An Unwanted Trip

Ichigo was up to something. He just HAD to be! There was no way he'd show up, out of the blue, just to tell Rukia 'hi'. No...there was something more to this. Much much more. Rukia watched the teen with suspicion as he browsed her office, trying to make it look like he was interested.

"So...what's the REAL reason you're here?" asked Rukia, her arms folded and leaning against her desk.

Ichigo faced her with an attempt to look annoyed, but it failed miserably. "What? Can't I just drop by and talk to you? We still have a lot of catching up to do, you know, because you were gone for seventeen months."

"Right. So why do I get the feeling you're using me for something?"

"Me? Use you? No way! Why, why would I do that? Huh? Hmm?"

'And I've got him.'   "Ichigo?"

"Yeah?"

"You're using your lying voice."

The orange haired Shinigami immediately made that nervous face whenever he was trying to come up with a good fib. "I don't have a lying voice! What...what makes you think that I have a lying voice?"

Rukia rolled her eyes. "Because you're using it...right now. And your poker face is terrible."

"You don't even know what poker is!"

"Yes I do. Mizuiro taught it to me the last time I was down." The lieutenant sat herself on her desk, getting comfortable for the possible long interrogation that was likely going to take place. "Now...are you going to continue lying to me, or are you going to tell me the truth? Chose wisely. One choice makes me happy...and the other makes me want to hit your pathetic face."

Ichigo tried to look as defiant as he could, but it was all just an act. He heaved a sigh and drooped his head in defeat. "Fiiiiine."

A cheerful smile crept up Rukia's mouth. "Great! So why are you really here?"

"I'm...hiding..." Ichigo flinched as he said those words. Like they were painful to admit.

"From who?"

"My dad."

Rukia blinked in confusion. Sure, Ichigo sometimes was embarrassed to be seen with his father...but running to the Soul Society to HIDE from him? This had to be big. "Why?"

"Because he wants me to go to some stupid family reunion."

"I thought your father was a Shinigami and you know nothing about his side?"

"He is and I don't. It's...for my MOM'S side..."

"Oh. Well that doesn't sound so bad."

The teen gave her a face that told her that it clearly was THAT bad. "Oh. Yeah. Because the last time I saw any of those people was on the day my mom was buried. And do you know what I heard all damn day? 'Why is the murderer of Masaki at her funeral?'. 'I thought killers were suppose to go to prison?'. 'Oh my God! What is that little monster doing here?! Kick him out!'."

The office fell completely silent. Rukia was a little torn about what to do now. On one hand, she wanted to force Ichigo to attend this little family get-together because she felt a little jealous that he could even have one of those...and on the other hand, she wanted to help hide him because his mother's family sounded like they didn't care for him that much. She thought long and hard what she was going to do with him. She had made her decision...but changed it once she saw the pleading in his eyes.

'They do sound like horrible people...why should I turn him over to them? I hope I'm not going to regret this...'   "Alright...I'll hide you here."

Ichigo released a sigh of relief, and smiled a little. "Thanks, Rukia. I owe you big time."

"Yes you do." The lieutenant hopped off her desk and walked around to her actual seat. "So I take it your mother's family hates you?"

"Like I'm the devil's spawn." he answered, sitting on her desk now.

"Off the desk."

"No thanks. Think of it as payback for all the times YOU sat on MY bed and didn't get off."

Rukia glared at him briefly. In one movement barely even visible to the naked eye, she hoisted her leg in the air and planted her foot on Ichigo's side. He toppled over onto the floor like it was nothing. Rukia brought her leg back down and calmly began filling out paperwork.

"So...do they just hate you because they blame you for your mother's death?" asked Rukia coolly as she went through the paperwork.

Ichigo grabbed her desk and pulled himself up, scowling at her while doing so. Seeing that she wasn't paying attention, he grumbled and kept himself on his knees. "Partially, yeah. They also hate me because of my dad."

"Ah. So they don't like your dad either?"

"No. They hate his guts. Not as much as mine...but close enough. They're really not great people to be around. Even Mom tried avoiding them while she was alive."

"So why would they invite your family to a reunion?"

"Hell if I know. Probably to ridicule my dad, tell my sisters how ugly they are, and do more 'Shouldn't you be in prison' jokes to me."

"They just sound all around nasty."

"Believe me...they are..."

Suddenly, there was a beeping sound. Both Ichigo and Rukia looked at each other as if seeking an answer. That's when Rukia realized that it was her Soul Pager.

'That's odd...why am I getting a call?'   She pulled it from out of her pocket and flipped it open. Holding it to her ear, she greeted cheerfully, "Moshi moshi?"

"Helloooooo, Rukia."

The petite Shinigami's eyes widened. "Isshin! Hiiii!"

Ichigo went about three shades of green before going ghostly pale. He shook his head violently and kept mouthing "I'm not here! I'm not here!"

"How are you, Isshin? Everything going good down at the clinic?" Rukia said nervously, trying to sound completely natural.

"Oh, things are fine. Say, Rukia...you haven't seen my idiot son around, have you?"

"Have I seen Ichigo?"

She glanced over at Ichigo again. This time, the Substitute Shinigami was on his feet waving his arms and shaking his head in a very firm "NO!" manner. Rukia swallowed, hoping that she wasn't sounding too anxious.

"Why no. I haven't seen him anywhere. Has he gone missing?"

