Heart's Desire

by C. LeShay

AU In the middle of the war against the Arrancar in Hueco Mundo, Kurosaki Ichigo laid siege to the district of the noblest of all nobles. The mission: to capture and take as hostage the sister of his enemy,Kuchiki Rukia. The problem: the hostage herself

6. Chapter 6

Heart's Desire Chapter 5 Heart's Desire Chapter 6By C. LeShay

Genre: Romance, AU

Characters/Pairings: IchiRuki, etc.

Rating: T

Disclaimer: Me no own Bleach!

Warning: As this is an AU story, many of the situations are changed to fit my idea. I'll try to make the characters as in character as I possibly can do. All of the captains are here (that means Aizen, Gin, and Tousen) but I added a division (thus Gotei 14 instead of 13). The setting is in Seiretei and no one is living in Karakura. The timeframe is somewhat feudal, so no technology stuff except for what the 12th division uses.

Summary: In the middle of the war against the Arrancar in Seiretei, Kurosaki Ichigo laid siege to the district of the noblest of all nobles. The mission: to capture and take as hostage the sister of his enemy, Kuchiki Rukia. The problem: the hostage herself.

Warning: A slight OoC-ness in the thoughts of a slightly hormone-wracked Ichigo. Let's face it – it's supposed to be his wedding night with his attractive wife.

Oh yeah, you'll learn a lot more about Ishida's past and more about Ichigo here. That's my treat.

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Recap of previous chapter:

"I hope you're not thinking of acting on your own, midget." Ichigo drawled. "You can't accomplish anything at that level of yours." He felt her push him away. "Listen to me." He said harshly as he pulled her closer, "Don't make a mistake like that. Let me handle it."

"Let go." She said stiffly. "I can take care of myself."

"Listen to me, idiot. Going against Aizen is the quickest way to die –

"IF he is guilty."

"- stay put and let me do it." He added as if she said nothing. "My old man is going to kill me if anything happens to you. Trust me and I promise to avenge them for you."

"Why?" Rukia asked, genuinely confused. "You're no kidō expert like me; all you do his hack and slash and –

"Let's not stain that zanpaktuô of yours with his dirty blood, shall we?"

Rukia was surprised. Did he actually think that Sode no Shirayuki had not met blood before? She was a capable fighter and a smart shinigami; how dare he insult her?

"I'll protect you, but I'm not going to marry you, midget." He added loftily.

"Only when Hueco Mundo becomes a prime tourist destination, baka Taicho."

It was ironic really that they soon found themselves joined in matrimony an hour later.

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Among the residents of Soul Society, the caste system is often followed religiously. For those who lived in Rukongai; the pristine white walls of the inner part, in the land of the souls, were mainly reserved for the warrior and the noble class. Among the inhabitants of Seiretei, the four noble families and the Taichos of the Gotei 14 were considered as the highest of the elite.

However, there was one family that even if they were not as highly ranked, played a significant part in the afterlife. They were the Quincy. Their history was rooted in an embittering battle against the shinigami who disapproved with their methods of eradicating hollows instead of purifying them. For centuries, these opposing sides fought against each other bitterly and their battlefield was the realm of the living. The nature of violence between them was disturbing that both parties wished for nothing more than a stalemate or agreement to end the fighting.

It was only 500 years ago that the head of the Quincy clan who lived in Rukongai came into agreement with the Central 46. In exchange for allowing their clansmen entry to the Seiretei and the ceasing of their persecution, the Quincy – with their uncanny skill in reishi manipulation – would serve as the laity class. They were the ones who facilitated the smooth flow of reishi from the soul particles of fallen shinigami comrades and assist the kidō specialists in the cultivation of souls into hell butterflies or serving as their guides to the cycle of reincarnation. For each generation of Quincy, there were some who took on the role of implementing traditional ceremonies such as rebirth of souls in Rukongai in accordance to their soul composition, burials of shinigami, and even marriages. It was an important role, one that encompasses the boundaries between those inside the white walls to the ones scattered on the many districts around them. Dangerous was the ability of the Quincy to destroy souls completely that no one was admitted into the Central Spirit Technology Institute to be trained as a shinigami.

All except for one. Ishida Uryuu.

The prodigy of the Qunicy line whose ability to manipulate reishi and use them as a weapon was second to none. The academy scrambled to find ways to allow him entry, despite the misgivings of the Quincy elders. As a swordsman, his skill was passable, his kidō marks was above the average, but his intellect and his cautious nature was a vital part of his character strength. It was only after the 12th division came up – together with the high-ranking members of the Kidō Corps. – with a particle converter that allowed him to use his Quincy bow instead of a standard zanpaktuô that Ishida Uryuu became the first Quincy to be admitted as a shinigami.

It was not an easy road for him; as Ishida had to literally run through hell and back to prove his worth as a shinigami. He spent a good number of years drifting from divisions who could not cope or understand his methods of fighting, enough to make him think twice about his chosen profession in the afterlife. The 11th division considered him a pansy; the 4th division had no use for him, since he wasn't good in healing kidō; while the other divisions either scoffed at him or was too chummy with him. But just when Ishida Uryuu felt resigned to just drift off; he was transferred to the 14th division as the Fukutaicho of its new Taicho, Kurosaki Ichigo.

