Chapter 3 - Finally
The next morning, the heat of the sun on his cheeks stirred Ichigo awake. He sat up. He placed his hand on his head, trying to gather his bearings as he scanned the room.
Where did she go?
Ichigo sighed as he lifted his blankets swiftly and stepped towards his closet. He realized that he was wearing different clothing from the night before.
It was Rukia, wasn't it?
No one would know where his clothes were… at least, be able to discern which were for sleeping and which weren't. No one knew where he lived – anyone invisible anyway. He clenched his hands into fists. A smirk formed on his lips.
She was back.
xxxx
Rukia sat back atop the storage room on the roof. She watched as the clouds rolled by slowly, enjoying the summer-like weather being simmered by the soft breeze. Boring. The day was incredibly boring without someone to enjoy the weather with.
The sound of the school lunch bell startled her, and Rukia watched below, the trickle of students finding their lunch spots on the roof. A wave of nostalgia hit her as familiar faces walked across the light grey cement floor. Orihime was her usual bubbly self, but it was obvious to see something was bugging her. Chad… Ishida… Keigo… they were all present.
Where was Ichigo?
She sat back, and closed her eyes to search for Ichigo more finely. She found him in a strange place - right behind her. She whipped around and saw him nonchalantly looking out into the distance. She watched as he sat down beside her, could he feel her? No, for Ichigo quietly pulled out his lunch and began to eat.
She watched as he ran his hand through his hair and take a sip of his juice, and she couldn't help but smile. He matured well. His boyish looks had disappeared and now he seemed more of a man than his age told. His eyes seemed to constantly search, however, seemingly lost in its amber gold. She hugged her knees close and relished in the simplicity of the moment.
xxxx
Renji paced the halls of the sixth division, restless. His subordinates watched uneasily from behind their desks, aware of their captain's bouts of excitement and even anger. This time, Renji was simply upset over the current state of events. Byakuya was off to a captain's meeting, and Renji was to watch the place. However, Renji was more interested in where Rukia had gone. The place seemed less lively without her, not that he enjoyed just her company.
"Vice captain Matsumoto!" gaped Renji's underlings as they watched the strawberry blonde bombshell make her way through the office. She smiled and stepped up behind Renji, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"What do you want?" Renji asked, not really caring about her presence.
"I heard that you're missing Rukia." She giggled, crossing her arms.
Renji glared, "You heard nothing of the sort. What do you really want?"
"Oh jeez, stingy. I just thought you'd appreciate an afternoon drink with me and the boys. Nothing's really going on that needs our utmost attention, and the captains will be back in a few minutes." She patted the red-haired man on the shoulder.
Renji shook his head. "If that's the case I'd rather do something else."
Matsumoto narrowed her eyes in suspicion, "Off to see Rukia I bet?" Renji blushed slightly and looked away. "Look, if you don't make your move soon Ichigo's going to steal her away all over again - permanently."
"I'm not going to take advice from you." Renji replied.
"I never said you had to do it. But then again, you're pretty cowardly when it comes to these things, maybe you should take my advice." She chuckled and walked away. "I'll watch over the place, go do that other thing you wanted to do instead."
Renji glanced at her back and watched as she walked towards one of the desks holding a small looking man.
"I'll be back." Renji said, and he disappeared, setting loose papers into the air. Matsumoto smiled.
xxxx
Inside the senior classroom, the students were their usual selves. Ichigo always found it uncomfortable how easily the world fazed Rukia out of memory, despite memory alterations. The days seemed longer without her, and at the same time he could never really keep up with what was going on. Last night's interaction was promising, and he did his best to not seem like he was constantly looking for her.
"Ichigo!" Keigo exclaimed as he walked into the classroom after the bell. "Let's walk home together ne?" The orange-haired teen didn't reply, to which Keigo took as a yes.
Inoue, Uryu, Chad and Tatsuki looked at Ichigo with concern. Did he not feel it?
"Kuchiki-san is in the school." Inoue whispered with a sad tone she couldn't hide.
Uryu pushed up his glasses, "He hasn't developed that far yet, he can't probably feel her too well."