"Yeah. He took off after I told him we were going to a family reunion if it was the last thing I do." Isshin heaved a sigh. "You sure you haven't seen him?"

"Positive! Haven't seen him in quite a while!"

"Oh really? Okay. If you haven't seen him...then tell me why..."

The door flew open...revealing a very aggravated Isshin in his Shinigami attire. Rukia about had heart failure. Ichigo? He most likely died and came back from the dead.

"HE'S IN YOU OFFICE?!?!?!" Isshin finished furiously.

Rukia dropped her Soul Pager, absolutely astonished how he even KNEW where her office was. Ichigo, on the other hand, let out a terrified shriek, then threw himself over the desk and landed right behind Rukia's chair. He gripped the sides of the chair...and used both it and the lieutenant sitting in it as a shield.

"I'm not going, old man! No way in hell!" Ichigo screamed defiantly.

It took a moment for Rukia to register what exactly was going on. "Are...are you using me as a shield?!"

"Don't worry, Rukia. You'll get your chance to extract revenge later." Isshin huffed as he walked over to the duo. He grabbed Ichigo by the back of his uniform and sighed, "Let's get going."

It took a while for the old Shinigami to yank this son away from the chair. But just as he felt like he had won...Ichigo latched onto the desk...and he was NOT letting go. Isshin tugged and pulled a couple of times around his son's waist, but Ichigo would not budge. He let go of him and took a hold of his ankles. Isshin pulled...and Ichigo held on tighter.

"No! I'm not going! You can't make me!" Ichigo yelled in a squeaky voice.

"Really, Ichigo?! You haven't done this since the first day of primary school!" Isshin grunted.

"Noooo! I don't want to go!"

"You are going on this trip whether you like it or not! Now let go of the desk!"

"Screw you, old man! Screw you!"

'Oh how I wish I had a camera! This is golden!'

Rukia just sat there in her chair, watching father and son acting like complete idiots. It was highly amusing and she always needed a good laugh. As she watched them, she started wishing that she also had some popcorn so she could snack while enjoying the show. It just seemed the harder Isshin would try to get Ichigo to let go of her desk – the harder his son would hold on to it. He REALLY didn't want to go to this family gathering.

"Come on, Ichigo! What are you?! Four?!" spat Isshin.

"At least I can count to my age! I bet you can't at all!" Ichigo retorted.

'I wonder if I still have some rice balls hidden away in my desk...'   Rukia opened one of the drawers she had installed on her desk to set some random things in them. Sure enough, with the first drawer she opened, resided her favorite treat.   'Yes! Now if only I had something to drink. Oh well!'

She placed the box on her desk and started eating her snack. Ichigo's jaw dropped open as he saw her seemingly taking pleasure in his suffering.

"Are you eating that like popcorn at a movie?!" he cried out.

"Mm-mm." Rukia muffled as she popped in rice ball after rice ball.

"Liar! You're chowing down on that like this is some kind of show!"

"Nuh-uh."

"Liar! Liar!"

Seeing Rukia munching away her favorite snack distracted Ichigo enough that his grip loosened. Isshin yanked his son away from the desk, causing him to slam onto the floor face first. He began to drag his son away, but Ichigo grabbed hold of whatever was within his reach.

"No! I don't want to go! Don't make me go!" whined Ichigo.

"Oh, stop acting like a baby! This won't be bad!" Isshin sighed.

"That's easy for you to say! You're not the one they think killed Mom!"

"Just ignore them. They're just petty anyway."

"Then why are we going?!"

"Because your grandmother is getting old and she deserves to see you kids one last time before she dies."

"She's going to die? Good! Hope she rots!"

Those words caught Rukia's attention. She never heard Ichigo say anything like that about anyone. Not even for someone he didn't like. This side of his family...they must really be awful for Ichigo, who knew how to be respectful when he felt like it, to say something like that about his own grandmother. She rose to her feet just as Ichigo clung to the door frame as a last ditch effort to keep himself put. She was about to do something she was sure she was going to regret...but she did owe him anyway, right?

"Hey! Before you break the frame to my door, can I suggest something?"

Father and son ceased their shenanigans. They gawked at her stupidly – almost making identical faces. The lieutenant exhaled shakily, and prepared herself for all the possible reactions she played out in her head.

"Isshin, you want Ichigo to go to this little family gathering. And Ichigo, you don't want to go. So how about a compromise. Ichigo – you go to the gathering with no questions asked –"

"Where the hell is the compromise in that!?" Ichigo interrupted.

"As long as I am allowed to come along. If I don't go – Ichigo doesn't go. And if I go I can monitor him, making sure he behaves and acts gentlemanly."

"I'm still not seeing the compromise!"

Isshin, on the other hand, seemed to see it. He thought about for a bit. Then, that goofball grin of his consumed his entire face. "What a great idea! Of course you can come along! Make sure to bring at least four pairs of clothes! We'll be there all weekend!"

Ichigo's face paled. "All weekend..." He groaned and buried his face in the floor. "Thanks, Rukia. You just dug my grave."

Rukia rolled her eyes and smiled in a cutesy manner. "Anything for a friend!"




It took a lot, but Rukia was able to convince both Captain Ukitake and Byakuya to allow her to take the weekend off and spend it with Ichigo. Well...it was more Byakuya she had to convince. For some reason, the moment she said Ichigo to her captain...he shoved hr out the door and told her to have a great time with this huge smile on his face. Byakuya, on the other hand, gave her a nasty look and told her no. She had to beg for a good five minutes before he gave in simply because he was either annoyed by it or because the idea of Ichigo being miserable sounded too good to pass up.

