A.N. Hello everyone, here is chapter three. I know I told you it would be my last update before the New Year, but I was so happy with your reviews and encouraging words that I couldn't stop myself to continue this story right away, let's call it a threat for Christmas!
Anyway, I hope you will enjoy this chapter.
Thanks for reading,
Lisy
Chapter 3 – The new captains and the fifth house.
The day before the captain exam, Ichigo had finally finished his house. As he didn't really know if it was good enough he asked Byakuya for his opinion.
"This is… acceptable." Byakuya commented as he examined the house in the middle of the night. "The design is very simple, but the structure is strong and the house is bigger than what I expected you would be able to do in two weeks. I believe you did well enough."
Once again, Ichigo was astounded, Kuchiki Byakuya had once again complimented his work, this day had to be marked on the calendar. Before is thoughts went farter away, Byakuya spoke again.
"I have however to warn you. The house you just build is not a topic of conversation between nobles, you can not ask to see the house of a family, you are only to invite a noble to see your house if the noble in question has gained your respect and your trust, and in no way are you to ever ask to see a clan house. To do so would be the biggest insult, not to the person you speak but to the entire clan." 'It was clever' thought Byakuya, mentally patting himself on the back 'that way, Kurosaki will not find about this joke for a long, long time. I didn't think he would fall for that one though. Hahaha, I made him build a house in the middle of the night for two weeks, what a baka!'
"Alright." Said Ichigo unaware of Byakuya's currents thoughts.
With that, the two men left Ichigo's house and came back to Kuchiki manor for the night. Before separating, Ichigo turned to Byakuya and called him.
"Hey, Byakuya?"
"Yes?"
There was a silence.
"Thanks" said Ichigo before leaving for his quarters.
Byakuya was astonished, in all the time he had passed with Kurosaki in the last three months, never, NEVER had the boy ever thanked him. At this moment, Kurosaki Ichigo won a bit of true respect in Byakuya's mind.
The next day began early for Ichigo. The exam was at 10am, but he woke up a 5.00, took a shower, ate a small breakfast and began a light workout. At 8.00, he took another shower as to not be sweaty. At 9.00 he left Kuchiki manor with Byakuya and they made their way to the captain commander's office in order to register Ichigo for his exams.
Ichigo didn't know it, but all the papers he had to fill and sign were a part of his exam, as a captain had to be able to deal with paperwork quickly and efficiently. It took him about half an hour to complete all the documents, thanks to his training in writing with Byakuya, and he was finally given the authorisation to enter the exam centre.
He waited alone for about 20 minutes before people entered the giant room he was in. The first to enter was Renji, followed by none other than Madarame Ikkaku, third seat of the eleventh division.
Shock was evident on the faces of the three occupants of the room, but it was Kenji who broke the silence.
"Ichigo, what the hell are you doing here?!?"
"Shut up, baka! I'm here for the captain exam. Don't tell me you want to become a captain too?"
"What would it be to you?" answered Renji, his face red. "And why would you want to become a captain? Last time I checked you were still alive!"
"Show how much you know, hey, fukutaicho?" snarled Ichigo. "I'm dead you moron!"
"And since when? I believe I would have known" replied Renji arrogantly.
"When you left me for dead with your captain that night, the only possible way to regain my power as a shinigami was for me to die. I am a shinigami, make your own conclusion."
Renji was speechless, so Ikkaku took the opportunity to speak before the redhead was able to form a word.
"Yo, Ichigo, long time no see."
"Heu… Who are you again?" asked Ichigo.
"Haha, good one, Ichigo." Answered Ikkaku with a laugh. But seeing the lost expression on Ichigo's face he became red.
"Madarame Ikkaku, third seat of the 11th. You fought me when you invaded Soul Society to save Kuchiki, remember!"
Ichigo made a face and thought for a second before his expression lightened "Ha yes, the bald guy who thought he could beat me without an effort" he laughed "Sorry, I'm no good with faces and names and stuff like this."
