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Chapter 4: Don't Cry No More

Rukia pushed Ichigo back and ran out the door. Ichigo stood back and was kinda in shock.

"Sir, your drinks."

Ichigo looked over at the man behind the counter, "Oh yeah." He pulled out his wallet and paid the man then went out the door and saw Rukia with Orihime pinned up against the wall and Orihime with tears rolling down her face. Ichigo stayed back and just listened to the conversation.

"Orihime, listen to me! I know this is hard to understand, but I love Ichigo and he loves me. I know you love him too, but he sees you as the very best of his best friends and he never ever wants to lose you." Rukia explained.

Orihime choked a little and rubbed her eyes. Still sniffling and crying, but trying to force a smile, "I know Kuchiki-kun. I've known since Ichigo first saw you at school that he loved you, I just thought..." She choked up again and began to cry. Rukia hugged her and patted her until she settled down. "I'm sorry Kuchiki-kun, I'm so selfish!"

"No, no Orihime, you're not. It's okay to fall in love, it just hurts sometimes. Especially when they don't love you back. Trust me, I know." Rukia thought to her self, "Nii-sama never loved me." "It will be alright Orihime. Do you want me to walk you home?"

"No it's okay Rukia. I can walk myself home." Orihime insisted.

"You sure?" Rukia asked again.

"Oh yeah, it's fine. You and Ichigo enjoy your day!" She put on a big smile and skipped away.

Rukia rubbed her head. I'll never understand that girl.

"How'd things go?"

Rukia jumped, startled by Ichigo's voice. "To tell the truth, not too good. She's hurt Ichigo, real bad. You should talk to her tomorrow. Not today though, she needs some time to regroup.

"Yeah I understand." Ichigo said handing Rukia's hot chocolate to her.

Rukia took a sip, "Shall we go home?"

Ichigo began to walk and Rukia grabbed onto his hand and began to walk with him.

By the time they got home, it was dark. Rukia snuck around the house and went into Ichigo's room through the window. For Ichigo getting to his room wasn't quite as easy. He walked through the door and took off his shoes.

"And where have you been Ichigo?" Yuzu demanded tapping her foot.

"Chill out Yuzu. I just went to go get some coffee with Rukia."

"Well you could have called letting someone know you'd be home late. Me, Karin, and Dad are all going out to dinner since I didn't prepare anything waiting on you and now it'd be too late if I start it now. You coming?"

"Uh... no, I'm tired. I had a long day, would it be alright if I just stay?"

Isshin walked in and slapped Ichigo on the back. "Of course you can stay. Wouldn't want to drag a teenager out of his house when he doesn't want to. Leads to rebellion and that's the last thing I need from you Ichigo!"

"Alright, alright, how about you guys get out of here," Ichigo said.

"We're heading out right now, we won't be home til late, we're gunna watch a movie afterwards. Bye Ichi!"

They all left and Ichigo smiled. He went up stairs to find no one there.

"Rukia? Rukia? Where did she go?" He looked out his window and by this time, it began to snow. He peeked up onto his roof and saw Rukia with her knees pulled up to her chin wearing a tank top and shorts and pajamas. She looked like she was freezing. Ichigo grabbed a blanket and went up on the roof and wrapped Rukia up in a blanket and put her in his lap. She leaned back on him and began to cry.

"What's the matter Rukia?" Ichigo asked.

"Don't you feel horrible to break poor Orihime's heart?"

"Of course I do, but I can't choose who I love. I love your Rukia and that's all that matters."

He picked up her chin and went to kiss her, but she turned her head. I don't see how you can be happy with yourself right now. Orihime's somewhere heart broken and all you can care about is me."

"Rukia, I can't help it. How many times do I have to say it. I love you! I'm going to talk to Orihime tomorrow and work something out. I love Orihime, but nothing like I love you. Orihime's been like my sister. He hugged Rukia once again and Rukia looked up at him.

"I love you too Ichigo," and she kissed him passionately.