Okay, so I feel like I owe you guys an explanation after I just dropped a chapter on you after a year and a half of nothing. Essentially, my life got pretty busy. I was a freshman in college when I started this story and now I'm a senior in the process of applying to medical school. When I stopped updating last summer I had nothing else to do but a few summer classes as I had no job. This summer I worked almost full time and had barely any time to myself, let alone time to write. Plus, I just lost all motivation to continue this story. I kind of got over Bleach in general and wasn't interested in continuing to write.

Obviously, that's changed recently. I have a lot more time to write and I've fallen back in love with Bleach and the Bleach fandom. I'm hoping to continue this story regularly until the end (which is not too far away actually). This story has evolved drastically since the idea I first had for it almost three years ago. I love that it changes like that but it also means I have to remember and reimagine what I had planned for the rest of the plot. If you've been keeping up with this story for awhile, then THANK YOU! You're so awesome and I'm so sorry I've taken 5 million years to update. For those of you new readers, welcome! I hope you enjoy my story!

For now, I'll try to update this regularly but as evidenced by my history, shit happens and this could get pushed to the backburner. I really and truly hope it doesn't and I'm able to finish it soon. I hope this chapter makes up for the long wait, at least a little. Enjoy!

"Rukia!" Orihime Inoue exclaimed before she rushed to the front door of her home and threw her arms around her roommate and best friend. "I was so worried," she said as her rather large breasts pressed against Rukia's tiny form, crushing the life out of her.

"Ori…hi…me. Too…tight," Rukia struggled to get out as her friend continued squeezing her to death. At the sound of her friend's wheezing, Orihime let go and began to apologize profusely.

"It's alright, 'Hime," Rukia said, not wanting to deal with her roommate's incessant apologies and misplaced guilt. It had been a long weekend and she was really looking forward to just putting on her pajamas, ordering some takeout, and crashing for the rest of the day before she had to go back to work on Monday.

Rukia walked further into her apartment, leaving Orihime and Uryuu to talk by the door. She set down the dress and shoes she had been carrying since she left Ichigo's apartment on the bed in her room. She wasn't really sure what she was going to do with the expensive outfit, since she figured she would probably never have another reason to wear it. She considered selling it, but knew that would be considered a slap in the face to Ichigo's generosity. Plus, the large amount of money she would likely get for the outfit would, in a sense, still come from Ichigo's wallet and she still felt weird accepting that much money from him.

She opened her small, black clutch purse and pulled out the diamond earrings and necklace that she had stuffed into it this morning. She turned over the expensive jewelry in her hands, watching as the artificial lighting from her bedside lamp bounced off the diamonds and made them sparkle. Though she would never admit it in a thousand years to anyone, she couldn't deny how special she felt receiving something like this from Ichigo. She had felt like a princess the night before, as she donned her beautiful gown and jewelry. Ichigo's gift was still extremely over the top and far too much given their situation, but she still couldn't squelch that small feeling in the depths of her soul that thought a gift like this coming from him was…nice.

"Admiring your jewelry?" Orihime commented suddenly from the doorway, making her presence known. She had been silently watching her friend as she looked at the diamond pieces with a ghost of a smile on her face, not wanting to ruin the moment. She knew what that look meant.

Rukia started at her roommate's voice and quickly placed the jewelry back in her purse. "It's not exactly mine. I'm far too poor to keep something that extravagant."

"You're not planning on giving it back to him are you?" Orihime asked with concern as she walked further into the small bedroom.

"What else am I supposed to do? I can hardly afford rent, so why would I keep diamond jewelry?" Rukia said as she gathered all of her belongings from the night before and stuffed them in the back of her closet. She'd figure out what to do with them later.

Orihime sighed. "Still, I don't think he'd want them back."

"Well he'll just have to deal with it," Rukia said resolutely as she sat back down on her bed. She silently lamented the fact that her scratchy comforter and squeaky bed paled in comparison to the silky sheets and cloud-like mattress she had slept on the night before.