"You should better remember my name from now on if you don't want me to shove my sword down your throat, baka." Grumbled Ikkaku.
Ichigo wanted to respond, but he was interrupted by the door opening once again, revelling the captain commander, Kuchiki Byakuya, captain Hitsugaya, Zaraki Kenpachi and captain Ukitake.
"You are all here" began the old man "to pass the exam to become a captain of one of the 13 divisions. Captain Kuchiki of the 6th division, Captain Hitsugaya of the 10th division, Captain Kenpachi of the 11th division, Captain Ukitake from the 13th division and myself will be the judges for you examination. You have already passed the written examination this morning, it was the papers we made you complete before entering this room. Now will begin the real test of your abilities. We will begin with reiatsu control."
One after the other, the three had to first show their most powerful aura while in an unreleased form, then hide their reiatsu completely and finally use their reiatsu as a child to defend again one attack from the 11th division captain. All passed.
The second test was based on kido, the three wishful captains had to each chose two kido spells and use them to fight each other for 10 minutes. Renji was confident he wouldn't have too hard a time as Ichigo didn't know kido and Ikkaku didn't like to use it, so even if his own kido sucked, he was confident he would be the best out of the three.
When the exam began, however, it was another song he sang. In fact he didn't even have time to react as Ichigo used a biding spell of the ninth level without incantation… and it worked not only on himself but on Ikkaku as well. Before he knew it, Ichigo used a destructive spell and knocked him out. The judges looked at each other and nodded. The commander called Ichigo.
"Kurosaki Ichigo, you pass the kido examination. Release Abarai Renji and Madarame Ikkaku so that we can heal them so they can continue their own examination."
Ichigo nodded and released the two others from his spell. He was about to leave the centre of the room when he heard Byakuya tell the commander that maybe, seeing as the injuries were not fatal, Ichigo could show them his healing abilities by healing Renji and Ikkaku. The commander accepted, so Ichigo healed the two. After ten minutes they were as good as new and Ichigo kicked them to wake them up.
Before any protest could come, the commander spoke: "Abarai Renji, Madarame Ikkaku, you are to continue with this examination. Kurosaki as already passed. Begin."
For ten minutes Renji and Ikkaku exchanged spells, dodged and blocked. When the exam was finished they didn't look too bad, but you could see they were a bit tired.
The third and last part of the examination was to show their bankai and maintain it for an hour. In normal time, they would have had to use it in a fight, but due to circumstances that last part was forgotten and they just had to show their abilities on unresponsive dummies.
When the hour was up, the five judges discussed while the three wannabe captain stood still. Finally the captain commander stood up, followed by the other captains.
"We will note vote on the acceptance of Abarai Renji on the rank of Captain. If you believe him able to become a captain say 'yes', if not, say 'no'."
Zaraki Kenpachi began. "No, he isn't strong enough."
The next to speak was the captain of the 10th division. "Yes, although he should work on his kido and train his bankai."
Captain Ukitake was the next to speak. "Yes, I believe Abarai Renji will make a good captain."
After that came Byakuya's turn. "Yes, as my subordinate he also did a good job, and I believe he should make an adequate captain."
The last to express his opinion was Yamamoto. "I agree. Abarai Renji will become a captain."
Renji was speechless and you could see tears of happiness in his eyes. "Thank you" he said "I promise not to disappoint you"
"We will now vote on the subject of Madarame Ikkaku." Said the captain commander.
"Yes", said Kenpachi. "He is strong."
Hitsugaya Toushiro continued "No, he is too much bull headed like captain Kenpachi. We do not need another 11th division on our hands"
Ukitake was the next. "I believe he can be responsible enough. My answer is yes."
The next to speak was Byakuya. "Yes, I believe we need a captain now. In other circumstances my answer would have been different."
And finally the captain commander expressed himself. "As Kuchiki-taicho said, we need a captain now, however I agree with Hitsugaya-taicho, you are too bull headed. Madarame Ikkaku, I grant you the rank of captain, do not disappoint us."