"Why doesn't she just come in like she did before? In that fake body?" Tatsuki asked, turning to Uryu.
"Matters are different," the usually quiet boy replied. "There is no state of calamity and it's not like there aren't any stronger entities able to protect Karakura."
Chad looked on at Ichigo then said, "He seems happier."
The group followed his gaze and nodded.
After class, Keigo and Mizuro trailed behind Ichigo talking about the latest superhero movie. The pair suddenly stopped and watched as Rukia joined them from a few meters back.
Hearing the absence of obnoxious conversation, Ichigo turned to his long time friends. "What is it?"
"You mean you don't s-" Keigo was interrupted by Mizuro's hand.
"Nothing, we just thought we'd go catch the movie now instead of tomorrow. Want to come?"
Ichigo shook his head, "You guys go ahead. I'll see you at school tomorrow."
Rukia bowed as Mizuro and Keigo (who was in tears) passed. She continued to follow Ichigo as he walked home. It had been a long, uneventful day. Despite Karakura's high concentration of strong souls, there was a lack of hollow activity. She stood outside the main door of the Kurosaki clinic and watched Ichigo disappear into the building.
"Rukia." A deep voice rang.
"What are you doing here, Renji?" She turned gracefully to the man.
Renji shrugged, "Thought I'd see how you were doing, not much is happening around here."
Rukia laughed, "Better that than running around." She picked up his pace and they made their way to the nearest park.
"Why'd you agree to come down here? We could have sent a lower rank." He asked as he sat beside her on the swings.
She shrugged, "Like I said, fool. It wasn't my choice."
"You've always had a choice." He looked at her seriously and Rukia punched him across the face.
"That expression doesn't suit you, vice-captain." She laughed. Renji glared, a hand on his throbbing cheek.
They suddenly felt a spike in a familiar reiatsu.
"Ichigo!" Rukia cried, running towards the teen's house.
"Rukia! Wait!" Renji yelled, following after her.
They arrived at the Kurosaki residence and jumped into the teen's room. They watched as he closed his eyes, shinigami badge in his hand.
"The idiot." Renji said.
Another spike of reiatsu waved over the town as Ichigo tried again to leave his body.
"He's bound to attract-" Rukia was interrupted mid-sentence by multiple hollow shrieks.
"You need to stop him Rukia." Renji said, looking out into the town.
"I can't. He can't see me-"
"But it isn't like you can't tackle him down." Renji said. Rukia looked at Ichigo in uncertainty. "There's no time!" He exclaimed, disappearing out of the window.
"Kurosaki-kun!" A shriek sounded. Rukia turned to Inoue's voice, and they locked eyes for a moment until Ichigo came to the window.
"Inoue?" He looked down at her in surprise.
Renji grabbed Rukia and pulled her away. "Renji what are you-"
"There's a menos on the way. That brat's reiatsu... I forgot how monstrous it was." Rukia pushed his hold away, and they left into the town.
"M-may I come in?" Inoue stuttered. Ichigo looked at her in confusion and nodded.
Inoue walked to the entrance where he opened the door for her with a polite smile. "What is it that you need?"
Inoue blushed slightly. "Can we talk somewhere else? Somewhere more private?" Her voice trailed off in uncertainty as she looked up at her unrequited love.
Ichigo nodded, and he led her up to his room.
She sat on his chair, and he on his bed. "What's up?" He asked. "Is someone bothering you?"
Inoue smiled and shook her head, forgetting how naturally Ichigo would jump to such a conclusion. "I just felt your reiatsu surging... I thought I should let you know that it's not safe for you to do that..."
Ichigo looked at the badge on his desk. "I guess you're right. I'm sorry for worrying you."
"No! It-I wasn't that bothered- I just thought it wasn't safe and... I just didn't want you to get hurt." She fumbled.
Ichigo smiled gently, and said, "Thank you, Inoue."
There was now a silence and Inoue felt for any other hostile spirits. It seemed that Rukia and Renji disposed of them all.
"What about you?" Ichigo asked. "How are you doing?"
Inoue was surprised at his interest and blushed. "I'm doing fine! I'm doing good!"