Ishida found out that his taicho was the anti-him. A person, who didn't give a shit about reishi; who had no sense of discerning whose reiatsu was behind him; who had barely average kidō abilities; and who didn't care about protocol at all. He was brash, uncouth, and had an impolite way of talking – which Ishida experienced the first time his taicho wiped the floor with him. Kurosaki Ichigo's redeeming grace was that he was certainly among the strongest in the whole of Gotei 14 and he was methodical in his paperwork. In fact, his taicho welcomed the bulk of paperwork enthusiastically, more than he would when encountering a hollow.

Years after he started as the 14th division's Fukutaicho, Ishida and Ichigo's rivalry on who was better was not lessened. Ichigo still talked like a gangster and Ishida still refuses to call him Taicho unless they were in the presence of the other taichos. However, it didn't mean that Ishida would not willingly take a damaging hit that was for his superior officer.

It was safe to say that Ishida could already predict his taicho and his relatively simple way of solving problem. When confronted by an obstacle, Kurosaki Ichigo would just hack and slash it until it was gone. Crude, yes, but it worked. This time however, even he was surprised at the recent course of action done by his taicho.

"Shall we begin the ceremony then?" Ishida Ryuuken asked in a bored tone.

Ishida did his best to avoid looking at Ryuuken, and instead focused on a certain spot on the carpet. After all these years, Ishida's father still never forgave him for being a shinigami instead of following the path set by their elders. His leaving for the Shinigami Academy was the last time he had ever seen the older Ishida. Ishida had to admit, even after all these years, Ryuuken was still as intimidating as before. Despite being a fukutaicho for a long time now, there was something about the Quincy monk that still made Ishida want to fidget with his clothing to check if it was spotless and everything was in place.

"The bride and groom are still not here." Keigo's excited voice was heard as he raised his hand to gain the attention of everyone in the room, "Should I go look for them?"

"What?" Exclaimed a hyped-up Isshin in scandalous tones as he gripped the collar of his robes in nervous delight, "Why couldn't they wait until after the ceremony to consummate –

"Pipe it down, old man." Ichigo's voice barked from the door. He was dressed in a somber black kimono that resembled his shinigami robes more than a festive outfit of a happy groom. "You're too loud. What will happen to going through this incognito?" Slowly, he slouched his way into the room, looking as if he was being sent to his execution instead of being inducted into the blissful world of marriage. Following him was Rukia who was also wearing a somber kimono in white that made her look like she was either in mourning or to be imprisoned for a heavy crime.

Ignoring the surly tone of his son, Isshin turned to Ryuuken and stage-whispered, "Make it really short, okay? I'm sure they're just dying to get a room for themselves."

His face red at the blatant innuendo, Ichigo quickly sent his father to the opposite side of the room via a spinning kick, with ease born out of defeating hollows for decades. Of course, the older man was used to it that he was able to efficiently angle his body to sustain the least amount of damage possible.

"God, what would I give to do that..." Murmured Rukia as Isshin went on and on from his position on the floor; crying about how happy he was that his son was now embracing his manliness and was ready to experience the passion and heat of physical intimacy with her. At his speech regarding babies and that he wanted at least a dozen, Rukia squelched the urge to bash Kurosaki Isshin's teeth in.

"After this; feel free to do so." Ichigo said to her in assurance, understanding how Isshin could easily get on a person's nerves. "Hit him as hard as you can, you hear?"

From a few seats away, Inoue started her sobfest again. "I'm going to miss you, Rukia-san!" she wailed, her face turning splotchy with tears. "All those times we shopped for clothes, the parties we attended; those fun times and everything else… I hope you'll be happy in your new life – do not forget those you left behind…"

"Inoue-san," Ishid said in confusion, as he attempted to comfort the crying woman and failing desperately "She's just getting married – not buried."

"Well it feels like it." Rukia muttered waspishly as she gave Ichigo another good glare. A loaded look that warned him that he would incur a most painful and humiliating death through the end of a blunt and rusty sword.

"If you two want to get married within this century, let's get this over and done with." Ishida Ryuuken's bored voice drawled.

As Ichigo and Rukia walked to the middle of the room, Ishida looked at his taicho cautiously. What he and Kuchiki Rukia had planned was definitely tricky, but the two were adamant to stick to it. Unconsciously, his hand gripped the paper that was hidden deep in his pockets. The written contract made by those two themselves, stating that the marriage was temporary and it will be annulled as soon as they could. In a nutshell, the terms listed that Kurosaki Ichigo would help Kuchiki Rukia find the murderers of her parents in exchange for her helping Ichigo find proof that Kurosaki Masaki was indeed killed by Aizen Souske. In the event that the evidences did not satisfy Rukia, she was given the right to turn Ichigo in to the authorities herself.

Ishida knew that no sane person would agree to such conditions, but as his taicho said himself, there was no helping it. Besides, he himself was confident in Ichigo's cause. The justifications were sound enough for him to believe in it. Ishida certainly hoped that Kuchiki Rukia was open to a lot of possibilities because he had a feeling that the evidences would be hard to accept. With that thought, Ishida mentally shook his head as he watched the ceremony. Honestly, if this event and the details of the agreement gets released to the general public, it would cause such as scandal. Even more so if Kuchiki Byakuya finds out.

