Disclaimer-I own nothing.

Summary-Rukia realizes just how much Ichigo has been there for her.

Song-Protecting Me by Aly and AJ

Rating- T

Genre-Romance/Friendship

Chapter 2

Protecting Me

You. You're always there for me, when I need you most. Day and night, you're by my side. Protecting me.

When I feel like crashing down, you seem to be around. There you are, your not that far. Cause, whenever.

Wherever. You'll protect me, no matter what. Hold me tight, with all your might. You'll never let me go. Protecting me...

Ichigo was suddenly awakened by the sound of whimpering. Instantly, he was on allert and his eyes began darting around his room. It was too close to be coming from Yuzu and Karin stopped having nightmares years ago. That only left...

Ichigo jumped from his bed and strode over to the closet, quickly sliding the doors open. Rukia lay there trembling, sweat glistening on her brow. Her hands were outstretched, palms forward as if trying to ward something off. But it was apparently not working.

"Rukia..." Ichigo called softly, placing a hand on her shaking shoulder.

"No... Aizen. Get your filthy hands off me!" Rukia jerked away from him.

Ichigo grimaced. He had a pretty good idea of what she was dreaming about, and it wasn't pretty. He still couldn't forgive himself for allowing it to happen. Aizen had shoved his hand into Rukia's very soul and yanked the Hogyoku free. Since the hole had immediately healed, people had brushed it off and assumed that it was nothing.

But Ichigo knew otherwise. He knew that it still haunted her in all it's lurid clarity, as it still plagued him as well. He deserved it for failing. She didn't.

"It's me, Ru. Come on, wake up." He leaned over and placed his forehead against hers so that his face would be the first thing she saw when she finally opened her eyes. She let out another tiny whimper and he couldn't take it anymore. Ichigo shook Rukia more firmly and she jerked awake, slamming their heads together painfully.

Ichigo lurched back, clutching at his head. "Fuck!"

Rukia rubbed her head gingerly and gave him a baffled look. "Ichigo... What are you doing there?"

Ichigo scowled. "You were having a nightmare. I woke you up."

Rukia looked away guiltily. "Oh, sorry. Thank you."

His scowl softened. "You feeling okay now?"

Rukia nodded stiffly. "I'll be fine. Don't worry. Go back to sleep, fool."

Ichigo wasn't the least bit convinced. "You sure? You don't wanna talk about it?"

Rukia scoffed. "Who are you, Doctor Phil? I said I'm fine, now leave me alone!"

Ichigo frowned. Damn Orihime for showing her that stupid American show. Ichigo still didn't believe Rukia, but he decided to give her some space. She'd come around eventually. "Fine."

Ichigo stepped away and closed the doors, leaving Rukia with her thoughts. She wasn't okay. The image and feel of Aizen holding her by her collar and shoving his armored hand through her chest still lingered. She wanted to vomit.

Rukia slid back under her covers and tried to get some sleep, but it was futile. Every time she closed her eyes, new horrors started dancing in her vision. She brought her hand to her chest and subconsciously began rubbing over the scar. It did not soothe her in the least. Ten more minutes passed with Rukia tossing and turning before the clset doors slid open once more.

Ichigo stood there, his posture stiff with frustration and a scowl firmly planted on his face. "Damn it, I can't sleep with you making so much noise! You're coming with me whether you like it or not."

"I most certainly-"

Ichigo ignored her protests and easily slung her over his shoulder in a fireman's carry.

"Hey! Put me down this instant, you idiot! I said-!"

Ichigo clamped a hand over her mouth. "Will you shut up! People are trying to sleep." He cried out as Rukia bit him and hastily drew his hand away. They neared his bed and Ichigo unceremoniously tossed her onto it.

Rukia landed with an indignant squeak. She pushed herself into a sitting position and glared at Ichigo. "I did not care for that."

Ichigo plopped down next to her with a sigh. "Yeah, well, it was no fun for me either, sweetheart."

