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Disclaimer: Kubo owns Bleach. Credits to my Ninya.

Chapter Seven: Love or just a mere attraction

On Sunday morning, day of the engagement party, Ichigo called Riruka Dokugamine. Well, he called Rukia first to greet her good morning and reassure her that she's going to be just fine at the party. Talking to her reminded him of the other woman he'd hurt in all of this so after he hung up with her, Ichigo dialled a number he hadn't called in a while.

He'd sent Riruka an invitation to the party because despite their past intimacy, she's still an old friend of his. She sounded excited when she picked up and he had to suppress a sigh because the first words out of her mouth were that she missed him.

As gently as he could, Ichigo told her that maybe it wasn't a good idea for her to come to the party after all. He could tell the instant her demeanour changed. She stonily told him that she wanted to meet Rukia. She wanted to meet the woman she's forced to play second fiddle to. That was an even worse idea and he told her that. She didn't say anything for a long time that he thought she hung up on him. Then she asked the question he'd been dreading:

"Where does this leave us now?"

"Nowhere, really, because there's no us anymore." Ichigo answered her.

He's getting married, even if it's just for a year, and despite all the stupid things he said to Rukia about being with other women, he's not going to cheat on her. To be honest, even if he wanted to, Ichigo doesn't know where he'll ever find the time because Rukia would be pretty hard to ignore. She isn't the type to be put on a corner to be forgotten. She's like a mini bulldozer.

In the end, all he ended up telling Riruka was that he was sorry for hurting her and that she deserved better. She asked him if she should wait until he was no longer married after a year. Ichigo haven't looked that far into the future and at this point, he didn't want to just yet. He told her they'll have to wait and see what the future brings but that she shouldn't put her life on hold for his sake.

Ichigo spent the rest of the day working from home because he was taking some time off for the wedding and the honeymoon (which he still haven't finalized). In between emails and reports, he called Rukia to check on her progress and ensure that she hasn't bolted yet. She was spending the day with Inoue and her style team, prepping for the event, so she was in good hands but he was still a little paranoid. The party was going to be their first official appearance together in public and that spotlight could be daunting to someone who wasn't used to it. He made arrangements with Inoue to make sure that there would be as many familiar faces as possible in the party for Rukia so she wouldn't feel so alone in a sea of strangers.

When Ichigo showed up at Rukia's house and saw her standing in the middle of the living room, clad in what looked like a stream of starlight, he felt like someone knocked the wind out of him. The fact that she had a slightly guilty look on her face with her bottom lip thrust out, her purple eyes sparkling with humor because she wasn't really all sorry for fantasizing about cheeseburgers, made him want to run up and grab her, the engagement party be damned.

There were a handful of reporters waiting behind a corded area when they came and his instinct was to step in and shield Rukia from their prying eyes but she took him by surprise when she marched up to them fearlessly. She made his head spin a little as he stood there and listened to her chat them up like they were all good friends and they ate it up happily. Rukia was a natural with people. Well, it wasn't all that hard to adore her and for some reason, that made him smile.

She squared her shoulders and held her head high as they walked into the banquet hall. The only time he felt her falter was when she looked up at him, her deep purple eyes wide and stark with uncertainty, and reminded him about getting cheeseburgers and fries after the party.

Ichigo nearly stopped them right then and there to turn her around and take her away from all of it. He wanted to take her somewhere with bags of take out and spend the rest of the evening eating and talking, just the two of them, where she wouldn't feel scared because to see Rukia Kuchiki scared was just a shame.

But before he could seriously consider the benefits of his idea, his father caught them. Then Grimmjow showed up, the wattage of his charm turned all the way up the moment he saw Rukia. It didn't surprise him. Jaegerjaques could never help himself around any woman. The fact that Rukia looked nearly incandescent in her shimmery dress and teased him effortlessly like they were old friends didn't make it any easier for him. In fact, he looked downright smitten and that irritated Ichigo.

