Chapter 15: Attorneys And Actors

DISCLAIMER: Come On Kubo! If I did own your freakishly awesome anime, I would've made Rukia and Ichigo and Item by now.

Rukia groaned as she forced her heavy lids open. Her eyesight was still blurry and her state of mind was woozy. Her leg was still somewhat sore though. Standing for extended periods of time is rather tiring and straining. The first thing she noticed was that she had been asleep sitting up. The second thing she had noticed was that she was leaning against something hard yet warm at the same time. A familiar scent assaulted her senses as she breathed in deep. She only smiled as she leaned against said warm body even more.

"Oh, you're awake now."

"Yeah..." she yawned back.

"Did you sleep well?"

"No." was her instant reply.

She could tell he was frowning without having to look at him. Teasing him in the morning was just way to fun.

"And why is that?" he asked angrily.

"Who the hell sleeps well when they're vertically upright?" she stated.

He paused. "Good point. Doesn't matter though, we were too tired to actually change much less sleep normally." he replied in a joking manner.

She only smiled as she snuggled against his lean form. "Yeah..." he was just way too comfortable and she had no intention of leaving now.

She heard him chuckle. "You're enjoying this aren't you? If you were going to be this happy then I should've just asked you a long time ago."

She sighed in his chest. "There was no other alternative to this you idiot. You were just as stubborn as I was."

She could practically feel him grinning without having to look at him as he absentmindedly played with her hair slightly. "Well I just had this scenario."

"Normally you say thought rather than scenario." she quickly shot back.

"Whatever midget. If I actually fulfilled requirement number two first then what do you think we would be?"

Rukia readjusted her position against him. "If we actually had sex before my injury then... I dunno actually. If I liked it then I'd probably stay stubborn and swear not to go anywhere near you again."

"And I would honor it and stay the same as you since we practically loathed each other then." he added.

"How did you know how I was thinking?"

"Maybe it's because I know you so well?" he replied sensibly.

"True... Well, if somehow, the sexual tension got too high we would probably do it again on impulse and carnal instinct. Just like at the party if you would recall." she smiled.

"Yeah, I love that day." he declared.

"Oh shut up will you? Now what's your opinion on what would happen next?"

He laughed a bit. "Yes well, since we've practically done it twice, that probably means you do like it. You would come up with an arrangement where you could keep the pleasure but without the relationship."

"Sex with no strings? That sounds rather kinky." she grinned deviously.

"But that's what you're thinking right?" he replied.

"I guess. You're making this sound like those movies where two people go on no string sex then they start falling for each other but then one of them won't accept the other falling for them because it ruins they're agreement. Normally it's the female. Then somehow they tell each other that they love each other then it all ends happy." she stated.

"That's the typical scenario." he stated as well."

She rested her head on the crook of his neck. "You're insinuating that I'll end up falling for you if that ever happened?"

"Yes." was all he replied.

"I really don't know if I love you. All I know is that I really do like you."

He chuckled deeply. "We both know Japanese and as you know, they have three degrees to the word love unlike most languages."

"That's why I like Japanese more then French and Chinese at least." she replied.

"The languages you know never cease to amaze me midget. Define those three degrees."

She paused in thought. "If you say Daisuki it's just saying I like you because I'm simply fond of you. Now the common term used when people confess to each other is Suki because that's closest to true love. Now when you say Aishiteru, it means you really love someone. Normally, married couples use this or the couples who are way too madly in love." Rukia replied.

"Then which one is it?" he asked.

"Suki..." she replied bashfully.

He roared in laughter making Rukia blush. Her eyebrows furrowed as she hit Ichigo with an uppercut. Ichigo groaned in pain.

"Don't ridicule my good intentions you miserable ingrate!" she said angrily.

"Still, words always have different meanings. I'm just glad I'm more than just a friend. Poor Renji..."

She glared at him from down below. "Don't ridicule my best friend either. And besides, have more consideration, he's attempting to date Tatsuki." she scolded.

"Of course Rukia, of course."

"Still, that was really stupid, what you did yesterday." she squeaked.

"I know."

"I mean, you could've just told me once we got home."

"I know."

"And did you really have to announce it to the world?"

"Yes, I did."

Rukia just smiled as she stayed close to him. "I hate to admit it but Momo was right... Once the denial was gone, everything is so much clearer." she admitted.

"I know the feeling." he replied.

"Really?"

"No."

"Bastard..."