Rukia shoved him off the bed for his sarcasm and smiled grimly as he hit the floor with a satisfying thud. She turned away from him and laid down facing the window. Grumbling obscenities, Ichigo climbed back into the bed with her and laid down facing the opposite way so that they were back to back. If that's how she wanted it, then fine.

The two lay in silence. Well at least she wasn't tossing and turning anymore, Ichigo thought to himself. That had to count for something, right? He almost jumped when he felt a tap on his back.

Ichigo turned around to find Rukia staring at him intently. "Can I help you?" he snapped.

Rukia ignored his moodiness and gathered her courage. She took a deep breath and let her pride go. "Ichigo, will you... hold me?"

He looked taken aback by her bluntness, but didn't hesitate with his answer. "Of course, love. Anything you need."

He wrapped her in a protective embrace and her fears were immediately alleviated. His touch soothed her like nothing else could and Rukia was more grateful for Ichgio's presence in her life than ever before. He always put her needs ahead of everything else, even his own, and she loved him endlessly for that and so much more.

She kissed the spot over his heart and held him tight. "I love you, Ichi."

Ichigo smiled into her hair. "I love you more. Sweet dreams, angel."

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

Ichigo paced his living room in annoyance. What was taking Rukia so damn long, anyway? It was probably his sisters' fault.

They were going out on a date to a fancy restaurant and Yuzu had immediately volunteered to help Rukia get ready. Karin had been reluctantly roped in, and the three females had been upstairs for hours now.

Ichigo let out an exasperated sigh. "Rukia, come on already! We're not going to make our reservation!"

"Oh, pipe down! I'm coming!" came her immediate reply. A moment later she appeared at the top of the stairs with his sisters in tow.

Ichigo's jaw dropped as he stared openly at Rukia. She was wearing a form-fitting, short black dress and her hair was up in a tight bun, though some tendrils escaped and framed her face. His gaze descended down her stocking clad legs and landed on her matching black high heels. "Wow, you look..." Ichigo trailed off.

"Ridiculous," Rukia scoffed in disdain. She turned to Yuzu with a frown. "Do I have to wear this?" She tugged at the hem of the short dress fretfully.

"Yes, of course you do, Ruki-Nee. You look beautiful! Onii-chan, tell her she looks beautiful!"

Ichigo shot his sister a glare. He was no good under this type of pressure. "Uh... yeah," he agreed lamely.

Karin detached herself from Yuzu and Rukia and made her way down the stairs. "Real smooth, bro," she commented on her way past him.

"Okay, have fun you guys!" Yuzu gushed, giving Rukia a little nudge forward. She wobbled precariously in her heels before clutching the banister in a death grip.

"Wait, Yuzu," Rukia called, snagging her sleeve before she could walk away. "Are you sure these... things are safe?"

Yuzu laughed. "You'll be fine, Rukia. Have a good time!" And with that she disappeared into her bedroom, leaving Rukia standing alone at the top of the stairs, pouting at her shoes.

"You coming or what?" Ichigo spoke up.

Rukia huffed but started to make her way down the stairs. Her movements were slow and clumsy and she didn't let go of the banister once.

Ichigo let out another sigh. "Rukia, just relax. Those shoes can't be that bad."

Her eyes flashed dangerously at him, but she released the railing and picked up her pace. "Honestly, I don't know why your in such a hurry-"

Without warning, Rukia lost her balance and pitched forward. She closed her eyes, expecting to hit the cold, hard floor but was caught by a pair of strong arms. Ichigo clutched her tightly to him, his adrenaline going into overdrive and pumping through his veins. "Are you alright?"

Rukia stared up at Ichigo in awe, for once having nothing biting or witty to say. "Um, yes I'm fine. Thanks."

Ichigo nodded sheepishly, setting her back on her feet. "On second thought, maybe you were right about those death shoes. Why don't you go take them off?"

"Not a chance," Rukia said firmly. "I will not lose to these human contraptions."

Ichigo frowned. "Well then, I guess I'll just have to stay close to you the whole night in case you have another accident."

Rukia slid her hand into his and interlaced their fingers. "I won't, but the gesture is appreciated."