"So, Uryuu told me you spent the night at Ichigo's place last night," Orihime started, wanting to prod her friend for information but not wanting to push too hard. Rukia would clam up if she did.

"Don't read too much into that, Orihime. He was worried about my safety so he didn't want me sleeping here. Simple as that. Nothing happened."

"Nothing happened?" Orihime prompted, fairly certain Rukia was hiding something from her.

But Rukia wasn't going to say anything. She wasn't going to tell her best friend about the weird fluttering in her stomach she had felt as Ichigo looked deep into her eyes while they slow-danced in his living room. She wasn't going to say anything about how flustered and excited she felt as she watched Ichigo cook her breakfast half-naked in his kitchen that morning. And she definitely wouldn't reveal a word about the strange feeling she felt as Ichigo gave her a look of such desire and love as he said goodbye to her on her way out his front door. No, she definitely wouldn't say anything about how…well…loved it made her feel.

"Nothing happened," she affirmed, lying through her teeth.

After the excitement of the gala died down and everyone went back to work, things became a lot more monotonous and routine for Rukia. She began to settle into her job at Kurosaki Corporations with ease. Ukitake was as good a boss as ever, especially since she knew he was a valuable ally in their scheme. She began to not dread walking into the large building every weekday morning like she once had.

Weeks passed along quickly without any excitement. After the run in with Ichimaru at the gala, there had been no contact from Aizen's cronies. It made Rukia nervous to know that they were being silent, as if they were taking their time planning something, but there wasn't much else she could do about it except wait until he came to them.

Her routine in this new life of hers had been fairly well established as she worked at Kurosaki Corp, hung out with Orihime, danced at Yumichika's studio as a way of de-stressing, and continued planning things out with Uryuu.

The only weird part of her life the past few weeks had been her orange-haired boss.

Ichigo had been acting…different lately. He made a significantly smaller amount of crude jokes and innuendos. He had stopped pestering her at work to take lunches with him, had stopped randomly showing up at her desk, and had stopped asking her about the next time they would go out on a date.

Instead, he offered her small smiles and encouragement as she went through her more difficult workdays. He cheered her on as she continued to balance her job and the last of her classes. They saw each other less often now, but when they did, he was nothing but cordial and kind to her.

It was making Rukia feel very…confused.

She had been wrestling with her ever-changing feelings toward Ichigo Kurosaki and now he was making the task exponentially harder. How was she supposed to close herself off to him when he was acting so inviting to her? He had once told her that he would hold himself off from pursuing anything with her, but if she were to make a move, he would not hesitate in taking things all the way. That dangerous promise had been at the forefront of her mind lately and she just couldn't shake the feeling of curiosity she had at the possibility of being the one to make the first move. She was so conflicted.

After a few more weeks of the same old routine, Rukia finally arrived at a large milestone in her life: her college graduation. After she started working at Ichigo's company, she had to move most of her classes to either online or night classes. She had been working her butt off as she struggled to finish up her business degree and now she had finally reached the end. She honestly wasn't sure she would ever finish college after her brother's company went under, but she had actually done it. She couldn't help how accomplished and proud she felt at finally earning her degree.

She had opted out of walking at her ceremony, figuring she didn't need nor want the pomp and circumstance of a graduation ceremony. She merely asked her university to mail her degree and celebrated on her own. But despite the fact that she didn't want a lot of attention on her at this time, that didn't stop people like Orihime from going all out to celebrate.

"Ta-da!" her roommate exclaimed as she walked into her apartment after a long day of work.

Orihime had apparently baked her a cake and had gotten a bunch of balloons to fill their apartment. She also promised to treat Rukia to a dinner at her favorite sushi place near their home.

"Orihime, you didn't have to do all this," Rukia said as she eyed Orihime's cake suspiciously wondering exactly what her friend had put in it.

"Nonsense! This is a big accomplishment, Ms. College Graduate. And you deserve to be celebrated, especially after everything you've been through."

Rukia should've expected her roommate to go all out for her, but what she didn't expect was what she found on her desk the next day. A fairly small bouquet of flowers was waiting for her and a simple card lay next to it with the words 'Congratulations Graduate' on it.

