Coffee With A Dash Of Showbiz

by AkaBaka-chan

Two polar opposites have the most unpleasant of meetings leading to a series of the most petty fights. Rukia Kuchiki, a pleasant coffee shop owner hates him as soon as she saw him. Ichigo Kurosaki, an actor hates her even more. Will they ever get along?

18. A Lollipop For You My Dear

Chapter 18: A Lollipop For You My Dear

DISCLAIMER: Naturally, I don't own Bleach. Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park is by Jane Austen. Wuthering Heights to Emily Bronte. Jane Eyre to Charlotte Bronte, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, The Count of Monte Cristo to Alexader Dumas père as well as the Gyakuten Saiban inspired court drama from the previous chapters. I forgot to put a disclaimer. Oh, All psychological theories belong to Sigmund Freud and the theory of Morphogenetic Fields belong to Rupert Sheldrake. Damn that's a lot... -_-

For your benefit:

Elizabeth Bennet- Pride and Prejudice
Fitzwilliam Darcy- Pride and Prejudice
Heathcliff- Wuthering Heights
Cattherine (Cathy) Earnshaw- Wuthering Heights
Edward Ferrars- Sense and Sensibility
Elinor Dashwood- Sense and Sensibility
Marianne Dashwood- Sense and Sensibility.

There's always Wikipedia for the long details but I'll be putting short details in my AN. Pride and Prejudice is just awesome and Colin Firth is the best Mr. Darcy ever~

---

Ichigo Kurosaki sat on his usual chair in his own personal corner of the cafe. Sadly, he had been feeling rather pissed with the sheer bubbly perkiness in the air. With the presence of a certain auburn haired actress conversion with a certain Momo Hinamori, the result was catalytic. It was the result of mixing two bubbly figures together. It felt absolutely horrible. The cafe felt like a maid cafe minus the actual maids. The worst part was that Rukia Kuchiki was actually contributing her own spicy twist to the bubbly atmosphere. It's not that the idea of Rukia in a maid uniform wasn't hot, God knows it's hot. It's just that, it was against everything Rukia Kuchiki embodied to converse like some high school girl. It just didn't sound right.

And that wasn't all. They were invading his table.

Ichigo slumped down until his head bumped against the surface of the coffee table. I want my dominatrix back... It's Christmas tomorrow for crying out loud. Give me my treat or something...

The three of them exchanged a lot of things. Personal things to experiences they had. They envied each other before they had begun to talk about their love life and what they did recently. Naturally, three names surfaced. It was such a small relief to her his name escape those sinful lips of hers. He could only imagine those very same lips doing such wondrous things to him or perhaps screaming his name and moaning it again and again.

Oops... Can't let my X-Rated fantasies play out. She's gonna cut off my dick...

Still... Are we ever going to have sex at all? I mean, sure... her leg is still in a cast. And aside from her slight limping, she barely uses her crutches anymore. She doesn't get tired walking on her own and she's managed to pick up her pace. It should be fine right? But what if she doesn't want it yet? She'd probably see me as a jerk...

But... I haven't got laid ever since I met Rukia...

Goddamnit... Momo was right, the sexual tension is off the friggin charts.

Finally Rukia stood up from the group and excused herself saying that she had to check on something upstairs. Once she was up and Momo and Orihime were distracted. Ichigo slipped upstairs as well. He stalked Rukia and sneaked up behind her. Before she was even able to open her door, Ichigo grabbed her wrists and spun her around. He slammed her against her own door and she could see what he had wanted plain as day.

Sadly, she couldn't give it to him yet, he had to wait for a little while longer.

"Ichigo." she said in her usual low dulcet tone.

He had been leaning dangerously close to her. It would just take small shove for him to have another taste of her addicting flavor. "Rukia." he replied in his usual masculinity oozing about.

She closed her eyes much to his dismay. He absolutely loved her eyes. "Not now... I'm rather busy." she replied.

He pushed his body against hers a bit more insistently. "Just a bit." he pleaded hotly.

"I'm giving you five minutes." she sighed as she stopped resisting. Her eyes slowly opened once more. Apparently, her eyes were laced with the exact same emotion.

"Five is all I need." he shot back in one heady whisper as his lips captured hers. He started of with wild abandon seeing as though he only had five minutes. He might as well do it right. Her hand slid through his hair as one hand lightly traced the fine lines of his his abdomen. He on the other hand had one hand stay firmly on her ass while the other mussed through her hair.

They kissed each other as much as they could in the following minute before pulling back for air. "I have an idea." Rukia whispered breathlessly.

He panted hard. "Pray tell what might this idea be?" he asked as he was ready to taster her again with as much fervor.

"If you can resist putting your tongue in then you can do what you want with me." she said as she took his lips again before he could think. All he could think about as of the moment was kissing the ever loving daylights out of her. Though, if he stuck his tongue in, he couldn't have his way with her and that wasn't really favorable to him.

He grinned into her kiss before pulling back briefly. "It's a deal then."

"It only applies to you though. I can use my tongue but you can't use yours back." she replied smiling wickedly as the heat went up a huge notch.

"Then that makes it all the more challenging." he shot back as he pulled her waist so that there was no lingering space between them.

Rukia smirked confidently as she shoved in her tongue and simply wondered if he would be able to resist. She stroked his tongues diligently eliciting moans from his throat. It was just so much fun to watch him suffer. She could feel it, he had wanted to engage in a battle of dominance but since he had foolishly accepted the bet, that was rather difficult now wasn't it?

Her tongue dominated his and she felt him shudder. It just proved that she was just as good as him when it comes to kissing. She could feel his tongue twitch slightly as though he was about to move but had managed enough self restraint to stop. Ah well, he only had two more minutes to tolerate. Rukia angled her head to further her taste of him. Her wondrous hands were giving Ichigo goosebumps.

Ichigo just couldn't take it anymore. He just had to use his lovely erotic appendage. He needed to or he would've exploded. Just as he was about to give in to his desires, footsteps could be heard from the stairs though he really didn't care much until he heard two almost synchronized gasps.

Ichigo tore himself off of Rukia with a ferocious growl while Rukia was left breathless against the door.

"Oh Rukia... Years and years of telling you about the pleasures of kinky stuff paid off!" Momo squealed as she had begun to strangle Orihime. It was funny how people could be friends so easily. Instant friend, just add water, Ichigo thought brusquely.

Orihime was starting to see stars due to how much Momo was strangling her. "Ah... Ichigo... I never thought you were such a sexual fiend..." she grumbled as she dropped to her knees in dizziness.

Ichigo smacked his head and sighed as he angrily walked off to his room. He glared at the two of them before slamming his door at them. A locking sound could be heard from the door.

And Momo began her psychology speech again. "There's a reason why Sigmund Freud is one of my idols! He claims that sexual urge is man's motivation! As controversial as his theory is, it's simply brilliant! He invented the word libido you know! He is awesome!" Momo started to rant off.

"Umm... What's so brilliant about psychoanalysis?" Orihime asked as she finally regained herself. It was obvious that she was heavily suppressing her sadistic side. She had finally found friends, there was no way Orihime was gonna mess it all up.

"Oh! You know Freud's psychoanalysis! Then you must agree on Sigmund Freud's brilliance as well as his theory on libido!" Momo said as her eyes were practically sparkling.

Rukia laughed hard as she approached the two on the floor. "Momo, you do know that Sigmund Freud is what you would call a pervert in modern contemporary times. You know, the two thousands with the initials of Anno Domini." she joked.

Momo glared at Rukia. "Hypocrite. You were practically proving his theory then and there a few seconds ago... And Freud was in the Anno Domini times." she replied sourly. Then she stood up as though the heavens were shining upon her.

"The Primary Motivational Energy of human life is driven by Sexual Desire! That is probably Sigmund Freud's best theory! No wait, it is not a theory but a redefinition!" Momo exclaimed as though she were a prophet from the bible.

"What happened to psychopathology through dialogue and his theory on the unconscious mind as well as the defense mechanism of repression?" Rukia sighed as she her eye twitched upon looking at Momo looking so... Holy.

"Those don't matter!" Momo shot back.

"Did she just quote all of that?" Orihime asked.

"She didn't. It's more like she memorized everything about Sigmund Freud by heart." Rukia replied sarcastically as she crossed her arms. "Speaking of which, why are the both of you up here?"

"You were taking far too long." Momo replied.

"It was an interesting trip anyway..." Orihime mumbled.

Rukia's eyebrow went up. "Why didn't you bring Ulquiorra with you? You could've gotten everything for free today." Rukia said.

Orihime stood up and fixed herself. She crossed her arms and frowned. "Ulquiorra is in a lockdown phase." she replied bitterly.

"Lockdown phase?" they asked simultaneously.

"He completely shuts himself off to everything and confines himself to the piano." Orihime replied.

"He's an interesting person huh?" Rukia said.

"He's rather odd. He talks like a robot and has the common sense of one. He whines like a bitch and has drastic mood swings. His music should be cold and emotionless like him but it's full of life and warmth. It's like music is his emotion." Orihime replied.

"Now that is deep." Momo joked as she shot past Rukia and towards Rukia's room. She let herself in before Rukia came limping after her angrily. Orihime followed afterwards. Rukia slammed the door opened to find Momo ransacking her photo album. Rukia blushed as she tried tear the thing away from Momo while Orihime simply sneaked a glance.

"Give it up Rukia! You're showing this to me and Orihime whether you like it or not. You barely have enough girl friends as it is!" Momo whined as Rukia began to stop pulling.

Rukia's face grimaced. "Fine... Knock yourselves out."

Rukia sat on the chair in front of her desk as she waited for them to finish.

Momo excitedly pointed towards one photo. "That, is Rukia in college. This was in this ball thing at the university and that guy is-"

"Holy- You dated Grimmjow Jaegerjaques! You're the reason Grimmjow went to a dojo for once!" Orihime said as she pointed a finger towards Rukia in awe.

Rukia cocked her head. "You know Grimmjow?"

"Yeah... He's that cute guy from the Las Noches SFX team." Orihime replied.

"I know he's cute right... Rukia why didn't you go after him!" Momo whined.

"Momo that was years ago!" Rukia shot back angrily. "If you're gonna make me feel bad then stop looking!"

"Oh, stop being such a stick in the ass Rukia..." Momo shot back.

Orihime flipped through the pages. "Interesting... You guys were rather close huh..." she mumbled with great interest.

"Please Orihime, stick to Ulquiorra." Rukia scolded.

"Okay fine... Let's just go with the fact that Grimmjow has a nice body." Orihime shot back.

Momo gave Orihime a high five. "Hey, I like you already. And yeah, of course he has a nice body!"

Rukia glared at Momo. "Keep in line... There's Toshiro in the hospital you know."

"I love Shiro! You dare insinuate differently! What's wrong with saying that some particular guys have really nice bodies." Momo replied. "Oh Rukia... I wonder where you and Grimmjow went when everyone was drunk and bawling at the college party?" Momo smirked implicatively.

Rukia blushed heavily and turned away. "None of your business." she shot back snappily.

Momo ignored Rukia as she began to show Orihime even more pictures. After much passing through pages, they finally reached the Kaien section. "This section is rather boring since they were such a sweet couple." Momo commented.

"I think it's rather cute actually." Orihime replied. "I mean, isn't it just heartwarming."

"I wonder... What does Kaien look like without a shirt... Didn't you guys go to the beach once Rukia?" Momo asked as she saw Rukia practically fuming in her chair.

"Just get on with it..." Rukia sighed as she gripped the chair rather hard.

Momo scanned the pages excitedly while Orihime sat next to Momo anxiously. They finally found the beach pages and Momo used her special talent to find the photo she was looking for. Momo always had a sixth sense when it came to romance and more importantly, anything involving all forms of sex and naked or half naked men. It was a rather disturbing talent and it never failed to freak Rukia out.