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

"Ok, everyone! Here they are! My famous choco-bean-jelly-wasabi-watermellon tarts!" Orihime announced that day at lunch, producing a pan of foil wrapped balls.

Ichigo groaned inwardly and for once, pitied the Quincy for having to deal with this everyday. No matter what, he wasn't going anywhere near those things.

"Who wants to try one?" Orihime asked.

"Ichigo will!" Rukia smiled deviously as her boyfriend's face paled.

"Wha?! No, wait, I didn't... I mean, I don't-"

"Of course he will!" Rukia interrupted smoothly. Ichigo tried to elbow her, but she ducked away.

"Well, okay. Here Ichigo!" Orihime handed him one of her death treats.

Ichigo flinched in horror as it touched his hand, but took it from her gingerly. As he raised it to his lips, a new idea struck him. He nudged Rukia and grinned at her confused look. "Hey, Orihime. Rukia wants one, too."

Rukia's smile faltered for a second before she fixed it. "Oh... sure." She glared at the strawberry's head.

Smiling widely, Orihime passed her one. The rest of their friends stared at the couple in amusement.

"Now look what you did!" Rukia whispered harshly, twisting Ichigo's ear.

Wincing, he slapped her hand away. "Me?! Your the one who started it!" he protested.

"Yeah, well I bet your too chicken to try it?" Rukia challenged.

"Oh, yeah!" Ichigo straightened, resolve shining in his eyes. He'd show that midget.

Once more, Ichigo raised the treat to his mouth and took a tentative bite. The different flavors clashed immediately on his tongue, but it was the wasabi that did him in. He quickly swallowed the little bit of food before gulping down a whole juicebox greedily.

"So, Ichigo, how was it?" Orihime asked.

"It was great," he said and tried his hardest to look sincere. Ichigo shot Rukia a triumphant grin. Beat that, shortstack.

Rukia glared at him before plastering her fake cheeriness back in place. "Only great! I bet their fantastic!"

Ichigo watched in slow motion as Rukia raised the pastry to her lips and ate it whole. He gaped at her as she finished the dangerous treat and reached for another.

"Okay already, you win, now stop eating those things before you hurt yourself," Ichigo whispered furiously.

Rukia ignored him and ate a third death ball. "Wow, Orihime these are simply delicious! Just wonderful."

Chad, Uryu and Tatsuki stared at her as if she were crazy. Could it be that like Rangiku, Rukia also shared their warped taste buds.

But Ichigo was not fooled. If she wouldn't stop, then he would stop her. "Okay, I think you've had enough," he declared, sliding the tray away from her.

"Awww, Ichigo, but she really likes them!" Orihime whined.

The shrill tones of Rukia's beeper saved Ichigo from replying. Grabbing Rukia's hand, he pulled her to her feet and they bolted from the roof.

They dispatched the Hollow fairly quickly, bickering the whole way. "But why did you have to eat three of them? I mean, come on! Do you want to be sick!"

"For the last time, I'm fine! I knew what I was doing? You'll see!"

They slipped back into their bodies and began walking back to school. Halfway there, Rukia stopped suddenly.

"Rukia, what-?"

Ichigo never got to finish his sentence. Clutching her stomach, Rukia bent over and threw up all over the sidewalk.

Ichigo cringed as some vomit landed on his shoe. Sighing, he went over to his girlfriend and held her hair back as she continued to puke.

When she was done, he helped her straighten up and propped her weight against him. "Go ahead," Rukia mumbled bitterly. "Say I told you so."

Ichigo kissed the top of her head as his hand traced over her back in soothing circles. "Maybe later, when your feeling better. For now, I'm taking you home."

"Your such a sweet man," Rukia said as he lifted her in his arms and began walking towards home. "If my mouth wasn't so gross right now, I'd kiss you."

Ichigo chuckled and Rukia felt the vibration of his chest against her side. "Only with you, love. Only you."

;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

Rukia flash-stepped angrily through the Rukongai. She'd just fled from a tedious Kuchiki event and she needed somewhere to cool off. The Kuchiki manor and Squad 13 were out for obvious reasons, which left only one place. Mt. Koifushi.

