looked as if she knew what he was planning. She held her hand in her lap with anger on her face.

His chest felt heavy as worry flooded his body. 'Oh god. What have I done? Did she know I was thinking about trying something? She couldn't have! I wasn't even sure!' he argued in his head. His hand clenched his knee as he closed his eyes tightly. 'Please… please don't let this ruin anything. I won't do anything again, I promise. Just don't let her run away from me again,' he begged silently.

"Thank you, ladies and gentleman for coming to our dinner party!" Urahara yelled with a grin as he stood on a chair at the table he had been eating at in the front of the room. Yoruichi sat in her chair next to him with her arms crossed over her gold dress with rolling eyes.

"I'd like to thank my darling, Yoruichi, for aiding this magazine with her amazing talent," he said smiling down at her. Applause was heard throughout the room as cameras flashed. He then looked up across the room. "I'd also like to thank-," he continued as Rukia began to ignore the unneeded speech.

She thought about running out of the house as fast as possible, which would mean taking off her heels and sprinting with them in her hands. She definitely had enough of being here. Momo and Toushirou weren't helping either. That made the tension within the room worse. It wasn't like she wanted to be away from Ichigo; not at all. She just needed to be in a different atmosphere with him. This place seemed too… encouraging. She was afraid she would do something stupid and end up ruining this newly acquired friendship. That was the last thing she wanted. Besides, why would she want to do something when she was clearly already taken? She looked down at her watch and sighed heavily.

Ichigo wasn't paying much attention to Urahara either. He never really did listen to him anyway, except when he clearly scheduled meetings with him. He will never forget that…

He sat tapping his foot anxiously against the wooden floor. He desperately wanted to get out of there. He hated being there in the first place, but he could simply reach over onto the table, pick up the knife and cut the tension in the air. He just wanted to get some fresh air. Maybe that would make this easier. He looked over at Rukia and saw her looking at her watch. She sighed heavily. 'She wants to leave,' he assumed. 'She didn't want to leave before. I knew it. I made things awkward. Damn it!' he yelled in his head as his eyebrows furrowed in frustration.

"Toushirou Hitsugaya, I owe much of my thanks too. You're sponsorship means the world to me," he said in such an ass kissing way that it made Rukia and Ichigo want to vomit. And by the look on Toushirou's face, it made him feel the exact same way.

"Finally, let's give a round of applause to the reason why Fallen Angel is such a success. If they had not created such a beautiful masterpiece, the eyes of many would have never rested on this magazine. I'd like to thank Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki for their more than appreciated debut cover," he finished with his hands held over his head as he began to clap. The room erupted in applause… even whistles.

Ichigo's mouth dropped open. He slowly formed it into an awkward smile as his hand cautiously raised and gave an uncomfortable wave. Rukia's eyes went wide as her cheeks began to turn a deep crimson. She sunk lower in her chair. Cameras flashed wildly.

Urahara began talking again. "I hope you enjoy the rest of the party!" he finished as he got down from the chair and chatter began throughout the room.

"Time to leave?" Ichigo asked without looking at her; still stunned by Urahara's unexpected 'thanks'.

Rukia still had her head bowed to her lap with her cheeks still burning. "Yes," she said quickly, causing them both to stand.

"See you later," Ichigo said waving his hand at Momo and Toushirou, but before he could even turn, Rukia had her hand firmly gripping Ichigo's bare forearm as she began to pull him in the direction of the exit.

He was too shocked to react, but after her surprising yet comfortable warm touch was accepted in his mind; when he realized he was almost ten feet away from the table, he stopped. "Wait, my jacket!" he said as she let go of him and he grabbed the jacket off of his chair and threw it over his shoulder.

He made it back towards her, now disappointed that she no longer was going to pull him along. 'No. Why would you be disappointed? That's stupid, Ichigo,' he reprimanded himself.

"Let's go," she said in a cold manner without looking at him as she led him towards the door again; this time without her touch.

"Kuchiki! Kurosaki! How about a few pictures with the camera? Maybe a few questions?" a voice was heard from their side, followed by many flashes. They looked and saw a group of about six interviewers with their own personal photographers by their side. The two internally groaned. 'Too late.'

"We're kind of in a hurry," Ichigo said sheepishly with a smile.

"Where you two off to?" a man asked with a smirk.

Rukia fought back the urge to glare. This was another question she could accept under the category that is death worthy. She put on a fake smile instead, "Well I've got a lot of work to do. Ichigo's my ride, so he's taking me home."

