Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.

Note: If you got an email with a Ch.4 and Ch.5 uploaded, I had to upload chapter 4 again, and for some reason it said ch.5. Sorry if that confused anyone.

Alright guys, sorry for the rather late update. I've been busy and tired all the time, and I honestly didn't like writing this chapter, simply because it wouldn't come out for some reason the way I wanted it to. So I apologize for taking so friggin long, and hope that you somewhat enjoy this. I didn't edit this either, so there's probably mistakes.

Unprepared Battles

IV Brotherly Love

"So Rukia-san, have you decided yet?" Rangiku Matsumoto asked, her curious eyes never ceasing to make Rukia completely suspicious of her motives. Matsumoto had always been like that though. She tried to look innocent with her questions, but Rukia learned to read through the woman, especially when it came to trying to learn some good gossip.

"Decided?" Rukia asked back, confused about the question. There were a lot of things Rukia needed to decide on at the moment.

"On what you're going to name the baby!" Matsumoto replied, clasping her hands together in an all too optimistic way. Rukia looked away in order to hide her ridiculous blush.

"No Matsumoto-san, we haven't." Rukia replied embarrassed. Ichigo and Rukia finally caved in, and took Unohana's advice from a month ago when Rukia fainted. It was a good thing they did, because people took it much better than Ichigo and Rukia had thought.

Apparently, nobody was too surprised.

There were a few shocks and awes from other captains, and even a few vice captains that didn't know Rukia so well, but generally, most people were more excited, which gave Rukia a good vibe. Of course every female that Rukia encountered nearly hugged the girl to death. "When are you expecting? When is the baby shower? How is Ichigo taking it? He is the father right?"

All those previous questions drove Rukia insane, and it didn't help since she was already carrying another person. Though practically everyone in Soul Society knew of Rukia's pregnancy, there was still one part of their family that still didn't know the news. Rukia almost shuddered at picturing a very over the top Isshin, who would more than likely say something having to do with sex, making the tension extremely awkward. It wasn't per say anything new to Ichigo and Rukia, who got crap from Isshin all the time, it was just that for once in their life, Isshin would be correct on probably what ever sex topic he would bring up.

"Are you alright Rukia-san?" Matsumoto asked, placing a light hand on Rukia's shoulder. Rukia, who was staring down at her stomach, snapped her head up. Things had calmed down a little bit with the news, but still, people like Matsumoto, who found it a necessity to get every ounce of drama there was, didn't help Rukia's already exhausted body.

"Yes I'm fine. I just need to go home and rest." Rukia replied. She liked Matsumoto a lot. The woman was friendly, and gave really well advice for someone who liked to go drink often, but sometimes Matsumoto put too much effort into finding out the tiniest of details just so she would have something good to talk about to other people.

"If you ever need anything, don't hesitate in asking ok?" Matsumoto asked. Rukia smiled politely at the busty woman, and nodded her head. Rukia wanted to go home, and see Ichigo.

For a woman that was pregnant, she hardly ever got the pleasure of sitting and relaxing with Ichigo. It's not like there were very many relaxing moments in their lives, considering what they had both gone through, but it was nice to take a small break away from reality.

Rukia sighed. At her point with her pregnancy, that was almost impossible. Ichigo was busy being a full-time captain, and Rukia was busy being (thought she hated to admit it) a part-time vice captain. After the third time of fainting at work, Ukitake demanded that Rukia take the time she needed off. It really frustrated her of all people, who needed to work, and get things done. Honestly, Rukia didn't mind all the paperwork too much, and besides, it gave her a nice stretch outside her house. She knew she was grateful though, because Rukia just kept getting more and more exhausted, and she wasn't even halfway through.

She walked home slowly, looking away from a few people walking by, and not being able to help but notice that they stared directly at her stomach. Rukia was showing, no ifs or buts about it. No, she wasn't huge, but hiding her pregnancy didn't have a point anymore.

Matsumoto's question popped back into her head.

"On what you're going to name the baby!"

Rukia closed her eyes, remembering the words clearly. She brought her arms around her chest when some cold wind blew by, and took it as a bad omen when dark clouds were forming above her.

Rain after all, was never a good sign for a Kurosaki.

