*QUICK NOTE* : As like for all chapters, Rukia will be just a bit OOC at times. After years in France she's a bit "peppier," but not to the Orihime level though. And Karin and Yuzu are 3 years younger [14 years old] than the main characters [Who are 17].

**Everyone looks like they do normally in the manga [post ch. 423], except for Rukia who has slightly long hair, but don't worry, that will change soon.

Disclaimer: I don't own or claim Bleach and its contents.

Previously…

She knew it was him. Who else would have bright orange hair like his?

"It's Ichigo," she said partially grinning. Her pace fastened as she got closer, after all these years, they would meet again. "Ichigo!"

From hearing his name, the orange-haired teen turned around only to be tackled to the ground in a lung-crushing bear hug.

"Ichigo, it's really you! You've changed so much!" Rukia grinned and looked down at her childhood friend, who currently was beneath her.

Ichigo blinked several times, beyond confused. He looked at the tiny figure on top of him, bewildered. Immediately, his dark amber eyes met up with the dark violet irises of the girl who was currently on top of him. Now that he looked at her, he was sure he didn't even know her!

"Wait, who are you? How do you know my name?"

Chapter 2: Greetings!

Minutes passed as an awkward silence filled the atmosphere. The two teens just stared at each other in confusion. Ichigo was confused about the whole situation and Rukia about his not remembering her.

After finally taking notice that she was still on top of him, Ichigo quickly sprung up and crawled away, causing Rukia to fall on her ass, making "content mode" dissipate and "Bitch mode" take surface.

Rukia metaphorically gawked at the jerk in front of her, glaring at him. To think, she flew all the way from France just to see him and he didn't even remember her even though she was his best friend? Oh, hell no.

"Boke!" Rukia grabbed one of her high heel sandals and threw it in the direction of the non-expectant carrot-top in rage. Unfortunately –for Rukia-, it didn't hit him, but it did get his attention. "I knew you were forgetful, but come on? We were so close too!" she complained, crossing her arms and sticking her bottom lip out while sending him a heated glare. "Why do I even bother?"

Ichigo ignored the fact that she tried to hit him with a semi-pointy object, and concentrated on what she was ranting about. He was sure he didn't know her, but she knew him from the looks of it. She even insulted him using a familiar term! He furrowed his brows and observed her features. She did seem a little familiar.

She was petite, had dark raven hair tied up in a messy bun and her luminous violet eyes shined brightly. He had to admit, she was pretty, but there was one flaw. She was abnormally short. Despite that, she didn't look young at all. She had an air of maturity around her. Matter-of-factly, she looked like she was around his age. Maybe she was a classmate in grade school or something? He was never good at remembering faces and names...

While he was still thinking, Rukia raised one of her eyebrows at his intent staring. "What? And what's with that scowl? It's not the least bit attractive, if you think it makes you look 'hot.'" She stood up and patted invisible dirt off her skirt.

He lifted a brow, "How do you know my name anyways, short stuff?" That earned him nothing put the pain of Rukia's fist connecting with his head.

"It's impolite to direct me with such a derogatory title! That behavior will not do," she said, crossing her arms. She tapped her foot on the ground repeatedly, watching him clutch his bruised skull.

Ichigo gave her the strongest glare he could muster, which didn't even faze her at all. "You're saying I'm the one who's being impolite? You're the one who tackled me out of nowhere like a gorilla and continuously hit me! That's very 'lady-like.'"

"Of course it is. When your childhood best friend doesn't remember you or your face, you tend to get pissed. It's completely justified. And I don't need to be polite to someone who doesn't even remember me or calls me rude names!" She turned her head to the side to look away from him and muttered some French curses.

"I don't even know you, so how can I remember you?" he said, frustrated. He scratched the back of his head roughly, "Plus, you speak Spanish! You're obviously not from around here!"

Before Rukia could correct him that it was French, there was a loud interruption.