"He's kinda cut... But it's not all that impressive." Momo said in a disappointed tone.

"True, Grimmjow has a much better physique. And he has such a nice v-cut!" Orihime sighed as she imagined Grimmjow's shirtless form again.

"Oh, does it matter!" Rukia snapped at them.

"Of course it does honey... Physical appearance is what turns most people on. You, Rukia, are no exception. After all, you've recently become a slave to Ichigo's appealing appearance." Momo shot back.

"You and your sick theories... Why can't you appreciate the more sane and reasonable famous psychologists..." Rukia mumbled.

"Let's turn to Ichigo." Orihime motioned as she herself flipped the page.

Now that Rukia thought about it, it's funny how people just... click. It's like instant friend, just add water. Still, Orihime was a rather nice person, you just need to stay on her good side. Not the sadistic bad side who enjoys ruining people for fun. Rukia shuddered as he remembered what Orihime Inoue was capable of doing. Then she remembered yesterday's incident...

It's fine, that was fake anyway. Orihime won't do anything anymore.

"Ah! Here we are! Oh... What do we have here. First picture we see and Ichigo doesn't have a shirt..." Momo grinned.

Rukia turned away stubbornly. "It was when he was still playing his stupid games. I tried to take pictures of him naked saying that I could make a mint selling these on the Internet or to the paparazzi. Blackmail as it were" she replied.

"Still though, once a model, always a model. I mean... Those washboard abs... Just look at that six pack." Momo practically drooled.

"Hands off... That's my property." Rukia snapped at Momo possessively.

"Why so possessive Rukia?" Momo grinned.

Orihime sighed in thought. "You know what they say about men with big hands..."

Momo giggled. "I like the way you think Orihime..."

"Oh shut up!"

"Then tell us Rukia, is it really big?" Momo asked curiously.

"You guys had sex already?" Orihime asked curiously.

Rukia shook her head furiously. "I want this cast off of me thank you very much." she shot back.

"You've got it all wrong Orihime. She gave Ichigo a blowjob and a handjob." Momo grinned.

Rukia grabbed a lion plushie and threw the thing at Momo with the speed of a bullet and the strength of a rocket. Momo let out a small strangled 'oof' as the mere impact sent her lying head down on the bed. Orihime bounced up and down along with the impact of Momo hitting the bed.

Momo managed to get up but her nose was really red. She rubbed her nose and continued on. "Why so embarrassed? It's normal for a young and healthy couple like you. The sexual tension's bound to explode eventually. Don't you dare tell me you don't imagine these things when you look at his body." Momo said as she pointed her finger at Rukia angrily.

"Oh fine..." Rukia said in stubborn defeat.

"You two look real happy here." Orihime commented. "I don't believe I've ever seen him smile like that" she said as she was pointing to the next picture.

Orihime smiled at her. "You should be proud. He only smiles like this for you."

She blushed. "Is that so?" Rukia replied.

"Does knowing that make you feel so giddy on the inside?" Momo asked as she mimicked Orihime's voice.

Rukia sighed in a nice way. "Yes..." she said before looking at Momo and realizing that Orihime didn't say that. "No! I mean No!"

"Man, this is so fun. Your pictures with Ichigo look so much better and much more fun to look at." Momo commented.

Rukia pointed towards one particular picture. "Ichigo forced me to take this picture with him."

"That was your first date with him right?" Momo asked.

"Now that I think about it... I guess that was the first. If I consider it a date... I guess it was." she said before smiling and looking to the window to watch the snow fall. "I told him I'd consider it a date if he gave me a Chappy umbrella." she said before chuckling. "Looks like he gave a bit more than just that..."

Rukia stood up and sat on the bed with the two of them. She breathed in deep. "Hey Momo, did I ever tell you that Ichigo said he loves me." Rukia asked a slight pink color stained her cheeks.

Orihime was looking rather envious.

"No! You so did not tell me!" Momo yelled at her but strangely, Rukia didn't mind her best friend's megaphone voice for once.

"Yeah, well he did." Rukia said as she closed her eyes and rested her head against Momo's shoulder.

"What did you say?" Orihime asked.

"How do you think I got him to say those three words to me?" Rukia replied bashfully.

"You told him you loved him..." Momo said as she simply looked at her best friend looking happy and content.

Rukia nodded as she hugged Momo. "I did... Christ, I love him Momo... It took me this long to realize that I had a guy who was head over heels for me at my doorstep. I was just so blinded... To think I thought I loathed him." she laughed.

Orihime couldn't help but feel a bit jealous. She didn't have someone like Momo. Wait, she did have someone like that once. But she pushed her away and look where pushing away got her.

Tatsuki... You were only trying to help. Why couldn't I see that?

Orihime abruptly stood up catching Rukia and Momo's attention. Orihime smiled sweetly seeing as though it was rather fake. She bowed. "Thanks for the discount. Your cafe is great by the way. I need to go back home. If I don't pull Ulquiorra out of his lockdown phase, he'd look like a hobo." she said.

Rukia stood up as well. "Leaving so soon?"

"Yes, I don't want to impose too much. My manager Yumichika's gonna flip if he can't find me and there's supposed to be a photoshoot for a magazine today." Orihime informed.

"I'll see you off then." Rukia offered.

She shook get head as she opened the door. "No need. But thanks anyway."

"You know, the offer still stands. If your prince uncharming decides to take you out on a date then I'll make it free."

"Prince uncharming huh? That's a catchy name." Orihime replied as she closed the door.

She shot through the hallway and went down the stairs. He heels clicked with every step as she literally glided down the staircase. She wasn't even a few feet away from the staircase when she saw a familiar head of black hair in a boy cut. She had been leaning against Ichigo's table scolding him while the red haired tattooed guy attempted to appease the girl. Apparently, Ichigo must've sneaked out of his room while the three of them were preoccupied. Orihime hoped she would've been able to slip by quickly but then there was Kiyone.

"Going so soon Ms. Orihime?" Kiyone asked as she was wiping a mug dry.

Orihime's head turned towards Kiyone in a rusty robotic way. Her finger was on her mouth indicating Kiyone to be quiet. Too late, the boyish woman found out.

"Orihime?"

Orihime looked out the window. "Hey Tatsuki..." she greeted awkwardly. She looked down and pushed her way through Tatsuki and the red haired guy and went straight to the chair where she sat. She grabbed her purse and tried to leave.

"Orihime, can I talk to you for a sec?"

"Umm yes... What is there to talk about Tatsuki?" Orihime asked.

Tatsuki faced Orihime and looked her in the eye. The red haired man held her hand reassuringly. Right... His name was Renji Abarai.

"You were avoiding me yesterday... Why?" Tatsuki asked looking rather hurt.

Orihime wanted to run. Does it need to be now? "Come on Tatsuki. It's been years... I'm not ready for a heart to heart talk with you. Can it be another time? Ulquiorra is undergoing a Mozartesque mental breakdown..." Orihime said as she excused herself.

Tatsuki stopped her. "Orihime?"

"Look, I can't bear to face you now." Orihime pleaded.

"Orihime-"

"Tatsuki... Please." Orihime said with shut eyes as a red color stained her cheeks. Apparently, confronting Tatsuki was an embarrassing affair for Orihime for reasons unknown. She stormed out of the cafe.

Tatsuki sighed as she sat down in front of Ichigo. "What's up with her?"

"How should I know? You didn't tell me you had something special with Orihime Inoue." Ichigo replied mockingly with crossed arms.

Tatsuki asked Kiyone for a simple cup of Jasmine tea. She sighed as she leaned on the table. Ichigo glanced at Renji. "Looking at him, I'm guessing you told him about it too. Thanks Tatsuki." Ichigo added.

"Oh, stop guilt tripping me... I was gonna tell you anyway." Tatsuki shot back.

Ichigo groaned as he rested his head on his propped up elbow. "Then tell me."

"You should know that Orihime Inoue studied in the same high school and middle school as us. She never got to be your classmate but she was mine several times. She became my best friend..." Tatsuki said as Ichigo listened intently.

"One month before graduation. Some jock went after her. I knew he was after her body and I tried to tell her but by the time I found out about his intentions, she was far too deeply in love with him. I couldn't reach her anymore." she said as Kiyone came with her tea. She placed it in front of Tatsuki.

She smiled. "Thanks Kiyone."

And with a nod Kiyone left. Tatsuki took her tea and blew it softly to lessen the heat before taking a small sip determining that it was a tad bit scalding. "He took away her innocence. You should know that she was the purest person I knew... Then he left her, just like that. She didn't want to believe so she confronted him and he and his little friends raped her... She only landed Salutatorian when everyone knew very well that she was headed for Valedictorian."

"She was supposed to study in Juliard so she could go to broadway but because of that douche bag, she didn't even go to college anymore. One person who was watching the school play was a movie producer and he felt that her talent was going to waste and gave her an opportunity. That was the only good thing that came in her life at least. She met that ass again when she was a new and upcoming star and the rest is history."

"She got raped again?" Ichigo asked.

"I don't know what happened but I can guess. She took revenge on him and I'm buying that poor defense argument the guy made." Tatsuki added.

Ichigo paused to think. "I read that on a news article once. I think he said
something about really rough sex." he replied.

"Exactly. That's probably where it started. She stopped talking to me after graduation and I've been trying to reach her since then." Tatsuki said as she her tea finally cooled down. After taking a generous sip she raised am eyebrow. "Happy?"

"And now she can't bear to face you. I can understand. I mean, I've been pushing you away for so many years and turns out you were right and if I was a girl, I'd be embarrassed." Ichigo sympathized.

"Ichigo Kurosaki, are you actually sympathizing with Orihime Inoue!" Tatsuki asked shocked.

He rolled his eyes. "Very funny Tatsuki. Senna always told me to try and think from a girl's perspective." Ichigo shot back.

"But that didn't work with Rukia did it?"

He shook his head and smiled. "Please, if I don't know what's going through that Chappy filled head of hers then no one except Momo does."

Tatsuki simply placed her head on the table in one fell swoop. "I haven't heard you talk about her in ages..." Tatsuki said.

"Now that I think about it..." Ichigo replied.

"Knowing her, I bet she's happy watching you up there." Tatsuki added.

"More like terrorizing everybody else in heaven. They have to run after her, deal with her troublesome antics like she's a little puppy and all. It must be a pain." Ichigo chuckled.

"Majority of the time you spent with her consisted of you running around town and trying to find her." Tatsuki added.

"And always doing stupid things to please her." Ichigo added with an annoyed look on his face.

"But you would still do what she asked with a stupid face." Tatsuki said with a short laugh.

"As your girlfriend, Rukia has every right to know everything about Senna." Tatsuki said. "She deserves that much for saving you."

He smiled. "I know... I'll tell her when it feels right to tell her."

"If your are serious about Rukia, you would've told her everything already." Tatsuki shot back emphasizing the are.

"What are you insinuating? Of course I'm serious about Rukia!" Ichigo replied angrily. "How can I date and not be serious?"

"How about Orihime?"

"I was serious, she wasn't. After all, she was trying to ruin me. Though I'm not holding that against her anymore."

"True."

Ichigo swiped the last few drops of hot chocolate with his tongue. He put the mug down and smiled. "And besides... I love Rukia... There's no friggin way I'm ever going to leave her."

"Even if she comes to hate me." he added.

Tatsuki was staring at him with a surprised look. Ichigo wasn't one who would admit these kinds of things so easily. I guess he figured it out.

"She'd never hate you." Tatsuki replied.

"Perhaps... I just hope I will never have to see her hate me. For real..."

"She already loathes you to hell. Why worry?"

"I know she does. These things just end up worrying you ya know?"

