Hey Guys time for another Update!

This is by far the longest chapter so far. I really hope you like it. It is the conclusion of the real world arc. The next chapter will begin Ichigo's life in Soul Society.

I hope you guys don't think I rushed Ichi/Ruki reunion in the last chapter they will have a chance to truly talk in this chapter.

Thank You guys again for the continued support! I will continue to try and update regularly but I can't promise 6 chapters in a week lol.

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN BLEACH IF I DID I WOULDN'T HAVE SUCH SHORT CHAPTERS! IT'S DRIVING ME CRAZY KUBO-SAN!

_Chapter 6 _

Farewells and Confessions

Walking hand and hand Ichigo and Rukia were both all smiles. While it is true that neither had had a chance to really to the other how they truly feel, they were content knowing that the other felt the same way.

Ichigo could not believe it. He had kissed Rukia in a spur of spontaneity. He couldn't believe he had been so rash. He had been so caught up internally on how to tell her how he felt. When he had grabbed her hand and spun her around he thought he had found the words. Then he saw her eyes and lost all train of thought. The only thing in her mind was how beautiful she looked. Before he knew it he was pulling her closer and putting his lips to hers. The explosion of emotion at that moment was indescribable. He felt that everything would be okay as long as he had her by his side. The overwhelming problem he was having right now was thinking about the talk they were supposed to have later that night. Should he tell her everything? He knew how he felt about her. To him it was easy as waking up in the morning. He had had a over a year to think about it. There was no question in his mind except how she felt. Did she feel the same to the same extent? Scowling, he looked to her and the smile on her face. His scowl lightened and he thought to himself.

"It doesn't matter. I know she cares and that all that matters. Why worry myself with unnecessary details when she is finally here with me again."

Having made the decision he felt more lighthearted.

'Now for the difficult task ahead." he thought darkly.

He was worried what his friends would say when they found out he had just given up his mortal life.

Rukia was walking on clouds. A happiness that he hadn't felt in a long time was flowing through the very fiber of her being.

"He kissed me!" she joyfully thought to herself

She had known how she felt for him for quite some time. She had thought there was no way for it to work. She was a soul reaper he was a human it was like oil and water. Many times she had wanted to see if her feelings were reciprocated but stopped herself before she did. She thought that she would lose his friendship if she told him how she really felt. She was wrong and she had never been so happy.

"This conversation later will be enlightening." she mused

"Now if I can only figure out if should tell him everything." she inwardly groaned. Would he think she was crazy if she told him that she knew in her soul that she loved him? What if he rejected it? Panic flashed across her features for a brief moment. She looked up at him seemingly in deep thought with a small smile on his face.

"It doesn't matter. I know he cares and that all that matters. Why worry myself with unnecessary details when he is finally here with me again." she thought to herself banishing her thoughts of panic.

Years later when talking about this moment they would be shocked to find out that they were thinking the exact same thoughts.

Up ahead in the distance they saw the entrance to the park. Stopping for a second they looked at each other.

"It's going to be okay Ichigo. I will be at your side I know this is going to be difficult for you." "I just hope that they understand, I feel more at home in your world, I feel more at home with you."

Smiling Rukia responded " About that do you want to tell people yet?"

"I was thinking about that. I think that we should figure our for ourselves first exactly what we want before we tell others. Is that okay?"

"I was actually thinking the same thing, we have a lot of time to figure this out. This should be about you talking to your friends. Not about us." Rukia answered with a sheepish grin she followed with a question.

"Does this mean that I can't get one more kiss before we go in?" she looked at him and smiled

"You silly little midget, you can have a kiss whenever you want one." Ichigo replied

"I am not a midget!" she retorted as she pulled him down for a few more seconds of ecstasy before lightly kicking him on the shin.

"What was that for!?"

"I told you I am not a midget." she said while trying to make the most intimidating face she could come up with.

"Whatever, Let's go do this."

