Previously:

His rough lips pressed gently against the soft skin of her cheeks for only mere seconds but in Rukia's mind last an eternity. He proceeded to walk off. Where to, she didn't know, her brain was a jumbled mess as she leaned up against the counter and placed her hand on the cheek that was caressed with his lips only moments ago. She tried to control her heavy breath and the redness she knew was overtaking her face.

Stupid Ichigo…


"Seven …Eight …Nine….Ten …."

Ichigo Kurosaki struggled to keep his upper body up as he did push up with a small green haired girl sitting, legs crossed, on his back.

"This… is," He huffed out as he continued on his punishment. "Freaking …ridiculous." His arms pushed back up all the weight that they we supporting.

"Well, you said anything." Nel responded.

Through all this sat Rukia Kuchiki, who sat peacefully on the couch nearby reading one of the thousands of books that lay scattered around the house. Her legs rested comfortably curled up beside her. One of her arms rested on her lap with the book, keeping the page from turning. Her other arm was propped by the arm rest as her hand cradled her face.

Ichigo glanced up at her every now and then. He found her an interesting person to watch as she read. Her face would be emotionless one minute and than the next it'd be lit up so brightly it'd put the sun to shame. Her lips turn into happy smiles when something romantic happened or they would tug downward when it took a tragic turn. She'd let out small chuckles when something funny happened. The most interesting was when the story took the main couple in the story and put them in an unbearably heartbreaking situation. Her eyes slightly teared up, the hand that rested against her cheek balled up in a fist, and her lips stayed in a straight line. She got so into her reading.

But Ichigo never dared commented on it. She'd probably end up throwing the book at him and he had no desire to have a 448 paged, hardcover book chucked at him. Especially not when he was doing pushups with extra weight, he had a feeling the fall wouldn't be without much pain.

SMACK!

"ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME!"

Ichigo clenched his teeth and bared with the pain that was shooting through his skull. "What the hell was that for, you little brat!" He screamed as he looked over his shoulder to the girl sitting upon his back.

"Well, I had to get your attention back somehow and my voice just wasn't doing it." She crossed her arms and looked the opposite direction of his gaze.

"Why am I even doing this again?"

"Hm, let us recollect. Shall we?"

Ichigo raised his hand to locked door that he knew Nel was hiding behind. He hesitated a few moments before he actually hit the wooden surface. As his reply he got silence. He knocked three more times. Again absolutely nothing, not even the sound of someone moving.
He let out a frustrated sigh. "Neliel. I know you are in there, so come out and talk to me."
This time he heard the small sound of her standing and taking a few steps to the door.
"I …" He paused for a second to sort out his apology before he said it out loud. He didn't want to say something stupid and make a fool of himself. "I just wanted to say sorry for yelling at you. We won't leave."
"Ever?" She whispered, it was barely audible from behind the door,
"I'm not promising were going to stay here forever. We're just not leaving soon."
"But.."
Ichigo let out another frustrated sigh but much more louder, "Nel, listen I'll do anything to get you to forgive me. I don't want to be mad at…" He shut his eyes, "My daughter." He mumbled the words out but she still seemed to her him perfectly fine.
The door swung open, "DAUGHTER?" Her eyes sparkled, He could feel her own soften at the sight. "You'll really do anything?" Ichigo cringed at the repeated word but nodded. She snickered and walked off. "Then I have the perfect punishme.. I mean request."
Damn this is not going to be fun.

Rukia watched the pair bicker from under her bangs. She smiled at the sight, Ichigo in a push up position and Nel sitting on his back with her arms crossed and nose in the air. Whenever she got the chance to she would always watch them because they made her smile. She loved this little family arrangement they have. She sighed happily.

"I ONLY HIT YOU BECAUSE YOU KEPT STARING AT MOM!"

"I was NOT staring!"

Rukia hastily moved her gaze back to the book in her lap at the same moment Ichigo looked up to glance at her. She had a small tint of pink scattered across her cheeks and her hand was now covering part of her mouth, instead of cradling her cheek, but he could easily see slight tug upwards of her lips.

"See. Staring …Again." Nel pointed out bluntly.

Ichigo felt a vein pop on his forehead, "I GLANCED! Huge difference!" He decided to keep his eyes on the ground below him because let it wander wasn't doing any good for him.