---

Rukia grabbed her purse and her favorite scarf hastily. She accidentally knocked down her table lamp as she grabbed her home but quickly fixed that as Momo hummed a random Christmas tune as she sat idly on Rukia's bed. Rukia leaned down to look at mirror to fix her hair.

"Make this quick Rukia. Ichigo will get suspicious if you're gone for too long."

Rukia nodded as she finally tore herself from the mirror. She looked at Momo with utmost urgency. "Then let's hurry then."

Momo stood up accordingly as she too grabbed her purse. "You could say that you're meeting your brother and you're bringing me along for moral support." Momo suggested.

"Like he'll buy that." Rukia scoffed as she found her house keys.

"True. We'll have to get this done in a jiffy... How about we say that we're out on a Christmas shopping spree? That might work, Ichigo accompanied us once and solemnly refuses to do so again." Momo added.

Rukia paused as she was about to open the door. "Now that is an excellent excuse. Good work Momo."

"It's my job as your best friend to help you sneak behind your boyfriend's back just to buy him a Christmas present."

"It sounds rather devious when you put it that way..." Rukia commented.

"It's like Robin Hood. Being a vigilante for a good cause." Momo replied in her defense.

"Robin Hood isn't even a real historical figure... And I'm not doing anything wrong like stealing or murder. I'm just keeping it a secret so he'd actually be surprised when he gets his present." Rukia shot back.

"Aww, how sweet of you."

Rukia gave her a glare at forty percent strength. "Momo."

Momo sighed as her head drooped down. "Alright alright... I won't tease you right now. Sheesh..."

Rukia smiled in victory as she opened the door while Momo had begrudgingly followed. They walked past the hallway and down the usual stairs to to the cafe. Aside from the usual regulars who didn't give a shit about Rukia since they knew her well enough not to bother, the usual bunch of celebrity seeking customers were unfortunately not completely nonexistent as of the moment. There were some with a few cameras ready to take a picture of anything compromising.

Rukia rolled her eyes at them as she passed by Ichigo. Ichigo called her name grabbing her attention as well as the customers who went there specifically for them. Rukia turned around in her usual Kuchiki refinement.

"Yes?"

Ichigo stood up and approached her as he excused himself from Tatsuki and Renji. "Where are you going?" he asked nonchalantly.

Rukia made a split second decision to use Momo's excuse as Momo simply waited by the door. "I'm going shopping with Momo. It's Christmas so we were planning on having some girl time... Is there a problem?" Rukia asked with a raised eyebrow indicating that the customers would gain nothing from them.

Ichigo paused shortly. "Okay then... Have fun." he said as he stuffed his hands in his pockets as he turned around disappointing the fans before he stopped and approached her again. "One more thing." he said as he gave her a swift kiss. "Be safe."

Rukia couldn't help but blush, he was being so sweet. "Of course, who do you take me for?" she shot back in her usual demanding manner.

"You're the coldest person I know. I'm just worried you might suddenly thaw is all. I mean, the weather outside must be incredibly hot for you." Ichigo said sarcastically with his signature arrogant scowl.

Rukia frowned as she grabbed a familiar lion plushie which Ichigo hated seeing and threw it at him hard. He made a strangled sound as the thing connected with his face. "Oh shut up will you? Why don't you just make out with that thing instead of wasting my time." Rukia said angrily accompanied with the Kuchiki glare which never ceased to scare him or give him the chills.

"Alright already. Sorry... Why so uptight today Rukia?" he asked as he placed the disgusting plushie on the counter where it belonged.

"I'm not being uptight."

"Yes you are."

"Am not."

"You are, look... You are completely the opposite of your spontaneous side or is that not obvious enough?" he asked as he crossed his arms menacingly.

"I'm not in the mood to argue. And if you dare argue with me today Ichigo Kurosaki, I swear I will castrate you in your sleep with a rusty teaspoon made of cheap crappy steel." Rukia said in a sigh as she grabbed Momo and went to the door. "See you later." she said with closed eyes, it was like if she didn't close them, she wouldn't have been able to bottle up her temper.

He waved at her with little effort. "See ya." he said in a sigh before looking around to find several phones up and videoing them. He cracked his knuckled and glared at all of them.

"If that goes on the Internet, I will personally visit each and everyone of you. Is that clear? On second thought, delete it or would you prefer me?." he said intimidatingly with a rather loud knuckle crack as a sudden chill shot through every single person who had his or her camera on video mode along with the sign indicating that it was recording. They all nodded in a forced and frightened way. After all, he just scared them shitless. Scaring people shitless was fun.

"Come on Ichigo, give them a break."

"Says my supposedly best friend who didn't tell me that she and a certain friend of mine were screwing each other. Did you label Renji yet?" he asked bitterly.

Tatsuki glared at him. "For your information, I just told you. It just happened after the second date and things escalated from there..." Tatsuki said with a loud start but with a strangled end.

Ichigo groaned angrily as he grabbed Renji by the collar. "Hey Renji, you're not planning on breaking my best friend's heart are you?" Ichigo asked hostiley.

Renji gave him an equally hostile look. "Hey Ichigo, you're not planning on breaking my best friend's heart are you?" Renji mimicked.

Ichigo paused before cracking up. "You're good." he said with a grin as he released Renji.

"I'm an author, of course I can make excellent comebacks on the spot. And besides." Renji replied cockily before stopping midway.

He had a confident smirk as he wrapped one of his lean arms over Tatsuki's shoulder catching her by surprised as well as earning him a small brush. "I hereby declare this girl as my girlfriend. Still have a problem with that Ichigo?"

Ichigo shook his head with a grin. "Sadly, I have no objections to that Renji. If your hurt her, I'll know. And Renji... Help her out with Inoue will ya? It's been hurting her for years."

"I've been doing that from the very start." Renji replied.

"Then that's good to hear." Ichigo said as he returned to his seat. He rested hi head on his palm and sighed. "I have no idea what's going through her head right now. Why so uptight when it hasn't even been lunch yet?" Ichigo whined.

"If you don't know then it must be pretty bad..." Renji commented.

"No no, she's not giving me enough to speculate on. She's obviously hiding something and it's probably something that I myself shouldn't know about." Ichigo said.

"Normally, when a boyfriend thinks his girl is hiding something from him he would think she's cheating." Renji added as a preliminary caution for Ichigo.

Ichigo shook his head without an inch of doubt on his face. "Rukia won't cheat on me. If she was, she would have these guilty eyes. I've seen those eyes before, they were painful to look at. Whenever she would have those eyes, she was probably thinking of Kaien. And besides, Rukia has more class than that." Ichigo said as he smiled at the last bit. "There's no friggin way she'll ever stoop so low."

Renji chuckled. "You two are strange. You act as if you've known each other from the moment of conception. It's like you guys met or were together in your previous life." Renji joked while Ichigo contemplated on it.

Past life huh?

All of a sudden a series of odd images flashed through his mind as he said Past Life in his head. It depicted him and Rukia wearing these weird black Japanese clothing. He had a meat cleaver of a sword while Rukia had Sode no Shirayuki. Except it really had ice. It also showed their moments together which included constant high school bickering and later on, he saw an image of him in his late twenties with slightly longer hair holding the hand of a kid with black spiky raven hair but with blazing amber eyes along with a very gentle Rukia. A girl with short tangerine hair, closer to strawberry blond, and clear amethyst eyes came running to Rukia. Then they were in some strange Japanese looking place. He had this white thing draped over him and Rukia had an insignia strapped onto her arm.

Ichigo shook his head vigorously. Now that is just freaky. There's no such thing as soul reapers. Where the hell did I get that from? And kids... With Rukia? Doesn't sound that repulsive actually... It's actually pretty pleasant.

"Now that is just bizarre..." Ichigo mumbled.

"What is?" Renji asked.

"Just weird images popping into my head."

"That's normal. Even I have dreams of me wearing some weird black Japanese garb swinging around this weird sword that's like a whip..." Renji reassured.

Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "That sounds a lot like my random image..."

"That's odd."

Ah well... He was right though. I feel as if I've known her for forever.

---

Rukia sighed fitfully as she ate her heavenly Risotto. Anything Italian was heaven to her actually. After swallowing that down, she followed it with her frozen strawberry iced tea. Meanwhile, Momo was just happily eating her lasagna. She had decided to just stick to lemon water. Rukia was currently at a predicament, a very big predicament.

"Oh Momo... I don't know what to buy him..." Rukia sighed as she pitifully bit into her Risotto.

"Don't you know what he wants?" Momo asked.

"No..."

"You're the girlfriend, you should know." Momo chided.

"It's just that. He doesn't really want anything. He's always asking about what I want but he never asks me for the things he wants. It's just so difficult..." Rukia groaned as she drank her iced tea in a fit of frustration.

"Now that is rather hard." Momo replied. "Do you know what is it he likes? Hobbies or anything?"

Rukia paused to think. "He loves reading Shakespeare to an unhealthy degree. He's rather cheesy since he even reads Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, Count of Monte Cristo, Little Women, Wuthering Heights and so much more." Rukia said.

"So he's a classic bookworm..." Momo said as she too began to think deeply. She opened her eyes with a solution. "Then you've gotta find those special first edition books and put your own special inscription." Momo said.

"Excuse me?"

Momo sighed. "People write certain dedications to their loved ones inside books. We can go to a secondhand bookstore for reference if you like or if we're lucky, we can find the ones without dedications."

Rukia fell silent as she finished the last of her Risotto. "Momo..."

"Yes Rukia?"

"You are brilliant!" Rukia praised with a stupid grin.

"Gosh, you look so adorable when you're in love. I should picture you since you're practically glowing right now." Momo joked.

Rukia frowned with an evident blush staining her pale milky white cheeks. "Oh shut up..." she shot back.

Momo laughed as she called the waiter for the bill without failing to wink at the poor infatuated man. That was Momo being such a flirt for fun. "Come on, there are seven secondhand bookstores in the district. We can check them all.

The waiter finally came back with the bill and Rukia gave her credit card to the poor infatuated man. Sorry, but Momo is just out of your league. Actually... She's out of Toshiro's league but I guess he got lucky...

Now I wonder who's out of who's league between me and Ichigo...

After waiting for a while, Rukia got her credit card back. She signed her signature on the paper before gathering her belongings along with Momo who just wanted to squeeze a little bit more out of the guy and so she just had to wink at him making him swoon. They left the table with Rukia sighing and Momo giggling. "He's kinda cute, too bad I'm taken and he's too timid to be my type." Momo giggled.

"Oh Momo, don't you pity the guy? He's completely smitten." Rukia replied.

"Sadly, not at all." Momo replied as they joined everybody else in society on the sidewalk. They would've blended in but then again, the both of them had a certain quality to them that sets them apart from the rest.

Rukia sighed. "Oh Momo..."

"What? I'm just having a bit of fun. After all, we've been blatantly implying that I had a boyfriend. It's all good." Momo replied in a very happy manner.

Rukia sighed even longer. "How the hell did you fall in love with someone as uptight like Toshiro?" Rukia asked. It was something she never asked throughout the entire time Momo and Toshiro were dating.

Momo begun to smile like a giddy high schooler. "Well you see... I didn't like him at first. My first impression of him was as you said. Uptight with an incredible stick up his ass. After the second date, turns out that that was how he handled his life, he wasn't used to socializing with people. In fact, the only person he could talk to as a friend was you."

Rukia listened intently as they stopped by the end of the block and waited for the walk signal to appear. Momo just kept talking. "So I told him I'd help him out. I said I'd teach him how to socialize and how to properly date. I mean, with my background, I got him figured out in three seconds flat actually. He graduated rather early and his parents pushed for his education so his childhood and pubescent years was devoid of anything social."