In the distance not seen by either of them there were eyes watching the entire exchange. Orihime had arrived late and felt Rukia and Ichigo's reiatsu spike momentarily. She had gone to where she felt them in case they were in trouble only to see them pulling away from a kiss. Her heart had stopped at that. Sure, she had seen the way he looked at Rukia. Long ago she had given up the notion that she would be the one to have Ichigo's heart. Besides he couldn't give away something that was already someone else's . She had decided to herself that all she cared about was his happiness long ago. Seeing them there in their private exchange warmed her heart. She could see the smiles on both of her friends and saw that they were happy. Smiling to herself while turning to join the others she thought to herself.

"It's about time. I should let them keep their secret until they are ready. I am going to have to talk to Rukia though, maybe I'll pull her away for some girl time after the picnic."

She hurried to join the others before the two arrived. Excited to be able to show her friends some of the delicious foods that she had come up with for their impromptu picnic.

Everybody had gathered already and were talking amongst themselves. Uryuu, Renji and Chad were having a conversation about their plans for after school. Tatsuki and Yoruichi were talking about training. The latter having seen Tatsuki's skill she was very interested in having her as a pupil. Urahara and Isshin were laughing whole heartedly during their conversation. They young ones Karin, Yuzu, Ururu, and Jinta had started up a small game of soccer. All of them were waiting for the arrival of Ichigo and Rukia.

"HEEEYYYY GUUUYYYSS!" all eyes turned to the bubbly brunette that was bounding towards them.

" I just saw Ichigo and Rukia at the gate they are on the way is everybody here." she asked while catching her breath.

Uryuu looked around and went through a quick mental checklist.

"Yes it seems everyone has arrived. The question is why we all here? Obviously we felt Ichigo get his powers back. I for one do not want to be hit with that intense of a reiatsu again for quite some time. He could have called us why the meeting."

"Ichigo has something that he wants to tell everybody. He wanted you all to be together so he could tell you all at the same time" Isshin answered.

At that moment all heads turned to the familiar spiritual pressures walking up.

"Ichigo! Rukia! How are you guys!" Orihime beamed intent on keeping her secret until the appropriate time.

"Yo, guys what's up." Ichigo had a slightly worried expression on his face only noticeable to those who knew him best. With this crowd that meant everybody.

"What's up!? you call us all here for some big announcement and all you can say is what's up? Don't make me show you again why you always came in second while sparring?" Tatsuki yelled

"Ichigo, I felt it when your powers came back congratulations." Sado said being a man a few words.

"Why are you here in your shinigami form and not your body?" Uryuu asked never one to miss even the smallest detail.

"That's what I came to talk to you about." Ichigo replied with a grim look

"Everyone gather around."

All conversations stopped as Ichigo's friends and family gathered around in a half circle around him.

"Guys I have an announcement to make. Urahara came to me last night with a way for me to get my powers back. With that revelation I had to make a decision. In order for my powers to return I had to decide if I would give up my human life."

For those that already knew this they were not surprised. For those who didn't the reaction was slightly different.

"WHAT!" Orihime, Uryuu and Tasuki all cried in unison.

Chad however was not surprised with Ichigo's decision and smiled.

"I will still fight beside you my friend."

"Why would you give up your human life? You still have so long to live for!" Tatsuki cried.

She had been Ichigo's friend for a long time and was deeply saddened by her friends choice.

"I see, that must be why your spiritual pressure is much stronger than it used to be. You are a fully fledged shinigami now. Huh, Ichigo." Ishida observed.

"Kurosaki-Kun? You have given up your life?" Orihime asked with tears in her eyes

"Guys don't be sad. I thought about this decision and it is what I truly want. I have the ability to protect again and will begin a new life in Soul Society. Its not like I will never see you guys, I will still come as much as can and see you. I was destined to be a part of the Gotei 13 at some point anyway. I am just starting a little early."

Ichigo's friends all looked at him and saw the resolve in his eyes. They knew what losing his powers had done to him. Plus, everyone knew how he felt about the shinigami standing next to him. It seemed like the logical choice that their friend would have made when presented with the options.

"Today I want to have fun with you guys before I go to the Soul Society tomorrow. I want to have a good send off."

