Author's Note: I do not own Bleach or its characters. This is AU.


Look Through Your Book

Ichigo frowned at the kitchen cabinets. He wasn't sure what he was in the mood for, and it was his turn to cook dinner. Technically, it was supposed to be Rukia's turn, but she had a late class, and he didn't want to wait for her to get back and then spend an hour or so actually cooking. It was much easier if the food was simply ready when she got home. Besides, he didn't really want to deal with her temper. Rukia had spent the two weeks slaving over this term paper, and she would finally be getting it back today. If she hadn't done well on it, she was going to be in a foul mood.

Finally deciding on homemade mac and cheese, Ichigo got to work cooking. It was an easy enough meal to put together. Mac and cheese, a salad, and some sort of bread would do. Ichigo was extremely grateful he knew how to cook. Living off of fast food and cup of noodles got old after awhile, and truthfully, he found the tasks associated with cooking rather soothing. It was a good way to destress and take a break from all of his schoolwork. Besides, if he didn't cook, their menu choices would be rather limited. Rukia could not cook. She could bake. In fact, she was an incredible baker when it came to things like cookies and brownies, and she didn't indulge in exotic flavors like Orihime did. However, when it came to actually cooking, the most complicated thing Rukia could manage was boiling water.

When it was Rukia's turn to cook, typically they either had take out or something from a box or a can. Still, her baking more than made up for it. Ichigo had the feeling that he was now addicted to the chocolate chip cookies she made at least once a week. They never lasted more than a week. He swore his friends were dropping by more often these days just because of the cookies. They were especially good with vanilla ice cream. Of course, the cookies weren't the only reason he put up with Rukia. She was a surprisingly good companion. Their dynamic had changed some since that day in the graveyard. He didn't feel that he always had to keep his mask up around her all the time.

Ichigo had the feeling that she had discovered the same thing about him. From what she had said, it sounded like her adopted brother was still pretty deep in grief himself. Sometimes when that happened, it was hard to see how much the people around you were hurting too. That was the problem with his dad a lot of the time. It seemed like sometimes the only way to cope with the loss of the love of your life was to go a little insane. Ichigo supposed he couldn't really make judgments though. Everyone in the family had developed their own quirks to deal with the pain. Yuzu had become Suzie Homemaker, Karin had developed a chip on her shoulder, and he had withdrawn from personal connections.

Rukia seemed be throwing herself into her school work and hoping to earn her brother's approval with good grades and academic success. To each his own, he guessed. Ichigo had never actually met Byakuya Kuchiki, but he had heard of the man before. He was one of the best legal minds in the country. Of course, the whole Kuchiki family was well known for their contributions to the legal field. Rukia had a lot to live up to in that sense. Of course, she had not exactly gone into law yet. Ichigo didn't know if she was planning to or not. Currently, her major was communications, and she seemed to really be enjoying that.

They'd had some interesting discussions so far about medical communication, especially between doctors and patients. Ichigo wasn't really to the point where his pre-med classes were very interesting, but he already knew what he wanted to do with his medical degree. Of course, it helped that he had grown up around doctors and clinics. Ichigo knew that he wanted go into family practice. He wanted to get to know his patients, not just see whoever came in that day.

The sound of the lock turning caught his attention.

"Hey, you're back early. Dinner will be ready in just a minute."

There wasn't a response. With a frown, Ichigo turned around. Rukia stood in the doorway looking rather shell-shocked.

"Hey. Rukia." He snapped his fingers at her.

She met his eyes. "I'm being expelled."