"Calm Before the Storm"

On the floor was an empty open box. Rukia stared at the cocktail dress she bought for today's party. It was a V-neck dress. There were no sleeves and it extended down until it was just a little above her knees. The black dress was patterned with gold fronds made of sequin. The heels Rukia bought were black, just like the leggings she'd wear with the outfit.

Rukia grumbled. Attending parties is such a hassle, she felt. Besides, she would only embarrass herself if she were to go. Her thoughts were constantly being plagued by Ichigo; she kept wondering what he was up to. How was she going to keep a smile at the party when she's worrying like this? "It's three in the morning..." she muttered, looking at the clock on the wall. "Ichigo's not home yet."

Today, Rukia didn't have work because everyone was preparing for the party. She figured she'd be the creepy girlfriend and wait up for Ichigo to return. Waiting in the main room, she could hear the ticking sounds of the clock and her light breathing. Kon was asleep in her lap, dreaming about carrots. Just sitting here like this made her feel quite... lonely. What if Ichigo walked through the door with a beer bottle in his hand? Or what if he had kiss marks along his neck? Or what if... what if he never returned?

"I'm so pathetic," Rukia sighed, brushing her hair out of her face. Rukia glanced over at the door knob, hearing it twist and turn. "Ichigo?" Rukia held her breath. What would she do if he came home drunk again? Rukia glared, cracking her knuckles. She wouldn't take this anymore. She was going to beat him senseless if he-

"Oh... Rukia," said a sober Ichigo. He closed the door behind him, yawning as Rukia quickly hid her fists. "Did you wait up for me? You didn't have to."

Rukia couldn't help but curse at herself for being so idiotic. "It's alright. I wanted to wait. I made dinner if you're hungry-"

"No thanks. I'm just tired," Ichigo said while kicking off his shoes and taking off his coat. Rukia followed him to the bedroom, seeing him jump onto the bed and close his eyes.

Ah... what a fool Rukia was. While Ichigo is working out so late at night, she's accusing him of cheating on her. She climbed into bed with him. Ichigo slept on his side so that his back was turned to her. She reached out, placing her hand on his broad shoulder. She ran her finger along his jawline, feeling his sharp features. His skin was warm and smooth.

Rukia gripped onto Ichigo's bicep as she leaned forward, kissing him on the cheek. "That tickles..." Ichigo mumbled, breathing softly. He rolled over onto his back, looking up at Rukia. "Is something bothering you?" he asked, seeing the pain in her violet eyes.

"Why do your clothes smell like perfume? And why won't you look at me?"

Ichigo couldn't bear to lie to Rukia. He grimaced, reaching up and pulling her towards him into an embrace. She rested her head against his chest, hearing his steady heartbeat. "This is something that I just can't tell you right now Rukia. Trust me when I say that I'm looking at only you."

Rukia clutched onto Ichigo's shirt. How could she believe him with such simple words? "Okay... but when I find out the truth and if it's something that I don't like, I definitely won't forgive you, got it?" She squinted her eyes at him, making sure he got the message. "If I'm played like a fool again..."

Ichigo was flooded with memories of how Rukia had been betrayed by Renji Abarai a while ago. He could still remember the scalding tears that fell from her pretty eyes and how her brows knitted together in pain. He never wished to see Rukia like that again, and he swore that he would not be the one to make her cry. "You're in my care, aren't you? I may not have many talents, but I'm sure I can at least manage you. You'll be fine."

Rukia placed her chin on Ichigo's chest, peering into his reassuring eyes. Ichigo nodded to her. He reached out, rubbing his thumb on her forehead to erase her frown. "Idiot..." she muttered shyly. There was no doubt about it. The lifting feeling in her stomach and the shakes she'd get in her knees when she looked at Ichigo were all symptoms of that feeling she became numb to long ago. She turned her gaze away from him, "Can I be a little honest with you right now?"

Ichigo quirked a brow. "Sure, as long as it doesn't apply to that saying, 'some things are better left unknown.'"