"Okay if this is truly your choice. I will support you as always. But just because you are back to full power don't think I won't still kick your ass if you don't come to visit. Yoruichi-sensei is going to teach me how to wield my power so you better be ready next time." Tatsuki smiled at her friend Ichigo returned the smile.

"Anytime, but I won't hold back."

"You better not."

" I guess it was only logical when presented with that choice you would pick that route. We have become the unlikeliest of friends but if you ever have need of me you know I will be there." Uryuu said with a smile.

"I'll hold you to that my friend."

"Kurosaki-Kun promise you will come see us." Orihime whined with tears still in her eyes.

"They can see if they can try to stop me Inoue. I am a man of my word you know that."

Satisfied Orihime smiled.

The rest of the afternoon went as to be expected. Their was laughter, much reminiscing, and plenty of playful banter. All in all Ichigo thought that the entire event had been a great success. Looking around he noticed that he didn't see Rukia and Orihime anywhere.

"They were good friends they probably went to talk." he thought to himself.

Ichigo was correct. A few minutes earlier Rukia had walked over to the pond wanting to think over the events of the day. Seeing her opportunity Orihime had rushed after.

"To think that orange haired man is going to be in Soul Society now. Are we ready for what he will bring with him." Rukia thought to herself while walking.

"R-Rukia chan..." a very cautious voice call to her from behind. Turning to the voice Rukia was shocked to see Orihime there with a very solemn look on her face. Worried about her friend she asked. "Orihime what is wrong? Are you okay?"

"I always knew he would choose you. I am truly happy for you Rukia."

Eyes widened at this statement. How did she know?

"Orihime I am sure that I have no idea what you are talking about?" she replied nervously

"It's okay I haven't told anybody. You can be honest. I saw you two before you entered the park."

"oh...you did." Rukia did not know how this conversation was going to go. She knew that her friend also had feelings for Ichigo.

"Are you okay? I am sorry Inoue, I didn't men to-"

"You don't have to apologize silly. That is why I am here. I wanted you to know that I can see the connection that you two have and that I am really happy for you. True it does hurt a little that it is not me. I did want his heart. But it was already yours, I knew that long before even he did I think. I have just came to ask you one favor?"

"Anything, just ask."

"Take care of him. He has been through so much. He deserves to be happy."

Shocked at this request Rukia smiled.

"I intend too. Trust me I am not going to let that orange haired idiot do anything stupid. If he gets himself hurt I will kick his ass for the both of us."

Smiling Orihime nodded her head in assent. The two then turned back towards the path they were on and walked on. Conversing about many things that only two true friends that loved the same man in different ways could.

Several Hours Later-

The party was a huge success and everybody but two had gone home for the night. Rukia and Ichigo sat side by side staring out at the river that they had walked beside so many times.

"So that went well" Ichigo said nervously there was still one conversation that needed to be had that day.

"Yes it did." Rukia smiled watching Ichigo squirm with enjoyment in her eyes.

"That boy will fight armies of hollows for you. But cannot seem to form words." her Zampakuto laughed in her head " Maybe you should kick start him."

Rukia smiled as she aimed a perfectly executed elbow into his ribcage.

"OW THAT HURT RUKIA! WHAT THE HELL!" Ichigo bellowed

"You were just sitting there! Are you going to explain that kiss earlier or not!" Rukia yelled back.

"I was ABOUT too! Before I got assaulted by a crazy midget!" Ichigo yelled back

That comment earned him another lump on the head.

"Dammit! THAT HURT TOO! Is it always going to be like this!"

"You have never complained before Strawberry!"

"Don't call me that midget!"

It was like the two of them hadn't been apart for over a year. Ichigo sighed and ran his hand through his hair before he began.

"Rukia. I cannot figure out the words to tell you how much you mean to me. I can't even figure out when it started really. It could have been that time I thought you had died at the hands of the 9th Espada. Maybe when I was the only one that remembered you when those twins caused all those problems. I do know that I finally figured it out the day you went away. I found myself wanting to have just one more moment with you so that I could tell you everything that I felt. I don't know what the future has in store for us and I don't want to rush it. All I know is that with you by my side I feel like we can defeat anything that comes up against us. When you were gone I felt like I lost a part of my soul and I never want to feel like that again."

