A/N: I'm totally hating my last few chapters. Even though some/most of you guys love it. I'm my own worst critic. I'm setting a standard now. I'm not going to update until I get 66 reviews. This chapter is pretty short, consider it punishment for not reviewing. *Pouts* Only joking, I tried to lengthen it, but I couldn't make it work. Thanks for those who reviewed.
Chapter 5
Ichigo arrived at Rukia's house at almost exactly 7:00. He walked up to the guest house and rang the doorbell. The door swung open and Rukia ushered him in. "You're actually punctual." Rukia said with a suprised smile. She began to shut off the lights, grabbing her purse along the way.
"You think I'd be late to pick you up." Rukia brushed passed him, but his arm snaked around her for a moment then he released her and Ichigo blushed lightly. "Couldn't help it. Sorry."
"Nice. Arms to yourself Officer." She smiled at his flustered appearance. 'I guess I'm not the only one who feels awkward.' Ichigo opened the door for Rukia allowing her enter his SUV. "Geez, Ichigo, you couldn't get something more difficult for me to get into?" Rukia joked as she pulled herself into the vehicle.
"Ya, ya, ya." Ichigo smirked before getting around and getting into his side of the SUV. The began to drive. "The whole gang will be there. I think you'll really like them." Ichigo said hopefully. Rukia looked over and was caught up by the boyish grin on his face.
"I'm sure I will. Tell me about them."
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The pair walked into the billards room of Tessai's and for a moment all activity ceased. Rukia felt all eyes locked on her and instinctively her calm Kuchiki facade set in. A brown haired man playing pool whistled appreciatively. "Shut up Keigo." Ichigo growled to the man who immediately sidled up to Rukia.
"Who is this delicate flower of a woman?" He asked grasping Rukia's hand and kissing the back of it. Rukia wiped off her hand and made a disgusted face to Ichigo. "You must be new in town. I'm Keigo." He bowed to the woman, illiciting a laugh from the tiny woman.
"Rukia." She stated awkwardly.
"Come meet everyone." Ichigo offered. Rukia blushed lightly as Ichigo placed his hand on her lower back unconsciously to lead her to meet some other people. They approached a booth across from the pool table where there was a group of males sitting.
"This is Uryuu, Chad, Renji, Ikakku, Hisagi and Izuru. Guys this is Rukia."
Rukia smiled politely when all the men greeted her until Renji automatically jumped up to greet Rukia. Her face held an uncomfortable small smile. "I'm Renji Abarai." Ichigo inwardly growled at the way that Renji stared at Rukia, as though she was a piece of meet.
"Nice to meet you." Rukia politely shook Renji's hand.
"Do you want something to drink?" Renji asked, all the while staring down at Rukia with a silly grin on his face. "Yo, Ichigo why don't you get us something?"
Rukia rolled her eyes discreetly and met Ichigo's furious glare. " I think Ichigo wanted to get something to eat too right? We should probably go ask Tessai."
Ichigo seemed to calm slightly and led Rukia out of the pool room then grumbled, "Screw Renji," under his breath.
Rukia smirked and turned to face Ichigo with a knowing grin."Jealous?" She laughed slightly at the look of embarrassment on Ichigo's face and placed her hand lightly on his arm. His mouth dropped open for a moment as he tried to rescue the vestiges of his masculinity.
"No." 'Good job Ichigo.'
"Hi Ichigo!"
The pair turned around the source of the greeting. "Hi Orihime." Ichigo said with a polite smile. "This is Rukia."
Rukia greeted Orhime, but was discomforted by how perfect Orihime and Ichigo looked standing next to one another. "Were you guys ordering?" Orihime asked taking out her pad and wrote down their orders before disappearing into the kitchen.
"She seems nice." Rukia said awkwardly as Ichigo ordered a beer.
He nodded as he took a gulp. "I've known her forever." Ichigo smirked as he looked over at the tiny woman next to him. She was certainly beautiful when she was irritated. "You jealous?" Her face reddened and she scrunched up her face.
"Of course not." She said holding her head high. "Why would I be jealous?" Ichigo just chuckled and continued to drink his beer.
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"Want to play?" Keigo asked with a grin. Rukia smiled politely, but declined. "If you don't know how I can show you how to play." Ichigo shot a dirty look at Keigo who tried to ignore the cop's glaring.
"Sure." Ichigo's head whipped around and he turned to stare at Rukia who was munching on some onion rings. She gave Ichigo a reassuring smile before getting up to join Keigo and Ichigo's game.
"So find you put the balls in the triangle like this." Keigo jumped around the table arranging the balls. Ichigo sighed wearily at his friends' display. Looking over at Rukia he half expected Rukia to be irritated, but she wasn't. In fact, she looked amused. Her violet eyes locked onto Ichigo's smoldering chocolate for a moment. He relaxed a bit as he continued to stare at her. Keigo suddenly jumped into Ichigo's vision.