He only laughed at her as he kissed her forehead and got off the bed. He stretched all the soreness away along with a yawn. "Come on now Ms. Kuchiki. We shouldn't stay in bed for too long. And besides, I fear that I will come to lose my privilege to enter your room."

Rukia pouted. "Of course... I mean, it's like five am in the morning idiot. Why were you up so early."

He looked at her. "Well, since I try to match your waking time, my internal body clock has been permanently modified for you. Isn't that great midget?" he replied sarcastically.

"Oh shut up and help me down. I need to do my usual stuff." she demanded.

"Shall I help you bathe as well." he asked with a grin as he helped Rukia up. Rukia scowled and punched him the gut making Ichigo nearly fall to knees and curl up.

"Ugh... I'll take that as a no..."

"Alright, joke's over. Be a good boyfriend and help me out will you?" she grinned at him.

"You're abusing your authority way too much and it's barely been twenty four hours." he whined as he escorted her.

She stopped him and stood in front of him with what she could manage with her leg with this coy smile on her face. "Maybe you need an incentive..." she said as she grabbed his collar.

She dragged him down and kissed him fully on the lips. Before he had the chance to respond, she had already pulled away. She had him standing dumbfounded. "That should be enough." she grinned as she had to personally drag him out of the room.

Once they were back in the usual hallway, he grabbed her wrist, pulled her back and sent her against the wall. Her wrist was bound by his hand. "No no, it was incentive enough. But since you know me well, it's never enough." he grinned as he leaned down to kiss her.

He didn't want her pulling any tricks this time so he shoved his tongue thus trapping her. He knew she wouldn't be able to resist him once he had kissed her like this.

"So you're just going to assault me like this?" she asked breathlessly in between kisses.

His mouth slid against hers aggressively as Rukia whimpered against his power. Her tongue was practically doing wonders against hers. Rukia was secretly proud of herself to be capable of eliciting such vulnerable sounds emanating from his throat. She doubted many could make the mighty Ichigo Kurosaki into a massive heap of moans.

"Yes, if you would let me." he replied hotly before taking her lips again.

She grinned into his kiss as her hand had snaked it's way into grasping the back of his head. She pulled him closer to feel the kiss more. "Sounds interesting." she whispered.

His arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her closer so that not even a millimeter was keeping them apart. "Momo's gonna have a field day."

"She would, but then she'd just be jealous. Toshiro is a very private person." she replied breathlessly as she attacked his lips once more. How is it she could not get enough of this man?

"Don't worry, Momo's a very public
person. The little guy will just learn to reel it in eventually."

Ichigo and Rukia continued to battle for dominance until they noticed the sun rise from wherever it was hiding.

Rukia was suited for work as she had always been before her little mishap. Kiyone wouldn't let her do anything else so Rukia was just stuck sitting behind the counter looking pretty. Still, there was absolutely no way you could get Rukia Kuchiki away from work. It was simply impossible.

Though ever since yesterday's broadcast, the number of customers increased tenfold. The regulars were starting to get irritated by the sheer number of occupants. Their usual tables and seats were taken. Rangiku and her handsome boyfriend Gin needed to reserve a table before hand. That was how bad it was. Luckily enough, no one dared to take Momo's table since it was far to near Rukia Kuchiki herself. And where there's Rukia Kuchiki, Ichigo Kurosaki was somewhere close.

Ichigo simply sat in a secluded table nearest the counter with a pair of reading glasses, green contact lenses and a black ski cap. He even wore a fake earring that was powered by something adhesive just to throw of the crowd. It worked the first few hours. Eventually, people started to notice and Ichigo was force to remove his disguise since it did him no good anymore.

Just as Ichigo had finish reading the last few pages of Hamlet for the... fifty time perhaps? Yes, the fifth, Ichigo scowled deeper. The annoying squeals and murderous glared were starting to get on his nerves. And that was never good considering the fact that he was Ichigo Kurosaki. A man known for his short temper and Hollywood badassness.

"Hey, Rukia..." he called for her as well as grabbing the attention of the customers.

After Rukia had finished wiping a few glasses for Kiyone she turned her head in his direction looking bored. "Yes? What do you want now?"

"How long until they leave?" he asked in a way that the said annoyances would hear.

She shrugged. "Give it a while. They'll be gone by dinner and the only one who stays is Momo. Speaking of Momo, she should be coming any minute now." Rukia said as she looked at the clock.

