DISCLAIMER: IT HAPPENED IN A DREAM ONCE...

"Rukia... You can stop now... My neck tie's already beyond perfection thanks to you." Ichigo sighed as his girlfriend remained in a state of panic. It's already been five minutes and she was still fumbling with his necktie anxiously.

Ichigo held her wrist and gently pried her off his person. He gave Rukia a stern look after making an exasperated sigh. She looked at his eyes before closing hers and lowering her head in a sad way. "Sorry..." she squeaked out. Ichigo cracked up a smile despite his earlier resolve to look stern in order to keep her reassured. He hugged her with one arm.

"You look so cute right now..." he blurted out.

"And you need to stop doing that or I won't be able to speak a word for the rest of the night goddamnit..." she replied angrily but made no effort to move from her current position. Rukia squeezed him tighter and he could feel her hard quiver ever so slowly.

Ichigo wanted to lighten up the mood. "So you admit that my compliments make you unable to formulate a single sentence because you're too flushed and all."

"...Yes...I'll admit that much but don't expect anything more." she replied stubbornly.

He smiled. "Okay okay..."

Ichigo leaned down and gave her an reassuring kiss. He brought out his arm and escorted her to his BMW. She sat in the passenger's seat while Ichigo went to the driver's side. He switched from park to drive and drove off to the designated meeting spot.

"Tell me again why that place is so important."

"It was Hisana's favorite restaurant. Byakuya arranged it himself, that place is precious to him. Kinda like his sanctuary. The fact that he chose to meet you there means this is pretty important to him.

Ichigo ruffled his tangerine hair in frustration. His eyebrows were scrunched up and his mouth was curves to a scowl. She hadn't seen him look like that in a while. "The man needs to dislodge that pole from his ass for even a few meters."

Rukia laughed at him. "Please, like that'll ever happen. He was born a Kuchiki."

"True... I'm glad you're just one in spirit."

"True, I act like a full-fledged Kuchiki minus the blood... Which brings me to my next question... What do you see in me?"

He grinned. "It's true that I hated you more than anything. Though I kinda thought you were hot just so long as you didn't open your mouth... But I mean come on, you're beautiful and I love an independent woman. It's sexy. Though carrying on, I spent more time with you I found out that we weren't too different and that we understood each other's pain. Though eventually, my physical attraction to you reached it's limit and we have that little thing at that party but then again, you wore that dress on purpose..."

Rukia laughed. "It wasn't for you."

"Or so you say." he replied.

"Keep talking Romeo..."

He chuckled deeply. "Now then, having that little act of pure carnal instinct, since I had it, I didn't want to lose it so I kinda kissed you again... And all... Yeah and eventually, the more I kissed you, my own intentions became more clear to me and I realized that I actually wanted you in a lust kinda way. Though when Grimmjow came up, I got really jealous and I didn't understand why and I felt really guilty when I took that joke too far... I've never seen you look that broken before like the prospect of someone confessing to you was the most terrifying thing ever."

"It was, I was scared of that fact that someone was in love with a person like me... You know my luck, every single person I dated had some misfortune befall them." Rukia said.

"Heh, you did care didn't you?"

"Of course I did."

"Well, I'm not done yet. When you got into that accident, I freaked out. I didn't want you to become another Senna so I ran all the way to the hospital from Renji's place. That's when I questioned myself, why did I run and why did I freak out. I wondered why I was there. Then I figured out that I cared for you far more than I really should have. Then that date defined that fact even more. Orihime forced a kiss on me and got a picture. Though the prospect of her kissing me already freaked me out and all, that aside... That date made me realize that I did like you... Just like not love. Next day, I asked you out and the rest is history. Then I figured that I was in love with you the whole time."

Rukia smiled. "So that's how I tamed the indomitable Ichigo Kurosaki." she stated.

"Apparently... So why did you fall for me?"

"Well you know how I like my men. Orange hair, handsome, dorky, cheesy, arrogant and downright sexy." she smirked coyly.

"As much as I like the sound of that, be serious Rukia."

She laughed the laugh he loved. "Who knows? I don't have an explanation like you since I was the stubborn one. It just came really suddenly but I was mostly in denial though... Ah well, love is weird..."

"Amen to that..."