Focusing on the short ceremony instead of the thoughts running in his head, Ishida decided to look at the witnesses in the wedding. As expected, the few guests included the ranked officers of the 14th squad, Yoruichi the cat, and the family of the groom. To his right was Isshin who sobbed as loud as what was humanely possible while his daughters stood behind him, both looking pleased (well, Karin tried NOT to look that way). Ishida knew that they would probably be disappointed if they found out about the arrangement that was made by the said couple. By general consensus, Rukia agreed not let her friend Inoue-san on the deal she made with Ichigo. This was to ensure that she would not accidentally blurt anything and to give her the protection she needed against any backlash when Byakuya Taicho learns about both the marriage and the reason behind it.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife; you may now kiss the bride." Ryuuken droned out in monotone, his expression showing thinly veiled disgust at having to do a ceremony for the shinigamis that he so hated.

Cautiously, as if treading a nesting ground of Gillian in Hueco Mundo, Ichigo turned to Rukia. His hands took hold of her shoulders as he leaned down to barely press his lips to her offered cheek.

"Just on the cheek?!" Isshin cried out, aghast. "What kind of a man are you, Ichigo? How dare you kiss your wife just on the cheek? Give her a passionate one on the lips!"

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…

There wasn't much of a party, as they were supposed to keep the wedding a secret until the couple returned from a 'honeymoon' that was suggested by Isshin. Nevertheless, Yuzu whipped up a feast in honor of the marriage of her brother and Kuchiki Rukia. In all honesty, Yuzu was happy at her Nii-chan's choice of bride. Rukia-nee really was a wonderful person who was smart, brave, and beautiful. Even without asking her twin, she knew that Karin approved of the match as well, considering that she was currently extracting a promise from their new sister-in-law to continue training her sword fighting and kidō skills. As Karin left to mingle with the other guests, the smug grin on her face was enough to tell Yuzu that Rukia-nee agreed to her twin's request.

Happily, she sent a quick prayer to the god above for those two before she joined the small group at the table to get something to eat.

Like all weddings, the mood was festive and the small crowd was relatively feeling cheerful and happy. Smiles were readily available and long time friends were enjoying each other's company. For them, a wedding was timely, considering that Seiretei was currently at war with the hollows at Hueco Mundo. If one would look closely, the cheerful mood was so contagious that anyone could swear that even the portraits of the illustrious former heads of the Kurosaki house were also feeling the excitement and merriment.

Except for the newlyweds themselves.

It seemed that he was destined for suffering, Ichigo thought in annoyance as his father hounded him tirelessly, mentioning Menos-sized hints about grandchildren and the whatnot. Honestly, Ichigo felt like either throttling his father or killing himself to end this embarrassing torment.

"Now Ichigo; it is really important to make sure that you and Rukia-chan contribute a son to our small clan." Isshin said loudly, after dragging his firstborn to a secluded corner for a 'talk.' Yet with his penchant for drama, he was broadcasting the conversation in the most humiliating way ever to everyone that was present. "You're the only one who can carry on our name to the future, so I definitely insist on you having many, many sons. However," he added indulgently, puffing out his chest in pride, "I won't say no to cute granddaughters either, especially if they take after Rukia-chan! Your sisters deserve nieces to spoil –

Whatever it as that Isshin wanted to add was never heard as Ichigo socked him. As his father crashed head-first onto a large armoire, the orange-haired Taicho wondered if there was someway he could disinherit himself from his dysfunctional family.

On the side of the bride, things were definitely not getting any rosier.

"Rukia-san…"Inoue asked in a whisper, after looking around to check that no man was close enough to eavesdrop "Are you prepared for your wedding night?"

Tatsuki coughed out her drink as her ears burned in embarrassment.

The bride nodded confidently. "Rest assured, I am very versed in these worldly things."

"Oh, did the Kuchiki teachers tell you about it?" the enthusiastic and curious voice of Inoue asked again. "I wasn't aware that they had it as a curriculum…"

"Nonsense; the idea behind coupling is taught religiously, Inoue. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get my lecture as we were… err… with Kuro… Ichigo. But, never fear; I did my own research by listening into the conversations of the servants." Boasted Rukia, looking as nonchalant as possible all those while.

"Amazing, Rukia-san," gushed Inoue in admiration at the woman she considered as a friend, role model, and idol "What did you learn then?"

Rukia cleared her throat quietly. "Rule #1: Coupling is done in the dark," she said in a conspiratorial whisper, holding up a finger in the air to signify her point. "Rule #2: Both parties are to be without clothing. Rule #3: The woman must be flat on her back with the man on top."

"You're lucky that Kurosaki Taicho is not that heavy-looking then." Inoue interrupted earnestly, donning on a serious face as she imagined the possibilities. "Or you'll be squashed."

Tatsuki on the other hand was too busy cramming her knuckles in her mouth to comment. She was trying so hard not to laugh! Somewhere in the back of her mind, her conscience was telling her to correct the assumptions of Rukia, but the idea of Ichigo finding about this on their wedding night was too funny to pass up. Oh yeah, her poor Taicho was in for a LONG night.