They crossed the street and Momo had waited for them to get to the other side before resuming her her story. Okay, that much about Toshiro, Rukia knew. She already knew well enough that he was socially awkward but she didn't know that she was the only person he spoke normally with. That was new as well as very good blackmail material.

"He agreed and all so I decided to help him out. So I forced him to mingle at parties and I also took him to clubs. I think you'd recall that I went to clubs far more than usual then." Momo resumed.

Rukia nodded as she urged Momo to keep going. "It took me around two months but I've managed to make him less awkward. So I tried to set him up with a date. He was really anxious about it so we made it a double date. It was funny really, halfway through the date, Toshiro was really enjoying himself and I got jealous of the girl I set him up with. Ironic huh..."

"Kinda." Rukia replied.

Momo chuckled as she pulled back a stray lock of brown hair. "Yes well, I got jealous so me being stupid made this stupid decision to simply drop out of his life. I told him that he graduated from my therapy and that if he could make a girl laugh then he's as good as gold."

"One week later, I found him knocking at my door. I had to let him in of course and after a few awkward moments. He said that he needed more tutoring and that he was far from perfect."

Momo sighed as a faint blush was visible on her cheeks. "He kissed me you know. He said that he was good as gold... because he made me laugh." Momo said in such a pleasant way.

"It was awkward yes... But I wouldn't have had it in any other way and now look at us. We've been dating for two years." Momo said

"How come you've never told me this."

Momo faced her. "Because you've never asked."

"True." Rukia said in a laugh. "Still, I'm rather offended."

"You were undergoing a major heartbreak. I couldn't simply burst in and tell you how happy I was when you were stressing yourself about Kaien." Momo replied.

Rukia paused. "Now that I think about it... Yeah, I guess you're right. Point taken." Rukia replied in nothing short of a sigh.

After a few more minutes of walking, they arrived at their first bookstore. Rukia went in first while Momo followed. They were greeted by a friendly young lady who seemed to love books to an extreme degree. Rukia told her what she was looking for and the girl disappeared to the book shelves. She came back with a heap of books.

"I've fixed them by order ma'am." she said as she dropped it on the table in one fell swoop. "These are The Complete Works of Shakespeare. Now these are Wuthering Heights, these are Pride and Prejudice. Our Jane Eyre's are currently not available anymore. We only have one copy of Sense and Sensibility as well as three copies of Little Women." she said.

Rukia had to think twice before asking. "If you're giving one of these to your boyfriend. Which one would it be?"

The young woman had paused to think. "Probably Wuthering Heights... Now that I think about it. You're Rukia Kuchiki aren't you?" she asked. Though luckily enough, she was completely normal and sane.

"Yes... I am." Rukia replied begrudgingly.

"Hmm... It's for Ichigo Kurosaki then huh?" the woman pondered.

"If it's them then it's gotta be Pride and Prejudice!" Momo said excitedly.

The woman nodded. "It seems more appropriate."

Rukia frowned. "That's like saying I'm Elizabeth and he's Mr. Darcy." she said in a somewhat hostile tone.

"Exactly! You two are exactly like Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy! I mean, you hated each other. Then you bickered a lot in a more modern way. Though you end up with each other anyway... Oh wait, they got married in the book didn't they?" Momo said with a grin.

"Yes, they do get married in the end." the woman added

"Shove it Momo." Rukia said with a stubborn blush.

"Pride and Prejudice... It suits the both of you to a T." Momo added with an approving nod. She crossed her arms. "After all, you two were prideful idiots and your basis for loathing each other were pretty much prejudicial. It's like Jane Austen foresaw your relationship or something."

Rukia glared at her. "Be more logical." she chided.

"Perhaps the foreseeing part was a load of bull. However, you can't deny how similar Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy are to you and Ichigo. Sadly, Ichigo isn't exactly some poor fellow with a quizzical brow. The same could be said about you, you are definitely handsome enough to tempt him. Or would you rather pick Wuthering Heights and think of Ichigo as Heathcliff." Momo shot back reasonably.

Rukia had to shudder. "Let's just stick to Mr. Darcy shall we?"

Ichigo equals Heathcliff? That's the apocalypse of the world...

"It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now; so he shall never know how I love him; and that, not because he's handsome, Nelly, but because he's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same…" Rukia quoted.

"In other words, thinking of marriage now is too early even though you love him. How did you remember that line?" Momo asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I manage. I remembered it because it rings true." Rukia replied.

Momo cracked up hard. "Oh Rukia... Why bring poor old Heathcliff to the matter?"

"Heathcliff is nothing but poor. Not poor in the sense of money but poor in the sense of him as a human being." Rukia shot back.

"Rukia, Heathcliff is poor. I mean, the man was rather miserable don't you think. When comparing you to Catherine Earnshaw and Elizabeth Bennet, you don't seem all that similar to Cathy." Momo commented.

"I'd rather be some woman who ends up marrying the man she loathes due to much pride and prejudice rather than fall in love with her foster brother and suffer for years. Cathy just ended up marrying that Edgar Linton guy anyway." Rukia shot back as she placed her hands on her hips.

Momo sighed. "So you'd rather marry Ichigo in the end?"

Rukia scowled a scowl that could almost rival Ichigo's. "I was talking about Pride and Prejudice and Wuthering Heights! How did that connect to what I was talking about."

Rukia groaned frustratedly. "Let's just start looking." she said angrily as she went straight for the different editions of Pride and Prejudice. Momo shrugged as she went for Wuthering heights. Momo was about to speak before Rukia stopped her. "And don't you dare say that Edward Ferrars is like Ichigo and I'm like Elinor Dashwood. And if you even dare say I'm like Marianne, you are dead Momo." Rukia threatened.

"How did you know I was holding Sense and Sensibility?" Momo asked shocked.

"Telepathy."

"That's bull Rukia..."

"Then Morphogenetic Fields."

"Sheldrake's theory doesn't work that way. His theory is unethical to begin with. It's not psychology or science, it's pseudoscience." Momo shot back.

Rukia rolled her eyes. "Whatever Momo. Just look." Rukia demanded.

Momo saluted her. "Aye aye ma'am..."

Then they ransacked the books.

---

Ichigo was now pacing around the cafe ruffling his head and constantly sneezing as he paced. His frustrated aura was scaring people even more than just shitless. He sneezed again before muttering something and shoving his hands back into his pockets.

"What's wrong with you?" Tatsuki just had to ask.

He turned towards her. "I just realized that-achoo!- I don't have a gift for Rukia!" Ichigo declared hysterically.

"You're sneezing an awful lot Ichigo. Maybe someone's saying bad things about you." Renji said with a joking grin.

Ichigo glared a full glare which was to say only half of Rukia's glare. The Kuchiki could only be done by a Kuchiki. "Rukia's probably dissing me continuously." Ichigo replied.

"Perhaps..." Renji replied as he drank from Tatsuki's cup earning him a soft glare from his beloved.

"What are you going to buy for her?" Tatsuki asked.

Ichigo gave her a look that meant that she should know. "If I knew what to buy her then I wouldn't be panicking now would I?"

"Stop pacing around man... Calm down and think clearly. Kiyone, give him another Hot Chocolate." Renji said as Kiyone complied.

Ichigo paused as he nodded as if under a trance and sat down while staring at the ground. He breathed in deep. "I could give her Chappy... It has to be some awesome Chappy collectible that she doesn't have." Ichigo said.

Tatsuki had just slapped Renji's hand away from her cup when she answered. "Rukia's the expert. How do you expect to get some great collectible she doesn't have?" Tatsuki replied reasonably.

"That's true." Renji commented.

Ichigo grinned as he stuck out a finger to prove his point. "Simple... We ask Uncle Uruhara." he said smugly.

"Urahara as in... Kisuke Uruhara, chief of police?" Renji asked with an odd look. "How does he fit into all of this?"

"Ichigo has just recently found out that he was also a seller of rare collectors items. Including Chappy the Rabbit." Tatsuki informed lovely fuck bud- oh wait, boyfriend. Yeah, it's boyfriend now...

"Oh, then your good then. Go forth and buy the Chappy." Renji said as he pointed towards the door. Ichigo stood up as he pointed.

"And that I will do... I'll get a coat first..." Ichigo said in a hurry as he ran upstairs.

Tatsuki sighed. "Must be in love." she joked.

Renji chuckled as his arm wrapped around her and pulled he closer to him. "No kidding... All that's left is to hook up Robot Mozart and Orihime Inoue together and we'll all be happy." he joked back.

"That's easy... Orihime probably doesn't know anyone who would seriously care for Orihime and not Orihime the actress. If someone's going to love and not lie to her, it'll be that unresponsive guy. I can feel it." Tatsuki said.

Renji's thumb rubbed against he shoulder comfortingly. "Don't worry... You'll guys will be back together before you know it. It's how friendship works."

"I hope you're right." Tatsuki replied.

"I know so. I met Rukia again when she was already in middle school. We ended up fixing things and she's still my best friend." Renji reassured.

Tatsuki smiled. "I'll just keep hoping then..." she replied.

"You should." he responded.

PDA was about to ensue in the cafe when Ichigo just had to come down making them stop at the sight of him. Ichigo raised an eyebrow and snickered discretely. Looks like it's raining couples this year. He grinned jokingly as he approached the table. He pointed towards the door smugly. "Come on you two. You're coming with me.

Tatsuki grimaced without her knowledge while Renji had to stifle a laugh. Was she that eager?

Ichigo told Kiyone that he and Tatsuki had to do something work related and that Tatsuki had wanted to bring Renji along before ending his excuse with a 'she'll understand' routine.

He walked towards the exit and waited for Tatsuki and Renji with his usual intimidating look. He just looked grouchy without trying. The couple finally followed him and they exited the cafe accordingly. Ichigo didn't even bother with a disguise since Tatsuki was with him. She wad bodyguard enough. In fact, put her against ten mafia looking bodyguards and she'll have them on the floor in ten seconds flat. After all, she was dubbed the strongest woman in the country more than once. That was Karate though.

They walked on the street as the usual stares showered them. Renji though, wasn't really good with attention. If he was then he wouldn't need his nom de plume now would he? Ichigo had heard of Araji Ibaren being nominated for the most outstanding author of the year since his current series had been hitting the number one on the bestseller's list which was to say an amazing feat.

If Ichigo wasn't mistaken, said award show was tomorrow evening but not exactly during Christmas eve. If it had literally been on Christmas eve then that would be a major killjoy. He would have to reveal himself to the world for the first time ever. It was only now that his editor had apparently demanded that he go instead of sending them a voice message like he usually did.

It was funny how selective Ichigo's hearing was. He could hear the friendly banter that went on in the cafe as well as Renji's whispers to Tatsuki. So much for keeping his author matters secret when Ichigo could hear it. However, his ears had been equipped with a system which would be able to distinguish Rukia's voice in a very noisy crowd. That certain ability of his was beyond selective hearing.

He just walked and walked while the couple followed. The scenery had begun to change drastically as they shot through the urban skyscrapers before passing through the old dingy buildings leading to a very familiar district. They had walked for a while but it wasn't as bad as when he ran to the hospital. His legs were practically killing him when he found Rukia strapped to IV Drops.

Good Lord, he hated hospitals. Bad stuff always happen there. Every single time.

He ignored the crazed teenagers who fainted at the sight of him as well as the envious stares of poor wimpy teenage boys who could do nothing but jack off to pictures, porn and probably into warm jackfruits.

Ichigo sighed as he passed by a particular average teen with an envious stare. Be glad kid, you've got a full family and the opportunity to love normally. You won't have to suffer as much as I did. You don't want to be me.

The teenager froze as Ichigo eyed him before giving him a smile befitting that of an adult who had gone through a lot. The guy was surprised but he shrugged and continued walking. Ichigo smiled as he remembered when he himself used to live in a neighborhood like this. It gave him a warm feeling especially when he remembered the warm afternoon sunset that came after school.