Ichigo let the valet take care of his care as Rukia took his arm. This was Hisana's favorite place ever, it wasn't high class for the Kuchiki's but for commoners, it was already expensive and classy. Rukia had been wearing a semi-formal dress while Ichigo wore a professional blazer but maintained a casual look. It was still deemed semi-formal and it passed under Kuchiki standards. They walked in as were quickly escorted to where The Byakuya Kuchiki was seated.

Ichigo's heart raced as he met Byakuya Kuchiki for the first time ever.

He was frightening yet awe-inspiring all the same. He was proud and handsome. He didn't slouch and he maintained his proper and noble demeanor. It was truly and honor and a horror to be in the presence of this man. Rukia greeted him with much politeness and Ichigo followed her gesture. He knew manners in the very least.

"It's nice to finally meet you sir... I'm Ichigo Kurosaki." he said charmingly as he shook the pale man's hand. His hand was infinitely colder that Rukia's.

He nodded. "My pleasure Mr. Kurosaki." was all he replied as they all sat down.

With one snap of his fingers, the waiters came with menus. "Please, choose whichever you like." Byakuya said as he gestured to the menus.

Would the man judge him on his food preference?

Ichigo just went with the thing he usually ordered in restaurants like these. The classic Fillet Mignon, a Chef's Salad and some French Onion's soup. He also learned to always let the host choose the wine. Rukia on the other hand didn't really need to order seeing as though they must've frequented this place too much when her sister was alive and that Byakuya got it memorized already. He wanted to laugh at the revelation but held it back.

The waiter took their orders and went his merry way to the kitchen.

"So... How's work for you Mr. Kurosaki?" Byakuya asked immediately.

It did sound casual. Ichigo glanced at Rukia to find her fumbling with her fingers under the table.

"It's fine. I just came back from a guest appearance in New York and I've been offered a major role in an upcoming television series as well as the lead role in a high profile movie. It's been rather hectic since Director Yamamoto's movie came out." he replied professionally.

"I see, I quite enjoyed that movie. It is a relief to know that my extra funds were not wasted." he replied.

You call the main producer's money as extra funds? How rich are you!

"Yes, we can't thank you enough. When the idea was first brought to me, we were somewhat lacking in budget. We were able to make the movie thanks to you... I really appreciate the personally because it helped me in my career." Ichigo said with real gratitude.

"I quite enjoy Director Yamamoto's films... How was Aizen?"

"Oh, Mr. Aizen? He was brilliant sir, his acting ability truly deserves that spot in the hall of fame... He's just great sir, a living legend." Ichigo said enthusiastically. Aizen was his idol in the industry.

"Aizen wasn't always the man you know now. Back then, he was too nice to play any villain... Look at him now, he's known for playing villians." Byakuya said as he reminisced on the past.

"That's kind of... Shocking."

"Ah yes, Rukia?" Byakuya asked.

Rukia directed her gaze towards her brother and nodded. "Yes brother?"

"How's the paperwork for the district attorney's office?" he inquired.

"It's going smoothly thanks to Atty. Hitsugaya and Atty. Shiba. In fact, I might be able to get regain a somewhat high position if things continue at this pace." Rukia replied with a polite smile.

"Rukia? You didn't tell me it was gonna happen so soon." Ichigo said in a disappointing tone.

She smiled sweetly at him. "I wanted to surprise you but oh well... Don't even think about celebrating, the process should go on for a month before I'm back in as a criminal lawyer."

He smiled genuinely. "Of course Rukia, of course..."

The waiter came shortly with some soup to start of the night. Ichigo tasted his soup to find it's taste divine. He drank slowly and didn't slurp. The conversation continued but it was still hard to get rid of being uncomfortable around the man. After a few minutes, the salads came. They were meant to he eaten when the soup had already been present.

The food came after that and the night was turning out to he good so far. As expected, Rukia had a Pasta Puttanesca. Ichigo didn't even need to think about that one. Ichigo took the steak knife and neatly cut the steak, he couldn't be hasty or he would immediately be seen as some guy with bad manners. He took a bite and found it delicious. When he looked at the menu earlier, it was expensive to average working class people but it was still within their price range. Who knew it would be this good?

Ichigo tried to be as natural as possible. Lying would get them nowhere.

"So how's your father doing?" Byakuya inquired.

Ichigo carefully placed the knife and fork down. He displayed an honest to goodness normal smile. "What is he in your memory."

"A bumbling fool." was the immediate reply. It made Ichigo want to laugh while Rukia herself was fighting off a snicker.