"Yes of course, I am aware of that." Rukia said nodding vehemently; glad to see Inoue warm up to the topic. "Rule #4: Both parties should keep silent at all times."

Now Tatsuki was curious. Who said all these things?! There was no way anyone would tell Kuchiki Rukia these things, unless they were in jest or malice. Well, she shrugged mentally; whatever it was she thought would likely be corrected by Ichigo anyway, so she wasn't worried.

"And for the 5th and last rule; it is always painful."

Inoue gasped. "Oh no! Rukia-san!"

"I'll be fine," assured Rukia, as she placated her worried friend. "I'm used to get thrown around when fighting hollows. Surely I can handle Kuro-err, Ichigo."

Tastsuki just couldn't help herself from sniggering. She imagined the reaction on Ichigo's face when he hears that his wife just compared him to a hollow.

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"Oh, Ichigo is SO lucky!" bemoaned Keigo, as he and Mizuiro found themselves by the juice fountain at the same time. "I'm so envious of his good fortune! Imagine, he's now married to Kuchiki Rukia!" he looked adoringly at the bride who was deep in conversation with her friend, Inoue Orihime. "I mean, just look at her… she's like a flawless piece of gem. He's so lucky to have all of that to himself." He sighed, his eyes glazing over as he took stock of the physical attributes of the noble. "That long curtain of hair like dark silk; those large expressive violet eyes; that lovely rose-tinted lips… he's a lucky bastard, getting the chance to thaw the Ice Princess himself."

"If she doesn't castrate him first…" Mizuiro said before he took a sip of his drink. "I actually pity him for that."

"Pity who?" Ishida asked as he drifted by to get another glass of juice. They were on high alert status, so it was not wise to be inebriated.

Mizuiro turned to the Fukutaicho. "Ichigo." He said simply. "Keigo believes he's lucky to be married to Rukia-san; but I doubt if he'll even cover all the bases with her."

"Well, I bet he will." Insisted Keigo adamantly. "I mean, he's either dead or gay if he won't hit on someone like THAT."

Not if Kurosaki can help it, Ishida thought wryly. Oh sure, he might be taking a lot of cold showers in the future; considering that his attraction to the Kuchiki noble was obvious, but Ishida doubts Kurosaki acting on these urges in the near future. Not if he wanted his manhood intact.

The commotion caused them to stop the conversation. Isshin-dono was already talking to Rukia-san; and judging from the redness in her face, it was a topic that she did not want to hear. From the corner of his eye, Ishida spotted the groom who was fuming and storming towards his old man and his new bride, the intent to annihilate written all over his scowling face.

This was one of the reasons Ishida stayed at the 14th for a long time. Life was never a dull moment here.

"Rukia-chan!" Isshin cried enthusiastically, "If it's possible, I would like to have grandkids by next year! Twins run in this family, so I'm pretty confident that at least one of your brood will be a pair!"

Brood? Just how many grandchildren did this one want, Rukia asked herself in horror.

"I'm not demanding for grandkids," the father of the groom said whiningly, "Just ten or something for the first decade of marriage; the next can follow when you two have learned the ropes on how to raise kids."

Rukia felt faint at the mention of ten children. What did Kurosaki Isshin take her for, an animal?

"Of course, you better name one of them after me, after Masaki, and pretty much after the past heads of the Kurosaki clan!"

Suddenly, a headache seemed to be a welcome idea, as Rukia grumbled.

"Well, I know you'd like to name one for your mother, father, sister, and brother; so you and Ichigo should definitely have more kids!" Isshin's smile was blindingly bright and nauseating.

Rukia knew that it would never be an option to name any kid of her 'Byakuya.' Not even for a Taicho position.

"What are you doing here, old man?" the pissed-off voice of Ichigo was heard behind them.

Isshin scoffed. "I didn't know you were that possessive, my boy! I'm not here to steal your wife from you; I love your mother. Did you somehow forget that? Ichigo, I'm just trying to convince Rukia-chan here the merits of starting a family early –

But Isshin was unable to finish his prepared spiel as Ichigo, for the nth time that day, punched him across the face "Didn't I tell you not to talk to her about THAT?" he gritted out in annoyance. Not waiting to hear an answer from his father, Ichigo turned to face his wife. "Oi." He all but snarled, "Let's go."

At these words, his father sprung from his prone position on the floor, holding his hands up in a victory sign as he winked at Ichigo cheekily "Yes! Go forth, my son; enjoy your honeymoon and multiply! I didn't know that you were this eager to passionately consummate your –

"Knock it off!" reprimanded Ichigo as he grabbed the arm of a surprised and shocked Rukia. "Let's move."

As the couple walked to the door, Keigo whistled slyly before piping, "Whoo-hoo! Ichigo's gonna get some!"

Rukia's face was red as her new husband dragged her outside. "This is most disgraceful and undignified." She murmured, channeling Byakuya in her embarrassment at the behavior of the people who attended her wedding.

