RUKIA'S POV

My heart was pounding in my chest as I finally arrived at Ichigo's house. I quickly changed into my human gigai form. I hoped he would be in, I really needed his help, especially as he probably knew Hitsugaya Taichou better than I did. He even referred to him as "Toshiro". I could never do that in a million a deep breath, I knocked loudly on the door. I didn't have to wait long, the door opened almost at once. Kurosaki Isshin stared at me in confusion, probably trying to work out what on earth I was doing at his place.

I quickly plastered my fake smile on my face. "Konichiwa!" I said brightly. "Is Ichigo in?"

Isshin smiled back. "Ah you must be..Rukia, Ichigo's friend?"

I nodded.

He scratched his head sheepishly. "Well he's just gone out on an errand on me with his girlfriend and his school friends Ishida and Chad but he'll be back shortly!"

Girlfriend?

My mouth dropped open in shock. "Girlfriend?"

Isshin sighed happily. "Yes the beautiful gorgeous Inoue Orihime. I've always thought those two made a good couple when they were younger..."

"Dad." Karin suddenly appeared at the door. "Why don't you let Rukia wait in Ichigo's room in the meantime?"

Isshin nodded. "Yes yes of course. Come in!"

Smiling in gratitude, I warily stepped into the Kurosaki residence. I hadn't been set foot in Ichigo's house for so long yet nothing seemed to have change. The hallway was still as bright and sunny as usual. I could still see the picture of Ichigo's mother hanging in its usual Karin up to Ichigo's room, I was startled at the sudden change. There were photographs everywhere. However, I couldn't help but be drawn to the big photo in the centre of the room. It was a picture of Ichigo, Inoue, Renji and I. Smiling softly, I reached out and affectionately stroked the photo of Renji's cheek. Even as in a photograph, he still managed to look beautiful in my eyes.

"Do you love him?" Karin spoke up.

I jumped startled. I hadn't realised she was still in the room. I turned to her, still smiling. There was no point lying or denying my feelings any longer.

"Yes." I said softly. "He's dead now."

I nearly laughed at the expression on her face. For a moment her eyes had a mingled look of surprise, embarrassment and fear. She flinched and kept her eyes lowered. I didn't expect her to able to understand. No one did, no matter how hard they tried. Only my zanpaktou understood but she was basically Me.

"I'm sorry." She said quietly.

I turned away from her, feeling the frustration build up inside me again. I wasn't in the mood for sympathy or pity right now. I began to wish that I hadn't mentioned the fact that Renji was dead.

I let out a long deep sigh. "Do you want something?" I made no effort to mask the cold, bitter tone of my voice.

There was a momentary pause.

"You're...a Shinigami am I right?"

My reaction was immediate. I swiftly turned around to face her, a lump in my throat.

"What-"

Karin held up a hand to stop me. "Please don't tell me I'm wrong Rukia. Ichigo's my brother, why wouldn't I know? I know a few shinigami besides you."

With a sigh, I sat down on Ichigo's bed, feeling it sag under the weight. I suddenly noticed the absence of Kon. It was strange not seeing him come flying towards me. He's probably with Ichigo I thought to myself.

"I'm on a mission." I told Karin as she sat beside me. "With another shinigami."

Karin leaned forward, interested. "What's their name?"

I hesitated in replying but before I could open my mouth, I heard a loud yell downstairs.

Karin stood up. "Looks like Ichigo's back. I'll talk to you later okay?"

I nodded numbly, feeling a flower of happiness and relief bloom inside me. Ichigo's back. Inoue, Chad, Ishida..I'll get to see them all again.

KARIN'S POV

As I walked out of the room, I gave her an encouraging smile. She barely acknowledged me at all. When I told Ichigo was back, a true smile lit up her features. Her eyes that had seemed dead and dull were much brighter. Yet I could tell she was still hurting, from being in love with that guy.

There was only one guy that filled my mind, a guy with white hair and emerald eyes...

"Toshiro." I whispered. "Why?"

ICHIGO'S POV

I watched as Inoue ran up the stairs like a mad woman. I couldn't help but smile affectionately. Ever since Dad had let slip that Rukia was waiting, Inoue couldn't wait to see her. To be honest, I was looking forward to seeing her myself. It had been six weeks since I had seen her last. She would never stop crying about Renji, the guilt she'd felt as she couldn't save his life.

