Hey guys! So the last time I updated was Dec 8 (almost exactly 6 months ago...) so a lot of you have probably already forgotten about this story (if you somehow haven't, I love you). I've been super busy this year but school recently ended so now I have some time to write! My goal is to actually finish this story before the end of August because that's when college starts (yeee) and I think it's doable because I have two, maybe three more chapters left (I've been debating whether to write an epilogue).

Anyways, thank you for sticking to this story. Hope you like this very long-awaited chapter!

Chapter 19

Freed From the Shackles

They stood there in silence. Not a single soul was around to disturb the serene moment. Ichigo was aware of his quickly beating heart, and the soft, understanding gaze that locked with his. A nameless emotion was building up in his throat, preventing him from opening his mouth and breaking the silence, out of fear that nothing but gibberish would escape.

The smile on Rukia's face eventually faded and her eyes shone, but not with happiness. Was it nervousness? Anticipation? Anticipation of what?

Ichigo suddenly felt a strong desire to close the distance between them, and it scared him.

His mind scrambled to find a way to avoid doing something stupid. Only one method popped up. Ichigo sharply turned his head away and pretended to sneeze.

Rukia chuckled, though it seemed more to herself than at him. "Bless you."

"T-Thanks." Ichigo paused and cracked a smile. "Well, it's getting late. I guess I'll see you tomorrow?"

Rukia's eyes narrowed. "Um, Ichigo, it's not even dinner time."

"Oh. Ha ha ha. Yeah I knew that. I, uh, I just had a long day so I'm tired." Ichigo paused and with more confidence said, "I'm tired."

Rukia studied his face. It was difficult to tell what she was thinking. Ichigo hoped he didn't look too awkward. After a few moments, Rukia smiled. "That's understandable. Go have as much sleep as you need. I'll see if I could grab you some food."

"Thank you," Ichigo said. "Thank you, Rukia."

Rukia waved a hand. "Yeah no problem. Well, see you."

"See you."

Rukia turned and walked away. Ichigo watched as Rukia's body gradually grew smaller and smaller. A few times, Rukia looked back and smiled when she saw he was still there. Soon, Rukia's body became a dot, and then completely vanished.

Ichigo slipped his hands into his pockets and looked down. After a second, he headed back into his room, shut the door, and plopped onto his bed, arms and legs spread out like a starfish. As he stared at the ceiling, he thought about his encounter with Rukia. His heart was still racing and his entire body felt warm. It was strange. The last time Ichigo felt this way was in high school, when he was alone with Orihime.

Ichigo shoved the thought out of his mind. He wasn't going to think about this now, not after what had happened just a few hours ago. Instead, he decided to focus on the amazing news Rukia had delivered.

"If we score at least a 6 at the dance tournament, you can go to Yuzu's wedding."

Replaying her words filled Ichigo with hope and gratitude. He no longer cared that a 6 was actually quite difficult to get, especially for amateurs. He was getting a second chance and that was all that mattered at this point.

Ichigo's lips curved down-he hadn't even realized he was smiling-when he recalled Rukia's next set of news.

"There's…there's a good chance that you didn't actually have to come here. But Aizen is selfish and manipulative and cruel so he…messed with the system a bit. Ichigo, I'm so so sorry."

Didn't actually have to come here? Though Ichigo had decided not to show Rukia, a part of him was angry with Aizen. As he had told Rukia, coming here was indeed good for him. But the fact that someone was selfish enough to get him sentenced to Las Noches just for his own amusement and greed made Ichigo clench his fists tightly. Ichigo was tempted to confront Aizen, but he locked the temptation up away. It was definitely not a good idea to knock on Aizen's door. Ichigo didn't even trust himself to remain civil. Then again, punching the smirk off Aizen's face would be marvelous.

Ichigo shut his eyes and took deep breaths. No, he definitely should not face Aizen. As great as punching him would feel, it would hurt Ichigo in the long-run. Besides, attacking him would not be the best form of revenge. The best way would be to get at least a 6 in the dance tournament. That would be the best "fuck you" of all time.

Since that day, Ichigo and Rukia began practicing much more vigorously than before. Their practice hours were longer and more focused. Rukia was even sacrificing her trips outside. Even when they weren't at the studio, Ichigo was practicing his moves alone in his room. One time, Toshiro had walked in on him using a pillow as a partner, which had to be the bane of his existence. Toshiro hadn't said anything. Instead, he blinked a few times before quickly turning around and walking out.

Ichigo and Rukia's routine, for the most part, was fine. They knew all the moves by heart and easily transitioned between songs. Rukia had even told Ichigo his expression was pretty good. However, no matter how many times they rehearsed, they just could not master the finale, in which Rukia had to jump onto Ichigo. Though Ichigo no longer fell whenever he caught her, there was always this long, awkward moment of him shifting both of their weights to maintain a balanced position, and for Rukia to secure herself on him before raising her arms. In fact, Ichigo had asked Kenpachi, Rangiku, Toshiro, and Unohana to watch their entire routine and time the last move. According to Toshiro, it took a little over five seconds. That was way too long.

