Chapter 26: Telephone

Hey everyone, Ky-Ky again. Another 8 page chapter (about 17 in her writing). Scanning the reviews real quick, I remember wanting to mention this:

Chapter 25 and Chapter 26 are roughly half of what would have been a single chapter. Our girl writes out as much as she can, but marks places where I can cut off the chapter while typing. If I do cut off, she makes a new opening for the next chapter when I pick up where I left off. So, the sex scene last chapter was supposed to be a scene within a whole chapter of development. So, I apologize for cutting the chapter early and making it seem like a larger scene than it should have. Hope I make sense.

This chapter itself was also cut off (I'm typing it out during break at work), so I hope I'm not fucking up the flow. My deepest apologies.

Anyways, I bought her a laptop, which should be arriving January 3rd. Get excited, cause I know she will be happy to get to write up a chapter in two hours, instead of cramping her hand and writing out a chapter in three days. Also, she lives off your reviews I try my best to relay to her. Thanks to EVERYONE for your support to her. AND- she's back in school and work January 25th. =)

Ah, yeah. She also ranted about how she is terribly sorry for using so many "OCs". But she brought up a good point in hating it more, when random characters from Bleach are given an unfitting role just to avoid originals. But she's still sorry, lol.

Anyways, just in case- happy holidays everyone!

Disclaimer: I do not own any brand/copyrighted names used in this story. They will always be italicized. I do not own any songs mentioned, or any characters/concepts from Bleach.

"Rukia." Ichigo shook her bare shoulder gently as he could, trying to rouse her, smirking as her pretty features scrunched up with annoyance. She had yet to acknowledge him, though, her tall shinigami shaking her again; "Midget, c'mon. You'll ruin your sleep tonight."

He heard her groan, leaning over her to find violet eyes slowly opening, tired irritation obvious in them as they moved into a glare, looking up at him; "You ruin my sleep."

"I think we both know I help you sleep," he smirked, brushing aside her bangs from her eyes.

Rukia gave him a small laugh, moving onto her back as Ichigo sat down on the mattress' edge, amber eyes on her as he leaned an arm over her, the other picking at his jeans. Stretching out her nude body under the bedding's warmth, Rukia relaxed with a sigh, looking at her male fully dressed; "Why are you dressed?"

"Gonna head real quick for a mocha… or three…. I have a lot I want to review tonight."

Nodding, Rukia sat up, a hand running through her hair before she dropped her forehead against his shoulder, rubbing her skin against the unique threading of his sweater.

"I have a lot, too. Are Inoue and Sado coming over?"

"Hai."

Rukia hummed, nodding again, pulling back to look at him as he searched for her gaze, their blanket held close around her body; "Can you bring me hot chocolate?"

Ichigo nodded, feeling his Torch vibrate in his pocket, digging it out and sliding his screen up.

From: Sado Chad

On our way. Getting coffee first.

To: Sado Chad

I'll meet you there with the car. Mind ordering my drink with a hot chocolate?

"Alright, I'm heading out. See you, midget." Pocketing his phone, Ichigo gave Rukia a quick kiss, pushing off the bed and rounding it, throwing back a smirk before stepping out into the living room.

Listening as he moved about, gathering his shoes and keys, Rukia smiled as she brought her knees up and rested her chin on them, hearing the door close, feeling his reiatsu caress hers once more before fading little by little- step by step.

"See you, Ichigo…."

Missed Call: Mika

1 New Voicemail

"Hey, Naoya, just letting you know I won't be home today. Might have a study date. I'll get the notes from you tomorrow? See ya."

Mika smiled as she found the beloved café to the university's locals, thanking a young female as the door held for her. Loosening her light scarf in the warmth within, Mika looked about the modest, crowded shop, stepping into line as she read the menu up ahead.

"Hm, hot chocolate… or what was that drink Rukia had? I think she said it was a mocha…. Piece of shit, what was it?"

The older man in front of her turned around with a frown, eyeing her strangely as she debated out loud, stuttering an apology as green eyes threw back a menacing glare at him. The line moved up a step, Mika's attention back on the menu.

"I'll just get hot chocolate, I guess-."

Orange flashed in her peripheral, looking over to see a tall male walking by into the seating area, jeans dark with a grey sweater; and orange hair. Mika raised a brow, watching him look around until a delicate hand reached up into the air and waved him over, Inoue's beaming smile immediately recognized as Mika found the pair waving him over.

Sado-kun and Inoue-san. Jumping at the sudden call from the register, Mika stepped up and ordered her drinks, glancing over at Rukia's friends and boyfriend, scratching at her wallet in hand; should I just introduce myself now…?

"We're mixing your drink, miss. Would you like whip cream?"