And right on cue, the door burst open along with uncomfortable aura of bubbly happiness surrounded the room. Even the customers noticed the room brighten significantly.

"Ruuuu-kiiiii-aaaa~"

Rukia's face quickly grimaced as she grabbed a small decorative plushie of a lion with a blue cross at the back on the counter and threw it ar the woman. Everyone heard an awkward strangled noise as the plushie hit it's target.

She quickly grabbed the plushie off of her face and threw it back at Rukia as she stood up and made a beeline for the counter. "Rukia! That was awfully mean of you!"

Rukia set aside the plushie she caught and sighed. "Momo, what did I tell you about making flashy entrances in the cafe when there are a lot of customers who aren't regulars?" Rukia scolded and spoke to Momo as if speaking to her was a pain.

"Ms. Rukia, I suggest listening to Ms. Momo for today because she almost strangled me yesterday watching the broadcast on Mr. Ichigo's fifty inch HD TV set upstairs."

"Alright then... W-wait! You snuck in to watch the broadcast!"

Momo nodded as though nothing was wrong with it. "Yes, well Shiro kicked me out before I could start squealing. So I called up Kiyone for the spare key and I dragged he along. We left when the broadcasted ended so that was around way before you guys came back" she replied in a sad tone.

Rukia groaned fitfully at the sheer idiocy of it all. "Ah well, it can't be helped. What did you want to tell me?"

"Rukia... That was the absolute most cutest thing I have ever seen!" she squealed.

Rukia sighed as she massaged her temples as though she was having a headache. "You don't put most and cutest in the same sentence. It's wrong grammar..." she groaned.

"I know it's wrong! There's no other way to express it!"

Rukia sighed even more. "And I will stop you right there." she stated coldly.

Momo crossed her arm in a fit and pouted. "At least I have my two free tea combos." she said angrily.

Rukia chuckled. "Alright alright. Kiyone, you heard the lady."

Kiyone nodded as she had begun to do Momo's usual order. Momo just smiled at Rukia to the point that it was creepy. "Oh Rukia... I'm just so happy for you. Finally... After three years..."

Rukia couldn't help but grin as well. "I know right..." she replied softly.

Ichigo couldn't help but smile as the two best friends were in thee own world. Though he felt a bit neglected, that changed quickly as Renji Abarai came in the cafe with laptop in hand. Renji scanned the cafe with evident disdain as he found Ichigo sitting in a table and sat there since there was another chair. He placed his laptop on the tabletop before looking at Ichigo.

"Congratulations you lucky bastard." he grumbled.

Ichigo grinned. "Don't tell me you're still jealous Renji." Ichigo teased.

Renji blushed. "O-of course not!"

Ichigo laughed as he drank his hot chocolate. "You should stick to your word Renji. My dear friend Tatsuki seems to like you so don't betray her okay?" Ichigo said in a faux serious voice as he placed his hand on Renji's shoulder.

"Shut up! Of course I like Tatsuki..." Renji grumbled.

"Oh? First name basis now?"

"She said so herself." he replied.

Ichigo sipped his chocolate. "Then that's good to hear." he replied.

Renji frowned as he had begun to type furiously on his laptop. Ichigo laughed as he resumed watching the girls. Rukia was still smiling looking as pretty as ever while Momo was grinning from ear to ear as she at her ice cream. It was strange, ice cream in this cold? Ichigo couldn't help but feel happy. It was just so peaceful.

Rukia was just happily chatting with Momo before her personal cellphone rang. Rukia's eyebrow quirked up and wondered who it could be. She answered her phone and waited for a voice.

"Rukia? You there?"

That voice...

Rukia's eyebrows furrowed as she reluctantly answered. "M-Mr... Ukitake?" she stuttered. Why was he calling. He hasn't called me for at least a year or so.

Could it be... About Kaien?

"Yes, it's me. I know it's weird to hear from me now but I have bad news."

She gulped heavily. "What is it?"

"Sorry to not make your day today. I watched the broadcast yesterday so congratulations for being able to move on. Though that's besides the point."

He breathed in deep.

"Toshiro Hitsugaya has been shot."

Rukia's eyes widened significantly as he slammed the table. "Excuse me?"

"Hitsugaya got shot before the court procedures started today. He's in the hospital and is undergoing surgery right now as we speak." he replied seriously.

Rukia scowled heavily. "First question. Why are you telling me this and not Momo?"

Momo glanced at Rukia upon hearing her name.

"We don't know how to break the news to her..."