Ichigo smiled, "That's good. Oh. Kon's been asking about you, god knows where is now but-"
"Kurosaki-kun," Inoue started. Ichigo sat back down in defeat, having no idea where Kon went. He looked expectantly at Inoue to finish her sentence. "I was wondering if you'd like to go somewhere someday..." She finished, her face beet red.
"What, with everyone? Sure. What'd you guys have in mind?"
"Ah... that is... I meant that-" She was interrupted by Rukia's presence on the windowsill. She locked eyes with the shinigami, who only smiled gently and nodded at her.
Ichigo followed her gaze, seeing nothing, "Inoue?" he called.
Inoue shook her head, "Never mind. I'll tell you about those plans later." She smiled and jumped up. "I'm sorry for barging in," she hurried out of the room.
"Hey, wait!" Ichigo followed her down the hall. "If you want, I can walk you home." He asked.
"No, it's fine, you're busy and I have to get home quickly. Thank you, though." She smiled.
"Okay, be careful out there." Ichigo held the door open for her and let her go.
Inoue let out a deep breath, then smiled and waved from down the street. He never did insist on walking her home, even after all this time. But then again, maybe she should say yes more readily.
Renji joined Rukia's side.
"Shouldn't you be going back to Soul Society?" She asked, entering Ichigo's room, sitting on his bed.
"I should." He said. Rukia glared at him and shoved him off the window sill.
Renji landed on the ground with a thud and cursed at Rukia who was laughing at his demise. He looked away with a slight blush and returned to the window.
Meanwhile, Ichigo entered the room. Rukia was far too busy bickering with her childhood friend to notice him pick up his badge. He looked at it sadly then placed it back down. He closed his eyes and felt for any familiar reiatsu.
"You little asshole." Renji glared, locked Rukia into his arm by the neck, messing her hair. She laughed all the while.
She then grabbed his arm and twisted it to his back. "Take it back!" She demanded cooly.
"Ah! God damn it, fine, fine! Let go!" Renji looked at her in defeat, Rukia laughed.
"Rukia?" Ichigo called out.
The pair whipped their heads around at Ichigo who was looking in their direction.
Renji watched Rukia's expression betray her guard with a glimmer of hope.
"Don't be stupid." He said, placing his hand on her shoulder and turning her towards him. "He can't see us."
Ichigo made his way to the bed and sat down, now face to face with said girl.
"Renji, what do I do?" Rukia gripped her shihakusho, fighting the urge to return his call.
The red-haired vice captain watched as Ichigo reached out. He grabbed the teen's hand, who reacted in shock.
"Rukia?" Ichigo exclaimed. "No... this..."
"Renji! What are you doing?" Rukia asked, grabbing his arm.
"I'll tell you exactly what to do, Rukia." He pushed Ichigo back. "You ignore it." Rukia looked at him in anger. "It's not time."
She looked away in pain. Renji grabbed her shoulders and gave her a small kiss on the lips. Rukia returned his serious look with a confused one.
"I'll be back." He said simply, and disappeared.
Rukia sat dumbfounded at his action and his awful timing.
Ichigo did the same, confused at the pressure that pushed him back. It wasn't Rukia, though the reiatsu was familiar.
The pair sat there for a few minutes, until Rukia decided to leave. She wasn't sure how to react to Renji's next visit, and she wasn't sure how she felt about what he did. There was no denying the aching feeling in her chest. She watched as Ichigo climbed out of bed and ran a hand through his hair.
"Tch." He said. Rukia lingered on the window sill, to make sure he'd be alright.
Outside, it began to pour. Ichigo glanced out of the window, and his face distorted to one of anger. He placed his hands on his head and fell to the floor, feeling utterly powerless.
"I didn't think it would be this hard." He whispered, just loud enough for Rukia to hear.
xxxx
The next morning smelled of rain. It continued to pour, ceaseless. The thunder boomed from far away, as if boasting its presence, looming over the dark clouds. Ichigo struggled to get out of bed, and Rukia slipped out of his closet after finding herself exhausted during night watch.