I snorted dismissively. As if she could. This was Aizen, not some average hollow.

I pushed the door open with Ishida, Chad and Kon in tow to see Inoue chatting to Rukia.

Their chatter stopped as we entered the room.

I grinned. "Hey midget. Long time no see."

She smiled back. "Hey dumbass."

I groaned, sitting next to Inoue. "Some habits never change."

Inoue turned and smiled at me, leaning her head against my shoulder. I felt my heart beat wildly at her beautiful smile. She was just so beautiful, lighting up my world with her smile with her personality, with her presence. I took her hand and stroked it, kissing her on the forehead. Times like these, I felt like the luckiest guy in the world.

A/N Apologies for changing POV's all the time guys! :(

RUKIA'S POV

Looking at the affection Ichigo and Inoue were displaying towards each other, I felt a slight twinge of guilty in my stomach that I had not told Renji sooner. People always said that time heals all wounds, but this wound seemed to never heal. It was always there, a painful reminder of what I had lost.

"It's good to have you back with us Kuchiki San."

I looked up in surprise and realised that Ishida was speaking to me. Chad nodded alongside him without comment.

"Arigato." I thanked him.

An awkward silence descended on the group of us and I twiddled my hair while desperately trying to think of something to say. To my relief, Chad eventually spoke up.

"How long are you going to be here for?"

"3 days." I told him quietly. "Today's my second."

Ishida stood up. "Well my sewing class is starting soon and I have to go."

Chad nodded. "I have to go to. It's a shame you can't stay longer with us Kuchiki San."

I gave the two guys a quick smile. Watching them walk away, I felt a sense of relief. I had never really been that close to Ishida and Chad. It was probably quite awkward for them to even start a conversation with me.

I turned to Ichigo and Inoue. "So what I have missed? Excluding the fact that you two got together." I added with a smirk.

ORIHIME'S POV

"Rukia Chan!" I protested, feeling my cheeks grow warm.

I quickly glanced at Ichigo, whose expression seemed to mirror mine. Before I could say anything further, a song started playing.

Closed off from love I didn't need the pain,

Once twice was enough and it was all in vain,

time passes and before you know it it's frozen

"Shimatta!" I yelped. "That's my phone!"

I couldn't believe I still had that ringtone! I had listened to it once and realised how it mirrored my feelings for Ichigo. Quickly, I snapped my phone open and realised Tatsuki was calling me.

"Tatsuki Chan!" I smiled. "What's up?"

I heard her curious voice. "Orihime, where are you? I thought you were coming to mine remember?"

My face drooped. Of course, I was meant to go to Tatsuki Chan's house.. "Ah gommenesai I forgot..."

"Well just come as you soon as you can!" She told me.

"Hai! See you there!" I grinned, snapping my phone shut.

I brushed a strand out of my hair and smiled apologetically to Rukia and Ichigo.

"Gomen, I'm meant to go over to Tatsuki's now..."

"It's fine." Rukia quickly said. "You don't have to worry about me Orihime."

I sighed wistfully. "I wish you could stay longer..."

Ichigo stood up immediately, a smile so charming and gently which only made my heart beat faster. "I'll walk you to the door."

I waved my hands frantically. "No no you don't need to do that!"

He clasped my hand firmly in his. "I insist."

I felt my cheeks flush, as I could see Rukia desperately try and hold in her laughter. It must be strange for her to see Ichigo acting like such a gentleman I thought.

Walking out of the door, he suddenly pushed me against the wall. Feeling my face grow redder by the minute, I stared at him in shock as he slowly leaned forward to kiss me softly. However, before I could fully enjoy the kiss, he pulled back and grinned that charming grin which always made my heart beat all the more faster.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" He whispered teasingly.

I didn't care what he thought at the moment. All I knew at the moment was that I wanted more. This time, it was my turn to smile as I roughly grabbed the back of his head, and pulled him towards me in a long and deep kiss. As I pulled away from him, he looked shocked that I done such a daring move.

"Ori..hime." He whispered.

He leaned forward once more to kiss me, but this time I stopped him with my finger on his lips.

I shook my head disapprovingly. "Uh huh! You don't want to make me late do you?"

He stepped back, looking disappointed. "Yeah I guess. Sorry, I got carried away..."