"Don't give me that sir... She's a doctor for crying out loud. A psychiatrist to boot. She graduated majoring in Psychology with top honors for Christ's sake!"

"Yes, well, telling her would be mentally straining on my part. You know I can't deliver bad news to people other than you and Hitsugaya." he reasoned.

"Alright then... Second question. Why are you actually telling me this? It can't be as simple as calling someone who can break the news to her." Rukia replied angrily.

"Yes well, we caught the guy who shot Hitsugaya. We think he's working for the defendant of the case. Point being, I can't unveil the truth in court without Hitsugaya there. The only other person who can work with me is you."

"Why me? Aren't there more suitable prosecutors at the D.A?"

"No... There aren't as of the moment. Look, at this rate, I might actually wind up defending the defendant for real and you know my allegiance as a defense attorney is to the D.A. I defend, you prosecutors prosecute. It's a collaboration to find the truth and to catch the real perpetrator. We can't do this without someone of his skill. Rather, since you're still deemed better than him, the District Attorney's office is requesting your services once more. It's been a long time since we have felt such loss Rukia."

"What makes you think I'll go back in a courtroom?" Rukia replied.

"Please, we need you. We'll do whatever it takes to win this case and get our head prosecutor up and running again." he begged.

Rukia pause and thought long and hard. Would she really step back in a courtroom after three long years. There was a reason why she quit being a lawyer. Would she risk going back to that place? Well... It's only for one case. It's not like she would be back in the D.A's office or anything like that.

"Alright Mr. Ukitake... I'm in." she replied.

"Really? Excellent! That's the best news I've heard all day. I'm already at the hospital. We'll meet there." he said.

Then he dropped the phone.

Rukia closed her phone and sighed even more. She looked at Ichigo.

"Come on Ichigo, we need to the hospital." she demanded before turning to Momo. "Momo... You need to be there as well."

"W-why?"

Rukia looked at her straight in the eyes with a pained expression.

She cleared her throat and reluctantly spoke. "Toshiro Hitsugaya... Has been shot..."

Throughout the entire ride to the hospital, Momo was just looking down with such an empty expression. Her face had gone pale as compared to her cheery bright far from earlier. Her eyes had just looked so hollow then and there. All Rukia could so was hold Momo and comfort her without actually saying anything. Ichigo was looking just as grim as he drove them to the hospital.

They finally arrived and Ichigo dropped them off at the entrance. Ichigo told the girls that he would catch up in a while after parking. They bother agreed as they both rushed the receptionist. Rukia had adapted to her crutches.

"Oh, you're back Ms. Kuchiki. Is something wrong?" the receptionist asked before looking at the broken Momo Hinamori. "And... Dr. Hinamori? Aren't you on your break?"

Rukia quickly took the receptionist's attention. "That's besides the point. Where's Toshiro Hitsugaya's room?"

The receptionist typed a few things into the computer. "Mr. Hitsugaya is in room 120." she replied in a calm sensible manner.

Rukia nodded as she gestured Momo to follow. As soon as they were about to leave, Ichigo caught up with them and they all went up the elevator together. The elevator music was a dreadful thing. It was supposed to calm one's nerves yet it never does serve it's purpose. The elevator door finally opened and the three of them made a beeline for room 120.

As soon as they opened it they found Toshiro Hitsugaya on the hospital bed attached to IV drops filled with dextrose and a machine to help him breath. Standing next to him was a man with long white hair but with black eyebrows. He had a stern but fatherly look and he had been wearing a standard gray suit with a red tie. His hand was in his pocket and his stern look remained as he saw Rukia Kuchiki for the first time in three years.

"Rukia... Good of you to come so soon."

"I did my best Mr. Ukitake." she replied as she dropped her crutches. She could manage on her own in a small space.

Momo just looked a Toshiro's form with empty broken eyes as she sat next to him. Tears began to well up in her eyes as she began to cry at his cold chest. "Oh Shiro! I told you to be careful didn't I? Idiot..." she weeped as Rukia could only watch.

"Mr. Ukitake, what's the situation?" Rukia asked as Ichigo simply sat down.

"Hitsugaya was shot as soon as he was about to enter the courthouse. Apparently, based on the surveillance cameras, he was coming from the court. The assailant was said to have shot him from behind. As of now, Hitsugaya is too weak to breath on his own but he should be able to recover in a months time. The thing is, this one case needs him."

"I see, fill me in with the details."