He and Grimmjow hardly competed for women over the years because there were always plenty of them but he didn't like the way Grimmjow was genuinely enjoying Rukia's company. That was a bad sign. He was susceptible enough to women with beauty and grace. A woman with beauty, grace, intelligence and a wild, mischievous streak that was hard to resist would make him trip all over himself, which was too bad because Rukia is Ichigo's woman and he told Grimmjow that loud and clear.

He might be smoother with the ladies that he was but he contented himself with the fact that the brilliant smile on her face when she saw her friends arrive was all because of him. He felt very much rewarded when she happily threw her arms around him. Ichigo was enjoying himself until his father surprised him when he came up on stage. He described what would happen in a few years, but the way it felt whenever he was around Rukia and he knows.

Ichigo was immensely attracted to her. It was futile to deny that. And yes, he cared about her. Only a bloody statue wouldn't feel something for Rukia.

But it wasn't love. It was a lot of things but not love.

Because love was the kind of devotion his father showed to his mother—and the kind of devastation he felt when he lost her.

So this couldn't be love.

Ichigo refuse it to be love anyway. Besides, you can't possibly fall in love with someone you've only known for a week.

But his father's words kept playing in his head for the rest of the night, keeping him distracted that he didn't even notice Riruka arriving until he overheard two women busily chattering together in a corner. They were saying something about how much torture Riruka really wanted, coming to her ex's party to celebrate his engagement to a diner girl who was obviously better than her since Rukia managed to drag him down to the altar.

So Ichigo went to find Riruka. He had to get her away for two main reasons: He didn't want her running into Rukia and he didn't want more people to be trashing her behind her back for something that was largely his fault. He managed to pull her into a corner and ask why she came when he told her it wasn't a good idea. She told him that by showing up, it indicated that she wasn't as affected as people thought her to be. She said she wasn't going to stay at home and wallow in a corner.

Riruka didn't have Rukia's bravado but for all her reserved nature and poise, she was a strong woman. She asked him to dance with her and he said no. Then she flashed him a smile and asked why not when they were supposed to be just good, old friends—unless he was so in love with his fiancee he couldn't even acknowledge the rest of the female population around him.

Since she was right, they were still good friends and she wasn't head over heels in love with Rukia. He accepted and danced one song with her. He did it to prove a point, which he botched up when Riruka snapped irritably at him to stop craning his head around so much and pay attention to his dance partner.

Obviously, Ichigo wasn't paying her any attention. He was looking for Rukia, making sure no one was treating her poorly, and that Grimmjow hadn't absconded with her since he'd been making such moony eyes at her all night. He'd apologized to Riruka, for being rude yet again, and walked her over to some friends before fetching himself a drink.

He stood around to look for his fiancee so they could leave, grab some fast food and hang out at her living room. But there were too many people and she couldn't easily spot her. But he spotted Grimmjow coming at him, looking foul-tempered, which was rare because Grimmjow wasn't the type to take things seriously.

Grimmjow straight out called him a jackass for bringing Riruka when this was his and Rukia's big night and that he should be by her side and not his ex's. He bristled at how protective Grimmjow sounded of his fiancee and told him there was no need to play the knight in shining armor because Riruka was harmless. Ichigo didn't add that she really was because even as he was dancing with her, when she looked splendid and glamorous, his mind was preoccupied with Rukia. He was in no danger of falling into bed with Riruka when he could hardly remember that she was there in front of him.

Ichigo walked away from Grimmjow before they could come into blows and sought out Riruka. It was time she went home because between trying to take care not to hurt her feelings any further and trying to look after Rukia as she navigated her way around guests she'd never met before, he was getting a miserable headache.

Riruka looked to be in better spirits when he found her and he felt better.

But before he could say anything, she told him she was going to get out of there as soon as he danced one last song with her. Ichigo was itching to find Rukia but what could one dance with Riruka really hurt? If it was to be their final goodbye and she'd be happier and better after it, wasn't it a small price he could pay?

So Ichigo danced with her and walked her out where her driver had been waiting.