"Then he hasn't changed." Ichigo replied as he sliced a piece of his delectable Fillet Mignon. It was truly to die for.

Byakuya sighed in disappointment but his face had yet to exhibit any signs of actually moving. Did he ever move any of his face muscles at all? "As expected of him."

"He does have serious moments but those ate exceedingly rare." Ichigo commented.

"Hmm... He never does change. How are your siblings doing?" he asked.

Ichigo was obviously taken aback by the question. Was it possible that Byakuya met him and his sisters and he didn't remember? He cleared his throat. "They're great. They're in college now, Yuzu'a taking culinary but she's already running her own restaurant. Karin is majoring in business." Ichigo answered swiftly.

"Interesting courses." he commented.

"Well... Yuzu loved to cook with Mom and Karin always wanted to help Yuzu out so Karin's in charge of the technical business stuff while Yuzu handles the actual product... The restaurant is rather popular in the vicinity." Ichigo said enthusiastically, he absolutely adored his little sisters regardless of how much time passed by.

"I've been there on several occasions. Their food truly is delicious brother." Rukia added and that only made Ichigo's smile last longer.

"So long as I don't meet your father there I'll reconsider going." he said as he continued to eat his own meal quietly. His face didn't even move much as he ate.

Ichigo lightened up. Anything for his favorite little sisters in the world. "So how's business Mr. Kuchiki?"

"We are still rising higher and higher. By next year we would have conquered Europe. Still, our company continues to expand ever so slowly. Eventually, Rukia will have to take over." he said.

"Take over?" Ichigo repeated before looking at Rukia. She looked rather grim at the statement. "What's going to happen to the cafe?"

"I'll have to sell it like my small business I made with some friends when I was fifteen." Rukia sighed with such sadness it made Ichigo want to hug her until she smiled. She had grown attached to her cafe and it's regulars. She didn't want to see it go like that.

"I see..." Ichigo said in an apologetic tone. He just landed on a land mine didn't he?

Rukia wiped her mouth with a clean napkin nearly and placed it down in the same clean manner. Then she stood up without making a sound. "Excuse me, I need to use the washroom." Rukia excused herself before walking promptly to the nearest restroom.

Silence prevailed between the two men and without Rukia by his side; he finally felt the full intimidating force of Byakuya Kuchiki's presence. He felt reassured when she was with him but with her temporarily gone, he felt defenseless. He felt vulnerable for the first in such a long time. Ichigo finished the last few bits of his Fillet Mignon and took a small swig of red wine to drown it down.

"Why choose Rukia?"

Ichigo looked up and met uncertain gray eyes. Looks like Byakuya Kuchiki had the big brother defense mechanism. Always acting cool and composed in front of his little sisters, that's a trait every older brother possessed. To think even the great business mogul wasn't spared. With Rukia gone, his defense began to lower by a tiny notch.

Ichigo swallowed thickly. "I don't know..." was all he replied. It was the worse response ever but he was tongue-tied, what did Byakuya want him to say. "I just fell for her... Nothing more, nothing less."

"Let's make this clear Kurosaki... If you do so much as hurt her in any way I will ruin your career. If I find out that you approached Rukia with any motives or hidden intentions I will personally castrate you."

Ah, so there's that famous Kuchiki line with the famous Kuchiki glare. Having it come from the head Kuchiki was scary as shit.

"I know... I'd hang myself if I did any of that. Oh, I have a message for you sir." Ichigo informed, the two weren't blood related but Rukia really acted like his little sister. It's like they were truly related by blood.

Byakuya's eyebrow quirked up. "Message? From who?"

Ichigo smiled.

"She says to give Rukia away instead of acting like an overprotective brother."

Byakuya could not believe what he was hearing. The shock may not have been evident on his face but it was in his calculating gray eyes. During that pause, he relived a certain memory. It was when Hisana was already on her deathbed and Rukia never heard Hisana say this since she only whispered it to Byakuya's ear.

He remembered how sickly pale she looked on that hospital bed and how Rukia was practically crying already despite how she tried to hold it in.

