Y'all I apologize for not having this up sooner! Between work and being sick, I've hardly had time or felt like writing! I hope this long chapter helps! Enjoy it!

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Chapter 23

Ichigo didn't stop running until he reached Rukia's squad. Even then, he walked briskly carrying Rukia as he searched for Ukitake. "Ichigo, I think you can put me down now. We're out of danger." An aggravated Rukia said as she stared daggers into her would be rescuer.

"Kenpachi was chasing us. Do you really think I'm letting you out of sight anytime soon, midget? He could be out for revenge now. Kami, knows who else you're gonna freeze!" Ichigo asked sarcastically.

Rukia huffed. "I was helping you! Thank you very much! It's not my fault that your hollow took over!"

"How was I supposed to know that he was going to randomly take over my body! I thought I had him under control after training with vizards!"

She remained quiet for a minute. I wonder if he even remember what he said to me then... With a deep, Rukia asked, "Can you PLEASE put me down so we can have a normal conversation? I do not liked to be carried like this." Her big, violet eyes plead to him.

For Rukia to ask please, Ichigo knew that she was serious. He inwardly wondered if she was uncomfortable with him holding her this close. But the question still remained if she was uncomfortable in a good or a bad way. Ichigo was determined to find out the answer. "What's so wrong with me carrying you like this?" He asked with a devilish smirk.

Her heart skipped a small beat at his question, but she repressed that feeling deep down. "I'm not injured nor are you carrying me over a threshold for our wedding. Carrying me like this is pointless." She stated as placed a serious look on her face.

"What if they come after us again?" Giving into her plead, Ichigo cautiously set her down.

"Then like you said earlier, I'll just freeze them again." The carrot top shook his head at the petite soul reaper. "Now, are you going to tell me what are we doing in my squad, Ichigo?" Rukia asked as she looked around.

"I need Ukitake to open the senkaimon for us so we can go home." He replied with a smirk on his face dragged Rukia to Ukitake's door.

She stopped him before he could knock. "Hello! Remember I'm dead? My home is here." Rukia replied as her serious violet eyes met hopeful amber ones. Don't look at me like that please, Ichigo. You'll just make this harder on me as it is.

"True, but you're important to so many of us in the World of the Living." He said softly as he glazed down at Rukia. She turned her head and refused to look up into his eyes. Some many emotions were running through both of them at the moment.

A cough startled the couple as they looked up to see the long, white haired captain smiling at them. "Ah, hello!" Ukitake said from the door way watching the couple's interaction for the past five minutes. They were completely oblivious to him. "What can I help you two with?"

"I was wondering if you could spare Rukia for a little bit." Ichigo asked almost bashfully. Ukitake could tell something else was on the substitute soul reaper's mind.

"I would be happy to, Ichigo, since she is technically still on her days off that Byakuya requested for a "family meeting." Ukitake replied with a bright smile.

Rukia saw the wheels in Ukitake's head turning. He was more concerned with her having a break, while she was more concerned about leaving him alone for a few more days. Who knows when his illness would take hold of him again.

"But Captain, what about your health?" Rukia asked as she stared at the tall man worriedly, and kind of hopefully. Okay yes, I'll admit to looking for a way out of going to the World of the Living. Ukitake knows that Kiyone and Sentarō can take care of him and all the paper work - if they do not drive him insane first with their endless bickering. Noooo! Not that look! Dammit! I'm going or hell make me! Huh, I swear he's worse than my brother at getting what he wants.

"Rukia, quit looking at me like that! Captain Unohana has been wonderful, and keeping me healthy." He said with a wink. All Rukia could do was nod to her captain as she tried to hid her blush at his silent meaning behind that wink.

"Would you also open the senkaimon for us? Please." Ichigo asked, which surprised Ukitake. "Byakuya asked me to protect Rukia, and some suitors are hiding out around Kuchiki Manor. I just need to sneak her out for a little while till things cool down."

Rukia was breathlessly waiting for Ukitake's answer. She hated to admit it, but Ichigo was right. Part of the World of the Living was with her now. No matter how long she lived a part of it, her friendships would always be with her.

A sly look emerged on the white haired man's face. "Well, I do know a back way to get you in without being seen!" Rukia knew then and there that this was not going to end well.