'Sometimes I wonder if he really thinks Ichigo as a friend. He's so odd...'

On the day she was suppose to go to the Kurosaki house, she woke up extra early to prepare. She a few packed clothes she had picked out while shopping with a few of the girls from the Association just for the occasion, her notepad and plenty of markers, an extra pair of shoes just to be safe, and a few extra bras to be ultra safe. She dressed up the gigai Urahara delivered the night before and took a step back to make sure it looked good.  White tank top, dark blue denim overalls with the suspenders hanging latched up around her waist, and adorable purple Converses with Chappy drawn on the side – it got her approval. She hopped into it, grabbed her bag full of her things, and opened the gate to the World of the Living. It wasn't long before she stepped into the World of the Living and heard the gate close behind her. The sun was out and the air was warm. It looked like it was going to be a beautiful day.

'I don't think anyone grumpy like Ichigo could hate a day like this!'

She hummed a little tune as she walked down the street to the Kurosaki house since she was a little off in the geographical entrance. It wasn't long before she saw the house. There was a van outside with Ichigo loading it in a pair of tattered jeans and a tight black T-shirt with Celtic knots. He wasn't paying attention to anything really. Those headphones of his were in again. Rukia knew that unless you caught his attention pretty well, he wouldn't know you were there. She tried sneaking up on him, but stopped when she realized that, even though a little quiet, he was SINGING.

'Hmmm...oh...he won't get mad if I hear a little of it, right?'

She stood behind him, listening to what he was singing. She heard he had this habit when he listened to his music sometimes. Yuzu and Karin had caught him on several occasions, and Isshin begged his son to join a band when he caught him. But Rukia could never catch him. All she ever caught was him bobbing his head. This was her one opportunity to listen to her friend and decide whether or not she wanted to tease him about it! As she listened to him, the lyrics to whatever he was listening to sort of hit her in the heart.

"It had to be the worst for me.  don't know what to say so let me be. And now I find...you left me behind. I don't know what to say so nevermind! You're mine! 'Cause I know what you want, but you'll just have to wait. If I had it to give, I would give it away. I'm living it up while I'm falling from grace! There's no way, there's no way that I'm running away!"

The petite woman had no idea why those words stabbed her a bit, but they did and she was shaken just a little. Thinking that now would be a good time to make him know she was there, she reached out and tapped his shoulder. Like always when she startled him, he jumped and let out a little shout. He yanked his right headphone out and whipped around with a look of annoyance and shock. When he saw it was her, that infamous scowl appeared.

"Well, hello there Brutus. You're here a little early. I'm the only one that's all set to go." he grumbled.

Rukia rolled her eyes. Normally, she wouldn't understand what he had just said to her. However, as of late, she had been reading this Shakespeare person he had admired so much and knew he had just made a 'Julius Caesar' reference. "Still pouting about it, I see."

"I think I have a right to that since you basically stabbed me in the back."

"Then shouldn't you say 'Et tu, Brute? Then fall, Caesar.'?"

The Substitute stared at her for a minute with contemplation of how to react in his eyes. He then sighed and resumed loading the van. "I knew letting you reading Shakespeare was a bad idea..."

Rukia shrugged, dropping her bag on the ground with all the other things that needed to be loaded up. He looked up at her with that scowl of his, then continued loading the van. Rukia leaned against the van, watching him grumble and pout about this trip. She shook her head and smiled. It was a little ridiculous that he'd pout ALL week about this...but at the same time kind of funny. A sudden flash made both Shinigami jump and become very alert. Isshin had come outside without either of them realizing it...and brought a camera with him. He looked very excited of the picture he had just taken.

"Why haven't you asked her out on a date yet, son?! You two are just too cute together!" Isshin asked cheerfully.

Ichigo's answer was this: picking up an bag probably full of things one of the Kurosaki family members packed, and chucking it at his father's head. Isshin took the headshot and fell onto his back in an over dramatic fashion, like always. This was when Yuzu and Karin had finally come out of the house.

"Pissing off Ich-nii again, Dad?" Karin snickered.

"Behave you two!" Yuzu pleaded.

"I'll behave once the goat gets a muzzle." huffed Ichigo, returning to his job.

Rukia smiled and giggled a little. This family...they were always so wired. She blamed half of it on their father, but sometimes Ichigo had his moments too. As the teen continued to load the van, grumbling complaints as his family kept dropping stuff on the ground for him to add to the trunk, Rukia started thinking about something. Now this wasn't something she usually thought of, since she didn't think it was worth the worry...but this time she couldn't help it. Ichigo seemed to get flustered whenever someone asked if he was dating Rukia or why he wasn't yet. He also didn't like her on his bed when she used to sit on it when they first met. And the way he smiled at her sometimes...she never saw him do that with anyone else. She began to wonder why he did all these things. An idea clicked in her head...but she was sure that THAT wasn't it.

"All finished!" Ichigo announced, closing the trunk. "You may now take me to hell on earth."

"Wait a minute, Ichigo!" Isshin cried. He pulled out a small blue trash can from out of nowhere, and held it out to his son. "Here you go!"

