Hey guys sorry for the long time to update. I actually wound up having to write this chapter twice. The first time the file corrupted and I had to do a complete rewrite. I like the way this version turned out much better. Hope you like it.

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN BLEACH IF I DID THE CHAPTERS WOULD BE LONGER

_Chapter 12_

Unexpected Guests

The room was dead silent. Ichigo and Rukia looked at each other with confusion in their eyes. Why in the world was Ichigo's father there? They had been prepared for almost anything when they had walked through the doors. This was the one thing that they had not even thought of as a possibility. Looking at each other thinking the same thing as always, they walked to the table. Rukia smiled as Ichigo pulled a chair out for her. He really was trying to be on his best behavior.

"Good afternoon Captain Kuchiki, I appreciate your invitation for dinner. Thank you for your kindness."

Three pairs of eyes shot open and turned towards the orange haired Captain. Having been in the Captain's meeting Byakuya had already heard Ichigo's more adult-like behavior, but he never dreamed the boy would be so respectful at dinner. Rukia looked at him with a smile on her face, she caught a quick glance that told her everything she needed to know. He was doing it for her. It only made her love him more. Isshin on the other hand was neither shocked or surprised at Ichigo's actions. He was proud. He knew that his pig-headed boy had a temper and could be quite spontaneous with a bout a yelling when he thought he was right. It was obvious that he also knew when to curb his usual antics. His boy had grown up.

"I think I did a good job Masaki." he thought to himself.

"It is not a problem. There are matters that we need to discuss. I thought it would be appropriate to have these conversations here at the manor. That way we can have more privacy." Byakuya responded after the shock wore off.

"I agree, some of the things that you are going to be told tonight does not need to leave this room yet." Isshin added.

"Why is there so much secrecy? Is it really that big of a deal that Rukia and I are together?" Ichigo inquired.

"There are things that must be taken care of. There are certain steps that are required whenever two of noble blood begin a relationship. It is not something that can be done on a whim there are standards and expectations. Especially in the case of you two." Byakuya answered searching to see if Ichigo and Rukia had picked up on what he said.

"Wait so are you saying that you do not have a problem with us being in a relationship Nisama?" Rukia asked with hope shining brightly in her eyes.

Ichigo had a hopeful look too but he couldn't help but think that there was a detail he was missing.

"Yes Rukia that is what I am saying. I have weighed many things throughout the day today. Although Ichigo and I have had are differences in the past from the very start he has always looked after you and had your best interests in his mind. I reflected on what you said earlier today and I could see the passion in your face when you talked of Ichigo. In the end imoutosan your happiness was the deciding factor. I have not seen such life in your eyes in a long time. I can see the love that you share for each other and yes I approve of this relationship."

Under the table Rukia grabbed for Ichigo's hand and squeezed it lovingly. She couldn't contain her happiness. Looking at Ichigo she noticed his eyes shoot open.

"WAIT A Minute! You said two of noble blood not one!" Ichigo blurted out.

Byakuya close his eyes and sighed the boy really was slow.

"Yes he did my son because both of you are of noble blood." Isshin answered

"Dad what are you talking about? I am from the human world."

"You are correct. However I am not."

Rukia could feel a chill run down her entire spine. She had seen it. They way he looked, the way he talked, they were so similar to him. She could almost feel what Isshin was about to say before he did.

"Ichigo, I didn't just leave my position as Captain when I left the Soul Society. I left my position as the head of a noble house and gave that responsibility to my nephew. My given name is Isshin Shiba and I was the head of the Shiba Clan for years until I gave it to Kaien."

Lighting struck Rukia's heart. Nephew? That would mean that Ichigo was Kaien's cousin. She noticed that both Byakuya and Isshin was looking at her intently. What did they expect her to do? Perhaps they didn't know that she had made peace with Kukaku and Ganju long ago. Sure she would talk to Ichigo about everything later but it was not something she would lose her mind over.

"Dad why didn't you ever tell me any of this?" Ichigo was completely confused.

"There was never any reason too. Before you became a soul reaper I figured that it would never be something that would come up. Even after I knew that your powers had emerged I knew that our families history and your part in it had been deemed classified after I left. The subject should have never came up until you died of natural causes. When I first met my third daughter." he paused to smile at Rukia "I had a feeling that sometime in the future you heritage would come into play. Especially after I found out she was Byakuya's sister. He always a strict follower of tradition. Even when he was young and hot headed. Ain't the right Bya."

Byakuya looked at Isshin and rolled his eyes. The two had been friends for a long time and he still could not stand his nickname from the man. The only thing that irritated more than that was his nickname from that damn demon cat.