"We should that more often!" Ichigo said as they walk into Urahara's shop.

"No. Let's never do that again!" A paler than normal Rukia stated as she slowly followed Ichigo.

"Bad trip, Rukia?" Kisuke said as he emerged from behind a candy rack. His green stripped bucket hat hid his eyes, but they could clearly see the smirk on his face.

"I'm going to kill you when I find the strength, Kisuke!" Grumbled Rukia. "Things at involve you always end badly for me!"

"Now, Rukia, is that anyway to say thank you for helping you escape your suitors and having your spare gigai ready?"

"I'd rather thank Kurotsutchi for experimenting on me... Damn crazy scientists." A nauseated Rukia replied. She wasn't even sure if she could walk straight in her gigai. Rukia's vision started to blur.

"Rukia, just get in your gigai so we can head home! It's already late." Ichigo said as he watched Rukia start to sway as she took a step forward. Her eyes glazed over. Next thing Ichigo knew, he had an unconscious Rukia in his arms. He didn't even remember flash stepping to catch her. It was all instinct.

"What the hell did you do to her, Kisuke?" Ichigo glared at the older man.

The blonde scratched his head. "Oh..." He said as if he just remember something important.

"What do you mean, oh?" Ichigo asked.

"The invisibly serum coupled with the way that you escaped probably caused her to over heat. I forgot those tunnels didn't like ice and snow zanpakuto wielders." Kisuke stated as he tried to "remember" more about the tunnel. "Just let her sleep for a few hours and give her plenty of water. Honestly, it wouldn't hurt to put a large bowl of water in your room for her. Particles of her spiritual pressure will call the water to her body. It will replenish the water it lost in your escape."

Ichigo nodded and pulled Rukia closer to him. He could see her shallow breaths, but her sleep seemed peaceful. The sides of Ichigo's eyes blacked as he leveled his glaze at Kisuke. "Before I leave, my hollow wanted me to rely a message to you, and for once I agree with him. If she doesn't get better, I'm coming for you. This is your fault, Kisuke. You should have warn Ukitake about the risk since we all know that you're the one who gave it to him! How the hell did you even know we'd try to slip over here?" Ichigo growled. He could feel himself getting worked up. Right now was not the time to pry the answers out of Kisuke. He always had a reason for these things.

The blonde man nodded his head. "Take care of her, Ichigo." Kisuke said as he watched the carrot top flash step to his house with the petite woman in his arms.

A black cat came in through the wind as soon as she felt the two soul reapers leave. "So what did you give her, Kisuke? You and I both know the serum doesn't work like that, and the tunnels have no effects on us."

"She'll be fine, Yoruichi! Ichigo will take care of her. If not, his inner hollow is going to kick his and my ass." Kisuke said with a smirk.

"You forgot Byakuya too." Yoruichi said as she rubbed against Kisuke's leg. "I just hope you know what you're doing. I like you in one piece."

"Don't worry! If anything, it will help those two move things along. Did you see how possessive he was of her?" He replied with a smile as he picked up Yoruichi's cat form.

"Time for some fun my dear!" Yoruichi stated with a wink as she turned appeared naked in Kisuke's strong arms.

"Rukia, hang on! We are almost home." Ichigo whispered to the sleeping form in his arms. The wind whipped around them as he raced back home. He almost stopped to stare in awe as her fist curled into his robe. She snuggled up against chest, and he lost his breath. "Ichigo..." he heard the wind carry a whisper. Inwardly, he wondered if it was his imagination or was it the beautiful woman in his arms.

They arrived back at his house as he gently slipped both of them though the window. He knew his old man would sense Rukia with him, but he was beyond carrying. Any amount of harassment was worth making sure she was well. Ichigo carefully placed Rukia on his bed and felt of her head. She was burning up so he ran down stairs to get the bowl and cup of water that Kisuke recommended.

A loud noise came from behind Ichigo. He turned and meet his father's eyes. "What's Rukia doing here?" He asked curiously.

"What no flying attacks?" A surprised Ichigo asked.

"You snuck her into our house after one in the morning. You didn't even mention that she had an assignment here or that she was visiting." Isshin stated as he raised an eyebrow at his son.

"She needed a break from her real life." Ichigo replied smoothly. "So I offered her a place to rest. Is something wrong with that, goat chin?"