Sighing didn't help anything, but Rukia kept on walking, hoping that she would beat the rain to her house, or perhaps that the rain wouldn't even fall. Rain falling would not be good.

Thinking of Matsumoto's question for the third time, Rukia started to wonder about things. What were they going to name their child? What gender would their child even be? Unohana said they could determine the gender at five months, and Rukia and Ichigo both decided they would find out. Knowing the gender before hand could help with the naming problem, the baby shower gift from others problem, and everything that helped with having a baby.

Thinking about a baby shower scared Rukia again.

It made her realize that Ichigo and Rukia were having a baby, no matter what way they look at it. It made Rukia extremely nervous. Would she be a good mother? What if their child hated her?

Rukia shook her head. Why was she even thinking about such things? She had Ichigo after all, and she knew that even though he could be reckless and go head first into situations, that he would be a great father, just like he was as her husband.

A grin formed on her face, but it fell when a huge drop of water smacked into her eye. Cursing in annoyance, Rukia wiped her eye quickly, not liking the wet substance that touched it. And soon, more and more rain drops fell, cascading down the darkened sky above her. The sweet thoughts of Ichigo died down, and her mind filled with deep irritation. Seeing no other way around it, Rukia picked up her speed, and wished she had an umbrella.

Running made Rukia tired and quickly, but she figured since she was going home, and was already exhausted, that she would survive.

Ichigo was in a pretty cranky mood.

He'd learned some news from Yamamoto that quite frankly did not make him happy. Yes, Ichigo knew it was his duty to follow Yamamoto, and be an example to those younger than him (even though technically he was younger than almost everyone in Seireitei), but honestly, Ichigo was just about ready to argue back.

There was a stupid mission.

And not just any dandy little mission, a week long one. Usually Ichigo's missions lasted for several days, and it was to investigate anything abnormal in the human world, which a weak idiot from fourth division could do, but no, he was going on a one week scavenger hunt to find a runaway idiot prisoner who didn't pose any sort of threat to the human world or Soul Society.

It just really pissed him off, because the timing was horrible. Being away from Rukia more than just a few days nearly killed him with her pregnancy and all.

Matters only became when worse when Ichigo stepped out of his division to find it pouring down with rain. It was a little early for him to be going home, but since he was leaving in the morning, he wanted to try and stay with Rukia for as long as he could. Rukia knew he had duties as a captain, so she wouldn't ever be angry at him. She herself was often busy with work, but still, Rukia carrying another person made everything different. Ichigo wanted to be responsible after all, as did Rukia.

Deciding it was raining too hard, Ichigo used flash step to get home. He still got soaked in rain, but it beat being miserable all the way home, since it took five seconds to get home instead of ten minutes.

Ichigo walked into his house quickly, stepping into the bathroom downstairs to get a towel. Rukia wouldn't be happy if he trailed all the way upstairs soaking wet. He rubbed his orange and spiky head, trying to stop the dripping, and tried drying the rest as best as he could. Feeling dry enough, Ichigo began moving upstairs, where he knew Rukia was. He was surprised when he saw some water on the ground.

"That idiot." Ichigo mumbled glaring at the floor, and back at the direction Rukia was in. Why didn't she clean up the floor? What excuse did she have, minus the fact that she was pregnant? He supposed he ought to give her some slack, and ignore for once that Rukia was being very hypocritical. Besides, he didn't want to start an argument with her anyways, though it was very tempting…

"Oi Rukia?" Ichigo asked as he barged into their bedroom. His expression dropped when he saw Rukia standing next to the bathroom door, soaking wet, only wearing her bra and underwear. He only looked at her, and then at her stomach. Rukia quickly moved into the bathroom and closed the door following.

Ichigo sighed deeply.

"What are you doing Rukia?" Ichigo asked against the doorway.

"I'm just taking a bath." Rukia replied. Yes, taking a bath did sound good, but not alone of course. Ichigo really wanted to join his wife, but because of Rukia's odd behavior, he figured Rukia would push him away.

Ever since her stomach had really begun to show, Rukia got nervous about Ichigo looking at her. He didn't know why it made her nervous, because he expected her stomach to grow (even if she was tiny).

