"Love"

"Ichigo?" Rukia whispered, poking her head through the ajarred door. She peeked into the dark living room of their new apartment, seeing nothing as the lights were off. She turned on the lights, stepping into the place and searching for two orange-heads. "Kon?" she called, receiving nothing but eerie silence in return.

Rukia was now back into her casual clothing; changing clothes at work and home was part of her double life. "Oh, you're back," Ichigo stepped out of the shadows with a toothbrush while cradling Kon in his arm.

Rukia's breath ran short as she nearly jumped out of her skin at Ichigo's creepy appearance. "Jeez... turn on the lights would you? I thought we got robbed for a second."

"I'm just trying to save electricity here," Ichigo said. "I bought some takeout food. I already ate, and don't worry, Connie here already ate too." Kon looked up at Ichigo. Ichigo frowned, wondering if the rabbit had just glared at him. Nah, couldn't be. Animals can't glare.

Rukia laughed softly, "Thank you, Ichigo."

Ichigo fixed his eyes on Rukia. "What for?"

"The food, of course."

"No, no no." Ichigo shook his finger, "One doesn't thank someone so sincerely just for food. You worry me," he stared at her suspiciously.

Rukia brushed past him and took a seat at the dinner table, preparing a plate for herself. "I can't be thankful?" she asked. Why was she being so nice to him? Maybe it was a result of the conversation she had with Rangiku earlier. Rukia wanted to treat every second with Ichigo as though it were the last... Rukia sighed, feeling depressed. She felt bitter thinking about a last moment with Ichigo.

Ichigo sat in front of her while Kon pranced around the room. "How was work today?"

Rukia paused for a brief second, "Fine," was all she said, desperately trying to avoid a conversation about her job. The guilt was burning in her chest every time she looked at Ichigo. He was so kind to her and yet she had the audacity to lie to him and treat him like a fool.

Ichigo immediately noticed the distance Rukia was putting between them both. She ate quietly and never dared to look into his eyes. "Did something happen today?" Ichigo asked, or more like interrogated. Various scenarios ran through his mind. Was she harassed? Did she get fired? Or perhaps she was just having a rough day? "And don't think about lying your way out of this conversation."

Rukia shuddered, feeling pressured with Ichigo's attention on her. Her eyes met with his piercing ones; she felt breathless. She definitely didn't want Ichigo to think that she was ashamed of having him as her boyfriend, and to make sure he didn't feel that way, she had to be honest. "You know how I'm sort of a... wallflower?" Ichigo nodded without hesitance. Rukia laughed lightly at his bluntness. "Do you sometimes wish you were with someone who wasn't one?"

"What?" Ichigo blurted out. "Are you breaking up with me or is this what you're stressing out about?" Ichigo asked, giving a threatening look that said it had better not be a break up.

"I'm not breaking up with you, but I want to know if it's what you want."

Ichigo looked at Rukia as though she had just said the dumbest thing in the world. "What the hell made you think I'd want that?" Ichigo asked, his voice cracking a little from irritation. He thought their relationship was working just fine, but all of a sudden Rukia is doubting his feelings for her? Ichigo couldn't handle his anxiety anymore.

"Because I haven't given everything of me to you," Rukia shyly said, "and I've been keeping our relationship a secret."

Ichigo frowned, "A secret? From who?" His voice sounded a little angry and a bit confused; Rukia began to wonder whether if she had made a mistake in confessing to him. "Ah... I get it. It's because I was a whore right-"

"Stop jumping to conclusions," Rukia cried, slamming her hands onto the table. "I haven't been telling you the whole truth. I am working, but not at the supermarket. I'm working as a secretary for the Gotei 13 company, where my brother also works at. It's because of that that I've been keeping my relationship with you a secret, understand?"

"Why would you need to keep it a secret from Byakuya?" Ichigo asked.

Rukia facepalmed. Did she really have to explain why? "My brother was raised in a noble family; if he found out that I was dating someone who wasn't from a noble family as well... it would be the end of us."