Ichigo pulled on his uniform and grabbed an umbrella on the way out of the house.
"Ichigo!" Exclaimed Isshin, stopping Ichigo before he could leave. He sent a curt nod to Rukia who returned it from outside the clinic.
"What is it, dad?" Ichigo asked.
Isshin looked at his son with a grin, "Your mood doesn't have to match the weather. Don't forget your lunch, your sister slaves over these!" He slapped Ichigo on the back, who was became winded.
"Thanks." Ichigo said.
"Whatever's bothering you, won't bother you anymore. Just wait." Isshin kept his grin as his son walked away, practiced at ignoring his father's strange statements.
Rukia stepped beside Isshin. "Are you sure there's nothing we can do to give him his powers quicker?"
Isshin shrugged. "You'll have to talk to Urahara, my beautiful third daughter. He's been planning something in his creepy store."
She nodded and as she left, Isshin placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry about Ichigo, he's a glum fellow. Takes things too hard on himself - you know." Rukia smiled politely and shunpo-ed towards Urahara's store.
xxxx
At school, Inoue just finished unloading the story of last night to Tatsuki who looked at her with a forgiving smile.
"It's okay. Ichigo's just daft. Don't give up." She smirked, patting her on the head.
"I don't know... maybe he just doesn't see me that way. I mean... not in the same way he sees Rukia." Inoue replied.
Tatsuki opened her mouth to say something only to see Ichigo walk into the classroom.
"Gloomy weather today." Tatsuki called out, "Must be your fault Ichigo." She smirked.
Ichigo glared at her, "Says the doom bringer. Your name changes every year, doesn't it?"
"Ah shut up." Tatsuki replied.
Inoue caught Ichigo's eye and smiled shyly, Ichigo smiled politely in return. "Are you alright Kurosaki-kun?" She asked.
Ichigo nodded, his scowl perfect. Inoue and Tatsuki exchanged worried looks.
"Kurosaki. What was with your insane reiatsu last night?" Uryu grabbed a chair near the group. "Luckily Rukia and Renji were around to kill off the pests you attracted."
Ichigo looked at him in surprise, so they were here. "Are they still here?" Ichigo asked, still carefully guarded.
"Does it matter?" Uryu prodded. "You should know better."
Ichigo looked down at his desk, well aware of what Uryu meant.
xxxx
Meanwhile, Rukia looked at Urahara in surprise.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"Chosen captains and vice captains inserted pieces of their reiatsu into this sword." He motioned over the glowing piece of work. "Ichigo can get his powers back, but we need yours as the key."
Rukia nervously placed her hand on the hilt of her sword. "But will this be okay? I mean I know it worked once but-"
"Ichigo will be fine, as long as your reiatsu is included." He fanned himself, a coy smile playing at his lips.
"Okay. I'll do it." Rukia replied.
Renji raced to Urahara's store, where he caught Rukia leaving, two swords sheathed at her side.
"Rukia, you have it." He said, taking a few steps towards her.
She jumped at his voice and blushed slightly. "Renji... what are you doing here?"
"Jeez, will you never greet me without a question?" He replied, crossing his arms.
An awkward silence hung over them as they traveled.
xxxx
Tatsuki pushed Inoue over, as the class bubbled with conversation during lunch. Ichigo sat, silently eating his sister's carefully packed bento.
"K-Kurosaki-kun!" Inoue called out.
Ichigo looked up at the girl who was blushing madly.
"Can I talk with you... in the hall?" She said.
The entire class silenced as they watched the pair leave. Tatsuki glared at the group, her fist up, and the class quickly resumed their lunch.
"I just wanted to ask you again... about going out... together?" She asked, not daring to look him in the eyes.
Ichigo looked at her in confusion. "Why? Is there something you need me for?"
Inoue held her hands together tightly with nervousness. "Y-Yes."
"What is it?" Asked Ichigo, not fazed by what he called her 'usual' mannerisms.
"I... towards Kurosaki-kun..."
xxxx
Renji followed Rukia and they stopped atop the school building.
"Do you really want to give him his powers back?" Renji asked.