"I'm comin in Rukia." Ichigo demanded, and began turning the door knob.

"Ichigo!" Rukia barked back, but Ichigo ignored her words and opened the door and stepped inside. Her towel was wrapped around her body, and she looked as flustered as ever.

"Why have you been acting like this Rukia?" Ichigo asked. Did she think she looked…fat or something? Because of her bulging stomach?

"Please Ichigo, I just want to take a bath, and then we can talk ok?" Rukia asked, placing a hand on Ichigo's damp shoulder. Ichigo smacked it off.

"I'm not leaving this bathroom until you tell me what the hell is wrong." Ichigo replied sharply, trying his best to form a hard glare. Rukia looked upset for a moment, but dropped her gaze, sighing deeply.

"Why are you so stubborn Ichigo? Why can't you just leave and let me take a bath?"

"Why can't I be in here while you take a bath?"

Rukia crossed her arms over her chest. "Can't I get a little privacy? Stop sounding so perverted."

"I'm not being perverted you midget. I want you to get over what problem you have of me seeing you without any clothes on, which I have seen many many times before."

"But —" Rukia paused, dropping her head. Ichigo moved a hand to her shoulder.

"Why does it bother you?" He said in a softer voice. Rukia lifted her head again.

"I hate how I look right now, and I don't want you to see me like this." Rukia replied.

"That's not like you at all Rukia. Don't act so shallow." Ichigo replied. She didn't want him to see her because of how she looked? So did she think she was fat?

"I'm not acting shallow! I'm just…embarrassed is all. You obviously wouldn't understand."

Ichigo fought yet another sigh. Rukia was acting ridiculous. Why did she care so much? It would only bother her more as her stomach grew, and he knew it would. So, not caring if got slapped in the face or not, he took the cloth of her towel in his hand.

Rukia who obviously sensed what he was doing, did her best to block his hand so he wouldn't pull the towel off. It did no good since Ichigo's hand was grasped tightly on it, and he began pulling. Rukia tried slapping his hand away, but it did no good.

"What are you doing?" She shrieked.

"Getting you over your stupid fear." He replied, making a final yank of the towel. It worked as he thought it would, leaving a pregnant and at the moment naked Rukia defenseless. Ichigo knew he was going to pay dearly for his move, but he didn't care. If Rukia was all worked up over something so small and insignificant, then he'd help her get over it quickly.

Ichigo didn't let his eyes drop as he stared at Rukia's face. Her eyes were on fire, and for the first time since her pregnancy, Ichigo was pretty sure he'd pissed her off to the extreme.

"Is this what you want to see Ichigo?" Rukia asked in a soft yet threatening voice.

"Rukia, stop being an idiot. I'm looking at you right now, and there is nothing wrong or weird about how you look."

"Get out of the bathroom, now." Rukia demanded.

Ichigo made no motion to move.

"I'm warning you." Rukia said coldly. When Ichigo still didn't budge, Rukia pushed him continuously until he was out of the bathroom. Ichigo stumbled in his bedroom, and nearly fell over the blanket that was lying on the floor. He sighed when the door slammed behind, and a clicking sound was made.

Ichigo scratched his head. "Why didn't she just lock it in the first place if she didn't want me to come in?" He mumbled. Shrugging his shoulders, still shocked Rukia was acting the way she was; he headed down stairs, hoping that Rukia would feel better after her hot bath.

An hour passed, and Ichigo didn't get much accomplished. He had to send a few messages to some subordinates in his division, but he was bad at sending messages with the hell butterflies. They were picky little devils. Ichigo turned his head around when he heard footsteps coming from the stairs.

"Who are you sending messages to?" Rukia asked from behind. Ichigo turned so he could greet his wife. She looked…much better, or better yet, much less angry, from before. It was a relief to see the much more clear expression on the petite woman's face, instead of the grouchiness, and irritation that had been there even before Ichigo had said a word to her.

The baby needed to come, and soon.