"Hey, Dad?"

The said man growled a bit in frustration as he pushed up and then went back down, "What?" He could feel the gallons of sweat falling off his face and chest. It wasn't helping that she kept talking to him either.

"What number were we on?" The smaller girl asked with truth.

Ichigo gritted his teeth and slowly turned his head to the girl on his back. "You better be kidding or I will throw you off my back so fast you won't realize I have until you hit a wall and wake up from a four day nap of unconsciousness."

Nel fearfully scanned her brain for a number that seemed reasonable to what they had been working at. She let out a nervous laugh, "Just kidding, aha, just messing with your head. We're at…" She still really didn't know what a good number was. Her eyes connected quickly with Rukia's. The older woman held up two fingers and mouthed the 'twenty' then put up seven fingers and mouthed the word 'seven'. "W-w-we were at twenty-seven, of course!" Ichigo looked at her in mass confusion; she had seemed to be at a loss when she suddenly replied with the number as if she had received a newly acquired skill. "WHAT ARE YOU STARING AT YOU STILL HAVE SEVENTY-THREE MORE PUSH UPS TO DO!"

Ichigo, though reluctant, huffed and began his seventy three more pushups.

When Ichigo's gaze left her form and returned to the floor, the little girl looked up to the raven haired women who sat only feet away and gave her a thankful gaze. Rukia smiled and nodded before returning to her book yet again.

73 Pushups Later…

Ichigo stood back on his feet, not bothering to allow the small girl to climb off his back beforehand: which caused her to roll off of his back land on the rough carpet. "Ah, that was pretty much the worst work out ever."

"It was only horrible because you haven't worked out in a while." Rukia stood from her spot on the couch and stretched herself. "Your letting yourself go."

The little green haired girl was more than a little furious at the duo, "HEY HEY! Does ANYONE care that I just about got a concussion just now?" Rukia and Ichigo looked at her. Ichigo had a look that said if it were possible he could careless but Rukia's face turned to concern after a few seconds of examining her. She kneeled beside her and patted her back.

"You okay?" She asked with worry weaved in her voice.

Nel had expected both to just brush it off or for them to yell at her to not whine. Her hazel eyes searched the amethyst eyes that stared down at her. Rukia offered Nel her hand and a small smile, to which Nel accepted both.

Nel and Rukia were sobbing. Not crying, no, hard core sobbing. They were surrounded by miniature mountains of tissues and Ichigo was wondering how it was even possible to cry so much just by a movie.

"Uh, Ladies?" Ichigo asked the pair that were clinging, gripping tightly to each other's hands. They turned towards the speaking man. Their eyes were almost too much. He almost immediately averted his eyes. Rukia's bright amethyst eyes were huge plates and tear filled, it almost broke his heart but knowing the source behind the tears dulled the false heartbreak. Nels… were just as bad, her tan colored eyes seemed to have melted into utter despair. "You've watching this movie seven times… In a row, how is it still making you cry." Ichigo paused before continuing, "And it's DISNEY."

"Oh, hush, Ichigo. You don't seem to understand the dynamic complex of this heartbreaking tragedy."

"Did you just use those words to make you seem smarter?" Ichigo asked the five foot woman.

She glared, her tears disappearing instantly, "No, I thought the words fit perfectly. It was all in pure knowledge that I used such amazing vocabulary."

"Now, you just being cocky." Ichigo felt his eyes dulled at her word choices and confident tone. "Anyway, I just want to know why your still crying."

She shrugged and turned her eyes back to the flashing screening. He sighed and shrugged. He glanced over the two girls. Rukia's hair was pulled up into a sloppy bun, her signature bang untouched as usual. She wore a black under shirt with a big baggy grey sweatshirt that feel nicely off her right shoulder. Her legs were covered with dark blue skinny jeans and a blanket sprawled half over her legs. The other half of the blanket cascaded over Nel's smaller form. The smaller girl wore tan shorts and a nicely fit green shirt. The shirt had small designs that flowed across in a lighter green.