She was confused as to who would've sent her flowers (Ukitake? Kiyone or Sentaro? Yumichika?) until she opened the card and read the short note.

Rukia,

Orihime told me you finally graduated from college. I know how big of a deal this must be after everything that's happened. I admire your determination to finish your degree on top of everything else. Enjoy these flowers and congratulations!

Ichigo

Rukia's heart did an annoying flutter as she read the note and thought about its sender. She had not been expecting this from him. She had specifically not told him about her graduation because she figured he would do something extravagant, but this was perfect. A small, yet beautiful bouquet and a short and sweet note was just the kind of thing she needed. It was if he was finally starting to understand the ways in which she liked to receive affection.

She shook her head in disbelief at that thought. What was going on with him lately? Instead of cocky smirks and persistent offers, he was giving her sweet encouragements and tasteful gifts. She hated how unpredictable he had become. She could deal with him when he was being an arrogant asshole. But this? This she was having difficulty handling.

She went through the rest of her day as seamlessly as she usually did, not being able to get thoughts of Ichigo Kurosaki out of her mind. When five-o-clock rolled around, she began to gather her things, still frustrated beyond belief that she couldn't seem to get her mind off of him.

As she turned to leave, she took one last glance at her simple bouquet. She lightly touched one of the petals and let a small smile cross her face. It was confusing, but still very sweet of him to get her something like that.

She sighed, figuring she needed nothing more right now than a glass of wine and a bubble bath, before turning around and nearly jumping out of her skin.

The man who had plagued her thoughts the entire day and really for the past few weeks was standing on the other side of her desk, patiently waiting for her. When had he gotten there? She could've sworn there was no one behind her before she starting gathering her stuff.

"Ichigo!" she said, slightly out of breath from being so terribly startled. "I didn't see you there."

"Yeah, sorry about that. I didn't mean to scare you," he told her apologetically with no hint of arrogance or cockiness.

"No, you didn't scare me…I just was…um…not expecting to see you down here," she told him as she tried to form words. She hated how she was acting right now. She was typically never at a loss for words when she was around him. It made her almost wish he was being a jerk. She could handle his attitude much better than she could his kindness.

"Yeah, I wanted to see you before you left. I've been busy all day and didn't get a chance to come down until just now."

"Oh, I see," she told him awkwardly, not really sure what to do next. "I…uh…love the flowers you sent. That was really nice of you."

"Oh, yeah, of course," he replied, as if he had forgotten that he had gotten them for her. "Everyone deserves to be celebrated after accomplishing something like graduating from college," he explained.

"Well, whatever the reason, I appreciate it. Thank you," she told him sincerely.

"You're welcome."

There were a few more moments of awkward silence before Ichigo cleared his throat and began to speak again. "I wanted to ask you something."

"What is it?" Rukia prompted.

"I was wondering if you wanted to go out with me this Saturday?" he asked, his voice unnervingly confident.

"Go out? What do you mean go out?" she asked, unsure if he was asking what she thought he was asking.

He lightly laughed at that question and answered her. "Go out on a date. What else would I mean?"

Despite the strangely kind way Ichigo had been acting to her lately and everything they had been through up until this point, she was still not prepared for him to ask her a question like that. Though she'd had an admittedly good time on their last date—when she still hated his guts no less—she wasn't sure if she should agree to a second. She told herself she never would, right? Agreeing to the first date had been a one-time thing that she hadn't planned on repeating. But things were different now. Her feelings toward him were different. They were both different people. So did that justify her agreeing to go out with him again? Their situation was dangerous, as was evidenced by whatever happened at the gala. They were in a precarious position and shouldn't pursue whatever strange relationship they had found themselves in.

Still, despite all of that, she actually wanted to say yes. What was with her? Surely this man before her wasn't the same Ichigo Kurosaki she had known, or else she wouldn't say what she was about to say.

"O-okay," she told him, her voice wavering, but her gaze confident.