"These years with you have been a dream Byakuya. I needed to constantly remind myself that this was real and that everyday I woke up, I would still be married to such a wonderful man like you. I wish I could spend more time with you but I can't. It's time for me to go, I'm sure God has a plan Byakuya. This isn't farewell Byakuya, eventually you'll follow me and we'd be together again but don't despair. I don't want you to die early. Remember the day we met? You were fumbling over your words and you barely spoke but I still fell in love with you anyway. Rukia? Always know that I'll forever be watching over you, fall in love and get married. Have kids and grow old and die after you've spent your life. Don't mope around and keep your social life in check. You'll always be my little sister Rukia... That fact will never change, be proud of yourself okay? Stay strong."

Then Hisana pulled Byakuya down and whispered to his ear. "Give Rukia away and stop being an overprotective brother. There's a reason why a beautiful teenager like her doesn't have a boyfriend. Did you think you could chase away every boy who's confessed to her behind my back?"

Byakuya slowly opened his eyes in awe towards the man sitting in front of him. How did he know those words? Hisana really did choose this boy. She had already approved of him a long time ago. A ghost of a smile appeared on his lips and that made Ichigo doubt his eyes. Ichigo assumed it was just the lighting.

Ichigo Kurosaki would never stop loving Rukia and he would never leave her.

Rukia came walking back and wondered about what had transpired between the two men. After a light conversation the waiter came to take their plates and gave them dessert menus simultaneously. They scanned through and Ichigo had settled for a New York cheesecake. He hadn't been gone from New York long but he had already craved the food there. They all ordered and after a few more minutes, they got their dessert.

"Hey Ichigo, you already know about Momo's impending wedding right?" Rukia asked.

He nodded. "Momo shoves it down my throat every time I see her... Of course I do." he said as he rolled his eyes before absentmindedly taking a bite of his cheesecake.

"I know she does but do remember when it's gonna happen and what you're gonna wear." Rukia said exasperatedly.

"It's still months away Rukia, can we talk about this one month before the actual wedding." Ichigo begged.

"Ichigo, she's my best friend."

Ichigo sighed in defeat.

The things I do for her.

"Fine fine, you want her day to be special. It's fine, I won't ruin her wedding day." Ichigo smiled as he looked at Rukia softly.

Underneath the table, Ichigo's hand managed to intertwine with her hand. Rukia loved how safe she felt with the simple act of holding his hand. Somehow, she felt that Byakuya knew what was going on underneath the table but he was allowing it to slide. Finally, it was time for the dinner to end and when Ichigo made a quick trip to the restroom before leaving Byakuya spoke.

"Rukia..."

"Yes Brother?"

His right hand was actually shaking under the table. It was inconceivable, why was he so unsure now. He had two months to get rid of the guilt and regret. Still, even he thought of it cruel but the rest of the Kuchikis needed a lesson taught to them and this was the best way to do it. It would also help Ichifo and Rukia, Byakuya only needed to suffer a bit.

"I have something to tell you..."

AN: I'm sorry! I updated so long ago... I just kinda lost my inspiration big time and it was a really bad case of writer's block and a serious case of nonexistent motivation. I didn't feel like writing it, maybe it's my body who refuses to keep typing and thinking because I unconsciously don't want to end as I slowly inch towards the finale. But don't worry, it's still chapters away for you guys so it's not gonna end that soon. Not in the next chapter or the chapter after that and the chapter after that and so on and so forth.

And now we're all wondering what Byakuya has up his sleeve.

Except me though... I'm the author...

Randomness: Rukia looks sooo cute in the latest chapter of bleach. She happened to be drowned in a sea of stuffed toys! She said "Do you think this is enough to beat me!" and her face was so cute when she said it and the ironic thing about that line is how she was trying to get as much bunny stuffed toys as her midget self could get as she said it ... It was so adorable and I'm being vague here so I doubt this counts as a spoiler.

And Toshiro and Nii-Sama just look so hot now... As in, super hot... Toshiro looks so cool he makes me melt and Nii-Sama looks sexy enough to eat... Sigh, I'm melting...

Thanks for the Reviews! They are all well appreciated and if possible, I wish I could receive more; more critism would make me infinitely happy because I wish for nothing more but to improve my writing.

Thanks as always shnizlefritz, IRForever, -IchiRuki, Moonlight's Shadow Warrior, huntersaren and Ghost2113

I feel weird when my chapter length doesn't reach five thousand words... I feel like 5000 is the right length and that anything longer or shorter doesn't feel right. rather, its just weird when its short but thats just me i guess...

AkaBaka-chan signing off!