"Oh, just some people in my division. Feel better now?" Ichigo asked, hoping Rukia wouldn't take it the wrong way. Her mood swings had worsened over the past few weeks, but just like everything else Unohana told Ichigo about, mood swings went along with it. Still, Ichigo didn't like seeing Rukia so upset because of her stomach, which was a natural thing. It wasn't that Ichigo wanted to stare at her with nothing on (though the thought did cross his mind from time to time); he just wanted Rukia to feel normal in her own skin. Rukia wasn't one to get all self-conscious about herself, at least in Soul Society, so he wanted to stop what ever was bothering her before it really became a stupid problem.

After Rukia sat next to him on the couch, she leaned her head onto his shoulder. "Yes, I feel much better now. I guess I just needed to take a bath."

"Yah, I guess you did." Ichigo replied. A silence formed, but only because Ichigo quickly remembered what he had to tell Rukia.

"I got called to a mission."

Rukia leaned her head off of Ichigo's shoulder so she could look at his face.

"How long?" She asked. Ichigo frowned and looked away.

"A week." He replied as calmly as possible. It was never easy telling her about his missions, especially then. Rukia slowly nodded her head, and Ichigo could see the tension in her expression.

"That's a long time. When do you leave?" Rukia asked, looking back up at his face. Ichigo gave her a glance, and then looked away again.

"Early tomorrow morning. Kenpachi and Hitsugaya will be joining me."

Rukia smirked. "You haven't gone on such a long mission in a while." Rukia replied. Ichigo sighed.

"Yah, a week isn't that long, but I guess for you and me right now it is."

"I've never been away from you for so long, well I mean since the pregnancy has began."

"I know, and I was pretty worried about it. I can't just leave you here all alone by yourself. There are hollows that could attack, and you can't fight as well as usual because of your pregnancy."

"I can fight just fine Ichigo." Rukia muttered back, giving Ichigo a hard glare. Ichigo shook his head.

"Either way, I've found a solution to the problem, even though I don't like it very much."

Rukia chuckled. "What, am I going to be staying with Matsumoto or something?" Rukia asked sarcastically.

Ichigo grinned back at her, though it was bittersweet. "Even better, your brother."

It was the third night at the Kuchiki mansion, and honestly, Rukia was losing her cool. Byakuya did not let her go anywhere, let alone to use the freaking bathroom, which she did need every so often. A maid escorted her everywhere she went, and even had to stay in her room when she slept. Even Ichigo wasn't that overprotective! The conversation she had with Ichigo three days previously replayed in her mind.

"Nii-sama? Why am I staying with Nii-sama?" Rukia demanded. Ichigo rubbed a hand through his hair.

"Well, Byakuya was there when the mission was announced by Yamamoto, so he knew I wasn't going to be home, and so he demanded that you stay with him. I didn't like it at all at first, but I figured if there was anyone other than me to take good care of you, it would be him, so I decided upon it."

"And you did this all without my consent?" Rukia barked back. Ichigo paused for a moment, looking for the right solution she supposed. He had already ticked her off that day, and he was pushing his buttons again already.

"Look, it wasn't ever a choice for me. Byakuya demanded his offer and I said yes. Can you just do this please? It will only be for a week, and I'm sure it won't be all that bad. I won't be able to focus if I don't know that you aren't absolutely safe, and the only person I see assuring me is Byakuya."

Rukia agreed to stay with Byakuya, because she knew that Ichigo could easily distracted, and didn't want him getting hurt because she chose not to stay with her strict and berating brother. It had been five very long and agonizing days. Rukia never knew she could miss Ichigo so much. She had been acting a little out of it the day before he left, with the whole "don't look at me because I'm fat" incident. Rukia felt guilty for beating him up like that, and she felt really dumb. The only real difference in Rukia's appearance was her stomach, and that her chest had grown, a lot actually. That would only make Ichigo…happy right?

She sighed in her large and luxurious bed, wanting the much small and cozy futon she shared with her husband. Byakuya had been kind to her in a lot of ways, but he just didn't seem to understand that Rukia was pregnant, not a five year old child who needed constant monitoring. Then again to Byakuya Rukia probably seemed like a five year old. Who knows how much older than her he really was.

A maid quickly came to Rukia's room telling Rukia that dinner was ready. She nodded, stood from her bed, and walked out of the room. Rukia started to get aggravated when the maid that had called her for dinner and the maid that was with her 24/7 made her take slow baby steps down the stairs. There hadn't been one time since her pregnancy that Rukia had gotten close to tripping, or hitting the ground in any shape or form, not that Rukia wanted to jinx it.