I kissed his cheek and smiled at him. "I'll see you tomorrow."

I could still feel his eyes on me as I walked out of the door. I felt a huge grin form on my face thinking back to that beautiful kiss. I couldn't wait to tell Tatsuki Chan what had happened back then. I sighed wistfully to myself. My mind drifted back to that song as I skipped along happily in a daze.

Doing all I can do, just to be close to you

Every time that we meet,

I skip a heartbeat...


RUKIA'S POV

Sitting on the bed and looking around the room, I realised that I hadn't felt this happy for a long time. I felt at home. The sun was streaming in and for once, my mood matched the sunny weather. I could feel a smirk tugging on my lips as I wondered how long it would take Ichigo and Inoue to say their goodbyes. Yet I felt a sense of sadness as well, knowing that I never did that with Renji. I looked up to see Ichigo walk in and sit next to you.

"Well that took you long enough." I giggled.

"Shut up." He muttered. "Aren't I allowed to say goodbye to my girlfriend?"

Girlfriend. I wondered how long he had wanted to say that for.

"When did you start liking her anyway?" I asked curiously.

Ichigo furrowed his eyebrows and shrugged, looking away.

"I don't know." He said quietly. "It's just that...well...I.." He turned to look me in the eyes. "I used to like you."

I used to like you...

I stared at him in shock, my mouth slightly wide open. There seemed to be so many questions screaming in my head at once. How?When?Why? Everyone had constantly told me that me and Ichigo made a good couple and I had laughed at them. Once again, I felt like an idiot, never noticing anyone else's feelings.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know..." I trailed off.

"Don't be." Ichigo sighed and leaned back. "At first, you were just a friend. It was when you left then I realised how much you meant to me."

"With Renji and Ni Sama?" I questioned.

"Hai." Ichigo nodded. "It was like, I couldn't function properly. I had to save you. I needed you. Inoue helped me a lot actually, she understood what I was going through. Even when I didn't understand what she was going through..."

At his words, I felt myself being consumed with guilt. I couldn't believe I had been so ignorant, so assuming that no one would think I had any worth or value in life.

"Ichigo, did I hurt you when I said I was staying behind in Soul Society?" I asked quietly.

"Hey stop worrying Rukia!" Ichigo suddenly look irritated. "What's past is past alright?"

I quickly forced a smile onto my face. He was right, I shouldn't be worrying and should be concentrating on the future.

"Yeah..."

"I started getting feelings for Inoue that were on and off when you came back." Ichigo said after a moment. "But I think what really hit me was when she was captured."

I felt myself drift back to the time when Ukitake Taichou had broken the terrible news to us.

A/N : This is a flashback with the exact words from the manga excluding Rukia's thoughts and the descriptions:)

"Because I was the last person to see Inoue Orihime before she entered the Senkaimon."

Hitsugaya, Ichigo and I were stunned into silence. How could this be true? Listening to Ukitake Taichou's words it was horrible to believe.

Ukitake Taichou's eyes narrowed. "Judging from your reaction, she didn't make it over there."

Ichigo stepped forward. "What's going on Ukitake San? Where did Inoue disappear to? You guys know something don't you?"

I was amazed how he could be so informal with Ukitake Taichou and attack with him endless questions. To my surprise, Ukitake Taichou answered.

"I'll tell you what we think."

The rest of us leaned forward curious.

"The two guards that passed through the Senkaimon with her returning alive, according to them....they think that Inoue Orihime was either abducted or..has already been killed by the Arrancar."

The look on Ichigo's face was of pure shock. He looks like he can't cope, I thought to myself. What Ukitake Taichou is telling him, is killing him inside.I couldn't control myself any longer. How could Inoue be dead. After all, she was my nakama too.

"Ukitake Taichou!" I yelled.

"Seems like..you remember it huh?"

Snapping myself out of my daydream, I looked up to see Ichigo with a sad smile on his face. Wearingly, I put my head in my hands. Suddenly, I felt sick. I felt sick to the stomach, sick at heart, sick of everything. I just wanted life to be back the way it was, where everyone was alive and together again, happy and free.

"I'm just plain tired Ichigo." I said quietly. "I don't know what I want anymore."

I felt rather than I saw him nod. "Solo mission is it?"