After the repayment Ichigo paid for Neliel's forgiveness, they had sat on the couch continuously watching Disney's Beauty and the Beast. How it got to them repeatedly was beyond Ichigo. They sat and replayed for hours. He never once just sat and watched it with them for the fact he didn't want to be around the tears. They sat comfortable there and anytime the orange hair man passed they were never even an inch away from the other. If it were possible they got close each time he check on them. When he walked by for the nth time, they were about to start the movie… Yet, again.

"Ichigo!" The man stopped before walking back to his boring cave. He thought, at first, that Nel was who called him. He was surprised enough to see Rukia's red line eyes staring at him. He raised his eyebrows, "Watch it with us this time?" She smiled.

The question was clearly rhetorical but he still answered, "Alright."

Her smile brightened tenfold as she grabbed the remote and pressed the play button, again. She scooted over and patted the unoccupied cushion that resided beside her. He walked slowly to reserved spot, he knew that they would be close together just due to the small space that was offered but it didn't fear him in the least. The opening introduction as he took his spot, he let his body rest back and kicked his feet up on to the coffee table in front of him. As the introduction continued on how the Beast came to be Ichigo felt a warm feeling surround his hand.

There in the palm of his hand was Rukia much smaller one. He tiny fingers laced themselves between his. At first he was slightly shocked. Rukia glanced out of the corner of her eyes and after a second her had began to slip away.

His fingers acted of their own accord. They tightened around her fingers and pulled her hand back to his lap. They sat in silence as the narrator told of how the beast cannot see inner beauty and for that he would be cursed until he was able to love a woman and win the heart of her in his hideous form.

Ichigo understood the whole concept of the story. The only thing he didn't get was how it was a repeat tear jerker. Maybe, it was just girls and something to do with their hormones but either way it didn't make sense in his mind.

Luckily, this being their eighth go on the story and crying the whole time the two girls fell asleep half way through the movie. The second there eyes were shut and the orange head man was confident that both were out cold he shifted out from under Rukia and Nel and made his way to the DVD player and hit stop. He picked the lighter of the two up first and put her in the bed the three of them shared. He went back to collect Rukia but paused for a second. Rukia lay asleep, her hand under her head as a pillow, more or less. Her face tear stained from the constant water fall that cascaded down her face due to a child's movie. Her legs were slightly curled up to her chest. Her mouth opened just enough to hear her small intakes and release of breath as she slept. Ichigo didn't want to disturb her. She seemed like a sleeping beauty that didn't need to be wakened. He hadn't seen her sleep so peacefully before. At other times she'd talk in her sleep, roll around, and occasionally thrash around.

He sighed. He wouldn't let her sleep out her alone, just for the fact the he wouldn't feel very comfortable with her being unprotected. His hands slowly, but progressively, made their way under her as she slept. He lifted her up into his hold, one arm under the crook of her knees and the other at the upper part of her back. Much like a father would hold his child. Or the way a husband carries his newly married wife. Ichigo shook his head slightly just so the small though would leave his head. He placed her on the bed where she has rightfully claimed as her own and then proceed to his side.

He willed himself to sleep but to absolutely no avail. His mind tossed and turned, he knew about what but he refused to accept it. When he finally did fall asleep it wasn't quite as deep as he wished.

Rukia awoke not with a throbbing head. She laid in her be for what seemed like hours. When she first opened her eyes, she saw that it was a dark blue outside with just the tiniest hints that the sun was barely rising. She groaned in frustration. She refused to leave the bed because she knew one step out and her head would send her straight to the rough carpet that flowed across the floor.

She tightened her body into a small ball and waited. Until, someone got up. She'd ask one of the two to get her some drugs that would stop this outrageous headache. Most likely Ichigo.

Two hours passed and she felt like her head was about to be torn apart. "Ichigo." She let his name softly pass her lips. No response, she tried again but only a little bit louder. "ICHIGO!" Said man, shocked from the ever so rude awakening, jumped and proceeded to fall out of the bed.

"Damn it." His voice still heavy with sleep. "Yes, Rukia? Is there a reason why you woke me oh so early and oh so rudely?" He asked with a sickly sweet and sarcastic tone.

"Yes," She replied, shortly. "I have the worst head ache. I think I feel like dying."

Ichigo stood from the floor and walked around the bed to the side where the petite woman slept. He sat at the very edge on her side. His cool hands pressed against her forehead. He mumbled out a dew cuss words, "Not only do you have a headache but a fever, as well."