Ichigo mouthed a silent 'oh,' finally understanding Rukia. "So you were trying to protect us..." Ichigo smiled to himself, getting sidetracked. Knowing that Rukia wanted to attempt a relationship with him made him happy. "Geez, if that was the case, you didn't have to lie about it. Stop giving me heart attacks for no reason," Ichigo sighed in relief.

"So you're not thinking about... cheating on me then?"

Ichigo blinked a few times, expressionless. "Huh?" he gaped.

Rukia turned red, feeling like she misspoke again. "Nothing, nevermind."

"You know," Ichigo closed his eyes, "forget explaining myself. Why don't I just show you?" Ichigo sauntered towards her. He stood behind her, leaning forward and placing both his hands on her her shoulders; Rukia tensed beneath his touch. "You said it yourself that you haven't given all of yourself to me..." Ichigo whispered into her ear. "Shall we change that?"

Rukia raised her brows before feeling Ichigo plant light kisses at the nape of her neck, "I-Ichigo," she turned around abruptly, brushing her nose against his. Without warning, he stole a kiss from her.

"Your brother could discover us today or tomorrow... shouldn't we make this worthwhile?" Ichigo smirked against her neck. Rukia glared at his threat. Of course Ichigo didn't believe they'd be separated, but scaring her into giving herself up to him was the only solution he could think of. "I'll be gentle," he coaxed.

Rukia could feel herself heating up from Ichigo's touches; she hated how sensitive she was. "I-I have work tomorrow-"

"I won't leave any marks. Besides, could you wait until the weekend?" Ichigo smiled, pleased with her surprised reaction. "Did you think I wouldn't notice? You're becoming conscious of me," he stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. "You want it too, don't you?" he spoke like the devil, whispering sweet words into her ear.

"Tch," Rukia pushed herself back, distancing herself from Ichigo, "h-horndog," she muttered.

"Alright, since you're too prideful to admit what you want, then I'll stop teasing you and..." Ichigo placed his face in front of Rukia, trapping her so she had nowhere to run, "carry on." Ichigo's breath tickled against Rukia's skin. Rukia could already hear the beating in her chest. She leaned her head back, exposing her neck to him. His warm kisses ran along her collarbone, going down her sternum. "Shall we do this on the bed? Or would this table suffice?"

Rukia reddened, hating how Ichigo would ask her such questions. She barely had the strength to think right anymore. "B-Bed," she squeaked, wanting to hide from his gaze.

Ichigo lifted Rukia up effortlessly. Her legs wrapped around his hips while her arms were around his neck. "You're submitting to me... you won't run away halfway, right?" He set her on the mattress, climbing on top of her. Rukia faltered. Already, she was feeling nervous, but she did want this. She wanted to give him all of her.

"I won't, I think."

"Hn," Ichigo moved a strand of Rukia's hair behind her ear, admiring her different kind of beauty. "Then I won't stop."

They kissed passionately while undressing each other. Ichigo pulled Rukia's shirt off and Rukia unbuttoned his shirt. Her fingertips traced the outline of his chest, feeling every inch of his toned muscles. Ichigo reached beneath Rukia with one hand, finding the clasp of her bra and unhooking it with ease. Instinctively, Rukia covered her chest with her arms. "S-Sorry," she apologized dumbly.

"I'll be the first man to see you naked?" Ichigo asked, panting slightly. Rukia pursed her lips, bashful. "I'm glad." Ichigo pulled away the undergarment, revealing her small breasts. Ichigo licked his lips at the sight, lowering his head and placing his lips on her soft flesh. His large hand fondled her left breast while he ran his tongue along her other. Rukia gasped, arching her back. "Touch me too," he pleaded.

Rukia recalled last time when she gave Ichigo a handjob. Hesitantly, she reached down, struggling to unbuckle his belt. Her hands were shaking but she finally managed to pull down his jeans. Already, she could see the erection between his long legs. Ichigo pulled back, leaning back while propping himself up with his elbows. Rukia kneeled between his legs. Slowly, she pulled off his boxers, revealing Ichigo's manhood.

