"Try this size, Miss Kuchiki," you tell Rukia handing her a folded-up school uniform Monday morning.

She gave the clothes an odd look of uncertainty, you stood there in your robe, smiling to yourself, and encouragingly gave her a slight push to change. You watch her walk to her room and shut the door. She was starting school today and you 'happened' to make her proper school uniform: a grey skirt, white shirt, red bow tie, and grey blazer. It was the dress code for all students.

You highly doubt they might not have her size, if they did, and you were going to check, you'd get her some. Finding clothes her size might prove a challenge but you were certain you would, perhaps a trip to the pavilion today after work to get her some clothes and a few other things. Rukia finished and came out, your face alighted it flushed in your eyes.

It fit her!

"You look wonderful," you exclaimed clasping your hands together.

A shade of red powdered Rukia's cheeks, she opened her mouth to say something only to close it, standing there twiddling her thumbs. She tried opening her mouth again when you realized something on her uniform and went to go adjust it. Her red bow tie was at an angle, so you fixed it. Rukia breathed in a swift sweet scent of floral from you, it was calming.

You finished and came up, "There done." you step back admiring her and when you noticed her fixated stare on you, you raise a brow, "Is everything alright?"

Rukia snapped out of it and stammered a response, "Umm...ye-yes. Thank you." She bowed her head quickly, averting her eyes to the side when she came up.

"Wonderful, please go with Adam downstairs for a moment," you instruct walking to Adam's door and knocking twice, "I will change and we can leave."

She nods with her gaze following you, Adam came out dressed and ready, and he hurried over to Rukia. He took her hand without a thought, his smile radiating, pulling her with him to the stairs while tapping his backpack.

"I packed a lot of paper and crayons! Let's draw!" he said eagerly.

You watch them head downstairs and go get dressed. Your outfit was already decided, opening your closet you pull it out. Downstairs Rukia sat on the couch in the living with Adam who sat at the coffee table with paper and crayons scattered about. Adam was busy away drawing, Rukia watched him deciding not to take in drawing now he didn't seem to mind. She sat composed and let her eyes wander slowly around the whole first floor, taking in the open space. The interior was normal, as any human house she'd trespassed. It was orderly with a homey touch, that rather comfy. Pictures of old shrines(at least four) hung on the wall near the front door. The living room had single television, something told Rukia it seemed rarely used, and a bookcase filled to the brim with reading materials sat in the corner of the room up against the wall. Besides the couch she sat on, there were two cushion chairs on either side with a nightstand between the furniture.

Her eyes moved to the kitchen that was connected by the open floor layout. Half an hour ago she, with you and Adam had finished breakfast in the table nook. The meal was delicious, her stomach was not just full it was happy. The amount you made and assortment you made...she couldn't believe you made it. Even the juice was fresh and squeezed. Adam had her sit by him, while you sat across. The area was spacious with updated appliances, and the house phone mounted on the wall. A large window by providing a view of the backyard, which was rather lushes. It made sense why the door leading there was located close.

As Rukia's eyes trailed over the kitchen, she moved to the stairs. Stopping when you came down completely dressed. Rukia's eyes widen stunned, you didn't dress like any human teachers she's seen. Your outfit consisted of a fitted, baby-blue off-shoulder top that hugged your curves and well-endowed figure completely. The top had a sweetheart neckline and a subtle ruffle detail that added a feminine touch and accentuated your waist and other areas. You complimented the top with a pair of high-waisted, beige flared trousers, adding structure to the look. Your hair remained down with your usual yellow headband and choker that slightly threw off the look a little but one could hardly tell.

You reach the first floor and meet her eyes,"Ready?"

After grabbing and slipping on the footwear for today(your simple beige flats) and bringing Adam's wagon for later, you three leave. The sun has freshly risen for thirty minutes. This wasn't the normal time you would leave, it was early but you had to make it to Karakura High to enroll Rukia and then take Adam to school. It was best to do this when students weren't on campus. The walk was quiet, Rukia kept a few paces behind you. Adam, in his wagon, kept showing her his drawings. Rukia gave one-word responses, you could hear the nervousness in her voice even when she tried to hide it.

"We have arrived," you announce turning to her with a cheery smile.

Rukia walks onto the campus stops for a moment and casts her eyes up and all around. This was where she going to be...for the duration of her time until...a bitter feeling settled within that almost bordered on hopelessness, pulling her under.

"Miss Kuchiki," you call from the doors where you stood with Adam, you wonder why she suddenly stopped and had such a similar downcast look you knew all too well. It was understandable if she...was nervous and scared, but..."Miss Kuchiki, if you would," you add with a chipper tone and gesture with your eyes inside.