"Wasn't he also your date?" the same man asked with a curious smile.

Rukia's muscles tightened. Ichigo knew this wasn't the best idea after considering what he thought to be a mistake at the table, but he placed his arm around her shoulders anyway, in order to calm her. He gave her a light squeeze. Rukia was thankful for his action.

"Yes, we did come here together," Ichigo answered with a smile. "But that doesn't mean anything. We came as friends. No big deal," he shrugged it off.

As more pictures were taken a woman asked a question. "Both of you have such an amazing fan base; where so many people have posters of you on their walls. Do you know how many of them would actually be fine with the two of you as a couple? Even when they dream of marrying you?" the woman asked in a more acceptable tone. Rukia and Ichigo seemed at ease by her question.

Ichigo opened his mouth to speak, but then he closed it. He smirked, "I really don't know how to reply to that."

I've hardly been outside my room in days,
'Cause I don't feel that I deserve the sunshine's rays.
The darkness helped until the whiskey wore away,
And it was then I realize the conscience never fades.

Rukia was surprised by his lack of words as she looked up at him and then back at the reporter. "Do you mind if I ask you a question?" she said sweetly with a curious glint in her eye.

The reporter was a bit dumbfounded. "Uh, sure."

Rukia subconsciously leaned into Ichigo more. "Why do you think people would be fine with that? I can't really wrap my mind around it."

Ichigo looked down at Rukia with caring eyes. His grip grew tighter. He looked back at the reporter, awaiting her response.

When you're young you have this image of your life:
That you'll be scrupulous and one day even make a wife.
And you make boundaries you'd never dream to cross,
And if you happen to you wake completely lost.

"Well, I guess it's because when the two of you are together… it just seems like theirs something more. You guys have a past. And you're really cute together. It's probably just a bunch of wishful thinking."

Rukia looked up at Ichigo with a warm smile that matched his. Their eyes locked for a moment. It was as if they were trying to see what everyone else saw between them. The sad part was… they both secretly knew it all along.

Rukia turned her smile back to the woman as the pictures continued to flash around them. "We're still in our own relationships though."

But I will fight for you, be sure that
I will fight until we're the special two once again.

Ichigo spoke up. "Well actually…" he hesitated. "Senna and I are on a break. She's doing her tour and I'm stuck here. We thought it was for the best."

Rukia quickly looked up at him; her eyes wide. She squinted in an attempt to say 'Why didn't you tell me?' Ichigo smiled apologetically.

And we will only need each other, we'll bleed together,
Our hands will not be taught to hold another's,
When we're the special two.
And we could only see each other, we'll bleed together,
These arms will not be taught to need another,
'Cause we were the special two.

Another reporter came in. "Looks like Kuchiki had no idea."

"I don't see how it matters anyway. Rukia is still seeing Shuuhei. That's a good enough reason to question people's wishful thinking," Ichigo finished beginning to get agitated.

"You sound a bit bitter about that, Kurosaki. Plan on fighting for the girl?" the first annoying reporter asked with a cocky smile.

Rukia brought her hand to her face to cover it as she shook her head.

"No, but if you want I could plan on fighting you," Ichigo said beginning to raise his voice and taking his arm off of Rukia's shoulders.

I remember someone old once said to me:
"That lies will lock you up with truth the only key."

The raven haired woman's eyes went wide as she removed her hand from her face and stepped in front of the hot tempered orange headed man. She made herself let out a few chuckles with a fake smile on her face, "Such a sense of humor." She chuckled again. "Well I really need to get going! Lots of writing to do!" she said as she grabbed Ichigo's forearm once again and dragged him out the door in record time.

But I was comfortable and warm inside my shell,
And couldn't see this place would soon become my hell.
So is it better to tell and hurt or lie to save their face?
Well I guess the answer is don't do it in the first place.

She continued to pull him behind her until they reached the motorcycle. Her nostrils were flaring and she continued to take deep breaths as she looked out into the night sky. He looked down at her. Seeing her upset made him less upset for some reason. Maybe because the only thing he wanted to do when he saw her like this was bury her in his arms. He shook his head from the thought and then looked down at her hand still on his arm. He smirked as he finally let out a cough to emphasize she was still holding onto him.

I know I'm not deserving of your trust from you right now,
But if by chance you change your mind you know I will not let you down
'Cause we were the special two, and we'll be again.