"Rukia..." Ichigo said in a yearning voice. Rukia thought that since she'd already done this once, it'd be easier the second time. It wasn't at all. It was nerve wracking still. Taking a deep breath, Rukia grabbed his cock in her hand, stroking him. Ichigo let out a grunt; he threw his head back at her touches.

Seeing Ichigo's reaction pleased Rukia. She moved a little faster; Ichigo winced. His manhood grew harder and bigger with every motion she made. As Ichigo was just about to come, he grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

"Can't get... too carried away," Ichigo snickered, pushing her down. Before Rukia realized it, he had pulled off her panties; she was all nude. Ichigo smiled slyly, licking two fingers before reaching down.

"Wh-what are you doing?" Rukia asked, looking like a deer in headlights.

"Prepping you," were Ichigo's words before he inserted a finger into her. Rukia's eyes widened, feeling him inside her. She grabbed his shoulders, clutching onto him tightly. "Relax," he told, nuzzling his nose against hers. Rukia felt her stomach tighten when he put in two fingers. "You're wet," he smirked. Rukia closed her eyes while clenching her teeth. "Enough with the foreplay; shall we begin the real stuff?"

Rukia breathed heavily, feeling Ichigo spread her legs further apart. "Ichigo..."

Ichigo pulled out a condom wrapper, opening it and putting on the condom. He straddled her hips, placing his hands on either side of her head. "I'm not going to lie, the first time will hurt for you. Are you sure you still want to do this?" he asked, holding her cheek with one hand.

Rukia grabbed his hand, "Are you... kidding me? We already went this far, might as well finish it," she reassured him with a half-smile.

Ichigo kissed her one last time before pushing against her. Rukia let out a breath, feeling the tip of his manhood at her entrance. As Ichigo entered her, she could feel a sharp pain in her lower abdomen. "Are you okay?" he asked, feeling a little dumb. In the past, he never cared for who he slept with. This was the first time he was sincere; he was unsure how to comfort her.

"I'm... fine," Rukia said, though it was partially a lie.

When Ichigo was completely inside her, he began to slowly thrust. Rukia grimaced, wincing. Ichigo ran his hands down her waist, caressing her. Rukia's arms reached out, wrapping around his torso. Her fingers gripped tightly onto his back, her nails digging into his smooth skin.

Eventually, the pain began to subdue and she could feel a tingly sensation running down her leg. Her chest began to heave as she became short of breath. Her skin was hot all over, covered in both her and Ichigo's sweat. His chest pressed against hers. His pace quickened and soon he was ramming into her hard.

Rukia let out soft moans, feeling Ichigo inside her. "Rukia..." Ichigo panted out, kissing her lips. The pleasure in both of them began to build. Ichigo sat up, pulling Rukia up and seating her on his manhood. He grabbed her on the hips, pulling her down onto his cock. "I'm coming," he breathed out.

Rukia held tightly onto Ichigo, feeling herself at her climax. With a few more thrusts, Ichigo ejaculated. Rukia rested her head on his shoulder, exhausted.

Ichigo pulled out of her and lay down on his back with Rukia on top him. His hand ran up and down her spine while they both tried to catch their breath. Rukia closed her eyes, listening to his heartbeat slowing down. "Rukia... I'm so in love with you."

Rukia looked up, seeing sincerity in his eyes. It was then that she realized that she didn't want to lose him. "Ditto," she grinned.


A/N: Woot, a whole chapter full of LEMON! I'm so sorry for that. I wished there was more to this chapter, but I hadn't updated in a week because I was so busy preparing for the Mayan Doomsday (j/k), so I had to upload this fast. Anyway, let me know what ya'll thought (feedback please!) Did I make this too quick? Was it smoothly written out? Any questions? Concerns? Comments?

Sorry that they're kinda OOC too. Buuuut, yah. Please review :)