Shadow Pain: thanks for the review!

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Midnightwolf92: thanks for the review and reminding me to update this story.

Ah ha ha. I haven't updated, sorry about that. Well I tried to make this chapter interesting and not boring. I hope you guys will forgive me for not updating in awhile.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach

Rukia's thoughts

'other thoughts'

Rukia sat up on her bed and memories from last night came to her. Her hand went to her lips instinctively and her lips felt swollen. How she ended up in her bed, Rukia did not know. She looked around her room for any signs that someone else was there but nothing except for a piece of folded paper on top of her alarm clock. Rukia got off her bed and got the note and read it outloud.

Rukia,

I'm sorry but I had to leave. Staying there with you would only cause trouble. What happened last night, I don't regret it but we both know it can't happen. If something... anything were to happen to you, I wouldn't be able to live with myself. I hope you can forgive me for leaving you without a final goodbye but if you can't, I understand.

I'm sorry Rukia.

Captain Hitsugaya Toshiro

As Rukia finished reading the letter, tears came down. She wiped them but more kept falling. She knew that Toshiro couldn't stay with her, but it still hurt her. She folded the note and put it under her pillow. She might not be able to see Toshiro ever again but she still wanted to keep that to remember him. Rukia laid down on her bed and went back to sleep... heartbroken.

The next time Rukia woke up, she had to go to school. She put on her uniform mucher slower than usual and walked to school slowly. She got there early and she walked to her desk and sat down waiting for the bell to ring and Ochi-sensei to walk in. Her friends noticed that she doesn't seem to be her usual happy self but instead a sad, depressed version of her.

"Kuchiki-san. Are you okay?" asked Orihime.

Rukia looked at Orihime and gave her a sad smile. "Yeah." she answered.

Orihime didn't believe her but she knew Rukia was stubborn and she wouldn't be able to get it out of Rukia. 'Maybe Kurosaki-kun knows.' thought Orihime as she went to her desk. She sat down and waited for Ichigo to walk in. "Kurosaki-kun!" she said in her usual cheerful voice.

"Yeah, Inoue?" Ichigo said with his usual scowl on his face.

"Do you what's wrong with Kuchiki-san?" asked Orihime. When Rukia's name was mentioned, Ichigo's face immediately turned into a concerned one but changed quickly. Only his eyes showed the concern.

"No, but I'm sure she's fine." said Ichigo. He walked to his desk and when he sat he turned to Rukia. She looked fine on the outside but if you looked in her eyes they seemed dead and sad. "Rukia, are you okay?" Ichigo asked softly.

Rukia glanced at Ichigo. "I'm fine." It sounded like she was trying to convince herself.

"But-"

"I said I'm fine." Rukia said firmly. Ochi-sensei walked in and Ichigo only sighed.

"Captain Hitsugaya. Does Kuchiki Rukia seem fit to be by herself?" asked the King.

"Yes sir." replied Toshiro with a nod.

The King nodded. "Good. You're dismissed."

Toshiro walked out of the King's office and walked to his. He sighed as he thought about Rukia. 'Thinking about her wont help.' Toshiro thought.

"Hitsugaya."

Toshiro stopped and turned around. "Kuchiki."

Byakuya stepped forward and his cold eyes not showing one single emotion. "How is she?" She is obviously Rukia.

"She's fine." Toshiro said. Byakuya's face seemed to show the slightest amount of relief and he left.

The bell rang and she walked out of the classroom quickly to avoid any other questions Ichigo wants to ask her. She let out a big sigh as she walked home. She opened the door and noticed how quiet it was. It's so quiet... and lonely. Rukia then remembered the lady Kikyo. She looked around for her number and called her. It was sent to Kikyo's voicemail.

"Hi- Kikyo-sama? It's Kuchiki Rukia. I want to take the offer of staying with you but if you changed plans I understand. Can you give me a call back? Okay, then, bye." Rukia hung up. She sighed and went to her room. She started doing her homework when she got a feeling she was being watched. She closed the curtains and she still felt uneasy.

Rukia groaned. She didn't want to get up and go to school. She slowly got out of her bed and put on her uniform. She went to the kitchen and got some toast. The phone was blinking a red light and she pressed the 'listen' button.

"Sorry I didn't answer! About staying over, I'll still be happy to have you over! I'll come over later after you're out of school. Bye Rukia!" Rukia played Kikyo's message.

Rukia got her bag and headed to school. As she was walking she got the feeling she was being watched again. She looked around but there was no one there. She heard running behind her and she turned. Ichigo was running towards her. "Rukia!" He caught up to her and he was panting. Once he caught his breath, he asked her. "Where's Prince Hitsugaya?" Rukia stiffened and Ichigo noticed. "Rukia?"

"Um he had to leave." Rukia said quickly and she started walking quickly to school.

Ichigo followed her but he was in deep thought. 'Rukia's been acting strange and looking sad. Yesterday Hitsugaya wasn't there so that means he probably left they day before. But why would that affect Rukia as much as it is? Could she have fallen in love?' Ichigo thought and his eyes widen when he thought that. He glanced at Rukia and she also seemed to be thinking.

Rukia kept glancing over her shoulder every now and then. She wasn't looking at Ichigo but trying to see if anyone was following them. She felt like someone was watching her closely and Rukia didn't like it all and she shouldn't. There is someone watching her and all that person will do is stir up some trouble for her... and everyone else.

How was it? Review please!