Ichigo glowered at his father. He snatched the trash can away and held it close to him like he was choosing whether to use it properly...or as a weapon of mass destruction.

"What's the trash can for?" Rukia asked innocently.

"Ichi-nii gets car sick...bad." answered Karin with a smirk. "So Pukey there becomes his best friend on long trips. Or on most trips in general."

"Why do you call the trash can that?" mumbled Ichigo, now looking a little annoyed and embarrassed.

Rukia tilted her head to the right, almost like a curious puppy. "You get care sick? How do you even drive?"

"I don't get sick when I drive! Just...when other people do..."

"Alright everyone, load up!" Isshin ordered happily. "And remember – the entire back seat goes to Mr. Throw Up over here!"

Ichigo kicked his dad in the gut before ripping the van door open. He crawled into the back seat and laid down. Rukia tried not to laugh – she really did. But the way he was behaving was so funny and so out of character that she just couldn't help but let out a quick snicker here and there. Isshin and Yuzu climbed into the front seat, while Rukia climbed into the middle one with Karin. They all buckled up and Isshin started the car. Rukia glanced back at her friend, just because she WAS somewhat worried about him. Already, even though the car hadn't budged from its spot, Ichigo was paler than a ghost. He kept the small trash can close to him and seemed miserable while doing so.

'If he's like that already...I sure hope he doesn't puke on the way to this family gathering...'




The car ride was quiet for the most part, minus the few times that Isshin asked Rukia to check on Ichigo to see if he threw up since he was sometimes silent when he did so. Every time she looked in the back seat it was a negative. Most of the ride Ichigo was either playing with his MP3 player, or fast asleep. And every time she found him asleep...she couldn't help but to think how cute and vulnerable he was...

Isshin finally pulled into a dirt road that led to an enormous mansion with land to spare. Rukia knew these kinds of places existed in the World of the Living...but not THIS big! She gawked in wonder how something so big and beautiful was hidden by so many trees so that the world outside couldn't know of its existence. Isshin parked behind a row of other vehicles, his the biggest. He announced their arrival and everyone shuffled out of the van. All...except Ichigo. He had fallen asleep once again in the backseat.

"Could you wake him up, Rukia? We'll get the coolers out of the trunk." asked Isshin.

Rukia nodded, having no problem dealing with Ichigo's sleep filled wrath. She leaned into the back seat and tapped his shoulder. He shifted, but didn't wake. She tapped his shoulder again – same response. So she punched his shoulder, hoping that this would work. To her amazement, it did. Ichigo shifted and his eyes opened. He looked incredibly grumpy and lethargic. Rukia reached out and pulled out his headphones so he could hear her. Normally, he hated it when she did this. But this time...he was just too sick and tired that he just didn't react.

"We're here." she told him sweetly.

Ichigo blinked. His face told her that he really didn't care if they had arrived at the reunion or in Cancun. Sluggishly, he sat up and placed the trash can on the floor. Rukia backed up as he climbed out of the van. He flinched at the sunlight, even groaned a little. He turned back to close the door, but Rukia beat him to it.

"Thanks..." he muttered.

"No problem." she replied.

Now she was more worried for him than she was when they first got in the van. He was deathly pale with a faded tint of green, and appeared like he would topple over with no questions asked. And when he DID wobble, Rukia hurriedly grabbed his arm. He looked at her with confusion, but didn't say anything.

"Got the coolers! Let's head up to this shindig!" chirped Isshin.

"If I get called a boy one time, just once...I'm decking the moron. Got it?" Karin warned.

"Don't be so rude, Karin!" Yuzu sighed.

"I have a right to be. Besides...Ichi-nii is the one we got to worry about."

"And that's why Rukia's here!" Isshin said with a big, goofy grin.

The lieutenant nodded, starting to regret this a little. She helped Ichigo follow his family, since he was wobbling around something fierce. The group wandered around the mansion and went straight to its backyard. There were probably hundreds of people here! They were all sophisticated looking with a snobbish air to them.

'It feels like one of those noble balls Nii-sama hates so much.'

A woman, who looked way too old to be wearing the little black number she was is, passed by them briefly. She then took a step back and gave everyone a look of disdain. "Oh Lord...you actually came. I was hoping that you wouldn't."

Rukia was appalled by this greeting. She couldn't believe someone could be so rude! Then again, Ichigo did warn her...

"Nice to see you again, Kiki." Isshin greeted joyfully, not even seeming the least bit upset by her words. "Where do you want these placed?"

"Just go put them under one of the tables. I'm sure if anyone is desperate for food, they'll go digging."

Yuzu flinched at that. She looked hurt, very hurt. Rukia guessed that maybe the young girl had prepared many delicious goodies for this thing. So being told that no one would eat it unless they were desperate must've really harmed her feelings.

"Will do!" Isshin laughed nervously.

He and the twins left to go place the coolers where ordered – leaving Rukia and Ichigo alone with this unpleasant woman. Rukia felt Ichigo grip her hand tightly, its hold shaky. This was an odd feeling. They never really had held hands before, so she really didn't know how to handle this. Figuring he was only doing it so she could help him control himself, she squeezed his hand back. The woman called Kiki turned her hateful gaze upon them, a look of ultimate displeasure upon her face.

"Still haven't been tossed out of society yet, Ichigo?" she hissed with a wrinkly smirk.

Ichigo twitched. Rukia squeezed his hand, warning him to behave.