"Earth to Ichigo!! Are you gonna break or what?"
Ichigo grumbled a few choice obscenities and the game began.
"Next," Keigo said standing closely to Rukia. He handed her the pool cue and stood around her, his body wrapped around hers. Ichigo fought the urge to taser his friend. Keigo leaned Rukia against the pool table his hands on top of hers to guide her, "you hit the ball like this." Keigo took a shot and made the pocket. "Now your turn."
Rukia's voice took on an uncharacteristic sweet tone, "I hope I can be as good as you." Ichigo snickered into his beer and Rukia shot Ichigo a warning glance. With a blank face Rukia leaned over the table and took a shot. Keigo and Ichigo's mouths both dropped open as the cue ball hit a series of angles eventually shooting in 3 of the balls.
"I'll take solids."
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After the boys were brutally beaten, Rukia sat down to talk with Orihime. "I hope you stay in Karakura Town for a long time." Orihime said with a genuine smile. "We're a small town, so it's like having a big family." She put her finger to her lips to think. "Sounds kind of like an oxymoron, but it's true. So do you like Ichigo?"
Rukia began to choke on her water. "What?"
"I mean. You know. Well, everyone in town said he's the one who first found you in town while you were in your wedding dress. That sounds really romantic to me. Like it was fate."
" I suppose." Rukia frowned. "But we're just friends." She added throwing up her arms in defense. "I swear, just friends."
"Oh." Orihime got quiet for a moment and offered Rukia a french fry.
"What's on this?" Rukia asked as a grabbed a french fry with a green sauce on it. Graciously she shoved the fry into her mouth and was acosted by a strange group of flavors.
"Avocado, orange juice, cayenne pepper, brown sugar and some sweet and sour sauce."
Rukia fought the urge to cringe as she slowly at the french fry. 'Is she trying to poison me?' Rukia thought, but thought better of it when she saw the way that Orihime wolfed down her food.
"Want more?" Orihime asked, but Rukia shook her head negatively.
Ichigo slid into the booth next to Rukia and placed his arm around the tiny woman's shoulders. "Hi Ichigo. Having fun?" Orihime sputtered nervously. It was obvious to Rukia that Orihime was absolutely smitten with Ichigo.
Ichigo chuckled then took a swig of his beer. "I am now." Rukia rolled her eyes at the cheesy statement. "It's getting kind of late though. Do you wanna go?"
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Ichigo helped Rukia into the SUV and closed the door once she got in. Rukia leaned over and unlocked Ichigo's door to let her in. "I like your friends." Rukia said once they began driving towards her home.
"They liked you too. I could tell." He smirked over at the woman sitting comfortably next to him. "I don't want to pressure you, Rukia. But I'm dying from all the waiting..."
Rukia tilted her head to the side and raised an eyebrow at Ichigo. "Poor guy isn't used to waiting?"
"Not when it's something I want so badly." He replied in a low, flowing voice. Rukia swallowed thickly and turned her face away from him.
It took a moment for her to regain her composure. "Fine, Officer." She smirked at the flustered man, Ichigo's fingers tightened on the steering wheel.
"Please Rukia, don't talk in riddles."
"I'll be your girlfriend." She blushed lightly. "In name only of course." Ichigo pulled up to Rukia's house.
"Of course." Ichigo said leaving over to unbuckle Rukia's seat belt. "In name only." His voice was thick and tickled when it caressed her skin. He reached up to stroke her cheek slowly. "You're welcome to set the parameters of our 'relationship' now if you want." The heat from his touch was warming her considerably, she could feel her skin beginning to flush.
Rukia's eyes drifted closed as his hand travelled down to her neck. "This leads to nothing emotional." She nearly gasped as she leaned against his touch. "It's just a facade right?"
"Yes." Ichigo growled as his lips replaced his fingers on her delicate flesh. Rukia moaned lightly and Ichigo pulled her closer to him. He could feel himself hardened at the sounds of her pleasured moans. "Any other rules?" He muttered urgently against her skin. His hands began to wander across the expanse of her body, further fueling his arousal.
"Just promise me you won't fall in love with me." She whispered seriously. "That we'll just be friends."
Ichigo paused for a moment. "Friends that kiss?" She could feel his smile against her neck.
"Fine." Rukia grumbled before lightly nipping at his ear. "I should probably go." She whispered to him, her hands somehow now tangled in his orange locks.
"Do you have to?" He whined, enjoying the feeling of her body so close to his.
"Ya." She pulled away slowly. "Besides, you're going to have to help me with the house tomorrow." She grinned, her eyes still glazed over with lust. "I'd prefer that you're well rested."
Ichigo sighed and slightly pouted. "You're a slave driver, Miss Kuchiki." He teased before she got out of the SUV.
"I'll see you tomorrow Ichigo." She whispered softly. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight Rukia."
A/N: There you go. :). Enjoy.