"The defendant is Nnoitra Gilga. He is being suspected of murdering his rival Neliel Tu Odelschvank."

"Right... That big case on the news. They're both lyricists and composers aren't they?"

"Yes, they are."

Rukia sighed. "Well, their rivalry isn't new. They've always been arguing over music but I believe the actual hatred is one-sided is it not?" Rukia inquired as she crossed her arms.

"Yes, the hate seems to only reside with my client. Now then, the murder weapon is a revolver which was uncovered in the crime scene. The crime scene was a guest room in the Hueco Mundo Hotel where the Music Awards took place."

"What kind of revolver?"

"It's a .378 magnum."

Rukia looked at him weirdly whereas Ichigo couldn't even understand a thing they were talking about. "You're not joking are you? That crazy big ass gun?"

He shook his head. "I'm afraid not. Normally, untrained shooters would dislodge their shoulder from just the recoil. It takes a skilled marksman to be capable of firing it with only a small bruise."

"Then Nnoitra can't actually be the killer can he? I believe he's unscathed. What have you found these last two days. I'm guessing tomorrow is the last trial day." she replied.

"It's in the head prosecutor's office. We have permission to make it our base of operations for the time being." Ukitake replied.

"Has Toshiro done anything to it?"

Ukitake chuckled. "Aside from angrily tearing down the replica of Michelangelo's Creation of Adam up in the Sistine Chapel... Nothing much."

Rukia frowned. "And where's my painting? I spent quite a lot on it."

"It's been kept in the main hallway as a reminder of your services."

Rukia sighed in relief. "As long as it hasn't been thrown out then I'm fine."

"Now back to the case at hand. The trial is adjourned until the day after tomorrow. We have all of tomorrow to prepare for the trial." Ukitake informed. "Most of the evidence we have uncovered is in Hitsugaya's office. Now I can't always go there or my client would get suspicious, though it's not like you'll need my help."

"I will also give you all of the locations we have visited and everything we have uncovered these past few days. Hitsugaya might be waking up by tomorrow so make it a point to pay him a visit."

He paused. "Forgive me if I sound insensitive since I'm going straight to business however, Hitsugaya demanded nothing short of a perfect argument as usual."

Rukia sighed again as she leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "A perfect trial huh? I don't think I can pull that off anymore."

"Yes however, Hitsugaya believes in you Rukia." Ukitake replied.

"That's what worries me. I'm out of practice Ukitake." she reasoned.

Ukitake thought long and hard." How about I have Soi Fon take you as her prosecuting aid for her trial today."

Rukia frowned. "I honestly don't think Soi Fon would let me. She absolutely hates me for leaving the post to Toshiro."

"True true, I'll have a word with Yoruichi then we can get you some practice. You still have a blazer don't you Kuchiki?" Ukitake inquired.

"Of course I do." she replied before glancing at Momo who was now quiet.

Momo's eyes were red but she had managed to calm herself down. Without looking at any of them she called Rukia.

"Yeah, what is it Momo?" Rukia asked.

"Kick Nnoitra's sorry ass." Momo answered.

"Don't worry, I'll get him the needle if I have to." Rukia replied reassuringly.

"That's good to hear."

"Listen, just because you're back for only now and just because you're injured and just because your lovely boyfriend is... is... Ichigo Kurosaki doesn't mean I'll go easy on you Rukia Kuchiki!" the older woman yelled at her while pointing her finger as well.

"Understood. I'm only going to observe you today Ms. Soi Fon, current high prosecutor." Rukia replied sarcastically as she followed Soi Fon to the courtroom with her crutches.

"Why doesn't it sound as good as it supposed to sound when it's coming from your mouth Rukia Kuchiki?" Soi Fon replied with evident disdain.

"I didn't ask for this." Rukia replied.

"If it weren't for Ms. Yoruichi, you wouldn't even be here right now so be grateful you little ingrate." Soi Fon shot back.

"Remind me, who was it who managed to attain the position of chief prosecutor in just three years unlike some people who take at least six just to reach the position of high prosecutor?" Rukia replied sarcastically.

Soi Fon just grew angrier. "That doesn't matter. As of now, I am more superior to you!" she shot back.

Rukia shrugged as she shot past Soi Fon. "It's courtroom two right? Maybe I should've opted to be the defense aid instead of prosecution." she grumbled.

And now it was Rukia taking the lead and Soi Fon was the one who followed her to the courtroom. It was somewhat nostalgic to be able to step in a courthouse again. She never thought she would be in the position once more. After all, she had sworn not to be involved with trials and lawyers. And this isn't a corporate case, it's actually homicide.