Byakuya was sitting at the beautiful dining table, napkin folded neatly in his lap, and back propped up nice and…properly. Rukia knew she was adopted as a Kuchiki and all, but still, even she had her limits to how she acted. Good thing her name was changed to Kurosaki.

"How are you this evening?" Byakuya asked when Rukia sat down in her seat as nicely as possible. Her stomach nearly hit the table due to how close she was when she sat down. Byakuya did not seem to notice, but she doubted he didn't miss it. Byakuya was a master at catching the unknown, hence the whole 'Byakuya knew that Rukia was pregnant before Ichigo incident'.

"Just fine." Rukia replied softly. For some reason, Rukia was never able to speak loudly to her brother. Maybe it was how tense she felt around him, or perhaps it felt disrespectful to speak otherwise, but Rukia tried to talk with kindness and politeness.

"I hope you've found my home to your liking, though you never had a problem with it when you used to live here." Byakuya stated. Rukia caught his hint. Byakuya was never pleased with Rukia moving out of his estate, but Rukia knew Ichigo would probably lose it if he had to live in the same home as her brother.

"Yes, it's been very hospitable as it always was, but I do miss my home." Rukia replied. She hated sounding so proper in front of him, and she thought of Ichigo once again. Five days was a long time for them now-a-days.

"Kurosaki will be home soon enough." Byakuya replied, taking an elegant bite of his dinner. Rukia copied, using her best effort to make it look worth while.

Her eyes suddenly widened when she tasted the food, and was not close to being satisfied. Rukia looked down at her plate in disbelief, not understanding how wonderfully cooked shrimp could not hit her taste buds the right way, but then Rukia understood why she didn't want the shrimp.

Because she wanted something else.

Something nitpicky, something that Kuchiki Byakuya probably didn't have.

A food craving, and a bad one.

"Oh no." Rukia thought. She could feel it coming, the luscious picture of it in her mind, juicy and delicious.

"Is something wrong?" Byakuya asked. Rukia lifted her head to see Byakuya glancing at her uncaringly. Rukia whipped her head back down to her plate.

"Well, you see." Rukia began to mumble. Nothing could stop the power of a food craving, nothing. She looked back at her brother again to see his gaze still upon her.

"Look, Nii-sama, this food is delicious really, but you see, I'm sort of craving something right now."

Byakuya dropped his napkin, his expression never dropping. "Unohana-san warned me of this, so what would you like?" He asked. Rukia bit her lip. It looked like Byakuya had done some studying on a pregnant woman, and it did help.

Too bad her craving was…a long stretch, literally, a long stretch.

"A cheeseburger." Rukia replied quickly. Byakuya clapped his hands and a maid approached.

"Yes Kuchiki-sama?" The maid asked.

"Please tell the chef to make a cheeseburger—"

"No Nii-sama, you don't understand. I-I want a cheeseburger from McDonalds."

"And where is McDonalds?" Byakuya asked. Rukia looked down again.

"The human world."

Ichigo was a pretty happy camper.

The mission had been a complete success, as they quickly found the prisoner who escaped, along with some other smugglers from Soul Society who had been on the wanted list. It was pretty rewarding to accomplish something, especially when things were completed a day early. Ichigo had been away from Rukia for six entire days, and he was really relieved to go home to her.

"Good job Kurosaki. Hopefully the next mission will be successful like this one." Hitsugaya complimented, though is eyes looked duller than usual.

"Come to my division soon Kurosaki. My men need to see how a real captain fights!" Kenpachi called as he walked away. Ichigo waved to them both and turned towards the Kuchiki mansion. He hadn't told Rukia or Byakuya of his early return, and hoped his surprise visit would be a good one. Ichigo knocked on the doors to large mansion, not surprised to see a servant girl/maid answer the door.

"Oh! Kurosaki-san!" The woman squeaked. She quickly let him in.

"We were not expecting you until tomorrow." The maid said in a softer tone. Ichigo raised an eyebrow of suspicion.

"Is everything alright?" Ichigo asked. The maid shook her head.

