Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach
Thank you for all your reviews and I apologized for late updates.
You're Driving Me Insane
Rukia has already taken her shower after doing some chores and watching TV. She borrowed clothes from Ichigo which was really big on her. Ichigo's shirt often slips off her shoulders showing her cream white skin and it was starting to piss her off. She's looking something to cook for lunch but it appears that Ichigo was out of stocks. He after all often eats in her apartment. She heard a manly yawn from the living room; the carrot-top is awake.
"Rukia!" He shouts in his half awake voice. Rukia adjust the towel wrap on her hair and made her way to the living room.
"Stop whining like a pig Ichigo. Are you feeling well? If you are take a shower while I go to the grocery store. You don't have any good food in the ref." She said pointing the refrigerator in the kitchen.
"I'm fine now, thanks midget and wait for me I'll go with you." He said getting up from the sofa. After stretching his stiff body, he walks his way to the bathroom. "I'll be the answer of all the people's questions." Ichigo said smirking as he stops halfway to the bathroom. Rukia frowns at him confuse.
"What would they asked, hell why would they even bothered to asked a question?" Rukia questioned glaring at the orange head man. On the other hand Ichigo stared at her from head to toe. Rukia immediately understand what he was saying and blush furiously. "You pervert they won't think like that!" She said throwing the towel on her head to Ichigo. He just laughs at her as he continues his way to the bathroom.
"Oh, by the way Ichigo we have important things to talk about so you better hurry in there." She shouts, Ichigo almost stumble inside the bathroom.
"Oh, shit!" He cursed.
1 hour later
After all the banging on the door, loud shouting, exchange of insults and physical abuse on Ichigo. The two were now at last walking their way to the grocery store. Ichigo was awkwardly silent with an obvious red tint on his cheeks although he was walking beside Rukia who looks like a gangster; he was not looking at her. Rukia sigh and stop walking. Ichigo bump on her barely able to dodge and avoid crushing her on the ground.
"What the hell midget, why'd you stop?" He rebukes.
"Shut up, Ichigo. Why are you being a bitch all of a sudden?" She snap challenging Ichigo's glare on her.
"You call me a bitch, bitch!" He retort, receiving a painful kick on his shin. He immediately double up and nurse his painful leg. They heard whispers and laugh from the by passers like them around.
"Oh, lovers' quarrel, kids now a days." The older people said. "The girl was wearing the guys' clothes so sweet." The high school girls giggled. "Why don't you leave him for me, sexy? My clothes are better on you than him." One of the tugs said as the three of them laugh. Rukia for the umpteenth time on that day sigh. These tugs didn't know what they are getting in.
"UUHHGGH?" An angry groan escapes from Ichigo, glaring daggers on the three idiots who dare to fuck with him. "You're saying something?" He asked as his eyes promise a painful death for them. The three knowing that they don't stand a chance run away like a dog whose tail was stuck on their asses.
"It's really a wonder why you take medicine for a course in life."
"What does that have to do with this?" He asked still pissed. "It's also a big wonder to me why you take arts for a course in college knowing that you draw like a kindergarten." Trying desperately not to laugh, but failed miserably. Rukia's nose almost flared.
Inside the grocery store
A tall young man with orange hair and handsome face was holding his bleeding nose, scowling at anybody who dares to look at him. He was beside a girl who was wearing his clothes?
"They must be young lovers living together because of many circumstances and people against their love. They decided to elope together, live a new life here and in the end LOVE CONQUERS ALL. Kyaaaah!" The cashier giggles over her own dramatic imagination.
Ichigo was staring daggers at Rukia's back as he tries to intimidate the short girl to apologize to him. She ignores his efforts as she confidently walks where the baskets for groceries are placed.
"Hold this Ichigo. You should carry the groceries." She sharply said. Ichigo's scowl deepens.
"Ma-nus-sti-hurt." He complains earning a sharp pissed glare from Rukia. Ichigo almost step back when Rukia raise her hand. He thought he would get another hard punch but it did not come instead her hand gently remove his hand pressing on his nose and examine it. She orders him to sit down on the small bench beside the counter which he obeys without a word. Rukia disappear for a while and come back paying her item.
"Let me see strawberry." She said tilting Ichigo's head that was having difficulties holding his blush. Rukia opened the package of cottons and wipe some blood out of his nose then press the clean one's gently inside his bleeding nose.
"Ouch, that hurts midget." He grumbles.
"I know, try not to drop those ok. We'll take care of it properly at home." She said putting the cottons in her pockets.