Rukia turned to you and Adam, breaking from her hold. Adam had a hand up waving at her. Quickly collecting herself Rukia walk over composed and entered the building.

"Alright, here is your homeroom, Miss Kuchiki," you inform Rukia stopping at the room, Adam wasn't with you, you had dropped him off at school. "Ms. Ochi, will be your instructor, I mean teacher for the duration of your stay. I can assure you, though she is a lively woman, she will provide you with adequate knowledge. Your fellow classmates I am quite sure you will develop the proper bonds with them. A wonderful class this year."

Rukia looked at the closed door of the classroom, a human classroom...this was where she needed to be, to remain close to Ichigo. She hoped this was his room, if not...perhaps she might need to be moved. Quietly her eyes glance at you and narrow slightly, you would have to move her to the proper class, and considering you enrolled her and had access it wouldn't be a problem. The question to ask tipped on Rukia's tongue, she needed confirmation. Slowly her mouth began to part to speak her question only to close it when she noticed a glimmering pain and tenderness in your eyes that resonated slightly in your voice when you spoke.

"I do hope you meet what's precious in here," you reach out a hand only to draw it back, all while trying to maintain your smile that quivered slightly.

Feeling yourself almost and nearly overcome with memories, collect yourself and fully give your attention to Rukia.

"Here is your schedule," you hand her a half-slip of paper, with her classes, "since you are a student of this class, each class aligns with them. See here," you point to your two classes, "I shall be your teacher on quite a few subjects." Rukia looked at it and confusion filled her eyes, "yes I know it is quite confusing. Come with me."

You walk towards the stairs, and Rukia hurries after you. You take her outside and across campus to your room. "This is my room," you open the door for her and yourself. She goes in and looks around the spacious room. You stop for a moment and watch her, then proceed to your desk at the front where you take out a copy of what you gave the students at the start of the term and hand it to her.

"This shall clear up any confusion you have."

Rukia looked over the paper and her confusion slowly left, "I see. You teach quite a lot."

"Yes, that I do. For quite some time. Oh, you can find me here if you need anything. I have a free period in the morning. Alright?"

You give her a pleasant smile and notice her uncertainty. "Miss Kuchiki," you spoke softly, her eyes lifting to yours, "enjoy yourself here. Though your circumstances have changed and all of this is frightening." A slight gasp escaped Rukia, "Do not let it cloud you from the scenery around you. I am here to assist you with anything you need. You are under my care and assure you I will do all I can for you. You are not alone."

Your words came out with such serenity and grace and radiance, Rukia felt something stir in her stomach she hadn't...felt before. The feeling stayed after she left your room when the bell rang for school to start. You had insisted to walk her back, but she declined and hurried out(taking her lunch). You quite...strange for a human, she thought taking her seat after introducing herself to the class. Once in her seat, her eyes covertly swept over the students for spiky orange and grimace expression. She didn't see any. Was he in this class?

"Kurosaki?" called, taking roll. There was no response so she moved to the next student.

Rukia felt relief swell in her throat, he was in this class, and that was good because she had to tell him something since last night's incident. After Ms. Ochi finished class began.

There was no sign of Ichigo, Rukia noticed. When the break came for class before heading over to your class, he hadn't arrived. Rukia quietly tensed up, wondering where he could be. She wasn't the only one, sitting in their chair with their back up against the wall, with an open book and spacy expression pointed towards the ceiling, Orihime Inoue.

She let out a soft and wide yawn, unaware Tatsaki's presence, "Hey, your mouth is open! You're too young to be zoning out!"

Orihime covered half her face with the book and looked up, "Tatsaki."She peeped quietly, Tatsaki took a seat next to her smirking, Orihime welcomed her.

"Ichigo sure is late," Tatsaki noticed, glancing around the room.

A bit of red dusted Orihime cheeks, "Huh?"

Tatsaki noticed and figured it out with Orihime, "You were thinking about Ichigo weren't you?"

"N-N-No I wasn't!" Orihime exclaimed, with a of bit red increase on her cheeks countering her words.

Tatsaki chuckled seeing straight through her words, after a few chuckles she became serious with curiosity and asked Orihime, "Hey Orihime what about him do you like? He's cold, his hair is a weird color. He's a brat, he's short-tempered. Frankly, a beauty like you could do better."

A huge, slightly goofy smile appeared on Orihime, "He's funny!" Tatsaki was confused, "I just imagine that grimacing face of his and-"she couldn't finish, lost in her own imagination laughter erupted from her.