If I met you before Rukia, I'm sure we'd still be dating. Yeah, from high school until now. No... I would've married you as soon as we turned eighteen he chuckled in his head.

Damn, it wasn't long but he sure did fall hard for his midget. Yes, his midget. No one else's...

I'll visit you soon Senna... I'll even bring Rukia with me. Then I'll tell her... Everything...

Ichigo finally found a familiar shop. He simply walked through the gate and simply knocked on the sliding wooden door. A few moments later, the door slides open revealing a familiar striped hat. He was grinning as mischievously as ever. "Oh, my dear nephew, what brings you here?" Uruhara asked in such a mocking tone, one would wonder if he somehow foresaw the reason for the visit.

"I need a Chappy collectible Rukia doesn't have." Ichigo quickly demanded.

Uruhara gestured him to come in. He did as his uncle had suggested gladly as Tatsuki and Renji simply followed. They sat down in front of a Japanese style table as his wife Yoruichi had gone to get tea. And of course Tatsuki and Renji remembered Yoruichi, she was one of the reasons why Rukia won the trial for that almost lost case.

"A Chappy collectible Ms. Kuchiki does not possess? Intriguing..." Uruhara said with his usual intelligent smile.

"Anything will do actually. I don't care how expensive it is. Just as long as she'll love it." Ichigo said in an almost pleading way.

The man pondered. "Do you happen to remember her collection Ichigo?" his uncle inquired.

Ichigo closed his eyes to think. "Well, she has all the four seasons of the Chappy Umbrela collection. She has the complete Chappy the mug set. She has almost all of the international Chappy alarm clock. Then we have those miniature Chappy the rabbit busts." Ichigo stated along with counting his fingers.

Uruhara went back into deeper thought. "There's a Chappy Winter Scarf... It didn't sell very well so it was scrapped from the beginning." Uruhara suggested.

"I know nothing about Chappy memorabilia so you'll have to tell me what it means." Ichigo stated the obvious.

"Well, they wanted to expand into clothing and apparel. It didn't sell very well so they simply scrapped the idea. That was probably when you guys were very well eight years old." Uruhara stated.

Ichigo grinned. "In other words, she doesn't have it... Where can I find it?" Ichigo asked.

Uruhara crossed his arms as a grim look glazed through his features. "That's the thing you see. I'm not too sure, aside from the Chappy the exhibit at the amusement park I'm afraid I haven't seen it anywhere else." Uruhara replied.

"I can do that." Ichigo said confident.

Uruhara chuckled. "My dear nephew, are you daft? Not even you can buy that thing." Uruhara said mockingly.

"No, but if I ask Byakuya Kuchiki himself then-"

Uruhara thrusted his cane towards his nephew stopping a mere centimeter away from hitting the bridge of his nose. Just proves to show that he was indeed the chief of police. "Talking to Byakuya Kuchiki is like talking to a rock. Unless you happen to be made of gold on the inside out then you've got no chance." Uruhara warned in a way which sent a chill running through all of their spines.

Still, Ichigo held his ground. "I'll make it happen. Just watch me... I'll make it up to her." Ichigo said as he stood up and stormed out of the room in a fit of rage as Renji quickly followed to appease him. Tatsuki stayed seated calmly.

"Mr. Uruhara, you're a pretty bad liar." Tatsuki said as through she was simply talking about the weather.

"How can you tell Ms. Arisawa?" Uruhara chuckled and was obviously intrigued.

"It's obvious you were taking advantage of his desperation. Renji didn't notice it because he was too busy laughing and silently ridiculing Ichigo." Tatsuki replied as she finished the last of her tea.

"You're rather sharp aren't you?" Uruhara complimented.

"In this industry, you need to be sharp. People take advantage of people and it's my job to keep Ichigo unscathed. Deception is also apart of the job description. Ichigo doesn't know about certain deceptions his own manager has done for his sake."

"Such as?"

"Certain people try to take advantage of his naivety and I need to take 'extra ' measures to make sure that doesn't happen."

"You deceive them before they can even touch Ichigo leaving him pristine and clean." Uruhara replied.

"You're smarter than make yourself out to be." Tatsuki praised.

"Why thank you."

"Most of these come from Sosuke Aizen." Tatsuki informed.

"Sosuke Aizen?"

"He's trying to buy Ichigo over which would be too easy since Ichigo absolutely adores the man." Tatsuki revealed before looking at the door where Ichigo and Renji exited from. "If he does win Ichigo, nothing good will happen to Ichigo and someone with so much potential like him wouldn't get anywhere and will only succeed in boosting Aizen's career."

"Even after a while, Ichigo is still rather naive." Tatsuki added. "A royal pain in the ass."

"He sounds too important to you." Uruhara commented bluntly. He truly was smart.

"I used to like him... That is until I met Renji. I was nothing but a friend to him and the idea of me and him was just too awkward for him. It wasn't plausible nor feasible in his world. I was just the girl who would stay in the sidelines and simply watch the best friend she fell in love with love another girl who would just end up breaking his heart."

"Dating was a way for me to stop liking the one person who was off limits to me. I tried Renji out just for the heck of it only to find that he was different. Then before I knew it, I had forgotten all about Ichigo."

"It's not good to tell me this Ms. Arisawa." Uruhara informed.

"If you can lie to your own nephew then you can most certainly keep this to yourself. And besides, you've been helping me out. Protecting Ichigo that is... I'm sure you know about the things I do as his manager."

"I do know. It's rather easy to keep tabs on the people that matter."

"Why did you lie?"

"Because Byakuya Kuchiki is a curious man. He's curious about Isshin's son and is wondering if he turned out to be an idiot like his idiot father." Uruhara said as he fought a snicker.

"Ah yes... Isshin Kurosaki, used to be a famous doctor before settling down and having a small time clinic. There was a reason why Byakuya Kuchiki can never say no to him." Tatsuki said.

"And it's all thanks to Hisana Kuchiki... She was a lovely woman. The only one capable of making the Byakuya Kuchiki do the most insane. If she told him to get her a moon rock, he would've ordered a small piece of it from NASA." Uruhara chuckled.

"If Isshin tells Byakuya to marry off Rukia to Ichigo, he would do so with no qualms. That's how indebted and guilty Byakuya Kuchiki is."

"No matter how much Byakuya Kuchiki wishes it, he can never turn back time. All he can do is make it up to his sister who happens to the only thing he has left of his late wife."

"Being prideful may be good however pride was his downfall. All that remains is an empty shell who could do nothing but hope."

"When Ichigo fails, tell him to buy it from the Cartoon Museum. It's an unwanted item since no ones visits the exhibit of the item, the museum very well wants to get rid of it.

"Will do sir, will do."

---

Momo and Rukia stood in front of the fifth secondhand bookstore of the district and entered it in such a monotone way. Looking around had begun to be very dragging and very draining. To cut it short, they were getting tired and they could not seem to find a proper edition of Pride and Prejudice. Seriously, it's Pride and Prejudice, how can there not be a proper copy of one? It was absolutely unfathomable, really.

They were both getting frustrated as they entered the bookstore.

"Hey Rukia, I just noticed, is your leg okay? You've been walking around too much." Momo asked concerned as she took a good look at the place.

"Now that you mention... I guess I forgot I even had the damn thing. Ah well, that must mean I'm getting better." Rukia asked as she walked up to the counter where a very bookworm couple were sitting down inputting and editing the book database for easy reference.

"Excuse me, do you happen to have a first or second edition copy of Pride and Prejudice?"

The woman looked up. Her big rimmed glasses were making her eyes look bigger than necessary and her hair was so untidy and unkempt that one could shove birds in it and it could've been a new nest. "Pride and Prejudice?" she asked before giving her partner a shoulder nudge. "Hey, go find it. It's next to Mansfield Park." she ordered in a monotonous way.

The man who was just as untidy as she was nodded and walked off. The only difference between the two was that at least the guy's untidiness and his mysteriousness added to his charm and that he would be rather handsome if he fixed himself. The girl, however was not as outstanding as her partner or perhaps it's the glasses and the hair that keeps obscuring her face so that her face cannot be judged.

Rukia shrugged. None of my business, she thought.

The man returned with a bunch of books and laid it all out on the counter. He went back to his chair and resumed typing what was known to be gibberish in Rukia's eyes. "You can take a look at these Ms. Kuchiki." the man informed in a deep heavyset voice.

"How did you-"

"How can we not know you ma'am? After that broadcast, you've become even more famous if that's even possible." the woman added in an uninterested tone.

Rukia sighed. Screw Ichigo and his stupid public antics, she thought bitterly.

Rukia and Momo approached the counter with slouched shoulders as well as hope that they would find it. There was no way Rukia was going to screw up their first Christmas together. She scanned through the books to find one book with a distinct dedication. It was from a father to his daughter.

"It is my hope that you receive this book. I know hearing from me now is offending after I have abandoned you with your mother and your brother and I do not possess a valid excuse that would make you understand. I have no apologies and I will not try to do so for I will be injuring your pride. This book is my last and final legacy for you. Keeping it or throwing it away is completely up to you. I pray you read it so that you may have a semblance of understanding for the reasons of every wrong I have done. Love, your father. August 22, 1954"

Then suddenly, the weight of this book had increased drastically as Rukia put it down. She scanned some more to find another one with a distinct dedication. It was from a lover.

"I have not left you and I shall never do so. It has been years since we have suffered a thing called fate. But is it really fate when it is our very own parents who persecute us and tear us apart. It is unjustifiable and selfish. At this point, there is nothing more I can do for us. I leave you this book of mine which had been given to me by my late grandmother who was always so fond of you and I pray that this will be a reminder of us and what should've been our happy ending. 1983."

Rukia sighed as she put the book down. Why are the touching ones always so depressing? It's saddening, really.

"These people seem really suicidal Momo." Rukia sighed.

"I know, it's depressing." Momo replied in the same way.

"Shall I help you out?" the man offered as he stopped typing all together.

Rukia smiled thankfully. "If that's alright with you." she replied.

He stood up and shook his head. He was freakishly tall as he simply towered ore her effortlessly without even trying, in fact, he was even slouching. From where she stood, she could see his pale blue eyes peeking out from his mussed up black hair. And he was rather pale wasn't he? Though, not enough to serve as a challenge to Robot Mozart...

"It's our job to begin with so we don't mind." he replied as he turned around and had begun to look through the pile of books in quick succession. Momo approached Rukia and whispered.

"He's kinda cute don't you think

" Momo said.

"True, though he's probably with that girl over there." Rukia replied.

"Not yet. They have probably something going on." Momo added.

"Why can't we have more normal circumstances?" Rukia sighed. "I mean, I'm dating the guy I hate and you're dating Mr. Social while Orihime just has to fall in love with Robot Mozart and Tatsuki just has to go and date the author of her dreams who happens to be my best friend. We're weird... What happened to simple I Love You confessions and normal dating?" Rukia whined.

"If that happened then our lives would be rather boring now." Momo reasoned.

Rukia nodded. "True..."

The guy flipped around and walked up to them, book in hand as he looked down on them. He fully stretched his hand just to give it to them. It was annoying actually because they looked like children next to thing. It was only good because he had enough consideration not to bend down. Rukia took it gratefully and flipped through the book.

"It's first edition. It's still in rather good condition if you disregard the slight tears at the last few pages and be careful about the pages. It's become rather brittle but any fan of Pride and Prejudice would kill for something like this." the man informed in a bored manner.

"Wow... Rukia, this one is from before the second world war!" Momo exclaimed.

Rukia just nodded. She wasn't the biggest fan of Jane Austen but it was certainly something to behold. She imagined that it was like from the Chappy the Rabbit apparel collection. Hisana gave her some form of Chappy clothing but she couldn't find it or at least remember what it was. That was before her sister married Byakuya Kuchiki.