"Thank you sir" answered Ikkaku.
"Finally" said Yamamoto "we will now vote on the case of Kurosaki Ichigo."
"Yes, he is the strongest of them all" said Kenpachi immediately.
Histsugaya's answer was a yes, as well as Ukitake's and Byakuya's. When came the turn of Yamamoto, he looked at Ichigo.
"Kurosaki Ichigo, your abilities have been proved without a doubt and your actions speak greatly for you. For these reasons, I grant you the rank of Captain and I agree with the proposition of the Kuchiki family to create the noble house of Kurosaki."
"Thank you" was the dignified answer from Ichigo.
"The introduction ceremony will be held in two hour in the court of pure souls. Your captain haori will be given to you at the ceremony. Captain Abarai will lead squad 3, Captain Madarame will lead squad 9 and Captain Kurosaki will lead squad 5. If you wish to change your lieutenants, you may do so. Captain Kurosaki you will need to select a lieutenant as Hinamori Momo, former lieutenant of squad five has been transferred to squad 10. Dismissed."
Renji, Ikkaku and Ichigo left the room. "So" said Ikkaku "We're captains, now."
"Yep" answered Renji. "Holy crap Ichigo, when did you learn your kido man?"
"Byakuya taught me. I passed the last three months learning it in his basement."
"Captain Kuchiki … taught you?" asked Renji is mouth open. But before Ichigo could answer he was interrupted
"Man" it was Ikkaku "you sure are a fast learner, not even a year you're dead and you master kido, shikai, bankai, shunpo, become a captain and a noble…" he said in a slight awe.
"Yeah…" said Ichigo.
"Hey Renji" continued Ikkaku "Gonna change your lieutenant?"
"I don't think so. After all Kira is a great lieutenant and he is my friend. I'll keep him. What about you?"
"Nah, I'll keep Hisagi. He is a prat but he fights well. What about you Ichigo?"
Said Ichigo came out of his thought when he heard his name "What?"
"Who are you going to name your lieutenant man?"
"I don't know yet. The only shinigami I know are the captains and lieutenants… Who could I chose? I don't even know anyone in the fifth squad."
Renji interrupted him "You don't have to take someone from your squad, even if it would be better, it is not a problem. Before being 6th squad's lieutenant, I was in the 11th. All you have to do is speak with the captain of the division where the person you want to be your lieutenant is. As for who you should take, well it as to be someone powerful and experienced enough, but more importantly it has to be someone you can trust with your life."
"Someone I can trust with my life and it doesn't need to be from my squad… are there some needed qualifications or an exam to pass?"
This time, Ikkaku answered "No, only the qualifications you want or the exam you give. Well, there is maybe the fact that all lieutenants have at least shikai, but I do not think this is mandatory. Anyway, if you don't find anyone, just open a competition and you take the best out of the lot…"
"I see" said Ichigo deep in thoughts.
"Hey Ichigo!" it was once again Renji "What is this thing about you becoming a noble?"
"That? Hey, yes, that's true I'm nobility now, you should call me sir" answered Ichigo with a smug face.
Renji became red and slapped him on the head "Like hell I'll ever call you sir, baka!"
"That's Lord Baka to you, fire head!" answered Ichigo.
"Ok, that's enough" said Ikkaku before things could go farter "we should go prepare for the ceremony. See you later."
And with that, the Renji and Ikkaku shunpoed to their places in order to be ready for the ceremony. Ichigo, however, went to see a certain captain of the 13th division before heading to Kuchiki manor.
Once arrived at Kuchiki manor. Ichigo took a quick shower and decided to look for Byakuya. He knew Rukia was currently working so he had no risk to fall on her. She still didn't know that he was in Soul Society and that he would be a captain in less than an hour, or that he was now nobility. Once he had located Byakuya, he entered the room he was in. Byakuya invited him to sit as he drank tea.