"Oi, Ichigo!" called someone from behind her. She turned around to see a bright crimson haired teen running up to them. "Have you seen Maru-chan? He ran away again, that stupid dog."

Ichigo glanced over at the teen, and immediately rolled his eyes, "God, Renji, isn't this the fourth time now? You seriously have have to train that puppy."

"Actually, this is the fifth time. And I've tried to train him! It's impossible, the dog doesn't listen to shit," said Renji, crossing his arms.

"Well, that makes you, Abarai Renji, a horrible owner. And since he's yours, well, technically your cousin's, you can go find him by yo-"

"Renji!" interrupted Rukia, walking up to him.

He looked over at Rukia's direction and widened his eyes. "R-rukia? Is that you? You finally came back!" he sent her a welcoming smile, and moved closer to take a closer look at her. "It's about time!"

She nodded and smiled, "Renji! It's great to see you! And I'm glad that at least someone remembers me!" She ran over gave him a big hug and a light kiss on both cheeks.

He blushed, making his face the color of his hair. As lame as it sounded, Renji had never been kissed by a girl. Besides when he was little, Rukia would give Ichigo and him little kisses. This was a bit different though. She was now a full grown woman now and didn't give out petty childish kisses. The hugs and kisses were probably some sort of French greeting.

At hearing the name, something finally triggered in Ichigo's brain.

"Wait… where have I heard that before? Rukia…," It took him a while for her name to sink into his head before he widened his eyes as realization finally took the hit. He snapped his head toward her, "Wait, you mean as in, Kuchiki Rukia? The obsessed-Chappy-fanatic-Rukia?"

This earned him two things, a kick on the shin for calling her crazy, and a small smirk. She crossed her arms in satisfaction, "Oui, took ya' pretty damn long enough!"

He blinked and blankly stared at her dumbfounded after his "eureka"' moment. "How could I have not noticed this?" he said to quietly to himself. "Well, you're actually kind of pretty now unlike before, and you stopped growing vertically which is strange because you used to be an inch shorter than both me and Renji, so I couldn't recognize you." Part of what he said may have sounded like a compliment, but it was a straight out insult. He probably didn't mean for it to sound as rude, but knowing Ichigo, it probably wasn't worth getting riled about.

Rukia ignored him and shook her head mentally. It was no use listening to him. He was too stupid for his own good. She found it kind of cute though, but surely, he would piss off any girl who had any interest in him by making little hidden snide comments.

Ichigo casually pet her head as though she was some sort of domestic pet. He grinned slightly when her eye started twitching, enjoying her annoyance.

"You know, you really don't deserve a hug or a proper greeting."

He snorted, "Like I would want one anyways." He stretched his arms out and picked up his school bag. "So, what now?"

"We go to the Kurosaki house hold!" She picked up her suit case and threw it at Ichigo, and handed her bag to Renji. "I hope you gentlemen don't mind carrying my luggage," Ichigo opened his mouth but was stopped when she continued, "unless you're too weak to carry it. I could carry it myself if you want," she said with mockery hidden in her tone.

Ichigo scowled deeper as he rolled along her suitcase, which felt like it had cinder blocks and babies in it.

He sighed, smiling slightly when he was sure no one was looking. Even though this was the first time in years that he's seen his childhood friend, it felt as if she was here all along. She was already bossing Renji and him around, and physically and mentally harming them just like in the old days.

How fun.

Half-way down the street, Renji felt something bugging him. He felt like he was forgetting something important. What was it again? Oh! Wait! "Oh damn, I forgot about Maru-chan! Oba-san's gonna kill me if I lose him for good," said Renji, accidentally dropping Rukia's tote bag due to his panic.

"Renji! That's my Chanel bag you just dropped! Il y a parfum et mon portable!" At Rukia's outburst, Renji, surprised, picked up her bag in alarm. She ran over and he handed her the bag so she could check if everything was okay, whatever it was she was checking.