"I'm buying it." Rukia said clearly. The man simply nodded as he went back to behind the counter and worked the cash register as the girl went off to return all the books back to their respective shelves.

She gave him the money and after a while, Momo and Rukia were back out on the snow covered pavement plastic in hand. Rukia felt happy that she was able to find it.

Momo got a call cutting their celebration short. She was cheerful when she answered it but as soon as whomever was calling told her the news, her face grimaced and after goodbyes were said she placed it back in her pocket and faced Rukia. "I need to go back to the hospital. One of my patients is undergoing a mental breakdown and I need to calm him down. You can go home if you like." Momo said. She could be serious when the situation demanded her to be serious.

Rukia shook her head as she called for a taxi. "No, I'm sticking with you." Rukia smiled.

The taxi stopped by them and they entered immediately. Rukia told the driver to get to the hospital and to step on it. Of course, the Kuchiki glare was involved as a form of... Incentive.

"Thanks Rukia..." Momo said gratefully as she stared at the window. Her smile reflected on the glass.

"No problem." she replied.

The ride was a quiet one and as soon a they arrived, Momo made a beeline for her office while Rukia simply limped on. She couldn't run, that was a given. She needed her shin direly. How else was she going to hit Ichigo? Aside from a cheap shot via knee that is. She walked past the counter and straight into the hallway of various clinics and the like. She found Momo's office and didn't even bother to knock.

She sat down at a nearby couch and simply watched Momo at work. She rarely saw Momo at work but whenever she did, she would always be in awe. She didn't know what Momo said but she always gets her patients smiling. Being a therapist wasn't enough for Momo. This particular case of hers is a minor one but it may become major since he was still a child. Children were always an important case regardless of the degree of the mental illness. Poor thing to have slight paranoia, the father he had adored left him at such an early age it gave him trauma. Now he gets paranoid over the tiniest little things in hopes that his father didn't leave him of his own accord. That his father left because someone made his father to and that person or thing was out to get him and his mother.

"Hey, what's wrong Kazu?" Momo asked as she went on her knees. She placed her hand on his shoulder reassuringly.

"Dr. Hinamori..." he sobbed. He looked like he was about nine years of age. Too young to suffer. "Aliens are going to abduct my Mom! I mean, they threw that baseball at her and they killed my dog!" he cried out.

Momo smiled reassuringly. "There's no such thing as aliens Kazu. Your dog died because he was born sick. It was natural. Some kids were playing baseball outside and they accidentally threw the ball at your window. See, they're all accidents." she replied.

"What if the aliens made them do that?"

"Have you ever seen an alien Kazu?"

He shook his head. "No, but my friends tell me they're real."

"How do they know? Have they seen an alien before?"

He paused. "No, they haven't."

"See, if there are no aliens, they didn't do it." Momo replied.

"Listen, if I trip, that doesn't mean aliens made me trip, it was because I decided to wear heels too high for me. If I get sick, that doesn't mean someone put something in my food, it means I wasn't taking good care of myself. In your case." she said with a grin as she tickled him making him laugh. He began to smile.

"Those baseball kids weren't very good players huh?"

"No, if they can break windows then they are most certainly not good players." she replied.

"Why was my doggie sick?"

"He was born that way. Out of all his brothers and sisters, he was the weakest one and he was bound to pass away. He lived longer because you took good care of him. You should be proud."

He grinned like the little kid he was as Momo ruffled his hair. "Hey!"

"What's wrong with playing with your hair?" she chuckled as she went to her table to get him a treat. She gave it to him with her usual Momo smile. "That's my favorite lollipop brand and flavor." she said.

"Really?" he asked. From the looks of it, Rukia could obviously see that he had a crush on Momo. How cute.

"Yes really." she replied. "When you're smiling like this, you are ten times better than that grumpy lady sitting over there." Momo chuckled as she pointed at Rukia.

Rukia frowned as she approached Momo. "I am not grumpy." she retorted.

Momo grinned mischievously. "Hey Kazu, is this lady here grumpy?"

He shook his head shook vigorously. "No, she looks really pretty to me actually."

Rukia smirked. "See Momo, this lady over here isn't grumpy an inch."

Momo frowned. "Oh shut up Rukia. I regret having you come with me." she replied bitterly.

His mother was just waiting for her son. She approached him and took his hand saying that it was time to say goodbye. She made him go first and stayed behind. She bowed to Momo gratefully.

"Thank you so much Dr. Hinamori. We've tried other doctors but you're the only one he trusts. How do you do it?" the mother asked.

Momo seemed surprised by the question, nonetheless she smiled her usual carefree smile. "It's easy really. Doctors nowadays think of their jobs as simply jobs. I believe in my patients, if I don't then who will?"

"I had a friend when I was really small and I haven't seen her since then but she never recovered from her condition because deep down, her doctor never truly cared. So I'm simply following my mother's footsteps." she replied.

"And besides, if you really mean it, you're feelings will reach the person." she ended with a sense of finality.

The mother was somewhat astounded by her answer. After all, she was way older than Momo yet it was like Momo understood the world better. She nodded as she followed her son out the door. Rukia sighed as she stared at the door with Momo. "You'd make a great mom someday. I mean, if you treat every other kid like your own, what more your own kid?" Rukia praised.

"True... I hope you're right." she replied.

"I know I'm right. Any kid will be lucky to have you as a mom." Rukia replied.

"Kids huh? I want my kid to have white hair like Shiro." she said with a blush. "And Rukia? Imagine an orange haired kid with purple eyes." Momo suggested as the image shot through Rukia's mind. It wasn't as repulsive as she thought contrary to what she first believed.

Rukia smiled. "That doesn't sound too bad... Just as long as my kid doesn't scowl as much." she joked.

"If he's like who I'm thinking then he'd be a total mama's boy to the point of embarrassment." Momo mocked.

Rukia laughed. "I think it's rather cute." she said in such an unRukia way.

Momo laughed as she inched away from Rukia and dropped herself onto the couch. "Normally, two strong people can never be together because they try to dominate each other. The only way for it to work is if one of them submits to the other. There's a reason why the two of you will work or fail." Momo said.

Rukia was very intrigued. "Tell me." she demanded.

"Both of you have at least submitted to each other more than once. It's like sex, only one gets to be on top. The both of you can't be the dominating one all at once. The fact that you're dating despite your earlier personality conflicts is proof that either one of you has submitted to the other."

"That's just the positive side." Rukia replied.

"True. It will only fail since both of you extremely stubborn and headstrong. Eventually, you're fights won't just be petty bicker anymore. They'll become real arguments. Then you split up like those celebrities." Momo said nonchalantly

"We're not like that." Rukia shot back.

"Yes you are."

"No we aren't"

"Yes you- I will not argue with you today because if I do then you'll probably realize what I mean the easy way." Momo sighed. "Look, you two are way too stubborn. Be a bit more honest with your feelings and it'll work out. Though, you two are rather special actually... You two have this sort of bond... No, not bond but this sort of trust. There's this trust between you two. It's the kind of trust you gain after knowing someone your whole life which is to say odd because you have most certainly have not known him your whole life. It's like you've met him in your past life or something."

Rukia raised an eyebrow. "Don't be absurd-" she said stopping midway.

'Mai, Sode no Shirayuki'

Rukia shook her head hard as she ignored the voice that shot through her head. That was most definitely her voice. Why would she say that? Dance, Sode no Shirayuki? Definitely absurd.

'See ya around Shinigami.'

'It's not Shinigami, it's Kuchiki Rukia.'

Rukia had to massage her temples. She was definitely going out of her mind. And that was Ichigo's voice to begin with. Maybe I need more sleep.

"What's wrong Rukia?" Momo asked. Rukia Kuchiki never stops her sentences midway unless something was wrong.

"It's nothing. Nothing important at least." Rukia shrugged with a smile. Seriously, it was nothing. Just a figment of her imagination. Hopefully...

"Ah well." Momo shrugged as well as she stood up the couch and grabbed the keys to her office. Apparently, one of the nurses found it necessary to bring them in using the hospital's spare key. "Come on, we should get going." she said as she was about to grab Rukia's arm when she stopped. "On second thought, let's get you a check up shall we? Since we're already here and you're not feeling any pain and all which I find rather weird." Momo said as she continued to grab Rukia.

Rukia nodded as Momo took her to some unknown section of the hospital. Trust Momo to know the entire hospital from head to toe. She had to know the place, how else was hospital gossip supposed to spread so easily? Momo stopped by a certain office and knocked. They heard a nonchalant 'come in' and entered accordingly.

"Dr. Ishida, I have a favor." Momo said with a smile as her head peeked in first.

Rukia had to ponder. Ishida?

The man sighed as he spun his chair to face the duo. He barely looked fazed by Momo's presence. He had white hair and thin glasses. He was slightly bigger in build than his son who was skin ad bones. He looked exactly like Uryu Ishida.

"Oh, Ms. Kuchiki. Nice to meet you. I'm Ryuuken Ishida, Uryu's father." he said.

Momo dragged Rukia in further inside the office. "He's generally an orthopedist but he can do adults too. He's just thinks treating children is more important as well as easier than treating adults but he can make an exception." Momo informed.

"Can't you sir?" Momo grinned.

The man sighed as he fixed his glasses the same way his son does. "Just this once." he said in a deep voice before directing his eyes at Rukia. "What seems to be the problem Ms. Kuchiki?"

"I was told by Dr. Unohana that it would take me three weeks to recover. The thing is, it's been a week and I don't feel much pain from it. Doesn't it strike you as odd?" Rukia replied.

He pondered about it for a moment before laughing, puzzling Rukia. "Dr. Unohana must be taking orders from your brother. He's keeping you from doing anything with the Kurosaki boy for three weeks or for an eternity if possible." he chuckled.

Rukia frowned. Seriously brother?

He gestured her to come closer. "I won't take off your cast yet. I need an X-Ray first. But I believe the usual bindings would suffice for your injury. We shall see. Dr. Hinamori, you don't mind prepping the X- Ray do you?"

She shook her head. "I'll get to that right away." she said as she suddenly left.

"Now that that's settled, all we can do
is wait. Though honestly, what is your brother thinking?" he sighed.

"You speak as if you knew him."

"Of course I did, I was his college senior along with the boy's father Isshin." he replied.

"I never knew that." she admitted.

"Of course you wouldn't. You're brother is very secretive. But worry not, there will come a time where he will no longer hide anything from you." he said reassuringly.

"What makes you so sure sir?"

"Because that man is way too predictable. He may be the coldest person on earth but he can never say no to Hisana." he chuckled.

"That sort of rings true." she agreed.

"Though, most likely Ms. Kuchiki, your tibia isn't severely fractured. It's closer to a sprain rather than a fracture, if so, a week is more than enough to fix it back in place. It can only be minor if you can get away with just a leg injury from a fall." he said as he peeked out his huge windows.

"I hope you're right."

"I should be, I'm not lying to you for your brother after all. He knew you'd follow whatever Dr. Unohana says because she was your sister's doctor." he replied.

"Just be careful that the boy's father Isshin doesn't sneak a fertility pill or two in your food." he joked.

Rukia laughed as the door behind them revealing an approval form for the X-Ray room. She wagged it around as Dr. Ishida stood up from his comfy looking leather office chair. "Shall we get going?" he asked as he gestured to the door.

Rukia nodded as she followed them out.

---

Renji was loitering outside the gate of the Kuchiki Mansion along with Tatsuki as they waited for Ichigo to surface. They both knew it would never end well since it was Byakuya Kuchiki. Perhaps he never would never have the chance to talk to the man and would be politely escorted out of the estate. Maybe they hit him in the gut for being too stubborn.

