Disclaimer: Bleach does not belong to me (thanks for the explanation, ChappiRuki!)
Warning: OOC, Lemon, some fluff.
A/N: So the mild lemon demanded writing. This is now an M. That means, if you're not old enough to drink you can't look. It's also going to get a little more detailed in the coming chapters. Sorry. Also, thank you everyone for the comments and reviews. 50 reviews! And favs and stuff. As always you guys rock! Feedback is always welcome. Always. (unless it's microphone feedback)
I blasted through Kaichou wa Maid-Sama in two days so you may see traces of Usui in OOC Ichi. (sorry.) Will be super busy over the next week so please be patient for the next chapter.
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IX.
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Renji appears out of nowhere, interrupting Ichigo's march into the 1st Division offices. "Ichigo!"
"Hey Renji!" the human redhead greets him back, "How are you doing?" Without breaking his stride, he walks past him.
Surprised, Renji blurts out, "Good!" For a moment, his good manners override his common sense, but he swiftly spins around, grabbing Ichigo's shoulders. "Hey, wait a minute. What are you doing here?"
A light touch on his arm stops him. "Eh, Rukia, what's going on, why is he-" Renji studies the face of his oldest friend. She is glowing. Hmm…. interesting.
"He says he wants to speak directly with Captain Commander Yamamoto. We just received permission to enter," Rukia says as Ichigo gives him a curt nod and holds his hand out to her.
She and Renji eye his outstretched hand for a moment, before Ichigo grabs Rukia's sleeve and continues his walk. Renji blinks, confused as to why Rukia is not breaking Ichigo's arm for touching her. In fact, she seems to be blushing. And then a light bulb pops into his head.
Still… "Hey, wait up," Renji calls, scampering after them.
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It is said that in the Seiritei, the only thing faster than Byakuya Kuchiki's shunpo is gossip.
The captains are all waiting in the antechamber when the three walk in. Rukia yanks her sleeve out of Ichigo's fingers the moment she senses her brother's reiatsu.
Ichigo is surprised. "Oh, what's this? Are all of you here to greet me?"
Soi Fon materializes next to him. "Not all. Kurotsuchi and Ukitake cannot make it."
Rukia watches silently as Ichigo greets the other captains. He's one of them now, she thinks. Even if he doesn't realize it.
The big doors to the meeting room creak open, signalling the arrival of Captain Yamamoto. Immediately, Rukia and Renji drop to one knee. "Rukia-" Renji mutters out of the corner of his mouth. "I think we should-"
"Lieutenants Abarai and Kuchiki, have a seat at the end," the Captain Commander interrupts him.
Rukia looks up at the line of Captains, the most powerful shinigami of the Seiritei. Her brother meets her eyes for a moment and gives her an imperceptible nod. She returns it.
Ichigo's movement forward draws her attention again. She watches as he interrupts the Head Captain's accolades and makes his outrageous request to bury Ginjo Kugo's body properly in the world of the living. Everyone in the room is shocked.
Even she is surprised, but Shinji Hirako steps forward, asking why he would want to do something for the man who messed up his friends and family.
"It's not about forgiveness." Ichigo's clear baritone rings throughout the room. "My family and friends are- or will be back to normal. I'm still alive. And he's just a substitute soul reaper."
The Head Captain asks sternly if he has considered all the ramifications.
"Screw the ramifications," he grins.
'It's true what Orihime said,' Rukia thinks. 'He does shine. Even here he stands tall and talks to Captain Commander Yamamoto, not disrespectfully, but as if he were an equal. And nobody else would ever get away with speaking to the Captain Commander like that.'
"I simply want to do this for him as a fellow substitute soul reaper. Since I am going to continue to be one." Ichigo makes his announcement solemnly. The captains break into huge smiles.
Rukia feels tears rise to her eyes, and for the life of her, she does not know why. She watches the Head Captain grant his request.
He also asks that his substitute badge to be recognized by the shinigami assigned to Karakura town.
"There is no need for that." The Captain Commander has a glint in his eye. "Since as of today, Kuchiki Rukia, Fukutaichou of the 13th Division will now be permanently assigned to Karakura town. Abarai Renji, Fukutaichou of the 6th, will be her alternate." Ichigo breaks into a smile, but Rukia is not expecting this.