"Hey Kuchiki, you sure you'll be alright there?"

"Worried?"

Soi Fon shook her head. "I can't have my prosecution aid to be totally and utterly useless." she replied.

Rukia grinned as she stopped in front of the large familiar mahogany door. "Just who do you think you're talking to?"

Soi Fon shook her head and sighed. "Yeah, that's still that cocky brat from three years ago." she commented.

"But I back it up with a guilty verdict every single time."

Soi Fon pushed the door wide open before they both proceeded. The crowd was starting to fill in the empty seats as they walked to their table. The defense was already there when they arrived. Sadly, the defendant must be rather odd if he was getting Marechiyo Omaeda as his attorney. Nonetheless, This was only practice.

Everybody had a shocked expression on their face when they saw Rukia Kuchiki walk down to prosecution. Whispers filled the room and the ignorant were scolded for not knowing who she was. The judge was rather shocked as well upon hearing her name in the crowd.

Sajin Komamura decided to involve himself within trials and so he had decided to quit his job as a detective. Since he was commended for his work as a detective they quickly pushed him through to be a judge, he was now known as a respectable judge.

He just stared at Rukia in shock.

"Ms. Kuchiki, I wasn't informed of your last minute appearance." Komamura said.

Rukia just spoke professionally without actually looking at him. "Yes well, this is under Toshiro Hitsugaya's request."

Komamura closed his eyes. "Alright then, if it's coming from Mr. Hitsugaya then I will not object."

"Y-you can't do that! There's no way I'm going to face that demon in court!" Omaeda practically shriek.

Rukia sighed before giving the poor defense attorney the glare. "Is there a problem Mr. Omaeda?"

He practically froze in his seat before hysterical shaking his head no. Rukia grinned as she simply watch the poor man tear himself apart.

"Good."

"Looks like you're stealing my show Kuchiki, I don't appreciate that." Soi Fon added angrily.

"It's not my fault I have the natural talent of always stealing your show." she shot back.

Soi Fon sighed as she rubbed her temples. "I'll let this slide. We need you for that Nnoita Gilga trial." she admitted defeated.

"Alright, I've already looked at the evidence, this'll be a piece of cake." Rukia stated before going back to waiting.

Komamura's gavel was banged three times to achieve order. He began the trial in an orderly fashion.

"Is the prosecution ready?"

Rukia nodded. "Yes, you honor."

"Is the defense ready?"

Omaeda hesitated to answer. "Y-yes you honor."

"Alright, the trial will now begin. Will the prosecution give the opening statement."

Rukia cleared her throat. "Your honor, the prosecution only has one thing to say on this matter. The defendant, who goes by his common name Kingfisher is indeed guilty for the crime of murder. We have two witnesses ready to testify at any given moment and an arsenal of evidence against the defendant. On the twentieth of December, the defendant Kingfisher murdered the victim, Aramaki Makizou, through blunt force trauma. Need the prosecution say more?"

"Alright, bring in your first witness Ms. Kuchiki."

Rukia nodded as she called for the bailiff to get the good detective. The detective came walking in with a beige trench coat, a blood red tie and a midnight black dress shirt along with simple black slacks. He walked up to the stand.

"Witness, state your name and occupation."

"Kensei Muguruma, Detective under the homicide division."

"Please testify."

The good detective nodded as he eyed Rukia before smirking.

If she's prosecuting then we're getting Kingfisher behind bars.

"Alright then. Everyone in the court, pay attention. We received a call last night from a witness claiming to have witnessed a murder-"

"Hold it, who is this witness." Omaeda asked.

"I have no reason to disclose that seeing as though she is the second witness to testify after me. Any questions Mr. Defense Attorney?"

"No." the fat man replied.

Kensei resumed testifying. "Yes well, we received the call at around eleven pm sharp. We managed to get to the crime scene in fifteen minutes. The witness was by the phone booth clutching the phone. As for the crime scene, it was near the harbor. The victim bled from a blow to the head. After having my boys snoop around the crime scene, we found Kingfisher on a boat a few feat from the harbor attempting to get the gas pumping-"

"Wait up, what was the reason for arrest?" Omaeda inquired.

"Reason for arrest? We arrested him because he was the only person on the scene." Kensei replied.

"Your honor, please have Det. Muguruma amend his testimony based on this new statement."