"Byakuya" said Ichigo "I would like to really thank you for what you did for me in the past three months and today." Remembering his training in the Noble Art of Nobility, he added as he bowed "The house of Kurosaki is in your debt."
"Think nothing of it, I repaid the dept the Kuchiki family owed you."
"Thank you" answered Ichigo. After a little moment of silence he continued. "I also have another request."
"What would that be?"
"As captain of the 5th squad, I need a lieutenant. It was said to me that the best choice would be to select a person I can trust with my life." Said Ichigo his training showing as he spoke so formally.
"That would be wise" answered Byakuya.
"There are only a handful of shinigami who meet that criterion. Unfortunately, all but one of them already hold commanding positions in their respective squads" continued Ichigo. He gulped before finishing "I would like to make Rukia my lieutenant."
"Why would I accept that?" asked Byakuya "After all, being a lieutenant, even if the position brings honour, is a dangerous position. Why would I let my sister come into danger?"
"That may be true" acknowledged Ichigo "However, isn't the simple fact of being a shinigami dangerous?" he asked rhetorically. "Moreover" he added "the lieutenant is the closest to the captain, and a captain will always protect his lieutenant. Should Rukia be made a lieutenant, it would be easier for me to protect her, be it by not sending her into danger or by being closer to her in case of a battle." He finished strongly.
Byakuya stared hard at Ichigo. After about a minute he spoke. "Very well. As I believe you able and willing to protect her at all costs, I will not object to my sister becoming your lieutenant. But know that if she is hurt I'll hold you responsible."
Ichigo was relieved. After 3 months with only the head of the Kuchiki clan for company, he had gained a sort of friendship, if you could call it that, with the man. He was happy that Byakuya trusted him and gave him his blessing, so he simply answered "Thank you, Byakuya. I made a promise and I'll stick with it. Thank you." After an instant he added "I'll see you at the ceremony."
And with that he left and went to the court of pure souls where a podium had been established. Shinigamis from the 13 divisions were already arriving and taking seats in front of the podium in order to watch the ceremony. The first seats were already crowded with members of the 3rd, 5th and 9th squads as they were the one who would receive new captains that day.
Renji and Ikkaku arrived not long after Ichigo, and the three talked about nothing of importance. Ichigo scanned the crowd in hop to see Rukia but he couldn't find her. Some minutes later, the other captains arrived and took their seats on the back of the stage, waiting for the captain commander. When he arrived everyone became quiet and the ceremony began.
"Shinigamis of the 13 divisions" said Yamamoto in a powerful voice "We have gathered you here to present you the new captains who will replace the three ex-captainswho betrayed us. These three new captains, as every captain of the 13 squads are the best shinigamis have to offer. They have pledged to protect Soul Society and fight hollows with their lives. I ask you to treat them with the respect they have earned."
Loud clapping erupted and Yamamoto waited a bit before he continued "I will now give their haoris to the new captains. I now call forth the new captain of the 3rd division: Abarai Renji."
In an imposing silence, Renji walked to the captain commander and received his haori. He bowed to Yamamoto and everyone cheered. Yamamoto waited a bit for the crowd to calm down before he asked Renji if he wanted to change his lieutenant. He said no and Yamamoto invited to sit down with his other captains.
Next, Yamamoto called Kuchiki Byakuya and asked him to name his new lieutenant. He selected a young looking girl from his squad called Kyuu Akiko. After the cheers calmed down, Ikkaku was called and the same process that Renji happened again.
Finally after Ikkaku sat down with the other captains it was Ichigo's turn. When he was called there were murmurs about how he was the ryoka that defeated two captains to save Kuchiki Rukia. Other whispered about how they didn't know he was dead and if you listened very carefully there even were some whispering in awe about the length of his zapakuto and how he had stopped Sokyokou with it.
Once he received is haori, the loudest cheers of the ceremony broke. Ichigo couldn't help but smile at this, he was quite proud of his accomplishment, even if he hadn't done what he had done just for the honours.
