First off, a big thank you to Omaomae and FrostedSnowFlake, who regularly read this story, and leave me supportive reviews. :] In other business, this chapter is a tad different than the others, but I like it, and I hope you will too!

Oh yeah, and I couldn't find a place to put it in without it seeming awkward. I don't know about you guys, but I like knowing what characters are wearing, so I can visualize them better. XD -shrug- So anyway, here ya' go.

Rukia: Her teal pattered dress with the two heart halves on it.

Ichigo: School uniform.

The Fallen

Chapter 4: Calm Before the Storm

EXOutlaw

Rukia Kuchiki remained unfazed even after she had been impaled by her hollow self. The blade was still inside of her, yet she stood still as if nothing had ever happened. She grabbed her foe's Zanpakuto by the blade, and looked her straight in the eyes. "If I'm as strong as you say I am, then what's to stop me from overcoming you?" She asked, her voice shockingly calm for someone who was just run through by a blade. "If your blade is my blade, then what's to stop me from taking it?"

The pale woman struggled to remove her weapon from the soul reapers body, but it wouldn't budge. She was beginning to get desperate. "What is this?!" She shrieked, with a good deal of alarm. The hilt slipped from her hand, causing her to fall down upon her back.

Rukia pulled the katana from herself, and grasped it with her free hand. She stood over herself, a white blade in one hand and a black in the other. "It's over," she shouted, as she stabbed both blades into her opponent's body.

Her darker self began to fade, she smiled her usual smile, and said, "Maybe, I misjudged you. But, don't let yourself become as weak as you were ever again, because when you do, I'll be waiting, and I'll tear you to shreds." As she faded, so did the city. The next thing the woman knew, she was staring down Shinji, in the sub-terrain training ground.

The Vizard sheathed his sword. "Congratulations, Rukia. You overcame your hollow quicker than anyone else," he smiled. The others applauded.

Rukia and Ichigo sat on the boy's bed, discussing the woman's tribulations. "I trained with them for a few months after, and now here I am," she finished her story.

"I see," he spoke. "Well, I'm glad you're okay," he smiled wryly.

"Sister!" Kon jumped onto the woman, from out of nowhere. "I missed you so much!" He made a go for her chest, but was instantly shot down by the girl's fist. "I'm so mistreated..." He groaned, before passing out.

"So, what was that thing that attacked you?" Ichigo turned toward the girl.

"The Soul Society has labeled them 'The Fallen.' You remember the first time you saw the Gates of Hell?"

"Yeah, after I defeated that hollow that was tormenting that little bird kid, right?

The woman nodded her head. "The Fallen are hollows that were damned to hell that managed to remove their masks."

"Like the Arrancar?"

"Exactly so, only these are much more dangerous."

The boy looked toward the floor, his face seemed thoughtful. "Rukia?"

"What is it?"

"The Arrancar were able to take their masks off with aid of the Hogyoku, so how is that these 'Fallen' are able to take theirs off?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't answer that," she shook her head.

"No, it's okay, I wasn't honestly expecting an answer. Just thinking out loud."

"Are you worried?"

"No. If they show up, we'll just have to defeat them," Ichigo looked towards her.

The woman smiled. "I thought you would say something like that," she chuckled. "It's so like you." That was probably the thing she cherished most about Ichigo's personality. No matter how grim the situation, he never would doubt himself for a moment. Perhaps, that's why she was so drawn to him. He possessed everything that she lacked..

The boy scoffed.

"You're right," Rukia then concurred.

"Huh?"

"If they come, we'll just defeat them," she clenched her hand into a fist.

There was a long pause of silence, and then Ichigo spoke, "Are you feeling alright?"

"Hm?"

"You just fought at full strength, and you took a lot of damage. I was really worried about you."

"Ichigo..." She turned her head toward him, to find his fixed on her. "I'm okay," she assured him. She could feel herself blushing under his gaze.

"I'm glad." The two's eyes continued to remain connected, yet neither said a word. The woman could feel herself drawing nearer to the boy. It was as if he was drawing her in. It was a compelling force stronger than the highest level of binding Kido. He did as she, and found himself getting ever closer to her face. The two paused, their foreheads and noses touching.

"Rukia," the orange haired Soul Reaper whispered.

"Yes?" She responded in an equally quiet voice.

"Please tell me before you leave, next time you go to the Soul Society."

"Okay," she agreed, as she grasped the back of his neck. She closed her eyes and nudged gently forward so that her lips met with his. His mouth opened slightly, so she took the invitation by giving his tongue a slight flick with her own.

Suddenly the door to the room crashed open.

"Dad!" Yuzu's voice yelled. "I told you not to lean so hard on the door!"

Ichigo and Rukia stood facing the man, who was now on the floor. Neither of the two looked very happy.

"Uh, hey there you two," Isshin greeted with lots of nervous laughter. "So, it's about time I hit the ol' dusty trail," he got stood up and ran out of the room. "Run Yuzu!" He called, from down the hall.

The atmosphere was awkward as the two stared down Ichigo's younger sister.

"I'm, um, going to go make sure Dad's alright," she spoke nervously, closing the door quickly.

"Sorry about that," Ichigo apologized, his cheeks a rich red.

The girl started snickering, which gradually made it's way to a full out laughter.

The boy couldn't help but laugh a little himself.

Kon, who had been knocked out on the floor, stood up rubbing his head. "What's so funny, guys?

"Don't worry about it, Kon," the two spoke in unison.

The stuffed lion slumped over. "Tonight's just not my night. I'm going to bed," he groaned sourly, as he walked under Ichigo's bed, with his arms crossed.

Rukia yawned, stretching as she did so.

"Looks like you're ready for bed too, huh?"

She rubbed her eyes, then nodded.

After changing into pajamas the two regrouped in the boy's room.

"Ichigo?" Rukia spoke, shyly.

"What's up?"

"Do you think I can sleep in here?"

"Isn't that where you usually sleep, anyways?" He turned to the closet. He seemed confused.

"No, I mean..." she looked over toward his bed.

He seemed to understand the gesture, and blushed. "Yeah, I guess," he turned his head, so that she wouldn't see his bashful face.

That night, the two slept holding one another.

A male figure sat in a throne, his face shrouded by darkness. The room dark and made of brick, lit by a few candles hung on walls. A cloaked female walked into the room. "Are the preparations complete?" The man asked.

"Yes, lord," the woman knelt.

"Good work, Maya," he rose from his throne, and walked past his subordinate.

The woman looked back, unable to make out any features of her superior, other than the number "6" tattooed into his lower back.

Ichigo Kurosaki, you're mine.

To be continued...


Yup, it was a fluff chapter. XD Apologies all around, if that's not your kind of thing. The real purpose of it was to show that Rukia took the advice from her hollow and became more assertive about showing Ichigo how she feels about him, and what not.

Review, review, review!

Please, please, please!