Komamura banged his gavel. "The court accepts Mr. Omaeda's request. Detective, please ammend your statement.

Kenseia nodded. "Now then, we arrested Kingfisher because he was the only one on the scene at the given time."

"Objection!"

"Yes, what is it now Mr. Defense Attorney?" Kensei asked irritatedly. Looking at this pitiful lump was just infuriating.

"Instead of accusing Kingfisher shouldn't you be indicting the witness instead. The weapon was a snow globe used as a makeshift weapon. Naturally, premeditated murder is out of the question. The snow globe has the victims blood on it carries no prints. Who's to say it wasn't Kingfisher?"

"You're saying the witness murdered the victim?" Kensei shot back.

"I object your honor! The same can be said for the defendant. The defense has no concrete evidence and is merely standing on baseless conjecture." Rukia objected in her usual air of refinement and professionalism.

"Objection sustained. Watch yourself Mr. Omaeda." Komamura said.

"Y-yes your honor."

"You're losing your edge Kuchiki." Soi Fon commented.

Rukia only smirked at her. "I'm waiting."

"Waiting?"

"If Omaeda presents that piece of evidence then we won't need our second witness."

Soi Fon fell silent. Her eyes then opened wide in realization and all she could do was stare at Rukia Kuchiki.

No way... How could she be in perfect condition of three years of not practicing law? It's completely illogical.

"Your honor, I would like to present a piece of evidence to back up my claim." Omaeda stated.

Once he had presented the evidence and elaborated it's purpose.

Rukia won.

Rukia simply walked out of the courtroom with another guilty verdict for the murderous bastard. Soi Fon was just walking behind her. Why was Rukia still better than her after all this time. Soi Fon had no clue.

As soon as Rukia was out, Ichigo had been waiting for her in the waiting room. Rukia could only smile as Ichigo approached her.

"Now it's official, you are simply amazing midget." he praised.

"Oh shut up. Of course I'm amazing." she retorted.

He laughed. "What kind of law demon are you? Who the hell gets a guilty verdict in fifteen minutes flat?" he teased.

Before things started getting intimate, a certain duo interrupted the two. A certain police chief with an odd preference for hats and a certain former undercover agent for the police came to greet the couple.

"No PDA in the courthouse my dear nephew."

Ichigo quickly jerked his head towards the voice and his face lightened up considerably. "Whoa! Um... Uncle Uruhara, what brings you here today?"

Uruhara laughed as he switched his cane from his left to his right. "Yes well, I came to watch the trial. The Nnoitra case is important to the police since Prosecutor Hitsugaya was a great help to us. We wanted to make sure you win that trial Ms. Kuchiki."

"Thanks but your concern isn't needed." Rukia replied with a sweet smile.

"Rukia, will you be going back to the D.A after this? You still have skills." Yoruichi asked seriously.

Rukia looked down before directing her big amethyst eyes back to the feline. "I honestly don't know. Going back there is rather exhilarating however... I'm still somewhat traumatized I guess."

Yoruichi placed her hand on Yoruichi's shoulder. "You'll get over it eventually. Just leave that to Ichigo here."

Uruhara chuckled lightly in his usual mysterious way. "Though seriously, the police force and the district attorney's office could use you again. Things just haven't been the same without you een though we have finally gotten used to your absence."

"In other words, if you still want to come back, we have a spot open for you. Anytime Rukia." Yoruichi informed.

"Now then, if you'll excuse us, we need to ready the documents for the trial on the twenty second. After all, it's your trial." Uruhara said as he took off his outrageous hat and bowed before leaving with Yoruichi.

Rukia couldn't stop feeling overwhelmed. She just simply missed feeling the exhilaration and the rush from being in power. Throughout those fifteen minutes she felt drunk with power. She could do whatever she had wanted in a courtroom and she was always in control in a courtroom. She never thought she would miss the feeling so much. Dominating the courtroom that is.

"You know midget... You looked like you enjoyed yourself out there. It was like you were having fun out on court." Ichigo commented as he crossed his arms.

"And looks like you have forgone wearing a disguise."

"It doesn't matter anymore, I've got nothing to hide." he replied.

She chuckled lightly. "Answering your question why yes, as a matter of fact, I did have fun out there. It's just been nostalgic really."

He ruffled her head to her external dismay. She actually like it on the inside. "You're made for the courtroom midget. You should accept their invitation to go back."