While she looked through her bag, Ichigo and Renji scrunched up their faces at their lack of understanding of what she said. Must she defy comprehension?

Rukia sighed in relief and looked up at both males, blinking at their confusion. She then chuckled, "It's French, my bozo friends. Get used to it."

The said males glared at her, but nodded slowly and said in unison, "Yeah, whatever." It seemed like she would be mixing her languages up more often.

"Well then, let's get moving," she took her suitcase from Ichigo and started to walk ahead.

Both guys groaned and simply followed her.

Noticing that they were suddenly consumed by sudden lethargy, she whistled at them like a trainer. "For 'big strong men' you guys move slower than Hisana on her period on a Sunday morning, and that's not a good thing, I'll let cha' know! Come on, don't let the lethargy get to you!" She frowned at them when they still kept at their "ungodly speed." She crossed her arms, not amused. "In ten years, Renji, you went from Monsieur 'I'm super brave and strong and handsome' to a guy who chases puppies around like an idiot with fake tattoos acting as eyebrows," she said, causing Ichigo to snicker and Renji to scowl.

"They're not fake!" defended the red haired teen.

She ignored him and turned her attention to the orange haired teen with his hands stuffed in his pockets. "And you, Ichigo, went from the cute little shy pip-squeak to a rude delinquent with a nasty scowl," upon that comment, the laughing on Ichigo's side stopped and the laughter ignited on Renji's side.

The orange haired teen rolled his eyes, "Shut it, Kuchiki."

Rukia blinked fake tears at him and sniffled, "Oh, dear, Kurosaki-kun!" She wiped a fake tear from her eye and looked up at the sky. "I'm just telling you guys how much you've changed, kindly might I add, and here you are being mean! You guys were so cute back then… what happened?"

He snorted at her acting, "Kindly? My ass! Let's just get to my house. My old man's gonna get cranky if- Wait a minute, why are we going to my house?" asked Ichigo, finally realizing.

She mentally slapped her forehead with the palm of her hand, "I've been saying it for awhile now and you finally noticed? Do you act like an ignorant child all the time?" she asked, shaking her head, "I'm staying at your place. Now stop staring and let's go."

Kurosaki household…

"Rukia-chan!" Kurosaki Yuzu gave Rukia a big hug with unnecessary waterworks. "I was only four the last time I saw you, but I haven't forgotten a single detail!" She smiled brightly and wiped her tears.

Sensitive as ever… and I thought Yuzu-chan when she was younger was sensitive. If she's like that now, then I'm sure Karin is worse, Rukia's thoughts were interrupted when the girl whom she thought of spoke up from the stairs.

"What's up with all the noise, Yu? I'm trying to take a nap," Kurosaki Karin scratched her head as she came slouching down the stairs in her shorts and over-sized t-shirt.

Yuzu brightened up at the sight of her twin, "Karin! Look, Rukia-chan's back!"

Karin rubbed her eyes and looked at Rukia. "Ah, Rukia-nee… it's nice to see you again. Uh, could we talk later or something? I'm not in the best of conditions, so you carry on with what you're doing. I just need my nap..." She yawned and lazily drifted away like a ghost.

"Yeah, sure, I'll talk to you later, Karin. Enjoy your nap!"

Rukia got a murmur as an answer, but at least Karin put in an effort to even reply. The twins' personalities had changed a bit, but their physical appearance had changed a lot, obviously. Yuzu was still innocent, and optimistic, while Karin on the other hand wasn't as bright, and was more laid back, and slightly sarcastic. She still had the tom-boy demeanor though, that much hadn't change. Well, from what Rukia had observed so far.

From outside, dog barks could be heard around the neighborhood, alerting Renji of his forgotten duty, "Damn, I forgot again. That sounds like Maru-chan. No other puppy squeaks like that," The loud red haired teen ran out of the house in a rush and ran off down the street.

Everyone looked outside in curiosity and watched the red haired buffoon run down the street like an idiot chasing after his dog. "Maru-chan! Get the hell back here!"