Once the calm returned once again, Ichigo was asked to choose his lieutenant. He responded in a confidant voice "If she accepts the position, I would like Kuchiki Rukia of the 13th division to become the lieutenant of the 5th division." The whispering came back with such a force that Yamamoto was obligated to hit the floor with his zanpakuto. "Kuchiki Rukia, please join us" he said in a voice that broke no argument.
Rukia was in the crowd. As a member of the 13th squad, she was quite far from the scene and could not see anything due to her height. When she heard that Renji was now captain of the 3rd squad she almost cried in joy for her best friend, of course she knew Renji had tried the exam, but she wasn't sure he would become a captain. After that, she didn't really listen, she just gave a bit of a attention to hear that Madarame Ikkaku would be the new captain of squad 9. But when the captain commander announced that the new captain of squad 5 would be Kurosaki Ichigo, her brain froze. How could it be that Ichigo was a captain? He was still alive, or at least she thought so… And if was dead, when did it happen? Why hadn't he tried to find her once he arrived in Soul Society? As those question turned into her head, she didn't hear Yamamoto ask Ichigo who would be his lieutenant, it's only when she was called on the stage that he brain restarted.
"W..Wh.. what?" she babbled.
"Go, Kuchiki" said Kyone while pushing her toward the stage.
She walked towards the stage like a robot and the crowd moved to let her pass. She was still dazed and didn't really understand what was happening.
She soon found herself in face of Ihcigo in his white haori with the number 5 on the back. Yamamoto was beside him and smiled kindly at her.
She resisted the urge to throw herself in Ichigo's arms. It had been months since she hadn't see him and she had tons of questions to ask, but that would need to wait, because now, the captain commander was talking to her.
"Do you, Kuchiki Rukia, accept the responsibilities of lieutenant of the 5th squad under Kurasaki-taicho?" he asked.
'Lieutenant… 5th squad… Kurasaki-taicho? What is happening here? Me, lieutenant? What is it for a dream? First Ichigo is here with me, now he is a captain and he wants me as lieutenant? What do I do?' it was the panic in her head, but Rukia didn't show it on her face, even if she looked a bit confused. None the least, she was a Kuchiki, one of the four noble houses and she couldn't look like a fish out of the water. She had to respond so that is what she did. "Does Ukitake-taicho approve of my transfer?"
Ukitake rose from his seat "Kuchiki, you deserve this promotion, I fully agree." And he sat back, a smile on his lips.
"I am honoured and accept the responsibilities of the lieutenant of the 5th squad." Said finally Rukia with a much more confidant voice than what she felt.
"Very well. I present you the new lieutenant of the 5th squad, Kuchiki Rukia." Said Yamamoto to the crowd.
The crowd exploded once again in cheers and Yamamoto had once again to hit the floor to restore the calm.
"We have one more matter to announce today" he said in a strong voice. "As you know, 4 months ago, former captains Aizen, Icihmaru and Tousen betrayed Soul Society. This felony would not have been discovered if not for the effort of Kurosaki-taicho. In order to prevent Soul Society from falling, Kurosaki-taicho, then a living human, voluntarily sacrificed his life to become a full shinigami. He was able, in ten days of training, to achieve shikai as well as bankai and defeated two of our own captains on his own, with little to no formal training. Due to his actions and his achievement, I, with the full support of the house of Kuchiki do hereby declare the house of Kurosaki the fifth of the most nobles houses of Soul Society."
There was silence, an oppressive silence. Then, Unohana-taicho from the 4th squad began to clap. Kuchiki Byakua followed. Next, all the captains and lieutenants clapped, even if some of them only did this not to look bad. The crowd followed and soon they cheered as loud as possible for the new noble man.
For the last time that day, the captain commander calmed the crowd and spoke "Thank you all. This concludes the 37th captain ceremony of Soul Society." And with that, he left the stage to go to his office.
Now that the ceremony was over, Rukia was ready to ask all the questions she had, but she had to wait as the new captains and lieutenants were congratulated by the ancient captains and lieutenants. It felt weird to be among them, but as a Kuchiki and now lieutenant of the 5th division she didn't let it affect her.