"Is my little boy becoming a man!" He shouted with a loud, squeal. A fist connected with Isshin's face sending him into the wall.

"NO! Rukia and I are just friends!" Ichigo yelled, yet he still didn't convenience his father.

"The hell you are, but whatever! Let my beautiful, wonderful third daughter will marry someone else because you're too much of a pansy!" Isshin walked over to the poster of Maskai and started to cry. "He's a lost cause, my love! Our amazing third daughter will be lost forever because of that idiot!"

Ichigo ignored his father's outburst as he grabbed everything to head upstairs. A sigh of relief escaped his lips. Rukia was still sleeping peacefully. He laid the cup and large bowl of water on the table next to his bed.

"Now, where do I sleep?" He asked himself. Ichigo knew that Rukia would kill him if he slept in the bed with her. But he was scared to leave her in a room by herself. What if she got worse during the night? Then a brilliant idea came to him. if he tucked her in under the covers, and he slept on top of the covers with a blanket while both of them remained full clothes, she couldn't be mad right? So he climbed into the bed with her.

The next morning, light filtered into the room waking Rukia up. She looked over to left, and there was a large, empty bowl on the night stand. What the happened last night, and why was she so bloody warm? It must have not been too bad. Rukia felt alive and rejuvenated. Then she remember the fight, Kisuke's experiment that he gave Ukitake, and Ichigo's care. Speaking of Ichigo... Where is the strawberry?

A large source of heat was radiating heat from her right side. Rukia glanced over to see Ichigo laying next to her with his hand on her hip. He looked like he was scared to touch her yet terrified that she would move away from him. "Ichigo..." She called out. He briefly stirred before pulling a shocked Rukia to his chest. Ichigo grumbled in his sleep as she tried to pry herself out of his arms.

"Idiot! Let me up!" Rukia yelled as she whacked him on the head hard enough to jerk him out of his sleep.

"Oi! What the hell did you do that for midget?" He asked. Then he looked down at their proximity. He released her in an instant causing Rukia to almost fall off the bed, but he caught her before she went over the side. "Sorry, Rukia." He blushed as he held her flushed with his chest.

"Its... It's okay, Ichigo." Rukia looked away trying to hid her blush. "Damn Kisuke!" She muttered under her got up from the bed and as far away from Ichigo's grasp as she could. She didn't want him to hear her heart pounding ninety miles an hour. He made her so nervous all of a sudden.

"Hey! Where are you going, midget?" He asked as Rukia climbed out of his bed.

"I need to go back to Soul Society soon." Rukia stated as she headed to the bathroom to freshen up. "Thank you for keeping me out of trouble."

"Are you going to tell Byakuya what happened?" He asked stopping Rukia in her tracks. A loud laughing startled him. He saw Rukia doubled over with tears running down her eyes. Ichigo didn't think his question was that funny.

When Rukia composed herself, she answered, "Well, I like you whole strawberry. If he killed you, who would help me when I needed it? Besides, I can't let him kill my best friend."

Ichigo's heart warmed at her words, but he wanted to be more than best friends. "FINALLY YOU ADMIT IT!" His hollow yelled in his head, but Ichigo ignored him.

"You know, you could stay a few nights like you used to." Ichigo asked before he could stop himself. He knew where the suggestion came from. "Thanks, hollow..." He thought.

Rukia glared at Ichigo. "It's not as simple anymore as it used to be just sleeping in your closet. Your dad and sisters know that I'm here. Hell, your dad and Karin can see me outside of my gigai. Then, there is my lieutenant duties and my brother. I have too many things to consider now."

"Yeah, you have an overprotective, big brother, who generally wants to kill me, but he is trying to marry you off. I think you deserve a break." Ichigo stated. Rukia started to reply to his comment until he continue. "While I have a dad who is constantly bugging me for grandkids since I've been attending college. Did you know he cries and yells at me because I don't bring his precious, third daughter around anymore? He thinks you hate me or him. Then let's not forget everyone else who knows you! They haven't seen you in three months, Rukia. They want to see their friend so they have all appointed me Ambassador Ichigo since I see you the most. So please stay at least one extra night? I'll call everyone, and we'll have lunch with them. Then, I promise to have a special treat for you."

Rukia gave him a childish grin. "Just one more night." Her promised caused him to release a breath that he didn't realize he was holding.