"I look ridiculous with this on my nose." Ichigo complains pointing the cottons in his nose. Rukia can't stop but roll her eyeballs.
"It's temporary dumbass. Now, listen I'm starving and if you don't stop whining like a brat I'm going to chew your head off!" Rukia said before hitting Ichigo again she decided to start shopping for food. Ichigo grumbling incoherent words followed Rukia with the basket in hand.
They started for instant ramen, common ingredients like vinegar, salt and soy sauce, then cereals. Ichigo receive another swift kick on the shin when he returned the chappy cereals without permission.
"I don't eat disgusting stuff like that." He shouted, attracting other shopper's attention.
"Who said it's for you? And it's not disgusting say that again and you'll not be able to eat for the next few days." Ichigo grunts.
"I'm going to pay that, you know!"
"Why, of course. I'm cooking your food, equivalent exchange."
"Che! Equivalent exchange, my ass! You should do it for a friend without expecting anything in return. That's why I don't want you hanging out with Byakuya too much. He'll put weird stuff in your head." Ichigo said grabbing cans of sodas.
"Show respect to my brother, Ichigo and it's not that I'm expecting something in return. When it comes to you, I need to be vigilant because you'll easily take advantage of my kindness." Rukia said eyeing the chicken meats.
"Kindness? You always hit me! Oh, chicken breasts miss." Ichigo said on the sales girl.
"No, wings and legs." Rukia disagree frowning at Ichigo.
"No, miss breast." Ichigo meets Rukia's eyes.
"Legs!"
"breast!"
"Legs!"
"Breast!" The sales lady sweat drop, she tried to stop the two but they were in their own world. Some of the shoppers stop by and somewhat entertained. The two didn't even notice that they were almost nose to nose to each other.
"Why are you so found of the breast?" Rukia restrain not to shout.
"Maybe because of the fact that you don't have them." Ichigo blunder. The people gasp with their hands on their mouth.
"UH, oh!" one of the by stander said. "He's gonna get it." A stifle "oooaaff" escape from Ichigo as Rukia kick him on the balls. The cottons inside his nose pop out like popcorns. "Ouch" was heard from the crowd.
"You cook your own food because I'm done here. I-M D-O-N-E H-E-R-E! HAPPY MEAL ASSHOLE." Rukia said and walk out of the scene.
"Wait, fuck Rukia I think you broke it." He painfully said clutching his groin as the crowd laugh at him. "What the fuck are you laughing at? Mind your own fucking business!" He shouted, composing his self and grab the basket of groceries then run to the cashier.
"Just wrap this all up and I'll be back to pick it up." He hurriedly gets enough money in his wallet and hand it to the cashier. He then bolt out of the store and look for his raven haired friend on the streets.
"Where is she? Damned, she's so short I can't find her." He thought stretching his neck from right to left, left to right. He then saw the sleeves of his shirt. Rukia's whole figure was block by a man who also walking it's way to the store. He immediately runs to her.
"Wait, Rukia! Look I'm sorry I didn't mean to say that! Oi, are you listening to me." Grabbing her hand, he made her stop and turn her to him.
"Let go of me Ichigo before I hit homerun again." She warned. Ichigo distance himself a little to protect his precious sons and daughters. He looked at her for a while then grab her hand and walk back to the store in a hurried pace.
"Wait, Ichigo. Hey, what the hell. Stop dragging me around fool!" She shouted at Ichigo who just gave her a loop sided grin. She grimace, and look at him from the back, observing his lanky but muscular figure. She understands why girls go crazy on him. He was handsome.
"I'm going to kick you Ichigo." She warned.
"Do that at home." He just said before entering the store again and get their bags of groceries not letting go of Rukia's hand. Rukia look at their intertwined hand and smile.
"I think I'm getting use too this." She thought.
…...
"At last we are home!" He said collapsing on the sofa. Rukia continue on the kitchen as she prepare for her cooking.
"What do you want to eat Ichigo?" She asked putting the fruits inside the ref.
"Chicken curry." He said. "Make it spicy."Picking up the remote then turning on the TV. Around forty five minutes, after the bickering from the living room to the kitchen. They were now sitting on the dining table.
"Be careful it's hot." She said scooping rice on Ichigo's bowl. Ichigo smelled the curry and it smelled really good. He was now really hungry.
"Itadakimasu." They both said and started eating. Silence engulfs them as they eat.
"Ichigo, what you said to me last night is it true?" She asked seriously as she stared at the carrot top. Ichigo choked on his food. He coughs vigorously then asked for water.