"And who is this?"

Rukia smiled, trying to be polite, though that was the last thing she wanted to do at this moment in time. "Hello! I'm Rukia Kuchiki! It's a pleasure to meet you, madam!"

Kiki rolled her eyes. "Ugh! Please. Save your pleasantries for someone who cares." She pulled out a cigarette from out of her sleeve and popped it in her mouth. "Why is she here with you?"  She got a lighter from out of her top, and lit her cigarette. "Get her pregnant or something?"

Now Rukia was the one that twitched. How dare this woman, who didn't even know her, say something so disrespectful! And how dare she even think Ichigo would do something like that! Ichigo may be immature at times, a bit impulsive, incredibly stubborn and hot headed, and had a hero complex...but he definitely wasn't someone who would do that to a girl! He had much more respect than that! Rukia opened her mouth to answer, but Ichigo beat her to it.

"And if she was pregnant...do you think it's a good thing to get her all upset and stressed out?" he growled lowly. "Unless you want her to miscarry ten times like you have."

Before Rukia could process what he just said...Kiki slapped him across the face hard enough to make him stumble lightly. Rukia gasped. She couldn't believe what just happened. This wasn't something she was used to at all. She didn't know what to do. Not at all. Ichigo straightened himself, looking back at Kiki with so much seething hatred in his eyes that if they were weapons...they could kill a million times over. Before anything else happened, Rukia dragged Ichigo away.

"Nice to meet you again!" she called out, doing her best to keep her happy face on.

Once she thought her and Ichigo were far enough out from the rest of the people, who were all throwing piercing glares, she gave Ichigo a good punch to his arm. He just winced at the pain. He didn't whine and boob like he usually did. Just stood there...refusing to meet her gaze.

"Why did you go off and say something like that?! I know she probably deserved it or something...but you didn't have to be so inconsiderate!" she hissed.

Ichigo didn't say anything. His anger melted into frustrated sadness. Rukia calmed herself down. She could see the immense sense of guilt he felt in his amber eyes. She sighed and folded her arms. What on earth was she going to do with this man?

"I hate this family..." he finally said.

The raven haired Shinigami stared at him with shock. Hate...she usually didn't hear that in Ichigo's vocabulary. He really never hated anyone, that she knew of. So if he said that he hated these people...he must've meant it.

"They never welcomed us. All because Dad isn't some tightwad rich snob like the rest of these people..." he continued in a grumble.

Rukia bit the inside of her lip. She hated seeing him like this. It always made her heart break down the middle. She reached up and cupped her hands around his cheeks. That's when he brought himself to meet her purple-blue gaze. She could see the hurt in his stare...the agonizing hurt. What it was over more she couldn't tell. It was almost a tie between the fact that his father was hated for some stupid reason...and the fact that everyone here seemed to think he was a cold blooded murderer. Rukia smiled gently and rubbed his face with her thumbs.

"Now where is that man I know you are? The one who sticks his chest out and tells people to suck it. You weren't placed on this earth to please everyone. And if no one liked you, then they could just deal with it because you didn't care. Where is that man? Huh, Ichigo?" she inquired softly.

The Substitute Shinigami's eyes widened with surprise. They always did when Rukia said things like this. But they seemed much more stunned than usual. Maybe it was because she wasn't talking loudly and boldly like usual, but soft and gentle. A weak smile touched his lips.

"He's still here. And he's not going anywhere." Ichigo said with determination.

Rukia grinned all cute like. "Good! I was afraid I would have to beat him till he woke up!"

"No way in hell would I let you do that! Your punches and kicks hurt..."

"Then quit moping. Try to pretend that you're having fun. Even if these people are more snobbish than a room full of nobles."

This made Ichigo laugh. "I knew my mom's family was bad...but I didn't know they were THAT bad!"

"Oh, they seem pretty awful already. I almost gave that Kiki woman a piece of my mind back there. I must be pregnant...bah! What a wretch."

"Believe me...she can get worse."

"What is wrong with these people?! You told me that your mother was a very kind and gentle woman."

"I'm going with that she was adopted. I refuse to believe that she's actually blood related to any of these people."

It was Rukia's turn to laugh. Sometimes, she enjoyed Ichigo's sense of humor.

"Ohhh...got yourself a girlfriend, eh, Kurosaki?"

The two friends looked over in the direction in which the voice came from. A bulky teenager, possibly around Ichigo's age, waltzed up to the duo with his gang of equally bulky family members with an exception of one girl. Ichigo made a disgusted face and shuddered.

"I thought you would be in jail by now, Mako..." grunted the orange haired teen.

"Ha! Could say the same about you!" chortled Mako. He jerked his head towards Rukia. "Who's the broad?"

"Excuse?! I'm not a broad!" Rukia spat.

"She's right, Mako. She's too boyish looking to be a girl." said the one girl in the group with a snooty tone.

"Bite me, Barbie!"

Ichigo quickly grabbed Rukia by her shoulders and brought her close to him. "Her name's Rukia."

Mako smirked like a creep. "That's a nice name." He inched closely to the female Shinigami, trying to make a move or something. "So, Rukia...wanna ditch this loser and come hang out with us? At least we've never killed anyone."

When he got close enough, Rukia gave him a good kick where it counted. Mako instantly crumbled to the ground, moaning and groaning. His gang panicked and quickly surrounded him to check if he was alright. Rukia could hear Ichigo trying to hold back his laughter. She smirked smugly, feeling quite proud of herself. Mako eventually got onto his feet, still in intense pain, and glared at the duo.