"Good! Now, go get in your gigai that magically appeared at the house last night."

Lunch with everyone was a little overwhelming. The whole gang spent three hours at an outdoor restaurant catching up with one another with stories about their college lives and relationships. Surprisingly, Ishida and Orihime were dating while Tatsuki kept talking about a mysterious red haired man. Rukia thought that her description sounded a lot like Renji, but she wasn't sure. Poor Chad was the only one without a partner at the moment, but he didn't care. He was too focused on keeping his grades up.

"Oi, midget!" Strong hands wrapped around Rukia's wrist as they pulled her forward. She was so lost in her thoughts about lunch that she didn't hear Ichigo calling her.

"Hmm?" She kept walking with Ichigo's hand still wrapped around her wrist.

"What's with you?" He looked at her curiously. Rukia seemed to be in her own little world.

"I was just thinking that's all."

"You were doing more than thinking! It's almost like you were savoring the visit."

A smirk graced her lips. "In a way, I guess I am. Who knows when I can visit again. With everything going on, I doubt I'll get to come back much, especially depending on the man I marry."

Ichigo's heart clenched at the words marry and man. He didn't know if he wanted to marry her, but he did want them to have a shot. "Stop lying to yourself. Just man up!" A voice filtered through his head. His hollow was being mouthy like normal.

"So what is this surprise you have in stored for me?" Rukia asked. Ichigo's eyes went round as saucers he forgot to grab a few things. They reached his house. Half of his supplies were still at the store, and half was in his room.

"Do you think you can hang out with Yuzu and Karin for a like an hour for me?" Ichigo asked her.

"Sure..." Rukia thought his request was weird. But since he was the one to ask her to stay, she kindly complied with his request this time.

"Great! You're the best. I'll be back shortly." He ran off leaving Rukia to walk into his house by herself.

He's being so weird...

Yuzu had it on a Chappy marathon while Karin played on her phone. "Do you care if I join you? Ichigo bailed on me for an hour or so."

"Of course!" The cheery blonde stated as she offered Rukia some popcorn while Karin nodded.

Oh how I love Chappy! This is going to be a fun hour!

A little over an hour later, Ichigo was finally ready to go. The sun was going to set in less than 45 minutes so he grabbed a blanket and the small picnic basket by his bed. Ichigo ran down the stairs to pry Rukia way from the TV. "Come on, midget!" He said, but Rukia ignored him. She was engrossed in the movie.

Instead of asking again, Ichigo went over to the table and stood in front of her. "Move, Ichigo! This is getting to the best part!"

"Sorry, midget." He said right before he bent down to Rukia and threw her over his shoulder. The couple dashed out of the house in a flash. Ichigo was having fun balancing Rukia on his shoulder and the blanket and basket on his other arm. "Quit squirming, Rukia."

"Put me down, strawberry!" She commanded.

"Fine." He sat her down. "Are you going to follow me or go back and watch Chappy the Rabbit? Just remember there are consequences for choosing the latter."

A warning? Hmm, interesting...

Rukia was half tempted to say watch Chappy just because she was curious what those consequences were going to be. "I'll follow, but it better be worth it! The movie was getting to my favorite part!" She paused. "So where are we going?" Rukia asked curiously.

"We are just about there anyway!" They continued to walk in compatible silent. Rukia only felt this comfortable with two other people, and maybe a third if Rukia got to know Hitsugaya better.

After a fifteen minute walk from the Kurosaki residence, Ichigo brought them to a large hill where they could glaze out over the entire down. You could see the sun beginning to set as the sky turned brilliant shades of orange and red. Ichigo glanced over at Rukia as she watched the sunset. "It's beautiful isn't it?" Rukia asked.

"It's beautiful, but not as..." Then Rukia had to turn and look at him. He didn't know what was stopping him from finishing his sentence. Maybe it was the fear of rejection.

"Not as beautiful as you! Dumbass! Get your act together!" Ichigo's hollow yelled.

Before Ichigo could find his statement to Rukia, her attention was focused on a circular pit in front of them. "What is this for?" She asked.

"Great work genius! You lost the moment..." Ichigo ignored his hollow.

"It's a fire pit. Did you have them in the Soul Society?" He asked as Rukia looked closer at it.