"W-water." He asked between coughs. Rukia immediately pour water on Ichigo's tumbler and gave it to him as she soothes his back.
"Are you alright, Ichigo?" She asked worriedly. He raise his two hands, a sign that his fine. "What is wrong with you?" Now a blush was stained on his face.
"Nothing." He can't look at Rukia.
"Ok, now answer my question." She sits opposite to him facing Ichigo and eyeing him intently.
"I-I-I don't k-now, wh-at y-our talk-ing a-bout." He said avoiding eye contact. Rukia stared at him and sigh.
"I see." She said getting up to put her food on the ref. she lost her appetite. Ichigo clench his fist on the table. He was thinking that he doesn't like the awkwardness. He doesn't like where things are going.
"I misinterpret it. I'm sorry for bringing it up." She coldly said. Silence engulfs them and Ichigo hates it.
"Will you leave me?" He asked. "I didn't mean to fall I swear, it just happened." He confesses. He heard Rukia's footsteps to the door. He thought it's over, he just broke their friendship.
"She's probably thinking I'm disgusting." He thought chuckling bitterly. He then felt two smooth arms from the back encircled in his neck.
"What are you thinking strawberry?" She said smiling at him.
"I-I though-t" He stutter.
"You thought I'll leave? Why would I do that if I feel the same?" She said chuckling. Ichigo was still surprise and gaping like a fish that was out of the water. "Ma-ma calms down strawberry, breath in, breathe out..." She said calmly trying not to laugh. Ichigo gently grabbed her hand and pull her to sit in his lap. He kissed the back of her hand, her fingertips, and her palm and put it on his chest.
"You have no idea, how happy you made me today." He softly whispers on her ear. Rukia lovingly smile at him.
"I love you too Strawberry." She giggles leaning her forehead on his chin. Ichigo kiss her forehead and a sparkling smile emerges on his face.
"Can I kiss you?" He asked tilting Rukia's head to look at him. She has the most beautiful eyes and blushing face he had ever seen. He was hypnotized and can't look away. He saw her close her eyes a sign of permission he was waiting. He move closer and closer, feeling her warm breathe and warm body. Rukia grab a handful of Ichigo's shirt as she felt his lips on her. Wonderful sensation shot through them, it was undiscribable, mind-numbing and they both want more.
"RINGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!" The phone continuously rang. Rukia pulled away to say something but Ichigo keeps on chasing her lips. She giggles.
"The…pho-ne… I-chi-go." She said between kisses. Ichigo just moaned and deepen the kiss. The phone keeps on ringing and it started to annoy her. Rukia put both her hands on his cheeks and pinch, squeeze then stretch his cheeks which made him stop, scowl and pout in a breathless way? Rukia giggles again and kiss both his cheeks.
"Go answer the phone Strawberry." She said getting up from his lap.
"Yeah, but later." He retort pulling her back on him. Rukia glared at Ichigo and he sigh in defeat.
"Fine!"He obeyed but not without stealing another kiss from his girlfriend.
"Ichigo!" She was startled earning a laugh from her boyfriend as he made his way to the phone.
"What do you want? I'm in a middle of something very important so this better be important or els…" Ichigo angrily said.
"I don't care Kurosaki." Ishida apathetically said." Don't you dare forget my notes, we have exams tomorrow." Ichigo almost drop the telephone.
"WHAT? EXAMS? You're kidding right?"
"I don't kid Kurosaki." He knew that his friend, rival was a very smart and serious person. Who lives a very boring life…
"Stop criticizing me Kurosaki. Better study your lessons because that's what normal students who have plans in life do. I'm hanging up idiot." And the line was cut making Ichigo's scowl deepen.
"Did he just read my mind and did he just call me an "idiot"? He thought as the line beep down ending their conversation.
"How long are you standing in there idiot? I've heard that you have exams tomorrow and by that look on your face you forgot to study. Finish your food while I get your medical books in your room." Rukia commanded.
"Can we finish first what we've left?" He said grinning, earning the infamous Kuchiki glare from his girlfriend. His face fell and he groaned in defeat walking his way to the kitchen, saying incoherent words about Ishida and exams rubbing the back of his neck in frustration.
….
"So explain why I am here?" Tatsuki asked trying hard not to yawn but failed. Who in their right mind would call a person at six in the morning on SUNDAY? They were sitting outside a coffee house.
"Tats, we have something very important to talk about!" Her friend Renji enthusiastically said. A faint smile emerges on her face as she lean on the table supported by her arm. "How come he had so much energy this early in the morning?" She thought.