"It is true. Tradition has to be upheld. Kurosaki you are the heir to head the noble house of Shiba. Rukia you are the Kuchiki princess. Your union would join our two houses forever. This is not just a mere relationship. The main reason I wanted you both here is to ascertain your seriousness in this relationship. This cannot be something that is not serious. I have to know that a union marked by a soul bonding is in the future. That is the only way I can give you my full endorsement. I have thought about what Rukia said and I know your courtship rituals are different where you come from Ichigo. I will allow the two of you to "date" as it is called. However, I must have a clear certainty from the both of you that this relationship is going to proceed to marriage. I cannot allow things to go on for years. How does a courtship time of two years before official engagement sound?"

Ichigo and Rukia looked at each other questions in both of their eyes.

"What do you think? I know that I love you and want you to be my side forever. Two years seems like a reasonable time to work this whole relationship thing out don't you think?" Ichigo asked

"I agree. I know how I feel and I know I want to be by your side. This is my first relationship so I want to take it slow. I made a promise to myself that if you chose to come to Soul Society that I would never let you out of my sight again so I guess it's reasonable to assume that I would marry you some do you idiot. Don't think this counts as a proposal though I want you to do that right."

"Don't be silly midget do you think I would mess something like that up?"

"You better not or I might say no." Rukia said smiling

"Ahem..." Byakuya interrupted "...am I to assume that these terms are satisfactory."

They both looked at him and nodded.

"Good. Now we have to talk of Rukia's purity."

Ichigo's face went white. He didn't think such a personal subject would be brought up. He gulped looking at his soon to be brother-in-law. Byakuya's eyes turned steel before he continued.

"I expect my sister to have her purity when she walks down the aisle Kurosaki. Anything else will end badly for you. Do I make myself clear?"

As if to emphasize his words a few wisps of cherry blossoms swirled around Ichigo's head. It had been a long time since Ichigo had seen killing intent in Byakuya's eyes. He saw it now. As a brother himself he understood and knew that he meant what he said.

"Yes sir. On my honor she will have her purity when she walks down the aisle." Ichigo responded realizing the next two years were going to be very hard. But very worth it as well.

"Dad what am I going to have to do about this head of the Shiba clan thing?"

"I will have to go talk to Kukaku before any of that starts. With you being my son there are only a few things that need to be done. You will have to be officially inducted into the clan since you have never been here before. Other than that and maybe an elder or two having an issue that I can take care of. The process should be painless."

Ichigo thought about the things he had just learned. He was excited that Byakuya had giving his okay and couldn't wait to talk to Rukia about it. He knew that she would want to talk to him about his lineage. Kaein Shiba was a very important person in her life, he knew this. He was sure that she would want to express her feelings about the subject but he would wait until she was ready.

The dinner had come to a close. The next hour or so was spent with Ichigo listening to both his father and Byakuya telling him what would be expected of him as a noble. And as a suitor to Rukia. By the end of everything Ichigo's head was spinning. Taking his leave Isshin gave Rukia a warm hug while welcoming her to the family officially this time. Ichigo and Rukia headed for their barracks. Rukia usually stayed at the Kuchiki manor even though she had accommodations in the fifth squad barracks. Tonight she wanted a chance to talk to Ichigo about everything that had happened, or at least what she was ready to talk about. Arriving in Ichigo's room they turned to one another.

"Well I guess we are official now. Do you think we should let people know?" Ichigo asked while scratching the back of his head.

"I think we should tell our close friends. With your Dad and Urahara involved I am sure the whole of the Sereitei will know very soon. Can we just enjoy it ourselves for now?" she asked with loving eyes.

Encircling her with his arms Ichigo tenderly kissed her.

"I going to marry you one day Rukia Kuchiki." he said after they parted.

"You better fool. I want to spent eternity with you. I have never been so happy. I want this to last forever."

"Don't worry about that I will not let anything ever get in our way. Rukia? Do you want to talk about the other stuff?"

"Not yet. I will but I am still processing everything. Is that okay?"

"Of course. I understand how much of a shock it must have been."

"Thank you Ichigo. Now come here and give me one more kiss. We have to be getting to bed. We have our first day tomorrow."

Ichigo smiled.

"I thought the Captain was supposed to give the orders?"

"You can give all the orders you want. As your girlfriend and lieutenant I have the right not to listen. Now go to bed Captain."

"Yes ma'am."

The next chapter is going to skip forward in time a little bit. I hope you liked this chapter I had a hard time writing it. I wanted everything to flow correctly.

Something major is coming in the next chapter be sure to check for updates I will try to have it posted by the middle of next week.

Til then have a good weekend.