"Hey, Chad, Inoue; you guys ready?" Rubbing at the keys he held, Ichigo stood beside Inoue as they nodded, gathering their bags and drinks, Ichigo's eyes glancing down at Inoue as he helped her push back her seat; "Should seven cover my drinks?"

She nodded weakly and absent-mindedly, brushing back her bangs with a nervous look. Ichigo's frown grew as she hesitated to speak, looking between her and Chad for either to say something, Inoue's small voice finally speaking up.

"Kurosaki-kun… we asked for your drinks, but Rin-san said she needed to talk with you-."

"Kurosaki-kun." They turned as Rin came up to them behind the taller male, a carton tray holding four drinks held in her hands, her uniform and hair neat as always. Eyes hard as he tensed, Ichigo stared at her as she just stood there, silent and uneasy, Chad and Inoue stepping closer beside him, both wary of the barista before them.

Clearing her throat, she held out the tray to him; "I've noticed you sometimes order a hot chocolate with your mocha. Figured it was for… for Kuchiki-san, but I put in two of each, just in case. It's on me… and we'd like to have both of you as our customers…."

They stood in shock, all three, their eyes moving between the tray and the lean, brunette they've seen nearly every day since moving to the city, Inoue's grey eyes on Ichigo as she waited for him to decide- is she being honest with Kurosaki-kun?

Fighting the tremble in her hands, Rin shifted her stance, glancing at the male only seconds at a time, waiting quietly for him to respond, biting her lip.

She couldn't last long, however, a slight drop in her hands followed by her eyes.

"I-I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't have tried-."

His hand moved out beneath the tray she held, keeping her hands from dropping any lower. Her brown eyes raised to find his, Rin was taken aback, watching his amber eyes soften above a small smile, Inoue and Chad matching his beside him.

Giving her a single, slow nod of understanding, Ichigo let his smile grow the slightest more, his voice gentle-

"Thank you, Rin."

Rin smiled up at him warmly, eyes full of acceptance, he could see. Giving him a soft 'you're welcome, Ichigo,' the tray left for him to hold, Rin turned to move through the crowd back into their stations behind the counter, amber eyes following her before turning to Chad; "Didn't see that coming…."

His gentle giant shook his head, pushing up his bag on his shoulder as Ichigo started for the door, Inoue following behind, their orange-haired shinigami stopping short as a petite woman stumbled into their path-

"H-hey-!"

Hot drinks spilled onto the floor, many jumping from the mess with fierce scowls and annoyed snaps, the small woman apologizing best she could, Ichigo's gaze on the suited man that had shoved past her.

"Hey!" Barely hearing Inoue as she rushed to the woman, feeling Chad move behind him to pick up the spilled cups, Ichigo fixed his stern stare on the man slowing in his steps and excusing himself from whomever he had on his cell, the small device lowered from his ear as he looked back; a scowl on his lips as he looked Ichigo up and down with annoyance- "What?"

"You practically shoved her to the floor, made her spill her drinks! Least you can do is apologize to her!"

Mika's eyes grew wide as Inoue helped her up, Chad throwing away what was left in the cups. She looked at Ichigo as he stood tall amongst the busy crowd quieting down, all watching the orange-haired male defend her; her, a stranger to him.

He never met me. Kurosaki Ichigo doesn't know me.

"You're as annoying as she is, kid," the man spat, rolling his eyes; "Sorry, now move along."

Shaking his head, the suited man returned to his phone call, pushing past the lines towards the single entrance, stepping out as he quoted percentages. Mika brushed her waves back with a shaken breath, the air busy again with chatter and orders at the register, Ichigo scoffing as he muttered under his breath, turning his gaze onto her.

"Yo- you okay?"

Inoue's hand gripping her shoulder gently, Mika nodded with tight lips, staring back into gentle amber hues behind his orange fringe, pulling up her bag to sit more comfortably on her shoulder; "Y-yeah, thanks…."

"So, Rukia-chan," Mika smiled deviously, shifting in her seat to lean her elbow on its back frame, Rukia fighting back a curious smile beside her; "Since I didn't learn much of your boyfriend- we can at least start with your favorite thing about Ichirou-."

"-Ichigo-."

"-yes, sorry, Ichigo. Now go on! We have three minutes before the tyrant comes in…."

Laughing at Mika as she wiggled her neat, brown brows framed by loose waves of hair, Rukia sighed as she leaned back in her seat, tapping her pen against her jean-clad thigh, biting her lip as she stared on ahead; "My favorite thing about him…? Am I supposed to have a single one?"

"Oh, no- just something your fantastic, amazing Mika-chan can look for when she meets him while fully functioning, and judge it- harshly and without mercy," she pointed at Rukia with dramatic, narrow eyes; "So make it good."