Rukia laughed softly, making swirls with her finger along Ichigo's pecs. She didn't know what possessed her, but for some reason, she just had to tell him. "I think I might really love you."

Ichigo blinked owlishly, gaping his mouth. Rukia loves him? Trying to maintain his cool, he resisted the urge to give her a thousand kisses and thank yous. He cleared his throat, "I'm... happy," he told. Rukia smiled, only making it harder for him to control his joy. Inside, he was flipping out and going insane. Even though it was a semi-confession, it was enough to make him feel like a winner. "Ah... has the world always been this pink?" he asked, practically melting. "I feel like a new man," he grinned, cocking his head in all directions.

Rukia rolled her eyes at his sudden ego boost. "I did say might, right?"

Ichigo smirked, shaking his head. "I've got you wrapped all around my fingers, Kuchiki Rukia."

Rukia sighed, surrendering. "Then please take care of me."

Ichigo couldn't describe the feeling, but for lack of a better word, he felt... honored. Rukia was entrusting him with everything. It was a heavy task, but Ichigo never doubted his abilities. Challenge accepted! "No need to tell me." He rolled over so that now Rukia was beneath him as he hovered over her petite body. She was so fragile looking, like glass, but her will was strong. He looked into her jewel eyes with his fierce ones, staring deeply to let her understand that he wouldn't hurt her. "May I kiss you?"

Rukia flushed before giving him permission with a nod. Ichigo, entranced by her different beauty, couldn't deny. Slowly, he pressed his lips to her tender ones, savoring every taste and moment. He nibbled gently on her bottom lip, smiling against them. Rukia embraced him, pulling his body closer to her.


That Evening...

"How do I look?" Rukia turned away from the mirror, facing Ichigo now. She twiddled her thumbs, something she usually did when she was nervous. "And don't you dare say I look like I'm begging for sex," she said, echoing the words he once told her.

Ichigo snickered at the memories. Yes, even he'd admit that he was an asshole back then, but hey. He only said it because he was a tad jealous. Ichigo took his eyes off the comedy show he was watching on t.v. and glanced at Rukia, nearly choking on the drink he was sipping on. She wore the dress from earlier along with a pearl necklace and gold earrings to match her dress. Her hair was pulled up into a pretty bun with some strands of hair hanging at the side of her face. Her lips were stained with red lipstick and her cheeks were a perfect shade of pink.

"With that reaction, I'm guessing I'm good to go," Rukia laughed, grabbing her purse. "My co-worker is picking me up, so-"

"You look like you're begging for sex!" Ichigo blurted with his eyes nearly falling out of his sockets. "And I'm serious. Don't you have one of those stupid cardigans to wear or something? My god, cover that cleavage," he barked, opening her closet and searching for something to solve this problem.

Rukia sighed, cocking her head with her hand on her hip while Ichigo was holding out sweaters to her side to see if they matched her outfit. "Would you relax? I'm going to a cocktail party. Not some bar," she lowered his hands, trying to reassure him.

Ichigo narrowed his eyes, "Hey, parties can turn into orgies you know-"

"Pervert," Rukia accused, slapping him at the back of his head. "Men who work at Gotei 13 are respectable people. It's all business."

"Tch... fine, just take this then." Ichigo reached into his pocket for an item, placing it into Rukia's hand.

Rukia raised a brow. "Pepper spray? You're unbelievable. Why do you even carry something like this around?"

Ichigo gave a suspicious laugh. Hueco Mundo was a dangerous place. Women there are scary and have no shame once they step into the host club. They'll claw at him and violate him; he needed protection. "Ju-Just for occasions like this," he lied. "But Rukia..." Ichigo placed two fingers under her chin, lifting her head up so that she was looking at him. "Come back home, got it? Because if you leave with some other man... Kon just might die without you!" he said fiercely.

Rukia laughed, nodding, "Of course. Well, I think my ride is here so... see you later," she waved.