I smiled in relief, glad to have a change of subject. "No I've been paired up with Hitsugaya..Taichou."

I frowned in annoyance at my attitude. Why did I find it harder to call Hitsugaya by his proper title. Why the hell was I being so informal? It was so unlike me! Yet Ichigo didn't seem to notice my distress. On the contrary, a smirk arose to his lips. Standing up, he walked over to the door and pushed it slightly ajar.

"Karin likes Toshiro don't you Karin?" He said loudly.

I shook my head smiling. It was wrong of him to tease his sister like that. At once, the door flung open to reveal a very pissed off Karin with her hands on her hips, her face flushed a dark shade of pink.

"Ichi Nii!" She complained. "Expose my secrets to the whole world why don't you?"

Sighing, I got up. "Well if you like him so much why don't you come with me to see him?"

Karin's eyes brightened immediately. "R-really?" She stammered. "Could you? That would be g-great!"

Grinning, I waved to Ichigo. "See you Ichigo."

He smiled back. "Later Rukia."

Walking out of the Kurosaki residence with Karin, I turned to her to find out what everyone so attractive in this grumpy Taichou I was working with.

"So," I smiled. "What do you like about him then?"

A/N : Note! I HATEHATEHATE LOATHE DESPISE HitsuKarin! Worst couple ever! However, I do think it's likely she would develop a crush on him not that he will XD

Karin paused. "Well, he's so grumpy but he makes me laugh. He's really...cute. I love his eyes and his expressions, everything I guess."

She looked at me questionably. "Does he like anyone at the moment?"

I couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. "Huh! I bet he does but he won't tell me so."

She stopped in her steps to look at me carefully. "Rukia?" She whispered.

I felt tears prick the corners of my eyes. "Gommenesai." I bowed my head. "It's just that we...had a fight. I love Renji and he told me to forget about him so I challenged his love for this girl called Hinamori. They were both killed."

Suddenly, Karin hugged me. Surprised, I hugged her back awkwardly. I really wasn't used to showing such bouts of affection to others.

"I don't think he's angry at you." She said quietly. "I think he's angry at himself, he probably loves this girl.." She let out a hollow laugh. "Much as this pains me to admit it, he does love her, yet he's..probably sorry for what he's done."

I smiled at her gratefully. "He did apologise this morning." I admitted.

"See?" She grinned at me. "Look there is! So get your ass over there Rukia!"

I giggled to myself. Times like this, she reminded me of Ichigo. I guess that's what they really mean when they say siblings can be alike I thought to myself. Karin was already bounding over to meet Hitsugaya. I felt a pang of sadness for the girl. I knew Hitsugaya wouldn't like her yet she only tried to make him happy. Her arms flung around his body and I nearly burst out laughing at the shocked look on his face. It must be pretty awkward for him.

"Well I'll guess I'll see you later Toshiro ne?" She smiled cheerfully as she walked away.

"What have I told you? For the last time it's Hitsugaya Taichou!" He yelled after her.

I stared at him strangely. Why did he tell me that he liked it when I was informal with him? That made no sense if he was always stressing for formalities. I watched Karin laugh and walk away.

He scratched his head. "Don't know what's up with her."

A mischievous grin formed on my face. Why the hell were guys always this dense? Mind you I could talk. Hell, I didn't even know Ichigo used to like me, let alone Renji liking me until he basically admitted it.

"Come on! She likes you."

He shook his head. "Well she's got a long wait." His expression turned serious. "Rukia, about last night, I need to talk to you."

I stared at him. "Why are you being so informal Hitsugaya?"

"I could say the same to you." He challenged.

Before I could open my mouth to retort, I felt a sudden dramatic change of reiatsu in the air. Quickly, I changed back into my shinigami uniform like he did. My blood ran cold. I knew who's reiatsu this was, I'd faced it before. Why had they come? I thought they were dormant, never to arise again.

"Long time no see Shinigami!"

I turned around and gasped.

"Y-you..."

TO BE CONTINUED....

Mwhaha I'm so evil! OMGGG THAT'S LONG! Actually I'm not using a beta reader anymore! Can't be arsed lolz. This took toooo longgg. Sorry, this is probably the way it's going to work from now on! Long updates and waits!

=]

PLEASE PLEASE READ & REVIEW! I WORKED REALLY HARD ON THIS!