It was then violet eyes grew bright, a smirk pulling at Rukia's lips as she glanced over at her newest friend, arms crossed comfortably beneath her modest chest.

"His eyes."

Raising her brow curiously, Mika leaned over onto Rukia's desk beside hers, pursing her lips as green stared into violet; "Really? Them hidden gems from today, eh?"

Rukia nodded, rubbing her pen's click-top against her jaw, smiling back at her without a doubt.

"Hai- trust me, it's definitely his eyes…."

"You had hot chocolates, right?"

Mika snapped back at his voice, eyes wide again as she watched him read the drinks' labels, picking up the two labeled 'HC' in Rin's neat hand-writing, holding them out to her as his large hands easily held both from the bottom; "They just don't have whip cream, you'd have to ask them to add it if you want."

Chad smiled as Mika stood in near awe, stuttering as she tried to politely decline, his closest friend rolling his eyes as he insisted, holding them out even closer.

"One was for my midget girlfriend, but she'll be fine after she yells at me and pulls my hair. Please take them."

Looking at him with a curious look, Mika nodded once more, finally reaching out and taking the warm drinks from his hand, holding them close as she glanced at Inoue and Chad, turning back at him with a small smile.

"…thank you. Really, it was very kind and caring of you…."

"You're welcome." Raising the drinks in farewell, Ichigo continued on out of the shop, Inoue laughing as she waved good-bye to Mika-san, Chad simply smiling at her as he followed them out.

Mika stood watching them through the shop's windows, watching them round the corner and walk out of sight together, the drinks warm in her hands and pulling a smile wide across her features, laughing to herself as she shook her head and started for the door.

"Rukia, yelling and pulling hair…?"

From: Kuchiki Rukia

If you're doing dirty things to my poor car, I will have your head Kurosaki!

"What the hell?"

The TSX beeping back in reply as he remotely locked it over his shoulder, Ichigo laughed as he read his message again, Chad and Inoue a few steps ahead of him. Scrolling through his menu, catching up to his friends as they held the lobby door open for him, Ichigo dialed for his petite reaper up in the apartment before his Torch was at his ear, stepping into the elevator with Chad and Inoue as she soon answered his call; "Why did you take so long, what did you do to my car!"

"I'm fine, sweetie-poo, I wasn't in any accidents or car-jacked at gun point- thanks for worrying so much."

Inoue stifled a laugh behind her hand, Chad's thumb pressing '4' with a smile, Rukia's voice loud and clear from Ichigo's cell; "Only because you have my hot chocolate, or else I'd care less, of course."

Glancing at Inoue, moving his gaze onto Chad's looking much too amused for his liking, Ichigo sighed as the elevator slowed smoothly and opened its doors with a soft ding, motioning for Inoue to step out first, his reiatsu reaching out for Rukia's as they headed down the hallway.

"About that hot chocolate…."

Rukia sat with a dramatic pout, tracing the lid's brim with her finger, sitting up on the high counter chair with her long, bare legs crossed up onto the seat, her violet eyes on Ichigo standing across from her; "Was she alright, at least?"

"She was fine." Leaned against the kitchen counter, Ichigo rubbed at his shin with his foot, arms crossed casually across his chest, glancing over into the living room. Inoue and Chad were settling down at the coffee table already, his usual space left clear, Rukia's voice pulling back his attention.

"I guess I can forgive you…."

Her handsome reaper gave her a smirk, pushing off the counter and coming around beside her, pressing a chaste kiss to her lips- "You're so understanding."

Ichigo grinned as she swatted him away, telling him to go on and study, picking up his White Mocha for herself.

He ruffled his hair as he made into the living room, picking up his bag from the couch and taking out his slim Macbook, Inoue's grey eyes looking up at him.

"Kurosaki-kun, think you could look up the practice exam the professor told us about?"

He nodded, crossing his legs and lowering himself onto the floor, Macbook set down on top of the table. Bag on his lap, he started to pull out his textbook when a soft knock came from the door, Chad and Inoue looking up at him as he turned to Rukia-

"You order food, midget?"

Rukia shook her head with her large, violet eyes meeting his gaze, shrugging before slipping off the chair onto the floor, starting for the door; "I would think you'd have ordered something."

Brushing back her bangs, her stray strand back in place, Rukia turned the lock in one swift move, opening the door enough to block the entrance with her petite body, surprised when she found Mika standing before her.

"Mika-!" "Rukia!"

Girls, might be home late. There's money in the pot at the far back. No strippers until I get home

"Gross," the twin beauties laughed, both slipping their iPhones back into their jeans, Ryuu taking the chance to check his own. Running his thumb along the touch-screen to scroll, Ryuu stood between Yuzu and Karin at the corner, traffic speeding past them as they waited to cross, Yuzu's loose hair billowing as each car sped by.

