Chapter 4- Happy Reunions
After school the next day Ichigo, Orihime, Sado and Uryu all met in the courtyard and waited for Rukia to arrive. They didn't have to wait long for the short, petite and black-haired Shinigami to arrive. As she approached she greeted each of them warmly, giving them a heart-felt thanks for everything they did for her back in Soul Society.
"So where are we going from here?" Rukia asked after all small talk had been established.
"Well I figured we could go to the mall and do some shopping." Orihime chirped happily. Everyone agreed and the group set off towards the Karakura Mall. It wasn't far from the school and the group soon arrived. They talked and laughed and Rukia and Orihime shopped for hours. At least it seemed that long to Ichigo.
Once the girls had their fill of shopping, Chad suggested they head to the food court for some dinner. "Yeah lets get something to eat. Taking girls shopping is hungry work." Ichigo joked and Rukia shot him a playful glare. "I'll remember you said that strawberry." As they entered the food court, they decided on tofu and sat down in an empty part of the court to eat and chat.
"So hows the situation with Aizen coming along Ms. Kuchiki?" Uryu asked once he had taken his seat. Not looking up from her food, Rukia answered. "Well Yamamoto just sent a team of four captains, along with a vice captain and Hantaro Yamada to chase him down. So I'm sure it will be resolved soon." I hope.
"So you aren't worried at all?" Sado spoke up next. "Not really. I mean they sent Captain Zaraki along with Nii-sama, Captain Mayuri and Captain Sajin."
Although Ichigo tried to seem calm, inside he could feel something didn't feel right. Aizen is extremely powerful. Yamamoto knows that, and yet he only sends a small team to track him down? I just don't see this ending well at all.
As it began to get later the group began to retire home. Ichigo said farewell to his friends and then looked to Rukia who had just said farewell to Orihime. She seemed almost unsure of where to go.
"Where will you be staying?" Ichigo asked standing next to her. She turned to him and shrugged. "I'm not sure. I guess Urahara's shop. If that's fine with him." She sighed, not seeming at all happy about it. Noticing this Ichigo offered an alternative. "You can always stay with us Rukia, you don't have to ask."
Rukia smiled brightly upon hearing this. "Thanks Ichigo. I was actually hoping you would say that, cause I'm looking forward to decorating that drab little closet of yours. I bought a bunch of stuff today to make it look spiffy." She said proudly, holding up several bags of items. Ichigo noticed several of the bags came from the malls chappy store. Oh my god, not chappy. That stupid bunny will be the death of me!
Ichigo helped Rukia carry her things to his home and she quickly got settled in just as she had several weeks earlier. Rukia had to admit, she like living in the Kurosaki home. Yuzu and Karin were always easy to get along with and Isshin pratically called her his third adopted daughter. She felt just like family. It was much easier living there than in the Kuchiki manor. Not that she didn't like her home back in Soul Society, but here she didn't have to worry about living like a noble. She really did prefer it this way.
Once Ichigo got ready for bed he walked into his room to settle in. Upon entering, he noticed Rukia in his closet, putting up stickers of chappy and a small nightlight and calendar and things of the sort. Ugh. I just hope nobody sees all this chappy stuff.
Sitting on his bed, Ichigo decided to bug her. "Hey midget, you think you bought enough chappy gear to last you four years?" Rukia immediately swung around to face him. The look she gave him told him he was about to hear it.
"That's real funny moron. Sure, make fun of my height and my hobby at the same time. That's really rich Ichigo. Did you rescue me just so you could tease me all the time?" Rukia half joked.
Laying back in his bed Ichigo snorted. "You know, I still haven't figured that one out yet." Rukia continued to glare at him. "What an asshole you are."
"I'm just kidding Rukia, jeez take a hint." Ichigo said, a little annoyed that she didn't play along.
Sighing, Rukia sat on her futon in the closet and stared into the room. "I know you are Ichigo."
"So what are you so uptight for?" Ichigo asked, wondering if she would actually tell him.
Rukia, not wanting to tell him the truth, came up with a quick white lie. "Nothing, I'm just sleepy. See you in the morning Ichigo." And with that she tucked herself into the closet and closed the door, leaving only a slight crack open for fresh air.
The next morning as Ichigo rose to get out of bed, he noticed everybody was already up and eating breakfast. Looking at his bedside alarm clock he was shocked to see it was almost ten. How in the hell did I sleep this late? I'm always one of the first ones up. Quickly getting dressed, he headed downstairs.
"Well good to see somebody is finally up." Karin said as her brother walked into the kitchen. Ichigo just waved her comment off. "Good morning Karin."
"You know somebody could've woke me up." Ichigo stated sitting down at the table. Yuzu gave a response as she and Rukia came in from the living room. "Sorry brother, Rukia said you wanted to sleep in today."
Hearing this, Ichigo shot Rukia a look. I said no such thing. Is she trying to mess with me? Whats with her?
Seeing his glare, Rukia responded. "Oh don't give me a look Ichigo, I was just kidding around." She said as she began helping Yuzu with the dishes. Erasing his glare, Ichigo cracked a smile. "Alright, I'll remember this one, Rukia. But beware, I'll get you back." This just made Rukia laugh. Everything seems to be returning to normal.