He perked up that, as if he had been expecting her to turn him down flat. "Really? Are you sure?"

"You just asked me out and now you're wondering if I'm sure about agreeing?" she asked him with a teasing tone in her voice.

"I just want to make sure you won't regret this." He told her.

"I think I can find it in myself to go on one more date with you," she assured him.

He smiled at that, happy that she had finally agreed. "Alright then. It's a date. I hope you won't mind too terribly if I take you to the same place we went last time," he replied, the excited smile spreading across his face not doing anything to disguise his pleasure at her agreement.

"You mean Rangiku's club?"

"Yeah. I figure since I've been working on my dance skills that I'd take you someplace where I can show them off," Ichigo said, letting his rather large ego shine through. This time, however, Rukia found she didn't really care.

"Alright, Kurosaki. But I hope you know this means I'll be extra critical. It takes a lot to be able to impress me."

"I think I can manage it," he told her with a confident smirk.

She gave him a sly smile back and wondered just what switch had been turned on or off in her brain to make her act like this with him. Although, in that moment, she found she didn't mind it in the slightest.

Saturday night found Rukia putting on her makeup delicately. She found it ironic that after all this time and all their arguing and bickering, she was excitedly getting ready for their second daye. How different her attitude toward him had been before the first one. She remembered getting ready with a feeling of dread building up in her stomach. This time, however, she was excited. For exactly what, she wasn't quite sure.

She heard her phone buzz and smiled when she realized it was probably Ichigo announcing his arrival. She finished up the last of her makeup and took one last look at herself in the mirror. She had donned a red, strapless number for the night. It had a flowing skirt, which made it perfect for dancing. She paired the dress with dangling earrings and ruby red lipstick.

She grabbed her phone and a few other essentials to put into her red clutch purse before she ran out her apartment, locking the door behind her. Orihime had been planning on being with Uryuu that night and wouldn't be home. Since the gala, the pair had intensified their relationship and were now rather close.

A smile crossed Rukia's lips when she walked down the stairs and saw Ichigo's distinctive silver sports car. What made her smile even more was that he was standing outside the car and was leaning against the side of it, waiting for her.

"Good evening, Mr. Kurosaki," she greeted as she walked up to him. She noticed with a smirk that he was gaping at her appearance, no doubt floored once again at her beauty. She still found it strange that he found her so beautiful after he had been with models and actresses galore.

"And a good evening to you, Ms. Kuchiki. You look as gorgeous as ever," he told her, finally regaining the ability to speak.

"Why thank you," she said flirtatiously. He smiled and stood up straight from his position leaning against the car. Without another word, he walked around to his side and got in. She rolled her eyes when she realized he purposefully didn't offer to open her door for her. He had discovered how she had reacted to that the last they went out together.

He asked her where she wanted to eat and she told him she was in the mood for sushi. He drove to his favorite sushi restaurant in the ritzy part of town. As they both got out of the car and Ichigo had handed his keys off to the valet, he placed his hand on the small of her back and led her inside the restaurant. She remembered when he had done that on their last date and how annoyed she'd been. This time, however, she felt natural in this position, as if it was completely normal for his hand to be there.

The food had been delicious and the conversation lively. She told him more about herself; things she'd never gotten around to telling him. She spoke of her likes and dislikes. He obviously already knew about her passion for dancing, but she told him other things as well. Like how she loved the winter, as it was the time when she was born, how her favorite color was purple, and how she was obsessed with the Chappy the Rabit cartoon character.

She felt natural talking to him like this. Nothing about their conversation was strained or confrontational. It was easy and comfortable. Rukia couldn't lie about how good of a night she was having so far. Ichigo paid for their food and then they drove off to the familiar club. They walked in (after Ichigo had made the proactive choice to not let Hisagi park his car for fear of him wrecking it) and greeted familiar friends.

Rangiku absolutely raved when she saw the pair. She couldn't stop talking about how long it had been since she'd seen Rukia or how happy she was that they were together again. She offered them drinks and then left the pair alone.

"So, are you ready to show me what you've learned," Rukia prompted with a smirk as a sultry song began playing.