It was her old training ground with Kaien and the place usually managed to bring her peace. Which was something she really needed right about now. Rukia arrived at her destination and slumped against a tree.

"Yo."

Rukia jumped as Ichigo appeared in front of her. "Damn it, Ichigo! What are you doing here?"

He frowned at her attitude. "Can't a man come visit his fiancee?"

Rukia blushed in embarrassment. "Well, yes, it's just... I mean, what are you doing 'here' as in Mt. Koifushi here."

Ichigo scratched his head. "Oh, well you weren't at the mansion or your squad, so I figured you'd be here. Do I know my girl, or what?" he bragged.

Rukia wiped the self-satisfied look off his face with a nice, hard kick to the shin.

"OWWW! What did I say?"

Rukia kissed his cheek in apology. "Nothing, really. I'm just pissy."

"Oh, is it that time of the month already? OWWW, STOP KICKING ME, WOMAN!"

"That time you deserved it!"

The two slid down the tree and sat in the lush grass. After a moment of peace, Ichigo broke the silence. "So, what's bothering you?"

Rukia's face darkened. "The Kuchiki elders."

Ichigo wrapped an arm around her shoulders and squeezed. "What happened?"

Rukia huffed in exasperation. "They still treat me like I'm some uncivilized animal they picked up off the street. I mean, what do I have to do to prove myself to them? I'm a Lieutenant of the 13 Court Guard Squads, I have the most beautiful Zanpakuto in all of Soul Society and I'm marrying the hero of the Winter war! What more do they want!" During her rant, Rukia had risen to her feet, her eyes blazing hot fire. Ichigo got to his feet as well.

"Rukia, look at me," he demanded. "They're idiots! Don't let them make you feel this way. You're an exceptional woman who has achieved many great things and if they can't see that, then they're not worth it. Okay?"

"Ichigo..." Rukia was overwhelmed with fondness for her soon-to-be husband. She threw herself into his arms and kissed him fiercely. "I love you so much. Your just so... I can't even..." She trailed off as a tear leaked down her cheek.

"Oh, babe, are you actually crying?" Ichigo asked, holding her tighter in his embrace.

"Tell anyone and your dad will never have grandkids!" Rukia threatened.

"No need for violence, Ruki. I won't tell a soul." Ichigo pulled her even closer and burried his nose in her hair. He knew that this particuilar issue had been a recurring one that bothered his love for years. He was just glad that she was finally feeling better about herself and her position within her clan. Which reminded him... "Hey, beautiful. Guess what?"

Rukia giggled into his neck. "What is it?"

"Soon you won't have to worry about those stuffy clan elders of yours. Do you know why?"

Rukia did, but she decided to play along. "No, why?"

Ichigo smiled into her hair. "Because in a week, you'll be Mrs. Kurosaki. Hmm, that sounds nice."

"It really does," Rukia agreed, laying a kiss over Ichigo's pulse. "I love you."

"I love you more."

"I love you most."

"Agree to disagree?"

"Sure."

They laughed together as the sun shone brightly overhead. "You know, I never thought we would be one of those disgusting couples who say such cliche things to each other," Rukia mused.

"That's true, but it's only in private. Nobody will ever know from the way we act around other people," Ichigo pointed out.

Rukia pulled out of his warm embrace. "Ichigo, take me home?"

"Do you mean the Kuchiki mansion?" Ichigo joked.

Rukia lifted her foot threateningly. "Don't test me, boy."

"Alright, jeesh!" Ichigo stooped down and Rukia hopped onto his back like old times.

The trip passed by in comfortable silence until they arrived in front of the Kurosaki clinic. "Ichigo," Rukia spoke up. "Thank you for always looking out for me."

Ichigo laughed. "There's no need to thank me. After all, you've always done the same thing for me, so why shouldn't I return the favor. And anyway, it's why I'm here. I will always protect you."

AN

So, there you go. We all know that Ichigo protects Rukia from their enemies and the occasional pervert, but I wanted to show him protecting her from other more mundane things. I hope you liked it and review please!