Ichigo sighed helplessly as the door closed behind her. He glanced at his wristwatch, seeing the time. Quickly, he pulled out the expensive black suit he bought from beneath the bed. He threw on a white dress shirt, his polished shoes, and then he put on some fancy cologne to finish off. "I hate formal events," he uttered, straightening his black tie. Suddenly, his phone rang. He picked up.

"Hey stud, I'm outside," Rangiku said excitedly through the phone. "Don't keep a girl waiting!" she exclaimed before hanging up.

Ichigo sighed, leaving the apartment. He made his way to the parking lot. There, he saw a bright red convertible ferrari with its headlights on. Rangiku sat up from the tan leather seat, waving to him. "Over here sweetie!" she said, gesturing him over. Ichigo blinked rapidly. Nice ride, he thought. Ichigo took the passenger seat, greeting her. "Boo, no flowers?" she said, pretending to be disappointed.

"You look beautiful," Ichigo reached into his coat, pulling out a single rose. "For you," he held it to her.

Rangiku blushed slightly. "My, you are quite the man," she held her hand over her huge bosoms before taking the flower. "You might want to seat belt," she winked to Ichigo, "a girl like me likes to go fast on the road!"

Before Ichigo could though, Rangiku slammed her foot on pedal, nearly sending Ichigo flying out the car. "Are you insane?!" He shouted, gripping tightly onto the seat as he was on the verge of tears.

Rangiku laughed before slowing down, "I'm sorry. It's just so fun teasing men." Yes, she was a maneater, Ichigo concluded. "Oh, are you okay?" she asked dumbly as Ichigo turned green to the face.

"I think I lost my spine," Ichigo responded, still trying to feel his pulse. He glanced over at her, still seeing her smiling. "Is your favorite color red?" Ichigo asked. Rangiku wore a glamorous red dress that reached her ankles. Her long blonde/orange hair was wavy, sort of resembling her curvy body.

"Wow, nice guess," Rangiku nodded happily.

"No... it's just obvious," Ichigo deadpanned. "I've been meaning to ask. Is there a reason why you're paying so much money for just one day with me? Could it be you're expecting... extra service?" Ichigo asked, hoping she'd say no. By extra service, he meant the whole package of sex.

Rangiku glanced at him before sighing hopelessly. "No. I just needed a date for tonight, and I wanted to spite someone. I'm a woman with class; one night stands are not my thing."

Ichigo was a little surprised with Rangiku's response. He definitely didn't expect her to say something like that. "Could that someone be Ichimaru Gin?" When Rangiku's face cringed with sorrow, he knew he was right. "Sorry," he apologized for bringing her unpleasant thoughts. "If it makes you feel better... he threatened me to make sure I don't hurt you."

Rangiku laughed, a little cheerful now. "That's just like him. When you go back to that place, make sure to brag about how lovely I was and what a great night we had together. Make sure to tell me what his reaction is." Ichigo couldn't help but pity Rangiku. She seemed like a nice person to just talk to. "Now that you got my answer, may I ask you a question?" Ichigo was reluctant at first, but nodded. "Why are you working at such a place? I ask that to Gin all the time, but never answers."

"We all have our reasons."

"Tell me your reason then."

Ichigo wasn't sure how to say it. "To protect the person I love."

"Eh?" Rangiku braked at a red light, nearly sending Ichigo out the car a second time. "That's so... romantic!" she gushed. "She must be one lucky gal. Introduce me to her next time."

"Sure," Ichigo said awkwardly.

Eventually, Rangiku rolled up to the front of a building. Ichigo looked up in awe at the looming building. It must've been at least a hundred stories high! They both stepped out the car; Ichigo felt out of place. He never dared to come close to fancy places like these. "Here you go," Rangiku gave her keys to a valet. "Shall we?" she turned to Ichigo, who nodded anxiously.


A/N: Wow, thanks a lot to those who reviewed last chapter. It was the most I got since chapter one! Anyway, hope you enjoyed this chapter. There will definitely be a fateful meeting soon, bwahahaha! Oh, also! This story is very near the end. I think about 2-5 more chapters and this series is over! Thought I'd tell you now to brace yourselves teehee.

Please review ;)