After about half an hour of discussion and congrats, she had to admit she was tiring and she really wanted to have a good discussion with Ichigo. She still couldn't believe he was here, a captain and she a lieutenant. It was unbelievable.
Little by little the crowd cleared. Finally when almost everyone had left except the new officers, Ukitake and Byakuya, the last went to speak with her. "Nii-sama" she said as she bowed.
"Rukia" he answered. "I am happy to see the honour you bring to the Kuchiki family with this promotion. You make the family proud."
Rukia couldn't believe her hears. If everything that had happened that day was chocking, THIS was the icing on the cake, her brother, who NEVER spoke like he was proud of her, who had made everything possible to ensure she would not be a seated officer was telling her he was proud? Of her? He approved she was a lieutenant? Where was the word going to?
She couldn't do anything but to thank her brother. He nodded in return and left with his new lieutenant.
After her brother left, she was startled when her old captain put his hand on her shoulder. "Hello, Kuchiki-san" he said.
"Ukitake-taicho" responded Rukia while bowing.
"I would like to congratulate you, Kuchiki-fukutaicho. You really deserve this promotion, you know?" Seeing Rukia blush he continued "Ichigo went personally to ask your brother his permission for you to be his lieutenant, and I don't know how he did it, but he was able to convince Byakuya… he also explained his situation to me, don't be too hard on him when he tells you his story, ok?" As she nodded, he continued "I know why he did what he did, and I would feel bad for him if you let your temper get the better of you."
"Hai, Ukitake-taicho"
"Well, see you later, then" and with that he left.
When everyone had left, Rukia and Ichigo found themselves alone on the scene.
"Hey" said Ichigo. "Maybe we should be moving too, no?" he said while scratching his head.
"Hai, taicho" answered Rukia with a wink. "Where to?"
"Well, I don't have a home yet and I don't want to live in the division quarters, so Byakuya has offered to let me live at Kuchiki manor for the time being. We could go there, what do you think?"
"Nii-sama? He offered for you to live with us there?" asked Rukia in disbelief. 'This day is getting weirder by the second' she thought.
"Yeah, he is not half bad when you know him a little better" Answered the new captain.
'Weirder and weirder' thought Rukia. 'Ichigo just said Nii-sama was not a bad person…' She was put out of her thoughts by Ichigo's voice.
"Anyway, shall we go?"
"Yes, let's go". And they shunpoed to Kuchiki manor.
Byakuya was waiting for them at the entrance, playing the perfect host "Kurosaki-taicho, Rukia. Please enter."
Rukia was once again shocked; her nii-sama was greeting Ichigo like an equal. But what was even more astounding was Ichigo's answer.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Kuchiki-taicho." He said with perfect manners.
"It is my pleasure. Rukia, could you please escort Kurosaki-taicho to the guest wing, please?"
"Hai, Nii-sama" she answered automatically. Turning to Ichigo she told him in a shocked voice "please, follow me, Kurosaki-taicho".
Rukia was so chocked by everything that happened that she didn't even attempt to speak with Ichigo during their walk to the guest wing of the manor. Once they were in the wing which looked more like a good sized house, Ichigo decided to open a conversation. However, being Ichigo, he wasn't the best at doing so, even with his training in the Noble Art of Nobility.
"Hey, Rukia, you ok?" he asked.
"You ask me if I'm ok?" asked Rukia. "YOU ask ME if I am OK?" she almost yelled. "I don't see you for four months, when I visit the living world I learn that you were away for your studies so I have no news from you, then your are made a captain, you make me your lieutenant without even telling me first and finally you are made a noble and I learn by the captain commander that in order to come and save me you had to die…" she was in tears a this point "After that, I see you and nii-sama being friendly with each other and you playing the noble… and you ask me if I'm 'ok'? What do you think, Ichigo?" she said in a little voice, tears running down her face.