"We have something similar, but I've never seen it look like this before." She replied as Ichigo set the basket down in his hand down. He pulled out two blankets and laid one on the ground in front of the fire pit.

"Have a seat, Rukia." She forgot all about the basket that Ichigo was carrying earlier. Now, she couldn't wait to see what else was in it. Sitting down, Rukia's eyes widened as Ichigo pulled two bento boxes out. "I hope your hungry! I had Yuzu pack us bento boxes earlier." He stated with an honest to goodness smile. She almost fell out right then and there.

Rukia sat down and eyed this new Ichigo curiously. The man was never this nice to her. He handed her the boxes and placed the basket beside her. Instead of sitting with her, Rukia watch Ichigo place logs within the pit. "Aren't you going to eat?" She asked.

"Yeah, I am. I just want to get this fire started before we lose daylight." He replied. Within minutes, Ichigo had the fire going.

"Mh...This is nice." Rukia commented. Ichigo nodded in agreement as they ate in silence. Then it hit her, Ichigo had taken her mind off everything back in the Soul Society. Here there was no one demanding dates from her or surprising her with paper. On this hill, it was just them two. No one else. "Ichigo, thank you." Rukia stated.

Ichigo froze with a sushi roll half way to his mouth. It was very unusual for either one to say thank you to one another. "For what?"

"For making me stay. I can't tell you how much I needed this."

"You're welcome." On instinct, Ichigo leaned over and gave Rukia a kiss on the forehead. Her cheeks turned bright red to his amusement. "I have another surprise for you. Can you hand me the basket?" Ichigo asked. She nodded. To her delight, he pulled out chocolate bars, graham crackers, and Chappy shaped marshmallows. Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.

She looked at Ichigo. "Did you buy these for me? "He avoid her glaze. There was no way in hell that he'd admit to buying them for her. "They're just marshmallows Rukia!"

"But they're CHAPPY marshmallows!" She replied adamantly.

"Oh, guess I didn't realize that earlier." He lied. Ichigo did buy them for her, but he'd deny it till he turns blue in the face.

They made s'mores and watched the sun fade away from the world. After about an hour Rukia started to feel a strangely warm. She only felt this way when she randomly had a drink with Rangiku. "This lemonade taste kind of funny..." Rukia stated. Ichigo didn't notice a difference in his drink.

"You just haven't had it to drink in a while, Rukia." She suddenly hiccupped at his comment.

Ichigo raised an eyebrow at her sudden hiccup outburst. Then a terrifying smile crossed her face. Ichigo didn't know what the hell was going to happen, but he knew that it couldn't be good.

"So, strawberry, how about we talk about the elephant in the room?" Rukia asked as Ichigo immediately started to sweat bullets.

"Elephants?" He tried not to turn blood red. There was no way that she knew his little secret.

"Your hollow, silly!" Rukia said with a laugh, which cause Ichigo's eyes to narrow.

"What about him?" He asked cautiously. He could feel his hollow perk up at their conversation now.

"He protected me when we fought."

"Yes, he did, but it wasn't the first time. When I rescued from Soul Society the first time he help."

"I know that! But it was almost like he was trying to impress someone. He took down Grimmjow and hurt Kenpachi in a few blows. I've never seen anyone do that before."

"Are you saying he was trying to impress you?"

"I don't know! He's in your head..."

"Hell yes I'm trying to impress her, and I succeed! At least one of us can do it right, King." If Ichigo could kill his hollow, he would have at that moment.

Ichigo began to laugh hysterically. "My hollow only tolerates the old man and me, Rukia. He doesn't like anyone but himself." His laughter suddenly quiet when he saw Rukia a dead serious face. "You've got to be kidding me! You really thought that he was trying to impress you? He just likes death and destruction."

"And her! I really like Queen!" The hollow's words bounced around in his head.

"You should ask him yourself then!" Rukia slightly pouted as her cheeks appeared bright red. Ichigo didn't have to ask his hollow. He knew both of them had a thing for Rukia.

Damn! Why must I sound like an idiot? The hollow wouldn't like anyone. I must be imagining things... And why the hell does this lemonade taste so weird?

"Ichigo, taste this!" Rukia shoved her drink into his hand.

"Not with the damn drink again, Rukia! I am telling you it's fine!" He complained.