"Rukia, isn't it?" She asked. A goofy smile crop up on his face. If she was not sluggish, she would believe she saw him blush.
"Yeah, I was worried. She was with Kurosaki last night." He honestly said with very serious eyes. She'll never get tired of looking at his face and his awesome tattoos. He may look idiotic sometimes but when it comes to Rukia and his studies in criminology, he'll have this serious, strong-minded character.
"Why? She's always with Ichigo." Rukia was always seen with Ichigo even if Renji was her childhood friend. The two just match in a single click despite the fact that they bicker a lot.
"No, I think there's something wrong with Ichigo. He was always drunk and …
"You're afraid he'll do something to her?" She asked with grin. She saw his eyes widen a bit, again she'll never get tired of looking at him, and how she can stupefy him.
"Can you let me finish first what I have to say?" He said pouting slightly. Tatsuki chuckled. She looks up in the early morning sky with a distant gaze.
"He'll never do anything that will make Rukia hate him. He needs her…
"So, do I." She knows he was staring at her with a crease on his forehead. She wanted to tell him to stop chasing after Rukia but she knows she doesn't have any rights.
"I know, you love her so much…" He fidgeted on his sit telling her to stop being so blunt.
"Don't say that casually on public. People we know might hear us!" He whispered. Tatsuki shakes her head and chuckled.
"Chicken!" She utter with a grin. Renji's scowl deepens. "You two will look great for each other." She state coolly. Renji immediately recovered from his sober shape like a kid given a chocolate ice cream after he drops his first.
"Really?" He asked full of energy.
"Yeah, yeah… you two will look great." She said with a gentle look in her eyes. "You are a very simple minded person." She thought. "Yet… sweet." A sparkling smile emerges from his face. Tatsuki can't help but feel honored at least she can make him smile innocently. Renji was about to rant again about Rukia when they heard Orihime's voice calling them.
"Abarai-kun! Tatsuki-chan!" Orihime called. Tatsuki face palm.
"So, this is what they've been up to this early in the morning."
"Oh, I forgot to tell you. Orihime came from Kurosaki's apartment to check on him." Tatsuki's eyebrow twitched.
"Why would she do that?" She asked.
"To make sure that there is nothing we should worry about the two of them." Renji said. Tatsuki jaw's almost drop. "Are they serious?"
"So Hime-chan, how's your trip to Kurosaki's apartment?" He eagerly asked. Orihime take the sit opposite to Renji.
"Abarai-kun, I don't know what to feel." She said rather sad. This caught both Tatsuki and Renji's attention. "Rukia slept with him." She blurted. Renji and Tatsuki was shock beyond belief. Orihime look at them and realize her mistakes in using words. "Oh, no I mean Rukia sleep in his apartment not what you are thinking…hehehehe." She explained scratching the back of her head. Renji release his breathe he didn't know he was holding. Tatsuki sweat drop.
"Don't joke like that Orihime." Renji said still uncomfortable. "It's not funny and there is no way Rukia will sleep with that idot. She doesn't love him!"
"Gomen Abarai-kun and yes there's no way Kurosaki-kun will do that too." The two agreed. Tatsuki was just silent, observing her friends talking about her other friends. She wonders how long they are going to chase after those two and she also wonders how long those two will realize their own affection for each other. If that might happened I hope everybody will be able to accept and give for the sake of everyone's happiness.
"She was just taking care of Kurosaki-kun's hangover." Orihime assumed.
"Yeah, because Rukia was a very caring person especially to her friends." Renji agreed.
"And Kurosaki-kun was a gentleman. He'll not do that unless he loves the girl." They both agree again. Tatsuki sigh for both of her friends. How long will this merry-go-round end?
"I will never hand Rukia to other guys." Renji said all of a sudden. This caught Tatsuki's serious attention. She doesn't like his tone of voice. Orihime caught her breath.
"She's mine; we are destined for each other. I know that from the start." He looks at Orihime. "You too Hime-chan, don't give up on Ichigo. You have to do everything to win him." Orihime saw determination and unexplainable emotions in his eyes but she agreed.
"Hai, Abarai-kun I'll do everything to make Ichigo mine!" She said full of energy.
"But what if they already like someone else?" Tatsuki asked without hesitations. Silence engulfs them for a while. She saw Renji's face darken and Orihime eyes is promising tears to fall.
"No way! Rukia will tell me if she had someone she liked." He abruptly disagreed. Tatsuki saw something in his gaze that made her raise both of her hands in surrender.
"Alright, I get it." She said with a strained smile. "For now, I'll both take care of you…" She thought.
Thank you for reading…