"Did you two like the movie?"

Pocketing his Android, Ryuu reaching for Yuzu's waist as they were signaled to cross, the three made their way back to the Kurosaki residence, Karin walking beside the couple with a small grin, glancing at the senior; "I liked it- not too sure about Yuzu over there…."

Pulling her lips tight, Yuzu shied her face away from Ryuu's gaze, shrugging as they stepped up onto the curb, reaching up to twirl a strand of hair nearly golden in the bright sun.

"Yuzu, you should have said something-." "The killer could have easily taken out the dude."

Karin nearly squealed with laughter at the sight of Ryuu' obvious surprise, the senior losing pace for a split second, Yuzu oblivious to her boyfriend's shock as she continued almost angrily; "I mean, c'mon! He had eluded the police for years and some guy from the convenience store is the one who out-smarts him and survives a serial killer with piles of deaths under his hand?"

Scoffing much like her dear brother, Yuzu rolled her eyes- "Please."

Karin didn't bother holding back her laughter, slapping Ryuu's shoulder whole-heartedly as she replaced him by Yuzu's side, the senior staring wide-eyed as the sisters went on ahead, holding each other by their waists.

He breathed out a laugh, shaking his head as he ran a hand through his hair, scratching at his nape as the twins slowed their steps, looking back over their shoulders; "Hurry up, Naka-face! You're such a girl sometimes, keep up!"

A handsome smirk gracing his lips, Ryuu jogged up to them, tugging on Karin's braid as he moved to Yuzu's other side, his arm above Karin's around her waist.

"Gotta be honest- didn't expect that. Next thing I know, you'll be telling me you play-."

"I can kick your butt at Call of Duty."

"M-Mika! What are you doing here?"

Biting back a ridiculous smile, Mika shrugged her shoulders almost shyly, cheeks flushed lightly as she held out two, warm drinks, her eyes bright within pretty features; "Thought I'd surprise you and maybe get a date from you with our textbooks."

Rukia's chest was tight with a warm emotion, covering a blushing cheek with a hand, nodding, her violet eyes soft as Mika smiled at her.

Stepping back to open the door further, Rukia laughed as Mika sighed with relief, admitting a silly fear of rejection with a wink. Green eyes immediately looked to the floor, stepping on the back of her shoes to wiggle a foot out.

"I hope you like hot chocolate, by the way."

Rukia kept silent as Mika went to remove her other shoe, her violet gaze glancing at Ichigo and the others much too quickly to notice Ichigo's wide eyes of recognition, Chad and Inoue fighting back smiles as they waited.

"Ending up stealing it from your boyfriend, pretty much. I didn't get to tell him who I was-."

Turning her gaze up into the living room, Mika froze as she realized Rukia had company- realizing she had specific company. Rukia had already pursed her lips curiously as Mika had been explaining the drinks, looking at Ichigo as she remembered his story from just some minutes ago, her partner looking oddly much like a child caught red-handed.

Rukia breathed out a laugh as Chad and Inoue waved at Mika, the petite reaper turning with a pointed finger to her friend; "So you're the girl from the café."

Mika sputtered out a laugh, relaxing as she nodded with a beaming smile, her green eyes moving onto Ichigo sitting by the coffee table.

"Nice to meet you, Kurosaki-kun."

Ichigo closed his eyes with a muffled curse, pushing his bag off his lap and standing up, running a hand through his mane as he walked over. Red tingeing his skin, lips tight with embarrassment as Mika shifted the drinks into one hand, Ichigo leaned over the slightest as he held out his hand, amber hues meeting green-

"I… I'm sorry. It's nice to meet you, too. I had no idea it was you, and about sleeping the other day-."

"There's no reason to apologize." Releasing his firm shake, Mika gathered her drinks in both hands again, her features and air kind and gentle; "Rukia told me you had a long day, I know how they can be sometimes at the university."

Chad coughed with the slightest of smirks from the living room, his closest friend throwing a glare over his shoulder, turning back to Rukia's friend as he held out his arm for his death god, wrapping his arm around her with a quick glance down into violet.

"Still, I didn't know it was you back there…."

"I'm glad."

Ichigo looked at her with confusion; Rukia, however, smiled knowingly beside him, tightening her arm wrapped around his waist. Mika looked at Rukia fondly, shrugging her shoulders as she looked back at the tall male, smirking with a nod of approval; "You didn't pull off anything trying to impress your girlfriend's friend. You were nice- plain and simple."

Mika locked eyes with proud, amber hues, certain she was making no mistake.

"Nice to know who's taking care of Rukia, Kurosaki-kun."

"Miss you guys!" - KurosakiLove