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The Kurosaki clan once had been among the most prominent noble clans in the whole of Seiretei. It was quite a common practice for a Kurosaki to be assigned to the 14th division and it was expected of them to be the next Taicho. It was not really a case of nepotism (though the earlier Taichos were once chosen by merit of their contributions – in financial terms, of course – to the whole of Seiretei), but more of a faithfully kept tradition that had been followed for more than a millennium. Power plays were common in the realm of the souls and Kurosaki taichos were not above stepping down when their heir apparent showed signs of surpassing their elders. This was all to ensure that the division would still be run by someone from their clan. Thus, it became customary to glean a Kurosaki to be the next taicho of the 14th. Even Yamamoto Sou-Taicho kept up with the tradition when he appointed the youngest Kurosaki to be ever inducted into office.

Of all of the Kurosaki taichos who served Gotei 14, it was Isshin who definitely had the longest service. He was also the first and only taicho to date that stepped down from his position early, and in a fine bill of health. Unlike the others who died, became incapacitated, or were just surpassed by their heirs, Kurosaki Isshin just showed up outside the Central 46 with a letter of formal resignation and a nomination of his son for the said position he would vacate. After this, he took his daughters and left for the living world for more than twenty years of an 'indefinite vacation.'

His son, Kurosaki Ichigo, ascended to the top of the militia in speeds as fast as his shunpo. Following protocol, Ichigo had both been nominated by some of the other Taichos and was given the position by the Sou-Taicho himself. A few weeks later, the 14th squad had its new leader. In a short period of time, Ichigo had reached legendary status as he became the topic of stories and gossips. His strength and his ability to defeat high-level hollows in such a surprising rate served to make him among the more popular taichos in the whole Gotei 14. Of course, as Keigo stressed, it didn't hurt that women found the young taicho attractive. Like the other popular bachelors in Seiretei, he had his share of fangirls who did their best to get noticed by him. Unfortunately, his deep-seated need for revenge made him unwilling to commit to any woman – even if he had a few flings here and there – most of them lasting for quite some time in fact.

As of the moment, Ichigo was saying a forlorn goodbye to his free days. He was currently enjoying his solitude as he mused on his unexpected change in status. Now he was married to the noble shinigami Rukia - in name only, of course. The entire ceremony was a major farce that no one, except for 3 people, knew. Ichigo had a difficult time warding off Keigo's innuendos and leering remarks of him sharing the bed with the Kuchiki noble.

Somewhere inside the 'honeymoon hideaway' (as said by his father, the old pervert), his wife was busy setting up the room that they were dumped in together. Ichigo wondered how long it would take Aizen to demand his fiancée back; hopefully not too long. It was grating on his nerves to remain married to Rukia because she was an annoying person, he thinks. As he looked at the door left ajar, Ichigo grudgingly added that his wife was also attractive – annoyingly attractive. Hell, the last time they were in the same bed, he almost went through all kinds of torture trying to be noble and all. He loathed imagining just what level of horror he would have to go through, living with her.

The possibility of him either strangling her or ravishing her was high on the list. Not when she looked like she was the bloody answer to all of life's damn unanswered questions! In fact, even now, she looked… well, fetching.

Okay, so he had seen a large share of beautiful women, they even threw themselves at him for crying out loud! Some of them were even prettier by a mile compared to Rukia. But the damn flat-chested midget had the advantage of those unholy eyes of hers. With those gem-like irises that had a unique color: a shade somewhere between violet and amethyst. Those dastardly dangerous eyes that could steal your soul, with just one look. Depending on how she used it, Rukia could definitely make a man feel like he was the most unworthy scum in existence, or feel like he was the most fortunate person alive. And she used it to get what she wanted – the minx.

Oblivious to his scrutiny, Rukia continued to put their clothing in the closet, the fluid movements causing her light yukata to flare slightly open, letting him have a fleeting glimpse of a creamy length of leg before she turned around once again. Her raven-colored hair was unbound and it settled around her shoulders like a silken mantle that rippled against the light.

Ichigo stifled a groan. He had a feeling that cold showers would be mandatory than hot baths. Quickly, he banged his head on the surface of the low table.

…

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…

Inside the room, Rukia tried her very best to tidy up in her frantic search for extra pillows. Why was it that when she needed them, they went missing? Those pillows were important; Rukia needed to put as much distance as between her and her new husband – In name only, of course; plus she had to make sure she wasn't flat on her back.

The next time she saw Kurosaki Isshin, he was a dead man for placing them in one room! Her parents didn't even sleep in the same chambers, for Kami's sake; and Hisana-san had her own quarters at the Kuchiki manor, so why didn't she have her own room? What about her privacy? Angrily, she stomped around to make sure that the suite would have at least a lamp left open; Heaven knows what could happen if it was completely dark.

As Rukia shuffled around the bag that Inoue helped her pack, she instinctively searched for the snow globe. Her hand soon found the cool surface of the glass and she tried to muster back her wavering confidence. Thankfully, her shaking nerves were able to quell themselves into submission. Honestly, if anyone else were in her position, they would have fled for the hills by now. She just married Kurosaki Ichigo, the man who hated Aizen Sosuke, her betrothed. Rukia remembered that all she wanted to do was to find out the truth; she never expected to find herself bound to Ichigo.

Ruefully, she wonders how exactly it happened. Everything was a blur that she could not really remember. She recalls crying, being weak… and he was there – just there for her to anchor onto. Then she was talking about finding the truth and bringing her parents' murderer to justice. Suddenly they were signing a contract – an arrangement to work with each other… and finally, she sees them getting married.