"Shit," Ichigo said as he put Rukia down. "Why can't we get this right?"

"It's OK, Ichigo," Rukia panted, bending over and placing her hands on her knees. Her face was red as a tomato. "We'll get it eventually."

"We have a week left, Rukia," Ichigo cried. "The tournament's in a week and we can't get the most important move right."

"Think about it this way," Rukia said. "We have another week to practice. We can improve a lot in a week. Besides, even if it doesn't come out perfect, the rest of our routine is fine. We're not going to lose over four points for this one move."

"Are you sure, Rukia? Are you sure? Because even if our overall routine isn't bad, it's not good. In fact, it might not even be worth a 5!

Rukia's body immediately straightened. She marched over to Ichigo and slapped him across the cheek. Rukia was stronger than she looked: Ichigo's cheek stung like hell.

"With that attitude, we won't even get a 1!" Rukia snapped. Her expression suddenly softened. In a much gentler tone, she added, "Ichigo, I don't know how often you've been on stage but with any performance, not just dancing, how you do isn't purely based off skill. Your attitude can be the difference between an encore and a boo. I mean, you've heard of the guy that tightroped across the Twin Towers of New York City, right? A feat like that requires an incredibly strong mind. Even if you're the best tightrope walker in the world, as long as you're not brave and confident, you're going to fall." She paused. "I'll explain in a way you'll probably understand better. You're a doctor, right? Well, think about it this way: no matter how knowledgable you are about medicine, if you're not confident at all, you could give the patient the wrong subscription. Or the patient will lose faith in you and not want you as a doctor anymore. Does that make sense?"

Ichigo pondered Rukia's words and nodded slowly. It did make sense. Actually, Rukia was right.

"I understand," Ichigo said. "I'm just…nervous, you know?"

Rukia smiled. "I know. I am too. But we're going to have to embrace it if we want to succeed."

When the elevator to Ichigo and Rukia's floor opened, he heard a loud "WHAT?!"

Rukia frowned. "That sounds like Kenpachi."

Ichigo and Rukia ran towards the direction of his voice. Despite rehearsing all day, Ichigo didn't feel very tired at all. They stopped when they saw Toshiro, Kenpachi, Unohana, and Rangiku, all gathered around Rangiku's door. Rangiku was clutching a suitcase, smiling in a gentle, mature way Ichigo had not seen in months.

Rangiku spotted them and waved. "Hey!"

Ichigo and Rukia walked up to them. "What's going on?" Ichigo asked, his eyes glued to the suitcase. He hadn't noticed before, but a few more bags were lying next to it.

When he looked back up, Rangiku was staring at him. "I'm leaving, Ichigo."

Ichigo blinked. "What?"

"I just got my doctor's approval. I'm checking out of Las Noches."

Ichigo's jaw dropped. "You-you're actually leaving? Like you're not going to live here anymore?"

Rangiku shook her head. Her smile widened. "I'm better now, Ichigo. I'm healthy enough to live on my own, without a nurse hovering around me all the time."

"T-That's amazing," Ichigo stammered. "But when…?"

Rangiku laughed. It was airy and peaceful, almost angelic. "Ichigo…remember when you told me to live for Gin, if I couldn't live for myself?"

Ichigo swallowed and nodded. It felt so long ago.

"Well," Rangiku continued. "I thought about what you said for a while. I thought about it daily. And I decided that I was going to live, but not just for Gin. I was going to live for the both of us, but mostly, for myself. You were right. I got a second chance at life. There was no way I could waste it. I guess…" She paused. "I guess accepting what you told me put my mind in a more peaceful place. I was able to talk with my doctor more easily and I was just happier. I felt like I could actually do something important with my life. And now, I'm free from the shackles that chained me to the pits of hell. I'm free." Tears, happy tears, filled Rangiku's blue eyes. "Thank you, Ichigo."

Ichigo stared into Rangiku's eyes. Now that he thought about it, he hadn't seen Rangiku space out in a while. This wasn't a dream. Rangiku was actually better.

"You're welcome," Ichigo said. "But it was really all you."

Rangiku laughed. "So modest." She wrapped her free arm around Ichigo and kissed his cheek, making him blush. Rangiku crinkled her nose. "Damn, you need to shower."

She turned to Kenpachi, whose eyes were red. "Now don't give me any crocodile tears. This won't be the last time you see me."

Toshiro rolled his eyes. "Jesus, and here I was praying that it would be."

Rangiku laughed. "Glad to know you haven't changed a bit, Einstein."

"I told you, I don't like that nickname!" Toshiro exclaimed. Despite his irritated tone, Ichigo could see in his eyes that he was sad and happy to see Rangiku leave, because he had truly valued Rangiku as one his best friends.

Rangiku turned back to Ichigo and Rukia. "I'll be at the dance tournament. April 3rd, right? Yeah, I'll be the head cheerleader."

Rukia laughed. "Thank you, Rangiku."

Rangiku placed her hand on Rukia's shoulder. "Make sure to watch over Ichigo closely. He's a troublemaker."