Rukia nodded. "It's the only thing that's ever helped him feel in control."
"How are you so sure he's not fine now?" They slipped into the building, casually walking to Ichigo's classroom.
"You saw his face." Rukia replied.
Renji sighed, "That was his face for you, idiot."
Rukia didn't react.
"Are you doing this just because you like him?" Renji continued.
"What are you talking about? I'm doing this as per Soul Society's orders. Don't talk, your reiatsu's in here too." She replied.
"Rukia. That's not what I'm asking." Renji said, he turned to see she had stopped, eyes in shock.
Renji followed her gaze and saw Inoue and Ichigo alone in the hall, his face slightly flushed.
"What are you doing? Come on, let's go." Renji said, carefully studying her expression. He watched as the shock turned into pain, sadness, guilt, then disappear all at once as her expression turned into her serious one.
"Not now." She said, turning and walking in the opposite direction.
Renji raced after her and turned her around. "What? Does it bother you that he's finally recognizing that girl after all these years? Now that you're gone, Rukia?"
The small girl refused to acknowledge Renji, infuriating him further. He paced, finally slamming his fist onto one of the nearby doors.
"You like him! You like him and you keep denying it!" He grabbed her by the shoulders. "Did you ever stop to think that maybe he might like you too?"
"No!" Rukia yelled. "Never, Renji! I... I ruined his chance at a normal life, and here I am on the way to do it again!" Her eyes began to wet.
"Don't give me that bullshit!" He exclaimed, shoving her onto some lockers. "It's impossible for you to do that, impossible for you to ruin anyone's life."
She didn't say a word, pushing his grip off of her shoulders. She began to walk away.
"Rukia." Renji called out. "Rukia, you idiot, if you leave now you'll never get him back!"
"Why are you doing this Renji?" Rukia asked, trying to hide the quiver in her voice.
Renji sighed. "I don't know."
Rukia continued walking. "I'm going to have Urahara destroy the sword. Ichigo doesn't need it anymore."
"But he still needs you." Renji said, defeat and hurt tinting the statement. "I... I could never compare to him, could I?"
Rukia stopped. Renji ran a hand through his hair.
"Your reaction... back when you were in that awful tower... when you heard his name, you just lit up, Rukia." His hands clenched into fists. "And it still does."
Rukia grabbed her arm, fighting back the urge to run, she did her best to listen to Renji.
"You've always just ignored me... but maybe that was because I didn't make it obvious enough." He sighed. After a short pause he said,"You're too manly for me anyway." followed by a soft chuckle.
"I'm sorry." She said, without turning to look at him.
"You should be." Renji replied, without a hint of malice. "Anyway, you've always been his guardian, ever since you met. If you believe that he won't need those powers anymore, Soul Society will listen. It's up to you now."
He walked past her, patting her on the head. "I'll watch for hollows. Whatever you decide, I'll be waiting at the gate tonight."
Renji couldn't bring himself to look at her as he walked away. He didn't want to see how she reacted, he didn't want to see her pity.
"Damn it." He muttered, disappearing into the dark afternoon.
xxxx
Ichigo flushed a deep red and looked away, Inoue stared at her feet, not knowing what else to say.
"Uh-" Ichigo stammered, not sure what to say. He suddenly became extremely aware of her being, her potential to be more than a friend. "I-"
"That's all!" Inoue said, smiling. "We don't have to go anywhere, I just thought I'd let you know... that's all, good bye!" She turned to leave, but Ichigo pulled her back.
"Look, Inoue..." He started.
Inoue shook her head, her hand limp in his grip. "Don't- don't look at me like that." Her voice shook as tears fell down her cheeks.
He let go gently, and she hid behind her hands.
"I'm sorry..." Ichigo said, his eyes guilty.
"No... No don't apologize, I'm okay. Honest." She wiped her tears away.
"But-"
"It's okay Kurosaki-kun... you should go." She said, turning to leave. "Kuchiki-san was here a few moments ago." She smiled.
Ichigo turned to look down the empty hall.
"She's on her way to your house, it seems." Inoue continued to frantically wipe her eyes.