Tatsuki was stifling a laugh the entire time. Ichigo wouldn't have to suffer if she had just simply told him that there was an easier way to purchase the item. It was costly but Ichigo definitely had the money for it. How can he not when he has enough money to fund all the mainstream movies shown in a year.

Sooner or later, a bunch of mafia looking guards 'politely' escorted him out of the estate with a small bruise on his face. It wasn't bad but point being, it was still a bruise. Tatsuki sighed as Ichigo met up with them. "How was your trip?" she asked with a mocking grin.

"Horrible. Kicked out upon entry. Apparently, there's a process for a person to get his ass kicked." he replied bitterly as he wiped some blood coming down from his bottom lip. "Who needs papers and permission to get his ass kicked? I mean come on!"

He kicked the dirt. "The man wasn't even home! It was like 'Excuse me Mr. Bodyguard sir, can you get my papers signed so I can get my ass whooped.'" he said sarcastically.

Tatsuki laughed hard as she leaned on Renji to make sure she didn't fall over laughing. "Don't take it too hard Ichigo. You had it coming. I have a new lead for you actually. You know that Cartoon Museum somewhere uptown?" Tatsuki said while stifling a few more laughs as she spoke.

He nodded as he listened intently. "Yeah, I went there a lot when I was a kid. Saw a whole lot of Chappy there too. Why do you ask?"

"They want to get rid of their Chappy apparel exhibit because no one wanted to look at clothes." Tatsuki replied.

Ichigo's face brightened considerably and his bruise had begun to look like a yesterday matter. "Really?"

Tatsuki nodded. "Yes really." she replied.

Ichigo quickly called for a taxi. One came rather quickly at the sight of him. Ah, the benefits of fame. He gestured them to get in quickly before getting in himself. He told the taxi where to drive and gave him the money as well along with the cool 'keep the change' line. Ichigo leaned against the window as he looked at the white winter scene beyond it. Looking at it now, he could sort of understand why Rukia loved it so. It was so like her to love a season like winter. He managed to see the reflection of the other couple on the window.

Tatsuki was leaning against Renji's shoulder with closed eyes while Renji simply relaxed with her presence being so close to him. It was alright for her to rest since the ride to the museum
would take thirty minutes. How nice, to think she found someone who would lend his shoulder to her. It's not that he didn't lend his shoulder to his own best friend, it was just that she always refused. He would never understand why.

Ichigo eyed eventually went shut. His eyelids felt heavy all of a sudden. He head just realized how tired he was and his weariness was taking it's toll on him. The premiere, the trial and all and this... It just went by so quickly. Just for a bit, Renji's gonna wake them up. If not, then it would be the taxi man. He slowly drifted to sleep.

---

"Senna... I haven't seen you in a while."

She smiled. "And that which I'm thankful for. It means you've moved on." she replied with her usual smile accompanied with her bright eyes.

"Talking in dreams huh? I must be sick in the head somehow." he joked as he looked around. They were back in his old neighborhood, it was sunset.

"I'd like to believe that." she chuckled as she glanced at the sunset that had matched his hair so perfectly.

"What brings you here?" he asked curiously as he stuffed his hands in his pockets.

She showed an apologetic smile as her back completely faced him. "Be careful Ichigo... Keep her near you, or you'll lose her quicker than you can say I Love You." she warned.

He scowled. "What do you mean by that?" he asked as he was obviously intrigued by what she said.

"Exactly as I've meant it. Keep her close, be honest with your feelings and don't be too stubborn. She's exactly like you, the only difference is that you have testosterone. We stayed so long because I surrendered first and I've kept it that way throughout the entirety of our relationship. Being a Kuchiki, she has pride issues and if she doesn't back down, I'm counting on you to back down yourself. I can't have you two fighting for real." she said before turning around. Her eyes reflected against the sun.

"And besides. A certain Mrs. Kuchiki told me to tell you to make her happy. She told me to tell you to do whatever it takes to do so and if you ever have the chance, tell her husband to give Rukia Kuchiki away for once instead of acting like an overprotective brother." Senna chuckled.

Ichigo laughed as he too gazed at the sun. "Will do Senna, will do." he replied as he watched her fade into the sunset with a smile. She looked at him with her golden eyes one last time before closing them and completely disappearing.

Ichigo sighed as he turned around and walked away.

---

His eyes slowly opened to the white scene he had scene before drifting off to sleep. He glanced at his watch with sleepy eyes to find that only fifteen minutes have passed. He managed to move his head to the side and saw that Renji had fallen asleep. Why are they so tired? Oh right, they're fucking each other. Of course they're tired, he thought crudely.

He leaned against the window and breathed slowly. The glass was extremely cold from the weather outside. What happens now? How do I keep living with Rukia? What should I do to keep her happy? Please tell me, Hisana Kuchiki. What should I do?

For some reason, the answer had popped into his mind automatically. "As long as I stay with her, she'll stay happy..." he mumbled. Is that so?

I won't be around often though... After tomorrow, I'll be busy with interviews and the like. Rukia won't be able to be with me. Unless I take her with me but God forbid I take her away from her coffee shop. Man, what the hell did she do to him to make him so in love with her? So much for being dramatic when I asked her out.

There's Christmas with his family. He'll need to meet her brother eventually as well.

Did I just mindlessly risk Rukia to scandals and the like? The papparazzi were ruthless. Most especially the tabloids. Just recently, the tabloids claimed that their relationship was to give some limelight to the Kuchikis. Absurd yes but true, definitely no. What if they see her talking to Renji or simply talking to Grimmjow or Kaien in public? She would've officially 'cheated' on me then.

Man... What did I do with my idiotic mind this time?

It doesn't matter, I'll make it work.

The car finally arrived at the museum and Ichigo shrugged the couple awake. He paid the driver and got out accordingly. The three of them stood in front of the museum. Ichigo breathed out before speaking.

"Come on, let's go."

---

Rukia sat on the couch all prim and proper while Dr. Ishida was observing her X-Ray scans in the light. Momo sat next to Rukia in a tired manner. After a while of examining the negatives, he approached Rukia and asked her to come closer. He had a pointer in hand.

"It's just as I thought. Your brother has asked Dr. Unohana to lie to you. Most likely to keep you away from Ichigo Kurosaki." he said in a tone close to laughing. He moved his pointer. "See, that's your tibia. It's no shattered like the way it was explained to you. More of, there's a small crack that is easily fixable and it has been slightly dislodged. Your cast has sped up your healing process tremendously. In fact, you didn't need the cast to begin with. Just a few bindings to keep you from moving too much and stressing yourself."

"It's your shin bone after all, there's isn't much movement in that area anyway." he added with an air of finality.

Rukia sighed as she rubbed her temples. Her eyebrows had slanted upwards while her smile had stayed intact. "Oh brother... I mean that both ways." she sighed.

Dr. Ishida had to chuckle. "Oh brother indeed. Your brother may be uptight now but back in high school, he was the most hot headed, short tempered, bad mouthed freshman. We seniors were astonished by his transformation." he said nostalgically.

Rukia shook her head and smiled. How did you ever put up with him Hisana?

"Now then," he said as he walked towards a menacing machine. It had a saw looking thing on it. It looked rather... evil. He gestured Rukia to lie down with a sadistic smile on his face. "Come now Ms. Kuchiki. Just lie down here and I'll cut that cast off of you." he said in a cheerful way unbecoming of an Ishida.

Rukia wanted to say no. "Th-that's a saw..."

He raised an eyebrow. "It's not a saw. That's just a spinning rotating blade thing. It's supposed to cut casts off." he replied as though it was common sense to know about it.

Momo smirked as she dragged Rukia by the arm. "Come on Rukia... Freedom awaits." she said mockingly as she had managed to drag Rukia all the way to the examination bed.

"It won't cut me will it?"

Momo shook her head. "Of course not. Little kids are braver than you for calling this thing cool." Momo said as she patted the machine.

"It's not gonna go deeper or anything right?" Rukia asked once more.

"It won't. I've done this a million times Ms. Kuchiki." Dr. Ishida reassured her.

Rukia nodded begrudgingly as she lied down on the examination bed. "We're taking too long Momo... Ichigo's gonna give me the interrogation..." Rukia added pitifully.

"Since when did you care about what Ichigo intends to do to you for being late?" Momo asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Starting now." Rukia said in a choked strangled way.

Momo sighed in a near laughing kind of way. Just a bit more and Momo would've been rolling on the floor along with hysterical laughing. "Are you that anxious? Oh come on, just think about what you could do with that thing off your leg." Momo said it in a more delicate manner.

An image of her and Ichigo on the desk shot through her mind and was quickly erased as soon as she could comprehend the image. She hated Momo for putting suggestive ideas in her mind. "Oh alright, make it quick will you?"

"Of course it'll be quick." Momo replied with a smile.

The thing roared to life. Dr. Ishida skillfully directed the blade to just a few centimeters into the cast. Once he was through with the entire cast, he looked at the incision he had made to see how much further he needed to cut. He began cutting again and it was only moments later when the cast was of her leg. It was only now that she had realized that her leg felt rather dead. She was getting pins and needles first thing before the blood fully flowed through her leg.

"Dr. Hinamori, will you get the-"

"On it." Momo replied as she went through his supplies.

He sighed. "She's excellent in psychology to the point that it's scary. It's like she can read your mind." he sighed. "Her internship here was rather pleasant too, she made this boring old hospital a little more lively."

"I've got it worst. I'm her best friend so she can read me like a very open book." Rukia agreed.

"You know Ms. Kuchiki." he said as he looked at her. "You look very much like your sister. If I didn't know any better I would've mistaken you for her."

"I get that a lot." Rukia replied.

"You have her kindness as well. Even your view of people is the same. The only difference is that your headstrong, kind of like your brother. Stubborn and all." he said as he reflected upon the old days.

"He's probably rubbed off me." Rukia replied.

"Perhaps... But you're a Kuchiki in spirit. Those old fools in the family have no idea what they're blathering about. Then again, they're just old fools." Dr Ishida said.

Momo came back with the item and Dr. Ishida took it gratefully. He unwounded the end of the thing and had begun to tightly wind it around her leg. "This should restrict movement in this section here. You may walk normally but crutches are still a good option." he said. He fixed his glasses in a very Uryu way before retreating back to his desk.

"If there are any complications, do come see me. This should hold for about another four to five days." he said as he resumed perusing his papers.

Rukia thanked him as she and Momo walked out. Once they closed the door, Momo began her usual. "See Rukia, it was a good idea to go see Dr. Ishida." she said in an 'I told you so' way.

"Oh shut up Momo. What are you doing for tomorrow."

She thought about it for a while. "Me and Shiro have a dinner with my family and all. You?"

"Well..." Rukia said as she trailed off. "I'm having dinner with the Kurosaki's" she stated in a meek way.

Momo grinned from ear to ear. "Already? Wow, he's fast."

"Have you ever seen Ichigo Kurosaki slow down? I doubt it. And besides, I've already met his sisters. All that's left is his father. Though technically speaking, I've already met him when I was younger."

"Nervous?"

"A little..."

"It's only natural. You should've seen Shiro the day I introduced him to my parents. He was so nervous to the point that it was so cute, nonetheless, my parents love him. Especially my mom, if she wasn't paralyzed from the waist down she would've assaulted him and smothered him with hugs." Momo chuckled.

"You guys have been dating for a long time. Hasn't he proposed or anything?" Rukia asked as they neared the hospital exit.

Momo blushed as she pressed her had against her chest. "Not yet, but I certainly hope so. At this point, I can't see myself marrying anyone other than him." she said in a high school girl way.

Rukia smiled. "Marriage huh?" she sighed.

"Can you still see yourself walking down the aisle with Kaien?"