"You'll regret this! I swear it to you!" he threatened while quivering.

"Yeah...if you can even stand." Ichigo retorted, still trying really hard not to laugh.
"Shut up! A murderer like you doesn't have the right to talk to me about standing!"

Ichigo tensed – Rukia could feel it. She hurriedly turned around and grabbed one of his hands. She led him away from the group before he could do serious damage. Sadly...they were still in earshot.

"Ohhh! Leaving so soon?" Mako taunted.

"Just ignore them." Rukia said, feeling Ichigo wince.

"Gonna go home and cry to Mommy? Oh, wait...you don't have one!"

Laughter was heard from the group. Rukia tightened her grip on Ichigo's hand...but did it too late. He tore free from her. And before anyone knew what was happening...he had Mako pinned to the ground, giving him the beat down of a life time.

"Ichigo!" shrieked Rukia as she raced over to the fight.

Mako's group began screaming for help. Everyone attending the gathering ran over to the one-sided fight. Mako wailed and begged for mercy...words Ichigo didn't hear. Isshin picked his son up from under his arms and dragged him away from a bloodied Mako. Rukia, along with his family, looked at him with horror. Never had any of them seen him lose control like this...nor look to intent on causing harm to anyone. His breathing was heavy and had a torn look. All his other relatives gathered around the false sobbing Mako, making sure he was okay. An elderly woman threw Ichigo a pure look of hate. Tears formed in her brown eyes as an accusatory finger pointed at him.

"It was bad enough you had to take Masaki from us! Now you want to take someone else, too?! How many of us will you send to their graves before you're satisfied?!" she roared.

Rukia shook at those words. A scapegoat. That's all Ichigo was to these people. Someone to place the blame on for a death that couldn't be explained. It was not fair. Not fair at all. And who would believe her if she told them the truth? That his mother died because of a Hollow? No one. Absolutely no one.

Ichigo yanked himself out of his father's grip, causing everyone on his mother's side of the family to gasp and panic. But he did nothing. Just stood there breathing like he had run a marathon. His face twisted up in the deep sorrow the death of his mother caused him.

"You don't know anything about that night! You'll never understand anything!" he screamed in angst, like all normal teenagers would.

Then, he stormed off in the direction where all the vehicles were parked. Everyone watched him disappear, the majority excited to see him go. But his father and sisters looked devastated. Rukia bit the inside of her lip. She knew that it might not be a good idea to bother him when he was like this...but she wasn't going to leave him alone either. She jogged after him, not caring about any of the shocked or disgusted stares she was getting. She reached the front of the mansion, not seeing Ichigo anywhere in sight. She walked to the van they came in...and saw him. He was sitting on the ground with his knees to his chest and his face buried in them. She couldn't tell if he was just shaking out of anger....or if he was crying. She sat down next to him, unsure of what to do. She finally placed her hand on her back and began rubbing it.

"I'm sorry..." was all she could think to say.

He didn't say anything. Not one word. The silence was unbearable, but Rukia knew he needed to speak on his own free will. After about five minutes...he spoke.

"It was dark...and raining."

Rukia looked at him in confusion. Dark and raining? What did that mean? Then...it hit her. It hit her like a ton of bricks.

'Is he telling me about the day his mother died?'

Ichigo let out a shaky exhale before continuing. "Mom picked me up from the dojo...like she always did. I was excited to see...like I always was. We started to walk home under the umbrellas she brought along with her. While we were walking, this driver went by and the puddle they went through hit me. Got me soaked. Mom was a little upset by it, but not for long. She started cleaning off my face, asking if I was okay. She then said to trade her places, let her walk next to the street so that I didn't get drenched again. I told her she didn't have to. I had a raincoat on so I was okay with it. That I wanted to protect her..." He let out another shaky exhale, along with a weak chuckle. "She teased me about protecting myself against Tatsuki before I worried about protecting her. Tatsuki was always kicking my ass at that dojo. But I was a bit of a wimp back then...so I guess it makes sense. Mom walked by the street...her hand in mine. I always liked holding my mom's hand. It gave me a sense of protection in a way." He chuckled again, this time a little more weaker. "I was a big mama's boy...I won't lie about that. But I loved my mom...so I thought nothing of it. I didn't even care if I was teased about it. She was the center of my universe...of my family's universe..."

Rukia stopped rubbing his back. She wrapped her fingers around his shoulder, squeezing it tightly. "Look...you don't have to tell me about this. I know it's painful. Just tell me when you're more ready and not already in an emotional state."

He didn't seem to listen to her, because after his long pause...he continued.

"We were walking by the river. Nothing usually didn't happen by there, so I wasn't really paying attention to it. But then something compelled me to look...and I did. I saw a girl standing there, just staring off in the distance. I stopped walking, curious about what she was doing. Back then I had no idea how to tell the difference between the living or the dead...so I thought she was alive. When I saw her try to throw herself into the river...I panicked. I didn't want her to get hurt. I didn't understand this desire I had to protect a total stranger. I was so used to having the desire to protect my mom and my sisters...but this was all new to me. But I ran anyways. I ran down to the river bank to stop her from going in and drowning. I heard Mom call for me...but I ignored her. She told me to stop, and I didn't understand why. How was I suppose to know that she couldn't see the girl about to kill herself?"