"But you're definitely better as a lawyer than some barista. Although I'll miss the bartender outfit, I think criminal lawyers are pretty hot. But if you decide to go corporate then I won't mind, corporate lawyers are pretty hot too." he joked.

"So the whole dominatrix thing is totally your type?" Rukia asked with a coy grin.

"Depends if the woman really is a total dominatrix. I like women in control, not women who pretend to be in control." he replied as he stuffed his hands in his pockets.

She clung onto his arm because she wanted it to even though it seemed like she did so for support. "And what's your opinion of me?"

"You're definitely a hot dominating criminal lawyer slash hot barista in a curve hugging bartender suit." he replied hotly.

"It's just too bad isn't it? That I have this stupid cast that is." she sighed.

He grinned deviously. "Have special things in mind Kuchiki?"

"Why yes, ever since you started playing those damn games of yours." she replied almost matching.

"Oh good lord, the sexual tension is off the charts." a familiar yet sarcastic voice whined.

The couple spun together to find a familiar brown haired girl. She had a knowing grin on her face with crossed arms. She had been wearing her white doctor's coat and her bun was fixed in place. "Momo!" they yelled simultaneously.

Momo winced before looking at them. "Don't shout in the courthouse. I saw some footage from today's trial Rukia. You're as awesome as always!" she congratulated with a thumbs up.

Rukia couldn't help but smile. Guess Momo's gonna be alright. "How's Toshiro?"

She just smiled. "He hasn't woken up yet but he's snoring. He'll be fine, Shiro'll be up an about tomorrow." she replied enthusiastically.

Rukia sighed in relief. "That's good to hear."

Now Momo's face showed worry. "Are you okay Rukia? Shiro got shot and all... It isn't your first... How are you holding up?"

Rukia laughed. "Like I'm gonna let my trauma mentally disable me for life." she replied.

"Of course you won't. Come on Rukia, let's celebrate your brief return to court with some insanely good xiao long bao and lo mien" Momo cheered.

"Yeah, I could go for some really good xiao long bao. How about that joint we used to go to together after a trial?" Rukia suggested.

"That place? I haven't been in there for ages. Yeah! We should go there! By the way, since the defendant was rather famous, the trial was broadcasted. The whole nation was shocked!"

"Oh... Headline news again huh?"

"You bet!"

Ichigo brought out his phone. "Celebrations call for some people, let's drag Renji and Tatsuki and Kiyone along shall we? We'll just close the shop temporarily." Ichigo added.

"Sounds great!" Momo replied.

Indeed it was.

"Where am I?"

He stretched his hand upward but felt tater stiff. He found an a needle in his hand a steady flow of dextrose. His eyesight was blurry as he saw that the room was dark. He couldn't feel his legs and when he touched his stomach, there was no pain nor blood whatsoever.

Odd, he thought.

Through much effort, he sat up and saw the remote for the television. He took it and he opened the TV, he scanned for some new channel.

"Today is... December twenty... Two thousand and eleven? Why is it twenty eleven? Isn't it two thousand and eight?"

The first thought that ran through his head was Rukia.

The second was this unknown man with his face yet with bright orange hair.

Who the hell is that guy? I've never seen him before.

He did the only thing he could do which was to simply call for nurse.

Yo! Isn't it great, I have an idea for the next two to three chapters so my chapter update may be weekly or even shorter or in this case at least five days. In my time at least.

Now then, nothing much to say except Please Review! Reviews always motivate me to keep writing.

Umm yes, well on to the reviews now.

Daylite- Wow, thank you for that very good review! I really appreciate it! It helps me a lot and I was just asking if anyone wants to see any side stories but ah well. Thanks for the constructive criticism, it's a big help!

w. cyan- and I present to you the one who you thought would've woken up before the last chapter!

maxslayer10- great minds think alike, I was actually thinking of putting Rukia as a social guest in a tv series where Ichigo would star in. Idea still in the works.

And thanks as always Imou, shnizlefritz, xwhitemoonx, Moonlight's Shadow Warrior, IRForever and kyurikochan. Thanks a lot guys.

And that's that!

Songs:

LOVE & ROLL: supercell

Kimi no Shittochu: SCANDAL

Hot Mess: Cobra Starship (this is kinda of a not so new song anymore bit I still chill to it often.)

P.S forgive me if this chapter is shorter than the last few ones. Actually, I'm sorry, this chapter is drastically over five thousand words shorter. I promise I'll add a few more thousand on the next one.

AkaBaka-chan Signing Off!