Rukia looked at him clear emotion showing through her violet eyes.

"Ichigo I have never felt this way before. When you lost your powers I too felt like I left a part of my soul with you when I had to leave. It was just too painful. This last year has been very hard on me. I was spiraling down into darkness and didn't know how to get out of it. When Nisama told me that you were about to get your powers back I knew that no matter what I wanted to be the first person you saw. I have known for a long time how I have felt for you. I just didn't know how to say it. I too would like to take things slow but I have to know one thing. Do you truly want to be with me?"

" Do you mean like your boyfriend?"

" Yes, we have plenty of time for other things I think we should explore these new feelings before we go to fast with things."

"Rukia I have wanted to be with you for as long as I can remember. You stopped the rain. Of course I want to be your boyfriend. Like I would let anybody else take that spot." Ichigo's eyes softened as she looked up at him.

"Do you really mean it?"

"Of course you silly midget. I love you. Always have I just thought I would have to wait til I died to be able to tell you."

"Technically you did." she retorted while aim a light hit to his stomach for the midget comment. Reaching up to bring his face to hers they kissed once more. After separating she smiled widely.

"I love you too Ichigo. It so good to finally be able to say it."

Ichigo noticed small tears forming in the corners of her eyes.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, I am just happy. Happier than I have been in a long time."

"I wonder what Byakuya will say." Ichigo mused completely ruining the moment.

Wide eyes replied.

"I think he might try to kill you." Rukia laughed

"Just let him try."

They sat there in silence for a long while until they saw the sun start to rise. Knowing that this might be the last one they see in the living world for quite some time, they both enjoyed every second of it. Rukia lays her head on Ichigo's shoulder while the display in front of them unfolded.

"It's time."

"I know let's go to Urahara's"

Being both in their shinigami forms it took very little time to get there. They were greeted by Ichigo's family and a very annoyed looking Renji.

"Where the hell have you guys been! We have been waiting for like thirty minutes!"

"Sorry, we lost track of the time. We wanted to watch one more sunrise before we left." Ichigo answered.

"OH MASAKI! Our son is a romantic just like his father! Third daughter when can I expect grandchildren!" this comment earning a punch from Ichigo and a very red face from Rukia.

"What are you talking about you crazy old man! Why are you so perverted all the time! Keep him in line Karin."

"I will. Don't worry about that Ichi-ni." the middle Kurosaki replied

"I made you some dinner to take with you! Here it is!" Yuzu gave her brother a small package. Rukia was surprised when she gave her one too.

"This one is for you Rukia-chan. Please take care of my brother while he is in Soul Society."

"I will. You can count on it." Rukia replied as she bowed her thanks to Yuzu.

"Well there is no time for like the present. You guys better get going. I am sure that Ichigo has a lot to look forward to when he gets to Soul Society." Urahara smiled

"What do you mean hat and clogs? What do you know?" Ichigo anxiously asked.

"Oh nothing. Just a feeling I have. You'll see when you get there. Come on now the senkaimon is open."

Standing in front of the senkaimon with Rukia and Renji at his side Ichigo looked back one last time.

"I'll be back soon. You can count on it."

"Make sure that you do." both his sister's replied his father was in a heap by the door having earned a rather hard punch by making sexually suggestive comments to him and Rukia on the way to the senkaimon.

Turning towards the open doorway Ichigo looked to his friends by his side. Knowing that this time unlike others he was going to start a new life.

"Come on guys let's get going."

The others in the room watched as their silhouettes faded and the gateway closed.

"Good Luck Ichigo." Isshin sighed

"With what's in store for you, you're going to need it." he smiled with a hint of pride in his voice.

Well that's the end of the real world. What do Isshin and Urahara know that Ichigo doesn't? I have already hinted to it before if you were paying attention to detail.

Will be back with an update soon guys!

Thank you and please review I take everyone's comments under consideration