Ichigo ceased speaking for a good minute or two. This next part Rukia knew was going to be the most difficult to talk about. She bit her lip, wondering if she should tell him to stop talking about this. That he didn't need to tell her anything. But she knew he wouldn't listen, and waited patiently for him to continue on.

"The next thing I remember was waking up on some rocks and feeling something heavy on top of me. I had no idea what it was till my vision stopped being blurry. I saw my mom...not moving and blood trailing across the ground by her side. I knew she was dead...but I didn't want to believe it. I didn't want to believe that Mom died because of me. I got out from under hear and began shaking her. I yelled for her so many times...but she never answered." He tightened his body to the point of rigidness, and his shoulders began to shake. "I started to cry. I remember thinking how was I going to explain this to my family...how was I going to explain to them that I had killed Mom because I went after a little girl who wasn't even there anymore? I was terrified. Terrified that my dad, Yuzu, and Karin were going to hate me for what I did. But when they didn't...I became angry. I wanted them to hate me, to blame me just a little. There were so many emotions bottled up inside me that I felt like I was drowning. I avoided school for a while...pacing back and forth where Mom had died. I didn't want to be bothered...I just wanted to suffer alone for what I had done to my mother..."

"But you didn't kill her, Ichigo. It wasn't your fault. You were young and didn't know what you were seeing. Your mother died how any parent wishes to die – protecting their child. I know she'd never blame you for it. And I'm sure it would make her sad if she saw how her family is treating you and the rest of your family. None of you deserve that. Especially you. You've suffered enough unneeded guilt without these people throwing it in your face every two minutes." Rukia said quietly.

No sound – no movement came from Ichigo. He just sat there, stiff as a board, barely even breathing. Then, he lifted his head. His eyes were red and cheeks stained with drying tears. He glanced at Rukia with a broken expression. Slowly, a smile crept up his mouth. He rested his forehead on her shoulder and breathed with relief.

"Thanks for listening..." he croaked.

"Did you think I wouldn't?"

"No..."

"Then why are you thanking me?"

"Because I feel like I should. You've done too much for me...and I feel like I haven't done much for you."

Rukia rolled her eyes. "Oh...that's a lie. You've done plenty."

"Is that right? Well...I guess saving your life is a lot."

"You've done more than that."

"Oh yeah? Like what?"

"I'm not going into details."

"Embarrassed by it?"

"No! It's just..." The Shinigami felt her face burn up. "It's just none of your business!"

Ichigo chuckled. "Right...none of my business. Alright. Suit yourself."

He pulled away from her, that tiny smile still there. He brushed back his hair and sighed. He looked like a mess, and Rukia was pretty sure he knew it. The teen met her gaze again, uttering silent words she couldn't make out. That felt weird to her. She usually could communicate with Ichigo using their eyes just fine.

'Maybe it was because he was crying. It's blurring the connection.'

Suddenly, he did something that was so out of character that Rukia nearly had heart failure. He leaned over to her...and kissed her on the cheek. Rukia felt her chest tighten and sting. She felt excitement rush throughout her being. She wanted to blame the gigai for this...but she was sure it wasn't the gigai's fault. Fingers touched her cheek. She knew who they belonged to – there was no mistaking that warmth. But she was afraid...afraid to face him. Those fingers turned into a hand. A hand that caressed her cheek. She closed her eyes and a shiver danced up her spine. This felt...good. Better than she had imagined. That hand that was usually rough...was so timid and gentle that is amazed her that it was even Ichigo. Her head was brought closer to him. Closer and closer till it rested on his chest. She heard his heart thundering and noted how it sounded like a calming rhythm, despite its fast movements. No longer was Rukia's mind racing about why Ichigo was suddenly acting like this. She had a feeling what it was earlier but tossed it aside...now she thought of its possibility once more.

"This is surprisingly nice." Ichigo mused.

"Mm."

"You know...I'm kinda glad we came. It gave me enough reason to finally talk about my mom's death with someone."

"So you've never talked about it before?"

"No. It hurt too much."

"Well I'm glad I was the first person you could trust with this pain of yours."

"I knew I could."

"Did you now?"

"Mm-hmm."

"And why's that?"

A pause. "Because I trusted you with something maybe bigger than this."

"Oh? And what might that be?"

Another pause. Much longer this time. "My heart."

Rukia stiffened and her eyes snapped open. She felt blood rush to her head and the lungs in the gigai starting to fail. His heart...he trusted her with his heart. This concept terrified her. The last person that entrusted his heart to her died in her arms. But this was different, right? Ichigo wasn't dying. He was sitting right here next to her, holding her in his arms and conversing with her. The circumstances were much different than with Kaien...right? She felt Ichigo wrap his arms protectively around her, and nuzzle his face in her hair. Her heart lept into her throat. What was going on? Was he really...

"Rukia...can I tell you something else?"

'Oh no...here it comes...'   "You can always tell me things. You know that."

"Promise me that this won't change anything, go it?"

"What's the matter with you? You're sounding so out of character. Are you sick or something?"

"I love you."

Rukia gasped at those words. So that one possibility she thought of...it was true. He loved her. It was...an odd feeling. She knew what it felt like to love someone but not be able to receive it in return. But she was never on the end of the line where someone loved her. She didn't know what to do...especially since she knew what her feelings were for this man holding her.