"I can't just leave you like this." Ichigo replied.
Inoue let out a small laugh, "I'll be fine. I'm stronger than you think." She smiled.
Ichigo sighed, and ran. Inoue's smile disappeared, and more tears fell.
Tatsuki slipped out of the classroom and patted the girl on the back. "You did good, Hime." The strawberry blonde girl almost collapsed into Tatsuki's arms, sobbing with relief and heartache.
xxxx
Rukia found herself in Ichigo's room again. She opened his closet and sat on the shelf that used to be his bed. The rain did not let up fooling one into thinking it was evening. She looked at the false sword on her lap, wondering what to do with Ichigo once he got home. She sighed, maybe Renji was right. It would explain her eagerness to see Ichigo again, and the way she enjoyed being near him, regardless of his awareness.
Rukia heard footsteps furiously running up the stairs and someone barge into the room. She watched as Ichigo stepped into the small space. Rukia held her breath. He was soaked from head to toe, his clothes sticking to his skin, dripping into small puddles on the floor.
"I know you're in here." He said, panting.
Rukia stepped onto the floor of the bedroom with a deep breath, and stood in front of him. "I am here."
Ichigo followed the voice, and smirked. "Where have you been?"
Rukia smiled. "Around."
He stepped closer. "Why can't I see you?" He asked and reached out, Rukia gently pushed his hand away.
"Not yet, always impatient." She said, Ichigo could hear the smile in her voice. He missed it. "Do you want to?"
Ichigo nodded.
"Are you sure?" She asked, hesitating as she pulled out the false blade.
"I've been waiting for you. I thought it was obvious, idiot." He replied, smirking confidently.
"But Ichigo, you have a chance to be human for good." She said, readying herself for his reply.
"I don't want to be human." He replied, "I'm a shinigami."
Rukia sighed, as she expected him to answer. She pointed the blade at his chest, and Ichigo could feel the steel point through his shirt.
"I'm ready." He said, grasping the invisible sword.
xxxx
Inoue and Tatsuki felt the surge of reiatsu, as they watched television. Tatsuki gave Inoue a comforting smile and patted her on the head. The girl with the puffy eyes sighed, and smiled painfully. Despite fully knowing it was inevitable, she couldn't help but let Ichigo know, she let out a heavy sigh. Tatsuki slid over her bowl of ice cream, Inoue grinned at her best friend and gladly finished it.
xxxx
Renji stood in the rain, a butterfly fluttering by his head. The surge of reiatsu passed, and after a few more hours, no Rukia. He sighed, wondering why he bothered to wait. Why he bothered to howl at the moon that was always out of reach.
xxxx
Rukia pushed the sword into his chest and it began to glow, disappearing into the teen. Ichigo stood in his shinigami body, joy now in his eyes. Rukia watched as he assessed his sword and clothes briefly.
"Welcome back, idiot." She smirked, punching him on the shoulder.
Ichigo grimaced at her blow. "Were you really watching me the whole time?"
Rukia nodded in dismay, "I've yet to see you more pathetic than ever. You can't do much without me around, can you?" She smirked coyly.
Ichigo looked back at her in seriousness, "I can't."
"You idiot-" Rukia was interrupted by Ichigo, who had pulled her into a tight embrace. "Ichigo, what's wrong?"
"Shut up and let me hold you." He held her tighter. She let her guard fall, and returned his embrace.
In the dark, all they could hear was the rain falling outside. Drops hitting the windows rapidly, the wind howling in unison.
"You cut your hair." Ichigo added, he let go slowly, running his large fingers through her raven locks. Rukia didn't say anything, and placed his hand on hers.
"So?"
"You look older." Ichigo replied without thinking. At this, Rukia glared. He smirked. "I'm just kidding." He placed his hand on her cheek and leaned in.
"Ichigo-" Rukia interjected.
"I'm going to have to ignore you again, Rukia." He placed his lips on hers. She closed her eyes, and tiptoed to return the kiss.
A/N: That's the end! If the entire parade of captains weren't there, and there was no crisis (yet), this is how I think it should have happened. Let me know if you agree!
Thanks for reading :).