Ichigo gave her a sly smile and nodded. "Hell yeah, I am." He took her hand as they got up and lead her to the dance floor. They began moving slowly to the song, Rukia following her partner and letting him lead, which Ichigo did with much better skill than he had displayed last time.

He twisted Rukia around and she smiled in delight as he dipped her. She was loving this and she couldn't deny it to herself any longer. They stayed for the rest of the dance and then for the next one as well, which was a much slower and softer number. They gently swayed together as the band played on.

"So, how did I do?" Ichigo asked with a smile.

She shrugged her shoulders and replied, "Mm, not bad."

"You just can't stand to compliment me, can you?" he asked teasingly.

She laughed at that and continued dancing. At one point, as the soft and slow song lulled them along the dance floor, she took a bold step and leaned her head against his chest, closing her eyes in contentment.

This was so nice, she had decided. At that moment, there was no place she'd rather be than in his arms, dancing to a slow song together.

Ichigo looked down at her with a soft smile, his heart exploding from joy.

They danced many more songs together that night, from slow swaying songs to fast Latin numbers. People around the club began to notice and comment about 'Rukia and her new man'. Though she wouldn't at all consider Ichigo her man, she couldn't deny how right it felt to be there with him that night.

Eventually, after they had a few drinks and wore themselves out, Ichigo suggested they return home. Rukia was surprised to find she didn't want the night to end.

They pulled up to her apartment building and got out of car. Rukia turned toward Ichigo, unsure of what to do now. Was he going to kiss her? Would she kiss him back? The night had gone splendidly well but she was still hesitant to take their relationship further, especially given their unique set of circumstances.

Ichigo looked down at her with a look of admiration that took Rukia's breath away. "You look so damn beautiful tonight," he said softly.

She looked up at him, unsure of what to do next, but Ichigo was rather confident about what he wanted.

He began to lean in, knowing that in that moment there was nothing more he wanted to do than lightly press his lips to hers. She looked up at him, knowing what his intentions were but not knowing what she should do. Should she kiss him? She sure as hell wanted to, believe it or not, but as his eyes began to flutter close and they got closer and closer to each other, the panic signals in her brain warned her to get away.

She quickly pressed a hand on his chest, gently pushing him back. He looked down at her, his face contorting with confusion and a slight twinge of hurt. For whatever reason, she hated seeing a look like that on his face. A look of pure…disappointment. She still wasn't ready to kiss him, but she could at least give him something.

Before she changed her mind, she raised herself up on her toes and planted a lingering kiss on his cheek before she lowered herself and looked at him uncertainly. He looked surprised, to say the least.

"I had a good time tonight," she said softly.

"Yeah, me too," he told her, still slightly out of breath from her kiss, which, when she thought about it, was kind of ironic considering his rather heated history with women. She knew this was different though.

"I'll see you at the office on Monday, right?" she asked as she gathered herself and made to leave.

"Yeah, you will," he replied, his voice much more confident and assuring than it was before.

She gave him one last smile before she turned and walked up the stairs of her apartment building. She could feel his eyes on her back until she got to the stairwell and walked up to her apartment, her mind racing. What did all this mean? Was she starting to have serious feelings for Ichigo? She knew he had always liked her. For awhile she just assumed he wanted her to be another conquest, but the more time she spent with him and the more loving and adoring looks he gave her, the more she was starting to think he was head over heels for her.

But what did she really, in the deepest part of her heart, think about him? That question plagued her mind as the events of their night together ran through her head like a movie. She absentmindedly took her keys out and unlocked her apartment door, still trying to make sense of everything.

She stepped inside her dark home, closed the door behind her, and heaved a large sigh. Her eyes glanced up and immediately her blood ran cold, her heart nearly stopped beating, and her breath left her.

Standing in the middle of her living room, barely illuminated in the minimal light, was a man with silver white hair and a slimy snake-like smile on his face.

"Hello, Ms. Kuchiki. I've been waiting for you."

And so the plot thickens. Let me know what you thought!