"You...you do?" she questioned weakly. "How much?"

Ichigo chuckled half heartily. "More than life itself."

"O-oh. That's a lot."

"Guess so."

Rukia gulped. "Are you sure? I mean...I'm a Shinigami, and you're –"

"Half and half. My mom was human and Dad's a Shinigami, remember?"

"Oh. Right. But still...are you sure? I'm not the prettiest, or the smartest, or exactly the best person ever."

"Bull."

"No really! I'm not!"

"You sound like you're trying to convince yourself more than me." Ichigo straightened himself and turned Rukia around to face him. "I'm pretty sure I know my own feelings. In fact, I became pretty sure of them the minute you disappeared from my sight. If you asked me if I was unsure back when you were taken back to the Soul Society to face your death...then I would've said yes. I was sort of stuck in between the thought that I was in love with you, and the thought of that I owed you. I had to convince myself that I was saving you because I owed you. But that was only partial truth, to be honest."

Rukia's face turned bright red. "O-oh. I see."

Ichigo's brow rose. "Are you okay? You look shell-shocked."

"That's because I am. I'm not used to this sort of thing."

"Me either. But at least I'm not the one staring like a goldfish."

"I am not!"

"Actually...you kind of are..."

The lieutenant hit the Substitute across the head. "Argh! You are so stupid sometimes!"

He rubbed his new bruise, looking at her both sheepishly and annoyed. "Got it. Thanks."

Rukia huffed and folded her arms. She got to her feet to walk away, but his hand got a hold of her elbow. She looked down at him, more annoyed with herself than him, and felt a bit guilty. He was staring at her with those eyes she admired so much. Eyes that were so wise and determined...and yet full of so much pain. She couldn't help but to close her purple-blue eyes so that she couldn't see the disappointment in those amber pools. She felt weight on her arm. She opened her eyes to find Ichigo standing next to her, still staring at her. There wasn't any sign of disappointment in his stare. There wasn't even any sign that he was hurting because she hadn't answered whether or not she returned his feelings. No. They were full of understanding...like he expected this to happen. That twisted an invisible knife into Rukia's gut. He knew that she might not return his feelings...and he was okay with it? How could he be okay with it?! She knew what that was like...and it was a horrendous burden to carry. But he seemed content with not knowing, or thinking he knew, and just stood by her side like he always did.

She swallowed a massive lump that had clogged her throat. This wasn't what she wanted for him. Wasn't what she wanted at all. She knew that it would be better for him to get with someone around his own age. To be with someone who was normal. But, then again, HE wasn't normal. Also...Rukia was selfish. She faced him completely, now no longer afraid. She got on her tip toes, and planted her lips on his. Immediately Ichigo grabbed her from behind and hoisted her up in the air by a few inches. She stiffened at this, but quickly relaxed. He wouldn't fail her. He never did. And they remained as they were – kissing like the world wasn't there. When they stopped, they both gasped softly for air. Ichigo set Rukia back on her feet, now resting his head on her shoulder again. She smiled and wrapped her arms around him.

"Guess it would only be fair to you to tell you that I love you too, huh?" she joked.

"Guess it would." he chuckled.

"I love you."

"I know..."

They stayed as they were. The world felt right around them...even though they were at a place that didn't welcome them. That didn't matter. They had each other. That's what mattered. Their moment of peace was cut short when they heard footsteps coming towards them.

"Ohhh. What do we have here?" they heard Karin's voice say.

Rukia and Ichigo tore away from each other, blushing wildly. The rest of the Kurosakis stood there, looking stunned to see what was going on. Well, Karin looked smug.

"Are you two together now?!" Yuzu asked with excitement. "Please say yes! I've been waiting forever for this!"

Ichigo and Rukia didn't say anything. Just continued to blush. Isshin threw aside the cooler he had in his hand and charged at his son. He embraced his blushing child and smothered him with joy.

"Yaaaay! It's about time you grew a pair! I'm soooo happy! When am I getting grandbabies?! I want a whoooooooole lot, you know!"

This was when Ichigo turned from blushing...to his old self. He grabbed his dad by the arms and flipped him onto his back. He dug his foot on his dad's stomach, extreme aggravation spread across his face.

"Who said anything about Rukia and I being together?! And you'll get grandkids when I damn well feel like giving them to you! You'll be lucky if you get any at all from my end!"

A sly grin formed on Rukia's lips. "Oh, don't be so harsh on your father, Ichigo. Did you not see that he was carrying one of the coolers? I'm thinking that we're leaving this place."

"Sh-she's right, Ichigo! We're leaving! We're going to a hotel by the beach instead!" squeaked Isshin. "You and your future wife can share a room, if you want."

This only made Ichigo more aggravated. "What the hell, old man?! I don't want to share a room with her!"

"Will there only be one bed?" Rukia inquired slyly.

Ichigo looked at her with bug eyes and sweat dripping down his face. "Wh-what?! No! No way in hell are we sharing a bed! Byakuya will have my hide!"

"Nii-sama doesn't have to know."

"Who the hell are you?!"

"Isn't it obvious?" Rukia's sly smirk grew only slier. "I'm your lover. And as your lover...I demand to share a bed with you."

Ichigo's face turned bright red. Yuzu's did too. Isshin and Karin gave her thumbs up, knowing that Rukia was most likely just teasing Ichigo. The truth of the matter was...she wasn't.