She glanced at Unohana, who had been patiently watching, and whispered something into Kenpachi's ear. It was definitely about Unohana because Kenpachi grinned.

"Well, I guess it's time for me to go now," Rangiku said. She picked up a bag. Unohana picked up the other two. "Walk with me down to the front door."

"You didn't have to tell us," Kenpachi laughed.

They were silent on their way to the elevator, then silent on the elevator, and still silent until they reached the front door. Ichigo could see a car parked outside.

Rangiku stopped and looked at them all. She smiled. "I won't say goodbye because I'll be visiting you all. But I'll say 'thank you' again because I don't say it enough. You've all had my back for so long. So, thank you." When she said this, she made eye contact with Ichigo.

Kenpachi wrapped his giant arms around Rangiku. Soon, Toshiro, Ichigo, and Rukia joined in. Ichigo felt gross since his body was drenched in sweat, but it was nice, hugging the people he didn't expect to care about so much.

After a minute, they reluctantly let go. Rangiku nodded and with Unohana, stepped out of Las Noches.

Unohana entered the room that had once belonged to Matsumoto, Rangiku and winced. As great of a person as Rangiku was, she did not know how to organize. Her side of the room had always been significantly messier than her roommate's and well, her roommate had actually checked out a few months earlier. Boy, Rangiku sure knew how to utilize space. Even with all of her belongings gone, the room was a mess. The beds weren't made and pillows were on the floor. There was big pink stain on the white sheets. Upon closer inspection, it looked like nail polish.

Unohana sighed. She didn't even want to check the bathroom. She pulled the dirty sheet from the bed, rolled it up, and tossed it near the door. She picked up the pillows and placed them back onto the bed.

Then, she heard a knock on the door.

Unohana turned and froze when she saw Kenpachi standing by the door, looking extremely nervous.

"Hey, Uno-"

"What are you doing here?" Unohana interrupted. Her voice was tight.

Kenpachi swallowed. "Well, the door was open so I saw you and uh…can I talk to you?"

Unohana wanted to say "no," but the sad, almost puppy-like look on Kenpachi's face made it difficult for her to do so. She sighed. "Fine. What do you want?"

Kenpachi lifted up his hand. He was holding a piece of paper that had been folded a few times.

"I really want to apologize for bothering you all these years," Kenpachi said. "I'm not a good writer-I actually had Ichigo and Toshiro proofread-but I'm even worse at speaking so I wrote a letter. I'd really appreciate it if you read it. If you don't want to I understand but-"

Unohana marched up to Kenpachi and plucked the letter from his hands. She unfolded the letter. It was hand-written. The handwriting looked like a six-year-old's, but it was still legible. Unohana could tell Kenpachi had made an effort to be neat. She glanced up at Kenpachi, who looked frightened, and looked back down at the letter.

Dear Unohana,

From the moment I first laid eyes on you, I knew you were the one. So even though a relationship between us would not be appropriate, I did all I could to try to win your heart. Unfortunately, I didn't understand that my methods of attracting your attention were completely inappropriate and must have made you extremely uncomfortable. I didn't understand that when you said "no," you meant "no." I was the type of guy that thought no meant yes. But it doesn't and never will be. I understand that now. That's why I want to say, from the bottom of my heart, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for essentially harassing you. I promise I won't behave like I used to around you. For once, I'll be respectful of your feelings. In fact, if you don't want to see me at all, I'll do my best to be as far from you as possible. Please be honest about what you want me to do, and I'll do it.

Sincerely,

Kenpachi

Unohana looked up at Kenpachi. She could see sweat rolling down the sides of his face. Damn, for the years he'd been here, she had never seen him this nervous before.

Unohana thought about the first time she met Kenpachi. He looked exactly the same now as he did back then: a giant bulk of muscle with spiky hair. For a second, she had actually found him attractive. Then he had opened his mouth.

Since that moment, all of their interactions had been the same: Kenpachi spouting indecent comments, thinking it would make her panties drop, and her rejecting his advances.

She always knew that deep down, Kenpachi wasn't a bad person. Heavily misguided and disrespectful, but not a genuinely horrible person. This letter was proof of that.

Unohana knew her answer. "I forgive you."

Kenpachi's jaw dropped. "W-What?"

"I forgive you," Unohana said. "You've learned your lesson. I know you won't behave this way anymore. I don't like holding grudges so, I forgive you." She paused and smiled. "Of course, you did say you'd do anything I ask. I'll take advantage of that."

Kenpachi grinned. "What do you want me to do?"

Unohana looked around Rangiku's room. "For starters, you could help me clean up this place."

And that's chapter 19! I hadn't written in a while so I was worried this chapter would turn out bad but I actually kind of like it.

The KenUno scene was not at all how I had initially planned. When I first wrote this story, I had planned for a more comedic scene where Kenpachi gives Unohana this really stupid letter in an attempt to be romantic and Unohana is extremely annoyed but kisses him. I realized that was not possible given the direction they were going so I wrote a more serious scene. What do you guys think?

Again, thank you so much for reading! *spoiler alert* The next chapter will be on the dance tournament ;)