"Since she is responsible for your presence here, she will continue to monitor you. All communications to the Seiritei will be through her. You will also need to return here periodically to continue your training and report to us. Is that clear?"
His grin is blinding. "Yes, Soutaichou."
The Head Captain dismisses them all, and the captains file out the door. Rukia and Renji remain kneeling, heads bowed.
Rukia nods, her eyes flying to Byakuya. He does not look surprised, but then he never shows his emotions on his face. But he pauses as he passes her, eyes straight. "Vice-Captain Kuchiki Rukia."
"Yes, Captain Kuchiki," she murmurs in reply.
"Congratulations on your new assignment." Byakuya does not turn to look at her.
"Thank you, Captain." Rukia stares at the ground.
"And Vice-Captain Abarai."
Renji straightens. "Yes, Captain."
"If anything happens to my sister, I will break every bone in your body." The threat is delivered mildly, causing Renji to break out in a cold sweat. Byakuya turns his head to deliver a death glare to his vice-captain, and then sails on.
Both of them get to their feet once all the Captains pass. Renji rubs the back of his head ruefully. "Well, Rukia, I guess that means no hanky-panky for you."
Instead of her usual retort, she blushes a bright pink.
"Wait." He cocks his head, studying her. "Wait a minute. Does this mean- Are you and Ichi-"
"NO!" Rukia snaps, her face burning. "Whatever you are thinking, stop thinking that."
Renji's jaw hangs open. "So you guys really-"
"No!" Panicking, Rukia plants her fist in his face. He ducks it and grabs her wrist, quirking a tattooed eyebrow at her.
Angrily, she shakes him off and stomps out to the outer chamber.
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Some of the captains and other vice captains are congratulating Ichigo with pats on the back. She stands in the corner, waiting.
Through the crowd, Ichigo's eyes search for hers and lock on. He stares at her for a moment, then winks. Another wave of heat washes through Rukia. Confused by her feelings, she walks out, trying to escape his gaze.
Ichigo turns back to his audience.
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The Kidou Corps assist Ichigo with the transport of Kugo's body into the world of the living. Because of the paperwork and details, they only have a brief moment to say goodbye at the Senkaimon.
Ichigo waves at her. "See you around, Rukia."
Rukia smirks. "How many times have I heard you say that?"
He gives her a long look, that promises things Rukia is not ready to think about. "It won't be the last time, so it doesn't matter."
Rukia's breath hitches at the heat in his eyes.
Then the doors close behind Ichigo and he is gone. She watches the light pillar shoot into the sky.
"So," Renji teases beside her. "Care to tell me what that was all about?"
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Rukia sits in her room on the polished wooden floor, packing for her return to the real world.
She pulls out a box from her closet. The Chappy Charm from Yuzu, manga from Karin, the dress from Ishida, a pair of shoes from Isshin, hairpins from Orihime - all of them were inappropriate here in the Seiritei, but in the real world she would fit in. She smiles.
A red envelope tumbles out. Ichigo's unopened letter, she thinks, her brow furrowing. For a moment Rukia is tempted to burn it, too afraid to look. Then she gives herself a mental shake. 'It's only a letter. And he wrote it in early December. Maybe he was forced to.'
Finding a knife, she slits the seal, and then opens it.
Dear Rukia,
See you soon.
Ichigo
The letter is short, but this dated was weeks before the New Year and months before Kugo made contact. There is also a badly drawn Chappy in the corner with a Santa hat.
Even then, she wonders, was he so sure he would see me again?
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Because of the impropriety of Rukia's previous accommodations, Byakuya insists on getting a separate apartment for her, closer to the school.
"You will not be beholden to a mere Kurosaki," he sneers as he hands her the keys and a sheet of paper with the address and layout.
She reads it and looks up in surprise. "Oni-sama. Why did you rent a two-bedroom apartment?"
Byakuya glares at a spot in the distance. "That is so that if guests stay over, you will not be forced to share a room with them. Especially not Kurosaki or Abarai. You will, of course, behave in a manner befitting a Kuchiki. "
Rukia smiles. "Yes, Oni-sama." She bows again, and picks up her luggage.
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Ichigo and Chad are waiting at the riverbank when the Senkaimon doors open. Rukia is half-disappointed but half-relieved that she is not alone with Ichigo. She flashes a grateful smile to Chad as he picks up her bag, with Ichigo hefting the other over his shoulder.