"Shouldn't we follow him?" Rukia looked back at Ichigo only to find him walking away yawning. He stretched out his arms casually as if he had never heard her. When he went to take another step, he was unexpectedly yanked back by the collar of his shirt and dragged out of the door.

"What the fuck, Rukia?" cursed Ichigo, earning himself a painful pinch.

The said girl cleared her throat and continued walking out of the house, "Inappropriate language."

After walking half way down the street, she finally let go of his shirt. She crossed her arms and frowned at Ichigo, "You really need to shut that sailor mouth of yours, you dumbass. Now we have to find Ren-"

"Oi!" Speak of the devil.

Ichigo and Rukia snapped their heads toward the direction of Renji's voice, only to find a tiny Shiba Inu puppy running towards them. The puppy, "Maru-chan" ran up to Rukia and started jumping up at her, eventually making her tip over.

"Umph!" She fell on her ass for the second time that day. The puppy began licking frantically at her face causing her giggle, which was very "un-Rukia like," at the ticklish sensation and moved the puppy away from her face. She looked down at the small creature's eyes and quickly fell into its cuteness, "Aww! You're adorable! Just not as cute as Chappy," She cooed, hugging him into her chest. The little puppy wagged its little stubby tail in response.

"Maru-chan!" Renji ran up to Rukia, breathing heavily. He looked down at the puppy with a glare. "You. Are. In. Deep shit. If Oba-san found out you escaped, she'll have my head." The pup jumped out of Rukia's grasp and trotted over to him and looked up innocently, "This means no treats, peanut butter, or ice cream for a long time!"

"Aren't you being a little harsh?" asked Rukia, in the puppy's defense.

"No, no I'm not. This little shit here has gotten me into a load of shit, so it's getting what it deserves."

Ichigo, who was on the side, rolled his eyes and yawned loudly. "Wow, Renji… the big strong guy who said he could take on an army of samurai, is now punishing a defenseless puppy because of his own faults as a sucky owner? 'How disgraceful,' says Byakuya."

Rukia glared at Ichigo for making a "Byakuya reference." They -as in Ichigo and Renji- did it all the time when they were young to mock him. They found it hilarious, and probably still did.

"Shut up! This isn't even my puppy to begin with! It's my cousins' puppy, I just take care of it 'cause they're too young to do shit," retorted Renji.

"And?" led Ichigo, raising a brow, unamused.

Renji shrugged, "I don't know? It's not supposed to be my responsibility, and I shouldn't be the one to train it since it isn't mine."

Without him noticing, Rukia took the small shiba puppy out of Renji's hold and started to play with the small creature.

"Renji, you're being an idiot, which isn't new, but-" The Strawberry sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "Why am I even talking to you?

"Because I make sense."

"Yeah, whatever gets you asleep at night."

Rukia coughed and started heading back to the Kurosaki household since this whole ordeal was a major waste of time and she was tired as hell.

After a while since Rukia left, something finally struck Renji, "Where's Maru-chan and Rukia?"

"If you haven't noticed, Rukia took Maru and left awhile ago because you were being a dumbass," Ichigo started walking away with his hands shoved in his pockets casually.

"How was I being a dumbass?"

"I don't know, you just are. And I'm really hungry and I don't have time for this shit. And next time, make sure you don't lose the puppy, I'm not wasting my time again," Ichigo yawned and walked toward his house leaving Renji trailing slowly behind.

Asshole… the day you lose something, I'm not helping you. Not that I help you with anything regularly, but still, thought Renji, looking up at the peachy sky and he walked.

A/N: Oh, and I revised this so it's very different if you've already read it before. I had to make things more clarified since people weren't getting the main idea. '-_-

Please review! Tell me if anyone was OOC!

Revised: 5 fevrier deux mil onze [February 5th, 2011], 28 juin deux mil douze [June 28th, 2012]