Happiness and Pain
"Convinced"
By Nessie
He didn't know how she did it, only that she did, and for that he absolutely hated her. The next time, Ichigo vowed to himself, she would never control him like that.
"But Ichigo, they don't value these lessons in Soul Society!"
"Ichigo, algebra is completely irrelevant to my duties. I just need to maintain my image while I'm in the real world!"
"I know I've asked you too much this week, Ichigo, but could you please – just this one time! – write this essay for me? I'm worried Kamika-sensei will score me badly."
And on in went, at least three nights a week if not more. Rukia always had a sturdy reason for needing his assistance on the vast majority of her schoolwork. When she was really on top of her game, she was able to kick back and relax while he did all of it himself. Ichigo didn't know why he always fell for it, only that he did.
It could have been because she gave him a sound kiss every night before bed.
It could have been because she also threatened to give him absolutely nothing if he refused to help her.
Ichigo sighed as he scribbled furiously at Rukia's English worksheet, lighted only by the desk lamp. A foot away, Rukia also scribbled – stupid pictures of bunnies on acid or something like that.
It could have been because he was completely, irreversibly, freakin' pathetic.