"You're a mess, Kuchiki Rukia." She scoffs at herself harshly as she stuffs back the snow globe in her pack. She trusted someone she barely knew over the man who taught her, cared for her, and who wanted to marry her. It was pathetic. Now if her judgment was wrong, she was jumping from the frying pan straight into the fire. If Aizen Sosuke was innocent, she only handed Ichigo her head on a silver platter.

"Moron. Kuchiki Rukia, what will you do if he is not what he claims to be?" she asked herself softly. "Are you that easy to manipulate? What guarantee do you have that Kurosaki Ichigo isn't planning anything to you."

"There really is none, you know."

Whirling around in surprise, Rukia found herself facing her husband. There was a slight crease across his smooth forehead and his thin lips were set in a somber line. Ichigo was looking so dead serious that it was almost comical. Suddenly, she felt the urge to laugh and tease him for acting like a worrywart. That is until she saw that he was wearing just a yukata. A loose one in fact, that parted up front, exposing a lean yet toned chest and bowstring taut stomach. If she looked farther down, she could glimpse his navel from the junction of the cloth just above his narrow hips. Rukia suddenly found her mind going blank.

"I can't force you to trust me." Ichigo said. "Looking at it from your viewpoint, I do seem suspicious. So…" he shrugged negligently, causing the yukata to slide slightly off one strong shoulder, baring more tanned skin to the lamp-lit evening.

Rukia blinked.

"I won't. But I will still give you my word that I have no ill-thought against you." He stood still, waiting for a reply. None was forthcoming. Confused, Ichigo leaned in closer to his wife. "Well?"

"Eh?"

Ichigo's eyes narrowed in annoyance. "You could at least show courtesy and say 'yes' you know." To his surprise, her face turned a bright red as she stepped back quickly. "Hey; are you alright, midget?" he asked.

"That's none of your business." Rukia retorted hotly, as she turned away from him.

Inwardly, Rukia cringed. Was she checking out Ichigo? Why in the world would she do that? Okay, so it may be normal for a woman to check out her husband; but this was no ordinary marriage. She had no luxuries to spare. Damn the man! How dare he stand there looking all manly and attractive? He was supposed to scowl extra harder today. And for goodness' sake, why wasn't he straightening his yukata? Honestly, why was he acting like an incompetent moron anyway?

Rukia remembered hearing that this certain taicho had fangirls. For the life of her, she couldn't understand why that was the case – until tonight, that is.

Obviously, the said women weren't after his smarts now, were they? Of course not; they were probably drooling over his superb physique. Probably even fantasizing about being held in his powerful arms, crushed against his toned and hard body –

Blushing even more, a mortified Rukia covered her cheeks hastily with her palms. Oh goodness, she was acting like a pervert! This was another thing she blames Ichigo for – the crazed man was dragging her to depravity. All those years of being taught to be a poised, aloof princess was going down the drain. Now she was reduced to the level of that other perverted idiot, Keigo.

"Oi." Ichigo said out of the blue, his breath fanning her ear as he bent behind her. "Are you sick or something? You're awfully red."

Rukia stood as still as she could, willing her heart to stop its rapid beating. "I am irritated." She said in a low voice as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Kuchikis do not get sick."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow "Right." He drawled, chuckling, causing Rukia to feel a bit faint. Finally he straightened up and walked to the bed. "What the hell is this?" he asked as he came across a fortress of pillows covered by a large blanket in the middle of the bed.

"I'm not used to share my sleeping space." Rukia said evenly as she made her way to the bed as well, slipping under the covers. "Unless you want me up all night, I need those pillows."

Somehow, Ichigo's traitorous mind interpreted the last statement differently. And he was subsequently thrown back in the past when he first came to the realization that Rukia was a cuddler. Of course Ichigo's still treacherous thoughts replayed the whole incident. Suddenly, he wasn't sure if he wanted to add more pillows to the stack or remove them completely.

Damn. He wondered if Rukia would find it weird if he took another cold shower. Well, he didn't imagine her screaming her head off if she felt how his body reacted to her in the middle of the night; but just to be on the safe side, he'd rather not to be near her at all.

"Stop fidgeting; you're pulling the blanket to your side." Rukia said snidely from her side of the bed.

"I was not fidgeting, midget. I was adjusting the blanket – you're the one who's hogging it all." Ichigo protested as he tugged the blanket to himself. Around this time of the year, Seiretei's mornings may be sunny, but the nights can get cold all of a sudden, and he had no intention of freezing like a Popsicle.

Annoyed, Rukia pulled at her end of the blanket even more. This was the reason why couples slept separately – one of them always turned out to be a cover hog. Obviously, in this fake marriage, it was Ichigo. As it became obvious that he would never share, she sat up abruptly. "Moron." She said angrily as she glared at Ichigo. Wordlessly, she took two pillows off the stack between them.

"What are you doing?" he asked out in a rush, surprised at her actions.

"Isn't it obvious? You won't share the covers; I had to reduce the amount of space between us so I can get warm."