Ichigo was speechless. He hadn't imagined that particular reaction. In his mind Rukia would be happy with the surprise and would hug him to death and then make him explain while treating him of baka and moron every five sentences. A crying Rukia he was not ready for and he didn't know what to do so he followed his instinct and hugged her, letting her crying on his shoulder while whispering calming words to her.
After a while, Rukia calmed down and broke the hug. Ichigo was in the same time relieved and saddened that she let go of him.
"Well, I suppose it's normal that you are upset" he said in his best diplomatic voice. "I'm sorry, I hoped to surprise you and make you happy, but it seams it backfired a bit" he added, scratching his head like every time he was embarrassed.
"It's alright." Answered Rukia "I overreacted a bit. It was a lot to take in just one time you know?"
"Yeah, I suppose you're right." He said with a smile. When he saw Rukia smile back he decided to continue "I suppose you've got a lot of questions, right?"
"You could say that, baka!" said Rukia.
"Anyway, it would be easier if I told you the whole story and then if you have questions I'll try to answer them, ok?"
And so, Ichigo spent the best of three hours describing the last four months of his life to Rukia. He explained his last month in the living world, Byakuya's visit and his proposition. How he learned that he was dead (that earned him the name of stupidest man in Soul Society, a slap on the head, some tears and a bone crushing hug in the same order). He described his training with Byakuya in reiatsu control and kido, the training in the Art (that made her laugh when he imitated Byakuya), how he had had to construct a house (Rukia was laughing the whole time but wouldn't tell him why) and finally he told her about the exam of that morning. He only left out that he did that only to be with her.
When she asked him why he chose her as his lieutenant, he replied that he had been advised to take a person that was powerful enough and that he could trust with his live… she was the only to fit the description that he knew. Once again Rukia hugged him for his sweet words. Ichigo couldn't believe that Rukia was this affectionate, but he supposed it was due to the fact that she was still under the shock of the day.
Her next question however, he didn't know how to answer. When she asked why he had done all that, he didn't speak for a moment, then looked her in the eyes "promise me you won't get mad?" he asked.
Startled by his sudden change in tone she said the only thing possible at the moment "I promise"
He toot a breath and said in a soft voice, almost a whisper, his eyes still locked with hers "I did all of this… for you."
She was speechless. Ichigo went to such lengths for little her? She loved Ichigo, even if she had never told anyone and tried not to show it. She couldn't comprehend what he had just said 'He did this for me? Just for me?' she thought. Be in her dazed state, she didn't hear that she said that out loud.
"Yes, Rukia, I did this for you." Answered Ichigo.
Rukia began to cry. Ichigo was stunned, this was definitively not what he hoped for. No, he hoped for a love struck Rukia who would jump in his arms and kiss him senseless… not a crying Rukia.
"Rukia, are you ok?" he asked.
"Ichigo…" she whispered "Why? Why for me?"
He was so much in the moment that the only thing he could do was to answer honestly "Because I love you Rukia".
The moment he said that, she jumped in his arms and proceeded to show him how much she loved him by kissing him. He responded almost immediately. The kiss was full of passion and love, the kind of first kiss every girl dreams of. It ended too soon for their taste, but they needed air so they had to break the kiss.
"Does this make us a couple?" asked Ichigo with a grin.
"Yes" said Rukia without hesitation.
"Then I'm glad I asked your brother the right to court you, and I'm glad he said yes" continued Ichigo.
Rukia's world went blank 'He asked nii-sama the right to court me and nii-sama said yes? But… courting is used in nobility to see if a marriage could be possible!'
A.N. heyhey, here we are, the third chapter is now finished. It was probably the longest chapter I've ever written in so little time. Wow, I'm actually impressed with myself.
Well, I know I promised Ichigo's reaction for the prank Byakuya played on him, but I have now the perfect scene in mind for when he will discover the truth, and it won't happen too soon.
Anyway, I hope you liked the chapter and that I didn't disappoint you.
Thanks for reading, don't hesitate to review.
Lisy