Rukia stared shockingly at him. "But I feel FINE!" She jumped to her feet only to sway once her she was full upright. Ichigo lifted his arms in case she fainted and fell face first on the ground. The Kuchiki roughly put her palm on her forehead, her other hand held out to catch herself. Ichigo slipped his hand into hers and stood to his own feet.

He pushed softly to the edge of the bed and helped her sit. He then pushed gently on her shoulder, signaling for her to lie down. She didn't resist. "Rukia you promised that you'd tell me when you didn't feel well. How long have you been sick?"

"I-I'm not. I swear, I just woke up like this." Rukia's eyes were full of worry. Ichigo glared hardened for a second before softening ever so slightly.

He cleared his throat, "There's a small drug store near, I saw it when we were entering this place. I'll run down there real quick and see what's there. Medicine, et cetera. I'll be back."

The raven haired girl shot up in her spot. Fear covering the worry, "ICHIGO! That's not safe and YOU know that!" She made to get out of bed again but Ichigo placed a firm hand on her shoulder.

"If you even try to roll out of that bed I will duct tape you in place." Her expression hit him harder than it should've, "Rukia, I just want you to be safe. I'll be fine I'll be there back in.." He thought for no more than two seconds, "Fifteen minutes TOPS." He saw emotions flicker through Rukia's eyes like snapshots. He saw her biting the inside of her cheek, his gaze moved to her hands that were now curled tightly on the blankets. He smiled at her just to relax her nerves.

Her amethyst eyes widen for a second. She waited a few more seconds, examining his face, before nodding her approval.


Hey, everyone.! -hears crickets.

Okay, okay.! I know I haven't updated since God knows when.! :\\ I'm horrible but I will update soon I have two more finals and then,
W-I-N-T-E-R B-R-E-A-K.!
Yosh, who isn't excited.? Aha, But yeah, the whole time I was writing I was like this just doesn't sound finished D:
And I didn't want to post it unfinished feeling like. I know someone would be all, 'Tf. -coughWONDERcough. but still, rofl. We have it now.!
I really don't know what else to say.. I really have nothing else to say. I hope you liked this. So until next time. Ja ne.

Just for your information: The book that Rukia is reading at the beginning is Richelle Meads, 'Vampire Academy: Spirit Bound.' That part was typed up before 'Last Sacrifice' came out.

On to the THANKS:
OHSHCchick: Jeez, buttface Ichi.! Lmfao, yeah well thats what you get with sexy oranged head guys. ;^; I want one. Lmfao, I love your reviews.! They make me laugh, especially, your message. Thanks for the help.!
Ichiruki95: Yeah.! WOOT, lmfao for the both. Thank you for reviewing.!
Maddeh D: O.O... ROFL XD .Thanks for reviewing, Betty.
Cero Oscuras: Uh.. thanks for reading o: I actually feel SUPER honored that your reading my AU.(: So thank you. I'm sorry I didn't update in so long :\\ Hope your still reading.
Aizawa Ayumu Oz Vessalius: My little mental voice always reads your reviews with a enthusiatic note.! It makes me happy :D Ahah, KEEP READING.! Thanks for tagging along on this IchiRuki journey... of LOVEEE. ROFL.!
Red6: Aha, sorry for not doing as you requested.! Lmfao, ha, but thanks so much for reviewing.! Much appriciated.
khfan forlife: Not going to lie. Your review had me cracking up at the end just because my mental voice reads funny.! Thanks so much for your longish review.(:
lilica: Thank you o: Keep reading and you will know all.. JUST KIDDING, you won't but you'll know what happens.! Sorry for such a late update.! Ah isn't BLEACH getting more and more intense even though the Winter War is over.! o: I can't wait for Rukia's return.! The dream part had me fangirling.! (: Thanks again

So to everyone who reads.. even though you don't review[YEAH, I KNOW YOUR OUT THERE... READING THIS AS I TYPE O:] ... A-RI-GA-TO.! :D

For your pleasure:
In the next chapter, Ichigo leaves the house of protection for much need medicine. What will happen.? What will he find.? Keep reading, dear ones.!

As always until next time.!

Xoxo,

Personal Riot.!