Ichigo wondered if his father and Keigo's perversions finally got to him. He was currently thinking about different things! Mentally, he shook his head as he grimaced. NO, think weird, ugly thoughts… yeah… Old man Yama-Sou Taicho winking at him coyly… yuck…

"Would you relax? I'm not going to jump on you, you know." Rukia huffed out in annoyance.

And sanity just pitched itself out of the window.

"You can jump on me anytime you want." He muttered under his breath.

"What? Did you say something?" she asked absentmindedly as she adjusted the covers, trying to get adequate protection from the chill.

Ichigo shook his head hurriedly "I said: I didn't think you'd jump on me." He pulled back the covers only to realize that somewhere down south of his body, his 'little self' was waking up. In embarrassment, he pulled the covers even more to hide the evidence of his dirty thinking.

Rukia chuckled, misinterpreting the action as his attempt at modesty. "How cute. You're shy."

"What?" Roared Ichigo, his face flushing red in embarrassment. She did not just flirt with him, did she? The unflappable ice princess did not just make a pass at him? "What?" he croaked this time, wondering if she was somehow thinking of changing a few things in the contract – like matrimonial benefits? Well, if she wanted to, who the hell was he to argue against it? Besides, if this gig turned out longer than expected, he'd have to, unfortunately, be celibate for an indefinite period of time. Even if he hated her guts, he was only a human male. Being tempted on a regular basis was not his idea of healthy living… unless he wanted to drown or freeze himself taking so many cold showers… or be involved in a potentially scandalous extra marital affair…

Mentally, he shook his head. He was probably going crazy, and that was it.

Rukia's eyes narrowed as she found herself getting more irritated by his childish behavior "For all that is holy – would you please act normal? We're adults here – you have nothing to be embarrassed about!"

Feeling his breathing choke him, Ichigo coughed to clear his throat. Goodness, he didn't know Kuchiki Rukia was this blasé to talk about desires and arousals in such a casual manner! What the hell did those tutors of hers told her anyway? "What are you saying – that it's okay for you if I'm… like… this?" As she nodded, Ichigo felt like hitting himself. What was he getting worked up in the first place? He was half afraid that she would misinterpret his considerate actions as a perverted overture. After her being exposed to his old man's degree of perversion, he half expected her to be screaming that he was sexually harassing her.

"I'm not going to tell anyone that you're innocent in the worldly matters – you have my word."

Now he lost her. "My what?"

"Listen." Rukia said, almost impatiently, wanting to get some much-needed sleep. "This is a contractual marriage, so don't worry – we're not going to consummate this union, so you're safe."

Somehow, Ichigo felt like throttling her for an explanation or taking a long hike. "We're talking about sex, right?"

"Yes." Rukia said carefully, as if she was addressing a child. "Don't worry, we won't turn off all the lights and I won't be flat on my back. Plus we're both dressed, so don't work yourself out by worrying." Solicitously, she reached out to ruffle his hair – hoping it would make him more comfortable. "I've taken the necessary precautions so there won't be any chance for us to consummate this marriage, okay? Now get some sleep."

Without another word, she settled back to her side of the bed.

This was not happening, thought Ichigo in alarm as he sat motionless on his side of the large bed. Kuchiki Rukia was completely clueless about the danger she was in. With his hormones going berserk, yet she thought that he was the inexperienced one. Who the hell told her about those things in the first place? Was she really that stupid or just plain naïve?

So, if she ended up marrying Aizen (the bastard, his subconscious snarled), she would probably kill him in shock when she 'revealed' the range of her sexual know-how. Somehow. That part was amusing enough for Ichigo. He would pay good money to see this awkward conversation played out between them.

Of course, knowing Aizen… he would probably conduct an impromptu lecture and embarrass them both the more. Then again, the two-faced bastard that he was, he just might force her to submit. Suddenly, Ichigo felt a bubble of anger rise from him. Who was to say that Aizen wouldn't restrain himself from grabbing her by her arms, restraining her on the bed, as he shoved her yukata aside?

Ichigo grimaced. No, for someone as manipulative and crafty as Aizen, he'd probably play the part of a patient lover that anything else. He would be careful and stealthy. Of course he wondered what it was about Rukia that made him decide to marry her, but the fact that she was easy on the eyes was a factor that tipped the scales in her favor.

Yes, instead of forcing himself on her, he would probably cajole and lead, relishing in the knowledge that he would be the first to introduce her to passion and awareness. He would be the first to lay her bare to his gaze, learn the secrets of her body intimately, and make her completely his.

Ichigo finds to his confusion that neither of the two thoughts held any appeal for him.

To assure himself that she was all right, Ichigo peered over the side of the makeshift wall to check on his wife. Rukia was already asleep, lying on her side facing away from him. Her small hands were fisted over the blanket as she curled into the warmth of the silk. Unlike other women who slept with their hair braided or tied to the side, her raven tresses spilled all over, creating a stark contrast to the crisp, white sheets. Her breathing was slow and shallow and her lips were parted slightly. Just as before, he found himself riveted by the lines of her face and the long lashes that cast faint shadows on her cheekbones.

Ichigo came to the conclusion that she looked too damned appealing for her own good. Perhaps Aizen really was fond of her. If that was the case, she could have been one lucky pawn. "Sleep tight, Rukia." He whispered quietly as he gave her one last look over before he laid himself to get some sleep.