Twenty minutes after he returned to the party, despite having been waylaid by a dozen other people who couldn't get out of his way fast enough, he still couldn't find Rukia or get her to answer her phone and dread started heaping in his gut with every second that passed. Ichigo spotted his sisters sitting by a table all by themselves, their heels kicked off, their faces bored.

He hadn't even opened his mouth to ask about Rukia when Yuzu told him that Rukia left. Nelliel waited for a moment to let that sink in on him before adding that Grimmjow drove Rukia home. Something must've shown on his face because Yuzu spent the next ten minutes berating him for being as dense and stupid as a brick that he deserved in the face for his behavior that night.

Yes, a lecture from his little sister. When did she grow up to nagged him like this?

He called Rukia on his way out to find her and it wasn't hard to guess just how unhappy she was with him when she answered. It rankled further that Grimmjow was right there with her listening to the whole thing.

"Where the hell are you Rukia?!" Ichigo demanded. "Nelliel said you took off with Grimmjow."

"Leave me alone Kurosaki." Was Rukia's gruff reply.

"Rukia!" He's patience was wearing put.

"Calm down Ichigo. Grimmjow and I just made a quick stop for some cheeseburgers and fries." She casually told him.

"You got cheeseburgers and fries." Was Ichigo's low even response.

"I told you I would."

"You said you would do it with me!" He bellowed on the phone.

She was supposed to get the f-cking cheeseburgers and fries with him!

He could hear the anger in her voice. "We'll you're a little busy so I went with somebody else. Now I want to get back eating it so goodnight Ichigo Kurosaki."

With that Rukia turned off her phone.

Ichigo swore right after she hung up on him that he was going to shove the cheeseburgers and fries Grimmjow got with her right into his face because he had no right to take Ichigo's place. Rukia stuck it out through the whole party so she could get cheeseburgers and fries with him as he'd promised her right after. Grimmjow just went and conveniently took her to get some when it meant absolutely nothing to him.

Ichigo drove out to Rukia's house, making a quick stop at McDonald's and frightening the girl at the drive thru when he'd practically growled his order at her. He was there at her house before they were which only added fuel to the fire and he was already seething. Rukia was strong and bold enough to fend off advances but Grimmjow had a long, rich history of women not wanting to fend off advances from him. Ichigo hated standing there out on the street, pondering whether Rukia was going to be an exception or not.

When Grimmjow's car finally came into view, Ichigo summoned all his self-control not to plant himself in front of them and smash Grimmjow's headlights. He wasn't a particularly violent man, especially toward his best friend, but Grimmjow was making an already bad situation with Rukia so much worse. Grimmjow knew right away that Ichigo wasn't particularly fond of him at that moment but it didn't stop him from trying to walk her up to her door.

"It's about time you got her back Jaegerjaques." Was Ichigo's menacing growl as he straightened away from his car and marched over to them.

"Don't be an ass Ichigo. You don't want to have this fight right now."

He shoved Grimmjow's shoulder that was touching Rukia's. " I say I do."

"Cut it out Ichigo! " Rukia snapped, glowering at him. She turned to Grimmjow and smiled. "Thanks for driving me home Grimm, but you should probably go."

Grimmjow glanced between him and Rukia. " I can wait until you get inside."

She sighed. "I can't trust you two won't pummel each other on the ground. I'll be alright Grimm. Ichigo wont hurt me. He needs me."

A confused frown marred Grimmjow's forehead but he wisely kept his mouth shut. He turned an annoyed glare at Ichigo before walking to his car.

When Grimmjow was gone, Rukia turned to walked up the steps, taking her keys out of her clutch. Ichigo went to his car , slam the door shut before rushing up behind Rukia.

"Hey, I brought you cheeseburgers and fries." He said gently, half hoping she'll accept it.

Rukia turned to him and saw him holding up a brown take-out bag, his face anxious almost hopeful.

"Go to hell Kurosaki." Rukia said before pushing the door open, stepping inside and slamming it close on his face.