"On no no, everything is fine! Don't worry. Kuchiki-sama will be thrilled! I mean, glad to know of your return." The maid chirped, and turned away. Ichigo stood in his spot in utter confusion.

Why would Kuchiki Byakuya ever be thrilled to see him?

Several moments later, Ichigo could see both Byakuya and Rukia from the top stairs. Rukia walked down the stairs quickly, ignoring the voice of her brother from behind. Ichigo smiled as Rukia threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. Ichigo lifted her carefully, surprised that Rukia didn't weigh very heavy at all.

"You're back early." Rukia said softly.

"Is that bad or somethin?" Ichigo teased back. Rukia rolled her eyes.

"You aren't hurt are you?" She asked, scanning over his body as best she could. Ichigo shook his head.

"Nah, I'm fine."

"Good." Rukia shot back, and brought her lips to his. He tried to keep it a light one, since his brother-in-law was only a few steps away. Ichigo was just surprised Rukia actually kissed him in front of Byakuya. Maybe she missed him more than he thought.

When Rukia pulled away, Ichigo set her down carefully, and did not miss the extremely irritated expression on Kuchiki Byakuya's face.

"I'm assuming the mission went well?" Byakuya asked.

"Yah it did, we caught the culprit, and a few other guys as well. It went better than planned." Ichigo responded. Byakuya nodded coldly.

"Well if that is all, then you are free to leave. Do be careful Rukia." Byakuya demanded, the obvious and usual warning clearer than day.

"Thank you for letting me stay Nii-sama. I'll come and visit soon." Rukia replied, and finally, Ichigo and Rukia turned away.

Once they were outside the mansion, Ichigo took Rukia's hand, not caring if people saw them together. It was dark outside anyways, so not as many people were out and about.

"How was it at the mansion?" Ichigo asked. Rukia shrugged her shoulders, then frowned.

"I think I got on Nii-sama's nerves."

"Why do you say that?" Ichigo asked, finding it hard to believe that Rukia could bug Byakuya. For some reason, Ichigo could never picture Byakuya annoyed with Rukia like he got annoyed with Ichigo. Yes, Byakuya could get mad at her, but not irritated or aggravated in a childlike way.

"Well, everything was fine third night. I began to have food cravings, bad ones." Rukia mumbled.

"So? Byakuya has a ton of things at his house." Ichigo shot back. Rukia shook her head.

"You're right, he does, but I started craving things from the human world."

Ichigo shot his head to look at her. "What do you mean by human world?"

Rukia sighed. "I wanted cheeseburgers, and not just any cheeseburgers, McDonald's cheeseburgers. And then I wanted ice cream, but not Soul Society made ice cream, the human world store brand made strawberry ice cream, like I used to have all the time."

"Wow, so Byakuya actually let you go to the human world to get the stuff? I thought he didn't want you going there because of the hollows."

"I didn't go to the human world, he did." Rukia replied quietly. Ichigo didn't speak for a long time.

"So you're telling me that Kuchiki Byakuya, captain of the sixth division of Soul Society, went into McDonalds, and placed an order to get you a Big Mac with fries?" Ichigo asked, literally shocked.

"Well I told him to use the dollar menu!" Rukia defended.

"I don't believe you." Ichigo mumbled. There was just…no way Kuchiki Byakuya would do something like that.

"I have the receipts to prove it! He signed his name and everything!" Rukia cried.

Ichigo couldn't help the laugh that came, mainly from shock.

"And he went to the grocery store to get you ice cream?"

"Yah, and even a soda too."

Perhaps Ichigo really did hate on Byakuya too much, because Ichigo sure as hell wasn't going to the human world just to get Rukia a flipping hamburger.

No way in the world.

A/N: Once again let me apologize for the horribleness of this chapter. There are so many things that I could name that are wrong with it, but it would be a long list. So people, please don't complain about how retarded this chapter was (though I did like Byakuya in this one). I really am sorry, and I promise the next chapter will be MUCH better. Please review. Oh, and somebody wants to know how it's possible that I love you all, and here's my answer, actually, my motto really.

"I love every single person on this planet, I just don't like a lot of them." XP

LOVE YOU seriously. PLEASE REVIEW even though this did suck horribly.