His last thought was about dark rooms and lying flat on one's back.

…

…

…

There was a lot of blood. There was always a lot of blood.

Nine year-old Kurosaki Ichigo slowly made his way down the steps. Where was his father? Did he return from his division already? Where was his mother? She was supposed to be sleeping or waiting for his father in the upstairs parlor.

Everything was dark…

Where was his mother? Was his father home already? Ichigo's heart was hammering in his chest. The castle was quiet… too quiet. There were supposed to be guards posted by the staircase, and Ichigo knew they never missed a shift. It was supposed to be Arai-san and Noda-san tonight. But where were they?

Suddenly, Ichigo stopped as he stepped on a pool of liquid. Blood…

"Mother?" he called out hesitantly. The house was far too quiet, something that made Ichigo suspicious. Quickly, he dashed to the study where he was sure his mother was.

Only to find her lying in a pool of blood. "MOTHER!" he shouted in panic as he rushed to rouse her. "Somebody, help!" he cried out as he attempted to lift her to a sitting position.

Kurosaki Masaki's eyes were open and they stared at him dully. Why did it seem like she was accusing him of something?

"Where is the hyougokyu, Ichigo-kun."

Ichigo's eyes grew wide as the owner of the voice stepped out of the shadows. Aizen-taicho? But Aizen taicho was a friend of father's wasn't he? What was he doing here? Did he see who did this?

"Aizen Taicho," he whimpered, "Please help my mother…"

"If you give me the hyougokyu, I will." Aizen said indulgently, as he smiled gently at him. "You can save your mother if you want, Ichigo-kun."

Ichigo sobbed, baffled at what the other was saying, "I don't know what you're talking about…"

The taicho smiled, eyeglasses glinting from the flickering light of the lamp. "Why the one you have in your hand, Ichigo-kun. If you're not giving it to me, then watch your mother die."

Ichigo was surprised to see the hyougokyu in his hand. It was small and a bit shiny, but it didn't look any special. Was this what Aizen wanted? How did it get there anyway? He remembered overhearing his father promise to Urahara-ojisan that he would never let the Hyougokyu fall into anyone's hands. But… if it were to save his mother, wouldn't he agree?

"Ichigo," a weak voice whispered.

"Mother?"

"Never let go."

"Mother!" Ichigo screamed.

"Ichigo! Ichigo!" a voice called out. "Wake up, Ichigo."

Somewhere in the middle of the fog that he could see, Ichigo could hear the voice call out to him – as if it could take him out of the nightmarish world that he was currently in. Blocking out the sight of his mother's bloody body, and the hurtful glint of Aizen's glasses, Ichigo willed himself to follow the voice.

"Ichigo!"

Suddenly, he felt a smarting pain against his cheek. Ichigo's eyes flew open. Only to find Rukia beside him, his head cradled against her chest and her hand in his.

…

…

…

C. LeShay's corner:

Ugh. I just had to end it there.

Poor Ichigo, getting mixed signals from Rukia. I don't suppose he found it funny.

Oh, by the time you guys read this – it will be a whole lot far from the original time I wrote this. This chapter was finished April 2, 2008. Why am I saying this? Because by then, you'll probably see similarities with Bleach manga chapter 318 (which I just read April 12, 2008). I just want you guys to know that I was pleasantly surprised to see that the 2nd division allows the successions of Taichos just like the 14th division, my AU addition (I think that Kubo hinted/pointed out that tidbit back at SS arc when Soi Fon had a flashback about Yoruichi). Kick-ass, huh? If you don't believe me, ask my e-daddy Kaya who positively knows what I'm talking about. So, does this mean, my mind-accessing technique with Kubo works? At least to an extent? C.LeShay again attempts to mentally connect with Kubo in hopes of getting manga spoilers and convincing him through 'suggestion' to make IchiRuki canon.

Kubo's such a bloody genius, lulling the readers to think that Urahara is more of a mental, kidō-type kind of guy who tinkers with machines and stuff when all along he's this totally brawny guy who mastered subduing shinigami with his fists (the translation may be wrong, but I hope you get the point). I'm an Urahara fan, but I'm positively surprising myself by the extent of my fangirl squealing.

At any rate, thank you to all who reviewed the previous chapter; I'm glad to read your thoughts and ideas; it certainly made me more enthusiastic about writing and I hope it shows here.

So… once again, please do review this crack-ish chapter so I'd be motivated to write the next ones! Over one of our conversations, Kaya was very nice to say that between my long hours at work and homeward bound commutes, she was amazed that I found time to squeeze in writing fics. Yeah, when you see how I look like, you'd totally understand how I was able to do that. For the love of IchiRuki, I have no social life whatsoever that my friends are wondering if I disappeared from the face of earth. So… please indulge this raccoon-eyed writer with the unappealing computer tush by reviewing this chapter. Your literary donations will be highly appreciated and it will go to the foundation that supports the sparking of ideas.

Plus for those keeping track of my e-family, I'm pleased to report that we found my long-lost twin (the good one between us). Surprisingly, we found her lurking with us at the Bleach Asylum forums (IchiRuki FC): it's Jazzjackrabbit!!