She looked down and softly said, "Oh," as she let her hand softly graze the rest of his arm, all the way down his wrist before her hand met her side. She looked off into the night sky again. He missed her warm touch.

"And I thought I was angry," he said with a bit of humor as he leaned on his bike and looked at her.

And we will only need each other, we'll bleed together,
Our hands will not be taught to hold another's,
When we're the special two.
And we can only see each other we'll breathe together,
These arms will not be taught to need another...
'Cause we're the special two.

"I'm not mad about any of the questions. That was foreseeable." She turned to face him. She had a hurt face displayed for him to see. "Why didn't you tell me you and Senna were on a break?"

He was surprised. He didn't expect her act this way about that. "I don't know. I didn't see the big deal," he shrugged.

"Ichigo, you didn't see the big deal? I'm your friend. Friends tell each other things like this," she said in a very hurt tone.

"I'm sorry," he said with attitude. "What do you want me to do? Tell you something as soon as I do it? 'Hey Rukia, I just bought a few rolls of toilet paper. I'll call you back later when I actually wipe my ass with it.'"

I step outside my mind's eye's for a minute.
And I look over me like a doctor looking for disease,
Or something that could ease the pain.
But nothing cures the hurt you, you bring on by yourself,
Just remembering, just remembering how we were...

She glared at him and shook her head. "You know what I mean, Ichigo. Don't be an asshole." She crossed her arms over her chest, "This happened three days ago. Why wouldn't you tell me something like this?"

"I don't know!" he said with an exasperated laugh. "I don't know why I didn't tell you! Okay? It's not like I've been upset about it. I'm fine with it. If it didn't bother me, why should I waste your time?"

When we would only need each other, we'd bleed together,
Our hands would not be taught to hold another's,
We were the special two.
And we could only see each other, we'd bleed together,
These arms would not be taught to need another,
'Cause we're the special two.

Her hard expression fell as she leaned against the bike next to him and looked into his amber eyes. "Don't you get it, Ichigo? You could never be wasting my time. If it's about something going on in your life…" she hesitated and then smiled sheepishly. "I want to know about it." His voice caught in his throat from her genuine smile; a smile that was only meant for him.

Her voice then revealed a past hurt he wished he could say wasn't his fault. "I don't want you to think you can't open up to me. I've seen that 'Ichigo' before. I want to do whatever I have to in order to prevent that again. This time… I won't fail." She was determined.

She smiled again and playfully shoved his shoulder, "Plus, it's not fair if I do all the opening up and you get to sit there listening all the time. My mouth will run dry sooner or later."

He smirked and rolled his eyes as he turned his head away from her. He looked back at her violet eyes almost immediately. "Alright. I'm sorry."

She nodded. "Now let's get out of here."

He smiled and handed her both his jacket and helmet. There was no hesitation this time.

She got off his bike, handed him the helmet and began to walk up the few steps to her door with his jacket still on her. She turned back halfway and tilted her head, seeing how he hadn't moved from the vehicle. "Not coming in?"

"I thought you were planning to write?" he asked curiously.

She shrugged. "You're good inspiration anyway. Couldn't hurt to have you around," she added as with a smirk and walked into her house.

He smiled to himself and shook his head as he turned off his bike. He made his way up the steps with a jog. He stepped inside and closed the door behind him. Rukia had just placed down her purse.

He followed closely behind her as she made her way into the living room. "You know you can take that jacket off. It's like a hundred degrees in here."

She continued to walk into the room as she pulled the jacket tighter around her. "You know I always run at a different temperature than you."

He rolled his eyes, "Yeah. You're freakishly cold all the damn time. It's probably 'cause your dead or someth-" he was cut off by the sight in front of him.

"Byakuya!" Rukia yelled in shock. The middle aged man sat in an arm chair in the silent room. His head rose slightly from her call, signaling him to stand.

She immediately ran over and threw her arms around him. He awkwardly held her in return.

He looked down at his sister and registered the jacket on her. He looked up with a hard posture and glare. "Kurosaki," he said trying to hold back his irritation caused by the mere sight of the orange haired man.

"Byakuya," Ichigo greeted in the same manner with more glare in his eyes.

"Maybe I should leave," Ichigo said with his glare still focused on the older man.

"No, there's no reason for you to go," Rukia said in a desired tone.

"Maybe you should leave," her brother said coldly with his eyes still locked with Ichigo's.

"Byakuya," she said a warning and a frown.

"Well then I think I'll stay," Ichigo said with a smirk growing on his face as his eyes remained on Byakuya's.