Her laughter was cut short by Mizuiro, "He might not come today. Ichigo that is."

This surprised Orihime and Tatsaki,"What do you mean? Oh, yeah you always come to school with Ichigo." Tatsaki said. She then noticed something Mizuiro was holding. Orihime as well.

"What's that?" Tatsaki asked pointing to it.

Mizuiro's face beamed proudly and held up the colorful wrapped gift, "This is for Miss Bishop!"

Tatsaki rose a brow, "Why? Isn't it early for that?"

"I thought she deserved something nice. She's doing such a great job!" he said smiling from ear to ear, "So I went out and bought her something. Miss Bishop really is something," his eyes held a dreamy look. One many knew well given his reputation.

"She's out of your league," Tatsaki snickered, hiding her annoyance, "completely."

A hurt look came on Mizuiro, "It's not like that." His cheeks were slightly dusted with pink, "I just want her to know I appreciate her as a teacher. Teaching us all those subjects and her classes are always pleasant."

"Miss Bishop is amazing,"Orihime added tenderly, "she's so caring and considerate. Her classes are fun too! Not to mention..."she paused with admiration, "her beauty that shines. Not to mention she's a master in the kitchen! Do you see how effortlessly she uses the knives?! It's amazing!"

"I know right?! See Orihime gets it," Mizuiro said defensively to Tatsaki, "Miss Bishop is just the best. You won't find many like her. She does all she can for us. That's what I like about her. She reminds of..."

Tatsaki knew it and said it cooly, "The moon."

Orihime and Mizuiro look at her, Tatsaki's eyes were downcasted reflectively. The words Orihime and Mizurio said about you..."What do you mean, Tatsaki?" Orihime asked tentively.

A sigh expelled from Tatsaki before she lifted her eyes to them, "Miss Bishop is great. She's just..."she paused remembering your appearance at the dojo with Ichigo's mother. Your cool, dignified, and alluring yet mysterious presence. She shook her head, "Nevermind. So about Ichigo."

"Oh, I went by this morning and there was a huge hole in the side of his house. His dad was saying a truck crashed into it during the night," Mizurio said calmly.

"What!" Tatsaki's yelled, "Then is he injured or dead? Does Miss Bisho-"

A bag hits her in the back of the head, followed by a voice,"I'm not dead."

It was Ichigo, alive and well. "Sorry to disappoint you, but nobody was injured and she doesn't need to know anything,"he add with a harsher tone.

Tatsaki understood and left it alone. Orihime was elated to see Ichigo and greeted him as such, brightly. Ichigo returned it with less enthusiasm and took his seat. Orihime watched him with a question on her mind she directed to Tatsaki.

"Why would you have to tell Miss Bishop," she turned to Tatsaki confusion visibly on her face and searching for an answer from her friend.

Tatsaki uncomfortably scratched the back of her head, trying to avoid eye contact with Orihime while uncertain if she should say it or not. Ichigo was taking his seat and he wasn't in earshot.

She grumbled to herself before finally deciding to say it, in a whisper, "Okay, I'll tell you. Come here," she gesture for Orihime to come closer. Orihime leans in and uses her book to provide concealment for the answer.

Orihime's eyes widen at what Tatsaki, she couldn't believe it...Ichigo and...you...Orihime's mouth nearly dropped. Quickly she pushed it back up, but the intent focus she had on Ichigo made him turn and look at her. Her face turned red and she quickly looked away.

"That's it," Tatsaki finished, leaning away with a solemn look at the ceiling, "don't say anything though okay?"

"I won't," Orihime promised, "it's just...sad really."

"I know." Tatsaki agreed, dropping her eyes to the floor.

You had five minutes before the class arrived and you hurried to double-check everything was set and ready. Their supplies and ingredients were well stocked. Everything was clean, you had today's recipe ready. You did wonder where Rukia would go, and which workstation to put her at. Walking to your desk, you pull out the seating chart. Everything seemed pretty even. Should she be close to you or towards the back? Everything was new to her and you wanted her to feel comfortable.

Midway maybe? You weren't sure, sighing you put the chart away and walk to the back of the room to the double doors. You open them and right away Orihime greeted you.

"Good morning, Miss Bishop!" she chimed.

You smile back, "Good morning, Miss Orihime. Good everyone else, please do come in and get settled we have quite an interesting day," you step aside holding the door, and watch as they go in and get seated.

Once the last student entered you shut the door and walked to your desk. You grab the attendance before lifting your gaze to the class, and right away your eyes swiftly account for each student. Quietly you took the roll when you realized something. Two students weren't accounted for or present and you knew who. Worry and suspicion filled your eyes quietly as you again swept(methodically) across the class resonate whom.