"If it's fine, then am I feeling so warm all over. Ichi, it feels like I've had too much sake." She countered.

"But your drinking lemonade not sake!" He took a swallow of the drink to shut her up. "I can't taste anything different."

Maybe he was right. Maybe she had been gone from this world for too long to remember the taste of foods here.

Rukia was lost in thought as she stared into the smoldering fire. It's light started to die away as the moon rose higher in the sky. Ichigo knew that they had to be going soon since he ran out of fire wood, but he was too busy admiring her. The pale moon light on Rukia's illuminated Rukia's snow white skin. She was absolutely beautiful.

She hiccupped. "Ichigo…" Her voice filter through his thoughts.

"Yes, Hiccup Midget Queen." He replied. Rukia's eyes were wider than he had ever seen them. She leaned in closer to him on the blanket. At this moment, Ichigo was trying to even out his breath. His heart was beating rapidly.

"You're kind of cute." Rukia said with a smile. Her long black lashes fluttered while her gorgeous violet eyes called to him. Ichigo instantly stiffened as Rukia snuggled into his side.

A flushed Ichigo reached his arm around her and tilted her face where he could see her. As much as he loved her eyes, the looked glassy while her face carried an unusual rosy hue. "Rukia, are you okay? You're acting weirder than normal."

Then Rukia told him something he'd remember for the rest of his life. "Shut up, and kiss me, Strawberry." Rukia demanded of a very confused Ichigo. She pounced on him only to have him hold her captive tighter in his arms restricting her movements.

As bad as he hated to stop her, he wasn't going to let Rukia hate him for allowing her to kiss him. "Rukia, you don't mean that." Ichigo told her in a funny voice. If Rukia didn't know any better, she would say he was disappointed or aroused.

"But I do mean it, Ichigo!" Rukia exclaimed happily.

"No. No... This isn't you! You must have been right. Something was wrong with your drink!"

"Well, you're the one who packed the drinks and the food!"

"I know. I packed them earlier while you were getting ready! I'm sorry. I don't know why you're drunk. I didn't taste it when I took a sip of it, but it's obviously affecting you. Now, why don't we gather everything and get back home? I'm sure you didn't mean what you said. You'd probably regret everything in the morning!" He stated. Ichigo was trying to take the high road.

"You see that's where you're wrong!" Rukia yelled at a stunned Ichigo. She hit him upside the head to shock him out of his stupor. Angry did not even begin to cover the little woman beside him. She pushed both of her hands strongly into his chest. Rukia was yelling at him but all he could do was concentrate on not kissing those lips that he so desperately wanted to. "You're an idiot! The alcohol or whatever the hell was in here may have gave me the courage to try to kiss you, but don't worry. You'll get to live your life the way you want to, and you won't have to concern me with yourself soon!" Rukia stalked angrily down the hill.

"Awe, hell! I screw up!" A stunned Ichigo said to himself.

"Yeah, you did." Renji replied as he emerged from the shadows. "You're the one person who was supposed to understand here even better than me, and she feels like you rejected her."

"What the hell are you doing here, Renji, other than scolding me?"

"Well, Captain Hitsugaya and I came to get Rukia, but since you put her in one of those moods, I'm letting him deal with her until she cools down." Renji said as he sat on the ground.

"Scared of her?" Ichigo joked.

"Damn straight! You saw what she did in bankai. Imagine if she's drunk and goes bankai." Renji shivered as he shook his head. "All of our heads will be on a platter, especially yours." Ichigo nodded in agreement. Letting Rukia cool down was the safest thing for them all. He'd apologize to her tomorrow.

"Yeah, you're right. Toshiro is the best one for the job. At least he would be able to withstand her subfreezing temperatures."

"Yeah, she probably won't freeze him anyway since their buddy-buddy." Renji stated causing Ichigo's heart to ache a little. He didn't realize how close Rukia and the white haired captain grew.

"Buddy-buddy? Toshiro and Rukia? Yep. Now, pass me some of the left overs! I'm hungry!" Renji's stomach growled as if on cue.

"You're always hungry." Ichigo stated as he handed Renji the of their picnic. Tonight was going to be a long one.

Thank you for reading, reviewing, following, and adding this story to y'alls favorites!

I will hopefully have the next chapter on time next week!