The muscles of his back ripple under his shirt, hinting at the body underneath. Rukia is mesmerized. She raises her eyes slowly to meet his. Ichigo wags his eyebrows at her. "Like what you see?"
Sputtering, Rukia marches past him, nose in the air.
They head to Urahara's to pick up her gigai.
She notices, as she enters the room, that her gigai's hair has now been modified to match her current hairstyle.
Rukia looks at the physical body's lips. Two days ago, those lips had kissed Ichigo. Just the thought of that has her stomach flip flopping again.
With a sigh, she leans into the body, waiting for the drowning sensation to close over her head.
As with the previous time, Ichigo is in her face when she opens her eyes. He kneels beside her seated body, her knees at his hips.
"Kurosaki," Rukia snaps, overcome by a sense of deja vu. She frowns slightly, feeling like a deer in headlights. "Why do you always do this?"
Ichigo leans forward, so he can whisper playfully in her ear. "How come you call me Kurosaki when you're angry, but Ichigo when I'm touching you?"
Her breathing hitches again as his breath tickles her neck. "What?"
"Here." He demonstrates by sliding the tips of his fingers up her exposed calf, searching her eyes. Her lips tremble as she sucks in her next breath. He ends his exploration at her knee, stroking the soft skin at the back.
"I-Ichigo." Rukia hates how weak her voice is. He isn't smiling- he is just studying her intently.
"I like how you say my name," Ichigo says, using his other hand to tip up her chin. "Your eyes are darker." He lowers his face slowly, brushing her nose with his, his lips a breath away.
Rukia takes the last threads of her self-control and scowls, twisting out from under him and getting to her feet. "Let's go. I need to get settled into my apartment and we have school tomorrow."
He watches her leave the room with grin. "Well, you wouldn't be my Rukia if you didn't put up a fight," he says quietly.
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Rukia unlocks the door to the furnished apartment, and flicks on the light switch. Byakuya definitely went all-out, as it was luxurious and elegant. It is the biggest space Rukia has ever had to herself, excluding her suite at the Kuchiki manor.
The lights gleam off the polished marble floors and the furniture is modern and minimalist. She wonders, though, if he knows how modern the condo is, because Byakuya's tastes run to the classic.
Behind her, Ichigo lets out a whistle. "This place is nice." He pulls her luggage to the side and wanders over to the far window, which overlooks the city.
He stands by the glass, hands in pockets. Rukia joins him, standing just out of arms' reach.
"Oni-sama picked this place out," she says, pressing her nose to the glass.
"You like heights and high places." Ichigo observes her delight. "This is perfect for you." Rukia sends a mental thank you to her brother, nodding. She is absurdly pleased that Ichigo has noticed this about her.
"Are you hungry, Rukia?" He crosses the spacious living room to poke into the kitchen, pulling the refrigerator door open. It is stocked with food, another detail that Byakuya saw to.
"No," she calls back, watching Ichigo open drawers and doors.
Suddenly, Rukia feels anxious. Ichigo is everywhere, in her space, imprinting himself in her mind. They are definitely alone together now, and all her senses are on alert. He has to go, she thinks. Before she associates everything in her apartment with him.
"Thank you for bringing my bag up." She hooks a hand around his elbow and drags him to the entryway. "Thanks, Ichigo. I'll patrol with you tomorrow, see you at school."
Ichigo puts one palm on the front door and pulls her in front of him, effectively trapping her. "Why are you panicking, Rukia?" His whiskey eyes study her curiously. "Do you not like having me here? You do know we still have to talk."
"Talk?" Rukia can hear her heart pounding. "Talk about what? Oh, look at the time. We can talk another time. It's getting late and I'm really -"
Ichigo kisses her between the eyebrows, his eyes crinkling when he pulls back. "Oh Rukia, you really are adorable."
"What?" She blinks up at him.
"Yes," he says, brushing her hair away from her face with two fingertips. "It's scary how much I like you. And you make that cute face- I'm not going to sleep tonight thinking about you."
Tipping her chin up, he brushes a light kiss on her lips, then follows it with a sharp nip on her lower lip, stoking the fire in her.
Helplessly, she whimpers, grabbing his shirt in her fists to pull him closer.
