The rain went from a light drizzle to an instant downpour of what felt like bullets. The land was being pounded by mother nature's tears again.

The rain has made everything turn to muddy ash within seconds. It was hard to run, especially Ichigo with his injured ankle. He and Rukia were still on their way home. The hill was too steep for Ichigo to climb in his state, so Rukia had took him around and back onto the trail. They were hurrying as fast as they could to get out of the storm. They were drenched and cold and shivering just like the night of the fire. Water was dripping off of them, and the rain soaked Ichigo's hair and made his bangs sag over his eyes. His foot hurt bad. He should've stayed off of it. But nonetheless, he wanted to get home.

As the trail began to narrow, Rukia smiled. That meant the trail was ending and home was just around the corner.

"We're almost there, Ichigo!" Rukia cheered over the rain. "Just a little more and we'll–"

"Rukia, stop." Rukia jerked back when Ichigo abruptly stopped in the middle of the trail. She looked at him. He was panting heavily. The rain soaked his clothes and made them stick to his body. He looked so thin and exhausted. She knew he was tired and in pain, but they were almost home. They were so close. But why did he stop?

"Ichigo, why did you–"

"I've wanted to do something." Ichigo interrupted her. Rukia paused. As much as she was eager to know what he wanted, she wasn't too keen on standing in the pouring, freezing rain.

"Ichigo, can't it wait until we're home?" Rukia begged, but Ichigo shook his head.

"No. It can't." Ichigo said. Thunder cracked loudly and made the two flinch. The rain continued to pour down without letting up. Rukia had closed her eyes from the sudden loud noise and felt herself being squeezed. She cracked open an eye to see Ichigo over her. He had clamped his arms around her, scared from the loud noise and hugged her for support. Eventually Ichigo loosened up and looked at Rukia with frightened eyes. "I-I'm sorry, but…" Ichigo stuttered. He kept his eyes locked with Rukia's. He never got to experience Rukia's amazing amethyst eyes. They were so beautiful. So mesmerizing. They really were what made her beautiful. The way the rain soaked her bangs to her face and made her clothes stick to her skin. Her skin was shining from the rain, through her thin clothing, as if she had become pure. She was a stunning sight to see for Ichigo. And he was just inches from her face.

"Ichigo…" Rukia was speechless. She too had gotten caught in his gaze. She had never seen Ichigo's eyes so… magical. It was like there was a burning blaze behind them she couldn't stop staring at. And at this distance, Rukia didn't think Ichigo could become more handsome.

She was wrong, because in a flash, Ichigo had pulled her forward and planted a kiss on her lips. Rukia was shocked at first; Ichigo was kissing her! HE was kissing HER! But Rukia soon melted into his embraced and closed her eyes. His lips were soft and his breath was warm.

Rukia slithered her arms around Ichigo's neck and clung to him. Ichigo's grip tightened around her tiny waist and he was more than surprised when Rukia deepened the kiss and molded her lips against his. Her lips were so soft and smooth and, though a gross thought, her saliva was sweet. Like a flower's nectar. Ichigo didn't ever think in his life he'd get the opportunity to kiss a woman, or even fall in love. If this is what love feels like, then he liked it and liked it a lot.

Another loud clap of thunder ended the kiss and the two broke away from each other. Panting, Rukia looked up to Ichigo. She couldn't believe what just happened. Ichigo… what had gotten over him?! "Ichigo, what just–"

"I love you, Rukia." Ichigo blurted out. He was shivering madly from the cold downpour. "I didn't think words were enough, and I don't think I've ever loved somebody as much as I love you and, and… you're special to me… that's why I fought and refused to die that night. You're really special to me, Rukia. Like my mother was. And I love you." he finished. Rukia was speechless. She didn't know what to say. She never knew Ichigo felt like this towards her. She felt… loved.

"Ichi…" Rukia paused and launched herself at Ichigo, locking her lips with his once more. Ichigo caught her and kissed her back before she broke away with tears running down her face. "And I love you too!" she yelled over the rain. And for a while, Ichigo stood there and held her tightly. Rukia was his now… she was his and he was hers. And he swore he wouldn't let anything come in the way between them.

'You were right all along, Kaien… the results after the war are very much worth it…' Ichigo thought. He wondered where he'd be now if he hadn't listened to Kaien. If he never had that flashback months ago. If he hadn't of listened to that… mirage the night of the fire. If he never turned back and saved Rukia. But he didn't want to think about it. It didn't matter now. He had Rukia, and that's all that mattered.

"Now let's get out of this rain. I'm freezing." Rukia said. Ichigo chuckled.

"Yeah, you're right. Let's go home." Rukia helped Ichigo limp home as the rain continued to pour. The future looked bright despite the bad day and horrible past of both of them.

But unnoticed to the both of them, a figure lying in a barren cluster of bushed patiently and silently watched them with a pair of squinted, dark-brown eyes, just feet of where they were standing. They watched them until they we no longer in sight, before, in a flash, disappeared. The loud rustling rang loudly with the rain, scattering birds everywhere screeching into the darkened sky. Thunder rumbled once more; an omen warning of chaos.

Do you think I have a fetish with Ichigo's eyes? I mean, they're kinda hard not to admire. They're a beautiful shade of brown! They're beautiful! :3

So… yeah… quite an ending, huh? I realized I totally FORGOT to put in the kiss scene in the last chapter! THE HEART OF THE STORY! So I apologize… ^_^''

What's with that last paragraph? Could that MEAN something? Perhaps a… sequel?!

Yeah, I'm really wanting to make a sequel for this story. NO promises though! It may not work out, so don't get your hopes up until I say it's official. But, until I do or don't, use your imagination! What would the sequel be about? Who will be in it? Will there be more or new characters than the original? What will it be called? Will it be romantic? A comedy? A drama? Tragedy? What would the plot be like? Will Allison finally kick Renji's ass?

…

I think these questions are what I'm asking myself! Ahahaha!

Well, like I said in the previous chapter, thanks a whole bunch to the lot of you who stuck with the story and left awesome reviews and comments. I really appreciate it guys. You're awesome! Hope you all have an awesome happy holiday!

Shuuhei/Izuru Lover3