Rukia and Ichigo.

Your heart increased, and an inch in you wanted to burst out of the room to go search, but you held back. You had the class to attend too and you didn't want to bring any alarm or arise. Clearing your throat you close your eyes for a moment, and within those few seconds, you silently speak, and within the instant of darkness flickers of lights lit and take shapes semblance of each student. You rush through and it changes to darkness again, you remained there for a lengthy set...you didn't see them...sense them...Ruika or Ichigo.

You should be able to feel them upon these grounds...where could they be? You needed to go deeper...expand yourself and...

"Miss Bishop," Tatsaki calls worryingly to you, erasing the darkness and bringing you back. Your eyes snap open and all eyes where on you, most full of concern, especially Orihime. "Are you okay?"

You blink a few times and your smile comes, "Yes. Of course," you turn to Tatsaki, keeping a steady eye connection and assurance, before adjusting your attention to the whole class," my apologies if I caused any concerns. I was just resonating on today's lesson." You set the attendance down and peep a question, looking towards Chad's direction, "Could anyone please provide informal information as to Mr. Ichigo's and Miss Ku-I mean, Miss Rukia's whereabouts? Class, has begun and it would be a shame should they miss."

No one said anything, you waited patiently as the long drawn-out silence filled the room, one student coughed breaking it slightly. Your face remains smooth, cool, and unwrinkled...it sent a few chills down a couple of students they had to lower their gaze. Keigo felt himself shivering.

No one said a thing, until a hand went up, your neck automatically snaps smoothly in the direction, "They left as we left to arrive here," Uryuu provided, lowering his hand and setting it aside, "though I am unsure where they went. Personally, I find it disrespectful." He pushed up his glasses.

"Thank you, Mr. Uyruu," you said graciously, dispersing the thick silence with warmth. "Well, that truly is a shame. As much as I would enjoy their presence so they do not miss out on today, I cannot in good conscience restrict your growing minds. Now," you beam softly resting your hand gently together before you, "shall we begin!"

Cheers and smiles filled the room, grabbing your apron put it on, call the students to your workstation and begin. Today they were making, peach and cherry blossom pie pockets with a twist of lemon and you had samples.

The students were halfway through the assignment when the door to the classroom 'quietly' ajar and two figures slipped in and took a seat. Their eyes glance at you and find your back to them helping Chizru and her workstation; they managed to cause their compote to overflow, luckily you managed to lower the flame and move the pot to another burner before damage was done.

"Miss Rukia and Mr. Ichigo, I am pleased you have arrived promptly at your own time," you said evenly, without turning to them and making it obvious you were aware of their presence. "Considering your classmates have studiously arrived on time and begun their assignment do not disrupt them. However, you can for the residue of time, Mr. Ichigo began washing the equipment."

A few students turned their heads, and you continued, "Miss Rukia, your assigned seat is not to occupy that workstation, have provided you one closer with Mr. Keigo and Mr. Mizuiro's workstation. Please proceed to the designation, I mean station."

You heard the scooting found of the stool legs and Rukia's steps approaching, she sat down with her eyes on you amazed you sensed them coming in. You didn't look her way or Ichigo's and continued assisting the other students. Orihime being one, who you raced over to, nearly cut her finger trying to implement one of your knife-handling skills. You assigned her to puff pastry.

The remainder of the class went well, the students finished and left for lunch. Since you didn't have to lock up or go anywhere, a few students asked if they could stay back and eat in the room. You didn't mind, Orihime led the initiative with a few other girls. They ate at Tatsaki and Orihime's workstation, their idle and schoolish talk was a welcoming presence as you corrected some work. After lunch, they came in for the next subject, art. Rukia was quietly elated and her attention never left you, especially when you began handing out the materials for them to use abstract art in their work.

When school and your workday end, you received Mizuiro's gift which you would open at home, you close up the room and meet Rukia by the front door. Most of the students left, as you arrived you thought you heard Ichigo's voice and Rukia's, though when came out find just her. You present a smile and the two of you walk off the grounds to pick up Adam. It was quiet again between you two, you believe it was from earlier during class, and you weren't upset or disappointed in her anymore. So you built the courage and asked.

"Miss Kuchiki, after picking up Adam, we will be heading to the pavilion," you inform her, you felt her eyes on you wondering why, you continue and look at her with lively kindness, "so that you may shop for new clothes and thing else you will possibly need for your room. How does that sound?"

"...A...umm..."

You shake your head softly, "You do not need to express yourself until you are ready. Now let us hurry up so you get what you need."