Rukia shook her head. "No... Not at all. It's been that way for the last three years. And besides, I'm with Ichigo now. Things like that shouldn't bother me on the slightest..." she said stopping near the end.

"Now that I think about it... What do we do now? We were busy but since things hadn't been hectic at all... A date perhaps? Or something..." Rukia said in slight panic.

Momo laughed at her best friend. "Don't worry about it. All that matters is that you guys are together." she said. "Everyone worries about dating but it works out in the end."

"True..."

Rukia called for a taxi, clutching the paper bag which contained a certain gift tightly in her hand.

---

Rukia opened the oh so familiar door. The bells rang as she entered and she was greeted by Kiyone's cheerful face. Rukia nodded to greet her. She looked around to find only the usual customers in the cafe and all the crazed ones who were there for pictures had disappeared thankfully enough. Rangiku Matsumoto looked rather reproved to be back in her own corner with her boyfriend Gin Ichimaru. It's been a very long while since they had been dating and it had been the longest for the record.

Rangiku greeted her boisterously while Rukia could only smile and ignore everything else that had spouted from that ridiculous mouth of hers. Rukia asked Kiyone if she could hold the fort just in case Rukia hadn't neglected the cafe too much. Kiyone mentioned how all she ever did was man the shop. Everything was pre-made. Rukia simply laughed as she made her way upstairs.

The first thing she saw was Ichigo exiting the bathroom with nothing but a flimsy towel. He was still wet and steaming as he exited. He noticed Rukia and made no attempt to fix himself. "Oh hey Rukia, you took your while but then again, your a girl so who are you to blame." he greeted as he approached her, Rukia stayed frozen to the spot.

"Hey Ichigo, taking a bath so early?"

He thought about her statement. "Well, I guess this is rather early. Then again, it's almost dinner so I guess it isn't too early." he said nonchalantly. He his hand was the only reason why the flimsy towel didn't fall.

Rukia gulped heavily. It wasn't everyday she saw him without his shirt on but his gorgeous body never failed to to make her weak-kneed. Seriously, those abs are definitely illegal. He should be arrested for that body.

"Oh, your cast is off. You didn't tell me you were going to the hospital." he said as he was now standing merely a foot away from her. She could smell his masculinity and the particular spiciness that made the smell unique to Ichigo.

"It's rather complicated actually. Momo had to rush back to the hospital for an emergency and I tagged along. Momo said it was weird that I could walk so soon so she took me on a check up just in case. Turns out, it didn't require three weeks." Rukia stated.

Ichigo gave her a weird look. "I thought that doctor was the best of the best."

"She is, she was to told to lie about it from my brother. Most likely to keep me from you."

Ichigo laughed in his usual voice made for sin. "Ah, I know the feeling. I mean, I get a bit mad when my sister is hanging out with some punk." he said.

"Perhaps." was all she replied.

Rukia just walked past him as she flexed her arms and shoulders. She felt rather tired and her shoulders felt kinda sore. She had decided on simply crashing on her bed to rest for a while when Ichigo grabbed her shoulder. He gripped it as though he was testing something.

"Your shoulders are kinda stiff. You're tired aren't you." he said in a playful voice.

"Yes, very... You'd let me rest won't you?" she asked ad she felt his wondrous hands on his shoulders. She didn't know what he did but the way her rubbed her shoulders made her relax.

She felt him grinning as he grabbed her arm and spun her around making her yelp in surprise. "Come on, I'll help you relax." he said confidently as he brought her to his room completely forgetting the fact that all he had was a flimsy towel that did no justice to him in any way whatsoever.

He plopped her on the bed like an oversized stuffed toy as he got up and hovered over her. Before she could protest, he had gotten her thick coat and scarf off. He placed them to the side as he positioned his hands on his back.

Ichigo began slowly but then everything began to feel good. What can't he do? He could very well act, sing, cook and now he could massage people. He was rather intelligent as well. He wasn't lying about helping him relax. It didn't take long for her to close her eyes under his touch. Ichigo accidentally pressed against a sensitive spot around the nape of her neck making Rukia moan. He would've heard it if she hadn't bit her lip.

Damn, that was close. But God... His hands feel wonderful.

The more he massaged her, the harder it was for Rukia to contain her small gasps and moans. When she thought it was over, she felt his hot breath hover above her neck. Her eyes shot open as she realized just how close Ichigo had gone.

"Ichigo?" she cried out.

He made no answer as he pressed a kiss to the nape of her neck. Rukia gasped at the sudden contact and was unable to hide it. He assaulted her pulse from behind as his hand began to massage her thighs in a sensual way. Rukia found it nearly impossible to conceal every sound that kept emanating from her throat.

She would mewl the most whenever the hand massaging her thighs would go to near her heated core. Why the hell did she decide to just simply wear a dress and boots today? Everything was just so open to him. Oh, how could she forget, they were on his bed too. Oh damn it all today...

Oh fuck... Did he just grab my ass?

Oh yes he did. Ichigo's hand had slid up from her thigh all the way to her supple ass. He had began to knead it through her panties hard. She could feel his erection poke from behind. She could feel it more than ever thanks to that flimsy towel. Without it, he was practically stark naked. Oh wait... He's stark naked now isn't he?

All of a sudden, he stopped.

Rukia turned around in that moment in which he paused. She saw him simply hovering above her looking rather ashamed. A red blush stained his cheeks and his usual fiery amber eyes wasn't burning as bright. He tried to speak but the words didn't vocalize. Finally, he managed to find his voice.

"I'm sorry Rukia... I shouldn't have-"

Rukia silenced him. "It wasn't your fault." she sighed. "It would probably be my fault for making you wait."

"Yes, well I acted on it. Like at the party." he retorted. His heated gaze didn't waver.

"Now where would we be if you didn't act on your instincts rather than your brain?" Rukia asked in attempts to make him stop blaming himself. "We'd be nowhere. You wouldn't be here nor would you be an amazing boyfriend to Rukia Kuchiki." she smiled as she cupped his cheek. "Stop sulking, this isn't like you at all."

"I wasn't sulking." he retorted.

"Yes you were. You had those puppy dog eyes."

"No I didn't. I don't sulk." he said as he leaned further down.

"Yes you do." she shot back as she too inched closer.

"So much for self restraint." he commented.

"If you ever put that thing in there, I will personally castrate you with my bare hands."

"Tomorrow then? It's Christmas."

"I'm considering it."

Ichigo leaned down and captured her lips. He wasted no time in shoving his tongue in. He had wanted to taste her as soon as possible. Rukia quickly entangled her hand in his hair as her other hand went behind his back. As he
moved to pleasure her even further, she felt the towel drop and withdrew herself.

"Ichigo..." she sighed.

"Ignore it, you've seen it already." he replied quickly as he reclaimed her again.

The fact that he was kissing the ever loving daylights out of her whilst stark naked was just simply how Momo always put it as. Hot.

He sure as hell as hot. With a body and a cock like his along with his handsome face how could one dare to say otherwise?

Rukia grinned as she flipped him over suddenly. She had a coy grin plastered on her face. "It's not everyday I get to see you bare-assed naked and sexy."

He matched her grin with his own unique and sexually charged one as Rukia straddled him. It was to his big dismay that he was the only one naked. "Maybe you could see me bare-assed naked everyday if you want." he replied.

They heard the sound of falling things and menally slapped each other for having forgone closing the door. They both stared at the door to find Momo standing in the hallway. She had dropped her things as she looked at them. An evident blush stained her cheeks as she tried to speak. "Oh... Umm..."

Rukia felt extremely embarrassed as she grabbed his towel and threw it on him. She got off of him and closed the door on her way out.

"Was I interrupting something?" Momo asked apologetically.

"Not really..." Rukia replied bitterly. "I thought I dropped you off at your apartment." Rukia asked coldly.

Momo shivered at the cold treatment though it was perfectly justifiable. She grabbed the plastic bags on the floor. "I can't believe you forgot Pride and Prejudice." Momo sad as she shoved it towards Rukia.

Rukia's eyes widened and grabbed the thing. Her warmness towards Momo returned. "Oh thanks Momo." she replied.

Oh... And there's that grin. Again.

"Speaking of which, why were you straddling him while he was completely naked?" Momo grinned.

Rukia blushed as she walked towards her room while Momo followed.

"We are so having another talk young lady."

"Momo, that line is getting old."

So much for resting.

---

AN: Hisashiburi minna-san! I'm sorry for the delay, apparently, my idea streak stopped after the trials. Now then, you guy won't mind if I do some time skips after the next chapter or something like that won't you? Because I can't fill it in anymore. Ah well, the end I have played out in my head may take five-six chapters tops? And I don't want to drag this story and further that it has been dragged for a feel that if I keep going the way I am now, I'd put a filler on a fanfic. How ridiculous does that sound?

So yes, this little fic of mine might he ending in it's twenties. If I'm lucky, it will see through it's thirties. *sob* how time flies. It's already half the year or so and I started this thing around late January. I can't believe I have gotten this far and the end closing in... Well maybe not. I hope some stroke of brilliance would hit me... Honestly.

And for those who haven't tried, I urge you all to read my other IchiRuki fic "Loving A Jerk Like You". Oh lol I'm advertising. Just saying, give it a try.

O.O … I have surpassed chapter 12 in word count… it's a miracle desu~ I am satisfied.

Anyways:

Pride and Prejudice: A romance between two people who are very prejudicial. Mr. Darcy is like Byakuya Kuchiki, except just a tad bit softer and Elizabeth is like Rukia but not stronger. So they bicker in an old Gregorian England way. Nevermind, I'm sending you all to the magical world of Wikipedia where the proper summary is… yes, Wikipedia all the classics I put here.

Sigmund Freud: is an expert in psychology well known for his theories on sexual motivation, psychoanalysis, defense mechanism of repression and so on and so forth.

Rupert Sheldrake: probably the man most scientist hate, He's still alive though and is still rather young, black hair and all. He is hated for his theory on Morphogenetic Fields. Wikipedia can't explain it well and even I cant even grasp the concept very well either. So I'll give you an experiment:

"Per se there are 100 rats caught for an experiment. In a U shaped tank, its filled with water where swimming is required. Half of the tank has light while the other half is dark. The exit on the light side is electrical while the correct and safe exit is on the dark side. The first batch of rats goes towards the light upon instinct and die due to electrocution. It goes on for the next few batches. But as they keep going, the rate of rats going to the dark side increases. Finally, the last batch of rats from the 100 don't even try to go to the light side, they got straight towards the dark side without a second thought,"

The question is, how did the rats know that? They say there is an invisible field where if human can tap it, send information to one another unconsciously. They claim that that's what happened to the rats, using these fields invisible to the naked eye, they knew the answer. It's a rather hard concept to grasp and with my poor explanation, I don't think you understand nor is this segment even relevant. Perhaps I have been wasting your time. Scientists don't like Sheldrake because his theory is like pseudoscience. It's kinda like telephathy but not telepathy.

Anyways, your Reviews are well appreciated and please keep it coming!

Greekgeek0- oh, I feel ashamed. I have no glasses, just a bit of eye fatigue that kinda blurs my eyes but not enough for me to get fumbled words accidentally. I don't know how and I finally figured out what you mean by fumbled words. For that I thank you and I will be fixing everything once this is over. I have a friend dedicated to reading it all and fixing every chapter.

Pugy the Fluffy- that sounds like me, sneaking under my blanket past my bedtime reading fanfiction and squealing my heart out.

Tenshi-no-Megami- Orihime isn't mentally unstable. A suggestion was just permanently placed in her mind and that is, all pure beings cannot possibly exist. She's not crazy, just sad and misunderstood.

Thanks as always: , Moonlight's Shadow Warrior, Rukes, IRForever, shnizlefritz, Nikki Yoshida and animerules96.

AkaBaka-chan signing off!