This is what it's like, she thinks. To be devoured.
He slants his lips over hers, pushing her up against the door so she is straddling him, her softness cradling him. Her fingers claw at his shoulders, trying to find her balance in this suddenly tilted reality.
His fingers spear into her hair to tilt her head back, exposing the vulnerable curve of her neck. "Strawberries and cucumbers," he murmurs against her lips. "I missed your scent so much. I thought I was going to go crazy."
Then Ichigo changes his angle, dragging his teeth across her jaw to nibble on her chin, to feast on her throat with hot open-mouthed kisses.
Rukia sinks her teeth into her lower lip, biting back moans. A dark hunger rises now in the pit of her stomach, spreading through her core.
"Missed you-" Ichigo growls, sinking his teeth gently into her shoulder. "So much." He soothes the light marks with the tip of his tongue. "So damn much."
Ichigo slides a hand under her shirt to stroke her skin. Her skin burns from his touch, driving her crazy. She moans, arching her back. Her fingernails dig into his shoulders, as Rukia offers herself up to him. She can feel him throbbing against her, her frantic heartbeat matching his, an unfamiliar hardness against her soft center.
"Do you like my hands on you?" he whispers softly, stroking circles on the small of her back as he starts to rock gently against her. "Do you like this, Rukia?"
She buries her scream in his shoulder, gripping him for dear life. This delicious pressure is building, spiraling and Rukia is afraid that it will drive her insane. This suffocating pleasure is threatening to swallow her whole.
He continues to thrust against her, dark triumph in his eyes as he watches her come undone in his arms, planting soft sweet kisses on her lips that do not match the dark things he whispers into her ear.
Rukia wonders if she can survive this intensity, her eyes filling from a purely physical reaction. She clenches her eyes shut. A tear rolls down her cheek, dropping on his ear.
Ichigo stops. "Are you-"
He looks at her drenched eyes, her flushed cheeks, her swollen lips, then fights to clear his head. Now she can see his eyes, and they are gleaming with want of her. Still, he has remarkable self control for a teenage boy.
"You are terrifying, Rukia," he says hoarsely, leaning his forehead against hers, both of them gasping for air. "Because I have never felt like this before."
He holds her tight for a moment; so tight that Rukia can't breathe- then he slowly slides her legs down from around her waist. "Ichigo," she whimpers as her newly sensitive parts brush against unfamiliar places.
At the sound of his name, he brushes another kiss on her lips, steadying her with an arm around her waist. "You know, I hear you say my name and I lose it." Ichigo gives her a lopsided grin. "And we still have to talk. Stop distracting me, woman."
Rukia's knees give out, and he catches her. She can only stare at him, her mind still recovering from the earlier onslaught. He guides her to the black sofa, setting her down gently.
"You have to go now," Rukia says softly, looking down.
"Yes," Ichigo agrees, kneeling in front of her. He cups her cheeks and presses a heartbreakingly tender kiss on her lips. "Dream about me, Kuchiki. I'll see you in the morning. Then we'll talk."
She can only watch as he leaves, locking the door behind him.
The moment the door closes, Rukia grabs the nearest couch pillow and covers her burning face, wondering how she can face him in the morning.
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Ichigo waits on the rooftop, looking at the apartment window until the lights go out. Then, he turns, smiling to himself, hopping from roof to roof until he gets home.
...
A/N II: BLUE BALLS FOR ICHIGO.
A/N III: More silliness
Yamamoto turns to face Sasakibe as soon as the doors close. The lieutenant is grinning from ear to ear.
"What?" He growls.
"I wonder what the captains would do if they found out that the Head Captain was a closet romantic, hmm?" Sasakibe snickers.
Yamamoto scowls, a touch of red on his leathery cheeks. "Stop spouting nonsense."
"Sending Rukia to watch Ichigo?" The younger man arches an elegant eyebrow.
"Hmph." The Head Captain harrumphs. "But can you imagine how powerful their children would be? A quarter Quincy and three-quarters Shinigami?"
"So you are saying this is to breed super-shinigami?" The lieutenant studies his captain.
Yamamoto does not reply.
"Not because you're a mushy, lovey-dovey romantic at heart?" He teases.
Yamamoto grumbles, and hobbles away on his cane.