Rukia looked between her brother and her… well, Ichigo, and she knew this probably wasn't a good idea. She had been trying to get them to get along for years. She hadn't gotten as much as a budge from either of them.

"So what brings you here, Kuchiki?" Ichigo said with a sting of bitterness in his voice.

"I'm planning on spending some time with Rukia. What brings you here?" he said in the same manner.

Ichigo smirked, "Spending time with Rukia."

Byakuya raised an eyebrow. "Since when?"

The orange headed man thought for a moment, "Few weeks now."

The older Kuchiki looked at Rukia for a moment and then back at Ichigo. "Seems you've forgotten what this man did to you a few years ago, Rukia. Do I have to remind you of your emotional state?"

"Byakuya," she said sternly in order to stop him.

"You've forgiven him after all the pain he has put you threw?" he frowned angrily with his eyes never leaving Ichigo.

"Byakuya enough," she said again to stop anything worse from being said.

"He was never good enough for you and never will be. Let the past go, Rukia, before you get too excited by the candy box when there is no candy left inside it," he said bitterly.

"Enough!" she finally yelled. Ichigo and Byakuya both looked at her finally. She took a few deep breathes. "That's enough," she said with her voice more steady. The phone began to ring and she fought on whether or not to answer. "Ah damn it. I'll be back," she said leaving them in a room alone. She knew this would be a mistake.

The two men watched her leave and then the older man spoke. "What are you trying to do, Kurosaki? Are you trying to hurt her?"

Ichigo glared. "Why would I want to do that?"

"Then why am I staring at you right now in her house? Why are you here?"

Ichigo opened his mouth to answer, but he found no words. He closed his mouth. Was he hurting her by coming back into her life? He did that months ago when they tried being friends again. They haven't gotten into a major fight yet… but how long will that last? His eyes wandered away from the man in front of him as he thought.

"You don't even know, do you?" Byakuya asked curiously. Ichigo continued to look away from him as his eyebrows furrowed. Byakuya spoke again. "You lost her years ago. Give it up."

Ichigo's face then smoothed out. He was not frowning or scowling. His eyebrows were no longer furrowed. He looked up and met his gaze. He spoke softly with gentle eyes, "I can't."

"Why not?" he asked after seeing the sudden change in the younger man in front of him.

"Because… I love her," he said with a shrug and a sad smile. "I don't know whether it's in a best friend kinda way or a protective family member kinda way or the way that I used to feel about her. All I know is that I love her." He then frowned, "How do you expect me to give up on something like that?" He paused, questioning if he should cross that line. "I would think you should know about how hard it is to give up on someone you love."

Byakuya's face was unreadable. The silence filled the room for possibly an entire minute. It seemed as though Ichigo's suggestion to his late-Hisana had been the final clincher to this conversation. Finally, Byakuya spoke. "If you do anything to cause her pain, I will see to it that you are dealt with. I believe you remember what it is I do," he said with a cold stare.

"Yeah," Ichigo said softly. "I got it." Rukia came walking back in with her fingers rubbing her temple as Byakuya walked past her making his way towards the kitchen.

"Hey, I'm gonna get going," Ichigo said motioning towards the door with his thumb pointing over his shoulder.

"You really don't have to go," Rukia said with a saddened face. "Did he say something else? Ignore him. He's just overprotective."

Ichigo smirked, "It's fine, really. I have some practicing I need to get on anyway. Catch up with your brother," he said in a casual command.

She raised an eyebrow with a smile. "Yes, master," she said sarcastically.

He let out a chuckle, which surprised her. His mood had completely altered. She didn't know why, but she liked it. "That's the way you should respond to me," he said back with a grin and playful ambers.

She rolled her eyes, not helping the smile on her lips. He began to walk backwards down the corridor that led directly to the front door. "Catch ya later, Kuchiki," he said with a smirk and then turned around.

She felt her chest expand from his charismatic smile and captivating stare. She wanted to stare into those eyes for hours, but he broke the connection too soon for her. She yearned for more. And as she watched him open the door and leave her posture dropped. She smiled at the closed door as her thoughts ran wild.

"Rukia?" Byakuya called from the kitchen.

Her eyes opened wide, surprised by her sudden interruption to her daydream. "Coming!" she yelled as she made her way to her brother.

These arms would not be taught to need another,
'Cause we're the special two…

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Here is your faster than usual update. Hope you liked it! Questions, concerns, comments? Later