- I'm not in pain. It didn't feel like love. It felt like madness and there's nothing I can do about it.

me: Holy mackerel! A hundred reviews, no. A hundred and more! Wow that's .. *speechless for a moment*

You guys are awesome! We're so lucky to have you as readers! We don't even know if this fic Worth's it but what matters most for us really, is for you guys to enjoy reading it just as much as we enjoy writing it. :D

Soooo... What do you think about this chap? We love reading your suggestions/praises/critics/guesses/reactions and more!

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A hundred thanks for giving us a hundred reviews readers:

RukiYuki: You're welcome. Uryu Ishida won't be having an appearance in this fic. But, maybe if we'll need a doctor we could reconsider. Its okay, you can ask any questions you want I love answering them. :D

JoTerry: I am so happy that you are. Grimmjow would be happy to know that you believe in him, much that he could change. What he sees about Nelliel is nothing more than a sister. Did you notice, in the last chapter he always call her Nel/ her childhood nickname rather than Nelliel. But what will happen if he start seeing her as a lady? Hehehe, now, I do agree with you, Rukia shouldn't be sidelined at the Bleach's ending. No worries Jo, we won't do anything same like Kubo sensei did. :)

Sara1991: Yeah, he was. But I hope this chap cleared his name. Hehehe. :)

MrSelfdeprecation: You'll know about that in the next chapter! Stay tuned! Oh, and welcome to this story, we really appreciate you reviewing. :)

BleachPower: Really? Hehehe, we imagined Rukia wearing that dress, yes and it was amazing. I'm glad you liked the interactions between the characters. I could imagine well, little Nel asking grimmy to marry her, it was very cute. And yes, a guest reviewer asked me if I was a guy. :D

emmirukichi: Thank You!. And Your wish is granted. :D

Amethysthazel: Sorry for breaking your heart amethyst-san, I hope this chapter cured your heart. *winks

Ichiruki4vr: Whoa, calm down. Hehehe, Nel and Yuzu defended Ichigo last chap, bcoz they know their brother. They also know that there are sane explanations for what happened. And both of them were right. :D

Guest: I hope this chapter answered your questions. Thanks. :)

Guest: Thanks. What do u think about what he feels now? :)

Cc: I thought that no one would like the cheeseburger and fries thing/ :) I'm happy you enjoyed that. You'll know about that in the next chap!

Nievedrop: The only reason I could think why Nel did that because she was jealous when Grimm's name was mentioned, or not. Hehehe, Remember at the phone call when Grimm, asked her if she'll go to the party, her answer meant that even if she didn't like Ichi's decisions but since they're family/ not to mention she thought he's in love with Ruki/ Nel will support his brother but that doesn't mean that she like Rukia already, right? :)

Guest: Oh, he did! I hope you enjoyed this one. :D

sleeplygirl: Ninya and I loved it when Ichigo is Jealous, we will consider your suggestion. Hehehe, oh, I hate Senna more trust me. :)

anonymous2234: Thank you! What do you think about Ichigo thoughts? :)

Achalida: You were almost right, except the part that Riruka was Ichigo's ex but that doesn't mean he loves her right? We have a good explanation for that. :D

StarFireGirl: Thanks so much! We're so happy you liked it! :)

BloodyMe: Hehehe I guess we scared you there. No need to worry really, because the only bitch here that you won't be able to stand, is Senna only. And no, we won't let her destroy our main characters relationship. *Thumbs up for being honest about what you feel. :D

mbravesgirl: So happy that you are, and I am very happy to know that you are reading this fic. :)

gooeystar83: Thank You, and welcome to our fic! We appreciate you reading and reviewing as well. I love HitsuKarin too but I'm not sure if we would include their pairing here. We'll think about it. :)

Guest: We're so glad you like the interactions between characters. I personally enjoyed reading ur suggestions. We will keep that in mind. :D

Guest: Ichigo was, to the point of kissing Rukia for it. I hope you enjoyed reading Ichigo's POV. :)